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Of Venom and Virtue: Book II of The Darkling Series
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2026
About the author
Emily M. Syn
3 books49 followersEmily M. Syn writes high fantasy with sapphic main characters. Of Flesh & Fable (Book I in the Darkling series) is available now. Of Venom & Virtue will release in 2026. She currently lives in NY with her wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I received the email that this ARC had finally hit my inbox, I could have either screamed or cried. I did neither, seeing as I was at work, but I immediately downloaded it and sent it to my Kindle.
I set aside a few hours the next two days, and after about 9 hours of reading time, I had finished. And I cannot wait for book three.
To say that I was hooked is an understatement. I missed Valatia. I missed Elowen, Leijla, Isolde, Nightlark, and even Teagh, the insufferable ass that he is. Getting to go back and see these characters felt amazing. I hadn't realized just how much I missed them.
Diving back in, I was immediately interested. Yes, there are four points of view (Leijla, Elowen, Isolde, and Nightlark/Suri), but it absolutely does not take away from the story. It enriches it. Getting to see things from different angles and through different eyes was great, and it brought more depth to certain scenes.
We meet some new friends along the way, some family is found again, and there were no horses harmed in this book (iykyk 🪦🐴). Watching our core cast grow was exciting. I can't wait for you guys to meet the new characters.
The conflict continues to build and our team puts up the best fight that they can. Though the odds feel stacked against them, Leijla, Elowen, Teagh, and the others put their best foot forward and persevere.
From where this book ends, I can't wait for book three. The conclusion to this incredible ride can only go up. Of Flesh and Fable was incredible, Of Venom and Virtue was moreso, and book three is eagerly anticipated.
Please, if you love rich world building, intricate plot lines, multi-faceted characters, plot twists, and a sweet romance - I highly recommend checking out this book and book one. The Darkling Trilogy is fantastic. You will not be disappointed if you pick them up.
I set aside a few hours the next two days, and after about 9 hours of reading time, I had finished. And I cannot wait for book three.
To say that I was hooked is an understatement. I missed Valatia. I missed Elowen, Leijla, Isolde, Nightlark, and even Teagh, the insufferable ass that he is. Getting to go back and see these characters felt amazing. I hadn't realized just how much I missed them.
Diving back in, I was immediately interested. Yes, there are four points of view (Leijla, Elowen, Isolde, and Nightlark/Suri), but it absolutely does not take away from the story. It enriches it. Getting to see things from different angles and through different eyes was great, and it brought more depth to certain scenes.
We meet some new friends along the way, some family is found again, and there were no horses harmed in this book (iykyk 🪦🐴). Watching our core cast grow was exciting. I can't wait for you guys to meet the new characters.
The conflict continues to build and our team puts up the best fight that they can. Though the odds feel stacked against them, Leijla, Elowen, Teagh, and the others put their best foot forward and persevere.
From where this book ends, I can't wait for book three. The conclusion to this incredible ride can only go up. Of Flesh and Fable was incredible, Of Venom and Virtue was moreso, and book three is eagerly anticipated.
Please, if you love rich world building, intricate plot lines, multi-faceted characters, plot twists, and a sweet romance - I highly recommend checking out this book and book one. The Darkling Trilogy is fantastic. You will not be disappointed if you pick them up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Emily for providing me with an advanced EARC!
I need to start this review off by mentioning I don't typically read ebooks. For whatever reason my brain doesn't enjoy reading as much if it's not in physical format. BUT when I found out there would be arcs for this book I immediately decided I was breaking that rule and I was not disappointed!
I really love that this is a fantasy with romance elements, especially when it seems romantasy is oversaturating the book world lately.
A true testament to Emily's craft is that she has me loathing a character one book and loving them the next.
Highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys high fantasy and in depth world building. There is both an F/F romance and an M/F romance so there's truly something for everyone.
My only problem is now I have to wait for the next book 😂🫶🏻
I need to start this review off by mentioning I don't typically read ebooks. For whatever reason my brain doesn't enjoy reading as much if it's not in physical format. BUT when I found out there would be arcs for this book I immediately decided I was breaking that rule and I was not disappointed!
