The Darkness Within

by Ang T. Dalton

Magic is cursed. Fate is a game. And love is the deadliest price.

Scarlet Thorne thought she was done playing with the cards she was dealt. But life has thrown her back into the ring. Waking up in Hollow Summit wasn’t all that bad—until she met Fallon, the twin sister she never knew existed.

Fallon Fitzroy is everything Scarlet is disciplined, calculating, and seemingly determined to hate her. And with their father, General Arrow Fitzroy, Scarlet is forced to navigate not only a fractured family but a destiny she never asked for.

To defeat the Grim, the sisters must work with the Wylder brothers. Fallon is forced to ally with her sworn enemy—Shayde—the one she’ll never forgive for the role he played in Scarlet’s capture. Meanwhile, Scarlet has given her heart to Rhodes, even as the curse entwining his fate threatens to tear them apart.

Humankind has one last chance to reverse the Mareki’s Curse. And Scarlet and Fallon are the ones bound to fulfill the prophecy… but at a devastating cost. To restore their world’s magic, the Forgotten Realm must fall.

And when it does, Scarlet will be forced to give more than her power—she may have to surrender her heart.

As loyalties fracture and the Grim closes in, Scarlet must face her darkest truths, the enemies at her side, and a fate that could cost her everything.

The highly anticipated sequel to The Scars Within—The Darkness Within is a fast-paced romantasy packed with jaw-dropping banter, feet-kicking romance, and dangerous enemies-to-lovers tension set against high-stakes magic and war. With every choice threatening lives and hearts alike, fans of Fourth Wing, Powerless, Throne of Glass, and K-pop Demon Hunters won’t be able to look away.

🔥 Cursed magic & star-crossed lovers
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers tension that scorches
🔥 One bed & forced proximity sparks
🔥 Erased memories & buried secrets
🔥 Ancient prophecies & high-stakes destiny

Scarlet Thorne and Fallon Fitzroy’s stories are loosely based on the author’s mental health journey.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Romance, Audiobook, Dark Academia, Adult

515 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[Shannon Mungo · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THAT ENDING 😲 🫨
🗡 TO THE ❤️
(is it weird to say im proud of an author I haven't met)
Also can I just say I'm so proud of Ang. T Dalton. I read book one back when their was only a few reviews and now I see it blowing up, (as it should be). I even saw her book at miss Willas. (slay queen)

This book did not disappoint, and dare I say better than book one.

If you haven't reas book one because your like me ans wang spoilers keep reading this review, if not you have been warned book one spoilers here

I loved how we got Fallon (Scarlet’s twin which is revealed at the end of book one) pov, we get a sneak peak into her brain.

I loved how we get to watch Scarlett grow as a person, while dealing with losing her best friend. She has gone through so much and still she is a badd@$$.

Rhodes, the mmc we all want in our books is their supporting her every step of the way and I ate it up.

so ya if you are wondering if you should continue the series or start it al all, the answer from me is absolutely yes.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really improves on the first book and we take off right from where book one left off. This one is faster paced and we get more into the unique storyline! We uncover some mysteries and get more of Rhodes, Shayde and even a bit of Laney in a way. I absolutely loved getting to know Fallon, she brought the sass and fierce energy that this book needed. Lakota was also a fun development, he is so sweet to Scarlet and I really think he was her turning point (more than Rhodes) into finding herself.

This book was definitely more adult feeling than The Scars Within, but I do still feel like this felt like more of a YA book than an adult romantasy due to a few things, like the fact that Rhodes and Scarlet don’t really have in depth conversations (Rhodes just kind of gushes over Scarlet or Scarlet info dumps), some of the jokes still feel like teenager vibes (for example, the statement around the first real kiss with Fallon and Shayde), developing a sense of self for Fallon/Scarlet, first loves, etc. I know their ages are in a NA/adult range, but the writing doesn’t make it feel that way fully. TBH I wouldn’t be opposed if Shayde and Fallon get their own different love interests. Siblings being with siblings isn’t my favorite personally.

The ending was really interesting!!

This series has so much promise and I’d really recommend if you’re looking for:
-lower stakes
-dad joke type of humor
-dragon bonds
-mental connections
-lighthearted romance


~ I received this eARC free from The Nerd Fam/downloaded through the BookSirens website. Thank you to Ang T Dalton! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given~

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He was a beacon. He was my beacon.”

Oh wowzaaa I definitely enjoyed The Darkness Within a lot more than book 1 because after that ending!? I was left shook and stumbled! Ang has a way grabbing your attention right from the beginning to end. It’s info easy to grab and absorb making the reading experience more enjoyable.

This book was hitting you with plot twist you wouldn’t think would be coming and more secrets and prophecies throughout the book. The emotions this book will put you through will have you aching as it can feel so relatable. Book 2 felt sharp, tense, and addicting that will have you craving for more!

[Kelsea Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I AM REELING! The gasp I gusped at that ending. The last 25% of this book had me on the edge of my seat. This is also the first book of the year to make me ugly cry. The Darkness Within had me feeling all the feels.

I loved the introduction of the new characters and POV - along with the additional world building and deeper understanding of the magic system. I also loved the mental health representation throughout the story. Our lovebirds had some cheesy lines - but I ate them up.

The perfect sequel to The Scars Within. A huge thank you to Ang. T. Dalton and BookSirens for the eARC. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

[Chloe Schuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked immediately in this book just like I was with the first. I fell in love with all of our main characters in book one, but I got to see a whole new side to each one in book 2 and I was not disappointed. The bond you get to start to see develop between the sisters is so special. They understand each other on such a deep level with the trauma they book experienced in their life. I loved the love pairings in book 2! I'm glad this book still had the secrets, the protective dragon, the heartbreak, and the occasional comedic moments. The last 2 chapters wrecked me and it was left on such a big cliffhanger. I will be watching very closely for the next book!!

[Ashley Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Fallon quickly became one of my favorite characters in this series. Her personality was everything I love in an FMC. Witty, angry, sarcastic, and terrified of letting people in. She felt real, messy, and impossible not to root for.

Shayde has officially redeemed himself in my eyes, and Rhodes is still absolutely top tier. I also can’t wait to see the kind of badass FMC Scarlett is going to be in book three. The setup for her character has me so excited.

That ending was perfect. It left me desperate for more and ready to dive straight into the next book.

And I’ll forever be obsessed with my favorite final chapter quote
“Let’s play a game.”

[LT Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full on gasped at the ending. The same way I gasped at the ending of the first book. This was the perfect follow up to The Scars Within. The story picks up right where it left off. I appreciated how Ang T. Dalton reminded us of some of the events that happened in the first book to provide a better understanding of current events. The Darkness Within was thrilling, gripping, and made you feel every feeling possible. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!

[Rikki Reads Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to enjoy this one more than The Scars Within but I did. This book was gripping, revealing, exciting, and an all out roller coaster. From enemies to lovers. To betrayal, to forgiveness, to hard trials, to elemental magic.
This book has it all. The way everything tied together, the secrets and lies exposed, I wanted more with every page.
And that ending?! EXCUSE ME?! But also, thank the elements we have another one

[Mels_wyrld · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨


That Ending!! Ang T Dalton, that ending,the stress I'm currently coping with! Fight scenes, magic, found family, hope, rage...and dragons!!

This has everything!! I'm just struggling to cope with what you've put my heart through the last two days.

This was good, Scarlet grows in her confidence, her strength, and battles with herself about opening up to love.

Fallon, so fierce and brave and mean...but not really, just a woman trying to survive

Snakes and wolves and uncertainty on who we can trust...so good!!

[Emma Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

4.25⭐️

So I actually enjoyed this instalment more than the first, It takes off right where book 1 ends.

Fast paced plot, with a more unique storyline than book 1. Mysteries are uncovered and bonds between the characters are explored.
The way i GASPED at that ending though!!!

can’t wait for book 3 🤩

[What Sam Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Then Make Hate To Me”

And I passed away right there on the spot☠️😍 I now identify as Fallon!

Ang left me out there on the cliff in August when I read The Scars Within, so I did a reread of book 1 to prepare for The Darkness Within…. And I’m so glad I did! The way that Book 1 flowed so seamlessly into Book 2… ✨chefs kiss✨

I absolutely loved the continuous of the world building. The magic in book 2??? DANGEROUS. Holy moly. The dynamic that we are introduced to in Scarlet & Fallon is so raw. Getting to hear from Fallon was such a refreshing aspect of the story… and it really answered so many questions I had.

The Darkness Within doesn’t pull…. It punches you right in the gut & makes you want to throw the book across the room!

Like… what even was that ending!?!? I cannot wait for book 3!!

[Kenzie Deerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ENDING?! I loved ths I promise I will update my reviews this week guys lol

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummm first thoughts crap book 2 isn’t even out yet how do I cope with waiting for the next one. 😭

I will write more once I’ve collected myself because what the heck was that ending!!!! Diabolical Ang simply DIABOLICAL.

Thank you for the arc 🖤


Updating to add:

Ang Ang Ang!!! WHAT. Excuse me but how do you go from one absolute banger of a book and outdo yourself in the next? Natural talent!

Once again I am absolutely floored by your writing and the characters the plot development in the plot. The pacing like no notes, none. Bravo!

And can I just say you are diabolical with the cliffhangers. Now I’m impatient for the next one. 5/5 stars

[Allie Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book starts off right where scars within ends. I will stay the writing was better in this book than the last and the story as a whole has a lot of promise. I personally still haven’t connected with Scarlett. To me, she just tries a bit hard and tries to be something she’s not and has this bouts of anger towards her dad that while okay sure make sense-it just doesn’t. She is mourning the loss of her friend which I get but I didn’t feel like they were best friends in the first book. I never got that vibe as they had scenes together sure, but for someone who was held captive in a shed for 2 years-i find it unrealistic to just trust people and immediately become best friends. I truly did like Delaney too.

Scarlett’s relationship with Rhodes was a bit boring. They went pretty straight to lovers with barely any yearning in between. I’m so over reading about his constant smell. Like we get it. He smells like cashmere vanilla and sandalwood. There wasn’t any fun banter between the two and I just felt it fell flat.

The saving grace for me was Fallon. She brought more to the story and while she is fighting her own turmoil, I did really enjoy her story with Shayde and the banter between the two. You could feel the tension and the yearning and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I think the world building could be a bit better and I felt that the story was being told to us instead of shown to us and we discover things at the same time as the main characters. Some scenes flipped too quickly. One minute there was a battle and immediately the next scene they were tousling in bed. The pace could have been a bit better and the ending moved quite nicely. The twist was a nice surprise compared to the rest of the book that was fairly predictable. I feel like if your a beginner to the romantasy world you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book but for me it’s not my favorite.. I will read the third as I do want to know what happens next but yeah-I just wanted a bit more

[Fantasy Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Scarlet is starting Book 2 with some more ✨trauma✨. After all the reveals and the big loss at the end of Book 1, plus learning that she not only has a twin sister but a biological father who is very much alive, she is struggling. Thankfully, she finds the will to persevere and gets back up after being knocked down again.

We had not only found family but also familiar bonds in Book 2. I loved that we got Fallon’s POV. It was endearing to watch her and Scarlet grow stronger and develop together. And I was so glad we got to see more of the twin marekem in this book as Fallon used it and Scarlet learned how to use it.

Rhodes had me feeling all the feels, and I loved his and Scarlet’s relationship. She kept trying to pull away, and he was having none of that.

Shayde’s at the beginning of his redemption arc in this book, and I’m here for it. Plus, it appears both sets of twins have found their person if you catch my drift. 😏

That ending was a gut punch! Scarlet is absolutely in her badass era, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you so much to Ang T. Dalton for the gifted copy of this one! 🐉🐺✨

[Julianne Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

Wow, I loved that ending! Book one left us with a surprise and emotional damage. This book leaves us with a surprise again and some insane theories to be made.

There were moments in this story that felt slow to me. I wanted to get to the action. Not to mention that Fallon was so annoying for a good portion of the book. I just couldn't relate to her. I enjoyed Scarlet much more. But I did enjoy the whole twins with twins. I knew that was going to happen.

Scarlet felt a little op (over powered) at the end of that battle there. Where did all that come from?

Rhodes with Scarlet just makes my heart flutter! Even with the lies after Scarlet literally bore it all to him. But that's okay because they made up and didn't stay mad for long. I dislike when authors have their love interests separated for half the book over a misunderstanding or "I was trying to protect you!"

Overall, it was super enjoyable to read and I loved seeing more of the prophecy come to light.

I want to thank the author so much for giving me an advanced readers copy of her book. I'm giving an honest review voluntarily.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still reeling from THAT ENDING! The kind that knocks the air from your lungs and leaves you staring at the page in stunned silence, and yes, it might be weird, but I am so proud of Ang T. Dalton; I read book one back when it only had a handful of reviews, and now watching this series blow up (as it absolutely deserves) feels like witnessing a well-earned victory lap especially spotting it out in the wild like at Miss Willas (slay, honestly). This sequel did not just deliver, it surpassed book one: Fallon’s POV (Scarlet’s twin, revealed at the end of the first book) adds an intoxicating new layer, giving us a thrilling peek inside her mind, while Scarlet’s growth through grief, loss, and unbearable pain cements her as a full-blown badass who refuses to break. And Rhodes? The ultimate book boyfriend, standing beside her every step of the way, unwavering and devastatingly supportive. I devoured every second of it. So if you’re wondering whether you should continue this series or start it at all, let me make this crystal clear: absolutely, unequivocally, YES.

[Nikki Artigas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emotional Journey:
​Picking up exactly where the devastating cliffhanger of The Scars Within left off, this sequel dives headfirst into the raw trauma of that ending. The story follows Scarlet as she painstakingly crawls her way back from grief. Her journey is both profound and deeply relatable, anchored by the book’s central mantras: "It’s okay to not be okay" and "You are meant for more." Watching her heal while being thrust into a world of strangers—and discovering a twin sister she never knew existed—makes her hard-won growth feel incredibly earned.

​The Dynamics & Romance:
​The character work in this installment is a standout:

​Scarlet & Rhodes: Their bond remains a pillar of the story. Rhodes’s loyalty and unwavering love provide the steady foundation Scarlet needs to find her footing again.

​Scarlet & Fallon: The developing trust between the sisters is beautiful to watch as they navigate the mysteries of the Mareki and the search for the key.

​Shayde & Fallon: Shayde’s redemption arc is expertly handled. His journey toward forgiveness and self-worth is compelling, and his "enemies-to-lovers" banter with Fallon is easily some of the best dialogue in the book.

​World-Building & Stakes:
​The scope of the world expands significantly in this book. I loved being introduced to new locations and deeper lore as the group bands together to save their friends from Mageia. The pacing keeps you hooked, balancing internal character growth with high-stakes action.

​The Verdict:
​I really loved this book, but that ending? I did not see it coming. It left me absolutely stunned and desperate for the next chapter.

​Final Thought: I need Book 3 ASAP!

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Darkness Within by Ang T. Dalton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

I had the absolute privilege of both beta reading and ARC reading this book — and wow, it did not disappoint. This story is packed with action, redemption, grief, and character growth on every level. It’s deep and heavy at times, yet so much fun from start to finish.

Ang truly stepped up her game for book two. I was laughing, gasping, fist-pumping, and trying so hard not to throw my Kindle across the room. We get even more of the delicious Wylder twins, Shayde and Rhodes (both total book boyfriend material), plus more of Scar and Lakota! And there are new characters you’ll want to throat punch… but end up loving by the end.

Be prepared — Ang does us so dirty with an epic ending that will leave you desperate for book three.

Ang, thank you for letting me beta read your book baby. Bravo! 👏💜

[Chezza's life · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc review*
4.75

WTAF you can't leave it like that lol
Wow.

Welp you guessed it a bloody cliff hanger.
This book was so much better than the first, the character development was nice to read about. Our fmc is getting more fiesty, her sister is kinda getting less stubborn and selfish...

And the dragons banter is bantering lol
I seriously enjoyed this one. It flowed so well, would've been a 5 but there was a. Moment that still reminded me of iron flame. Other than that it's it's own story.
*Unique magic system.
*Mmcs tp die for
*Families at logger heads.

What's more to love ;)

Thank you The Nerdfam and ang for this opportunity. Loved it

[Madalyn Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - I loved that the sequel picked up nearly immediately following the end of the first book. I also loved the multiple POVs between Scarlett and her sister Fallon, and getting to see how their relationship evolves throughout the book.

While I found the first half of the book to be quite exciting, some bits in the middle did drag a bit, with some repetitive inner monologues, where it might have been nice to have more of a “show don’t tell” with how characters are feeling rather than having everything spelled out for the reader so much.

This small criticism aside, I found the book to be a gripping sequel and look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Hannah Savage ♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight into book two and it didn’t disappoint! You’re thrown right back into the world with tension from page one. I enjoyed the dual pov in this one and how this book focuses more on Fallons journey and the relationship between her and Scarlett, watching them create a bond was beautiful to watch. The magic system and the world building continue to intrigue me and I can’t wait for book 3.

👯‍♀️👯‍♂️two sets of twins
⛅️grumpy x sunshine
👥forced proximity
🪄cursed magic
🐉dragons

Dual pov
4.5 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

[Ashley Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful to have received an ARC copy of The Darkness Within.
This book picks off right where The Scars Within left off, you are instantly sucked back in to this gripping, exciting, heartbreaking, and very quick read. I went through so many emotions from start to finish.
The character growth was perfect. Seeing the relationship between Scar and Fallon grow warmed my heart.
I absolutely LOVED IT💚💚, The same or maybe even a little more than the first one!
The ending had my jaw on the floor. I cannot wait to have the next book in this series!

[Catrina Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a great second book in the series! I love the twists that I never expect and the ending has me wanting more. I loved seeing our FMCs really building those relationships more in this book and seeing how their relationship grows as well. Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team for this book

[Haleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first one, if not better! The strength that Scarlet showed in this book was nothing but inspiring! While in book 1, she learned how to get up after getting knocked down, she was able to give some of that strength to others. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!

[Danielle Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this even more than the first one! i was trying to guess what was going to happen the whole book, but i still was shocked at the ending! i’m obsessed with this story and can’t wait for it to continue.

Shayde and Fallon made this book. I thought Scarlet was sassy and badass, but Fallon takes the cake. She is so fierce and takes no shit. Shayde deserves redemption, I was pissed at him for book one but I think he made a comeback for sure. Him and Fallon 🥵

Can’t wait for what’s next!

[Callie🧚🏻🦋 VanLanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for the eARC!*
The Darkness Within was the perfect sequel to The Scars Within. The pacing was fantastic and the plot twist at the end had me almost throwing my kindle! I can’t believe I have to wait for book three…. I need it in my hands NOW!!

[Lucy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

This one wasn’t my fave. It felt a bit long and boring in some places. I had to switch to audio to get through the remaining 40%.

I don’t know if I’ll continue, we’ll see.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ang. T. Dalton has become an auto buy author!
I love this series so much, it’s so good!
Everyone needs to read this!🖤

& I need book 3, NOW!

[Natalie Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot say enough how much I loved this series!! It has the best elements from other favorite series of mine while still being in its own right. Loved the second book just as much as the first! Keeping my eye out for book 3 because these cliff hangers are rough