Jules Lermina's sequel, Les assises rouges, dives right back into the murky underworld of 19th-century Paris. The city is still reeling from the events of the first book, but for our characters, there's no time to rest. A new, more terrifying threat emerges from the depths. The mysterious 'Wolves' are on the move again, and their plans are bigger and more dangerous than anyone suspected. The hunt leads from grand boulevards down into the labyrinth of the catacombs, uncovering secrets that connect the glittering salons above to the silent, bone-lined passages below. It's a race against time to stop a plot that could shake the very foundations of the city.

Why You Should Read It

Look, Lermina isn't trying to write high-brow literary fiction. He's trying to give you a thrilling ride, and he absolutely succeeds. The charm here is in the sheer energy of the story. You can feel the grime of the streets and the chill of the underground. The characters are scrappy and determined, and the villains are properly sinister. What I love is how he uses Paris itself as a character—the city you think you know is just a facade for a much darker, older place. It's a great reminder that the best adventure stories often happen in the gaps of history, in the places the tour guides don't talk about. It’s fun, it’s clever, and it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves a historical thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously. Think of it as a classic adventure serial with a Parisian twist. If you enjoyed the first Loups de Paris book, you'll devour this. It's also a great pick for fans of authors like Alexandre Dumas (but with a quicker pace) or for anyone who's ever wandered through Paris and wondered about the stories buried beneath the cobblestones. Just be prepared to lose an afternoon to it—once the chase starts, it's hard to put down.