I do believe this is Jackson’s fantasy debut and while she carrie’s over the core pillars of her contemporary romance backlist very well, I was looking for more world-building and plot development. While I adore the characters, there needed to be more than character-driven with a side of storytelling in this book. I hope there is more thoughtful plot execution and some tightening of the details and setting. With that said, AL Jackson will hook readers in with this intense, intriguing romantasy novel and I’m excited to see what this genre cross-over leads to next!

This book had a lot of really interesting fantasy elements that made this story standout. The world building happens while the MMC's are asleep which is different from other fantasy books I've read but also limits the knowledge of the world and the magic. The romance was sweet and an interesting twist on fated mates. There was a lot of action going on with mythical creatures that are new to me and it goes back to not knowing how the magic works in this world and it got a bit confusing throughout.

Visions of Darkness is the gripping first book in a brand new romantic fantasy series by A.L. Jackson. After reading some of the author's contemporary romance books, I was interested to try out her debut fantasy novel. I fell in love with this unique and beautifully crafted story and was hooked from the start. I really liked the main character and the romance was superb.

This was a great first fantasy romance book by Jackson. Her world building was strong and well thought out. The romance was perfect and so good. Aria is a strong main character, and I loved reading about her.

I haven’t read an AL Jackson book in several years and was excited to see she was writing in a new sub genre of romance! Visions of Darkness was a great entry to this series and I’m excited for what’s to come!

Can we have book 2 now, please? Wow. AL Jackson is a favorite of mine and seeing her dive into the romantasy world? I. Am. Here. For. It. This story has so much depth and world building that's expertly crafted. She writes like she has been writing in this genre her whole career instead of the being her debut. They can't be together, but they are destined to be together. The angst. If you love romantasy, this is a must read.

Visions of Darkness was an absolutely unique and enjoyable read. I devoured it! I felt as if I was a bystander of the story, with everything playing out in front of my eyes. This author did an amazing job with this story. The description was unbelievable, and the characters were fantastic. I enjoyed the main characters, Aria her mom Natalie, Pax, Dani, Timorthy, Ellis and Josephine. I didn't care for Aria's dad Cal, but you will have to read the story to find out why because I don't want to give it away. No one believes Aria and her childhood created fantasy land. Now that she's almost an adult, they want her to let go of her fantasies, the harm they think she's doing to herself and the boy she created in them. They believe that they know what's best for her until things become real for them, and they witness a part of her fantasy word. Aria knows what's real and what's not because she lives with the pain from both worlds. She's destined for more and she's determined to save her family no matter what. This story has suspense, betrayal, truths, acceptance, possessions, threats, mystery, romance, steamy scenes and end with one heck of a cliffhanger. Just when you think things have settle the author throws another twist into the story. I so excited to read the next book in this series. It's a book I will be recommending to all of my paranormal romance book loving friends who don't mind a story ending with a cliffhanger, but either way it's a story worth reading.

This is incredible! I can not believe this is Amy's first fantasy book! I am not usually a fantasy reader but I ate this up!

Visions of Darkness presents a truly intriguing concept that captivated me from the very start. The blending of romance and fantasy elements is executed with such originality that it left me eager to dive deeper into the story. I found the storyline to be both engaging and thought-provoking, with characters that are richly developed and compelling. Their journeys and interactions are portrayed with nuance, adding depth to the narrative. It’s clear that this is the beginning of a series with significant potential, one that has all the makings of becoming a standout hit among readers. I highly recommend Visions of Darkness to fans of Romantasy, as it offers a fresh take on the genre that is sure to resonate with those who love a blend of romance and fantasy.

3⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley & Montlake for this e-arc.

“Aria Rialta is a girl of two realities. One she was born to. The other she was chosen for. Both are a threat.Every night when Aria falls asleep, she enters the nightmare world of Faydor to fight a war. It’s her calling to help destroy the Kruen, who feed sin and chaos to our everyday world of vulnerable humans. It would be a lonely realm in which to do battle if not for Pax, Aria’s dangerously irresistible soulmate whose mere touch can kill. It’s also a realm that’s getting harder to escape.”

First off, the plot of this book is really unique, and sounded right up my street. I love the idea of the FMC living in two different worlds (one when asleep, one when awake). It definitely leans more into the romance side of the romantasy genre. Personally, I feel like the world could do with a bit more padding out, and it also feels like a lot of the “lore” is explained through info dumps. I was hoping to find out the “why” of things that were mentioned, but this never happened. However, it seems as though there will be another book in the series at least, so maybe this will be explained in future?

