As you may know, I have been fully embracing my Romantasy era for the past several months and after reading another amazing fantasy romance, Visions of Darkness, in my Romantasy era I shall remain!

I absolutely loved the unique world that Visions of Darkness takes place in. During the day, the characters are in the real world, living life normally with some minor exceptions. But when they fall asleep, they are immediately transported into the realm of Tearsith. Here, they're battling Kruen and saving those plagued by their evil whispers.

Aria is our fierce, and fiercely misunderstood, FMC (Female Main Character). Pax is our tough and protective MMC (Main Male Character). He gives off the ultimate touch her and ☠️ vibes! Since childhood, Aria and Pax have been a team in Tearsith, but they've only ever known each other there as they are forbidden from seeking each other out while awake during the day.

I loved the dual POV and how this intriguing and fast-paced story unfolded. To find out more, you'll have to read it for yourself because I'm not giving away any spoilers! If you're looking for a fresh take on romantasy, then this book is definitely for you!

One of my favorite things from 2024 was authors who branched into new genres, so when A.L. Jackson teased a new fantasy romance, I was all in. I can honestly say this is a new avenue of fantasy in its unique story but Jackson’s signature “gray” twist (I’m coining that, its not dark but it’s not sunshine and rainbows) shines through. A secret battle between good and evil is waged in dreams, and our FMC Aria has the scars to show it. Unfortunately, there are real-world consequences when Aria reveals her truth to her family. And a fear of being recommitted, that turns into reality, comes to a head when Aria’s abilities begin to show themselves in her waking hours.

The shining light in her struggles, Pax. Her fated partner that fights by her side. A temptation she’s fought for months, years even. But to meet in the daylight would cause the greatest evil to come after them. But when that evil chases Aria on her own, Pax is willing to defy every law of their people to protect her.

There’s an undeniable chemistry between Pax and Aria that builds even more throughout the story despite them already having secret feelings for one another. But that’s not what drives their story, this is a fantasy first. While the world Jackson’s built is not complex, it’s unique. Demon-like creatures whisper intrusive thoughts that can only be seen and defeated by warriors like Aria and Pax but only when they sleep. Aria suddenly develops the ability to find and capture these creatures in the day. When Pax comes to her aid, they have to go on the run. As more and more creatures hunt them down Aria has to decide: a life of Danger with Pax, or a life of commitment under her family’s worry. Emotionally powerful and creative; a wonderful new venture from Jackson!

So, I'm going to start off by saying, I don't read fantasy. I WANT to... I just haven't made the jump yet. But if Amy writes a romantasy, you better believe I'm going to read it. And honestly, I feel like this was a great step into the romantasy world.

Aria & Pax both live in two different realms. Their normal every day life during the day & at night when they fall asleep, they enter the world of Faydor. There, they fight all the evils that are lurking. They have never met in real life, but in Faydor, they are considered soulmates. Pax realizes she's in trouble in the real world & he tracks her down to save her, even though it's considered forbidden. This man will literally burn down the world for her. He is so protective and I love it. I loved seeing the two worlds collide. The ending definitely left me wanting more! I cannot wait to see what happens.

What to expect:
🖤Morally Grey MMC
🖤Fated Mates
🖤Two Different Realities
🖤Forbidden

Thank you to AL Jackson & Montlake for this ARC. This is my honest review.

I’m very hit or miss with fantasy reads, but this one had me hooked! Pax & Aria’s story had me pulled in right from the start. It was so intriguing how they almost lived two aerate lives but were so connected. The slow burn of it all had me wishing I could read faster. Their connection was just so strong and so perfect for one another it was indeed other worldly. Their story had me on the edge of my seat till the very end. This was such a good start to a series and I really can’t wait to see what comes from it all next.

I eagerly anticipated A.L. Jackson's debut into fantasy romance. Was so thrilled she was venturing into a genre that I adore. Was super excited to read this and it definitely kept me captivated.

