DNF

I gave up on this one around the 22% mark because I just couldn’t keep up with what was going on. The story felt all over the place—one minute it’s in first person, the next it’s in third. It made everything so confusing, and I couldn’t stay invested.

The world-building had potential, but it didn’t really work for me. A lot of the lore was dumped on the reader, which made the pacing slow and dragged things out. Instead of letting me explore and understand the world naturally, it just threw info at me, and half the time, I still didn’t know what was happening.

I really liked the idea behind the story—a main character living in two different worlds (one awake, one asleep) sounded so cool, and I love a good romantasy. But but the execution just didn’t do it for me. I wanted to love it, but I couldn’t get into it. If you’re patient with complex writing and don’t mind info dumps, you might have better luck than I did!

I am not a “fantasy” or “romantasy” reader…that said…I am a huge A.L. Jackson reader! I devour her books! So, when approached with the opportunity to read Visions of Darkness, her new romantasy-read…I jumped at it! But unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. There were parts of it I enjoyed, but there was more I didn’t.

I thought the overall writing was good, I could see some of the poetic consistency that the author has in her other books. The descriptiveness made the characters and the setting very vivid. I did like the “portal” of falling asleep brought them to the other world, and wow…bringing the injuries into their real life was really neat. But there were parts that lagged to me, I didn’t feel much of a connection between Pax and Aria, and if the brief romantic parts were removed…it would almost seem like something that would be more YA.

I am giving this a 3.5 star rating (rounding up to 4)…not meant in a bad way at all. If you like fantasy/romantasy or maybe YA reads, I would recommend you give this a try and would be interested to see what you thought of it.

Aria Rialta is living the dream.. Sadly not in the way you think. Since she was a little girl, every night, Aria goes to Tearsith while she is asleep. There she spends time with people who have her silver eyes and she is always with Pax, the boy of white hair and kind eyes. Her parents at first think it's a cute "imaginary friend" situation, but they grow concerned as the years pass. Things go sour for Aria when she turns 16. That's when a Laven becomes a warrior and starts fighting the Kruens, who plague mankind. The problem is that Aria's body brings the wounds suffered in the hands of the Kruen to her "real life" in Albany, NY.  That gets her institutionalized for "hearing voices and harming herself" for a while.  Now she just lies. 

Pax has known forever that he's Aria's Nol, a soulmate and protector. He loves her above all things, but they can never meet "while awake"- it's forbidden. But when Aria is forced into a mental institution again two days shy of her 18th birthday, he throws caution to wind and goes rescue to the love of his life. 

Wow! This is Amy's romantasy debut and what a ride! I enthralled by the worlds and how she mixed urban fantasy elements with paranormal. 

I loved this one! The romance is there (the pining, oh the pining!) and you get sucked by the fantastical elements into the dream world. The balance between the suspense, fantasy and the smoldering slow burn between Aria and Pax is just amazing. 

It doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it leaves the door wide open for more adventures. I can't wait to go back to Tearsith!

Thanks, Amy and NetGalley for the audiobook and the ebook.

Content notes: violence, gore, forced institutionalization in a mental ward, mentions of self-harm and attempted suicide

what a ride, y’all! ALJ takes on romantasy and when I tell you there is no rest for the weary, these two soulmates go *thru* it. 😮‍💨🖤

Aria is a heroine on the run with one foot in reality and the other in a world that exists only in her dreams. it’s there where Pax is always waiting for her, intent on protecting her from the dangers that lurk to invade and consume the mind. due to the nature of her gifts, Aria is thrown into a psychiatric facility where, in classic ALJ style, the intrigue/action takes off! this has the thumbprint of ALJs writing style that we all love mixed with the unique otherworld she’s created! it’s especially unique in that there’s a switch from 1st POV in reality to 3rd POV in her dreams. the suspense is high and the spice is a surprising slowww burn, but the audio made it easy to fall away into their story! …and that cliffy at the end has me eager for the next one!

She glanced down at the new wound that marred her skin. She tried not to focus on it too much, instead breathing through the throbbing pain. She had a job to do, an evil to stop. The world was counting on her, but the weight she was carrying was becoming too much.

Visions of Darkness is a dual POV fantasy following Aria and Pax. Both are meant to protect the world from the evil that lurks in the realm they visit in their unconscious state.

The story of this one was really good, but I think I would have liked it even more if we would have gotten more information and world-building. I feel the reader is just thrown into the story and a stronger background into the evil the characters were fighting and a deeper dive into their connection would have made this book even stronger. That being said, this was an entertaining read and I definitely want to see how the series continues!

If you like dark fantasy, forbidden love, battles between good and evil, then I’d check out this one!

I have never read a Romantasy because it never sounded like something I could get into. But when I saw A.L. Jackson wrote one I knew I would try it. If anyone could get me to like it she would be the one to do it. Let me tell you she DID IT!! This was a great book. I couldn’t believe how fast I read this one. The story and the characters were well written.

Aria is a girl of two realities. One she was born into and one she was chosen for. Both are a threat. When Aria falls asleep at night she enters the nightmare world of Faydor to fight a war. t’s her calling to help destroy the Kruen, who feed sin and chaos to our everyday world of vulnerable humans. While she is there she has a soulmate and his name is Pax. They are only to be together in that world though.

Pax knows Aria is trying to fight the Kruen hard in Faydor but he also knows she struggles in her real world as well. When she ends up instituted because of her parents he senses her danger and goes to her in the real world. That is very dangerous and puts them both in extreme danger. As they embark on this journey together Aria will find powers and learn more information about Faydor and herself.

This book was so entertaining and a real page turner. Pax will have you swooning and smiling like crazy! He has such a big heart and truly cares for Aria. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I'm itching to find out what is going to happen next because that ending I didn't see coming!!

I would definitely recommend this book! Even if you aren't into romantasy you will be after reading this book!

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

This was a unique take on dark romantasy from one of my most-read authors, and I am here for it!

It had hints of a Shelly Crane to it but was much darker and more intense.

The fantasy world exists within Aria and Pax's sleep, but when this starts to bleed into reality, Aria's safety is put at risk in a way they could never imagine. Rules must be broken, bonds will be tested, and a forbidden love may be the only thing that keeps Aria fighting.

The bond between Aria and Pax was emotional, passionate, protective and more. Forbidden to be together but bound to be a pair, the two fight against their feelings and their innate need to keep the other safe.

I am looking forward to seeing the world of Laven and Kruen develop and finally learn the truth about Aria's waking power.

This was an enjoyable read and a good start to a new series.

Intriguing story kept me hooked into it to find out what was going to happen. There were a lot of questions that I had about WHY they are fighting this darkness and how they got chosen and all that that entails. I still have most of those questions.

Aria and Pax’s relationship was sweet. I wasn’t really expecting her to be newly 18 (tags do say New Adult), but she seemed like an immature and naive 18 year old. Like if it weren’t for Pax, there’s no way Aria would have survived in the world.

I am interested in more about Pax’s life. They glossed over that pretty quickly, but I feel like it could give him some more depth to see more of what he did before this book.

The ending leads me to believe there will be a second book, but I probably won’t read it. It was a quick enough read that I enjoyed it, but I don’t feel captivated enough to continue it if it becomes a series.

Read if you love:
-Chosen One
-Good vs evil
-Forbidden romance

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 1/1/25, Release date: 1/7/25

Rated 3.5 Stars

I loved the premise of Visions of Darkness and felt that it had pretty good beginning that was interesting and intriguing. However, it the pacing was off, it was too repetitive, I didn't feel the connection between the main characters and I didn't really like the way the hero harped on how perfect and pure the heroine was. That said I liked the magic system such as it was, the concept of the worlds that hero and heroine inhabited while awake and asleep as well as what they were fighting against. I did find it to be enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next part of Aria and Pax's journey.

A fantastic and a breathtaking new fantasy that will leave you dreaming for more!

A.L. Jackson took a shot with this being her first fantasy book and she could not have been more brilliant. Fantasy, romance and some dark tones were served with this book and I could not pull myself away from it.

Aria is special. She can go into another world when she sleeps in which she can get hurt and it will show in the human world. Which leads her parents to think these marks were done by her and forced her into a psychiatric hospital in which will only cause things to be worse. I will say, parts of it did cause some trigger moments, so just to be aware/prepared for those scenes in the beginning.

So what does Aria do now? She reaches out for the one person she needs the most, the one who will do anything to protect her. Pax.

Oh and the ending?! Don't even get me started on it, I'm so disappointed that I don't already have the next book, because who ends it like that and leaves someone to wait in agony for the next one?! But seriously, I'll take the next book now. The best fantasy I've read all year.

I can’t describe to you the chills this book gave me at the suspense, at the plot twists, at Aria and Pax. This was such a great book. It was the perfect book to end my 2024 on and the perfect book to start your 2025 on!

