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Fight for Darkness
Kane’s raging beast thrives in the cage.
Malin thirsts for revenge.
Technical knockouts are MMA fighter Kane Macleod’s trademark move. His match tonight proved that point again. He has two more fights, then he’ll leave the cage for good. But first, he needs to see that his mother and sister are set for life.
After the big fight, Kane’s on his way to the club to celebrate when a fight in a dark alley stops him in his tracks. The night obscures four fighters except for smoke and bright flashes, and no matter how many times he blinks, he can’t comprehend what’s happening. Magic? The small woman holds her own, but he can’t leave her at the mercy of three huge attackers. What if that was his sister?
Malin has one purpose: destroy the beast who killed her sister. Every night, she enters the daylight realm to hunt. She walks among the humans unseen, searches for the slime who betrayed her, and slips back into Darkness before the Light. Her mother and her friends beg her to accept her sacred duty to their coven. But Malin carries the burden of Myla’s death, and until she slays Godric, everything else can wait.
They’re both fighting their own versions of Darkness. But how can they deny themselves when Darkness itself keeps throwing them together?
Malin thirsts for revenge.
Technical knockouts are MMA fighter Kane Macleod’s trademark move. His match tonight proved that point again. He has two more fights, then he’ll leave the cage for good. But first, he needs to see that his mother and sister are set for life.
After the big fight, Kane’s on his way to the club to celebrate when a fight in a dark alley stops him in his tracks. The night obscures four fighters except for smoke and bright flashes, and no matter how many times he blinks, he can’t comprehend what’s happening. Magic? The small woman holds her own, but he can’t leave her at the mercy of three huge attackers. What if that was his sister?
Malin has one purpose: destroy the beast who killed her sister. Every night, she enters the daylight realm to hunt. She walks among the humans unseen, searches for the slime who betrayed her, and slips back into Darkness before the Light. Her mother and her friends beg her to accept her sacred duty to their coven. But Malin carries the burden of Myla’s death, and until she slays Godric, everything else can wait.
They’re both fighting their own versions of Darkness. But how can they deny themselves when Darkness itself keeps throwing them together?
388 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
About the author
Susan Stradiotto
51 books204 followersSusan Stradiotto is passionate about the written word, whether it is in her own writing or her editing practice. She is a fan of well-told stories. Susan is always searching for unique voices and stories that tell a truth. As Neil Gaiman said in his master class, “Write the truest story you can.” She believes that is what makes a story sing.
Susan is an author of fantasy and romance and has professional editorial experience with genres such as romance, memoir, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction. She attended Capella University for her BS in Information Technology and the University of Chicago’s Graham School for her professional editing certification. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, a hoard of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and one Miniature Dachshund.
Instagram: @susanstradiotto or https://www.instagram.com/susanstradi...
Author website, worldbuilding blog, and book reviews: https://susanstradiotto.com
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanstradio...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanstradi...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanstradiotto
Write-In-Progress
A serial novel based on George MacDonald’s 𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑠: 𝐴 𝐹𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛.
Susan is an author of fantasy and romance and has professional editorial experience with genres such as romance, memoir, mystery/thriller, cozy mystery, fantasy, and women’s fiction. She attended Capella University for her BS in Information Technology and the University of Chicago’s Graham School for her professional editing certification. She lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, a hoard of Bernese Mountain Dogs, and one Miniature Dachshund.
Instagram: @susanstradiotto or https://www.instagram.com/susanstradi...
Author website, worldbuilding blog, and book reviews: https://susanstradiotto.com
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/susanstradio...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/susanstradi...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanstradiotto
Write-In-Progress
A serial novel based on George MacDonald’s 𝑃ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑠: 𝐴 𝐹𝑎𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the good vs evil trope so common to fantasy. Stradiotto puts everything we know and think about the age-old war on its head and comes up with something entirely new, completely engaging and really intriguing. I love the worldbuilding and I was completely immersed in the characters. This is a dark book, but that was to be expected with the title and the theme. It's well done. Often I feel like I'll get depressed with books that are too dark, but Stradiotto balances it well. This is also a steamy book and I really liked how those scenes are written. They are good. I didn't feel weirded out at any point, which is another thing that has happened to me with some steamy books.
August 20, 2023
An ok to good book. I would have given this book 3.5 stars. This is mainly the pace of the book, which is very slow. However, on the last third of the book, things really picked up, and I did not want to put the book down. I also like twisting that the darkness is the force gor good in this book.
Kane and Malin are both haunted the trauma of their past, and that is not enough they live in two different worlds. Kane is an upcoming MMA fighter, a local hero, with a dark secret. Malins is a Dark Witch fighting for her would and thirst for her own vengeance.
The thing that I would have liked to have more in the book is Kane's MMA training and possibly more on his fighting skills, not just the berserker mode. Though I fo understand that is an important part of the story. The thing I would have liked less of is the reminder of the trauma they suffered. I do not mean to diminish what the characters or anyone else who suffered these horrible things, but in a book, it does not have to be repeated in every chapter.
I think there is a definite moving forward point for all these characters, and I am very happy to see how things do progress for them.
Kane and Malin are both haunted the trauma of their past, and that is not enough they live in two different worlds. Kane is an upcoming MMA fighter, a local hero, with a dark secret. Malins is a Dark Witch fighting for her would and thirst for her own vengeance.
The thing that I would have liked to have more in the book is Kane's MMA training and possibly more on his fighting skills, not just the berserker mode. Though I fo understand that is an important part of the story. The thing I would have liked less of is the reminder of the trauma they suffered. I do not mean to diminish what the characters or anyone else who suffered these horrible things, but in a book, it does not have to be repeated in every chapter.
I think there is a definite moving forward point for all these characters, and I am very happy to see how things do progress for them.
October 7, 2022
“F*ck the dragan, he retorted to his inner guardian angel. And f*ck the consequences of whatever I’m about to do. He thrust his hands into the back of Malin’s hair, watching her eyes intently, and pulled her to him. He kissed—no, he stole another kiss. Her lips were soft but firm and sweet like the sweet rolls he imagined when he smelled her. She moaned into his mouth, bringing him back and preventing him from pouring his tangled nerves, thankfulness, confusion, and Rage into her. He released her and growled again—an anxious instinct he couldn’t control. In truth, he wasn’t sure he wanted to control it.”
I couldn’t get enough of Malin’s and Kane’s story! It drew me in from the start and kept me enthralled. This is a tale of vengeance, magic, and love. It is a standalone but is part of a series. Spice is 3.5 🌶. Check trigger warnings always!
I couldn’t get enough of Malin’s and Kane’s story! It drew me in from the start and kept me enthralled. This is a tale of vengeance, magic, and love. It is a standalone but is part of a series. Spice is 3.5 🌶. Check trigger warnings always!
October 4, 2022
I can't begin to express how much I loved this book. It is my favorite book of the year so far. I loved the characters so much. Kane is a professional fighter who is deeply scarred by this past. He has this rage inside him always clawing to get out. Malin is a dark witch who can only think of revenge until she meets him.
I absolutely could not put this book down. It sucked me in from the start. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves fantasy romance. They even have cute little familiars.
I absolutely could not put this book down. It sucked me in from the start. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves fantasy romance. They even have cute little familiars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
This is my review that I posted on the Realm of Darkness boxset - thanks for the ARC!
Welcome to the Penumbra
Boxing, dragons, and tea? Cool…
Plus, the author takes readers to the Wickney RenFest with fiddles, dancing, and “pickled deer”.
Reading Susan's works is such a delight.
Welcome to the Penumbra
Boxing, dragons, and tea? Cool…
Plus, the author takes readers to the Wickney RenFest with fiddles, dancing, and “pickled deer”.
Reading Susan's works is such a delight.
October 6, 2022
I received a free ARC for an honest review. Thank you to Susan Stradiotto and BookFunnel!!
I really enjoyed this book. A dark take on a boxer MC and a magical FMC. The storyline went by fast and it was great! There were just some parts where I got mixed up on and things were left unclear for me.
Also the spice??🥵🥵 it was yummy hehe.
I really enjoyed this book. A dark take on a boxer MC and a magical FMC. The storyline went by fast and it was great! There were just some parts where I got mixed up on and things were left unclear for me.
Also the spice??🥵🥵 it was yummy hehe.
October 4, 2022
I really really enjoyed the is book . I loved the The character building let alone the growth that both of the main characters got. It was a little slow at first but that is just fine . I can’t wait to read more from the Authors. I Also recommend if you are into dark romance.
September 21, 2022
Was an incredible story line and very intriging
October 3, 2022
Great read !! I enjoyed this world so much. Very well written. Maybe just a little slow in the beginning. But was a very good book.
April 17, 2023
I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to others to read it. I give it 5/5 stars. The story line was very interesting and the character buildup was very well done. Such as the background on both the main characters Kane and Malin. It was essential to give the background of both Malin and of Kane to really understand each other and their interactions with one another. They were so similar yet very different in their pain and loss that had driven them to be who they were in the story line and to have them so drawn towards one another. You really feel attached to both and can feel their emotions to each other all throughout the book. The ending was a bit surprising and unexpected. Warning some of the fight scenes are really graphic especially towards the end and the romance is very hot and spicy but in a very good way.
I also liked the idea that Malin is fighting for darkness and was actually fighting for good. Instead of light always being portrayed as good and darkness being portrayed as evil. We are always taught that light is good and darkness is evil so at first it was a difficult concept to grasp for me and then further down the story line it really made sense. The realm that she is protecting is in the darkness that was created to keep their dragons protected from the light that could harm them. You have dark witches and dragons that’s separated by a portal to the darkness realm called Penumbra versus the light realm that has humans and the beast that wants to destroy it all and works for the light. Even the world build up was excellent and not the usual.
There was definitely some good spice especially between Kane and Malin but I was hoping there would also be some spice between Conri and Kiera. I am hoping there is some more Conri and Kiera action in the next book because there was definitely something going on between the two that did not get shared in this book. Is there more to them than meets the eye? All in all I very much enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more.
I also liked the idea that Malin is fighting for darkness and was actually fighting for good. Instead of light always being portrayed as good and darkness being portrayed as evil. We are always taught that light is good and darkness is evil so at first it was a difficult concept to grasp for me and then further down the story line it really made sense. The realm that she is protecting is in the darkness that was created to keep their dragons protected from the light that could harm them. You have dark witches and dragons that’s separated by a portal to the darkness realm called Penumbra versus the light realm that has humans and the beast that wants to destroy it all and works for the light. Even the world build up was excellent and not the usual.
There was definitely some good spice especially between Kane and Malin but I was hoping there would also be some spice between Conri and Kiera. I am hoping there is some more Conri and Kiera action in the next book because there was definitely something going on between the two that did not get shared in this book. Is there more to them than meets the eye? All in all I very much enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more.
October 13, 2022
Now I really need to find the rest of Stradiotto's books! This book is absolutely AMAZING! I love the world and how it builds on what the author's done with another of her series. The characters had me invested from the get-go and although this book is quite a bit darker than what I've read by Stradiotto before, it is so tantalizing. Both Malin and Kane are such brilliantly flawed characters. Neither is nice, but as they worked through their issues, they honestly became endearing and I needed them to get their act together. The steam is so hot! And the tension just hit the spot. Truly awesome.
There is a really unique twist on the common battle between light and darkness and I really enjoy how Stradiotto portrays the twistedness of seeing the world in black and white and claiming one side is superior to another. The underlying message is that the darkness simply is. No judgement. It has its purposes and there is a need for it, but it is neither good nor bad, and claiming it is evil leads a person down a path of evil even if they claim to follow the light and "good" by extension.
I really look forward to the continuation of the series, because there is still so much to unpack and I have serious high hopes because this first book really tied off everything so neatly while still leaving scope for more. That, to me, is perfection! I hate cliffhangers and this book shows exactly how unnecessary they are.
Wonderful book. Highly recommend.
There is a really unique twist on the common battle between light and darkness and I really enjoy how Stradiotto portrays the twistedness of seeing the world in black and white and claiming one side is superior to another. The underlying message is that the darkness simply is. No judgement. It has its purposes and there is a need for it, but it is neither good nor bad, and claiming it is evil leads a person down a path of evil even if they claim to follow the light and "good" by extension.
I really look forward to the continuation of the series, because there is still so much to unpack and I have serious high hopes because this first book really tied off everything so neatly while still leaving scope for more. That, to me, is perfection! I hate cliffhangers and this book shows exactly how unnecessary they are.
Wonderful book. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I did think it started off a little slow for my personal tastes but I liked it nonetheless. I love how the authors described the different realms in this book along with the characters. I loved how this book wasn’t similar to other fantasy books I’ve read before. I love how the authors touch on the characters past and current trauma and the enemies to lovers vibe between the FMC and MMC 😍 I also liked the fact that the authors brought a different background into this book then you typically see with other books. This is my first time reading a book that has some MMA details within it.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for the remainder of this series.
I can’t wait to see what is in store for the remainder of this series.
August 21, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warning: This review briefly discusses s*xual trauma and abuse in the context of the book. Avoid both the review and the book itself if you are sensitive to that.
So, I’m very torn on this book. It feels very much like it hits aaaallll the fantasy-romance tropes, and not really in a good way. The main female love interest, Malin, is the epitome of “she’s so tough but with a secret soft side”. Enough so that she pretty much ceases to be relatable. On top of that, the fantasy aspect isn’t really fully fleshed out, and there’s a lot of world building that could have improved matters, but never came to be. So I would have written this book off completely.
However, the main male character, Kane, fascinated me. He is a victim of serious childhood abuse, and so much about him is NOT trope. He is a man who was r*ped (something not talked about nearly enough in our society), and though he’s “a fighter with anger issues” trope in some ways, the book shows very clearly the legitimate grief and terror under the anger. And on top of that, he did not fall in love and then become instantly healed. He is BROKEN, and his trauma haunts him in a way I personally found both painfully relatable and very well written. He hurts people, hates himself for it, and has to pick up the pieces of his own life and the harm he has caused.
I would recommend this book, I think, but as a caveat, no trigger warning is strong enough in my opinion. This book does not pull any punches (much like the protagonist), and goes into horrific detail in things like ongoing childhood sexual abuse, PTSD-esque flashbacks, and an incredible amount of violence, gore, and death. It is not for the faint hearted, and not for anyone who is even remotely sensitive to those issues.
Trigger warning: This review briefly discusses s*xual trauma and abuse in the context of the book. Avoid both the review and the book itself if you are sensitive to that.
So, I’m very torn on this book. It feels very much like it hits aaaallll the fantasy-romance tropes, and not really in a good way. The main female love interest, Malin, is the epitome of “she’s so tough but with a secret soft side”. Enough so that she pretty much ceases to be relatable. On top of that, the fantasy aspect isn’t really fully fleshed out, and there’s a lot of world building that could have improved matters, but never came to be. So I would have written this book off completely.
However, the main male character, Kane, fascinated me. He is a victim of serious childhood abuse, and so much about him is NOT trope. He is a man who was r*ped (something not talked about nearly enough in our society), and though he’s “a fighter with anger issues” trope in some ways, the book shows very clearly the legitimate grief and terror under the anger. And on top of that, he did not fall in love and then become instantly healed. He is BROKEN, and his trauma haunts him in a way I personally found both painfully relatable and very well written. He hurts people, hates himself for it, and has to pick up the pieces of his own life and the harm he has caused.
I would recommend this book, I think, but as a caveat, no trigger warning is strong enough in my opinion. This book does not pull any punches (much like the protagonist), and goes into horrific detail in things like ongoing childhood sexual abuse, PTSD-esque flashbacks, and an incredible amount of violence, gore, and death. It is not for the faint hearted, and not for anyone who is even remotely sensitive to those issues.
October 5, 2022
*I was given an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Fight For Darkness from Susan Stradiotto and S. Johnson in exchange for my honest review*
I really enjoyed this book. From my understanding this is a different style of writing for the author’s and I really enjoyed that. Fight For Darkness has a darker vibe to it and is a direct connection to both of our main characters because they are both Fighting their Darkness in different ways that leads them to each other.
Our main characters are Kane who is a professional MMA fighter and Malin who is a witch. Kane suffers from anger problems that cause him to be a bit prickly. However, Malin is no push over and is evenly matched with Kane.
Overall, this storyline was good. There are some graphic scenes with gore and violence so please check trigger warnings as there could be some things that are unsettling to others. I really enjoyed the romance in this book (but who doesn’t love a good romance?) and I really enjoyed the world building and descriptions makes the story flow together in a beautiful cohesive way.
I really enjoyed this book. From my understanding this is a different style of writing for the author’s and I really enjoyed that. Fight For Darkness has a darker vibe to it and is a direct connection to both of our main characters because they are both Fighting their Darkness in different ways that leads them to each other.
Our main characters are Kane who is a professional MMA fighter and Malin who is a witch. Kane suffers from anger problems that cause him to be a bit prickly. However, Malin is no push over and is evenly matched with Kane.
Overall, this storyline was good. There are some graphic scenes with gore and violence so please check trigger warnings as there could be some things that are unsettling to others. I really enjoyed the romance in this book (but who doesn’t love a good romance?) and I really enjoyed the world building and descriptions makes the story flow together in a beautiful cohesive way.
September 13, 2022
5/5🌟 Fight for Darkness by Susan Stradiotto - Venom meets Jessica Jones
Wow! This was dark and juicy. Darker than Stradiotto’s usual books - very noir feel to it - and I loved it! Stradiotto turns things on its head in this one - dark is the new light. This is a good vs evil action-adventure with a sideline of PNR romance (so romantic fantasy that’d work even without the romance). The book is very emotionally raw, loved the tempo, the beat, the language and Stradiotto will even make you love the darkness.
Kane is a fighter with rage episodes. When he sees things he shouldn’t have in an alley & meets Malin, a dark witch, his life as he knows it is over. I loved Kane’s character development and the fact that Malin was also no pushover, they were quite evenly matched. I loved that the dude wanted the girl to save him(!) - not the usual trope. I liked how Kane’s Rage became a separate being and that the coach got his comeuppance, tho in such a gory way that I’ll probably have nightmares for a while. While it’s on the long side, the book kept me at the edge of my seat until the very last page & I definitely want the next instalment as am addicted to this universe now. Pedal faster, Susan, I beg ya.
Recommended for lovers of NA and adult PNR (paranormal romance) and portal fantasy, action-adventure and dark fantasy.
Trigger warnings: there are some gory kill scenes; might be difficult to read for people with PTSD and survivors of MM rape. Also, heat level 4/5 (18+) as there are scenes with body parts mentioned.
Wow! This was dark and juicy. Darker than Stradiotto’s usual books - very noir feel to it - and I loved it! Stradiotto turns things on its head in this one - dark is the new light. This is a good vs evil action-adventure with a sideline of PNR romance (so romantic fantasy that’d work even without the romance). The book is very emotionally raw, loved the tempo, the beat, the language and Stradiotto will even make you love the darkness.
Kane is a fighter with rage episodes. When he sees things he shouldn’t have in an alley & meets Malin, a dark witch, his life as he knows it is over. I loved Kane’s character development and the fact that Malin was also no pushover, they were quite evenly matched. I loved that the dude wanted the girl to save him(!) - not the usual trope. I liked how Kane’s Rage became a separate being and that the coach got his comeuppance, tho in such a gory way that I’ll probably have nightmares for a while. While it’s on the long side, the book kept me at the edge of my seat until the very last page & I definitely want the next instalment as am addicted to this universe now. Pedal faster, Susan, I beg ya.
Recommended for lovers of NA and adult PNR (paranormal romance) and portal fantasy, action-adventure and dark fantasy.
Trigger warnings: there are some gory kill scenes; might be difficult to read for people with PTSD and survivors of MM rape. Also, heat level 4/5 (18+) as there are scenes with body parts mentioned.
September 18, 2023
Wow.
I am exceptionally hooked on this series, and I didn't know I needed it.
I love Kane, I found myself drawn in by the very first scene. It's lively, it's active, and it has a great pull. I never stopped being into the story the entire time I was reading, and I had to read it until the very end.
The world building is exceptionally good, the adventure is excellent, and I was left wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am exceptionally hooked on this series, and I didn't know I needed it.
I love Kane, I found myself drawn in by the very first scene. It's lively, it's active, and it has a great pull. I never stopped being into the story the entire time I was reading, and I had to read it until the very end.
The world building is exceptionally good, the adventure is excellent, and I was left wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2023
Writing was good and the world created was interesting. I kept having to remind myself that Wickney wasn’t an English city but that was probably a mistake only on my end. Both protagonists were damaged in their own way and I liked that they both found their own ways to heal. That said, I’m happy with this ending so I don’t think I’ll read book 2.
Read in the Realm of Darkness boxed set
Read in the Realm of Darkness boxed set
Read
February 19, 2024Review copies of this are available! Book 2 also... Hunger for Darkness releases August 22 and Conquer the Darkness releases in September.
Grab Fight for Darkness on BookSirens
Grab Fight for Darkness on BookSirens
August 26, 2023
3.5/5 stars
3/5 spice
Tropes:
Paranormal romance
Witch FMC
MMA fighter MMC
Trauma/healing
Multiple POV
Good vs. Evil
Fated mates
This story puts an interesting twist on the Good vs. Evil trope. It starts off slow and then builds up towards the middle of the book. I was a bit confused in the beginning with the magic system and felt it could've been explained better. Malin comes off as a very strong leader of her coven but ultimately has lost herself with her plot for revenge. I grew frustrated with her "tough girl" persona and her stubbornness. Even when she meets Kane, she refuses to acknowledge the connection she has with him. Multiple times, she was called out on the destructive behavior of her obsession to get her revenge... but she refused to see reason until it became too dangerous to ignore.
I really liked Kane's character. He's thrust into a world he had no idea existed and has to navigate that while trying to keep his Rage under control. He's drawn to Malin and doesn't question it... he embraces that there is more to their connecting than just attraction. It becomes very clear later in the book that he is also battling severe trauma from his childhood. Without giving anything away, the way things are resolved can be very triggering, so please read trigger and content warnings before reading this book.
Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential to be really great. I am still interested in seeing where things go in the second book. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger but leaves room for the story to continue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Child abuse/SA, PTSD, violence, death of a family member, grief, gore/injury details from fighting
3/5 spice
Tropes:
Paranormal romance
Witch FMC
MMA fighter MMC
Trauma/healing
Multiple POV
Good vs. Evil
Fated mates
This story puts an interesting twist on the Good vs. Evil trope. It starts off slow and then builds up towards the middle of the book. I was a bit confused in the beginning with the magic system and felt it could've been explained better. Malin comes off as a very strong leader of her coven but ultimately has lost herself with her plot for revenge. I grew frustrated with her "tough girl" persona and her stubbornness. Even when she meets Kane, she refuses to acknowledge the connection she has with him. Multiple times, she was called out on the destructive behavior of her obsession to get her revenge... but she refused to see reason until it became too dangerous to ignore.
I really liked Kane's character. He's thrust into a world he had no idea existed and has to navigate that while trying to keep his Rage under control. He's drawn to Malin and doesn't question it... he embraces that there is more to their connecting than just attraction. It becomes very clear later in the book that he is also battling severe trauma from his childhood. Without giving anything away, the way things are resolved can be very triggering, so please read trigger and content warnings before reading this book.
Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential to be really great. I am still interested in seeing where things go in the second book. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger but leaves room for the story to continue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Child abuse/SA, PTSD, violence, death of a family member, grief, gore/injury details from fighting
April 15, 2024
This book certainly had the potential to be something intriguing, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. One aspect I appreciated was the innovative twist where darkness represented the good side, which I found to be a refreshing concept. However, the book lacked in some crucial areas that left me wanting more.
Firstly, for a story of this nature, I anticipated a richly developed world and intricate magic system. Regrettably, the book failed to deliver on this front. Instead of delving into a complex world, the author chose a more simplistic approach, which left much to be desired.
Given the simpler world-building, I hoped the book would at least shine in character development. Unfortunately, the characters fell flat for me. I struggled to connect with them as they felt one-dimensional and stereotypical. This lack of depth made it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journeys.
The dual POV narrative also didn't work in the book's favor. Instead of feeling like two distinct voices, it often felt like a single narrator was speaking throughout the story, diminishing the impact of the dual POV.
Lastly, the spicy scenes in the book were a miss for me. The language used felt awkward and unappealing (a lot of ick words), making those moments less enjoyable than they could have been.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Firstly, for a story of this nature, I anticipated a richly developed world and intricate magic system. Regrettably, the book failed to deliver on this front. Instead of delving into a complex world, the author chose a more simplistic approach, which left much to be desired.
Given the simpler world-building, I hoped the book would at least shine in character development. Unfortunately, the characters fell flat for me. I struggled to connect with them as they felt one-dimensional and stereotypical. This lack of depth made it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journeys.
The dual POV narrative also didn't work in the book's favor. Instead of feeling like two distinct voices, it often felt like a single narrator was speaking throughout the story, diminishing the impact of the dual POV.
Lastly, the spicy scenes in the book were a miss for me. The language used felt awkward and unappealing (a lot of ick words), making those moments less enjoyable than they could have been.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 2, 2023
When MMA fighter Kane Macleod stumbles across a fight in a dark alley, instinct kicks in. He sees a woman being attacked by three attackers, his first thought being he needs to step in. But Malin doesn’t need rescuing. She is bent on revenge, after the murder of her twin sister Myla, nothing else matters, at least until Kane comes along.
I liked the premise of this book, a dark fantasy romance, with a strong female lead and an even stronger male, literally. Kane has a back story that gradually comes out, explaining the reasons why he goes berserk, and can barely keep his inner beast under control. Malin is a complex character, knowing she needs to secure her covens place, but so bent on revenge, that she can’t focus on that. She is bonded with a Dragan, who boosts her power, her magic and determination. The world building is good, and I like the idea of the dragans, who are bonded to the fighters of the Darkness. It seems almost counter intuitive to have the Light and Dark sides being opposite to how we would normally see them but it does work. The read felt a bit slow initially, built up pace nicely but seemed to finish almost abruptly. However, it leads nicely into the next book in the series. Slightly too dark for me but I’d like to see what happens next. 3 1/2⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the premise of this book, a dark fantasy romance, with a strong female lead and an even stronger male, literally. Kane has a back story that gradually comes out, explaining the reasons why he goes berserk, and can barely keep his inner beast under control. Malin is a complex character, knowing she needs to secure her covens place, but so bent on revenge, that she can’t focus on that. She is bonded with a Dragan, who boosts her power, her magic and determination. The world building is good, and I like the idea of the dragans, who are bonded to the fighters of the Darkness. It seems almost counter intuitive to have the Light and Dark sides being opposite to how we would normally see them but it does work. The read felt a bit slow initially, built up pace nicely but seemed to finish almost abruptly. However, it leads nicely into the next book in the series. Slightly too dark for me but I’d like to see what happens next. 3 1/2⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2024
Kane Macleod’s an up and coming fighter. His trainer, Broc has been with him for a while and he helps Kane deal with the inner beast inside of him that comes out when fighting due to a horrifying past. Finding out about his past was upsetting, but it made him who he is. He is needed. Kane has a younger sister and his mother is blind. There is a reason for this you find out, and Kane sees Malian and her warriors from her coven fighting against the Light wielding Semaphors. I found Conri and Tierney hilarious. Breyze is Malin’s dragan. It’s like a small dragon and its venom helps her do magic. All three witches of Darkness, are fighting to find out where Godric is. Godric betrayed Malin. After finding out what happened, I wanted Godric to hurt as well. I like how the Dark Witches aren’t really the bad guys in the story. But the good ones and Godric and the Semaphors are the bad ones. I also like how Kane and his family fits into this. I was absolutely fascinated by it. Plus, the fact that I’ve always loved stories with dragons, witches and berserkers. So much fun. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2022
Susan Stradiotto and S. Johnson's Fight For Darkness was just amazing. i really enjoyed Kane the MMA Fighter and Malin the Darkness Hunter who is hunting the one who killed her sister. Their story had me on the edge of my seat it was so exciting to read. And her Dragon Breyze omg i just loved alot.
November 13, 2022
This book was dark, gritty, brutal, passionate. An urban fantasy/portal fantasy. This book featured two broken people with some serious baggage in their respective pasts drawn together onto a very dangerous path. The magic system in this one was different from most I have encountered and had some very interesting limitations and applications. Intense read
October 4, 2022
Fight for Darkness was captivating and very unique. Real world activity with a mirror of darkness. The feels we’re real with this book. I would read it all over again without hesitation. Beautiful story. Spicy and well written
January 2, 2023
Allow two days for this mature adult cage-fighting paranormal supernatural fantasy phasing between Wickney, Wisconsin, and Penumbra. Trigger warnings for graphic violence and sexual abuse of a minor.
November 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this so much, a MMA fighter and a witch, I was drawn by this and once I started I could not it down. Fully recommend this book to lovers of fantasy romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2023
Unfortunately it's currently a dnf I received a review copy and my brain is to focused on the errors 🙃 I'm gonna try again using the kindle version but I gotta forget first lol
March 13, 2024
I liked the world buildings and characters in this book, a lot. Both Malin and Kane have a lot of past trauma, and it was definitely a dark book, as the title and cover indicate. It was also quite steamy - in a good way.
I found the pace to be a bit slow, but it really picked up towards the end, and I am hoping that continues through the rest of the trilogy as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the pace to be a bit slow, but it really picked up towards the end, and I am hoping that continues through the rest of the trilogy as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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