What do you think?
Rate this book
In Between Darkness
In a world where the time of your birth seals your fate forever, the lines between day and night are absolute.
Asha Calloway, born into daylight, is destined to receive her powers from the Sun Gods on her eighteenth birthday. Her future is bright, but a secret darkness plagues her.
Raised to fear the night and those who walk within it, Asha has always abided by the strict curfew that separates her people from the cursed Moonkind. The stories of their merciless powers and cruel Moon Gods are enough to keep her up at night.
But a week into her studies at an elite Sun academy, Asha's restless nights take a dangerous turn. A sleepwalking episode leads her past the boundaries of her world and directly into the path of Ryder Stormwood, a lethal and magnetic Moonkind.
He is everything she has been taught to fear... so why is she so drawn to him?
In a realm so intent on keeping light and dark separate, can love survive in the space between?
Asha Calloway, born into daylight, is destined to receive her powers from the Sun Gods on her eighteenth birthday. Her future is bright, but a secret darkness plagues her.
Raised to fear the night and those who walk within it, Asha has always abided by the strict curfew that separates her people from the cursed Moonkind. The stories of their merciless powers and cruel Moon Gods are enough to keep her up at night.
But a week into her studies at an elite Sun academy, Asha's restless nights take a dangerous turn. A sleepwalking episode leads her past the boundaries of her world and directly into the path of Ryder Stormwood, a lethal and magnetic Moonkind.
He is everything she has been taught to fear... so why is she so drawn to him?
In a realm so intent on keeping light and dark separate, can love survive in the space between?
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
1054 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 7, 2025
Loved it !
The magic system is like nothing I ever read.
I just want more !!!
The magic system is like nothing I ever read.
I just want more !!!
October 7, 2025
I really wanted to enjoy this book - the premise of it sounds so interesting but I’ve DNF’d it about 4% in. The writing is just terrible. It’s not well written at all, it sounds like something a high school student wrote up for English class. A real shame but the juvenile writing is such a turn off.
September 25, 2025
The plot is absolutely perfect; it's not just clever, but delivered with a pace that keeps you in constant suspense right up until the final page. Every twist came at just the right moment, proving how masterfully designed the mystery was.
The characters, however, are the heart of this book. I empathized, worried, and even came to love the most controversial among them.
I highly recommend it to every fantasy lover looking for something more than a simple adventure. It’s a fantasy story that’s worth every minute of your time.
After the stunning conclusion, all I can say is: I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next installment!
The characters, however, are the heart of this book. I empathized, worried, and even came to love the most controversial among them.
I highly recommend it to every fantasy lover looking for something more than a simple adventure. It’s a fantasy story that’s worth every minute of your time.
After the stunning conclusion, all I can say is: I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next installment!
October 5, 2025
This book would make a good movie because the premise was interesting but the writing absolutely killed it. The entire book didn't use a word over middle school reading level. The fact that the author used the phrase "kisses his teeth together" at all should be a crime, but using it repeatedly, felony behavior. The author didn't respect their own readers intelligence, spelling out exactly what each action or dialogue meant after it happened. No nuance. No subtlety. The dialogue was as juvenile as the writing, which made the smut scene make me physically cringe. It was just overall a weird experience.
September 25, 2025
wow!
Well this book is seriously putting me into a slump .. I haven’t read anything like this & now I’m going to have to wait for the next one to get a fix again 🤯
Asha & Ryder are living rent free in my mind right now and for the foreseeable future - a fierce & loveable FMC & troubled but protective MMC .. yesss please 🥵 I can’t wait to see the rest of the characters grow with this series and where the world takes us. It literally can’t come soon enough 😍😍
Well this book is seriously putting me into a slump .. I haven’t read anything like this & now I’m going to have to wait for the next one to get a fix again 🤯
Asha & Ryder are living rent free in my mind right now and for the foreseeable future - a fierce & loveable FMC & troubled but protective MMC .. yesss please 🥵 I can’t wait to see the rest of the characters grow with this series and where the world takes us. It literally can’t come soon enough 😍😍
October 23, 2025
needs work
Very good plot line, but the writing definitely needs some work. Some sentences sound too robotic and others are far too over explained. But otherwise can’t wait for the 2nd book!
Very good plot line, but the writing definitely needs some work. Some sentences sound too robotic and others are far too over explained. But otherwise can’t wait for the 2nd book!
September 29, 2025
I was very fortunate enough to be chosen as a beta reader for this amazing new author and the first instalment of this fast paced adventure blew me away from the first page to the cliff-hanger on the last page. I loved it so much I purchased the book on Monday and read it again in a few days. Second time around and it is as brilliant as the first reading.
The characters are vividly realistic, as is the description of the academy, landscape and the beautiful but dangerous creatures that have been brought to life within the story.
The tense and tumultuous relationship between Asha Calloway and Ryder Stormwood kept me turning the pages, the adventure that ensued was riveting and exciting and one particular scene between Asha and her best friend Nala was written with such emotional depth, it reduced me to tears.
I would love to write more, but I don’t want to give out any spoilers. All I can say is that if you are a reader who loves romance, fantasy, adventure, magic and humour (yes, there are laugh out loud moments too!) then this is THE book to read!
I am so excited to read the second instalment. It can’t come soon enough!
The characters are vividly realistic, as is the description of the academy, landscape and the beautiful but dangerous creatures that have been brought to life within the story.
The tense and tumultuous relationship between Asha Calloway and Ryder Stormwood kept me turning the pages, the adventure that ensued was riveting and exciting and one particular scene between Asha and her best friend Nala was written with such emotional depth, it reduced me to tears.
I would love to write more, but I don’t want to give out any spoilers. All I can say is that if you are a reader who loves romance, fantasy, adventure, magic and humour (yes, there are laugh out loud moments too!) then this is THE book to read!
I am so excited to read the second instalment. It can’t come soon enough!
October 15, 2025
I first came across this book through the author’s TikTok as one of her videos showed up on my FYP. From the minute I saw her synopsis on the story, I knew it was going to be something I’d enjoy. Fantasy is a genre I’ve not really read a lot of since I was a kid but have started to again within the past year with the likes of the ACOTAR series and similar. I definitely put this first book in the trilogy up there with the others I’ve read recently.
I loved getting immersed in this new magical world. The author creates a colourful picture of Palidonia and the sun and moon kinds. There is no detail too small and I got lost in the story within the first few chapters. The FMC & MMC have great chemistry and their slow burn is 🥵
There were so many twists and things I wasn’t expecting. I’m usually good at being able to guess what’s coming next but I didn’t predict how this story was going to unfold. I loved not being able to already figure it out before things happened.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read. You will fall in love with Asha and Ryder and the story. 10/10 for me and I cannot wait for book two.
I loved getting immersed in this new magical world. The author creates a colourful picture of Palidonia and the sun and moon kinds. There is no detail too small and I got lost in the story within the first few chapters. The FMC & MMC have great chemistry and their slow burn is 🥵
There were so many twists and things I wasn’t expecting. I’m usually good at being able to guess what’s coming next but I didn’t predict how this story was going to unfold. I loved not being able to already figure it out before things happened.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read. You will fall in love with Asha and Ryder and the story. 10/10 for me and I cannot wait for book two.
September 24, 2025
If this book is not on your TBR it needs to be, my heart was stolen by the characters and the world of this book!
This book follows Asha Calloway and her journey discovering her powers. The magic each character gets will be discovered their 18th birthday, however the time they are born will matter greatly, if they are born during the day they will be sunkind, these powers are helpful, gifts!
If are born during the night they will be moonkind, which their powers can be destructive, harmful, only awake during the night which is where Ryder Stormwood resides.
The sunkind and moonkind are forbidden to interact!
Asha is born into sunkind but plaged with insomnia and sleepwalking, often finding herself places she shouldn’t be!
The romantic elements of this book are on point!
In between darkness has such an amazing plot and I loved every second of reading it, there are so many twists and turns you don’t see coming, that just pull you in.
Bonus there are magical creatures too !
This book follows Asha Calloway and her journey discovering her powers. The magic each character gets will be discovered their 18th birthday, however the time they are born will matter greatly, if they are born during the day they will be sunkind, these powers are helpful, gifts!
If are born during the night they will be moonkind, which their powers can be destructive, harmful, only awake during the night which is where Ryder Stormwood resides.
The sunkind and moonkind are forbidden to interact!
Asha is born into sunkind but plaged with insomnia and sleepwalking, often finding herself places she shouldn’t be!
The romantic elements of this book are on point!
In between darkness has such an amazing plot and I loved every second of reading it, there are so many twists and turns you don’t see coming, that just pull you in.
Bonus there are magical creatures too !
October 15, 2025
Loved it. The premise was good, I liked the idea of the split of the two academy’s and the sun and moon gods. I liked that the story moved quickly, we aren’t kept waiting for the main characters to meet, and for their relationships to evolve. Loved the side characters and their relationships with the main characters. And best of all there was a good storyline, good storytelling, more than enough going on to keep you on your toes. And I really didn’t see the twist on who the bad guys were until they were revealed at the end. It was a surprise, and I’m not easily surprised. A great foundation for what I hope will be a great series of books. A little different from the romantasy books out there, in that the storyline is as engaging as the relationship between the MmC and FMC characters and I loved that.
October 24, 2025
Can I really DNF a book after just glancing at the first page?
I know that might sound harsh, but hear me out. I picked this one up after seeing it all over BookTok, the premise sounded so unique that I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Unfortunately, the moment I read the first page, I knew it wasn’t for me. I skimmed through the book to see if the same issue persisted and sadly the same issue ran throughout.
The book is written in first person, and nearly every sentence starts with “I.” As others have mentioned, the writing (at least from what I saw) feels more like something from a high school student than a finished book.
I genuinely admire anyone who has the dedication to write and finish a story, but I’d strongly encourage the author to work with an editor to refine the prose because the concept itself is fantastic, but the execution really lets it down.
I know that might sound harsh, but hear me out. I picked this one up after seeing it all over BookTok, the premise sounded so unique that I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Unfortunately, the moment I read the first page, I knew it wasn’t for me. I skimmed through the book to see if the same issue persisted and sadly the same issue ran throughout.
The book is written in first person, and nearly every sentence starts with “I.” As others have mentioned, the writing (at least from what I saw) feels more like something from a high school student than a finished book.
I genuinely admire anyone who has the dedication to write and finish a story, but I’d strongly encourage the author to work with an editor to refine the prose because the concept itself is fantastic, but the execution really lets it down.
October 19, 2025
This book is hands down one of my FAVOURITE reads of 2025. The pace of the plot kept me hooked to the point that I spent my entire day off, just existing within this totally unique magic system. The characters are interesting and well rounded, the plot twists were amazing, and the spice? 😮💨🙏🏼 I read this book on kindle and I'm now HANGING out for payday to order a physical copy to have as a trophy for my shelf. HIGHLY recommend reading this if you're a fan of magic schools, shadow daddies, and unique magical creatures! I found this book in Tiktok and the author is just the loveliest person! I'll be recommending this book to literally anyone who will listen. So if you're on the fence, do it! you won't be disappointed! 🫶🏼
October 2, 2025
WOW!!!
I absolutely LOVED this book. Read it within a day, I couldn’t put it down.
Asha such a strong girl, being thrown into a situation where she’s the last of her kind.
To try help her figure out her path in lif and new powers, in comes the amazing Ryder.
Well what a man he is, dark, dangerous but also SO hell bent on protecting Asha! She makes him break down his walls…. And well the rest I’ll let you figure out.
I cannot wait for book two, I am gutted it ended like that.
What a lovely book, and a pleasure to read :)
I absolutely LOVED this book. Read it within a day, I couldn’t put it down.
Asha such a strong girl, being thrown into a situation where she’s the last of her kind.
To try help her figure out her path in lif and new powers, in comes the amazing Ryder.
Well what a man he is, dark, dangerous but also SO hell bent on protecting Asha! She makes him break down his walls…. And well the rest I’ll let you figure out.
I cannot wait for book two, I am gutted it ended like that.
What a lovely book, and a pleasure to read :)
October 12, 2025
DNF- I really struggled to work out if I was enjoying this book or not but then I gave up at 74%. It’s such a shame because the plot has real potential, the magic system felt original, despite some parts of the story being very similar to forth wing. Bonding with flying things, mind speaking, shadow daddy. It was just so poorly written that I couldn’t get on board. The main characters had no chemistry, the banter was not bantering, important scenes felt rushed, the dialogue was basic. I actually stopped when the smut started as it made me cringe. I just wish this was executed better.
October 25, 2025
Very detailed world building, character building, and relationships being built and an amazing plot twist near the end of the book and left on a great cliffhanger. The last few chapters had me blasting through the rest of the book and had my jaw on the floor. Absolutely gutted the way it ended because I dont have book 2 to know what's gonna happen next!!! Spice is there and doesn't overpower the book or the plot. This book is mainly all plot with maybe one or two wee scenes of spice. Def pick up this book before book 2 drops!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
Loved this book - and how incredible that it’s MJ Castleton’s debut! 🤩 I’m hooked on this magic system - sun and moon powers? Different magical creatures?? But still the love we have for academy narratives and unfavoured crossing paths??? Such a triumph, I would highly recommend, especially if you’re in a bit of a romantasy reading slump and looking for something a bit different 👏
(That cliff hanger…. I’ll be keenly waiting for the next one!)
(That cliff hanger…. I’ll be keenly waiting for the next one!)
September 30, 2025
In Between Darkness is a beautifully written YA romantasy with engaging characters and an enchanting world. I especially enjoyed the balance between friendship and rivalry, the magical atmosphere, and the emotional depth of the story. Even though it’s lighter than the fantasy I usually read, I still found it very enjoyable
October 3, 2025
Just finished this book😊 I loved this story, basicly inhaled all pages of In Between Darkness❤️ Ryder is a new book boyfriend to love❤️ He is just the right amount of danger we all need❤️ Chef's kiss💋✨️ Asha is also a very badass girl who is finally a logical thinker FMC❤️ I really loved the smart dialogues too❤️ Easy 6 stars read⭐️
October 4, 2025
READ THIS, READ THIS, READ THIS
I absolutely loved this book, it has an academy setting, unique magic system, likeable character's with lots of depth to their development. Fantastic world building and it has magical creatures! Definitely not a predictable story either! I devoured this and cannot wait for the next book!! Add this to your TBR right now!!
I absolutely loved this book, it has an academy setting, unique magic system, likeable character's with lots of depth to their development. Fantastic world building and it has magical creatures! Definitely not a predictable story either! I devoured this and cannot wait for the next book!! Add this to your TBR right now!!
October 8, 2025
I have been following this book on Tik Tok since the first teaser videos and I can honestly say it’s been worth the wait.
This is right up my street and up there with one of my favourite books and it was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump.
I almost wish I didn’t read it so early because I have a feeling I’m going to have to wait a while for my next fix.
This is right up my street and up there with one of my favourite books and it was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump.
I almost wish I didn’t read it so early because I have a feeling I’m going to have to wait a while for my next fix.
October 13, 2025
I Found MJ on my FYP on Tiktok, I had just DNF a book and was in a slump. I decided to give this new author a try. It was the best decision I had ever made!!!!!! The book had me gripped from the beginning and I picked it up at every available opportunity, finishing it in 2 days. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series, and I am officially MJ's biggest FAN!!!!!
October 13, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
Such a nice refreshing series I honestly can't wait for book 2.
The magic system was so different and love the elements of it being in our "realm" too.
I couldn't put this book down and had to buy a copy for my trophy shelf.
Some nice twists and a few surprises kept the book interesting all throughout.
Highly recommend this book
Such a nice refreshing series I honestly can't wait for book 2.
The magic system was so different and love the elements of it being in our "realm" too.
I couldn't put this book down and had to buy a copy for my trophy shelf.
Some nice twists and a few surprises kept the book interesting all throughout.
Highly recommend this book
October 17, 2025
I absolutely loved it cant even explain how this book made me feel the magic system is like ive never read before will highly recommend ohh and the forbidden love dont let me start i love Asha and Ryder chemistry and cant wait to read more of their story i felt so many emotions reading this book...one of my fav reads for Oct♡
October 21, 2025
Good story but a bit rushed in the start
In the beginning the book felt rushed and the writing was not that good but as the story develops the writing gets more deep and descriptive.
It is a good plot with amazing plot twists in the end. The plot is however very similar to other books but the magic system I do like and I have nerver read a book with a similar system if magic.
In the beginning the book felt rushed and the writing was not that good but as the story develops the writing gets more deep and descriptive.
It is a good plot with amazing plot twists in the end. The plot is however very similar to other books but the magic system I do like and I have nerver read a book with a similar system if magic.
October 25, 2025
Just finished In Between Darkness by MJ Castleton — wow. The world and the story completely pulled me in. This book has been in my mind long after I've finished reading. The plot moves at the perfect pace, balancing tension, mystery, and emotion in a way that kept me hooked from the very first page. I'm so excited for book 2!
September 29, 2025
This book was absolutely beautiful i remember reading it as a beta reader i fell so in love with the world building the characters all of it. I’m so happy to see the book is out now and I can’t wait for a part 2 hopefully fingers crossed.
October 6, 2025
Found this book through TikTok and was intrigued by the description! I’ve been in a Fantasy book reading slump and hoped this would pull me out. And it did!! The story building and characters were written so good, it was hard to put down! Cannot wait to read book two! I need more!
October 9, 2025
I absolutely inhaled this book!
I loved it so much! If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you do!
I absolutely can not wait for the next one 🥰
There is nothing bad I can say, I was hooked from page one! There are some serious twists which I never saw coming!!
I loved it so much! If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you do!
I absolutely can not wait for the next one 🥰
There is nothing bad I can say, I was hooked from page one! There are some serious twists which I never saw coming!!
October 12, 2025
Absolutely incredible! I enjoyed every single second of reading this book! The easiest 6 star read of the year! The character development was beautiful and i can’t wait for book two! Everyone needs to read this masterpiece NOW!! ✨🤩
October 15, 2025
Wow! This book was absolutely amazing! It got me hooked from the first page and kept doing so throughout the whole book 😍! Loved Asha, Ryder and River.. adored the creatures in the story and the ending! Can't wait for the second book to come out! 🤩
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews