As Above, So Below

by D.M. Darcy

As Above, So Below

Dark Fantasy Romance ✨ Fae & Demon Fantasy ✨ High Fantasy

Vestaris Moonshadow, a powerful demon and the daughter of the god of death, has always been bound to the hells. But when she discovers she can walk among the living, everything changes. In a desperate bid to escape both her father's control and the grim underworld, Vestaris is thrust into the mortal city of Ollora—a world of politics, betrayal, and deadly intrigue.

Caught in a timeless war between fae, humans, demons, and gods, Vestaris must navigate a realm full of secrets and power struggles. Her life takes an even more unexpected turn when she meets the fae she's been dreaming of for centuries—a connection that could alter the fate of all realms.

But as Vestaris fights to understand her place in the living world, she must face not only the demons hunting her but the shadows of her own past. Torn between duty and desire, Vestaris is forced to choose: will she embrace her destiny as a harbinger of death, or will love offer her a different path?

As Above, So Below is a dark fantasy romance set in a dangerous world where deceit runs deep, death lurks in every corner, and not even the gods can be trusted. Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, complex world-building, and high-stakes fantasy.



As Above, So Below is a dark fantasy romance that delves deep into the tangled web of fate, love, and power. As such, some elements may be upsetting to some readers. Please check the content warning before proceeding.

Genres: Dark Romance, Fantasy, Audiobook, Romantasy

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

D.M. Darcy has been a fan of the darker side of fantasy for centuries. Finally, she's stepped into the light to give storytelling a whirl. When she's not writing, you can find her tucked away in the wilds of northern New York hiking, photographing love stories, traveling, or on the couch cuddling a tiny rooster.

She’s an avid fan of rainy days, stained glass windows, and an aficionado of all featured creatures. D.M. Darcy first put pen to paper during the late 1900’s weaving fantastical stories about badass women in worlds meant to leave you breathless.

She lives in New York with her husband, son, and indoor tiny rooster.

Reviews

[Katie Mawby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I found it a little slow to start and took me a little to understand what the story was about at the start, but once into it, it really flourished into an amazing story. I loved the relationship between Ves and Ryc and the obvious love they have for each other. This has had me crying tears of both happiness and sadness as well as laughing to myself at various points. I very much look forward to seeing more from all the characters, learning more about who they are and how they grow from here in the next installment.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could a demon's heart fall in love? Is it possible for a Death Bringer to yearn to walk the land of the living, feel the sun's warmth against their skin, or sit outside and look at the stars? Vesta, a Death Bringer and a half-demon, never thought that day would come, never thought she could be any more than a creature of destruction and death. Everything changed one fateful day when she laid her eyes on a Fae warrior, and the impossible happened—he saw her walking the veil. How? She didn't know. But she kept dreaming about him for 300 years...

This is the start of one of the most intriguing stories I have read this year—As Above, So Below, Book 1 in The Fated Celestials trilogy by D. M. Darcy. The story of Vesta searching and yearning for a different life, life among the mortals. It is a story of a fated yet forbidden love, pain and sorrow, rage, death and destruction. It is dark, gritty, and deep. And yet, it is a story of hope, an innate desire to love even when we fear those feelings, a desire to be free to make your choices. Is it possible to do so in a world ruled by beings of death? I think Vesta will show us that it is.

As Above, So Below is the first book of the series. To some, it may seem a bit slower in the beginning, but I didn't mind it all. The author took the time to dig deep into the intricate world-building and show us Vesta's struggles. She is a force to be reckoned with, and I loved her character. This is a loose Little Mermaid retelling with a much darker twist. And Ryc isn't your fairytale price, although he is charming and dashing. He is also an extremely protective Fae who will do anything for the one destined for him. They will even go against god and fate if necessary.

The story was intriguing and exciting; I loved the lore and the world-building. The ending was perfect; there wasn't a big cliffhanger yet, and it was the perfect base to go on in the sequel. I loved being part of the ACR team and can't wait to see what will happen next.

As Above, So Below will bring you
- loose Little Mermaid retelling with a darker twist
- demons, gods, angels, fae, undead
- meddling gods
- intrigue and secrets
- fated mates and forbidden love
- shadow-wielding FMC & light-wielding MMC
- first in a trilogy
and a story of an anti-hero demon FMC, ready to take on the gods!

[꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE 5 STAR REVIEWS - this book is young adult and not the good kind of young adult. It’s the emotional and stupid kind of YA writing where you really are rooting for the FC to kick the bucket because she honestly deserves it for being stupid. Especially for being over 1000 years old.

And on that point my #1 gripe with this stupid book. These people are millennia’s old, a demon and a fae, but the author wrote them as school kids discovering their first true crush. Also I was very confused when one minute these two were making out and the next it was morning waking up in the same bed. This ends up in lots of blushing and stumbling followed by a tickle fight. A fucking tickle fight. So this book should be labeled YA. Why write a book with characters who are immortal yet STILL make them act like children. Like this pisses me off.

Not only that but I’m stopping at chapter 17 after that scene happens and the realization of the YA genre, but the book is boring as fuck. NOTHING HAPPENS. I have never had to read so much little girl giggles and smirking and laughing eyes as they fold clothes, pick eggs, wash fucking carrots.

Is it really so much to ask for age appropriate books? Does this generation of authors really not understand how an adult interacts with other adults???? Jesus.

[Lydia Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, As Above, So Below completely pulled me in from the start! I felt totally sucked into this world, like I was living right alongside the characters. The world-building was so vivid and the characters had so much depth, I couldn’t put it down. D.M. Darcy did such an incredible job creating a story that’s exciting, layered, and absolutely impossible to walk away from!

[⭐️ mrs_munken_555 ⭐️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Intriguing fantasy set around demons face and all things otherworldly - story is slow to start but overall enjoyable. Spice is minimal but the story does make up for it!

[Zaylan Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed listening to this on audible. I can’t wait for book two to come out and see where this story goes. I love the undertones of little mermaid!

[Krissie Pooh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this, which was done in duet narration, and I really enjoyed it. It definitely had some slow parts, but its book 1 of a trilogy, so there is usually a lot of building in them. The narration was really good, and I am looking forward to listening to the next one!

[Brittany Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars is NOT enough for this book. This is how you do a fairytale retelling; it’s not obvious, it’s not regurgitated, it’s not predictable….BUT knowing what I know of the various versions of the fairytale has me worried about the real ending coming in book three. The world building was done steadily and without bore, the characters were whole and relateable, the FMC and MMC dynamic was beautiful and built at a proper pace for a slow-burn. I’m eagerly awaiting book two in the series! This isn’t just well done, this is my literary perfection.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice 1/5
Plot 4/5
Vestaris is a woman in a mission and will do whatever she has to do. Ryc is a man that was made to support her in every way he can. I loved their story. I didn't like Netharis or Vaelyn their egos were huge even if one wasn't as bad as the other. Ylara was very young and didn't seem to really understand as much as she thought but was an amazing sister.

[Holistic Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book? A revelation.

A raw, soul-splitting journey of a woman born in the hells but aching for the light. The darkness, she knows it, breathes it but she dares to believe there’s something more.

The heroine isn’t waiting for anyone to save her. She battles her demons literal, emotional, spiritual, and wins. Not with ease, but with willpower and fire. With a reminder that even when you’re surrounded by the dark, you can still find the light of you believe.

From death to rebirth. From victim to victor. From haunted to whole. As Above, So Below is a spellbound journey back to self and I loved every page of it.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐️ This book was incredible! I need everyone to read this. I can’t believe this is D.M. Darcy’s first book - what?! How? She is an incredible writer. The pacing of this book was great, so I was never bored. The FMC was not annoying at all, and I think finding a likable FMC in books can be a tall order for some reason. The MMC is book HUSBAND material! I need the next book like I need oxygen. I love love loved this!! If you are a fan of yearning, slow burn romance, star crossed lovers, fated mates, and edge of your seat action then PLEASE run to read this.

[Alyissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't lose yourself in the stars, little witch. Not yet."

"Your going to destroy me, little demon."

Ohmygods, did DM Darcy knock this debut book out of the park!

This book sucked me into the world of all things holy and unholy. The background given to Ves' life is absolutely necessary in the first half of the book. It prepares you for the things you questioned and will have you guessing and wanting more. Theres real good shmexy parts, not a whole lot through the book but what is in there is verrry good. I honestly was caught up in the love bond and rooting for them, that this book didn't feel forced where it needed a lot. But I do hope to read more in the next book now knowing what's to {hopefully} come based off Ves' answer to Gaiai.

Ves' life is complicated. She's been forgotten about and mistreated all her life from her father; King of hell. Her twin brother is sympathetic with her, but he stands loyal (per se) next to their father, even after knowing hidden family secrets about their mother that Ves didn't know. Celesta and fated celestials. Ves is drawn in to love the mortal and fae worlds and she doesn't understand why, she just knows the hells isn't for her and especially not after the twist her father had planned for her. Ryc is a nyraphin. Ves is opposite. Their worlds collided almost 3 centuries ago and now, they both are trying to figure it all out, though Ryc knows and understands more than what he likes to tell. Ooofff and how Ryc has his little pet names for her 🥵

Tropes I've found:
🧚‍♀️ Faes and mortals
😈 Demons, demigods, half demons
😈 Touch her and die
🧚‍♀️ Banter
🧚‍♀️ Fated Celestials
😈 Enemies (one sided) to lovers
😈 Protection at all costs / contracts
🧚‍♀️ Rituals / silver blood

[Nikera Taylor-Small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been in a funk about reading Romantasy books lately. D.M. Darcy, you may have gotten me out of that funk (it shall be determined once I have books 2 and 3 in hand, lol). As Above, So Below is a page turner for sure. I didn’t question or feel annoyed by the main character as often as I do with other books; their storyline made sense. The character-building and the world-building were well put together. I felt immersed in this storyline, waiting to turn the next page. Were some instances a bit predictable? Yes, although not enough to make me put the book down. You get to meet various new characters without feeling as though I've seen them for a moment; what was the point of that? If you feel that way later on, it’s like, “Oh, I get it!” Darcy provides excellent dialogue and great insight into the history related to the storyline. I enjoy a book where I’m not constantly feeling as though I was dropped into the middle of a situation. Although D.M. Darcy, a prequel may be warranted. Vestaris Moonshadow is a character who will grow on you, and you get to grow with her throughout her journey. If you didn’t automatically love her in the beginning, you will by the end of this book, especially if you’re looking for a book that can take you through obstacles to understand the complexity of multiple characters and the reasoning behind why they’re doing certain things.

[Heathers.Books888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute must read

This book, without a doubt, was amazing. For being Darcy’s debut book, I’d have never guessed with how well written this was. I learned of this book when the author came across my fyp on the clock app. I am so looking forward to her next book on September 10, 2025.

This book begins with a trio of half siblings are bound to work for Netharis, god of death, collecting souls after their mother Celesta, goddess of the moon, made a deal with him to hand over her children, fathered by Netharis, in exchange for saving her mates life.

Ves, one of the trio, soon learns what her true fate is, despite her contract with Netharis, and not long after begins learning of it does she begin fulfilling her true purpose. Everything changes for her when she learns she might be able to escape her fathers wrath however she quickly realized there are 8 fae kings she also must avoid along the journey if she plans on truly being free of servitude to another god.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s very well written. Although it did wrap up pretty quickly, it was not a cliffhanger. The author confirms herself that although this is book 1 of 2, it also reads as a stand-alone book as well.

5 stars. Definitely recommend.

[SunstruckFox ☀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled on this one via tiktok when the narrators (Paige Reisenfeld & PJ Freeborn) were recording for the audiobook and was instantly hooked.

This is an incomplete trilogy however if you love dark, high fantasy, romance definitely check this series out by DM Darcy.

As Above, So Below (The Fated Celestials Trilogy). This series follows Vestaris Moonshadow, a powerful demon and the daughter of the god of death. All she wants is to live among the living and be free of father. She escapes the hells and finds herself suddenly in the world of the living and adjusting.

The world building was exceptional as was the character development. I loved that that the FMC was the Shadow Mommy and morally gray whereas our MMC is wholly light and good.

🖤Shadow mommy/light daddy
✨Slow burn romance
🖤Forbidden Love
✨Found family
🖤Diverse characters
✨High-fantasy world building
🖤Fae, demons, vampires, humans & vengeful gods
✨Plot Twists
🖤Open door spice 🌶️🌶️

[Niki Cioca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Above, So Below pulled me right out of the reading slump I’d been in. I came across this book on TikTok and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The world-building was immersive, the main character was relatable, and the story hooked me from the start. The vivid detail painted such a clear mental image, I could see everything so easily in my mind as I read, which made it even more enjoyable. I loved the overall theme and found the magic system really intriguing. I just finished it and already can’t wait for the next book in the series. A great read for any fantasy fan!
If you're on the fence about picking it up, I say go for it! I personally really enjoyed the story.

[Katie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only question about this book is when does the next one come out!? This story is enchanting, haunting, thrilling, and addictive. It’s such an incredible mix of fantasy and tense romance. The book reads in a way that is hard to put down, and honestly- in between reading I found myself thinking about the two main lovers all the time. I also love that this story is unpredictable. I’m always the first one to guess what’s going to happen next, but not in this one. Kept me on my toes and biting my nails🥀💀

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For those who fight their own shadowed battles, may these pages bring you a touch of joy and light (and perhaps your own obsessed guardian)."

It is a dark retelling  of The little Mermaid  but with a twist.  You know me I love a good Disney retelling books as I am sucker for these

I was hooked to this book as it did start off slow but it did pick up and i love it !

I absolutely adore the relationship between Ves and Ryc . I cant wait for the next book

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

While dark fantasy is not a genre that I typically enjoy, the way this story unfolded had me invested. It's slow to start but learning, almost at the same speed as the FMC worked out for me. This is loosely based off of the little mermaid and more focused on gods, death, immortality, sacrifice, secrets, and demons with a knack for love and an affinity to power. I'm excited to see where the trilogy goes.

[Reader Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow build, but only in comparison to the absolute whirlwind that is the last two thirds. No mind melting chapters of endless world building and character introductions. You get all of that with a taste of what’s to come, and storyline. However, when sh*t hits the fan… it HITS the fan. Hang with her while’s she’s escaping, stress out a little bit… then you take off running.

[Patricia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this! The author did a wonderful job on the world building and a different view of demons, gods, fae, humans, etc that are different from other books I have read. I did think the ending was rush and I wanted to see more of Ves and Ryc's relationship. But, I still loved it! I hope to read more from this author.

[Kristy MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was quite good despite the typos and the repeated misuse of don as a synonym for wear.

The story is slow to start with lots of world building, which I appreciated.  The resolution of the main conflicts were achieved too easily and abruptly for a trilogy.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  It read like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign I would want to join.  

[Charlene Vosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever want ot meet a dark and sinister MMC and the FMC is just as dark and sinister then this is the book for you. You fall in love with everyone inluiding the darn chicken called Buttons. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and I am so excited to follow DM Darcy on this magical and mystical journey.

[Jocelyn Guenther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! The world building, the characters, the plot, it was all amazing.
Vestaris is just trying to be free and live her own life for once and keeps getting caught in everyone else's plans and schemes. I cannot wait to see what happens, and hopes she grasps her power and claims the life she wants

[Erica Lindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has crack hidden in it

I am bowled over at how absolutely amazing this book was. From the first page I was pulled in and I was hooked. The first person storytelling was Amazing, the MMC- ugh, he’s amazing, the FMC, she’s learning and figuring things out… I wish I could say more but I don’t want to spoil. I highly recommend this book.

[Maggie Forbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and the narrators are absolutely fantastic! I really loved the story as a whole. It is unique and was hard to put down. I loved the world concept and want more! Only 4 stars for me because the FMC felt a bit “woe is me” and that’s not my jam. BUT I am looking forward to the next book!!

[MC Stress Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from 4.5 stars
I loved this book. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but I was hooked and wanted to keep reading. I loved the characters and their development. Ves is a woman after my own heart and I think we could have been great friends. :)

[Ever Eri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for romantasy lovers.

This book has an interesting twist on fae, gods, life and death, and it left me wanting more. And I'm eager for book 2. If you love books with adventure, war, wrath of gods with a splash of romance, don't wait to dive in!

[Helen Hadfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than expected

I honestly picked up this book on a whim after seeing a tiktok video, and it passed my expectations. The writing is wonderful, the world building is incredible and I had such a great time!

[Cara Blaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story. Clever world building, interesting characters, good pacing. The "opposites attract" vibes (to the extreme, hahaha, iykyk) of the two MCs is intriguing and well done. Eagerly waiting for book two!