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New Ancients Duet #2
Rise of the Wicked
Destiny awaits you in the north...
After the fall of the Red Dragon Movement in Myrrida, the Dread King Georg VII seeks to tighten his grip on the conquered regions of Briganta. The Hex Breakers, his elite division of witch hunters, are expanding their reach into the borderlands to root out magic and rebellion wherever it may fester.
Kate Morgan and Kora Ellis have been able to evade capture as they make their way to Woad, the northern country that was able to defy the King and regain its independence so many years ago. While no word has arrived about the fate of their friends in Caer, they remain hopeful that they will all be reunited and safe in the hands of the Druid coven of witches. Their arrival in the north unlocks secrets long buried that shake the vary foundations of Kate’s life, forcing her to come to grips with her past and her fate.
When they are unexpectedly summoned to the capital of Woad, Kate is faced with a decision that will set her on a path that could change the kingdoms as they know it. With her friends at her side, she will step into her power and become the formidable witch she is destined to be.
After the fall of the Red Dragon Movement in Myrrida, the Dread King Georg VII seeks to tighten his grip on the conquered regions of Briganta. The Hex Breakers, his elite division of witch hunters, are expanding their reach into the borderlands to root out magic and rebellion wherever it may fester.
Kate Morgan and Kora Ellis have been able to evade capture as they make their way to Woad, the northern country that was able to defy the King and regain its independence so many years ago. While no word has arrived about the fate of their friends in Caer, they remain hopeful that they will all be reunited and safe in the hands of the Druid coven of witches. Their arrival in the north unlocks secrets long buried that shake the vary foundations of Kate’s life, forcing her to come to grips with her past and her fate.
When they are unexpectedly summoned to the capital of Woad, Kate is faced with a decision that will set her on a path that could change the kingdoms as they know it. With her friends at her side, she will step into her power and become the formidable witch she is destined to be.
350 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2025
About the author
E.R. Munley
6 books43 followersE.R. Munley has been crafting stories since she was able to tell them. An avid reader and advocate, she has been working for over a decade to build young readers as a high school English teacher in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. All things considered, becoming a published author herself was almost inevitable.
Having grown up in the Baltimore Metro Area, she is an avid fan of the Orioles and Ravens, no matter the number of heart attacks or heartbreaks. When she isn't writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband (though she is a devoted indoor cat) or snuggling up with her dogs.
Having grown up in the Baltimore Metro Area, she is an avid fan of the Orioles and Ravens, no matter the number of heart attacks or heartbreaks. When she isn't writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband (though she is a devoted indoor cat) or snuggling up with her dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 5, 2025
Rise of the Wicked pulls you into a world where magic means death and witches live in hiding that is if they’re still alive. Kate Morgan & Kira have fled to Woad where they and a new Coven are preparing for what’s coming. King George and his hexbreakers are making their way North. He is going to rid the world of magic but Kate and the Druids won’t let that happen!! As she discovers her path & learns to channel her powers she along with Roan and the Coven must work together to stop them.
✨ If you love a FMC that willing to do what she needs to I order to save her friends, morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and slow-burning tension, this one’s for you.
✨ If you love a FMC that willing to do what she needs to I order to save her friends, morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and slow-burning tension, this one’s for you.
November 6, 2025
I recently read Mark of the Witch and was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Rise of the Wicked, and I really enjoyed diving into this dark, dystopian fantasy world.
The series follows a witch in hiding, just trying to survive in a world that hunts her kind. The first book does a great job setting up the danger and tension, but it’s in Rise of the Wicked where everything really comes together. She finds her footing as a witch, faces betrayal, reconnects with lost family, meets her forever person, and takes charge of her own story — revenge and all.
I loved seeing her transformation from surviving in the shadows to fully embracing who she is. The writing is strong and immersive, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the mix of emotion, magic, and justice made it a really satisfying read.
If you like dystopian fantasy with witches, revenge arcs, and a heroine who grows into her power, this duet is definitely worth picking up.
The series follows a witch in hiding, just trying to survive in a world that hunts her kind. The first book does a great job setting up the danger and tension, but it’s in Rise of the Wicked where everything really comes together. She finds her footing as a witch, faces betrayal, reconnects with lost family, meets her forever person, and takes charge of her own story — revenge and all.
