This one wasn’t for me. I loved the premise but the story seemed to drag. I was hoping for more action and adventure. I just couldn’t make myself care about the characters enough to continue reading into the series.

TW// gore, mention of suicide attempts, torture

Joss Brevyn comes from a long line of executioners, nicknamed the 'Angel of Death' feared and despised by everyone, Joss is ruthless in her job, but spends the rest of her time trying to clean her hands and atone for her cutthroat job and it's bloodthirsty demands. She saves and heals as many individuals as she can with her right hand man Henrik.

Aric lives in the shadows, and that's just how he likes it, hiding in plain sight, but after failing an assassination, his client also known as 'The Mask' ensure his completion of the job in their preferred way of communication: violence. Battered and bruised, Aric is abandoned on the side of the road in Galmoor, a less affluent area, far from his prestigious home of Aeslian the Kingdom of the ruling family. During one of her many rides, Joss finds Aric, and takes him back to her house to be healed, little do they both know how quickly their lives become intertwined, and as their bond grows, the two fall into an easy companionship, but with a dark and threatening group looming over Aric, he suddenly finds himself in a conflicting and dire situation.

Joss is one hell of a fierce woman, she doesn't shy away from her job, despite her hatred for it, constantly striving to make amends to the people in need within her town whenever she can. Often dismissed or looked down on for being a woman executioner, she constantly proves herself as strong and resilient, and an absolute force to be reckoned with. She's not only had to take up the mantle of Galmoor's executioner, an occupation that has been unwillingly passed down from generation to generation, but also manage and process the grief of losing her family, and deal with the constant animosity targeted at her by her townsfolk for a job she hates. She's brave and tenacious, fighting against her inner dreams to heal and bringing hope to others, instead of fear and death. She stomachs a lot with her job, but often makes a point of touching the souls of those she's determined to kill, in a tender and warm way to reassure and ease their suffering.


Henrik, Joss's assistant and adopted brother, is a sweet little angel, with an innocence to him that's so utterly charming and endearing, even with all the pain, suffering and torture he witnesses everyday, it hasn't marred his optimism and warmth. He always brings some levity and warmth to any situation. Absolutely infatuated with the butcher's daughter and an incredible witty companion, it's hard not to fall in love with this sweet and wholesome angel.

Aric, is used to hiding in plain sight, a banterous assassin, with added cockiness, whose used to being ignored, but when he finds himself in Joss's care, he suddenly finds someone who makes him feel seen and understood for who he is. The bond between them was sweet and tender to watch unfold. Both of them spend their lives bending their morals and wills at the behest of others, Joss and Aric find kindred, lonely spirits within each other, in a world intent on bringing them down and dismissing their worth. However, with his client popping up randomly, and threatening his new found affection and kinship with Joss, he may have to betray her to save her life.

This story captivated me in ways I was not expecting, it's a slow burn, with the world being built around you slowly, so not much happens for a while, but I felt like this added a lot more depth and complexities to the characters. Even though it was slow, and things felt like they were moving at an almost glacial pace, the story and the characters really burrowed into me, and moved me in ways I was not at all ready for. It's atmospheric and strikingly written, with some intense and gritty battle scenes, the betrayal and anguish the characters feel is so palpable through the pages.

It's a gritty, dark and somewhat gruesome story about breaking the shackles you're born into, igniting the spark within you to find yourself and who you desire to be, even when your path is destined and bound by those who wield their power to control and exploit those under their rule. It was empowering, and intense, and just a beautifully moving story that was evocative and poignant. I cannot wait to read Book two.

This book was a surprise on my bingo card! I was really excited to dive into it and I was not disappointed. Going into this as a fan of SJM and JLA, it was no surprise that I gravitated towards this book based on its plot and characters. It is a YA book, so remembering that it reads like a YA book was super helpful when I started reading it.

The female main character was strong, powerful, and so cool that you can't help but root for her, even as the executioner. And out male main character was a great addition that really made the whole close proximity trope work perfectly for this book and its plot!

This is a book series that I'll be watching out for because I truly couldn't get enough of it just from book one alone! Cannot wait to see where A.M takes this series! I look forward to reading more!!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

All The Dark Souls (Book 1, All The Dark Souls Trilogy) – A. M. Dunnewin

I was given a copy of this book through Net Galley in order for provide an honest review.



A. M. Dunnewin is an American author who has a love of graphic novels and classical literature. She is also an affiliate of the Horror Writers Association and is addicted to Chai tea.



Joss Brevyn is the last in a long line of executioners – and she is also a woman which makes her rare and unique. She is one of the best at what she does and has never missed her mark, which is a good thing considering you have 3 strikes to kill the victim or its your head on the chopping block next.

Arik is or was, an assassin who had filed to kill his latest mark. And as a consequence, he was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road.

Which is exactly how Joss happened upon him. Against her better judgment Joss took Arik in, tended to his wounds and helped him heal. Something she would sorely regret doing.

Unbeknownst to them their next jobs would have them learning who they really are and through them into each other’s cross hairs. But will they work together or will one of them have to make a choice they won't be able to live with...



“All The Dark Souls” is a short dark fantasy story that bewitches the reader from the first words they read until they turn that last page. Though it is short, the author still managers to hold the readers in their grip and take them along a fast paced and bloody story, completely ensnaring them. Joss is everything you imagine a character like her would be, while Aric can hopefully redeem himself, he does seem to truly care about Joss. Though I suspect Aric will soon have a competitor vying for her affections.

Right away we are introduced to the three main characters: Joss, Henrik, and Aric. Joss is a female executioner and we get a good glimpse into her official position and her/her family history. Aric is a bit like Joss, an assassin of sorts, and has been severely wounded after refusing to complete a job. Henrik is Joss' assistant and friend, taken in by her father long ago. After Joss and Henrik find a barely-conscious Aric on the side of the road, they bring him home to care for him, as Joss' side gig is a healer. What follows is the crossover of Joss and Aric's "professional" roles and their budding relationship, with a few twists (and deaths) thrown in for good measure!

I enjoyed the writing and the characters, but the overall book was a bit lacking for me, personally. The plot felt very typical, average, and predictable. I think the talent of the author is what made this one a decent read. I did really enjoy the main character being a female executioner and seeing her own struggles in proving her worth against her male counterparts. She was a strong and likable character! Overall a fine read!

Joss is an executioner. Not only that, in a medieval time, Joss is a female executioner. Joss and her adoptive brother, Henrik, spend their days carrying out executions in their town either by hanging or beheading. Joss wields an axe to behead. While traveling one day they rescue a man lying on the side of the road who is horribly injured.

As they nurse the man to health they learn his name is Aric. Turns out Aric is a hired assassin and who has he been hired to assassinate? The Prince…who happens to be missing…until found by Joss while he’s hanging in her noose!

Meanwhile, at the palace, the Prince’s wife Muriel begins a political game to save the Prince and herself. This book primary set the tone for the upcoming plot with a cliff hanger leaving you wanting to know what happens next.

I loved that this book was such a different fantasy story then what I am used to. Joss Brevyn is the local town executioner, a title that is passed down through generations in a family. Even though she has a menacing job, that doesn’t stop her from assisting those in need. Little does she know the next person in need would already have their futures intertwined. The book was a bit slow to build, which would be my only gripe. Right when Joss and Aric’s stories merge is when you hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride. I enjoyed the POV’s between the different characters and getting to know what was going on in their heads. I am anxiously awaiting the next book to continue the series and give me relief from the cliff I’m hanging off of! This book and the following one in the series would be best suited for dark fantasy and romance lovers. It is a YA book, so there wasn’t much spice. More of a true action dark fantasy with a strong, independent main female character who I can tell is going to be badass. Excited to have a new author and book series to follow! Thank you to @netgalley and @A.M. Dunnewin for the copy of this book for an honest review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three and a half
Well I really enjoyed the premise of this with a female executioner as our main protagonist. Joss has inherited the position and indeed is both torturer and executioner so clearly not a role usually associated with the so called fairer sex. I liked that to offset her more gruesome duties she has compassion and a genuine desire to do her very best.
Yes this story was interesting but somehow felt short and occasionally lacking something. I wasn’t particularly sure how masked men kept suddenly appearing with dire warnings although clearly they are part of the political machinations as there’s a missing heir . Plus it definitely felt more medieval/fantasy yet in spite of horses for transport and a general feel of old worldliness bizarrely electricity was mentioned ! I will admit as it got near the end that’s where the author decided to give answers and action. I am a bit flummoxed how to rate this because I did enjoy it in spite of it appearing that any infringement provoked hanging or be heading ! I hope that there is a sequel because I did enjoy reading about Joss although I honestly didn’t particularly warm to the supporting characters and wonder if Aric is intended as a romantic interest further down the line ? This held my attention without a doubt but sadly didn’t quite leave me satisfied.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A very strong 3.75 stars

Thank you Netgalley and A. M. Dunnewin for the ARC!

