The Dead Spell by Lucy Lyons

Author : Lucy Lyons

Book : The Dead Spell

/ Fantasy /

/ The Chronicles of Mealduth Book 2 /

Publication date : April 25, 2026

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Blurb:

Deep in a once-cursed forest lies a treasure beyond imagination, where the dead wait patiently. For centuries it has lain forgotten…until now.

Struggling student Sirena Danton thinks failing grades are the worst of her problems, until she crosses paths with the Governor’s dark mage, Difras of Slatmire. For reasons she can’t fathom Difras has set his sights on her calixate ring — a ring she cannot remove.

Sirena’s unease deepens when her friend, Filosa, falls mysteriously ill whilst in service to the mage. Determined to save her, Sirena discovers he is piecing together a book of unholy power in a quest to raise himself and Mealduth to glory.

With the help of a guild thief and an order of clerics, Sirena steals the book to discover his dread purpose and makes herself even more of a target. Difras believes himself untouchable, but she has a plan to thwart his dark ambition before he unleashes a power too terrible to control.

If she fails, death will not be the end, for the book contains the most forbidden spell of all — The Dead Spell.

My thoughts:

Dark atmospheric fantasy and a wonderful continuation of The Chronicles of Mealduth series.

The story begins a few years after the events in The Black Bane, and we have multiple POVs that guide us through this high-stakes journey. On one side is Sirena, fighting to secure her safety, and on the other is Difras, driven by his hunger for power. The way each storyline was woven was captivating, and as the book progressed, it grew darker, raising the stakes even higher. The atmosphere of this book was gripping, to the point where you can feel the tension and intensity radiating from it.

As always, I have a soft spot for villains, and Difras was such an interesting and complex character. With his cunning mind, I found myself sympathising with him and his cause, adding an even deeper emotional grip to the already intricate narrative.

It's safe to say I will tag along for Book 3 with great excitement!