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.

Wow, this book was so incredibly good.. I don’t read fantasy often , but this has got to be one of my favorites. I enjoyed this book so much and it was a great escape from my crazy world!

Visions of Darkness was an unexpected 5 star read!! It blends paranormal with fantasy in a way I was not expecting. I was sucked in right away, trying to figure out what was happening to the heroine, Aria.

During the waking hours, Aria and Pax are young adults trying to survive the the everyday world. When the sleep, they are warriors in the land of Faydor, and Nul-soul mates. But, they are never permitted to meet in the real world. When what happens in Faydor leaves scars in the real world, Aria's family thinks she is having a mental break. Pax breaks every rule they have been taught to help her. The Kruen (scary shadow monsters) are coming for Aria because she developed a new power. Her and Pax are desperate to figure out what it all means.

This story was detailed, interesting, and romantic. If you like pining, forbidden romance, you will adore Pax and Aria. The plot is fast paced and there is plenty of danger to keep you on your toes. Honestly, I was mad I had to go to sleep and stop reading. I need more of this series now!!

For many readers, this is going to be a must-read
The storyline is original it takes place in two realms
as well as does some time hopping to give us all the backstory and information we need to understand both worlds and how things work
I enjoyed the concept of the parallel universes - Not so much what our heroine had to face when she was awake on Earth though
I wish we had a bit more IDK if I want to say time or maybe background
I just couldn't connect with the characters in a way that would allow me to immerse myself in the storyline fully

I do plan on trying again though
Many times it is just a mood thing which is why I recommend the read

This book just solidifies that it A L. JACKSON writes it, I'm going to read it. I haven't read a romantasy in a bit but I was completely taken away by this story.

Pax & Aria take us on an epic adventure or a dream world while also living in the human world. This book was intense and I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The twists, the turns,... THE ENDING. I am done. 🫠

I cannnnnotttt wait for her to give us more in this world.

Well....it's official. I officially am obsessed with this series and need more immediately. I don't tend to gravitate towards paranormal romance but I love everything that Amy writes so I jumped at this one...and I'm so glad I did. It was absolutely bingeworthy! I couldn't stop listening to this book and I need the next installment immediately!

What you'll get:
- Fated Mates
- Touch her and d!e
- On the run
- Forced proximity
- Forbidden love

This was a DNF for me around 40%. There was a lot going on but nothing happening if that makes sense? I’m also not a fan of the virgin FMC trope but that’s just personal preference. I didn’t understand the fated mates but they were supposed to find love and have a normal life when they were awake? So the MMC had been sleeping with women for years for a “release” but the FMC never had eyes for anyone else. I get she was 4 years younger, but again..they were each others “Nols” ??? The writing and editing was great as usual from AL Jackson, I just didn’t care for this story. Thank you Valentine PR for the e-arc!

READ IF YOU LIKE:
O unique fantasy
• slowwww burn
• forbidden love
• heroine FMC
• chosen one

THOUGHTS
First off, I have to say how absolutely IN LOVE with this cover I am. I'm honestly debating on a trophy copy even based off this cover
I loved the unique magic system in this book. The fact that our characters fought monsters that caused chaos in the real world while they slept was so cool. And the author specified the change from wake & sleep with third person which made it so easy to follow. Pax was and I saw a lot of myself in Aria with how
much she cared for her family and wanted to help others. We see these characters go through A LOT while on the run and my heart broke for them.
My only bone to pick was that it was a VERY slow burn, romance and plot wise. It felt a tad bit repetitive and slow to get to the point, but overall I still liked this book!

4/5⭐️
1/5🌶️

I am loving how A.L. Jackson is diving into the romantasy world. This book is such a good start if you want to get into romantasy if you haven’t already. She killed it if you asked me. I loved every second of it.

The world that she has created is honestly one of a kind. I have never read anything like this. For example, the switching between worlds in your sleep is something so different and I think that’s why I fell in love immediately. The plot line was incredible. It was unique and addictive. I was HOOKED from the start. I went into this completely blind and I’m so happy I did! I love them so much.

Pax & Aria were destined for each other but only when they are both asleep are they able to see each other. When they’re awake they are not supposed to seek each other out because things will go downhill if they do. But what happens when Aria’s parents think something is wrong with her and sends her away. Pax can feel something is wrong, so he has no choice but to go and get her.

BUT THE ENDING THOUGH… Are we getting book two? Because I freaking hope so!! I need more. I have so many questions and I think AL Jackson did amazing for her first romantasy.

🖤Fated Mates
🖤Morally Grey MMC
🖤On The Run
🖤Close Proximity
🖤Romantasy
🖤Forbidden
🖤Touch Her and Die
🖤Childhood Friends
🖤Only One Bed

I DNFed the book
It is 100% a me problem. The writing and plot where great, if you love romantasy, I believe you will enjoy this one.
I just don't think romantasy is for me.

What I Loved:
🖤 Completely New Take on Romantasy
🌒 Fated Mates
🖤 They Were Born to Protect Each Other
🌒 ““She was my perfection. My ecstasy. My completion.”
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️

This was A. L. Jackson’s first novel in the fantasy genre, and she did an absolutely terrific job.

This book dives into the two worlds that Aria and Pax spend their time in. One is alike to the world that you and I live in, a magic free world, but the other comes alive when they go to sleep, where their purpose is to fight the Kruen who’s evil bleeds into the hearts of humans.

But when Aria wakes up with bruises and scars from her battles overnight, her parents assume the worst- that she’s hurting herself and hospitalise her. Her worlds start to bleed together where she can fight the Kruen in both arenas- leaving her susceptible to extreme danger in the human world.

Pax forbidden from seeking Aria out in the human world, refuses to leave her unprotected and finds her, where their two worlds collide in chemistry.

I did find at around the 80% mark of the novel that the story plateaued a little bit, but picked up at the end, leaving me desperate for the next book in this series.

This was a great first installation to the Darkness series, and had a premise unlike any fantasy I’ve read before, so if you’re looking to expand your romantasy books, and read a completely new subgenre in fantasy- this is a great book to start.