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A Dance of Light and Shadows
In a world where magic flows through the veins of her family, twenty-one-year-old Iverlyn Wardwell struggles as the weakest link among a lineage of powerful witches. As the pivotal Bloodstone Ritual looms, she confronts the haunting possibility of exile from the only home she has ever known.
But when Iverlyn uncovers the intricately woven lies that have shaped her existence, her life takes a dramatic turn. Embark on an exhilarating journey with Iverlyn as she delves into her hidden heritage, navigates a mysterious realm, and unearths the astonishing power that lies within her. Will she rise to fulfill her destiny, or will the secrets of her past prove too perilous to overcome?
But when Iverlyn uncovers the intricately woven lies that have shaped her existence, her life takes a dramatic turn. Embark on an exhilarating journey with Iverlyn as she delves into her hidden heritage, navigates a mysterious realm, and unearths the astonishing power that lies within her. Will she rise to fulfill her destiny, or will the secrets of her past prove too perilous to overcome?
- GenresSlow Burn
478 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2025
12 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 28, 2025
BE SO FR - a debut book has NO REASON to be this good??
had me hooked every second!!! no boring or drug out moments which I LOVED, the onlyyyyyy “issue” i had was a time or 2 where we would skip ahead 2-3 weeks at a time and that’s only bc we were deprived Zainiel x Ivy content 🥲
The slow burn is SLOW BURNINGGGGGG with this one, the yearning???? And it’s the way the yearning isn’t totally obvious but you can see it’s KILLING HIM that had me giggling 🥹
ugh I adore Ivy, she’s such a strong willed girl who has every reason to want to give up and stop fighting but literally just keeps taking what’s dealt to her in strides and not backing down 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love her and Ria, and watching their relationship grow knowing she’s never had a female in her life that way - just now admitting that makes me want to cry ugh
Normally I’m pretty good as kinda seeing what’s about to happen and predicting things here and there, this book was able to blindside me a HANDFUL of times GAHAHAH it was a love/hate relationship
Also I love how Ria is just unapologetically all up in everyone’s emotions like - not using them against anyone but allowing them to help her manage situations and address ppl they way they need
Also I LOVE CRICKET?????? I love that cricket doesn’t like Zain BAHHA silly lil familiar, such a spunky gal
Okay, anyway, Haley CHOP CHOP bc after that absolutely devastating cliff hanger I need book 2 asap PLZ AND THANK YOU
had me hooked every second!!! no boring or drug out moments which I LOVED, the onlyyyyyy “issue” i had was a time or 2 where we would skip ahead 2-3 weeks at a time and that’s only bc we were deprived Zainiel x Ivy content 🥲
The slow burn is SLOW BURNINGGGGGG with this one, the yearning???? And it’s the way the yearning isn’t totally obvious but you can see it’s KILLING HIM that had me giggling 🥹
ugh I adore Ivy, she’s such a strong willed girl who has every reason to want to give up and stop fighting but literally just keeps taking what’s dealt to her in strides and not backing down 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love her and Ria, and watching their relationship grow knowing she’s never had a female in her life that way - just now admitting that makes me want to cry ugh
Normally I’m pretty good as kinda seeing what’s about to happen and predicting things here and there, this book was able to blindside me a HANDFUL of times GAHAHAH it was a love/hate relationship
Also I love how Ria is just unapologetically all up in everyone’s emotions like - not using them against anyone but allowing them to help her manage situations and address ppl they way they need
Also I LOVE CRICKET?????? I love that cricket doesn’t like Zain BAHHA silly lil familiar, such a spunky gal
Okay, anyway, Haley CHOP CHOP bc after that absolutely devastating cliff hanger I need book 2 asap PLZ AND THANK YOU
April 16, 2025
A Dance of Light and Shadows is an incredible new romantasy that follows complex and lovable characters in a world that comes to life through beautiful prose. It was so hard to put this book down! I was invested every step of the way and truly felt the emotions portrayed on the page. The writing is so easy to get lost in, in the best way. There are plot twists, a sassy furry sidekick, and romantic tension that burns exactly the way I like it - slowly!
The ending had me flipping pages like crazy!!! I can’t wait for book two and will absolutely be reading it as soon as it comes out. I have to know what happens next!
The ending had me flipping pages like crazy!!! I can’t wait for book two and will absolutely be reading it as soon as it comes out. I have to know what happens next!
May 29, 2025
Wow! This romantacy dives into a fantasy world full of witches, fae, and mystical creatures of the night. Between the tension of the slow burn, the magic, and the broody MMC I am utterly obsessed. Absolutely speechless.. This one is definitely for the fantasy girlies!
November 22, 2025
I am in love with this book!
Haley has written a book that captured my interest immediately. She allowed me to be fully immersed in the world she created. Her writing just flowed so smoothly through the plot and makes you fall in love with Ivy (FMC).
A mysterious island where only some women posses power and when they don't they are banished? I feel like it's a whole new concept that I've yet to read and it was so refreshing.
Staying awake until 2am reading isn't a norm for me but I couldn't put it down! There are unexpected twists, a slow burn relationship, heartbreak, and a cliffhanger that left me begging for more.
(Read the Author's copy)
Pre-ordered on Amazon for my copy!!!
Haley has written a book that captured my interest immediately. She allowed me to be fully immersed in the world she created. Her writing just flowed so smoothly through the plot and makes you fall in love with Ivy (FMC).
A mysterious island where only some women posses power and when they don't they are banished? I feel like it's a whole new concept that I've yet to read and it was so refreshing.
Staying awake until 2am reading isn't a norm for me but I couldn't put it down! There are unexpected twists, a slow burn relationship, heartbreak, and a cliffhanger that left me begging for more.
(Read the Author's copy)
Pre-ordered on Amazon for my copy!!!
August 10, 2025
Loved this book! I can’t wait for the second to come out. Such an easy read, and world that you can get lost in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
Where to start with this book? Haley creates an entire realm that you can see, hear, feel, and smell through her poetic writing. The characters are developed in a way that makes you love and hate them instantly, root for their triumphs and feel their failures immensely. This book is a must read about a girl who feels lost, but who finds herself along the way, before losing herself again. There’s magic, love, and heartbreak, as well as hope all woven together to create a captivating story! I’m ready for book two already!
April 4, 2025
I had the pleasure of being one of the early readers of A Dance of Light and Shadows, and I really loved it!!! The author has a strong grasp of language and story; it was easy to get sucked in by the narrative, and to become attached to the cast of characters. It has moments of levity, but also moments that are surprisingly dark. I loved the main character and the complexity of her relationships, romantic, platonic, and familial. It is a really well written, fresh-feeling story, and I think any readers of romantasy will really love this, too! Get it when it comes out! It's great!!!!!
July 25, 2025
I loved this story!
I picked this up at a local bookstore honestly because it was pretty. I glimpsed the blurb on the back, then went and looked up reviews on the apps- because that’s what we do. I saw a small number of reviews but good ratings so gave it a shot. I’m new to the indie author world because I normally go off of recommendations, and a lot from social media.
HOLY COW I AM SO GLAD I READ THIS BOOK!!!
I loved the characters!
Without giving away any possible spoilers, I’m sure this will be confusing.
The coven, the new found worlds, the new found family, the side characters, the friendships, the interesting magic, the trauma, the growth, the betrayal. This FMC was not a whiny helpless thing complaining of all that had been done to her, no. She wanted answers and solutions, and to be a PART of the solution. And our MMC?! We love a shadow daddy, broody, possessive but also reluctant man. Friends who see you, and not your flaws, but love you for all you good and bad regardless, friends that believe in the good?! Oooof.
Then the freaking BETRAYALS and twists and turns?!
I finished this book and felt ANNOYED.
Annoyed because whaaaaat?! I didn’t see it coming. I don’t understand why the villain did that or how this is being twisted. And I’m not annoyed at the author, let’s me clear, I’m annoyed because I loved this story and that was a heck of a well done cliffhanger and I have no idea how book 2 will go but I know I’ll love it and I need it like right now.
I picked this up at a local bookstore honestly because it was pretty. I glimpsed the blurb on the back, then went and looked up reviews on the apps- because that’s what we do. I saw a small number of reviews but good ratings so gave it a shot. I’m new to the indie author world because I normally go off of recommendations, and a lot from social media.
HOLY COW I AM SO GLAD I READ THIS BOOK!!!
I loved the characters!
Without giving away any possible spoilers, I’m sure this will be confusing.
The coven, the new found worlds, the new found family, the side characters, the friendships, the interesting magic, the trauma, the growth, the betrayal. This FMC was not a whiny helpless thing complaining of all that had been done to her, no. She wanted answers and solutions, and to be a PART of the solution. And our MMC?! We love a shadow daddy, broody, possessive but also reluctant man. Friends who see you, and not your flaws, but love you for all you good and bad regardless, friends that believe in the good?! Oooof.
Then the freaking BETRAYALS and twists and turns?!
I finished this book and felt ANNOYED.
Annoyed because whaaaaat?! I didn’t see it coming. I don’t understand why the villain did that or how this is being twisted. And I’m not annoyed at the author, let’s me clear, I’m annoyed because I loved this story and that was a heck of a well done cliffhanger and I have no idea how book 2 will go but I know I’ll love it and I need it like right now.
May 31, 2025
Couldn't put down!
I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a big reader, and fantasy novels have never been my thing. But A Dance of Light and Shadows completely changed that for me. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down.
Ivy is one of the most relatable, compelling protagonists I’ve come across. Her strength, vulnerability, and growth throughout the story felt so real and raw. And don’t even get me started on Theo and Zainiel—especially Theo (#TeamTheo forever). They’re the kind of characters you think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
This book is the definition of a slow burn done right—layered, emotional, and totally addictive. The twists? Absolutely wild. I found myself gasping, flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Even if fantasy isn’t your usual genre, give this one a shot. A Dance of Light and Shadows has officially earned a top spot on my bookshelf, and I’m counting down the days until book two drops.
10 Stars Haley!!
I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a big reader, and fantasy novels have never been my thing. But A Dance of Light and Shadows completely changed that for me. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down.
Ivy is one of the most relatable, compelling protagonists I’ve come across. Her strength, vulnerability, and growth throughout the story felt so real and raw. And don’t even get me started on Theo and Zainiel—especially Theo (#TeamTheo forever). They’re the kind of characters you think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
This book is the definition of a slow burn done right—layered, emotional, and totally addictive. The twists? Absolutely wild. I found myself gasping, flipping pages like my life depended on it.
Even if fantasy isn’t your usual genre, give this one a shot. A Dance of Light and Shadows has officially earned a top spot on my bookshelf, and I’m counting down the days until book two drops.
10 Stars Haley!!
June 28, 2025
This is my first fantasy read and I have to say I enjoyed it tremendously. To me the start was sort of a Cinderella story resemblance with the main character Ivy being raised by her aunt whom made her life a living nightmare. Ivy's life went from a controlled miserable life to living in a magical land where the author's descriptions allows the readers to imagine the beauty and introduces amazing characters. Ivy learns she had been lied to by multiple people all of her life and also leans more about her own magical powers. I LOVED how Ivy became a strong willed young lady and took control of every aspect of her life, until the unthinkable occurred...This is a must read if you enjoy suspense, romance, both good and dark magic, with a lot of twists and turns.
December 11, 2025
When I say I devoured this book….I mean I sat down to read a chapter and three hours later I finished the book. I couldn’t put it down. I needed coffee, the book came with me to the coffee maker. Like I could not stop.
These characters are insanely well thought out, relatable, and oh so easy to enjoy (except Theo - for those who know, you know). The slow burn is just so freaking delicious. Like uhhh just kiss already but like don’t cause I love me some yearning.
Also the world building is freaking fantastic. I’m so interested in the different types of magic and abilities that exist. Plus the landscapes and descriptive imagery makes you fall right into the world.
Count me in for the next one! I’m buckled in and ready to go! Highly highly recommend for those who are fans of romantasy.
These characters are insanely well thought out, relatable, and oh so easy to enjoy (except Theo - for those who know, you know). The slow burn is just so freaking delicious. Like uhhh just kiss already but like don’t cause I love me some yearning.
Also the world building is freaking fantastic. I’m so interested in the different types of magic and abilities that exist. Plus the landscapes and descriptive imagery makes you fall right into the world.
Count me in for the next one! I’m buckled in and ready to go! Highly highly recommend for those who are fans of romantasy.
June 6, 2025
First let me say that fantasy and romance is not my typical read. HOWEVER, I read the Prologue and was like, Whoa! I was not expecting that! After a few pages in the first chapter, I was hooked...I could not put it down. I was immediately immersed in this beautiful and creative world. The story weaves an intriguing tale that checks all the boxes: suspense, action, twists and turns you didn't see coming, a little bit of romance, and some very intense moments. Definitely cannot wait to see what this talented young author will do next.
June 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this read! The tension between Ivy and her shadow daddy and the growing bond between Ivy and all the other characters in Arbor is truly amazing! So much happened in the last 100 pages, so I cannot wait to read book 2 and see what's going to happen!
I need for Zaniel and Ivy to have a moment, I just kept wanting more to happen. I gave this 3.5 stars, because I loved the journey they went on and I cannot wait to see what is next!
I need for Zaniel and Ivy to have a moment, I just kept wanting more to happen. I gave this 3.5 stars, because I loved the journey they went on and I cannot wait to see what is next!
June 10, 2025
What you normally want from a novel are characters and plots that completely captivate you and brings you along to their fantasy world for an unforgettable ride. Haley Davis achieved this in her first novel. She also achieved
the art of immersing you into every scene and character with her descriptive writing. I love her style of writing because it moves you through the pages with vivid images that truly “dance” in your head.
I’m looking forward to the second novel and what destiny awaits Ivy.
the art of immersing you into every scene and character with her descriptive writing. I love her style of writing because it moves you through the pages with vivid images that truly “dance” in your head.
I’m looking forward to the second novel and what destiny awaits Ivy.
Read
June 21, 2025What an awesome book! You're hooked right away. You tell yourself 'one more chapter' and the next thing you know you've read 5 or more chapters. The storyline within each chapter is a roller-coaster of emotions - you're angry at a specific character, happy with an outcome, sympathetic with a character and curious about what in the world is going to happen next!
Anxiously waiting for the next book!
Anxiously waiting for the next book!
June 1, 2025
I absolutely ate this book up!! Haley did an amazing job of building a world and setting up the characters as people I could understand. I was infatuated with her writing and I can’t wait for book 2!! (Also, when she says the book has a slow burn that’ll have readers kicking and screaming, she means it!!! I NEED more Zain and Ivy!!)
June 11, 2025
A Dance of Light and Shadows is a book you can't put down! It brings you into a world of magic that keeps you wanting more. The things Ivy goes through as you watch her grow and become a young lady that you feel what she feels due to the the way Haley Davis pulls you in to this story. Everyone will enjoy this book!
August 3, 2025
I'm hooked! Absolutely Love this Book!
I highly Recommend this Book I need the next one! This has everything your looking for and more! Slow burn, Magical elements,an incredible story,left me wanting more !!
I found this author on Instagram and I am so happy I did!! Please read this book !!
I highly Recommend this Book I need the next one! This has everything your looking for and more! Slow burn, Magical elements,an incredible story,left me wanting more !!
I found this author on Instagram and I am so happy I did!! Please read this book !!
August 5, 2025
There is no way this was a debut novel. This book sucked me in from the first page. I have been left wanting, needing more as soon as possible. The burn was sooooo slow and it never really manifested fully, it just left more questions. For now I will sit it and try to find other books to fill the void until we get book 2.
May 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Fae, witchcraft, and covens? Sign me up! This book sucked me in from the very first chapter and I absolutely love Ivy (FMC). Excited to follow Ivy’s journey in book two!
October 1, 2025
This debut book from Haley Davis was spectacularly written! I felt like I was reading a classic fantasy with a modern twist. The imagery was so easy to read and wrapped my head in colors. Ivy, Theo, Zainiel, Ria… all had such sad backgrounds that gave sustenance towards the plot. I was hooked from the beginning and was intrigued by the ending.
Unless there is a total plot twist in the next book, I can see where it might take us based on that last chapter…
Overall, I recommend this book as your next read! :)
Unless there is a total plot twist in the next book, I can see where it might take us based on that last chapter…
Overall, I recommend this book as your next read! :)
May 29, 2025
Screaming crying throwing up
July 4, 2025
Haley is an absolutely amazing writer!!! This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I have fallen in love with the characters and cannot wait for the next book!
July 23, 2025
Fantastic work! I can’t wait to read the whole series!
August 29, 2025
This debut gave me everything I love in romantasy, plus a world I’m desperate to return to. Haley Davis, you have my whole heart. 💜
July 3, 2025
Such a phenomenal read. You’re automatically hooked on the characters and want more! The way the author writes is so captivating you can envision all of the details, the smells, the sounds. Really hoping for a second book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews