This is A.L. Jackson's first romantasy novel, and I really enjoyed it!

Aria is days away from her 18th birthday when her parents think her mental illness is returning. But Aria isn’t ill - she’s special. Every night, she’s transported to another world to battle evil threatening the real world. There, she’s bonded with Pax, her Nol (a soulmate-like figure), but they’re forbidden from interacting in the real world or acting on their romantic feelings.

When Pax learns Aria is in danger, he breaks all the rules to protect her. As they try to evade a dark force hunting Aria, they discover shocking truths about their world, realizing their bond is too strong to ignore.

The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger as such, but it leaves unanswered questions and hints at more danger ahead!

If you enjoy forbidden, slow-burn romances with adventure, I recommend this book!

The magic in this book was unique and sounds absolutely exhausting. When Aria sleeps she goes to another world where she has to fight these evil beings called Kruen. Any injuries done to her are then marked on her physical human body. Can you imagine never getting to truly sleep and constantly being in pain?? So exhausting! And then she has to hide her injuries because her parents think she has a mental illness and is hurting herself so she’s always on the alert and trying to hide her pain.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, had lots of action and pining. I loved how protective Pax was and if you listen to the audiobook he’s narrated by Teddy Hamilton (iykyk), It was a little bit predictable, but I didn’t mind it.

The one thing I didn’t care for though was that the FMC was 17 then turned 18 with some spicy scenes when she was 18. The spice wasn’t over the top graphic, and I’m normally a spicy reader, but I didn’t prefer the spice in this one

This felt like a repeat of past books that I have read but with a tweak of the magical system. I thought the idea of fighting evil in their dreams was a cool feature but it did not feel as unique as it could have been.

The romance portion felt lacking. I did not sense any romantic chemistry between the main characters, but would have bought a protector relationship.

The mythology of their magical abilities was interesting and part of why I continued reading this. The ending scene made me sigh in disappointment because I'm not sure if I'm invested enough in the character's love story to continue but I am interested in how the mythology will be written.

Visions and Darkness is A.L. Jackson’s first romantasy book and she takes us on an adventure set in two realities. It is a dark romance between Aria Rialta and Pax Morrison who live life between two worlds. They are fated mates fighting evil at night and forbidden lovers during the day. Follow them as they battle against the evil intent on destroying them and the world.

“I will always come for you.”

Aria and Pax are Laven, which means they enter another world when they fall asleep at night. They meet up in Tearsith, then go and fight the darkness in Faydor, defeating the evil Kruen, who are trying to conquer the world. It is a life of pain and sacrifice, a blessing and a curse to endure as they moved from one reality to the other. Pax is her Nol, her soul mate and protector. Since childhood they have been best friends and she has always known he is the only one for her. Once she was old enough to enter Faydor, he has been by her side every night.
Aria is a sweet girl who loves her family but they have never understood what she is going through They worry her childhood imagination has turned into something else when she starts to wake up in the morning with the evidence of what has happened the night before. She realises she must leave them because she must protect the secret of what she really is. In Faydor, she is fierce and believes in what they are doing even though she endures more than she should.

They both have very pale grey eyes which cause people to react to them. Pax also stands out as he has white hair and tattoos which cover his scars. He is the ultimate protector, broody and dark and the epitome of touch her and die. A morally grey hero who will do anything for Aria, even though he knows it might cost him his life. They share a connection unlike any of the other Laven pairs but are forbidden to meet up while awake or be together in this world. A series of incidents change everything and leads to Pax doing the one thing they are forbidden to do. When she begins to exhibit other powers and her life is threatened, it becomes obvious that she is special and he must save her. As they go on the run events make them start to question what they have been taught. What will happen now their two worlds have collided and do they believe everything they have been told to prevent them being together in both realms. What will be the cost to them as they try to keep themselves safe during there day and what would be the consequences if they gave into their desires for each other?

“The beautiful boy who would never be mine the way I wanted him to be. My love. My heart. My soul.”

I felt so sorry for Pax as he fights his feelings for her and tries to do what is right. He is torn between his oath and duty as her Nol and his heart. He has always wanted her but will he cross the line which could lead to their destruction. I liked how he was different in the two worlds and we slowly learn more about him. Aria knows they not allowed to be together the way she has always dreamt of but her love for him grows the more they are together. I was pleased they had support from their friends Timothy and Dani in Tearsith.

An unique concept and interesting start to a new series but it does end on a cliffhanger ready for next book. I can’t believe after all they go through, it ended this way. It certainly makes you think about childhood imaginary friends, what really happens when you dream and why some people do bad things. If you are a fantasy reader then you will love this.

Thank you to Valentine PR & author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review. Thoughts are my own.

I first read A.L. Jackson last year with From Here to Eternity! Really enjoyed that read and will definitely look at Amy’s backlist!

Another “me thing”, this reads as YA and sometimes didn’t flow well. Pax’s character was flawed but sometimes it felt too forced and cringey. Also pictured him as Draco, lol

This took me 2 weeks to read. That was a me thing, didn’t feel like reading much. Once I switched to audio, thanks to KU I flew through the last quarter of the book.

I enjoyed this read but wasn’t memorable and will probably forget about these characters.

The last bit is good and I will be continuing this series, I really enjoyed the world building. Tearsith and Faydor were described well and I was easily able to imagine the fields, forest, etc. I was imagining the Ghorls as dementors

I recommend the audio, if you have Kindle Unlimited. Teddy Hamilton is great as always.

Words cannot express how much I LOVED this book from Jackson! I have been a massive fan of this author for years but seeing them dip their toes into the romantasy? Epic! The twists and turns and the concept had me loving it from start to finish. Give me more please!

I’m so excited about AL Jackson writing a Romantasy series!

Expect 👉🏼 YA Romantasy, Mulitple Worlds, Forbidden, Soul Mates, Cliffhanger

Pax and Aria are soulmates. They understand one another like no one else does. They have found their person, they’re partner, the one the fight evil with. But they can only be together when they’re asleep. They’re forbidden to know each other when they’re awake, no matter how much they need each other.

I flew through this book. I’m desperate for the next book in the series. I have so many questions and I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I’m so intrigued by these worlds and to learn the consequences of what transpired in Visions of Darkness 👀

Wow! What a read! I have long been a fan of this author, so I always jump at the chance at reading her books, and when I heard she was writing her first romantasy, I was super excited.

The prologue had a whimsical, otherworldly feel that immediately drew me in. Chapter 1 captures your interest with its descriptive writing, making you sit up and take notice.

The story is fast-paced and addictive, compelling you to keep reading. This is like nothing I've ever read before, I feel like I'm reading the same story, two different ways and I absolutely love it!

My heart ached for Aria as she faced her struggles, feeling isolated and misunderstood. The author skilfully conveys her pain, especially during a particularly harrowing experience in the last half of the book.

The tension and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, with the story's direction remaining unpredictable and full of possibilities.

While the writing occasionally felt a bit wordy, it suited the story's style. This was a unique and interesting story, calling it a Romantasy or Fantasy Romance, doesn't feel right. I feel like this book and this world is so much more than that! The author excels at merging two worlds that gradually intertwine.

Despite being a quick read, the book is packed with events and revelations, leaving much to be discovered. It made me ponder the nature of dreams and the thoughts that occupy people's minds.

Pax, ever the protector, really tries hard to deny the chemistry brewing between them once they are together. I would have enjoyed more from his POV, seeing what he did outside of Tearsith and Faydor. He definitely comes across as mysterious, however the one thing you cannot deny is that he will protect Aria, no matter the cost.

I loved both characters and how much stronger they are together. The connection between Aria and Pax is powerful and deserves further exploration. There seems to be so much that has been left unanswered and I am eager to learn more!

Now we get to the end of the book…..What the actual hell was that ending!? I literally had a physical reaction when I read that last page! I screamed 'WHAT' out loud! To be fair, this does read like there is a possibility of more books following this one, but that ending!? I am not ok!

A great read! I loved getting lost in this book and I eagerly await any future books in the series. A good recommendation for lovers of a fantasy type romance with a bit of a twist.

This was my first time reading anything by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect! I’ve heard great things about her contemporary romance books do I definitely went into this one with somewhat high expectations that I would love it! I really enjoy the writing but unfortunately this didn’t wow me 😕

I thought the premise was super interesting & the concept of traveling between two worlds really intrigued me! I wasn’t a big fan of the 1st/3rd POV switch-off depending on which world it was, but that’s just a me thing. I also had a bit of a hard time connecting to the characters & because they were on the younger side, it made the book feel a bit YA.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me but I can definitely see there being an audience for this book so if the concept interests you, I say definitely give it a try!

