What do you think?
Rate this book
The Darkness in Us: The Talish Trilogy
Her father died for his secrets. Now they might get her killed.
In the divided world of Talish, magic is power, and power is tightly controlled. As a Crafter, Natsu is told to keep her head down, her abilities hidden, and her future planned- a future that comes with working for the Mortal elite. But two years after her father’s execution for practicing Dark Magic, all she wants are answers.
When a dead body turns up on her way to a blind date, Natsu is pulled into a chilling conspiracy that traces back to her father’s forbidden research. Each clue drags her deeper into a web of lies, and each step forward comes with a body count.
As she delves into her family's past, Natsu discovers her father wasn’t just wielding forbidden magic, he was creating a spell powerful enough to spark a revolution.
In the divided world of Talish, magic is power, and power is tightly controlled. As a Crafter, Natsu is told to keep her head down, her abilities hidden, and her future planned- a future that comes with working for the Mortal elite. But two years after her father’s execution for practicing Dark Magic, all she wants are answers.
When a dead body turns up on her way to a blind date, Natsu is pulled into a chilling conspiracy that traces back to her father’s forbidden research. Each clue drags her deeper into a web of lies, and each step forward comes with a body count.
As she delves into her family's past, Natsu discovers her father wasn’t just wielding forbidden magic, he was creating a spell powerful enough to spark a revolution.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Joey Coleman
1 book4 followersA theatre kid at heart, Joey earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria in 2013, where she first discovered her passion for storytelling through writing scripts and scenes for class. During this time, she wrote her first novella, Marbles, which she published in 2015 under her maiden name Joey Baumgartel. Today, Joey works as a registered sign language interpreter, advocating for underrepresented communities. As the mother of a spirited four-year-old daughter, she is especially driven to create strong, empowering female characters—ones her daughter can look up to and be inspired by. She currently lives with her husband and daughter in B.C., Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 2, 2025
I don’t read YA often, but the sweet Joey Coleman reached out to me and the description of the book was intriguing so I decided to give it a try. Overall, I think it’s a good book. I would say this book should be targeted to a younger audience based on the dialogue and writing.
I liked the “who done it”/mystery aspect, although I did predict the ending. I think potentially a younger audience may be surprised or see it as a plot twist.
You can tell Joey has put so much love into her debut, and I appreciate her asking me to be a part of her ARC team.
I liked the “who done it”/mystery aspect, although I did predict the ending. I think potentially a younger audience may be surprised or see it as a plot twist.
You can tell Joey has put so much love into her debut, and I appreciate her asking me to be a part of her ARC team.
November 3, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book, and here’s my honest unbiased review.
I will preface this with that I don’t usually read YA anymore and the book made me go back in time when I was still a teen watching anime, reading Harry Potter and Mortal Instruments.
So if you like these books (like I do) and an anime Full Metal Alchemist, you will like this book, because it has similar vibes and the magic system that reminds somewhat of that.
Now for a more serious review:
Things I liked:
The magic system is based on feelings in this book.
For Natsu (the main protagonist) loosing a father was a catalyst for her magic to start going out of control.
Discovering he was not who she thought he was (associated with dark magic), led to a psychological loss of self, loss of her identity - and it symbolically manifests in the appearance of the antagonist. An “evil twin” in a way, an antithesis, a shadow reflection of the protagonist - a manifestation of her own dark side so to speak.
Segregation of magical class - an example from our own history when the dissatisfaction with current system / regime had led to the formation of an extremist group (“hooded figures” with a symbol on their cloaks), that exploit the population’s repressed state in a twisted way. They fight for the right goal (make the change in a flawed discriminating system) in a inherently wrong and horrible way (destroy the other class completely). WW2 anyone?
Two different love interests - duality and choice of something you want vs something that you need. (Ego vs id, choice led by logic vs choice led by your inner desires/ instincts).
Choosing a non-magical love interest (Taye) at first might seem illogical, but on a deeper level Natsu probably considers him a safer choice, subconsciously rejecting everything her father symbolizes in a partner (a person with magic), even though her instincts and developing attraction lead her towards the other love interest who has magic (Sutah). But she understandably fights it, seeing how the result of choosing someone with magic devastated her own family.
I love the topic of dichotomy of good and evil that this book explores as well. I won’t go very much into details here, so as not to give any spoilers. You’ll have to read and find out for yourself.
Things I didn’t like: nothing really, aside from the fact that I don’t really read YA anymore, as I can’t truly emotionally connect with school and academia tropes anymore.
In short, if you like: Mortal instruments, Shadow and Bone, Harry Potter, Full Metal Alchemist and Academia/coming of age stories - this book is for you.
I will preface this with that I don’t usually read YA anymore and the book made me go back in time when I was still a teen watching anime, reading Harry Potter and Mortal Instruments.
So if you like these books (like I do) and an anime Full Metal Alchemist, you will like this book, because it has similar vibes and the magic system that reminds somewhat of that.
Now for a more serious review:
Things I liked:
The magic system is based on feelings in this book.
For Natsu (the main protagonist) loosing a father was a catalyst for her magic to start going out of control.
Discovering he was not who she thought he was (associated with dark magic), led to a psychological loss of self, loss of her identity - and it symbolically manifests in the appearance of the antagonist. An “evil twin” in a way, an antithesis, a shadow reflection of the protagonist - a manifestation of her own dark side so to speak.
Segregation of magical class - an example from our own history when the dissatisfaction with current system / regime had led to the formation of an extremist group (“hooded figures” with a symbol on their cloaks), that exploit the population’s repressed state in a twisted way. They fight for the right goal (make the change in a flawed discriminating system) in a inherently wrong and horrible way (destroy the other class completely). WW2 anyone?
Two different love interests - duality and choice of something you want vs something that you need. (Ego vs id, choice led by logic vs choice led by your inner desires/ instincts).
Choosing a non-magical love interest (Taye) at first might seem illogical, but on a deeper level Natsu probably considers him a safer choice, subconsciously rejecting everything her father symbolizes in a partner (a person with magic), even though her instincts and developing attraction lead her towards the other love interest who has magic (Sutah). But she understandably fights it, seeing how the result of choosing someone with magic devastated her own family.
I love the topic of dichotomy of good and evil that this book explores as well. I won’t go very much into details here, so as not to give any spoilers. You’ll have to read and find out for yourself.
Things I didn’t like: nothing really, aside from the fact that I don’t really read YA anymore, as I can’t truly emotionally connect with school and academia tropes anymore.
In short, if you like: Mortal instruments, Shadow and Bone, Harry Potter, Full Metal Alchemist and Academia/coming of age stories - this book is for you.
December 7, 2025
Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
I was hooked from the first character of this book and couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was gonna happen next.
I mean we have our main character who is still in high school and dealing with magic and family a secrets oh so many secrets.
She gets caught up in stuff and the temptation is there and she could go down a path that involves dark magic.
This book was so good and It really has so much to offer the ending to holy cow the ending. I need more like asap.
I loved how this book is for YA but doesn’t feel like it who had the factor of The Who done it I love this in books.
Definitely will be buying this book cause I need to have this book in my hands.
Yall go get this book.
I was hooked from the first character of this book and couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was gonna happen next.
I mean we have our main character who is still in high school and dealing with magic and family a secrets oh so many secrets.
She gets caught up in stuff and the temptation is there and she could go down a path that involves dark magic.
This book was so good and It really has so much to offer the ending to holy cow the ending. I need more like asap.
I loved how this book is for YA but doesn’t feel like it who had the factor of The Who done it I love this in books.
Definitely will be buying this book cause I need to have this book in my hands.
Yall go get this book.
Read
February 8, 2026The Darkness in Us is a fast-paced YA fantasy with a mystery-driven core, a fun touch of love-triangle drama, and a mother–daughter relationship that feels so real it made me want to call my mum and apologise for every chaotic decision I made as a teenager.
The story follows Natsu, a young crafter still dealing with the fallout of her father’s public punishment for forbidden magic. When she comes across a suspicious death in the city, she’s pulled into a deeper plot tied to her father’s hidden research — a spell powerful enough to shift the balance of their world. The stakes build quickly, and Coleman keeps the momentum strong with a magic system that’s easy to follow, engaging, and clearly set up for future expansion in the series.
One of the highlights for me was the mystery thread. It has that true whodunit feel — clues, twists, red herrings — and just enough predictability to make you feel clever right before it surprises you. The love triangle adds tension without overshadowing the plot, and Natsu’s complicated relationship with her mother is one of the most compelling emotional anchors. The mix of impulsive choices, misunderstandings, and shaky trust felt incredibly authentic.
While I really enjoyed the action, I did feel the final confrontation ran a little long for my personal taste, and a couple of moments didn’t feel as essential to the overall story. The pacing overall is fast and very accessible, which makes sense as this leans toward the younger end of YA. I also found myself wanting a bit more worldbuilding — especially around the death flowers and what lies beyond the walls. Those elements are so intriguing that I wished the book had lingered on them just a little longer. The ending sets up the trilogy well, though I was hoping for a slightly sharper final punch.
But overall? I flew through this book.
The mystery kept me hooked, the magic system is genuinely fun, the action is constant, and Natsu is exactly the kind of big-hearted, chaotic protagonist that YA readers are going to adore. If you love plot-driven fantasy, magic-vs-mortals tension, and mysteries with emotional depth, this is a great choice — and a strong start to a trilogy I’ll definitely continue.
Readers who enjoyed Legendborn, Dark Rise, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, Seven Faceless Saints, or Ninth House will likely find familiar vibes here — magic, mystery, and plenty of high-stakes drama.
The story follows Natsu, a young crafter still dealing with the fallout of her father’s public punishment for forbidden magic. When she comes across a suspicious death in the city, she’s pulled into a deeper plot tied to her father’s hidden research — a spell powerful enough to shift the balance of their world. The stakes build quickly, and Coleman keeps the momentum strong with a magic system that’s easy to follow, engaging, and clearly set up for future expansion in the series.
One of the highlights for me was the mystery thread. It has that true whodunit feel — clues, twists, red herrings — and just enough predictability to make you feel clever right before it surprises you. The love triangle adds tension without overshadowing the plot, and Natsu’s complicated relationship with her mother is one of the most compelling emotional anchors. The mix of impulsive choices, misunderstandings, and shaky trust felt incredibly authentic.
While I really enjoyed the action, I did feel the final confrontation ran a little long for my personal taste, and a couple of moments didn’t feel as essential to the overall story. The pacing overall is fast and very accessible, which makes sense as this leans toward the younger end of YA. I also found myself wanting a bit more worldbuilding — especially around the death flowers and what lies beyond the walls. Those elements are so intriguing that I wished the book had lingered on them just a little longer. The ending sets up the trilogy well, though I was hoping for a slightly sharper final punch.
But overall? I flew through this book.
The mystery kept me hooked, the magic system is genuinely fun, the action is constant, and Natsu is exactly the kind of big-hearted, chaotic protagonist that YA readers are going to adore. If you love plot-driven fantasy, magic-vs-mortals tension, and mysteries with emotional depth, this is a great choice — and a strong start to a trilogy I’ll definitely continue.
Readers who enjoyed Legendborn, Dark Rise, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, Seven Faceless Saints, or Ninth House will likely find familiar vibes here — magic, mystery, and plenty of high-stakes drama.
December 2, 2025
**Thank you to the author, Joey Coleman, for providing me with an e-ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.**
✨️ Book Title: The Darkness in Us: The Talish Trilogy - Book #1
✨️ Author: Joey Coleman
✨️ Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
✨️ Tropes: Cursed hero(ine), villain’s heir, power-hungry villain(s), slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers, secret betrayals
⭐️ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars
🌶 Spice Level: 1 / 5 peppers (warm/fuzzy - closed-door intimacy)
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: Family betrayal, secrets, violence, deceased parents, abduction/hostage situation, descriptions of murder
📅 Release Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
No proper answer was ever given to me. I only knew that he had broken the Laws of Magic, falling prey to the seduction of the Dark Arts.
In the world of Talish, magic is power. This dynamic is something 17-year-old Natsu knows the danger of all too well, not only as a Crafter, but also as someone whose father was executed for practicing Dark Magic two years prior. When an unexpected run-in with a corpse catastrophically derails Natsu’s life, she finds herself quickly sucked into a web of secrets and lies that all trace back to her father’s dark past. While uncovering the truth, will Natsu be able to reveal the darkness that hides in plain sight, or will she face a fate similar to her father's?
First and foremost, I need you to know that I am not over exaggerating when I tell you that The Darkness in Us is hands down one of the best young adult fantasy novels I have read to date. So much so that I not only lost all concept of time and my surroundings, but I also had to stop myself from yelling at (or throwing) my device. When a novel can truly pull me into the story so deeply that it can elicit this kind of reaction, it has rightfully earned its place within my 5-star reads.
What is it within The Darkness in Us that elicits such a reaction, making this a 5-star read for me? Dearest reader, it comes down to the world-building and the variety of characters we experience.
In any kind of fantasy novel, world-building is crucial to the storyline's success and I believe that Joey Coleman nailed this. Seamlessly intertwining old Talish history with Natsu’s current studies, the glossary of terms and locations at the start of the novel for the reader, and the magic system itself, are all presented in a way that is not only accessible for young readers to grasp, but is also enticing for readers of all ages to enjoy. However, this accessibility doesn't mean there aren’t a multitude of questions a reader could come across. This is done in a way that is perfect to engage readers without creating chaos and confusion that would otherwise take away from the plot. Personally, I loved that I was able to theorize alongside Natsu throughout the novel, which made me understand and love her character that much more.
Speaking of which, the characters throughout The Darkness in Us as a whole were exceptionally well written. Oftentimes, I feel that characters in young adult novels don’t quite hit the mark for being easily realistic or relatable either within a group of characters or across the board. However, I felt that every single character’s personality - whether I agreed with them or not - was just like someone I could meet in my everyday life, and was true to their age group. Throughout the storyline, we see various levels of growth within each character. All of which really allow the reader to relate to and form - or change - their opinions throughout the story. I loved how this was done in a way that built more connection and intrigue for readers while also raising the stakes for the characters.
I also have to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the humour infused throughout the storyline. This was not only the kind of humour I would expect from young adults, but it was also absolutely my kind of humour, which made me love our main characters even more (especially Natsu).
Despite being specific to young adults, The Darkness in Us is the perfect addition to any fantasy reader’s shelf. With so much left to still explore with Natsu and her mission to save Talish, I cannot tell you how excited I am for the second book in The Talish Trilogy to be released.
✨️ Book Title: The Darkness in Us: The Talish Trilogy - Book #1
✨️ Author: Joey Coleman
✨️ Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
✨️ Tropes: Cursed hero(ine), villain’s heir, power-hungry villain(s), slow-burn romance, friends-to-lovers, secret betrayals
⭐️ Star Rating: 5 / 5 stars
🌶 Spice Level: 1 / 5 peppers (warm/fuzzy - closed-door intimacy)
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: Family betrayal, secrets, violence, deceased parents, abduction/hostage situation, descriptions of murder
📅 Release Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
No proper answer was ever given to me. I only knew that he had broken the Laws of Magic, falling prey to the seduction of the Dark Arts.
In the world of Talish, magic is power. This dynamic is something 17-year-old Natsu knows the danger of all too well, not only as a Crafter, but also as someone whose father was executed for practicing Dark Magic two years prior. When an unexpected run-in with a corpse catastrophically derails Natsu’s life, she finds herself quickly sucked into a web of secrets and lies that all trace back to her father’s dark past. While uncovering the truth, will Natsu be able to reveal the darkness that hides in plain sight, or will she face a fate similar to her father's?
First and foremost, I need you to know that I am not over exaggerating when I tell you that The Darkness in Us is hands down one of the best young adult fantasy novels I have read to date. So much so that I not only lost all concept of time and my surroundings, but I also had to stop myself from yelling at (or throwing) my device. When a novel can truly pull me into the story so deeply that it can elicit this kind of reaction, it has rightfully earned its place within my 5-star reads.
What is it within The Darkness in Us that elicits such a reaction, making this a 5-star read for me? Dearest reader, it comes down to the world-building and the variety of characters we experience.
In any kind of fantasy novel, world-building is crucial to the storyline's success and I believe that Joey Coleman nailed this. Seamlessly intertwining old Talish history with Natsu’s current studies, the glossary of terms and locations at the start of the novel for the reader, and the magic system itself, are all presented in a way that is not only accessible for young readers to grasp, but is also enticing for readers of all ages to enjoy. However, this accessibility doesn't mean there aren’t a multitude of questions a reader could come across. This is done in a way that is perfect to engage readers without creating chaos and confusion that would otherwise take away from the plot. Personally, I loved that I was able to theorize alongside Natsu throughout the novel, which made me understand and love her character that much more.
Speaking of which, the characters throughout The Darkness in Us as a whole were exceptionally well written. Oftentimes, I feel that characters in young adult novels don’t quite hit the mark for being easily realistic or relatable either within a group of characters or across the board. However, I felt that every single character’s personality - whether I agreed with them or not - was just like someone I could meet in my everyday life, and was true to their age group. Throughout the storyline, we see various levels of growth within each character. All of which really allow the reader to relate to and form - or change - their opinions throughout the story. I loved how this was done in a way that built more connection and intrigue for readers while also raising the stakes for the characters.
I also have to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the humour infused throughout the storyline. This was not only the kind of humour I would expect from young adults, but it was also absolutely my kind of humour, which made me love our main characters even more (especially Natsu).
Despite being specific to young adults, The Darkness in Us is the perfect addition to any fantasy reader’s shelf. With so much left to still explore with Natsu and her mission to save Talish, I cannot tell you how excited I am for the second book in The Talish Trilogy to be released.
October 21, 2025
We start with a world that’s divided between mortals and crafters who have magical abilities. Our female main character is navigating high school, magic, and family secrets. She stumbles onto a path that could lead right to the very thing she’s afraid of, the dark aspects of magic. With the help of a best friend, a couple of guys competing for her attention, and her mom, she may find the answers to the secrets haunting her.
This book was thoughtfully written, and describes the intricacies of family with a magical background. It is a YA book, I believe written for a more teenage crowd, and I am used to more adult writing styles. I would have liked to have seen a little more world building, but this was a good read either way.
This book was thoughtfully written, and describes the intricacies of family with a magical background. It is a YA book, I believe written for a more teenage crowd, and I am used to more adult writing styles. I would have liked to have seen a little more world building, but this was a good read either way.
October 22, 2025
This book combines fantasy with a “who done it?” in a plot that draws you in and keeps hold. Natsu gives off Katness vibes except Natsu has had training as is the norm for Crafters (people with magic). This book is set after a major war between Mortal and Crafters, so lingering distrust is a theme throughout as is who should lead. With this as a backdrop, you follow Natsu as she tries to find out who killed a man who has some connection to Natsu’s executed father. Be sure to grab this book when it comes out in December 2025.
Note: this book is intended for younger audiences, but adults will enjoy it, too.
Note: this book is intended for younger audiences, but adults will enjoy it, too.
November 25, 2025
I was gifted this ARC by the lovely @joeycolemanauthor in return for an honest review.
This book was a quick, enjoyable YA Fantasy focusing on solving a murder while coming to terms with a father’s death. Along the way, we have witty banner, a complicated mother/daughter relationship and some awesome fight scenes with a sweet magic system focusing on emotion.
At one point the FMC goes all Super Saiyan (IYKYK) which I thought was pretty cool 😅
Anyway - I liked the book, it was enjoyable to read and honestly, the author is lovely to chat with. Definitely recommend this book for a younger audience or those looking for a spice free fantasy 🩵
Thanks @joeycolemanauthor for the opportunity ✌🏻
This book was a quick, enjoyable YA Fantasy focusing on solving a murder while coming to terms with a father’s death. Along the way, we have witty banner, a complicated mother/daughter relationship and some awesome fight scenes with a sweet magic system focusing on emotion.
At one point the FMC goes all Super Saiyan (IYKYK) which I thought was pretty cool 😅
Anyway - I liked the book, it was enjoyable to read and honestly, the author is lovely to chat with. Definitely recommend this book for a younger audience or those looking for a spice free fantasy 🩵
Thanks @joeycolemanauthor for the opportunity ✌🏻
December 9, 2025
The Darkness in Us by Joey Coleman.
A young ya magical thriller.
The Talish Trilogy book 1.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I love anything to do with magic. I got into this book straight away. I did love Natsu character. I also liked Sutah and Karina. I wasn't sure how I felt about Taye. I didn't trust him. I really didn't like Meesha. I did love the mystery part of it. I was trying to guess who the killer was. I can't believe this is a debute. Very cleverly written. I certainly didn't see that coming. Wow. Double wammy. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely recommend.
A young ya magical thriller.
The Talish Trilogy book 1.
This was a really good read. I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I love anything to do with magic. I got into this book straight away. I did love Natsu character. I also liked Sutah and Karina. I wasn't sure how I felt about Taye. I didn't trust him. I really didn't like Meesha. I did love the mystery part of it. I was trying to guess who the killer was. I can't believe this is a debute. Very cleverly written. I certainly didn't see that coming. Wow. Double wammy. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely recommend.
December 2, 2025
This is one of the best YA books I have read in a long time. It was one of those books that took you out of your world and into another.
The kind of book where you completely lose your surroundings.
As a fantasy lover for me I need to be able to picture the world, sense the magic and feel the magic in me. I need to be able to picture the characters and become them. And with this book I definitely did
This is nothing short of a masterpiece.
The characters were exceptionally well throughout, plotted and written. They were all important to the story , everything the reader needed to know was provided. And we clearly see the characters grow.
I am looking forward to book 2.
The kind of book where you completely lose your surroundings.
As a fantasy lover for me I need to be able to picture the world, sense the magic and feel the magic in me. I need to be able to picture the characters and become them. And with this book I definitely did
This is nothing short of a masterpiece.
The characters were exceptionally well throughout, plotted and written. They were all important to the story , everything the reader needed to know was provided. And we clearly see the characters grow.
I am looking forward to book 2.
October 9, 2025
This is definitely the best ARC I have read since i started to use BookSirens. The plot twist at the end blew my mind and I audibly reacted to it. Out of every book about magic I've read, this is arguably the best one I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I cannot wait for the second book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
The Darkness in Us is a YA novel that goes between the magical and non magical world. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter world then this is a book you should definitely consider reading. While historical fiction is my go to genre I do appreciate a nice YA fantasy novel once in a while. I was very impressed with the action and the characters in this novel.
We are introduced to Nastu who hasn't been able to cope very well since her father was executed for practicing dark magic. It has caused her own magic to go out of control which isn't a good thing. However, the opportunity to discover why her father was doing dark magic arrises and she takes it as a learning experience to uncover the truth.
But as the trip continues she discovers that the work that her father was engaging in was darker than she orginally thought. Will her feelings about his death change or remain the same?
We are introduced to Nastu who hasn't been able to cope very well since her father was executed for practicing dark magic. It has caused her own magic to go out of control which isn't a good thing. However, the opportunity to discover why her father was doing dark magic arrises and she takes it as a learning experience to uncover the truth.
But as the trip continues she discovers that the work that her father was engaging in was darker than she orginally thought. Will her feelings about his death change or remain the same?
November 3, 2025
Okay so if you’ve been craving a YA Urbanish Fantasy that has magic system you can follow and a mystery that keeps you on your toes while you try to figure out the “who done it” this is your breath of fresh air to fantasy! Our FMC Natsu, is having a hard time with the death of her dad, when she stumbles upon a murder she’s quickly drawn into the mystery of finding out who is responsible.
It’s not my usual read (YA) but I was drawn into the story. I had my suspicions on who the “villian” was… I was only *SPOILERS* half right. I can’t believe I have to wait for the second book. The Talish Triology needs to be on your TBR, top pick! The Darkness in Us kicks off this triology strong and it will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
It’s not my usual read (YA) but I was drawn into the story. I had my suspicions on who the “villian” was… I was only *SPOILERS* half right. I can’t believe I have to wait for the second book. The Talish Triology needs to be on your TBR, top pick! The Darkness in Us kicks off this triology strong and it will leave you wanting to know what happens next.
Read
October 5, 2025I received a free advance review copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Oof, I see I'm the first one reviewing this book on Goodreads, that too on the debut novel of the author (not many people can say that).
Disclaimer:
I want to start by saying I wont be rating this book because I feel like it would be unfavorable. I don’t enjoy leaving low ratings, especially for a debut author who’s clearly put in a lot of effort into their first book. It would also unfairly tank the rating which I would like to avoid.
However, I believe that giving a dishonest or overtly positive review would be disrespectful to the author and misleading to her audience and will ultimately do more harm than good.
So, I’m sharing my honest thoughts as form of constructive feedback. I apologize if im being harsh, that is not my intention at all.
1. I really wanted to enjoy this book. The mystery was decent and it ran like every YA novel that Ive read as a teenager back in the 2010s. You remember those YA fantasy novels with a protagonist with special powers and important parents (one of whom died or disappeared thus causing trauma to the proagonist), the two mysterious love interests (one would be a dark, moody newbie to school, the other one being a the light, playful jock type guy) fighting to get the girl, the overly manic best friend and uncontrollable powers?
Well this book fits right in. If you've fawned over books like Fallen and Hish Hush, then this is the perfect read for you.
2. The mystery element was intriguing and kept me guessing. I did guess who the bad guy was (because of my self proclaimed expertise at YA novels) at around 50% of the book. And the twist at the end was - okay-ish. It would shock a new reader or a teenager whose just graduated from fairy books into reading YA romance fantasy novels (like me back in the 2010s), but not this time, unfortunately.
3. The plot itself has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the execution made it a very difficult read for me. This comes to the main point of contention - the writing style. It was extremely difficult for me to get through the book because of the way it was written. Its not the grammatical mistakes or editing (those are fine), its the major overlooking of "Show, dont tell". The entire book is telling, not showing. There were times when I had to physically stop myself from DNFing the book.
4. It feels like someone is going through a checklist of events rather than letting the reader experience things through the character’s eyes. Everything moves way too quickly, for example- within half a page, the protagonist finishes school, walks her friend home, and then consoles her crying mother. Or in less than a chapter, shes been attacked twice, had a friend kidnapped and has engaged in a battle with 5 people and ended up in a hospital. The book rushes through the scenes, not in terms of plot - the pacing is decent enough, its just that there's no showing, only telling.
5. There’s little space for emotional development or scene-building. I also struggled with the worldbuilding. We’re dropped into the story without any context like what’s the history of this world? Or how does the magic system work, who are the crafters and mortals, and why are they separated? What are the sectors and borders, why arent people allowed to cross over, what are the tattoos for? When do they get them?
In terms of world building, an author can go into extremes - one where there is too much of information dumped into a whole cheaper or one where there is barely any introduction. This book falls into the latter part of the spectrum.
Without any sort of basic foundation, the world feels so confusing and very incomplete.
5. Theres also a lot of discontinuity in the writing, too. For example:
“He doesn’t acknowledge my existence as he passes, but simply grunts.
A boy I’ve never seen before yells across the hallway, ‘Hey! Apologize, you ogre.’
The football student halts his pace, turning on his heel to face the stranger…”
It’s very confusing whether the “football player” and the person who bumped into the protagonist are the same or different people
6. The character development also needs more work. The protagonist’s decisions don’t make sense. She continually disobeys her mother, who keeps telling her to stay out of trouble, yet ends up in trouble and goes crying back to her mother moments later. She's not the sharpest tool in the shed.
The adults in the story make no sense either. They are too irresponsible and just dont care enough. The police, the authorities, the parents..they've all let their children run amock trying to solve murders on their own.
For instance, a certain character invites these two strangers into her home two years after she betrayed the MCs father and caused his death, without even questioning it. If I was responsible for the death of a colleague, I would not be inviting his vengeful out of control daughter and her strange friend into my home to question me.
7. Romance: the two love interests are very flat, and there’s almost no chemistry between them and the MC.
For example:
“Hi again,” he says, his smooth voice vibrating in my ears.
“Hi,” I quickly chime back, trying not to turn towards him.
We sit through the class in silence, but I can feel his eyes on me the entire time. Finally, when the lunch bell rings, it’s no surprise that he stands up when I do and comes over to talk.
“What is it?” I snap at him.
He raises his hands in surrender. “Feisty.”
The one word sends flames into my cheeks and blood.
Nope. Im not feeling it. The MC is pretending to be all teen angsty and broody in front of the new guy and he's just being..creepy.
8. Lack of disconnect with dialogues and how teenagers speak: Lines like:
“I just like to bug people the first time I meet them. It’s my default. A way to protect myself, I guess.” feel very unnatural and forced. A real teenager would not be saying that nor would they have the self-awarness that even most adults dont have. The dialogues overall feels more suited to a middle grade audience than a YA one.
9. The narrative rests more on telling rather than showing, which makes it hard to connect emotionally with the story. The characters fall flat and some can be teeth pulling to reas about. Lines like “A bigger officer approaches me, looking very intimidating.” tell us what’s happening but don’t exactly let us feel it. For instance, I dont want to just know that the MC shot a ball of fire from her palm, I want to read about how it built up under her skin, how she felt, how it looked, what destruction it caused, etc.
Like - "I let out an angry growl and shoot a ball of fire into nothingness before deciding to go see someone else—Taye."
Or "..I fire magic at the ground, destroying the floor beneath me. Bits of concrete and dust explode as I attempt to destroy whatever spell.."
Or "..I spin around and shoot a fireball at whoever disturbs my business.
Or "I shoot a fireball at her, but she is already out." You get the idea.
The good parts?
The core mystery has potential and kept me curious. The author clearly has a creative idea, I like the premise of the story and her framework of a complex magical world. It has potential to grow.
Overall
While I didn’t really enjoy this book as much as I wanted to and struggled to finish it (I genuinely spent about eight hours of my Sunday pushing through it), I think that the book has more potential. With more attention to pacing, showing instead of telling, building up the characters and their personalities and stronger world building, I think this novel could reach great lengths.
My rating: 2/5 - Its there but still has a loong way to go.
edit; I see that its been listed for 13-18 year olds. If so, then yes, the book is suitable for 13 year olds.
Oof, I see I'm the first one reviewing this book on Goodreads, that too on the debut novel of the author (not many people can say that).
Disclaimer:
I want to start by saying I wont be rating this book because I feel like it would be unfavorable. I don’t enjoy leaving low ratings, especially for a debut author who’s clearly put in a lot of effort into their first book. It would also unfairly tank the rating which I would like to avoid.
However, I believe that giving a dishonest or overtly positive review would be disrespectful to the author and misleading to her audience and will ultimately do more harm than good.
So, I’m sharing my honest thoughts as form of constructive feedback. I apologize if im being harsh, that is not my intention at all.
1. I really wanted to enjoy this book. The mystery was decent and it ran like every YA novel that Ive read as a teenager back in the 2010s. You remember those YA fantasy novels with a protagonist with special powers and important parents (one of whom died or disappeared thus causing trauma to the proagonist), the two mysterious love interests (one would be a dark, moody newbie to school, the other one being a the light, playful jock type guy) fighting to get the girl, the overly manic best friend and uncontrollable powers?
Well this book fits right in. If you've fawned over books like Fallen and Hish Hush, then this is the perfect read for you.
2. The mystery element was intriguing and kept me guessing. I did guess who the bad guy was (because of my self proclaimed expertise at YA novels) at around 50% of the book. And the twist at the end was - okay-ish. It would shock a new reader or a teenager whose just graduated from fairy books into reading YA romance fantasy novels (like me back in the 2010s), but not this time, unfortunately.
3. The plot itself has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the execution made it a very difficult read for me. This comes to the main point of contention - the writing style. It was extremely difficult for me to get through the book because of the way it was written. Its not the grammatical mistakes or editing (those are fine), its the major overlooking of "Show, dont tell". The entire book is telling, not showing. There were times when I had to physically stop myself from DNFing the book.
4. It feels like someone is going through a checklist of events rather than letting the reader experience things through the character’s eyes. Everything moves way too quickly, for example- within half a page, the protagonist finishes school, walks her friend home, and then consoles her crying mother. Or in less than a chapter, shes been attacked twice, had a friend kidnapped and has engaged in a battle with 5 people and ended up in a hospital. The book rushes through the scenes, not in terms of plot - the pacing is decent enough, its just that there's no showing, only telling.
5. There’s little space for emotional development or scene-building. I also struggled with the worldbuilding. We’re dropped into the story without any context like what’s the history of this world? Or how does the magic system work, who are the crafters and mortals, and why are they separated? What are the sectors and borders, why arent people allowed to cross over, what are the tattoos for? When do they get them?
In terms of world building, an author can go into extremes - one where there is too much of information dumped into a whole cheaper or one where there is barely any introduction. This book falls into the latter part of the spectrum.
Without any sort of basic foundation, the world feels so confusing and very incomplete.
5. Theres also a lot of discontinuity in the writing, too. For example:
“He doesn’t acknowledge my existence as he passes, but simply grunts.
A boy I’ve never seen before yells across the hallway, ‘Hey! Apologize, you ogre.’
The football student halts his pace, turning on his heel to face the stranger…”
It’s very confusing whether the “football player” and the person who bumped into the protagonist are the same or different people
6. The character development also needs more work. The protagonist’s decisions don’t make sense. She continually disobeys her mother, who keeps telling her to stay out of trouble, yet ends up in trouble and goes crying back to her mother moments later. She's not the sharpest tool in the shed.
The adults in the story make no sense either. They are too irresponsible and just dont care enough. The police, the authorities, the parents..they've all let their children run amock trying to solve murders on their own.
For instance, a certain character invites these two strangers into her home two years after she betrayed the MCs father and caused his death, without even questioning it. If I was responsible for the death of a colleague, I would not be inviting his vengeful out of control daughter and her strange friend into my home to question me.
7. Romance: the two love interests are very flat, and there’s almost no chemistry between them and the MC.
For example:
“Hi again,” he says, his smooth voice vibrating in my ears.
“Hi,” I quickly chime back, trying not to turn towards him.
We sit through the class in silence, but I can feel his eyes on me the entire time. Finally, when the lunch bell rings, it’s no surprise that he stands up when I do and comes over to talk.
“What is it?” I snap at him.
He raises his hands in surrender. “Feisty.”
The one word sends flames into my cheeks and blood.
Nope. Im not feeling it. The MC is pretending to be all teen angsty and broody in front of the new guy and he's just being..creepy.
8. Lack of disconnect with dialogues and how teenagers speak: Lines like:
“I just like to bug people the first time I meet them. It’s my default. A way to protect myself, I guess.” feel very unnatural and forced. A real teenager would not be saying that nor would they have the self-awarness that even most adults dont have. The dialogues overall feels more suited to a middle grade audience than a YA one.
9. The narrative rests more on telling rather than showing, which makes it hard to connect emotionally with the story. The characters fall flat and some can be teeth pulling to reas about. Lines like “A bigger officer approaches me, looking very intimidating.” tell us what’s happening but don’t exactly let us feel it. For instance, I dont want to just know that the MC shot a ball of fire from her palm, I want to read about how it built up under her skin, how she felt, how it looked, what destruction it caused, etc.
Like - "I let out an angry growl and shoot a ball of fire into nothingness before deciding to go see someone else—Taye."
Or "..I fire magic at the ground, destroying the floor beneath me. Bits of concrete and dust explode as I attempt to destroy whatever spell.."
Or "..I spin around and shoot a fireball at whoever disturbs my business.
Or "I shoot a fireball at her, but she is already out." You get the idea.
The good parts?
The core mystery has potential and kept me curious. The author clearly has a creative idea, I like the premise of the story and her framework of a complex magical world. It has potential to grow.
Overall
While I didn’t really enjoy this book as much as I wanted to and struggled to finish it (I genuinely spent about eight hours of my Sunday pushing through it), I think that the book has more potential. With more attention to pacing, showing instead of telling, building up the characters and their personalities and stronger world building, I think this novel could reach great lengths.
My rating: 2/5 - Its there but still has a loong way to go.
edit; I see that its been listed for 13-18 year olds. If so, then yes, the book is suitable for 13 year olds.
November 24, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
It's worth being clear at the beginning of this review that this is a YA novel through and through. It's not ACOTAR lite; it's designed for younger audience while still walking the line with darker themes and societal commentary. It's very similar to the YA I knew and loved as a teen, which is why I think it's a great example of the genre especially for a debut.
In a world divided between Mortals and Crafters, The Darkness in Us is an urban fantasy / who done it that weaves a world that will excite and horrify. This book doesn't shy away from examining some of the darker tendencies of humanity while exploring society through the lens of teenage naivety. The world and characters aren't necessarily unique, but I think we still get a fresh perspective within a genre that has become increasingly formulaic. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, though there are still a few moments where I wish we had a bit more show instead of tell. There is a balance to be had when writing for a younger audience, though, and I think the author is very nearly there with striking it.
Natsu is a character that I think will really appeal to a younger audience. She's a mix of strong-willed and rebellious while still have a deep-set moral compass when it comes to her friends and family. The secondary characters are a bit less developed, and I hope we get to learn more about them in the coming books. The mystery aspect has intrigued me enough that I'll be back for book 2, and I think this would be a great recommendation for a young teen who is interested in the genre. It would also be great for an adult who craves a lighter read or a non-spicy fantasy who done it.
It's worth being clear at the beginning of this review that this is a YA novel through and through. It's not ACOTAR lite; it's designed for younger audience while still walking the line with darker themes and societal commentary. It's very similar to the YA I knew and loved as a teen, which is why I think it's a great example of the genre especially for a debut.
In a world divided between Mortals and Crafters, The Darkness in Us is an urban fantasy / who done it that weaves a world that will excite and horrify. This book doesn't shy away from examining some of the darker tendencies of humanity while exploring society through the lens of teenage naivety. The world and characters aren't necessarily unique, but I think we still get a fresh perspective within a genre that has become increasingly formulaic. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, though there are still a few moments where I wish we had a bit more show instead of tell. There is a balance to be had when writing for a younger audience, though, and I think the author is very nearly there with striking it.
Natsu is a character that I think will really appeal to a younger audience. She's a mix of strong-willed and rebellious while still have a deep-set moral compass when it comes to her friends and family. The secondary characters are a bit less developed, and I hope we get to learn more about them in the coming books. The mystery aspect has intrigued me enough that I'll be back for book 2, and I think this would be a great recommendation for a young teen who is interested in the genre. It would also be great for an adult who craves a lighter read or a non-spicy fantasy who done it.
October 12, 2025
ARC review
The Story follows Natsu, a young crafter from the world of Talish. In this world, mortals and crafters, are forced to co-exist.
Two years after her fathers execution Natsu stumbles upon a murder that pulls her into a deadly conspiracy as she uncovers his hidden research.
Natsu realizes he was crafting a spell powerful enough to ignite a revolution.
One that others are willing to kill for.
Joey Coleman's writing is clear and easy to follow making this book a quick and enjoyable read.
While some parts felt slightly simplistic, it never felt distracting or diminished the overall experience in any way.
The characters are realistically portrayed. The behavior of the young adult and her friends feels believable, and the dynamics between the friends, Natsu and her mother are exactly what you would expect with teenagers. ( Her not listening to her mother every chance she gets and then gets hurt and go cry to her mother ).
There's alot happening already in the first chapter so that took some time for me to adjust but after that it didn’t take me long to really get into this story. There was plenty of action and twists that kept me turning page after page.
What i really liked about this book is how the author describes scènes, especially fighting scènes, in a very clear and non chaotic way so it's easy to keep up. Some parts were a bit predictable though, and I felt the ending missed the chance for a truly thrilling cliffhanger. The pace of the book could have been a bit slower for my taste but overall it was good.
In the end i really did enjoyed reading this and i finished it in no time.
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 3.75/5
The Story follows Natsu, a young crafter from the world of Talish. In this world, mortals and crafters, are forced to co-exist.
Two years after her fathers execution Natsu stumbles upon a murder that pulls her into a deadly conspiracy as she uncovers his hidden research.
Natsu realizes he was crafting a spell powerful enough to ignite a revolution.
One that others are willing to kill for.
Joey Coleman's writing is clear and easy to follow making this book a quick and enjoyable read.
While some parts felt slightly simplistic, it never felt distracting or diminished the overall experience in any way.
The characters are realistically portrayed. The behavior of the young adult and her friends feels believable, and the dynamics between the friends, Natsu and her mother are exactly what you would expect with teenagers. ( Her not listening to her mother every chance she gets and then gets hurt and go cry to her mother ).
There's alot happening already in the first chapter so that took some time for me to adjust but after that it didn’t take me long to really get into this story. There was plenty of action and twists that kept me turning page after page.
What i really liked about this book is how the author describes scènes, especially fighting scènes, in a very clear and non chaotic way so it's easy to keep up. Some parts were a bit predictable though, and I felt the ending missed the chance for a truly thrilling cliffhanger. The pace of the book could have been a bit slower for my taste but overall it was good.
In the end i really did enjoyed reading this and i finished it in no time.
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 3.75/5
February 1, 2026
Post Description: As someone who gravitates toward dark fantasy with emotional weight and sharp worldbuilding, The Darkness in Us completely pulled me in. Joey Coleman wastes no time establishing a tense, divided world where magic isn’t just power—it’s a liability. Natsu is the kind of heroine I love reading about: smart, cautious, and quietly brave. Her grief over her father’s execution feels raw and real, and her need for answers is deeply relatable. From the moment the story opens, there’s a constant sense of danger that never lets up 🔥.
What truly sets this book apart is how personal the stakes feel. The mystery surrounding Natsu’s father and his forbidden research unfolds layer by layer, with every revelation raising the tension. The body count, the secrets, and the moral gray areas all add to the intensity, but it’s Natsu’s internal struggle—between survival and truth—that gives the story its heart. The idea of magic as both rebellion and salvation is handled thoughtfully and with depth ✨.
If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with mystery, rebellion, and a strong female lead, this book is absolutely worth buying. The Darkness in Us is gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down 📖💫.
What truly sets this book apart is how personal the stakes feel. The mystery surrounding Natsu’s father and his forbidden research unfolds layer by layer, with every revelation raising the tension. The body count, the secrets, and the moral gray areas all add to the intensity, but it’s Natsu’s internal struggle—between survival and truth—that gives the story its heart. The idea of magic as both rebellion and salvation is handled thoughtfully and with depth ✨.
If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with mystery, rebellion, and a strong female lead, this book is absolutely worth buying. The Darkness in Us is gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down 📖💫.
October 26, 2025
This story follows Natsu, a young crafter living in a world where those with magic are tightly controlled and constantly at odds with mortals. Two years after her father’s execution, she stumbles into a dangerous mystery that uncovers his hidden work—and a secret powerful enough to change everything.
From the very first chapter, the story moves quickly. There’s a lot happening right away, but once I found my rhythm, I was hooked. The author’s writing is clear and easy to follow, which makes the action scenes especially strong—they’re exciting without ever becoming confusing.
Natsu feels like a believable teenager: impulsive, curious, and often at odds with her mother in ways that feel authentic. The friendships and small moments of humor keep the book grounded, even as the stakes rise.
While I would’ve liked to see a bit more worldbuilding and character depth, the pacing and tension kept me turning the pages. Some twists were predictable, but the journey itself was fun, and I finished the book in just a couple of sittings.
Overall, this is a great pick for readers who enjoy fast-moving, plot-driven YA fantasy with just the right balance of action, mystery, and heart.
From the very first chapter, the story moves quickly. There’s a lot happening right away, but once I found my rhythm, I was hooked. The author’s writing is clear and easy to follow, which makes the action scenes especially strong—they’re exciting without ever becoming confusing.
Natsu feels like a believable teenager: impulsive, curious, and often at odds with her mother in ways that feel authentic. The friendships and small moments of humor keep the book grounded, even as the stakes rise.
While I would’ve liked to see a bit more worldbuilding and character depth, the pacing and tension kept me turning the pages. Some twists were predictable, but the journey itself was fun, and I finished the book in just a couple of sittings.
Overall, this is a great pick for readers who enjoy fast-moving, plot-driven YA fantasy with just the right balance of action, mystery, and heart.
November 2, 2025
I found the premise of the plot and the world building to be intriguing, especially the main plot of the magical serial killer. I think future books could really get interesting with expanding on the lore of the magical society. The mystery kept the story at a fast pace which was a strong aspect of this novel.
I would have loved a lot more subtly and gone on the journey of piecing together the mystery instead of everything being so explicitly mentioned. The actions sometimes felt forced, almost as if there was a check list the story needed instead of the characters driving the plot.
Overall, this was meant for readers much younger than me and they may enjoy it, but it was not for me. Thanks to the author for sending me this ARC and I do hope this book finds the right readers because I think there is a demographic of YA readers out there who would love this!
I would have loved a lot more subtly and gone on the journey of piecing together the mystery instead of everything being so explicitly mentioned. The actions sometimes felt forced, almost as if there was a check list the story needed instead of the characters driving the plot.
Overall, this was meant for readers much younger than me and they may enjoy it, but it was not for me. Thanks to the author for sending me this ARC and I do hope this book finds the right readers because I think there is a demographic of YA readers out there who would love this!
November 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this book I loved it! It is a YA fantasy so if you have a teenager interested in fantasy, I’d definitely recommend it for them. Or if you are newer to fantasy, this is a quick read, easy to follow and very exciting.
Natsu is a Crafter (person with magic) who finds a dead body with possible links to the mysterious execution of her father. This prompts her to start investigating his death, which leads her into more and more danger. The ending was very exciting and sets us up for a great second book!
This is a quick read with action starting right from the beginning, magic and a cute love triangle! I would definitely recommend this one to young fantasy readers and anyone newer to fantasy!
Natsu is a Crafter (person with magic) who finds a dead body with possible links to the mysterious execution of her father. This prompts her to start investigating his death, which leads her into more and more danger. The ending was very exciting and sets us up for a great second book!
This is a quick read with action starting right from the beginning, magic and a cute love triangle! I would definitely recommend this one to young fantasy readers and anyone newer to fantasy!
October 11, 2025
This is a fast-paced YA fantasy that jumps right into the action. The world of Talish is intriguing, and the concept of magic being tightly controlled sets up some strong tension. Natsu’s quest for answers after her father’s execution pulled me in early on, and the story had lots of moving parts that kept things interesting.
It definitely reads on the younger side of YA, which fits its intended age range. While I wish there had been more depth to the characters and a bit more detail to ground the story, it was still an enjoyable, quick read. Great for readers just getting into fantasy or looking for a lighter, plot-driven adventure.
It definitely reads on the younger side of YA, which fits its intended age range. While I wish there had been more depth to the characters and a bit more detail to ground the story, it was still an enjoyable, quick read. Great for readers just getting into fantasy or looking for a lighter, plot-driven adventure.
October 19, 2025
I would give this a 2.75 star!
The book felt rushed in some areas it didn’t flow the greatest for me it was like this happened and then this (chunky almost) not much explaining at all they were just telling us instead of giving us breadcrumbs building up suspense.
I agree with some that someone younger who is graduating from fairy tales and dipping their toes into YA magical mysteries they will love it, but someone who is seasoned you will already predict what is going to happen and will be meh when it comes to the twists.
Thank you to booksirens for letting me read this early copy and in return I will always give my honest review.
The book felt rushed in some areas it didn’t flow the greatest for me it was like this happened and then this (chunky almost) not much explaining at all they were just telling us instead of giving us breadcrumbs building up suspense.
I agree with some that someone younger who is graduating from fairy tales and dipping their toes into YA magical mysteries they will love it, but someone who is seasoned you will already predict what is going to happen and will be meh when it comes to the twists.
Thank you to booksirens for letting me read this early copy and in return I will always give my honest review.
November 14, 2025
A unique story line in the fantasy genre that features a society divided, a sorted history, and a couple of unexpected plot twists. I enjoyed the last 20% of this book; however, I struggled to keep reading through the first 80%. The story dragged along with characters lacking depth. Toward the end, the plot thickens and gains traction, bringing excitement that made me anxious to keep reading.
December 14, 2025
This is the first book in the Talish Trilogy and is also my first read by this author.
I was instantly drawn to this front cover - although quite dark, this seemed to match the title and I loved the little splashes of colour which made .e think this could hold something magical within!
Now this is a YA fantasy read, which I'm quickly learning that I absolutely love.
I sometimes get bogged down in an epic fantasy and yet in this book, the world building and the descriptions of the magic system were really well incorporated within the storyline and as we learn about the world, we're also developing our connection with the character base.
I really felt for Natsu who was not only still feeling from the death of her father - but was also coming into her own magic and seeing this develop whilst learning that there was much more to her father's research than she ever knew.
I love the forbidden elements in this book and the good vs evil narrative.
I think this will progress throughout the series and I feel that we might be seeing a few twists along the way.
This was a brilliant start to this series and I'm already hooked.
The writing style was fast-paced and immersive and I can't wait to revisit Talish in book 2 soon.
I was instantly drawn to this front cover - although quite dark, this seemed to match the title and I loved the little splashes of colour which made .e think this could hold something magical within!
Now this is a YA fantasy read, which I'm quickly learning that I absolutely love.
I sometimes get bogged down in an epic fantasy and yet in this book, the world building and the descriptions of the magic system were really well incorporated within the storyline and as we learn about the world, we're also developing our connection with the character base.
I really felt for Natsu who was not only still feeling from the death of her father - but was also coming into her own magic and seeing this develop whilst learning that there was much more to her father's research than she ever knew.
I love the forbidden elements in this book and the good vs evil narrative.
I think this will progress throughout the series and I feel that we might be seeing a few twists along the way.
This was a brilliant start to this series and I'm already hooked.
The writing style was fast-paced and immersive and I can't wait to revisit Talish in book 2 soon.
October 26, 2025
If you like multifaceted magic, twists, and a BIG SONIC BOOM SIZE SURPRISE (!!!), you will love this action-packed, gripping Fantasy! I hope Joey Coleman is just about finished with the next one!!!
December 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new fantasy trilogy. So often I find fantasy to be a genre where I struggle to get into the story due to it being overcomplicated. However, I quickly became absorbed in The Darkness in Us. I was in the world of Talish and when I returned I realised I'd somehow read almost half the book already. I was able to easily get on board with this magical world and for this reason I feel it's an ideal book for young adults or those new to fantasy.
I absolutely loved the way the magic system worked around feelings and emotions. Also, the way in which you have the magical and mortals together in one world. The discussion the characters had around whether it would be better to wipe out mortals for the greater good of the magical was rather interesting.
The ending was a clever twist. I had seen it coming, but It was still a shock to have my suspicions confirmed. The mystery held my attention throughout. I'm eager to read the next instalment.
I absolutely loved the way the magic system worked around feelings and emotions. Also, the way in which you have the magical and mortals together in one world. The discussion the characters had around whether it would be better to wipe out mortals for the greater good of the magical was rather interesting.
The ending was a clever twist. I had seen it coming, but It was still a shock to have my suspicions confirmed. The mystery held my attention throughout. I'm eager to read the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews