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Echoes of Fate #1
Darkness Rises
Fifteen years after the brutal massacre that shattered her family, Remina finds herself entangled in the enigmatic web of The Order, a covert branch of the human government. Sent to Astur, the sprawling supernatural compound, Remina is thrust into a world where shadows whisper secrets, and power lies in the hands of the Supernatural Council.
The find the missing supes. The the Council members who vehemently oppose her presence. Ryatt, Hael, Reaghan, Kique, and Slade, each with their own secrets and agendas, will stop at nothing to keep The Order's witch out of their sanctuary.
As alliances shift and the lines between love and hate blur, Remina stumbles upon a chilling prophecy. A prophecy that threatens to unravel the fragile threads of their entangled destinies and spell the end for them all. Can she defy the prophecy's dark grip and thwart the chaos threatening to rise, or will the key to destruction be unlocked by the very darkness coursing through her veins?
In this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of destiny, Remina must navigate a world where trust is a fragile illusion and the price of defiance may be higher than she ever imagined. Will she be the savior they need, or the harbinger of their ultimate undoing?
The find the missing supes. The the Council members who vehemently oppose her presence. Ryatt, Hael, Reaghan, Kique, and Slade, each with their own secrets and agendas, will stop at nothing to keep The Order's witch out of their sanctuary.
As alliances shift and the lines between love and hate blur, Remina stumbles upon a chilling prophecy. A prophecy that threatens to unravel the fragile threads of their entangled destinies and spell the end for them all. Can she defy the prophecy's dark grip and thwart the chaos threatening to rise, or will the key to destruction be unlocked by the very darkness coursing through her veins?
In this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of destiny, Remina must navigate a world where trust is a fragile illusion and the price of defiance may be higher than she ever imagined. Will she be the savior they need, or the harbinger of their ultimate undoing?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
88 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 23, 2024
I just finished Darkness Rises by MJ Byrne, and honestly, I have no idea why I forced myself to get through it. Maybe it’s my inability to leave things unfinished, but I regret the time I spent on this. The story itself is far too weak to carry the weight of the book, and the so-called "romance" is laughable, it’s just Remina hooking up with every other character in the book with no real emotional depth or purpose.
On top of that, the delivery and writing are an absolute mess. The pacing is erratic, the dialogue feels unnatural, and the narrative lacks any sense of flow or coherence. Instead of pulling me into the story, it pushed me out at every turn. It’s hard to stay engaged when the writing itself is working against you.
By the end, I was left with no emotional payoff, no attachment to the characters, and a lingering question of why this book even exists in its current state. If you're looking for a well-written story with meaningful romance or solid plotting, I’d steer far, far away from this one.
On top of that, the delivery and writing are an absolute mess. The pacing is erratic, the dialogue feels unnatural, and the narrative lacks any sense of flow or coherence. Instead of pulling me into the story, it pushed me out at every turn. It’s hard to stay engaged when the writing itself is working against you.
By the end, I was left with no emotional payoff, no attachment to the characters, and a lingering question of why this book even exists in its current state. If you're looking for a well-written story with meaningful romance or solid plotting, I’d steer far, far away from this one.
April 30, 2024
Wow!!! What an explosive introduction to this new world and characters...
Our fmc is Remina. I loved her instantly. Remi is so dark and alluring. She is so bada$$ and powerful (we all know how much I love bada$$ fmc's). Remi is very guarded, I get why. What she has gone through was heartbreaking. She only let's her guard down with Gi Gi, her best friend. I love Gi Gi. When Remi is with Gi Gi, she shows a different side to herself and it is so beautiful 🩷🩷🩷
Remi is tasked with a mission by The Order (the organisation she works for). She heads to the Astur Compound to complete her mission but the knowledge of her arrival isn't taken very well at all. Everything relating to Astur Compound is looked after by a council. The council consists of Hael, Slade, Reaghan, Kique, Ryatt and finally Seraphina. The men aren't happy with Remina's arrival but they come to a fragile truce that Remi is only there for a mission.
The problem is, a dark prophecy was foretold. The only way to defeat this prophecy is to work together. Whilst working together Remi and the men start to grow closer especially Slade, Hael and Ryatt. Yes they are all really reserved but can't help the growing attraction and pull towards Remi and vice versa. I do like Kique and Reaghan but I think that we will see alot more from them in the future..
As they get closer to the truth, all hell breaks lose and some truths are revealed that really impact the guys and Remi, especially Remi. She has secrets that she doesn't want anyone to discover....
I have so many questions and theories because things aren't adding up like who is The Order? The Council? Remi's background? Etc Etc. This book is full of secrets, twists and turns that I need answers for....
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It was so good but also what the heck is going on???? 🤯🤯🤯
I can't wait to dive back into this universe to see what's next for Remi and her men.
Thank you so so much to MJ and her amazing team for offering me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔮 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
🔮 fated mates
🖤 enemies to lovers
🔮 magic
🖤 vampires + shifters
🔮 bada$$ fmc
🖤 spicy scenes
Our fmc is Remina. I loved her instantly. Remi is so dark and alluring. She is so bada$$ and powerful (we all know how much I love bada$$ fmc's). Remi is very guarded, I get why. What she has gone through was heartbreaking. She only let's her guard down with Gi Gi, her best friend. I love Gi Gi. When Remi is with Gi Gi, she shows a different side to herself and it is so beautiful 🩷🩷🩷
Remi is tasked with a mission by The Order (the organisation she works for). She heads to the Astur Compound to complete her mission but the knowledge of her arrival isn't taken very well at all. Everything relating to Astur Compound is looked after by a council. The council consists of Hael, Slade, Reaghan, Kique, Ryatt and finally Seraphina. The men aren't happy with Remina's arrival but they come to a fragile truce that Remi is only there for a mission.
The problem is, a dark prophecy was foretold. The only way to defeat this prophecy is to work together. Whilst working together Remi and the men start to grow closer especially Slade, Hael and Ryatt. Yes they are all really reserved but can't help the growing attraction and pull towards Remi and vice versa. I do like Kique and Reaghan but I think that we will see alot more from them in the future..
As they get closer to the truth, all hell breaks lose and some truths are revealed that really impact the guys and Remi, especially Remi. She has secrets that she doesn't want anyone to discover....
I have so many questions and theories because things aren't adding up like who is The Order? The Council? Remi's background? Etc Etc. This book is full of secrets, twists and turns that I need answers for....
This book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. It was so good but also what the heck is going on???? 🤯🤯🤯
I can't wait to dive back into this universe to see what's next for Remi and her men.
Thank you so so much to MJ and her amazing team for offering me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own 🩷
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🔮 why choose
🖤 multiple pov
🔮 fated mates
🖤 enemies to lovers
🔮 magic
🖤 vampires + shifters
🔮 bada$$ fmc
🖤 spicy scenes
April 27, 2024
I rarely do ARCs, but I am so glad that I picked this one up on a whim when I saw the blurb as it exceeded my expectations. The author has created a captivating world where the supernaturals and humans coexist although alliances seem to be quite fragile and there is no love lost between them.
Remina’s unique traits make her a valued member of the Order whereas in the eyes of the Supernatural Council she posses a treat. However, when the hunt for a rogue vampire leads her and her new acquaintances to mysterious dark magic rituals, a puzzling prophecy as well as the disappearance of sups, the only practical option is to unite forces and attempt to untangle the dark webs that appear to have been put into place. The author has done fantastic work with the characters as well as the alluring storyline.
I was glued to this book as I dived deep into the complexity of this story that incorporates all the elements that my soul desired, from the traumatic past experiences that have shaped the main heroine, through the questionable sincerity of the Order, the more balanced ruling that the Council offers, down to the sacred prophecy that throws everyone in a whirlwind of chaos. I loved the MMCs though in this book two came to the forefront, but I do expect that more is to come as the series progresses. Connections are being formed slowly here on the emotional level, but when passion comes knocking, it is just right. The author has masterfully given just a tad of spice, enough to get you hooked, but not overbearing you with it. For me that worked out quite well as I like my reads with a solid plot alongside the romance.
I am smitten with the suspense surrounding the supposedly extinct Dark Mages and Dark Fae, I want more of this world as there are too many unanswered questions. Sincerely recommending this one to those who love suspenseful, action- packed stories with strong characters, dark magic vibes and a world of complex hierarchical structures. Very big thank you to M. J. Byrne for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful universe.
Remina’s unique traits make her a valued member of the Order whereas in the eyes of the Supernatural Council she posses a treat. However, when the hunt for a rogue vampire leads her and her new acquaintances to mysterious dark magic rituals, a puzzling prophecy as well as the disappearance of sups, the only practical option is to unite forces and attempt to untangle the dark webs that appear to have been put into place. The author has done fantastic work with the characters as well as the alluring storyline.
I was glued to this book as I dived deep into the complexity of this story that incorporates all the elements that my soul desired, from the traumatic past experiences that have shaped the main heroine, through the questionable sincerity of the Order, the more balanced ruling that the Council offers, down to the sacred prophecy that throws everyone in a whirlwind of chaos. I loved the MMCs though in this book two came to the forefront, but I do expect that more is to come as the series progresses. Connections are being formed slowly here on the emotional level, but when passion comes knocking, it is just right. The author has masterfully given just a tad of spice, enough to get you hooked, but not overbearing you with it. For me that worked out quite well as I like my reads with a solid plot alongside the romance.
I am smitten with the suspense surrounding the supposedly extinct Dark Mages and Dark Fae, I want more of this world as there are too many unanswered questions. Sincerely recommending this one to those who love suspenseful, action- packed stories with strong characters, dark magic vibes and a world of complex hierarchical structures. Very big thank you to M. J. Byrne for providing me with an ARC of this wonderful universe.
April 29, 2024
- 4.5 stars -
THAT ENDING OMFG!!!! I need book 2 like right now - holy crap! I really enjoyed this book! I loved the complexities of the story and the characters and the world building in this book was fantastic. In this world, although it is a fragile alliance, supernaturals (werewolves, vampires, witches, elementals, fae) coexist with humans.
I LOVED Remina, I thought she was a strong and badass fmc who also has her vulnerabilities. I loved her aesthetic and vibe, the scene from Suicide Squad was here the girl transforms into the other being really came to mind when reading about Remina. I loved the male characters in this too, I cannot pick a favourite at the moment, which is why we love a why choose moment. And the spice in this book was everything, I can definitely see book 2 being spicier.. perhaps a scene with all of them together 🫢 (fingers crossed).
The magic in this book, particularly for Remina and dark mages, I thought was unique and beautifully written and I’m very excited to see the full extent of her powers.
This storyline really had everything, from dark themes with traumatic pasts, to the supernatural aspect, passion, and a chaotic sacred prophecy - which I’m so keen to explore in the next book and see how it plays out.
This book was a great introduction to the series and I’m so freaking excited to see how it all works out!!
🖤 cliffhanger ending
🖤 fated mates
🖤 why choose
🖤 strong fmc
🖤 multiple POVs
🖤 supernatural and magic
THAT ENDING OMFG!!!! I need book 2 like right now - holy crap! I really enjoyed this book! I loved the complexities of the story and the characters and the world building in this book was fantastic. In this world, although it is a fragile alliance, supernaturals (werewolves, vampires, witches, elementals, fae) coexist with humans.
I LOVED Remina, I thought she was a strong and badass fmc who also has her vulnerabilities. I loved her aesthetic and vibe, the scene from Suicide Squad was here the girl transforms into the other being really came to mind when reading about Remina. I loved the male characters in this too, I cannot pick a favourite at the moment, which is why we love a why choose moment. And the spice in this book was everything, I can definitely see book 2 being spicier.. perhaps a scene with all of them together 🫢 (fingers crossed).
The magic in this book, particularly for Remina and dark mages, I thought was unique and beautifully written and I’m very excited to see the full extent of her powers.
This storyline really had everything, from dark themes with traumatic pasts, to the supernatural aspect, passion, and a chaotic sacred prophecy - which I’m so keen to explore in the next book and see how it plays out.
This book was a great introduction to the series and I’m so freaking excited to see how it all works out!!
🖤 cliffhanger ending
🖤 fated mates
🖤 why choose
🖤 strong fmc
🖤 multiple POVs
🖤 supernatural and magic
April 30, 2024
Darkness Rises is based on a world where supernaturals and humans have a fragile coexistence.
It follows Remina a dark mage, who is an assassin/bounty hunter for the ‘Order’ a branch of human government that handles all things supernatural on a mission to find a rogue vampire. With a traumatic past Remina returns to Astur, one of the largest supernatural compounds and also the place that holds so many painful memories.
There she meets the council members Hael the elemental council member, Kique the light fae council member, Ryatt the vampire council member, Reaghan the incubus council member and Slade the werewolf council member. All to which are unhappy to have the ‘Orders Witch’ in their sanctuary. I really felt for Remi, she is a strong FMC and even though her reasoning for doing what she does is for the greater good people still shun her.
Darkness Rises has a bit of everything, traumatic pasts, supernatural, secrets, magic, spice, a dark prophecy and that cliffhanger ending! I can’t wait to see where Byrne takes us in the next instalment.
Byrne has done an fantastic job with this book, everything from the story/plot, world building and characters were so descriptive and well written, the characters captivate you and I loved each different personality. I enjoyed seeing the different perspectives in the multi POV and the story just drags you in, for a baby author Maddi has done amazing.
Definitely recommend to all my supernatural/fantasy readers.
It follows Remina a dark mage, who is an assassin/bounty hunter for the ‘Order’ a branch of human government that handles all things supernatural on a mission to find a rogue vampire. With a traumatic past Remina returns to Astur, one of the largest supernatural compounds and also the place that holds so many painful memories.
There she meets the council members Hael the elemental council member, Kique the light fae council member, Ryatt the vampire council member, Reaghan the incubus council member and Slade the werewolf council member. All to which are unhappy to have the ‘Orders Witch’ in their sanctuary. I really felt for Remi, she is a strong FMC and even though her reasoning for doing what she does is for the greater good people still shun her.
Darkness Rises has a bit of everything, traumatic pasts, supernatural, secrets, magic, spice, a dark prophecy and that cliffhanger ending! I can’t wait to see where Byrne takes us in the next instalment.
Byrne has done an fantastic job with this book, everything from the story/plot, world building and characters were so descriptive and well written, the characters captivate you and I loved each different personality. I enjoyed seeing the different perspectives in the multi POV and the story just drags you in, for a baby author Maddi has done amazing.
Definitely recommend to all my supernatural/fantasy readers.
May 2, 2024
*3.5 Stars*
There were a lot of things I really liked in this; I'm a total sucker for a prophecy, a no-nonsense FMC and a why choose where the MMCs are interesting in their own right rather than just their relationship to the FMC. I loved the "gift" on the doorstep; it was my absolute highlight along with the tension between Ryatt and Remi. Ryatt is my favourite at the moment but I think Kique is going to up there in book two. The balance of introducing the characters and how the relationship with Remi evolved was well plotted out; the focus is definitely on a couple of the MMCs in this so I'm hoping we see more of the rest in the follow ups.
The reason this I have reviewed as a 3.5 though is that I just felt the overall pacing was a little off. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the flashbacks were interesting but towards the middle I felt I was reading a lot of world building and monologues rather than conversations or there was a lot of description mid-conversation. That lost my engagement slightly however the last few chapters definitely grabbed it again and I really didn't see the cliffhanger coming!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
There were a lot of things I really liked in this; I'm a total sucker for a prophecy, a no-nonsense FMC and a why choose where the MMCs are interesting in their own right rather than just their relationship to the FMC. I loved the "gift" on the doorstep; it was my absolute highlight along with the tension between Ryatt and Remi. Ryatt is my favourite at the moment but I think Kique is going to up there in book two. The balance of introducing the characters and how the relationship with Remi evolved was well plotted out; the focus is definitely on a couple of the MMCs in this so I'm hoping we see more of the rest in the follow ups.
The reason this I have reviewed as a 3.5 though is that I just felt the overall pacing was a little off. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the flashbacks were interesting but towards the middle I felt I was reading a lot of world building and monologues rather than conversations or there was a lot of description mid-conversation. That lost my engagement slightly however the last few chapters definitely grabbed it again and I really didn't see the cliffhanger coming!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
April 24, 2024
Check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Okay, that prologue was so damn good. I had an instant love for Hael, but as the story went on, I was falling for Slade and Ryatt. Slade with his Alpha protective demeanor. But Ryatt's dark and compelling words does it for me. The book itself was amazing. The fighting scenes, the way it flowed from different POVs, and then the spice. Sure, it was maybe 4 chapters that contained spice scenes, but the story did not disappoint.
You meet Remina aka Remi aka Raven who is a bad ass Dark Mage. She is an assassin with the Order. She became an orphan at the age of 8 and witnessed her family's massacre. At the orphanage, she meets another orphan named GI-GI who becomes her only best friend.
Remina is in Astur to hunt down a rogue vampire. The Council in Astur is not too happy that she is there. They believe that she has no remorse for killing the Supes (supernatural). But in reality, she hunts down the rogues, so they won't harm anymore supes or humans. She protects the ones who can't protect themselves.
You get to meet Hael, Ryatt, Slade, Kique, and Reaghan. I can't wait until this why choose relationship spirals into the next book because it's not enough! Oh, and that ending! That was such a cliffhanger! I'm excited to see how the story will unfold. Thank you to the author for letting me ARC read this book.
Okay, that prologue was so damn good. I had an instant love for Hael, but as the story went on, I was falling for Slade and Ryatt. Slade with his Alpha protective demeanor. But Ryatt's dark and compelling words does it for me. The book itself was amazing. The fighting scenes, the way it flowed from different POVs, and then the spice. Sure, it was maybe 4 chapters that contained spice scenes, but the story did not disappoint.
You meet Remina aka Remi aka Raven who is a bad ass Dark Mage. She is an assassin with the Order. She became an orphan at the age of 8 and witnessed her family's massacre. At the orphanage, she meets another orphan named GI-GI who becomes her only best friend.
Remina is in Astur to hunt down a rogue vampire. The Council in Astur is not too happy that she is there. They believe that she has no remorse for killing the Supes (supernatural). But in reality, she hunts down the rogues, so they won't harm anymore supes or humans. She protects the ones who can't protect themselves.
You get to meet Hael, Ryatt, Slade, Kique, and Reaghan. I can't wait until this why choose relationship spirals into the next book because it's not enough! Oh, and that ending! That was such a cliffhanger! I'm excited to see how the story will unfold. Thank you to the author for letting me ARC read this book.
April 29, 2024
~ arc reviewer (honest opinion)
this baby author did a great job!
the story was very interesting from the start — the writing is great and done very well, the characters are all intriguing & have their own charm and the plot certainly keeps you on your toes
remi is the type of fmc i love — solitary, with survivor’s guilt, wants to do all on her own, shunned out by the others but that still wants to be loved and show the vulnerability and trauma that her armor hides
the mmcs have their own thang going on but i feel like we only got little glimpses of them on this book… slade is the one i think had the most “time” on page with remi tho that’s fine because we’re still getting to know everyone
the story per se is great! i feel like it makes you think what could be the possibilities, what is remi’s role in all of this and it also makes you crave the answers as fast as possible haha
anyway… i gave this a 4 star because of 2 things:
• if they all are mates, how come most of them didn’t know right when they met?
• maybe i’m an idiot and think too much of RH dynamics but wouldn’t the guys know that she slept with at least half of them (sense of smell, scent etc.)? and how come no one isn��t bothered by that fact? are they all chill? that wasn’t made it clear so i was questioning the guys’ line of thinking 😃
this baby author did a great job!
the story was very interesting from the start — the writing is great and done very well, the characters are all intriguing & have their own charm and the plot certainly keeps you on your toes
remi is the type of fmc i love — solitary, with survivor’s guilt, wants to do all on her own, shunned out by the others but that still wants to be loved and show the vulnerability and trauma that her armor hides
the mmcs have their own thang going on but i feel like we only got little glimpses of them on this book… slade is the one i think had the most “time” on page with remi tho that’s fine because we’re still getting to know everyone
the story per se is great! i feel like it makes you think what could be the possibilities, what is remi’s role in all of this and it also makes you crave the answers as fast as possible haha
anyway… i gave this a 4 star because of 2 things:
• if they all are mates, how come most of them didn’t know right when they met?
• maybe i’m an idiot and think too much of RH dynamics but wouldn’t the guys know that she slept with at least half of them (sense of smell, scent etc.)? and how come no one isn��t bothered by that fact? are they all chill? that wasn’t made it clear so i was questioning the guys’ line of thinking 😃
May 1, 2024
WHAT. WAS. THAT. ENDING?!?! 😱😱
I absolutely neeeeeeeed book 2 like right now!! Oh. My. God.
Anyway, now that that little rant is over 😂
I love Remina. She is such a powerful and badass fmc. She is so captivating from the very beginning. I love her bestfriend Gi Gi, they compliment each other so well and I love that Remi lets her guard down and can be herself when she is with her. True friendship 🥰
I really enjoyed the world in this as well as the where humans and supernaturals have a very fragile coexistence. The magic in this was very uniquely written and I just loved it.
The characters, the world, the plot, the world building, even the multiple POVs and personalities of each character was just so fun and amazing!
Everything about this book was unique and written so well that I'm definitely excited to see where this goes.
This was an ARC review and my honest opinion.
I absolutely neeeeeeeed book 2 like right now!! Oh. My. God.
Anyway, now that that little rant is over 😂
I love Remina. She is such a powerful and badass fmc. She is so captivating from the very beginning. I love her bestfriend Gi Gi, they compliment each other so well and I love that Remi lets her guard down and can be herself when she is with her. True friendship 🥰
I really enjoyed the world in this as well as the where humans and supernaturals have a very fragile coexistence. The magic in this was very uniquely written and I just loved it.
The characters, the world, the plot, the world building, even the multiple POVs and personalities of each character was just so fun and amazing!
Everything about this book was unique and written so well that I'm definitely excited to see where this goes.
This was an ARC review and my honest opinion.
May 8, 2024
Couldn't put it down! I lost a night's sleep so I could finish it!
This book has everything you could ask for in a dark why choose romance.
Multi POV, incredible world building, strong FMC with a tragic backstory, supernaturals, magic, political intrigue with secrets a plenty and throw in a prophecy just in case.
Let's not forget the most important aspect of a romance-SPICE!!!
Perfect amount of spice to plot ration. The plot is solid, even though there is a lot going on for the reader to be aware of.
The characters are relatable while still being unique which can be difficult when there are so many to choose from. M.J. Byrne has knocked it out of the park for this first in a series story.
Watch the cliffy at the end, it's a doozy.
This book has everything you could ask for in a dark why choose romance.
Multi POV, incredible world building, strong FMC with a tragic backstory, supernaturals, magic, political intrigue with secrets a plenty and throw in a prophecy just in case.
Let's not forget the most important aspect of a romance-SPICE!!!
Perfect amount of spice to plot ration. The plot is solid, even though there is a lot going on for the reader to be aware of.
The characters are relatable while still being unique which can be difficult when there are so many to choose from. M.J. Byrne has knocked it out of the park for this first in a series story.
Watch the cliffy at the end, it's a doozy.
May 2, 2024
Absolutely loved this and wish I could binge it through to the next book/books! ** Heads up that is absolutely a cliffhanger!
M.J. does one of the best jobs I have read with the world building in this story! There are so many different species of magic beings as well as humans. And there are flashback chapters too!
Remina is such a badass female main and quickly one of my favorite FMC. Her dynamics with the men of the council are so different between each other. They are all so enamored with her if even from afar. The slow burn is definitely SLOWWWWW after the initial scenes but so worth it.
This story is such a woven romantacy and I hope there is two or three more so I get to experience Remi and all of the men. The ones so far are YUMMY!
M.J. does one of the best jobs I have read with the world building in this story! There are so many different species of magic beings as well as humans. And there are flashback chapters too!
Remina is such a badass female main and quickly one of my favorite FMC. Her dynamics with the men of the council are so different between each other. They are all so enamored with her if even from afar. The slow burn is definitely SLOWWWWW after the initial scenes but so worth it.
This story is such a woven romantacy and I hope there is two or three more so I get to experience Remi and all of the men. The ones so far are YUMMY!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
Darkness Rises by M.J Byrne is the first book in the Echoes of Fate series. The story is written with multiple POV and has spicy encounters. Remina (FMC) has hidden what she is from almost everyone since her family's death to protect herself. She wants to use her unique powers to help and keep others for experiencing the same pain. While trying to determine why supes are disappearing, she finds a prophecy that she does not want to fulfill. Along the journey she finds five very different men that are teaching her not to work alone. The story ends in a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the next book ASAP.
April 18, 2024
Reviewed on April 18'2024.I loved Darkness Rises I can't wait for the next part to this to get here. Remina didn't want to go back to where she came from because it reminded her of her traumatic past when she saw her family get killed in front of her. Remina and the other order members are trying to find missing supernatural and found out that their is a prophecy that they didn't know about. Remina didn't want to go and tell the counsel about her heritage because it is frowned on and they banned them a long time ago
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
After being left the soul survivor when her whole family was murdered in front of her Witch Remina (FMC) started to work for The Order. A human version of policing the Supernatural World and Remina was their kind of Bounty Hunter so when one such job leads her to offer them her help her past collides with the here and now. There was so many great plot twists and turns that certainly kept me on my toes whilst reading it. As well as one hell of a cliff-hanger ending. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to book 2 now.
April 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book. While I’m not sure if this is a slow burn or a med burn there are already lovely relationships blooming. Remina as our assassin is both likeable and mysterious. With a dark past she is able to uncover secrets long forgotten but discover even more secrets and dark situations.
I can see the spice level increasing in the next book as her relationships develop. However Slade and Hael are taking the lead in my favorite department. GiGi is a lovely side character who gives Remina the friendship she deserves.
Will definitely be reading the second book.
I can see the spice level increasing in the next book as her relationships develop. However Slade and Hael are taking the lead in my favorite department. GiGi is a lovely side character who gives Remina the friendship she deserves.
Will definitely be reading the second book.
May 1, 2024
Slow to medium burn prn. Great characters and world building. Remina, fmc, arrives at Astur to track a rogue vamp but pulled into an even bigger mystery, one with ties to her past.
I loved her no nonsense character, used to working alone but having to learn to become part of a team. This team that she has pull to and she definitely enjoys taking advantage of it, there's a lot of enthusiastic consent! The ending sets it up really well for the next book, which I'll definitely be reading.
I loved her no nonsense character, used to working alone but having to learn to become part of a team. This team that she has pull to and she definitely enjoys taking advantage of it, there's a lot of enthusiastic consent! The ending sets it up really well for the next book, which I'll definitely be reading.
July 29, 2024
You have a world full of different supernatural beings & humans with a magic twist, yep human witch covens.
But the main focus is on the ASTUR Compond where the supernatural live in their different sectors.
Remina is a sassy badass FMC. Who doesn't take crap from the 'Council'.
It's full of plot, action (fighting & sexaul), discovering past and a cliffhanger ending.
🖤 Why choose
🖤 Spice
🖤 Kick ass FMC
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Magic witchy & elemental
Please always check trigger warnings.
But the main focus is on the ASTUR Compond where the supernatural live in their different sectors.
Remina is a sassy badass FMC. Who doesn't take crap from the 'Council'.
It's full of plot, action (fighting & sexaul), discovering past and a cliffhanger ending.
🖤 Why choose
🖤 Spice
🖤 Kick ass FMC
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Magic witchy & elemental
Please always check trigger warnings.
February 23, 2025
Nope..too slow
This was a painful one to continue after at 64% nothing really happened except another in making the heroine as being targeted as a villain because of her power which did not make sense. Having the h council as being against the heroine was overdone and did not make sense. No chemistry or characters development was lackin in my opinion. Bored and lost interest at this point. DNF..
This was a painful one to continue after at 64% nothing really happened except another in making the heroine as being targeted as a villain because of her power which did not make sense. Having the h council as being against the heroine was overdone and did not make sense. No chemistry or characters development was lackin in my opinion. Bored and lost interest at this point. DNF..
May 16, 2024
This was a wonderful, exciting, suspenseful read. Remina in the last of her kind, or so she thinks. Working for the order isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Working with the council is even worse. Can Remina learn to accept help. Will the truths about her heritage destroy her? Will her past come back to haunt her? Exceptional, must read!!!!
February 18, 2025
Dnf
This just didn't fit my mood, but you might love it. About 100 pages in, I felt I was reading a detective novel with sociocultural commentary, rather than a romantic shifter, magic fantasy. The author uses a lot of words to describe the communities, but I didn't begin to know the characters at all. Maybe in a different mood I can try again.
This just didn't fit my mood, but you might love it. About 100 pages in, I felt I was reading a detective novel with sociocultural commentary, rather than a romantic shifter, magic fantasy. The author uses a lot of words to describe the communities, but I didn't begin to know the characters at all. Maybe in a different mood I can try again.
April 18, 2024
This is my first book by this author and it certainly didn't disappoint. This author has a wonderful way with words, the book is very descriptive, so much so, it makes the reader feel part of the world. A brilliant read that left us on the edge of our seats at the end. Looking forward to book two.
April 27, 2024
Wasn’t not ready on how that ended. Every chapter had some steamy moments with each different guy which I love and hope to see some more maybe 🤔 with multiple characters 😏 let’s see what happens next
April 27, 2024
Wow! I received an ARC for this book and I am in awe. Remina is such a strong lead with equally strong males in her life. I loved the glimpses into her history that provide context for who she is now. I cannot wait for the next book!
May 1, 2024
THE ENDING HAS ME DYIINNNGG FOR BOOK 2!!! I NEEED IT NOWWW!!!!
I absolutely love Remina. I love Slade. I love the world building especally because it wasn't boring at all like a good amount of books.
i can not wait to continue this series. i want these characters in my life forevvverrrr.
I absolutely love Remina. I love Slade. I love the world building especally because it wasn't boring at all like a good amount of books.
i can not wait to continue this series. i want these characters in my life forevvverrrr.
May 2, 2024
A really enjoyable, slow burn, romance with great world building. Dark magic, supernaturals, action, a prophecy and a thrilling plot. Remina was so great as were the five male Council members. Loved the cliffhanger.
November 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness Rises is a captivating "why choose" dark fantasy romance filled with irresistible characters 🤗
The story follows Remina, the last witch capable of wielding dark magic, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery behind a series of unusual disappearances.
Along her journey, she crosses paths with four (very handsome) males—and you’ll have to read the book to discover what unfolds. Just know that vampires, shifters, and fae are all involved 👀
I thoroughly enjoyed the book but felt it could have benefited from a bit more relationship development among the characters.
The focus seemed primarily on the bond between Slade and Remina, and I would have loved to see more depth in her connections with the others too.
That “gift” scene was a stroke of brilliance 😂
Kudos for that touch!
Darkness Rises is a captivating "why choose" dark fantasy romance filled with irresistible characters 🤗
The story follows Remina, the last witch capable of wielding dark magic, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery behind a series of unusual disappearances.
Along her journey, she crosses paths with four (very handsome) males—and you’ll have to read the book to discover what unfolds. Just know that vampires, shifters, and fae are all involved 👀
I thoroughly enjoyed the book but felt it could have benefited from a bit more relationship development among the characters.
The focus seemed primarily on the bond between Slade and Remina, and I would have loved to see more depth in her connections with the others too.
That “gift” scene was a stroke of brilliance 😂
Kudos for that touch!
April 23, 2025
Dnf. I was bored.
Want to read
May 11, 2025**Dark Mode Stuff Your Kindle Haul 7/20/2024**
July 14, 2025
Shoutout to the haunting melody of a lone saxophone drifting on the breeze that appeared out of nowhere just in time for a fight, you're the only character that mattered
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