When Darkness Blinds

Shadows of the Vale #2

by Lindy Enns

"The dreamworld began to fade, but the image of the boy lingered in my mind. His words were the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me. “Don’t forget; you owe me a favour.""

Ara has done the impossible. Not only did she survive the netherworld, but she also unmasked The Lord’s true form and rescued his prisoners. Now, with the night world gone, Ara believes leading the former captives to safety will be her final test.

But the journey home is only the beginning of her trials. Kav, The Lord's right-hand woman, has seized power, and—fearful of her wrath and skeptical of Ara's story—the townspeople are unwilling to disobey her. Now Ara must choose: submit to Kav’s rule knowing it will bring suffering to her people or risk retribution by defying her in secret.

To make matters worse, Nat’s spirit is still missing. Ara is determined to find it, but with options running out, her only hope may lie in her dreams—dreams of a strange boy with green eyes, a boy whom she still owes a favour…


When Darkness Blinds is the second book in the Shadows of the Vale series. When Shadows Fall, the first book in the series, was a finalist for two provincial awards, and for three Indie Ink Awards: Best Setting, Best Friendship, and Writing the Future We Need: Mental Health Representation.

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Lindy Enns grew up on an acreage in Saskatchewan, Canada. For the past ten years, she has divided her time between her writing projects and her work as an educational assistant. She currently lives with her cat, Kaylee, and a rapidly shrinking collection of house plants. When Shadows Fall is Lindy's debut novel and the first book in her Shadows of the Vale series.

To learn more about her books and to keep up to date on all her writing news, you can subscribe to her email list through her website, www.lindyenns.com.

Reviews

[Olivia George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, yet grounded, follow up to “When Shadows Fall”! While many fantasy sequels further the story by introducing new threats and stretching out the story, “When Darkness Blinds” stays at home and builds upon already existing characters and themes while exploring what happens after heroic moment ends. Realities such as a gaslighting government, refugees and complacency are explored, as well as an autism representation.
The author makes an interesting choice to include the villain point of view, which I find strengthens the novel. This novel does what many do not - excels in both the characterization of its heroes and its villains.

[Amy Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Darkness Blinds picks up shortly after When Shadows Fall ends and is full of action and suspense. Lindy’s writing is engaging, with scenes flowing smoothly together and cliffhangers that make you want to keep reading. I like that she addresses the process of healing from both physical and emotional trauma and how that is a journey on its own, not something that is just magically fixed. Ara is a relatable character and you will quickly find yourself cheering for her, hoping that she and her friends succeed. I can’t say more without spoilers so Great Job, Lindy!

[A. M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Ms. Enns's book "When Shadows Fall" earlier this month, I knew I had to check out the sequel! I gotta say, I loved the world-building/lore and the characters so much in this one! If you enjoyed the character of Azula from "Avatar the Last Airbender," you'll love the villain! She's awesome!

The only downside with this book was the pacing. Compared to the last one, this story was a much slower pace, and I found myself getting distracted more. It's still really good though, and if you enjoyed the first one, I think you'll like this one too! Personally, I can't wait for the third one! I would tell you all the things I can't wait for.... but I hate spoilers. 🤫

For the parents out there, this is the perfect read for middle school and up! The content here is pretty clean—no language or sexual content. There are mentions of wars and death and whatnot, but nothing worse than The Chronicles of Narnia for example. 🙂