A Deceit of the Dark

I was privileged to receive an early copy, like the in between of a beta and an ARC. Where do I even begin? I finished this book 2 hours ago and can't stop thinking about it! The ending floored me, whenever I thought I sussed the plot Amy took it in another direction which I loved. It's a fabulous continuation from book 1, and you won't be disappointed. I loved how we got to dive deeper into the workings of Elfayne, Elsie and magic. I just want to inject this world into my veins.

Get ready everyone and bring on November!

Michelle

69 reviews2 followers

October 19, 2025

I was incredibly excited and grateful to receive an ARC of ADOTD, so thank you to @areadingwrites for trusting me with your baby!

How to review without giving spoilers, thats the question? With difficulty! 😅
If you've read book 1, this picks up right where this ended.
If you’ve not read A Legacy of the Light, then this is your sign to get on it right away!

For those of you like me who love a good slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story, then I can guarantee you won't be disappointed 🥵❤️‍🔥
Elsie's character goes through quite the journey in book 2.
Her relationships in this instalment are well-written and full of emotion, drawing you in even deeper to the Seelie world.

It's safe to say this is certainly darker than the first book. As I mentioned, this is an emotional story, full of love, grief, the desire for revenge, tension and at points, violence. I'm pretty sure I didn't breathe for most of the last chapter!
This series so far has been up there with some of my favourite books I've read this year and so I can't hesitate in recommending it to you all. There's a lot of romantasy series out there these days, and it blows my mind that Amy is an indie author. The world she has created is outstanding and deserves to shouted about!

Lucy Neil

96 reviews3 followers

November 3, 2025

Honestly I need to give more stars!! This world has consumed my life the past couple days and will live rent free in my brain. The world building is so unique and different for a romantasy novel and was really easy to follow along as someone who struggles to visualise. The amount of times I thought I could guess what was going to happen was hilarious. Hopefully there will be another book announcement soon because I need more answers 👀🤭

Ashley Hobsonreads

156 reviews3 followers

October 19, 2025

Holy crow this was a fab book. I’m glad I started it the day after I finished Legacy of the Light as all the feels were so fresh from reading book 1 of the series. It made the feels I experienced from this book even more intense. Feel so hard for the FMC but love the friendships around her. Despite the trauma and the hardships (which are done so well) she still keeps going showing a level of mental fortitude and resilience I can only respect and wish to emulate. This book isn’t even published yet (out 6th November!) but I’m already waiting for the next one to see what happens next!

Favourite quotes include:
“I hate that I can’t get you out of my f**king head. I hate the fact that I look at you and want to be selfish for the first time in my miserable life. I hate that I’m desperate to know how your lips feel against mine. I hate that I’m in f**king awe of you. I hate that I would do anything you asked of me. But most of all, I hate that the thought of losing you to him scares me more than anything I’ve ever faced. I hate all of those things, mo sholas. But I do not, and never will, hate you.”

Heather Spurling

8 reviews

A Deceit of the Dark

I received this book as well as the first one in the series, A Legacy of the Light, as an ARC read. Amy Reading really knows how to write and keep her audience wanting more. This is an Epic Fantasy with found family, enemies to lovers, revenge, strong heroine and so much more. These books give you all that and more. Did it have me hooked? Yes! I might as well have been in one of the dungeon cells as much as these books help me captive. The hurt and betrayal you will feel along some of the most tense and smoldering slow burn romance will have you feeling all the feels in all the best ways.

This book picks up where the last book left us hanging. Did I mention Amy is a master at writing a nail biting cliffhanger? Elise’s journey to figure out who she is and what she’s meant to do all while hanging on by a thread while she tries to heal continues in this 2nd book of the series. If you haven’t already read A Legacy of the Light, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Go grab your copy right now along with this and get to reading! You will not regret starting this series. I’m already drooling for the next book!!!

Jordan McClellan

34 reviews

November 4, 2025

I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I can’t give more than 5⭐️ but this series is a 6⭐️ read for me. I could not put this book down. The story Amy Reading has created has absolutely ensnared me. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire book and the ENDING!!! I’m needing the third book asap please and thank you. I love just everything about this series so far and looking forward to seeing how it continues! The MMC and the FMC’s relationship build was well paced where i felt it wasn’t forced and happened naturally, which I loved. Thank you for allowing me to read your work I’m so excited to continue!

April Ward

18 reviews

November 13, 2025

Now I’ve had time to digest I can now give my review. Oh Amy you have done it again👏 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a FABULOUS and now I have to impatiently wait for book three.

I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy & dive back into Elsie’s story, and if you have read book one (and if you haven’t,GO DO IT RIGHT NOW) you will know the anticipation is palpable.

I struggled to put down this book reading every chance I got. I even chose it over sleep (That’s when you know it’s good!)

There is so much in this story, growth, grief, desire, acceptance & hope. I’m left wanting more, I NEED to know more. I really wish magic was real & trust me you will too, more than ever before.

I fell for the characters, the banter, wit and the delicious brooding energy - my goodness, and as I wrote in the GC, You won’t just finish this story, it will finish you.

Please please PLEASE go and read this book.

Bernadette Smith

141 reviews19 followers

Spoilers from book One…..

This book…… I didn’t fully recover from book one but I HAD to keep going. Book one absolutely crushed my would and much like Elsie did, I needed to be out back together again. Her journey to self-discovery and healing resonated with me so much despite not having gone through nearly what she had to go through. The insecurities, self-doubt, anger, rage, mistrust….. it was an experience I didn’t think I needed to have but I felt like I was liked right along side her with Reyne and Rach- the two best friends a girl could ever have. Not to mention Brodie- the kindest soul on the friggin’ planet. Elsie is my favorite FMC of all time. Hands down. This is book 188 of the year for me and I read close to that many last year. I’ve read a lot of books with all the FMCs. She’s the best one. No notes. I can say it now without worrying about spoilers from book one that Tavish is the most hated MMC I’ve ever read. And I’ve read a lot that go to the “other side” or are unlikeable but redeem themselves later. Not this guy. It’s further solidified in book 2.

This story has an amazing plot line and of course there is suspense, prophecy, training, hidden identity, found family (lots of that and I ATE it up) second chance love, magic, enemies to lovers- SLLLLOOOOOWWWWWW burn. It had all that. But more importantly it had characters who struggled with loss, pain, emotions, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, jealously, anger, sadness…. And how they came back from all of those things to see another day- to keep fighting. To say true to themselves. To still enjoy life and love. That’s what makes this book and the book before it so special. There is still so much that is unanswered and I will be holding my breath with these characters to see what happens in the third book. I’m barely holding it together as it is……

Have a box of tissue handy cuz you’re going to lose it multiple times in this book. Thank you so much to Amy Reading for an advanced copy of this book 😊 ❤️‍🩹

paperbacksandfrappes

44 reviews1 follower

October 21, 2025

✨ arc review ✨

In a world corrupted by lies and deception, with a heart burdened by the truth, Elsie Aitken is in the middle of a war that has raged in the Seelie realm of Elfayne for over one hundred years. There are secrets to be revealed, and histories to be retold. Enemies will become allies. Bonds will be broken. New ones will be forged. Surrounded by so much uncertainty, there’s only one thing Elsie is sure of…

𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧.

Did I finish this book or did the book finish me?! Amy Reading doesn’t just write a fantasy — she builds a world that breathes, bleeds, and breaks your heart in the best possible way. The story flows so naturally that it feels like no time has passed at all since the cliffhanger at the end of Book 1 — and yet, everything has changed. It’s darker, sharper, and even more emotionally charged than the first book.

At the heart of it all is Elsie. She transforms completely: strong, determined, and absolutely unafraid to put every male character in their place. She’s the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for — complex, powerful, and real. Alongside her, Rach and Reyne continue to be absolute powerhouses, adding strength, humour, and heart in equal measure. The found family dynamic shines brighter than ever, and the thread of female empowerment runs powerfully through every page.

The slow burn is epic — the kind that simmers beneath every glance and every argument, leaving you both frustrated and feral in the best way. Between the heartbreak and the high stakes, Amy Reading still gives us those lighter moments of banter and back-and-forth teasing that make you laugh out loud and fall even harder for the characters.

Darker. Bolder. Unrelenting. A Deceit of the Dark takes everything that made the first book incredible and turns it up to eleven.

Thank you to Amy for my arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨

Jordan Fairhurst

14 reviews

4.5 ⭐
I was so excited for this book to come out. Luckily for me I only read the first one recently so it wasn't much of a wait.
From page number one of this book the growth and development of the authors writing is so so clear. I really enjoyed seeing the difference there.
My biggest pet peeve with book number one was that the dialogue felt unnatural, I'm happy to report that this wasn't an issue in book two at all!
Callahan. Sweet angel Callahan. Grumpy Callahan. I love him. He is an ass. But also the sweetest, softest person ever. I questioned his introduction as it was clear from the beginning he was another love interest for Elsie. I questioned if it was smart to give her another love interest so soon. The more their bond developed the more I liked it. He is such a massive part of her healing from her trauma. She needed him.
Elsie is quite literally the Queen. It felt so fitting.
Their whole friendship group has my heart.
The story itself was perfect.
I have laughed, cried, and could not put the book down at all. What a wonderfully written story. The witty comments from the friends, Grannys death killed me, I cried so hard at the Grandpas response and how much it affected him. I felt his pain. The portrayal of trauma and trauma responses was amazingly done. The writing was so excellent, I felt like I was there.
The speech that Elsie gives, announcing who she is, gave me literal goosebumps.
I have not felt so many emotions, so strongly, when reading for a really really long time.
I am ready for book three, and I am excited to see everything this author writes in the future.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Barbara Moreda

57 reviews1 follower

November 15, 2025

Disclaimer: I was sent an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will start with this: there are few times where the incorrect spelling of a word is used (bare v bear, taught v taut). I verified these were not just in my ARC copy). All that to say:

I love the story. I love the world she is building. The Magic. The good. The evil. Enemies to friends to lovers. The story is not finished yet.

The book picks up exactly where book 1 left off. Racist has slit the throat of Elsie’s grandmother, the true and rightful queen of Elfayne, shattering Elsie’s recently mended heart.

The few things Elsie has learned about the Seelie realm, who the good guys and who the bad guys are, have been turned upside down. She was captured by the prince’s cousin, whom she had been told is evil. She sees Tavish kill her grandmother and Callahan tend lovingly to her grandfather as he grieves Mairi and they make their way to Morven.

There’s a very uneasy truce between Callahan and Elsie. Neither trusts the other and Elsie doesn’t understand her bond with him. And he won’t explain it.

There is a lot of tension felt by Elsie. She has a hard time forging Rachel for her deceit all these years and wonders if she was only friends with her because her queen ordered it. Jealous of the budding friendship between her two friends, Elsie has a lot to unpack.

Elsie is unwilling to take her rightful place as she lacks the confidence to rule. Her next experience with Tavish is brutal and protracted.

There is more but I feel like I’m giving too much away. Read it!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Erin DeConcini

17 reviews1 follower

This is the second in the A Legacy of Light series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, A Legacy of Light, and was thrilled that this one was even better! Book one contained a lot of the world building which meant that we could get down to the meat of the story here. This one picked up right where the cliffhanger in book one left us - a deliciously cruel cliffhanger, might I add - and hit the ground running. As the FMC, Elsie, is initially from the human realm in the first book, the series weaves together culture from the contemporary human realm and culture from the Seelie realm she finds herself in throughout books one and two. They’re blended in a way that provides fun and relatable banter between characters - especially in book two - without making it awkward or strange, which I really appreciated. It’s hit or miss when authors mix contemporary human culture and fantasy realm culture, but this was so well done and it played right into the plot line. To avoid spoilers, I won’t be mentioning the MMC much other than to say he is a broody asshole that eventually melts - but only for Elsie - and he is swoony as hell. Grief and overcoming grief is a huge part of this series, which I absolutely love! Elsie is grief-stricken and slowly finds herself throughout the story, but in different ways within each book, which adds an excellent layer of depth to her character. Please do yourself a favor and go read this series. We can be on the edge of our seats for book three together!

Rosie

17 reviews

This sequel picks up right where book one left off…yes, that crazy cliffhanger…with that Scottish folklore inspiration and accents and wastes no time pulling you straight back into the chaos. Amy Reading dives even deeper into themes of loss, grief, betrayal, war, family, and friendship, making this installment much darker and more emotionally charged than the first (check trigger warnings if sensitive to darker themes). Continue to expect plot twist and turns just like book one. Be prepared to expect the unexpected. The FMC’s growth in this book and the impossible choices she faces give her character a raw, grounded authenticity that makes her feel real. She’s not written as a perfect person and fights her internal demons as much as the ones around her. The enemies to lovers tension is wound tight through most of the book, and when the spice finally hits, it’s worth every bit of the build-up. The MMC is as broody and grumpy as they come, and I love how Reading crafts their connection with a unique twist on their magic and the usual “fated mates” trope.
I also enjoyed how Reading plants subtle Easter eggs, just enough to make you theorize without spoiling the bigger moments. When those reveals finally click, it’s so satisfying to think, ah, now that makes sense. The side characters bring warmth, humor and well written banter that balance the darker themes and the world building continues to grow in depth and detail, making it easy to lose yourself in this world. By the final chapters, I was once again on the edge of my seat. And that ending? Another jaw dropping cliffhanger. I will be first in line for the next book in this series. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Meshel Wells

64 reviews1 follower

October 27, 2025

⭐️ ARC Review – A Deceit of the Dark by Amy Reading
Release Date: November 6

I was so fortunate to receive A Deceit of the Dark by Amy Reading as an ARC, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. My review is completely honest and reflects my own opinions.

Tropes & Themes:
Enemies to lovers • Slow burn • Scottish-inspired • Seelie magic • Found family • Revenge • Strong FMC • Found friendship • Rebellion • Chosen one

Book two in A Legacy of the Light series is something else entirely! Every time you think you have things figured out, Amy takes the story in a completely new direction.

This is an emotional rollercoaster of adventure set in a world brimming with magic—where grief and tension fuel Elsie’s need for revenge.

This romantasy series is unlike any other I’ve read. The worldbuilding is simple yet unique and utterly captivating. The characters have multiple layers and breathe life into both books. The story flows naturally, and Amy’s use of language feels like an art form.

But Amy… I need book three ASAP!

R. M.

145 reviews

Elsie, betrayed and heartbroken, has to piece herself together and prepare for war, mere months after being moved from her ordinary life to a magical realm where she never was, and never will be, just ordinary.

For me, this book wasn't as strong as it's first installment. I got annoyed a few times at characters just not communicating - not *mis*communicating, but revealing they deliberately didn't tell Elsie something for various reasons. And like the previous book, the plot amps up in the last few chapters then drops off into a cliffhanger, leaving it open for the *next* book.

This book delves deeper into the magic and abilities of the realm, now with psychic connections and training scenes. Such scenes can be boring, but the growing tension between Elsie and Cal gives it a fun and flirty backdrop.

I love the friendships in this series; our FMC has *two* fierce female besties, and it is so charming to read them having moments of supporting each other in between training and fights.

I received an ARC of this book, and will be watching out for its next installment!!

Jess

23 reviews

November 3, 2025

How the first book ended I had to pick up book two I would be crazy not to.

I am so incredibly invested in the ladies in this book! They are truly some of the best characters! Maybe it is something relatable or maybe it is something that I wish every woman had- close friends that have their back but also speak the truth/listen etc. the male characters are great as well- personally drawn more towards the supporting males but that might be because the two main males I have a bone to pick with both/something seems hidden and I can’t put my finger on it

Loved all of this book !! The adventure, the darkness/light, mental health representation, grief, found confidence, friendship, family… everything aka all of it.

If you are looking for a book that is full on romance this is not it, splash of romance yes but there is a deeper storyline that stands bright.

The ending well now… I need more !!

Brianda Quiroz

57 reviews

arc-reviews fantasy god-tier

I was lucky to be able to get an early copy of this book, but that does not affect the way I rate this book because these are my own personal thoughts.

This book has literally become my favorite book of all time. It is seriously on my god-tier shelf and there are not many on that shelf right now.

This book is plot driven, in depth characters, 99 different emotions (that I personally felt).
For me to consider this book god-tier it has to have depth, emotions, (the kind that tug at your heart), world building, plot driver. I need a who, what, when, where, and why.

If you love:
Enemies to lovers,
slow burn,
Seelie magic,
found family,
revenge,
strong FMC,
found friendships,
rebellions,
chosen one,
spice,
and Scottish inspired.
This book is it for you.

Honestly I read for the vibes, but I literally think this book comes close enough to my love for Fourth Wing and that is saying something.

We need more books like this.

Patsy

372 reviews31 followers

November 9, 2025

Enemies will become allies.

Bonds will be broken.

New ones will be forged.

Hold on to everything you have because this book is going to take you on one heck of a thrill ride. There is revenge and betrayal, war and struggle, determination and perseverance.

This is book two in the series. Book one was
‘A Legacy of the Light’. I had never read anything by this author until these two books. However, I will definitely tell you after reading these, I will be reading a lot more from her. I thought I was going to be gasping for air after the cliffhanger from book one, but I definitely feel better after reading book two.

These two are definitely must reads that you need to add to your list. I'm definitely handing out five stars with these.

Tropes:

Enemies to lovers, Slow burn, Scottish inspired, Seelie magic, Found family, Revenge, Strong FMC, Found Friendship, Rebellion, Chosen One

Aoife

6 reviews

October 23, 2025

I was incredibly grateful to receive an ARC of A Deceit of the Dark, a huge thank you to Amy for the opportunity to continue Elsie's journey before the official release of the book!

The elegant, in depth world building of Legacy of the Light is continued in DOTD. The magic system is unique and not only does Amy answer some questions on Aotrom vs Dorche magic, she creates even more depth surrounding the magic system.

She continues to develop well loved characters and introduces new ones, I particularly loved the introduction of romance storylines outside of Elsie and the slow burn romance added to the storyline.

The major cliffhanger ending absolutely sent me over the edge, I did not even remotely see it coming. I cannot wait for the next installment!

🐸MickalaliaStew📚📖

31 reviews1 follower

ARC Review: A Deceit of the Dark by Amy Reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book two in the Legacy of the Light series, and wow — what a ride! The first book ended on such a major cliffhanger, so I was beyond ready to dive right into this one.
Elsie has already gone through so much growth in book one, but in A Deceit of the Dark she truly comes alive. Watching her strength, determination, and vulnerability unfold was incredible. This realm of Seelie with magic continues to expand with rich detail, emotional depth, and twists I did not see coming!
This book was an emotional roller coaster — full of magic, betrayal, and heart-stopping moments — and I loved every single minute of it. Amy Reading completely outdid herself with this sequel, and I’m already counting down the days until the next one!

Michelle Shamy

475 reviews41 followers

November 9, 2025

What a wonderful romantasy. This book brings you right in to the world with the amazing amount of description. This was a big deal for me as I usually find books in this genre difficult to understand because sometimes it’s just too much word and world building. But this one was perfect in that regard. And because of it, I find myself really diving into this. I absolutely loved the characters, the chaos and the twists. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re proven wrong.
Elsie was a wonderfully strong woman. Such determination. Not to mention the need for revenge. This book is dark but at the same time the enemies to lovers pulls away that darkness a bit.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, then this should definitely be in your TBR.

Bridget Sullivan

23 reviews

October 28, 2025

🌟ARC REVIEW🌟

This book. Damn. The slowest of burns. It was so good I could not put it down. The sassy as hell banter from A Legacy of the Light is continued by Elsie and her friends, and I remain here for that one hundred percent. This book somehow gets even darker and more emotional than the first one. Brodie was amazing comic relief, I loved every minute of him. The character development of Callahan really had me. What can I say, sometimes I am a sucker for a brooding asshole, especially when he is morally gray and complicated. There was so much yearning in this book, but then the payoff was totally worth it. The ending was definitely unexpected, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

🔪Slowest of Burns
⚡️Enemies to Lovers
🔪Trauma & Healing
⚡️Sassy AF Banter
🔪Rebellion

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5

Tesha Cook

44 reviews1 follower

October 29, 2025

Wow book 2 took off right where book 1 ended and I remained hooked to the last page! Watching Elsie come to terms with the shattering truth she faced at the end of book 1 made my heart break for her. I absolutely love the angsty, enemies to lovers trope and kept yelling “just admit it and get it over with already!” so many times while I was reading.
The ending made me so angry as I was once again left on a cliff hanger and will now have to anxiously wait for book 3!
I was thrilled to read a free copy of this book and willingly leave this review. I 100% recommend it and can’t wait to see where the story takes us in book 3. Please hurry and get it to us!!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Ariana silva

21 reviews

*ARC Review*

HOLY SMOKES!? I honestly don’t know whether I finished this book or if it finished me. I mean I finished this book in less than a day, that’s how much it consumed me from start to end. The first book was fantastic but this book, has to be my favorite so far.

The jaw dropping twists are just incredible and can honestly say, I didn’t see them coming. I love our FMC, she is brave, will do anything for those she loves, and is an overall bada**.

These books are so well written. Amy does a fantastic job and I NEED book three ASAP!! 10/10 read, you HAVE to get your hands on this one.

Shereads.romantasy

17 reviews1 follower

November 12, 2025

WOW what a sequel!! I binged this book in 2 days and I struggled to put it down.

Amy has such a way with words and the descriptive writing is so immersive, I loved being back in the world of Elfayne and after the cliffhanger of The Legacy of The Light, I was not disappointed.

This was jam-packed with action, heartache and tension and I couldn't get enough! There was moments of bleak darkness and also really lighthearted ones too, I am here for all of them, my emotions took a battering!

Seriously, you need to add these to your TBR, I'm going to have to struggle waiting for book 3 now... I need this. Now!

Thank you for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Tiffany Lucas

16 reviews

October 31, 2025

Even better than book 1! I was given this as an ARC, intrigued by the Scottish backdrop of the story. My gosh, Elsie and her friends get into all sorts of adventures this time around. There was more than one instance that I gasped, hand in front of mouth, mouth wide open, crying or saying “no he didn’t!”
Elsie tends to be a bit headstrong and over confident, but we quickly learn why she can be that way.
Our MMC had me clutching my pearls with a blush on my cheeks - my oh my!
Such a great read. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait for book 3!

Kirsty

48 reviews2 followers

once again, i have to pick my damn jaw off of the floor because WHATTTTTTTTT. I DONT NEED SLEEP I NEED ANSWERS

this book is SO well written and flows beautifully. nothing felt rushed or skipped over and it all built up to an epic ending and i NEED the next one NOW

this is honestly shaping up to be one of my all time favourite series and i am so excited to read more

i’ve felt all of the emotions with these and have been crying for most of it because i am so incredibly invested that i feel everything

no crumbs.

2025 arc

Miranda

105 reviews5 followers