what a ride, y’all! ALJ takes on romantasy and when I tell you there is no rest for the weary, these two soulmates go *thru* it. 😮‍💨🖤

Aria is a heroine on the run with one foot in reality and the other in a world that exists only in her dreams. it’s there where Pax is always waiting for her, intent on protecting her from the dangers that lurk to invade and consume the mind. due to the nature of her gifts, Aria is thrown into a psychiatric facility where, in classic ALJ style, the intrigue/action takes off! this has the thumbprint of ALJs writing style that we all love mixed with the unique otherworld she’s created! it’s especially unique in that there’s a switch from 1st POV in reality to 3rd POV in her dreams. the suspense is high and the spice is a surprising slowww burn, but the audio made it easy to fall away into their story! …and that cliffy at the end has me eager for the next one!

3.5 stars. This is the first fantasy romance from A.L. Jackson who usually writes contemporary romances. While I think the audiobook was definitely the way to go with this read and was entertaining, I also thought this was just okay at the end.

The fantasy world is interesting, we have the real world (very contemporary setting) and then a dream type realm that is accessed literally in the character’s dreams. I was intrigued with this set up, but I think the story was slow going and I wasn’t super invested in what was happening overall with the plot. I think that needed a bit more. We can separate the two realms/worlds because in the “real” one we get first person POV and the “dream world” we get third person POV (not sure if I enjoyed the 2 in the same story, but it also worked for the different realms we are in). This very much has a fated quality to the couple, very soul mates vibe.

I received an audio ALC, all thoughts are my own.

This book was incredibly intriguing! The premise is fresh and offers a unique twist on familiar themes, which made it both exciting and captivating. It felt like it truly brought something new to the table, and I appreciated the originality.

While some of the dialogue felt a bit choppy at times, it didn't detract much from the overall experience. The story moved quickly, and the world-building was immersive, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

I really enjoyed the characters, especially Aria and Pax. Their abilities and the dynamic between them were fascinating and added an extra layer of depth to the story. Their relationship was both complex and compelling, making me eager to see how it evolves.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend checking it out when it’s released on January 7th! It’s definitely worth the read for fans of fresh, exciting stories.

This audiobook was soooo good! Teddy Hamilton always does a great job! This is a great start to a new series, I can’t wait for the next book! This one had me hooked from the very beginning, I need more!

I was so excited to hear A.L Jackson's first romantasy and it did not disappoint! Audiobook is performed in dual narration by Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton and they were fantastic.

The tension and slow burn of this story had me so hooked, and the ending left me wanting more!! Since it had fantasy "other worldly" elements as well as contemporary "real world" elements, I think this is a great start for someone like me who doesn't read a lot of books in the fantasy genre.

Look forward to the sequel!

4 Stars/2 Peppers

What a ride! Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson was a dark, mystical, and alluring Romantasy that completely enraptured my heart from start to finish. Aria and Pax’s journey to HEA was full of heartwrenching twists and dreamy turns. The ethereal Tearsith world Jackson created had me mesmerized, in a trance, and falling so hard for this couple.

Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration and are pure magic together in this audiobook. Victoria’s light, lively tone captured Aria’s vulnerabilities, determination, and passion, for her Laven gifts, not to mention her undeniable magnetism towards Pax. Teddy’s warm mellow voice enveloped all of Pax’s protective and possessive qualities he cherished for Aria that was fate and meant to be. Both narrators develop a slow-burning tension between Aria and Pax that erupts into a fiery inferno of want and need.

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a Romantasy adventure with a blonde-haired warrior, a raven-haired heroine coming into her power, a mystical realm in your dreams, fighting demons, running away, seeking truths, finding your soulmate, discovering your magical history, slow-burn steam, protecting your family, and HEA that will leave your heart content but yearning for more, then you will love Aria and Pax’s story. I am looking forward to more in this Darkness world from A.L. Jackson.