Darkling

Port Lewis Witches #1

by Brooklyn Ray

Port Lewis, a coastal town perched on the Washington cliffs, is surrounded by dense woods, and is home to quaint coffee shops, a movie theater, a few bars, two churches, the local college, and witches, of course.

Ryder is a witch with two secrets—one about his blood and the other about his heart. Keeping the secrets hasn’t been a problem, until a tarot reading with his best friend, Liam Montgomery, who happens to be one of his secrets, starts a chain of events that can’t be undone.

Dark magic runs through Ryder’s veins. The cards have prophesized a magical catastrophe that could shake the foundation of Ryder’s life, and a vicious partnership with the one person he doesn’t want to risk.

Magic and secrets both come at a cost, and Ryder must figure out what he’s willing to pay to become who he truly is.



CONTENT WARNINGS:

Blood-letting (consumption of blood)
Explicit Sexual Content
Death and Resurrection of an MC
Mild Gore (very mild)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Paranormal, M M Romance, Queer, Urban Fantasy

Paperback

First published January 8, 2018

About the author

Brooklyn Ray is a retired paranormal romance author.

Reviews

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 4 out of 5 Prideful and Paranormal Stars! I really enjoy this LGBTQ+ romance novel. The main character, Ryder, is trans and his relationships and his emotions bleed through this paranormal romance with an intensity that I won't soon forget. I just was so intrigued and adored Ryder!💖😄💙 This was a great novella and I read it in one sitting. It was the perfect bite sized version of Paranormal Romance a ‘hit it and quit it’ novel. Liam and Ryder have a very intense relationship that really had me on the edge of my seat! The reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was because there is a Trigger Warning in here that is one that can get to me. There is a brief death of an animal but the animal comes back. It was just me because of previous experiences but thought I should mention that. This book was fantastically written and new author Brooklyn Ray is sure to become very sucessful.
Overall, I recommend this book to any readers who love a good LGBT+ novel or a good paranormal romance! I have to add that I love the LGBTQ genre because I am a proud polyamorous pansexual lady!😄
You can find the rest of this review and others @ http://touchmyspinebookreviews.com/20...

[Laxmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 STARS There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this, I found the premise intriguing, and I liked the magical aspect. For me I felt a bit lost at times through the book, as if I was dropped into a series and missing something or that the story was cut short, backstories missing. I also didn’t get much dimension from the Liam character, I don’t know if it’s because we didn’t have his POV, or just no backstory. I think if I had more content, background or build it wouldn’t have been as confusing. Yet there was great parts, scenes, moments.

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile] · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 48%, and honestly this is a case of it's not you, it's entirely me and the furiously awful mood I'm in right now.

Nothing seems to hold my attention, and I want something that I can seamlessly slid into, not where it feels like I've been plopped into book 3 of a series, where everyone is established and no introductions really need to be made or people introduced.

Edit Nov 2021: so uh, the author done some things https://twitter.com/JudeSierra/status... this among other stuff to queer BIPOC authors https://twitter.com/EmeryLeeWho/statu...

[J.P. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then I read a book, see a movie or watch a TV show, and then sensations that are elicited through the soundtracks, visuals, and words linger...the vibe of the experience settles into your bones and it becomes part of you.

Now, it's no secret, I tend to like the dark and creepy stuff, and if it's settling on the edge of "oh man, I can't believe it went there", so much the better.

Darkling is a perfect example of this. After every reading session, I found myself walking off the train with dark powers swirling around me, Ryder's angst sat comfortably within my skin, and I looked at strangers as if they were playthings...toys to be tormented - in other words, the dark magic was brewing.

This was my 'takeaway' from Brooklyn Ray's short novel. The book is steeped in clever descriptions and laced with flavors and sounds, in short, the story is magical, witchy, and absolutely dark.

Those who have issues with blood, be forewarned, this may not be the story for you - but for me and my inner horde of demons, we screamed in delight as the story unfolded.

Each character was distinct and unusual in their own mystical way. I loved Christy's psychic white witchery and Liam's water mastery. But by far, Ryder with his blend of Fire and Necromancy stole my heart. Donovan has us guessing as to his true nature, and Tyler was the one you loved to hate. I particularly loved the dynamics within the Wolfe clan, and how they treated Ryder and his 'coming to terms' with his necromantic talents. And I can't forget to mention the familiars - super wow!

This is a well thought out story, steeped in history, with rich characters and an intriguing setting. I anxiously await whatever else may come about from the Port Lewis witches!

I want to live in Port Lewis, and I want to be a witch.

Well done!

[Richard Derus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Real Rating: 2.5* of five

After reading the Kindle sample, I'm sure it's not the book for me. I don't care to read about young adults, or new adults, or whatever it is we're calling those within spittin' distance of twenty either side.

I am simply not interested. I found Ray's writing perfectly adequate, but such a short sample doesn't tell the full tale. I'm sure the Shannara/Magicians crowd will lap it up, and heaven knows should!

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were things about this book that I absolutely enjoyed - the poetry of the writing, the creativity of the story, the depth the author brought out in Ryder's character, were all amazing. As I worked my way through some things started to frustrate me.

The flow of the whole story from beginning to end was perfect, addictive, like being along for the ride and totally immersed each step of the way. That said, I felt lost too much of the time. Even though I understood what was happening, I wasn't really sure why. I felt like I was plucked down in the middle of a series and hadn't read all the books leading up to this one.

The characters were clearly a good group of friends, and the author captures the relationship dynamics between them. My biggest issue was that I didn't really buy the change in Ryder and Liam's relationship. The history just wasn't right between them to make it realistic for me. Liam also seemed a little two dimensional and I wasn't sure what Ryder really wanted him for (other than sex, of course).

Brooklyn Ray truly has a beautiful way of writing, some passages were absolute poetry and a pleasure to read. It was a very nicely crafted story and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

book provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my review

[Sugarplum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, unpopular opinion time.
Warning, spoilers (and some cursing) ahead.

So, I started reading this book hoping for something a little different in the genre and after all the glowing reviews, I could barely wait to get my hands on it.

I started reading and it felt a little like getting dropped in the middle of a crosswalk in Kyoto and being told to find my way to the airport.
the story is hella confusing. I had no idea what was happening and felt like I was constantly trying to catch up with everything and everyone. it was more than a little frustrating.

Maybe a more thorough explanation of the town and the community would've made things clearer. Because I have so many questions.
For instance, why does Ryder have to hide he's a Wolfe? Why pretend to be from another family? And if it's such a small town wouldn't someone have noticed by now that his mom lives with the necromancer? Wouldn't people have put two and two together?

I pushed through my confusion, determined to get to the bottom, hopping that there would be a better explanation for things. I'll readily admit that I really enjoyed some of the characters. Ryder is by far my favorite one. Liam felt a bit one-dimensional but I still managed to like him. He was sweet and understanding of all of Ryder's secrets. But their relationship felt a little flat to me. There was no build up. One moment they are staring at each other, Liam is complaining that he only manages to pull "The Lovers" card from the deck and then in the next moment they're drinking each other's blood... I mean, this threw me for a loop a bit. If my best friend told me I could suck his blood to help him control his powers, I would at least hesitate. Especially because Liam is a white witch. Or was, at least.

At this point I was tired of trying to make heads or tails of everything that was happening but I wanted to find out what happened at the end.

I also didn't get what the big deal with Ryder losing control was. Here is where a little context would've done wonders to help me understand WHY EVERYONE WAS FREAKING OUT! It just didn't make sense to me. Not even when he was siphoning Liam 's energy, because he gave it back. And Liam himself said that he was fine before doing the magical tango with Ryder and felt even better afterwards. So what was the problem? Just because Ryder could feel his heartbeat in his palms? I mean, can't everyone do that? Doesn't every one have the potential to end a life with their bare hands? What made Ryder more dangerous than say, Christy (who could read people's minds and potentially use that for her benefit)? Ryder didn't come off as a bad person, so why was everyone so worried he would go nuts and start killing people? Couldn't he potentially learn to control it? Was it really necessary go through a traumatic ritual?

And then the ritual. Or ceremony, as I believe it's called. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not versed in the occult. And, once again, could've really used a ton of explanation here as to why, oh why, was this ceremony necessary? How is dying and resurrecting going to help him gain control of his powers? I honestly didn't see a reason for it. Maybe it's because I don't know much about paganism and all its rituals. That could be a possibility. But as a reader, wether I understand the universe fully or not, a big event such as a ceremony where someone is killed by their own sister, should have a fairly decent reason behind it.

I don't know, maybe it's just me. But it felt like the scene was for shock and awe value. Not to mention it made me feel very uncomfortable reading it. A content warning would've been appreciated. There's one lost here somewhere in between the reviews but there really should've been one in the blurb.

Ryder was clearly panicking and terrified because, hello, he was about to have his throat slit with no idea if he would come back. And none of his family members that were present, not one, comforted him. His own sister, who was the one wielding the knife, told him to he had to embrace it and couldn't fight it. A little empathy would've gone a long way. I just felt disconnected from her character, and most of his family members actually. Not to mention they had to hold him down to kill him. It was so uncomfortable it actually made me nauseous. Reading about Moon killing Percy and how it made Ryder feel only added to that.

