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***** THIS SYNOPSIS CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR CHAINED AND LIGHT*******If you have not read Chained or Light, start with Chained.
"Step into the darkness with me."
Izidora
I thought seeing Ruslan and Kazimir side by side would make my choice easier. Instead, I’m on a downward spiral and my trauma is seeking to tear me apart. I’ve got a lot more healing to do than I realized, and with the fate of the world resting on my shoulders, how am I supposed to make this choice?
Ruslan
As the new king of the Iron Realm, I need to appear ruthless and powerful to the other monarchs. But I fucked up big time with Izidora, and giving her the space she needs to make her decision is killing me. As I try to strangle my own fears into submission, I have another task to focus on — breaking an alliance. But tension between the Night and Iron Realms is building with each passing day, and it will be a miracle if I don’t snap Kazimir’s neck by the end of Béke.
Kazimir
For months, my every thought was consumed by the need to save Izidora from the Iron Fae’s clutches again. But when we arrive in the Iron Realm, she’s happy and all but forgotten about me. Ruslan may have her now, but I will take back what belongs to me — and Izidora belongs to me.
Dark is book 3 of 5 in a dark new romantasy series filled with questionable heroes, an unbreakable heroine, and a prophecy that will change the course of history. Perfect for fans of Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series), To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Throne of Glass. While Dark is suitable for 18+, it is not a beginner-friendly dark fantasy romance. It contains scenes and themes that some readers might find disturbing. A full list of TWs can be found on the author's website.
"Step into the darkness with me."
Izidora
I thought seeing Ruslan and Kazimir side by side would make my choice easier. Instead, I’m on a downward spiral and my trauma is seeking to tear me apart. I’ve got a lot more healing to do than I realized, and with the fate of the world resting on my shoulders, how am I supposed to make this choice?
Ruslan
As the new king of the Iron Realm, I need to appear ruthless and powerful to the other monarchs. But I fucked up big time with Izidora, and giving her the space she needs to make her decision is killing me. As I try to strangle my own fears into submission, I have another task to focus on — breaking an alliance. But tension between the Night and Iron Realms is building with each passing day, and it will be a miracle if I don’t snap Kazimir’s neck by the end of Béke.
Kazimir
For months, my every thought was consumed by the need to save Izidora from the Iron Fae’s clutches again. But when we arrive in the Iron Realm, she’s happy and all but forgotten about me. Ruslan may have her now, but I will take back what belongs to me — and Izidora belongs to me.
Dark is book 3 of 5 in a dark new romantasy series filled with questionable heroes, an unbreakable heroine, and a prophecy that will change the course of history. Perfect for fans of Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series), To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Throne of Glass. While Dark is suitable for 18+, it is not a beginner-friendly dark fantasy romance. It contains scenes and themes that some readers might find disturbing. A full list of TWs can be found on the author's website.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 12, 2025
My Rating: 2.5 ⭐⭐(Rounded up for GR)
Series Rating: 3.25 ⭐⭐⭐
We Have
✅ M/F Romance
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Fantasy
✅ Fae
✅ Shifters
✅ Love Triangle
✅ Female Solidarity (Girl's girls)
Let me make this crystal clear: I’m giving this book 2 stars, not because it was poorly written, but because of how it made me feel. And honestly? I’m beyond frustrated and incredibly disappointed with how MMC-X’s story unfolded.
MMC-X spent his entire life searching for the FMC, built an army for her, and risked everything to protect her. His obsession was clear, but that’s what made him compelling. Instead of exploring that depth or giving him a true chance to redeem himself, the author sidelined him in favor of MMC-Y. His "darkness" felt forced and underdeveloped, like it was thrown in just to justify pushing the FMC toward MMC-Y. (Can you tell I'm mad?)
I can’t stand how the FMC seemed to forget everything MMC-X did for her the moment things got hard. Her loyalty wavered far too easily, and it felt like the story was determined to make MMC-X the villain without giving a solid reason why. He was spiraling because of everything he lost, and rather than addressing that pain, the narrative just leaned into making him the problem.
But let’s talk about what I loved about this book cause WHEWWW CHILD!!!!
Every girl in this series is a girl’s girl, and I am HERE for it. The bond between Liliana and Izadora is everything—they truly ride or die for each other. Bring in three more women, and OMG, it’s a whole girl gang, and they do not play about one another. The solidarity in these female friendships is amazing and, honestly, one of my favorite parts of this series.
Now, let’s get into the smut. Lacey really stepped it up in this book. I don’t even know where to begin! I’m still thinking about that dance studio scene - ahem, MFM, I did not see coming, and I loved Izadora’s assertiveness at that moment and the nights at Steel. JFC. I even shared a page with my book bestie, Mysti, and we both agreed it was one of the hottest damn scenes ever. But then… THEN...she really turned it up at the festival, and BRUH—what was I supposed to do with myself?! The squeals, the feet kicking… it was a workout! - I also bit the fuck out of my lip🫦🫦🫦
The way Lacey is tying everything together and developing the FMC is fantastic. Izadora’s lessons with her cousin and all the underlying themes really add depth to the story. And the dedication—“To everyone who realized they were not, in fact, fine”—hit HARD. Izadora has been THROUGH it, and her revenge? So damn satisfying. Oh, and it was hot too—because why not have revenge be another smutty masterpiece?
Seriously though, so many authors write smut (and let’s be honest, that’s basically all I read), but Lacey is just next level. Not only is this series incredibly smutty, but it’s never repetitive. She writes from multiple POVs, and every scene raises the stakes.
If you’re a fan of fantasy series, you’re going to love this one. Just… be prepared to be wrecked. Because sigh... I’m sad I chose the wrong character to root for.
Series Rating: 3.25 ⭐⭐⭐
We Have
✅ M/F Romance
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Fantasy
✅ Fae
✅ Shifters
✅ Love Triangle
✅ Female Solidarity (Girl's girls)
Let me make this crystal clear: I’m giving this book 2 stars, not because it was poorly written, but because of how it made me feel. And honestly? I’m beyond frustrated and incredibly disappointed with how MMC-X’s story unfolded.
MMC-X spent his entire life searching for the FMC, built an army for her, and risked everything to protect her. His obsession was clear, but that’s what made him compelling. Instead of exploring that depth or giving him a true chance to redeem himself, the author sidelined him in favor of MMC-Y. His "darkness" felt forced and underdeveloped, like it was thrown in just to justify pushing the FMC toward MMC-Y. (Can you tell I'm mad?)
I can’t stand how the FMC seemed to forget everything MMC-X did for her the moment things got hard. Her loyalty wavered far too easily, and it felt like the story was determined to make MMC-X the villain without giving a solid reason why. He was spiraling because of everything he lost, and rather than addressing that pain, the narrative just leaned into making him the problem.
But let’s talk about what I loved about this book cause WHEWWW CHILD!!!!
Every girl in this series is a girl’s girl, and I am HERE for it. The bond between Liliana and Izadora is everything—they truly ride or die for each other. Bring in three more women, and OMG, it’s a whole girl gang, and they do not play about one another. The solidarity in these female friendships is amazing and, honestly, one of my favorite parts of this series.
Now, let’s get into the smut. Lacey really stepped it up in this book. I don’t even know where to begin! I’m still thinking about that dance studio scene - ahem, MFM, I did not see coming, and I loved Izadora’s assertiveness at that moment and the nights at Steel. JFC. I even shared a page with my book bestie, Mysti, and we both agreed it was one of the hottest damn scenes ever. But then… THEN...she really turned it up at the festival, and BRUH—what was I supposed to do with myself?! The squeals, the feet kicking… it was a workout! - I also bit the fuck out of my lip🫦🫦🫦
The way Lacey is tying everything together and developing the FMC is fantastic. Izadora’s lessons with her cousin and all the underlying themes really add depth to the story. And the dedication—“To everyone who realized they were not, in fact, fine”—hit HARD. Izadora has been THROUGH it, and her revenge? So damn satisfying. Oh, and it was hot too—because why not have revenge be another smutty masterpiece?
Seriously though, so many authors write smut (and let’s be honest, that’s basically all I read), but Lacey is just next level. Not only is this series incredibly smutty, but it’s never repetitive. She writes from multiple POVs, and every scene raises the stakes.
If you’re a fan of fantasy series, you’re going to love this one. Just… be prepared to be wrecked. Because sigh... I’m sad I chose the wrong character to root for.
September 6, 2024
Kazimir deserved better.
December 29, 2024
I'm done. Not moving on to bk4
So here is the thing, the writing is amazing and Book 1&2 are why this review earned 4 ⭐️. Honestly if I was just reviewing book 1-3 I doubt if would leave 3⭐️
I rarely give deep reviews but before someone else falls down the whole of having to see the blinders everyone wears i have to share this.
The FMC is broken (abuse, physical & menatal including SA) from infancy. She is rescued by the 1st MMC who does EVERYTHING right. Then just as they are going to commit to eachother MMC#2 attacks killing 4 people who rescued, cared for and loved the FMC.
In his grief at failing to protect the FMC dark fates poison him (need to point out, they come to him he DOES NOT CALL TO THEM) they manipulate him into thinking it's the only way to save her from the MMC#2 .
FMC takes about 2 minutes to just totally beleive all of MMC#2 and forgive 100% of the fact that people died trying to save her. People who sacrificed to save her from the start. MMC#2 killed them as they tried to save her but hey, he really likes you and he just wants a chance to make her happy. So sure why the F not.
Suddenly everything MMC#1 did is bad. He's now dark. Forget it's against his will, forget trying to save him from himself. Nope, MMC#2 has a bigger kingdom and d!c< and that's all that really matters.
I another saying MMC#1 didn't F up, but zero effort is given to try and save him so sorry, not readying book 4. I'm done with the serious lack of loyalty or even the slightest effort of understanding.
This coming from someone who loves Shantel Tessier. So if I can't find a way to love the bad boy in this book, that's telling you something
So here is the thing, the writing is amazing and Book 1&2 are why this review earned 4 ⭐️. Honestly if I was just reviewing book 1-3 I doubt if would leave 3⭐️
I rarely give deep reviews but before someone else falls down the whole of having to see the blinders everyone wears i have to share this.
The FMC is broken (abuse, physical & menatal including SA) from infancy. She is rescued by the 1st MMC who does EVERYTHING right. Then just as they are going to commit to eachother MMC#2 attacks killing 4 people who rescued, cared for and loved the FMC.
In his grief at failing to protect the FMC dark fates poison him (need to point out, they come to him he DOES NOT CALL TO THEM) they manipulate him into thinking it's the only way to save her from the MMC#2 .
FMC takes about 2 minutes to just totally beleive all of MMC#2 and forgive 100% of the fact that people died trying to save her. People who sacrificed to save her from the start. MMC#2 killed them as they tried to save her but hey, he really likes you and he just wants a chance to make her happy. So sure why the F not.
Suddenly everything MMC#1 did is bad. He's now dark. Forget it's against his will, forget trying to save him from himself. Nope, MMC#2 has a bigger kingdom and d!c< and that's all that really matters.
I another saying MMC#1 didn't F up, but zero effort is given to try and save him so sorry, not readying book 4. I'm done with the serious lack of loyalty or even the slightest effort of understanding.
This coming from someone who loves Shantel Tessier. So if I can't find a way to love the bad boy in this book, that's telling you something
June 10, 2024
This is the third book in the A Choice of Light and Dark, a dark romantasy series. Tropes include fated mates, revenge, mental health and trauma representation and healing, touched her and die, feminine rage, a prophecy and morally gray characters. This story is darker than the first two books so please check the content warnings.
The Lovely: Where do I start with what I love? Everything. My favorite part is the characters and their relationships. All the main characters are well-developed, flawed and wholly realistic. I came to love one character and started to loathe another. There is so much emotion in the relationships, both good and bad. The FMC, who has experienced serious trauma, is trying to heal but the circumstances around her make that challenging. The trauma healing in this book is rooted in actual mental health therapy methods, which I appreciate.
Also Lovely: I also loved how this story was set against a backdrop of a series of tournaments (sword fighting, strength, archery, etc.). While that is occurring we learn about Kazimir’s darkening changes, and that then impacts the relationships with and between the other royals. There are a lot of threads woven together, which held my interest (as if the character relationships and tension weren’t already doing that).
Rating: 5/5 Stars 4/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily. This book does end on a cliffhanger, mostly an emotional one. I’m dying to know how book 4 starts and what happens to the characters. This series is in my top 3 favorite series of all time for it’s characters, relationships, representation of trauma and mental health, and the emotions infused by the writing. I consistently feel ALL the feels, and this book even notched that up another rung. If you like **dark** romantic fantasy with well-developed characters and plenty of feels in a fantasy world, this is the series for you. And Lacey? Thank you for chapter 18.
The Lovely: Where do I start with what I love? Everything. My favorite part is the characters and their relationships. All the main characters are well-developed, flawed and wholly realistic. I came to love one character and started to loathe another. There is so much emotion in the relationships, both good and bad. The FMC, who has experienced serious trauma, is trying to heal but the circumstances around her make that challenging. The trauma healing in this book is rooted in actual mental health therapy methods, which I appreciate.
Also Lovely: I also loved how this story was set against a backdrop of a series of tournaments (sword fighting, strength, archery, etc.). While that is occurring we learn about Kazimir’s darkening changes, and that then impacts the relationships with and between the other royals. There are a lot of threads woven together, which held my interest (as if the character relationships and tension weren’t already doing that).
Rating: 5/5 Stars 4/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily. This book does end on a cliffhanger, mostly an emotional one. I’m dying to know how book 4 starts and what happens to the characters. This series is in my top 3 favorite series of all time for it’s characters, relationships, representation of trauma and mental health, and the emotions infused by the writing. I consistently feel ALL the feels, and this book even notched that up another rung. If you like **dark** romantic fantasy with well-developed characters and plenty of feels in a fantasy world, this is the series for you. And Lacey? Thank you for chapter 18.
July 5, 2024
Ok where to start with this one. There is sooo much to unpack with this!
I am obsessed with this series. The way Lacey writes trauma and how Izidora is healing from that trauma is nothing short of amazing. “Please make it stop… I hurt so badly.” Eurgh! This absolutely broke me. Whilst not a lot happens to progress the plot, there is a huge focus on Izidora’s healing. And that is just as important, if not more so.
I also love the side characters and how even Mistik shows compassion. I absolutely adore Izidora and Lilianas friendship. It’s just so pure. There were a couple of well needed lighter moments in this book which gave a brief reprieve from all the darkness and sadness.
Towards the end of Light I felt a certain way but now I am fully team Ruslan! He has such a way with words, swoon! And the things he does for her… can I have a massage followed by jewel shopping please?
And I can’t review this without talking about the spice. The spice was 100% spicing!!! There was a scene early on that I had to stop reading and go take a cool shower!
I only have two teeny tiny criticisms of this (but not enough to make me drop a star) and those are, firstly, the scene in chapter 18. I won’t spoil it but my feelings are that this didn’t fit with their personalities and with what we know about them. And secondly, I felt like “Insidious Bloom” was said far too many times. I did get a little teeny bit fed up of reading it.
I cannot wait for the next book and I will recommend this series to fans of dark romantasy. A huge thank you to Lacey for my PR box of this book. ILYSM.
I am obsessed with this series. The way Lacey writes trauma and how Izidora is healing from that trauma is nothing short of amazing. “Please make it stop… I hurt so badly.” Eurgh! This absolutely broke me. Whilst not a lot happens to progress the plot, there is a huge focus on Izidora’s healing. And that is just as important, if not more so.
I also love the side characters and how even Mistik shows compassion. I absolutely adore Izidora and Lilianas friendship. It’s just so pure. There were a couple of well needed lighter moments in this book which gave a brief reprieve from all the darkness and sadness.
Towards the end of Light I felt a certain way but now I am fully team Ruslan! He has such a way with words, swoon! And the things he does for her… can I have a massage followed by jewel shopping please?
And I can’t review this without talking about the spice. The spice was 100% spicing!!! There was a scene early on that I had to stop reading and go take a cool shower!
I only have two teeny tiny criticisms of this (but not enough to make me drop a star) and those are, firstly, the scene in chapter 18. I won’t spoil it but my feelings are that this didn’t fit with their personalities and with what we know about them. And secondly, I felt like “Insidious Bloom” was said far too many times. I did get a little teeny bit fed up of reading it.
I cannot wait for the next book and I will recommend this series to fans of dark romantasy. A huge thank you to Lacey for my PR box of this book. ILYSM.
June 28, 2024
The first part of this book I live 15 different lives. The middle part, I knew where my choice slide and I was good with that. The end of this book had my job on the floor and I mean I was mouth wide-open. A fly probably flew into my mouth and I wouldn’t have noticed.
I loved the character development of different characters plus having the multiple POV’s of others added something else to it that I loved. Let me tell you this I was rooting for you and you let me out by being a weird ass psychopathic stalker
Now, I’m not sure how to feel, I’m not sure what to do with my life. Now, I’ve already pre-ordered the next book, mentally I am not OK. There was a scene in this book that had my toes curling, and I got hot. The scene was hot and heavy, and I hope to see more of those types of scenes and the next book.
Just know, the cliffhanger on this is dangerous. Such an amazing book once again. One of my favorite top-tier dark fantasy series and I still don’t know what to do with my life now. There was so much sadness so breakthrough and so much love. And yet all I can do is stare at the ceiling in my bed in pain
I loved the character development of different characters plus having the multiple POV’s of others added something else to it that I loved. Let me tell you this I was rooting for you and you let me out by being a weird ass psychopathic stalker
Now, I’m not sure how to feel, I’m not sure what to do with my life. Now, I’ve already pre-ordered the next book, mentally I am not OK. There was a scene in this book that had my toes curling, and I got hot. The scene was hot and heavy, and I hope to see more of those types of scenes and the next book.
Just know, the cliffhanger on this is dangerous. Such an amazing book once again. One of my favorite top-tier dark fantasy series and I still don’t know what to do with my life now. There was so much sadness so breakthrough and so much love. And yet all I can do is stare at the ceiling in my bed in pain
April 8, 2024
100% pick this up
This book was everything I wanted & more. As a reader, I love feeling every emotion, even feeling conflicted about character choices because it forces you to think outside of yourself. The author did an amazing job at portraying hard choices and the consequences of making the right or wrong ones. I was so proud of the healing steps the FMC took. I like reading a book that shows how healing is long-term.
I still don't trust anything when it comes to Laceys writing, and i am DESPERATE for book 4.
This book was everything I wanted & more. As a reader, I love feeling every emotion, even feeling conflicted about character choices because it forces you to think outside of yourself. The author did an amazing job at portraying hard choices and the consequences of making the right or wrong ones. I was so proud of the healing steps the FMC took. I like reading a book that shows how healing is long-term.
I still don't trust anything when it comes to Laceys writing, and i am DESPERATE for book 4.
January 11, 2025
The Third book in this series, it continued amazingly with plot twists, spice and unseen circumstances I’m adoring this series and I’m excited to see how it plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Best one yet...and there is one more to go!
My favorite in the series so far. As someone who has never really liked the idea of having to choose between two people you love, Lehotzky makes it easy to endure. Isadora's choice is clear but because of her trauma and the fate of the world on the line, we go on a journey of her discovering herself, healing herself, and deciding which mate is going to allow her to be her best self. Such a good series and I can't wait to read the last one.
My favorite in the series so far. As someone who has never really liked the idea of having to choose between two people you love, Lehotzky makes it easy to endure. Isadora's choice is clear but because of her trauma and the fate of the world on the line, we go on a journey of her discovering herself, healing herself, and deciding which mate is going to allow her to be her best self. Such a good series and I can't wait to read the last one.
June 14, 2024
Rating: ♾️⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
A masterpiece✨⚔️
I loved everything about this book, I have nothing bad to say about it at all. I have been wanting to read this book since I finished Light. The spicy was mouthwatering, the character development was so good, the chemistry made my heart swoon.
I’m extremely happy that Izidora chose Ruslan. As soon as he was introduced in Light, I knew they had to end up together. The love they have for each other is out of this world and gave me so many happy feels while reading. I personally have never really like Kaz that much, I think that he was a great first love interest for Izi but Ruslan just made her so much happier.
The ending of the book really threw me through a loop, only because I was not expecting it at all, and Lacey made everything very happy for awhile and I was just sitting there waiting for something bad to happen😂
Overall an amazing read, and I can’t wait for book four. I need to know what happens asap 🖤🫶🏻
Spice: 4🌶️
A masterpiece✨⚔️
I loved everything about this book, I have nothing bad to say about it at all. I have been wanting to read this book since I finished Light. The spicy was mouthwatering, the character development was so good, the chemistry made my heart swoon.
I’m extremely happy that Izidora chose Ruslan. As soon as he was introduced in Light, I knew they had to end up together. The love they have for each other is out of this world and gave me so many happy feels while reading. I personally have never really like Kaz that much, I think that he was a great first love interest for Izi but Ruslan just made her so much happier.
The ending of the book really threw me through a loop, only because I was not expecting it at all, and Lacey made everything very happy for awhile and I was just sitting there waiting for something bad to happen😂
Overall an amazing read, and I can’t wait for book four. I need to know what happens asap 🖤🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
I love this series so much. Especially the exploration between toxic love and healthy love. If you’ve ever experienced toxic love this book is all to relatable. Because their love is near perfect as long as everything goes their way and you do what they want. But the moment you step out of line? That’s when the facade starts to crack and the true darkness takes over. Healthy love, well it doesn’t have to look perfect. It just has to grow and adapt and support. Lacey so masterfully crafts this theme into the story in such a way that you don’t even realize the lesson about love you are being introduced to.
Izzy is such a baddie for constantly overcoming all she has gone through, growing and learning for herself and also not just relying on those around her. It’s so refreshing to have an FMC who actually listens and takes advice from those around her and accepts that she doesn’t know everything. I love her for her willingness to learn from her mistakes.
Izzy is such a baddie for constantly overcoming all she has gone through, growing and learning for herself and also not just relying on those around her. It’s so refreshing to have an FMC who actually listens and takes advice from those around her and accepts that she doesn’t know everything. I love her for her willingness to learn from her mistakes.
January 14, 2025
Omg this book a roller coaster. So good and can't wait to finish the series. I need to know what happens
December 19, 2025
A repetitive, cringy, frustrating read. I won’t be continuing the series.
January 18, 2025
WHAT IN THE FUCKING FUCKS????
August 28, 2026
The tension... I almost want to start over to see if and what the hell I missed in the first book. Damn cliff hangers though - on to the last!
June 22, 2024
Oh let me just start off for thanking Lacey for Chapter 18 IYKYK 👀
Dark, Book 3 in the A Choice of Light and Dark series, picks right back after the ending of Chained. Emotions are high between Izidora, Kazimir and Ruslan and Izidora must make a choice.
The Iron Realm is playing host to Beké and the realms have traveled to revel in all the competition and debauchery 😏 I really enjoyed seeing Izidora coming into her own in the book and finding strength within herself while she still struggles with her trauma.
Ruslan is treading a fine line of trying to let Izidora have the space to make her choice while the need to protect her at all costs is strong. Kazimiar is continuing to try to play savior while he battles his own darkness.
I was a ball of emotions and I am so pissed off with certain characters. Paired with the devastating ending you will be left with your heart in pieces and angry at the same time. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Izidora and the gang.
Dark, Book 3 in the A Choice of Light and Dark series, picks right back after the ending of Chained. Emotions are high between Izidora, Kazimir and Ruslan and Izidora must make a choice.
The Iron Realm is playing host to Beké and the realms have traveled to revel in all the competition and debauchery 😏 I really enjoyed seeing Izidora coming into her own in the book and finding strength within herself while she still struggles with her trauma.
Ruslan is treading a fine line of trying to let Izidora have the space to make her choice while the need to protect her at all costs is strong. Kazimiar is continuing to try to play savior while he battles his own darkness.
I was a ball of emotions and I am so pissed off with certain characters. Paired with the devastating ending you will be left with your heart in pieces and angry at the same time. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Izidora and the gang.
April 6, 2025
Heavily skimmed the last half. I was upset that some things from book 1 were just flat ignored. That took me out of the book and I just couldn't get into the romance.
Smut was great though, and chapter 18 was awesome. It was the only reason I finished the books. Will not be reading the final book.
So, if you're in it for the characters you're going to throw the book across the room. But if you just read it for the smut, you'll skim along like I did. It is the only reason it's getting a 2 stars instead of a 1 star.
Spoilers ahead ......
WTF did the Hellhounds and Dad die for nothing?? !!? She never cared that Ruslan KILLED people when he attacked. It was only ever "Kazimir manipulated me" which lets be real, you could have said 'no that's a terrible plan'. He didn't REALLY manipulate you, more like nudged you to kill an asshole that you already wanted to see die.
And what about all the other kindness shown to you in the night kingdom. That's all just shit because Kazimir did ONE THING??! Two if you include the contraception, but come on... she could have asked ANYONE like Liliana about contraception and she didn't. And she slept with him knowing that she wasn't on contraception. That's bullshit to put it all on Kazimir after the fact. I can't get past that.
She's supposed to be this great empath and couldn't see how slight of an infraction Kazimir had committed when RUSLAN SHOWED UP TO KIDNAP HER WHILE KILLING HER FRIENDS WHO DIED FOR HER. How can you get past THAT and not get past the things Kazimir did???!?? He didn't have to become a fucking villain! They could have talked it out and she could have had all the threesomes she wanted. But apparently killing your friends can be overcome but willingly going along with a plan to make you Queen is not. What the actual fuck??!
Don't get me wrong, Ruslan does have a good redemption arc here but they did Kazimir so fucking dirty it took me out of the story. I almost DNF'd so many times. The fact that the author just skipped over their deaths and the feelings that those INDIVIDUALS had with her is a fucking shame. It could have been wrapped up or explained, or at least acknowledged. Who cares if Kazimir turned out to be kind of a dick, those twins were your friends. They deserved to be thought of by the 'great empath' who is so caught up in feelings.
End rant.
Smut was great though, and chapter 18 was awesome. It was the only reason I finished the books. Will not be reading the final book.
So, if you're in it for the characters you're going to throw the book across the room. But if you just read it for the smut, you'll skim along like I did. It is the only reason it's getting a 2 stars instead of a 1 star.
Spoilers ahead ......
WTF did the Hellhounds and Dad die for nothing?? !!? She never cared that Ruslan KILLED people when he attacked. It was only ever "Kazimir manipulated me" which lets be real, you could have said 'no that's a terrible plan'. He didn't REALLY manipulate you, more like nudged you to kill an asshole that you already wanted to see die.
And what about all the other kindness shown to you in the night kingdom. That's all just shit because Kazimir did ONE THING??! Two if you include the contraception, but come on... she could have asked ANYONE like Liliana about contraception and she didn't. And she slept with him knowing that she wasn't on contraception. That's bullshit to put it all on Kazimir after the fact. I can't get past that.
She's supposed to be this great empath and couldn't see how slight of an infraction Kazimir had committed when RUSLAN SHOWED UP TO KIDNAP HER WHILE KILLING HER FRIENDS WHO DIED FOR HER. How can you get past THAT and not get past the things Kazimir did???!?? He didn't have to become a fucking villain! They could have talked it out and she could have had all the threesomes she wanted. But apparently killing your friends can be overcome but willingly going along with a plan to make you Queen is not. What the actual fuck??!
Don't get me wrong, Ruslan does have a good redemption arc here but they did Kazimir so fucking dirty it took me out of the story. I almost DNF'd so many times. The fact that the author just skipped over their deaths and the feelings that those INDIVIDUALS had with her is a fucking shame. It could have been wrapped up or explained, or at least acknowledged. Who cares if Kazimir turned out to be kind of a dick, those twins were your friends. They deserved to be thought of by the 'great empath' who is so caught up in feelings.
End rant.
March 8, 2025
I can’t finish. I don’t care how much attraction, fate shit is going on. The author made Ruslan unforgivable by making him responsible for the deaths of Cassius, Kriztof, Kirigan, and Zakari - people she supposedly loved and considered family. And then Izadora gets mad at Kaz for telling her at a ball and ruining her night? What a selfish bitch. The FMC has turned into something I hate. Even if she didn’t choose Kaz, she should have wanted to kill Ruslan for killing her loved ones. I would seriously continue and maybe enjoy the books if she struck out on her own and found a third mate. Although the author really does a shit job of convincing me that Kaz’s behavior is anything within his control.
Ruslan’s murder of her family is something she should never forgive. For any reason. I’m off to read spoilers for this book and the last one just because I can’t stand leaving a book/series unfinished. I just can’t stomach one more scene with her loving on the “twin sandwich” murderer. Gross.
Ruslan’s murder of her family is something she should never forgive. For any reason. I’m off to read spoilers for this book and the last one just because I can’t stand leaving a book/series unfinished. I just can’t stomach one more scene with her loving on the “twin sandwich” murderer. Gross.
October 21, 2024
3.25🌟 Ok, not what I was expecting. That ending though! Ok, to be honest I didn’t really want Izidora to end up with either of them, but then Kazimir just kept getting worse and made Ruslan seem better. I still think that if Kazimir didn’t have binding magic then he and Izidora could have worked things out. But what I don’t get is how he could call himself Izidora’s mate and be ok with fucking other women? Wouldn’t the thought of having another woman touch you be awful if that woman wasn’t your mate? And then, he goes and physically hurts her. Like what the heck??? I am loving Izidora’s personal growth. And I’m happy that she has Liliana. What I can’t believe is how Endre is still siding with Kazimir! Yes, they’re like brothers, but Kazimir is unstable and Endre is stupid for staying with him. I really want Liliana and Endre to end up together. He even says at the end that he loves her and that he’ll wait for her, so I’m hoping that was set up for their relationship in the next book. I enjoyed the different pov’s, especially Zuriel’s!!! I still can’t believe that Kazimir physically hurt her. Literally, the only thing he hasn’t done is rape her. He literally broke her spine and plunged a dagger in her heart. Like who does that? He said that if he couldn’t have her then no one could so he thought the solution was to kill her? I would think he would want to kill Ruslan so then Izidora had to choose him - that’s literally what he’s been saying this whole book. And then he goes and gets everyone banned. I hope that the army was stopped. That’s the last thing that Izidora needs right now. now. I didn’t like that one scene where Izidora had both of them. That’s not where I thought this story was going and I didn’t like it. I didn’t even like how Liliana and the boys took part of that sex club scene either. I can’t wait to see what happens in the last book. I’m kind of intrigued as to what the end of the prophecy alluded to. I’m thoroughly invested now.
March 11, 2026
Stop trying so hard to make us hate Kazimir. Sure the binding magic is an excuse for how dark he's spiraling but it's not enough to make us forget what a good guy he was in book one.
He spent decades searching for her, wasn't delusional either as she actually is his mate, rescued her, rebuilt her confidence, had her train, overcome trauma, pledged his and his friends loyalty to her, raised an army for her, fought for her to be queen, and lost his closest people trying to get her there. Then when Ruslan kidnaps her he spends the entire time trying to save her, pushing his grief to the backburner in order to do so, only to find her playing house with said kidnapper, being happy and fucking him. And when finally able to confront her she has the audacity to be irked that he was "rude"?!?! are you for real?! not to mention she comes at him with accusations of manipulation instead of actually wanting to hear him out or having any type of remorse or compassion for what she's putting him through or what he's gone through. She immediately villainizes him and acts the whole time as if she's so torn as to who to choose. In reality she had chosen the whole time, she just didn't like feeling guilty. He is forced to watch her be by Ruslans side knowing what they are doing and then she throws it in his face that he's not handling it well?! ummm what did she expect?! honestly?! And let's not forget that Ruslan also had an agenda with her. To use her to kill his father and take over the kingdom with him. To use her power and mold her into what he wanted. But for some reason that's love and Kazimir wanting to put her on the throne wasn't?!
The baby thing was weird, but I think the author threw that in to get us to not like him. But it just didn't make sense for the character we had read about in the beginning.
Izidora is the most insufferable FMC to exist. Her selfishness is unparalleled and the writing tries to play it off as strength and growth and everyone else's fault. Really she just decided she wanted someone more and the hell with everyone else who doesn't agree with her. She gets her best friend to become a traitor, turns her back on the entire night realm that pledged themselves to her and even sneers at them, and doesn't ask once about her "friends" that died trying to protect her. I can't even.
Later on in the book Kazimir spirals more and more and starts doing things that are so not like him, and while I get that this is mostly due to the binding magic, there seems to be zero compassion for the fact that he didn't ask for it, and that he's struggling. He's just automatically written now as the bad guy villain who we are supposed to hate. I sure hope his friends don't turn on him. I hope there is a redemption story here for him because I honestly feel so bad for him. He deserved better, and Izidora and Ruslan need to get their heads out of their asses and realize the part they played in creating this new villain. She deserves to be held accountable for her selfishness and if she comes out the hero at the end with her happily ever after I will scream. There's so much more, but I just can't. Stop trying to make me root for the wrong people.
He spent decades searching for her, wasn't delusional either as she actually is his mate, rescued her, rebuilt her confidence, had her train, overcome trauma, pledged his and his friends loyalty to her, raised an army for her, fought for her to be queen, and lost his closest people trying to get her there. Then when Ruslan kidnaps her he spends the entire time trying to save her, pushing his grief to the backburner in order to do so, only to find her playing house with said kidnapper, being happy and fucking him. And when finally able to confront her she has the audacity to be irked that he was "rude"?!?! are you for real?! not to mention she comes at him with accusations of manipulation instead of actually wanting to hear him out or having any type of remorse or compassion for what she's putting him through or what he's gone through. She immediately villainizes him and acts the whole time as if she's so torn as to who to choose. In reality she had chosen the whole time, she just didn't like feeling guilty. He is forced to watch her be by Ruslans side knowing what they are doing and then she throws it in his face that he's not handling it well?! ummm what did she expect?! honestly?! And let's not forget that Ruslan also had an agenda with her. To use her to kill his father and take over the kingdom with him. To use her power and mold her into what he wanted. But for some reason that's love and Kazimir wanting to put her on the throne wasn't?!
The baby thing was weird, but I think the author threw that in to get us to not like him. But it just didn't make sense for the character we had read about in the beginning.
Izidora is the most insufferable FMC to exist. Her selfishness is unparalleled and the writing tries to play it off as strength and growth and everyone else's fault. Really she just decided she wanted someone more and the hell with everyone else who doesn't agree with her. She gets her best friend to become a traitor, turns her back on the entire night realm that pledged themselves to her and even sneers at them, and doesn't ask once about her "friends" that died trying to protect her. I can't even.
Later on in the book Kazimir spirals more and more and starts doing things that are so not like him, and while I get that this is mostly due to the binding magic, there seems to be zero compassion for the fact that he didn't ask for it, and that he's struggling. He's just automatically written now as the bad guy villain who we are supposed to hate. I sure hope his friends don't turn on him. I hope there is a redemption story here for him because I honestly feel so bad for him. He deserved better, and Izidora and Ruslan need to get their heads out of their asses and realize the part they played in creating this new villain. She deserves to be held accountable for her selfishness and if she comes out the hero at the end with her happily ever after I will scream. There's so much more, but I just can't. Stop trying to make me root for the wrong people.
August 5, 2024
Minor spoilers kinda: I enjoyed the pacing of this book and I love ruslan and izidora deeply. I would say I liked this one more than the first book but not quite as much as the last one (which I adored). My main issue with this one was the love triangle premise, just because to me it was so painfully obvious who was the “right choice”. And I get she was stressed abt the decision bc it had ~other consequences~ but kazimir literally did not one thing right??? The only time she remotely tolerated him was at their dancing date and even that it seemed like he just wanted sex. I thought chapter 18 was extremely out of character for both of the guys especially kazimir and didn’t really do anything to progress the triangle🤷🏻♀️
Anyway. Besides that, I thought it was good that izidora was revisiting a lot of her trauma and addressing that she’s not completely better. Zuriel is a super cool character and I’m really intrigued to see how his arc continues bc he’s definitely keeping a massive secret. Another thing I loved was the fact that izidora and lilianas friendship actually got a lot time on page!!! Like her hanging out with izidora and ruslan was so sweet and realistic it just added a lot to the book I thought. Obviously I love ruslan he’s so sweet and has grown a lot. Kazimir is psycho but we kinda knew that. I’m not sure how he expects to win against the literal other 3 realms combined but I guess we’ll find out!
Anyway. Besides that, I thought it was good that izidora was revisiting a lot of her trauma and addressing that she’s not completely better. Zuriel is a super cool character and I’m really intrigued to see how his arc continues bc he’s definitely keeping a massive secret. Another thing I loved was the fact that izidora and lilianas friendship actually got a lot time on page!!! Like her hanging out with izidora and ruslan was so sweet and realistic it just added a lot to the book I thought. Obviously I love ruslan he’s so sweet and has grown a lot. Kazimir is psycho but we kinda knew that. I’m not sure how he expects to win against the literal other 3 realms combined but I guess we’ll find out!
December 2, 2024
I have literally never done this but I am rating and reviewing this series as a whole. It's literal smut trash that you love to hate. It started well enough, and it's like the author had the idea of having a second guy out of nowhere and came up with random ideas out of nowhere to make the first bad and went downhill. The second is also not a great choice. It's like no one just told this girl like hey after everything you have been through you don't have to be with a guy fae live for hundreds of years take your time to heal. I hated the modern concepts in these books like showers and even contraception...while yes maybe they would have something that wasn't a good enough reason to make someone evil plus she would have learned about it in the cave when the women came to take care of everything and with fae having such a hard time conceiving there would be no need for it in a fantasy world maybe even frowned upon. Just everything about both these guys annoyed me I found myself skipping several scenes. By the third book when she finally made her choice I wanted to dnf the whole series but I was already three books in so I might as well finish it at the very least this was a waist of a weekend. I also got some very heavy vibes of ACOTAR this is just more abusive and has way more bedroom scenes.
February 5, 2026
this book felt like a waste of time. coulda been an email.
NOTHING is happening. It is literally just back and forth between Ruslan and Kazimir and who to choose BUT she literally only gives one of them a chance. When Kazimir gets to the iron realm she does not give him the time of day to explain himself, she does not even give him a chance. She is just straight to "no your a bad guy, manipulative too" but without even hearing what he has to say. She is just completely one sided. I do like Ruslan and his character development has been incredible.
But the fact that she would not give kazimir the chance just pissed me off. Yeah he ended up doing horrible things, but before hand she did not even try. I felt bad for Kazimir, he deserved more than how she treated him and was handling it. I also feel bad for Kazimir because his magic is taking over his mind.
This book had zero plot. Like lets just spend 400 some pages talking about each day and what we do, without any development in the plot whatsoever. All that happened that was related to the plot was her choosing her mate out of the two. THATS IT. NOTHING MORE. like come on, i wasted my time reading this when it could have been an email.
This became so incredibly boring i did not even want to pick it up to continue reading it.
Spice:3/5
Overall: 2/5
NOTHING is happening. It is literally just back and forth between Ruslan and Kazimir and who to choose BUT she literally only gives one of them a chance. When Kazimir gets to the iron realm she does not give him the time of day to explain himself, she does not even give him a chance. She is just straight to "no your a bad guy, manipulative too" but without even hearing what he has to say. She is just completely one sided. I do like Ruslan and his character development has been incredible.
But the fact that she would not give kazimir the chance just pissed me off. Yeah he ended up doing horrible things, but before hand she did not even try. I felt bad for Kazimir, he deserved more than how she treated him and was handling it. I also feel bad for Kazimir because his magic is taking over his mind.
This book had zero plot. Like lets just spend 400 some pages talking about each day and what we do, without any development in the plot whatsoever. All that happened that was related to the plot was her choosing her mate out of the two. THATS IT. NOTHING MORE. like come on, i wasted my time reading this when it could have been an email.
This became so incredibly boring i did not even want to pick it up to continue reading it.
Spice:3/5
Overall: 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
🪽Dark review
The perfect next installment in A Choice of Light and Dark series. Lacey is an auto buy author for me and has created one of my favorite dark fantasy’s.
I don’t want to spoil anything. So all I can say is Izi shows such incredible growth and strength. She held my heart hostage with each chapter. I’m proud of how much healing she has done. The tension between Kazimir and Ruslan is perfectly built. I was turning pages as fast as possible to find out who Izi would choose. I was not disappointed. Then Lacey’s description were stunning. I can clearly see each costume piece and feel each moment.
I highly encourage everyone to run and read this series. A perfect representation of trauma healing and what it means to be free to choose.
Read if you love:
✔️dark fantasy
✔️tension and angst
✔️fated
✔️unique magic
✔️morally grey characters
✔️touch her and ☠️
✔️hand necklaces
Quotes:
“It's too bad that the collar is taking up so much space around your throat. I know how much you like when I take away your air.”
“You are too fiery to trap. I could never have broken your spirit. It would have killed me to do so.”
“You’ve always been my light in the dark, and now your lantern will guide mine to the Goddess like the beacon of hope that it is.”
The perfect next installment in A Choice of Light and Dark series. Lacey is an auto buy author for me and has created one of my favorite dark fantasy’s.
I don’t want to spoil anything. So all I can say is Izi shows such incredible growth and strength. She held my heart hostage with each chapter. I’m proud of how much healing she has done. The tension between Kazimir and Ruslan is perfectly built. I was turning pages as fast as possible to find out who Izi would choose. I was not disappointed. Then Lacey’s description were stunning. I can clearly see each costume piece and feel each moment.
I highly encourage everyone to run and read this series. A perfect representation of trauma healing and what it means to be free to choose.
Read if you love:
✔️dark fantasy
✔️tension and angst
✔️fated
✔️unique magic
✔️morally grey characters
✔️touch her and ☠️
✔️hand necklaces
Quotes:
“It's too bad that the collar is taking up so much space around your throat. I know how much you like when I take away your air.”
“You are too fiery to trap. I could never have broken your spirit. It would have killed me to do so.”
“You’ve always been my light in the dark, and now your lantern will guide mine to the Goddess like the beacon of hope that it is.”
October 7, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
A bit better than the other books, though I mostly skimmed this one. Some thoughts:
- The threesome was hot; why couldn’t they just be a throuple?
- The political processes are nonsensical at times.
- I kinda love the evil side of Izidora; makes more sense to me than a lot of her other decisions, even if it still isn’t very well rooted in her characterization
- Izidora has always seemed way more motivated by things and riches and jewels than it makes sense for her to be
- The dialogue is more believable in this one (mostly), and the flashbacks are better thought-out.
- The author’s scene descriptions are getting a little better; the choreography of the characters is easier to see now than in the last two books. Could still use some work, though, as steps are skipped at times in describing the characters’ blocking.
- The scene in the stables doesn’t make sense for Kazimir; even with the darkness, his instincts would still be to protect her, or he’d have deluded himself into believing she wanted him. He wouldn’t have slapped her even if he did the rest.
- I really liked this ending! The other books felt more like stopping in the middle of the action or the plot rather than a cliffhanger; at least this one felt earned!
A bit better than the other books, though I mostly skimmed this one. Some thoughts:
- The threesome was hot; why couldn’t they just be a throuple?
- The political processes are nonsensical at times.
- I kinda love the evil side of Izidora; makes more sense to me than a lot of her other decisions, even if it still isn’t very well rooted in her characterization
- Izidora has always seemed way more motivated by things and riches and jewels than it makes sense for her to be
- The dialogue is more believable in this one (mostly), and the flashbacks are better thought-out.
- The author’s scene descriptions are getting a little better; the choreography of the characters is easier to see now than in the last two books. Could still use some work, though, as steps are skipped at times in describing the characters’ blocking.
- The scene in the stables doesn’t make sense for Kazimir; even with the darkness, his instincts would still be to protect her, or he’d have deluded himself into believing she wanted him. He wouldn’t have slapped her even if he did the rest.
- I really liked this ending! The other books felt more like stopping in the middle of the action or the plot rather than a cliffhanger; at least this one felt earned!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
This is the third book in this series and by far my favorite! There is so much spice 🌶️!! I definitely have aspects in this book that I do not like but the good overshadows the bad by far!
FMC (Izidora) grew so much is this book! I loved her development. Her relationship with ruslan and Zuriel was the best! She finally starts to work through her trauma and grows beautifully into a strong woman!
Ruslan don’t even get me started that man 🤤 I definitely was rooting for him the whole time and he did not disappoint! His love for Izidora is so pure! The spice was spicing….. Ruslan is so in love with her but gives her the strength and the tools to empower herself rather than shielding her.
Kazimir fuck him he is truly awful. I honestly felt bad for him for a bit but that quickly changed. He is not only the worst person alive he is a stalker, manipulative, narcissistic, liar, among other things. His character is truly the worst!
All together this book gave me everything I needed that was missing from the last two books. I wished that we had more of Zuriels point of view and less Kazimir because fuck him. It left on a big cliffy and I am super excited to start the 4th book in the series.
FMC (Izidora) grew so much is this book! I loved her development. Her relationship with ruslan and Zuriel was the best! She finally starts to work through her trauma and grows beautifully into a strong woman!
Ruslan don’t even get me started that man 🤤 I definitely was rooting for him the whole time and he did not disappoint! His love for Izidora is so pure! The spice was spicing….. Ruslan is so in love with her but gives her the strength and the tools to empower herself rather than shielding her.
Kazimir fuck him he is truly awful. I honestly felt bad for him for a bit but that quickly changed. He is not only the worst person alive he is a stalker, manipulative, narcissistic, liar, among other things. His character is truly the worst!
All together this book gave me everything I needed that was missing from the last two books. I wished that we had more of Zuriels point of view and less Kazimir because fuck him. It left on a big cliffy and I am super excited to start the 4th book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
Okay so this series was amazing but this last book was off the charts! Definitely for readers who loved ACOTAR and The Plated Prisoner series’s but somehow darker, spicier, and a little bit more jaw dropping. I giggled, cried and tossed my kindle from the emotions I had reading this last book. I hated Kazimir from book 1 as he gave me the ick multiple times with his hero complex and instantly acted like he was owed Izidora. Ruslan is ma baby as he won me over almost instantly; he was dark and dangerous but so much of a softy for MC and just wanted to be loved. Izidora is so cutsie and I felt her character was genuinely relatable in so many aspects and her story of falling for the first man to show kindness to her only to realize he didn’t have her best interests in heart hit me hard. Her overcoming her trauma arc makes me sob but when she went full Dexter on those guards for revenge, I ate up every word on those pages. Definitely one, if not surprisingly THE best Dark Fantasy Romance book series I’ve ever read 10/10🫶🏻💖
March 26, 2026
Completely Lost Me
Spoilers!
I went into Dark by Lacey hoping it might redeem the direction of the series, but it completely lost my interest.
The continued trauma bonding between Izidora and Ruslan is not only uncomfortable—it’s exhausting. At this point, it feels less like complex character development and more like a repetitive and unhealthy dynamic that the story keeps trying to frame as meaningful. It just doesn’t work.
What makes it even more frustrating is the sense of superiority the characters seem to carry. Izidora, Ruslan, and Kazimar all operate firmly in a morally gray space, yet Izidora and Ruslan act as though they’re above everyone else. That disconnect made it nearly impossible to stay invested in any of them.
By the end, I found myself completely detached from the story and the characters. I have no interest in continuing on to book four. Honestly, the trajectory of these characters has become so disappointing that a tragic ending to all three of them would feel more fitting than whatever direction this series is heading in.
Spoilers!
I went into Dark by Lacey hoping it might redeem the direction of the series, but it completely lost my interest.
The continued trauma bonding between Izidora and Ruslan is not only uncomfortable—it’s exhausting. At this point, it feels less like complex character development and more like a repetitive and unhealthy dynamic that the story keeps trying to frame as meaningful. It just doesn’t work.
What makes it even more frustrating is the sense of superiority the characters seem to carry. Izidora, Ruslan, and Kazimar all operate firmly in a morally gray space, yet Izidora and Ruslan act as though they’re above everyone else. That disconnect made it nearly impossible to stay invested in any of them.
By the end, I found myself completely detached from the story and the characters. I have no interest in continuing on to book four. Honestly, the trajectory of these characters has become so disappointing that a tragic ending to all three of them would feel more fitting than whatever direction this series is heading in.
September 22, 2026
love this story but
I love this story, and book 1 was a 5 star read, but I hate what they did to Kazimirs character. I miss the found family vibes from the first book. I feel like so many characters have been destroyed it almost feels like different people wrote the first book vs. this one. She grew close to all of the nightgounds in book 1, and yet Izadora didn’t interact with them hardly at all on this book. Not even Endre, who turned into a weird cuck this book instead of a sweet character that he was before. And then Kazimir. I get that the darkness corrupted him, but it showed flashbacks to him being mean to women before the darkness and also now all of a sudden he is racist? I wish we would have seen him battling with the darkness more. Scenes where he realized how harmful he was being and trying to fight it. But the writing made it seem that he was always a malicious character which is weird because he was fighting the king due to him being a horrible person.
I love this story, and book 1 was a 5 star read, but I hate what they did to Kazimirs character. I miss the found family vibes from the first book. I feel like so many characters have been destroyed it almost feels like different people wrote the first book vs. this one. She grew close to all of the nightgounds in book 1, and yet Izadora didn’t interact with them hardly at all on this book. Not even Endre, who turned into a weird cuck this book instead of a sweet character that he was before. And then Kazimir. I get that the darkness corrupted him, but it showed flashbacks to him being mean to women before the darkness and also now all of a sudden he is racist? I wish we would have seen him battling with the darkness more. Scenes where he realized how harmful he was being and trying to fight it. But the writing made it seem that he was always a malicious character which is weird because he was fighting the king due to him being a horrible person.
July 10, 2024
This is frustrating because this series has so much potential… the author is clearly talented but my goodness, this book continued to irked me. I had hoped by the other glowing reviews it would be better than the previous two but I struggled to continue reading this. I just didn’t care about the characters!
Ruslan was probably the best character in this book, with Zuriel a close second.
Izidora continues to be this unrealistic character. I do appreciate the way she was trying to deal with her trauma but again, it felt rushed.
The book also suffers from the poor premise set up in book 1.
Also what was with the smut scenes? There were way too many imo and it did nothing for the plot! I found myself skimming past it as it was just ridiculously much. Some may love that but for me, it brought the book down.
I think this is the end of my foray into this series!
Ruslan was probably the best character in this book, with Zuriel a close second.
Izidora continues to be this unrealistic character. I do appreciate the way she was trying to deal with her trauma but again, it felt rushed.
The book also suffers from the poor premise set up in book 1.
Also what was with the smut scenes? There were way too many imo and it did nothing for the plot! I found myself skimming past it as it was just ridiculously much. Some may love that but for me, it brought the book down.
I think this is the end of my foray into this series!
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