If House of Bane & Blood sets the stage, City of Mirth & Malice cranks up the chaos; and I mean that in the best way possible. Alexis Menard leans deeper into the themes of power and control, letting her characters (and readers) spiral into a world where everything feels one wrong step away from total disaster.

Camilla’s journey is front and center, and her power (this tantalizing, barely-contained force) is fascinating. Watching her unravel and redefine herself is the highlight of the book. That said, I’m less sold on the dynamics with her brothers. The complications, the grey space, the confusion… it all feels a bit forced, like Menard couldn’t quite find the balance between family drama and plot necessity.

And yet, there are moments that absolutely shine. The battle arena scene, for one, is unforgettable. It’s high-stakes, visceral, and just absurd enough to work. Similarly, the runaway train sequence had me grinning like an idiot—it’s the kind of over-the-top action you want in a story like this.

I do have to side-eye Menard’s portrayal of Nico’s family, though. It’s giving Italian mafia stereotypes without actually calling them Italian, which feels a little… off. The dynamic is entertaining, but it leans too heavily on tropes to feel authentic.

Still, the progression of Camilla’s powers and the magic is what keeps this book alive. It’s inventive, it’s dangerous, and it’s downright addictive. Menard’s ability to weave magic into a gritty, almost steampunk world makes this series stand out.

Will I reread it? Probably not. But am I counting down the days for the next installment? Sure. If you loved the first book, this one takes things to a whole new level. It’s a wild ride, and I’m fully here for it.