Note: I received this book on Netgalley as an ARC.

 'You are what my heart knows'

I picked up this book with low expectations, mostly because I have been disappointed by the 'soulmates' trope more than I can care to count. But, I'll be honest- this was one of the better books I have read in a while in this trope (and it's been a looong while). 

First and foremost- the romance. It was superbly written. However, we don't get to watch the characters fall in love with each other. They are already in love with each other, so it just feels like we're picking off from somewhere middle. If you want to read the characters actually fall in love, then this book isn't for you.

(Also, our characters know how to treat deadly, poisonous wounds WITHOUT ANY MEDICAL INTERVENTION. Of course they do.)

Anyways. The whole point of the book is that our FMC has some powers and now the Kruen (who are basically a more hideous adaption of 'the devil on your shoulder')  hunt her for it.

I honestly loved the concept and the plot. I was a little disappointed that the author doesn't stress much on their powers. Usually, it's just described vaguely as 'light', which is fine but it would have been cool if the author could delve a little deeper into the origins of their powers and how exactly Lavens are chosen. 

One major problem that I had while reading this book was the toggling between first and third person POV. At first I thought it was some editing mistake. It took me a while to realize that it's first person while the characters are awake and third person when they're in Faydor. This was a little off-putting (and very unnecessary). I felt that it kept interrupting my reading flow. 

Despite my reservations, I enjoyed this book (especially towards the end, where the stakes were high) and I would love to read it's sequel.

AL Jackson is one of my very few one-click authors. And this book was no exception. This is book one in the new Darkness Series. The book sets the pace, story and location, is a winner in my book.
Blurb: Aria Rialta is a girl of two realities. One she was born to. The other she was chosen for.
Every night when Aria falls asleep, she enters the world of Faydor to fight a war. It’s her calling to help defeat the Kruen, who feed sin to 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.
Aria’s hallucinations are seeping into her waking world. And the Kruen are coming for her. To help Aria, Pax must do what no one in Faydor has dared to do before—join his soulmate in the light of day. Giving in to their attraction could be the dangerous, but they might not be able to stop themselves as they embark on a cross-country journey to fight.

When OI downloaded this book I had no idea it was a fantasy story, I DNF......I'm sorry I usually love anything that AL writes

I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were very interesting and I love the immediate connection between the two. Although I realize the romance had to be limited because that connection was what completes the strength between the two, I would of enjoyed seeing more chemistry between the two as they travel. I also would have enjoyed seeing Pax and her have the trip to the coast before she was pulled into another realm. Overall though I read it quickly and enjoyed it. I cannot wait to read the next book and I hope I'm given the opportunity do so. I collect books so I hope I can get the hardcopy when it's released as well as the next book so I can add it to my library and finally see them together and the evil destroyed. The author definitely captivates the audience and I enjoyed this book.

I loved this. The story weaves a seamless blend of darkness, hope, and a love that feels as inevitable as it is impossible. It’s a gripping, atmospheric journey that lingers long after you close the book.