Luminiferos: The Darkness Within

This book is a captivating second instalment in the Luminiferos series that brings readers back to the richly imagined world filled with magic, danger, and intriguing characters. The story's pace is well-balanced, and the author's vivid descriptions bring the wold to life. This books strong character development, engaging story, and twists and turns will keep the reader sucked in and coming back for more. overall, it's a solid read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance.

My daughter read this one as she had read the previous book and loved it. She reports that it is a strong sequel and continues the story well. The characters are vividly written and engaging with strong individual storylines. She looks forward to the next book.

This was such a good continuation of the series. Set in a richly crafted world that balances darkness and light, this story follows characters caught in a web of power, magic, and hidden motives. The writing is lush and atmospheric, which makes the setting feel almost like a character itself. From shadowy forests to glowing cities, every place in this book pulses with life and mystery. What really stood out to me was how Luminiferos dives into the deeper, more philosophical themes. It doesn’t shy away from exploring concepts like fate, choice, and the weight of one's own decisions. The characters face moral dilemmas that will leave you questioning what you would do in their shoes.

A massive thank you to Yana Metro for providing me with an ARC.

Luminkferos : The Darkness within is the stunning second installment to the Luminiferos series that is a bright and rich sorl of magic and daggers.

This book was slow-paced compared to the first book but packed with adventure. The descriptions here were so vivid I could practically envision the story in my mind as I read. There's strong character development and rich world of fanatsy that would draw the readers to this world.

This was a rollercoaster of a book and I really enjoyed following the story of Lilly, Will and the gang, taking off from where the first book ended.

Lilly is coming to grips with the poison taking over her body and what this means for the future - both personally, but also for humankind. She's desperately seeking a way to heal herself while also continuing the search for the Emanations to rid the world of Noxohit.

As with the first book, there's a lot of world-building - I thoroughly enjoyed it! Getting to learn new places and new creatures, as well as new people. You can tell a lot of time has gone into creating these worlds and its inhabitants.

Lilly and Will are inseparable but their inability to be intimate without removing Will's powers takes its toll, not to mention our boy, Will, continues to be over-protective and hides things from Lilly. Cue, love triangle! Faolan, the enigmatic, powerful and charming daoshee elder takes Lilly under his wing (ha!) as an apprentice. I won't give any spoilers, but the ending is very open in terms of where the triangle will end up. I'm personally of the opinion - why choose? 😅

I know Metro changed the writing from being past tense to present, and I actually really enjoyed this change. I felt much more immersed in the story!

I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a true fantasy with plenty of world and character building.

Book Review: Luminiferos: The Darkness Within by Yana Metro

Yana Metro’s Luminiferos: The Darkness Within is an exhilarating continuation of the Luminiferos series, blending romantic tension, epic fantasy, and the lure of dark magic into a captivating narrative. For fans of portal fantasies with complex characters and emotionally charged stakes, this second book will not disappoint.

A World Under Threat
At the heart of this installment is Lilly White, a heroine marked by her destiny and ravaged by a deadly venom that could turn her into a monstrous servant of Noxohit, the villainous force threatening to destroy both the Human and Spirit Worlds. Metro masterfully balances the tension between Lilly’s fight for survival and the broader conflict that threatens two entire realms, making her journey a high-stakes adventure. Her poisoned state not only heightens the sense of urgency but also symbolizes the duality of her battle against external forces and the darkness lurking within herself.

Dark Magic and Seductive Mysteries
Metro’s world-building shines in this novel, creating a vivid and often treacherous landscape filled with shapeshifters, guardians, and other mystical beings. One of the standout aspects of this story is the complex relationships Lilly develops with two powerful figures: Will, her enigmatic Raven Guardian, and another mysterious, dragon-like entity whose jade eyes and icy touch challenge her in unexpected ways.

Will’s character offers readers the kind of brooding, magnetic presence common in romantic fantasy, but Metro gives him depth through his conflicting duties and secrets. His role as protector and potential love interest creates a dynamic tension that keeps readers hooked. The new, unnamed character who enters Lilly’s life is equally enthralling, pushing her to confront her inner darkness and question her moral compass. The interplay between these relationships feels like a dance on the edge of danger, intensifying the emotional stakes while keeping the readers guessing who Lilly can truly trust.

A Journey of Self-Discovery
At its core, The Darkness Within is not just about external battles but also Lilly’s internal struggles as she faces the poison threatening to consume her. The “darkness within” motif is explored both literally, as she fights the venom, and figuratively, as she navigates her own fears, desires, and potential for corruption. This duality makes her a compelling protagonist whose growth feels organic and nuanced. The themes of power, trust, and sacrifice are woven intricately into her journey, offering moments of deep introspection alongside the action-packed plot.

The Romantic Fantasy Element
Romantasy fans will be particularly drawn to the novel’s seductive, slow-burn romance. Metro doesn’t rush Lilly’s relationships, allowing tension to build as she grapples with her growing attraction to both Will and the otherworldly figure with jade eyes. The romance is intertwined with danger and intrigue, making each interaction fraught with emotional and physical peril. It’s a balance that keeps the romantic elements from feeling too formulaic, instead offering something fresh and layered.

Verdict
Yana Metro’s Luminiferos: The Darkness Within is a thrilling mix of fantasy, romance, and self-discovery that deepens the mythology and character development introduced in the first book. With a race against time, a richly constructed world, and multi-faceted characters, this novel is sure to captivate fans of romantasy. Lilly’s battle to control the darkness inside her while navigating a dangerous world full of secrets and betrayals makes this an emotionally charged, unputdownable read.

For readers who love a blend of romance, dark magic, and high-stakes adventure, Luminiferos: The Darkness Within delivers on every front.

A well executed second instalment of the series that takes a deep dive into the philosophy of fate and choice. Luminiferos picks up from where the last book left off, so I would recommend reading that one first. The tension is great and the plot is well executed. I can’t wait to read the rest of these!

This book in my opinion blew away book one! I am so happy that I continued reading the series!
I love that this picked up right where the first one left off. I experienced many emotions and that makes or breaks a book for me.
*" Every inch of me, every fiber aches to embrace him, to heal his soul and dissolve his pain in a kiss.”

Absolutely recommend! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review!

Often times a series can have a really captivating first book and the next instalments fall flat. Thankfully that was not the case in The Darkness Within. Yana has written an amazing continuation from the first book that I simply couldn’t get enough of. I read it all in one sitting, I cannot wait for the next instalment .

Thank you Net Galley and Yana Metro for the ARC!

Back again with Lily's story! I loved jumping right back to it and seeing her deal with even more obstacles in this one.

"Luminiferos: The Darkness Within" by Yana Metro is an exhilarating sequel in the Luminiferos series that masterfully blends romance and fantasy in an epic portal adventure. Building on the foundation of the first book, Metro deepens the world-building and character development, immersing readers in a richly imagined realm filled with magic and danger. The stakes are higher as the protagonists face internal and external challenges, grappling with their identities and the darkness that threatens to consume them. Metro’s writing is vibrant and engaging, with well-paced action and emotional depth that keeps readers invested. Themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between light and dark resonate throughout, making this a captivating read for fans of romantasy. "The Darkness Within" is an exciting continuation that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.