What do you think?
Rate this book
This Safe Darkness
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26The Hunt was intended to make us an example, not a threat. That changes now.
Thirty-year-old Orelle Bren knows the best way to avoid death is to play by the rules of a society that only values women as wives and wombs. Though it would be nice to reclaim the dream life her ex-husband stole from her, Orelle would gladly settle for a loveless engagement that exempts her from being among the ten unwed, childless women drafted for the annual Hunt.
It’s supposed to be an honor, being selected to leave their underground utopia to eliminate the Sols—humans who’ve been mutated with corrupt magic by exposure to the sun.
But Orelle knows it’s a glorified death sentence, especially for someone who’s already in a daily battle with their own body.
When her desperate attempts at enticement fail and she’s cast above into the fatal world of light, an unexpected ally challenges Orelle to find a new dream of living—and maybe even loving—out of spite.
To do that, there are few lines she won’t cross to uncover the true monsters before becoming one herself, or something even worse: prey.
The first book in a duology that follows a disabled woman fighting to live—and love—out of spite in the deadly world of light after her eviction from the underground haven. A weaponized lottery system, corrupt utopia, and slow-burn romantic sub-plot that’ll have you squealing over a simple wrist touch make this the perfect read for fans of The Hunger Games, Blood Over Bright Haven, and Gild.
May the shadows guide you.
Thirty-year-old Orelle Bren knows the best way to avoid death is to play by the rules of a society that only values women as wives and wombs. Though it would be nice to reclaim the dream life her ex-husband stole from her, Orelle would gladly settle for a loveless engagement that exempts her from being among the ten unwed, childless women drafted for the annual Hunt.
It’s supposed to be an honor, being selected to leave their underground utopia to eliminate the Sols—humans who’ve been mutated with corrupt magic by exposure to the sun.
But Orelle knows it’s a glorified death sentence, especially for someone who’s already in a daily battle with their own body.
When her desperate attempts at enticement fail and she’s cast above into the fatal world of light, an unexpected ally challenges Orelle to find a new dream of living—and maybe even loving—out of spite.
To do that, there are few lines she won’t cross to uncover the true monsters before becoming one herself, or something even worse: prey.
The first book in a duology that follows a disabled woman fighting to live—and love—out of spite in the deadly world of light after her eviction from the underground haven. A weaponized lottery system, corrupt utopia, and slow-burn romantic sub-plot that’ll have you squealing over a simple wrist touch make this the perfect read for fans of The Hunger Games, Blood Over Bright Haven, and Gild.
May the shadows guide you.
Hardcover
Expected publication February 17, 2026
405 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Maragold
1 book20 followersAlexis Maragold is a disabled fantasy author who’s learned the hard way that life doesn’t have to be painless to be full. She hopes to offer readers an indulgent, unputdownable escape while illuminating the layered realities of those with invisible disabilities. When she’s not playing mastermind with her pen, Alexis can be found making a fool of herself on Instagram, dabbling in just about every art form, dusting off her design skills, or searching for portals in the pines around her Raleigh, NC home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 10, 2025
Holy. Debut.
I sat down and read this book in less than two days (sleeping got in the way).
In full transparency besides one other series I haven't read dystopian influenced books. After this that may change for me. Alexis has created a world where she blends this genre seamlessly with magic and a bit of romance. I was fully immersed in it by the end of the first chapter.
To start, our FMC Orelle is living in the underground city of Caligo. Due to a heartbreaking divorce, Orelle has dropped from the most valued of citizens in Caligo to the lowest. This is because the society is based upon the premise that the sole purpose of a woman is to marry and have children (talk about creating some femininen rage over here!).
"Without a husband or child, you have no direct stakes in Caligo's future; no one you love who'll outlive you, who'll feel the lasting impact of every choice you make."
Luckily, after the divorce Orelle has created a found family of her own with twin sisters named Gem and Taurance (Taur). I adore these women so much. They are funny, loving and beyond dedicated to one another.
As I mentioned earlier, Orelle is neither wed or a mother and therefore eligble for what's called "The Hunt". This is when 10 women who are in the same situation are selected to go up to the surface and face the sun and it's dangers.
Their mission is to fight monsters who are a threat to the city called "Sols". The people of Caligo have been taught that Sols are humans who have become a deadly threat because they are touched by the sun and become mindless, disfigured killers. I'd like to underline that yet again NO MEN are selected for the hunt because of their high value to society.
Prior to the hunt, Orelle has an unusual meeting with a man we later find out is named Kalden (woo wee team! He is peak MMC and I cannot wait to get to know him even further) and he quickly becomes a significant figure in her life.
Ultimately, Orelle is indeed selected for the hunt and the story unfolds from there...
_______
The first thing I'd like to point out is that as a woman in her 30's (and despite loving all our 20 year-old strong FMC's out there) it was so refreshing that we had a lead that was closer to my age.
Orelle's journey is one of heartbreak, courage and hope. The frustration and anger she felt at various times was so palpable it jumped off the page and left you reeling. Her growth throughout the story made me both hurt for her and yet at other points I was incredibly proud. Each day she is becoming the woman she knows she's meant and capable of being.
Also, I know I mentioned how I loved Gem earlier but really she is the epitomy of a best friend. She gives unconditional support and understanding for Orelle but she was also able to dish out the tough love when it was needed (I did audibly say YES GIRL during one conversation).
Kalden is the classic brooding mysterious MMC we all love to love. He has secrets but does all he can to empower Orelle to fight despite her hesitations and concerns. He continuously tries to drive home to her the importance of her self-worth.
I'm not going to dig into the antagonist too much but know they are the type who are just blatantly infuriating, degrading and the real monster at the heart of it all.
________
This was a five star read for me due to a number of reasons.
One of the biggest being that Alexis created a world fundamentally based on the unjust, oppressed, belittled value of women in society. This is unfortunately nothing new in our own history and I believe anytime a book highlights this it's incredibly important (and creates all the emotions).
Second, is the action when the hunt starts! Once it gets going, WOW it gets going. I was fully holding my breath at some parts (was there anxety? absolutely).
Third, as I've described are the relationships Orelle forms with others and also with herself. There are obviously more than those i've mentioned and all of them contribute to her arc in important ways.
I CLEARLY could go on and on but this novel deserves all the praise. I'm very excited for it's formal release and to be enjoyed by all!
Thank you Alexis and team for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I sat down and read this book in less than two days (sleeping got in the way).
In full transparency besides one other series I haven't read dystopian influenced books. After this that may change for me. Alexis has created a world where she blends this genre seamlessly with magic and a bit of romance. I was fully immersed in it by the end of the first chapter.
To start, our FMC Orelle is living in the underground city of Caligo. Due to a heartbreaking divorce, Orelle has dropped from the most valued of citizens in Caligo to the lowest. This is because the society is based upon the premise that the sole purpose of a woman is to marry and have children (talk about creating some femininen rage over here!).
"Without a husband or child, you have no direct stakes in Caligo's future; no one you love who'll outlive you, who'll feel the lasting impact of every choice you make."
Luckily, after the divorce Orelle has created a found family of her own with twin sisters named Gem and Taurance (Taur). I adore these women so much. They are funny, loving and beyond dedicated to one another.
As I mentioned earlier, Orelle is neither wed or a mother and therefore eligble for what's called "The Hunt". This is when 10 women who are in the same situation are selected to go up to the surface and face the sun and it's dangers.
Their mission is to fight monsters who are a threat to the city called "Sols". The people of Caligo have been taught that Sols are humans who have become a deadly threat because they are touched by the sun and become mindless, disfigured killers. I'd like to underline that yet again NO MEN are selected for the hunt because of their high value to society.
Prior to the hunt, Orelle has an unusual meeting with a man we later find out is named Kalden (woo wee team! He is peak MMC and I cannot wait to get to know him even further) and he quickly becomes a significant figure in her life.
Ultimately, Orelle is indeed selected for the hunt and the story unfolds from there...
_______
The first thing I'd like to point out is that as a woman in her 30's (and despite loving all our 20 year-old strong FMC's out there) it was so refreshing that we had a lead that was closer to my age.
Orelle's journey is one of heartbreak, courage and hope. The frustration and anger she felt at various times was so palpable it jumped off the page and left you reeling. Her growth throughout the story made me both hurt for her and yet at other points I was incredibly proud. Each day she is becoming the woman she knows she's meant and capable of being.
Also, I know I mentioned how I loved Gem earlier but really she is the epitomy of a best friend. She gives unconditional support and understanding for Orelle but she was also able to dish out the tough love when it was needed (I did audibly say YES GIRL during one conversation).