And then he died, had a heart-to-heart with a demon and came back. Cool. So, in my humble opinion, dying is a traumatic event. And Ryder was a little too calm afterwards. He even asks "That's it"?

That's it? THAT'S IT? Motherfucker you just died! If there was ever a time to freak out and maybe act out a little bit, this is it. This part made me mad because on the beginning he clearly had a hard time controlling his emotions and then all of a sudden he can? And don't tell me it was because of the ceremony, because the ceremony is not supposed to change him. He's still supposed to be himself afterwards. So, which is it?

And he's not even allowed a refractory period? He's supposed to start studying with his psychotic sister two days after coming back from the dead? WTF? Maybe cut the guy some slack? Let him have a week or two of Netflix and chill with Liam to try and figure shit out between them. Because as far as I can tell, there was no immediate danger to the community (or, any danger at all, actually), so why rush? Why was everyone pushing him so hard? Wasn't the ceremony supposed to let him have control over his powers? Why did the Llewellyn chick say she would "keep an eye on him"? What's up with people just jumping to worst conclusions about this kid?

And then he just goes home and goes to sleep and, everything is cool? I mean, just like that? How? He doesn't have at least one freak out because he fucking died?

I think that the big problem with this book is that it was too short. There wasn't enough room or time for character development and to just let some things flow more organically. Like, for instance, Ryder's relationship with Liam. I wanted to get to know the characters better. To understand the ebb and flow of their magic and their relationship and how one complemented the other.

I wanted more of... well, everything.

After finishing this book I was left feeling bummed out and disappointed. I really wanted to like this book more, but it just didn't work for me.

The writing had some brilliant moments but it wasn't enough for me to give it more than one star. Maybe the next one will have more answears, but I'm not sure I'll stick with this series.

ps: my problem was in no way with the magical aspect of the story. I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. I mean the tittle of the book has "witches" in it. And I knew there were many dark aspects to Ryder's magic. I also did not have a problem with that (it actually made the story seem more interesting to me). My problem is with the gore in the ceremony (even if it was mild) and the way his family members went about it and why it was necessary. The story didn't give me enough information as to why Ryder being killed and brought back was necessary for him to control his powers (which is why I mentioned I know very little about paganism and the occult, since maybe the reason could be found somewhere that wasn't readily available to me - yes, I know there's a difference between them, but some pagan religions have occult aspects, like in this book - because, to me, it was never made clear why the ceremony was necessary). And also, I love the fact that Ryder is trans. It's one of my favorite things about the book. I also love how him being trans is respected and loved. I'm queer and I love reading about queer characters written by queer writers.

Anyway, just wanted to clear that up.

[Aleksandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with Iam!

Darkling is paranormal novella about witch Ryder, who has unique abilities and many secrets, kept from his friends (cycle-mates). If you're looking for a short read with witches, rituals, demons ann lqbtq+ cast of characters, Darkling is for you.

However, I didn't enjoy reading the book as much as I hoped I would. I found the pacing was off. It took me too many hours to finish this short of a book, because I was constantly distracted. The story is set in our world but with paranormal elements. The author failed to explain those elements, I was confused and I still have questions after finishing the book.

What I did like about the novella are characters and romance. Ryder is the protagonist of the story. He's in his twenties, he's trans and grumpy. Ryder has unique abilities, which he hides from his friends, he hides his feelings from his best friend and he has other secrets. I've got the big Ronan Lynch vibe from Ryder. Ryder's LI is Liam, who's magical opposite of Ryder. I liked Liam, but he seems to have not much of a personality, to be honest. I did like them together. They have great chemistry together and I love the development of their relationship.

My favorite character is Jordan, who's Ryder's older sister. She's cool! Jordan is a necromancer, she's dating Thalia, head of the witch clan. Jordan is very supportive and smart and snarky. I want a book about Jordan, please and thank you.

All in all, Darkling has great concepts and lovable characters, but the execution was lacking in my opinion.

Content warning: magic blood kink

[ngọc ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

(A-)

magic, but make it gay and HORNY

RTC!

—————

february 19, 2019 update: bumped the rating up to 4 stars after rereading!

january 29, 2019 update: ah. there's nothing better to pull yourself out of a reading slump than queer erotic stories about witches and dark magic. seriously. i'm so glad i've come across this novella.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect blend of sweet softness and dark, bloody ferocity.

Brooklyn Ray does a fantastic job of creating a contemporary world where witches, full of heady power, are a facet of everyday life and where magical abilities are encouraged and feared at the same time. The world they’ve begun building with story is pulsing with vibrant vitality. It’s recognizable for the reader, but it’s also a different reality, fascinating in it’s supposed differences and easy to get lost in.

Read the full review on my blog!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short summary: I loved this book.

To be fair, I wanted to read this since I heard it was being written after I finished a novella set in that same universe in the INTO THE MYSTIC anthology.

And what can I say, I still love the world of witches, necromancers and interpersonal connections Ray created. They are fast becoming one of my go-to favorite writers. It's the way they let emotions flow so naturally on the page and how who people are is not just stated and then we go from there. I can *feel* the characters, their complexity and their layers and their personal histories.

While Liam was a tougher nut for me to crack, I fell so deeply in love with Ryder right from the start. Following him on his path of trying to figure out who he is as a fire witch and a dealer of death, what he wants to be and how to navigate the abundance of secrets he carries with him grabbed me and sucked me in from the very first page. How it all escalated, shattered and came together in new ways was beautiful to read.

I should add that one of Ryder's secrets he keeps from his witch mates is that he's trans. However, I loved how Ray didn't make it *the* big thing Ryder keeps from everyone. It‘s just part of this bundle of secrets he keeps from his friends so they won't figure out that he's not just a white witch, but the child of a necromancer. And he struggles a lot with his magic and keeping his darkness under wraps, a lot more than he does with his gender identity and people knowing or not knowing about it. Also: Yes, supportive family please.

I have to admit I was a bit scared how I would handle the dark magic part. Please read the content warnings, y'all. For me though, how Ray described the allure, consequences and dangers of the blood magic was beautiful, deadly alluring and a bit addictive. I do think readers who might get triggered by blood play and temporary death should proceed with caution though. This story is -dark-, even though it barely felt like it for me while reading. It just felt… like magic.

In the end, this book was perfect for me. I can't speak for people who haven't read REBORN – I did feel like my reading experience of this story was even better because I already knew things about this universe before going in. Still 5 stars and huge heart eyes from me for this story.

[Lara Di Iorio · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 🌟🌟✨ Le premesse erano interessanti ma purtroppo ha troppe mancanze che mi hanno lasciata confusa. Presto la recensione per il blog

[Rafa Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella blew me away. I was highlighting every third line and had to stop, the prose was pure magic and yet so, so real. It was lyrical and powerful and moving. Dark yet so full of light. Smart and sexy. I will try to articulate better later when - if - I ever recover.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow!!! I found me a hidden gem...

If you're a fan of paranormal...especially witches, you need to check this one out. It's seriously good with a definite different edge to it. While it was shorter than I would have liked...but then isn't that true of any book that we enjoy? The upside is that book #2 is coming out soon...and lucky me I have an ARC for it, so guess what book I'm reading now? Come on you don't have to be a psychic to figure this one out...full review for this jewel to follow soonish!

full review...

4.5 stars rounded down to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and I seriously wanted more on this one and it's coming...soonish!

I'm honestly not sure why this one didn't catch my eye before now, but as soon as I started reading 'Undertow' which is book #2 in this series and one that did catch my eye. Enough so that I said yes please when asked if I wanted to review it, however, I'd barely started reading 'Undertow' and I knew I'd screwed up by not reading the first book...so, my recommendation is if you're interested in reading 'Undertow' read this book first.

'Darkling' is the first book in Brooklyn Ray's 'Port Lewis Witches' series and I'm happy to say it was worth putting 'Undertow' on hold for a day while I went back and read it. "Port Lewis Witches" is one of those series where the stories really are connected and the characters go from story to story so much of the background and what happens in 'Darkling' is relevant to events in 'Undertow' and at less than 100 pages each it's not a big task to take the time to read both books but so worth it.

For me it's been a while since I've gotten so excited about a book of this genre. On a more general scale 'Port Lewis Witches' would be paranormal, but this isn't your vampires, werewolves, shifter paranormal...no this series is predominantly 'witches'!!! While it's not that witches are obscure or anything like that but in general they don't tend to be as popular as other creatures of the paranormal world. So for me it's that little step outside of the norm box that can often times make things interesting.

While I'd love to talk more about the actual story that's not going to happen because at just under a hundred pages this is one tightly written story with little to no superfluous information. Essentially Darkling is Ryder's story but we can't have Ryder's story without being introduced to Liam, Christy, Tyler and Donovan. These are the members of the circle that he belongs to and Liam is also his love interest.

While we're given a solid background for each of these characters trust me when I say there's more to come and for this book Ryder is definitely the focus. I really like all of these witches and I love that they each have their own talent some of which won't be fully revealed in this story.

Just like with us normal people at the heart of so much of what goes wrong are secrets...secrets about their magic, secrets about themselves...who they are and what they can do or what they may become...so many secrets and this story plays out against a background of secrets coming to light and changing so much of what these young witches know to be real.

Brooklyn Ray is a new to me author and this first foray into her writing world has been a wonderfully enjoyable time for me and I'm very much looking forward to finding out what comes next with this circle of witches.

Ok so that's my ramble about 'Darkling', so while it's a quick read at less than 100 pages. I've read books that were twice as long and been lucky if I got half as much story so definitely recommended...especially if you plan on reading 'Undertow'.

[J.C. Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I want to say right off that this story hooked me in the first scene and didn't let me go. I read it in two sittings, and the only reason it wasn't one sitting was I had to go to my day job. Brooklyn Ray presents a story that is vivid, sharp--sometimes painfully so--and intriguing. I'll admit that I'm a sucker for magic and witches of any kind, so I clamored for a chance to get an ARC. I wasn't disappointed.

Magic: I LOVED the magic in this story. The way that it permeated everything and never, for me, ventured into the territory of too gimmicky. I felt like the magic combined with the setting in a way that just breathed life into the story.

Characters: Ryder and Liam were very well drawn out. I really liked the way the author presented the identity of Ryder in such a casual way, a few side remarks that weren't given any unnecessary weight; his identity was there but was NOT the focus of the story. They had chemistry, which I appreciated, though I felt like Liam could be a little dimmer next to Ry's brightness. The side characters were fun but could have been a little more fleshed out, particularly Tyler and Donovan. There's so much about them I want to know. And I love Thalia.

Plot: Well-paced, thought out and almost perfectly delivered, it hits every beat on the way. There are some darker elements that you get in the trigger warnings, though I don't feel as if they made the story heavy in any way. Sure, it was dark, but there is hope and light and power in this story.

All in all, I can't wait for the next return to the world of the Port Lewis Witches.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il Mago. La Torre. Il Diavolo. Gli Amanti. Una catastrofe magica provocata da un’alleanza oscura e pericolosa. Liam probabilmente aveva ragione. Era meglio non dirlo agli altri.

Molti spunti interessanti, ambientazione e personaggi suggestivi. Stile notevole.
Però un episodio breve che sostanzialmente sommerge il lettore di tantissime informazioni a casaccio, molte lasciate lì senza spiegazione o date per scontate, lasciando con una gran confusione. Cos'è il circolo? Perchè i ragazzi lo hanno formato?
Cos'è l'ascensione?
In cosa si differenziano le famiglie tra loro?
Ok, è una novella, ma almeno si potevano dare alcuni punti fermi. C'è tutto un background dietro, e pure molto complesso, non solo per i due anni già trascorsi dai ragazzi, ma per l'intero immaginario di Port Witches: avrei gradito avere qualche nozione, messa di fronte a una serie di episodi tutti brevi e spezzettati.
Alla fine se ne esce intrigati ma non pienamente soddisfatti, con l'impressione che la scrittrice non si sia affannata più di tanto per farsi comprendere. E con l'impressione ogni dettaglio si sarebbe potuto esplodere e definire meglio.

Infine, parere mio, ma qui ci voleva almeno un'avvertenza al lettore. Certi contenuti sensibili sono percepiti e accettati meglio quando si è consapevoli.

«Hai troppi segreti,» affermò Liam. La sua voce era carica di ogni goccia di pioggia mai caduta, e di ogni tempesta mai infuriata.

[Carol (bookish_notes)]

Update June 26, 2020: After less than 2 weeks, the author has removed their apology from their Instagram (their excuse is that their IG is now a personal one), their agent and all their publishers have dropped them, AND most importantly, the author activated their Twitter account again and just won’t stop playing the victim.

They insist on using threats and harassing people who they feel has wronged them in the past. What the author is really doing is proving that what everyone has been saying all along is 100% true. They’ve also started self-publishing their books now. Do not support abusers.

Update June 14, 2020: I had initially removed my Goodreads rating, Instagram post, AND my Amazon review in light of feeling uncomfortable with the author's actions I saw on Twitter time and time again, but because of new information coming to light about the author and their treatment towards BIPOC I've decided to remove my review from Goodreads as well.

***Thanks to NineStar Press for providing me an ARC on NetGalley***

[NeRdyWYRM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Microcosmic

Maybe I read a different book than everyone else, I don't know. What I do know is that while I enjoyed this story, it was also unfulfilling. The world-building was spectacular. It was. The trans MC was well-portrayed and I loved the dichotomy of Fire/Air elemental they had going on here.

This is a novella, so I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for everyone. Given the length, everything counts. That said, Darkling is aptly named. Ryder's stomping ground is a dark, dark, place. His mind is a dark, dark, place for a lot of this book—and for good reason.

Liam is a breath of fresh air for Ryder, if you'll forgive the play on words. I spent a lot of the book feeling bad for him because the situation was just so ... heavy.



I related to the feels. Ryder was quietly petrified, too self-sacrificing, compulsively pessimistic, and more than a little sad. Liam was inconspicuously supportive, despairingly hopeful, and forcibly helpless in the face of everything that was going on in this title. There was only so much he could do and that was heartbreaking.

So why am I not starkers over this title like everyone else seems to be? Well ... there are a few reasons.

I appreciated Liam's effortless acceptance of Ryder. At no point did I wonder if he saw Ryder as different. He didn't. To Liam, Ryder was just Ryder. I loved that and wish it was like that for everyone in real life. I wish Ryder had been as accepting of himself. I was a little confused by the partial change, but that might be my ignorance yapping. Maybe Ryder was confused, too. Either way, I wanted to know more about that in specifics.



The world-building was good, for the small slice of the world we got to see. It was microcosmic, IMO. That was disappointing. Rewinding the story in my head, the scope felt extremely narrow. Maybe I missed something, but I don't think so. The plot was Liam and Ryder in this little bubble with The Big Day looming, and the only things that were fleshed out pertained directly to that and their relationship leading up to it. That's it.

Regardless of my slight sense of dissatisfaction, I was pleasantly surprised by the story overall. I think part of my disappointment lay in the fact that it wasn't quite enough. It felt like things were missing or waiting in the wings and those things were the things I really wanted to see.



Maybe we'll get more in book two, I'm not sure. The blurb for that one seems equally narrow in scope, but like Liam, I'm cautiously hopeful that there's more to this story arc than what we've seen and more of what I missed out on in this title in ones to come.


3.5 Hearts (3 GR Stars)


Review crossposted at:<?i>


More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall a nice novella with a great protagonist and fascinating magic system, even though it was hard for me to understand why things were happening sometimes and I was never able to completely buy Ryder and Liam’s romantic chemistry, although I really wanted to. The writing was evocative, though I found a few jarring POV issues (if it’s from Ryder’s POV, he shouldn’t be able to describe what his eyes look like because he can’t see his own eyes).

Rounded down a star because of course the sole Chinese characters in the book are portrayed as staunch, prejudiced traditionalists. *rolls eyes* And I didn’t miss the fact that the closest thing to an antagonist in the book is the sole Asian character, either, which made a few scenes genuinely uncomfortable for me to read.


*Edit: The more time goes on, the more disappointed I feel in this book. My initial enjoyment of the magic and queer rep has been overshadowed by the frankly really hurtful Asian American rep, which I can't ignore in favor of the book's strengths, even if it doesn't seem to bother anyone else. The fact that the author specifically chose the only Asian American character to be the most prejudiced and discriminatory character in the entire book, more prejudiced than all of the white characters combined, is really painful to me.

[oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been staring at this screen for like a half-hour, trying to find a good way to write this review. Or at the very least, a way to start the damn thing. But what I’ve come to realize is that the reason I’m having a hard time reviewing the book is the same reason that I found myself underwhelmed by nearly everything about the story. Mainly that there doesn’t seem to be much story here.

Or, maybe, more correctly, there doesn’t seem to be much point to the story here.

The whole thing revolves around two witches: Liam, who controls the more watery elements, and Ryder, who controls fire. Except Ryder has a bit of a family legacy that he’s tried his hardest to cover up: everyone in his father’s family are necromancers–including himself. To white witches like Liam and the rest of his and Ryder’s circle, that is something to be at best shunned. Darkling is what happens when Ryder is no longer able to keep that secret hidden.

And while I can certainly see a story in that well worth telling–and reading–by the end of the thing I couldn’t help but feel let down. There are no real stakes in this book. Everything–despite the menacing tone the first chapter takes–is so easily solved that I never once felt invested in the story or with the characters. Even the events at the climax of the thing–ones that should have had some stakes–never once made me worried for Ryder. The ceremony he undergoes has, as far as the book presented, never gone wrong. And, yes, I can admit that it isn’t something I would ever undertake lightly–or at all–but it left me as an outsider absolutely unaffected.

So despite the fact that it wasn’t badly written, and that the characters were at the very least interesting–and I found I would have loved to know more about the magic here–there wasn’t a whole lot there to recommend it either. Which makes me a bit sad because I had some high hopes going in.


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[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

It was the magic that sold me on this book and the mention of tarot cards and of friends becoming lovers. There is a lot to like here in this book from newer author Brooklyn Ray. We are introduced to Ryder and Liam, two witches, who are the best of friends. Except they don’t know each other as well as they think as Ryder has secrets, so many secrets. The secrets have been in place during the two years of their friendship, but get addressed fairly early on in the book, which helps to move the story along.

There is a lot that happens in a shorter amount of pages here. We have the relationship between Ryder and Liam, the magic that lives in the town, a full cast of characters, and then Ryder ascending to the place he was supposed to be all along.

The relationship between the men is well done, but also had some unrealized potential for me. The longing and chemistry between Ryder and Liam comes off the page and when they finally get together it is an explosive of lust and passion and love and some darker magic. The scene was good but, since Ryder was holding back due to an unexposed secret, it had the potential to be great. It was all right there, but I just would have liked more.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was pretty enjoyable. Short but well done.

Ryder has a lot of secrets that he keeps from his friends and circle. After a tarot reading, the secrets slowly start to come out. I liked the story, it had necromancers, familiars and a romance that was pretty good and felt nice.

This was also my first book with a transgender character!

I will be reading the next one cause I liked Liam a lot.

[~Kristin~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found this story interesting, I also found it confusing and hard to follow.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine but maybe not for me. And certainly not for me right now with the death stuff. I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥~ The story was simply and straight forward. Even the magic system is easy to understand.

One thing that I truly adore about this book is the way Brooklyn Ray writting style...truly I must said that it was enchanting and magical, especially when the author describe the characters' magic, their emotions and the surrounding of the enviroment.

It was trully MAGNIFICIENT!

Seriously I might read this series in future not because of the plot but because of it writting style. ~♥

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

I was thrilled about this release when I’ve heared about it early on Twitter. And if you have followed me, you could see my gushing about the book on Twitter, which isn’t the only time I talked about it – and it won’t be my last – but this was my reading in process at this time and you see on the date that I was lucky to get an early copy. 😉 ❤

The book hooks you with a superb, blasting storyline. Reading the blurb even now after reading the whole book gives me chills – and not in the bad way. It’s the promise of dark events, of the danger which is coming to Ryder and Liam which let me shiver in anticipation. I can’t say I’m – and never was – not animated by & excited about it.

Brooklyn Ray writes with a finesse which might come unexpected from an author who’s debuting with this novella but it only shows that they are able to capure your attention and that they have amazing skills in word building in connection to a thrilling story.
I mentioned in the general information about the book that there’s a short story, Reborn (F/F), with two re-appearing characters in the anthology Into the Mystic, Volume One, with Thalia and Jordan, which I haven’t read yet but I am definitely want to read it soon. So we have already a tiny insight of Brooklyn Ray’s writing but this book is the first longer piece.
For the knowledge of the events in Darkling the short story Reborn isn’t necessary for the understanding & from talks with the author, they plan to write more books in the series & we can expect further stories with the characters. :3

I was while reading totally capitvated and mesmerized by the amazing developed characters. These people aren’t two-dimensional, they are this vivid and three-dimensional, I was thinking they are literally alive (or for a short time not so much 😉 *smirk*). These characters are people I could imagine be friends with, imagine they could live actually quite next door (okay, or in America, so over the ocean & of course there’s the magic part. ;))
The whole witch topic, the way how it was included and explained in the book, I couldn’t get enough. I loved the whole backround – and because I’m greedy when I read series like this, I just can say: I want more. so much more; more details about the witch circles & the families, Ryder’s family but also the other character’s.
And I really, really want a cool familiar (for a better understanding what a familiar is, look up e.g. this article), basically it’s a “magic-user’s spiritual helper in animal form”) like the characters have. We have within the book a cat, an owl, a mouse, a fox, a raven, a horse, an eagle and even a boa… ❤ How cool is this, huh? 😀

The book wouldn’t be this amazing and thrilling without the (so far) secondary/minor characters. They make the book rich of all gender and sexualities, of all kind of orientation and I loved each and every part of it. I devoured and loved the transgender topic (with Ryder we have a trangender character, who transitioned from female to male) and I had literally tears in the eyes because of the the acceptance & the on page display of this great variety. Never is Ryder quesitoned by his family or his friends, by Liam, his love interest, never do we see disgust. And we have explicit scenes with a lot of details, so there isn’t a fading out. The trangender topic is within the book, it’s a major part of Ryder’s and Liam’s life but it doesn’t define him or his relationship(s).
The fact that we have these hot, smoking scenes between Ryder and Liam makes it even more amazing but honestly I would have loved this book without any those too, because Ryder and Liam are simply beautiful together. ❤ There is this bond, not only because their destiny decided for them, it’s the whole relationship they have, the trust and the fact they know each other so well. They are friends, long time and actually best friends, know each other literally by the heart, so the emotional scenes, the emotional trusting is one of the many splendid displayed and delivered parts. I also saw clearly the conflict, the struggle, the danger in crashing this intimacy because of the upcoming danger not just Ryder is affected by.

Holy moly, I can’t say how much I adored the “dark” topic, the combination between the “two” sides, the magic based on the elements (fire, water, wind and earth) and the dark, dangerous, deadly magic, the necromancy. It isn’t also just affecting Ryder and Liam, no, the whole witch circle is in danger and the dynamics are changing.
While reading I could literally smell, taste and feel all those scenes, I had them clear before my eyes, and I was sad but also satisfied – for a few moments – when I closed this book. But with this start of the series, with this novella of about 100 pages there was a whole new universe displayed, a world presented which is rich of so much more and I can’t wait to dive myself again into it – may it a re-read or into a new book in this series. I’m anticipated to see more from Liam’s POV, to see the other characters, how they find their love, their partner, their soulmate. ❤

The story totally grabbed me & my heart was with Ryder and Liam. Right from the start. And because the focus was more on Ryder I had the feeling I could understand him better than Liam, but I loved them equally. ❤ I don’t know why, but Ryder captivated me, I could relate to him best, maybe because he is using fire magic and I love this most, also the dark magic, the necromancy. It really touched me, in many ways and I was emotionally attached to him, to actually both of them.
Within the book I highlighted so many parts, I don’t wanna exaggerate but I believe about 80% of the book is highlighted or have some kind of notes. Reading the book was a rollercoaster ride and I adored and worshiped every up and down. I was mesmerized by Ryder and Liam, I laughed about their banter at each other and with their friends, their shenanigans, the way how the familiars, the spiritual helper in animal form, were acting (totally like animals do, but so sweet and charming). At some parts I was pretty mad & angry with Tyler. But then I pondered about him and his position, his status in the witch circle, it came clear he had to do what he did but still – irrationally – I was mad at him several times and I still want his story, of course. And attentive readers already get who he’s bonding with. 😉

My joy about this book is extraordenary and I can’t wait to read more, the first book, this debut novella, I wanna stress out again – because it’s remarkable – was a promsing opening of a series with characters who were able to steal a part of my heart, they clutch hard on it and I don’t wanna let them go. They have totally and legitimately a special place in my heart. ❤ And if you love paranormal, magical stories, darker themes, have a heart for necromancy ( 😉 ) you wanna grab this book and keep an eye on the author’s social media account for announcement of further books.
I wish I could give more than 5 stars, but I can’t so read these as 5+ stars. ❤

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
We're thrown directly into the story and have to get all the background along the way. So at the end of the book there are still a lot of questions about the world building.

Brooklyn Ray's focus is completely on the characters and because we only get Ryder's perspective that focus is mixed with teenage insecurities, with strong believes and even stronger but conflicting emotions. So he hides his secrets from his witch circle as well as from his best friend. I have to admit I probably would try to hide some of them too and I'm definately old adult and not new adult :) Who would likely admit that he's part necromancer in a small town ruled by white witches and that this part comes with troubling fantasies. Although I wonder how that could be a secret seeing his parents relationship acknowledged by his mothers family matriarch.

It's an atmospheric read with some dark parts and it wasn't always easy for me to understand all the insinuation (maybe because Ryder didn't always understood them himself) and I would have liked a bit more details on the world building but it's obviously a start of an interesting series and no one can add everything into a short story without loosing the atmosphere.

[sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so far out of my comfort zone, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed it. I loved how atmospheric this book was - the mood of each scene was set perfectly. The writing, in that way, was really beautiful. I also loved the development of Ryder's character. This book is largely a story of him coming into himself and figuring out his identity when it came to his magic and I enjoyed watching him grow. My favorite character was probably Jordan and I absolutely want to see more of her in the future. She and Ryder had such a great sibling relationship. I also enjoyed seeing Ryder and Liam's relationship progress. I'm a huge fan of friends-to-lovers and this was a fun (and dark and steamy) love story. My only critique is that I would have appreciated a bit more worldbuilding and character development of side characters. I'm generally more forgiving when novellas lack in development (they only have so many pages) but I still would have appreciated a bit more explanation of the magic system. However, this is the first book in what I believe is intended to be an expansive series, so I expect there will be much more world and character development in the future and I'm excited to read it!