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The Shattered Darkness
Born of light. Bound to darkness.
Kyra Reid, the saviour of a divine war, has spent centuries hiding from the darkness pulsating in her mind. Hailed as a hero, she wears her legacy like a mask, concealing a dangerous truth even from herself. But when fate drags her and a group of strangers back to a place where memories blur and danger breathes, secrets buried in blood begin to awaken.
As walls whisper forgotten truths and ancient powers awaken, Kyra is forced to confront the past she buried and the power she fears, all while a figure from the shadows watches her. Cold, cruel, and far from what he seems. His presence awakens something within her. Something ancient. Something hungry.
As magic fractures and an unseen enemy rises, Kyra is caught between duty and desire, fear and power.
The shadows whisper her name.
And in their call lies a resist the darkness within... or unleash it.
For readers who crave forbidden magic, subtle romance, and haunting secrets, this dark fantasy weaves a world where life and death are bound by fragile threads.
Kyra Reid, the saviour of a divine war, has spent centuries hiding from the darkness pulsating in her mind. Hailed as a hero, she wears her legacy like a mask, concealing a dangerous truth even from herself. But when fate drags her and a group of strangers back to a place where memories blur and danger breathes, secrets buried in blood begin to awaken.
As walls whisper forgotten truths and ancient powers awaken, Kyra is forced to confront the past she buried and the power she fears, all while a figure from the shadows watches her. Cold, cruel, and far from what he seems. His presence awakens something within her. Something ancient. Something hungry.
As magic fractures and an unseen enemy rises, Kyra is caught between duty and desire, fear and power.
The shadows whisper her name.
And in their call lies a resist the darkness within... or unleash it.
For readers who crave forbidden magic, subtle romance, and haunting secrets, this dark fantasy weaves a world where life and death are bound by fragile threads.
308 pages, Paperback
Published December 25, 2025
About the author
Hailey Verkolf
1 book20 followersFrom a young age, I loved getting lost in books, fascinated by how words could create entire worlds on paper.
In 2023, I decided to take on the challenge of writing my very own book. It hasn’t been easy. There have been long nights, countless rewrites, and moments of doubt, but now I finished a story that feels fresh, different, and one I genuinely believe readers will love as much as I do.
I’m so excited to share more stories soon, and I can’t wait to keep growing and creating!
...
Hailey is an upcoming author born in The Hague, the Netherlands. She writes primarily dark romance, fantasy, and romantasy, and dreams of becoming a full-time author after completing her studies in film and literature. When she’s not reading or writing, Hailey can usually be found curled up at home with a cup of hot chocolate, listening to music or watching movies.
In 2023, I decided to take on the challenge of writing my very own book. It hasn’t been easy. There have been long nights, countless rewrites, and moments of doubt, but now I finished a story that feels fresh, different, and one I genuinely believe readers will love as much as I do.
I’m so excited to share more stories soon, and I can’t wait to keep growing and creating!
...
Hailey is an upcoming author born in The Hague, the Netherlands. She writes primarily dark romance, fantasy, and romantasy, and dreams of becoming a full-time author after completing her studies in film and literature. When she’s not reading or writing, Hailey can usually be found curled up at home with a cup of hot chocolate, listening to music or watching movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 7, 2026
Grim dark fantasy with Gods, elves and a powerful divine Magic: latharian.
Kyra is born as a daughter of a family of royal advisors. She is half human, half elf. She has a special ability, she can wield Latharian to create things.. while others only use it to drain life out of everything, even drain each other because it’s never enough …
The story starts off in a mysterious palace, it’s suspenseful and expect reading it on the edge of your seat.
The character building is unique, it’s slow and steady.
Slowly some things become clear, alliances are being formed and betrayal will take root.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and was sad when it came to an end!
Kyra is born as a daughter of a family of royal advisors. She is half human, half elf. She has a special ability, she can wield Latharian to create things.. while others only use it to drain life out of everything, even drain each other because it’s never enough …
The story starts off in a mysterious palace, it’s suspenseful and expect reading it on the edge of your seat.
The character building is unique, it’s slow and steady.
Slowly some things become clear, alliances are being formed and betrayal will take root.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and was sad when it came to an end!
December 8, 2025
This was a unique and beautifully written fantasy read. I loved the concept of this one and it definitely had me hooked especially through the whole mystery aspect.
Generally, we need more standalone fantasies, so that’s already a win—and it’s also not a very long book. I would have loved even more context and background about the world though, so that especially the ending could have hit even harder. However, that ending was so unexpected and has me excited for more books in the series! 👀
The writing was beautiful and overall incredibly impressive for a debut novel. I’m coming in as a romantasy and spicy-romance lover, so personally I would have loved a lot more romance in this one. And maaaaybe some day I will get more (hopefully!!!) 👀😍
However, I understand why that wouldn’t have worked maybe, and even though this book can be read as a standalone, it still feels like a great setup for the series/universe.
3.75 ⭐️
I very kindly received an ARC and am so grateful for that!
Generally, we need more standalone fantasies, so that’s already a win—and it’s also not a very long book. I would have loved even more context and background about the world though, so that especially the ending could have hit even harder. However, that ending was so unexpected and has me excited for more books in the series! 👀
The writing was beautiful and overall incredibly impressive for a debut novel. I’m coming in as a romantasy and spicy-romance lover, so personally I would have loved a lot more romance in this one. And maaaaybe some day I will get more (hopefully!!!) 👀😍
However, I understand why that wouldn’t have worked maybe, and even though this book can be read as a standalone, it still feels like a great setup for the series/universe.
3.75 ⭐️
I very kindly received an ARC and am so grateful for that!
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shattered Darkness (ARC)
Shattered Darkness is an ambitious dark fantasy with a rich, original universe and a story that grows stronger as it unfolds. While the opening can feel slightly chaotic due to the rapid introduction of names, concepts, and worldbuilding, the narrative quickly finds its footing.
Once past the early chapters, the pacing improves significantly, the world becomes clearer, and the characters gain depth. The atmosphere is well crafted, the concept is compelling, and the second half of the book is immersive and highly entertaining. With more space to explore the world and Kyra’s origins, the story could have been even more impactful, but the potential here is undeniable.
A solid and promising read for fans of dark fantasy and complex worlds.
--------------------------------------
Shattered Darkness is an ambitious novel, driven by an original universe and a plot that grows stronger as the story unfolds.
While the opening requires a brief adjustment period, the reading experience quickly becomes engaging and genuinely entertaining.
The first chapters immerse the reader in a still-unstructured chaos: a large amount of information, names, and concepts are introduced rapidly, which can make the beginning feel slightly disorienting. Readers search for their footing, both within the world and among the characters, and the lack of a clearly anchored point of view at the outset reinforces this feeling. That said, this narrative choice ultimately makes sense once the story becomes more firmly established.
From the second half onward, the novel truly finds its rhythm. The plot flows more smoothly, the world becomes clearer, and the narrative balance improves significantly. The characters gain depth, the atmosphere is well controlled, and the originality of the concept comes through much more strongly. The imagined world is rich, intriguing, and developed enough to create genuine immersion.
That said, the story could have been even more impactful and immersive if the worldbuilding had been explored in greater detail. The novel would have benefited greatly from taking more time to develop Kyra’s origins, particularly her rise to the role of Crown Advisor, as well as expanding on the families and the broader dynamics of the world in which the story takes place. This would not have harmed the pacing; on the contrary, a longer text would have allowed for deeper immersion, strengthening both emotional impact and reader attachment to the characters. The universe is so rich and promising that one would gladly explore every corner of it.
Special mention goes to the creativity of the world and the strong potential for what comes next: once it finds its footing, Shattered Darkness delivers a gripping, exciting, and promising read. Despite a somewhat chaotic beginning, the second half more than makes up for it and leaves a very positive overall impression.
A recommended read for fans of dark fantasy and complex worlds, especially for those who enjoy stories that take time to fully unfold.
Shattered Darkness is an ambitious dark fantasy with a rich, original universe and a story that grows stronger as it unfolds. While the opening can feel slightly chaotic due to the rapid introduction of names, concepts, and worldbuilding, the narrative quickly finds its footing.
Once past the early chapters, the pacing improves significantly, the world becomes clearer, and the characters gain depth. The atmosphere is well crafted, the concept is compelling, and the second half of the book is immersive and highly entertaining. With more space to explore the world and Kyra’s origins, the story could have been even more impactful, but the potential here is undeniable.
A solid and promising read for fans of dark fantasy and complex worlds.
--------------------------------------
Shattered Darkness is an ambitious novel, driven by an original universe and a plot that grows stronger as the story unfolds.
While the opening requires a brief adjustment period, the reading experience quickly becomes engaging and genuinely entertaining.
The first chapters immerse the reader in a still-unstructured chaos: a large amount of information, names, and concepts are introduced rapidly, which can make the beginning feel slightly disorienting. Readers search for their footing, both within the world and among the characters, and the lack of a clearly anchored point of view at the outset reinforces this feeling. That said, this narrative choice ultimately makes sense once the story becomes more firmly established.
From the second half onward, the novel truly finds its rhythm. The plot flows more smoothly, the world becomes clearer, and the narrative balance improves significantly. The characters gain depth, the atmosphere is well controlled, and the originality of the concept comes through much more strongly. The imagined world is rich, intriguing, and developed enough to create genuine immersion.
That said, the story could have been even more impactful and immersive if the worldbuilding had been explored in greater detail. The novel would have benefited greatly from taking more time to develop Kyra’s origins, particularly her rise to the role of Crown Advisor, as well as expanding on the families and the broader dynamics of the world in which the story takes place. This would not have harmed the pacing; on the contrary, a longer text would have allowed for deeper immersion, strengthening both emotional impact and reader attachment to the characters. The universe is so rich and promising that one would gladly explore every corner of it.
Special mention goes to the creativity of the world and the strong potential for what comes next: once it finds its footing, Shattered Darkness delivers a gripping, exciting, and promising read. Despite a somewhat chaotic beginning, the second half more than makes up for it and leaves a very positive overall impression.
A recommended read for fans of dark fantasy and complex worlds, especially for those who enjoy stories that take time to fully unfold.
February 9, 2026
4.5✨ This was such an amazing book!! 😍 can be a bit confusing at times but I really did enjoy it.
Kyra has a lot of secrets she’s not sharing about her family or her past. A voice whispers in her head to not trust anyone, even the one she’s most close to. I loved Azrael and Kyra chemistry so when things went south I was gutted!! Azrael did what he thought was right even if it meant betrayal Kyra he felt betrayed himself and doesn’t know who she’s really is anymore. The shadow that haunt Kyra is a man she’s knows but can’t remember.
The ending left me unsatisfied as I was hoping Kyra and Azrael were end game but I was sadly mistaken 😭
Highly recommend the book though it was such a rush and the writing was very well written!!
Thank you Hailey for the e-book 🙌🏼
Kyra has a lot of secrets she’s not sharing about her family or her past. A voice whispers in her head to not trust anyone, even the one she’s most close to. I loved Azrael and Kyra chemistry so when things went south I was gutted!! Azrael did what he thought was right even if it meant betrayal Kyra he felt betrayed himself and doesn’t know who she’s really is anymore. The shadow that haunt Kyra is a man she’s knows but can’t remember.
The ending left me unsatisfied as I was hoping Kyra and Azrael were end game but I was sadly mistaken 😭
Highly recommend the book though it was such a rush and the writing was very well written!!
Thank you Hailey for the e-book 🙌🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
I wish this cover image for this book was clear because it does have a stunning cover that matches the vibe of the story perfectly.
♡lovely world building
♡unique and likable characters
♡good pacing
♡surprise twists
♡an ending I didn't expect
There were a couple of things that I found to be confusing with the plot, POV, and timeline. However, these things didn't hold me back from progressing in the story. This was suspenseful, surprising, unique, and overall, a fun read. I stayed up 'til 3am with this one - I regret nothing.
♡lovely world building
♡unique and likable characters
♡good pacing
♡surprise twists
♡an ending I didn't expect
There were a couple of things that I found to be confusing with the plot, POV, and timeline. However, these things didn't hold me back from progressing in the story. This was suspenseful, surprising, unique, and overall, a fun read. I stayed up 'til 3am with this one - I regret nothing.
January 12, 2026
wow
this book wasn't what I was expecting I read as an arc and it did not disappoint, from the start there was mystery and a great plot that kept you guessing giving little bits I really loved this book I picked it up and didn't put it back down until I'd finished. definitely a 5 star read for me
this book wasn't what I was expecting I read as an arc and it did not disappoint, from the start there was mystery and a great plot that kept you guessing giving little bits I really loved this book I picked it up and didn't put it back down until I'd finished. definitely a 5 star read for me
November 28, 2025
The Shattered Darkness by Hailey Verkolf — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This is hands down one of the best dark fantasy books I’ve ever read.
The writing is smooth, engaging, and super easy to follow, which I loved. The character development—especially Kyra’s growth—was done amazingly well, and the worldbuilding felt rich without being overwhelming.
The story starts strong and hooked me instantly. There was always something happening, so I never lost interest. (I literally stopped listening in class because I was so into it.)
Trigger warnings (personal):
If you’re sensitive to scenes involving death or killing, I’d recommend being cautious, as these themes appear throughout the book.
I’m very grateful to have received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
This is hands down one of the best dark fantasy books I’ve ever read.
The writing is smooth, engaging, and super easy to follow, which I loved. The character development—especially Kyra’s growth—was done amazingly well, and the worldbuilding felt rich without being overwhelming.
The story starts strong and hooked me instantly. There was always something happening, so I never lost interest. (I literally stopped listening in class because I was so into it.)
Trigger warnings (personal):
If you’re sensitive to scenes involving death or killing, I’d recommend being cautious, as these themes appear throughout the book.
I’m very grateful to have received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 30, 2025
A dark, gothic mystery that feels like stepping into a candlelit nightmare you’re not sure you’ll escape.
(3.75 rounded up to 4)
Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Shattered Darkness delivers strong gothic dark fantasy vibes from the very first page. The story wastes no time, opening in the middle of the action with a group of (mostly) strangers waking in an abandoned palace — a setting that’s eerie, atmospheric, and full of unanswered questions. The central mystery of how these characters might escape is compelling and serves as a strong throughline for the entire book.
In terms of scope, this read felt closer to a novella than a full-length novel. There’s enough complexity to keep things interesting, but the worldbuilding isn’t quite as expansive or detailed as I tend to prefer in longer fantasy works. Still, the focused approach works well for the story being told, especially when paired with the consistently morose, fantastical tone.
I also appreciated the subtle narrative tension — that lingering sense of can I trust what I’m being told from the FMC’s POV — as well as the romance subplot, which was handled with restraint and never overshadowed the main plot. While there’s definitely room for growth in the worldbuilding, this is a very promising debut with a strong atmosphere and an engaging core mystery!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I think dedicated fans of dark fantasy will especially appreciate the mood, pacing, and sense of intrigue. I’m very interested to see how this world and this author’s writing evolve in future books, because there is a LOT to work with for new stories within this world!
(3.75 rounded up to 4)
Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Shattered Darkness delivers strong gothic dark fantasy vibes from the very first page. The story wastes no time, opening in the middle of the action with a group of (mostly) strangers waking in an abandoned palace — a setting that’s eerie, atmospheric, and full of unanswered questions. The central mystery of how these characters might escape is compelling and serves as a strong throughline for the entire book.
In terms of scope, this read felt closer to a novella than a full-length novel. There’s enough complexity to keep things interesting, but the worldbuilding isn’t quite as expansive or detailed as I tend to prefer in longer fantasy works. Still, the focused approach works well for the story being told, especially when paired with the consistently morose, fantastical tone.
I also appreciated the subtle narrative tension — that lingering sense of can I trust what I’m being told from the FMC’s POV — as well as the romance subplot, which was handled with restraint and never overshadowed the main plot. While there’s definitely room for growth in the worldbuilding, this is a very promising debut with a strong atmosphere and an engaging core mystery!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I think dedicated fans of dark fantasy will especially appreciate the mood, pacing, and sense of intrigue. I’m very interested to see how this world and this author’s writing evolve in future books, because there is a LOT to work with for new stories within this world!
January 21, 2026
ARC-read
First off, a huge thank you to Hailey for even getting the opportunity to read the Shattered Darkness!
I really, really enjoyed this book and the length was absolutely perfect. The pacing was good, at no Point did it feel stretched out nor did I have a feeling the dialogues were forced.
I loved how the story began to unfold around Kyra and we got to know bits throughout the book, figuring out little details and big plot points before they were announced.
BUT: the book did feel like something was missing. I would’ve loved to know why Azrael and Kyra broke it off, since the chemistry was still there. And what was Selûnes purpose? The book highlighted her so much, yet there wasn’t really anything she did (or didn’t do) that made her special the way the book intended.
Aside from that it was a very solid and pleasant read! Fans of dark fantasy elements with a fable for shadow magic will definitely get a fill with Hailey‘s „The Shattered Darkness“. 😊
First off, a huge thank you to Hailey for even getting the opportunity to read the Shattered Darkness!
I really, really enjoyed this book and the length was absolutely perfect. The pacing was good, at no Point did it feel stretched out nor did I have a feeling the dialogues were forced.
I loved how the story began to unfold around Kyra and we got to know bits throughout the book, figuring out little details and big plot points before they were announced.
BUT: the book did feel like something was missing. I would’ve loved to know why Azrael and Kyra broke it off, since the chemistry was still there. And what was Selûnes purpose? The book highlighted her so much, yet there wasn’t really anything she did (or didn’t do) that made her special the way the book intended.
Aside from that it was a very solid and pleasant read! Fans of dark fantasy elements with a fable for shadow magic will definitely get a fill with Hailey‘s „The Shattered Darkness“. 😊
September 14, 2026
I ATE THIS BOOK UUUUPPPP!!! I completed the ARC in two sittings.. exactly. I loved the depth of the characters, even the not so important ones. And the world building of this *place* 😩. The twists were twisting and honestly that is NOT the outcome I had expected AT ALL.
I do however have two comments, not particularly bad, just kinda neutral.
1. I wish we had a better background/understanding for a certain *someone*. His name was never stated.
2. It was mentioned at the end that a certain background character had a really important role in life, but that was all. Super vague and I wish we either got more details or it could’ve been left out altogether.. unless it’s discussed in a following book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and want to give a huge THANK YOU to Hailey for sending me a copy and allowing me to be part of this process! 🫶🏻
I do however have two comments, not particularly bad, just kinda neutral.
1. I wish we had a better background/understanding for a certain *someone*. His name was never stated.
2. It was mentioned at the end that a certain background character had a really important role in life, but that was all. Super vague and I wish we either got more details or it could’ve been left out altogether.. unless it’s discussed in a following book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and want to give a huge THANK YOU to Hailey for sending me a copy and allowing me to be part of this process! 🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2026
The setting of the book was very new to me, I don't usually read dark fantasy. But this also seemed like a good place to start, it is easy to read and the setting is very intriguing.
This book seemed to be a perfect mix and balance of mystery and fantasy. Every chapter kept me on the edge, while I wanted to know more of what is happening, where are they and why.
The descriptions of the goo justice to the setting and even the side characters get there space. There is no overdoing or injustice done to the side-characters. They are beautifully created and there area is strategically defined.
There are a few questions that have gone unanswered for me, but I guess that will be the case considering it is the first book in a series.
This book seemed to be a perfect mix and balance of mystery and fantasy. Every chapter kept me on the edge, while I wanted to know more of what is happening, where are they and why.
The descriptions of the goo justice to the setting and even the side characters get there space. There is no overdoing or injustice done to the side-characters. They are beautifully created and there area is strategically defined.
There are a few questions that have gone unanswered for me, but I guess that will be the case considering it is the first book in a series.
January 4, 2026
I was glad to receive this ARC and was very impressed by this debut from Hailey!
This is a dark gothic mystery with some magic thrown in! The story is a great standalone that leaves you wondering how the group ended up in their predicament and how they will find their way out. This was a fresh plot line I haven’t read before.
I only took a star off because there was not a ton of world or character building. What is there is strong, but I enjoy falling more into the world and characters.
As a standalone, I found this to be an easy read that kept me wanting to turn the page and find out what was next!
This is a dark gothic mystery with some magic thrown in! The story is a great standalone that leaves you wondering how the group ended up in their predicament and how they will find their way out. This was a fresh plot line I haven’t read before.
I only took a star off because there was not a ton of world or character building. What is there is strong, but I enjoy falling more into the world and characters.
As a standalone, I found this to be an easy read that kept me wanting to turn the page and find out what was next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc read
5/5
This has been hands down. It's one of the best fantasy books I've read this yr 🙌
You start off immediately in the action. There is not a stagnate chapter anywhere. It kept flowing, and you wanted to know what happens next. I loved the mystery and secrets that just kept going. Amazing world building revolving around a castle type hallway covered in darkness gives the spooky vibe. Character description and development as you progressed were also on point.
If you love a good dark fantasy, mystery, secrets, and betrayal, read this book.
Big thank you to Hailey Verkolf for giving the opportunity to read and review❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
5/5
This has been hands down. It's one of the best fantasy books I've read this yr 🙌
You start off immediately in the action. There is not a stagnate chapter anywhere. It kept flowing, and you wanted to know what happens next. I loved the mystery and secrets that just kept going. Amazing world building revolving around a castle type hallway covered in darkness gives the spooky vibe. Character description and development as you progressed were also on point.
If you love a good dark fantasy, mystery, secrets, and betrayal, read this book.
Big thank you to Hailey Verkolf for giving the opportunity to read and review❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 9, 2026
4,5⭐️
First of all, I seriously recommend you reading this book, it was so good!!
I love the way it is written, it felt like I was in the characters’ mind and body, experiencing everything that was happening.
The FMC isn’t what we are used to and that only brought more mystery and atmosphere to the plot.
And that ending was something else, it caught me completely off guard and left me with even more questions!!
Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
First of all, I seriously recommend you reading this book, it was so good!!
I love the way it is written, it felt like I was in the characters’ mind and body, experiencing everything that was happening.
The FMC isn’t what we are used to and that only brought more mystery and atmosphere to the plot.
And that ending was something else, it caught me completely off guard and left me with even more questions!!
Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
February 5, 2026
I dont think my review will ever give this book the credit it deserves.
This book begins by throwing you straight in the deep end. You wont have a clue what's going on, who anyone is or where you are....but thats the beauty in it as the characters dont have a clue either! you figure things out as the characters do and its brilliant! you feel like you are one of them. It was a new experience for me and Hailey pulled it off brilliantly.
This book begins by throwing you straight in the deep end. You wont have a clue what's going on, who anyone is or where you are....but thats the beauty in it as the characters dont have a clue either! you figure things out as the characters do and its brilliant! you feel like you are one of them. It was a new experience for me and Hailey pulled it off brilliantly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow where to start there is so much ! Let's start with this I loved this ! It starts off so quickly and your literally running right from the first page. They are all trapped in the castle with an ancient darkness hunting them down. There are so many twists and turns you can't trust anyone. I was gasping with shock as I turned each page. I am looking forward to reading more!
January 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ gripping, and such an intriguing read. I loved how descriptive the author was through the story. It had a good flow that made it easy to read and I’m so glad I got to read it and as a fantasy reader this was 100% perfect for me!
Highly recommend ☺️
Highly recommend ☺️
January 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. The Shattered Darkness feels atmospheric from the very first chapter, magic, shadows, and that constant sense that something bigger is lurking behind the scenes. I liked how the story balances action with real emotional moments, and the characters actually feel layered instead of perfect. It’s dark in places, but not hopeless, and the twists landed nicely. If you’re into fantasy with mystery, found power, and a bit of heartbreak, this is a solid read. It definitely kept me turning pages.
January 22, 2026
A different kind of fantasy read. A twisted tale of betrayal and darkness.
October 3, 2026
A perfect combination of horror and fantasy that had me me in a chokehold from the first chapter!!
January 18, 2026
This book gave me ‘Plated Prisoner’ series & ‘The Games Gods Play’ vibes. It’s always exciting to dive into a new world of fantasy & Hailey did a wonderful job with her world building. Kyra’s story was full of twists, turns, & dark moments. I still have lots of questions though- I’m hoping there will be more to come…
January 19, 2026
I loved this book!! It sucks you in and takes you on an adventure of twists and turns and you fall for the characters. I hope there's more to the story. im rooting for Kyra!!! Truly a great read!! need more please!!!
January 6, 2026
-4,5 stars-
Let’s start with saying how great this book was. The writing felt quick, refreshing, and the plot was something I have never seen before. The way the book was written almost makes it feel like a novella or prequel, which makes it an amazing set-up for more upcoming books in this universe. Because there wasn’t any heavy world building and the novel isn’t too long and starts right in the action, it makes it easy for usual non–dark fantasy readers to pick up.
The way the world building was set up I really liked, because instead of making it very dense, it was scattered throughout the book, combining it with the characters’ backstories, which makes the novel more accessible and readable for a bigger audience. However, I would have loved if some of the backstory could have been more expanded on. We got a lot of backstory on our main character, Kyra Reid, but it was cut really short in detail, which makes it feel like there is more to tell.
However, especially for a debut novel, after the first few pages the writing becomes smooth and easy to read, and the characters become really lovable. It isn’t easy to give characters dimension, especially in a book under 300 pages, but I think Hailey did a great job. I am excited for what is yet to come inside this universe.
Let’s start with saying how great this book was. The writing felt quick, refreshing, and the plot was something I have never seen before. The way the book was written almost makes it feel like a novella or prequel, which makes it an amazing set-up for more upcoming books in this universe. Because there wasn’t any heavy world building and the novel isn’t too long and starts right in the action, it makes it easy for usual non–dark fantasy readers to pick up.
The way the world building was set up I really liked, because instead of making it very dense, it was scattered throughout the book, combining it with the characters’ backstories, which makes the novel more accessible and readable for a bigger audience. However, I would have loved if some of the backstory could have been more expanded on. We got a lot of backstory on our main character, Kyra Reid, but it was cut really short in detail, which makes it feel like there is more to tell.
However, especially for a debut novel, after the first few pages the writing becomes smooth and easy to read, and the characters become really lovable. It isn’t easy to give characters dimension, especially in a book under 300 pages, but I think Hailey did a great job. I am excited for what is yet to come inside this universe.
January 25, 2026
First off I would like to thank the author, Hailey Verkolf, for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of this book. I did enjoy this book especially a dual point of view and the flashbacks. Even though it is told in third person I always love a dual POV. I would describe this book as a horror fantasy. This is not a romance novel. The scenes with the Shera are quite graphic. There are elves, half elves, monsters, and gods. I think the author tied all these elements and characters very well. It is also a fast past read being a short novel. You do feel for the FMC, Kyra. There was also a playlist at the beginning of the book. I love when there is a list included instead of a QR code to Spotify.
Favorite Quotes:
"He was human, yet his aggression had made him into something monstrous."
"She could shield herself from him, not when that storm of rage inside her threatened to escape."
"But there was nothing more warriors feared than an opponent with unknown weaknesses."
"Time had no weakness, no enemy, no rules. It was an undefeatable force, the executioner of the weak and strong alike."
Favorite Quotes:
"He was human, yet his aggression had made him into something monstrous."
"She could shield herself from him, not when that storm of rage inside her threatened to escape."
"But there was nothing more warriors feared than an opponent with unknown weaknesses."
"Time had no weakness, no enemy, no rules. It was an undefeatable force, the executioner of the weak and strong alike."
January 8, 2026
This is a dark, Gothic fantasy with a healthy dose of mystery and intrigue! The first few chapters are paced intentionally slow, so stick with it. This is where we're bring introduced to the world and the main characters, and everything feels very off-key and stuck. This is intentional!!! We are SUPPOSED to feel as lost as our characters. Seriously, the sense of wrongness written into the story is incredible.
After the first chapters the action starts to pick up and things start clicking into place, I won't ruin the fun but that ending THREW ME! What!!! I'm so excited to see where this world goes!! I would just liked to see the characters more fleshed out since some of them felt like placeholders, that's really my only hangup. Amazing work!
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book, but that doesn't affect my rating at all!
After the first chapters the action starts to pick up and things start clicking into place, I won't ruin the fun but that ending THREW ME! What!!! I'm so excited to see where this world goes!! I would just liked to see the characters more fleshed out since some of them felt like placeholders, that's really my only hangup. Amazing work!
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book, but that doesn't affect my rating at all!
September 10, 2026
I received an free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Shattered Darkness was haunting and mysterious. This story felt like a snapshot within a larger fantasy world that was hinted at but never actually shown. I think it worked for the plot to focus on the mystery contained within the mansion, but I was a little confused by so much mention of the broader world lore until everything tied together at the conclusion.
I had some trouble imaging the time period. At times it seemed medieval with everyone using swords and candles, but at one point Kyra zips a jacket and a few times dialogue felt too modern to me.
Overall, despite a few elements mentioned above, I really enjoyed this book for the gothic atmosphere, mystery and creative use of flashbacks that contributed to a satisfying ending twist. This was a fun way to spend a spooky evening!
The Shattered Darkness was haunting and mysterious. This story felt like a snapshot within a larger fantasy world that was hinted at but never actually shown. I think it worked for the plot to focus on the mystery contained within the mansion, but I was a little confused by so much mention of the broader world lore until everything tied together at the conclusion.
I had some trouble imaging the time period. At times it seemed medieval with everyone using swords and candles, but at one point Kyra zips a jacket and a few times dialogue felt too modern to me.
Overall, despite a few elements mentioned above, I really enjoyed this book for the gothic atmosphere, mystery and creative use of flashbacks that contributed to a satisfying ending twist. This was a fun way to spend a spooky evening!
February 1, 2026
First, if you are terrified of being in the dark, this is probably not the book for you. However, if you don't fear darkness, this book will have you questioning everything. Who is good, who is bad, where are they, why are they there?
At times, I was holding my breath at each twist of the book. It is a book you will not want to put down. I would have had it finished quickly if I had not been down sick and had a hospital trip.
The end does leave a lot of questions so just know this is the 1st book and it kind of leaves off on a cliff hanger. There is a 2nd one in the works. And if you enjoy the book as much as I did, you will be anxiously awaiting the 2nd one like I am.
At times, I was holding my breath at each twist of the book. It is a book you will not want to put down. I would have had it finished quickly if I had not been down sick and had a hospital trip.
The end does leave a lot of questions so just know this is the 1st book and it kind of leaves off on a cliff hanger. There is a 2nd one in the works. And if you enjoy the book as much as I did, you will be anxiously awaiting the 2nd one like I am.
July 12, 2026
This had all the bones to be a really fun read. But it never really got there. And the ending made it feel more like an prologue but the author has stated there will only be standalones going forward. It read very much like a manga/anime fantasy mystery. Which should’ve been fun as I loved Pandora hearts and Egro Proxy but the writing style was off and things were kept far too vague for a story to really develop. The characters were also flat and lifeless, which in turn made the stakes feel flat and lifeless. In all honestly Im suspicious of ai use, I’ve never read something with this odd of a tone to it and word use was repeatedly off. On a positive I smashed it out in a couple of hours
January 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It sucked me in from the beginning and kept me interested the whole time. I really liked the FMC Kyra. And the constant need to find out what happens next had me devouring this. I don't want to give anything away as I fully believe going into this with as little knowledge as possible made this that much more fun to read. I can't wait to see what happens next!
January 20, 2026
Wow - was I surprised with this work of art! I was intrigued...sucked right in from the beginning. This unique dark fantasy gave me a feel of a murder mystery - never really knowing what was going to happen next.
Kyra dragged me through many emotions, sometimes almost making me emotionally dizzy.
I recommend for any dark fantasy reader!
Kyra dragged me through many emotions, sometimes almost making me emotionally dizzy.
I recommend for any dark fantasy reader!
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