Immortal Dark: A Dark YA Fantasy Novel

Shadow Season #1

by Shermon Kodi

Perfect for fans of Six of Crows, Foundryside, and anyone who loves high-stakes YA fantasy!

The shadows awaken as darkness falls. And these shadows have fangs.

Seventeen-year-old Bexis has survived the frozen streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. With her shadow magic, she’s scraped by as a freelance thief, working for local gang lords and politicians.

But when a routine heist goes horribly wrong, Bexis is branded with ancient magic, making her the target of a bloodthirsty spirit.

Desperate for answers, she turns to an eccentric demon hunter. Together, they uncover a deadly plot by a sinister cabal, threatening to plunge the world into eternal night. As Bexis confronts her haunted past, she faces a grim Embrace the shadows within, or lose everything she holds dear.

To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2025

About the author

Shermon Kodi is a legally blind author who finds inspiration in the quiet knolls of Chittenden County, Vermont, where the long snowy winters drive one to pair wool socks with moccasin slippers and curl up by the furnace with a pot of chamomile tea and a book about monsters in dark places doing dark things. Through his writing, Shermon seeks to explore the resilience of the human spirit, the tenacity of good people faced with hard times, and the relationships that light us up, make our hearts smile, and carry us through every storm.

When he’s not writing, Shermon spends his time thinking about writing.

He knows this is a problem— although, he contends, it’s a good kind of problem to have. Occasionally, he’ll break from his routines and really let go— sleep in till 7 AM, drink tea instead of coffee, read in the mornings, or plug in the ’07 Strat and reminisce about the days when he dreamed of being a rockstar instead of an author.

He’ll be the first to tell you: “No regrets!”

Life is funny like that.

Shermon is the author of Heart of the Valley and Songs of the Rhor, both available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Stay connected on TikTok and Instagram for updates on his latest books, behind-the-scenes insights, and creative content.

Reviews

[zahra]

Immortal Dark follows Bexis, a street thief working for a gang who also has the power to manipulate shadows. Which also happens to be the reason why she's hunted down and marked to die.

This book was so good! The setting was really unique and atmospheric. The plot was very action-packed mixed with high stakes that made me want to keep reading. The most endearing part about this book are the characters. It is partly found family, which is one of my favorite things to read about in books, but also they're so interesting to read about as individual characters and each one of them are lovable in their own way.

Overall, a great fast-paced story laced with suspense and characters you can't help but love!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Preacher Reads]

3.5⭐️

Immortal Dark is one of my five SPFBO reads, and overall was a solid experience in a dark fantasy world. This book reads fast and has a bit of a young adult flair to it. It is dark in some of the best places, like its magic system and antagonists, which border on almost horror levels of bleak atmosphere.

The characters were well executed and the prose was technically very strong, probably the best prose of the books I’ve read in my group of five.

Much of the plot and conflict felt somewhat familiar to the fantasy genre, not in a bad way necessarily, but I did struggle to find things that really stood out and set the story apart.

If you are interested in a dark fantasy with a cool magic system, consider picking up Immortal Dark!

[KMart Books]

4.5/5 stars!!

What a mesmerizing YA dark fantasy. I was completely hooked from the very first page—this is precisely why I adore young adult fantasy that delves into its darker side. This is set in a dark, atmospheric world and the action starts almost immediately. We follow Bexis, a resourceful and lonely street thief with a unique and dangerously unstable gift for manipulating shadows. She has managed to survive the harsh streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. When a seemingly ordinary heist goes disastrously awry, Bexis becomes imbued with dark magic—an event that turns her into the target of a relentless monster.

As Bexis is forced to confront not only the perils of her present but also the haunting ghosts of her past, she reluctantly accepts help from a few different avenues. Together, they unravel a sinister conspiracy that threatens to engulf the world. As someone who has always been drawn to characters who struggle with abandonment and difficulty trusting (probably doesn't say anything about me, move along), Bexis's journey resonated deeply with me.

This blends gritty urban survival and inventive magic based in harmonic resonance. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the found family elements feel genuine. The twists in the plot keep you guessing, and the intricacies of the magic system are fascinating. The characters are certainly a class above, as well. Honestly, it reminded me a bit of Robert Jackson Bennett's Foundryside. Anyone looking for a book like that should absolutely pick this one up.

That said, the story moves so quickly that it sometimes feels like it misses the opportunity to fully explore the gritty, raw stakes and emotions of its characters. I LIKED the fast pace, but while I LOVED these characters, I was never really close to tears. I remained emotionally invested, my feelings for the characters and the tension of their struggles didn't hit as hard as I’d hoped. I wanted to be BAWLING and I have no doubt that Kodi could do it. I'm willing to bet that this will build in future installments, deepening the character arcs and raising the stakes even further. Please tell me this isn't a standalone. I need more!

Overall, Immortal Dark is a fun and riveting read that left me eager for more. It's a promising start that, with a bit more depth and grit in future developments, could become truly unforgettable.

Thanks so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy and the amazing opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[C.J. Piperata]

I had the pleasure of getting my eyes and mind into an advanced copy of this book, and just like with Heart of the Valley, I adored Kodi’s writing style here. He’s an author I follow now because I don’t want to miss out. He’s a consistently good and thorough storyteller, and the writing is astute. Reading indie books can be hit or miss, but authors like this are WHY I love indie.

This story hit the ground running from chapter 1 when Bexis is in the middle of a heist and the stakes are high. It grabbed my attention and didn’t let go- and I literally finished this book in less than 48 hours. Between the strong female leads… like…crime cartel strong…. To the quirky and endearing Juzu who I absolutely adore… this book was a delightful and engaging read. And for someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy romance subplots… this one had not a shred of cheese (pun intended). It’s really well done and not over the top. I cant recommend Kodi enough. He tells a great story.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog)]

Immortal Dark

Dark, thrilling, and action-packed. It was easy to get swept away in the story. It was fast-paced and I found myself glued to the pages from the start. There’s a lot going on in here with gangs, thieves, politics, religious zealots, monsters, magic, good vs evil and just so much!! It was certainly exciting!! I also love the unique harmony magic concept!

Bexis was a harden character who’s fierce and protective. I enjoy her and liked her kind heart. I loved watching her grow throughout the story!

There were several other characters that were fun to read as well like Ajjan, Juzu, and Xaleo!

Some tropes to look forward to in this one are; fast-paced, action-paced, deadly quest, unique magic system, chosen one, loyal friends, coming of age, no spice romance, fight scenes, good vs evil, discovering the inner strength, tragic backstory, grumpy FMC, hurt/comfort, and more!

[Jade]

A different fantasy story from which I am used to, but the author did not let me down x this story had me going through many emotions, and for the first time in a while reading this story I experienced moments where I didn't have a clue what was going to happen & then turns this story took kept me hooked right up to the end

The characters go through so much from page one and the development of these characters made me as the reader want that happy ending for them - whether they get that happy ending I will leave that for you to find out 😉
The author done an amazing job of building the world in which this story takes place, I could picture certain places within my minds eye & could see the building some of the stories events took place in, this made it feel so much more exciting for me
I especially enjoyed how the author doesn't let anything slip before they are ready for you to know what's going to happen - those are my favourite moments in books as you truly are kept in suspense wondering what emotion your going to feel when you finally know!

Would recommend this book to any fellow fantasy reader, also feel like this would be a good book for a first time reader of fantasy to ease them into this world of imagination & creation 😀

[Dario Pacheco]

I’d like thank the folks at NetGalley and this books publishing company for a copy of this book. Forever thankful.
This review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.
This book was for sure a surprise of a book. Following Bexis and company on a journey of defeating the darkness was a tale of heartbreak and adrenaline.
I was hooked from the first page to the last.
I felt so many emotions thought my reading of this book mainly: happy, sad and angry. Which for me, is a key to an iconic book.
I would read recommend this book to any reader looking for an engaging, adrenaline inducing and just an amazing story that will leave you thinking about it long after you turn this last page.

[Steph]

4.5 ✨

Thank you to Shermon Kodi and R&R Book Tours for the gifted copy of Immortal Dark.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Bexis is a fantastic FMC with an epic character arc - I just wanted to know more and more about her. She's a capable and resourceful street thief who has clearly had to learn to stand on her own two feet. Her world is harsh and unforgiving, but she's found a way to make it work. The book kicks off straight into action when what should have been a simple heist, goes very wrong and she ends up as a target for a demonic monster.

Bexis' shadow trapper resonance magic was a really cool concept and I loved that there were variations of resonance magic. Kodi's world building was excellent - we are given some of the history to help us understand that the numbers of Khatori trappers have dwindled over the years and so Bexis has never been tutored or able to fully access or understand her magic.

The story was brilliant, full of action and definitely sits with the darker YA fantasy as it's quite gritty at times. I loved the scene on the rooftop when she first realises that perhaps some tales have their basis in truth...
If you're a fan of darker fantasy, unique magic systems, detailed world building and love a fiery FMC who has fought for everything she has tooth and nail, then you need to pick up Immortal Dark. A fantastic read!

[Adrianna Heaney-velu]

“Immortal Dark,” by Shermon Kodi

Some aspects of the book were interesting, the demon trappers, illuminaries are religious demon hunters and stuff like that. I am getting a little tired of characters using drugs to manage magic powers, it’s just not my favorite thing. The book was not bad, but I wasn’t into the story very much and I didn’t feel super attached to the characters. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Demons
-Magic

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

[Theodora Whitly]

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy.
That's a lovely story.
I've always loved an interesting magic system. The concept of resonance does sound fascinating. I wish we explored different powers/abilities a little more. For example, I remember there were three orders mentioned, but I don't believe we ever learned what the last one does.
I really enjoyed the characters. There were a lot of them, but I found them all quite memorable.The relationship between Bexis and her mentor was very touching.
The quest seemed to be rather rushed and rather formulaic in places, but it didn't take away from the general enjoyment of this book.
All in all, a good YA read.

[Chaos & Courtships~ Lauren]

4.5 ⭐️

I was drawn to this book because of the stunning cover, and cuz I loves me some dark YA fantasy. But I was not prepared for how beautifully complex the story would be, or the depth of emotion this would illicit from me. It was a truly dark and twisty tale, filled with high stakes action, brilliant world building, unique magic, and a cast of deeply flawed, yet wholly endearing characters, that kept me engaged from start to finish.

The story follows Bexis, a strong, resourceful FMC, who has survived in this harsh world through sheer will and determination. She gets paid to use her shadow magic for all manner of shady dealings, and when one of these jobs goes awry, she finds herself in a d€adly predicament. Bexis seeks help from a demon hunter, and when they uncover a plot to plunge the world into eternal darkness, they must work together to thwart the sinister scheme.

This gritty, atmospheric story was rife with mystery, angst, adventure, and plot twists for days. The character development was beautifully done, and the relationships between the whole cast added emotional depth to balance out the heavy, foreboding vibes. There was just a dash or romance, but that spark between the MCs was the perfect amount for this story. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves a deliciously dark YA fantasy, set in an unforgiving world. Fans of Six Of Crows would eat this up.

💫Thank you to the author and @rrbooktours for this GORGEOUS review copy! I wil treasure it!!🥹

[Cari (Pens and Books)]

Enjoyment: 4.5
Start: 4
Characters: 5
Setting: 4.5
Plot: 4.75
Ending: 3.5
Style: 4.25
Rating: 4.36

Overall I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was all I wanted to read when I was reading it. A few times the pull to read it was there even when I wasn't. I feel like there should be more with how the book ends, but since this is a standalone I don't think I'm going to get that full circle ending I would like. I love the growth that Bexis shows during the novel and the connections she makes along her journey. I feel the romance needed more fleshing out, but other than that no complaints. Each character is unique and interesting to read about.

