Visions of Darkness is the first book in the Darkness series by A.L. Jackson. This is a romantasy where the author absolutely nailed every aspect of the story.
Imagine living a double life. Going to sleep every night and instead of dreaming, you are transported to Faydor, another realm where you must fight demons to save the innocent. Your real world when awake is you going to high school as a senior about to turn 18. This is Aria and Pax's life.
Pax is Aria's partner in Faydor. He protects her while she fights the demons. While Pax and Aria are not meant to meet or be together in real life, when she is committed by her mother, Pax will do anything to save her. The longing and love these two have for one another is the definition of soulmates.
Im notgoing to go any further and ruin the story but if you are a fan of romantasy, you definitely need to read this book. I am excited for the next instalment of this series. Well done Ms Jackson.

𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙍𝙊𝙈𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙄𝘾 𝘽𝙊𝙎𝙉𝙄𝘼𝙉 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒𝙎
*𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆*

This was my very first Romantasy paranormal/supernatural fantasy book and I am so glad it was with Amy! I was not sure what to expect since I am not familiar with the slang or any meanings or the way I guess it should be. Well no worries there Amy really just made it into her own that I forgot that's what it was but just reading another one of her amazing books. Now what threw me for a loop a little was the 1st to 3rd POV I had a slight hard time with that one. It's a story of humans that live in the real world and protect it at night in another world. The romance was there, the tensions, the new things I learned about a lot of fantasy books. I really got to taking, now will I read another fantasy YES by a few author's that are trusted and now Amy is part of that! Glad I was given a chance to read this early!!

This was a good start to this series. Such an interesting storyline and I enjoy this direction the author is taking with her writing. I can't wait to read the next one.

DNF at 62%

This one wasn’t for me. I thought it was a really good premise, but when I read fantasy; I need to be immersed in the world and invested and connected to the characters. More than half way through and this just didn’t happen. I had no problem putting it down and wasn’t motivated to pick it up. At that point; it’s time for me to move on. That said; I read and really enjoyed a couple romances by this author, so it’s very likely a preference thing for me.

This was hard to put down once I was invested. And it didn't take long.

Every second I felt like I was on the edge of my seat!
I did not like that Aria was in danger at the beginning. I could understand her parents' worry, but not totally.
I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.

Aria lives between two worlds—one she was born into and the other she was chosen for.

Every night when she goes to sleep she enters Faydor, where she fights Kruen, who feed on sin and chaos in our everyday world of vulnerable humans. But she does not fight alone, she fights with Pax by her side.

Now parts of Faydor seem to be seeping into her waking world. The Kruen are coming for her. Sensing the danger coming after her Pax does what no one else has dared to do. Join his soulmate in the light of day.

They must not give in to their forbidden attraction as they embark on a cross-country journey to fight the very powerful Kruen hunting Aria.

As their desire grows so do Aria's powers and the power of very Kruen looking for her.

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

*3.5 stars*

The concept, the writing, the romantasy, I sincerely enjoyed so much of this book. What threw me a bit, was its setting; the double life was great but being set "here" was just off for me. Their struggle was real, and gripping and definitely has left me wantng to know what's next for Aria, Pax & Jill too!

A.L. Jackson's first step into fantasy was so intriguing and unique! I was hooked on the storytelling from the moment I started reading. The difference in POVs from 1st person in the real world to 3rd person in the dream world made it really easy to tell the difference between the two.

The journey that both Pax and Aria have been on will tear at your heartstrings and will keep you guessing until the very end. I was so invested in these characters and seeing them try to fight for good. The devotion and the back and forth of finally giving into each other made my heart race while reading. And we always love a morally gray man fighting between what is expected of him and what he desires!

A.L. has done such a wonderful job of creating a fantasy world that makes it easy for a first-time fantasy reader to enjoy! The ending will leave you demanding more!

3.75! This one was such a captivating read! Overall I was so immersed in the book and absolutely hooked! With its perfect mix of tension and passion, I would highly recommend this read! The story was so beautifully written and the characters were so engaging to read about!! Overall really enjoyed this read!!

Aria is your typical high school senior. She's about to turn 18 and she is excited to join the world outside of school. She has it all planned out. Except, when she falls asleep every night, she is transported to another world where she and her Nol fight for the fate of humanity. She has mentioned his world to her parents. She has told them about Pax, the white-haired boy that she is bound to. And they think she's nuts. So when she wakes up one morning with a new battle wound, her parents have her committed thinking she is harming herself....again. But what none of them know, is that Aria is manifesting a new power that even her beloved can't let her unleash.

I liked this a lot. I am eager to see how the series continues. I really just wish that the FMC was older. There were some pretty 🌶️ scenes in this one and it was more than a little creepy that she is so young doing all that stuff. But overall, the story was good, the writing was good, and there was a satisfying conclusion.

A.L. Jackson’s dark romantasy is intense, gripping and all consuming! It is difficult to put down and not continue reading page after page until the end. Both the characters, Pax and Aria, and a story that falls between two worlds of night and day wraps itself around the reader with such intensity it becomes captivating. And just when the reader is ready for it to all end, to fall into place and come together Jackson adds a twist and leaves the reader on a cliffhanger frustrated and wanting more.

Aria has two very different realities in her life - during the day, she is a daughter who is misunderstood by her family. At night, her reality is her return to Faydor, to fight against the Kruen who cast sin and evil in the world. Her return to Faydor means her return to Pax, her forever soulmate, the one person she shares a unique and strong bond with but she can only have Pax when they are fighting together in Faydor. Aria discovers she possesses unique powers that others in Faydor do not hold and once awaken, she finds herself being hunted - the only outcome death.

Pax refuses to allow anyone - or anything - to hurt her thus disobeying the laws of Faydor to protect Aria during the day. Pax is fierce, possessive and protective. He is Aria’s opposite in every way and yet they are intensely drawn to each other. Once together, they must figure out how to stop the hunting and find safety for Aria.

I have read very few dark romantasy books but I am completely in love with this one. If you have never read dark romantasy, Jackson’s book is a good book to read. No matter where you are in your journey, Visions of Darkness is a MUST read!

The world building was so interesting for this book! I liked the concept of a Laven - a person like the fmc, Aria who fights Kruen - chaotic & terrible shadows who basically feed our everyday intrusive & negative thoughts! Even though Aria has felt misunderstood her whole life, she's always had Pax with her, even if it's only in dreams. That is until Pax comes to her rescue! 🥹 Their chemistry is sooo good & I love how in tune they are as Nols - partners/soulmates in Faydor. 🫶🏽

I normally do not read romantasy but since it was a go to author for me I thought I would try it…the book was intriguing and wonderful characters and as always beautifully written!

A.L. Jackson has created a unique and imaginative world in her latest release "Visions of Darkness". While it is on the darker side, it felt like more of a paranormal than romantasy read to me. I went from what the heck am I reading (because I always get lost in strange new worlds), to being invested in Pax and Aria's compelling connection. Admittedly, the strength of their connection is what kept me turning the pages. Hopefully our girl Aria gets a handle on her impulsive nature, because it annoyed this reader, especially at the end of the story. This one was a 3.5 star for me overall.

I received a copy from the author via Netgally, and this is my voluntary and honest review

A. L. Jackson has been a favorite author of mine since I started my reading journey. And her debut Romantsy did not disappoint!! She absolutely delivered with Visions of Darkness. This story intrigued me and I was hooked from the beginning. I didn't want to out it down. I was totally emersed in their world. The plot was amazing and this story is so unique.

There are two realms in this book. One is the real world we live in and the other is the dream world. In this dream realm there are chosen people who fight off evil spirits that are plaguing the people in the real world. Each person in this real world has a soulmate/fated mate so to speak who they fight along side. But they are forbidden to have any contact with their person or any of their kind in the real world because it would lead the evil spirits to them.

Let's talk characters. Pax and Aria are soulmates in the dream realm. and have been very close since a young age. I loved the relationship they shared in the dream realm. Aria finds herself in a tough situation and Pax can't stand by and not do anything about it. He makes the decision to come for Aria to protect her. And when they meet in the real world, explosions happen and the sweetest slow burn ignites and the angst is so good. They protect each other through in through and although their relationship is forbidden there's just no stopping the inevitable.

Keep in mind this is the first book in a romantasy series. So there will be lots of world and character building. And honestly I just wanted to keep learning more and more. The slow burn and tension just added more depth to this story.

"What do I think, Aria? I think you're beautiful. And if I dreamed, I would dream of you."

I don't think that I have read fantasy romance and with AL Jackson being one of my favorite authors I figured this would be a perfect way to dive into this genre. Visions of Darkness had the typical AL Jackson feel mixed in with some fantastical elements. Aria and Pax were unique characters with special gifts. They needed to work together to fight real evil and it was fascinating to see it go down. This usually only happens when they're sleeping but when the evil from the sleep world starts to creep into the real world, Pax and Aria must do the unthinkable. Visions of Darkness was a great read for my first time in romantasy. It was full of action and mystery. When we would get glimpses into Tearsith I was on the edge of my seat to see what will happen. The battles, the powers, everything was just outstanding. But this was also a love story. The connection between Pax and Aria was deep and completely transcending between the two worlds. These two were just meant to be and I was excited to see them together. AL Jackson writes the best connection between the two main characters in her stories and this was no different. I loved Pax and Aria together-they were formidable. All in all, this was a fantastic story. It gave me everything I wanted with the suspense and action and romance. I really hope there is a book 2 with that ending. We need more of Pax and Aria!

I really liked this story! It felt super original and I enjoyed the suspense and fantasy elements! Aria starts the story when she is about to turn 18 and is immediately thrown into conflict with her parents... it is pretty much really non-stop action after that! I loved Pax and how willing he was to break the rules that were created for the world they are in for Aria!

I listened to the majority if the story and the narrators did an amazing job bringing Aria and Pax to life! The darker elements and the details made the story feel that much more real, especially when listening.

I want to continue the series, because I loved the story. My rating is a little lowered just because the FMC is younger and it is totally a me thing. I typically avoid books with characters in high school.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes:
Fantasy Romance
Soulmates yet Forbidden
He Saves Her
Secret Powers
Found Family

I don't even know where to start with this book! It captured my attention and had me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book!

Aria 17 year old girl days away from her 18th birthday. Once 18 she plans to leave her life behind, in order to live for her true calling. That is until things take an unexpected turn and she had to be rescued by her best friend/soulmate Pax.

Aria & Pax are Laven, chosen individuals that fight a dark force that invades human minds. Unfortunately the injuries they sustain while asleep in Tearsith( a different universe for Laven) carry onto the living world as well. When Aria's mother find another wound she's forced into a psych ward. Which is where Pax saves her from just in time.

I wanted to jump in the book and give Aria & Pax a hug so bad! The things that had to go through at such a young age, with no one to understand them or even believe them! The connection between these two was so genuine and heartwarming! They truly are soulmates meant to be together!

I loved this story and the idea behind it! The mixing between the fantasy(parallel universe) and the world they live in by day definitely got my attention. And the balance between fantasy & romance was very appreciated.

This book started off strong and ended strong, but in the middle it did lose my interest a bit. I was curious to see what the two would find in their research, but both Aria and Pax' inner thoughts were very repetitive that I found myself skimming the chapters until new information was told.

That ending was absolutely brutal and brought tears to my eyes😭 I'm super excited for the next book, & Aria to learn more of her powers!

For AL Jackson, I will read romantasy and this was. the perfect intro to the genre as the world building was easy to understand!

The way this book kept me on my toes and just wanting more. This was a mix of epic love story, thrilling adventures and just so many pulling twists and turns that I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to know what was gonna happen next. A.L. Jackson's writing is such captivating that it draws you in from the start. The supernatural world and love story between Pax and Aria 💕 definitely can't wait to see what happens next!

I think that the premise of this book is very interesting. I enjoyed Pax and Aria, but I needed and wanted more. I am invested enough to read book 2 when it’s out. I did enjoy this, I just wanted a bit more.