I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I thoroughly enjoyed and loved every single moment of it. As always, amazing writing, gripping storylines, and brilliant character development.

This book was honestly just… so strange to me. It was a lot longer than it really needed to be, and I just didn’t resonate with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book for an honest review. A Deal with Darkness is the second in the series or it might be the prequel apparently. The main character was tough and independent, but I am not very fond of love triangles. The deal with the devilish dark lord for some reason reminded me of the blood debt between Jack and Davy in Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man Chest yet, with differences. There was a lot going on which could have expanded on in more detail, but overall was an entertaining read.

When I picked up this book, I though that the story will be focused on Arya & Azriel again and we will just see how the story progressed. (I rarely read the blurbs).

However, I was surprised to see that the main characters are different and the story gravitates around them. It was a pleasant surprise though, as Alexis really knows how to write a captivating story!

Besides the plot itself that was very exciting, what I enjoyed as well was the fact that I could learn more about this fantastical world through different perspectives. We do see Azriel in it but it’s only in a supportive role for the story.

I found the world building amazing. The magic system was well thought and flawless, and the characters beautifully developed.

We’ll done Alexis and thank you for another fantastic read!

“I never asked you to save me,” I muttered.
“You never have to. I always will.”

A Night of Wings and Starlight was a heart pounding, gripping series debut and I knew I would pick up any book Alexis L Menard put out after finishing it. I normally set my expectations a little lower with sequels, but dare I say I loved A Deal with Darkness more?

“Because I would hope, if I died before escaping Haal’s service and my soul found retribution for its actions, that someone would pray for mine.”

Issy is a well rounded, flawed but intriguing FMC and I loved every interaction she had with other characters. She might have been bound to do Haal's bidding which involved killed many people and that should have "tainted" her soul, but she is an incredibly pure and selfless being. She always wanted to help others, especially women that had been in her position. It was hard not to find pieces of myself in her with my own history.

Evander I started out with a severe dislike for, and I swear it wasn't the whole thing I have against blonde. His general attitude rubbed me the wrong way. I loved Issy being her genuine self and standing up for herself and challenging his beliefs. Also, can we pause for a moment to totally fangirl over those cameos/secondary characters from the first book?

Haal. The show stealer. Haal had my entire heart from the first page he was on. The relationship between Haal and Issy is so easy going and their banter had me both squealing and laughing. When the action escalates, my heart was in my throat every time. The way this man would sacrifice everything. This. This is the ideal man.

The Dark Lord lowered his chin and glowered at the winged man still lightly clutching my throat. His gaze transformed from powerful to possessive, and I didn’t know which was more menacing. “Release her,” he demanded, a warning heavy in his tone.

A Deal with Darkness also gave us more of the Circle. There's major events that happen in this that are in or directly impact A Night of Wings and Starlight, but you can definitely read this first. You'll just have more context and understanding before.

There is a small "Twilight love triangle" sort of situation for 30%, as I had seen mentioned and was weary of, but you know who her heart belongs to the entire time. You know which couple is endgame and it was so reassuring.

"I’m here, Fairest. Always and eternally."