Keep up the great work! 100% need to purchase and reread again and again!

[Tre']

"Nothing is normal anymore, and I kind of love it!"

I picked up Immortal Dark, expecting a mild dark fantasy, and because it had a cool cover. What I got? A rollercoaster of morally questionable decisions, unexpected plot twists, and a world that makes my reality look like a boring infomercial.

What Stood Out (A.K.A. The Good Stuff)

📖 Character Development – These characters are not just here to look pretty, like one of those Dragon Rider spice books, you know the ones I'm talking about(self admittance, they are pretty good). They are messy, layered, and emotionally complex. (Yes, I got attached. No, I don’t want to talk about it.)
🌍 World-Building – I thought, "Oh, cool, another fantasy world." Then I blinked, and I was mentally mapping out the town and trying to figure out if it were a place I would thrive. (Spoiler: I would not survive but die dramatically.)
🔀 Plot Twists – You think you know where the story is going? Cute. That’s adorable. This book takes your predictions, tosses them into a void, and laughs while you try to recover.

Writing Style & World-Building

The prose? Smooth. The world? Unforgiving. The stakes? Very much life or death. If you love descriptions that make you feel like a UFC ref standing in the middle of the octagon, this book is for you. In the words of the story:

"You think you're going to waltz in here with fairy powder and butterfly kisses and wish the bad people away?"

Nope. This world is dark, unpredictable, and unapologetically gripping. Buckle up.

Characters

🌀 Bexis – Our main character navigating life, self-discovery, and some serious orphan baggage. Rooting for her
🔥 Lum Carro – I would 100% throw hands at this guy. No questions asked.
💀 Xaleo – The kind of demon hunter who probably needs therapy but makes for fantastic entertainment.
✨ Juzu – The moral compass of the group. We need one of those.
🍬 Mo – Something is seriously wrong if this character doesn’t have snacks. Protect at all costs.

Who Should Read This?

✔️ If you like morally grey characters, plot twists that attack your soul, and worlds where survival is questionable, you need this book.
❌ If you prefer fluffy fantasy with zero stress, zero existential crises, and five stars of spice, you might want to rethink your life choices before diving in. Since spice seems to be the in thing right now, there is spice, but it's at a .5 factor, like holding hands in the back of a bus in fifth-grade type spice.

Final Thoughts

Is it perfect? No. Did I enjoy every chaotic second of it? Absolutely.
This book ruined my sleep schedule, hijacked my emotions, and I regret nothing.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (or 4.75 if you want to be precise)

[Country Mama]

Immortal Dark is a book about our MC named Bexis. Bexis is 17 years old and she has shadow magic, works for many gang lords and seedy underground types in her city of Coppejj.
The author writes this story in pov first person, which makes this story much more interesting to read for me. Bexis is a very strong young woman who is a thief, but a very particular type of thief who has shadow magic and has these episodes that it doesn't seem she can control at all. The book starts out with Vogul marking Bexis with a crescent moon and snake on her forearm. Bexis almost blows up her friend Ajjan after the marking as she has done before with another friend. Ajjan was posing as a pro and Bexis was the hiding person in the closet trying to rob the person engaged in intimate relations. Bexis works for someone named Zhira who is trying to take care of Bexis and also herself as bosses often do. But Bexis always has worked alone and by herself. I love the writing in this book and also Bexis and Xaleo's relationship in this book. I also love Ajjan and Bexis being best friends and family, that is such a great found family and got me right in the feels! And that ending where we find out who Bexis really is, WOW! I can not wait to see if there is more to Bexis's story in the future! The setting was well written and described so we the readers can really see Coppejj and the politics involving the city. Excellent writing overall!

[Robin.Bookish.Escape]

…that’s the nature of power and darkness. One cannot exist without the other.

This YA dark fantasy has paranormal and horror vibes, gangs, thieves and assassins, dark magic, demons, sinister plots, twists that you won’t see coming and a sprinkle of romance (no spice). Emotions will run high, and the plot twists will have your head spinning.

This story follows Bexis, a 17-year-old with shadow magic. Trusting no one, and relying on her wits, she does what she needs to survive. Serving as a thief for hire to just about anyone who can pay has kept her alive this far, but when a job goes awry, she is marked with a magic that will have her relentlessly pursued by a dark and ferocious spirit. Thinking all is lost, she seeks out a demon hunter and together they discover a menacing and ominous scheme that is threatening to devour the world into despair and shadows. She must come to terms with her past and accept herself or face the destruction that awaits. “To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.”

This was well written and was easy to read. Too often high fantasy tends to be convoluted and “too much” at times. This story was not like that at all. Unlike any fantasy I have read, which is very much appreciated. This took me on a journey and I caught myself holding my breath at times.

[Betsy]

Immortal Dark is a fast-paced, action packed YA dark fantasy novel that follows Bexis, a young woman with magical powers living in a kingdom of seemingly perpetual night and winter. Along with a diverse cast of friends, Bexis must find a way to defeat a dark, spiritual antagonist that threatens burn the world.

The world-building is thorough with details regarding the social hierarchy, the technology, and the location itself.

I found Immortal Dark to be a very exciting and well written adventure. This world is dark and unpredictable.

It is YA but not too young if that makes sense.

What i enjoyed most was the great character development. There weren't bland characters that got lost in the background. They were layered and emotionally complex. There was fabulous world building and unexpected plot twists. Very descriptive world building is always amazing. It had a very interesting magic system. The writing was easy to follow and not overly complex.


If you like morally grey characters, plot twists, and great world building then you would enjoy this book. Most of the characters are morally grey but you still manage to like them. (ifykyk.)

It isn't perfect but no book truly is however, I still enjoyed this book and suggest others give it a try as well.

Again thanks to the nerd fam for the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Greer]

Okay, so ‘Immortal Dark’ by Shermon Kodi? Yeah, it’s definitely a dark YA fantasy, like, really dark. And I mean that in a good way! The atmosphere, the descriptions, the characters the whole story just feels heavy and intense. You get pulled right into this world that’s just bleak.
Now on to our main characters, Bexis, she’s a fighter, a warrior, I love tough girls. her mentor, Juzu, is a mysterious figure, and then there’s Xaleo, who, yeah, you can tell there’s something there between him and Bexis. These three are in a constant battle against the Immortal Dark, this growing evil that’s taking over everything.
It’s action-packed, for sure. The adventure they go on is immense. You really feel the weight of it. And what I liked is that each character has their own story, their own struggles, and they all kind of meld together in the end. It’s not like they’re just there to move the plot. They’re all strong points in the story, each with their own internal journey.
And rest assured this isn’t one of those books that leaves you hanging, waiting for the sequel. It’s a complete story, which is refreshing. You get a full adventure, a full experience. If you like dark fantasy and characters that feel real, you should definitely check this one out.

[Emily]

I have only good things to say about this book! This was my introduction to author Shermon Kodi, and I very much enjoyed his writing style.

The main character Bexis was wonderful. She's been surviving alone for quite some time, and has become jaded and focused on self-preservation. When a situation goes awry, she finds herself having to rely on and even trust other people. I found her growth in gradually opening up to new relationships to be every bit as interesting as the exciting plot.

There's magic in this society, and the author explains all the "rules" regarding how it works quite well. It's an intricate system, and I appreciate the effort the author put in to make everything so detailed, yet still logical. The overall worldbuilding was wonderful, and I hope there are more books to come set in this unique place.

There's plenty of action and excitement as Bex and her new friends discover a major conspiracy and have to act to save the day. Always something exciting going on, and still the author never forgets to include some quality character moments.

Definitely 5 stars!

[M.E.]

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Immortal Dark is a fast-paced, action packed YA dark fantasy novel that follows Bexis, a young woman with magical powers living in a kingdom of seemingly perpetual night and winter. Along with a diverse cast of friends, Bexis must find a way to defeat a dark, spiritual antagonist that threatens burn the world.

The world-building is thorough and Kodi really gives the reader a sense of Bexis’s city – the social hierarchy, the technology, and the location itself. Bexis and her team of friends are fleshed out and well rounded; many are ‘morally grey’, while still managing to remain likeable. It’s a tough task to write a character that has the reader still rooting for them when they’re doing something wrong – but Kodi manages it. There were a couple of lines of dialogue that were a little to ‘real world modern’ for me, but other than that, I found Immortal Dark to be a very exciting and well written adventure.

[Kokechii]

3.5 stars!

Firstly I want to apologize with being late with my review - I got way too many ARCs at once and then I despaired.

Finally finished this and: I loved the world and I loved our heroine and Xaleo. I loved Juzu and Mo and even Zihra (who I honestly wanted more of!). This has a fast pace because every little thing that happens serves to propel the story forward. Which is good because it keeps you interested but at the same time almost feels too much at certain points, with no space to sit and breathe.

Main reason for my rating is because of that - while I loved certain characters and the story overall, I just somehow didn't really connect with it in the way I thought I would. Even the biggest thing that would usually pull on my heartstrings, I guessed at the beginning (Juzu).

However, I'm really glad I read this. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Netgalley and the author.

[Damien Edwards]

To defeat the immortal dark, you must become it... Bexis' story, of overcoming the pain within you by embracing and acknowledging the darkness, was done so well. She struggled to choose friendship, to choose light, and even to choose the safety of the world over the people she cared about. She is flawed, she is messy, and she is so fun to root for anyways.

I loved the unique magic system of resonance. The characters all had my heart - I loved the focus on platonic bonds, although the romance was cute as well. The setting reminded me a lot of Ketterdam (I noticed a lot of similarities between the Grishaverse and this novel, but not in a bad way; this book fully stands apart). The gangs system, religious orders, and politicians all had a stake in the game. The world was fully fleshed out without being too overwhelming. I highly recommend this for fans of Leigh Bardugo's YA series or any fantasy with expansive and exciting worldbuilding!

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog]

This fast-paced YA fantasy throws readers into a whirlwind of action, magic, and chaos from the very first page. Bexis, a seventeen-year-old shadow wielder / trapper, has survived the streets of Coppejj by relying only on herself—until a heist gone wrong brands her with ancient magic and makes her the target of a deadly spirit. Forced to seek out Juzu, an outlawed master-trapper with a bit of a drug problem, Bexis finds herself entangled in a dangerous political game that threatens to send the world into eternal night.

Bexis is a great FMC—independent, skeptical, and undeniably badass, yet haunted by loneliness and abandonment. Her journey is one of survival, reluctant alliances, and uncovering long-buried truths. Juzu, with his erratic wisdom and unpredictable nature, adds a layer of chaotic energy to the story, making their interactions both entertaining and intriguing. Juzu gives off "crazy magician" vibes throughout the whole book, even when they are in peril.

The pacing is relentless, packed with magic-fueled fights, daring escapes, and constant high-stakes searches for answers. More than once, I found myself thinking, "Well, that escalated quickly!" There’s rarely a moment to breathe, which keeps the tension high but can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. It was difficult to hind good stopping points to take a break/ put your book down.

Among the chaos, the addition of Mo and the Rovers brought some much-needed warmth and heart to the story. The doll scenes were particularly memorable, adding a heartwarming touch to the chaotic narrative. The presence of a prophecy ties the plot together, and while the ending leaves room for potential sequels, it wraps up a satisfying amount of the story’s threads.

This was a thrilling, action-packed read with intriguing characters, high-energy magic, and a dark, immersive world. Overall, if you love fast-moving fantasy with constant danger and mystery, this is definitely one to check out.

[stephanie cox]

Immortal Dark by Shermon Kodi is the kind of dark YA fantasy that pulls you in fast and doesn’t let go. From the first page, I was completely hooked. The atmosphere is gritty and cold, the world is vividly built, and the magic, especially Bexis’s unstable shadow powers, is so unique and fun to read about.

Bexis is exactly the kind of protagonist I love: tough, guarded, and just trying to survive in a world that keeps pushing her down. The action starts quickly, and the tension stays high throughout. The supernatural twist with the bloodthirsty spirit added a layer of urgency that kept me flipping pages.

This was my first time reading Shermon Kodi, and I can already tell they’re going on my auto-read list. If you're into fast-paced, darker fantasy with flawed but fierce main characters and shadowy magic, this one’s worth checking out.

[Lily]

This is a dark fantasy that will grip you in its claws and not let you go until the very end. Kodi did an amazing job with the world-building, surrounding you in a unique world where magic and supernatural creatures roam. Bexis is an amazing FMC, smart, strong, resourceful, and independent. The characters that gather around her, to help when things go wrong are all unique and interesting in their own right. I love the found family vibe, as it’s in the hardest times you learn who you can truly count on. The story itself moves along pretty quickly, with heart-pounding action scenes and tension you can feel pouring off the page. Highly recommend for all dark fantasy lovers, even if young adult isn’t usually your jam!

[S Tondra]

Immortal Dark is a YA dark fantasy set in a country far north where the sun doesn't really shine and it's cold all the time. The perfect place for a dark fantasy if you ask me. Bexis is a 17 yr old girl who has resonance magic (cool new magic system) and uses it to survive on the streets since she was 12 when her bumb of a father left her, and her mother is dead...because of her. She becomes the one everyone is after and she tries to save the world (you know like many ya fantasies but I don't care, I will read them all). There are so great twists and turns in this story and I will be looking for the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Gabrielle]

Arc review

I really liked this book.. it had such a unique magical system without being too complex to follow and get lost.

It was extremely well written and was engaging throughout, I finished it in a few days. I loved the character Ajjan, he is my fave! I hope we see more of his character going forward..

It has all the elements of a great YA series, including a great found family. Fans of Cassandra Clare would definitely love this book.

The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars, was because I was hoping for a more in depth romantic story and build up between Bexis and Xaleo.. but that’s just a personal preference!

Overall, would definitely recommend!

[KC]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely enjoyed this YA fantasy. It didn't read too young like other YA stories. The writing style is easy for me to follow without being too basic and too 'fantastical/out of this world.' It got me hooked from the first chapter. It's intriguing, action packed and unpredictable! I really enjoy the pacing of this book. There's absolutely descriptive world building in here and an interesting magic system, which I love and at the same time it was still easy for me to grasp on what's going on.

I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Kate (kates.literary.realms)]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much, @shermonkodi and @rrbooktours, for the gifted physical copy of Immortal Dark.

I was so intrigued by the synopsis of this one. It's outside my normal fantasy reads, and I'm glad I took the plunge on this one. It was an incredible read. The unique magical system with the world building provided such an immersive read.

The suspense and twists definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. I love when books can leave me feeling like I know what's going to happen, and then I'm completely wrong. Keep the story incredibly entertaining.

Fantastic character development. Bexis is a complete bad*ss fmc, and I just love her.

[ㅤmelli ꧔]

ᨳ᭬ ⭑ || dnf @27% ࿐ྂ

I've decided to stop reading Books early if i really don't like them, and i'm having a hard time getting into the Story and getting used to the characters.

I really thought i might like this Book but unfortunately it's not for me at all. I know i'm still at the beginning but I'm pretty sure that i won't like it later either.

The writing style also makes it a little more difficult to get through

- Still a huge thank you to Netgalley & Shermon Kodi for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

started : 03.03.25
stopped: 07.03.25

[Ashleigh Price]

This was a really enjoyable YA fantasy, the magic system was interesting but easy to follow, the FMC was flawed but likeable, and the pacing was fast from start to finish (you’re not waiting for everything to happen in the last 10% for a change!)

My only dislike was the romance, it kind of felt just pushed in there so there was some and honestly it didn’t really need it - the other relationships had more growth and satisfaction for me.

It’s a 3.5 star but rounded up.

[I received an ARC from NetGalley]