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Avarice
Not yet published
Expected 29 Jan 26The Celestial Council has accused the Underworld of murdering two archangels and Alena is their prime suspect.
To clear her name, she’s forced to accept the Council’s worst idea letting Thanatos—the infuriatingly attractive God of Death—shadow her every step. But the longer he stalks the halls of her realm, the more he dismantles her composure… and everything she thought she believed in.
While Alena fights for her freedom, Vasacardi is perfectly content torturing the damned, until pressure from Alena forces him to hunt down the real killer. His investigation leads him straight into the arms of the God of Love, a celestial trickster Vasacardi is convinced has enchanted him… or worse, exposed the truth he refuses to face.
As Alena spends more time with Thanatos, she begins to trickle into unknown territory that has her questioning everything she knows about the universe. Now she must determine whether her heart is a weapon…or the reason the universe collapses.
To clear her name, she’s forced to accept the Council’s worst idea letting Thanatos—the infuriatingly attractive God of Death—shadow her every step. But the longer he stalks the halls of her realm, the more he dismantles her composure… and everything she thought she believed in.
While Alena fights for her freedom, Vasacardi is perfectly content torturing the damned, until pressure from Alena forces him to hunt down the real killer. His investigation leads him straight into the arms of the God of Love, a celestial trickster Vasacardi is convinced has enchanted him… or worse, exposed the truth he refuses to face.
As Alena spends more time with Thanatos, she begins to trickle into unknown territory that has her questioning everything she knows about the universe. Now she must determine whether her heart is a weapon…or the reason the universe collapses.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 29, 2026
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had serious high hopes going into this one because I loved the first one and I am so glad I did because this book was amazing!!
Avarice is set 100 years ahead of Morebris and I think that was perfectly done, I loved how it tied it all together and filled in the gaps of the first. It was paced and written so beautifully!
The story follows Alena, Thanatos and of course her best friend Vasacardi as they try to figure out a mystery in the underworld and I could not put this book down, just like the first.
The way this story had me hooked and desperate to know what would happen next is just amazing, the character development, emotional depth and the detail to each character was in my opinion absolutely perfect.
The slow burn, tension and forced proximity in this was seriously top tier, the setting of the story is gothic, atmospheric and truly captivating!
If you love demons, murder mystery, slow burn, found family and a good time you need to add this one as well as Morebris to your tbr!!
I highly recommend reading Morebris first like how i did because the way it all comes together is amazing and truly top tier reading!!
Releasing in just one week!! perfect time for you to read Morebris in preparation for Avarice to be released!!
Avarice is set 100 years ahead of Morebris and I think that was perfectly done, I loved how it tied it all together and filled in the gaps of the first. It was paced and written so beautifully!
The story follows Alena, Thanatos and of course her best friend Vasacardi as they try to figure out a mystery in the underworld and I could not put this book down, just like the first.
The way this story had me hooked and desperate to know what would happen next is just amazing, the character development, emotional depth and the detail to each character was in my opinion absolutely perfect.
The slow burn, tension and forced proximity in this was seriously top tier, the setting of the story is gothic, atmospheric and truly captivating!
If you love demons, murder mystery, slow burn, found family and a good time you need to add this one as well as Morebris to your tbr!!
I highly recommend reading Morebris first like how i did because the way it all comes together is amazing and truly top tier reading!!
Releasing in just one week!! perfect time for you to read Morebris in preparation for Avarice to be released!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
Review of advance copy
Avarice by S.M Carpenter
29th January 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set 100 years before the events in Morebris, Avarice introduces you to the start of Alena and Thantos story. Filled with humour, tension, great characters and an elusive plot, its hard not to love this book.
“I will not be a temptation to you, Thanatos. If you want me, you have to want every part of me. I am not ashamed to be a demon—far from it. If your reputation means so much to you—”
It's so hard not to love any of the characters in this book, there is so many traits in all of them that just makes them so lovable. The storyline is so thought out, the twists and turns this book takes is amazing, the relationship between Thanatos and Alena is phenomenal, no matter how hard they thought it was impossible to deny.
29th January 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set 100 years before the events in Morebris, Avarice introduces you to the start of Alena and Thantos story. Filled with humour, tension, great characters and an elusive plot, its hard not to love this book.
“I will not be a temptation to you, Thanatos. If you want me, you have to want every part of me. I am not ashamed to be a demon—far from it. If your reputation means so much to you—”
It's so hard not to love any of the characters in this book, there is so many traits in all of them that just makes them so lovable. The storyline is so thought out, the twists and turns this book takes is amazing, the relationship between Thanatos and Alena is phenomenal, no matter how hard they thought it was impossible to deny.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this with high expectations after finishing Morebris, and Avarice exceeded every single one of them. I genuinely had such a good time reading this.
