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I may have won The Damning...

...but the games have only just begun.

Forced to participate in seven tasks, each designated by one of the seven kings, my life has just become exponentially more complicated.

First task? Travel to the Mermaid King with my mate and his sadistic brothers and kill a nameless, faceless, non-existent man. Easy.

But the kings aren't the only ones playing games. Someone wants me dead. Someone who is willing to resurrect dead supernatural creatures in order to achieve their goal.

Oh and Bash is still being an ass. What's new?

One thing becomes clear: I have to decide if I'm going to accept the mate bonds or forsake my destiny.

All I wanted was to be a good little assassin and kill some Nightmares. Why does my life have to suck so hard?


This is a reverse harem series featuring a kickass assassin and her seven deadly lovers. These books contain scenes that might be triggering for some readers including strong language, sexual situations, and violence. Reader discretion is advised.

354 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2019

About the author

Katie May

83 books2,272 followers
Katie May is a romance writer of numerous genres! She writes everything from horror to fantasy to contemporary. #whychoose

She has a gorgeous tabby cat who she adores, and she’s obsessed with coffee and horror movies.

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5 stars
946 (44%)
4 stars
709 (33%)
3 stars
379 (17%)
2 stars
87 (4%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Saint Fitz.
271 reviews
June 28, 2019
3.5 stars.
Book 2 starts right where book 1 ends, and if I’m being honest, the entire momentum of the book was a bit of a slump. The cat is out of the bag about her mates, and now Z is dealing with her feelings about it all as well as navigating the politics or being the royal assassin. I think what bothers me about the harem aspect of the plot is that the characters were all cemented to her nearly at once. This created a lack of sizzle—a “will they or won’t they” sexual tension that keeps the reader invested in the harem dynamics over the course of multiple books. Boning feels like a foregone conclusion. The issues between the Princes (male posturing and cockfighting, as it were) were largely solved in an off-page “hug it out” session (just guessing). Zzzzzz ...

The death of one of the main characters in book 1 has also ruined much of the humor and lighthearted banter that set the first book apart. Mysteries were brought into play and then kind of ignored: the origin story of the princes, what happened to the alphabet assassins, the soul missing from the lamp (and what that means)...I can’t quite put my finger on why this one failed to grab my attention.

Overall still a worthwhile read, and im still interested enough to want to read the third installment. That is, unless, we get more babbling from Drippy Jax.

Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,629 reviews75 followers
May 24, 2022
Love this series

There is something about this series that just pulls you in, smacks you around and forces you to stay up till 3am to finish. 🤷‍♀️ Seriously.... it’s addictive and I am having a hard time nailing down just why. The seven deadly sins? The original Damning? The tasks? The guys? Jax? (Yes, he’s part of the guys, but let’s be honest - he’s on a level all his own!) Regardless, it’s wonderful, creative and captivating. Can’t wait for book 3!

Pros:
- Well written.
- Foreshadowing is subtle, the kind that makes you slap your head later.
- Flows well.
- Relationships are intense, yet paced.
- Reread potential is high.

Cons:
- some decisions are poorly thought out, or reactions at least. Character flaws for narrative sake, not a literary fault.
Profile Image for Amara.
598 reviews57 followers
May 13, 2020
...

Even better than the first book. Elaborate world building and complex characters. Kinda love that the FMC is way more bad@ss than the harem.

But who is this Ailyiah chick and what is really going on?!?!

So many questions. And poor Dair! And Jax... what's going on there?

Geesh, I don't want to wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Camila.
325 reviews270 followers
September 13, 2019
It was good.

But it wasn’t great.

Z took on my most favorite (read: least favorite) attitude a FMC can take on: the oh-I-don’t-deserve-them-I’m-a-monster attitude.

Shut the fuck up, Z. Stop moping.

Thus far, I’ve been given ZERO reasons as to why you don’t deserve your dang harem so just shushhhhh.

If each book is a new challenge given by these Kings with ZERO indications of furthering in the actual plot (saving the nightmares, correct? That’s what the seven dudes are for) then we are in for a long haul guys.

All I’m saying is the pace was all off.

I’ll decide later if I’m committed enough to read the next installment.

And what was the reason for the prologue??

Let’s get some things squared away before we go into deeper subplots. Thanksssssss
Profile Image for Amanimmm.
71 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2019
Wow!!! that was intense !!! Bloody brilliant!
I love this series and can't wait for the next book !!
Profile Image for Brandy.
156 reviews20 followers
July 5, 2019
DNF. May try to come back and try this one again. It might just have been my own mood making it impossible for me to get into the story.
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews40 followers
July 30, 2020
3.5-4 stars. Bah.. the mind games. So frustrating and exciting at the same time. Our FMC not only has to drink poison that doesn't allow any harm to come to the royal family, but now she has to complete 7 tasks to.. prove herself? Why? Did the past assassins have to do this as well? Also, why does it seems the Kings hate their sons. What the heck is going on in this kingdom?

Our FMC and assassin to the kings now, Zara, is shoved right in the midst of this world. Her friends dead or have betrayed her and all she seems to have left are these princes who want to keep their relationships secret for some unknown reason to Zara. I have to hand it to this girl.. shes just rolling with the punches literally. I'm still on the fence about all these boys tbh. It just seems like we really don't have time for these dudes and all their shin.. I mean, not only are the kings obviously up to something, but this Ailiyah chick is out for blood too.. for who knows what reasons. Are we ever going to get some answers here. I feel like despite being further in the series we still don't have a goal in site because we still don't really have any answers.. and now that wench has one of our dudes.. the crazy one.. but still.

Going to delve into the next one and cross my fingers that I'm not just going to get strung along for a million books lol.
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
877 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2019
FLOVE this series!!!

Awesome follow up book! It felt like forever since book 1 was released and book 2 didn’t disappoint. The story is a chessboard and no one knows who is going to win. Loved seeing a softer side to Z and the mysteries are killing me. Can’t wait for the next.
44 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2019
Omgggggg

Katie May is a bloody genius! Her unique ability to add humor to her writing always draws me in. Combine that was a unique and intriguing storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat and we have another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! Keep this series coming Katie! I can’t wait for more!
441 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2019
You won’t be disappointed

After the ending of book 1, I know I’m not the only one who has been on the edge of their seat waiting for this. I was not disappointed. The story continues and you follow the twists and turns as they go on a quest. I felt every emotion going. Happiness, rage, sadness it’s truly a well written and brilliant book.
Profile Image for Kristi Jung.
321 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2020
My POV and a little review

This book... is amazing. Its hard to write reviews because after I read a book, I feel so many emotions it is hard to write about.. but I need to know.. is there any hope? The brilliant writing and emotional turmoils of the characters are so deep and vast that you cant help but be swept up in them. From beginning to end, the entire thing felt hopeless - like there is no eventual HEA.. but I really hope there will be by the end of the series. One thing after another and multiple things at once happen to the harem and mc that make it seem there is no hope or end. *stresses*


Anyways, this book is Amazing! Jax’s mental state is so unique and it was not something I was expecting. The writing of his way of thinking is perfect and I really have to shout and applaud the author for the way they constructed and wrote the different point of views. Each POV is unique to that character and it is very well done.

This book focuses on the growing relationships and complications of the harem. Around 47% of the book, the adventure starts when Z is called to complete the first task for the mermaid king.
Profile Image for Clare.
489 reviews29 followers
November 3, 2021
Y'all.... I'm mad

We got no actual plot progression - just random monsters, declarations of love 😒🙄 and more questions.

Jax - Why does he keep rambling? Why isn't Z more concerned about him? Hell why aren't his so called brothers more concerned about him? They just keep leaving him behind only to remember him for like 2 seconds before moving on. TF?!?!?!

Aaliyah - Sure, we got a glimpse of her but who is she and why has she been after Z since book 1 when she was a nobody? How is she this powerful?

Dair - Chile.... Someone tell me why this grown ass man has never told his supposed brothers and now his mate all the despicable and downright cruel things that his father and now deceased brother have been doing to him - and will do again if that ending is to be trusted

Bash - Grown Up man.

And Z..... What happened to my badass, crafty assassin? Disappointed

Also, who or rather what the hell is Slippy? What happened to Mali - she popped up in the prologue and then poof... nothing.

Rumor has it that this is meant to be a 7-book series.... Yeah. No. I'm just going to drop this series
July 8, 2019
Was hoping for a better written second book.

@ 69% I finally gave up. The written portrays her story in such fragmented pieces that it hurts my mind. I am disappointed because the story had potential. Knowing that a wait is in order for book 3 and the lack of editing between this book and the next, I'm calling it quits. I commend the author in a fabulous storyline and appreciate the effort it takes to write a book. I only encourage the use of an editor of a more experienced editor. The mess that exists with Dair's legs and that lack of critical detailed information does not make it a cliffhanger, it makes the reading of the book jolting. Jack's continued lunacy is also a sore spot. Why keep wasting chapters on his Sasha and blood drama. Explain it once and it's done.. It would require no more of a mention later in the book especially when your writing from his perspective!!
Profile Image for Nallie❄️.
31 reviews24 followers
August 11, 2019
"I like spying on you," he said easily. "Creep." I smiled to soften my words. "Only for you."

"So when he stalks you, it's romantic, but when I do it, it's creepy." He threw his hands up into the air. "I can never please you, woman."
Profile Image for Annette.
3,329 reviews156 followers
July 9, 2021
I really don't know why it took me so long to pick up the books by Katie May. I really enjoyed the Supernaturalette series and yet the rest was rotting away on my Kindle. But after reading the first book and falling in love head over heels I couldn't wait any longer. It won't take me long to make it through all the books in this series already released and once I finish this series I will simply pick another Katie May series to start.

Katie May is an amazing author. She really finds the right mix between all the different elements making a story epic. We have emotional and heartfelt moments, we have dangerous situations with loads of action, we have some swoon worthy romance and there are these two ongoing plot lines literally hanging over the heads of our characters creating a constant sense of danger. I'm either on the brink of crying, making heart eyes at my book or on the edge of my seat.

That's also because it's so easy to fall in love with May's characters. Our heroine, Z, seemed to be the kind of character I'm not a fan of, but it turns out that she's more than just a girl good with weapons. She has loads of emotional history she carries with her, she has these moments where she doubts herself and the world around her and is on the brink of breaking down, she is funny, she is intelligent, she is really stubborn and she has an attitude towards life I'm kinda jealous of.

And the same can be said about the seven princes made for her. They are all so complicated, layered and interesting and so much more than walking cardboard copies or cliches. Little by little we learn more about their history, about their personality, about their hurt, about their emotional needs, their dreams and their biggest fears. At times it's really heartbreaking and more than once I had to swallow the tears away.

I can't wait to dive into the next one!
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
843 reviews13 followers
April 11, 2020
I loved this second installment in Z’s story. It held so many emotions! My heart broke for Jax and Dair. I just wanted to hold them and tell them everything would be ok. That cliffhanger at the end broke me. I need the next book!
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,328 reviews532 followers
July 9, 2019
I'm hoping Gluttony (The Damning #3) is coming out soon... :)
1,216 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2019
4 stars

I really love this series. Even though I think 7 is a bit too many for a harem, they are very well written characters and easily distinguishable, so major kudos for that. I took off a star because some of the transitions were a bit abrupt from chapter to chapter. Not all, but a few I had to go back and read the last few pages to see if I missed something. Took me out of the story a bit. But I can’t wait for the next one!
557 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2019
Love this series

May continues to impress me with her ability to weave humor with a vast array of feels within her work, and this book is an excellent example of this talent. This installment picks up basically right after the end of the previous one. We get some steam, more insight into the guys, some surprises, more examples of how bad*ss Z is, and of course, a roller coaster of feels. I love these characters and this series. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Heather ANN.
149 reviews
June 21, 2019
Darkly addicting

Z the assassin, Z the mate, Z the darkly tortured. This is a dark book, but just this side of not over the edge. Z has the seven deadly sin brothers for mates and a whole lot of trouble on her plate. Z must find a way to kill the evil kings and save herself and her mates. But somethings just not right, with an enemy around every corner what’s she to do? She’ll keep fighting the bad and live in the small moments with her mates. This book ends in a cliff hanger and one of her mates in terrible trouble.
Profile Image for Katie.
804 reviews15 followers
June 21, 2019
So epic!!!

I could not put this book down. Oh my goodness!!! And that ending!!! I'm dead! Holy.....
This book was incredible! So much action and steam and feels! There were even a few great laughs. I had been anticipating Envy since I read Greed and I was not disappointed at all. Z is an amazing main character and I love how different all of the guys are. Dair is such a sweetheart and I love Ryland and Killian! And Lupe!! There were so many hints of foreshadowing and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series!! I'm totally addicted!!
Profile Image for CARLA.
992 reviews40 followers
January 21, 2020
https://celebrityreaders.com/2020/01/...

So this book kinda slowed everything down a bit. I didn’t realize we would be getting a book for every mate.

Z is now the royal assassin, kinda funny since she was tasked with killing the princes and now she is protecting them. She finally realizes she is the mate to them as well. Which bring with it very complicated feelings. This is a journey plot book and these are some of my favorite ones.

I must say I like the back and forth between Z and her mates but it goes on for way longer than it needs to. I mean, pick a lane chick, either you are their mate or you kill them. And we all know you ain’t killing them. I get that the needs to be a struggle, but since she is dealing with each mate (and their kingdom) in a different book, it will drag on so long that I fear I will lose interest. I am have a very short attention span. Don’t get me wrong, this book was great but the next will have to offer something new in the way of their relationship or I may bail.

The kingdom intrigue was enjoyable though and added a nice layer to the romance. This is a very action based book with not a whole lot of emotional intensity. I am interested in seeing how the next one will go.
Profile Image for Juniper Cole.
Author 8 books66 followers
May 22, 2021
Book 2 SPOILERS

Yeah he story continues to be exciting and interesting however I really struggle when characters in the book are struggling and being tortured and there doesn’t seem to be an end in site. Daire s torture from his dad, jax’s mental health, devlins secrets. All three are problems that don’t seem to have solutions anytime soon so it just leaves the books feeling dark and sad with no happyness to come. I know some like that and I do as well but not constantly. I need good mixed in.
Profile Image for Katherine.
86 reviews
January 28, 2020
2.5 stars. I loved the first book, but this book missed the mark.
Almost every chapter with Jax’s POV could have been eliminated. It was the exact same thing over and over.
The character development that was happening in the first book, was not there at all in this book.
The prologue was pointless to this boo.
Many times I was tempted on not finishing this book.
Ultimately the last 3-4 chapters were the best in the book. Not sure if I will continue this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews

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