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Darkness Folding: Juliet's Story

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When loyalty fractures and magickal politics erupt, an elite heir finds herself torn between the future she was raised for and the man who shows her the history she was taught to ignore.

As heir to an elite founding family, a top pledge at the most prestigious university in the practitioner world, and with the most powerful men at my side, I, Juliet Laremy, have always felt unstoppable. But with change on the horizon, nothing feels simple anymore.

I know my soon-to-be paired, Jaxon Sinclair, and his closest allies, Hunter and Knox, would do anything to protect me, but what happens when secrets surface and loyalty start to fracture? Can I trust the whispers from one of the most notoriously brutal men attending the university?

With the first ever election approaching and risky change being stirred by Antony Kendrick, leader of the Dark and Ancient Magick circle, I’m forced to ask myself who I can trust and what side of history I want to be on.

Can I put faith in a man whose past is soaked in shadow and violence? Or should I stand beside Jaxon and help lead my fellow pledges into a new tomorrow built on change, truth, and possibly, revolution?

A politically charged romantasy where privilege shatters, alliances burn, and a once loyal heir realizes she’s been on the wrong side of history all along. As the truth unfolds, so does a dangerous love and a revolution that demands everything.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2025

2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

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Zoe Conley

2 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Melli.
33 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
Darkness Falling - @zoeconley-author
⭐ 4/5 overall
☆ Characters: 4/5
☆ Ambiance: 5/5
☆ Magical school: 4/5
☆ Magic: 3.5/5

I’m excited to have had the opportunity to read this ARC! Zoe does a great job of weaving together a story that’s easy to follow and keeps you hooked. Even without reading the previous books in the series, I was able to understand most of what was happening and connect with the characters.

The atmosphere created here was great! I need to know what happens next since we were left at such a big cliffhanger!

Favorite Quotes
“Besides, I’ve found that even surrounded by people, you can still be lonely.”

“Ah. Well… life’s a bitch and then you die.”
Profile Image for Christina.
244 reviews
August 23, 2025
Darkness Folding: Juliet's Story (The Pledge Tales Series, Book 3.)
Zoe Conley

✨✨✨ARC Review✨✨✨
✨✨Release Date: November 9, 2025✨✨

‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

After reading the first two books in this series, I was thrilled to be selected as an ARC reader for Darkness Folding. This book was incredible! Any story that can make you laugh, cry, and want to punch someone in the throat all in a single chapter is an easy five-star for me.

The plot is full of simultaneous events, making it an exhilarating read. Juliet, the heir to a prestigious founding family, is paired with Jaxon, the heir to another elite family. Alongside their allies, they hold the coveted "Pledge" title at their magical university.

While preparing for an election that promises big changes, Juliet encounters Asher Kendrick, whose father leads the circle of dark and ancient magic, and is determined to use the election to gain power. As disturbing reports about the election arise, Juliet starts unraveling the truth with Asher’s help and discovers that not everything is as it seems.

Hidden truths and layers of deception leave her questioning her pairing with Jaxon, who she feels has become a stranger. This forces her to decide whether to stay by his side or trust Asher, the one who makes her feel truly understood and safe. I have to say, I adored Asher Kendrick, who empowers Juliet in ways Jaxon, Hunter, and Knox never could.

There’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil anything. I will say this—the author’s exceptional writing, character development, world-building, and attention to detail make this book a must-read. Don’t miss its release on November 9, 2025—I can’t recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Chelsy Sandel.
16 reviews
September 11, 2025
Okay, the vibes are like a dark roast coffee with some salted caramel creamer (Dark academia with saltyness and a smooth, creamy sweetness).

First of all, we start out with excellent world building (and it continues through the whole book), and a very descriptive summary of the magic system. So if you start with this book instead of reading books 1 & 2, you are in good hands. (Books 1 & 2 were really good too but this one was simply my favorite so far)

So the book starts out with, “Evenings in the old, medieval university castle were always full of cozy, fireplace lit rooms and beautiful haunting piano music that filled the space.” This line immediately sold me. When the ambience of the book matches your soul, it’s magnetic.

Then, we learn about Juliet and all of the relationships she has. It’s easy to follow and I love the fact that she has multiple partners. We get multiple POV’s which was fun. Especially when I got to read Asher’s. The tension from the get-go with Asher and Juliet was so good! I love that he knows more about his attraction to Juliet than she does. I need them to be endgame. Even though Juliet infuriated me with her damsel in distress tendencies and she couldn’t stick with a decision. Honestly, I’m the same.. which is probably why it drove me crazy. 😜 One of my favorite lines was, “This energy was dark and steady, like a sailboat out at sea under the cover of a calm star filled sky, their waves lapping against my own energy as I bobbed and floated in their endless ocean.” I mean, pure poetry. 😍

This book had so many parallels to real life and morality. The political system, hierarchy, infrastructure, and women’s rights. Zoe does a great job at describing all of these situations in this book. I also really enjoyed having more of the Council in this book. We had some romance, we had magic, we had duals, we had criminal activity, and a gigantic cliffhanger!! I need some resolve and a conclusion to this story. Hopefully it includes an obscene amount of Asher 😏 But I’m so grateful for the opportunity to ARC read this book and I can’t wait for it to drop in November! Thank you Zoe! You did such a great job on this one! I’m fully invested 🖤
Profile Image for Kathy.
30 reviews
September 7, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
By Zoe T Conley
Book Rating: 4.75 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Pages: 396/396 
Release Date: November 9, 2025

Zoe Conley Darkness Folding is a politically charged romance with a blend of magic, forbidden desire, and rebellion.

The story centers around Juliet Laremy who lived a tragic abusive background to becoming an important Pledge during her last year at University of Mysteries with her soon to be paired Jaxon Sinclair and her two men, Hunter and Knox. As the story progresses we learn that Juliet is not just a pretty docile face who wants to have fun. It takes an unexpected encounter with her enemy Asher Kendrick for Juliet to truly see that she is capable of so much more than what the cards had dealt her with.

So much pressure and tension starts manifesting during their last year at the University with the upcoming election regarding The Council. As the pressure starts boiling down everyone's true colors start to show through betrayals and even an unexpected friendship along the way.

Zoe Conley weaves a story of tension, yearning, and strength from within. I love that we experience so many emotions on how Juliet is feeling as the story progresses. We also get different pov's that solidify our stance on how we feel about certain other characters that are introduced in Darkness Folding. The cliff hanger literally has you on the edge of your seat and wanting answers ASAP!

Super excited to get my hands on Darkness Folding when it comes out on November 9th!
Profile Image for Vintagev_reads.
126 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Darkness Folding is everything I didn’t know I needed. It’s a story that makes your chest ache, your heart race, and your mind linger long after the last page. Juliet’s journey is magnetic, navigating loyalty, love, and ambition at the University while discovering just how much power, courage, and desire she truly holds.

The tension is electric. Every interaction crackles with yearning and danger, and Zoe Conley delivers it with that slow-burn intensity that keeps you turning pages compulsively. There is depth to every character, making the stakes feel real from political intrigue and secret alliances to unexpected friendships and betrayal.

What I loved most is how emotionally immersive this story is. Juliet grows unapologetically into her own voice while balancing her loyalty to those she cares for and her attraction to someone who challenges everything she thought she knew. The romance isn’t just chemistry, it’s deep longing woven seamlessly into the plot.

Darkness Folding is a rich, emotionally charged read with jaw-dropping twists, tension that leaves you breathless, and a cliffhanger that makes you desperate for more. Zoe Conley has crafted a story where every feeling, from desire to heartbreak to triumph, sticks with you even after you’ve finished it!

**This was an arc review and I am thankful Zoe allowed me the honor of doing so.**
Profile Image for Kristina.
144 reviews9 followers
November 3, 2025
I received Darkness Folding as an ARC directly from the author, and I really enjoyed diving back into this world. Though it’s part of the Pledge Tale series, it stands on its own with a surprising time jump from the earlier books. Despite the years that have passed, it’s clear not much has changed for women in this society, with the lingering inequality adding a strong emotional undercurrent.

Juliet was a complicated heroine. I spent a good portion of the book not exactly liking her, but I still found myself rooting for her to find her strength and question everything she’s been taught. Her privilege shapes so many of her early choices, and watching her perspective start to shift was the most rewarding part of the story for me.

The story leans heavier on the political and worldbuilding side, but there is still a bit of romantic tension still woven through it. A bit forbidden, a little dangerous, and just enough to keep you guessing where Juliet’s loyalties (and heart) will land.

The cameo from a familiar face was a nice touch, and the ending left me reeling with that cliffhanger. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
3 reviews
August 30, 2025
Juliet's story had me reeled in from the jump! I love how her character is in the beginning, and grows through the story into this strong beautiful empowered woman who finds herself and advocates without apology. Through this you follow Juliet, Jaxon, hunter, Knox, and my personal fav, Asher. this story dives into a political storyline and has plenty of scandal, lies, betrayal, manipulation, danger, longing, love, and secrecy. Jaw dropping moments you won't see coming, and twists that keep you on your toes. this book has no shortage of emotion, and characters that will have you rooting for them (as well as screaming at them lol). I especially liked the council news breaks after some chapters, it tied in perfectly to the plot while also adding a layer of depth to the story. THE ENDING... let me just say it's the kind that will have you clicking or trying to turn the page and get just one more sentence. I can't wait to see where this story takes us!!!
Profile Image for Danique.
16 reviews
September 29, 2025
~This was an ARC read~

I loved it. The story,the characters, the multiple POV's, I loved it all.

This story is mainly about Juliet. Juliet has lived in the comfort of her boyfriend,Jaxon and his best friends, Knox and Hunter. That is until strange things are starting to happen regarding the election. Can she be the quiet,obedient girl everyone expects her to be, or is her need to find her own voice again more important?

This story is about finding yourself,taking risks and seeking advice in unexpected ways.

I wanted to keep reading, especially with the multiple POV's that was executed perfectly. I could tell who's POV it was without looking at the name and in my opinion thats very strong and good writing.

There's one character thats really my favorite, but you have to read it for yourself to find out why. I think everyone who's going to read this book will know who im talking about😂

Definitely a 5 star read.
31 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
I got this book as an ARC in return for an honest review. 3.5 ⭐️ I truely enjoyed the story. The pacing was good and the internal dialog felt like I was watching an R rated version of Lizzie McGuire (iykyk) . The 4 mmc's were interesting and very different from each other. I was sooooo back and forth with Jaxon. I would have liked to get to know Asher and Knox a bit more. I'm sure that'll come in the next book. Im a sucker for the multiple POV situation.

I did find it a bit wordy. Sometimes the sentences seemed to go on forever and it got repetitive at times. That being said I liked that this could be read without reading the first two in the series as I have not done so... yet.

What. a. cliff hanger. Can't wait to see what happens next! Hoping Juliet takes over her circle like the BA she is.
Profile Image for Jess Cullinan.
66 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This is book 3 in the pledge tales series and can be read as a standalone.
I really liked Juliet as a character and liked getting to know her, so much so that I will probably read the first 2 books in the series!
We have 4 main MMCs which is sometimes interesting 👀 I don't know who I really preferred sometimes! The last 30% of the book had me fully engrossed and I couldn't put it down. however the reason I am only rating this 3.5 ⭐️ is because that ending killed me! 😅 the cliffhanger was just too much of a cliffhanger in my opinion... I thought maybe I had a corrupted copy and was missing the last few pages... but nope. I would have liked a bit more from the ending but I guess that sets up the rest of the series?
Profile Image for Adrianne Forck.
4 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
ARC Review 4.5 to 4.75 ⭐️

Zoe has done it again. This is book three in the Pledge Tale Series (however, this can be read as a stand alone).

This book will make you feel every type of emotion and that ending 👀👀
I couldn’t put this book down. It is very relevant to what is going on in world today. This is also the first book in a very long time where I actually felt VERY connect to the main character, Juliet, which really kept me engaged.

In Darkness Folding, Juliet struggles with finding her own path and breaking from norms of society. There’s friendship, there’s betrayal, there’s political unrest, and lies.

And Asher Kendrick is 100% my new book boyfriend!
Profile Image for Stina Bradley.
271 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2025
I haven’t read the other book in this series, but this one works as a standalone told from Juliet’s POV.
I loved Juliet’s growth, she starts strong and becomes an unapologetic, empowered heroine. The story blends politics, scandal, lies, betrayal, manipulation, danger, longing, love, and secrecy. There are jaw-dropping twists, emotional highs and lows, and characters you’ll root for (and yell at).
One highlight for me was the council news breaks between chapters, which added depth and tied perfectly into the plot. And that ending, absolutely the kind that leaves you desperate for the next page. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Profile Image for Kaylee Lynch.
64 reviews
December 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. I will say spice is low but the storyline makes up for that for me. Juliet has it all at first- Jaxon, Hunter, and Knox and she’s about to become paired with Jaxon. But after they’re paired she slowly starts to see red flags. And Asher slowly helps her see more. I knew this book was going to end on a cliff hanger but I was so not ready. I need the next book to come out now so I can find out everything that happens! I did receive this as an ARC, however, I also grabbed it on KU because I loved it so much. This is my honest opinion. Absolutely a must read if you like a magic world.
Profile Image for Rachel Neary.
125 reviews12 followers
December 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Academia
-Enemies to friends
-Slow burn
-Politically charged

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Patiently waiting for the resolution to the cliffhanger!! The additional POVs helped add to the storyline, and I loved being inside of Asher’s head! To read his thoughts on Juliet were so sweet, and it had me loving his character.
16 reviews
January 4, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved this book. It has an amazing storyline, the plot keeps you intrigued and wanting more. I knew there was a cliffhanger but that did nothing to help prepare me for the actual cliffhanger. 100% loved and will be downloading it on KU as well!
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
1,711 reviews70 followers
December 29, 2025
This was a great romantasy with such amazing world building. It was so descriptive that I felt like I wandering it myself. And the characters felt so real. This study is emotional and intense. It dark and electric. I was pulled into this world and I loved that it felt like a movie in my mind.
2 reviews
November 30, 2025
This book had me kicking my feet, holding my breath, and clutching my chest. Juliet’s choices, the tangled loyalties, and the slow burn tension made this everything I love in dark fantasy romance.
Profile Image for bry’s corner.
108 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2025
I read this book in one day, I just couldn’t put it down. The details in this book are amazing like you can’t take your eyes away. It’s like a good cup of coffee on a rainy day, you just can’t stop drinking it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Yesilovesreading.
143 reviews
November 9, 2025

Ok how do I begin… first of all that cliffhanger?!? Zoe…ma’am…you. I love it but dang woman why you left me hanging like that?!

The way this story had me hanging on from the first moment! It had its ups and downs but I was all in for it. Diving in to it I didn’t know what to expect but once again Zoe you had me. Love your writing style and how you put so much thought into it.

Juliet certainly grew on me as the story went on. However I was not a huge fan of Jaxon, Hunter and Knox(the trio). Hunter… maybe. Now Asher Kendrick… him I liked. From the moment he strolled in with that leather jacket look. Give me more of him please!

I’m really looking forward to and can’t wait for the next book!!!

*also thank you for bringing MY Jensen Kendrick & Oliver back even if it was for one chapter!!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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