ARC REview: The Gods of Night and Day #2

The Silent Paths of Night by David R. Slayton

Publication Date: June 9, 2026

Summary from Netgalley:

From David R. Slayton, bestselling author of White Trash Warlock and Rogue Community College, comes the epic sequel to the award-winning Dark Moon, Shallow Sea.

For Raef, priest of the moon goddess Phoebe and one-time thief, it was too much to hope that resurrection of the moon and his mistress might set the world aright. The Grief still chokes the docks and streets of Versinae with vampiric ghosts, while the nations of Aegea prepare to war against each other.

Even worse, Phoebe did not return alone. Something evil came with her. Rerek, a demon who once waged war with the gods themselves, Corpse-Taker and sower of chaos, is back to make sure there is no peace in Aegea, now or ever again. And it has a plan.

Raef and his beloved Seth, knight of the sun god Hyperion, are all that stand between Rerek and utter destruction. But the ghosts of their respective pasts, the dangers they must face, and the truths that await them will test them as nothing they’ve yet endured. One way or another Rerek will get what it wants…and it will use Raef and Seth to achieve it.

ARC provided by Blackstone Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.

Confession:

This second book in the series was just as good as the first. The fantastic world building continues as we learn more about the Twelve Gods and the characters show just as much growth as in the first book.

Both Raef and Seth have been through so much, but their relationship continues to grow stronger everyday. The love they have for each other gives them the strength to cope with the many difficulties they go through in the months following the events in the first book. Raef is the only surviving priest of his religion and he struggles with his new role within it. He also struggles with why he is who he is and what purpose Phoebe has for him. But he is beginning to find his place as a leader in both his religion and in the politics that his uncle, the Prince, keeps bringing him into. Seth is also struggling with his faith and with discovering some new things about who he is. His purpose and his future are things that he also struggles with. His character arc in this story was well laid out, and the truth we find out about him at the end of this book was a really good twist.

As strong as the characters in this story are, it is the world building that really sells it. The world is rich in the many religions and mythologies that surround it. I really like the pseudo greco roman feel to the world. We learn a bit more about the lesser gods and demons in this book, and they are just as well thought out as the two major gods, Phoebe and Hyperion. The Grief is not as prevalent in this story, but is still an important part especially in the political side of the story. The politics of what is happening in this world is just as well thought out and important as the religious aspects. There are cruel and manipulative characters on both sides that Seth and Raef must deal with.

The story is well paced, but did slow a bit in the middle. There are lots of tender moments between Raef and Seth that were beautiful and much needed between all of the action and more tense moments in the story. The addition of the demon Rereck, is great. What a terrifying monster the author has created here, and one that is almost impossible to kill. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but that wasn’t a total surprise.

If you haven’t yet picked up a book by this author, you really should. He is a master of world building and his characters are relatable and realistic. If you love high fantasy with an immersive world being an important part of the story, then this is a series you should give a chance to.