This one had me hooked from the first chapter! For a debut this was so well written and atmospheric, I was instantly drawn into the world and the characters.

The world gave ACOTAR vibes - season themed courts, fae and human realms. Going on a journey across the realms to stop an evil ruler from decimating their world.

The MMC Zain was a young king with the responsibility of a court on his shoulders. Faced with a familial war when his uncle turns against him and tries to take over the kingdom.
He seemed to instantly fall for Estrid and was always conflicted with doing the best for her or his kingdom. Overall I liked him as a MMC, he makes some questionable choices and some things happen outside of his control - but overall he’s a loyal likeable guy and I can’t wait to see what happens with him in book 2.

The FMC - Estrid - was so intriguing. She was so powerful, not only with her shadow powers but also in combat. Her guilt over her actions and want for redemption really shone through. She feels remorse at how she was used in the past and the pain it caused, so now she isolates herself and tries to help people. She really went on a self discovery journey throughout this book and am curious to know how her story ends!

In terms of side characters, Rafe was my fave. It is, however, weird how many romantasy heroines have a pet wolf, who’s meant to be a dangerous deadly creature but a big softy for her.
I was also a massive fan of Alvey. He was loyal to his brother, but also seemed to be a protector of the everyone. Really liked his character. Big brother vibes with Estrid.
Another side character, Des, had a redemption arc throughout the book. She was highly
unlikable at the start but went through major character development and was one of my favourites by the end.

The relationship between the MMC & the FMC - not instalove but he was attracted to her from the start. The fact she saved and cared for him. They were perfect for each other - their powers were yin and Yang. Balanced each other out perfectly. Loved the imagery that she was this powerful witch everyone feared, yet he just saw a woman he wanted to protect and wasn’t afraid of her darkness.

With betrayals, found family and tension - Forgiving Darkness is a fantastic novel I would recommend! The relationships between the characters in this book and the journey they go on just make this a really enjoyable read.

ARC copy provided by C R Sirota Industries LTC & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Forgiving Darkness by Cat Sirota is a captivating dark fantasy romance that swept me away from the very first page. With a blend of magic, intrigue, and emotional depth, this book is a fantastic start to the Binary Souls Duology, and I couldn’t put it down.

The story follows Estrid, a fierce and determined witch on the run from her tyrant father. Her quest for freedom is thrown into chaos when she encounters a mysterious, wounded Fae deep in the Dark Forest. The chemistry between Estrid and the Fae is electric, filled with tension and secrets, and the slow burn of their connection kept me hooked throughout.

Sirota’s world-building is top-notch. The Dark Forest is rich with danger and mystery, and the dynamic between Estrid and the Fae—both trying to hide their true identities—adds layers of intrigue to an already complex plot. What really stood out for me, though, was the emotional complexity of the characters. Estrid’s internal struggle with her past, her family, and her powers creates a strong, relatable heroine, while the Fae’s quiet strength and hidden motivations make him just as fascinating.

Forgiving Darkness is a spellbinding combination of romance, betrayal, and hidden secrets. Cat Sirota has crafted a world where nothing is as it seems, and every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat. If you love dark fantasy with a touch of romance, fierce characters, and a plot full of tension, this is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next in the duology!

I’m torn on how I feel about this one. There’s a lot of potential, but it didn't fully meet my expectations.

Let’s start with Estrid, I liked her, but I wish she had more depth. At times, she came across as too passive and caught up in her own "woe is me" mentality. We’re told frequently how much she despises her father, yet it didn’t always feel like that anger and determination were reflected in her actions. I wanted her to be stronger and more decisive, especially considering the weight of what's going on around her.

The writing itself was solid, but there was A LOT of telling rather than showing, which slowed down the pacing and made it harder to truly immerse myself in the story. The plot has a lot of promise, but the execution felt a bit flat. There were plenty of events happening, but they didn’t always feel like they were driving the story forward. As a result, while there was constant action, it often felt like not much was actually happening in terms of character growth or plot development. It was essentially everything happening all at once.

I also think the world-building, plot, and character development could have been more fleshed out. The premise has a lot of intrigue, especially with the Fae character and Estrid’s relationship to her father, but I felt like the depth was missing. With stronger development, I think the stakes and emotional impact could have been much higher, and I’d have connected with the characters on a deeper level. The plot felt a bit predictable and didn’t offer much in terms of originality. While I personally prefer stories with a more unique twist, I recognize that many readers enjoy familiar tropes and plotlines. And that's totally valid, everyone has their own preferences.

