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Descendant #5

Descendant of Pain

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Descendant of Chaos.

Daughter of Magic.

Two titles that I had been called time and time again, but neither of them truly fit. As I had found in the God realm, I was so much more than that—an anomaly.

And because of who I was and how I came to be, I was now part of a prophecy—one with world-ending aspects I wasn’t a fan of. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid the situation forever, and while the Horde was an amazing place to do exactly that… I quickly found there was something so much larger at stake than my pride or my anger at what Isis and my birthmother had done.

If I want to keep the people I love safe, I was going to have to fulfill the prophecy and save the realms.

No pressure, right?

Descendant of Pain: This PNR slow/medium-burn RH contains several dark themes that readers should be aware of: swearing (I know—surprising, right?), violence, PTSD, and sexual themes suitable for +18. Additionally, this book does have mature M/M themes that develop over time.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2022

546 people are currently reading
431 people want to read

About the author

M. Sinclair

113 books3,510 followers
M. Sinclair is a USA Today Best-Selling Author who can be found writing or thinking about her characters and plots nearly every moment of the day. With over 65 published works since her debut in 2019, her work spans from paranormal to contemporary romance rooted in extensive world-building and deep character development. M. Sinclair believes there is enough room for all types of heroines in this world, and that being saved is just as important as saving others.

Just remember to love cats... that's not negotiable.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
Profile Image for AvidRomanceReader.
203 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2022
Beta read

This is installment 5 in Nova and her psycho harems story. I love this group so much!! This book has a lot of plot building as Nova continues to accept her role as a goddess and most likely having to save the realm.

What I love so much about M. Sinclair’s hoard universe is how well she ties all her characters in together. We get a lot of lorcan in this book, and I was very happy to see our favorite siren again.

This book has everything we have come to love from sinclair from spice, to strong female leads, some awesome magic, and a lot more.

I can’t wait for the next installment of novas story.
Profile Image for Natalie N.
105 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2022
I need more of Nova and her guys!

Amazing continuation of Novas story. As she is trying to juggle having 9 boyfriends and really chaotic powers she also has to figure out how the save the world. Which is no easy task, it requires help from her mates and some friends.
With her mates at her side, helping her figure this puzzle out, she is one step closer to saving the realms.

Great story telling. I love how M. Sinclair is combining characters from her other stories and making it to a whole. Of course this author is also an expert on creating possessive, protective alpha males that will have you wanting some for yourself!
Profile Image for Mimi.Reads.Smut.
608 reviews63 followers
July 4, 2022
This is am exceptional continuation of Nova’s story! She has to reconcile the changes to her powers, the new bonds to her guys, a relatively new guy who may or may not be interested in a romantic relationship with Nova, and the information she learned at the ceremony to unlock her magic.

So much happens! It’s a great pace of heart-racing action and slower plot points. Nova learns more about a couple of her guys’ backgrounds. She travels and connects with someone else in a crossover from a different series, and tries to figure out her part of prophecy that predicts her saving the world. No big deal 😅

The ending is INTENSE, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for bookyraye.
111 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2022
Really fell in love with this series! oh wait- the best thing that I had, I was given an ARC and really humbled for it as I do love all M. Sinclairs books… and this series holds a very special place in my heart (and of course my kindle)♥️
You see I read the start of this book - Descendant of Chaos when I was really feeling down- at my lowest.. I read books to escape reality- even for just a few hours.. and this ‘feel good’ book will never let you down.
Not to be a killjoy and give some spoilers but the smexy scenes are getting hotter .. that you wish you were part of it 😄
The pull, the obsession, the intense love of these guys are endless and you will feel this in every chapter. No one is left behind.
Never boring and total unexpected scenes will keep you more glued to the pages.
This book literally make me ‘useless’ in house chores’ for I still have a hang over 😆😄 Totally worth your time
2,640 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2022
Must read series! M Sinclair has outdone herself as usual. This is book 5 in a series and here you need to read all books before reading this one. Nova and her guys I really love and I like that M Sinclair has the ability to make me laugh out loud. Nova has a lot happening but fortunately does have some time off to spent with the guys so it isn't full on action all the time. The pacing is the way I like it and is an awesome balance. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Trish.
361 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2024
Decedant of Pain

This 5th book of the Decendant series is like a speeding freight train. So much action, so much storyline, and great spicy scenes. I am so excited the last book is coming out in March 2025.
Profile Image for Adrienne McFarlane.
473 reviews36 followers
July 5, 2022
M. Sinclair delivers another outstanding story. The newest book in the Hordeverse interconnected series showcases the author’s amazing creativity. The book is substantive in providing vital information for the overall story arc. Nova and her men have grown emotionally and the addition of Volkan is a great element. This book takes you places you didn’t know you needed to go. Looking forward to both Nova’s and Lorcan’s next books
44 reviews
April 5, 2024
I have been reading the entire Universe. All great stories, the Descendant's said there was 6 books? Then when searching I read that #5 was the last book? If that is true and Descendant of Victory which #5 states is the next book leaves me confused and MAD that a Cliff Hanger (spoiler alert) such as all the Magic being released from the Earth and that's it !!! No Idea what happens next.....
Profile Image for Mrs T.
388 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2022
I was just so excited to continue Nova's journey and boy, it does not disappoint.

Having claimed all her magic in the God realm, along with Volkan her ninth mate, we find Nova recuperating in the Horde.

Nova knows about the prophecy now, predicting her part in saving Earth, but her priority is saving those she loves. Her men are her everything, as she is theirs. Their individual and group relationships are blossoming and I adore the fact that in between the adventure, trials and tribulations, the author takes the time to explore feelings and vulnerabilities, builds those relationships and has some fun with the characters. And my goodness, Nova's magic is hilarious, I need that sassy b*tch in my life!

The fact is though, that Nova comes to accept that fulfilling her part of the prophecy is her destiny and the next part of her journey commences. As usual, once her mind is set on a path, Nova is one determined woman!

For those familiar with M.Sinclair and her world building, there is some lovely crossover and cameos of characters, however not knowing the story behind these characters will not impair your enjoyment or understanding of Nova's books.

In summary the book is well written, well edited, lots of gorgeous heat, soft romantic moments, kick-ass action, detailed story building and I absolutely floved it 😍
Profile Image for Kelli.
403 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2025
Oh boy

First off, have you ever found that author that just seems to speak to your soul? That is M. Sinclair for me. She is able to wrap the spiciness and the storyline together so well that you're not upset when the spice is over. Each guy has their own personality, flaws, and *possibly most importantly of all* nickname for the FMC.

Secondly, the world building that happens in her books? Off the charts. I'm no longer reading, I'm watching a movie in my head. In this series, so far, we've been introduced to every female character in this universe. I saw characters that I've missed (seriously, I've read the Red Masques series like five times) and those I'm excited to meet.

Thirdly, where is my book 6? I needs it.
Profile Image for Michaela Baker.
35 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2023
book 6???

Not a complete series… says available yet its not! I can’t give a full review if i dont have the full story. What bull!
382 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2022
Nova and her mates are so hilarious and crazy!! Another really good book in this series. Basically Nova recovers from the shocking news and betrayal of her birth mom and Isis, and how Nova is from three powerful lines. Her mates still love the idea of a pregnant Nova, and an engaged and married Nova. She decides to go forth with what the prophecy says about her, and she decides to save the world. I liked their trip to Bora Bora! Her mates put a ring on her finger, but they want a different one and maybe bigger one for the engagement.

Nova goes to the center of the earth? To Earth’s magic and asks for help from the guardians and the Titans. They agreed to help with the magic and to help defeat the dark ones.

Relationships grew. Rowan might actually have a different relationship with his father in the future. Volkan is still on the outside in a way, but I think Nova and him are dating?? But majority them seem to have more power and strength due to Nova.

All of her mates are possessive, dangerous, obsessed, observant, and totally devoted to Nova. It’s so cute and hilarious how Nova pushes their buttons on purpose!

Mates: Everett (death mage), River (healer, but with a powerful dark side that might emerge in the next book. Nova is hoping lol), Fox (blood mage; or like Nova calls him, Vampire), Cassian (a kinky metal/mineral mage), August (a very powerful alchemy mage that seems to have control of shadows? Maybe a darker side as well?), Rowan (ink mage), Ramsey (I don’t understand his power? So maybe strength?), Nour (has visions), and Volkan (power has something to do with destruction, but he keeps his magic chained up due to past trauma. Nova keeps instigating and hoping for him to be unleashed)

Sexiness: 5 out 5

Their is MM

Multiple POVs

Looking forward to the next book!! I believe it might be the last one.