There's a lot to love about this story. This is the first book in the series so we get the world building, the characters, and working up to understanding what their lives are like, living in two spaces. Aria and Pax are fighters, they are connected, both here and there. As I dove deeper into their world I didn't want to put the book down. I love how protective Pax is. Aria's strong, and my heart felt for her. There's action and danger, connections that run deep, and more that flows through this story. I'm ready for the next book in this series!

I enjoyed this unique story. It’s a dark romanstasy, which I don’t read much, but this one hooked me. Aria is a young woman who fights in a fantasy land every night in her dreams, along with her soulmate, Pax. Aria and Pax were great! Pax was so good and loving to Aria, and just a perfect book boyfriend. Yes, they were fated mates, but he really went above and beyond to protect her. With Faydor being dangerous, it was vital for them to work together. I look forward to more of this series.

Thanks to author A.L. Jackson and Valentine PR for the arc.

An incredible story that drew me in immediately and created this world where the main characters are living double lives that keep them on the edge. Aria and Pax live their every day mundane life in the real world yet at night in their dreams they are fighting a war no one else knows about. They are tethered together deeply like soulmates but more and they always have each other’s backs, but in the real world if they are together things start to happen creating intense moments. This story will leave you with questions but loving every second you get with these characters, but dying to know what’s going to happen to them next with great world building and amazing characters.

NEW FAVORITE BOOK ALERT 🚨‼️

Omg y’all I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I absolutely devoured this book on audio!! This story was just so unique I could not stop reading once I started. Our FMC, Aria enters the world of Faydor every night to fight a war with others, including Pax. Well when Aria needs help in the real world, Pax is determined to find & help her. I’m not kidding when I say I’ve never read anything like it.

If you know me, you know I have a deep love for Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and Aria REALLY reminded me of Alex from Ninth House in the BEST way. And Pax was just the perfect MMC, he was so down bad for Aria I was absolutely giddy while reading.

This book will definitely be my new obsession & I cannot wait for book 2!! 😭🖤

Wow. I honestly have no words for how incredible AL Jackson’s first Romantasy novel is.

This book is truly unlike anything I’ve read or heard of before. The plot line was incredible. It was unique and captivating from the start. I was completely enthralled with Aria and Pax’s story from the minute they’re introduced. The concept of a dream world that’s an actual reality is pretty amazing.

I went into this book completely blind and was so pleasantly surprised. Aria and Pax are the definition of twin flames. They will always find each other, in this life and the next.

I cannot wait for more Romantasy from AL Jackson. And the way this book ended… i hope we’ll see more of Aria and Pax!!

🖤Morally Grey MMC
🖤Forbidden
🖤Touch Her and 💀
🖤On the Run
🖤Close Proximity
🖤Romantasy

✨“Make no mistake, I would break every fcking rule in this world and in that one to keep you safe.”

Ohhh my heart! I recently devoured the newly released Visions of Darkness by @aljacksonauthor and this amazing dark romantasy brought all of the feels that my heart craves! This was my first read by A.L Jackson and it will not be my last! 💜💜💜

✨I was immediately drawn into Aria and Pax’s story! The unique magical elements, the dark history plaguing their dream world and the evil they battle together, the entwining of their souls, the angst, longing, and forbidden drive to seek out one another’s souls was everything!

✨I started Visions of Darkness as an e-book and finished the story listening on audio as I followed along 🎧💜📖 and both of the narrators, Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton were fantastic!

✨Morally Grey & Protective MMC
✨Dark Romantasy
✨Touch her and ☠️
✨Heroine coming into her powers

Wow! Visions of Darkness is a mesmerizing dark romantasy that pulls you into a world where love and danger intertwines in the most captivating ways. A.L. Jackson is use to emotional tales but she takes this book to a new level with both a haunting and beautiful story of a land called Faydor and the love between Aria and Pax. Aria, a young girl who is caught between two realities: the ordinary world she lives in during the day and the nightmarish realm she travels to when she closes her eyes at night. In Faydor, she is destined to fight the sinister Kruen along side her Nol, Pax, her true soulmate, the stakes are high and the tense is visible as Aria navigates her nightly battles while trying to maintain her grip on reality. The relationship builds between Aria and Pax when they break all the rules as Pax comes to save Aria from a fate she had no idea existed. Their relationship is a forbidden one that brings tension, desire, and an ever-present danger that surrounds them, making their connection feel both urgent and passionate. I love A.L. Jackson's vivid descriptions and intricate details that brings this realm to life, as a new reader to romantasy she has a way of luring you in and keeping you there forever. With the relatable characters, a rich imagined world, and a story that keeps you guessing, this book is sure to captivate you from the first page. Whether you are new to this genre or an avid reader you will enjoy A.L. Jackson's new land of Faydor.

Visions of Darkness was unlike any Romantasy I’ve read before - and I LOVED it for that. It had all of my favorite tropes: fated mates, forbidden love, and an irresistible hero whose touch could kill.

The dual-reality concept, blending modern life with the dark, war-torn realms of Tearsith & Faydor was so immersive and fresh. Watching Aria navigate these two worlds - the one she was born into and the one she was chosen for - was gripping from start to finish. The slow-burn romance between Aria and Pax was PERFECTION. It was deliciously torturous in the best way. When those floodgates finally burst open, it was worth the wait. The world-building was rich and atmospheric - making the creeping tension between realms feel so real. Aria’s struggle with her hallucinations bleeding into the waking world added an extra layer of suspense that kept me on edge.

Overall this story had me hooked with its high stakes, sizzling romance, and unique take on battling inner & outer darkness.

This was so so good!
The characters are so cute and they deserve each other! I love this author and everything she writes

The start of a dark romantasy series from AL Jackson, an author I love when it comes to her usual contemporary romance, but unfortunately, Visions of Darkness just didn’t do it for me as the story featuring Aria Rialto alternated between her life with her family during the day where she was just an average girl albeit one with suspected mental health issues to the dream world….. or rather nightmare world of Faydor where she spent her hours of sleep battling the Kruen, beings who fed off the sins and cruelties carried out by humanity. In this world she had a soul mate, Pax, but they were forbidden from meeting in reality as it would be catastrophic but when the line between Aria’s two worlds blur and her parents have her committed, Pax would do whatever he had to, to rescue her.

For me, the overall flow of the story felt slow, and I struggled to finish reading this book. Its plot was ultimately about a battle between good and evil with the scales balanced in favour of evil as the fate of world rested in the hands of a handful of people barely out of their teens and who received no appreciation for what they did night after night because everyone thought they were mad. There was nothing engaging about it and I didn’t even care that it ended in a cliffhanger. I can't help but feel Visions of Darkness was geared more towards the YA market, whether that was because of the ages of main characters I don’t know. I do know I just didn’t care what happened to Aria or Pax so its not a series I will be continuing.

"sʜᴇ ᴡᴀs ᴍʏ ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴍʏ ᴇᴄsᴛᴀsʏ. ᴍʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛɪᴏɴ."

OH MY GOSH..... WHAT DID I JUST READ!!! I'm not a Romantasy reader. In fact, this was one of my first books, but Amy is one of my favorite authors, and I'll read anything she writes, so read I did and to say I was consumed by this story is an understatement!!! As I was reading, I felt like I was watching a movie. I could see it all play out, and that is what made me fall even more in love with this story.

"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴅ. ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴠɪsɪᴏɴ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʏ. ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ'ᴠᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ. ᴀʟʟ ᴏғ ᴍᴇ, ɪᴛ's ʏᴏᴜʀs.”

Aria and Pax may have been a forbidden love through the eyes of their Laven family, but in their hearts, their love knew know bounds and that they were fated to be together. The evil these two endured was small in comparison to the scars upon their bodies from the evil they fought to save those in need. Watching the bond and love between Aria and Pax grow was a beautiful journey that I didn't want to end.

"ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ ɪɴ ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴀᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ʟᴇғᴛ ᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏɴ ᴍᴇ. ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀs sᴄᴏʀᴇᴅ sᴏ ᴅᴇᴇᴘʟʏ ɪɴsɪᴅᴇ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴅɪᴅɴᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪғ ɪᴛ ᴡᴀs ᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴇxɪsᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ. ᴡʀɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ sᴏᴜʟ ᴀɴᴅ ɪɴsᴄʀɪʙᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙᴇɪɴɢ."

Holy hell, that ending, ahhh, I need more!!! I'm excited to see what happens next. Bring on book two!!!