There was an element of insta-love (or insta-attraction) that didn’t sit well with me. I prefer seeing relationships develop naturally over time, not necessarily in a slow-burn way, but in a way that feels more authentic and earned. The sudden intensity of their connection felt rushed, and I would have liked to see more depth and gradual evolution in their bond.

That said, as a debut, it’s a decent start and I do think it has potential. So I give it a 3. With more refinement and focus on character depth and pacing, I think the series could really come into its own. I’m still curious to see where the story goes, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this author as they develop. There’s potential here, and I hope to see it fully realized in the next book.

YA with simple, clean writing — often repetitive — relying heavily on telling and over explaining, with the two main characters having an instant, electric connection that has them opening up to each other almost instantly. They both have troubled pasts; Zain uncle betrayed him and he had to leave his brother and cousin behind while he ran from the fae realm to the mortal one; Estrid has black magic and uses it to kill, murderous soldier or innocent bird, it’s all one and the same. But she feels bad about some of the killing she’s done in the past. It’s obvious they’re meant for one another.

There follows adventures between an evil king with an evil advisor, the fae realm with Summer and Shadow courts, daring dungeon escapades, and a lot of beatings. Brutal, bloody, leaving characters broken — so much so that without magic, they probably wouldn’t be walking around trying to save the world. However there’s also communication (eventually). Apologies. Characters talking to one another like people. There is also sex between the two main characters, behind closed doors — because this is more of a YA book — and friends and characters making realistic choices.

Personally, I found the book … fine. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it wasn’t offensive. While the world building is a bit, ah, half baked, there’s an attempt in there. If you’re into YA stories, fae romances and heroines with shadow magic falling for fae princes with blonde hair, consider giving this book a try. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC.

All I can say is wow! This book had you second guessing everything you thought you knew with the twists and turns, but in a most ingenious way! You fully get engrossed with the characters and their relationships with each other, and can feel the family dynamics within the 3 Fae members and how much faith and trust and love they have with each other. I can not wait for the second part of Estrids story!

The plot was a tired rehashing of the classic fae plot we’ve been reading so much of, but with nothing unique to distinguish it. Significantly more telling than showing, particularly via the characters’ inner monologue. I struggled to feel connection to the characters, perhaps because I struggled to find the plot compelling. I think more backstory for Estrid might be beneficial in this regard.

Overall, while the book shows promise, it reads more like a first draft than a polished final product. I truly appreciate the hard work the author has poured into this project, and I never want to diminish anyone’s creative dreams. My suggestion would be to collaborate with a skilled editor to refine the story into the gripping read I believe it has the potential to become.

Unfortunately, I DNF’d after chapter four.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC!

It was a really good debut novel. It was the cover that really got my attention and made me want to read it. It starts off with Estrid living in exile, willing to do whatever it takes to escape her father. Until she comes upon a wounded fae male in the woods she has been hiding in. 

I like the concept and that the FMC has Shadow / Dark magic and not the MMC. That is very different from what most authors do. I was intrigued by Estrid and her story. She is very strong and has an amazing companion Rafe which I absolutely loved. The concept of the world, courts, magic, and back story had me very interested in it. The relationship between Estrid and Zain felt a little rushed. I wish we would have gotten more chemistry and more into them learning each other and how to work together. There were quite a few twists and turns that had me shocked and I couldn't put it down. I definitely need more of Alvey and Zella they were such good characters that always made me laugh. If you want a quick fantasy read I highly recommend it!

I can't wait to read the next book! Thank you so much Netgalley and Cat Sirota for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team!❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eistrid, known as the Witch, is living in isolation - hiding from the people who hate her and the people who want to control her. Saving an injured man, she’s drawn into the realm and politics of the Fae all whilst fighting for her own freedom among the humans.

Wow what a fantastic read - hard to believe this is a debut novel! I cannot wait for book 2. If you like fantasy with a hint of spice and lots of magic then this is for you!

Main characters - absolutely wonderfully crafted. Loved them all. Loved the tension in the middle to late part between some of the side characters as their arcs come out and how it all ended. Eistrid - loved her strong moral compass, her unwavering perseverance and that fact she was the shadow character! Zain - well there were times I wanted to punch him in the throat but hey we have all been there with that main man. All the side characters were great and would love to see them developed more in the future! Villans were done perfectly, hated them all - not an ounce of care for them at all!

Writing - very well done, the book gripped from the first page and kept me turning page after page. The writing, pace, suspense, structure was brilliant. If I had one comment - the character descriptions were flawless but I did find it difficult to get the same guidance for the world itself and found myself lacking in that area at times. It didn’t detract from how much I loved it.

Romance - I think this was done well. It wasn’t overly spicy; just the right amount for me. There was chemistry and would like to see that develop more in book 2 between the main characters and the side characters.

Genuinely cannot wait for book 2!

I was very hesitant starting this book but I found a treasure! I absolutely loved Forgiving Darkness and I am so keen for book 2 when it comes out. In this debut novel from Cat Sirota, we follow Estrid, a Dark Witch, on a journey she never expected to find herself on. After saving a Fae who stumbled into her forest after being attacked, the two of them are pulled onto a path Fate had set for them. If you are a fan of borderline morally grey main characters with badass animal companions and found family, book one of the Binary Souls Duology is something you should check out.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I think this was a great debut novel. Obviously, it was the cover that really pulled me in because how gorgeous it is! But I'm very happy I decided to give this a chance.
This isn't a 5 star for me because I'm more of a character focused reader. I felt a bit like the characters were a little flat and I missed the chemistry, missed actually seeing relationships developing on page.

Regardless, it was a good read and I might be here for book 2, as well.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy.

While the premise of this book was interesting, and it was decently written, I found the first half of the book to the rather lacking and hard to get through. While it does pick up in the later half of the book, I found that I just didn't care for many of the characters. Readers are told what happens rather than see it happen, and personally I am not a fan of that kind of story telling. For this reason, I feel like is one of the few situations where the book would have benefited from being longer than than being shorter.

However, I do feel like fans of typical 'bookTOK' style romantasy may enjoy it, I didn't find it that innovated and very over-done with characters the can be found in many popular fantasy books that are coming out recently. However, for a first time author, I believe that this series will get better with time.

Estrid, known as the Dark Witch to the people, has been on the run from King Rodden. Hidden in the Dark Forest, she finds solitude in a small cottage with her wolf dog Rafe until she finds a wounded Fae. After helping him, things aren't the same as she has to leave behind her refuge in the forest to save the people and kingdom she loves.

The beginning of this was really strong and the magic was so interesting I thought for sure this would be a quick read. There were several aspects I liked about this. Rafe, the interesting magic of Estrid, the mystery of the human world and Faery, and a few choice characters. With good though there is “bad.” It did slow down a lot, became pretty predictable, and there wasn't much chemistry between the FMC/MMC. There wasn't much connection to any of the characters really aside from just liking their attitude.

I wish the battle scenes had a little more feeling to it, or really just the whole book. Sometimes it felt like things were happening around the characters rather than the characters actually making decisions to get there. This wasn't a bad read for all the magic in it, though i just couldn't connect to the story and characters themselves.

I generally liked this book but didn't love it. I felt there was more "tell" than "show." Normally once I start a book, I try to read it straight through, but I just wasn't compelled to do so. Sometimes the narrator shifted without a helpful notice at the beginning of a chapter. There were a couple British English spellings and words (vs American English). It's not a complaint but normally I appreciate the head's up that certain authors use so I don't think fulfil is misspelled or use of kitted seemed odd. I didn't feel the epilogue was necessary. Thanks for the ARC opportunity NetGalley & the publisher.

This book had me sucked in from the first page!! The characters are wonderful, the setting and story is great and the writing is fantastic! I read this book in two days! Just could not put it down! If you liked ACOTAR series this book is for you!

Summary:
Forgiving Darkness is a breathtaking dark romantasy that grips you from the very first page. With a stunning cover that perfectly matches the enchanting yet ominous tone of the story, this book is a must-read for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses. It weaves together thrilling world-building, dynamic character growth, and an unpredictable plot full of twists and turns. The story features fascinating fae characters, a human world on the brink of destruction, and a dark mage and ruthless king who must be stopped. It’s a gripping blend of romance, danger, and magic that will leave you desperate for more.

Full Review:
What an incredible read! I couldn’t put this book down—it had me completely hooked from the start. The world-building was immersive, and the characters were all so compelling. I especially loved how each character showed real personal growth throughout the story. Initially, I thought the plot might be predictable, starting as a sweet romance with a touch of magic, but I was completely wrong. As the story progressed, it grew darker, richer, and more surprising, with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The romantic tension was captivating, and the hints of spice added to the intensity without overshadowing the intricate plot. Every reveal heightened the stakes, making the narrative more thrilling. And that ending? Absolutely devastating. The cliffhanger left me sobbing, unable to move on to anything else for hours.

If you love dark fantasy with unforgettable characters and a touch of romance, Forgiving Darkness is for you. The only downside is the wait for the sequel—I need the second book in the Binary Souls Duology on my shelf as soon as possible! This series is destined for a place of honor in my collection.

I read this book as an ARC which I was so happy to receive. I had seen the cover and read the blurb and thought it looked so good!
I loved Estrid and Rafe and their cosy cottage life, and when she meets Zain, he fits right in. I loved the introduction of their family and friends and seeing their relationship change and grow.
The story was engaging and well plotted, though I’m still not quite sure exactly what happened at the end! It’s definitely a cliff hanger ending but I was a bit confused - guess I’ll have to wait for the next one to find out!
The one thing that I found a bit distracting is that is written in present tense - I don’t think I’ve ever read a whole book in present tense before and I found I kept fixating on certain words and thinking they didn’t seem right - they were, but I had trouble adjusting.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!

this was a strong start to the Binary Souls Duology series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed about this type of book. I was hooked from the first page and getting into the world that was created. I was invested in the characters and how everything worked together in the world. Cat Sirota wrote this perfectly and left me wanting to read more in this series.

Great book! It's a g rated version of the book, "Hunted Heir". A princess runs away from her abusive father and into the arms of the opposing side.

Cat Sirota’s Forgiving Darkness dives headfirst into a world brimming with tension, mystery, and moral complexity. As the first installment in the Binary Souls Duology, it masterfully sets the stage for an emotionally charged journey where light and dark intertwine both literally and figuratively.

The story follows Alina, a young woman with a shadowy past and a rare, dangerous gift that makes her a target in a society where secrets are currency and betrayal looms at every turn. When she’s forced to confront the ghosts of her past while forging unlikely alliances, Sirota weaves a narrative that balances introspection with action. The protagonist’s inner conflict is as compelling as the external dangers she faces, making her a character both relatable and unforgettable.

Sirota’s prose is evocative, painting vivid landscapes and emotionally resonant moments without bogging the pace. The worldbuilding shines with intricacy, combining a dystopian edge with almost mythological undertones. The binary theme—exploring dualities of trust and betrayal, power and vulnerability, and light and darkness—is compellingly executed, offering depth and nuance to the story’s core conflicts.

While the plot is engaging, it can occasionally feel dense with exposition, particularly in the early chapters, which slowed the initial momentum. Personally I also felt that some side characters, though intriguing, could benefit from further development to enrich their contributions to Alina’s journey.

That said, Forgiving Darkness is a strong debut for the duology, with its gripping twists, complex relationships, and morally grey undertones leaving readers eager for the sequel. Sirota crafts a story that is not only entertaining but thought-provoking, making readers reflect on themes of redemption and the choices that define us.

Fans of character-driven fantasy with high stakes and emotional depth will find this a rewarding read. Forgiving Darkness is a promising start to an intriguing duology.

This review will be posted on instagram (@kerryreadbooks_ and @kezzie87) in late December 2024.

This is a book that has been done many times before, and much more successfully. Estrid has run away from her father, the tyrannical king, and runs into a Fae during a hunting trip. Of course, they are attracted to each other and even though they both have secrets, they can't fight the bond between them.

The best part of this book was Estrid's wolf companion. The characters are discount versions of better fantasy leads, there is no personal growth arc or well crafted relationships, we are just told about them and so they are. The world is your standard fantasy world, with little to recommend it or distinguish it from other, better, fantasy worlds. This should have been the first of many drafts before a finished product saw the light of day.