This review is of my own opinion.
Profile Image for Chrys.
86 reviews
July 4, 2022
This book finds Nova and her men (mages (*sigh* Ever is my favorite, just saying!) and demi-gods) taking some time hiding out in the Horde to recover and decide what to do since the revelations from the last book (Descendant of Glory) informed Nova that she was part of a prophesy; which she wanted no part of, but also really had no choice in.
So it’s a search to learn what her part will be in this prophecy, and how she will ensure that she saves all magic. End of world stuff. Fun, fun.
Not really, in Nova’s case. Poor girl. She has my sympathy. Good thing she’s a strong, independent and powerful woman. But hey! Upside is that she has some gorgeous men standing by her side that she’s able to depend on that are willing and MORE than able to protect her or lend her their support and/or strength.
There’s something unbelievably sexy about that. I love strong, over-protective (and POSSESSIVE, canNOT forget that part!) men that will do anything for the woman they love beyond all reason 🔥

I LOVE Nova and the guys and I am eagerly waiting for the 6th and final book in this series. I am most definitely curious to find out what will happen next and how this is going to wrap up… and if a certain douche-bag “father” will get what he deserves. (Wow, and I just realized there’s actually a few of those types throughout this series! 😂 okay, better rephrase: I hope ALL the douche-bag fathers get what they deserve!)

Yes, it ends on a slight cliffhanger but it’s a soft one instead of “holy crap, are they about to DIE?!” deals lol… so I definitely recommend this book, but I also highly suggest you start from the beginning of the series so you’ll know what’s going on and who-is-who.

Profile Image for Darcy.
2,175 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2022
Holy Smokes on a cracker! We once again are delving into a world of God, Demi-Gods, witches, shifters, demons, and so much more. Nova’s journey is a long one that has so much destruction, love, and pain throughout it. She has her absolute sassy attitude that makes the story that much more enjoyable. I absolutely love her and her guys. They may be a bit unhinged but they are loving and loyal to the very end. The poor guys just want to love Nova and her back at them but they just can’t get a break. This story is jammed packed with action, drama, suspense, and a bit of mystery. The story, as well as the series, is one that has you glued to it. You absolutely eat up the story as it is so extremely interesting and intriguing. I honestly do not reviews that basically tell you the story as you do not get to enjoy the story that way. But, I will tell you that if enjoy a story that has love, pain, happiness, sadness and mystery, with an incredible amount of action then you will love this story. This book has descriptions that make you feels if you are part of the story. The characters are so lively that they feel like your friends. This story is magnificent and stunning. It is definitely a must read and you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
965 reviews170 followers
July 2, 2022
Prophecies, Power and Pixie Gardens 🥰
Wow we’re really starting to see the bigger picture now throughout this penultimate book!
After Nova receives all of her magic in the previous book and she realises that actually her destiny has already been laid out for her she really needs some time to gather herself 😣 however it never stops for Nova and her nine men….
With a prophecy that requires some extremely difficult tasks as well as some characters from another of Sinclairs series it’s a hard road ahead for them to stop the destruction of the worlds! 😬
Thankfully the connection between Nova and her men is stronger than ever and the bond they formed at the end of the last book had continued to grow with more and more of her men opening up to her about their pasts 😍 plus they’re definitely planning for a future past all this ‘nonsense’ and their obsessive possessive is just 🤤 they really fuse together as a family unit in this book!
I love Novas magics sassiness as well and how Nova is unapologetically who she is! Looking forward to the finale 😀
Profile Image for Ellie .
735 reviews21 followers
July 8, 2022
I was so excited to dive back into Nova and her guys story! M. Sinclair did amazing with this storyline again, and I can't wait for book 6 now. It's going to be utterly epic. We're immediately back where the last book left off, and everyone is still on the roller coaster of life.

After Nova claimed all of her magic in the God realm and her 9th mate Volkan. Nova's next steps are recuperating and working out the information about the prophecy. The same prophecy that predicts her part in saving Earth, but she's also concerned about the men she loves, they're her everything.

I loved seeing the individual as well as the group relationship blossoming and becoming closer. It was also fun seeing the crossover from characters from M. Sinclair's other books! I love all of Sinclair's books so being able to see them involved in Nova's story was so much fun. Plus, seeing Nova's magic is so much fun to read about!

M Sinclair knocked this book out of the park, between the action, romantic times, more story building, and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! Can't wait for the final book!
Profile Image for Candice.
80 reviews
July 5, 2022
It’s finally here and so worth the wait! As per M Sinclair usual, which I love about her, we jumped right back in to the story. Nova and her, now 9, men are back in the Horde after escaping the God Realm. Now that they’ve learned of the prophecy and Novas part in it, she must decide to either help stop the Dark Ones or to let the universe parish.
Nova is a strong, sassy fmc and I like that she comes more into herself with each book with the help of her very protective, possessive, and caring men. As their relationships grow, especially with the addition of Vulcan, you can see that the bonding is helping all of them heal and feel a little more complete. I love that this story has its sweet notes, but then comes back with even more spice. I really like that it interconnects with Lorcans story and how they’ve been intertwined together. Im even more excited for Lorcans next book to come out now.
Overall great story and continuation! I can’t wait for the final book of this series! ❤️
Profile Image for Matie’s Reads.
88 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2022
Our QUEEN M Sinclair has done it again! We all know that Sinclair is where we go when we want perfection in the form of psycho overprotective men. This addition to the Descendant series did not disappoint! I missed this world and was happy to do a reread before starting. (If it’s been a while I’d recommend you do as well!)

In book we get a lot more time with a new harem member we briefly met in the last installment😍

The sexual chemistry, the love, the SEX, the crazies. Le Sigh. We are certainly past the “slow burn” in this series. I love ALL OF THESE MEN! And Nova! Who doesn’t want to be friends Nova? Cause I do!

Girls got 9 boyfriends, literal chaotic powers, save the world mission, a prophecy, and even more mommy and daddy issues this time around. This author is juggling all this so well while also spending time in relationship and character development.

If you’re a fan of this series so far you will not be disappointed. Bravo!
Profile Image for Shannon - a.court.of.fantasies.
292 reviews20 followers
July 12, 2022
Can we all just stop for moment to appreciate the amazing journey Nova and her men just took us on?! Descendant of pain was like a fine lasagna (maybe I’m hungry) but there were so many layers to this story and each layer was more exciting than the last. I’m getting Percy Jackson meets the Avengers vibes and I cannot wait for the epic conclusion of this story. M. Sinclair still surprises me with her books and despite the fabulous crossovers you are always left surprised by the end. Nova has grown an insane amount in such a short amount of time but what I love about the writing is I feel like we’ve known them all forever. The emotions are intense and the action is insane but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The spice is *chefs kiss* and my only regret is reading it so fast. If you’ve come this far in nova and her men’s journey buckle up and get ready for the ride! You will not be disappointed in the slightest.
Profile Image for Karly Randall.
165 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2022
The horde world is extremely diverse and all the different stories intermingle. I love Nova and her guys. Their life has been nothing but one problem after another and yet they are still all so strong together.

This was an amazing book! Getting to see Nova go through the next set of challenges, and figure out what needs to happen was jaw dropping. This book brought out so many emotions that just make you feel as if you are there with the characters. Her guys are psycho but protective, overbearing, and wonderfully sweet!

I am so glad she has such a big support system and while this book answered a few questions it left us with more as well! I am really excited to see how everything that has happened pulls together.

I can not wait for the next book!! This world and all the different characters are absolutely fantastic!
Profile Image for bookboyfriendsforlife.
57 reviews
July 4, 2022
loved, but some big issues

I absolutely love Nova and her men. Like, adore them. I’m finding myself completely in love with Volkan, and I think he’s a great addition to their group.

I’m really excited that we’ve got sooo much more info on the big bad, and I’m intrigued to see how it plays out—especially the interlocking with Lorcan.

However, I’ve got two big problems.

One is that I feel like this has spoiled so much of Lorcan’s story. We’ve not had her next book in so long, and I think that it’s a big disappointment.

My biggest issue however is the smut. Seriously, why do they never do it during appropriate times? I think the author is throwing them in just to cater to specific tropes, and they’re so ridiculous. Just don’t include these scenes if they’re not relevant!!
68 reviews
July 9, 2022
This is book 5 of Nova's story and boy, M Sinclair does not disappoint! The story picks up with Nova and the guys in the Horde at the Castle (can I say I loved he cameos of Grey, Vegas and their men/family), whilst Nova an the guys are trying to figure out the whole prohecy thing whilst working through the change in their bonds with the markings/power amp up since Nova marked them.
I loved seeing more of the girls (and their men obviously 😏) mingling and working together! I am praying and waiting patiently for a scene at least in the future with all of them in it!

I'm not going to give anything away, as I was completely immersed in the story, and I would hate to ruin it for someone else! I honestly did not want to put the book down and can honestly say if you love M's books and/or Nova and her men then you will adore this book.

I cannot wait to see what M gives us next. 💜
Profile Image for Kim Lemmer.
162 reviews
January 13, 2026
You're kidding!

RH books have lots of sexy times, but the books in this series are beyond disappointing. Nova is a high school age girl who started out as a repressed but responsible girl. Disappointingly, her character has regressed to the emotional capacity of a preteen. Now add in the fact that she and the men have no social boundaries and seem to have the libidos of low budget porn stars with an added side of violent consensual abuse and you will get a good feel for this book & most of the series.

Have we completely lost track of the story being told? It seems likely unless the story is how scary it is to place the lives of everyone in the universe in the hands of a child who might decide to skip the end of the world battle in favor of yet another round of bed hopping with whichever of her men happen to be closest, just because she's feeling needy..
192 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
Solid story. Continues with Nova trying to figure out what the Gods want from her. She’s part of a destiny that could fix or destroy magic in all the realms. Her harem has grown to 9 and she continues to learn about them, their past, and their families. It’s nice to delve more into the characters and see how far they have all come. Even Ram’s story and belief from book 3/4 to now clearly shows the change and growth in his character. I’m rooting for him. If you enjoy sassy quirky heroines with a love for donuts and awkwardness, you’ll love Nova. She’s a funny and sassy FMC with zero Fs to give. I am a fan. The story does end I a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see how they come back to fight the darkness.
Profile Image for Michelle R.
172 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2022
Nova’s journey is continue after the explosion of secrets from the god realm. As Nova an her guys are catching their breathe in the Horde. They must learn to deal with the repercussions of the events of the god realm and their bonds.
As Nova starts to realize decisions must be made in regards to the prophecy she must decide to walk away from the prophecy or attempt to fulfill it and possible loose everything she has gained.
There are numerous appearances from the other series and some fun news/spoilers from those series.
M. Sinclair is a master at building intriguing stories that loop and tie in with other series seamlessly leaving you gasping for for glimpses of past characters from other series.
Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,398 reviews47 followers
June 30, 2022
Wow! Nova’s story just keeps getting more interesting and chaotic (perfect for the Daughter of Chaos)! Nova and her men set out to save the Earth Realm, but it will be anything but easy. I’m so in love with Nova and her men. I’m continuously falling deeper in love with them and the soul deep love they have for one another. They would do anything for each other and it is truly beautiful to witness. Nova is so kick butt! I’m continuously in awe of her strength, her courage, her love, and her determination. She would do anything for those she loves, even risking her life to safe Earth itself, to ensure their safety and lives. Revelations come to pass, the future of life itself in jeopardy, and Nova and her men are at the forefront.
376 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2022
I always swear that Vegas is my favorite character, but I forget about Nova. She is awesome and such a bad@$$. This book of course picks up where the last one left off. Nova and her men have just escaped the god realm and Sets crazy, by retreating to the horde. I loved that we get to see in to some of the guys pasts. As we all know it wasn’t butterflies and rainbows. So while we get to see part of the past it’s heart wrenching at times. There’s a prophecy at play and Nova has to figure out if it’s worth risking her life for the men she loves. Even if they’re psycho. I am just never left disappointed by any of this authors books. She’s an automatic 1-click for me and this book only solidifies that. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,334 reviews
July 4, 2022
This is a whirlwind story that leads Nova and her men all over the place. Nova gets a better idea of her role in the prophecy and realizes that she has no choice but to fulfill her part if she wants her men to be safe. The rest of the prophecy ties this series tighter to the Tears of the Siren series as it pertains to Lorcan.

We get more glimpses into the memories of each person. Makes you hope that Earnest gets his in the end. Only one more book to go and we will see the conclusion of Nova's part in saving the realms. Can't wait!

I love how Nova doesn't take anything from anyone. Her men are all domineering and bossy but they love and respect her. They set aside their feelings so Nova can step forward and be the woman she needs to be.
276 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant!

This book left me utterly speechless, in all the best ways! Not only do we get plenty of amazing spice between Nova and her men, but we also get some amazing guest appearances from old favorites!

This is one book I could not put down, I stayed up most of the night to read it—simply because it was just too good to resist! That cliff at the end was utterly perfect! M Sinclair always manages to make her cliffhangers just with just the right mix of anticipation and hope for the future. She’s a brilliant author, who proves with every new book, just why she deserves a place among my one-click author’s list.

Do I have every future project of hers pre-ordered already? Yes, yes I do. It will, undoubtedly be 100% worth it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews

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