Zane

Lords of Otherworld #2

by Stella Rainbow

A badass soul collector. A haunted soul. An evil haunting them all.

Zane

When I launched the knife to stop the warlock aiding the enemy's escape, it took me a moment too long to realize the man I'd killed was my mate.

When I met Wren again in Otherworld and he thanked me for killing him, I realized how deep his pain ran.

I'd never been the kind of person someone went to for comfort, but could I be that for my mate without messing everything up?

Wren

The day a warrior with beautiful gray-green eyes stuck a knife in my neck was the best day of my life. Until I realized my beautiful savior was my mate.

Unable to speak without having a panic attack, Zane's care and accommodation of my limitations left me in awe. Between texting and sharing notes, I found myself letting my guard down around them.

But with my past haunting me at every turn, could I be the mate Zane deserved?

Tags:
Zane is a BAMF, but secretly a softie, goes by they/them, identifies as agender. Zane's gender identity is BAMF, honestly. Wren is a sweetie hiding lots of pain, Not-really-but-kind-of dead mate, second life, ex-vampires are a thing, Zane is really good with knives, like really good, Wren is a cinnamon-roll, Zane ISN'T, selective mutism, Damien is not very kingly, horrible exes, past abuse, low heat, Zane is kind of a therapist, but only to criminals.

Zane, the second book in the Lords of Otherworld series, features a badass agender soul collector, a haunted soul who wants to heal, and a romance that starts with one of them killing, and thereby saving, the other.

Each book in the Lords of Otherworld series features a different couple with an overarching plotline. Each book ends in an HEA for the couple, but it is recommended to read the books in order for the most enjoyment.

Please check the copyright page for trigger warnings.

Genres: M M Romance, Magic, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Vampires, Audiobook

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2022

About the author

Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.

Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.

She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com

Reviews

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to beta read this and I really enjoyed how Zane waited for Wren to be ready for a physical relationship after the abuse Wren received. A bit heavier in tone than previous Stella Rainbow books but there are plenty of sweet moments like their dates

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC but this one was just so much fun. This book just sucked me in from the start and I just had the best time reading this one. This was such an enjoyable ride. Plus this one was just so sweet and I really appreciated that too. All in all this was just a very lovely reading experience for me.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion./i>

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

I'm mostly enjoying this series. It's cute and sweet and doesn't require too much brain energy ☺️ exactly what I needed right now.

I would have preferred them not having sex at all in the book, it would have made more sense for their relationship to keep things slow, or at least after Wren saw the psychologist imo.

Narrator: John York

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Audiobook Review**

Second book and so far I'm loving this series. The otherworlders, soul collectors are a protective and caring group...but can be vengeful when needed. This takes up where it ended in book 1 right off and we see Zane and Wren work through the ups and downs of being newly mated and also the demons that plague Wren. So bittersweet and will have you all in your feels because of the trauma that Wren goes thru and Zane persistence in making sure Wren is taken care of...FULL STOP. Love their journey...a little angsty but its alright. Wonderful romance and nice ending leading to the next book in series. I have to mention that the narrator did a great job. His performance was great and makes the characters come to life. I recommend listening and enjoying this fantastical world.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

I've really been enjoying the series so far! The world building is excellent, even though I haven't read the prequel series, I've been able to understand who is who just fine! I love the idea of Otherworld! All of the characters are dynamic.

I love how gentle and patient Zane has been with Wren! In fact, all of the characters have been understanding, even when they didn't fully know what Wren has been through.

I can't wait to read more of this world!

[Sunshine Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad but good

I was really sad in this story for all the horrors that the main character went through but I'm glad it wasn't an insta fix kind of story. He's working hard to deal with his trauma but he isn't all fixed just cause he found his mate

[liz]

I've been reading all of this author's books in a bit of a binge. I appreciate the diversity of characters with respect to race, gender, and sexuality. So I'm a little bummed with the lack of editing in this book where there's more than a little misgendering mistakes for the agender character. IIRC they all happen in the first person Wren sections and in his internal dialogue. It threw me a number of times though especially in paragraphs where "he/him" and "they/them" were both used.

Additionally, this isn't the first book I've read from the author that's dealt with SA. It's the first where I've been really surprised by there not being a warning at the beginning of the book. In reality, it should probably be addressed in more of the books, but I found it especially hard to read here. There's vivid flashbacks, and the character has so very much trauma. There's even an implication of CSA almost in passing that's incredibly alarming. [Edit: I found the trigger warning. It's part of the Copyright page at the end of that material. Insufficient and buried IMO.]

Overall, I just wish there was a bit more care with these topics. I'm going to continue on reading, because I do enjoy these stories and the author's body of work.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This urban fantasy romance follows Zane, an agender soul collector, and Wren, a haunted warlock struggling with past trauma. Their unconventional love story begins when Zane unknowingly kills Wren during battle, only to discover later that Wren is their mate. Instead of resentment, Wren feels relief—his death marks the end of a painful existence. In the Otherworld, Zane and Wren reunite, navigating the complexities of their bond. Wren, suffering from selective mutism due to past abuse, finds solace in Zane's patience and unwavering support. Through nonverbal communication, they grow closer, but the shadows of Wren's past continue to haunt him. As they work through their struggles, Zane questions whether they can be the comfort and stability Wren needs. Their journey is one of healing, redemption, and a battle against the external evil that threatens them both.

I loved this story with the two men who met through unconventional circumstances, but with Zane's careful handling of Wren and his determination to always insist on consent and Wren driving things, a trust was developed. There was plenty of danger, drama and passion in this story which were all easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do appreciate that this author writes characters with different sexual identities. In this case Zane identifies as agender and I also appreciated that he never pushed Wren and everyone accepted his selective mutism without much hassle and just used notepads or his phone to communicate. I have to say that Walker's "guard" (he's a kid) is a snake and I have a serious snake phobia and even reading it in a book (and yes, he can talk) really gives me the heebie jeebies. That's a me thing, but ... it's a thing.

You really need to read the other stories in this universe, at least Maxiumus to understand the whole backstory as there is lots of cross-plots, also from the author's other series in Mistvale. But I felt for poor Wren who had been held captive and abused in the worst ways possible short of death. Despite Zane figuring he's not a nice guy (despite the fact he's essentially a therapist) it was a sweet relationship.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 Amazing Story!

This story was pretty difficult to read at times because of what Wren went through that he was so thankful to be dead. Wren is so strong and Zane is absolutely amazing and so patient I was just a pile of goo with these two! Their relationship journey was both heartbreaking and heart-mending, just beautifully written. Big trouble continues to brew in Otherworld's overall story arc which kept me thoroughly engaged and anxious to continue. I also love how the author puts questions or ideas in that are very "human" and make me want to go find someone to debate them with while still being able to fully enjoy the fantasy world and love story as a whole. I can't recommend this author enough!

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the world building in this story, it added so much interest and depth. The author does a great job creating both wonderful MCs, but also really terrible and scary villains. So well done. It is quite the beautiful story of survival for poor Wren, which kept me invested in his very hard fought love story. Zane is also a wonderfully drawn character with great kindness and patience for his mate. The side characters are so varied and colorful which really helps bring the Otherworld to life. Excellent paranormal romance❤️.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest review

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane is a soul collector who also tries to give some people a second chance. The day they meet their mate is nothing like they expected. 'Cause the day they find their mate is the day he kills him.

Wren has been through a lot! He's been held captive and abused in many different forms by many different people. After meeting Zane he's skittish of their behavior, but slowly over time gets Zane out of his shell. Slowly but surely.

I didn't read the first book in this series but I think it's still really good.

Overall 4.5 from me
*I voluntarily received a early copy of this book. This is my honest and opinion.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional journey!

This is a paranormal romance, the second in the “Lords of the Otherworld” series which should be read in order. This book picks up from the ending of book one where Zane meets his mate Wren, when he mistakenly kills him, how’s that for a meet-cute? This was a heart-wrenching story as the Wren and Zane connect amidst a very difficult situation. I can’t wait to read Nox’s book next! A mystery, a battle and a love like no other; give this series a chance!

[Nikki Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fantastic hurt/comfort read

Wren has suffered greatly in his life as a mage so when he finds his mate has killed him he’s relieved to move on and start trying to repair the damage left behind.

Zane isn’t sure they have it in them to be the mate Wren needs and deserves, but they prove themselves wrong time and time again simply by being there, and allowing Wren to set the pace.

Great character growth for both MCs and a fantastic series plot that’s getting more and more intense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Loved It!

I loved this book! I haven't read the first book in this series, but I was immediately interested in reading this book after I read the story's premise. I thought it was fantastic! Great world building. But it was the characters that made this for me. I absolutely loved Wren and Zane, and quickly became invested in them. This story has emotion, and I wanted so much for them to get their happy ending. I couldn't put this book down. 5 stars.

[Mstay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice addition

This was a nice ‘piece of the puzzle’ in all these connected books. While not much action happens on page here, we do get the continuation of the investigation. We get to see the aftermath of a couple of books. The book is mainly about seeing someone deal with their trauma with all the unique interconnected characters there as well.

[joani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zane and Wren

After being abused in every possible way, Wren is a wreck. Zane helps him deal with the past and helping to give him all the love he deserves. With this being Zane's story every pro noun is them/ they. Very confusing and had to remember to read it him and he so its not more then one person.

[Ana Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and patience

Zane was the perfect mate. The way he took care of Wren was absolutely sweet. He made him feel loved, safe and cherished. He put Wren’s needs before his own and that was so beautiful to see.

Poor Wren. He didn’t deserve what he went through. He was such a beautiful soul that should have been treated with love.

I’m glad him and Zane found each other. They were perfect.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story. The world building is amazing and I absolutely love how all these books are intertwined. I just wanted to cry for Wren. He went through so much and yet Zane was so good with him. I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait for the next one.

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition

What can I say but excellent. I am totally in love with this series and adore all the characters. This story was had characters whose journey was fraught with ups and downs. But it all came good in the end. I highly recommend.

[Terry Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way Stella Rainbow continues to draw back on previous books, giving me not only a review of what happened, but more information on her characters. I also appreciate the way she allows her characters to grow within themselves and with their respective partner(s). Well done!

[Kandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio- nice narration and continuation of the series. While the relationship itself was sweet and lovely, this book contained much darker elements than from the authors previous works. Definitely heed the CWs as there is much involving the past abuse of Zane, including SA.

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lords of the Otherworld book 2

This was a great continuation from the last book. We’re getting some clarification as to why the evil is happening, and some of the people are getting off the board. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommend

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zane is the second book in the Lords of the Underworld series by Stella Rainbow. It's the story of Wren and Zane. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[Georgia-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and I couldn’t put it down! I read it all in one sitting and loved everything about it! The writing is amazing and I can’t wait for the the next book by Stella rainbow! 🌈

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Li Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

Loved this one if fact I love all of the books I’ve read so far by the author. Paranormal love stories set on earth or other realms are outstanding. Highly recommended

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Wayne Blood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really caught me in the feels.
Zane is the perfect Mate, and Wren’s story is heartbreaking.

[Amandaluvstoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and the characters. I absolutely hate the cover of the book. On to the next book.