The prologue sets such a compelling tone that I was drawn in immediately. The intricate but easy to grasp world-building and character depth between Pax and Aria were exceptional and keep you glued to the pages. The palpable tension between our two MC’s was spellbinding. They both battle the darkness and face physical and mental challenges in two worlds. As daytime realities unfold, the weight of the contemporary world is on them and as night comes Pax and Aria transition into the realm of Faydor. There they also have their own struggles to survive the Kruen who rule that realm.

What I appreciate so much about this author’s writing is the profound emotion she always conveys through her characters. The slow burn and the angst is tangible. I felt the weight that Aria carried throughout this book, Pax too. If you crave fascinating stories with fated mates, forbidden love, and the excitement of two worlds colliding- you’ll want to pick this book up.

The one thing I do wish was that this wasn’t a cliffhanger; however, the ending was satisfying, leaving me looking forward to what comes next. 4.5/5 stars.

I've been a big fan of Amy's writing forever and was very intrigued by a fantasy story. This book did not disappoint!

Visions of Darkness is set in both the real world and Faydor, the place they go once they fall asleep. It is filled with mystery and secrets and a war that leaves them beaten when they wake. I found it so interesting how connected these characters are in one realm but yet must remain strangers in the next. I am fully invested in this tale and the cliffhanger has me begging for the next book already! Can't wait to see what is in store for Aria & Pax next!

I LOVED the mix of real life and the dream world. And make no mistake, the world Aria and Pax go when they’re asleep isn’t always dreamy.

Aria and Pax are Laven. Chosen to fight monsters in their sleep at a place called Faydor to protect the people of Earth. Their bond is one of love and protection but they can never act on it while awake.

This book is filled with action, mystery and tension and I just couldn’t put it down.

Add to your TBR if you like:
✨ real world vs dream world
✨he cares for no one but her
✨forbidden love
✨nicknames
✨dual POV, sometimes 3rd person
✨morally grey mmc
✨mystery
✨heavily tatted mmc
✨monsters
✨tension
✨slow burn

Al Jackson makes her foray into fantasy and does it with a bang! This had such an interesting premise that came together so well. It had me hooked pretty much from the start. Aria, a girl that exist in to realities, the real world during the day, and the very dangerous Faydor where her and others like her fight the evil Kruen that want to destroy humans, one sin at a time. The problem is that world leaves mark on her body in reality and her parents think she is hurting her self, that she i crazy. They put her in an institution right before her 18th birthday. What no one knows is that something about her is changing, and she is being hunted. Her partner in the fight, Pax, the other half of her soul, will break all the rules they hold most sacred to protect her from this evil that is hunting her.
Its exciting, dangerous, dark, unique and has me desperate for more. Great characters that have me completely invested in their future! I want more now, please!

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

This is such a captivating and intoxicating romantasy with such a unique storyline unlike anything I've read before. For being A.L. Jackson’s first book in the fantasy romance world, she absolutely nailed it.

What to expect:
•Urban Romantasy/Paranormal
•Forbidden Romance
•On the Run
•Morally Grey MMC
•Touch Her & ☠️

Also, I just want to say the protective, I will eliminate any threat to you vibes that Pax has….YESSSSS. I am feral for him. The bond between Pax and Aria is everything I crave in a romantasy. I love their chemistry, their connection, their belief in one another.

I lost myself in their journey. The non stop action, the battles they face, all the layers that keep unfolding, the mystery and suspense….I absolutely loved it all. It was all so well laid out and truly such an adventure to read.

This does end on a cliffhanger, but it’s at one of those good points where you’re not wanting to throw your kindle, so don’t panic. Lol. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Pax and Aria.
Kim Francis

I absolutely loved this book! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again. The slow burn was 🔥 and I would definitely recommend to lovers of Fantasy Romance. I hope A.L. Jackson writes more Romantasy in the future!

I received an advance copy. This review is honest and voluntary.

A.L.Jackson is in her Romantasy Era!

As she is one of my top five authors, and her books never fail to get me out of a slump, I was so excited for her to enter the fantasy world.
I was lucky enough to receive an e-ARC!

I really did like this book, I was hooked from the beginning and read this in one day. The whole concept of being pulled into a different realm when Aria and Pax fell asleep was really a very interesting concept and I think it worked really well.
I have read a few Romantasy books before, and this is a bit different, but I loved it and I stand by that!
I love the soul mate, forbidden to be together vibe.
I think this was a great read, and I will definitely be right there waiting for the next book!

This book has a unique plot centered around the idea of two worlds colliding and the constant (and very real) battle between good and bad centered around realistic thoughts and scenarios. There is an overarching love story between our two main characters, along with adventure, self discovery, suspense, and friendship. I loved the eternal soulmate aspect and that we it's set in a modern setting but has this fantasy elements woven in.

For myself, I struggled a bit with the pacing and world building. I can't pinpoint it exactly but I didn't connect with the fantasy elements as I hoped I would and a lot of times it felt like the story was dragging a bit or just not paced well and I found myself distracted while reading. It came across as meant for a younger audience (except for the spice), and I think there were some plot points that didn't resonate or make sense to me.

I think there is an audience for this book who would enjoy the fantasy elements and plot, and so I would recommend it to them. However, it was just not a book for me overall.

I received an eARC of this book, but the review is entirely my own.

Visions Of Darkness is the first book in the Darkness series. I don't read many romantasies and I thought this was perfect for someone like me. It wasn't too complex or hard to comprehend and it was set in our world. I loved the storyline and the plot. It was engaging, kept me interested. I loved the 2 worlds and how Amy wove them together. I thought the concept was so cool, so original.

Aria and Pax are great characters. They're well developed and have many layers to them. I loved getting to know them and seeing their relationship evolve. Their chemistry, attraction was absolutely fire.

Overall, this was a great and fun read. The plot is super unique, the characters are great, the magic and world building are easy to understand. It is the perfect book to dip your toes in the romantasy genre !

"You are what my heart knows"

Honestly, I didn't know where to begin when writing this review.

A.L. Jackson completely blew my mind with her first venture into the world of Romantasy. I have read all her contemporary romances, so I couldn't wait to read this one. In true A.L. Jackson style she did not let me down, leading me on an exhilarating journey from the moment I began reading. VISIONS OF DARKNESS was a spellbinding, fated mates, two worlds collide, forbidden romance with the ultimate morally grey, protective hero sand as badass heroine who realizes that to remain safe and alive she must keep her secret hidden from those around her.

"I would break every f... rule in this world and in that one to keep you safe."

Aria Rialta has just turned eighteen and is a Laven, someone who, once falling asleep at night, is drawn into another realm, Faydor. It is a nightmare realm where she, along with other Lavens, fight the Kruen, creatures who thrive on spreading chaos and mayhem amongst humans. Pax Morrison is twenty-two and is also a Laven. He is Aria's Nol(soulmate) and has sworn to protect her no matter the cost, he must always put her first. The only time Aria and Pax meet each other is in Faydor, but when Aria's safety is threatened in the daylight hours Pax will break every rule to track her down and keep her safe. Meeting in the "real" world is forbidden and could have dire consequences.

"She was my perfection. My ecstasy. My completion."

Aria and Pax's story was intense, action-filled, as journey of self-discovery, and a slow burn romance. The connection and magnetic pull between them were deep and strong. Their unforgettable journey was one of secrets, revelations, hiding, searching, and love.

A.L. Jackson's storytelling was captivating, her world building vivid, and her characters were simply sublime. She kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat as I followed Aria and Pax on their journey together. What I was not expecting was that cliffhanger!!! OMG I need the next book now!!!

A highly recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

Ahh, what debut into the romantasy world! I started with the ebook, but then added in the audiobook and did a simultaneous read/listen and I found that even more enjoyable.

