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Adytum: A Fairy Tale Reimagining
Long live the Queen of Dreams.
As the new queen, Willa has more power than she ever dreamed. But those who hold power must risk everything to keep it, and the with the return of the Aeternalis, the fight for the kingdom grows more precarious by the day.
And it isn’t just her position that demands a steep price. As her connection to the island grows deeper, Willa feels pieces of her own magic slipping away. If she’s ever to be strong enough to defeat her enemies, she must discover the source of the shadow poisoning her thoughts and drawing her closer to the villain she always feared she would become.
Exiled on the mainland, Niko has one goal: survive long enough to get back what’s his—even if it means returning to the island that nearly destroyed him, and the woman who banished him. With no magic and his brother on his trail, Niko must use every bit of his cunning to reclaim what he’s lost. Because everyone knows, once something belongs to death…death never lets it go.
Heart-gripping romance and action ignite in this electric conclusion to the Darkly Dreaming Duet, where the line between dreams and nightmares become ever more blurred, and fairy tales are not the promise of a happy ending, but a grave warning.
Because all magic has a cost in Letum, but the price of love may be even higher.
As the new queen, Willa has more power than she ever dreamed. But those who hold power must risk everything to keep it, and the with the return of the Aeternalis, the fight for the kingdom grows more precarious by the day.
And it isn’t just her position that demands a steep price. As her connection to the island grows deeper, Willa feels pieces of her own magic slipping away. If she’s ever to be strong enough to defeat her enemies, she must discover the source of the shadow poisoning her thoughts and drawing her closer to the villain she always feared she would become.
Exiled on the mainland, Niko has one goal: survive long enough to get back what’s his—even if it means returning to the island that nearly destroyed him, and the woman who banished him. With no magic and his brother on his trail, Niko must use every bit of his cunning to reclaim what he’s lost. Because everyone knows, once something belongs to death…death never lets it go.
Heart-gripping romance and action ignite in this electric conclusion to the Darkly Dreaming Duet, where the line between dreams and nightmares become ever more blurred, and fairy tales are not the promise of a happy ending, but a grave warning.
Because all magic has a cost in Letum, but the price of love may be even higher.
- GenresDark RomanceRomantasy
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
42 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Amarah Calderini
5 books150 followersAmarah Calderini grew up in the Rocky Mountains, and spent her time imagining magic living in the shadows of the peaks. She writes fantasy imbued with equal parts magic, angst, and steam, featuring strong yet flawed heroines and the fierce-hearted men who love them. When not writing, she can be found soaking up the sun and singing along to the same dramatic songs she’s listened to since high school. She currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, two children, and their geriatric German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 6, 2026
"And though my fairy tale was never destined to be one of light, I pray to the second star it serves as a reminder to us all: Creation can only begin in darkness."
Not all fairy tales are made alike, and not all fairy tales have a happy ending. Or do they? Endings come in many forms, and in the end, it is we who choose how our story will end. And, as Willa said, "Creation can only begin in darkness".
Describing the way Adytum and its predecessor, Carrion, break me and unbreak me feels almost sacrilegious. How does one convey such deep and complex emotions that drip from the pages of The Darkly Dreaming Duet? How does one portray all the nuances and subtle lines? And lastly, how does one cope after the story ends?
We cope, and, as Willa and Nico would say, "we endure." Because what else is left to do? We cherish the story, keep it forever close to our hearts and minds, and we live.
Adytum is so much more than a dark Peter Pan retelling with a twist. It is a tale of love, loss, and pain. A tale of endurance and perseverance. It is an ode to self-acceptance and healing. An ode to the best and the worst parts of a person coming together and forming a beautiful chaos. An ode to love in all its many forms and shapes.
Some dreams are meant to be dreamt, and some are meant to be lived. Wendy and Nico get to live theirs now, and I hope we will be able to live ours, too.
Thank you, Amarah, for having me on the team. It's a privilege I will never take lightly.
Not all fairy tales are made alike, and not all fairy tales have a happy ending. Or do they? Endings come in many forms, and in the end, it is we who choose how our story will end. And, as Willa said, "Creation can only begin in darkness".
Describing the way Adytum and its predecessor, Carrion, break me and unbreak me feels almost sacrilegious. How does one convey such deep and complex emotions that drip from the pages of The Darkly Dreaming Duet? How does one portray all the nuances and subtle lines? And lastly, how does one cope after the story ends?
We cope, and, as Willa and Nico would say, "we endure." Because what else is left to do? We cherish the story, keep it forever close to our hearts and minds, and we live.
Adytum is so much more than a dark Peter Pan retelling with a twist. It is a tale of love, loss, and pain. A tale of endurance and perseverance. It is an ode to self-acceptance and healing. An ode to the best and the worst parts of a person coming together and forming a beautiful chaos. An ode to love in all its many forms and shapes.
Some dreams are meant to be dreamt, and some are meant to be lived. Wendy and Nico get to live theirs now, and I hope we will be able to live ours, too.
Thank you, Amarah, for having me on the team. It's a privilege I will never take lightly.
April 16, 2026
As a young girl who was in love with Peter Pan this duology was right up my alley. Think a dark and twisty neverland setting with dark af characters, beautifully haunting writing, and unsettling magic. The last chapter had me in tears at the ode to the original story, SO GOOD 🫶🏻🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read:
Seven stars! Ifykyk
My heart is complete.
Full review coming soon. For now I need to soak in all that was Adytum.
Okay here is my review rambles:
"I am not their sanctuary, Willa. I am, and always will be, only yours."
I am at a loss for words... me. Who woulda thought. But truly I don't know what I can put into words about all that this book portrayed or what it meant to me. I finished Carrion back in 2024 right after it released. Instantly I was HOOKED. Hooked on the storyline, the characters, all of it. But more importantly on the authors way of writing a story. Telling it in her words. Absolutely breathtaking how Amarah can reimagine a fairytale into something completely its own story, yet, not. It has all the elements we know in love from the story of Peter Pan but such a spin on it that you don't see coming. Anywho I got sidetracked there. I then followed up Carrion by reading her Dark Dystopian series called Dark World Trilogy. Yet again, wow this author can write! Like no other! So then I patiently (*as patient as one can be) waited for the release of the ending to The Darkly Duet, Adytum. Was lucky enough to get an arc this time even, ahhhhhhh, pinch me. Truly how is this my life?! This story and these characters have become part of me. I've read Carrion multiple times now, even listened to the audio at least three times now. Like its engraved in my soul. I mean for goodness sakes I have 3 copies of Carrion alone, lol. And two tattoos already to boot for Niko and Willa. Another will be added in April now... Obviously! I keep getting of track, geez. So yes I fell desperately in love with Letum and ALL that that involves. Adytum has me at an utter loss for words. It was everything and SO MUCH more than I could have ever comprehended. Felt it all. Heartbreak, love, death, just everything. 480 highlights later, it was my Adytum. My heart was on overdrive in the two days that I devoured this book. Could NOT put it down to save my life. This book has so much meaning. So much true heart felt love in it. Its like nothing that can truly be described. What Amarah put on these pages is phenomenal, its beautiful, its tragic, its pure, its EVERYDAMNTHING. I could go into the story and nitpick all that I loved. But you need to have read Carrion first. So I am not gonna do that, I don't wanna ruin anything with spoilers. Instead I'm gonna tell you this is a dark fantasy that must NOT be skipped. Do yourself a huge favor and just read it. Fall in love with the world of Letum. Open your heart to Niko, Willa, Sam (* gahhhhhh Samuel), Adira, Marina, even maybe the Stranded. Maybe.... Just give this world your eyes and trust me it will nab your heartstrings all its own. I forever am grateful to Amarah for giving me these stories. They truly take a piece of me with every word she puts down. Absolute and utter perfection. I'm in awe of her talent and I cannot wait to see what journey she takes me on next. Until then I'll just be wallowing in my tears and feelings that is Adytum. In the words of Adytum: 'Because that's what makes life meaningful - it's eventual end. Life is meaningless without death, just as death is meaningless without life. Both are needed to lead.' I could go on and on with about my love for this book, for the quotes (oh. my. gawd! the quotes.), for the meaning, the spice that is OH SO NICEEEE, and the entirety of it all. But all good things must eventually end. Just know this will be my entire personality for the foreseeable future. TOP read of the year! GO READ IT!
"I will always come back to you. In this life and death. In this universe and the next."
Seven stars! Ifykyk
My heart is complete.
Full review coming soon. For now I need to soak in all that was Adytum.
Okay here is my review rambles:
"I am not their sanctuary, Willa. I am, and always will be, only yours."
I am at a loss for words... me. Who woulda thought. But truly I don't know what I can put into words about all that this book portrayed or what it meant to me. I finished Carrion back in 2024 right after it released. Instantly I was HOOKED. Hooked on the storyline, the characters, all of it. But more importantly on the authors way of writing a story. Telling it in her words. Absolutely breathtaking how Amarah can reimagine a fairytale into something completely its own story, yet, not. It has all the elements we know in love from the story of Peter Pan but such a spin on it that you don't see coming. Anywho I got sidetracked there. I then followed up Carrion by reading her Dark Dystopian series called Dark World Trilogy. Yet again, wow this author can write! Like no other! So then I patiently (*as patient as one can be) waited for the release of the ending to The Darkly Duet, Adytum. Was lucky enough to get an arc this time even, ahhhhhhh, pinch me. Truly how is this my life?! This story and these characters have become part of me. I've read Carrion multiple times now, even listened to the audio at least three times now. Like its engraved in my soul. I mean for goodness sakes I have 3 copies of Carrion alone, lol. And two tattoos already to boot for Niko and Willa. Another will be added in April now... Obviously! I keep getting of track, geez. So yes I fell desperately in love with Letum and ALL that that involves. Adytum has me at an utter loss for words. It was everything and SO MUCH more than I could have ever comprehended. Felt it all. Heartbreak, love, death, just everything. 480 highlights later, it was my Adytum. My heart was on overdrive in the two days that I devoured this book. Could NOT put it down to save my life. This book has so much meaning. So much true heart felt love in it. Its like nothing that can truly be described. What Amarah put on these pages is phenomenal, its beautiful, its tragic, its pure, its EVERYDAMNTHING. I could go into the story and nitpick all that I loved. But you need to have read Carrion first. So I am not gonna do that, I don't wanna ruin anything with spoilers. Instead I'm gonna tell you this is a dark fantasy that must NOT be skipped. Do yourself a huge favor and just read it. Fall in love with the world of Letum. Open your heart to Niko, Willa, Sam (* gahhhhhh Samuel), Adira, Marina, even maybe the Stranded. Maybe.... Just give this world your eyes and trust me it will nab your heartstrings all its own. I forever am grateful to Amarah for giving me these stories. They truly take a piece of me with every word she puts down. Absolute and utter perfection. I'm in awe of her talent and I cannot wait to see what journey she takes me on next. Until then I'll just be wallowing in my tears and feelings that is Adytum. In the words of Adytum: 'Because that's what makes life meaningful - it's eventual end. Life is meaningless without death, just as death is meaningless without life. Both are needed to lead.' I could go on and on with about my love for this book, for the quotes (oh. my. gawd! the quotes.), for the meaning, the spice that is OH SO NICEEEE, and the entirety of it all. But all good things must eventually end. Just know this will be my entire personality for the foreseeable future. TOP read of the year! GO READ IT!
"I will always come back to you. In this life and death. In this universe and the next."
March 3, 2026
Infinite stars. I have 228 highlights.
I am overwhelmed with love for this series. The characters, the story, the message behind it all... it's just perfect.
Willa and Niko are both DEEPLY flawed characters that go through so much growth throughout both of these books. I love them so much. Their strength and resilience, the way they own their weaknesses and struggles. They are the perfect balance for each other. Also, Niko is just everything that any romantasy girlie wants in an MMC. Plus he's got those death ribbons that are kind of like shadows... and boy do they get used in the spice scenes!
We also get another POV and I won't spoil who it is, but I'm so happy that we got to see everything from their perspective what happens with their storyline. Also, I could use SO MUCH MORE in this world following any and every characters. Give me all of them!
The world is so vivid. Gritty and intense. The writing is immensely descriptive for everything and I love the way it all flows.
Read if you love:
-Multi POV
-Growth, healing, acceptance
-Peter Pan retelling
-Burn the world for her MMC
-Death ribbons (and what they do)
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 3/2/26, Release date: 3/3/26
I am overwhelmed with love for this series. The characters, the story, the message behind it all... it's just perfect.
Willa and Niko are both DEEPLY flawed characters that go through so much growth throughout both of these books. I love them so much. Their strength and resilience, the way they own their weaknesses and struggles. They are the perfect balance for each other. Also, Niko is just everything that any romantasy girlie wants in an MMC. Plus he's got those death ribbons that are kind of like shadows... and boy do they get used in the spice scenes!
We also get another POV and I won't spoil who it is, but I'm so happy that we got to see everything from their perspective what happens with their storyline. Also, I could use SO MUCH MORE in this world following any and every characters. Give me all of them!
The world is so vivid. Gritty and intense. The writing is immensely descriptive for everything and I love the way it all flows.
Read if you love:
-Multi POV
-Growth, healing, acceptance
-Peter Pan retelling
-Burn the world for her MMC
-Death ribbons (and what they do)
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 3/2/26, Release date: 3/3/26
March 4, 2026
Adytum by indie author Amarah Calderini is the second book and conclusion to The Darkly Dreaming duet — a dark and lyrically written Peter Pan retelling that will have you asking: “what’s the cost”? Because there’s always a price to pay.
Adytum picks up a year after the events of Carrion and offers us an additional POV from our beloved Sam. His beautiful heart and unwavering loyalty were already embedded into the fabric of this story but seeing the world through his eyes just made me love him even more. I am begging for a prequel novella with Niko & Sam’s seafaring adventures and Adira & Sam’s star-crossed beginnings.
In Adytum we see Willa struggle in her battle against the physical manifestation of her inner demons — a shadow that feeds off pain, rage, shame, guilt, fear and regret. My faith in Niko’s intentions never wavered and my heart continuously rallied for our possessive and endearing MMC.
Adytum was a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to a dark and imaginative retelling. I highly recommend fantasy romance fans of found family, trauma & healing, morally grey MCs, and rekindling romance with tension & open door spice read this book!
I can’t wait to see what Amarah dreams up for us next!
Adytum picks up a year after the events of Carrion and offers us an additional POV from our beloved Sam. His beautiful heart and unwavering loyalty were already embedded into the fabric of this story but seeing the world through his eyes just made me love him even more. I am begging for a prequel novella with Niko & Sam’s seafaring adventures and Adira & Sam’s star-crossed beginnings.
In Adytum we see Willa struggle in her battle against the physical manifestation of her inner demons — a shadow that feeds off pain, rage, shame, guilt, fear and regret. My faith in Niko’s intentions never wavered and my heart continuously rallied for our possessive and endearing MMC.
Adytum was a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to a dark and imaginative retelling. I highly recommend fantasy romance fans of found family, trauma & healing, morally grey MCs, and rekindling romance with tension & open door spice read this book!
I can’t wait to see what Amarah dreams up for us next!
March 13, 2026
It's very annoying how Willa has become nothing but a pit of self-loathing and self-pity. Her self-hatred becomes quite repetitive throughout the book, and it gets tiresome. On the other hand, it was wonderful to finally find a "dark romance" in which the man does not physically or psychologically abuse his woman and call it "love." You can't imagine how happy I am to finally find a dark book in which, in the old-fashioned way, the man thinks, "I'll destroy worlds for her because I love her," instead of being like today: "I'll destroy her because I love her." And that, in a way, healed me. Niko was a complex male character who loved his woman with the obsession and protection she deserves. In addition to the fact that Nikolas has a family to whom he is not afraid to show his feelings and how important they are to him... Just as other male characters do throughout the story. The author did not resort to the clichés of what is expected of a "macho" man, but presents us with a world in which male relationships can be positively healthy... At least in fantasy.
March 2, 2026
Adytum, the unforgettable second book in the Darkly Dreaming duet, is everything I hoped for and more; raw, relentless, and ultimately redemptive.
Told through the three powerful POVs of Willa, Niko, and Sam, this story doesn’t just continue the journey; it deepens it in ways that hurt so good. Each perspective adds layers of tension and emotional complexity, letting us fully experience the fallout, the longing, and the fierce determination that drives this finale.
Willa is absolutely devastating in this installment. She’s drowning in guilt and self-loathing, convinced she doesn’t deserve forgiveness, love, or peace. Her pain feels visceral and real, and watching her wrestle with her demons makes every small step toward healing feel monumental.
And Niko? Utterly relentless. His fight to return and reclaim what is his, no matter the cost, is equal parts heartbreaking and breathtaking. His devotion is fierce, unwavering, and beautifully flawed. He doesn’t just want redemption; he earns it, clawing his way back with grit and sacrifice.
Sam’s POV adds such an essential emotional counterbalance, offering insight, tension, and depth that elevates the entire story.
This book doesn’t hand out comfort easily. The road to the HEA is brutal, messy, and hard-won, but that’s what makes it so incredibly satisfying. When the ending finally arrives, it feels deserved in the deepest sense of the word.
Adytum is dark, emotional, and achingly beautiful; a perfect, powerful conclusion to a journey that will stay with me long after the final page.
Thank you to the author for the ARC ❤️
Told through the three powerful POVs of Willa, Niko, and Sam, this story doesn’t just continue the journey; it deepens it in ways that hurt so good. Each perspective adds layers of tension and emotional complexity, letting us fully experience the fallout, the longing, and the fierce determination that drives this finale.
Willa is absolutely devastating in this installment. She’s drowning in guilt and self-loathing, convinced she doesn’t deserve forgiveness, love, or peace. Her pain feels visceral and real, and watching her wrestle with her demons makes every small step toward healing feel monumental.
And Niko? Utterly relentless. His fight to return and reclaim what is his, no matter the cost, is equal parts heartbreaking and breathtaking. His devotion is fierce, unwavering, and beautifully flawed. He doesn’t just want redemption; he earns it, clawing his way back with grit and sacrifice.
Sam’s POV adds such an essential emotional counterbalance, offering insight, tension, and depth that elevates the entire story.
This book doesn’t hand out comfort easily. The road to the HEA is brutal, messy, and hard-won, but that’s what makes it so incredibly satisfying. When the ending finally arrives, it feels deserved in the deepest sense of the word.
Adytum is dark, emotional, and achingly beautiful; a perfect, powerful conclusion to a journey that will stay with me long after the final page.
Thank you to the author for the ARC ❤️
March 13, 2026
I have been waiting for this book for so long, and it absolutely did not disappoint!
I loved this retelling of Peter Pan, especially with the major twists that made the story feel fresh and unforgettable. It took a familiar tale and turned it into something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Willa and Nico were perfect for each other, and watching their relationship unfold made the story even more satisfying. Their dynamic, the tension, and the emotional moments all worked so well together.
And that ending… wow. Let’s just say I was blinking away way too many tears. This one definitely left a mark on my heart.
#bookreview #retelling #peterpanretelling #bookstagram #fantasybooks
I loved this retelling of Peter Pan, especially with the major twists that made the story feel fresh and unforgettable. It took a familiar tale and turned it into something I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Willa and Nico were perfect for each other, and watching their relationship unfold made the story even more satisfying. Their dynamic, the tension, and the emotional moments all worked so well together.
And that ending… wow. Let’s just say I was blinking away way too many tears. This one definitely left a mark on my heart.
#bookreview #retelling #peterpanretelling #bookstagram #fantasybooks
March 27, 2026
I loveeee retellings and I loved this duology! Niko is everything and I love him and Sam more than anything. Marina is awesome and such a badass, I wish I got to know Addie a little more. Willa annoyed me more than I expected in this book compared to the last one but she came around! I love the magic in this universe and there is so much thought and detail that went into each of the characters’ specific powers. Peter is insaneeee and such a good villain, the strayed were awesome in that final battle scene. 4 stars because Willa was pmo a bit and I feel it could have been like 50 - 75 pages shorter but other than that I loved it so much!
March 3, 2026
I absolutely loved Carrion when I read it in December and have been highly anticipating this release. The conclusion was amazing! The character growth, additional POV, and dark twists had me hooked. Willa goes dark in this and is fighting her demons. She was raw and emotional, while Niko’s devotion was unwavering. This Dark Peter Pan retelling is a must read!
I’m a huge fan of this author’s writing and excited to start her Dark World Trilogy soon!
Thank you to the author for an early copy! 🫶🏼
I’m a huge fan of this author’s writing and excited to start her Dark World Trilogy soon!
Thank you to the author for an early copy! 🫶🏼
March 3, 2026
This second book did not disappoint and held up my expectations from Carrion. Niko is def up there for MMCs in my book. I’m so sad to be done with this duet
March 3, 2026
- 🧚Peter Pan retelling with major twists
- 2️⃣ 2nd book in a duology
- ❤️ HEA
- 🖤multiple POV
- 🥰deeply flawed MCs that grow
- 🥹together = stronger
- ♾️unconditional love
I received an eARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Overall, this was a 4.5 star read, rounded up to 5 stars! The author is a very poetic, descriptive, feelings based writer and she brought her best to this book. I LOVED the audiobook for book 1, truly one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The audiobook for book 1 was at the level of Till Death by Miranda Lyn. Now that I have read Adytum, I cannot wait to also buy this book’s audio version.
Moving on! This book picks up approximately one year after book one ended. The MFC was now the anchor to the island and she was suffering from rather severe imposter syndrome. She was very sad and angry by all the things that had happened in her life. Further, she greatly missed the MMC, even though she sent him away. The author dove DEEP into why the MFC banished the MMC, adding more context, nuance, and meaning to the reason. Of course it was not for the simple reason we initially thought at the end of book 1.
Then, as we expected, Pan ended up on the island with the MFC. Quickly, the MFC realized that she banished the MMC to a world with his worst enemy (Pan), and the MMC had no magic to defend himself. The author did an excellent job provoking emotion in the reader. When Pan dropped the MMC‘s gun in front of the MFC and alluded that he had killed the MMC, I could feel the MFC‘s pain.
During all of this, we got POV chapters from the MMC to see what he was doing with his life on the mainland. I really enjoyed these chapters. His exploration of the MFC’s world was something new to the story we had not been given in book 1.
Something I found super powerful from this book was that we were shown how the MCs had lived parallel lives, engaged in the same behaviors, and were experiencing parallel emotions. Both were dealt a crappy set of circumstances and then their love and anger towards each other led to actions they didn’t regret, yet furthered their self-loathing. They really were doing their best. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so I’m staying vague. Because the author demonstrated this you could see why the MC’s needed some time to get it together. They both were sad, angry, lonely, self-loathing, lashing out, and doubting people. This caused them to struggle and stumble back to each other. Their reunion was messy and flawed. They made it through via trial and error, with a dose of patience and forgiveness sprinkled in.
Another aspect of this book I appreciated was how the MC’s friends pushed the MCs to rethink their rigid views. I also loved that the MCs both recognized that, in their self-deprecation, trauma response, and sadness/anger, the missed key information and made assumptions about many things. Trust me, you’ll want to SHAKE the MC’s and beg them to get it together!! Even near the end I was thinking, “seriously Willa!” Of course, when you take into context everyone’s trauma, it makes full sense why they were so messy and insecure, but you still just want them to believe in themselves. The MC’s both grew, substantially by the end, and recognized they made mistakes. They had amazing character development and really needed each other to feel safe enough to be vulnerable in order to grow. 😘 I LOVED when the MMC had a series of apologies for our MFC 😜 😉
Other things I thought were done super well and I really appreciate/loved/enjoyed:
- Normally, I do not enjoy the main POV being about someone who is angry at everybody for everything, all the time. I especially don’t like this when they are angry constantly towards a partner who is not deserving of it or when the author pitches a kind person, but in reality we get a toxic person. However, in this book, 1) both MCs were messy, traumatized people engaging in quite similar behavior. The anger and self-loathing was NOT one sided, they were both fair game. And 2) the author made it quite clear this was about anger and rage, so expect that! What the author told us the book and characters would be about matched the plot and characters, yay!!
- I really loved when the MMC reconnected with Wendy. The relationship between those two was mentioned in book 1, so to see this reunion made me excited. I loved watching them reconnect and the MMC be ruthless towards her to get back to the MFC, this was everything I had wanted. I was a little bummed how quickly Wendy’s storyline ended. I wished there had been a little bit more.
- The plot was thick in this book and secrets just continually were revealed. The pacing was moderate to fast the whole time. I could not put it down! When I got to the event that happened at 49%, I thought, “WHAT TF WAS THAT?!” There was 0% chance I saw that coming. The author did such a great job giving us insight into why that decision was made, so well done!
- This book is great blend of character growth, relationship development, and action scenes.
- ❤️ Sam and Adria’s side love story. I did not know I needed this, but it was perfect and its addition to the book was great.
- The attention to tattoos is not new in books, especially for MMCs. However, this book included the value of tattoos and the storytelling they can hold. I LOVED that tattoos were included with the MFC, and the special meaning behind how they were given.
- The ending was everything we wanted, with a twist on how the antagonist died. Well played!
Two points of information for this book to consider when starting to read it:
1) the themes of the storyline from book 1 are mimicked in book 2. Therefore, the first 70% it can feel at times that you’re reading the first book again. Of course, it was not identical, but the timeline was the same in many ways. We had the MC’s keeping secrets and both had deep self-loathing, the MFC was super angry and lashing out, the MMC was hiding information and doing things his way to achieve the outcome he wanted, there was push and pull between the MC’s, there was an antagonist, and eventually the MCs connect. The side details were different, obviously the relationship between the MC’s had a different lens since they now had history together, and the plot involved Pan alive; yet, the undercurrent felt similar. This wasn’t bad by any means, as the first book was amazing, but just wanting readers to know how much of it is similar to the first book.
2) The thoughts between the three POV’s were similar and repetitive. I perceived that the author was trying to land the point that a) obtaining unconditional and genuine trust is difficult, b) once that trust is established, those trusted can see through all the crap people try to pull, and c) those who see through the crap will challenge people to grow and be better, even when defensive walls are thrown up. Now, I love that this was the point the author was trying to make. However, the MFC, MMC, and Sam all had thoughts about how they were seen and could always be seen by the other person. The thoughts cycled, repetitively for all three around similar content. I started skipping those paragraphs, finding I did not miss anything.
- 2️⃣ 2nd book in a duology
- ❤️ HEA
- 🖤multiple POV
- 🥰deeply flawed MCs that grow
- 🥹together = stronger
- ♾️unconditional love
I received an eARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Overall, this was a 4.5 star read, rounded up to 5 stars! The author is a very poetic, descriptive, feelings based writer and she brought her best to this book. I LOVED the audiobook for book 1, truly one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The audiobook for book 1 was at the level of Till Death by Miranda Lyn. Now that I have read Adytum, I cannot wait to also buy this book’s audio version.
Moving on! This book picks up approximately one year after book one ended. The MFC was now the anchor to the island and she was suffering from rather severe imposter syndrome. She was very sad and angry by all the things that had happened in her life. Further, she greatly missed the MMC, even though she sent him away. The author dove DEEP into why the MFC banished the MMC, adding more context, nuance, and meaning to the reason. Of course it was not for the simple reason we initially thought at the end of book 1.
Then, as we expected, Pan ended up on the island with the MFC. Quickly, the MFC realized that she banished the MMC to a world with his worst enemy (Pan), and the MMC had no magic to defend himself. The author did an excellent job provoking emotion in the reader. When Pan dropped the MMC‘s gun in front of the MFC and alluded that he had killed the MMC, I could feel the MFC‘s pain.
During all of this, we got POV chapters from the MMC to see what he was doing with his life on the mainland. I really enjoyed these chapters. His exploration of the MFC’s world was something new to the story we had not been given in book 1.
Something I found super powerful from this book was that we were shown how the MCs had lived parallel lives, engaged in the same behaviors, and were experiencing parallel emotions. Both were dealt a crappy set of circumstances and then their love and anger towards each other led to actions they didn’t regret, yet furthered their self-loathing. They really were doing their best. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so I’m staying vague. Because the author demonstrated this you could see why the MC’s needed some time to get it together. They both were sad, angry, lonely, self-loathing, lashing out, and doubting people. This caused them to struggle and stumble back to each other. Their reunion was messy and flawed. They made it through via trial and error, with a dose of patience and forgiveness sprinkled in.
Another aspect of this book I appreciated was how the MC’s friends pushed the MCs to rethink their rigid views. I also loved that the MCs both recognized that, in their self-deprecation, trauma response, and sadness/anger, the missed key information and made assumptions about many things. Trust me, you’ll want to SHAKE the MC’s and beg them to get it together!! Even near the end I was thinking, “seriously Willa!” Of course, when you take into context everyone’s trauma, it makes full sense why they were so messy and insecure, but you still just want them to believe in themselves. The MC’s both grew, substantially by the end, and recognized they made mistakes. They had amazing character development and really needed each other to feel safe enough to be vulnerable in order to grow. 😘 I LOVED when the MMC had a series of apologies for our MFC 😜 😉
Other things I thought were done super well and I really appreciate/loved/enjoyed:
- Normally, I do not enjoy the main POV being about someone who is angry at everybody for everything, all the time. I especially don’t like this when they are angry constantly towards a partner who is not deserving of it or when the author pitches a kind person, but in reality we get a toxic person. However, in this book, 1) both MCs were messy, traumatized people engaging in quite similar behavior. The anger and self-loathing was NOT one sided, they were both fair game. And 2) the author made it quite clear this was about anger and rage, so expect that! What the author told us the book and characters would be about matched the plot and characters, yay!!
- I really loved when the MMC reconnected with Wendy. The relationship between those two was mentioned in book 1, so to see this reunion made me excited. I loved watching them reconnect and the MMC be ruthless towards her to get back to the MFC, this was everything I had wanted. I was a little bummed how quickly Wendy’s storyline ended. I wished there had been a little bit more.
- The plot was thick in this book and secrets just continually were revealed. The pacing was moderate to fast the whole time. I could not put it down! When I got to the event that happened at 49%, I thought, “WHAT TF WAS THAT?!” There was 0% chance I saw that coming. The author did such a great job giving us insight into why that decision was made, so well done!
- This book is great blend of character growth, relationship development, and action scenes.
- ❤️ Sam and Adria’s side love story. I did not know I needed this, but it was perfect and its addition to the book was great.
- The attention to tattoos is not new in books, especially for MMCs. However, this book included the value of tattoos and the storytelling they can hold. I LOVED that tattoos were included with the MFC, and the special meaning behind how they were given.
- The ending was everything we wanted, with a twist on how the antagonist died. Well played!
Two points of information for this book to consider when starting to read it:
1) the themes of the storyline from book 1 are mimicked in book 2. Therefore, the first 70% it can feel at times that you’re reading the first book again. Of course, it was not identical, but the timeline was the same in many ways. We had the MC’s keeping secrets and both had deep self-loathing, the MFC was super angry and lashing out, the MMC was hiding information and doing things his way to achieve the outcome he wanted, there was push and pull between the MC’s, there was an antagonist, and eventually the MCs connect. The side details were different, obviously the relationship between the MC’s had a different lens since they now had history together, and the plot involved Pan alive; yet, the undercurrent felt similar. This wasn’t bad by any means, as the first book was amazing, but just wanting readers to know how much of it is similar to the first book.
2) The thoughts between the three POV’s were similar and repetitive. I perceived that the author was trying to land the point that a) obtaining unconditional and genuine trust is difficult, b) once that trust is established, those trusted can see through all the crap people try to pull, and c) those who see through the crap will challenge people to grow and be better, even when defensive walls are thrown up. Now, I love that this was the point the author was trying to make. However, the MFC, MMC, and Sam all had thoughts about how they were seen and could always be seen by the other person. The thoughts cycled, repetitively for all three around similar content. I started skipping those paragraphs, finding I did not miss anything.
March 18, 2026
This was so frustrating for me. It was repetitive and redundant and there were unanswered questions like who blew up the ship? How many times can Peter return? Can we stop calling him the Aeternalis? Are Willa and Niko just not going to talk about Zenni? How can people hundreds of years old still be so petulant? Can we stop using the name Corpsey? Did Addy and Sam really stay apart and torture themselves and each other for 200 years for no fucking reason?
Characters 2.5
Plot 3
Romance 2
Spice 3
Characters 2.5
Plot 3
Romance 2
Spice 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Long live the Queen of dreams
6 ⭐️ , this was everything I didn’t know I wanted in this book and more but if you need convincing let’s dive in …
Adytum is the second book in the darkly dreaming duet by Amarah Calderini . This is a dark fantasy romance retelling of Peter Pan like you’ve never read before . This book starts off one year after the heart breaking cliffhanger that ended Carrion . I won’t dive too deep into that because you can go read my review for Carrion and find out . After reading Carrion last year I truly didn’t think it was possible for it to be topped, but man did Amarah prove me wrong . I dare say book 2 was even better than book 1 .
Our FMC Willa Darling goes dark in this book , I mean dark. Sometimes you have to be a villain to be the hero and my God did we get all the feminine rage she deserved and much more . She isn’t a whinny female character that gets annoying with the same drama . No Willa takes charge and responsibility, shouldering the burden of being the anchor to the island . When Peter returns to claim what he thinks belongs to him she doesn’t back down or run , she fights for what is hers. Long live the queen of dreams!!
Now let’s talk about Niko, because just when I thought that man couldn’t get any hotter he threw that notion out the window . Now if you’ve read book one you know how this man was chefs kiss but book 2 comes out and this man is absolutely feral with I will burn the entire world and every world that comes after down to ashes before I let Willa give up another piece of herself . OMG! That man said I will get on my knees and serve the queen of dreams as the king of death and rot . Long live the King of Carrion!!
Adytum had amazing plot and development of characters coming into their own magic and owning it like they should . There is funny banter between characters . Moments that make you grip your chest and hold your breath. Side characters that make you laugh , awe and tear up . I’d love to get a novella or something for Sam and Tiernan . Their stories were just as impactful in the short bits we get from them . Overall absolute chefs kiss . The only thing I will say negatively , is that Wendy can kick rocks lol
Guys I mean …..
“I would allow the kingdom to be devoured by the sea if it meant Willa was alive and happy. I’d watch the mainland crumble to dust beneath hopelessness. I would bring ruin, and go to my own death with a smile on my face.” -Niko
Who wouldn’t get on their knees for this man lol , I promise you won’t regret reading this duet. So go on get to reading .
6 ⭐️ , this was everything I didn’t know I wanted in this book and more but if you need convincing let’s dive in …
Adytum is the second book in the darkly dreaming duet by Amarah Calderini . This is a dark fantasy romance retelling of Peter Pan like you’ve never read before . This book starts off one year after the heart breaking cliffhanger that ended Carrion . I won’t dive too deep into that because you can go read my review for Carrion and find out . After reading Carrion last year I truly didn’t think it was possible for it to be topped, but man did Amarah prove me wrong . I dare say book 2 was even better than book 1 .
Our FMC Willa Darling goes dark in this book , I mean dark. Sometimes you have to be a villain to be the hero and my God did we get all the feminine rage she deserved and much more . She isn’t a whinny female character that gets annoying with the same drama . No Willa takes charge and responsibility, shouldering the burden of being the anchor to the island . When Peter returns to claim what he thinks belongs to him she doesn’t back down or run , she fights for what is hers. Long live the queen of dreams!!
Now let’s talk about Niko, because just when I thought that man couldn’t get any hotter he threw that notion out the window . Now if you’ve read book one you know how this man was chefs kiss but book 2 comes out and this man is absolutely feral with I will burn the entire world and every world that comes after down to ashes before I let Willa give up another piece of herself . OMG! That man said I will get on my knees and serve the queen of dreams as the king of death and rot . Long live the King of Carrion!!
Adytum had amazing plot and development of characters coming into their own magic and owning it like they should . There is funny banter between characters . Moments that make you grip your chest and hold your breath. Side characters that make you laugh , awe and tear up . I’d love to get a novella or something for Sam and Tiernan . Their stories were just as impactful in the short bits we get from them . Overall absolute chefs kiss . The only thing I will say negatively , is that Wendy can kick rocks lol
Guys I mean …..
“I would allow the kingdom to be devoured by the sea if it meant Willa was alive and happy. I’d watch the mainland crumble to dust beneath hopelessness. I would bring ruin, and go to my own death with a smile on my face.” -Niko
Who wouldn’t get on their knees for this man lol , I promise you won’t regret reading this duet. So go on get to reading .
March 30, 2026
Amarah Calderini writes with her heart, wit, and most importantly love. She paints words onto the page and with careful and purposeful lyrical prowess creates a beautiful tapestry of a most lovely make believe world with unforgettable characters I never want to leave. This book is poetry in motion, its inhabitants multi-faceted, and its message unapologetically poignant and bears a warning to take care of and respect what we so often take for granted. Read with the utmost caution. It is after all a dystopian fantasy book set in the World of Dreams. 9 months has passed since the ending of Carrion and on the surface things appear to be getting better in Letum. Under that very guise, a sinister force returns and threatens the new and fragile equilibrium. We learn more of Letum’s creation, and from this hope of saving it from total annihilation. Can the bridge between dreams and the rest of the world be truly reestablished and at what cost? This third act stars our usual suspects and then introduces a few familiar and unsavory characters. This is a suspenseful tale of courage to right the wrongs of the past, found family, unfailing principle and unconditional loyalty, true love persevering, the sacrifices to get an appropriate well-deserved ending, and finding true north - the heart’s home. The reunion of Willa and Nico goes as expected with things left unsaid festering between them hopefully not for too long; however, there is a price for rekindling their love. Somnya and the world hold their breath because there’s always a price to be paid. Life and Death are opposites - a counter and a balance intrinsincally intertwined and ultimately exclusive. Mistakes will be made, self deprecation is at an all-time high, and selfless sacrifices will be given in the name of love. Will it be enough to save Letum? And humankind? This is a fantastical must read, put it at the front of your TBR, and cautionary read at an epic level.
March 4, 2026
✨Adytum✨
What an absolutely BREATHTAKING finale this was! Amarah created such a perfect duet that is stuffed full with emotional depth, reflection, hardship, healing, and love that isn’t beautiful because it is perfect, but because it is flawed, selfish, and messy.
In this finale to Amarah’s Darkly Dreaming duet, we begin a year from where we left off after book one’s devastating cliffhanger. The stakes have only gotten higher. The magic has gotten darker. The healing has been fractured. The breadth of love has only gotten more daring and feral. With their worst enemy on the loose, Willa and Niko must face the darkest parts of themselves and learn to accept them or else risk losing everything they’ve ever dreamed of.
Adytum is a dark Pan retelling that covers deep topics on healing, self hatred and acceptance, learning to appreciate what brought you to the blessings you have now, and the facets of unconditional love that reflect truth: its depravity and its purity. I was so amazed throughout this entire series with how poetic, relatable, and moving all of these characters are. I felt seen, empowered, and hopeful because Adytum addresses the ability to embrace your broken pieces and use them to make magic.
Tropes you may find in Adytum are second chance, found family, banter, mental health rep, dark Peter Pan retelling, “I didn’t know where else to go”, 🔥 the world for him/her, groveling, touch him/her and ☠️, tattooed and broody death daddy, multi-POV, medium spice, and a perfect HEA.
Amarah, thank you SO MUCH for allowing me to be an arc reader for this duet. I am so thrilled to read more of your work.
What an absolutely BREATHTAKING finale this was! Amarah created such a perfect duet that is stuffed full with emotional depth, reflection, hardship, healing, and love that isn’t beautiful because it is perfect, but because it is flawed, selfish, and messy.
In this finale to Amarah’s Darkly Dreaming duet, we begin a year from where we left off after book one’s devastating cliffhanger. The stakes have only gotten higher. The magic has gotten darker. The healing has been fractured. The breadth of love has only gotten more daring and feral. With their worst enemy on the loose, Willa and Niko must face the darkest parts of themselves and learn to accept them or else risk losing everything they’ve ever dreamed of.
Adytum is a dark Pan retelling that covers deep topics on healing, self hatred and acceptance, learning to appreciate what brought you to the blessings you have now, and the facets of unconditional love that reflect truth: its depravity and its purity. I was so amazed throughout this entire series with how poetic, relatable, and moving all of these characters are. I felt seen, empowered, and hopeful because Adytum addresses the ability to embrace your broken pieces and use them to make magic.
Tropes you may find in Adytum are second chance, found family, banter, mental health rep, dark Peter Pan retelling, “I didn’t know where else to go”, 🔥 the world for him/her, groveling, touch him/her and ☠️, tattooed and broody death daddy, multi-POV, medium spice, and a perfect HEA.
Amarah, thank you SO MUCH for allowing me to be an arc reader for this duet. I am so thrilled to read more of your work.
March 7, 2026
Perfect conclusion to this dark Peter Pan reimagining! It is beautiful, heart wrenching, hopeful, and about embracing all parts of yourself. Through their trauma and pain they have endured, Willa and Niko find their home in each other and together their love is unstoppable! The lengths they will go to for each other and the island is inspiring! I love the portrayals of friendship among the characters and the support they have for one another. The additional POV of Sam added a new layer that gave more depth to the story and since he is my favorite side character, it was a welcome addition!
I highlighted so many parts as the prose is just beautiful! If you looking for a dark Peter Pan retelling with found family, touch her and die, acceptance and healing, wound care, “I have you”, mental health rep, and spice, you need to read this duology!!
Thank you so much to the author for the review copy!
True love is neither of those things. It is holding on when you should let go. It is crawling; it is bleeding. It is gorgeous wreckage and holy sacrifice. It is precious because it hurts; because it is fought for.
“It’s just a reminder that you don’t always have to tear yourself apart. You are worth keeping whole.”
Every beat of my heart sounds hollow without the accompaniment of his.
“I will damn the whole fucking universe to a slow death if it means she lives. Villain or hero makes no difference. I am hers.”
“I am not their sanctuary, Willa. I am, and will always be, only yours.”
He is the anchor that grounds me when I’m lost; no matter his darkness, he is the light that calls me home.
“You are adytum. You are true north. You are home. And no matter the span of stars or the violence of storms, I will always find my way back to you.”
I highlighted so many parts as the prose is just beautiful! If you looking for a dark Peter Pan retelling with found family, touch her and die, acceptance and healing, wound care, “I have you”, mental health rep, and spice, you need to read this duology!!
Thank you so much to the author for the review copy!
True love is neither of those things. It is holding on when you should let go. It is crawling; it is bleeding. It is gorgeous wreckage and holy sacrifice. It is precious because it hurts; because it is fought for.
“It’s just a reminder that you don’t always have to tear yourself apart. You are worth keeping whole.”
Every beat of my heart sounds hollow without the accompaniment of his.
“I will damn the whole fucking universe to a slow death if it means she lives. Villain or hero makes no difference. I am hers.”
“I am not their sanctuary, Willa. I am, and will always be, only yours.”
He is the anchor that grounds me when I’m lost; no matter his darkness, he is the light that calls me home.
“You are adytum. You are true north. You are home. And no matter the span of stars or the violence of storms, I will always find my way back to you.”
March 13, 2026
*Death is an end to everything, but there are new beginning in an end.*
Adytum is the second book in the Darkly Dreaming duet, a Neverland inspired dystopian-esque fantasy romance. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Sarcastic pet names
✨Death daddy
✨Stabby FMC
✨Burn the world for her
✨Morally gray MCs
✨Chronic pain representation
✨Found family
✨Hate to love
✨Dream magic
✨Balance (ie light vs dark)
✨Hurt/comfort/healing
Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Darling, Corpsey
The Lovely: The beautiful, wild ride continued in book two. The author has created a magical new world bounded by death and dreams. Her writing style is lyrical as she weaves a lush setting and you flow along until she rips away your footing. I found myself forgetting I was reading and then BOOM - I was shaken back to the reality of the book.
Also Lovely: I also loved the main characters and how the lines between villain and “good” were… blurred? non-existent? Their stories, especially the FMC’s, were heartbreaking and you could feel the emotional tension between them. Their relationship is messy, frequently frustrating (in a good, realistic way) and dark.
Recommendation: I’m sorry (not sorry) to the author and I’s mutual friend who bore the brunt of my late night panic texts. It shocked me, then I was crying… I was unwell, ok? If you like a dark, gothic vibed Neverland reimagining with all the emotional pain possible, I think you would like this duet.
Adytum is the second book in the Darkly Dreaming duet, a Neverland inspired dystopian-esque fantasy romance. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Sarcastic pet names
✨Death daddy
✨Stabby FMC
✨Burn the world for her
✨Morally gray MCs
✨Chronic pain representation
✨Found family
✨Hate to love
✨Dream magic
✨Balance (ie light vs dark)
✨Hurt/comfort/healing
Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Darling, Corpsey
The Lovely: The beautiful, wild ride continued in book two. The author has created a magical new world bounded by death and dreams. Her writing style is lyrical as she weaves a lush setting and you flow along until she rips away your footing. I found myself forgetting I was reading and then BOOM - I was shaken back to the reality of the book.
Also Lovely: I also loved the main characters and how the lines between villain and “good” were… blurred? non-existent? Their stories, especially the FMC’s, were heartbreaking and you could feel the emotional tension between them. Their relationship is messy, frequently frustrating (in a good, realistic way) and dark.
Recommendation: I’m sorry (not sorry) to the author and I’s mutual friend who bore the brunt of my late night panic texts. It shocked me, then I was crying… I was unwell, ok? If you like a dark, gothic vibed Neverland reimagining with all the emotional pain possible, I think you would like this duet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC. 6 stars. Carrion was one of my favorite reads of 2025, and its sequel is of the same exquisite quality.
I have been a fan of Amarah Calderini since I read her Dark World Trilogy for so many reasons. It starts with the worlds that she builds which are filled with good and evil, light and dark, but where those opposing forces are frequently found in the same person and same place. It's because her characters are never ever simply good or simply bad. They are complex creatures with selfishness and selflessness all bundled up, like actual human beings.
She's never been afraid to have her characters make the wrong choices, or be messy or go into the depths of pain or hell, but in the end, to quote Samwise Gamgee, the sun shines out all the clearer.
Niko and Willa are so unique and so multifaceted. They are perfectly imperfect together. Willa grows into her power and her position as Queen, and Niko is there to challenge her and push her until she steps into that greatness.
We get more Sam in this story (speaking of Samwise Gamgee and the steadfast sidekick who keeps our heroes going when they are close to giving up), and I loved it.
I will read anything this author puts out at this point because I know that I will fall in love with her characters and I will never be able to predict the choices that they will make or the developments of the plot. She is a gem, and I highly recommend her tales!
I have been a fan of Amarah Calderini since I read her Dark World Trilogy for so many reasons. It starts with the worlds that she builds which are filled with good and evil, light and dark, but where those opposing forces are frequently found in the same person and same place. It's because her characters are never ever simply good or simply bad. They are complex creatures with selfishness and selflessness all bundled up, like actual human beings.
She's never been afraid to have her characters make the wrong choices, or be messy or go into the depths of pain or hell, but in the end, to quote Samwise Gamgee, the sun shines out all the clearer.
Niko and Willa are so unique and so multifaceted. They are perfectly imperfect together. Willa grows into her power and her position as Queen, and Niko is there to challenge her and push her until she steps into that greatness.
We get more Sam in this story (speaking of Samwise Gamgee and the steadfast sidekick who keeps our heroes going when they are close to giving up), and I loved it.
I will read anything this author puts out at this point because I know that I will fall in love with her characters and I will never be able to predict the choices that they will make or the developments of the plot. She is a gem, and I highly recommend her tales!
March 17, 2026
“I have lived most my life with the heat of anger in my veins. It has driven me forward; it has kept me alive. Lately though, it is different—less like a wildfire and more like a starving beast. Like something fractured inside me the moment Niko died, a fissure through which the enraged animal escaped, its jaws hungry enough to devour me whole; its teeth sharp enough to snap every tether keeping me anchored to my humanity.”
There were so many highlights saved from my reading but this one resonated with me most 🖤
3.75 ✨ 3/5 🌶️
Thank you Amarah for allowing me an early read of Adytum. I was eager to return to Letum and the magic you shared with us in Carrion. It has been such a true pleasure to ARC read for the Darkly Dreaming Duet
Things I loved while reading
The rage
The magic
The friendships
Sam & Adira
Tiernan
I found myself glossing over the spicy scenes. Just the mood I was in while reading 🤷🏼♀️ after a year apart, Niko and Willa don’t waste the time they have. They offer each other sanctuary and Adytum the only way they know how.
Amarah’s use of descriptions and writing style help capture the island, the Lunaedon and our King and Queen. The horrors of the Strayed and the Everlasting are outlined graphically adding to the darkness of this Peter Pan Re-telling.
Amarah is very open about this being a duology for mature audiences. Her website is helpful for a list of content warnings.
I am sad this series is done but love the way it ended.
There were so many highlights saved from my reading but this one resonated with me most 🖤
3.75 ✨ 3/5 🌶️
Thank you Amarah for allowing me an early read of Adytum. I was eager to return to Letum and the magic you shared with us in Carrion. It has been such a true pleasure to ARC read for the Darkly Dreaming Duet
Things I loved while reading
The rage
The magic
The friendships
Sam & Adira
Tiernan
I found myself glossing over the spicy scenes. Just the mood I was in while reading 🤷🏼♀️ after a year apart, Niko and Willa don’t waste the time they have. They offer each other sanctuary and Adytum the only way they know how.
Amarah’s use of descriptions and writing style help capture the island, the Lunaedon and our King and Queen. The horrors of the Strayed and the Everlasting are outlined graphically adding to the darkness of this Peter Pan Re-telling.
Amarah is very open about this being a duology for mature audiences. Her website is helpful for a list of content warnings.
I am sad this series is done but love the way it ended.
March 4, 2026
All the stars! Let me tell you, Peter Pan was definitely not one of my favorite fairytales growing up at all, so when I first heard about Carrion (book one), I was hesitant. I have read a couple of Peter Pan reimaginings and though they were enjoyable, they were also forgettable. This duet right here is anything but forgettable! Amarah did such an incredible job bringing this fairytale to life! I fell in love with book one, but book two was just chef’s kiss! What an imagination to weave this story together and truly make it your own.
The characters, omg, I loved them and am hoping that one day some of the special side characters get stories of their own..even if they are just novellas. I highlighted so many beautiful quotes from this story just so I can go back and reread them again.. Niko is 1000% book husband material and Willa..what a fierce and admirable FMC.
If you want a fantastic fairytale reimagining, please pick up this duet..you won’t regret it!
“My love for you may be a weapon, Willa, but I swear on my rotted soul..it will only ever be a weapon for you, not against you. Whether we are together or apart, alive or dead, I will always hold you in the safety of my heart. No one will ever be able to strike you down or take your power, because no one will ever love you as I do. You’re safe with me. Eternally.”
The characters, omg, I loved them and am hoping that one day some of the special side characters get stories of their own..even if they are just novellas. I highlighted so many beautiful quotes from this story just so I can go back and reread them again.. Niko is 1000% book husband material and Willa..what a fierce and admirable FMC.
If you want a fantastic fairytale reimagining, please pick up this duet..you won’t regret it!
“My love for you may be a weapon, Willa, but I swear on my rotted soul..it will only ever be a weapon for you, not against you. Whether we are together or apart, alive or dead, I will always hold you in the safety of my heart. No one will ever be able to strike you down or take your power, because no one will ever love you as I do. You’re safe with me. Eternally.”
March 10, 2026
Long live the Carrion King. Long live the Queen of Dreams.
The story begins a year following the events of Carrion. Willa is riddled with doubts and self-loathing. After everything she had done, she is unsure she deserves forgiveness or the admiration of the people of Letum. Niko is steadfast in his convictions, doing anything to reclaim what is his. The two of them are deeply flawed creatures, fighting themself, each other, and those who threaten the land they call home on their way to an ending that is beautiful, bittersweet, and hard won. Every ounce of happiness well earned.
Adytum is everything I could have hoped for from a sequel to Carrion and more. I don't remember the last time a book ripped my heart out so completely only to stitch it back together piece by devastating piece. This is so much more than a Peter Pan retelling. Niko and Willa's story is raw, messy, and emotionally complex, which makes the redemption that they find in each other all the more compelling.
"I no longer wan to shatter the mirror every time I gaze upon my reflection to see death staring back. The monstrous black of my eyes the sinful obsidian of my veins - it no longer feels like the curse it once did. Because how could I ever loath the very thing that led me to Willa? Death is the only thing worthy of creation, and without it, I could not be hers."
The writing itself is dark, lush, and utterly gripping. Letum comes alive, drags you in, and refuses to let go until the final page. This is a tale that will stay with me long after I've closed the book.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
The story begins a year following the events of Carrion. Willa is riddled with doubts and self-loathing. After everything she had done, she is unsure she deserves forgiveness or the admiration of the people of Letum. Niko is steadfast in his convictions, doing anything to reclaim what is his. The two of them are deeply flawed creatures, fighting themself, each other, and those who threaten the land they call home on their way to an ending that is beautiful, bittersweet, and hard won. Every ounce of happiness well earned.
Adytum is everything I could have hoped for from a sequel to Carrion and more. I don't remember the last time a book ripped my heart out so completely only to stitch it back together piece by devastating piece. This is so much more than a Peter Pan retelling. Niko and Willa's story is raw, messy, and emotionally complex, which makes the redemption that they find in each other all the more compelling.
"I no longer wan to shatter the mirror every time I gaze upon my reflection to see death staring back. The monstrous black of my eyes the sinful obsidian of my veins - it no longer feels like the curse it once did. Because how could I ever loath the very thing that led me to Willa? Death is the only thing worthy of creation, and without it, I could not be hers."
The writing itself is dark, lush, and utterly gripping. Letum comes alive, drags you in, and refuses to let go until the final page. This is a tale that will stay with me long after I've closed the book.
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
March 27, 2026
I had received this, as an ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Where do I even start? I mean seriously, when you've read a truly spectacular story, where do you even find the words to explain every single emotion. I could literally spend all day yapping about every scene and quote I loved, but, that would be neverending. Without spoiling too much, I'll say this for now.....
Adytum, is a dark Peter Pan retelling, that beautifully, but brutally showcases the elements of love, loss, pain and perseverance. This follows a year after Carrion, where Willa is engulfed in guilt and feels undeserving of forgiveness and love, from the tragic events that happened. The trials she now faces are more intense and unforgiving, but despite her self doubt and fear, she pushes through what needs to be done to save those she loves and the kingdom she cherishes.
Niko, following the same tragic events, stuck in another realm dealing with his own excruciating and unrelentless trials also fights to the end to reclaim all that it is. Saving his kingdom, eliminating his enemies, and get back to the woman he can't live without.
I absolutely love all things Peter Pan and this retelling duet, was absolutely perfect! I highly suggest reading book 1, Carrion, before reading this one, you will not be disappointed.
Can't wait to read more!!
Where do I even start? I mean seriously, when you've read a truly spectacular story, where do you even find the words to explain every single emotion. I could literally spend all day yapping about every scene and quote I loved, but, that would be neverending. Without spoiling too much, I'll say this for now.....
Adytum, is a dark Peter Pan retelling, that beautifully, but brutally showcases the elements of love, loss, pain and perseverance. This follows a year after Carrion, where Willa is engulfed in guilt and feels undeserving of forgiveness and love, from the tragic events that happened. The trials she now faces are more intense and unforgiving, but despite her self doubt and fear, she pushes through what needs to be done to save those she loves and the kingdom she cherishes.
Niko, following the same tragic events, stuck in another realm dealing with his own excruciating and unrelentless trials also fights to the end to reclaim all that it is. Saving his kingdom, eliminating his enemies, and get back to the woman he can't live without.
I absolutely love all things Peter Pan and this retelling duet, was absolutely perfect! I highly suggest reading book 1, Carrion, before reading this one, you will not be disappointed.
Can't wait to read more!!
March 9, 2026
My heart is so full after this story! I loved getting to be back with Niko and Willa and the whole crew of characters. This will go down as one of my favorite duets ever!! The island was described so beautifully and this story just captivated me. It was so emotional and ripped my heart out before putting it back again.
I loved Niko so much! He showed so much growth and vulnerability. He wasn't afraid to face his darkest fears and fight for what (or who) he believed in. I loved how he loved so fiercely and without abandon. I also loved how his ribbons were described as almost their own character with their own emotions.
I really enjoyed getting Sam's point of view on a few chapters. I related so much to the stoic steadyness that Sam possessed. Of being that quiet strength that everyone relies on. I loved his charm and sweet character so much!!
I really enjoyed the hypnotic quality to the writing. It lures you in and doesn't let go. It's beautiful and full of pretty prose and has a really melodic feeling to its flow. It's exquisitely descriptive and a great reading experience. I really can't recommend this one enough!! Don't question it just get this duet!!
I loved Niko so much! He showed so much growth and vulnerability. He wasn't afraid to face his darkest fears and fight for what (or who) he believed in. I loved how he loved so fiercely and without abandon. I also loved how his ribbons were described as almost their own character with their own emotions.
I really enjoyed getting Sam's point of view on a few chapters. I related so much to the stoic steadyness that Sam possessed. Of being that quiet strength that everyone relies on. I loved his charm and sweet character so much!!
I really enjoyed the hypnotic quality to the writing. It lures you in and doesn't let go. It's beautiful and full of pretty prose and has a really melodic feeling to its flow. It's exquisitely descriptive and a great reading experience. I really can't recommend this one enough!! Don't question it just get this duet!!
March 28, 2026
“For all the women who have been told their anger is not palatable. RAGE.”
I have been waiting for the conclusion of this duet for over a year now after reading Carrion and it was so worth the wait!!
First off, holy cow Amarah can write a good villain, Pan was an absolute psychopath-terrible and deranged. Truly a person who gave in completely to his greed, pride and entitlement and became a delusional monster. And at his core the squalling little brat who refused to grow up.
Willa—still so messy and dealing with self hatred and shame, along with becoming Letum’s queen. I liked the play on the “shadow” as a manifestation of the island as well as her inner turmoil - she had A LOT to work through and did so spectacularly.
Niko —death incarnate, indomitable, perfect and ruthless in his obsession and protection of Willa without holding her back. They both have a lot of demons but find catharsis in each other.
The story is deep with complex emotions, beautiful chaos and deeply flawed people. There’s a journey to self acceptance and a path towards redemption in doing so. It’s dark and gritty and truly Neverland, a place where dreams and nightmares come to life.
I have been waiting for the conclusion of this duet for over a year now after reading Carrion and it was so worth the wait!!
First off, holy cow Amarah can write a good villain, Pan was an absolute psychopath-terrible and deranged. Truly a person who gave in completely to his greed, pride and entitlement and became a delusional monster. And at his core the squalling little brat who refused to grow up.
Willa—still so messy and dealing with self hatred and shame, along with becoming Letum’s queen. I liked the play on the “shadow” as a manifestation of the island as well as her inner turmoil - she had A LOT to work through and did so spectacularly.
Niko —death incarnate, indomitable, perfect and ruthless in his obsession and protection of Willa without holding her back. They both have a lot of demons but find catharsis in each other.
The story is deep with complex emotions, beautiful chaos and deeply flawed people. There’s a journey to self acceptance and a path towards redemption in doing so. It’s dark and gritty and truly Neverland, a place where dreams and nightmares come to life.
April 13, 2026
An epic conclusion to a dark & twisted Neverland duology- why is Adytum (& Carrion) not on your TBR yet?? If you like unique retellings, and an ending that is going to enrapture you… this is for you!
A year later, Adytum follows our FMC Willa, the newly appointed Queen of Letum as she navigates saving the island from the Aeternalis’s return and also herself from completely losing her humanity to her magic. Meanwhile, our MMC Niko, exiled to the mainland, is fighting to get back to whats is his- the island that almost destroyed him and the woman who banished him. Amarah’s storytelling had me hooked the entire time… the twists, turns, and cliffhangers at the end of nearly every chapter had me wanting to stay up just to know what happened next.
Their romance is the antithesis- life/death, dreams/nightmares. All magic has a cost in Letum, love being the most powerful of magic. The cost this time may just end up devastating everything. A romance read you will crave till the very end- complex, high stakes, deep.
Another roman empire series, big kudos to Amarah! Adytum deserves all the accolades and I cannot wait for her next series!
A year later, Adytum follows our FMC Willa, the newly appointed Queen of Letum as she navigates saving the island from the Aeternalis’s return and also herself from completely losing her humanity to her magic. Meanwhile, our MMC Niko, exiled to the mainland, is fighting to get back to whats is his- the island that almost destroyed him and the woman who banished him. Amarah’s storytelling had me hooked the entire time… the twists, turns, and cliffhangers at the end of nearly every chapter had me wanting to stay up just to know what happened next.
Their romance is the antithesis- life/death, dreams/nightmares. All magic has a cost in Letum, love being the most powerful of magic. The cost this time may just end up devastating everything. A romance read you will crave till the very end- complex, high stakes, deep.
Another roman empire series, big kudos to Amarah! Adytum deserves all the accolades and I cannot wait for her next series!
March 24, 2026
“I do not forgive, I do not forget. I will always burn with it”
“You cannot save someone from their own darkness, no matter how you may wish to”
It’s no surprise that after being overly obsessed with Carrion that I also ended up loving Adytum as well. If you don’t know these books are a dark Peter Pan retelling and if that doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will 😂
I genuinely related to Willa on her journey and it was so heartbreaking to read from her pov to see how unworthy she felt. I think we can all relate to feeling like we’ll never be loved at least once in our lives so I loved getting this perspective.
Per usual, Niko is amazing. He’s after one goal and he’s willing to do anything to get back what’s his. He knows how to love Willa and knows what needs to be done for her to find her self worth.
I thought it was an interesting twist to find out how darlings can be killed and Pan definitely gave me the creeps. I’d definitely recommend reading this if you love an obsessed MMC and a FMC that’s stubborn, strong and learns how to love herself!
“You cannot save someone from their own darkness, no matter how you may wish to”
It’s no surprise that after being overly obsessed with Carrion that I also ended up loving Adytum as well. If you don’t know these books are a dark Peter Pan retelling and if that doesn’t hook you, I don’t know what will 😂
I genuinely related to Willa on her journey and it was so heartbreaking to read from her pov to see how unworthy she felt. I think we can all relate to feeling like we’ll never be loved at least once in our lives so I loved getting this perspective.
Per usual, Niko is amazing. He’s after one goal and he’s willing to do anything to get back what’s his. He knows how to love Willa and knows what needs to be done for her to find her self worth.
I thought it was an interesting twist to find out how darlings can be killed and Pan definitely gave me the creeps. I’d definitely recommend reading this if you love an obsessed MMC and a FMC that’s stubborn, strong and learns how to love herself!
March 12, 2026
3.5
„For not every story is meant for a happy ending, but they are all meant to teach us something. And though my fairy tale was never destined to be one of light, I pray to the second star it serves as a reminder to us all: Creation can only begin in the darkness.“
When I started the first book, I was really excited. Peter Pan, but dark? YES.
The story was really intriguing and pulled me in. Especially the worldbuilding and the writing style are amazing. But I have to admit that in the middle of book one, I did feel a bit bored. Therefore, I wasn’t that excited about this one.
BUT WOW. I was not disappointed at all. The second one was way better, in my opinion.
It was beautiful to see every single character grow and accept themselves. The way she depicted the flaws and the strength in accepting them was truly amazing.
„I am broken. I am loving. I am angry. I am loyal. I am rash. I am strong. I am vulnerable.“
„For not every story is meant for a happy ending, but they are all meant to teach us something. And though my fairy tale was never destined to be one of light, I pray to the second star it serves as a reminder to us all: Creation can only begin in the darkness.“
When I started the first book, I was really excited. Peter Pan, but dark? YES.
The story was really intriguing and pulled me in. Especially the worldbuilding and the writing style are amazing. But I have to admit that in the middle of book one, I did feel a bit bored. Therefore, I wasn’t that excited about this one.
BUT WOW. I was not disappointed at all. The second one was way better, in my opinion.
It was beautiful to see every single character grow and accept themselves. The way she depicted the flaws and the strength in accepting them was truly amazing.
„I am broken. I am loving. I am angry. I am loyal. I am rash. I am strong. I am vulnerable.“
March 26, 2026
I waited so patiently for this book (I was FERAL for this to come out) and it did not disappoint.🤌🏼 I loved this book as much if not more than the first one. 😮💨 The entire book kept me on the edge of my seat. Definitely one of my favorite duologies to date.🖤
The emotions in this book were raw and beautiful and everything I needed.
I developed such an attachment to the characters that it felt as if I had found my own family within the pages.✨
The tension, the betrayals, the twists… I was engrossed with it all. There were more moments than I could count where my heart was pounding as if I was inside the story itself. (Let me tell you, this would be a cinematic masterpiece) 😮💨🤌🏼
When I say this duology is incredible, I truly mean it. In fact, that would honestly be an understatement for how much I loved this story. I never wanted it to end and I’ll definitely be rereading before the year is up. ✨
The emotions in this book were raw and beautiful and everything I needed.
I developed such an attachment to the characters that it felt as if I had found my own family within the pages.✨
The tension, the betrayals, the twists… I was engrossed with it all. There were more moments than I could count where my heart was pounding as if I was inside the story itself. (Let me tell you, this would be a cinematic masterpiece) 😮💨🤌🏼
When I say this duology is incredible, I truly mean it. In fact, that would honestly be an understatement for how much I loved this story. I never wanted it to end and I’ll definitely be rereading before the year is up. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
Willa and Niko’s story continues in Adytum and let me tell you it was the perfect ending. After being in such a reading slump with not the greatest of books Adytum brought me back to life. My poor Willa was so lost in her darkness and in the pain of feeling she was yet again in her life not chosen by the people she loves because she mistook what Niko had said when he arrives back to her. Granted I can see why she misunderstood him including her in what was HIS since how book 1 left off. BUT i LOVED how hard this man worked for her, he never left her side again and proved she was EVERYTHING to him. Niko is most definitely on the top of my book boyfriends list. Thank you so much to the author Amarah Calderini for the opportunity to read this as an arc. I can’t wait see what you come out with next!
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