Was a fantastic book that i thoroughly recommend and will be buying as I need a trophy version lol. I enjoying the different dynamics at play between the main characters especially towards the end.

With her debut novel, Cat Sirota has hit the mark with a truly captivating romantasy novel. From the very first few pages i was hooked with the world building. Cat has created interesting and complex characters and a plot that is a gripping page turner. Absolutely cannot wait for book two- this debut author is one to watch for all her future work

I did enjoy this book overall, and felt it was a good first book. However a lot of the story seemed to be pulled from others already on the market. I wanted to find something new and excited and never found that. I enjoyed the main characters and would have loved to see them grow more as the story progressed. I will read book 2 however and look forward to that release. I think the author needs to grown her own voice a bit before finding her groove. It’s there, just may need to be refined.

To start, thank you to NetGalley and Cat Sirota for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is Cat Sirota's debut novel and wow was it good.
Aesthetically, the cover and map included are gorgeous!.

Estrid, a runaway daughter of a king, who, after surviving so much in her short life has decided to live her life in the woods protecting a nearby village. One day she happens upon a man (Zain) unconscious in her forest. After bringing him back to health, she learns that he is a fae and doesn't know how he really appeared in her woods. Together they fight through many more situations that really build both their characters.
If you are looking for a slow burn, this is definitely not it because we do feel the tension between the two MCs early on. They trust each other quite quickly, making Zain's behavior at some point in the book strange (pay attention, readers lol). On the other hand, the world building is soooo nice, but I hope book 2 will have more details about each Court, especially the Shadow & Winter courts.

Cat did make some interesting changes with making the FMC have the shadow magic rather than the MMC. But in total, the author sucks you in with her beautiful writing as it evolves continuously throughout the book.

Overall, I love the concept and wanted to love this book. Unfortunately, the writing style combined with the use of present tense made this extremely difficult. Something about the way present tense was used in this narrative had me struggling to immerse myself in the story and had me feeling rather frustrated.

🌟 3.75
🌶️ 1.5

🔸 Romantasy
🔸 Fae world
🔸 Fast burn 🔥
🔸 Insta-love
🔸 immersive world building
🔸 easy reading
🔸 close proximity

Cover art ✔️ I really liked the cover!!

Maaaan I’ll read whatever this author comes up with next! I had a good time! I’m not going to lie, there’s a few things that could be developed more, like the insta-love (where I would’ve liked a bit more tension to build things up); overall the concept and world building was great and immersive. It’s a good easy romantasy read, romance is fast, and there’s a little bit of spice.

I’m keen to keep an eye on what comes next.

*Thank you to NetGalley and C R Sirota Industries LTC for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review*

The only thing that I didn't like in this book was the insta-love, a trope that I hate and don't believe in. If the romance was more of a built-up, I'd give another star because the world building and the writing were the sections that Sirota excelled in.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

The concept of the book is undeniably captivating, showcasing the author's impressive imagination and ability to create a rich and immersive world. The vivid imagery leaps off the page, painting the scenes in such detail that you can almost feel yourself standing alongside the characters. This strength in descriptive writing is one of the book's standout qualities, and it deserves full recognition.

However, where the book falls short for me is in its portrayal of the romance. While the relationship is positioned as a pivotal element of the narrative, it feels rushed almost as if the emotions are declared without being fully earned. The characters seem to move from strangers to deeply connected partners in an instant, leaving the romance feeling somewhat unconvincing and hollow. The lack of gradual development or meaningful build-up to their connection makes it difficult to become truly invested in their journey. I found myself wishing for those small, subtle moments of growth and emotional exchange that make love stories feel genuine and impactful.

Ultimately, while the book excels in its imaginative world-building and evocative descriptions, the emotional depth and authenticity of the romance left me wanting more. With a stronger foundation for the characters' relationship, the story could have reached greater heights and delivered a more resonant experience.

This started off so well!

The synopsis of this is so beautifully written and the bones of the ideas within the story fantastic. Seriously chapter one was riveting, and then I struggled with the perspective choice I think? Or perhaps it was that it felt as though the concepts and outline of the writing was more elevated than the actual meat of the writing. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it was driving me bonkers!

With said two lovers, two hidden backstories, magic, the Fae, and the vibes of this are all good the book itself just didn't draw me in completely. Again I think it could be largely due to the perspective choice and that style, which made some of their internal dialogue feel incredibly simple and incongruous with everything else that had been set up. I actually tossed and turned on this one, kept picking this book up during an international flight determined to read it and figure out what was still irking me but I didn't find it.

Do I think reading this one is worth it? Sure! My irks on this book probably are just a me thing!

Happy Reading!

The book started off good but it kinda lost me about halfway through. I feel like there was so much more that could’ve been done with the plot. Everything felt very rushed and the relationship between the main characters just didn’t seem organic.

This book was a fantastic start as a debut novel!

Hooked from the first page, this isn't your typical fae romantasy. The world building and descriptive imagery is incredible, and everything was so easily envisioned in my head it felt at times movie-like.

However, and whilst I liked the characters well enough themselves, their relationship in some ways did feel rather rushed and almost insta-love like. For me, it almost didn't feel like there was much chemistry or connection.

Overall though it was a fantastic start to the duology and I'll be eagerly awaiting book 2.

The writing style this author uses wouldn't allow me to get fully immersed into the story. While the world-building and the character development was strong, I couldn't get past the writing. I'm also not a fan of insta-love. Overall, this was not my cup of tea and I probably won't recommend it.

I really wanted to like this book. The story has a lot of really great elements. But it just didn't grab and keep my interest.

*Received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Lets start with the good things about this novel. Sirota does a marvellous job creating scenery and helping you to visualise the characters, I never spent one moment wandering what everything looked like- particularly the dark forest and King Rodden, and the pure visual elements had me so intrigued I kept reading. I want to especially mention the first scene with running through tall grasses, I could almost feel the wefts brushing past me as I read. Absolutely fantastic imagery. The entire character of Estrid, being seen as almost a dark witch who lives in the forest and scares of village folk but being very different on the inside was really interesting, and I loved the scenes in the first quarter of the book of her just going about her daily life. I really want to see more from this author even if I didn't personally enjoy this novel as much as I wanted, I feel they have so much potential!

In terms of things that needed work, there is a lot.

The most noticeable problem I couldn't get over the entire book was the use of the present tense within a third person POV. It kept jarring me every page and I struggled to actually enjoy the story because I found myself getting made aware of how I wasn't reading from the characters unique perspective but instead was meant to be watching the scene from a distance. Traditionally, third person is used with past tense, and the only exceptions are found within incredibly skilled writers who are using it with intention. I think this entire novel needed a redraft under the eye of a seasoned editor with either the tense changing, or it changing to first person POV's for different characters.

The second thing I really struggled with was the rush of the two MCs falling for each other almost instantly. I know that they didn't jump into bed with each other straight away or anything, but I felt there could have been a lot more inner burning/explanation of where the feelings came from before the kiss and subsequent betrayal. I would have been very invested if perhaps, noting my earlier point on POVs, we had chapters from each of their perspectives, perhaps one with Zain being really shocked that someone has taken him in and not asked for anything (maybe its different in the courts?) and that this beautiful woman is all alone (maybe fae are social) and he is almost mystified by her. And in terms of Estrid, I mean it has been years since she's spoken to another person she didn't have to kill most likely, she would probably be staring at him 24/7 and feeling a constant need to just touch him to make sure he's real. I really thing changes like these could have boosted it from mediocre to swoon worthy!

Lastly, I think this story really needed to have about 2-3 chapters in the beginning following Estrid alone in the woods/trying to escape from her father pre-events to really sell us on who she is, I think we the readers needed more from her to really get in her head and know who she is as a person.

Much love to the author, I hope to see more!

I tried to read this book several times but unfortunately it was not for me.
I was surprised over that most seem to really like it. It fell flat for me and the writing needed a lot more work. I’m sorry to say I DNF’ed at 15%

Thank you NetGalley and C R Sirota Industries LTC for this eCopy to review

Forgiving Darkness by Cat Sirota took me on an intense journey into a fantastical world filled with magic, power struggles, and personal redemption. The story follows Estrid, a nineteen-year-old witch, who has escaped the tyranny of her father, King Rodden, to live in self-imposed exile. Estrid's life is one of constant vigilance, always on the lookout for her father's soldiers.

During a hunting trip in the Dark Forest, Estrid encounters a mysterious and gravely injured Fae, Zain. This meeting sets off a chain of events that forces Estrid to confront her past, her powers, and the true nature of the Fae. As she navigates the complexities of her growing bond with Zain, Estrid discovers secrets that challenge her understanding of her world and herself.

Sirota's writing is richly descriptive, bringing the dark and eerie landscape to life. The characters are multi-dimensional and their development throughout the story is both believable and compelling. The themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and the struggle for freedom are skilfully woven into the narrative, making for a thought-provoking read.

The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, a new revelation would completely upend my expectations. The climax was both thrilling and emotionally satisfying, leaving me eager for the next book in the duology.

In conclusion, Forgiving Darkness is a beautifully crafted fantasy novel that combines intricate world-building with deep emotional characters, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and dark romance.

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.