The premise behind this story had me intrigued from the very beginning and I only grew more and more fascinated. Jumping between the real world and the world of Faydor, which is a realm that the characters visit in their dreams and fight Kruen, who are essentially entities that speak dark thoughts into vulnerable humans.

I loved this story and these characters so much. I am so here for the level of protectiveness from Pax!! That man would do anything to protect Aria! *swoon*

I absolutely need more from this series ASAP!

I’ve never been a romantasy girlie, but I devoured this one!! With Amy being one of my favorite authors, I was absolutely willing to try a new genre and I loved it! Pax & Aria shift between different realities while awake and asleep, fighting against evil in the world of Faydor at night. Their love is technically forbidden, never having met during the day, but they’re truly soulmates across every reality. I mean this man travels across the country to find her when she’s in trouble. Pax & Aria’s connection is so strong and was so captivating to read about. Between Pax’s loyalty and protectiveness over her and Aria’s fierce compassion...they make an incredible team. I enjoyed the adventure, the mystery and intrigue, and the love between Pax & Aria. I still have so many questions, and that ending?!?!?! I need more!! I really enjoyed this one, and loved getting a taste of fantasy!

A fantastic romantasy debut. I love AL writing so much and this was no exception. She has me turning the page at record pace trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Urban fantasy is such an underrated genre and I’m so glad there’s another epic one added to the roster.

“May your hearts forever keep the hope of your calling,”

I loved this book!
The good vs evil in this is depicted in such a way that it's reminiscent of angels vs. demons. The way evil enters the minds and souls of humankind unbeknownst to them while the Laven battled this evil in a different plane was so intriguing!!! The fact this is A.L Jackson's first romantasy is amazing!
The Bond between Pax and Aria was everything !
I can not wait for more of this series!

This fantasy romance takes you from a somewhat normal family life to a whole other world while you are sleeping. Aria and Pax belong together but with their worlds colliding how will this all work. This is a complicated love story about love, family and figuring out who you truly are. These characters are telling a sometimes intense story in this well layered book with a lot going on. This is only book one in this series so things are just getting interesting.

This was such an interesting beginning to a series! I had a feeling that AL Jackson would write a very compelling Romantasy, and that is true about this book, if nothing else. I would call this a New Adult Romantasy and I think this is a decent dive into a new style of romance from her.

I was immediately gripped by the struggle and predicament Aria finds herself in. Living a double life. Where in one, she is a High School Senior about to turn 18 and in the other, she is a magical warrior who fights off the Darkness in the land of Faydor. With her Laven family, who train and fight evil together.

Pax is her protector and partner in Faydor. He keeps her safe so she can do her job. But in the waking world they are not supposed to ever meet. Big bad things will supposedly happen and be drawn to them if they were in the same place at the same time. That doesn't keep either of them from longing for each other. Nor does it keep Pax from rushing to Aria's rescue when her earthly family has her committed for the strange wounds they find on her body that look like self-harm.

Yeah, she is in quite the sticky situation.

Now that Pax and Aria are together, how will they ever go back to the way things were, and that becomes even more impossible when enemies begin converging on them. They have their backs against the wall and they don't know what the new power manifesting in Aria really means.

I found parts of this story to be very compelling and the narration performances by Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton really helped with that too. They really kept the story moving. I have always found that AL Jackson's writing sounds the best when it is being performed. It is very lyrical and flows better that way.

However, I did find this to be a bit *too* flowery, with many descriptions using a lot of words to not say anything at times. That may seem harsh, but I feel like after completing this novel, I should know a bit more about what's happening. I'm happy we didn't have too much info dumping, but I have so many questions. I know there are more books coming, and this did end in a cliffhanger, but there should have been a bit more meat on the bones.

Overall, I will continue this series and I am anxious to know what comes next for this pair!

3.5 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale

CW: forced committal of a minor, violence, danger to children