Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vampire sex, bloodlust, and violence in engaging sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In BRIMSTONE, Saeris has been reborn as part-fae, part-vampire. She's also the new Queen of Vampires, but she wants no part of the vicious power struggle that comes with the crown. However, to right past wrongs, she finds playing the part of Queen is very, very necessary. That and finding a way to master the alchemical power that flows through her veins before it burns her to a crisp. And there's the matter of the blight plaguing the lands, the lost book fortelling not only her fate but that of all the realms, her brother, who still needs rescuing, a restored heir, and her mate, who burns with desire every time she comes near. Luckily, vampires need very little sleep.
Is It Any Good?
Sexy, fast-paced, and action-packed, this book is even better than the first in the series. Brimstone begins where Quicksilver left off, but now the characters have been established, the worlds explored, and the magic explained. Where the first in the series was fun, but uneven, this second installment has better pacing, more consistent characters, and a better plot. The story isn't particularly unique, but it is fun, and the addition of the alchemical magic makes for a nice twist.
While it is filled with sex and violence, romantasy fans who come for the explicit nature of the writing will find much to enjoy about the series. It's got the fairly standard shadow-daddy male lead, the fighting-leather-wearing, human-turned-fae female lead, and a tyrannical king–and queen–to unthrone. The amount of on-page sex and violence makes this a series best for adults, though mature teens will definitely seek out this series as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork in Brimstone. The characters have centuries-old relationships, often filled with major falling outs, yet they come together to protect and support Saeris, a twenty-six-year-old from another realm. Is this believable? What about Saeris warrants so much loyalty?
The protagonists consider the soldiers and followers of the tyrannical leaders of the various realms to be just as guilty as the tyrants themselves. Do you think followers of evil leaders are guilty by association, or do you think the individual's circumstances, actions and beliefs must be taken into consideration? Can you think of an example of this in the real world?
Romantasy novels have grown in popularity. What do you think makes the combination of graphic sex and violence so appealing? Should teens be reading these kinds of books? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Fairies , Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Queens )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Forever
- Publication date : November 18, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 672
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 1, 2025
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