I loved seeing her transformation from surviving in the shadows to fully embracing who she is. The writing is strong and immersive, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the mix of emotion, magic, and justice made it a really satisfying read.
If you like dystopian fantasy with witches, revenge arcs, and a heroine who grows into her power, this duet is definitely worth picking up.
October 21, 2025
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Just finished this read, and I really enjoyed it!
Starting right where Mark of the Witch ended, Kate is on the run and looking for help. She comes across a coven of witches who give her aid. There, she meets Roan, the ultimate grumpy, brooding man 🥰 who, reluctantly, agrees to help her along the way.
This book is full of action and adventure, with new characters whom I couldn’t help but get attached to. Just like in Mark of the Witch, there were moments that caught me by surprise and had me sitting up in my sofa, wondering what would happen next. I also really enjoyed the tension between certain characters and was laughing at the little banters that took place.
My favorite part of this book would have to be the inclusion of the gods and goddesses. I loved learning which characters were tied to which gods and seeing how they contributed to the mission at hand.
I do wish that certain parts were a little more drawn out, and that more time was given to certain characters. However, I still very much enjoyed this book♥️
If you are someone who likes witches, magic, gods/goddesses, I highly recommend The New Ancients Duet. This series will give you all of that and more.
Just finished this read, and I really enjoyed it!
Starting right where Mark of the Witch ended, Kate is on the run and looking for help. She comes across a coven of witches who give her aid. There, she meets Roan, the ultimate grumpy, brooding man 🥰 who, reluctantly, agrees to help her along the way.
This book is full of action and adventure, with new characters whom I couldn’t help but get attached to. Just like in Mark of the Witch, there were moments that caught me by surprise and had me sitting up in my sofa, wondering what would happen next. I also really enjoyed the tension between certain characters and was laughing at the little banters that took place.
My favorite part of this book would have to be the inclusion of the gods and goddesses. I loved learning which characters were tied to which gods and seeing how they contributed to the mission at hand.
I do wish that certain parts were a little more drawn out, and that more time was given to certain characters. However, I still very much enjoyed this book♥️
If you are someone who likes witches, magic, gods/goddesses, I highly recommend The New Ancients Duet. This series will give you all of that and more.
October 22, 2025
The mythology that was woven into this heroine’s journey provided an interesting way to obtain magic for the true witches who were embodied by gods, the source of their magic. This heroine’s journey had well developed main characters and great world building. The journey itself felt like it was tackling too many trials for one book. There was a lot of small skirmishes with the bad guys — not all of them helped to move the story forward. A good second book that could have been better as a trilogy.
November 17, 2025
E.R. Munley’s Rise of the Wicked is a strong and richly imagined continuation of the series—a story filled with danger, destiny, and the steady awakening of a heroine stepping into her true power. With its brooding landscapes, oppressive regimes, and simmering magic, this installment deepens both the emotional stakes and the worldbuilding in ways that make the journey north feel momentous.
After the collapse of the Red Dragon Movement, the Dread King Georg VII tightens his iron-fisted rule, and the expansion of the Hex Breakers brings a chilling sense of urgency to every chapter. Munley excels at painting the threat of tyranny: shadowy forces hunting witches, conquered lands buckling under fear, and a regime so paranoid it tries to strangle magic at its roots.
Amid this escalating tension, Kate Morgan and Kora Ellis’s flight toward Woad is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Their bond—equal parts loyalty, resilience, and hope—grounds the story beautifully. Their journey feels lived-in and perilous, and once they reach Woad, the narrative blooms in new and exciting ways. The northern kingdom is rich with myth, history, and long-buried secrets—secrets that upend everything Kate believed about her past and her place in the world.
Kate’s arc is particularly satisfying here. Forced to confront uncomfortable truths and make impossible choices, she emerges as a heroine truly coming into her own. Her internal struggle, her desire to protect those she loves, and her reluctant acceptance of her destiny give the book its emotional pulse.
The summons to the capital of Woad brings the plot to a sharp turning point, setting Kate on a path that promises monumental change—not only for herself but for the entire realm. The political intrigue, rising tensions between kingdoms, and hints of ancient magic all create a sense of momentum that builds beautifully toward the finale.
After the collapse of the Red Dragon Movement, the Dread King Georg VII tightens his iron-fisted rule, and the expansion of the Hex Breakers brings a chilling sense of urgency to every chapter. Munley excels at painting the threat of tyranny: shadowy forces hunting witches, conquered lands buckling under fear, and a regime so paranoid it tries to strangle magic at its roots.
Amid this escalating tension, Kate Morgan and Kora Ellis’s flight toward Woad is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Their bond—equal parts loyalty, resilience, and hope—grounds the story beautifully. Their journey feels lived-in and perilous, and once they reach Woad, the narrative blooms in new and exciting ways. The northern kingdom is rich with myth, history, and long-buried secrets—secrets that upend everything Kate believed about her past and her place in the world.
Kate’s arc is particularly satisfying here. Forced to confront uncomfortable truths and make impossible choices, she emerges as a heroine truly coming into her own. Her internal struggle, her desire to protect those she loves, and her reluctant acceptance of her destiny give the book its emotional pulse.
The summons to the capital of Woad brings the plot to a sharp turning point, setting Kate on a path that promises monumental change—not only for herself but for the entire realm. The political intrigue, rising tensions between kingdoms, and hints of ancient magic all create a sense of momentum that builds beautifully toward the finale.
November 11, 2025
4 stars
A great ending the New Ancient Duet. After the betrayal and ending of the 1st book, I jumped right into this one. I had to find out what happened next.
Kate is on the run with Kora escaping the horrible king leaving their friends and loved ones behind. I really enjoyed the growth of Kate and Kora’s friendship in this book. They were so supportive of each other!
The Druid coven brings in new faces and a new love interest for Kate plus a HUGE shock as well. If you are a fan of grumpy MMCs who would burn the world for their woman, then Roan is the guy for you. I absolutely loved how he gave Kate space and time to follow her heart. Even though there were times you wanted to scream at him to stop being so closed off but that wouldn’t fit the grumpy persona.
The side characters were likable but I do with there was a little more depth from some of them. I immediately liked Rose and Bailey so I wish we had more time with them in this story.
Overall, I think this was a great duet but this honestly could have been a great trilogy or just a longer duet. I felt like we could have had more especially with the resolution. It lacked a little of the depth I wanted. With that being said I still recommend this for something look for a unique urban fantasy!
Thanks to E.R. Munley for the ARC!
A great ending the New Ancient Duet. After the betrayal and ending of the 1st book, I jumped right into this one. I had to find out what happened next.
Kate is on the run with Kora escaping the horrible king leaving their friends and loved ones behind. I really enjoyed the growth of Kate and Kora’s friendship in this book. They were so supportive of each other!
The Druid coven brings in new faces and a new love interest for Kate plus a HUGE shock as well. If you are a fan of grumpy MMCs who would burn the world for their woman, then Roan is the guy for you. I absolutely loved how he gave Kate space and time to follow her heart. Even though there were times you wanted to scream at him to stop being so closed off but that wouldn’t fit the grumpy persona.
The side characters were likable but I do with there was a little more depth from some of them. I immediately liked Rose and Bailey so I wish we had more time with them in this story.
Overall, I think this was a great duet but this honestly could have been a great trilogy or just a longer duet. I felt like we could have had more especially with the resolution. It lacked a little of the depth I wanted. With that being said I still recommend this for something look for a unique urban fantasy!
Thanks to E.R. Munley for the ARC!
October 3, 2025
Rise of the Wicked is the second book in the New Ancients Duet and picks up right where Mark of the Witch left off. Just like the first, it delivers excellent worldbuilding, a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, and a no-spice storyline (which makes it perfect for readers who prefer that style—but honestly, I’d recommend it even if you usually lean spicy).
So why not five stars? A few characters didn’t quite get the endings I felt they deserved, which left me a little frustrated. Most arcs wrapped up perfectly, but there were one or two that felt unresolved. The finale was satisfying overall, though maybe just a little too neat for my taste.
Still, this is a fantastic conclusion to the duet, and if you loved Mark of the Witch, you’ll definitely enjoy this one too.
So why not five stars? A few characters didn’t quite get the endings I felt they deserved, which left me a little frustrated. Most arcs wrapped up perfectly, but there were one or two that felt unresolved. The finale was satisfying overall, though maybe just a little too neat for my taste.
Still, this is a fantastic conclusion to the duet, and if you loved Mark of the Witch, you’ll definitely enjoy this one too.
November 11, 2025
Y’ALL! I was an ARC Reader for Rise of the Wicked after reading Mark of the Witch (Book #1) just a few weeks ago and WOW! I absolutely loved it!
It took me a minute to get into Mark of the witch when I started it. E.R. Munley does an excellent job of world building, but I am always ready to get straight to the action... and that is exactly what Rise of the Wicked did!
Rise of the Wicked beautifully continues the world E.R. Munley created, and I absolutely love that we get to dive deeper into the magic and the mythology of the witches.
Without any spoilers for Mark of the Witch or Rise of the Wicked... Kate ABSOLUTELY got the love that she deserves in Book 2 (and I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet when it happened;)
I definitely recommend the New Ancients duet!!
It took me a minute to get into Mark of the witch when I started it. E.R. Munley does an excellent job of world building, but I am always ready to get straight to the action... and that is exactly what Rise of the Wicked did!
Rise of the Wicked beautifully continues the world E.R. Munley created, and I absolutely love that we get to dive deeper into the magic and the mythology of the witches.
Without any spoilers for Mark of the Witch or Rise of the Wicked... Kate ABSOLUTELY got the love that she deserves in Book 2 (and I was definitely giggling and kicking my feet when it happened;)
I definitely recommend the New Ancients duet!!
November 7, 2025
This is the second book in the New Ancients Duet. It does a great job of picking up where the first book left off. You continue to follow the FMC as she fights for freedom for fellow witches. She meets the grumpy MMC that reluctantly agrees to help her.
If you're looking for spice, you won't find much of that in this book. However, you will find mythology & magic, fated mates, found family, and rebellion/war.
If you're looking for spice, you won't find much of that in this book. However, you will find mythology & magic, fated mates, found family, and rebellion/war.
November 14, 2025
I received this book for free as an ARC and so was able to read it right after I finished the first book and I am glad I did! The set up in the first book was lovely, but the way it all blended together and exploded into the transformation of her powers and her trust in herself amid all the chaos that was built up in the first book was a journey to read. Very entertaining, full of twists and turns and a dark dystopian fantasy that I have enjoyed reading for sure!
June 19, 2026
Both book 1, "Mark of the Witch," and book 2 are good. I have to say, though, I enjoyed book 1 more.
Book 2, I did not enjoy as much because of how it ends. The end of the book felt rushed to me. It seemed to me like the deadline approached and the author just hurried up and ended it.
The main thing I didn't like in the rush to tie things up was new information being shared about one of the characters, that I felt was a huge revelation, and there was no elaboration on it! This would be fine if there were to be a book 3 because the information could be shared in it, but there isn't.
Book 2, I did not enjoy as much because of how it ends. The end of the book felt rushed to me. It seemed to me like the deadline approached and the author just hurried up and ended it.
The main thing I didn't like in the rush to tie things up was new information being shared about one of the characters, that I felt was a huge revelation, and there was no elaboration on it! This would be fine if there were to be a book 3 because the information could be shared in it, but there isn't.
November 12, 2025
Absolutely fantastic work the plot was absolutely amazing and written so well and the characters were so well written and amazing and the writing style is amazing. The pace was also great, I loved this series
January 14, 2026
Second book in the series. After a huge betrayal, the FMC is on the run, learning ancient magic, dealing with gods and goddesses, it is a great read! Add in fated mates, witches and found family and I really enjoyed this duology!
November 7, 2025
I had the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and let me tell you it did not disappoint. It's the second book in the New Ancients Duet, and I loved it just as much as the first book. It continues to follow Kate as she navigates a new reality and coven. Fighting for the freedom of witches from The Dread King's hunt. It will keep you on your toes, and your nose in the book!
October 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! Was shocked to see who showed up towards the end of the book. No spoilers here. Fated mates, gods & goddesses, witches, this book will pull you in and keep you hooked till the very end.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews