A.L.Jackson is in her Romantasy Era!

As she is one of my top five authors, and her books never fail to get me out of a slump, I was so excited for her to enter the fantasy world.
I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC!

I really did like this book, I was hooked from the beginning and read this in one day. The whole concept of being pulled into a different realm when Aria and Pax fell asleep was really a very interesting concept and I think it worked really well.
I have read a few Romantasy books before, and this is a bit different, but I loved it and I stand by that!
I love the soul mate, forbidden to be together vibe.
I think this was a great read, and I will definitely be right there waiting for the next book!

This book has a unique plot centered around the idea of two worlds colliding and the constant (and very real) battle between good and bad centered around realistic thoughts and scenarios. There is an overarching love story between our two main characters, along with adventure, self discovery, suspense, and friendship. I loved the eternal soulmate aspect and that we it's set in a modern setting but has this fantasy elements woven in.

For myself, I struggled a bit with the pacing and world building. I can't pinpoint it exactly but I didn't connect with the fantasy elements as I hoped I would and a lot of times it felt like the story was dragging a bit or just not paced well and I found myself distracted while reading. It came across as meant for a younger audience (except for the spice), and I think there were some plot points that didn't resonate or make sense to me.

I think there is an audience for this book who would enjoy the fantasy elements and plot, and so I would recommend it to them. However, it was just not a book for me overall.

I received an eARC of this book, but the review is entirely my own.

Visions Of Darkness is the first book in the Darkness series. I don't read many romantasies and I thought this was perfect for someone like me. It wasn't too complex or hard to comprehend and it was set in our world. I loved the storyline and the plot. It was engaging, kept me interested. I loved the 2 worlds and how Amy wove them together. I thought the concept was so cool, so original.

Aria and Pax are great characters. They're well developed and have many layers to them. I loved getting to know them and seeing their relationship evolve. Their chemistry, attraction was absolutely fire.

Overall, this was a great and fun read. The plot is super unique, the characters are great, the magic and world building are easy to understand. It is the perfect book to dip your toes in the romantasy genre !

"You are what my heart knows"

Honestly, I didn't know where to begin when writing this review.

A.L. Jackson completely blew my mind with her first venture into the world of Romantasy. I have read all her contemporary romances, so I couldn't wait to read this one. In true A.L. Jackson style she did not let me down, leading me on an exhilarating journey from the moment I began reading. VISIONS OF DARKNESS was a spellbinding, fated mates, two worlds collide, forbidden romance with the ultimate morally grey, protective hero sand as badass heroine who realizes that to remain safe and alive she must keep her secret hidden from those around her.

"I would break every f... rule in this world and in that one to keep you safe."

Aria Rialta has just turned eighteen and is a Laven, someone who, once falling asleep at night, is drawn into another realm, Faydor. It is a nightmare realm where she, along with other Lavens, fight the Kruen, creatures who thrive on spreading chaos and mayhem amongst humans. Pax Morrison is twenty-two and is also a Laven. He is Aria's Nol(soulmate) and has sworn to protect her no matter the cost, he must always put her first. The only time Aria and Pax meet each other is in Faydor, but when Aria's safety is threatened in the daylight hours Pax will break every rule to track her down and keep her safe. Meeting in the "real" world is forbidden and could have dire consequences.

"She was my perfection. My ecstasy. My completion."

Aria and Pax's story was intense, action-filled, as journey of self-discovery, and a slow burn romance. The connection and magnetic pull between them were deep and strong. Their unforgettable journey was one of secrets, revelations, hiding, searching, and love.

A.L. Jackson's storytelling was captivating, her world building vivid, and her characters were simply sublime. She kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat as I followed Aria and Pax on their journey together. What I was not expecting was that cliffhanger!!! OMG I need the next book now!!!

A highly recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

Ahh, what debut into the romantasy world! I started with the ebook, but then added in the audiobook and did a simultaneous read/listen and I found that even more enjoyable.

The premise behind this story had me intrigued from the very beginning and I only grew more and more fascinated. Jumping between the real world and the world of Faydor, which is a realm that the characters visit in their dreams and fight Kruen, who are essentially entities that speak dark thoughts into vulnerable humans.

I loved this story and these characters so much. I am so here for the level of protectiveness from Pax!! That man would do anything to protect Aria! *swoon*

I absolutely need more from this series ASAP!

I’ve never been a romantasy girlie, but I devoured this one!! With Amy being one of my favorite authors, I was absolutely willing to try a new genre and I loved it! Pax & Aria shift between different realities while awake and asleep, fighting against evil in the world of Faydor at night. Their love is technically forbidden, never having met during the day, but they’re truly soulmates across every reality. I mean this man travels across the country to find her when she’s in trouble. Pax & Aria’s connection is so strong and was so captivating to read about. Between Pax’s loyalty and protectiveness over her and Aria’s fierce compassion...they make an incredible team. I enjoyed the adventure, the mystery and intrigue, and the love between Pax & Aria. I still have so many questions, and that ending?!?!?! I need more!! I really enjoyed this one, and loved getting a taste of fantasy!

A fantastic romantasy debut. I love AL writing so much and this was no exception. She has me turning the page at record pace trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Urban fantasy is such an underrated genre and I’m so glad there’s another epic one added to the roster.

“May your hearts forever keep the hope of your calling,”

I loved this book!
The good vs evil in this is depicted in such a way that it's reminiscent of angels vs. demons. The way evil enters the minds and souls of humankind unbeknownst to them while the Laven battled this evil in a different plane was so intriguing!!! The fact this is A.L Jackson's first romantasy is amazing!
The Bond between Pax and Aria was everything !
I can not wait for more of this series!

This fantasy romance takes you from a somewhat normal family life to a whole other world while you are sleeping. Aria and Pax belong together but with their worlds colliding how will this all work. This is a complicated love story about love, family and figuring out who you truly are. These characters are telling a sometimes intense story in this well layered book with a lot going on. This is only book one in this series so things are just getting interesting.

This was such an interesting beginning to a series! I had a feeling that AL Jackson would write a very compelling Romantasy, and that is true about this book, if nothing else. I would call this a New Adult Romantasy and I think this is a decent dive into a new style of romance from her.

I was immediately gripped by the struggle and predicament Aria finds herself in. Living a double life. Where in one, she is a High School Senior about to turn 18 and in the other, she is a magical warrior who fights off the Darkness in the land of Faydor. With her Laven family, who train and fight evil together.

Pax is her protector and partner in Faydor. He keeps her safe so she can do her job. But in the waking world they are not supposed to ever meet. Big bad things will supposedly happen and be drawn to them if they were in the same place at the same time. That doesn't keep either of them from longing for each other. Nor does it keep Pax from rushing to Aria's rescue when her earthly family has her committed for the strange wounds they find on her body that look like self-harm.

Yeah, she is in quite the sticky situation.

Now that Pax and Aria are together, how will they ever go back to the way things were, and that becomes even more impossible when enemies begin converging on them. They have their backs against the wall and they don't know what the new power manifesting in Aria really means.

I found parts of this story to be very compelling and the narration performances by Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton really helped with that too. They really kept the story moving. I have always found that AL Jackson's writing sounds the best when it is being performed. It is very lyrical and flows better that way.

However, I did find this to be a bit *too* flowery, with many descriptions using a lot of words to not say anything at times. That may seem harsh, but I feel like after completing this novel, I should know a bit more about what's happening. I'm happy we didn't have too much info dumping, but I have so many questions. I know there are more books coming, and this did end in a cliffhanger, but there should have been a bit more meat on the bones.

Overall, I will continue this series and I am anxious to know what comes next for this pair!

3.5 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale

CW: forced committal of a minor, violence, danger to children

I’ve always enjoyed this author’s writing, so I was thrilled to dive into this book. While she’s known for contemporary romance, she did absolutely amazing with this supernatural new adult fantasy. The concept was fresh and intriguing, with my favorite aspect being her world-building, layering an alternate reality onto our own. I’m a sucker for a good parallel world, and in this case, it unfolds through the dreams of select individuals. The FMC and MMC are a part of these select individuals and throughout the book are on a journey to defeat the evil that they face. I’m so excited and awaiting its release so I can finally discuss it with others!

Visions of Darkness | A.L. Jackson

✨ Fantasy Romance
✨ Two Worlds Collide
✨ Fated Mates
✨ On The Run
✨ Forbidden Love

Always a huge fan of A.L.Jackson’s writing. This was her debut fantasy novel. I loved how this was so unique and completely original. The book tells the forbidden love story of Aria and Pax. Both live separate lives during the day In the real modern world while at night when they sleep they are brought into the fantasy world of Faydor. In Faydor they work together to fight the evils of the Kruens. These dark beings infiltrate the minds of humans and force them to do horrible things. The fantasy side to this book was very easy to follow and a great option for someone looking to try out the genre. This has danger, suspense, and a captivating romance. Younger aged characters and very mild spice. I loved the dedication and intense bond between the two characters. Loved how the story felt true to Jackson’s typical contemporary romance writing style while mixing it with darker fantasy elements. Can’t wait for more in this series.

“He knew his love for her was greater than anything else. Greater than anything he would ever experience. It was absolute. Born of some twisted fate that would tie her to him forever.”

“Aria. You’re every dream I’ve ever had. Every vision in the day. Every hope that I’ve dared to have. All of me, it’s yours.”

“Written on my soul and inscribed in my being. Aria was.”

“Make no mistake, I would break every fucking rule in this world and in that one to keep you safe.”

“My soul that recognized her across the miles and space..”

Amy is officially in her romantasy era and I LOVED it so much!! It was just the right amount of everything. The names were easy to pronounce, you could follow along easily and Pax and Aria were so amazing!

Amy is truly the queen of the Morally Gray Hero that you will fall in love with every time!! You will fall in love with Pax…dark, mysterious, broody and completely taken with our girl Aria!! The way he will protect and defend Aria will have you swooning!!

Aria is a bad a***!! Yes!! I can’t wait to see how their story continues!
Amy, I need more and that cliffhanger..what!! I’m so ready.

When I saw this advertised, I was really intrigued and signed up for the arc there and then. Unfortunately for me, I struggled jumping between the different worlds and writing points of view. That's a me issue rather than a book issue, though, and I am sure there are lots of readers who would disagree with me.

That being said, I enjoyed the tension of always being on the run, trying to fight something that is difficult to pin down, and how the development of the relationship between Aria and Pax.

Pax is the ultimate protector, I just wish he gave in to his desires sooner!

Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher, Valentine PR, and the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read a fantasy book by Amy! But I didn’t realize that this book featured a female lead who was 17/18 and still in high school. I just couldn’t get fully into it. Writing was beautiful like always and the plot was unique, especially with the dream realm, but couldn’t connect with the characters. Dnf at 44%

Thank you Valentine PR for the advanced copy in return for honest opinion. ❤️

I have so many good words to say about this book, it’s the perfect beginning to a series, it was addicting, perfectly paced, and so visual you feel like you’re watching Pax and Aria on tv. Speaking of TV, this is literally the perfect book to be adapted to Television or a Movie, it would do wonders and would be so captivating in visual media.

I loved how unique this story was, I have never read a similar story to this and while it may exist, it’s the first of its kind for me. I love dream fantasy, and Aria enters into a separate world when she sleeps, and injuries in that world are real when she wakes up. I loved how they included her parents fears of her being mentally ill, it adds just a well-rounded view of that story and what it would be like to have these types of dreams.

Pax and Aria are forbidden, cannot be together per their culture’s rules, as they are each other’s Nol, a bond between two people that prevent them from ever being together in the real world without major damage. Unfortunately they had to find each other to save each other, and finally fall in love in person. Pax is a complex character that we seem him more fleshed out in future books, he is still a major mystery besides his love for Aria and I think it’ll make the series even more compelling.

The entire second half of this book flew by as the suspense ramps up and you won’t want to put it down. The cliffhanger makes me so desperate for a second book so I hope it comes soon!

Wow I really enjoyed reading about Aria & Pax.

This was definitely a different kind of story that I had no idea if I would like but man did I really like it. The fact that these two are a part of something that only they know about, fighting against something only they can see was so intense. Especially when you consider Aria being put into a mental hospital because her parents thought she was a danger to herself.

But I absolutely loved the fact that her connection with Pax out weighed everything. Despite being taught otherwise, he went against the rules to find her in the daylight & help her.

Then they had to fight against the monsters only they could see, especially now that Aria seems to be able to fight against them in the light as well. Their journey was rough but it only brought them closer as well & Pax finally stopped fighting against his feelings for her.

This was such an interesting & intriguing book that I am for sure interested in seeing what happens next.

Amazing job!

Let me just say, I didn’t expect this book to be THIS MF GOOD. and of course as soon as I finish, I’m at lost for words to put into this review. BUT IT WAS AMAZING. The premise of the story is essentially that the MC’s, while awake, live out their lives as humans. BUT while asleep, they fight and kill off the demons that haunt our thoughts everyday. The MC’s are each other’s Nols (basically soul bonded) but they only know each other when asleep, and are forbidden to find each other while awake. Well when our FMC, Aria, gets into some trouble, and her parents think she mentally unstable, our MMC, Pax, can feel it and breaks all the rules to find her, and together they try and save her life. It’s CHEF’s KISS✨ now, Pax…he is also a Chef’s kiss and I’m pretty sure he will be making it to the top of my book boyfriends list with his whispered sweet nothing and morally gray facade 🔥 HATE HATE HATE that it ends on a cliffhanger and I need another book RIGHT NOW PLEASE

When one of my absolute favorite authors is writing her first Romantasy... Sign me up, please!!

This was a journey shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Through mists & shadows, evil lurks, a mysterious web that pulls you deeper into the dense, foggy chaos. You won't want to put this one down as Aria & Pax fight an evil greater than they've ever known.

Each night, when darkness falls, deep within the recesses of the mind, danger lurks beyond the veil of shadows. Imagine closing your eyes, knowing that instead of a peaceful night's sleep, you will fall into a place that nightmares are made of. This is the reality of Aria & Pax, a chosen one and her protector. Meant to protect the mortal world from evil forces, known as the Kruen, born of deception, betrayal & greed.

As danger lurks in the shadows of daylight, Aria finds her powers growing and as they grow, so does the anger of the Kruen. Enough to draw Pax out of the shadows and into the light as he vows to protect Aria at all costs. A move that could destroy them both. Straddling a life between the heavens & hell, Aria & Pax, set out on a cross country road trip as they continue to fight the evils that are chasing them, hoping to find answers to questions they aren't even sure of.

With the evil darkness swirling around them, they struggle against the forbidden attraction and underlying chemistry that has always swirled around the two of them. Crossing lines could be the end of them both, but the risk might be worth every moment they have together. After all, is the end right around the corner?

This slow burn is worth every twist and turn it throws at us and the ending will have you screaming for more!!

So... can we just cross our fingers that A.L. Jackson writes more romantasy in the future? Because when I say I was SAT for this book... there is no exaggeration. This is one I wish could be made into a movie or tv show so I can visually SEE what was happening on the pages because wow this one was so great. I NEED MORE FROM THIS WORLD!