Born into Darkness

Dark Reflections #1

by Skyler Andra

Three ferocious panther shifters. One broken woman with dangerous powers. A kingdom menaced by evil.

Framed for her father's murder and facing execution, Snow has lost everything she ever loved, leaving her heart fractured beyond repair. To the point that touch and any emotional connection is unbearable. Seizing an opportunity, she flees the months of cruelty for the safety of the mountains.

But her power-hungry stepmother dispatches hunters, bound by magical collars that turn them into blood thirsty beasts, to kill Snow. If the hunters don’t deliver her heart to the evil queen within seven days, the collars will strangle them, along with any hope Snow has of defeating the witch. What was once a straightforward assassination becomes a devastating attack on her heart.

Betrayal, conviction and revenge collide in this spellbinding romance.

Note: BORN INTO DARKNESS is based in the same world as the Haven Realm series and features crossovers with characters in this world.

Genres: Shapeshifters

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2018

Reviews

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What an intriguing take on Snow White that I never could have dreamed of. Snow is framed for her fathers murder and placed in prison for quite some time. While there she is tortured and abused only being rescued right before her scheduled execution. This gives her some severe mental as well as touch issues yet they want her to be the face of the resistance against her evil step mother. What follows is quite illuminating as she meets her panthers while trying to overcome all of their problems. The cliff hanger ending leaves you dying for more I must say. Yet another wonderful RH fairy tale remake that fans of the genre will really enjoyed like I did so it gets 4/5 stars.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well...what a great start to this interesting new book by the talented Mila Young. This is a very different take on a classic fairytale and as soon as I started reading my attention was fully captivated. Once I started I inhaled the book and I could not put it down! This story follows Snow, the FMC, as she tries to survive her step-mother while trying to help the resistance fight back. Snow is a very different character to what you expect..she has stuff done to her that she has a very difficult time coping with and it changes her..making her appear cold and unfeeling. At times throughout the book I wanted to snap at her but I could understand why she is the way she is! Hopefully with the help of her shifter guys she will find her strength again and start to believe in herself. She will be interesting to watch develop in the next book. In this book we meet all the main players that will come out more in the next book..and we especially get to meet the the panther shifters: Shadow, Phantom and Flare (my favourite so far) and they all bring something different to their time with Snow. There is a lot of ‘thoughts’ in this book, she talks in her mind a lot but this helps us to understand what she is going through and sets the scene for the next book. I hope we see her become stronger and start to become powerful to take out her b#tch of a step-Mum. I enjoyed the cross-over with Mila’s other book Claimed, I like how these stories all tie in together. This is the first out of these books that did not finish and I am really excited for the next book and to see where Mila takes Snow and her guys next! Highly recommended book with lots of action, conflict, drama and was a really good length!

[Cassandra Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting take on the classic story of Snow White. Mila Young has managed to keep the base of the storyline in tact and yet still make it her own with the inclusion of three hot panther shifters (and their families), dragons, merfolk, magic, and so much more.

I love that rather than just hiding, as is what happens in the classic tale, Born into Darkness Snow becomes the face of a resistance, a group of dwarves and shifters who want to fight back against the new ward of Tritonia, and gain control of their own lives. I am very excited to see where the Resistance leads next.

Also I like that rather than only having a mirror for the Stepmother, Snow also ends up with a smaller version which seems to have sparked her magic. But will it be for the good, or for the bad? Only time will tell.

The reason for a drop of one star is that I felt Snow's personality could have been stronger. She seemed to hold back a lot and question things in her head without making any differences. Also, and this may have just been me, but I felt there were a few things that dragged out in the story that made me lose momentum in reading. Overall it was a great book though and I look forward to what comes next.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review consideration**

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting take on a Snow White retelling. Of course, it was dark most fairytales are if you really look at them but it was also filled with politics, a variety of supernaturals and a Snow White that has PTSD. The story wasn't quite what I expected and it did seem to drag a little but it was a different story. I'm a little confused about what is happening, Born into Darkness was published two years ago and I could find any information about if there will any other books in the series even though the story ended on a cliffhanger. However, Mila does have another series that is set in the same realm so I don't know if I will get the answers to this book in those or not.

Overall if you are looking for a supernatural Snow White retelling that has a unique take on a slow-burn reverse harem then you might like this one.

[Ryanne Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retelling of Snow White is quite original and I enjoyed it immensely. It’s set in the Haven Realm so if you have read any of the other books - and you should - you will recognize some characters and goings on but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Be warned, it ends in a cliffhanger as there is a Book 2 in the works - hopefully out soon, but I believe the wait will be worth it.

Also be warned, it’s a slow burn reverse harem story, so things get steamy. Not for anyone under eighteen.

I received a free copy for a honest review.

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a different twist on a well known fairy tale. In the start of this series, Snow has been through some serious situations. She is able to get through them with a little help from her friends and help from her little friends. I didn't really feel a whole lot of pull with the emotions in this story. It felt drawn out to me. There are a few moments that kept my attention but overall, I felt it was just OK. Somewhat alternating POV. Steam level 3. Cliffhanger

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoo-hoo a new book by one of the authors I love. This book is a reverse harem twist on Snow White and let me tell you this book captivated me and did not let me put it down till I finished it. So many things that make you go hmmm that just may work. I love how Snow is not some little submissive that allows everything and everyone to walk all over her. I can not wait to see what is in store for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3. something 🌟🌟🌟. I'm not sure what, yet..

Note to self. If there's a cliffhanger, check if there's already a follow-up or I'll have a aneurysm one day! Not happened the first time and probably won't be the last time (eye squinting mode off).

The book in it self wasn't bad, but there could have been less unnecessary filler.

I hope the author will finish the second part, because the story has a lot of potential.
So hurry up girl and finish that damn book already, your fans are waiting!

[Kelly Bugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read.
Snow has fallen onto hard times. her once idlic life has become ruin after the death of her beloved father. She has been acused of his death and is now lounging in a prison cell. But fate smiles on her with a chance to escape, but she is not the woman she once was and she must learn to trust herself again and fight back for her future and the future of her people
Brilliant read.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read

This was an okay read. The MC had some personality issues that was irritating because it went back and forth so much. Two of the male characters, you couldn't tell if it was a joke or if they were together. The storytelling was well done but I just don't think the fairytale books are for me.

[Kaitlynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book! I liked the spin it took on Snow White. Snow isn't the helpless little girl everyone thinks that she is, and she's a strong person despite that crap hand she's been dealt. Once again, Mila Young has crafted a brand new story from a classic everyone knows and loves.

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont understand how Mila does it. She comes up with amazing stories one right after the other. This one is no different. Snow seems capable and loving and I cant wait to see how her and the Resistance fair against her evil stepmother.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really looking forward to the next book. Warning it does leave off on a cliff hanger, so for those like me who hate waiting more than a day for a book just wait until the next one comes out, I wish I had but still it was a good read.

[Ashley B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take

A new take on an old story. Lots of different twists and turns. Slowish burn in the romance department but good book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. New take on the classic fairytale of Snow White with a twist. Slow burn. Good storyline. Happy this story is going to have a part 2. So yay next book!!!

[Airwreckah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnfd this at the first POV change. Plot piqued my interest but the writing was clunky and i was slogging so early on i couldnt muster up the enthusiasm to continue.

[UNLIMTED · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!!!!

This retelling of Snow White is dark,captivating and draws the reader in deep. Highly recommend reading the Haven series along with this book.

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so amazing. Action packed, mysterious, and sexy

[Rebecca Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!!!

[SakuraReader · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Not good enough.

[Mireilla D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

Ya the story continues! I can’t wait for the second book, but you should read Mika’s entire series before reading this book. I know it’s a stand alone but you won’t completely understand it till you’ve read it. There are awesome books anyway!