Book Review: City of Lies and Legends (House of Devils, #3) by Kayla Edwards
Have you ever picked up a book that you just know is going to change you? That was my experience with City of Lies and Legends. Kayla Edwards has spun a tale that feels simultaneously familiar and beautifully new. This is the third installment in her House of Devils series, and let me tell you, it’s nothing short of a literary rollercoaster that left me breathless and desperate for more.
From the very first pages, Edwards invites us back into her rich, intricately crafted world, where love, pain, and the fight for survival intertwine with breathtaking clarity. The character of Darien absolutely seizes the spotlight—not just as Loren’s love, but as a figure who embodies raw humanity in all its delightful imperfections. The writing is heartfelt, brilliantly capturing grief and love in a way that made me feel intensely connected to the characters. I kept thinking about the quote, “She was his sun, and if he didn’t have her, he’d be swallowed by the dark.” That encapsulates the essence of Darien and Loren’s relationship perfectly.
Every book in this series has pushed boundaries, and this one is no different. Edwards excels at delivering stunning plot twists without dragging the narrative along, keeping every chapter engaging. I was particularly struck by her choice of multi-POV storytelling. It adds layers of depth, especially with the introduction of new characters like Roman and Shay. Initially, I was hesitant—after all, how could anyone compete with the fire and connection that Darien and Loren share? Yet, Roman’s brooding nature and Shay’s fierce spirit won me over quickly, adding fresh perspectives and some delightful tension that genuinely elevated the story.
Now, let’s talk about the emotional weight of this book. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath, completely invested in the tumult of Darien’s struggles with grief and addiction. His journey felt like a reflection of unconditional love, making it all the more poignant. And Loren? She is a powerhouse. Her resilience and strength resonate deeply, making her journey relatable and inspiring. I found myself chuckling at her witty observations—"Was it weird of her to be jealous of a plastic spoon?" It’s these bits of humor that draw readers in, grounding us amid the chaos.
The romance? Oh, it’s a delicious spice that heightens the storyline. The tenderness between Darien and Loren left me swooning; moments where he calls her "sweetheart" had me wishing I could be in her place. The chemistry is palpable, and every gesture, no matter how small, is weighted with meaning. “I love everything as long as it involves you”—what a beautiful sentiment that resonates with the core of love itself!
As I turned the final pages, I was left in stunned silence. The cliffhanger was absolutely cruel; I’m already counting down the days until the next installment in July!
City of Lies and Legends is a novel that will resonate with anyone who loves fantasy that cuts straight to the heart. If you appreciate deep character development, lush world-building, and love stories that tug at your emotions, this series deserves a spot on your shelf. Edwards has undoubtedly become one of my favorite authors, and I genuinely believe her skill inspires readers to become more invested in not just the stories, but in their own lives as well. I finished this book changed in some small way, and if that’s not the mark of an incredible read, I don’t know what is.
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