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Descent into Darkness #3
The Shadow That Finds Us
The breathtaking third installment in the bestselling* found-fantasy series by BookTok sensation, Andy Darcy Theo.
Alexis, Blaise, Caeli and Demi return to the Haven, carrying scars both on the surface and beneath. Distrust mounts steadily, and the autumn equinox approaches, forcing them to confront the true nature of their destiny, before it’s too late and they are lost to the shadows forever.
Masterfully intertwines themes of mental health and the bonds of found familyFeaturing BookTok's favourite friends-to-lovers, love triangle, touch her and you dieFor readers aged 12+ and perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Legendborn
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES
"Explosive, action packed and full of twists" - Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen
"Absolutely enchanting and nothing short of epic" - Bill Wood, author of Let's Split Up
"Truly thrilling" - Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven
"One of the freshest voices in YA literature, and one of the most vital” - Sasha Peyton Smith, author of The Rose Bargain
*Both The Light That Blinds Us and The Dark That Hides Us were instant bestsellers, debuting in the top 10 of the YA chart TCM
Alexis, Blaise, Caeli and Demi return to the Haven, carrying scars both on the surface and beneath. Distrust mounts steadily, and the autumn equinox approaches, forcing them to confront the true nature of their destiny, before it’s too late and they are lost to the shadows forever.
Masterfully intertwines themes of mental health and the bonds of found familyFeaturing BookTok's favourite friends-to-lovers, love triangle, touch her and you dieFor readers aged 12+ and perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Legendborn
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES
"Explosive, action packed and full of twists" - Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen
"Absolutely enchanting and nothing short of epic" - Bill Wood, author of Let's Split Up
"Truly thrilling" - Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven
"One of the freshest voices in YA literature, and one of the most vital” - Sasha Peyton Smith, author of The Rose Bargain
*Both The Light That Blinds Us and The Dark That Hides Us were instant bestsellers, debuting in the top 10 of the YA chart TCM
- GenresFantasy
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy
Wow. What to say? This is one of the strongest installments I've read in YA fiction, if not in fantasy in its entirety.
First off. Caeli. What a character. Her entire arc through this book from how she deals with when something about her drastically changes to the small moments that change who she is over time. Her learning curve and the way she has to search inward to find her true path forward. It's amazingly done and feels very realistic.
Alexis has his darkest moments yet which also reveals just how little both he and me as a reader actually knew about what had been going on in the two books preceeding this one. The darkness within him is stronger than ever throughout this story and it sometimes sent spine-chilling sensations through me; almost horror like at its core. The pillar of strength that Alexis is is slowly deteriorating under the immense pressure he experiences, and the way we see that in even the small details of this book is just so well done.
Although the rest of our main four, Demi and Blaise, have their 'page time' hewn down, it doesn't diminish their arcs in any way. We're still guided through many scenes where Andy does enough, and more, to make sure the characters remain round and don't fall flat. We see how the main four's relationships to different characters - and eachother, most of all - are put to the test. It brings forth the elements of loneliness and insecurities very well, when done like Andy has done it.
Beware the plottwists in this book though, it might give you whiplash with how many times you're taken by surprise.
Mental health struggles take the wheel in this story, which also means that the 'fantasy' element takes a backseat. But I don't mind that's the case. Andy still leaves ample words for both the world to unfold at a good, unrushed pace and there's still moments where the fantastical elements of the book have their time to flourish. Bear in mind that this is a YA book and therefore it's perfect when the world doesn't get too intricate and the magic too prominent. And if we circle back to the mental health aspect of the book I have to clarify how well written and true-to-life it is. As someone who have struggled with mental adversities I'd like you to trust me when I say how accurately depicted it is in this book. A subject like psychological health and stability can be a swing and a miss in some books. But Andy has hit a home run.
It's also important to note that this is a well written book with very accessible prose for most audiences.
All in all, if you're looking for something like Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, John Gwynne and so on, you won't find it here. I hope you already knew that before thinking of buying this book, because it has never boasted that a story like that was what you were gonna get. This book is in the upper-echelon of YA, but only in small part because of the fantasy you will witness. The major reason why I think it's there is because it does something like we see in T.J. Klune's 'House on the Cerulean Sea'. It takes difficult themes that in some ways can be impossible to describe and weave it into the story - and characters - in a way that explains it better than an analysis or expository paragraph could ever do. You get to live vicariously through the characters WHILE reading about badass people with interesting superpowers in an even more captivating world. What is there not to like?
First off. Caeli. What a character. Her entire arc through this book from how she deals with when something about her drastically changes to the small moments that change who she is over time. Her learning curve and the way she has to search inward to find her true path forward. It's amazingly done and feels very realistic.
Alexis has his darkest moments yet which also reveals just how little both he and me as a reader actually knew about what had been going on in the two books preceeding this one. The darkness within him is stronger than ever throughout this story and it sometimes sent spine-chilling sensations through me; almost horror like at its core. The pillar of strength that Alexis is is slowly deteriorating under the immense pressure he experiences, and the way we see that in even the small details of this book is just so well done.
Although the rest of our main four, Demi and Blaise, have their 'page time' hewn down, it doesn't diminish their arcs in any way. We're still guided through many scenes where Andy does enough, and more, to make sure the characters remain round and don't fall flat. We see how the main four's relationships to different characters - and eachother, most of all - are put to the test. It brings forth the elements of loneliness and insecurities very well, when done like Andy has done it.
Beware the plottwists in this book though, it might give you whiplash with how many times you're taken by surprise.
Mental health struggles take the wheel in this story, which also means that the 'fantasy' element takes a backseat. But I don't mind that's the case. Andy still leaves ample words for both the world to unfold at a good, unrushed pace and there's still moments where the fantastical elements of the book have their time to flourish. Bear in mind that this is a YA book and therefore it's perfect when the world doesn't get too intricate and the magic too prominent. And if we circle back to the mental health aspect of the book I have to clarify how well written and true-to-life it is. As someone who have struggled with mental adversities I'd like you to trust me when I say how accurately depicted it is in this book. A subject like psychological health and stability can be a swing and a miss in some books. But Andy has hit a home run.
It's also important to note that this is a well written book with very accessible prose for most audiences.
All in all, if you're looking for something like Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb, John Gwynne and so on, you won't find it here. I hope you already knew that before thinking of buying this book, because it has never boasted that a story like that was what you were gonna get. This book is in the upper-echelon of YA, but only in small part because of the fantasy you will witness. The major reason why I think it's there is because it does something like we see in T.J. Klune's 'House on the Cerulean Sea'. It takes difficult themes that in some ways can be impossible to describe and weave it into the story - and characters - in a way that explains it better than an analysis or expository paragraph could ever do. You get to live vicariously through the characters WHILE reading about badass people with interesting superpowers in an even more captivating world. What is there not to like?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have been thrown across the wall, given a crazy amount of whiplash, a whole lot of swooning, then sobbed my eyes out, and shoved out the window.
The best book out of the three ✨️💕
First of all, I was given no hints or spoilers for this one so I was scared to bone with this one. All I knew was that Andy was ready to break hearts ( edit: and he in fact did! Start drafting those screaming, crying, and throwing up dm’s.) From the prologue to the very end of the book, I had constant whiplash! I was thrown against the wall, swooned off my feet, and then staring at the abyss.
I have said it again and will keep repeating myself but the pacing of the book is incredible. The way Andy navigates different types of grief, be it your past self, or even losing a loved one, was done with great sensitivity and with so much love and attention. I was in awe throughout, and everything hit so close to home. You can really tell the vulnerability of it all was intertwined within this book and will tug at every heartstring (I urge everyone to read the author's note!).
Caeli’s perspective was one that had me so emotional throughout and I well and truly felt for her. I just honestly wanted to give her a hug. The way her story has been written truly made me love her so much, and I love that we get to see a vulnerable side of hers while still being an absolute baddie. Her relationship, her friendship, and self love is truly tested and it's such a chaotic, emotional, and incredible journey.
Alexis’ story is darker than ever in this one and at one point it felt like a horror story! That Shadow-Man will forever be nightmare fuel (ngl, The Shadow Man voice lowkey felt like Joe Goldberg's inner monologues). However, my favourite sunset sluts rizz was to the max in this one. Like again, the quotes in this one are forehead tattoo worthy (Andy Darcy Theo the romance writer he is!). There were tons of smooth talking, heart racing, and grinning romance. I had to stop reading this book at work and on the train, because I could not hold in my reactions!
Talking about reactions, the amount of twists and turns in this one…you better buckle up because it's going to be one hell of a bumpy ride! I was shook to my very core with a lot of them and for the others I was straight up sobbing and staring at the ceiling, drafting my therapy bill. Andy (+editor), did not hold back on this one. Brutal I tell ya! Brutal! My heart was pounding throughout the book because I lost all trust in happiness, redemption, and light at the end of the tunnel, because when I tell you this book is dark it is DARK!
Overall, this book is a masterpiece and the favourite out of the three! I ate this book up and honestly, did not want it to end for a single second. I have said this before and say it again, these characters and the world feels like coming home, yes it's chaotic, therapy inducing, but what home isn't!? This book is a great deep dive in the dark psyche and navigating it while there are trials and tribulations meandering in their friendship, love, and mindset.
The best book out of the three ✨️💕
First of all, I was given no hints or spoilers for this one so I was scared to bone with this one. All I knew was that Andy was ready to break hearts ( edit: and he in fact did! Start drafting those screaming, crying, and throwing up dm’s.) From the prologue to the very end of the book, I had constant whiplash! I was thrown against the wall, swooned off my feet, and then staring at the abyss.
I have said it again and will keep repeating myself but the pacing of the book is incredible. The way Andy navigates different types of grief, be it your past self, or even losing a loved one, was done with great sensitivity and with so much love and attention. I was in awe throughout, and everything hit so close to home. You can really tell the vulnerability of it all was intertwined within this book and will tug at every heartstring (I urge everyone to read the author's note!).
Caeli’s perspective was one that had me so emotional throughout and I well and truly felt for her. I just honestly wanted to give her a hug. The way her story has been written truly made me love her so much, and I love that we get to see a vulnerable side of hers while still being an absolute baddie. Her relationship, her friendship, and self love is truly tested and it's such a chaotic, emotional, and incredible journey.
Alexis’ story is darker than ever in this one and at one point it felt like a horror story! That Shadow-Man will forever be nightmare fuel (ngl, The Shadow Man voice lowkey felt like Joe Goldberg's inner monologues). However, my favourite sunset sluts rizz was to the max in this one. Like again, the quotes in this one are forehead tattoo worthy (Andy Darcy Theo the romance writer he is!). There were tons of smooth talking, heart racing, and grinning romance. I had to stop reading this book at work and on the train, because I could not hold in my reactions!
Talking about reactions, the amount of twists and turns in this one…you better buckle up because it's going to be one hell of a bumpy ride! I was shook to my very core with a lot of them and for the others I was straight up sobbing and staring at the ceiling, drafting my therapy bill. Andy (+editor), did not hold back on this one. Brutal I tell ya! Brutal! My heart was pounding throughout the book because I lost all trust in happiness, redemption, and light at the end of the tunnel, because when I tell you this book is dark it is DARK!
Overall, this book is a masterpiece and the favourite out of the three! I ate this book up and honestly, did not want it to end for a single second. I have said this before and say it again, these characters and the world feels like coming home, yes it's chaotic, therapy inducing, but what home isn't!? This book is a great deep dive in the dark psyche and navigating it while there are trials and tribulations meandering in their friendship, love, and mindset.
Review of advance copy
This book is actually out in my country but on here it says it isn’t published. But anyways!
The Shadow That Finds Us was a fun, action-packed third book in the Children of the Elements series and I ate it up! We’re back with the familiar core four as they battle a darkness not just around them but in themselves.
One of my favourite parts of this novel was the exploration of Caeli’s character. Since this book was the one she co-starred in alongside Alexis, we got to read through her perspective and I think it added so much to the overall story. I felt like I was getting to know her better and I love when authors are able to do that with their characters. The talk not just about her disability but about her sexuality was really touching and Andy wrote and handled it so well. Kudos to him!
Another element I enjoyed was the deeper perspective we got on Alexis’s mental health. This book really shone a spotlight on his struggles. And as someone who has experienced disorders of the mind like him, I felt that kinship to him. I could sympathise with him and I was so invested in his emotional journey. I’m glad he found peace away from his darkness at the end, even if it’s only for a little while (judging by that epilogue. Give the man a break omg)
One criticism I have is that I feel the general ending was a little anticlimactic. As in, I expected something terrible to have happened to make way for the fourth and final book in the series, but it was relatively tamer than I had thought it would be. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I’m just wondering what the stakes will be in the fourth book and how they will be fit in to a single novel. Does that make sense? Not sure but again, this didn’t affect much of my view of this story! Still a banger, always a banger.
Can’t wait for the final book next year!
The Shadow That Finds Us was a fun, action-packed third book in the Children of the Elements series and I ate it up! We’re back with the familiar core four as they battle a darkness not just around them but in themselves.
One of my favourite parts of this novel was the exploration of Caeli’s character. Since this book was the one she co-starred in alongside Alexis, we got to read through her perspective and I think it added so much to the overall story. I felt like I was getting to know her better and I love when authors are able to do that with their characters. The talk not just about her disability but about her sexuality was really touching and Andy wrote and handled it so well. Kudos to him!
Another element I enjoyed was the deeper perspective we got on Alexis’s mental health. This book really shone a spotlight on his struggles. And as someone who has experienced disorders of the mind like him, I felt that kinship to him. I could sympathise with him and I was so invested in his emotional journey. I’m glad he found peace away from his darkness at the end, even if it’s only for a little while (judging by that epilogue. Give the man a break omg)
One criticism I have is that I feel the general ending was a little anticlimactic. As in, I expected something terrible to have happened to make way for the fourth and final book in the series, but it was relatively tamer than I had thought it would be. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I’m just wondering what the stakes will be in the fourth book and how they will be fit in to a single novel. Does that make sense? Not sure but again, this didn’t affect much of my view of this story! Still a banger, always a banger.
Can’t wait for the final book next year!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
An absolute unbelievable third instalment to the Descent into Darkness series. This book ramps up the emotions and action even further--you thought that might not be possible, but it truly is.
This book resonates with me on a personal level. As a sufferer and survivor of depression, I read this with tears in my eyes because I finally felt seen. Felt understood. The grieving, the love, the friendship, the family echoed my own life, and I truly appreciate how difficult it must've been to write. Also, huge admiration for writing a main character with a limb difference (which my brother has). The reflections of this book may not be the same for everyone, but for me it was truly remarkable to have a life similar to my own written on paper. And for those who do not suffer or understand depression, I truly hope reading this series aids you to understand the illness better, to guide us and not hate us for our own mind attacking us.
Andy, your writing is constantly magnetic, and my heart was consistently in my mouth. Twists and turns endlessly throughout, my mind is STILL reeling and will be for another year until I get my hands on the final book in this series! I can't wait for the conclusion and to see where these characters end up (HOPEFULLY HAPPILY, OR THERE WILL BE WORDS HAD!!!)
And remember to keep your head up, you won't find any angels on the ground 😉
This book resonates with me on a personal level. As a sufferer and survivor of depression, I read this with tears in my eyes because I finally felt seen. Felt understood. The grieving, the love, the friendship, the family echoed my own life, and I truly appreciate how difficult it must've been to write. Also, huge admiration for writing a main character with a limb difference (which my brother has). The reflections of this book may not be the same for everyone, but for me it was truly remarkable to have a life similar to my own written on paper. And for those who do not suffer or understand depression, I truly hope reading this series aids you to understand the illness better, to guide us and not hate us for our own mind attacking us.
Andy, your writing is constantly magnetic, and my heart was consistently in my mouth. Twists and turns endlessly throughout, my mind is STILL reeling and will be for another year until I get my hands on the final book in this series! I can't wait for the conclusion and to see where these characters end up (HOPEFULLY HAPPILY, OR THERE WILL BE WORDS HAD!!!)
And remember to keep your head up, you won't find any angels on the ground 😉
Review of advance copy
I thought the previous book was fab, but this one is even better!! The amount of emotions, tension and whiplash from plot twists in this was mental!
I wont lie, Caeli isn't my favourite character so I wasn't sure how I'd get on with her narration in this but because it is so balanced between her and Alexis's narration, I actually really enjoyed it. I liked finding out more about Caeli's story and seeing her character development through this book alone was really good and did make soften towards her and understand her character more.
Alexis went through his darkest time yet in this book and it shocked me because I really thought us as readers knew everything about Alexis so I enjoyed how actually things were much worse than we were lead to believe. It was unexpected and thats what I liked.
There was just so much happening in this book; fantastic fight scenes, great self-discovery, friendship, love, sadness and hope, tension, drama and adventure. Literally not a single second of dullness and I cannot think of anything negative to say. Now to patiently (read: impatiently) wait for the next in the series!
I wont lie, Caeli isn't my favourite character so I wasn't sure how I'd get on with her narration in this but because it is so balanced between her and Alexis's narration, I actually really enjoyed it. I liked finding out more about Caeli's story and seeing her character development through this book alone was really good and did make soften towards her and understand her character more.
Alexis went through his darkest time yet in this book and it shocked me because I really thought us as readers knew everything about Alexis so I enjoyed how actually things were much worse than we were lead to believe. It was unexpected and thats what I liked.
There was just so much happening in this book; fantastic fight scenes, great self-discovery, friendship, love, sadness and hope, tension, drama and adventure. Literally not a single second of dullness and I cannot think of anything negative to say. Now to patiently (read: impatiently) wait for the next in the series!
May 11, 2026
Oh, my heart. This book was a ride and a half - shadows, inner conflict, tough choices and true love. Saying that, water is the element of my heart, it makes me feel calm and carefree but earth is the element of my soul and I need to know Demi’s story! She’s been my favourite from book one and I can’t wait for the last book.
April 22, 2026
HOLY. SHIT. i really didn’t think this series could get any better, and somehow it did?! i need the fourth book IMMEDIATELY.😭
April 28, 2026
4.5! The twists are great. So fun when everything connects. The ending was so good! Can’t wait for book 4!
May 3, 2026
His growth as a writer is just amazing! This so good, I have emotional whiplash but I loved every second. 4.5 stars.
Review of advance copy
and she said with a roar "MORE!!"
May 11, 2026
4.5– a slow start for sure and there were some plot lines that felt dragged on, but parts iii and iv were amazing!! nervous for book 4!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews