This novel offers an enjoyable, brisk, and accessible reading experience. Despite the considerable gap since I read the first book, I seamlessly re-entered the universe, a testament to the author's skill in crafting a memorable and immersive world. The prose remains engaging, and the narrative pace is well-balanced, ensuring a consistently enjoyable journey.

The characters are thoughtfully developed, each contributing significantly to the story's progression. However, I found Eryx to be particularly challenging; his demeanor at the beginning was quite insufferable. Nonetheless, this did not significantly detract from the overall experience.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an entertaining and well-constructed narrative. It strikes a fine balance between familiarity and novelty, making it a delightful read for both returning fans and newcomers.

Go read this right now!! As I did not remember much from "Shadows Between Us", I walked blindly into this one and it did not disappoint. Chrysantha was completely unhinged and bat-sh*t crazy - AND I WAS SO THERE FOR IT. To be fair, sometimes it felt like she was being childish and reckless in her actions but it just proved how desperate and devoted to her cause she was. At first, Eryx was not my favourite and I was kind of hoping she would ditch him for the single father, but later on I grew fond of him! The sisterly relationship in this book was like a balm to the scars left after Alessandra's story. We definitely need more heroines like those two in romantasy!! I have to say that I didn't care much for the ending of this book and felt like it could be adjusted to fit the characters a bit more. Also, there were some slight logical gaps that caught my attention (the existence of electricity was not mentioned once in this story, but it was stated that the basement was the only room not connected to it?), but I didn't mind those much. Overall, great story, which I will absolutely recommend everyone needing a fun and light read involving drama and ballrooms!!

*Actual rating is 2.5 stars*

This book ended up not being for me, which is a shame since I liked the first book. The biggest problem for me with this book was the characters. While I have nothing against a morally grey character, here it didn’t work since the main character Chrysantha's motivations and actions didn’t do anything to propel the story forward and instead just came off as petty. It’s a shame since the core of the story centers around women’s lack of power and autonomy in a world ruled by men is a compelling topic to explore with a fmc trying to play life’s game into her own favor. The whole climax of the story was a bit dull and Chrysantha actions made her seem like less of the shrewd mastermind she thinks herself to be and more of a dumbass. The romance also didn’t do anything for me, as the love interest was a bit meh. The thing I did enjoy in this book was the further expansion on the magic that exsísts in this world, and the shadow magic. It was what kept me reading.

I wasn't into it at first but I ended up loving it. Chrysantha sounded so petty and envious at the beginning that I couldn't stand her, but I ended up really liking her.

Tricia Levenseller's addictive writing never disappoints and the chemistry was, as always, off the charts. If there's something this woman knows how to do it's an angsty enemies to lovers.

Also, the way she quotes Damon Salvatore or Jack Sparrow in all her books just makes me want to be her friend.

First of all I would like to thank Netgalley and the PunkinPress publishing house for giving me the opportunity to preview this book before its release date. A thousand thanks!

Let's start with an obvious but important consideration.
I read Trincia Levenseller for the first time with her, probably, most famous book, namely The Shadows Between Us, read many years ago and a book that at that moment was going very, very much. I remember that when I read it, apart from the fact that I liked it a lot and had a lot of fun reading about Alessandra, it came out shortly after the news that the author would write this book about Alessandra's sister, who appears in the book briefly.

The Darkness within Us can be considered a spin off as well as a continuation, since we also see some events after the end of the first book (and yes there are many cameos from the first couple, I loved it). Overall I really liked the book, it was a very fun read and it won me over, but let's go step by step to see why.

What is this book?
- Fantasy ya
- Romance yesssss
- bridgerton but with real life delulu
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Dagger to the throat

Chrysanta's story begins as iconically as that of Alessandra, her sister, began with a murder.
Real drama Queen, thank you Tricia levenseller for these quality moments.

In fact, our protagonist is married to an old duke, specifically because he was one step away from the grave but it takes him a little too long to actually die, and so we have to take action. In fact, at the beginning of our book our protagonist is a very young widow who enjoys all the things that her husband has left her, exploring her interests and also her intimacy. On this aspect I must say that it is the first time that I have read a properly YA book in which the aspect of the sexual intimacy of the protagonist is approached in this way, that is, very freely from this point of view, with a search for what is the knowledge of one's body and also a certain freedom, and I really liked this.
What actually happens? The handsome guy arrives and says that he is actually the late lord's heir and that everything is up to him. Downfall. As if everything she had done had been for nothing because his never-seen-and-heard grandson arrives and since he is a male he has to inherit everything. Well no. We don't fit.

From here begins our very hilarious story I must admit of our two protagonists, between him who literally only has two pairs of trousers (and obviously also Crysanta like Alessandra icon of style and clothes this thing well I don't understand), between entering into society and bickering between them. As they get to know each other, they will begin to discover many secrets about each other and the plot becomes truly compelling.
I must admit that I was more captivated by the general aspect of the book and that actually the couple did not have this appeal like, for example, that of The Shadows Between Us, there is no comparison. But in my opinion the book as fantasy Ya, which can also be read as a stand alone, does his job, because it entertains and in any case the story makes logical sense and is very cute.

Overall I really liked the book, but by now I've realized that I'm quite fond of Tricia Levenseller's rewriting. Write us anything you want like this Tricia.

The Darkness Within Us
Fantasy
Tricia Levenseller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

• ʀɪᴠᴀʟʀʏ • ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴘᴛɪᴏɴ • ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ •

I just love Tricia Levenseller's writing style, and she is definitely one of my favourite authors.

I liked the MCs, Chrysantha, and Eryx. Chrysantha is spoilt and actually quite a brat at times. She hid her intelligence behind a very carefully cultivated mask, and Eryx seemed to be just as stubborn. It was fun to see their banter and watch them challenge each other.

I love how Tricia Levenseller always makes sure to address important issues in her books be it mental health, the pressure of society or, in this book, the inequality of power and that women have to fight extra hard for certain things while they're given freely to men.

I did guess what Eryx was and what his secrets were, but I still liked the build up and the reveal.

The world building was interesting, and I liked learning more about the curses and magic.

I'm so glad that Chrysantha and Alessandra rekindled their relationship and finally started to be real sisters again.

Although this book can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading The Shadows Between Us first.

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

Thank you to NetGalley for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Reading this year has been so difficult for me - I've hardly had the concentration span. But this book may have finally broken me out of that.

As she often does, Tricia Levenseller stole my heart with her accessible, fun and brilliantly crafted writing. Going into this book, I expected to hate the protagonist, given how she is portrayed in The Shadows Between Us. But just as Alessandra quickly won me over, so did Chrysantha. The Stathos sisters are a force to be reckoned with and I would read anything and everything about these brilliant women (how incredible would a book with dual perspectives of them be!).

This is probably the closest to adult romantasy Levenseller has gotten so far and I really enjoyed the way it is clear Chrysantha is a grown woman who is continuing to grow and learn who she is as a young woman. Whilst this book is undoubtedly a romance, it also showcases the beauty of friendship, self love and realisation and was an utter joy to read.

There is no doubt in my mind that this will become another reread every year favourite, just as The Shadows Between Us already is.

As always, Tricia Levenseller remains amongst my favourite authors and I will always be at the front of the queue for any and all of her books. I look forward to seeing what she creates next. (and would love more in this world please and thank you!)

The Shadows Between Us is one of my all time favourite books, so when it was announced we were getting another book in this world I was extremely excited, especially as it's about Chrysnatha. There's something about TLs writing style that I find completely captivating - I've rated every single book of her five stars for a reason, and that is because they are brilliant books! I loved Chrysantha as an MC - she's intelligent and ambitious and not afraid to go for what she wants. The enemies to lovers tone of this book was executed flawlessly and now I shall be directing my energy into wishing for another book in this world!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Okay. I’ll hold my hands up and admit that I went into this with a loooot of apprehension. I hadn’t read The Shadows Between Us so when I started this, I had to grit my teeth. I didn’t like Chrysantha at first, I thought she was annoying. But god did that change quite quickly.

I soon came to love her snappy wit and sharp mind. Even though I didn’t know her story it was easy to understand. I liked the way she treated her staff. And the book club!!!!! Talking about an enemies to lovers trope in a book about enemies to lovers is just the kind of humour I love!

And Eryx… hmmm. He’s got that good enemy banter you know? And the fact that he finds Chrysantha so attractive he can’t help himself, yes I love. Their witty snap backs at each other?? I ATE THAT UP.

Overall? Delicious. Witty. Sexy. Loved it by the end!

I love love love a good slow burn!! Chrysantha, Alessandras older sister, kills her husband the duke to speed up her inheritance of the fortune and house that will be left to her. Unfortunately for her, Eryx, claims to be her late husbands long lost grandson and ruins all her well laid plans. She sets out to get to the bottom of this mysterious man but gets more than she bargained for. I adored the banter and chemistry of these two. I think the slow burn and lack of political aspects made this book much more appealing. Chrysantha seems much more inclined to murder and schemes than her sister and Eryx is much more dynamic and interesting than the king. It still retains the fault of poor communication and confusing politics but, it matters much less here.

I have not read the first book of this series but I didn't need to because it all came together perfectly as I read this one. The enemies to lovers was brilliant in this book, it can be hard for me to find a romantasy with banter that is actual BANTER and snide comments, not just them mildly flirting or the conversation faltering from the boring or bad insult. No, this was GOOD!!

There was a lot of nods to feminism and the main character, Chrysantha, wanted to be free and treated as an equal which was fantastic. The plot was interesting and I felt as though I was on this journey with Chrysantha trying to find out who Eryx really is and his secrets he was hiding.

Little repetitive with some things towards the end, but all in all great writing, character developments and story.

Did not read the first one so it was a tiny bit confusing when she was talking about her sister in the beginning, but I enjoyed it along with her other books. This isn’t my favourite ever book of hers but it was still a great read. :)

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded to 4

Disclaimer: I read this book without reading The Shadows Between Us, so more fool me for being a little lost when starting it! However, it was an easy enough read which I flew through pretty quickly - and I'll try to pick up the first book too at some stage.

From what I can gather, our FMC is a side character from book one, and she's a little abrasive at times. The MMC is also probably what I'd call morally grey. Romance? Believable enough, if not a little rushed (although that's usually the case in a standalone/one book relationship), but a standard 'sort of enemies-to-lovers' plot.

At times a little predictable, even without previous knowledge of book one, so that knocked a half a star off for me.

I think if you loved the first book you will also love this one. I'm adding it to my TBR!

This reminded me of Bridgerton, and unlike the previous book, I enjoyed this one more. Even though I don't like Chrysantha, the banter between her and Eryx was enjoyable, and kept me reading. What disturbs me a little is the writing style, which is more like a monologue than depicting the surroundings. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc! xx

very entertaining and fast paced like i know her books to be. i unfortunately couldn’t develop any feelings for either character, they were so petty and didn’t have any substance for me unfortunately.

I requested this but then I realised that I didn't remember anything from the first book. But turns out it wasn't necessary. I loved and hated the FMC but I'm attributed that to good writing. I could still relate to her and loved how she changed her mind about some certain things.

The Darkness Within Us
Tricia Levenseller
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/ 5

Firstly, I would like to thank Pushkin Press, Tricia Levenseller and Netgalley for providing me with an early review copy! You can read The Darkness Within Us on July 18th this year!

Chrysantha Stathos is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. For years, she has hidden her intelligence and ambition behind the disguise of a beautiful, air-headed young maiden destined to be sold off to a wealthy duke. Shortly after her marriage, Chrysantha’s elderly husband dies- leaving her with everything she ever wanted: status, wealth, safety and the freedom to do whatever she pleases. However, her victory is short lived- a stranger claiming to be the grandson of the duke appears to try and take everything from her. Eryx Demos threatens everything Chrysantha has worked so hard for- the years of pretending, manipulating, letting others use her like a chess piece- all of it wasted if Eryx gets his way. With her sister Alessandra’s upcoming wedding and coronation coming being rubbed in her face and the troublesome Eryx trying to steal her life Chrysantha decides two things. One- She is going to upstage Alessandra at her wedding for all the years of built up resentment between them. Two- Eryx Demos is going to die and she is going to get her life back. And in the end, a Stathos always gets what she wants.

I can’t even begin to describe how thrilled I was to be returning to the world from ‘The Shadows Between us’! I loved how different Chrysantha is from the way she was described in the first book- her character is just as clever, ruthless and fiery as Alessandra was yet her character was also so different! Chrysantha is much more subtle in her deviousness and I loved how good she was at manipulation and only showing people what she wanted them to see. I also loved Eryx- he was such a great new character and he contrasted very well with Chrysantha. Eryx has an air of innocence, and he is relatively calm where she is fierce, secretive while she is very open about her wants and desires- but their dynamic works really well. The mystery surrounding Eryx is well done, and I love how we get a glimpse of other places and magic in the world through him. I loved their relationship- it is a true enemies-to-lovers story. Their mutual hatred for each other in the beginning lasts for quite a good portion of the book, and they don’t really stop trying to get rid of one another even as they start to tolerate each other.

Another aspect of this book I loved was how we saw more of the relationship between the sisters- Alessandra and Chrysantha. Their relationship is complicated, as we saw in the last book, but in this book we got to see Chrysantha’s point of view. I like how the reasons behind their jealousy and bitterness towards each other was explored and they made progress in their relationship. I was also so happy to see Alessandra and Kallias again- also how much the world has evolved since Alessandra became queen. Both the sisters are so unapologetic in their cunning and ruthlessness and aren’t afraid of what society thinks- I’m so glad we got both of their stories.

Overall, the Darkness Within Us was an absolutely amazing book- I couldn’t put it down! If you loved The Shadows Between Us or even if you love enemies-to-lovers romantasy- you NEED to read this book!

THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US is my favourite book by Tricia Levenseller and THE DARKNESS WITHIN US does not disappoint as a companion novel.

This is an enemies-to-lover romantasy with a cool headed, clever heroine who is out to get what she wants, and is not about to let anyone get in the way. In some ways, Chrysantha is a mirror to Alessandra - ambition and determination - but she is much kinder, bringing in more allies from the start and building herself a strong support network.

Chrysantha has hidden her true identity from the world and now lets it out, all the force and cleverness in a powerful blow at those who've always taken advantage of her. It was very satisfying to see her put the solicitor in his place. This book highlights the power than men can be given by laws and society and how it can be used to abuse women. Chrysantha's been there and is not about to let herself be hurt again.

Eryx is an interesting character, full of secrets and at odds with her from the start. Their goals clash immediately and I liked that their antagonism was personal, about what the other was doing to their plans and not about what they represented. This put them on a much more equal footing so the sparks of their interactions were sharper.

Alessandra appears in this book, and it was interesting to see her through her sister's eyes, all the resentment and mistrust from years of a poor relationship. But the pair of them do work on improving their relationship now their father is no longer coming between them as they try to survive him. I really liked seeing them find common ground and respect for one another.

4,5⭐️

OH. MY. GOD. YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THIS BOOK, you are really not preprepared for this book

it is absolutely delightful and entertaining, but oh my, what did happen here and where do i even start???

i really liked shadows between us, but it was a long time ago, so i lowkey forgot abt it and starting this book i had no expectations, just wanted a quick, fun book

AND HOW IT DELIVERED!!! I DEVOURED it in one day, literally, I just sat my ass down, starting reading and suddenly the sky's dark and i needed to turn the lights on

about the characters, Chrysantha was so unhinged and delulu, you thought she was dumb and docile? literally in the first chapter, the first sentence - she's proving you wrong. she's just that character, that I'm not even sure i like, but she was so delusional and actually out of her mind crazy, it was hella entertaining, like damn, use that audacity, i can't believe you're actually doing it, but go girl!!!

and Eryx??? I'm actually speechless, it turned in the direction i never would have predicted while starting this book, I thought it'll just be some ya romance, lots of balls and seducing and dancing. but it is absolutely not, I won't say anything but i was just like did I pick up the wrong file? the idea of this book in my head, when I heard about it was so wrong and I'm so glad, cus of it

I know the book is called darkness within us but I didn't expect it'll be about that kind darkness, yall are in for a huge ass surprise

I was having the time of my life with this book, tho ending was a little hmmm, but the writing style made me swim thru the pages with the speed of light and I felt like a was riding on a rollercoaster - you're sitting strapped in and can't do anything except enjoy the ride and damn i was absolutely enjoying it, definitely a new fav

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.