Darkness Calls Softly

by Cassie McDonald

The Aftermath, a swath of land on the island kingdom of Kloair, was left decimated by a horrific war between the chaotic and order deities. There, demonic beings roam, wreaking havoc and death on innocent people. With the Capitol far-away and the King unconcerned, it is up to self-made demon hunters to take them out.

Tristan Redmond is one of those demon hunters. With his extraordinary leadership qualities and the fighting skills of an ancient warrior - if he does say so himself - he made a demon-fighting team like no other. Tristan knows there is no task he can’t accomplish – but he has a secret desire, one that requires travelling to the Capitol and facing the king.

Eclipse is not of this realm. She’s a Nightborn, a demon who serves the goddess of chaos and despair. Newly alone and with no knowledge of how to return to her home realm, Eclipse must use her silver tongue and demonic powers to find a way to satiate her goddess.

When Tristan and his friends arrive in the small town of Onward, they land within Eclipse’s deadly grasp. Tristan must make a deal – to help Eclipse get home.

With their lives now intertwined, Eclipse and Tristan must work together to survive the Aftermath and the dangers within or neither of them will get what they want.

Genres: Fantasy

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Calls Softly is a twist on the idea of good vs. evil and light vs. shadow. A demon hunter makes a deal with a demon to help her get home, while having his own secret plan he needs help with. Enemies forced to work together is one of my absolute favorite tropes, so I knew I was going to enjoy this dynamic.

I love both of the lead characters, with a strong supporting cast to back them up. Eclipse’s POV is so much fun to read because of her disdain toward humans and her love for chaos, while Tristan is glory-seeking and arrogant but with more going on underneath. Rich world building and fantastical monsters bring it all together in this fantasy adventure!

The clues and foreshadowing were enough for me to guess bits and pieces of the twists, but not the whole picture. I have so many questions that need to be answered in the next book! Looking forward to the sequel and whatever wild ride we’re in for next.

[Emilee Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a team of demon hunters, the best in Kloair. Their adventures, long journeys, and sorrows each take turn playing out through a powerful story. But are all of the friends as they portray? Will they do what is needed to save each other and the demon they don’t know how to kill?
This book had me hooked and I was along for the ride. The ending?!?! I’m already ready for book 2!

[Jerri Beeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT. THE. HECK. I should have guessed the ending because I usually pick up on the clues but it came up and smacked me in the face. The book was really well written. The author did a really good job of world building and I like the dual narrative. I am so excited for the next book. I want to thank the author for letting me read this early.

[Belinda Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the concept, can a demon develop a conscious? Eclipse is one of the most beautiful demons I have come across and I love her interactions with the demon hunters.
I wasn't really surprised with who brought them before the king. But the ending is killing me.
I read this as an ARC but am already keen for book 2!

[Tess Van Stichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was a wonderful experience. I love the main characters and the plot so much, I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you so much for letting me get an ARC.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally read YA books but when I do it has to be action packed like this one! What a page turner 🤩 so much happening and the gasp the I gusped 😱 (when you get to that part you’ll know lol)