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Dark Empire #2
Hell Revised
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. ~ Abraham Lincoln
Dr. Malcom had always known it was a risk whenever they kidnapped someone. He'd always known, yet the importance of his research took precedence. Just how dangerous it was to get Duncan Campbell onto his table turned out far worse than the doctor had imagined, though. He always knew there was something special about Duncan. The only question now was whether Dr. Malcom still believed that the research was worth it, considering he’d created his own monster.
Duncan and Axel had looked forward to a wedding and a quiet life together. A mix up turned all that around, and their love and devotion is put to the ultimate test as Duncan has to fight his way out from a drug that makes him a danger to the man he loves. And everyone else for that matter. But some guys have it coming.
Dr. Malcom had always known it was a risk whenever they kidnapped someone. He'd always known, yet the importance of his research took precedence. Just how dangerous it was to get Duncan Campbell onto his table turned out far worse than the doctor had imagined, though. He always knew there was something special about Duncan. The only question now was whether Dr. Malcom still believed that the research was worth it, considering he’d created his own monster.
Duncan and Axel had looked forward to a wedding and a quiet life together. A mix up turned all that around, and their love and devotion is put to the ultimate test as Duncan has to fight his way out from a drug that makes him a danger to the man he loves. And everyone else for that matter. But some guys have it coming.
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First published May 19, 2020
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Meraki P. Dark
14 books128 followersMeraki P. Dark is, as the last name suggests, the dark side of Meraki P. Lyhne.
Where Meraki P. Lyhne will play with anything from fluffy slow-burns with HEA and go to the border of dub-con, letting his characters deliver a striped ass, Meraki P. Dark will explore the depraved minds during non-con, and he’ll play with whatever fetish catches his attention.
It is the human psyche and its abilities to stretch or break that will be explored to its fullest. There will always be a plot—no one is tortured unless the character finds a good reason for it within the plot. There is room for love and tender moments, too, but they have to work hard for it!
Where Meraki P. Lyhne will play with anything from fluffy slow-burns with HEA and go to the border of dub-con, letting his characters deliver a striped ass, Meraki P. Dark will explore the depraved minds during non-con, and he’ll play with whatever fetish catches his attention.
It is the human psyche and its abilities to stretch or break that will be explored to its fullest. There will always be a plot—no one is tortured unless the character finds a good reason for it within the plot. There is room for love and tender moments, too, but they have to work hard for it!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 6, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This is book two in Meraki P. Dark’s Dark Empire series. It picks up pretty much exactly where the first book leaves off—the immediate aftermath following Axel and friends/associates breaking into the Dark Empire. The Dark Empire serves as the laboratory for human experiments in physical and sexual enhancement, a prison for the nonconsenting test subjects, and a stage for when these subjects are forced to perform for wealthy donors. Content warnings abound for nonconsensual sex, human trafficking, and PTSD at the very least.
Personally, I was interested in continuing this series only because book one ended before Duncan and Axel could have any sort of “lovers reunited” type arc and address the impact that Duncan’s forced participation in the Dark Empire will have on his relationship with/to Axel. Unfortunately for me, the focus of the second book feels very centered on the changing dynamic between Duncan and Dr. Malcom (the medical doctor in charge of performing the enhancements).
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This is book two in Meraki P. Dark’s Dark Empire series. It picks up pretty much exactly where the first book leaves off—the immediate aftermath following Axel and friends/associates breaking into the Dark Empire. The Dark Empire serves as the laboratory for human experiments in physical and sexual enhancement, a prison for the nonconsenting test subjects, and a stage for when these subjects are forced to perform for wealthy donors. Content warnings abound for nonconsensual sex, human trafficking, and PTSD at the very least.
Personally, I was interested in continuing this series only because book one ended before Duncan and Axel could have any sort of “lovers reunited” type arc and address the impact that Duncan’s forced participation in the Dark Empire will have on his relationship with/to Axel. Unfortunately for me, the focus of the second book feels very centered on the changing dynamic between Duncan and Dr. Malcom (the medical doctor in charge of performing the enhancements).
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
May 8, 2020
After the first book's ending I really couldn't wait to finally read what's next. And this was so not what I thought it would be. How an amazing surprise it was.
The story got turned upside down and the bad guys turned out to be the good ones, and everything was so exciting and interesting. I just read and read and couldn't put it down, because I just wanted to know everything.
Duncan, Axel, Malcolm - they were everything. I missed some more Tim, but this was mostly about Duncan and Malcolm, and Axel's coping with the situation, which was amazing. I loved the story and how twisted it was. The incubus scenes were good too, I love a good twisted and dark taboo scene, and Meraki P. Dark never disappoints me at those.
Although I loved reading the book, at some point it got a bit boring and I almost put it away for the day, but I kept going and luckily it got interesting again. Just a couple of page of dryness and empty spaces.
I loved Malcolm and Duncan too, and I really, really can't wait to see what comes next. This whole world is amazing and exciting.
The story got turned upside down and the bad guys turned out to be the good ones, and everything was so exciting and interesting. I just read and read and couldn't put it down, because I just wanted to know everything.
Duncan, Axel, Malcolm - they were everything. I missed some more Tim, but this was mostly about Duncan and Malcolm, and Axel's coping with the situation, which was amazing. I loved the story and how twisted it was. The incubus scenes were good too, I love a good twisted and dark taboo scene, and Meraki P. Dark never disappoints me at those.
Although I loved reading the book, at some point it got a bit boring and I almost put it away for the day, but I kept going and luckily it got interesting again. Just a couple of page of dryness and empty spaces.
I loved Malcolm and Duncan too, and I really, really can't wait to see what comes next. This whole world is amazing and exciting.
May 9, 2020
I received this book as an ARC and all opinions are strictly my own
This is a continuation from Colosseum Of Lust (Dark Empire #1) which needs to be read first in order to follow on.
Well Hell!! I did NOT see that twist coming!!
Most of the story revolves around the explanation as to why things have been done the way they were and the reasoning behind them, but also focuses closely on the way the mind processes acts that make up part of the people involved.
Duncan and Axel now have to find a new way through their relationship to cope with Duncan's "Jekyll & Hyde" persona. Although Axel stands by Duncan through everything, Duncan has a hard time jumping from his "monster" side, and the depraved acts he performs while in this mindset, back to being the person he needs to be for Axel.
Tiny and the rest of the team, are fully involved in moving forward with the plans put in place to bring the "cartel" down and keep the money rolling in to move forward on research.
While this is going on, the "monster" side of Duncan still needs to perform his depraved acts which are carried out on a regular basis to keep that side of his personality satisfied.
Lots of deviant sex throughout the book that fulfills the dark side, but still enough tender moments from Duncan and Axel in between.
Like the first book, this also makes you think about certain situations and how the mind processes them. It took me a day to sit down and write this review as I re-read certain paragraphs more than once to wrap my head around the characters mindsets. Was I reading too much into that - maybe :)
Really enjoyed this book and they way it made me think!
Roll on the next book in the series, I want to see where this goes next!!
This is a continuation from Colosseum Of Lust (Dark Empire #1) which needs to be read first in order to follow on.
Well Hell!! I did NOT see that twist coming!!
Most of the story revolves around the explanation as to why things have been done the way they were and the reasoning behind them, but also focuses closely on the way the mind processes acts that make up part of the people involved.
Duncan and Axel now have to find a new way through their relationship to cope with Duncan's "Jekyll & Hyde" persona. Although Axel stands by Duncan through everything, Duncan has a hard time jumping from his "monster" side, and the depraved acts he performs while in this mindset, back to being the person he needs to be for Axel.
Tiny and the rest of the team, are fully involved in moving forward with the plans put in place to bring the "cartel" down and keep the money rolling in to move forward on research.
While this is going on, the "monster" side of Duncan still needs to perform his depraved acts which are carried out on a regular basis to keep that side of his personality satisfied.
Lots of deviant sex throughout the book that fulfills the dark side, but still enough tender moments from Duncan and Axel in between.
Like the first book, this also makes you think about certain situations and how the mind processes them. It took me a day to sit down and write this review as I re-read certain paragraphs more than once to wrap my head around the characters mindsets. Was I reading too much into that - maybe :)
Really enjoyed this book and they way it made me think!
Roll on the next book in the series, I want to see where this goes next!!
June 5, 2020
I accepted to read this book for review to give my honest opinion and my oh my things are really getting interesting!
If you haven't read the first book please do because this is a series with a continuous storyline.
I'm not going to say much about the story other than I absolutely adore Axel even though he wasn't really in this book very much, it mainly focuses on Duncan and Dr. Malcolm. After the Seals took over there had been a lot of changes but as you know like every good laid plan something always happens to put a wrench into it.
We get introduced to a new character even though The Empire was gifted new toys one of them took it upon himself to sacrifice himself to save the others.
In the last book they all were working to find a way to stop the sex ring...I'm excited to see how that plays out as they continue to work on it.
A lot of emotions are running high from different things happening that's out of their control and I like how the author is weaving it all together.
Showing how a person's mindset will change from being a free person to slave and from being a slave to being free...
I'm looking forward to the third book and what awaits everyone.
If you haven't read the first book please do because this is a series with a continuous storyline.
I'm not going to say much about the story other than I absolutely adore Axel even though he wasn't really in this book very much, it mainly focuses on Duncan and Dr. Malcolm. After the Seals took over there had been a lot of changes but as you know like every good laid plan something always happens to put a wrench into it.
We get introduced to a new character even though The Empire was gifted new toys one of them took it upon himself to sacrifice himself to save the others.
In the last book they all were working to find a way to stop the sex ring...I'm excited to see how that plays out as they continue to work on it.
A lot of emotions are running high from different things happening that's out of their control and I like how the author is weaving it all together.
Showing how a person's mindset will change from being a free person to slave and from being a slave to being free...
I'm looking forward to the third book and what awaits everyone.
May 13, 2020
This book was given to me as an ARC, all opinions are my own.
Where things began black and white in the first book, the new reality is decidedly rather a shade of grey. And certainly things aren't as cut and dry as I first would have imagined. Though knowing how many books are in this series it goes without saying.
While the first book held the thrill of the chase and the unknown, this one is calmer as it unfolds its twists and turns.
It took me a bit to get on board with the plot as I started the book, to the point where I wasn't sure I could continue, but along the way it changed. Much like how Duncan's mindset was changing from what he was certain was right to accepting the different nuances of the world.
I find that in most of this authors books, we are challenged in the way we see sex and what makes a relationship. And while I'm preferable to monogamy in most books, I like being pushed out of my comfort zone. Which again is why I end up liking these books.
Where things began black and white in the first book, the new reality is decidedly rather a shade of grey. And certainly things aren't as cut and dry as I first would have imagined. Though knowing how many books are in this series it goes without saying.
While the first book held the thrill of the chase and the unknown, this one is calmer as it unfolds its twists and turns.
It took me a bit to get on board with the plot as I started the book, to the point where I wasn't sure I could continue, but along the way it changed. Much like how Duncan's mindset was changing from what he was certain was right to accepting the different nuances of the world.
I find that in most of this authors books, we are challenged in the way we see sex and what makes a relationship. And while I'm preferable to monogamy in most books, I like being pushed out of my comfort zone. Which again is why I end up liking these books.
May 14, 2020
After book 1 I said that it was one of the best dark Taboo books I´ve ever read. Nope it´s not. Well not alone anymore, because book 2 was almost even better!
There is everything you need in a fabolous Taboo book. It´s dark, twisted with lots of strong emotions and a tough subject that makes you question your own morality.
You learn more about the persons from book 1, we dig into their past and learn about their dark sides and hidden secrets. While we deal with the consequences of the events in book 1.
It´s clever, well written, hot in a very twisted way, intriguing and the best series from this Author so far. (Even if I loved all his other books as well). This is a true Masterpiece!
There is everything you need in a fabolous Taboo book. It´s dark, twisted with lots of strong emotions and a tough subject that makes you question your own morality.
You learn more about the persons from book 1, we dig into their past and learn about their dark sides and hidden secrets. While we deal with the consequences of the events in book 1.
It´s clever, well written, hot in a very twisted way, intriguing and the best series from this Author so far. (Even if I loved all his other books as well). This is a true Masterpiece!
May 24, 2020
Book 1 in the Dark Empire series had me riveted (as read it in one sitting), and book 2 was no different. Meraki P. Dark (and his other writing alter egos) is the absolute monarch of unexpected narrative twists. I did not see this one coming at all, but to be honest, I should have. Dark is an expert at those twists but also at making the reader recognize that things are not always what they seem. I really appreciate the characters in this series. Each of them have incredible nuance, and I am looking forward to continuing to see them grow over the course of the series. Duncan is such a brilliant character, and seeing him deal with his new reality while blending his past to create a new future is really excellent. As with all of Dark's works, all sorts of content warnings apply, especially for lots of on-page non-con and dub-con. The series is a cathartic experience of addressing traumas as well as the ways in which these characters--and humans--learn to address and even justify their reactions to that trauma.
July 16, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. In this book we see the fallout and the consequences of what happened in the first book. Everybody is trying to deal with the aftermath of the drugs and the sex ring. As I go into the next book I hope there is a happy ending or somewhat of happy ending. What a wonderful mind Meraki has.
August 17, 2021
It could have ended for me after the first book, even though it left too many aspects in limbo. But I'm really glad it continues and we have a multiple checkpoint path to redemption and a happy ending.
Wow I am overwhelmed and a bit drained by the whole dark and wonderful world - give some time to find the right word to write down, but one thing I know for sure - you have to read it the whole series!
Such an impressive mind management with mind fucking in a sort of unbelievable believable!
Wow I am overwhelmed and a bit drained by the whole dark and wonderful world - give some time to find the right word to write down, but one thing I know for sure - you have to read it the whole series!
Such an impressive mind management with mind fucking in a sort of unbelievable believable!
November 8, 2020
Pretty much in line with the first book in the series, but with a twist I'd never have seen coming. Awesome.
May 25, 2021
Holy smokes was this book on fire. Wow wow wow! If I go into details I’ll spoil everything, just know y’all need to read this!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews