Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dark Light #1-3, #2.5

The Dark Light Series Box Set

Rate this book
Get ALL FOUR titles in the bestselling DARK LIGHT SERIES at one LOW PRICE for a LIMITED TIME!

BOOK 1: DARK LIGHT
Love. Sex. Magic.
Before her 20th birthday, Gabriella was pretty much clueless about all three. In love with her best guy friend since the age of 14 and too crass and intimidating for most of the male population of Colorado Springs, love and good sex were virtually a myth.
And then there’s magic. Freakin’ magic. There’s no way that legend could have a place in her less than exciting life. So why after twenty years of utter obscurity do her adopted parents hit her with the ton of bricks that is her true identity? And how the heck is she supposed to accept all this and become what she was truly created to be?
Lucky for Gabs, sexy as sin Dorian is more than equipped to help her embrace these new revelations. And while everything about him feels oh so good, she soon learns that there’s more behind his crystal blue eyes, chiseled body and exotic beauty. Something dark, menacing and downright unnatural. Yet Gabs is in way too deep to even try to turn away from him now.

BOOK 2: THE DARK PRINCE
Dorian Skotos is Dark. And although that brand of sheer, unrelenting evil is a direct threat to her life, Gabriella is tragically in love with him.
Gabriella knew it was all too good to be true. The way his touch radiated electricity right to her core, the way his ice blue eyes somehow made panties drop involuntarily, how his sexy half-smile crumbled the barriers around her heart…Dorian was extraordinary in every way.
She ignored the alarm bells for the sake of pleasure and a little slice of peace from her mixed-up life. She thought that whatever he was, she could help him. Maybe even change him. But now that the proof of Dorian’s true identity and what he was sent for is staring her in the face, Gabriella can’t deny the inevitable. And confronting that truth could very well slaughter more than just her fragile heart.

BOOK 2.5: NIKOLAI (a DARK LIGHT novella)
Two centuries ago, I clawed my way into a world of immorality, filth and destruction. A world seething with secrets and lies, both mortal and immortal.
Complete and utter Darkness.
I know we’re supposed to be inherently evil, but something inside me refuses to fully believe our legends. Something that calls out for more…calls out for her.
But there are rules. Rules that control the balance of nature. And if broken, it could destroy everything I’ve ever known. It could destroy me.
I am Nikolai Skotos, son of Stavros and Delia, and brother of Dorian, the heir of the Dark throne. I am one of the most powerful Dark forces to have ever walked this earth.
And I once was lost.
Now, I’m about to give it all up for the girl that found me.

BOOK 3: LIGHT SHADOWS
Twenty-one years ago, Gabriella's life was stolen from her before it even began.
Orphaned at birth and encompassed in a fortress of lies to protect her identity, she never truly understood her purpose on this earth. But now that she has ascended, embracing her destiny, the ghosts of her past have come back to haunt her.
Even with insurmountable power running through her veins, part of Gabriella is irreparably broken. And with old enemies working to destroy the tiny shred of normalcy she has left, she'll be forced to face the ugly truth about Dorian, the man she chose to love despite his darkness.
Everything she loved is a lie, and everyone she thought she knew is a stranger. And now that Gabriella is about to be thrust into the battle of her life, she discovers that she may be fighting for the wrong side.

1247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2015

157 people are currently reading
254 people want to read

About the author

S.L. Jennings

26 books4,611 followers
S.L. Jennings is a proud military wife to her high school sweetheart, a mom of 3 rowdy boys, and a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. When she’s not obsessing over book boyfriends, you can find her hanging out with a few epic fictional loves at independent bookstores, or sipping a Bloody Mary at her favorite brunch haunt in Spokane, Washington. She’s a self-proclaimed food snob, makeup junkie and lover of all things shiny, sparkly and kitschy.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
277 (61%)
4 stars
105 (23%)
3 stars
44 (9%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
1,877 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2015
Here's the deal. I have never read anything paranormal because I didn't think it was my thing but guess what.....WRONG! This series was enthralling from start to finish....loved it. It has everything love, angst, hot sex scenes, intrigue. It brings forth every human emotion which comes with excellent writing. Kudos to the author, she hit this one right out of the park.....LOVED IT.
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,086 reviews82 followers
February 27, 2022
This reread was disappointing

3 disappointing reread stars

***Mild Spoilers***

I have to make a disclaimer here. The first few times I read this series I absolutely adored it. I rated it five stars and loved this story to death. That was years ago. I was younger and I didn’t have a firm grasp on healthy relationships. However, now that I’m older, what once felt romantic now feels desperate and unhealthy.

I don’t appreciate how often Dorian hurt Gabrielle. He literally did every single possible thing wrong and she took him back every time. He declares his undying love for her…then deceives and manipulates her. He says they will be together forever… then he has sexual relations with another woman. He says forever… then repudiates her in front of his father.

Dorian wants her to basically be his concubine while he marries another woman, a woman who has hurt Gabrielle repeatedly. He says he can’t live without her then he says he’s too good for her and sends her away. Gabrielle keeps taking Dorian back over and over again. That isn’t love. That’s emotional abuse. I kept hoping Gabrielle would conjure up some self-worth and realize she’s better off without Dorian.

By the end I was desperately wishing for Gabrielle and Nico to have a HEA together. Nico would have never done any of that to her. Nico was everything that Dorian wasn’t. Nico was always there for Gabrielle and he genuinely loved her.

The ending wasn’t even HEA. It was more like…well, they aren’t dead. They are sort of together. I felt like deep down Gabrielle hated Dorian a little… The end. Cool. Awesome. Just what I was hoping for.
Profile Image for Isa Hubbard.
91 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2020
Loved this!

A beautiful story that hits you with every emotion! A bit of the heat is rough and intense and at many times I’m wondering why Gabriella stays with Dorian throughout many times in the story but it’s part of the whole story and keeps you from expecting what is going to happen next. I didn’t want this story to end!
Profile Image for Lauren Cline.
95 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2017
Also read Jenning's Se7en Series

3.5 stars.
I picked this series up after binging on the Se7en Series in which these characters make several appearances and have supporting roles. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. Soooooo Good! I wanted to get back to the beginning to see where the other characters come into play as the two series are connected.
I'm not sure if I could have gotten into the Dark Light books as much had I not read the others first. The writing style in this series isn't as evolved and there were quite a few continuity errors and information discrepancies that really bugged me. This series was a bit angsty and drawn out but the story itself is really great and somewhat addicting.
The first two books set the stage for who Gabriella is and who the main supporting characters are to her. I didn't necessarily dislike her character but I was a bit disappointed. I found her to be quite calloused at times, and although her "naïveté " is touched upon a couple of times in the book, I think it really goes beyond that with her lack of regard for her personal safety and those around her- more like she's just in denial and extremely passive more than anything. Denial about how her actions affect her friends and loved ones and a blatant disregard to most everything else. For example, if you just found out you were a magical being who would ascend into great power a year from now and have resources to gather information about said life changing event....wouldn't you want to know?! Like immediately? She honestly doesn't seem to care much about it, or to ask many questions, she simply lets the info trickle in as it may. Enter Dorian and their roller coaster relationship: the chemistry between these two is just insane but their antics become somewhat redundant at times. Gabriella and Dorian go back and forth with their drama; they fall hard for one another, have a one of scorching sex, something will happen to pull them apart, Gabriella freaks out and drinks herself into a stupor, have makeup sex with proclamations of undying love..... rinse, repeat.
Nikolai Novella:
It was really fun to learn more about Nikolai's past and his relationship with his lost love and how he fits into all of these connecting scenarios. I definitely wasn't expecting his background and I do wish there had been more time to explore his relationship with Amelie but I'm hoping she pops back up in the 4th Se7en Book.
The Final Dark/Light book: Things finally start to pick up a bit more in this one as the Prophesy starts to unfurl with Gabriella now in the mix against Stavros. Finally. Holy Moses..I was a little irritated at all the buildup and hype of said prophesy and to see how over exaggerated Gabriella's role was in the end. For someone who is suppose to be a beacon and the most powerful of warlocks, the girl doesn't do much which Is quite a pity as she obviously has the potential to be a lot more badass.
In the end, there's so much left unanswered. There's pieces of information or characters' actions that are never fully revealed or explained and although our H/h get a bittersweet ending, I wish there was more.
All-in-all, it was a decent read and I look forward to Jenning's other stories.
Profile Image for Joselyn.
376 reviews8 followers
July 24, 2017
4 1/2

Since this is the box set, I'm going to break this down by the individual books starting with:

Dark Light

This book is definitely a slow burn, but in a good way. We are slowly introduced to this mysterious world, just as Gabriella is. The writing paints a wonderful picture and the sexy scenes are both fierce and beautiful. But I will warn you, I didn't see the end coming and it cut like a knife when I turned the page and there was nothing left! This has a crazy good cliffhanger, so (for those of you who don't have the box set) be sure to have the next book on hand with time to start it because you will immediately need more!

The Dark Prince

First, I loved how this one literally picks up where the last one left off. So it's a seamless transition into what we've been waiting for. This one is definitely intense, especially the last quarter or so of the book. I will admit, I wasn't a fan of Gabriella constantly flip flopping with her feelings and thoughts about Dorian, but I'll attribute that to the stresses of her situation. I loved the ending and that last page had me freaking out in the best way possible!! Once again, I would recommend having the next book close at hand when you finish because that ending is a shocker.

Nikolai

I so enjoyed meeting Nikolai in The Dark Prince!! So to have his story was beyond exciting! At first at least. I truly did love his story, but it was just so utterly sad. To know what happened to him, and more importantly by who, was devastating. My heart broke for this man who finally found a satisfying reason to be in this world. I can only hope that in a future story he gets his happy ending as well.

Light Shadows

I finally made it through the last story and I will admit, we have been waiting through 3 books for some sort of grand finale or at least some epic battle and I was a bit disappointed that it seemed so short. However, it was a jaw dropping, heart stopping, fantastic ending! There had been many times throughout the book that I had gasped out loud because of the unexpected. And then...wow... that ending was the ultimate surprise. Jennings' writing truly captures you and makes you feel as if you're in the pages with the characters. This was a wonderful series and if you enjoyed it as much as I have, then you should give her Se7en Sinners series a go. You won't be disappointed and who knows, you may even be treated to some Dark ones in there.
Profile Image for Leneice.
27 reviews
February 16, 2017
WOW!

Besides a few editing mistakes here and there, this book was freaking AMAZE-BALLS!!! I loved every second of it and the out pouring of genuine emotion it made me feel as if I was living this beautiful, phenomenal, passionate, action packed story. Through this story S.L. Jennings has not only provided riveting entertainment but bestowed inspiring life truths. I laughed, cried, was perplexed, irritated, pissed off, intrigued, excited and sad as I navigated through all three books. Pondering over inspirational revelations, that served to inspire me. Most of all I felt a connection with the author, I am truly a fan and will look towards the future to enjoy more of her books. The Dark Light Series breaches the ranks amongst my favorite reads of all time. I will never forget the feeling of reading this book. Gabriella and Dorian serving as unforgettable protagonists (and my dear Niko).
2 reviews29 followers
October 14, 2018
Half of the point is missing

When you spend three books talking about the fact you’re two things and then NEVER bother to go into one of those two things, I’m just shook. Great concept, very poor execution.

Spoilers

Dorian is a whiney crybaby who appears weak and dumb most of the time

Gabriela is literally made out to be the dumbest sack of plants I’ve ever read. I wanted someone strong and growing into her own. She spends most of the book...series even:

1) Questioning her relationship no matter repeatedly being told everything is all right

2) Playing stupid and frustrated over her powers when it’s clear she gets it.

3) Being incredibly stupid in general. Irrational to boot.

There are plot holes all over the place. I just can’t. I am so disappointed in what was an amazing concept.

And don’t get me started on the teenage cliche drama crap that’s constantly being rammed into our eyeballs. Ugh.
1,038 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I have no words for this roller coaster of a book series! There were so many ups and downs. So many moments that I wanted to kill Dorian and Gabriella. So many moments I just wanted to hug Nico and tell him he is loved and tell him he will be ok. Ugh!!!

I felt like punching some Aurora and and stepping on her face! (I am glad that happened!)

I hated when Gabs doubted Dorian. I hated when she sought love in other people... it seemed like their love was not enough. Dorian had to do all the work and I know he screwed up a few times - but come on!!! Th has trying his best to keep her safe!!!

The ending was too fast... I need more!!
Profile Image for Gen Aljoe.
100 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
If you have not read this series you are really missing out! I cannot say how much I loved each one of these books. From the first chapter to the very end I was hooked. Gabriella and Dorian are HOT! There was a few times I wanted to throw my phone and stop reading because I really had no idea how they could come back from all that happened. The secrets?! Oh there are many! This series is full of crazy turns, betrayal, heart break and love. Nikolai is my favorite character in the series! I have to say I was kind of rooting for him to get the girl. ❤ Seriously If your reading the reviews trying to decide whether or not to give this series a chance? Just dive in! You will not regret it!
Profile Image for Sherilyn Amy.
369 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2018
I have never read anything as amazing as this series!!

My first SL Jennings and I am left in awe. I cannot develop any words to describe how great this series was. I mean, i cried all through book 2. I Couldnt even stop crying. The feeling of loss and love was so overwhelming these emotions just took over and wouldn't let me go. I was held captive by the work that is SL Jennings. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
Profile Image for Jody Robinson.
50 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2017
Awesome series

Gave this series a read because I met the author at a mingle and she was telling me about the unique plot and thought it sounded good. It was better lol. Love the characters, the story, the twists, the intrigue. I was left wondering who would do what now, which is rare for me. I usually have a book figured out by half way through but not this one.
Profile Image for Serenity.
85 reviews
March 17, 2019
Wow wow wow

Again what an amazing saga, such emotion. I don’t know how one person can write such a love story. And so beautifully written. It was a love story of all kinds of love, not just romantic. If you read sinners, you will definitely want to read this. If you haven’t read sinner series then read this one first, this is the prequel. You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for bookdragon_hoarder.
159 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2020
Surprised

The angst almost killed me more times than I can count. It took me a bit to get into the first book, but I kept going. I'm so glad I did. I devoured the 2nd & 3rd book because I NEEDED to know what happened next. Up until the last page I held my breath because the story twisted so deeply I was afraid for the worst. Brilliant series.
Profile Image for Ariana Thomas.
8 reviews
April 10, 2020
AMAZING!!

WOW!!! I got everything that I needed out of this story! The storyline was so well thought out (I loved the back story about Nikolai, made the ending so satisfying even if it was heartbreaking.) This is my first one reading a book/series from this author, and I can say with confidence that I will read another!!! I LOVED ALL OF IT!!! Job well done!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
45 reviews
November 4, 2017
Wow

Love...love...love this series. I want more. Read the se7en series and I want more. The characters were awesome and the storyline was amazing. I normally do not read this genre. I do now. Thank you!!!😍
3 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2018
Wow! Amazing read!

I couldn’t put the book down, I had chores around the house that I couldn’t attend to. This book had me laughing, crying, loving. Thank you for writing such a beautiful heart-felt story. It was perfect!
1 review
April 15, 2020
READ YOU WANT BE DISAPPOINTED

Page turner didn't want w put down. Would not answer phone. It's very rare that you come across a series that keeps you interested all the way to the end. I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,507 reviews61 followers
June 4, 2017
Top 3 PNR Series ever. Have lost count of my rereads. Dorian and Nikolai are EVERYTHING!!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Stinnett.
2 reviews21 followers
September 27, 2017
Loved this

So captivating it has everything love loss magic laughter tears everything you could want in an amazing story I was in love with this story from page 1
Profile Image for MaRanda.
413 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2018
It's over?

Gah! I put off finishing this because I wasn't ready for Dorian and Gabriella to stop... I have loved this series SO MUCH!
Profile Image for Arleen Mckinnon.
11 reviews
May 21, 2018
Just what I like

Wonderful sexy erotic emotional tragic funny All that is needed in a good paranormal romance. Hated for it to end
77 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2022
Another great one!

Plenty of heat, and fell so into the story, I almost didn't know what i wanted in the end! Lol. Great ending! Fantastic trip! Keep writing!
Profile Image for Susan.
1,155 reviews22 followers
March 1, 2017
Sex and Magic!!!

I can honestly say I love this series.
It's one of those where you are literally under some kind of spell, you can't stop reading.
These Skotos Brothers really are addictive.
If you like PnR you will love this series, it's got it all. Hott Warlocks, sizzling sex and Magic. What's not to love.
Thoroughly enjoyable I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Oredeen (honest reviews).
929 reviews40 followers
May 10, 2016


I'm not one to dive into the paranormal much, honestly the book was free and the summary seemed good. I know of the author and love her other works so I said, what the hell.

I could not put this shit down.

Having just finished the series I'm going to kinda put my full review here.


My best way to explain this series, Twilight meets 50 shades meets, I don't even know your sexiest dream and worst nightmare?

This book, this story was amazing!
Gabriella was a pretty great heroine, while some of her actions I would normally find annoying, I didn't. I'm not sure why but I just liked her regardless of her refusal to give up.

Dorian oh Dorian, I do not think I have ever gone back and forth from loving to hating someone so much. There were so many times I said fuck that and wished Gabriella would give up on him, only to be in love with him all over again the very next page. This man is the epitome of swoon worthy. In fact in a book group I'm in an author recently asked if given the chance which book boyfriend would you spend the night with, sorry Loren Hale but you've been replaced.

If I could recommend any series, this is it. It is beyond sexy, just disregard your panties ladies. The action, the love and hate I gobbled that shit up like cheesecake. Amazing just amazing!
31 reviews
August 25, 2016
Really ???

First off I spent so much time reading these books I LOVED THEM until the end F**KING REALLY??? That ending don't get me wrong the very end was beautiful but the lead up to that I feel like it was so rushed, so you mean to tell me he leaves her for another woman she kills said woman and the look he gives her when she does this nearly rips her apart he looks at her like he truly hates her for taking away the woman he loves, so what she just gets over all this because he woke up to his true self and loves her again when he has been off screwing the skank for days. It truly kills me that after all this happens there is not one true conversation between the two main characters about everything that went down they don't talk about anything he just wakes up and wants to get married WTF so are you not going to tell him you almost slept with his brother? Okay rant done I just wanted to state how truly upset and let down I was by this I'm a reader that needs every little detail and when you give this to me the WHOLE BOOK even simple little things that didn't matter yes I'm going to become spoiled and expect them with the ending too!

9 reviews8 followers
April 10, 2015
Amazing

I absolutely loved this Series!!! Paranormal romance will always be my first love. This series has everything I could ever ask for. The men in here are scorching hot. I absolutely Gabs. There is a lot of angst and death within these books but also lots of love and hot, hot bedroom scenes. I absolutely love to hate the awful slore Aurora in this book she is a straight phsyco and just completely dreadful and evil. I found myself wanting to smack Dorian the main beautiful man in this book, he causes so much pain and hurt to his love Gabs. I'm not good with reviews but I honestly highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance. This series sucked me in from beginning to the end by the end I felt like I knew all the characters and absolutely loved all of them. I cried several times I felt so connected to the story I never wanted to end. All I can say is get ready for some twists and turns and hot action and some hot loving. Thank you Jenninfer for gifting me with these precious books I enjoyed them so much.
489 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2016
Just couldn't finish, not my cup of tea...

I read book one willing t to get better and I couldn't give up so I orogressed to hook 2. Gabriella was an awfully selfish bitch. She used Jared up and spat him out like yesterday's trash. I couldn't even read book 3. I read the epilogue and that was it. I really couldn't care less what happened to the main characters in this book. Paranormal isn't my thing but I was really hoping this would be something new and exciting. Sadly for me it wasn't. I didn't like the characters, the confusing conflicts, weirdness. I couldn't get on board. The author is talented. It just was not for me.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,633 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2015
Overall, the series was just a disappointment. It could have been better with maybe a more experienced author or a better written leading female character who didn't whine and just fall flat. But the idea of the story line was great.
Profile Image for Shani.
315 reviews30 followers
October 24, 2016
I'm so in love with this series. Its hot and magical. S.L. Jennings weaves a tale of dark romance and paranormal greatness. The ending killed me, tears and all. If you love PNR like I do read this immediately.
23 reviews
November 14, 2016
I've read many books like this one , but this one let me down . I felt the main character was a big baby and as she called it a slore . She cried for absolutely everything and any man she came in contact with turned her on . Truelly did not care for this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.