If you love what I call Fantasy Realism, aka fantasy but done in a way that you could see this being real life, you will love this book!

When Pax and Aria fall asleep, they come together to fight the Kruen to protect humans. They are forbidden to find each other in the real world. When Aria needs help, Pax goes to save her which then leads them on a journey to fight the evils hunting them and learn more about Aria’s powers.

AL Jackson, I need book 2 like yesterday!!

Tropes You’ll Love:
✨Forbidden
✨Touch Her & 💀 Protector
✨Morally Gray MMC
✨ Chosen One FMC

If you ever want to get into Romatasy, this is the perfect introduction into that genre! Visions of Darkness is my very first romatasy, and I loved this world that Amy created! It was captivating, easy to follow, and the characters and their story was so intriguing!

Aria and Pax live in two different realms. The real world is where they spend their days, but when they go to sleep, they enter Faydor, where they fight together to destroy the evil and darkness. They are not allowed to meet in the real world, but in Tearsith and Faydor, they are soulmates. Aria has a new threat after her, and this time, it's in the real world and not in Faydor where Pax can protect her. Pax does the one thing he is not allowed to do. He finds Aria, and they fight the darkness together, but they also have to navigate these feelings for each other they are never supposed to have.

Pax is the ultimate protector. His purpose in life is to protect Aria, and he does that and so much more! OMG! The bond these two have was unbelievable! Aria was trying to understand her new powers, and Pax never dimmed her light. He just wanted to be there for her through it all! He would always find her no matter what! And that cliffhanger?! Wow! I can't wait for what comes next!

Amy!! Congratulations on your first fantasy romance! I am blown away, and you have made me a fan of this genre!

Thank you, Amy and Netgalley, for this ARC!

Wow what an amazing way to discover a fantastic author especially as it’s her first Romantasy also and she knocked it out of the park, it also brought me out of a reading slump.
I was captured from the first page until the end and omg what an ending, I need to know when the 2nd book is due for release 🥹
The story follows 17 year old Aria who leads 2 very different lives, during the day she lives at home with her family but every night when she falls asleep, she enters the nightmare world of Faydor. She was always destined to fight the Kruen who feed pure evil into our world.
She paired with a Nol, her defender, his name is Pax and Aria is in love with him but although they are soulmates they can’t be together, they’ve been taught that to be together would be the destruction of each other.
Aria’s family love her but don’t understand her, they believe Pax to be her childhood imaginary friend. When Aria’s injuries during her nighttime battles appear to them as self harm she finds herself institutionalised again.
When Aria binds to a Kruen during her waking world she becomes the target of the Ghoul, the most feared in the land. Pax must do what no other has before and join her in the light of day, rescuing her from the evil hunting her already.
Can Aria survive and has Pax endangered them both?
Honestly the storytelling was incredible, I found it so captivating and was willing Aria and Pax on.
The last page though!!…..no spoilers but I need book 2 very soon 🙏
Thank you NetGalley, A L Jackson and Montlake for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - December 27, 2024
Publication Date - January 7, 2025

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @aljacksonauthor, @valentine_pr_ and Montlake!

With every A.L. Jackson book, I go into it expecting the story to play out one way and she surprises me every time! I really liked the concept when I read the summary of the book and I am happy to report the reality did not disappoint! Amazing romantasy debut! Visions of Darkness is action packed and fast paced, I binged it in one night. When it comes to the romance, something felt a little unnatural, where I couldn’t tell for sure if they were actually in love with each other or if Pax just felt duty bound to protect Aria and if Aria just felt safe with Pax. I was so unprepared for that ending and I need book two ASAP (there has to be a book two!) because what just happened?!

If you like romantasy books with soulmates, forbidden relationships and two worlds, you should try Visions of Darkness!

Get excited to read Visions of Darkness, available January 7! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

Thank you to AL Jackson and Valentine PR for the ARC copy!

Visions of Darkness was ALs first jump into the romantasy genre. It’s got parallel worlds, slow burn and an on the run plot line. I’ve read many books from AL and adore her writing. Unfortunately this fell flat for me.

The premise behind this book was really intriguing. These beings from this dark world (Faydor) being the cause of the horrible things happening in our world and our main characters being warriors that fight these demons while in their sleep. The world building and lore was not confusing at all, it wasn’t overly done but the execution just fell a little flat.

I was reading through and even at 50% I felt like I didn’t even know these characters or had any stake in the plot. AL is usually fantastic about putting personality into her characters so I’m unsure what happened here. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the Pax and Aria. I wanted a little more grit? I’m not sure how else to describe it.

