The Damned

by Harper L. Woods

Review

While I originally rated books one and two at four stars, I’ve found that over time, book two has slipped to a solid three for me. It was good, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the first. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous going into book three—Willow and Lucifer’s story felt complete, and I wasn’t sure how a continuation could work without feeling forced. Thankfully, my worries were completely misplaced. Woods takes the series in a fresh direction by shifting the focus to Margot and Beelzebub, introducing a new setting and a whole new layer of storytelling that makes the continuation feel natural and exciting.

I was surprised by how quickly I became invested in Margot’s journey—both emotionally and physically—as she faces her past trauma and literally fights her way through hell to return to Crystal Hollow. There’s so much growth, heart, and tension woven into their story, and watching her learn to trust again was incredibly satisfying. The mix of dark fantasy, emotional depth, and personal redemption made this a standout entry in the series for me. It’s atmospheric, intense, and honestly, the perfect read for October.