If the debut had me on edge, Disciples of Chaos had me wondering just where my breath had gone and whether I could have it back.

MK Lobb's return to the world of the Seven Faceless Saints has the reader thrust into a tumultuous world with the Rebellion gaining in strength and a power shift showing the realities of all our protagonists had known. The atmospheric world-building continues to be exquisitely done, and you can easily feel as though you're at the side of our heroes as Damian faces the many emotions and doubts that his PTSD causes, and Roz contemplates the reality of an empty victory. The author has put so much effort into making their characters have a realism to them, you're able to connect with their thoughts and feelings regardless of the fantasy setting. 

Even heroes have fears and often have to face more consequences for their actions than the enemy after all and Lobb has cast a light on their mental health thoughtfully and genuinely which is commendable. 

The balance between the dramatic events that continue to unfold from book one and the story of Damian and Rosana is perfectly done. The tension is tangible, and I genuinely did struggle to catch my breath at times because both the lovers and their comrades just don't seem to be given a break. You will experience a plethora of emotions as you read this series and Disciples of Chaos at times had my heartbreaking and needing a moment to step away because I was so drawn into the story because of the writing.

I loved this book, which sounds mad given that it made me cry, angry... and fearful. However, that is why I loved it and was torn between needing to get to the end and see if would everything be resolved and not wanting to come to the last word because then that first read would be over.

A re-read will be had, but I don't think I will experience the exquisite emotions in the same way again and that makes me sad. M.K. Lobb is now an auto-buy author for me thanks to these books.