I also feel like it read very YA, which maybe was the intention? I’m not sure. If that’s your vibe then this would be great for you. I’m unsure whether I’ll continue on with the next book.

I’ll 100% continue to read AL’s contemporary series.

I honestly don't even know how to describe this book, other than captivating and original.

Set between the real world during the day time and Tearsith, a magical realm at night when asleep, this book hooked me.

I loved the premise - when Aria falls asleep at night, she is transported to another world where she must banish the Kruens - evil spirits that enter the minds of the people on Earth. But there are others who help aid in this fight, and they are forbidden from ever meeting in the daytime/real life.
Obviously, rules are made to be broken, which sparks a race across the country to 'fight the big fight '

Pax, Pax, Pax - morally grey, but loyal as hell. A stand-out MMC for me.
I loved the feistyness of Aria, and even though Pax would protect her until the end, she could hold her own.

The only put down I have is that the next book isn't available because that ending?! Wow.

Thank you to Montlake for allowing me an advance copy of this book via Netgalley.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Format: ARC Ebook
Pages: 380
Spice: 2 🌶️
POV: Double POV
S/S: Darkness #1
Check trigger warnings for any book.

I devoured this book oh my god this was so different from anything I’ve read up until now.

First, the switch from first person to third person depending on the reality? Brilliant, it directly made me feel the difference of worlds.

The lore? By the end, we still have so many questions but somehow the unknown didn’t impact the story negatively. This was such a unique take on « demons ».

The characters? Pax and Aria??? Wow. Their relationship was so intense, so fast-paced but no in an insta-love type of way. It felt real, not rushed.

THAT ENDING???? WHAT???

I’m really impressed by this author’s work. At the start of the book, I wasn’t exactly « excited » or « in the mood » to read this book. I binged it in an afternoon. I’m telling you, this was addicting.

I can’t wait to see what book two holds for Aria, Pax, and the rest of the Laven.

Leena - Leena.reader review - @leena.reader on tiktok and instagram

“Your Nol is your greatest strength here in Tearsith and in Faydor, and your greatest weakness while awake.”

I will admit that I don’t read a lot of romantasy books and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with Visions of Darkness, but I was so intrigued by the premise that I knew I had to give it a shot. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. Once I started, I was so drawn into the Aria and Pax’s quest that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

“My purpose is to protect her. Saving her is my meaning.”

Aria and Pax are basically soulmates, but they can only be together while they sleep and fight together in Tearsith and Faydor. To find each other in real life, could result in a danger beyond anything they could ever imagine, but when Aria is in danger, the bond between is so strong that Pax has no choice but to find his “Nol”. What follows is an adventure beyond your imagination.

“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.”

The longing and connection between Pax and Aria is palpable and can be felt through the pages. Their journey to fight against the darkness that threatens their lives is enthralling and full of surprising twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I don’t want to give a lot away because I think it’s best to experience it for yourself. Visions of Darkness was a captivating read and I cannot wait until the next book in this series.

Okay wow! This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I couldn’t put it down. I don’t even read much fantasy, but this book makes me want to read more! It was soooo good! Pax and Aria are everything! I loved it so much! And that ending 😱 I need the next book immediately!

𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 by A.L. Jackson is her debut foray into the dark romantasy world, featuring 2 wounded souls chosen to fight evil in another world in their dreams. However when that darkness starts to follow Aria into her regular life, the rules might have to go out the window. Pax and Aria have always fought side by side in the dark dream world, but can the bond they share overcome the bigger threat that has surfaced now in the daylight?

I don’t read fantasy often, but I was excited to see where this author would go with it, and it was original and riveting! The world building and imagery was amazing! I loved the dichotomy of being stuck in a “normal human existence” where you don’t fit in, yet being chosen to have these fantastical powers in your sleep, along with a soul mate that you fight with there, but aren’t supposed to meet. Perfect built-in conflict for when things start to spill over from one world to the other.😉 I really enjoyed all the drama, twists, action, emotional pain, and especially the angst and yearning between Aria and Pax! A romance between them was strictly forbidden, but the connection between the soulmates was sooo strong!! Those “Touch Her and ☠️” vibes were really popping in this one as well!! I gotta say, I like the dark, edgy, FAFO aura that Pax put out!😍 I loved the two of them together, honestly. With Aria’s empathetic heart, she needed a protector like him. I wasn’t expecting the cliffhanger to be what it was, so I cannot wait for the next book!!👀👏🏻

I received an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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