"‘Annihilation’ is an intense and dramatic power struggle and like a jigsaw puzzle, lots of different pieces that hide the bigger picture until the end."
‘Annihilation’ by Kaylin McFarren is Book 2 in the Gehenna series. I would recommend that you start with ‘Soul Seeker’ in order to make the most of the plot and learn more about Crighton and Ariel’s unusual soul-mate connection. After the demise of Lucifer, his daughter Lucinda has assumed control of Hell and former soul-collecting demon Crighton Daemonium and his newly formed family face a whole new host of challenges. There’s a few sections that need some editing, missing words and the odd typo throughout, but ‘Annihilation’ is an intense and fast paced fantasy drama. There’s plenty on offer that will surely appeal to a range of readers: biblical folklore, underhand deeds, conspiracies, prophecies and serpentine twists and turns to keep you on your toes while the threat of a great war between heaven and hell looms. Also, as we’re dealing with Hell, and it’s creatures, there's lots of opportunities for heat and steam with these lust- filled characters, potentially not one to read if you don’t like mature content, and with more than one incidence of rape. Left on a cliffhanger ready for the next book in this fiery series, ‘Annihilation’ is an intense and dramatic power struggle and like a jigsaw puzzle, lots of different pieces that hide the bigger picture until the end.
With the death of Lucifer, Queen Lucinda assumes control of Hell, ordering her soldiers to prepare for a doomsday war with Heaven. Craving eternal power, she devours the souls of gifted demonic beings, acquiring their abilities to destroy her perceived political enemies. Meanwhile, the Black Crows meet with the Knights of Darkness in their hidden headquarters, plotting against Lucinda in their efforts to maintain peace and the balance of power. Consumed by hatred over Crighton Daemonium's unrequited love, Lucinda is unaware of the secret conspiracy brewing, or that Lucifer's spirit has returned to Hell inside the body of a soul–trapped demon. Reclaiming his throne, Lucifer punishes his daughter for her act of treason. However, his obsession with Samara, Crighton's beautiful daughter, leaves him incapable of controlling his stolen body. After forcing her into submission, he names Samara the new Queen of Hell yet continues his authoritarian rule. When an insurgency breaks out on Earth, he becomes distracted long enough for her to be kidnapped by Nexus rebel forces, believing her to be the prophesied savior of their planet. Is Samara the Phoenix, destined to destroy Lucifer? Or is she his soulmate and the true Queen of Hell?