I really love that this is a fantasy with romance elements, especially when it seems romantasy is oversaturating the book world lately.
A true testament to Emily's craft is that she has me loathing a character one book and loving them the next.
Highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys high fantasy and in depth world building. There is both an F/F romance and an M/F romance so there's truly something for everyone.
My only problem is now I have to wait for the next book 😂🫶🏻
March 7, 2026
Secrets. Lies. Prophecies. And love.
We picked up right where we left off in Flesh and Fable, and 😮💨 we sure know how to end every chapter on a cliffhanger! Dammit! POV change… BUT WHAT’S HAPPENING?!!! This writing style is the kind that makes you keep turning the page, say “one more chapter” as your eyes dry out and everything gets blurry, and it’s o’dark-thirty in the morning. And ate it up… DELICIOUS!!
To say my heart broke for Elowen and Leijla is an understatement. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
The strategy, the battles, the twists, all written so well and made me want to scream in frustration!! In a good way of course! The last 20%… well, you know any good book will have you gripping your seat and holding your breath. 😨 Strap in people, this ride is not for the weak!
We picked up right where we left off in Flesh and Fable, and 😮💨 we sure know how to end every chapter on a cliffhanger! Dammit! POV change… BUT WHAT’S HAPPENING?!!! This writing style is the kind that makes you keep turning the page, say “one more chapter” as your eyes dry out and everything gets blurry, and it’s o’dark-thirty in the morning. And ate it up… DELICIOUS!!
To say my heart broke for Elowen and Leijla is an understatement. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
The strategy, the battles, the twists, all written so well and made me want to scream in frustration!! In a good way of course! The last 20%… well, you know any good book will have you gripping your seat and holding your breath. 😨 Strap in people, this ride is not for the weak!
March 12, 2026
I loved this second novel so much and could barely put it down. 600+ pages in just about 24 hours.
Picking up not long after the end of the first book, Of Venom and Virtue continues the story with even higher stakes and deeper character development. It’s a fantastic sapphic, adult high fantasy with:
🗡 adventure
✨ faes, shades & humans
🗡 secrets & lies
✨ prophecies
🗡 brewing war
✨ romance subplots
🗡 found family
✨ multiple-POV
Once again, I adored the world-building and the development of the character dynamics in this novel! The individual plotlines of the four women we follow in this second book were interesting in their own right, and seeing how they gradually wove back together as the characters reunited was even more satisfying. I also loved getting more insight into 🦊 and the developments surrounding her character.
Oh, and Elowen & Leijla are SUCH a precious central couple. The way they communicate with each other and would give anything to keep each other safe!!
The writing style in this series pulls you in so easily, with vivid scenes and emotional moments that make it hard to stop reading. The world feels rich and layered, and the characters’ journeys are given plenty of space to unfold.
If you're a fan of immersive high fantasy with rich world-building and strong female leads, The Darkling Series is definitely worth adding to your TBR, starting with Of Flesh And Fable. Book two has just been released and I already can't wait for the third one!
(It's always so hard to review a sequel without giving spoilers!)
Picking up not long after the end of the first book, Of Venom and Virtue continues the story with even higher stakes and deeper character development. It’s a fantastic sapphic, adult high fantasy with:
🗡 adventure
✨ faes, shades & humans
🗡 secrets & lies
✨ prophecies
🗡 brewing war
✨ romance subplots
🗡 found family
✨ multiple-POV
Once again, I adored the world-building and the development of the character dynamics in this novel! The individual plotlines of the four women we follow in this second book were interesting in their own right, and seeing how they gradually wove back together as the characters reunited was even more satisfying. I also loved getting more insight into 🦊 and the developments surrounding her character.
Oh, and Elowen & Leijla are SUCH a precious central couple. The way they communicate with each other and would give anything to keep each other safe!!
The writing style in this series pulls you in so easily, with vivid scenes and emotional moments that make it hard to stop reading. The world feels rich and layered, and the characters’ journeys are given plenty of space to unfold.
If you're a fan of immersive high fantasy with rich world-building and strong female leads, The Darkling Series is definitely worth adding to your TBR, starting with Of Flesh And Fable. Book two has just been released and I already can't wait for the third one!
(It's always so hard to review a sequel without giving spoilers!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Darkling Series has been a refreshing and much-needed addition to the sapphic fantasy genre.
I first discovered Emily’s work through TikTok while searching for my next read. I hesitated before downloading Of Flesh and Fable—we’ve all been burned by some point by BookTok, and I hadn’t yet seen it discussed within my usual online reading circles. While I’ve found a few gems amongst the rubble on the app, they’ve been rare. Still, craving a strong fantasy novel, I decided to take a chance.
It was a f$&@ing diamond.
Although I tend to rate books liberally to support indie authors, it is rare for a story to compel me to write a detailed review or volunteer as an ARC reader. This series had me foaming at the mouth to do both.
Of Venom and Virtue picks up seamlessly where Of Flesh and Fable leaves off, with the main characters scattered across different regions of the world—some familiar, others new. Of Flesh and Fable established an impressive foundation of worldbuilding, and the sequel expands on it with even greater depth and detail. Emily’s writing is beautiful and immersive, but what stands out most is her ability to develop the setting organically. The world feels alive and layered without ever becoming overwhelming or redundant. In many high fantasy novels past, I felt like I was being beaten over the head with a history book; that has never been the case here.
The character development of Elowen, Leijla, Nightlark, Isolde, and Teagh is exceptionally well executed. I initially worried that additional POV’s might dilute the emotional depth of the story, but they absolutely enriched it. Gaining insight into each character’s thoughts, motivations, and moral evolutions added dimension and complexity. Watching Elowen and Leijla navigate a new relationship while grappling with injury and its psychological aftermath is both bittersweet and inspiring. Isolde’s journey toward healing and reopening herself to love is equally compelling.
Teagh’s arc, in particular, is remarkable. Transforming a character who was initially one of the most punch-able characters into one of the most awe inspiring figures in the series is no small feat. It is a testament to Emily’s skill as a storyteller and should be studied as a Master Class.
The story remains original, layered, and emotionally charged without ever feeling confusing, rushed, or repetitive. I am genuinely eager to see where the story continues from here and can’t wait for the next installment.
The Darkling Series has been a refreshing and much-needed addition to the sapphic fantasy genre.
I first discovered Emily’s work through TikTok while searching for my next read. I hesitated before downloading Of Flesh and Fable—we’ve all been burned by some point by BookTok, and I hadn’t yet seen it discussed within my usual online reading circles. While I’ve found a few gems amongst the rubble on the app, they’ve been rare. Still, craving a strong fantasy novel, I decided to take a chance.
It was a f$&@ing diamond.
Although I tend to rate books liberally to support indie authors, it is rare for a story to compel me to write a detailed review or volunteer as an ARC reader. This series had me foaming at the mouth to do both.
Of Venom and Virtue picks up seamlessly where Of Flesh and Fable leaves off, with the main characters scattered across different regions of the world—some familiar, others new. Of Flesh and Fable established an impressive foundation of worldbuilding, and the sequel expands on it with even greater depth and detail. Emily’s writing is beautiful and immersive, but what stands out most is her ability to develop the setting organically. The world feels alive and layered without ever becoming overwhelming or redundant. In many high fantasy novels past, I felt like I was being beaten over the head with a history book; that has never been the case here.
The character development of Elowen, Leijla, Nightlark, Isolde, and Teagh is exceptionally well executed. I initially worried that additional POV’s might dilute the emotional depth of the story, but they absolutely enriched it. Gaining insight into each character’s thoughts, motivations, and moral evolutions added dimension and complexity. Watching Elowen and Leijla navigate a new relationship while grappling with injury and its psychological aftermath is both bittersweet and inspiring. Isolde’s journey toward healing and reopening herself to love is equally compelling.
Teagh’s arc, in particular, is remarkable. Transforming a character who was initially one of the most punch-able characters into one of the most awe inspiring figures in the series is no small feat. It is a testament to Emily’s skill as a storyteller and should be studied as a Master Class.
The story remains original, layered, and emotionally charged without ever feeling confusing, rushed, or repetitive. I am genuinely eager to see where the story continues from here and can’t wait for the next installment.
February 26, 2026
Emily Syn has instantly become one of my favorite authors. I have been an ARC reader for each of her books and each one breaks my heart wide open. Of Venom and Virtue explores many complex themes through the lens of humans, fae, and shades. Emily’s crafting of the shades is akin to Sarah J. Maas’ intricate power dynamic in her Crescent City series. Emily’s fantasy world building is complex, but also so ornate that I cannot help but become fully immersed. This book paints such a clear picture, bringing this world to life in vivid detail.
Sometimes when books have more than two POVs, I have trouble following and really connecting with each character. However, that is not a problem here. Emily illustrates an entire world which is much expanded from her first book, Of Flesh and Fable. She crafts experiences through the perspective of four different women in different places of Valatia, but on the same mission: justice.
This book is Priory of the Orange Tree, meets Game of Thrones, meets Throne of Glass. There is yearning. There is tough love. There is heartbreak. There is undying love. There is resilience. There are tremendous character developments. There is queer representation, seldom found within fantasy books.
I find it important to add as well that unlike Game of Thrones, Emily does not give you a history lesson — she takes you on a journey, which just happens to provide the lore of Valatia.
Of Venom and Virtue is a high stakes fantasy with a human element expertly woven in. Though it is not labeled as a Romantasy, the deep well of love and protection these characters have for each other is nothing short of heart warming.
Most fantasies focus on the Gods or the Fae or those with power, but Emily gives all points of view, creating a story with depth. I cannot recommend this series enough if you want to be transported to a different world with all characters pulling on your heart strings - even Teagh.
Sometimes when books have more than two POVs, I have trouble following and really connecting with each character. However, that is not a problem here. Emily illustrates an entire world which is much expanded from her first book, Of Flesh and Fable. She crafts experiences through the perspective of four different women in different places of Valatia, but on the same mission: justice.
This book is Priory of the Orange Tree, meets Game of Thrones, meets Throne of Glass. There is yearning. There is tough love. There is heartbreak. There is undying love. There is resilience. There are tremendous character developments. There is queer representation, seldom found within fantasy books.
I find it important to add as well that unlike Game of Thrones, Emily does not give you a history lesson — she takes you on a journey, which just happens to provide the lore of Valatia.
Of Venom and Virtue is a high stakes fantasy with a human element expertly woven in. Though it is not labeled as a Romantasy, the deep well of love and protection these characters have for each other is nothing short of heart warming.
Most fantasies focus on the Gods or the Fae or those with power, but Emily gives all points of view, creating a story with depth. I cannot recommend this series enough if you want to be transported to a different world with all characters pulling on your heart strings - even Teagh.
March 9, 2026
“I don’t want our circumstances to convince us that we must justify decency.”
And she does it again! We return to Emily’s magical world, this time with four different POVs. I LOVED getting to experience this world through the eyes of the amazing, strong, and stubborn female characters that I have easily grown to love since reading OFAF and Of Venom and Virtue only solidified it more.
From page 1 I knew I was ready to be back with this cast and to see where their adventure would take them next. Not only does Syn expand on a growing fantasy realm, and highlight the beauty in a wlw relationship through her protagonists, she explores the themes of found family, trauma both past and present, and how we can navigate the obstacles fate throws at us when we have the right people in our corner.
I have been scarred by authors in the past, waiting for the worst-case scenario to come out of a situation and this book kept me on edge, waiting for it. Through trials and tribulations, I waited for something to trigger the dreaded miscommunication trope—but nothing came! Anytime our heroes were faced with a tough decision, anytime harsh words were spoken, they always managed to come out stronger than before after a healthy conversation and I cannot emphasize how refreshing this take was in a genre fraught with relationships that go from hot to cold when choices are made while on the brink of combating whatever or whoever the antagonist may be.
Thank you for writing yet another amazing installation to the Darkling Series Emily! I cannot wait to see how the story ends!
And she does it again! We return to Emily’s magical world, this time with four different POVs. I LOVED getting to experience this world through the eyes of the amazing, strong, and stubborn female characters that I have easily grown to love since reading OFAF and Of Venom and Virtue only solidified it more.
From page 1 I knew I was ready to be back with this cast and to see where their adventure would take them next. Not only does Syn expand on a growing fantasy realm, and highlight the beauty in a wlw relationship through her protagonists, she explores the themes of found family, trauma both past and present, and how we can navigate the obstacles fate throws at us when we have the right people in our corner.
I have been scarred by authors in the past, waiting for the worst-case scenario to come out of a situation and this book kept me on edge, waiting for it. Through trials and tribulations, I waited for something to trigger the dreaded miscommunication trope—but nothing came! Anytime our heroes were faced with a tough decision, anytime harsh words were spoken, they always managed to come out stronger than before after a healthy conversation and I cannot emphasize how refreshing this take was in a genre fraught with relationships that go from hot to cold when choices are made while on the brink of combating whatever or whoever the antagonist may be.
Thank you for writing yet another amazing installation to the Darkling Series Emily! I cannot wait to see how the story ends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of the book from the Author for an honest review.
I am currently about 70% way through the book, and though I'm eager to get to the end of the book, I already have so many wonderful things to say about it.
The world building itself is intriguing and introduced in a way that feels informative yet digestable. We all love Tolkien but I do not need 10 pages describing a tree.
I'm the type of reader who loves the world building but I really connect with the characters and their growth throughout a series. If there is no character arc, I'm not going to connect and will likely DNF. With the main characters, Leijla, Elowen, Nightlark, and Isolde, I find parts of myself in each of them, and it takes a special author to be able illicit such feelings from me.
So far one of the books biggest themes is vulnerability. We see that as all of the characters learn new information and change their minds, we see that as some of them let their walls down and let others in, as some learn to accept help, as some step into their strength.
Most importantly this book not only includes queerness as common in this world, but the story is centered around queer characters while not making their queerness essential to the plot. The characters just get to exist as is with a beautiful love full of vulnerability and care and devotion, which is not often seen in the fantasy world.
I am currently about 70% way through the book, and though I'm eager to get to the end of the book, I already have so many wonderful things to say about it.
The world building itself is intriguing and introduced in a way that feels informative yet digestable. We all love Tolkien but I do not need 10 pages describing a tree.
I'm the type of reader who loves the world building but I really connect with the characters and their growth throughout a series. If there is no character arc, I'm not going to connect and will likely DNF. With the main characters, Leijla, Elowen, Nightlark, and Isolde, I find parts of myself in each of them, and it takes a special author to be able illicit such feelings from me.
So far one of the books biggest themes is vulnerability. We see that as all of the characters learn new information and change their minds, we see that as some of them let their walls down and let others in, as some learn to accept help, as some step into their strength.
Most importantly this book not only includes queerness as common in this world, but the story is centered around queer characters while not making their queerness essential to the plot. The characters just get to exist as is with a beautiful love full of vulnerability and care and devotion, which is not often seen in the fantasy world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing sequel. I love the story telling and the continuous growth of each individual character. It’s true talent to be able to do multiple POVS and do it so well. The variety of POVs still amazes me and is so so well done. The continuous development of the characters and deal with events that they go through their own perspectives. There is so adventure, action, and many heart felt moments in this book. To see the characters work through hardships and find strength with what I interpret as chosen family and trying to build a better future. Making the ultimate sacrifices for the ones you love and care about. No matter the costs. Just amazing, must read!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews