A Strange Hymn

The Bargainer Series, Book 2

By: Laura Thalassa

Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

From bestselling indie author Laura Thalassa comes the newly revised and edited second book in her smash-hit dark fantasy romance between a siren and the “bargainer” she owes countless favors to.

She survived the mad king … but the nightmare isn’t over.

Siren Callypso Lillis still wears the physical reminders of her time as Karnon’s captive, even after reuniting with soulmate Desmond Flynn, the King of Night. Not only that, but mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls, the being responsible for the disappearance of countless fae warriors, is still out there.

Invited to an annual Solstice celebration, Callie and Des journey to the Kingdom of Flora to continue their investigation. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, new complications arise, ones that no amount of bargaining can undo. Soldiers begin to go missing from the gathering, and some of the fae begin to suspect Des is the man behind it all. To Callie, one thing is certain: no one is who they appear to be. Not even her soulmate.

Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want horrors too unspeakable to name. Something is stirring in the Land of All that Grows, and if Callie isn’t careful, it will claim everything she loves—and her along with it.

©2017, 2023 Laura Thalassa (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Loved

I liked the first book and loved this one too. I appreciate when the two Protagonists coming together is just the start of the romance instead of the 'happily ever after.' character development and pacing is good. I disagree with other reviewers that the ending is easy to guess.... I still was confused when everything was going down. can't wait to read the next!

the characters connections

I'm hooked with this series. Dam is protective, mysterious, and smutty! I can't wait to read the 3rd one!

Steam, mystery, passion, and danger

I loved, loved this continuation of the spellbinding tale of Callie and Des’ epic dark fantasy story. It was unputdownable and I was captivated throughout the story. This story picks up where Rhapsodic ended. Callie is a siren who is the soulmate of Des, the Fae King of the Night who also grants bargains in the human world. Callie has been rescued from her captivity but not before her body was altered. She now has wings and claws and can no longer return to the human realm. Des killed the Fauna King when he rescued Callie. Despite the death of the Fauna King and the rescue of the female prisoners, the problem of the sleeping warriors persists and the male warriors are still missing. In addition, a dark force is still stalking Callie. As this part of this epic fantasy unfurls, Callie learns more of Des’ secrets and their bond continues to solidify as Callie gets comfortable in her new body and they continue to try to solve the mystery. The book has a little bit of everything you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, strong friendships, steamy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, uber protective men, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, supernatural beings, and love. I am excited to read the next book in the series.

This is a single POV. Chelsea Stevens did a phenomenal job narrating the story and characters into life with enough change of inflection, tone and cadence to voice multiple characters quite convincingly. I really love the added dimension listening brings to a story.

He did what?

This story was slow at the beginning for me. The FMC was the typical annoying trope of I’m strong I don’t listen to people who may actually know more than me but I still grew to like her. Dex is so so dark and murder-y. I am excited to finish the series!!!!

Another solid entry

I love the character interaction in this series, Mara was a real highlight in this book. The romance is phenomenal as always. I do wish our main characters, Callie in particular, were a little smarter in both their choices and deduction though. It was one after another obvious plot point going over the character's heads for chapters after it becomes obvious to the reader what's going on.

Awesome!

I am really loving this series. Such great world and character building. Fans of Sarah J Maas will love this.

it said optional lol

Wasn't feeling the new narrator. just a me thing i guess. The story was good though

Great but slow

I’m sucked into the story so I have to find out what happens of course but I have to say this book is SLOW. I feel like a whole lot happens but there’s not a ton of it that actually matters. It seems like the next book will move the story along more.

What a ride

I’m still mad at Des for being his controlling self but he’s showing a little growth. Calli better hold on for dear life!

Bonds and Battles

Ghosts of the past are haunting the fae, and bonded mates fight for their lives against the shadows evil wrath. No one is safe from the darkness. Especially the #1 target… the siren.