The main relationship in the book so far follows a friends-to-lovers trope, which is refreshing for me as most of the romantasy books I’ve read lately have been the old favourite of enemies-to-lovers. It is a slow-burn which I think has been written well, and I could really feel how the characters felt and loved each other. I will say though, I felt like there was a big focus on the FMC being a virgin, which I find a bit icky, but I think that’s just not the micro-trope for me!

There were also some side characters who I would have loved to find more out about, however they didn’t feel very fleshed out and didn’t seem to have a purpose, which is a shame because it was as if there should have been a sense of “found family”, but it fell a little flat for me as I didn’t get to know them.

Overall, this was a quick & easy read. I just wish we were given more from the world & characters!

Visions of darkness has such an interesting concept which I found fascinating and eager to read more about. I enjoyed the storyline and characters and can tell that this will definitely be a series that deserves to become popular. Would recommend this to Romantasy fans in particular.

I always go into fantasy books a little wary because they don’t always live up to their description but this one did! From the start there was great world building and illustration of what Aria’s life was like in and out of Faydor. Such a stark difference in both of her realities. The pace of the book was also great, never got too slow and always kept me interested. Aria and Pax’s relationship also felt very natural, not just a result of them being soulmates. Overall a very good book, so much potential for the next book or books in the series!

Thank you to netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Wow, I couldn't put this book down, I binged it in a few hours and that ending just isn't fair knowing that I'll have to wait for the next book. Everyone needs to read this book

This was pretty good! A nice mix of modern and fantastical. Loved the characters and I instantly felt their connection even though we didn’t get a buildup to that connection. The world building and “magic” was well thought out and described. It was a fairly short story but it was gripping and concluded nicely. With a small cliffhanger. I will definitely be reading the next one.

I liked the premise of this book which was why I picked it up as an arc, but I couldn’t really get into it. I fear it just wasn’t really for me after all. However, I think it can be for some people and do advise people to give it a go because the writing style made it so that I was able to finish the book. It was very easy to read and the writing style I enjoyed

An intriguing first book in a new romantasy series.

I have read this author's indie romances so I was super excited to see she was dipping her toe into romantasy (very popular at the moment). I think Jackson was able to create and intriguing premise. A girl living two different lives (one when she's awake and another when she falls asleep). I think this was unique and offered something that will keep readers guessing what will happen next. That being said, I do wish the world/rules of the world were fleshed out more. I think a lot is left open-ended for a first book in a series. I never felt that I quite fully understood the world the story was set in. Perhaps this will be elaborated on in book two but, personally, I feel that's more of book one's job.

I did enjoy the main characters and the romance. I thought the characters were well developed and interesting. They had good chemistry and plenty of angst.

Overall, I enjoyed this and think romantasy lovers will eat this one up.

The Visions of Darkness is an absolutely captivating read that left me spellbound from beginning to end. The author masterfully creates a rich, immersive world where magic and adventure leap off the page, and the depth of detail in the world-building is truly remarkable.

The protagonist, is a beautifully complex character whose journey of self-discovery and courage resonates deeply. Her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The supporting characters are just as well-crafted, each bringing their own unique charm and depth to the narrative.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had figured out what would happen next, the author skillfully surprised me. The themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight between good and evil are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning that will leave readers pondering long after they turn the last page.

Overall, Visions of Darkness is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I can’t wait for the next installment!

the blurb for this one had me interested- a normal girl by day, warrior by dreams at night. it was such a different and refreshing concept. this was so well written and the characters were well thought-out and developed. i lived for aria and pax on page together- the romance was top-tier.

Visions of Darkness is a romantasy thriller story following Aria Rialta, regular (not really) girl by day. But every night when she falls asleep, she is a badass warrior battling enemies alongside her soulmate Pax in another world. Danger hunts Aria into the day world and Pax has to cross over to help her.

This book has been rather refreshing to read. I enjoyed the world building provided by the dual realities. It moved the story along well and then things really picked up the further I read. I liked that the two main characters are already in love with each other, even though it’s kinda forbidden in day world. The romance works well so far and there’s great connection between the two. There’s a lot of space for the sequel to fill in especially with the lore, the Kruen, and powers. I’m really curious about the powers.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. Great premise, pace and storytelling. Would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Wow that was a very original and quick read that I could not put down! The forbidden love, the lore that isn’t quite explained yet, the soul connection between the fmc and mmc…. I definitely want to see where this story goes because there is so much unanswered! But in a great intriguing way.
I love the “darkness” of this story, it gave a very haunted cryptic vibe, but with a tiny bit of psychological thriller in a way (although it’s clear the fmc isn’t insane, it’s understandable when she doubts her reality).
Solid story, great character development. I really enjoyed this book and will be anticipating the next book in the series.