S.M. Carpenter’s characters are endlessly loveable, and the development we get in Avarice is truly chef’s kiss. Every interaction feels purposeful, and the emotional depth and character development just keeps building.
The standout character for me this time was Alena, our badass FMC. We learn so much more about her on a deeper level. She’s confident, funny, a little cheeky, and such a refreshing presence on the page. An honourable mention, as always, goes to Vasacardi, who never failed to make me laugh time and time again.
We also get deeper insight into the other Knights of Hell and the surrounding realms, which only made me more excited to see where their stories head in book three.
~ Minor / low-key major spoiler warning ~
The love stories between Alena and Thanatos, and Vasacardi and Aengus, were absolutely soul-wrenching. I genuinely need book three right now because I am desperate to see them all reunited.
Overall, Avarice is a powerful, emotionally charged sequel that expands the world beautifully while deepening the connections to its characters. It left me aching, hopeful, and counting down the days until the next installment. If you loved Morebris, this one will absolutely wreck you (in the best possible way).
S.M. Carpenter’s characters are endlessly loveable, and the development we get in Avarice is truly chef’s kiss. Every interaction feels purposeful, and the emotional depth and character development just keeps building.
The standout character for me this time was Alena, our badass FMC. We learn so much more about her on a deeper level. She’s confident, funny, a little cheeky, and such a refreshing presence on the page. An honourable mention, as always, goes to Vasacardi, who never failed to make me laugh time and time again.
We also get deeper insight into the other Knights of Hell and the surrounding realms, which only made me more excited to see where their stories head in book three.
~ Minor / low-key major spoiler warning ~
The love stories between Alena and Thanatos, and Vasacardi and Aengus, were absolutely soul-wrenching. I genuinely need book three right now because I am desperate to see them all reunited.
Overall, Avarice is a powerful, emotionally charged sequel that expands the world beautifully while deepening the connections to its characters. It left me aching, hopeful, and counting down the days until the next installment. If you loved Morebris, this one will absolutely wreck you (in the best possible way).
January 23, 2026
First book of the year that l've had to process after reading.
It's that good guys. I had tears in my eyes, all the girl power feels of "Yes Alena" I was sad and lost.
Most of all I was "how could you "to the author.
So remember when Alena was human and Vas was a mere vampire....yeahhh scrap that.
Avarice is the prequal to Morebris. Questions you didn't know you needed to ask get answered.
I'm not sure how SM Carpenters brain works but I love it.
Avarice introduces us to new characters (the 7 deadly sin Demons) and previous characters from Morebris. The world building and scene setting is exactly how it should be...easy to imagine and immersive.
This is yearning and slowburn love and it's incredible.
This is giving your all to save the others
This is "omfg what!!"
This is " I never saw that coming"
This is the Underworld where there's no rules
This is *sigh!!!
If you love slow burn
Dark underworld setting
Gods, demons and vampires
Badass FMC
A moody MMC
then Avarice is for you but seriously read Morebris first it's on KU
It's that good guys. I had tears in my eyes, all the girl power feels of "Yes Alena" I was sad and lost.
Most of all I was "how could you "to the author.
So remember when Alena was human and Vas was a mere vampire....yeahhh scrap that.
Avarice is the prequal to Morebris. Questions you didn't know you needed to ask get answered.
I'm not sure how SM Carpenters brain works but I love it.
Avarice introduces us to new characters (the 7 deadly sin Demons) and previous characters from Morebris. The world building and scene setting is exactly how it should be...easy to imagine and immersive.
This is yearning and slowburn love and it's incredible.
This is giving your all to save the others
This is "omfg what!!"
This is " I never saw that coming"
This is the Underworld where there's no rules
This is *sigh!!!
If you love slow burn
Dark underworld setting
Gods, demons and vampires
Badass FMC
A moody MMC
then Avarice is for you but seriously read Morebris first it's on KU
January 21, 2026
I read Book 1 and I really was excited to get in to Book 2. I had such high hopes for this one as I devoured Morebris and this did not disappoint at all! I was hooked from the beginning through to the end. The story had me engaged the whole time and it is such a great story to follow. I really wanted Alena & Thanatos’s relationship explored more and I was kicking my feet and giggling at certain points in this book 🙈 I also loved how we got to go more in depth with the other characters and it was really interesting learning more about them.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this, I’m not going to forget this one for a while! 🖤
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this, I’m not going to forget this one for a while! 🖤
January 23, 2026
ARC!
Set 100 years before Morebris, this prequel takes us back to discover the origin stories of Alena, Vas, and Thanatos.
Just as engaging as book one, it flows beautifully while adding depth and clarity to events and details from Morebris. Everything clicks into place in such a satisfying way.
I wouldn’t wait too long to read this after finishing Morebris — having everything fresh in your mind really enhances the experience.
With magic, mystery, a compelling storyline, an unusual love interest, and a strong FMC who consistently puts others before herself, this story had me completely invested.
I truly hope there’s a book three 🤞✨
Set 100 years before Morebris, this prequel takes us back to discover the origin stories of Alena, Vas, and Thanatos.
Just as engaging as book one, it flows beautifully while adding depth and clarity to events and details from Morebris. Everything clicks into place in such a satisfying way.
I wouldn’t wait too long to read this after finishing Morebris — having everything fresh in your mind really enhances the experience.
With magic, mystery, a compelling storyline, an unusual love interest, and a strong FMC who consistently puts others before herself, this story had me completely invested.
I truly hope there’s a book three 🤞✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Avarice is set 100 years before Morebris and answers so many questions!
It explores the events that lead up to Morebris amongst other things that I don’t wish to spoil 🙊🖤
- Enemies to Lovers ⚔️
- Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️
- Forbidden Love 💔
- Touch her & 💀
- Forced Proximity 🥊
Avarice had me sucked in from the get go and at times had me shaking my Kindle and messaging S.M Carpenter at silly hours 😂🖤
I loved how it explored Alena & Thanatos’s relationship but also Vas’s and Aengus’s 🥹
The slow burn and tension was just * chef’s kiss *
This was a great follow up from Morebris and I cannot wait to read what happens next!!!
Thank you for an advanced copy to review! 🖤✨
It explores the events that lead up to Morebris amongst other things that I don’t wish to spoil 🙊🖤
- Enemies to Lovers ⚔️
- Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️
- Forbidden Love 💔
- Touch her & 💀
- Forced Proximity 🥊
Avarice had me sucked in from the get go and at times had me shaking my Kindle and messaging S.M Carpenter at silly hours 😂🖤
I loved how it explored Alena & Thanatos’s relationship but also Vas’s and Aengus’s 🥹
The slow burn and tension was just * chef’s kiss *
This was a great follow up from Morebris and I cannot wait to read what happens next!!!
Thank you for an advanced copy to review! 🖤✨
Review of advance copy
I read this as an ARC.
It’s such a good premise! I quite enjoy Death as a character both in this book and generally. It got off to a slow start though, for me, with too much bickering and eye rolling and not enough clues and investigation. The last quarter or so of it, especially the last few chapters: BAM! Wow! I am now curious to see how the next book will play out.
It’s such a good premise! I quite enjoy Death as a character both in this book and generally. It got off to a slow start though, for me, with too much bickering and eye rolling and not enough clues and investigation. The last quarter or so of it, especially the last few chapters: BAM! Wow! I am now curious to see how the next book will play out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Avarice - S.M Carpenter ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had zero expectations starting this ARC, having not read Morebris or any fantasy novels before. But this book blew me away! I fell in love with the characters and the plot twist was incredible. The ending has me eagerly anticipating what's next. I'll definitely be reading Morebris ASAP - I'm not ready to let go of these characters just yet!
I had zero expectations starting this ARC, having not read Morebris or any fantasy novels before. But this book blew me away! I fell in love with the characters and the plot twist was incredible. The ending has me eagerly anticipating what's next. I'll definitely be reading Morebris ASAP - I'm not ready to let go of these characters just yet!
Review of advance copy
Avarice is book two, and while Morebris left me with so many questions, I received a lot of the answers in Avarice. I can’t go too far in depth with my review because it would absolutely spoil book one, but what I can say is holy freakin’ SLOW BURN. 🔥
This story gripped me from the very beginning and I am dying to see where this story goes!
This story gripped me from the very beginning and I am dying to see where this story goes!
January 24, 2026
ARC READER!!!
I am completely obsessed with Alena and Thanatos!!!! The premise of this book was so much fun and I love that it was set 100 years before Morebris because it filled in so many gaps!!! The mystery was so amazing and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I couldn’t put this book down!!!
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
I am completely obsessed with Alena and Thanatos!!!! The premise of this book was so much fun and I love that it was set 100 years before Morebris because it filled in so many gaps!!! The mystery was so amazing and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I couldn’t put this book down!!!
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
January 25, 2026
Solid 4 ⭐️ - this was the perfect prequel to Morebris! I loved learning more about the Underworld and how Alena and Than became what they were. Vas was also amazing and his love for his hellhound 🖤🖤 so happy! Thank you so much to the author and whimsywordpr for the arc, so thrilled to have been back in this world ☺️
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed Avarice. I wasn’t sure what to expect following on from Morebris. But I really enjoyed learning the story before the events of Morebris.
I loved the slow burn and getting to know the characters.
I loved the slow burn and getting to know the characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews