Awakened by Darkness: A Dark Why-Choose Romance with Demons, Magic, and Forbidden Love

by Amber Ella Monroe

She freed the monsters her blood was sworn to cage.

A witch bound by blood.
Three demons born of shadow.
Together, we’ll awaken something the realms forgot to fear.

All I wanted was freedom—one forbidden spell to sever my father’s hold and reclaim the power he stole from me.
Instead, I broke the oldest seal in existence.
And set a demon free.

Kerron was supposed to be a myth, a fallen god buried beneath my coven’s temple.
Now he’s bound to me by blood and desire—and somehow, I’m the key to saving his realm.

But Kerron isn’t the only one bound to me.
Varik, all cold intellect and quiet control.
Daeon, wildfire wrapped in a grin.
Three demons. Three desires. One impossible fate.

When old gods stir and witch hunters close in, I’ll have to choose who I truly serve—
the world that made me… or the monsters who would unmake it for me.

From the Publisher

Perfect for readers
– Slow-burn to scorching why-choose romance
– Dark fantasy with fated mates and forbidden bonds
– Witches, demons, and realms steeped in ancient power
– Sarah J. Maas, Scarlett St. Clair, and Rina Kent

Awakened by Darkness is part of the Shadow World series and features a new heroine and three love interests. It's a complete stand-alone duology, so readers don't have to complete the first trilogy to enjoy this one. Awakened by Darkness is a full-length-why choose fantasy romance where the lead female does not have to choose.

Expect dark fantasy, witch-born power, demon gods, slow-burn to scorching heat, and a heroine who tests the limits of love, loyalty, and power in a world where light and shadow are no longer at war—but entwined.

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Cici Zhen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters introduced a barrage of elements- the coven, warding systems, demon myths, ancient magic, hunters, inter-realms.
It was a bit confusing, but as the story progressed it became clear. I feel like it could’ve been spread out more, introduced slowly one-by-one instead of heaping information and instead easing us into this magic world.

In contrast, some scenes were pretty slow with pacing (for internal monologues and descriptions of rituals) while others were jumping quickly from scene to scene (especially the sensual scenes or dreams). It felt like an imbalance and many times I lost my rhythm because of this inconsistent flow.

The sensual scenes often overshadow the plot development. Even though the sexual tension was nerve-wracking, it’s rushed to and skips over the under-established emotional and narrative groundwork.

The imagery and detail is both suspenseful and atmospheric, giving it a sense of imminent danger and suspense. The dynamic between Milli and the demons is complex and mutually beneficial (despite the demon-binding). I really liked the tension between her and the demons, half a warning half a temptation. The nature of their relationship felt irresistibly tangible.
Milli as a protagonist had a strong sense of duty, and the layered internal conflict in her coven: the flickers between obedience and doubt, the choice between purity and corruption.

For readers of dark fantasy, with reverse harems and witchery with demonic magic. If you enjoy The Book of the Damned or Nevernight, they all have moral complexity ad supernatural presence.

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

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Steamy, and Full of Intrigue” 🔥🌑✨

This was a wild ride! The world-building was perfectly balanced — enough to draw you in, yet leaving plenty of questions to keep you hungry for more. And the best part? No cliffhanger and no 3rd-act breakup — a refreshing change.

Our FMC, Milli, comes with the classic “daddy issues” of a religious leader’s daughter. Her coven is draining magic from an ancient entity to strengthen their failing powers, but after accidentally awakening “it,” Milli discovers that her father isn’t as truthful as she believed — and she has some very “unpure” thoughts and feelings about Kerron. 😏

The MMCs (Varik and Daeon) represent head, heart, and body, and their personalities and magic are closely tied to their physical connection. While their dynamic is intriguing, I wished I had more time to get to know them individually before things heated up — the romance moved fast and intense, which is exciting, but left me wanting more depth.

✨ Tropes you’ll find:
🖤 Dark magic / forbidden power
🔥 Slow-burn romance with head, heart, & body dynamics
😈 “Unpure” thoughts & morally gray attraction
⚔️ Magical covens & secret rituals
💋 Steamy, high-tension romance
🌑 Hidden truths & family secrets

Overall, this story is dark, passionate, and full of intrigue. It’s a fast, immersive read that will leave you wanting the next book immediately!

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild ride. The world building gave enough to suck you in, but held back enough to keep you wanting more and I want the next book already! No cliffhanger and no 3rd act breakup.

Our FMC has the typically daddy issues associated with the daughter of a religious leader. Milli's coven is draining magic from an entity in an attempt to strengthen their failing magic. After accidentally awakening "it", Milli learns that her father isnt as truthful as she thought, and she has some very "unpure" thoughts and feelings about Kerron.

Our MMCs represent head, heart, and body and their personalities and magic are very closely tied to their physical connection.I wanted a little more from our MMCs and I felt like I barely got to know Varik and Daeon before everyone was jumping into bed together.

The plot can't really be described without spoilers, so I'll just say that it ends up being much more complex than I expected. I wanted to know so much more and didn't get all the answers, but there is so much left to explore in the next book. I think this would've been 5 stars for me of there was a slower burn and if the magic system was explained in a little more detail.

Thank you to BookSirens and Amber Ella Monroe for the free eARC.

[Havok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awakened by Darkness was undeniably well-written, and the opening pulled me in right away. The world, the atmosphere, and the intrigue had me hooked from the start. The MCs especially stood out, their contrasting personalities brought a great dynamic to the story, and yes.… they were absolutely as gorgeous and powerful as any Demon God and determined FMC should be.

My only struggle was the pacing of their dialogue. I found myself wanting more detail between conversations; more emotional layering, more internal reactions, more atmospheric beats to carry me deeper into their connection. At times the back-and-forth felt a little quick for my personal taste, and I wished those moments had been expanded so I could sink into them fully.

The FMC came off a bit slow and eager in some scenes, but never in a way that made her unlikable; she just reads differently depending on what a reader prefers. The bones of the story are strong, and the plot itself was an amazing ride full of captivating ideas and beautiful writing.

In the end, Awakened by Darkness simply wasn’t my personal cup of tea and that’s okay. Every book has its perfect audience, and I know there are readers out there who will absolutely worship this one.

[Christine ARGYROPOULOU · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I love the story and the fact that it was really unique. Milly was a really good protagonist and i loved our three demons😍they were so hot.

The world building was good and the pictures it led me to imagine were beautiful with the colours. The story and the back story were really interesting and well made. I was a little confused to be honest especially at the beginning but overall it was a good story.
I loved their bond and the spice was really amazing. I loved it.

Unfortunately i tried to feel a connection with the characters and I couldn’t 😭
Maybe it is my fault because i was reading other books at the same time. I don’t know.

I loved tho the found family and the bond they have created. The scenes they were teaching her and explaining things to her.
She was a good protagonist🩶

Thank you for being part of your ARC team ❤️it was my pleasure reading about your sexy demons🙏

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milli's coven has been having some power issues. So her father has her extracting power from an entity that they aren't well acquainted with. Milli has now awakened this demon and she is becoming aware that her father hasn't been that transparent with her.

I enjoyed Milli's world and her coven. It also helped that she had three spicy demons to pick from. Nothing felt rushed and the romance was perfectly paced. The magic, the world building and the intrigue were perfect for me.

Thank you BookSirens for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Bethany Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ Wild Ride

Whew what a ride that was...



Dark Magic/Forbidden Power? ✅

Fated Mates? ✅

Not one, not two, but THREE hot demons that will melt panties? ✅✅✅

BA FMC that doesn't break? ✅‼️



An ending that left me satisfied but wanting the next book ASAP? ✅‼️🖤



Thanks Amber and BookSirens for the awesome ARC opportunity!

[Anastacia Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I especially enjoyed the beginning where the demon tempts and she tries so hard to resist. The characters in this book were captivating which makes me want to read the other books.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, great world building. I felt confused or like some information was missing at points and a little more about the later characters would've been preferred. The book will send you on a unique ride though.

*received an ARC

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story by Amber and I really, really enjoyed it. It’s a why choose, dark, forbidden love, PNR that sink it’s claws and me right from the start.