Kalden is the classic brooding mysterious MMC we all love to love. He has secrets but does all he can to empower Orelle to fight despite her hesitations and concerns. He continuously tries to drive home to her the importance of her self-worth.
I'm not going to dig into the antagonist too much but know they are the type who are just blatantly infuriating, degrading and the real monster at the heart of it all.
________
This was a five star read for me due to a number of reasons.
One of the biggest being that Alexis created a world fundamentally based on the unjust, oppressed, belittled value of women in society. This is unfortunately nothing new in our own history and I believe anytime a book highlights this it's incredibly important (and creates all the emotions).
Second, is the action when the hunt starts! Once it gets going, WOW it gets going. I was fully holding my breath at some parts (was there anxety? absolutely).
Third, as I've described are the relationships Orelle forms with others and also with herself. There are obviously more than those i've mentioned and all of them contribute to her arc in important ways.
I CLEARLY could go on and on but this novel deserves all the praise. I'm very excited for it's formal release and to be enjoyed by all!
Thank you Alexis and team for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING! I loved reading about an older (30 is not that old) female main character and getting to explore a fantasy world through the eyes of someone who experienced pain loss and heartache before the first page of the book.
Orielle was everything you could want in a fmc and more, she is smart, determined, and has a lot of grit. I loved that she dealt with chronic pain because I don’t think it shows up enough in books. And it was cool to see how she navigated it while also fighting monsters and proving to her friends she’s not fragile
All this to say, I loved it loved it loved it!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Orielle was everything you could want in a fmc and more, she is smart, determined, and has a lot of grit. I loved that she dealt with chronic pain because I don’t think it shows up enough in books. And it was cool to see how she navigated it while also fighting monsters and proving to her friends she’s not fragile
All this to say, I loved it loved it loved it!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
December 10, 2025
I swear 2026 is going to be the year of Dystopian books because so many good ones have come out recently, and this is no different!
Humans have been living underground for centuries as they fear the sun, and what it will do to them. If they are even exposed for a second they will lose their humanity, and turn into a Sol. You don't have much freedoms if you aren't an able bodied man, and each year 10 women from the lowest tiers of society are selected for a Hunt to go outside during the daylight and kill Sol's to "help everyone be able to return to the surface one day".
Orelle went from one of the top tiers married to the Chancellor's son Gabe, to the lowest tier after he divorced her 2 years into the marriage because she hadn't given him a child. Fast forward to present day, it's 10 years after the divorce and Orelle has created her own found family with two other girls that are in the Third Tier. They all are dreading this years hunt, so when their escape plans are thwarted, they have to face the music. Both Orelle and her friend Gem are sent to go out on the Hunt, but not before the handsome stranger Kalden volunteers to go with them as well. They all set out on a mission to hunt down Sol's, but both Kalden, and now Orelle have secrets they are keeping from the rest of the group.
This was such a great debut novel! I love that the characters are all older than the normal "20 somethings" I see so often in books. I was sucked in right for the start of this book, and if it wasn't for work I would have finished in 24 hours. Watching Orelle come into her own, and finally believing that she is more than just a "feeder" was heartwarming. The friendship between Orelle and Gem is something I wish for all of my friends - the fierce and unapologetic love, and wanting to be together even if it means they won't make it back.
The ending was perfect, and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2. Also if no one hates Gabe, then I must be dead. He is SUCH an ass, and I hope he gets what he deserves in book 2.
Humans have been living underground for centuries as they fear the sun, and what it will do to them. If they are even exposed for a second they will lose their humanity, and turn into a Sol. You don't have much freedoms if you aren't an able bodied man, and each year 10 women from the lowest tiers of society are selected for a Hunt to go outside during the daylight and kill Sol's to "help everyone be able to return to the surface one day".
Orelle went from one of the top tiers married to the Chancellor's son Gabe, to the lowest tier after he divorced her 2 years into the marriage because she hadn't given him a child. Fast forward to present day, it's 10 years after the divorce and Orelle has created her own found family with two other girls that are in the Third Tier. They all are dreading this years hunt, so when their escape plans are thwarted, they have to face the music. Both Orelle and her friend Gem are sent to go out on the Hunt, but not before the handsome stranger Kalden volunteers to go with them as well. They all set out on a mission to hunt down Sol's, but both Kalden, and now Orelle have secrets they are keeping from the rest of the group.
This was such a great debut novel! I love that the characters are all older than the normal "20 somethings" I see so often in books. I was sucked in right for the start of this book, and if it wasn't for work I would have finished in 24 hours. Watching Orelle come into her own, and finally believing that she is more than just a "feeder" was heartwarming. The friendship between Orelle and Gem is something I wish for all of my friends - the fierce and unapologetic love, and wanting to be together even if it means they won't make it back.
The ending was perfect, and I can't wait to get my hands on book 2. Also if no one hates Gabe, then I must be dead. He is SUCH an ass, and I hope he gets what he deserves in book 2.
December 10, 2025
WOW. What a debut!!!! I read this book in 2 days time. It was such a unique read! I don't think I've read anything like this before.
Seeing a main character like Orelle, was so refreshing! I related to her on so many levels. I think this is one of the best debuts I've ever read!
Such a unique story and world. I loved every part of it!
Seeing a main character like Orelle, was so refreshing! I related to her on so many levels. I think this is one of the best debuts I've ever read!
Such a unique story and world. I loved every part of it!
December 9, 2025
HOLY COW
It took me one and a half days fo finish it, though if work hadn't gotten in the way it would have most likely been just one night. Marvelous writing, catchy story - you won't be able to put it down!!!! It's been years since I got so caught up in a book, LOVE IT!!
It took me one and a half days fo finish it, though if work hadn't gotten in the way it would have most likely been just one night. Marvelous writing, catchy story - you won't be able to put it down!!!! It's been years since I got so caught up in a book, LOVE IT!!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Rating- 5 stars
(E-ARC)
Many thanks to the author for letting me have an E-ARC of this book 🫶
Okay I haven't been able to think or pick up any other book after reading this. This was a fabulous debut novel and I can see this being a huge hit in 2026 when it does release.
This was unique and so different from many books out there. It has disability representation which completely sold me from the very beginning. I went through so many different emotions and different plot twists I couldn't keep up. At one point I thought there was a love triangle and actually felt sorry for Gabe. You heard me right until he yeah we will not go there.
It was a easy read filled with short chapters that kept you wanting more. I raced through this novel and when I got to the 75% mark I could have happily read another 300+ pages. I had so many unanswered questions but in the next book I am sure that these will be explained. I am just really impatient for the next book now 😂
But the highlight for me in this book was the disability representation. The main female character who is a FMC in her 30's and suffers with chronic migraines and hypopituitarism. The representation was brilliant and honestly I am glad to see authors finally making spaces for disabled characters in fantasy. The authors note at the start hit me straight off- She wanted to write a epic fantasy centered around a disabled woman who learns she is whole exactly as she is 👏
As a disabled woman myself, I thank the author for giving people like myself the opportunity to see themselves in books and making a space for them to still shine ✨️ Thank you to the author for including us 🫶
(E-ARC)
Many thanks to the author for letting me have an E-ARC of this book 🫶
Okay I haven't been able to think or pick up any other book after reading this. This was a fabulous debut novel and I can see this being a huge hit in 2026 when it does release.
This was unique and so different from many books out there. It has disability representation which completely sold me from the very beginning. I went through so many different emotions and different plot twists I couldn't keep up. At one point I thought there was a love triangle and actually felt sorry for Gabe. You heard me right until he yeah we will not go there.
It was a easy read filled with short chapters that kept you wanting more. I raced through this novel and when I got to the 75% mark I could have happily read another 300+ pages. I had so many unanswered questions but in the next book I am sure that these will be explained. I am just really impatient for the next book now 😂
But the highlight for me in this book was the disability representation. The main female character who is a FMC in her 30's and suffers with chronic migraines and hypopituitarism. The representation was brilliant and honestly I am glad to see authors finally making spaces for disabled characters in fantasy. The authors note at the start hit me straight off- She wanted to write a epic fantasy centered around a disabled woman who learns she is whole exactly as she is 👏
As a disabled woman myself, I thank the author for giving people like myself the opportunity to see themselves in books and making a space for them to still shine ✨️ Thank you to the author for including us 🫶
December 15, 2025
This Safe Darkness by Alexis Maragold is a powerful, character-driven story that immediately stood out to me for its depth, maturity, and originality.
Orelle is an older FMC (30) who is a divorcee, infertile, and living with a physical disability—representation that feels rare and incredibly well handled. She has endured significant trauma, yet she remains emotionally mature, rational, and grounded in common sense. Where she falls short, she recognizes it and takes ownership of her mistakes. That level of self-awareness made her feel deeply real.
What I appreciated most is that Orelle isn’t bitter or hateful. She’s angry—and rightfully so—but she doesn’t let that anger consume her. In fact, she repeatedly shows compassion and even helps those who have hurt her, which speaks volumes about her strength of character.
The writing itself is excellent. The prose is clean and purposeful, never bogged down by excessive detail or unnecessary exposition. The worldbuilding is especially impressive—original, unique, and intriguing without ever feeling overwhelming. This is a story where the concept feels fresh and thoughtfully executed.
The romance takes a clear backseat to the plot and to Orelle’s personal journey, which I truly appreciated. Despite her physical limitations, she continuously pushes herself forward, refusing to succumb to self-pity. As someone who shares that same mentality, I found her resilience incredibly inspiring. She is a survivor in every sense of the word.
My only critique lies in the romantic development between Orelle and Kalden. Their connection felt rushed, particularly given how little time they actually spend together. While the attraction and chemistry made sense, I would have loved a bit more emotional buildup before their first kiss, which felt slightly out of place in the sequence of events.
Even so, This Safe Darkness is a highly recommended read. I’m deeply invested in Orelle’s journey and can’t wait to see how her story concludes in the second and final book of this duology.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
Orelle is an older FMC (30) who is a divorcee, infertile, and living with a physical disability—representation that feels rare and incredibly well handled. She has endured significant trauma, yet she remains emotionally mature, rational, and grounded in common sense. Where she falls short, she recognizes it and takes ownership of her mistakes. That level of self-awareness made her feel deeply real.
What I appreciated most is that Orelle isn’t bitter or hateful. She’s angry—and rightfully so—but she doesn’t let that anger consume her. In fact, she repeatedly shows compassion and even helps those who have hurt her, which speaks volumes about her strength of character.
The writing itself is excellent. The prose is clean and purposeful, never bogged down by excessive detail or unnecessary exposition. The worldbuilding is especially impressive—original, unique, and intriguing without ever feeling overwhelming. This is a story where the concept feels fresh and thoughtfully executed.
The romance takes a clear backseat to the plot and to Orelle’s personal journey, which I truly appreciated. Despite her physical limitations, she continuously pushes herself forward, refusing to succumb to self-pity. As someone who shares that same mentality, I found her resilience incredibly inspiring. She is a survivor in every sense of the word.
My only critique lies in the romantic development between Orelle and Kalden. Their connection felt rushed, particularly given how little time they actually spend together. While the attraction and chemistry made sense, I would have loved a bit more emotional buildup before their first kiss, which felt slightly out of place in the sequence of events.
Even so, This Safe Darkness is a highly recommended read. I’m deeply invested in Orelle’s journey and can’t wait to see how her story concludes in the second and final book of this duology.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.
December 22, 2025
I have conflicting feelings about this one.
It started off very interesting and different. I liked learning about the tiers between the people, the Sols, and how they fear the sun. The FMC was an alright character, but I wasn’t super connected to her. The MMC was mysterious at first, but I feel like everything was revealed so quickly with him.
I’ve never read The Hunger Games or Divergent, but I’ve seen the movies. I had several moments of movie scenes pop into my head while reading this book. It’s not many times, but I was picturing certain scenes being just like scenes from those movies. Now this book does have its own unique magic and plot, I’m just not sure I’m invested enough to continue.
The romance was also weird to me, it had zero build up between our main characters. They met once, seen each other again, then all of sudden were feeling things for eachother without knowing anything about the other. It was giving insta-lovey which I hate. The characters are supposed to be older, but it was reading to me like YA. 🤷🏼♀️ Also, her ex-husband trying to get back together with her after ten years was really strange and felt like it was thrown in there just to make it seem like a love triangle for no reason.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but it wasn’t mind-blowing by any means. I rate it 3 ⭐️.
It started off very interesting and different. I liked learning about the tiers between the people, the Sols, and how they fear the sun. The FMC was an alright character, but I wasn’t super connected to her. The MMC was mysterious at first, but I feel like everything was revealed so quickly with him.
I’ve never read The Hunger Games or Divergent, but I’ve seen the movies. I had several moments of movie scenes pop into my head while reading this book. It’s not many times, but I was picturing certain scenes being just like scenes from those movies. Now this book does have its own unique magic and plot, I’m just not sure I’m invested enough to continue.
The romance was also weird to me, it had zero build up between our main characters. They met once, seen each other again, then all of sudden were feeling things for eachother without knowing anything about the other. It was giving insta-lovey which I hate. The characters are supposed to be older, but it was reading to me like YA. 🤷🏼♀️ Also, her ex-husband trying to get back together with her after ten years was really strange and felt like it was thrown in there just to make it seem like a love triangle for no reason.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but it wasn’t mind-blowing by any means. I rate it 3 ⭐️.
December 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. We follow Orelle, a woman living in an underground society where women are only valued as wives and mothers. She is drafted to be in The Hunt and sent above ground into a world of light and monsters that are supposed to kill her.
What made this story hit so hard for me was how deeply I related to Orelle. She’s in her 30s, living with invisible disabilities, constantly underestimated and dismissed by the world around her. Seeing a female main character navigate pain, limitations, and exhaustion, while still finding her strength, felt so validating.
This isn’t just a dystopian fantasy. It’s about reclaiming your worth when society tells you you’re disposable, about finding safety in unexpected places, and about choosing yourself.
What made this story hit so hard for me was how deeply I related to Orelle. She’s in her 30s, living with invisible disabilities, constantly underestimated and dismissed by the world around her. Seeing a female main character navigate pain, limitations, and exhaustion, while still finding her strength, felt so validating.
This isn’t just a dystopian fantasy. It’s about reclaiming your worth when society tells you you’re disposable, about finding safety in unexpected places, and about choosing yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an incredible way to make a debut!
This book captures something special. As soon as I finished it, I found myself reading through it a second time just so it wouldn't end. But I have to say, the second read through was even better than the first. The author leaves hints that build a whole new experience when you understand the world and motivations of each character.
Questions I had during the first read through are clear after the second like: what was in the train? I bet I know now. And why is Kalden teaching the Huntresses to run instead of fight? He has his own motives that become clear without the author having to spell it out.
The author's writing style is clear and beautiful. The story is constantly moving forward, whether it be through Orelle's relationship or the march into the sunlit aboveground world.
The most intriguing part for me is the clear social commentary that is so intelligently presented. The city of Caligo considers unwed, childless women as the lowest tier of society. By their 18th birthday, they are expected to marry and have children, or be punished for not following societal traditions. The author shows the dichotomy between the women who want to follow the traditions and those who don't in a fair and balanced manner (Gem and Orelle). By the end, the author makes it clear that neither manner of living is worse than the other, and the system that takes away a woman's ability to choose her path is the true enemy.
This book had so many layers, humor, action, and romance that it is an absolute 5 star read.
This book captures something special. As soon as I finished it, I found myself reading through it a second time just so it wouldn't end. But I have to say, the second read through was even better than the first. The author leaves hints that build a whole new experience when you understand the world and motivations of each character.
Questions I had during the first read through are clear after the second like: what was in the train? I bet I know now. And why is Kalden teaching the Huntresses to run instead of fight? He has his own motives that become clear without the author having to spell it out.
The author's writing style is clear and beautiful. The story is constantly moving forward, whether it be through Orelle's relationship or the march into the sunlit aboveground world.
The most intriguing part for me is the clear social commentary that is so intelligently presented. The city of Caligo considers unwed, childless women as the lowest tier of society. By their 18th birthday, they are expected to marry and have children, or be punished for not following societal traditions. The author shows the dichotomy between the women who want to follow the traditions and those who don't in a fair and balanced manner (Gem and Orelle). By the end, the author makes it clear that neither manner of living is worse than the other, and the system that takes away a woman's ability to choose her path is the true enemy.
This book had so many layers, humor, action, and romance that it is an absolute 5 star read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alexis!! This was an utterly masterpiece of a dystopian book! I've read a few of those in my life, none of witch had an fmc of 30 years old, with chronic pain and limitations that naturally comes with having such a condition in real life! Such a breath of fresh air!
I really commend you for doing it and writing her in a beautiful, strong, determined and resiliant way!
When I read this sentence:
"I'm not ready to feel - not when feeling is accompanied by ceaseless pain"
I was full of emotions, because I understand that. I understand the feeling of not wanting to wake up, because waking up means feeling pain.. And sometimes we really just want a break.. But we also get up and get through it, wich you portray beautifully!
Orelle lives as a rat, bottom-shelfer, a feeder or a tier three resident in Caligo. She could not get pregnant and became divorced and cast aside to the bottom level. Every year is "the hunt" wich ten women from tier three, obviously, is picked to go be soldiers and fight Sols. Sols are non human and thrives in the sun, and that's why the humans lives underground in the shadows where they are safe.
When Orelle is chosen for the hunt the mysterious Kalden comes with them, helps them learn to fight before they're released into the world.
Orelles discovered the sun was not bad and that the Sols were not mindless creatures that could not speak, feel or reason. Her worldview shifts and everything she thought she knew is false.
And like a good dystopian book there' s rules and restrictions, like cameras on their helmets, a sensor that desides when they can take the helmets off to eat is pretty damn controlling and that's even when they're outside on the hunt!
The divide in how you get less and worse food depending on how your fertility is, your marriage status and so on. It is actually not as far fetch in different places in the world. And I think that is brilliantly weaved into this story.
And that ending though!! I feel like there's going to happen some really exciting stuff in book two! Wich Alexis, I would like to get asap🤣
This review is given after I received an ARC from the author. As a fellow chronic pain person, if you yourself are struggling with it, a few things in this is written in a way that really hits the feelings. I loved it!!
I really commend you for doing it and writing her in a beautiful, strong, determined and resiliant way!
When I read this sentence:
"I'm not ready to feel - not when feeling is accompanied by ceaseless pain"
I was full of emotions, because I understand that. I understand the feeling of not wanting to wake up, because waking up means feeling pain.. And sometimes we really just want a break.. But we also get up and get through it, wich you portray beautifully!
Orelle lives as a rat, bottom-shelfer, a feeder or a tier three resident in Caligo. She could not get pregnant and became divorced and cast aside to the bottom level. Every year is "the hunt" wich ten women from tier three, obviously, is picked to go be soldiers and fight Sols. Sols are non human and thrives in the sun, and that's why the humans lives underground in the shadows where they are safe.
When Orelle is chosen for the hunt the mysterious Kalden comes with them, helps them learn to fight before they're released into the world.
Orelles discovered the sun was not bad and that the Sols were not mindless creatures that could not speak, feel or reason. Her worldview shifts and everything she thought she knew is false.
And like a good dystopian book there' s rules and restrictions, like cameras on their helmets, a sensor that desides when they can take the helmets off to eat is pretty damn controlling and that's even when they're outside on the hunt!
The divide in how you get less and worse food depending on how your fertility is, your marriage status and so on. It is actually not as far fetch in different places in the world. And I think that is brilliantly weaved into this story.
And that ending though!! I feel like there's going to happen some really exciting stuff in book two! Wich Alexis, I would like to get asap🤣
This review is given after I received an ARC from the author. As a fellow chronic pain person, if you yourself are struggling with it, a few things in this is written in a way that really hits the feelings. I loved it!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
I devoured this book and could barely put my kindle down for the few days it took me to read it. This is a dystopian fantasy with a heavy dose of feminine rage and I was HERE FOR IT! Our FMC, Orelle, lives in the city of Caligo where society is broken down into 3 tiers. Unwed women with no children are Tier 3s, the lowest of society. Caligo considers them as “those who contribute least to society”.
In their world, exposure to the sun causes humans to become charred, taloned, monstrous creatures who are stripped of their humanity and feed off the humanity of the living. The people of Caligo have adapted by living inside a protected city made of Nightstone, which protects from the sun AND the creatures.
Every year, 10 women from Tier 3 are selected to be the “Huntresses” for the annual Hunt, in which the “lucky” women selected are given armor and 36 hours to prepare before they’re thrown outside the city for the purpose of hunting down and killing the creatures. Orelle and her best friend are selected for the Hunt and tossed out into the unknown with 7 other women and 1 mysterious man who was the first ever “volunteer” for the Hunt.. suspicious? Heroic? Delicious?!? All of the above? YES.
The selection for the Hunt does have some Hunger Games vibes to it, but overall this story was wildly fresh and different from anything I’ve read before, and I ate it up! I’m already on the edge of my seat for book 2!!
In their world, exposure to the sun causes humans to become charred, taloned, monstrous creatures who are stripped of their humanity and feed off the humanity of the living. The people of Caligo have adapted by living inside a protected city made of Nightstone, which protects from the sun AND the creatures.
Every year, 10 women from Tier 3 are selected to be the “Huntresses” for the annual Hunt, in which the “lucky” women selected are given armor and 36 hours to prepare before they’re thrown outside the city for the purpose of hunting down and killing the creatures. Orelle and her best friend are selected for the Hunt and tossed out into the unknown with 7 other women and 1 mysterious man who was the first ever “volunteer” for the Hunt.. suspicious? Heroic? Delicious?!? All of the above? YES.
The selection for the Hunt does have some Hunger Games vibes to it, but overall this story was wildly fresh and different from anything I’ve read before, and I ate it up! I’m already on the edge of my seat for book 2!!
Read
December 12, 2025It was a very intriguing book. I’ve been waiting months for the ARC drop and it was well worth it.
This whole book was a refreshing read compared to the many overused ideas nowadays. I haven’t read a dystopian novel since high school, but I’m glad this was the one getting my foot back in that doorway. The sun being the catalyst for evil vs. The night? Love it. Shining a light on the true societal issues women face nowadays? Love it. Showing that your trust and belief in your own self-worth is where the real power is? I think yes. I also found myself relating to the twins relationship with Orelle because it hits home, as I am the actual older sister to two twins myself. Gen reminds me so much of one of them, so I cried when the deep talks came up. So relatable in my eyes.
Love love love. Cried twice. The romance was good, kinda cheesy, but it did have me giggling because I’m a lover at heart. The one scene with Meridna though, don’t get me started. I was a wreck. Friggin adored it. Pick it up and read it. You won’t be disappointed!
PS Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel! It was amazing and you deserve all that recognition and praise, girl!
This whole book was a refreshing read compared to the many overused ideas nowadays. I haven’t read a dystopian novel since high school, but I’m glad this was the one getting my foot back in that doorway. The sun being the catalyst for evil vs. The night? Love it. Shining a light on the true societal issues women face nowadays? Love it. Showing that your trust and belief in your own self-worth is where the real power is? I think yes. I also found myself relating to the twins relationship with Orelle because it hits home, as I am the actual older sister to two twins myself. Gen reminds me so much of one of them, so I cried when the deep talks came up. So relatable in my eyes.
Love love love. Cried twice. The romance was good, kinda cheesy, but it did have me giggling because I’m a lover at heart. The one scene with Meridna though, don’t get me started. I was a wreck. Friggin adored it. Pick it up and read it. You won’t be disappointed!
PS Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel! It was amazing and you deserve all that recognition and praise, girl!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75 stars
🫑
I was so beyond honored to receive this book as an eARC 💜 I devoured this book and most definitely ran to Alexis' DMs gushing about how amazing it is!
If you loved The Hunger Games, you will love this book.
In "This Safe Darkness," we follow Orelle, a woman in her 30s who was thrown away for her invisible illnesses and forced to live a life as a low-level member of a nocturnal society in an underground world. Every year, they have a lottery that bestows the "honor" of becoming a Huntress for the Hunt upon 10 of these women looked upon as rats. The Hunt takes them to the surface, where they encounter the Sols, people who have lost their humanity from sun exposure, in a kill-or-be-killed battle for their lives.
Orelle gives us readers a reminder that you do not have to be painless to be important, enjoy life, and live. You don't have to be 18 to be a hero. You don't have to be the norm of society to be whole.
I felt so many emotions throughout this book. I am left with so many questions and absolutely cannot wait for book 2.
Releasing February 17th
🫑
I was so beyond honored to receive this book as an eARC 💜 I devoured this book and most definitely ran to Alexis' DMs gushing about how amazing it is!
If you loved The Hunger Games, you will love this book.
In "This Safe Darkness," we follow Orelle, a woman in her 30s who was thrown away for her invisible illnesses and forced to live a life as a low-level member of a nocturnal society in an underground world. Every year, they have a lottery that bestows the "honor" of becoming a Huntress for the Hunt upon 10 of these women looked upon as rats. The Hunt takes them to the surface, where they encounter the Sols, people who have lost their humanity from sun exposure, in a kill-or-be-killed battle for their lives.
Orelle gives us readers a reminder that you do not have to be painless to be important, enjoy life, and live. You don't have to be 18 to be a hero. You don't have to be the norm of society to be whole.
I felt so many emotions throughout this book. I am left with so many questions and absolutely cannot wait for book 2.
Releasing February 17th
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an adventure - I was hooked from the very beginning. I love a book where the cultural norms are shifted slightly from what we know - in this case, the day/night switch!
Alexis did a phenomenal job of making our FMC such a strong and determined character, someone who is independent and ready for a true growth arc. She deals with debilitating headaches and chronic pain, which makes it even more evident that she's just extremely courageous and a real hero. I will say, I expected the chronic illness to come into play more.
I don't want to write any spoilers here, but I will say that I LOVE a book where things aren't exactly as they seem. (Some very big Hugh Howey: Wool, Dust, Shift vibes here!!)
Congratulations, Alexis, on your debut novel! it's beautiful and everything I had hoped it would be. I can't wait to read everything that you write!
Alexis did a phenomenal job of making our FMC such a strong and determined character, someone who is independent and ready for a true growth arc. She deals with debilitating headaches and chronic pain, which makes it even more evident that she's just extremely courageous and a real hero. I will say, I expected the chronic illness to come into play more.
I don't want to write any spoilers here, but I will say that I LOVE a book where things aren't exactly as they seem. (Some very big Hugh Howey: Wool, Dust, Shift vibes here!!)
Congratulations, Alexis, on your debut novel! it's beautiful and everything I had hoped it would be. I can't wait to read everything that you write!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to The Nerd Fam & Alexis Maragold for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Did I finish this in 24 hours? YUPP!
Dystopian with a touch of magic & all the controling, greedy men you would expect. Women only being valued for their wombs & if they are unmarried/or not a mother, they become cannon fodder to soulless monsters in the name of "duty".
I enjoyed every second of this book. I loved our FMC being a disabled woman in her 30's (because same!) & watching her internal journey, while trying to survive a hunt designed to end her Iife.
I highly recommend this book!!
Did I finish this in 24 hours? YUPP!
Dystopian with a touch of magic & all the controling, greedy men you would expect. Women only being valued for their wombs & if they are unmarried/or not a mother, they become cannon fodder to soulless monsters in the name of "duty".
I enjoyed every second of this book. I loved our FMC being a disabled woman in her 30's (because same!) & watching her internal journey, while trying to survive a hunt designed to end her Iife.
I highly recommend this book!!
December 26, 2025
Okkkkkkk wow, this has a lot! I love a dystopian fantasy and this is exactly that. I liked having an “older” FMC (in her 30’s) so she had more life experiences to pull from which I think helped make her relatable and you were rooting for her.
The idea of night and day being swapped was really interesting and I was super intrigued by Kalden. About midway through, I figured out his deal which was fine.
I didn’t love the sisterhood dynamic but maybe that has more to do with my own issues that were being triggered? It just felt forced and it was very obvious they all had a lot of their own trauma to work through to really have a good relationship.
I felt like the pacing was a bit off, I wish the ending had taken a little more time rather than spending so much time underground in the beginning. It seems to be set up for potential sequel though??
The idea of night and day being swapped was really interesting and I was super intrigued by Kalden. About midway through, I figured out his deal which was fine.
I didn’t love the sisterhood dynamic but maybe that has more to do with my own issues that were being triggered? It just felt forced and it was very obvious they all had a lot of their own trauma to work through to really have a good relationship.
I felt like the pacing was a bit off, I wish the ending had taken a little more time rather than spending so much time underground in the beginning. It seems to be set up for potential sequel though??
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Nerd Fam for the ARC copy!
First, I want to say that I was (and am) still very intrigued by the world this is set in and the political aspect. But it fell a bit flat for me. It seemed really rushed at times, which had me failing to connect with the characters.
I feel like this book could have been like an extra 100 pages longer to help delve deeper into the world systems that are in place and getting to really feel the chemistry between our FMC and MMC.
I'm still really interested to see where the story goes and plan to read the next in the series.
First, I want to say that I was (and am) still very intrigued by the world this is set in and the political aspect. But it fell a bit flat for me. It seemed really rushed at times, which had me failing to connect with the characters.
I feel like this book could have been like an extra 100 pages longer to help delve deeper into the world systems that are in place and getting to really feel the chemistry between our FMC and MMC.
I'm still really interested to see where the story goes and plan to read the next in the series.
December 8, 2025
By the shadows, what a stunning, absolutely stellar debut by Alexis Maragold.
This was one of my most anticipated ARC reads of the year, and so naturally as soon as they dropped, I ran to my inbox... and then promptly proceeded to inhale this intriguing, compelling dystopian fantasy in two sittings.
Maragold weaves such a perfect blend of aspirational fantasy with the grounded and gritty realities of a dark dystopian world. The lore, world-building and solar-based magic system was somehow both familiar and refreshingly unique, creating the ideal backdrop for a well-paced plot laced with scathing social commentary, an honest but empowering exploration of life with a disabling chronic illness, and a delicious little slow burn romantic subplot that leaves you begging for more.
With characters in their thirties as opposed to the more commonly explored late-teen, early-twenties age group, Maragold is able to weave in the nuance and emotional intelligence often only found in characters that have already experienced much of what life has to offer: love, loss, pain, and suffering. The maturity of perspectives lent itself well to the hallmark of dystopia where our main characters begin to question everything they've ever known, but in Orelle's case, that journey had already begun, years ago, when the system failed her by design. And so instead we see a woman on the cusp of being ready to rise like a phoenix above it all.
Orelle was clever, funny as all hell, and flawed in ways that made perfect sense within her characterization. I loved the way that her chronic illness and pain was ever-present, never conveniently disappearing for the sake of moving the plot forward, but rather, impacting and driving pivotal moments for both Orelle and others, as is the reality for those of us who live with disabling conditions.
I also loved how Orelle's relationships with her found family was treated with just as much, if not more importance and depth as the budding romantic connection. Though speaking of the romance... I AM KALDEN'S BIGGEST FAN AND THE WORLD'S NUMBER ONE GABE HATER RIGHT NOW, do not speak to me, Gabriel Bren!! You know what you did!! But I digress.
Even though the romance of this story takes a necessary backseat to the larger plot unfolding, the slow-burning, subtle-but-palpable magnetism between Orelle and Kalden was delectable. The flirtation and banter gave me so much life, but so did their slower moments, the more serious and mature conversations offering fascinating insights on the perspectives of both characters. Their love story feels grounded and mature, and somehow still managed to leave me giggling and kicking my feet every time they ended up alone together.
The conclusion of book one in this duology leaves me with more questions than answers (in the best of ways!!) The plot twists and revelations discovered towards the very end have me on the edge of my seat, ready for more.
And also ready for more Kalden. We love an in this house!!
This was one of my most anticipated ARC reads of the year, and so naturally as soon as they dropped, I ran to my inbox... and then promptly proceeded to inhale this intriguing, compelling dystopian fantasy in two sittings.
Maragold weaves such a perfect blend of aspirational fantasy with the grounded and gritty realities of a dark dystopian world. The lore, world-building and solar-based magic system was somehow both familiar and refreshingly unique, creating the ideal backdrop for a well-paced plot laced with scathing social commentary, an honest but empowering exploration of life with a disabling chronic illness, and a delicious little slow burn romantic subplot that leaves you begging for more.
With characters in their thirties as opposed to the more commonly explored late-teen, early-twenties age group, Maragold is able to weave in the nuance and emotional intelligence often only found in characters that have already experienced much of what life has to offer: love, loss, pain, and suffering. The maturity of perspectives lent itself well to the hallmark of dystopia where our main characters begin to question everything they've ever known, but in Orelle's case, that journey had already begun, years ago, when the system failed her by design. And so instead we see a woman on the cusp of being ready to rise like a phoenix above it all.
Orelle was clever, funny as all hell, and flawed in ways that made perfect sense within her characterization. I loved the way that her chronic illness and pain was ever-present, never conveniently disappearing for the sake of moving the plot forward, but rather, impacting and driving pivotal moments for both Orelle and others, as is the reality for those of us who live with disabling conditions.
I also loved how Orelle's relationships with her found family was treated with just as much, if not more importance and depth as the budding romantic connection. Though speaking of the romance... I AM KALDEN'S BIGGEST FAN AND THE WORLD'S NUMBER ONE GABE HATER RIGHT NOW, do not speak to me, Gabriel Bren!! You know what you did!! But I digress.
Even though the romance of this story takes a necessary backseat to the larger plot unfolding, the slow-burning, subtle-but-palpable magnetism between Orelle and Kalden was delectable. The flirtation and banter gave me so much life, but so did their slower moments, the more serious and mature conversations offering fascinating insights on the perspectives of both characters. Their love story feels grounded and mature, and somehow still managed to leave me giggling and kicking my feet every time they ended up alone together.
The conclusion of book one in this duology leaves me with more questions than answers (in the best of ways!!) The plot twists and revelations discovered towards the very end have me on the edge of my seat, ready for more.
And also ready for more Kalden. We love an in this house!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25, but rounded up.
I thought this book read very smoothly. Sometimes a book is stop and go, but not this one.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character was 30 years old. She also has a disability where she gets these debilitating headaches, but also the fact that she cannot have children.
It made me sad to think that in the world they live in, woman are only useful if they can produce children.
Any woman who is not pregnant, cannot get pregnant, or no longer has any children living is on the lottery to get chosen to be sent above for "the Hunt" to kill the Sols (people who were affected by the sun and turned into brainless, deadly monsters). It is their "duty" as people who "contribute the least to Caligo". The underground city protected from the sun's harmful rays (at least that is what they have been taught)
The worst part is, Orelle was once married to the leader's son, but since she couldn't produce a child within 24 months of marriage, he forced his son to divorce her which made her now eligible for the Hunt.
She had been safe for 10 years, until the day she tried to escape with her friend, but ended up back in Caligo after an accident where a mysterious man is coincidentally there to rescue them. Both their names are chosen to participate, but this year is different because that same mysterious man volunteers as tribute. He joins the hunt and helps teach the women how to survive since there has only been one survivor in 50 years.
Orelle starts to learn that maybe the sun isn't as horrible as they were taught to believe. Especially after she makes contact with it the day she tried to escape, but she never turned into a monster. In fact, she felt power. This man who volunteers (Kaldin) teaches her how to use it and we realize that he also has been touched by the sun.
Many things don't add up and, being a dystopian book, you know that someone is trying to control the people with fear of the sun and the possibilities it posseses.
I liked the magic system being how you get powers from the sun, and it goes away as the sun sets. Very unique in my eyes.
Overall fun book and quite a debut!
I thought this book read very smoothly. Sometimes a book is stop and go, but not this one.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character was 30 years old. She also has a disability where she gets these debilitating headaches, but also the fact that she cannot have children.
It made me sad to think that in the world they live in, woman are only useful if they can produce children.
Any woman who is not pregnant, cannot get pregnant, or no longer has any children living is on the lottery to get chosen to be sent above for "the Hunt" to kill the Sols (people who were affected by the sun and turned into brainless, deadly monsters). It is their "duty" as people who "contribute the least to Caligo". The underground city protected from the sun's harmful rays (at least that is what they have been taught)
The worst part is, Orelle was once married to the leader's son, but since she couldn't produce a child within 24 months of marriage, he forced his son to divorce her which made her now eligible for the Hunt.
She had been safe for 10 years, until the day she tried to escape with her friend, but ended up back in Caligo after an accident where a mysterious man is coincidentally there to rescue them. Both their names are chosen to participate, but this year is different because that same mysterious man volunteers as tribute. He joins the hunt and helps teach the women how to survive since there has only been one survivor in 50 years.
Orelle starts to learn that maybe the sun isn't as horrible as they were taught to believe. Especially after she makes contact with it the day she tried to escape, but she never turned into a monster. In fact, she felt power. This man who volunteers (Kaldin) teaches her how to use it and we realize that he also has been touched by the sun.
Many things don't add up and, being a dystopian book, you know that someone is trying to control the people with fear of the sun and the possibilities it posseses.
I liked the magic system being how you get powers from the sun, and it goes away as the sun sets. Very unique in my eyes.
Overall fun book and quite a debut!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️
Holy Shadows! What a grip this book had me in. I should have known that this book was going to be a top read for me when I was reading and all of rhe sudden it was already chapter 3. So let's get into the nitty gritty of things I really loved!
Let's start with the plot. I love a good dystopian book and I'm so glad that the dystopian genre is having a resurgence because this was well done! I love the aspects of this book scream dystopian and yet it is unique on it's own. At first it was scream City of Ember, where society lives underground; however, it also screamed Hunger Games with the Hunt, but if you asked me, the plot is completely different! The plot was gripping and had me glued to my Kindle. Honestly, I was more shocked that there were no more pages to read when I finished!
The characters are really enjoyable. I love the disability representation from Orelle. She is strong and resilient but I feel like many would be able to relate to her feelings about being "broken". It really goes to show how much your environment and the people who surround you can influence how you perceive yourself. I really enjoyed Kalden. I found him mysterious and I am glad that despite them having wrong perceptions about him, he qas willing to help the girls. I really like that although a man of few words, you can tell how mature and calculated he is. I appreciate his background because you know why he thinks amd does certain things a bit later on.
The writing was phenomenal! I was highlighting like crazy because of how much I loved the descriptions the author used to paint this world. I felt the dystopian aspects of it and had my stomach churning when she described the society they lived in. I also love how immersive the writing was. I felt the warmth in my skin that she had described. Absolutely would love to read more from this author! I cannot believe this is a debut!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. All my thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Holy Shadows! What a grip this book had me in. I should have known that this book was going to be a top read for me when I was reading and all of rhe sudden it was already chapter 3. So let's get into the nitty gritty of things I really loved!
Let's start with the plot. I love a good dystopian book and I'm so glad that the dystopian genre is having a resurgence because this was well done! I love the aspects of this book scream dystopian and yet it is unique on it's own. At first it was scream City of Ember, where society lives underground; however, it also screamed Hunger Games with the Hunt, but if you asked me, the plot is completely different! The plot was gripping and had me glued to my Kindle. Honestly, I was more shocked that there were no more pages to read when I finished!
The characters are really enjoyable. I love the disability representation from Orelle. She is strong and resilient but I feel like many would be able to relate to her feelings about being "broken". It really goes to show how much your environment and the people who surround you can influence how you perceive yourself. I really enjoyed Kalden. I found him mysterious and I am glad that despite them having wrong perceptions about him, he qas willing to help the girls. I really like that although a man of few words, you can tell how mature and calculated he is. I appreciate his background because you know why he thinks amd does certain things a bit later on.
The writing was phenomenal! I was highlighting like crazy because of how much I loved the descriptions the author used to paint this world. I felt the dystopian aspects of it and had my stomach churning when she described the society they lived in. I also love how immersive the writing was. I felt the warmth in my skin that she had described. Absolutely would love to read more from this author! I cannot believe this is a debut!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. All my thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
December 25, 2025
“No one is without flaws, but finding somewhere or someone that allows us to reveal those imperfections and accepts them exactly as we are… well, that’s enough to make a girl feel like she’s home.”
This book absolutely consumed me. Five stars, without hesitation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the very first page, this story pulled me into a world that is dark, haunting, and painfully relevant, yet threaded with hope, tenderness, and defiance. Orelle is such a compelling protagonist, raw, resilient, and achingly human. She is a disabled woman in her thirties, struggling with infertility, navigating a society that reduces women to their reproductive worth. Seeing a heroine like this; one whose body does not fit what her world demands of her felt incredibly powerful and deeply needed. It’s a reflection of struggles so many people face today, and it’s handled with care, honesty, and empathy.
The premise of the Hunt is chilling, the stakes feel relentlessly high, and the atmosphere is rich with dread and beauty in equal measure. But what truly stood out to me was the emotional depth. The relationships in this book especially the quiet intimacy, the feeling of being seen and valued simply for existing made my chest ache. This story isn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming yourself, finding connection in the darkness, and choosing to live even when the world would rather turn you into prey.
I loved everything about this book: the writing, the world-building, the themes, the characters, all of it. I am now desperately hoping for a physical copy to add to my shelves, and I genuinely cannot wait for book two. If this is just the beginning, I am so ready to follow Orelle wherever this story goes next.
Thank you so much, Alexis Maragold, for trusting me with this ARC—this one will be staying with me for a long time. 🖤✨
This book absolutely consumed me. Five stars, without hesitation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the very first page, this story pulled me into a world that is dark, haunting, and painfully relevant, yet threaded with hope, tenderness, and defiance. Orelle is such a compelling protagonist, raw, resilient, and achingly human. She is a disabled woman in her thirties, struggling with infertility, navigating a society that reduces women to their reproductive worth. Seeing a heroine like this; one whose body does not fit what her world demands of her felt incredibly powerful and deeply needed. It’s a reflection of struggles so many people face today, and it’s handled with care, honesty, and empathy.
The premise of the Hunt is chilling, the stakes feel relentlessly high, and the atmosphere is rich with dread and beauty in equal measure. But what truly stood out to me was the emotional depth. The relationships in this book especially the quiet intimacy, the feeling of being seen and valued simply for existing made my chest ache. This story isn’t just about survival; it’s about reclaiming yourself, finding connection in the darkness, and choosing to live even when the world would rather turn you into prey.
I loved everything about this book: the writing, the world-building, the themes, the characters, all of it. I am now desperately hoping for a physical copy to add to my shelves, and I genuinely cannot wait for book two. If this is just the beginning, I am so ready to follow Orelle wherever this story goes next.
Thank you so much, Alexis Maragold, for trusting me with this ARC—this one will be staying with me for a long time. 🖤✨
December 16, 2025
🌟 “All this time, I’d thought the world to be a hazy palette of muted tones. In reality, the saturated vibrancy had simply been dormant, waiting to be awoken.”
Recommend: ✔️❤️
This is a Hunger Games–esque story with a unique twist: magic powered by the sun. In this dystopian fantasy, we meet Orelle, the FMC who battles migraines and other debilitating ailments. In Caligo, her underground home where society is divided into tiers, she belongs to the lowest one. That label, low contributor, places her at the very top of the list for The Hunt. When her name is drawn, she’s forced to the sun cursed surface to face the Sols—once human beings who absorbed too much solar magic, transforming them into monsters. The question: can she survive?
I found this world and its premise incredibly interesting. Orelle is resilient in the way chronic pain often requires—forced to forge new paths, adapt quickly, and find unconventional ways to survive. With the help of Kalden, the MMC, she recognizes that within weakness, there can be great strength. He’s a quiet, steady force who never lets her ailments define her; instead, he encourages new forms of bravery and defiance to grow from what others perceive as limitations. His guidance gives her the fresh insight she needs to protect herself—and she’s quick to put her newfound abilities to use.
I thought the bones of this story were strong, offering a unique twist on the dystopian genre. The world building was nicely woven into the narrative and the motivations behind characters actions were clear and well-defined, which added depth and made the story especially engaging. With a few surprises thrown into the mix, the story concludes with some eye opening revelations. I would have loved even more tension (give me ALL the tension), but the relationship dynamics were thoughtfully developed across the board & I was greedy for more.
Alexis Maragold, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the ARC. I hope there is more to come!
Recommend: ✔️❤️
This is a Hunger Games–esque story with a unique twist: magic powered by the sun. In this dystopian fantasy, we meet Orelle, the FMC who battles migraines and other debilitating ailments. In Caligo, her underground home where society is divided into tiers, she belongs to the lowest one. That label, low contributor, places her at the very top of the list for The Hunt. When her name is drawn, she’s forced to the sun cursed surface to face the Sols—once human beings who absorbed too much solar magic, transforming them into monsters. The question: can she survive?
I found this world and its premise incredibly interesting. Orelle is resilient in the way chronic pain often requires—forced to forge new paths, adapt quickly, and find unconventional ways to survive. With the help of Kalden, the MMC, she recognizes that within weakness, there can be great strength. He’s a quiet, steady force who never lets her ailments define her; instead, he encourages new forms of bravery and defiance to grow from what others perceive as limitations. His guidance gives her the fresh insight she needs to protect herself—and she’s quick to put her newfound abilities to use.
I thought the bones of this story were strong, offering a unique twist on the dystopian genre. The world building was nicely woven into the narrative and the motivations behind characters actions were clear and well-defined, which added depth and made the story especially engaging. With a few surprises thrown into the mix, the story concludes with some eye opening revelations. I would have loved even more tension (give me ALL the tension), but the relationship dynamics were thoughtfully developed across the board & I was greedy for more.
Alexis Maragold, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the ARC. I hope there is more to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So thankful to Alexis and her team for allowing me to read an eArc of this fabulous book in exchange for an honest review. So readers be warned of potential spoilers before reading this review 🙂
I love fantasy and a good apocalypse survival type story and this book provided both. We got strong female characters, friendships, chronic illness, magic, and a good love interest! I really liked the magic this world provided and how the author portrayed chronic illness. I think this story showed that who you surround yourself with can really shape who you become and how you feel about yourself and the world. Orelle was a fighter and resilient and when she was with the wrong people they highlighted her flaws and with the right people they applauded her strength. I like that the right people (if you’ve read it you know who I mean) made her feel safe and gave her the space she needed to survive this dangerous world in her own way.
I did have one thing I would change but this might be more of a personal preference. One of the lines that drew me into wanting to read the book was “You taught me life doesn’t have to be painless to be full.” Personally I wanted Orelle to say that line. I wanted her to be the one to realize that statement as truth. I still thought it was beautiful that her friend shared that with her because her friend was coming from a good place and had a good heart. I think I just wanted Orelle to realize that herself as more of an epiphany than someone telling her that. Again might be more of a personal preference but that’s what I would change if I had to pick something.
This book was a lot of fun to read and I am so glad I got to read an ARC!
I love fantasy and a good apocalypse survival type story and this book provided both. We got strong female characters, friendships, chronic illness, magic, and a good love interest! I really liked the magic this world provided and how the author portrayed chronic illness. I think this story showed that who you surround yourself with can really shape who you become and how you feel about yourself and the world. Orelle was a fighter and resilient and when she was with the wrong people they highlighted her flaws and with the right people they applauded her strength. I like that the right people (if you’ve read it you know who I mean) made her feel safe and gave her the space she needed to survive this dangerous world in her own way.
I did have one thing I would change but this might be more of a personal preference. One of the lines that drew me into wanting to read the book was “You taught me life doesn’t have to be painless to be full.” Personally I wanted Orelle to say that line. I wanted her to be the one to realize that statement as truth. I still thought it was beautiful that her friend shared that with her because her friend was coming from a good place and had a good heart. I think I just wanted Orelle to realize that herself as more of an epiphany than someone telling her that. Again might be more of a personal preference but that’s what I would change if I had to pick something.
This book was a lot of fun to read and I am so glad I got to read an ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I liked it, then I didn’t, then I did, then I didn’t. I think my problem was the pacing. We’d have these super intense moments, then little slow sections, them super fast moments, then super slow moments.
I also had a bit of a hard time with the world at first. I didn’t understand that the story essentially starts above ground, then we go underground, and there’s apparently a whole world down there? I thought it was like one little underground colony, but during an escape attempt, it’s revealed that there’s like a whole entire world down there with trains and everything. It made me backtrack and try to see if I missed something because knowing this changed my whole perception of the story and what had happened so far. Similarly, when there’s mention of a gate, I was just thinking of like a little like wooden or iron gate, but it had to have been like some sort of crazy gate that stopped the sun from getting underground.
Finally, I had a bit of a struggle connecting to the characters. I liked them, but I couldn’t relate to a lot because I didn’t understand it. We know pretty much from the start that the main character has some sort of disability, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is for quite some time. It’s mentioned like we’re supposed to just know, and it made visualization difficult for me.
Overall, solid dystopian read that just needs a little work.
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for an arc of this book.
I also had a bit of a hard time with the world at first. I didn’t understand that the story essentially starts above ground, then we go underground, and there’s apparently a whole world down there? I thought it was like one little underground colony, but during an escape attempt, it’s revealed that there’s like a whole entire world down there with trains and everything. It made me backtrack and try to see if I missed something because knowing this changed my whole perception of the story and what had happened so far. Similarly, when there’s mention of a gate, I was just thinking of like a little like wooden or iron gate, but it had to have been like some sort of crazy gate that stopped the sun from getting underground.
Finally, I had a bit of a struggle connecting to the characters. I liked them, but I couldn’t relate to a lot because I didn’t understand it. We know pretty much from the start that the main character has some sort of disability, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is for quite some time. It’s mentioned like we’re supposed to just know, and it made visualization difficult for me.
Overall, solid dystopian read that just needs a little work.
Thank you so much to the author and The Nerd Fam for an arc of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hits on the Dystopian Fantasy vibe and definitely was a great read. The beginning was a bit slow, but once it got going I was hooked. Orelle (FMC) has grit, determination, and develops the ability to think independent of the society she lives in. The disability rep was very well done and I loved seeing the FMC struggle with it throughout the story. When Orelle began using magic, it felt a bit too easy and not earned. She had very little learning curve and seemed to intrinsically know how to use her magic, which didn't work for me. I enjoy seeing characters struggle a bit more to earn their successes.
I really enjoyed the Sols versus the Shades and the way that the leadership twisted information to control the society. There were some really great moments that showcased how media and society can impact someone's perspective on the world. It gave very good Hunger Games and The Knight and the Moth vibes while maintaining an original storyline.
I did find a lot of this book to be predictable, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. The ending felt a little too finished and didn't leave me with the giant cliffhanger that I crave for incomplete series.
Overall, this was a very good read and I will recommend it to other Dystopian Fantasy lovers.
Tropes:
Corrupt utopia
Lottery Hunt
Slow-burn/forbidden romance sub-plot
Light vs Dark
Disinformation
**Thank you The Nerd Fam and Alexia Maragold for the opportunity to ARC read. These are my honest opinions.**
I really enjoyed the Sols versus the Shades and the way that the leadership twisted information to control the society. There were some really great moments that showcased how media and society can impact someone's perspective on the world. It gave very good Hunger Games and The Knight and the Moth vibes while maintaining an original storyline.
I did find a lot of this book to be predictable, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. The ending felt a little too finished and didn't leave me with the giant cliffhanger that I crave for incomplete series.
Overall, this was a very good read and I will recommend it to other Dystopian Fantasy lovers.
Tropes:
Corrupt utopia
Lottery Hunt
Slow-burn/forbidden romance sub-plot
Light vs Dark
Disinformation
**Thank you The Nerd Fam and Alexia Maragold for the opportunity to ARC read. These are my honest opinions.**
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
2.75 stars
I enjoyed the premise of this book but unfortunately, it just didn't hit for me. I enjoyed certain aspects, the politics and the world the story is set in had my intrigued. The tiered system is very well thought out. I do wish we got more of an explanation as to what the underground cities are like, as first I imagined it to be a small colony then learned there were trains that linked other cities. Although, this could just be a fault of my own! I liked the the day vs night component and how the sun is viewed as something to be feared.
I liked the FMC and MMC but unfortunately, I didn't feel a connection with them. I did enjoy some of their banter but there was just something missing that didn't do it for me. There were some scenes that came out of nowhere and I had to flip back a few pages as I thought I'd missed some context.
Whilst I am a fan of the magic itself,
After the ending, I am interested to continue reading and to see where the story goes next. I wouldn't say its a massive cliffhanger but certainly enough for the reader to want to continue the series!
Thank you Nerd Fam and the author for an early copy for me to review.
I enjoyed the premise of this book but unfortunately, it just didn't hit for me. I enjoyed certain aspects, the politics and the world the story is set in had my intrigued. The tiered system is very well thought out. I do wish we got more of an explanation as to what the underground cities are like, as first I imagined it to be a small colony then learned there were trains that linked other cities. Although, this could just be a fault of my own! I liked the the day vs night component and how the sun is viewed as something to be feared.
I liked the FMC and MMC but unfortunately, I didn't feel a connection with them. I did enjoy some of their banter but there was just something missing that didn't do it for me. There were some scenes that came out of nowhere and I had to flip back a few pages as I thought I'd missed some context.
Whilst I am a fan of the magic itself,
After the ending, I am interested to continue reading and to see where the story goes next. I wouldn't say its a massive cliffhanger but certainly enough for the reader to want to continue the series!
Thank you Nerd Fam and the author for an early copy for me to review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whoa!
I’m not usually a dystopian reader but this book really is a page turner!
Orelle is a 30 divorced woman who lives in a world where women are categorized (into tiers) by their ability to reproduce.
Something that hits a little uncomfortably close to home under our current regime.
She had been married to - and loved by - her childhood boyfriend and next in line to Commander, Gabe, but they had to divorce when she turned out to not be able to have children.
That’s where the Selection comes in. Women in Tier Three, like our FMC, are selected at random to go to the surface to protect their world against the Sol.
Since they are likely to be chosen and never to return, the night before the selection, Orelle her friend attempt an escape but are thwarted and possibly discovered by Kalden - a guard? They aren’t sure.
This Safe Darkness explores family & friendship and their hold on us in a world of laws and caste systems. What we will do when saving a loved one directly puts us in danger and how far one can bend before we break.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a heavy topic but written with such an engaging voice that I could not put it down!
Absolutely recommend if you like Handmaids and Hunger Games!’
I’m not usually a dystopian reader but this book really is a page turner!
Orelle is a 30 divorced woman who lives in a world where women are categorized (into tiers) by their ability to reproduce.
Something that hits a little uncomfortably close to home under our current regime.
She had been married to - and loved by - her childhood boyfriend and next in line to Commander, Gabe, but they had to divorce when she turned out to not be able to have children.
That’s where the Selection comes in. Women in Tier Three, like our FMC, are selected at random to go to the surface to protect their world against the Sol.
Since they are likely to be chosen and never to return, the night before the selection, Orelle her friend attempt an escape but are thwarted and possibly discovered by Kalden - a guard? They aren’t sure.
This Safe Darkness explores family & friendship and their hold on us in a world of laws and caste systems. What we will do when saving a loved one directly puts us in danger and how far one can bend before we break.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a heavy topic but written with such an engaging voice that I could not put it down!
Absolutely recommend if you like Handmaids and Hunger Games!’
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for my eARC of This Safe Darkness 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had everything from a circadian rhythm magic system, weaponized lottery, slow burn romance and a solid disability rep.
It has been a while since I’ve read a dystopian book I immersed myself in so heavily. From conceptualizing Caligo and just feeling the injustice in how it operates, to the Hunt that takes place year after year and who they pull their huntresses from and then the pure political corruption pouring out around every corner. Then throwing in this unique magic system? Yeah I’ll take that any-day
Orelle represented so much more than just another FMC. She was in her 30s, has a disability that affects her day to day but is the face of perseverance and just survival. She has had to figure it out and get creative with everything. Especially being a divorced woman due to something that is so far out of her control. Yet she has surrounded herself with those few who support and see her even if she doesn’t quite see herself.
Thank you Alexis for writing Orelle and showing those of us that can relate that “our existence is a gift, not a burden”
PLUS there is an MMC who I can’t wait to see more of? There is definitely more to Kalden and his story and I CANNOT wait to get more slow burn 🔥🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book had everything from a circadian rhythm magic system, weaponized lottery, slow burn romance and a solid disability rep.
It has been a while since I’ve read a dystopian book I immersed myself in so heavily. From conceptualizing Caligo and just feeling the injustice in how it operates, to the Hunt that takes place year after year and who they pull their huntresses from and then the pure political corruption pouring out around every corner. Then throwing in this unique magic system? Yeah I’ll take that any-day
Orelle represented so much more than just another FMC. She was in her 30s, has a disability that affects her day to day but is the face of perseverance and just survival. She has had to figure it out and get creative with everything. Especially being a divorced woman due to something that is so far out of her control. Yet she has surrounded herself with those few who support and see her even if she doesn’t quite see herself.
Thank you Alexis for writing Orelle and showing those of us that can relate that “our existence is a gift, not a burden”
PLUS there is an MMC who I can’t wait to see more of? There is definitely more to Kalden and his story and I CANNOT wait to get more slow burn 🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC ✨️💜
This was such a great book with an interesting world and a unique magic system. The story was a nice combination of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale.
I really liked the world building of this book: the city of Caligo, where women are tiered based on their contribution to society. Sounds a bit familiar? Yeah, this is sadly reminiscent of real life where women are often forced into roles and if those roles are not fulfilled, those women are shamed and judged. As much as it makes me sad, I'm glad to see these elements in books because they hold a mirror to our world.
The magic system was really unique as well but I wish we explored that a bit more. What took away from this book for me sadly was the fact that the main character didn't come into her powers, didn't really learn them, just started wielding them like a natural.
Overall I really liked this story, it had a great message and an interesting world but it lacked something more that would have made it amazing. I gladly recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian books with feminist elements and disability rep.💜
This was such a great book with an interesting world and a unique magic system. The story was a nice combination of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid's Tale.
I really liked the world building of this book: the city of Caligo, where women are tiered based on their contribution to society. Sounds a bit familiar? Yeah, this is sadly reminiscent of real life where women are often forced into roles and if those roles are not fulfilled, those women are shamed and judged. As much as it makes me sad, I'm glad to see these elements in books because they hold a mirror to our world.
The magic system was really unique as well but I wish we explored that a bit more. What took away from this book for me sadly was the fact that the main character didn't come into her powers, didn't really learn them, just started wielding them like a natural.
Overall I really liked this story, it had a great message and an interesting world but it lacked something more that would have made it amazing. I gladly recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian books with feminist elements and disability rep.💜
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews