"Visions of Darkness" by A.L. Jackson offers a captivating blend of forbidden love and dark urban fantasy, pulling readers into a world where two realms collide.

Aria Rialta’s existence is split between reality and the nightmare world of Faydor. Her intense, dangerous connection with Pax, her soulmate, adds layers of tension and emotional depth to this story. Their love, cursed by the very world they fight to protect, is as fiery as it is tragic, keeping readers hooked on every twist and turn.

Aria and Pax are constantly on edge, aware that their love could cost them everything, but their undeniable chemistry makes it impossible to turn away from each other.

The story starts out a little slow and dark as the other realms of Tearsith and Faydor are revealed. The pace picks up once the impending danger of a new foe forces Pax to find Aria outside of their dream reality. A.L. Jackson's lyrical writing style truly shines in these moments, with her staccato-style sentence structure amplifying the depth of emotion between the characters and tattooing it onto your heart.

There are moments of true brilliance in this tale, especially when Aria’s power begins to awaken further, and the scope of the conflict expands. The development of her power hints at even more thrilling confrontations to come in the series, with increased focus on the mysteries of the fantasy world.

While some elements of the plot may feel familiar to fans of the genre, the compelling characters make it stand out and leave you wanting more.

Overall, this is a fascinating start to a series that promises to deliver even more heart-pounding action and romance. If you're a fan of forbidden love and dark urban fantasy, this book is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC

I loved AL Jackson’s entry into fantasy. This world is set in the real world at day and a place fighting evil at night. Aria is the badass woman we all strive to be but she’s so misunderstood by her family because of what happens to her at night. Pax is her rock and the best protector. They’re fighting evil stronger than they ever have faced and it puts everything into question. I cannot wait for the next one!

This book pulled me in from the start, grabbed me, and wouldn’t let me go, even when it broke my heart… and healed it.
I love urban fantasy, and this premise really got to me. I would very much like this to be true.

Aria and Pax are Laven, destined to live a normal life while awake and to fight evil when asleep. For that, they’re transported to Faydor, where they fight the Kruen—evil forces who prey on the most vulnerable and susceptible—every night. Together.

However… The rules clearly state there can never be anything between them. Except when they get hurt in the dream world, they’re hurt in real life too, leading Aria’s parents to jump to conclusions and putting her in very real danger.
With that, how could Pax ever stay away?

The connection between them was the most beautiful thing to me. The way they’re so in tune with each other is soul-deep. It’s the conflict between what they have to do and what they want, between knowing it’s wrong and feeling it’s right, that will keep you turning the pages and making you feel more and more.
I fell in love with both of them..

The awake and dream worlds cross paths when evil sets its eye on Aria. It needs to end her because she’s different and threatens its existence. But her real strength is her empathy—and I will say this: the store scene had me crying. It was very dark and very real at the same time, and it made me wish for Laven.

It won’t be easy for Aria and Pax, but they can literally overcome anything as long as they’re together. Other people may not get them and may call them wrong and forbidden, but the book makes you see that it doesn’t matter. And it’s together that they fight and vanquish one evil…
But with that ending? More is coming, and I can’t wait.

Risking it all for the person you love when you know there’s a chance you’ll never be together… is special. It’s a soul calling to its matching soul and a heart calling for its counterpart. It’s beautiful. It’s forever. Asleep or awake, you know that’s who Pax and Aria are.

Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson is unlike anything I’ve ever read. This debut fantasy completely captivated me with its unique premise and richly woven dual world timeline.

The story follows Aria and Pax, “Laven” who are transported to the mystical realm of Faydor while asleep to battle the sinister Kruen (beings who whisper ill intentions into human minds). The forbidden romance between Aria and Pax, two souls pulled toward each other despite being told they can never meet while they’re awake, had me hooked. Aria’s rare and extraordinary powers added even more intrigue, especially as she becomes hunted and Pax steps in to protect her while they’re awake.

With danger, mystery, and a love story that defies the odds, this book had me turning the pages nonstop. A.L. Jackson has delivered a stunning fantasy debut that’s emotional, gripping, and truly unforgettable. Highly recommend!

Once again I am thrilled when a long-time favorite author of mine steps out of her usual to give us a fresh story that I couldn't get enough of. With Visions of Darkness, A.L. Jackson puts on her romantasy hat and delivers a book that is enthralling from the very first words. I loved the premise of certain chosen ones being part of two separate existences, one while awake and the other while sleeping. A very interesting idea where our couple, Aria and Pax, are tethered souls while in Tearsith, and then battle evil in Faydor and have the scars to prove it. Then while awake, they live a more mortal life but are still standouts with their unusual eyes and harsh wounds that are inexplicably present after a supposed good night's sleep. But neither Aria nor Pax nor any of the other members of their otherworldly family ever really sleep well as despicably beings continue to ravage the world as we know it seeping into the minds of humans and destroying good people.

The pace is perfect and for me, explanations and terms used never feeling too foreign. I appreciated that Jackson didn't try and create a world that would be hard to fathom. Instead, she uses the evil that is sadly present everywhere as more of an explanation of why people have certain thoughts and how we need to understand that maybe it's not of their doing. At least that's what I took away from the fact that Aria is forever misunderstood by her family and how they continue to try and save her by institutionalizing her over and over again. That days away from turning 18, she finds within herself a new power that has only been seen in Tearsith a few times in the past and now with Pax, her Nol, by her side even awake, so much more needs to be accepted as they break every rule and forge a new future together. Or do they?

Jackson keeps us on our toes throughout and just when I thought all going to be ok with Aria and her new life, we get the last scene and my jaw truly dropped to the floor. I wasn't expecting that abrupt ending but cannot wait to see where Aria's path will lead her and if she'll ever really be settled within modern-day Earth or the tumultuous Faydor. It's an adventure that has many twists and turns and enough emotion and gutwrenching moments to keep my heart and mind fully engaged. I took my time with this one and savored every line as the forever kind of love between Pax and Aria kept my soul singing.

I often remark that books like these challenge my confused old brain but perhaps that is changing when I get to read wonderful stories like Visions of Darkness where I'm thrust into an unknown world where love is undoubtedly always the answer. The slow-burn romance between Pax and Aria is filled with the kind of obstacles most of us never have to face yet when they finally succumb to crossing that line between following the rules of their origins and taking that desperate leap to real bliss, I was beyond thrilled and hope their soulmate status will forever be their guide. Only time will tell.

5 big stars!

This was my first fantasy book and I enjoyed it. I don’t have a lot to compare my reading experience to in terms of fantasy books. I loved the premise of the story with awake world and asleep world. The fated mate part of the story was amazing. I love this author and I read most of her contemporary romance books and decided to give this book a chance even though fantasy isn’t a genre I usually read. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early!

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson is a mixed third and first person dual-POV paranormal romance. When Aria sleeps, her mind is sent to a different plane that lets her fight demons that cause pain and suffering in the waking world. Her partner is Pax, a young man who would do anything for her, including breaking the rule that states they can never meet in the flesh.

Two aspects of this story will be hardline ‘no’s for some readers. There is a four year age difference between Pax and Aria with the story opening right before Aria’s eighteenth birthday and Pax is twenty-two. We learn from the narration that the two have been paired off since Aria was four and Pax was eight, with Pax taking on the role of her protector almost since the beginning, making the two childhood friends who have had years to get to know each other. While nothing happens until Aria turns eighteen, there is very clear romantic tension between them from the moment we meet Pax. The other detail is the use of mental health facilities at the beginning and Aria’s parents being convinced she has a chemical imbalance due to her injuries from her other life slaying demons. I go back and forth on my own feelings regarding using this set-up for contemporary fantasies and romance, so I would understand if a different reader wanted to give this a pass.

This is a darker paranormal romance and has brief scenes that could be triggering, particularly CSA and domestic abuse. They are quite short and a lot of it is more of an implication rather than an actual depiction, but they do push the story into having darker themes. Aria also has some feelings of abandonment due to her parents’ refusal to listen to her and their insistence that she be sent to a mental health facility while she is still a minor despite her insistence that she’s fine. Pax’s own family life is one rife with abuse and isolation, largely perpetuated by his father.

The romance between Pax and Aria is just on the verge of starting by the time the book opens as Aria is finding it harder to keep her feelings to herself and Pax can only hold himself back so long when they are physically next to each other. Because they have a shared history and are partners fighting demons, there is an implicit trust there. I like it when there is pre-established trust in a darker romance because that means I can more easily believe that if one party wants to stop anything, the other person will actually listen. Pax and Aria do fit neatly within that as demonstrated by Pax saying ‘no’ at one point and Aria listening.

Content warning for brief implications of CSA, mentions of domestic and child abuse, and mentions of self-harm

I would recommend this to fans of darker paranormal romances and readers who prefer pre-established friendships in their speculative romances

This book had me hooked on the first chapter. Aria and Pax will pull on your heartstrings and have you rooting for them to succeed. So many things happen to each of them and yet they have never met in real life and they never can, or can they? Things start to happen that has Aria and Pax both terrified about what is coming. They both are very powerful but will they be strong enough to beat the Ghoul and win? It ends on a cliffhanger that will leave you begging to read book two, I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jackson’s writing is intense and emotionally charged, with a palpable sense of tension that drives the narrative forward. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the romance weaves seamlessly into the high-stakes drama. While the plot can be a bit predictable at times, the twists and emotional depth keep things engaging. If you enjoy a mix of romance, mystery, and suspense, Visions of Darkness delivers an exciting, passionate ride.

Thank you to NetGalley, A.L. Jackson and Montlake publishing for this advanced readers copy!

I first started reading heavily around 12+years ago, and got into a ton of romance books back then. A.L. Jackson was at the top of my prefered authors list too!

So, when I saw her name pop up for an upcoming Fantasy book, I had to jump on it!!

This story was such a fun concept! Different than anything I’ve read, and I really loved that!
You will have a hard time putting it down!
Jackson does an amazing job helping you visualize the world they are in.

The story starts a wee bit slow, but picks up before you know it!

Aria and Pax are two half’s of a whole.

This is a unique story not at all what I was expecting. Good vs Evil is a universal thing no matter what world you’re from. Looks like this might become a series by the way it ended but we will have to wait and see. I know I’m up for more!!

Visions of darkness pulled me in immediately, I was engrossed with the real world/fantasy world. Aria knows there’s more to her than just being a human, when she falls asleep she is take to another world. Pax is the one who is always there for her. When she finds herself on the run with Pax, will she get answers.

Ummmm wow!! I am not a huge romantasy reader but I am addicted to AL Jackson's writing. That being said, having the opportunity to read a romantasy from her, something outside her norm piqued my curiosity.

I loved this book! I was hooked from the start right through to the end. I loved the way in which the story moved between worlds. The connection between Pax and Aria was jumping off the pages. A.L Jackson's ability to make you feel the angst, turmoil and love ever present.

You could not help but feel for Pax and Aria. Clearly from different walks of life during the day. Their experiences vastly different. But within their alternate reality, they are fierce, the are loved and they complete one another.

I could not wait to see where the story would go. Would they beat the odds? Could their connection and purpose be denied? I was not expecting the ending and kept swiping my kindle for more.

This unfortunately did not hit for me. I found multiple challenges with the writing style: pov changes from 1st to 3rd, unclear world building and magic system, and odd sentence structures made it challenging to get through. I also didn’t love that it took place in the real world. I almost wanted it to stay in the magical realm rather than not.

The story is there and from what didn’t frustrate me I did enjoy. The stakes were high and the romance was engaging. The ending left me actually screaming.

Thank you for the chance to read this early!

I was so excited to dive into Visions of Darkness! A heroine juggling two realities—one awake and one in a nightmare world—sounded totally up my alley. Throw in a forbidden romance, and I was hooked. Sadly, the execution didn’t quite deliver.

On the bright side, I loved the dark, cryptic vibes—it had this haunted, almost psychological thriller feel to it that I enjoyed. The idea of a dream-world war bleeding into reality was unique, and there were definitely some gripping moments scattered throughout.

That said, the story fell flat for me. The romance was nice, but the constant reminders of how much the characters loved each other got old fast. Their bond was clear through their actions, so the overexplaining felt unnecessary.

The world-building was another letdown. The lore had so much potential, but it was mostly dumped on the reader, which made the pacing drag. I really wanted a more natural, immersive exploration of the world.

And then there’s the cliffhanger—I will say it didn't cause me to gasp, but I'm sure some will find it very frustrating while waiting for a follow-up book to be written. While the premise was strong, the execution left me disappointed.

One thing I love is a good fantasy I love a book that can make me forget what's going on in the world and go into an imaginative world where the impossible happens and you meet characters and creatures you would never meet for real and this book had ot all

A.L. Jackson brings a fresh new fantasy idea to life in Visions of Darkness. I loved the whole story. It’s full of action and adventure as Pax and Aria run for her safety.

Fans of the burn the world down for her MMC will definitely enjoy Pax’s character. And Aria is no damsel in distress.

This is hands down one of my favorite fantasy novels I’ve read, and I’m sure will be a top read of 2025 of mine as well.

Fantastic Romantasy!
Very glad to have picked this title to be The Traveling Book Bus, Book of the Month for January.
I thought the story was original and the romance perfectly written. Can't wait for more.

I’m always nervous when a romance author releases a fantasy book and that was definitely the case here.

I wasn’t a fan of the setting of the book. If I’m reading fantasy, I expect to be in a new world, not set in America 🙈

AL Jackson is a great romance author, and there were parts of this one that I really enjoyed. The premise of the book was really cool, but there were just some parts of the execution where I struggled.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Aria es una adolescente que, cada vez que se va a dormir, sueña con un mundo llamado Faydor, donde ella, junto a otros, debe luchar para derrotar al Kruen. Ella sabe que lo que vive no son sueños, sino la realidad, pero sus padres no le creen y piensan que está teniendo brotes psicóticos, por lo que quieren internarla.





Para ser el primer libro, no estuvo mal. Espero que en el siguiente se desarrolle mejor el mundo y se expliquen más cosas. Me esperaré hasta que se publique el último libro para retomar la lectura.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.