Sooo I recently realized that I completely forgot to post my review of The Wicked and Damned by Rebecca Robinson on here, despite having finished it weeks ago. 🫠
If you've been following me long enough, you'll know that The Serpent and the Wolf (book 1 of the Dark Inheritance trilogy) was one of my TOP reads this year, so imagine my excitement when Saga Press slid into my DMs (well, email) with a NetGalley widget of the second book of the series!! 😍 (I'm begging them to send me a physical ARC 🙏). And now I'm here to say...
Desperation.
That's the one word I would use to describe how I felt reading this whole book. From the ending of The Serpent and the Wolf through to this entire story, I was ✨desperate✨. Desperate to know what came next, to know if certain things I wanted to happen (or not happen) would, desperate to know if my theories were right. And as frustrating as it was to sit there and ~wait~ (I am not known for my patience 😅) for the story to unravel, Rebecca knows how to keep her reader hooked.
Also, Jesus CHRÍST. That one scene about two-thirds of the way through (you'll know it when you read it)... 👌
Finally, I didn't expect to feel for one of the characters as I did by the end of it, and I absolutely cannot wait to see how it all concludes in the final installment!
Out 24 Feb 2026! 🗓
Q: What upcoming release are you looking forward to?
... Read moreI've been thinking so much about Rebecca Robinson's Dark Inheritance trilogy lately, especially after diving headfirst into 'The Wicked and the Damned.' If you’re anything like me, you were probably completely captivated by 'The Serpent and the Wolf' – that first book truly set the stage for an epic fantasy romance. I remember picking it up, drawn in by what felt like classic fantasy, with its compelling 'sword and serpent imagery' right on the cover, hinting at the grand adventure within. It had me hooked from the very first page, and honestly, the sequel only deepened that obsession.
'The Wicked and the Damned' doesn't just pick up where the first left off; it plunges you deeper into a world brimming with tension and impossible choices. The feeling of 'desperation' I mentioned earlier wasn't just my own eagerness to turn the pages; it felt like a palpable force driving the characters themselves. Rebecca Robinson has this incredible talent for crafting narratives where every decision feels monumental, every secret unearthed shakes the foundations, and the stakes just keep climbing higher. I found myself constantly asking, 'What would *I* do in that situation?' It's a testament to her world-building and character development that you become so invested in their plight.
One of the things that truly stands out in this trilogy is how she intertwines intricate political intrigue with searing emotional depth. It's not just about grand battles or magical powers; it's about the very human (and sometimes not-so-human) struggles for survival, love, and redemption. The covers themselves, like the one for 'The Wicked and the Damned,' often feature a blend of striking fantasy elements and a hint of romance, perhaps even with 'colorful roses, red ribbons, and decorative butterflies on a lace surface' suggesting the delicate yet powerful emotional core beneath the epic exterior. This visual artistry perfectly mirrors the content – a beautiful, dangerous, and utterly consuming story.
For fans of romantasy reads, this series is an absolute must-read. It delivers on all fronts: a richly imagined fantasy world, complex characters you can't help but root for (or vehemently despise!), and a romance that feels hard-won and deeply authentic. The 'one scene' I briefly mentioned in my review? Let me just say, it's a moment that will stick with you long after you've finished the book. It’s one of those pivotal points where Rebecca Robinson truly showcases her ability to deliver powerful, unforgettable emotional impacts that leave you breathless.
Waiting for the final installment feels almost unbearable, but I know it will be worth it. The way 'The Wicked and the Damned' builds anticipation for the conclusion is masterful. If you’re looking for a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you feel deeply for its characters, and leave you desperate for more, then do yourself a favor and pick up 'The Serpent and the Wolf' and 'The Wicked and the Damned.' You won't regret it. What other fantasy romance series have left you feeling this obsessed?