Review: City of Lies and Legends (House of Devils, #3) by Kayla Edwards
From the moment I cracked open City of Lies and Legends, I was reminded once again why Kayla Edwards has nestled herself into the cozy corners of my heart as one of my all-time favorite authors. This third installment feels like a thrilling rollercoaster ride through raw emotions and stunning revelations, and I am here for every twisting moment. If you’re looking for a book that combines intricate world-building with deeply relatable characters, then buckle up—this is the series of the year!
In this latest adventure, we continue to follow the captivating journeys of Loren and Darien. Their relationship is a beautifully chaotic blend of love, grief, and the kind of intensity that leaves you breathless. As I read their dialogue, I often felt like I was witnessing a love story unfold in real life. There’s something so enchanting about how Darien treats Loren—his endearments like “sweetheart” and “love” hit you right in the feels. Honestly, if he called me “sweetheart,” I’d truly believe I’d just met my soulmate, too!
One of my favorite moments that encapsulates Darien’s depth is when he reflects, “Even before tonight, even for weeks, months after I met you, I had to stop and ask myself if you were even real.” This kind of emotional honesty is what keeps me returning to Edwards’s writing; it feels authentic and captivating. I felt a pang in my heart each time Darien faced his fears, and it made his growth throughout the book feel transformative—not just for him, but for me as a reader.
Loren, on the other hand, mirrors strength and resilience in the face of her harrowing experiences. She has so much bad luck that at times I couldn’t help but laugh at her unwavering spirit. The line, “Everything this man did was insanely attractive. Was it weird of her to be jealous of a plastic spoon?” had me chuckling out loud—her inner thoughts are so relatable and real. It’s that blend of humor and heartache that keeps the pacing of the novel thrilling.
We also meet new faces this time around—Roman and Shay—who add fresh layers to the story. Initially hesitant, as I didn’t want another love story echoing Darien and Loren’s, I quickly found myself engrossed in their dynamic. Roman’s grumpy demeanor juxtaposed with Shay’s fierce spirit is electric. The multi-POV structure enhances the story depth and kept me eagerly flipping the pages to uncover their secrets.
Kayla Edwards excels in her ability to evoke genuine emotions. The raw portrayal of grief, anxiety, and love has a way of pulling at your heartstrings, making the read feel personal. I found myself holding my breath during the more intense moments, often reflecting on how closely Darien’s pain echoed my own experiences of loss.
As I reached the cliffhanger ending, my heart raced, knowing I had to wait until July for the next installment. How can one author keep us yearning like this? It feels almost cruel but oh-so-rewarding!
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend City of Lies and Legends to anyone who enjoys fantasy that doesn’t shy away from emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of intricate romances or multi-dimensional characters with compelling arcs, this book will speak to you. Kayla Edwards has crafted a masterful narrative that transforms how we see resilience, love, and everything in between. After finishing this book, I felt a profound connection to both Loren and Darien, and I can confidently say—I’m not the same reader I was before diving into their story.✨📚
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