"They made you what you are, but always remember that this does not define you"

The story jumps right in at Joss and Henrik finding Aric, an assassin, badly beaten and half dead. They take him to their cottage where Henrik tends to his wounds while Joss heads into town to do her job as the executioner. Aric is in and out of consciousness but he's relieved when he wakes up and sees that Jocelyn is back. A tentative friendship forms along with a slow burning romance, but then they're put in each other crosshairs when Jocelyn makes a decision that changes her life.

The writing is done very well, I could envision the landscape and the character interactions in vivid detail. I was entertained by the dialogue and the relationships that were forming.

One thing that I think could have improved the reading experience would be to stick to one POV during a chapter instead of it being omniscient. In chapter eight it starts in Arics POV but we also get information on Jocelyn. For example:

"Do you remember what happened? Who did this to you?" Jocelyn asked, thinking it was a good time as any to know what caused his downfall.
Arics guard automatically rose, wanting to keep her from knowing what he was. "I made a bad bet," he answered vaguely. That was half-true; not assassinating your subject and being caught by the ones paying for the death was an extremely bad bet.

I don't read a lot of stories with omniscient narrating so it took me a while to get used to it, which also took me out of the story a little bit.

The pacing is a little slow and then picks up at the end. This books is only 200 pages and again, when it starts to pick it up in ends on a cliffhanger. I wish this book would have been longer so I could have had time to really connect with the characters and have their relationships really develop. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I'm really looking forward to reading the next one!

This book should have been so much longer as the minute I felt I had gotten into it it was over! It was ok but there could have just been so much more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book.

3.2 rounded down to 3/5.
All the Dark Souls by A. M. Dunnewin introduces readers to Joss Brevyn, the last heir in a line of executioners. The premise of a female executioner in a fantasy setting is intriguing and offers a fresh twist to the genre. The world-building in the book is well-researched, and the descriptive writing effectively immerses readers into the story.

The complex characters, particularly Joss and Aric Kayden, add depth to the narrative. Joss, despite her role as an executioner, demonstrates compassion as a healer, and readers are likely to empathize with her struggle to be seen beyond her profession. Aric's internal conflict and haunted past create intrigue and make him a compelling character.

The writing style is generally easy to follow, allowing readers to engage with the story. However, the book has some drawbacks. The ending leaves readers hanging with a cliffhanger, which can be frustrating for those looking for a resolution. Additionally, the pacing of the story is inconsistent, with a slow pace for the majority of the book followed by a sudden shift to a fast-paced conclusion.

While the world-building and character development are commendable, the plot itself may not feel entirely fresh or original. Elements such as a lost heir, political schemes, and a kingdom entangled in war have been explored in the fantasy genre before, which might make the storyline feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers.

One aspect that could have been improved is the point of view transitions. It is unclear at times whose perspective the reader is experiencing, as multiple characters have their own points of view throughout the book. This ambiguity can make it challenging to fully connect with each character's journey.

Furthermore, the relationship between Aric and Joss, characterized by intense attraction and obsession, falls into the insta-love trope, which may feel unrealistic and rushed given their limited interactions and knowledge of each other.

In conclusion, All the Dark Souls presents an intriguing premise, well-researched world-building, and complex characters. However, the book falls short in terms of pacing, originality of the plot, and the development of the romantic relationship. While the writing is descriptive and the story is easy to follow, the overall impression is that of a prologue or setup for a longer book rather than a standalone novel.

Joss inherited her profession from generations of family members, through a series of unfortunate events. The town executioner. She enjoys helping people and easing their pains with her knowledge of herbs and medicines, and practices healing as much as she can to balance out the death. She and Henrick have picked up stragglers on the road before, but neither of them had any idea of what this particular stranger would bring into their lives.

All The Dark Souls was witty, expertly designed, and had wonderful characters. I loved the relationships that were highlighted in this, and the importance on found family and belonging. The struggle of doing what's right for all and what's right for one is a point of contention, and is a cornerstone of humanity. Aric, Joss and Henrick are put in an impossible situation, trust is tested, and survival must reign above all.

I'm so glad I waited to read this until the second one was in my hands, I cannot wait to see what happens next!!

A very interesting dark tale which touches upon heavy subjects but introduces them light enough to be suitable for more people. I am very curious to see how this story continues.

A missing prince, a female executioner (talk about equal rights), and a wounded assassin, maneuver through intrigue, betrayals, and growing attractions in the midevil world. Fast paced and non stop adventure. There has to be more!

this story follows two protagonists, joss—an executioner—and aric—a hired assassin. when joss discovers aric lying on the side of the road, bleeding to death, she takes him to her house and tends to his medical needs. they gradually form a friendship and a burgeoning romance. it feels like, besides their mutual respect, they're naturally drawn to each other but at the same time are making a half-conscious effort to not let it grow any further. i could see how the two can develop themselves as people and grow as a couple, they build a meaningful relationship without compromising who they were as individuals. all woven together with a heavy sprinkling of literary allusions and action-packed adventure. i wish i could have seen more of how the author built the characters of joss and aric because, to be honest, they felt flat and one-dimensional. the world building was nice and i did not have anything to complain about. however the pace of the writing may use some improvement. although the conclusion is not sudden, there are too many unanswered questions, and there is insufficient data to draw any conclusions. overall i’d recommend this to those who like romantasy, political intrigues and tangled mess of a kingdom’s war.

thank you to the author and netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to A.M. Dunnewin, Dark Hour Press, and Netgalley for this ARC!

I want to address first how clear and concise this novel is. At just over 200 pages, it has well developed characters and storyline. Nothing felt rushed or forced, and flowed incredibly well throughout. There wasn’t ever a chapter where I felt the need to put the novel down, or found my attention straying.

I love that Joss came from a family line of executioners, and had to fill the family role. Her family not only learned how to provide a swift and merciful death, but also how to heal. Her relationship with Hendriks is sweet, and we meet all the main characters within the first chapter of the entire novel. I love the almost forbidden romance aspect in regards to Aric and Joss, and can’t wait to see how it develops in the next book!

I really loved the different take and approach to the job of an executioner. They have been portrayed vastly as cold blooded people who enjoy death. This story brought their humanity forward and it was a woman as well. I can't wait to read the sequel, if there's a sequel lol. Really enjoyable read that I was sad to see it end.

I was instantly drawn to this one by the cover and I was not disappointed!! Such a fun fantasy read for the winter & I just know the physical copy is gonna be GORGEOUS. Cannot wait for more people to dive into this one!!

If you are looking for an easy read that will also entertain you, then this is the book for you. Light and refreshing it tells the story of a empathetical executioner, which seems like an oxymoron, but will make sense when you read this book. Following the casual cliches of a love story between enemies, this will leave you in a constant state of "when will they finally admit their feelings", however this author does not disappoint.

I have to start by saying that I really love that this books opens in a way that throws us right into the story without making things confusing. We meet our three main characters in the first few pages and get a glimpse of who Joss, Henrik, and Aric are as people. Of course each of their stories turn out to be much more and much darker than that peek, which you'd think would be hard when the first time we meet them it's finding a badly beaten Aric on the side of the road. But they've all been dealt a bad and the things that Joss in particular has gone through and continues to go through are just... wow.

In the first few chapters I had questions about how Joss, Aric, the man on the missing poster, and the dark eyed man Joss sees at the jail would tie together. And with this being a trilogy I worried we would only get some of the answers to those questions. I'm beyond happy that my wondering was put to rest and that I was right in my guesses. For some catching what could be considered a plot twist isn't good, but for me I love when I'm right because it shows that twists and turns aren't thrown in there just to shock. That they matter to the story and they most definitely did. And Joss finding everything out in the last few chapters was still as painful as it would have been if I didn't think up where the story could be going.

All in all I look forward to the next book. To how the journey to finding and saving the prince goes. To how Aric will make up for his betrayal. I also hope to get a few more answers. Will we find Joss' brother Oliver along the way? Will everyone survive? Will we see how the people in Joss and Henrik's town be punished for their part in such a treasonous attempt? And most importantly, will I be right about who the Mask it or at the very least about who he works for?