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What Darkness Brings
The gods are dead. The stars have vanished. And the Order controls all magic.
Angharad Morgan has served them for as long as she can remember. She raises the recently dead to steal their secrets, a skill that has earned her a coveted place within the castle walls and the trust of the inner circle. Until she reveals a hidden power no one knew she she can kill by touch.
Now they see her as a threat.
To earn back their favor, Angharad travels to the windswept coast to hunt a dangerous exile, learn his secrets, and use her power against him. But he’s seen her in his dreams, and he’s been expecting her.
He takes her captive in his tower just as it comes under attack.
Bound by mysterious magic, they’re forced to work together against an unknown enemy, racing to find a relic that could heal the broken sky and awaken the dead gods.
She wants to trust him—and surrender to the irresistible pull between them—but believing him might be the most dangerous choice she can make.
Now the Order is coming for them both. Angharad must choose between the only world she’s ever known…and the man who makes her want to break it.
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy duology that's perfect for readers who crave morally gray characters and heroines forced to choose between loyalty and love.
Angharad Morgan has served them for as long as she can remember. She raises the recently dead to steal their secrets, a skill that has earned her a coveted place within the castle walls and the trust of the inner circle. Until she reveals a hidden power no one knew she she can kill by touch.
Now they see her as a threat.
To earn back their favor, Angharad travels to the windswept coast to hunt a dangerous exile, learn his secrets, and use her power against him. But he’s seen her in his dreams, and he’s been expecting her.
He takes her captive in his tower just as it comes under attack.
Bound by mysterious magic, they’re forced to work together against an unknown enemy, racing to find a relic that could heal the broken sky and awaken the dead gods.
She wants to trust him—and surrender to the irresistible pull between them—but believing him might be the most dangerous choice she can make.
Now the Order is coming for them both. Angharad must choose between the only world she’s ever known…and the man who makes her want to break it.
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy duology that's perfect for readers who crave morally gray characters and heroines forced to choose between loyalty and love.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Jenna Wolfhart
61 books1,580 followersJenna Wolfhart spends her days dreaming up stories about swoony fae kings and rugged blacksmiths. When she's not writing, she loves to do CrossFit competitions, rewatch Game of Thrones, collect Taylor Swift vinyls, and drink far too much coffee.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
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May 17, 2026I swallow. My throat is dry, but the tingling in my skin makes me feel impossibly alive. As much danger as I’ve faced before, nothing compares to this: staring into the eyes of the most dangerous man in the realm. I could end him with a word, but he could do the same to me.
“I know what you are,” he murmurs. “I’ve seen you in my darkest dreams.”
My lungs freeze, and the world narrows to him. Taliesin Wynn—the unstable, violent exile—leans closer and tucks a windswept strand of hair behind my ear while my hands remain locked around his throat.
“Necromancer,” he breathes. “Commander of the dead.”
I dig my fingers into the hollow of his throat. “Call me that again, and I will kill you where you stand.”
“Do it, then,” he dares. “Say the word with your perfect little mouth.”
“I know what you are,” he murmurs. “I’ve seen you in my darkest dreams.”
My lungs freeze, and the world narrows to him. Taliesin Wynn—the unstable, violent exile—leans closer and tucks a windswept strand of hair behind my ear while my hands remain locked around his throat.
“Necromancer,” he breathes. “Commander of the dead.”
I dig my fingers into the hollow of his throat. “Call me that again, and I will kill you where you stand.”
“Do it, then,” he dares. “Say the word with your perfect little mouth.”
May 30, 2026
This book is absolutely devastating in all of the best ways…the way I devoured this book is unreal. The narrator is unreliable, but it’s because her magic is stripping away her memory. She’s forced to hunt down an exile and must choose between love or loyalty. If you love morally grey and slow burn romantasy this is for you!! I have not felt this hungover from a book in a long while…I’m looking forward to the next in the series!!
May 29, 2026
Thank you to author Jenna Wolfhart and Crowns and Chaos PR for providing an advanced reader copy of What Darkness Brings in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is the first installment in a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy duology. This book completely pulled me in from the start.
The stars have disappeared, the magic no longer flows freely, and now only the Order controls magic.
The FMC, Angharad, serves the Order as a necromancer capable of raising the dead for mere moments to uncover secrets. But every time she uses her death magic, she loses a memory. Even more dangerous is the secret she’s hidden from everyone.. she can also kill with her magic.
After her partner, Osian, is murdered, Angharad uses her powers to bring him back from the dead. But his resurrection isn’t permanent, and because they are magically tied together, she has no idea how long he can survive. Now the Order is keeping him captive to study him.
Desperate to save him, Angharad accepts a mission to track down, kill, and reanimate the Order’s greatest enemy.. MMC Taliesin, a fearsome exiled former member with terrifying and deadly ice magic. But when they’re forced to work together on a quest to find a relic capable of healing the broken sky and restoring magic to the world, everything changes.
The chemistry between Angharad and Taliesin was incredible. The slow burn, the yearning, the tension.. I loved watching her question everything she thought she knew as her feelings for him deepened. The twists kept coming, and the ending? Absolutely wild.
Such an excellent start to this duology.. it left me completely desperate for book two!
This novel is the first installment in a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy duology. This book completely pulled me in from the start.
The stars have disappeared, the magic no longer flows freely, and now only the Order controls magic.
The FMC, Angharad, serves the Order as a necromancer capable of raising the dead for mere moments to uncover secrets. But every time she uses her death magic, she loses a memory. Even more dangerous is the secret she’s hidden from everyone.. she can also kill with her magic.
After her partner, Osian, is murdered, Angharad uses her powers to bring him back from the dead. But his resurrection isn’t permanent, and because they are magically tied together, she has no idea how long he can survive. Now the Order is keeping him captive to study him.
Desperate to save him, Angharad accepts a mission to track down, kill, and reanimate the Order’s greatest enemy.. MMC Taliesin, a fearsome exiled former member with terrifying and deadly ice magic. But when they’re forced to work together on a quest to find a relic capable of healing the broken sky and restoring magic to the world, everything changes.
The chemistry between Angharad and Taliesin was incredible. The slow burn, the yearning, the tension.. I loved watching her question everything she thought she knew as her feelings for him deepened. The twists kept coming, and the ending? Absolutely wild.
Such an excellent start to this duology.. it left me completely desperate for book two!
May 26, 2026
ARC review
* Romantasy
* slow burn
* death magic
* she’s an assassin sent to kill him
* forced allies
* magic and control
* memory loss
Did I finish this book, or did it finish me?!? I. Am. Deceased. Now I have to wait for the next one?!?
When I say I ate this up, please know that’s practically literal. I ridiculously woke up at 3:30 am today and was at 50% before I even woke my kid up for school. I devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. This was so incredibly bingeable.
Read it now so we can commiserate.
Angharad is an elven assassin with death magic, bound to the Order and working to recover the stars that disappeared years ago when the gods died. Every time she uses her magic, she loses a piece of herself. She’s my favorite kind of FMC: fierce and devoted. And memory loss is a microtrope that I adore, this was such a unique spin on it.
When I say it’s slow burn, please know that it’s achingly slow. The chemistry is constantly simmering between her and Taliesin and it is smolderingly hot. These two are one spark away from eruption and I can’t wait for it to happen.
The world is so well built and presented as black and white at the beginning. The more Angharad learns, the more we chip away at the stark explanations and learn about the gray and nuance beneath. And I LOVE when a world is upended.
This is a story that DELIVERS. We have twists and betrayals and world changing revelations. You need to read it ASAP.
Thanks so much to Jenna and Crowns & Chaos PR for the review copy. All opinions are honestly given. And I honestly think this was amazing.
* Romantasy
* slow burn
* death magic
* she’s an assassin sent to kill him
* forced allies
* magic and control
* memory loss
Did I finish this book, or did it finish me?!? I. Am. Deceased. Now I have to wait for the next one?!?
When I say I ate this up, please know that’s practically literal. I ridiculously woke up at 3:30 am today and was at 50% before I even woke my kid up for school. I devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. This was so incredibly bingeable.
Read it now so we can commiserate.
Angharad is an elven assassin with death magic, bound to the Order and working to recover the stars that disappeared years ago when the gods died. Every time she uses her magic, she loses a piece of herself. She’s my favorite kind of FMC: fierce and devoted. And memory loss is a microtrope that I adore, this was such a unique spin on it.
When I say it’s slow burn, please know that it’s achingly slow. The chemistry is constantly simmering between her and Taliesin and it is smolderingly hot. These two are one spark away from eruption and I can’t wait for it to happen.
The world is so well built and presented as black and white at the beginning. The more Angharad learns, the more we chip away at the stark explanations and learn about the gray and nuance beneath. And I LOVE when a world is upended.
This is a story that DELIVERS. We have twists and betrayals and world changing revelations. You need to read it ASAP.
Thanks so much to Jenna and Crowns & Chaos PR for the review copy. All opinions are honestly given. And I honestly think this was amazing.
May 29, 2026
Oh my gosh this was amazing!!!!
This Romantasy is more of an Epic fantasy story with a romance subplot. It is the slowest of slow burns and I am hoping that will pay off in book 2 of this duet.
Angharad is a necromancer that works for the order. After her partner is killed on a mission she brings him back and realizes that her powers have a more permanent effect on people that she has an emotional attachment to. With this knowledge the order sends her on a mission to find the exile, get close to him, and bring him back to the order so the order can gain control over him. What she doesn't know is that the exile has been expecting her for a while. Angharad's magic has a price, and that is pieces of her memory. The exile takes her captive and introduces her to other viewpoints that may shatter her grasp on the world as she knows it. She can't trust anyone, not even her own memories, but she does know that she needs to awaken the Gods and bring magic back to their world.
The world building was amazing. I loved this magic system and I love when magic comes with a cost. The pacing in this book was also perfect. There were moments of high intensity action but then cool downs that let you fall in love with these characters. I loved everything about this book. I will warn you that this book ends on a massive cliffhanger, but I'm not even mad because that ending was intense and phenomenal and just left me so excited for book 2.
This Romantasy is more of an Epic fantasy story with a romance subplot. It is the slowest of slow burns and I am hoping that will pay off in book 2 of this duet.
Angharad is a necromancer that works for the order. After her partner is killed on a mission she brings him back and realizes that her powers have a more permanent effect on people that she has an emotional attachment to. With this knowledge the order sends her on a mission to find the exile, get close to him, and bring him back to the order so the order can gain control over him. What she doesn't know is that the exile has been expecting her for a while. Angharad's magic has a price, and that is pieces of her memory. The exile takes her captive and introduces her to other viewpoints that may shatter her grasp on the world as she knows it. She can't trust anyone, not even her own memories, but she does know that she needs to awaken the Gods and bring magic back to their world.
The world building was amazing. I loved this magic system and I love when magic comes with a cost. The pacing in this book was also perfect. There were moments of high intensity action but then cool downs that let you fall in love with these characters. I loved everything about this book. I will warn you that this book ends on a massive cliffhanger, but I'm not even mad because that ending was intense and phenomenal and just left me so excited for book 2.
May 31, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ -
This book drops you right into action, which I loved. I really liked the first half of the book and really found it to be different than other reads.
Our FMC has magic that can kill with one word. Our MMC has ice magic. I really liked the mystery behind everything that was happening with the characters and the plot.
Now, I think because I read this after another book that put me into a little slump, that’s what made the second half of this book fall flat for me.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a really good story! I really did enjoy the characters and the world. I was just not as attached after my last read.
I would recommend if you want a fast paced Romantasy with fun magic and gods.
This book drops you right into action, which I loved. I really liked the first half of the book and really found it to be different than other reads.
Our FMC has magic that can kill with one word. Our MMC has ice magic. I really liked the mystery behind everything that was happening with the characters and the plot.
Now, I think because I read this after another book that put me into a little slump, that’s what made the second half of this book fall flat for me.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a really good story! I really did enjoy the characters and the world. I was just not as attached after my last read.
I would recommend if you want a fast paced Romantasy with fun magic and gods.
May 24, 2026
What Darkness Brings by Jenna Wolfhart is a fast paced Romantasy stacked with misplaced loyalties, betrayals and forgotten memories.
I found the beginning really intriguing and the premise had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, once the FMC set out to fulfill her mission the story began circling itself — especially romantically. It leaned a little too hard into the “if only we could trust each other” trope without enough forward momentum until I began wondering if it’s better suited for younger audiences.
What Darkness Brings comes out May 29th. Fast paced Romantasy fans of unique magic systems, power struggles, forgotten memories, lost history and a touch of star crossed lovers (without spice) should check this out!
I found the beginning really intriguing and the premise had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, once the FMC set out to fulfill her mission the story began circling itself — especially romantically. It leaned a little too hard into the “if only we could trust each other” trope without enough forward momentum until I began wondering if it’s better suited for younger audiences.
What Darkness Brings comes out May 29th. Fast paced Romantasy fans of unique magic systems, power struggles, forgotten memories, lost history and a touch of star crossed lovers (without spice) should check this out!
June 1, 2026
Oh
My
Gosh
This book was literally addicting and I could not put this down. This story kept me entranced the whole time. And the PLoT Twist made me near about throw my phone out the window. Like what?¿?
The plotline was phenomenal, and you get to learn about that characters as they discover themselves, and it's so fantastically done.
This story was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. And I absolutely adored it.
The setting of this book and the creatures I absolutely adored!!!! Such an enthralling read!!!
Key things to know about about this book because I couldn't figure out any "triggers" in my researching of this book online..
I would say this is a spice level of 2 or 3 but relatively closed door, and it's primarily near the end of the book. And this is truly a slow burn romance so no kissing etc, at the beginning at all. But the tension was all there, and still so fun to read the development of all that.
There is some faul language used, f**k was the primary one (not a huge amount) but still here and there.. i will say I was kinda disappointed, because all the sentiments could have been conveyed just as well using "made up" cuss words or none at all.
Faul language is not my preference so just an FYI to other readers who may not prefer it either.
Thank you Jenna for allowing me to arc review your book! ♡
My
Gosh
This book was literally addicting and I could not put this down. This story kept me entranced the whole time. And the PLoT Twist made me near about throw my phone out the window. Like what?¿?
The plotline was phenomenal, and you get to learn about that characters as they discover themselves, and it's so fantastically done.
This story was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. And I absolutely adored it.
The setting of this book and the creatures I absolutely adored!!!! Such an enthralling read!!!
Key things to know about about this book because I couldn't figure out any "triggers" in my researching of this book online..
I would say this is a spice level of 2 or 3 but relatively closed door, and it's primarily near the end of the book. And this is truly a slow burn romance so no kissing etc, at the beginning at all. But the tension was all there, and still so fun to read the development of all that.
There is some faul language used, f**k was the primary one (not a huge amount) but still here and there.. i will say I was kinda disappointed, because all the sentiments could have been conveyed just as well using "made up" cuss words or none at all.
Faul language is not my preference so just an FYI to other readers who may not prefer it either.
Thank you Jenna for allowing me to arc review your book! ♡
May 27, 2026
Angharad Morgan’s whole life is serving The Order and her Rhyfelwer, Osian. When her secret magic is shared with The Order, they send her on an impossible quest to kill the mysterious exile to save her Rhyfelwer.
I enjoyed reading What Darkness Brings. The action is well-written and does not feel overbearing. Even with this book being only 352 pages, I didn’t think anything felt rushed. Angharad is a formidable woman and a magic wielder. I loved getting to see her grow more confident with how far she got away from The Order. Every good story has a mysterious MMC, and that is our handsome Taliesin, also known as our mysterious exile.
I was intrigued to see where the romance was leading with Taliesin. I thought Angharad went along with his schemes rather quickly,
I think you will enjoy this book if you like:
Found Family
Slow burn
A consent king
She's sent to kill him
Memory loss
Necromancy
A smidge of romance
You will not see the plot twist coming at the end. I can not wait for book 2!
Thank you to Crowns and Chaos PR and Jenna Wolfhart for giving me a chance to advance review.
I enjoyed reading What Darkness Brings. The action is well-written and does not feel overbearing. Even with this book being only 352 pages, I didn’t think anything felt rushed. Angharad is a formidable woman and a magic wielder. I loved getting to see her grow more confident with how far she got away from The Order. Every good story has a mysterious MMC, and that is our handsome Taliesin, also known as our mysterious exile.
I was intrigued to see where the romance was leading with Taliesin. I thought Angharad went along with his schemes rather quickly,
I think you will enjoy this book if you like:
Found Family
Slow burn
A consent king
She's sent to kill him
Memory loss
Necromancy
A smidge of romance
You will not see the plot twist coming at the end. I can not wait for book 2!
Thank you to Crowns and Chaos PR and Jenna Wolfhart for giving me a chance to advance review.
May 29, 2026
4.5
🌌 ARC Review 🧝♀️
"Where you go, I go, even if it’s into darkness.”
This book! I opened it and blasted through about the first quarter of this book. I just couldn't put it down. Then, sadly, I had to put it down and sleep 12 hours because of another overnight flight. 😥 But - when I picked it back up, I finished it ASAP.
It was addictive, fast-paced, and every chapter brought new questions and intrigue.
I kept flip-flopping internally trying to decide who I thought was trying to trick our FMC and which group was authentic. It pulled me left and right and really kept me engaged.
The tension and backstory between the exile and Angharad gave me everything I wanted in a truly slow burn romance. From their introduction 👀 to the end of the book, I was pulled into a wonderfully beautiful love story.
Oh and the non-English language usage! Loved it! Totally translate any of those words that you come across. I liked the specificity that went into the word choices.
If you like less spicy Romantasy, Riftborn, or The Smog Cursed Kingdom, you may like this book.
Triggers: Death, Murder, Violence
🌌 ARC Review 🧝♀️
"Where you go, I go, even if it’s into darkness.”
This book! I opened it and blasted through about the first quarter of this book. I just couldn't put it down. Then, sadly, I had to put it down and sleep 12 hours because of another overnight flight. 😥 But - when I picked it back up, I finished it ASAP.
It was addictive, fast-paced, and every chapter brought new questions and intrigue.
I kept flip-flopping internally trying to decide who I thought was trying to trick our FMC and which group was authentic. It pulled me left and right and really kept me engaged.
The tension and backstory between the exile and Angharad gave me everything I wanted in a truly slow burn romance. From their introduction 👀 to the end of the book, I was pulled into a wonderfully beautiful love story.
Oh and the non-English language usage! Loved it! Totally translate any of those words that you come across. I liked the specificity that went into the word choices.
If you like less spicy Romantasy, Riftborn, or The Smog Cursed Kingdom, you may like this book.
Triggers: Death, Murder, Violence
May 23, 2026
*ARC received from Jenna Wolfhart*
Firstly thankyou so much for this ARC!
This book had me on the edge of my seat while simultaneously kicking my feet.
What Darkness Brings offered a world of endless story condensed into an epic nonstop adventure with a badass FMC that; while still featuring romance; also offers an addictive storyline that leaves me dying for the next book! Questions like what in the hell is up with the poison sea??? I devoured this book!
Story aside it’s important to commend the beautiful language and emotion portrayed in this book. To create a level of -feel- when reading and to be able to understand a characters feelings innately is what I loved most:
“I want nothing more to stay here,” he murmurs. “But I’ve waited a decade for you. I can wait a little longer.” The way he says it sends a strange ache through me, like some lost part of me remembers waiting, too.
I’m so excited for the next book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
Angharad, a necromancer working for the order is on a mission to track and find Talesin and bring him to the Order. But missions hardly ever go as planned, right?
Angharad realizes not everything is as it seems, and now she is questioning everything. Taliesin is a protector and he has chosen to go wherever Angharad goes.
Angharad memories are being stripped whenever she uses her magic, and she is slowly trying to piece together some memories that she has lost. I don’t want to give anything away, but this was such a fun read. I love Taliesin, and I can truly see some feminine rage come out in the next installment.
If you love a slow burn romantasy, animal companions, hidden identity, high stakes, magic, gods, necromancy, and civil war brewing be sure to check this one out.
Favorite quotes:
“Where she goes, I go.”
“Us meeting will be the undoing of both of us.”
“Because I will carry you to the ends of the earth if you need me to”
A very special thanks to C&C and author for the gifted copy.
Angharad realizes not everything is as it seems, and now she is questioning everything. Taliesin is a protector and he has chosen to go wherever Angharad goes.
Angharad memories are being stripped whenever she uses her magic, and she is slowly trying to piece together some memories that she has lost. I don’t want to give anything away, but this was such a fun read. I love Taliesin, and I can truly see some feminine rage come out in the next installment.
If you love a slow burn romantasy, animal companions, hidden identity, high stakes, magic, gods, necromancy, and civil war brewing be sure to check this one out.
Favorite quotes:
“Where she goes, I go.”
“Us meeting will be the undoing of both of us.”
“Because I will carry you to the ends of the earth if you need me to”
A very special thanks to C&C and author for the gifted copy.
May 29, 2026
ARC Review
What Darkness Brings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This truly was a high-stakes romantasy and I completely inhaled it. The story was beautifully written and the plot twists really were plotting!
Angharad was such a beautifully complex and relatable character, you were really swept along on her journey of self discovery, growth and taking back her power from the people she perceived as family.
It was truly a slow burn between herself and Taliesin that I just could not put it down and was desperate to see how their relationship evolved.
It had all the other elements that you want in a romantasy as well with the angst, tension and found family as well as some truly jaw dropping, heart stopping moments. And THAT ending sets it up cruelly perfectly for the next book!
What Darkness Brings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This truly was a high-stakes romantasy and I completely inhaled it. The story was beautifully written and the plot twists really were plotting!
Angharad was such a beautifully complex and relatable character, you were really swept along on her journey of self discovery, growth and taking back her power from the people she perceived as family.
It was truly a slow burn between herself and Taliesin that I just could not put it down and was desperate to see how their relationship evolved.
It had all the other elements that you want in a romantasy as well with the angst, tension and found family as well as some truly jaw dropping, heart stopping moments. And THAT ending sets it up cruelly perfectly for the next book!
May 31, 2026
This book had me hooked from the first chapter.
A necromancer FMC who can raise the dead and kill with a touch? Say less. The world felt dark, dangerous, and full of secrets, and I loved slowly peeling back the layers alongside Angharad.
The slow burn was SLOW burning in the best way. The tension, the forced proximity, the constant question of who was telling the truth... it kept me turning pages long past when I should have gone to sleep.
The magic system was fascinating, the stakes kept climbing, and that ending left me desperately needing the next book. If you love morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and romantasy that leans heavy into the fantasy plot while still delivering the feels, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
A necromancer FMC who can raise the dead and kill with a touch? Say less. The world felt dark, dangerous, and full of secrets, and I loved slowly peeling back the layers alongside Angharad.
The slow burn was SLOW burning in the best way. The tension, the forced proximity, the constant question of who was telling the truth... it kept me turning pages long past when I should have gone to sleep.
The magic system was fascinating, the stakes kept climbing, and that ending left me desperately needing the next book. If you love morally gray characters, dangerous magic, and romantasy that leans heavy into the fantasy plot while still delivering the feels, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
May 19, 2026
Overall, very solid! I had a hard time at the start with some of the terms (they definitely sounded like gibberish in my head), but I had a fun time reading.
It has like the classic romantasy vibe mixed in with an epic fantasy story, which I really enjoyed. It is also absolutely packed with action. There isn’t much time where you actually feel like you can sit and just relax and breathe. It’s constant motion, which I enjoyed.
They don’t trust each other!! One of my favorite tropes. They’re hiding things from each other. Makes such a great dark fantasy romance plot.
Thank you very much to Jenna Wolfhart for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own!
It has like the classic romantasy vibe mixed in with an epic fantasy story, which I really enjoyed. It is also absolutely packed with action. There isn’t much time where you actually feel like you can sit and just relax and breathe. It’s constant motion, which I enjoyed.
They don’t trust each other!! One of my favorite tropes. They’re hiding things from each other. Makes such a great dark fantasy romance plot.
Thank you very much to Jenna Wolfhart for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own!
May 25, 2026
No because I loved this. And The cover is actually devastating after knowing the story 😭 I did not want to put this down. I love how the story slowly gives us crumbs of her past and allows us to speculate about what’s going on at the same time as the FMC. Taliesin is a swoon worthy mmc. Genuinely, give the MMC grey hair and I love him 🤣 He’s respectful and doesn’t push Angharad to do anything. He yearns for her so much and it’s absolutely devastating. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait for the sequel!
⚔️ Assassin x target
⚔️ death magic
⚔️slow burn
⚔️ touch her and die
⚔️found family
⚔️hidden memories
⚔️ Assassin x target
⚔️ death magic
⚔️slow burn
⚔️ touch her and die
⚔️found family
⚔️hidden memories
May 29, 2026
Thank you so much to Crowns of Chaos LM and the author Jenna Wolfhart for the eARC!!
'The gods are dead. The stars have vanished. And the Order controls all magic.'
Angharad is a necromancer who uses her magic to learn secrets for the Order. Every time she uses this power, she loses a piece of herself- a memory. Angharad finds her best friend dead, and brings him back, against his own wishes. To save him after the fact, she agrees to 'end the exile', an exiled Order member who has been forced to live in a heavily warded area away from everyone.
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a slow burn, high stakes romantasy duology… and WOW!! I loved this book. I want to keep it spoiler free, so I won't say too much. There were so many twists and turns. I loved the tease of getting little snippets of memories here and there. I can't wait to see where the second book goes after THAT ENDING. I love a good 'touch her and die' type MMC. I truly can't recommend this book enough!
Death Magic • Forced Proximity • Slowww Burn
Rating: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
'The gods are dead. The stars have vanished. And the Order controls all magic.'
Angharad is a necromancer who uses her magic to learn secrets for the Order. Every time she uses this power, she loses a piece of herself- a memory. Angharad finds her best friend dead, and brings him back, against his own wishes. To save him after the fact, she agrees to 'end the exile', an exiled Order member who has been forced to live in a heavily warded area away from everyone.
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a slow burn, high stakes romantasy duology… and WOW!! I loved this book. I want to keep it spoiler free, so I won't say too much. There were so many twists and turns. I loved the tease of getting little snippets of memories here and there. I can't wait to see where the second book goes after THAT ENDING. I love a good 'touch her and die' type MMC. I truly can't recommend this book enough!
Death Magic • Forced Proximity • Slowww Burn
Rating: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
May 30, 2026
review of advanced readers copy from the author
i’m so grateful i had the opportunity to read this ARC. i couldn’t put this book down, i am obsessed with the plot, the writing and especially the characters. i’m so excited to see where this story goes
i’m so grateful i had the opportunity to read this ARC. i couldn’t put this book down, i am obsessed with the plot, the writing and especially the characters. i’m so excited to see where this story goes
May 30, 2026
My deep seeded love for men with long white hair never leads me astray.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from Jenna Wolfhart in exchange for honest review.
⚡BLURB⚡
The gods are dead. The stars have vanished. And the Order controls all magic.
Angharad Morgan has served them for as long as she can remember. She raises the recently dead to steal their secrets, a skill that has earned her a coveted place within the castle walls and the trust of the inner circle. Until she reveals a hidden power no one knew she had: she can kill by touch.
Now they see her as a threat.
To earn back their favor, Angharad travels to the windswept coast to hunt a dangerous exile, learn his secrets, and use her power against him. But he’s seen her in his dreams, and he’s been expecting her.
He takes her captive in his tower just as it comes under attack.
Bound by mysterious magic, they’re forced to work together against an unknown enemy, racing to find a relic that could heal the broken sky and awaken the dead gods.
She wants to trust him—and surrender to the irresistible pull between them—but believing him might be the most dangerous choice she can make.
Now the Order is coming for them both. Angharad must choose between the only world she’s ever known…and the man who makes her want to break it.
⚡REVIEW⚡
I have been impressed with Jenna Wolfhart's writing for some time, but with this book, she has smashed it out of the park!
Angharad is totally loyal to the Order and her mission partner, Osian, so when she is ordered to kill the known Exile, Taliesin Winn, then resurrect him to make him her Revenant, she doesn't hesitate to leave for the mission, knowing it is vital to winning the war. But when she meets Taliesin, and later the Rebels, her loyalty is shaken. She is inexplicably drawn to Taliesin, and his insistence that she visited him in a dream throws her off completely. When she realises that the arts - expressly forbidden by the Order - return bits of her missing memories, she embraces them, and what comes back to her aids the plans the Rebels make. After she and Taliesin fully commit to the Rebels, she has to abandon everything she knows for everything she doesn't - somehow understanding that once the stars are returned to the sky, her missing memories will be returned. Her loyalty is precious, not given lightly but once established means she will give her everything for that cause. Her loyalty to Taliesin is so nuanced - she knows he is the one to trust, but doesn't know why - so she bases it on his actions and reactions. The same goes for the Rebels - free of the influence of her Order companions, she is able to think freely and assess their intentions before coming to realise that her loyalty had been misplaced and transferring it to their cause.
Taliesin is a wonderful character. Deemed a dangerous Exile with his incredible ice magic, he is an important target for the Order. When he meets Angharad, there is a recognition and a wariness that comes from her warnings in her dream visit. As it becomes clear that she is not going to carry out her mission, he pledges himself to her, clearly knowing more about her than he lets on, not wanting to interfere with the return of her memories. Despite her warnings that them meeting will lead to disaster, and his own missing memories, his loyalty is fully to Angharad. His relationship with the Rebels is driven by hers - if she had chosen to leave, he would have followed her. He is fierce, lethal with his magic - but his centre is utterly soft for her.
The Order are an intimidating enemy, with boots on the ground but also as a spectre looming in the background. You see their power in person, but there are hints laid about what they are capable of. Characters like Osian and Seren are dangerous. They have shown Angharad kindness after her being shunned by so many due to her non-Order magic. After her realisation that they are the enemy, though, you suspect they are potentially the worst perpetrators of what is to come.
This book is paced expertly, with peaks and troughs of making plans and action between opposing forces, building the tension nicely to the final act, where an all too easy approach leads to revelation after revelation, before a realisation, and acceptance from one character that will devastate you.
What Darkness Brings is an absolutely incredible story that grips you from the outset and puts you through an emotional rollercoaster, as only the best Romantasy stories do. I am absolutely desperate to know what comes next for Angharad and Taliesin, and what the implications of the final twist in this book mean for them. I have no doubt that Jenna Wolfhart has more trauma planned for our heroes and their Rebel allies as they try to stop the Order - and that their enemies will be a thorn in their side every step of the way as they do. Truly excellent stuff, Jenna!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⚡BLURB⚡
The gods are dead. The stars have vanished. And the Order controls all magic.
Angharad Morgan has served them for as long as she can remember. She raises the recently dead to steal their secrets, a skill that has earned her a coveted place within the castle walls and the trust of the inner circle. Until she reveals a hidden power no one knew she had: she can kill by touch.
Now they see her as a threat.
To earn back their favor, Angharad travels to the windswept coast to hunt a dangerous exile, learn his secrets, and use her power against him. But he’s seen her in his dreams, and he’s been expecting her.
He takes her captive in his tower just as it comes under attack.
Bound by mysterious magic, they’re forced to work together against an unknown enemy, racing to find a relic that could heal the broken sky and awaken the dead gods.
She wants to trust him—and surrender to the irresistible pull between them—but believing him might be the most dangerous choice she can make.
Now the Order is coming for them both. Angharad must choose between the only world she’s ever known…and the man who makes her want to break it.
⚡REVIEW⚡
I have been impressed with Jenna Wolfhart's writing for some time, but with this book, she has smashed it out of the park!
Angharad is totally loyal to the Order and her mission partner, Osian, so when she is ordered to kill the known Exile, Taliesin Winn, then resurrect him to make him her Revenant, she doesn't hesitate to leave for the mission, knowing it is vital to winning the war. But when she meets Taliesin, and later the Rebels, her loyalty is shaken. She is inexplicably drawn to Taliesin, and his insistence that she visited him in a dream throws her off completely. When she realises that the arts - expressly forbidden by the Order - return bits of her missing memories, she embraces them, and what comes back to her aids the plans the Rebels make. After she and Taliesin fully commit to the Rebels, she has to abandon everything she knows for everything she doesn't - somehow understanding that once the stars are returned to the sky, her missing memories will be returned. Her loyalty is precious, not given lightly but once established means she will give her everything for that cause. Her loyalty to Taliesin is so nuanced - she knows he is the one to trust, but doesn't know why - so she bases it on his actions and reactions. The same goes for the Rebels - free of the influence of her Order companions, she is able to think freely and assess their intentions before coming to realise that her loyalty had been misplaced and transferring it to their cause.
Taliesin is a wonderful character. Deemed a dangerous Exile with his incredible ice magic, he is an important target for the Order. When he meets Angharad, there is a recognition and a wariness that comes from her warnings in her dream visit. As it becomes clear that she is not going to carry out her mission, he pledges himself to her, clearly knowing more about her than he lets on, not wanting to interfere with the return of her memories. Despite her warnings that them meeting will lead to disaster, and his own missing memories, his loyalty is fully to Angharad. His relationship with the Rebels is driven by hers - if she had chosen to leave, he would have followed her. He is fierce, lethal with his magic - but his centre is utterly soft for her.
The Order are an intimidating enemy, with boots on the ground but also as a spectre looming in the background. You see their power in person, but there are hints laid about what they are capable of. Characters like Osian and Seren are dangerous. They have shown Angharad kindness after her being shunned by so many due to her non-Order magic. After her realisation that they are the enemy, though, you suspect they are potentially the worst perpetrators of what is to come.
This book is paced expertly, with peaks and troughs of making plans and action between opposing forces, building the tension nicely to the final act, where an all too easy approach leads to revelation after revelation, before a realisation, and acceptance from one character that will devastate you.
What Darkness Brings is an absolutely incredible story that grips you from the outset and puts you through an emotional rollercoaster, as only the best Romantasy stories do. I am absolutely desperate to know what comes next for Angharad and Taliesin, and what the implications of the final twist in this book mean for them. I have no doubt that Jenna Wolfhart has more trauma planned for our heroes and their Rebel allies as they try to stop the Order - and that their enemies will be a thorn in their side every step of the way as they do. Truly excellent stuff, Jenna!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did not finish this book, it finished me. In the kind of way, you just have to take a moment and look at a wall for a few minutes because you are so invested in the story and now you have to wait on the second book while you try not to cry. Yeah, Jenna Wolfhart did that and I love her for it.
