“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘔𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝙈𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”

Did someone say…. Romantasy? 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 by AL Jackson just gave us what is now an obsession!!!! AL Jackson always writes the best romances, but now she added fantasy? YES!!!!

Aria and Pax were everything I needed and more!!! Fated Mates is my weekly!!! I devoured this book on my flight back home!! The ending tho!!!! 😩 I need more!!!!

Thank you so much AL Jackson for this gorgeous PR Box!!! THE BLANKET!!!!! 😍💜

This book is an enchanting dive into a world of fantasy, romance, and danger that will leave you spellbound. The premise—Aria being transported to the magical realm of Tearsith during her sleep to battle Kruens, sinister spirits haunting Earth—is utterly gripping. The forbidden romance between Aria and Pax, the fiercely loyal yet morally grey hero, adds layers of intensity and passion that are impossible to resist.

With a nostalgic writing style, this story is effortlessly addictive. The characters are vividly drawn and easy to love, while the narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chemistry between Aria and Pax is electrifying, their love story brimming with suspense, heartfelt emotion, and just the right touch of danger.

What truly shines is the dynamic between the two leads. Pax’s protectiveness never overshadows Aria’s strength and independence—she’s no damsel in distress. Her resourcefulness and fiery determination make her a standout heroine, perfectly complemented by Pax’s unwavering devotion. Together, they create a partnership that is as compelling as it is refreshing.

If you’re searching for a story to completely immerse yourself in, this book delivers it all—fantasy, romance, and thrilling adventure. A must-read for anyone looking to escape into an unforgettable tale of love and heroism.

A big shout out and thank you to Valentine PR and the author for gifting me with a complimentary copy of Vision of Darkness as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review!

The first of January 2025, for me, began with the greatest struggle a bookworm can face: a slump. I was hit by the hardest, most miserable slump (that I miraculously escaped the whole of last year). However, I’m here to say, that I may not be over the slump, but Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson was such a breeze to read despite aforementioned slump.

I kept going back to the author’s page to check if I’ve read any of her other books before because of how comfortably I sank into her writing, but I found this is the first book of ALJ’s I’m reading. My flabber was appropriately gasted. Don’t get me wrong, this book was no light read. It was dark, desolate, painful and lonely. It was written with the perfect tone which then matched the nature of the theme and situations of the characters so well. I know that most emotionally heavy books are harder to get through, sometimes staying with us in ways that we can’t undo. However, the author has managed to bring about the perfect balance between intrigue and emotion. Where ever the emotions are higher, the plot matches the weight. Wherever the emotions are lighter, the plot eases up a little too, allowing for some other elements to showcase themselves. It was the perfect balance and I’m so glad VoD was my first read of the year.

The plot in this book is actually several hundred times more complex that it appears to be. But given as closely linked to the writing it is, it’s done in an extremely neat way. I have said this before and I will say it again: complexity is fantastic, of course it is; but making it simple is the sign of a wonderful writer. I will also add that the plot in this book hasn’t fully revealed itself, however a large part of the theme has certainly been revealed. I will say the story in this book is so wonderfully different and a breath of fresh air, despite the heavier themes it follows.

With each element I write about I realize how closely linked they all are to one another! Which is so fantastic, in my head. For example, the world-building in VoD is closely linked to the plot, the writing and the characters. All three begin from page one and all of them are like three separate threads that are braided into one single emotionally enthralling weave. The world-building is done with extreme simplicity and at the same time without taking away the complexity of the world the author has created. I will agree, again that this book doesn’t wholly reveal everything, but enough to know just as much as we need to and that enough is perfectly done. Whatever foundation is required is laid earlier on and whatever needs to be built upon it comes with time and is positioned at exactly the place that ensures we’re right with the book as the events unfold.

The book alternates between the perspectives of the MMC and FMC and I would say we stay a lot more in the FMC’s mind in the first half of the book (as everything is established) and it becomes a bit more even in its shifting in the second half. While I typically prefer single person perspectives, I loved seeing the differences in the minds and thoughts of the two characters and it adds greatly to the emotionality and tone of the book; and of course the world building. (See what I mean by perfectly intertwined elements?)

The pace was fantastically even for me, though I do think it races towards the end a lot more. The fact that all the elements work so wonderfully with one another is likely what makes VoD the perfect slump breaker.

Five stars! Visions of Darkness has released and is available for free for KU subscribers. As always, please check trigger warnings, there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some. Happy reading!

This was such an interesting premise. I loved the dream world that these gifted or extraordinary humans would visit. The link to the real world and how real that world was to their physical body was interesting. Like if they got hurt their they would be hurt when they woke up.
I loved how negative thoughts and actions were all explained by something from Tearsith, the dream land. The one guy that visited her since she could remember in her dreams that she would draw pictures of and tell stories about that got her admitted. He was the one that came to save her. I’m being vague cause I don’t want to spoil anything.
This was such a wild ride and their magic/power system was so cool!

this was honestly such a good book and i couldn’t put it down. aria and pax’s story was a wild one and i enjoyed every minute of it. aria had to deal with so much while still trying to do what she was born to do and life just kept hitting her hard while she was awake. sleep was her respite and pax was her guiding force. i couldn’t get over the way the story played out and how pax helped aria so much and that he helped her become who she was meant to be. the ending was rude and now i shall wait very patiently for book two to come out because i need to know what happens next! highly recommend this book!

4.5 stars

I absolutely love the world that was created for us to dive into! Visions of Darkness was such a different world than what we are use to seeing from A.L. Jackson and she did not disappoint! Aria and Pax were so well-written and their connection was so intense and heart-wrenching you could feel it coming off of the pages. I envy Aria, she is a fighter through and through! Her strength and resilience throughout the book was so inspiring. She faces so much, yet never lets it break her spirit, and I loved how she handled everything life threw her way.

Pax's unending dedication to Aria really stood out for me. I loved that he followed his heart and went after her, despite the risks involved. Their bond felt so real and the chemistry between them was sizzling even though they had not met yet in real life. The romance was definitely a highlight for me, but the suspense and the growing darkness added so much more to the book.

The way Aria’s dreams seeped into her waking world made the stakes feel even higher, and the world of Faydor was so beautiful. The tension was so strong throughout the book, especially as Aria’s powers grew stronger and the threat of the Kruen got even more intense. The plot twists and the rising danger kept me on the edge of my seat.

My only small critique is that I wish there had been a bit more focus on the world-building in terms of Faydor’s origins and the Kruen’s history. I love the nod to Maria and the history with her husband. With that said, the emotions, the character growth, and the incredible journey made this book a fantastic read. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next in the series!

4⭐, 2🌶️

You ever get off a rollercoater, your hair is all wild, you had so much fun, and someone asks you how the ride was? and then you cant remember anything about it cause it was fun bt so much was happening to process you were just there riding along? Yea thats my general feeling of this book.

I was excited and nervous to read A.L's take on fantasy, because I love her stories but fantasy is very hit or miss for me,. But I'm in a book slump and hoping this would help. Welllll, it didn't take me out of the slump but I enjoyed the story.

WE get thrown STRAIGHT into the storyline and youre kind left to figure out the world building/ magic system within the first few chapters slowly. Which IM GLAD i did as an audiobook cause you girl would have been impatient and confused if I eyeball read this book.

Overall, I liked the story, I loved the childhood partners (friends?) to forbidden to lovers, and the excitement we get hunting down the Kruen, and how that is slowly morphing into the real world was very entertaining.

However, I fall back I was confused a lot with the world building/ magic and that may just me. Do I understand what that cliffy at the end was? Nope. But I sure am excited for the next book. If A.L. writes it, Ima read it. Even if I'm unable to process it >.<

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unpaid review.

**I read this book via the Kindle Unlimited free Audible access. Victora Mei and Teddy Hamilton were phenomenal voice actors for Aria and Pax

4⭐️ 2🌶️ 4🎧

Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Narrators: Victoria Mei + Teddy Hamilton
Narration type: dual
Writing perspective: first person, dual POV
Standard length: 10:11
Listening speed: 2.5x (immersive)
Listened via: Netgalley
ALC provided by: Netgalley/AL Jackson

Tropes: romantasy, fated mates, forbidden, the chosen one, on the run, morally grey MMC, only one bed, touch her and ☠️
Relationship dynamic: MF

📖 I love diving into a new romantasy world, and this was fun since it was Amy’s fantasy debut! The world building and concept was really interesting! Aria and Pax had such a strong bond and I love how devoted they are to each other. A possessive and protective MMC is the best. I am excited to learn more about their other world and especially see where we end up since we have a cliffy at the end!

“I will always come for you.”

“You are what my heart knows.”

🎧 This audio was a fun listen. I’ve listened to Victoria a few times in other fantasy series and she gives a solid performance with dynamic emotional range. In this case I thought she seemed a bit more mature/sophisticated sounding than I would have expected for an 18 year old but it didn’t necessarily take away from the listening experience. While Teddy typically sounds the same to me, not varying his vocal performance much from role to role, he still can be a bit of a chameleon in terms of age and type of character he plays, so this worked for me! He sounded like a protective 22 year old guy head over heels in love with his fated mate.

A romantasy by AL Jackson… yes please. I don’t read a lot of fantasy but this story peaked my interest and I really enjoyed it.

Pax and Aria are soulmates but it is also forbidden. Pax must cross over into the real world to help Aria.

The chemistry and connection these two have is undeniable, how they will be together is a whole other problem.

The world created by AL Jackson was intriguing and one where you wanted to be there with these characters.

This book expertly blends heart-pounding suspense, undeniable romance, and a touch of mystery that keeps you turning the pages late into the night.

The characters are rich and layered, with raw emotions and compelling backstories. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and Jackson's signature poetic writing style makes every moment feel vivid and alive. The plot is well-paced, with just the right balance of twists and heartfelt moments to keep you invested from start to finish.

The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that some parts felt a bit predictable, and I wished certain subplots were explored in greater depth. That said, these minor points didn’t take away from the overall impact of the story.

A good start to a.l Jackson’s dip into fantasy romance genre! I feel as if there were a few things that could have been tweaked, but overall a very enjoyable book.

Tropes:
- Morally Grey Hero
- Forbidden
- On the Run
- Fated Mates
- Touch Her and 🪦

Who am I?? Leave it to Amy to get me to pick up my first romantasy and enjoy it!! If you know me you know this is not my normal read, but I will read anything Amy releases. This book is still so true to her and I encourage you to try it even if it’s not normally your thing.

The undercurrent of darkness and danger was constant! There is no calm in this book. You are on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. I feel like I ran a marathon - in the best way! Lol

Aria and Pax are soul mates, but their duty tells them they can’t be together. They spend their night slaying the demons that people are faced with on earth. But what happens when her worlds collide? Danger is coming for her from every angle and they must run.

The love these two share is undeniable. I was tearing up so many times at the troubles both characters face in their “normal” life and having to face that without having the most important person to you is tragic. They are meant for each other and not even the forbidden and unknown will keep them apart.

Also, cliff hanger alert! Can’t wait to see what’s to come in this series!

"I needed a few days to process everything after finishing this one—it really hit me hard. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The emotional turmoil of the main character, her struggles to keep painful truths from her loved ones because she knew they’d never believe her, was so raw and deeply written that I felt it all in my core. Then there’s his determination to question everything he thought he knew, to follow his heart and find her—it kept me glued, needing to see how it would all unfold.

What I loved most was how this story brought a fresh twist to the romantasy genre, blending modern concepts of evil with a fantasy take on why it even exists. It was such a unique perspective. I’m already counting down the days until the next book comes out!"

This book was such a fun change of pace for me and the characters were incredible. The world building wasn’t overwhelming but kept me so engaged in the story! I loved that they knew they were soulmates without having met and I’m just so excited to see how this series plays out!

No spoilers here!

Tropes:
🌷Forbidden love
🌷Fated Mates
🌷One Bed
🌷Morally Gray Hero


It took me a little bit to start and finish this book! It wasn’t because it was bad, but it mainly because I am so used to her writing dark romance books 📚 which I love, but am also not into romantasy as much.

For Been her first Romantasy she did amazing with Pax and Aria! AL she is an amazing writer and I enjoy her romance books.

But overall I did enjoy the story of Aria and pax .. and going to a different world while you’re sleeping 💤 in your dreams. lol I basically do that 90 percent of the time.
If you into Romantasy I definitely recommend this one.o

This was a very interesting book. I really enjoyed the take on why people do bad things. The story line was great and something I've never read before. I really enjoyed the romance of the story as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
⁣
“𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.”⁣
⁣
Okay, wow!! I haven't read a lot of romantasies in the 4 years of my reading journey, but this is unlike anything I've ever read!! It was such a unique storyline, and I absolutely loved it. It was so hard to turn off my Kindle, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what was going to happen.⁣
⁣
When Aria falls asleep at night, she enters the sanctuary of Tearsith, where she and Pax battle the evils that lurk in the ice cold depths of Faydor. ⁣
⁣
I loved the forbidden love between Pax and Aria and how that pull between them is so strong and undeniable and the care they have for each other. They're a dream team in both worlds! ⁣
⁣
Know that this book is not a standalone and ends on a cliffhanger!

This was so good! Extremely unique story and characters. Love AL and their books. Vivid story telling and makes you want to keep turning the pages

I loved this book, which was my first Romantasy paranormal/supernatural fantasy story. This series got off to a strong start. The first to third points of view, however, caught me off guard. That one was a little difficult for me. It tells a story of people who live in the real world and defend it at night in a parallel universe. There was romance, conflict, and new details about many fantasy novels. It's a really interesting plot, and I like the direction that the author is writing in. I am looking forward to the next one.

Thanks so much to the author and Valentine PR for the e-ARC to review.

“I will always come for you.”
“You are what my heart knows.”

This was my first A.L. Jackson book, and I enjoyed it! The world building was great, and I loved the characters so much! Aria and Pax are perfect for each other. We love a man that is protective and morally grey. I think what bothers me the most is the cliff hanger?! I mean... COME ON.

Tropes:
Romantasy
Fated mates
Forbidden
Morally grey MMC
Only one bed (we love to see it)
Touch her and unalive
Dual POV