I enjoyed the premise of the book but struggled to stay engaged with the storyline. I wish that there could have been more character development

Unfortunately DNFd at 10%…
I understand that world building takes some time but it was too much POV jumping in the beginning for my liking, what made it hard to get hooked on the plot. I really tried and forced myself to continue reading hoping I’ll get hooked but alas that didn’t happen.
Also it is clear from the dedication that author was inspired by TVD show but sometimes traits of characters are straight up copied and that bothered me.

I can see people liking this book but perhaps it’s just not my cup of tea.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, the premise is great. A supernatural world that can only be saved by our fmc, vampires and warlocks who may or may not be against her. But sadly the writing let me down. The pacing of this book was strange to me, with stilted and unnatural conversations between characters. It seemed slow to start and I really had to push myself to get through it. I kept trying to keep an open mind and give it second and third chances, but it barely picked up, with everything suddenly happening within the last few chapters. The author also drew influence from The Vampire Diaries, and this was really strongly obvious to me, which lessened my excitement for the book as it progressed.

Title: A Bond with the Dark by Inara Gage
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: July 9th 2024

A Bond with the Dark by Inara Gage is a spellbinding journey into a world where love, magic, and danger intertwine seamlessly. This novel is an exquisite blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue that will captivate you from the first page to the last.

Sayah Thorne, our reluctant witch heroine, is a force to be reckoned with. After a tragic fire claims her family, Sayah is thrust into a perilous quest for the truth, accompanied by her formidable witch aunts. Her journey is fraught with danger and deception, but Sayah’s strength, wit, and resilience make her a compelling and relatable character. She evolves beautifully throughout the story, proving time and again that she is a powerful witch who can handle anything thrown her way.

Dominic Sangravelli and his siblings are engaged in a fierce battle against grimspawn, the reanimated dead that haunt their existence. When destiny brings Sayah and Dominic together through a prophecy, their worlds collide in a forbidden romance that is both electrifying and deeply emotional. Dominic’s vampire family opposes their bond, adding layers of tension and intrigue to their relationship.

The chemistry between Sayah and Dominic is palpable, their romance a delicate dance between light and dark. As they navigate a landscape where betrayal lurks at every turn, their love becomes a beacon of hope against the encroaching shadows.

The dark forces that target Sayah believe her death will restore balance, but Sayah and Dominic are determined to defy fate and save their world from impending doom.

Inara Gage masterfully crafts a world rich in magic and mystery. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat, while the world-building immerses you in a landscape filled with witches, vampires, and grimspawn. The character development is great, with each character—especially Sayah—showing growth and depth.

A Bond with the Dark is more than just a supernatural romance; it’s a tale of resilience, love, and the power of defying fate. The beautifully woven narrative, coupled with the intense, forbidden romance, makes this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.

If you love stories where the line between light and dark blurs, where love and magic collide, this novel is for you. Sayah’s adventures are just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where they take us next


Thank you to The Publisher BooksGoSocial ,The Author Inara Gage & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I had the opportunity to read A Bond With The Dark before its release!

Immediately this book gave me Charmed vibes with a modern twist! (I may be aging myself with such a reference lol) I loved the drama, supernatural beings, and fast pace.

The FMC, Seyah, has experienced her fair share of trials and tribulations and that continues to remain true as our story begins. She embodies strength, resilience and is overall a badass.

Dom, MMC, is our delightful vampire.😍 He has also been a part of his own share of darkness. Together, he and Seyah must persevere to defeat evil.

I love that this story was written with dual POVs, so that we truly experienced all of the emotions our characters felt. Honestly I can’t wait for Book 2 in The Beautifully Broken Saga.