I am absolutely obsessed with this world, the magic, the lore, the characters, the incredible animal friends, literally all of it. If you have been reading my reviews, then you know I am a lover of literary creatures and how much depth they can bring to a story. There are two main types of animals mentioned in this story and I love them both. One of the best parts of the story in my opinion is the relationships the main characters have with their fantastical creature companions.
That is just one aspect I absolutely loved, but there is so much more. The world building, political intrigue, the plot that keeps going through twists and turns, the found family, and character relationship development, all of it was incredible. The story follows Angharad, a Swynwraig that harnesses magic shared amongst the Order to funnel certain magical abilities to their partnered warrior, Rhyfelwyrs. However, Angharad has an innate magic that is unlike any of her fellow Swynwraigs that allows her raise the recently dead and hear their secrets. During an encounter with a rebel, the Order finds that Angharad can kill by touch. To regain the Order's trust, she must hunt a dangerous exile. Though she is hunting him, Taliesen Wynn has been dreaming of Angharad and captures her before she can fulfill her oath to the Order. They realize they must work together to restore magic to all who reside in the realm and heal the sky. Angharad must decide if she can trust Taliesen, who may be connected to her in ways she does not fully understand.
The way this story unfolds keeps you guessing the entire time about what is truth and what are lies. Angharad's growth throughout the story is refreshing. She is naive to a point, but she trusts her instincts and does not fall into the classic damsel in distress or cliche female tougher than nails warrior. She is fallible, but not annoying. She concedes when she needs help and also rises to the occasions where strength is demanded. It is clear from early on that the characters have a connection, but it is far from insta-love. Their love story is shrouded in mystery that continues to unfold until the very last page. The plot and romance are intertwined, but not forced. It is a natural progression and so intriguing to read. Jenna Wolfhart captivated me from the very first chapter. This book is enthralling, compelling, heartbreaking as much as it is heartwarming, and utterly consumable. Please treat yourself by reading this phenomenal first installment of the Ballad of Beating Hearts duology.
If you love found family, slow burn romance, literary creatures, forced proximity, steamy tension, and an abundance of magical lore and plot with high stakes action, then this is the book for you!
Happy Reading!
I am absolutely obsessed with this world, the magic, the lore, the characters, the incredible animal friends, literally all of it. If you have been reading my reviews, then you know I am a lover of literary creatures and how much depth they can bring to a story. There are two main types of animals mentioned in this story and I love them both. One of the best parts of the story in my opinion is the relationships the main characters have with their fantastical creature companions.
That is just one aspect I absolutely loved, but there is so much more. The world building, political intrigue, the plot that keeps going through twists and turns, the found family, and character relationship development, all of it was incredible. The story follows Angharad, a Swynwraig that harnesses magic shared amongst the Order to funnel certain magical abilities to their partnered warrior, Rhyfelwyrs. However, Angharad has an innate magic that is unlike any of her fellow Swynwraigs that allows her raise the recently dead and hear their secrets. During an encounter with a rebel, the Order finds that Angharad can kill by touch. To regain the Order's trust, she must hunt a dangerous exile. Though she is hunting him, Taliesen Wynn has been dreaming of Angharad and captures her before she can fulfill her oath to the Order. They realize they must work together to restore magic to all who reside in the realm and heal the sky. Angharad must decide if she can trust Taliesen, who may be connected to her in ways she does not fully understand.
The way this story unfolds keeps you guessing the entire time about what is truth and what are lies. Angharad's growth throughout the story is refreshing. She is naive to a point, but she trusts her instincts and does not fall into the classic damsel in distress or cliche female tougher than nails warrior. She is fallible, but not annoying. She concedes when she needs help and also rises to the occasions where strength is demanded. It is clear from early on that the characters have a connection, but it is far from insta-love. Their love story is shrouded in mystery that continues to unfold until the very last page. The plot and romance are intertwined, but not forced. It is a natural progression and so intriguing to read. Jenna Wolfhart captivated me from the very first chapter. This book is enthralling, compelling, heartbreaking as much as it is heartwarming, and utterly consumable. Please treat yourself by reading this phenomenal first installment of the Ballad of Beating Hearts duology.
If you love found family, slow burn romance, literary creatures, forced proximity, steamy tension, and an abundance of magical lore and plot with high stakes action, then this is the book for you!
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Review Copy provided by Author
Our story begins with Angharad Morgan, she’s part of The Order a group who controls the entire realmsmagic, she’s even part of the Order’s inner circle, one of the most coveted places to be, her job? To raise the dead and steal their secrets, she’s the only know necromancer of her generation and that makes her extra rare & extra valuable to the Order, that is until she reveals one of her hidden powers which has stayed a secret for as long as she can remember: she can also kill by touch, and that also makes her a threat.
In an attempt to gain back their trust, she accepts a new mission that will change her life forever: she must travel to find a dangerous exile, kill him, resurrect him, find out his secrets and use her powers against him, there’s only one catch: Apparently she’s been visiting him in his dreams (even though she doesn’t remember anything) so he’s been expecting her, and so he takes her captive just as they come under attack. Being forced to work together against a mysterious enemy while trying to find a relic that could bring the stars back and awaken the dead gods only intensifies the pull between them, as the lines begin to blur, can she truly trust him? Should she complete her mission or should she follow her heart? It seems like Angharad’s heart might be trapped between duty and love.
Let me start by saying this book was everything I hoped for and so much more! The magic system and world building were unique and unlike anything I’ve seen before, it was also fast paced and had lots of plot twists which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The tension and yearning between Angharad and Taliesin (the MMC) was off the charts! This was truly a sloooooow burn, it was also a true enemies to allies to lovers, I felt like they really despised each other in the beginning of the story but loved watching their feelings for each other evolve into so much more as the book went on. I also loved how they were both fiercely protective of each other by the end. Last but not least loved the found family in the book how the alliances between people who initially thought of each other as enemies evolved into so much more after they realized that they were all fighting for the same cause.
Favorite Quotes
✨“My name is Angharad Morgan, and death is my greatest form of magic.”
🗡️”I know what you are. I’ve seen you in my darkest dreams.”
✨”After dreaming of you for a decade, I couldn’t bear to walk away.”
🗡️”My love is not a weapon for someone else to wield. It is mine.”
✨”I’m making my own oath. Where she goes, I go.”
🗡️“Where you go, I go, even if it’s into darkness.”
If you love a slow-burn, true enemies to lovers, high steaks, yearning and banter then this is the book for you! The cliffhanger at the ending was diabolical! I am unwell! I immediately wanted to reach for book 2! I need to know how this duology ends! This was my first Jenna Wolfhart book but it certainly won’t be my last! Thank you so much to Jenna Wolfhart & Crowns and Chaos for the opportunity to review this amazing arc!
Our story begins with Angharad Morgan, she’s part of The Order a group who controls the entire realmsmagic, she’s even part of the Order’s inner circle, one of the most coveted places to be, her job? To raise the dead and steal their secrets, she’s the only know necromancer of her generation and that makes her extra rare & extra valuable to the Order, that is until she reveals one of her hidden powers which has stayed a secret for as long as she can remember: she can also kill by touch, and that also makes her a threat.
In an attempt to gain back their trust, she accepts a new mission that will change her life forever: she must travel to find a dangerous exile, kill him, resurrect him, find out his secrets and use her powers against him, there’s only one catch: Apparently she’s been visiting him in his dreams (even though she doesn’t remember anything) so he’s been expecting her, and so he takes her captive just as they come under attack. Being forced to work together against a mysterious enemy while trying to find a relic that could bring the stars back and awaken the dead gods only intensifies the pull between them, as the lines begin to blur, can she truly trust him? Should she complete her mission or should she follow her heart? It seems like Angharad’s heart might be trapped between duty and love.
Let me start by saying this book was everything I hoped for and so much more! The magic system and world building were unique and unlike anything I’ve seen before, it was also fast paced and had lots of plot twists which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The tension and yearning between Angharad and Taliesin (the MMC) was off the charts! This was truly a sloooooow burn, it was also a true enemies to allies to lovers, I felt like they really despised each other in the beginning of the story but loved watching their feelings for each other evolve into so much more as the book went on. I also loved how they were both fiercely protective of each other by the end. Last but not least loved the found family in the book how the alliances between people who initially thought of each other as enemies evolved into so much more after they realized that they were all fighting for the same cause.
Favorite Quotes
✨“My name is Angharad Morgan, and death is my greatest form of magic.”
🗡️”I know what you are. I’ve seen you in my darkest dreams.”
✨”After dreaming of you for a decade, I couldn’t bear to walk away.”
🗡️”My love is not a weapon for someone else to wield. It is mine.”
✨”I’m making my own oath. Where she goes, I go.”
🗡️“Where you go, I go, even if it’s into darkness.”
If you love a slow-burn, true enemies to lovers, high steaks, yearning and banter then this is the book for you! The cliffhanger at the ending was diabolical! I am unwell! I immediately wanted to reach for book 2! I need to know how this duology ends! This was my first Jenna Wolfhart book but it certainly won’t be my last! Thank you so much to Jenna Wolfhart & Crowns and Chaos for the opportunity to review this amazing arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks Jenna for the eARC! 💕
Angharad is a necromancer, and she hates it. Not that she's stealing secrets from the dead for the Order, but that each time she uses her abilities, her mind crumbles a little bit more. When her partner Osian dies on a mission, Angharad refuses to let him go. But unlike everyone she's previously used her ability on, he stays reanimated.
The Order sees potential in this hidden ability of hers, and with Osian locked away for examination they present her with an offer. Use her powers on the feared exile Taliesin so they can study him instead, and they will let Osian go.
I have to say that I struggled a little bit with accepting how devoted Angharad is to Osian. She says she loves him, but we're never presented with any reason for her doing so, except that he wasn't a total jerk to her all the time, unlike everyone else? But with her memory loss I understand that it might be something we're meant to wonder about, so I hope that we'll get more info on this in the conclusion of this duology!
I'd love to know more about how Taliesin got exiled and how he spent all his time too! Overall, the concept of memory loss was incredibly well done, and there's an insane amount of foreshadowing in here if you know where to look! 👏
I love Taliesin, okay? He's the one deserving of the love and devotion our FMC is giving to the wrong man. My heart broke about this several times while reading, and then again when writing this review because the reveal at the end makes it so much worse! This is slowburn perfection btw! ❤️🔥
The only reason this isn't a 5✨ book is that there are a handful of instances, where we're presented with information without any backup to explain it. For example: "[he] threatened to bury Caer Draen in ice if we refused his demands" What demands were those? And how were they able to exile him to begin with, if he's so powerful? This is supposed to be fundamental info the entire story is built upon, and there's no explanation.
But as I said, there's still room for Jenna to pick up these lose ends in the next book, and I can't wait to read it!
Angharad is a necromancer, and she hates it. Not that she's stealing secrets from the dead for the Order, but that each time she uses her abilities, her mind crumbles a little bit more. When her partner Osian dies on a mission, Angharad refuses to let him go. But unlike everyone she's previously used her ability on, he stays reanimated.
The Order sees potential in this hidden ability of hers, and with Osian locked away for examination they present her with an offer. Use her powers on the feared exile Taliesin so they can study him instead, and they will let Osian go.
My love is not a weapon for someone else to wield. It is mine.
I have to say that I struggled a little bit with accepting how devoted Angharad is to Osian. She says she loves him, but we're never presented with any reason for her doing so, except that he wasn't a total jerk to her all the time, unlike everyone else? But with her memory loss I understand that it might be something we're meant to wonder about, so I hope that we'll get more info on this in the conclusion of this duology!
His gaze rakes over me. “You’re certain you have no recollection of any of this?” My stomach twists at his choice of words. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done something I can’t remember.
I'd love to know more about how Taliesin got exiled and how he spent all his time too! Overall, the concept of memory loss was incredibly well done, and there's an insane amount of foreshadowing in here if you know where to look! 👏
Taliesin cups my face, concern etched deep into his features. “Please tell me what’s going on. Are you hurt? Do I need to do something? Tell me what you need to be okay.”
I love Taliesin, okay? He's the one deserving of the love and devotion our FMC is giving to the wrong man. My heart broke about this several times while reading, and then again when writing this review because the reveal at the end makes it so much worse! This is slowburn perfection btw! ❤️🔥
The only reason this isn't a 5✨ book is that there are a handful of instances, where we're presented with information without any backup to explain it. For example: "[he] threatened to bury Caer Draen in ice if we refused his demands" What demands were those? And how were they able to exile him to begin with, if he's so powerful? This is supposed to be fundamental info the entire story is built upon, and there's no explanation.
But as I said, there's still room for Jenna to pick up these lose ends in the next book, and I can't wait to read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What Darkness Brings is the romantasy I didn't know I'd been waiting for. Jenna Wolfhart has built a world so richly imagined and achingly bleak, a starless sky, dead gods, and magic strangled by a controlling Order, that from the very first page, I was completely, helplessly consumed.
At the heart of it all is Angharad Morgan, a necromancer who raises the dead for the Order's secrets and pays for every use of her power with a piece of her own memory. She is one of the most compelling heroines I've encountered in the genre: fierce, morally complex, and quietly heartbreaking in her loyalty to a world that has never truly seen her.
And then there's Taliesin: dangerous, mysterious, and utterly swoon-worthy. He has seen Angharad in his dreams for years, and when she arrives to hunt him down, he is ready for her. The tension between these two is absolutely electric. Every scene they share crackles with mistrust, pull, and that delicious slow-burn ache that keeps you turning pages at 2 a.m. telling yourself "just one more chapter."
What elevates this above a typical enemies-to-lovers story is how masterfully Wolfhart weaves together the romance and the epic fantasy plot. The magic system is inventive and deeply tied to character. Angharad's necromancy isn't a gimmick, it's the very core of her identity and her tragedy.
The memory loss element adds layers of emotional weight that make every revelation land like a gut punch. And the secrets! Oh, the secrets. You cannot trust anyone in this world, and that constant atmosphere of intrigue and hidden agendas keeps the stakes impossibly high.
The writing itself is gorgeous: lyrical and atmospheric without ever losing momentum. The pacing is relentless in the best way. this is not a book that lets you breathe. And that ending? I sat with my jaw on the floor. I saw hints of what was coming, but nothing could have prepared me for the full devastation of that final twist.
If you love dark fantasy, morally grey characters, slow-burn romance with real substance, and stories that linger in your mind long after the last page, this is your next obsession. Just be warned: you will immediately need book two, and you will need it now.
An absolutely stunning debut to what promises to be an unforgettable duology. Cannot wait for book two!!!!!
At the heart of it all is Angharad Morgan, a necromancer who raises the dead for the Order's secrets and pays for every use of her power with a piece of her own memory. She is one of the most compelling heroines I've encountered in the genre: fierce, morally complex, and quietly heartbreaking in her loyalty to a world that has never truly seen her.
And then there's Taliesin: dangerous, mysterious, and utterly swoon-worthy. He has seen Angharad in his dreams for years, and when she arrives to hunt him down, he is ready for her. The tension between these two is absolutely electric. Every scene they share crackles with mistrust, pull, and that delicious slow-burn ache that keeps you turning pages at 2 a.m. telling yourself "just one more chapter."
What elevates this above a typical enemies-to-lovers story is how masterfully Wolfhart weaves together the romance and the epic fantasy plot. The magic system is inventive and deeply tied to character. Angharad's necromancy isn't a gimmick, it's the very core of her identity and her tragedy.
The memory loss element adds layers of emotional weight that make every revelation land like a gut punch. And the secrets! Oh, the secrets. You cannot trust anyone in this world, and that constant atmosphere of intrigue and hidden agendas keeps the stakes impossibly high.
The writing itself is gorgeous: lyrical and atmospheric without ever losing momentum. The pacing is relentless in the best way. this is not a book that lets you breathe. And that ending? I sat with my jaw on the floor. I saw hints of what was coming, but nothing could have prepared me for the full devastation of that final twist.
If you love dark fantasy, morally grey characters, slow-burn romance with real substance, and stories that linger in your mind long after the last page, this is your next obsession. Just be warned: you will immediately need book two, and you will need it now.
An absolutely stunning debut to what promises to be an unforgettable duology. Cannot wait for book two!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
❄️Fantasy romance
🖤Death magic
❄️Forced proximity
🖤Slow burn
❄️Touch her and d1e
🖤Morally gray elves
❄️Found family
🖤He falls first
❄️She's sent to kill him
🖤Mythical creatures
❄️Memory loss
🖤Duology
♥️♥️Huge thanks to Jenna Wolfhart for selecting me to read this arc, it's an honor and privilege to me. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
Angharad is the only necromancer in The Order. She can kill with just a touch, raise the dead and make them her revenants. but with great power comes great risk, every time she uses her magic, some of her memories will disappear. One mistake she made led her to a difficult task from The Order: find the exiled—Taliesin, kill him, and raise him from the dead. but on the way of her journey, she bumped into Taliesin, who had already expected to meet her, and even knew her way better than herself.
this book was heart wrenchingly beautiful. the story had me laughing and crying...it took me on a journey that was exciting and gripping from beginning to end. I loved how this story delivers on an emotional level, the tension, the yearning and the pain of forgetting something we shouldn't forget...but hard to remember😢😢
I really enjoyed the connection between Angharad and Taliesin and their developing relationship. the romance is a slow burn but done right, I fully immerse in this book that I didn't even notice the lack of spice until I finished the book. and the plot twist is plot twisting that left me unwell with that heart wrenching revelation. and after reading this book then seeing the cover, things will never be same again😭😭😭 there is a pang in my heart every time I see it. let's hope the next one will go easy on these two😭 can't wait for the sequel!!
me patiently waiting for book two:
🖤Death magic
❄️Forced proximity
🖤Slow burn
❄️Touch her and d1e
🖤Morally gray elves
❄️Found family
🖤He falls first
❄️She's sent to kill him
🖤Mythical creatures
❄️Memory loss
🖤Duology
♥️♥️Huge thanks to Jenna Wolfhart for selecting me to read this arc, it's an honor and privilege to me. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
Angharad is the only necromancer in The Order. She can kill with just a touch, raise the dead and make them her revenants. but with great power comes great risk, every time she uses her magic, some of her memories will disappear. One mistake she made led her to a difficult task from The Order: find the exiled—Taliesin, kill him, and raise him from the dead. but on the way of her journey, she bumped into Taliesin, who had already expected to meet her, and even knew her way better than herself.
“I know what you are,” he murmurs. “I’ve seen you in my darkest dreams.”
this book was heart wrenchingly beautiful. the story had me laughing and crying...it took me on a journey that was exciting and gripping from beginning to end. I loved how this story delivers on an emotional level, the tension, the yearning and the pain of forgetting something we shouldn't forget...but hard to remember😢😢
"Where you go, I go," I murmur, my chest tightening painfully.
His hand grips mine. "Where you go, I go, even if it's into darkness."
I really enjoyed the connection between Angharad and Taliesin and their developing relationship. the romance is a slow burn but done right, I fully immerse in this book that I didn't even notice the lack of spice until I finished the book. and the plot twist is plot twisting that left me unwell with that heart wrenching revelation. and after reading this book then seeing the cover, things will never be same again😭😭😭 there is a pang in my heart every time I see it. let's hope the next one will go easy on these two😭 can't wait for the sequel!!
me patiently waiting for book two:
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advance Copy received from Author
This book feels like stepping into a kingdom built from storm clouds, bone magic, and whispered betrayals. Jenna Wolfhart creates a world where the gods are dead, the stars have gone silent, and trust is thinner than a blade’s edge. Every chapter carries that cold, windswept atmosphere like salt air curling through castle ruins.
Angharad is such a compelling FMC because she isn’t crafted to be lovable at first glance. She’s dangerous, isolated, and shaped by a system that only values her when she’s useful. Watching her slowly unravel everything she’s believed about loyalty and power became the emotional backbone of the story. Her necromancy abilities were genuinely fascinating too. Raising the dead for secrets? That alone deserves a standing ovation from the fantasy gremlins in my brain.
The romance is a true slow burn. Like… painfully deliberate eye-contact-across-a-burning-room slow burn. The tension between Angharad and the mysterious exile builds steadily through captivity, distrust, prophecy, and forced proximity. Their dynamic works best when neither fully knows whether they should kiss or kill each other. Those are always the fun ones.
The strongest part of this book is definitely the atmosphere and magic system. The world feels ancient and cracked open, like the sky itself is grieving. Wolfhart writes darkness beautifully without drowning the story in endless despair.
That said, the pacing occasionally dragged in the middle, especially during some of the travel and political setup. There were moments where I wanted the plot to tighten its grip a little faster. And while the worldbuilding is rich, some details felt intentionally vague in ways that made certain reveals less impactful than they could’ve been.
Still, if you love:
🖤 morally gray characters
🖤 forbidden magic
🖤 enemies forced together
🖤 tortured destiny vibes
🖤 slow-burn romantasy with sharp edges
…this book absolutely delivers. The ending leaves the door cracked open just enough to make you want to sprint into book two with reckless emotional confidence.
This book feels like stepping into a kingdom built from storm clouds, bone magic, and whispered betrayals. Jenna Wolfhart creates a world where the gods are dead, the stars have gone silent, and trust is thinner than a blade’s edge. Every chapter carries that cold, windswept atmosphere like salt air curling through castle ruins.
Angharad is such a compelling FMC because she isn’t crafted to be lovable at first glance. She’s dangerous, isolated, and shaped by a system that only values her when she’s useful. Watching her slowly unravel everything she’s believed about loyalty and power became the emotional backbone of the story. Her necromancy abilities were genuinely fascinating too. Raising the dead for secrets? That alone deserves a standing ovation from the fantasy gremlins in my brain.
The romance is a true slow burn. Like… painfully deliberate eye-contact-across-a-burning-room slow burn. The tension between Angharad and the mysterious exile builds steadily through captivity, distrust, prophecy, and forced proximity. Their dynamic works best when neither fully knows whether they should kiss or kill each other. Those are always the fun ones.
The strongest part of this book is definitely the atmosphere and magic system. The world feels ancient and cracked open, like the sky itself is grieving. Wolfhart writes darkness beautifully without drowning the story in endless despair.
That said, the pacing occasionally dragged in the middle, especially during some of the travel and political setup. There were moments where I wanted the plot to tighten its grip a little faster. And while the worldbuilding is rich, some details felt intentionally vague in ways that made certain reveals less impactful than they could’ve been.
Still, if you love:
🖤 morally gray characters
🖤 forbidden magic
🖤 enemies forced together
🖤 tortured destiny vibes
🖤 slow-burn romantasy with sharp edges
…this book absolutely delivers. The ending leaves the door cracked open just enough to make you want to sprint into book two with reckless emotional confidence.
May 26, 2026
“All my nerve endings seem to ignite, like flint striking dry timber. If I’m not careful, it will catch and consume me. And leave behind nothing but ash. Us meeting will be the undoing of both of us.”
❄️
I received an ARC copy by @jenna_wolfhart in exchange for an honest review and was really excited to dive in. Whooo lordy, this book gave me so much anxiety! It was one of those reads where I was in a constant state of needing answers to all the unknown aspects, and to know what was going to happen next! Let’s get into it.
❄️
The FMC: Angharad is a member of a group called the Order that controls all magic since the loss of all Gods centuries ago. She’s bound to them by oath and is constantly under scrutiny for the forbidden magic she possesses. She can not only raise the dead, but also kill by touch. An abomination really, but the Order doesn’t cast her out upon discovery, instead they set her off on a quest to capture an exile they believe she can control through her magic to give the Order more power.
❄️
Enter in our MMC; Taliesin. He’s a “murderous” threat that’s been exiled because of his dangerous frost magic. Plus, he’s a traitor to the Order; banished forever. My man oozes a confident arrogance. He has knowledge about Angharad, that she can’t help but seek the answers to. You see, everytime she uses her powers, she loses a memory. Despite being a brute, he doesn’t let anyone disrespect or touch Angharad, and you already know how much I love a man that gives touch her and die vibes! 😍
❄️
This story kept my attention every step of the way, giving just enough to fill in the blanks whilst making me hungry for more. I NEEDED to know what the deal was between Taliesin and Angharad. I NEEDED to know what happened to her memories. I had some theories, but that ending completed crushed what I thought went down. I literally screamed NOOOOOOO out loud. I would highly recommend this read for all romantasy lovers. The world weaved was one I found to be quite fresh and was easy to get lost into. I will definitely be continuing the series! Releases May 29th!
❄️
I received an ARC copy by @jenna_wolfhart in exchange for an honest review and was really excited to dive in. Whooo lordy, this book gave me so much anxiety! It was one of those reads where I was in a constant state of needing answers to all the unknown aspects, and to know what was going to happen next! Let’s get into it.
❄️
The FMC: Angharad is a member of a group called the Order that controls all magic since the loss of all Gods centuries ago. She’s bound to them by oath and is constantly under scrutiny for the forbidden magic she possesses. She can not only raise the dead, but also kill by touch. An abomination really, but the Order doesn’t cast her out upon discovery, instead they set her off on a quest to capture an exile they believe she can control through her magic to give the Order more power.
❄️
Enter in our MMC; Taliesin. He’s a “murderous” threat that’s been exiled because of his dangerous frost magic. Plus, he’s a traitor to the Order; banished forever. My man oozes a confident arrogance. He has knowledge about Angharad, that she can’t help but seek the answers to. You see, everytime she uses her powers, she loses a memory. Despite being a brute, he doesn’t let anyone disrespect or touch Angharad, and you already know how much I love a man that gives touch her and die vibes! 😍
❄️
This story kept my attention every step of the way, giving just enough to fill in the blanks whilst making me hungry for more. I NEEDED to know what the deal was between Taliesin and Angharad. I NEEDED to know what happened to her memories. I had some theories, but that ending completed crushed what I thought went down. I literally screamed NOOOOOOO out loud. I would highly recommend this read for all romantasy lovers. The world weaved was one I found to be quite fresh and was easy to get lost into. I will definitely be continuing the series! Releases May 29th!
May 29, 2026
First of all, thank you so much to crownsandchaos_pr and Jenna Wolfhart for the ARC copy and the opportunity to be part of this journey 🖤⚔️
This story begins with Angharad Morgan, a swynwraig (magic wielder) whose necromancy magic pushes her to make a dangerous choice when her friend and partner, Osian, a rhyfelwr (warrior), is dying. Desperate to save him, she uses forbidden magic, an act that quickly draws the attention of the Order. To protect Osian from becoming the subject of their experiments, Angharad is forced into an oath that requires her to kill a notorious exiled murderer.
Enter Taliesin...
Feared, dangerous, and carrying a reputation that precedes him, Taliesin is the last person Angharad expects to feel connected to. Yet from the moment they meet, it becomes clear that their fates are intertwined in ways neither of them can escape. While Angharad struggles with a connection she cannot understand, Taliesin remembers far more than he lets on, and watching him navigate that knowledge with patience, devotion, and restraint made their relationship even more compelling 😭
As war looms over magic and the stars, these two are forced into a perilous journey filled with rebels, mythical creatures, ancient secrets, and impossible choices.
The world-building in this book was incredible. Jenna Wolfhart created a rich and immersive setting where art is forbidden, magic comes at a cost, and love itself can become a tragedy. The tension between Angharad and Taliesin had me completely hooked, and I loved uncovering the mysteries surrounding their connection throughout the story.
And can we talk about Bryn for a second? Because any book that includes an adorable cat-like creature automatically earns extra points from me 🐾
If you love romantasy, forbidden magic, slow-burn tension, destiny, rebellion, and emotionally devastating endings, I absolutely recommend picking this one up.
Just be warned... that ending shattered my heart, and I desperately need Book 2 NOW ⚔️🖤
This story begins with Angharad Morgan, a swynwraig (magic wielder) whose necromancy magic pushes her to make a dangerous choice when her friend and partner, Osian, a rhyfelwr (warrior), is dying. Desperate to save him, she uses forbidden magic, an act that quickly draws the attention of the Order. To protect Osian from becoming the subject of their experiments, Angharad is forced into an oath that requires her to kill a notorious exiled murderer.
Enter Taliesin...
Feared, dangerous, and carrying a reputation that precedes him, Taliesin is the last person Angharad expects to feel connected to. Yet from the moment they meet, it becomes clear that their fates are intertwined in ways neither of them can escape. While Angharad struggles with a connection she cannot understand, Taliesin remembers far more than he lets on, and watching him navigate that knowledge with patience, devotion, and restraint made their relationship even more compelling 😭
As war looms over magic and the stars, these two are forced into a perilous journey filled with rebels, mythical creatures, ancient secrets, and impossible choices.
The world-building in this book was incredible. Jenna Wolfhart created a rich and immersive setting where art is forbidden, magic comes at a cost, and love itself can become a tragedy. The tension between Angharad and Taliesin had me completely hooked, and I loved uncovering the mysteries surrounding their connection throughout the story.
And can we talk about Bryn for a second? Because any book that includes an adorable cat-like creature automatically earns extra points from me 🐾
If you love romantasy, forbidden magic, slow-burn tension, destiny, rebellion, and emotionally devastating endings, I absolutely recommend picking this one up.
Just be warned... that ending shattered my heart, and I desperately need Book 2 NOW ⚔️🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all I have to thank the author Jenna Wolfhart for gifting me her ARC.
★★★★☆ 4.5/5 Stars
A haunting story that left me emotionally devastated (in the best way).
Jenna Wolfhart has crafted something truly special with What Darkness Brings. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the absolutely heartbreaking conclusion that has me desperately counting down the days until book two.
The world-building is incredible—imagine a realm where the stars have been stripped from the sky and magic hangs by a thread. In this bleak setting, we follow Angharad, a necromancer bound to the Order, who receives what should be a straightforward assassination mission: eliminate Taliesin Wynn, a dangerous exile. But nothing in this story is straightforward, and Wolfhart masterfully peels back layers of deception and hidden truths. Angharad is a phenomenal protagonist—complex, lost, and utterly compelling. Her necromantic abilities are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling like a gimmick but rather an integral part of who she is. And Taliesin... well, let's just say he's far more than he initially appears.
The writing itself is gorgeous—lyrical without being flowery, with a dark atmosphere that perfectly matches the starless world. Wolfhart has a gift for building tension and creating those heart-stopping moments where everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down.
Fair warning: that ending will destroy you. I'm still not emotionally recovered, and I immediately went to see when book two releases because I NEED answers and resolution.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, morally complex characters, and stories that will keep you thinking long after the last page, this is absolutely for you. Just make sure you have tissues handy. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and enemies-to-lovers with actual substance. Oh and it’s a duology.
★★★★☆ 4.5/5 Stars
A haunting story that left me emotionally devastated (in the best way).
Jenna Wolfhart has crafted something truly special with What Darkness Brings. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until the absolutely heartbreaking conclusion that has me desperately counting down the days until book two.
The world-building is incredible—imagine a realm where the stars have been stripped from the sky and magic hangs by a thread. In this bleak setting, we follow Angharad, a necromancer bound to the Order, who receives what should be a straightforward assassination mission: eliminate Taliesin Wynn, a dangerous exile. But nothing in this story is straightforward, and Wolfhart masterfully peels back layers of deception and hidden truths. Angharad is a phenomenal protagonist—complex, lost, and utterly compelling. Her necromantic abilities are woven seamlessly into the narrative, never feeling like a gimmick but rather an integral part of who she is. And Taliesin... well, let's just say he's far more than he initially appears.
The writing itself is gorgeous—lyrical without being flowery, with a dark atmosphere that perfectly matches the starless world. Wolfhart has a gift for building tension and creating those heart-stopping moments where everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down.
Fair warning: that ending will destroy you. I'm still not emotionally recovered, and I immediately went to see when book two releases because I NEED answers and resolution.
If you enjoy dark fantasy, morally complex characters, and stories that will keep you thinking long after the last page, this is absolutely for you. Just make sure you have tissues handy. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and enemies-to-lovers with actual substance. Oh and it’s a duology.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Jenna Wolfhart for sending me this ARC!
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy duology and this book is so freaking good, I loved it and can’t wait for the rest of this amazing story!
Angharad is a necromancer working for the Order and is both revered and feared for her magic. After she brings her best friend back to life, to save him from an even worse fate she accepts an assignment to kill an exiled Order member with a dangerous magic. When she meets Taliesin she realizes he is not what she expected but when he takes her as his captive and then new information forces them to work together, Angharad needs to decide whether she can still kill him despite their complicated connection.
This book was unputdownable since literally page one, it started strong and was getting better with each chapter and I literally flew through it in one sitting, I loved this author’s other books but this one is a whole new level with all the secrets, revelations, plot twists, amazing characters and complicated slow burn romance. Angharad and Taliesin were amazing as the MCs, they were both morally grey and very complex and I loved them both so much, we were slowly discovering their secrets and I enjoyed seeing that. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn and really complicated and because we only got Angharad’a POV there was a lot we didn’t know and I enjoyed all the crumbs we were getting and trying to make everything make sense, but I loved them together and Taliesin made me swoon many times and the touch her and die vibes were everything. And omg that ending… I kind of suspected something of that kind but still had my jaw on the floor when everything was revealed, that cliffhanger is brutal and I need the next book ASAP!
What Darkness Brings is an excellent romantasy book, I loved it and recommend it to everyone. The next book can’t come soon enough!
What Darkness Brings is the first book in a Romantic Fantasy duology and this book is so freaking good, I loved it and can’t wait for the rest of this amazing story!
Angharad is a necromancer working for the Order and is both revered and feared for her magic. After she brings her best friend back to life, to save him from an even worse fate she accepts an assignment to kill an exiled Order member with a dangerous magic. When she meets Taliesin she realizes he is not what she expected but when he takes her as his captive and then new information forces them to work together, Angharad needs to decide whether she can still kill him despite their complicated connection.
This book was unputdownable since literally page one, it started strong and was getting better with each chapter and I literally flew through it in one sitting, I loved this author’s other books but this one is a whole new level with all the secrets, revelations, plot twists, amazing characters and complicated slow burn romance. Angharad and Taliesin were amazing as the MCs, they were both morally grey and very complex and I loved them both so much, we were slowly discovering their secrets and I enjoyed seeing that. Their relationship was definitely a slow burn and really complicated and because we only got Angharad’a POV there was a lot we didn’t know and I enjoyed all the crumbs we were getting and trying to make everything make sense, but I loved them together and Taliesin made me swoon many times and the touch her and die vibes were everything. And omg that ending… I kind of suspected something of that kind but still had my jaw on the floor when everything was revealed, that cliffhanger is brutal and I need the next book ASAP!
What Darkness Brings is an excellent romantasy book, I loved it and recommend it to everyone. The next book can’t come soon enough!
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