Only in Darkness

by Brenda Stanley

Based on ancient Mayan mythology comes a story of bloodlust, love, and the horrors of coming of age.

In ancient Central America, the legend of the large, bat-like creatures that desire blood and terrorize the villages in search of prey. When the volcano, Masaya, erupts and kills the tribe from which the Camazotz are from, they discover a miracle ash in the ruins.

Years later in present-day eastern Idaho, 17-year-old Emilio Chavez lives in an isolated area near the lava rock cliffs of the American Falls reservoir. From birth, he has been different. After Emilio's friend Clara falls victim to a terrible accident, suspicions about Emilio arise, and he discovers an astonishing secret about his past.

As a sinister force tightens its grip on Clara, can Milo save her from those searching for blood while keeping his own internal demons at bay?

Audible Audio

Published June 2, 2022

About the author

Brenda Stanley is former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC affiliate in Eastern Idaho. She has been recognized for her writing by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, The Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is the mother of 5 children, including two sets of twins. Brenda and her husband Dave, a veterinarian, live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Brenda Stanley, so I wasn't familiar with her writing style and was pleasantly surprised. The book was absolutely gripping, very easy to get into and follow the story. I don't always enjoy double timelines and this one had two main ones and a few scenes from about fifty years ago, but in this narrative it worked really well- Huna's story was entertaining on its own and then, of course, you just start creating theories on how it all relates to Milo and Clara's story.

The cover is very dark and atmospheric and makes you think that the book is going to be in the horror genre. I'd probably classify it as a paranormal thriller, rather than horror. It is clean and has a clear message that good and selfless should always prevail over evil and greedy.

I would definitely recommend it and would love to read more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.
4.5 rounded up

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should also come with a warning label that once opened, one will not be able to put it down! Don’t let this great book pass your TBR pile – add it now!

Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bookclub read this book and hosted an event where the author, Brenda Stanley, came and spoke. As a whole, we really enjoyed the book, which was a new genre for Brenda to write in. It was suspenseful, had the twists Brenda Stanley is known for, and it was easy to connect to the characters. A great, quick read that I would highly recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was in a word odd. A strange combo of scifi and horror. The description sounded cool and o tried to get into the story but I just didn’t like what the characters were doing, or had no idea what and why they were doing. Not my cup of tea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

While described as 'horror' I found Only in Darkness more of a dark paranormal (meaning dealing the the extraordinary in an otherwise ordinary modern setting.) There are definitely some scenes intended to be frightening, but only a few, with the first being the strongest. But the narrative doesn't play out like a horror story (hunter and hunted/external, terrifying threat or event that your protagonists must survive) large because your MC and his immediately relationships isn't physically endangered. The book itself is more about moral and internal physical conflict, and these elements it handles well. The brutality of the Fall vs it often being caused by the saving of someone else filled the narrative with ambiguity.
The narrative itself struggles, introducing you to your main character with the first chapter, then immediately veering into an only passingly related story set thousands of years ago, and then a second ancillary story set a couple decades preceding current events. The problem, aside from disrupting the flow of narrative, is that neither of these stories provide relevant events or foreshadowing, its exclusively context. The chapters set in the present work far better as we're allowed/willing to emotionally connect with our MC and his narrative of something being wrong with himself and with the events happening around him. It is this wrongness, and the readers curiosity, the provided the main contents and impetus for the story.
The characters are decent, but nothing particularly special or complex, and at the end of the book there is a fairly significant question left unanswered.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I have been living in SE Idaho for almost 30 years and now I feel like I'm going to be looking over my shoulder if I'm by some of these landmarks, some I have been to several times. I thought the story flowed well.

[Kimberly Reed Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want to put it down. Stayed interested until the end and continued to think about it afterwards.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterfully Woven, Unforgettable Tale
This novel introduces a creature unlike any you’ve ever encountered—ruthless, bloodthirsty, and merciless in its destruction. Legends trace its origins to a Nicaraguan tribe, speaking of a winged being capable of tearing its victims apart in an instant, a deadly volcano, and mystical ashes left behind when these creatures burn. The story spans from 120 BC, where the legend begins, to the present day, where a boy and a girl witness a terrifying sight that alters their lives forever.
From the very first page, this book had me hooked—I simply couldn’t put it down. Blending romance, fantasy, and horror, it offers a gripping, immersive experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone in search of a thrilling read.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book in two days. It's got the whole coming-of-age storyline with the central character, but I loved the narrative when it shifts into the backstory with Huna and Daisel. Got some cool lore and suspense, so if anyone is looking for a breezy paranormal read, this'll be one to pick up.

[Rena Lammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read. Brenda really brings out every emotion; fear, love and affection, anger, disgust, empathy, joy, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and more. The words really bring to life every scene and situation.