In The Dark

by Kaelyn Buzzo

"There are monsters in this world. Ones that cause trouble, ones that will not show themselves, ones that tell lies, and ones that stalk your nightmares. Mine has come to meet me in person."

Kalea lived a simple, carefree life, on the threshold of entering college. That is, until one of the monsters found her. And kidnapped her. Taking her away from her home and throwing her into a place of darkness and screams. Of pain and torture.

On the cusp of giving up all hope, she finds a chance to escape and stumbles onto a secluded mountain property in Colorado. There are strange men here, kind, but they have secrets they're not telling her. Meanwhile, her Monster is searching for her, and unexplainable things are happening.

In this thrilling supernatural adventure, readers will follow Kalea as she finds her place in a world full of monsters, magic, and madness. They'll grab hold of the dark secrets that surround her, the fierce friendships in her new community, and the strength of her fortitude as she barrels through tragedy to learn who she is, what she can do, and who she is meant to become.

Genres: Fantasy

322 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2021

About the author

A born and raised Floridian, Kaelyn Buzzo has always been an avid bookworm. She loves the power of words and the stories that draw you in so powerfully, it feels like you’re experiencing every touch, taste, and emotion yourself. Kaelyn wanted to give readers that visceral experience with In the Dark, her debut novel packed with emotions, adventures, and romance, which she wrote mostly from her local coffee shop. She is also a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who writes about veganism, mental health, and positive body image, all themes that feature prominently in her book.

When she’s not reading, writing or coaching, Kaelyn is hanging out with her two smaller furbabies (a cat named Raja and a dog named Milo) or on her family’s farm with her much larger furbabies, two horses named Titan and Winston.

Reviews

[Ellie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

~About

The story is set in Colarado, USA and follows young Kalea as she runs from a sadistic, demonic beast which held her captive and experimented on her. She soon meets Kade and his brethren, paranormal beings who promise to protect her at all costs while she recovers from her horrific ordeal. However, the experiments run on her have drastically altered her appearance and genetics, and she is forced to adapt to who she is now, leaving all she ever knew before behind.

The question remains: can Kade and the others truly protect Kalea from the demon that hunts her, and can Kalea learn to embrace her new self, with all her strange new qualities?


~Characters

As there are quite a few main characters, I’m going to discuss Kalea at length and then talk briefly about each of the men who swore to protect her.

Kalea has been running from the demonic Valken which tortured her for a while and has grown hardened to pain, to an extent. As a result of the experiments performed on her, she now has pale lilac eyes and shockingly white hair. It is obvious from the get go that she has little self worth, which is understandable given that she’d been abused for so long. Throughout the story, we see how Kalea is prone to anxiety and panic attacks, having to learn to trust people all over again, a process which she takes slowly. In addition, she was a socially awkward character, which I found relatable, often not knowing what to say in certain situations and doing her best to muddle her way through. Throughout the story, she proves herself to be a stubborn young woman, never swayed by other’s thoughts but sticking to her own needs and ideas. As the story progressed, she eventually began to shed her anxiety, taking her pain and turning it into a strength which she could use to move forward. I found myself in total awe of her as a character, loving just how much she grew and healed as a person, and finding her funny in just about every scene.

In contrast, Kade was a strict protector, leading a group of paranormal men who watch over Kalea. It soon became obvious that he was the group’s unspoken leader, his authority becoming law. Although he was a strict man, my initial impression of him being stern and unfeeling turned out not to be true. Over time, I was shown how he had good emotional control, but also possessed strong feelings, which he simply managed well.

Zero initially came across as very blunt and direct in his interactions with others. He had a somewhat harsh appearance, coupled with a matter of fact attitude that made him seem less approachable than some of the others. However, over time, we come to see how deeply protective he is over Kalea, as well as how thoughtful and caring he is as an individual.

Wyatt was definitely a good natured and humorous man. There was a warmth to him that drew me in and I came to adore his character very quickly. He was always friendly, cracking jokes and trying to put Kalea at ease. He was also very perceptive, wise beyond what I was expecting.

Nico (Wyatt’s twin) was his polar opposite, if ever there was one. He was quiet and watchful, always observing the others. He was also considerate and reserved, a peacekeeper of sorts, along with being one hell of a cook. Because of his more reserved and delicate nature, he soon became one of my favourites.

Asher, the final of the men in Kalea’s life, is introduced to us in the form of a hellcat, before transforming back into a human form. His fiery hair and mischievous nature lend him a rather devilish impression. He is often seen flirting and making innuendos, as well as joking around in general. He was also one of my favourites simply because he seemed so laid back and less serious than the others, always taking a chance to tease Kalea whenever he could.


~Positive Aspects

-The story opens with the mystery of several unanswered questions: who is being chased, and who are ‘they’ that are doing the chasing? Because the answers to these questions weren’t revealed until later on in the chapter, I found myself immediately pulled into the story, in desperate need of answers.

-The first person, past tense narration gives the reader an immediate sense of intimacy with the main character and their plight. It also showed off Kalea’s uniquely funny personality. I thought that, by contrast, using first person present tense for Kalea’s dreams / memories worked equally well.

-The author has a wonderful sense of humour which comes through well in her characters, especially between Wyatt and Nico, and the other men at the house.

-The author pays great attention to the subtle details, such as people’s unique characteristics and personalities, of objects and the senses explored, etc. I felt like they really pulled me in with their writing style, allowing me to experience the story on a whole other level.

-The action scenes are well written and allow for maximum, on the edge of your seat tension.

-The world building and creatures involved were fantastical and awe-inspiring.

-Kalea was a quirky, funny, and relatable main character, who I warmed to quickly. She’s definitely one of my favourite characters of all time.


~Negative Aspects

The only issue I had with the story was how the first person, past tense narration is sometimes mixed up with present tense phrases. This was more apparent once I read past chapter three and I didn’t feel that this worked well. It was as though the author kept forgetting which tense they were writing in, and thus, reading such sections became confusing.


~Memorable Quotes

As always, I kept my eyes peeled while reading for any interesting quotes I thought you’d enjoy. On this occasion, I identified five which were particularly memorable.

1) ‘Sometimes you gotta allow yourself to be vulnerable to obtain healing and live again, rather than simply existing.’

2) ‘Do not be sorry for the aftershocks, for the consequences of other’s actions done to you. You have every right to be unsteady, adjusting to the world once again.’

3) ‘Trust is earned, whether that be from time or experiences.’

4) ‘There is only one of you. You are you. Do not be ashamed of that. Be weird.’

5) ‘Sometimes, people need a little guidance along the way- There’s nothing wrong with needing guidance or a shoulder to lean on.’


Hopefully, when reading through these quotes, you find one that resonates with you, just as I found they resonated with me. There is a profound sense of what it means to be human within these quotes, of how strong we are deep inside, no matter how much pain we experience.


~Overview

Overall, I found In the Dark to be a fantastical fantasy tale which explored themes of dark vs light, trauma, and the bond of friendship. The characters were complex and vividly written, and the narrative was engaging throughout.

My Rating: 5 stars.
Recommended to: lovers of paranormal fantasy novels, with young adult protagonists.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In the Dark” begins in Colorado with Kalea running for her life and away from an unseen enemy who kept her captive and experimented on her. She stumbles upon several men who appear more like giants and turn out to be paranormal beings intent on protecting her.

Overall, I felt a little torn about this story. It felt like two book ideas that tried to meld into one. I enjoyed the first half of the book. Kalea’s character felt super realistic in her reactions and emotions. Somehow in the middle of all her pain and fear she was still able to maintain an element of humor. Her supernatural saviors each had their own personalities and quirks which made them unique and memorable. I especially enjoyed the interactions of the twins- Wyatt and Nico. The full blog post can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Smiley_Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Set in the mountains of Colorado, this paranormal fantasy story begins with our main character, Kalea, running for her life. After being held captive by a demonic being, she narrowly escapes her prison and finds a modicum of security at the home of a group of diverse but all intimidatingly tall and strong men who seem intent on protecting her. Throughout the story, Kalea is forced to come to terms with how captivity has changed her, both internally and externally.

After a dramatic start, the story slows down in the middle to give the reader a chance to get to know each of the characters. I enjoyed the first person narrative perspective as it allows a closer and more immediate intimacy with Kalea and her struggles. As the story progresses, Kalea makes slow steps towards regaining self-confidence and trust. Though the book deals heavily with deep and dark topics, this is balanced by light-hearted inner dialogue and humorous banter. The exciting conclusion of the book now has me eager to read the next installment of the story.

If you have fantasies of being meticulously cared for by handsome mountain men with mysterious abilities, this is the book for you!

[Lisa Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Different, and so very good

This book has monsters straight out of nightmares, and five men willing to battle them to keep Kalea safe. Her life had become a nightmare, then she escaped. I do not ever give the books I review anything about the books plot. This book was spectacular, a must read for anyone who likes the paranormal.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a great opportunity to meet this author at an event and was intrigued by this story of an escapee who finds themselves in an unexpected way. This book has the themes of religion, but is in a tasteful and understanding way. It is a story of the power of friendship. It shows that you can be a strong, independent person, but also have others that can help along the way. You don't have to go through your story alone.

But also, cliffhanger! I desperately need a part 2.

[Jennifer Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved all the characters and the wit between them. The story was lacking though,it felt like it was going nowhere. Where is book 2?

[Presli. #435-599-0421 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book so much and I got so connected
To the characters and how they all dealt with their
Trauma and how they over come what has happened to them. This author has such a way with words and how to bring out different emotions in a reader. I loved how there were ups and downs in this book and the funny and happy times the author does describing what the main character felt and how she was battling with her own emotions. This book would be in my TOP ten for this year and I hope she writes a second book to go with this series, Because she did amazing job with this one. If Kaelyn Buzzo writes a second book for this first one or a series I will be one of her first buyers. I would recommend this book to any fantasy reader this book was a 10/10 for me.


-Presli K.



HELLO IF YOU READ THIS DOEN BELOW IS MY SECOND REVIEW FOR IT. (SO GOOD HAD TO REVIEW IT A SECOND TIME).


I’ve written a review of In the Dark by Kaelyn Buzzo before, but I just reread it because it was so good and impactful—I had to share my thoughts again now that it’s fresh in my mind.

In the Dark left such a strong impression on me. I read it months ago, and I still think about Kalea.

The story opens with Kalea being kidnapped by a terrifying creature called a Valekien, who takes her to a dark, isolated place. While the book doesn’t go into great detail about her time there or the torture she endured, the sense of trauma and fear is very real. When Kalea escapes and finds refuge, the story shifts to her slow journey toward healing.

Meeting Zero, Kade, Wyatt, Nico, and Asher brought a lot of depth to the story. Each of these men has their own struggles and secrets, and the way they come together to support Kalea feels genuine and powerful. Their interactions include really funny, friendly banter that adds lightness and warmth to the story, balancing out the heavier themes beautifully.

What really stood out to me was how Kalea’s healing isn’t rushed or glossed over. She wrestles with nightmares, anxiety, and self-doubt, making her journey feel authentic. The romantic moments—especially between Kalea and Zero—are tender and respectful, with clear emphasis on consent and understanding.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, which left me eager for the next installment. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how the story continues, especially with the mystery around Kalea’s powers and what lies ahead for the group.

Kaelyn Buzzo’s writing is emotional, vivid, and deeply human. If you like fantasy that tackles trauma and healing with nuance and heart, this is a must-read. I’ll be recommending In the Dark to everyone who enjoys character-driven, emotional fantasy stories.

[Mariah Hancock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 1.75

What i liked:
- this story was absolutely unique to me at least. I dont know that I've read any other books touching on a similar plot
- The gaggle of guys were fun characters to read and there was solid banter

Things others may love that didn't hit for me:
- there are a ton of modern pop culture references scattered throughout the book that pulled me away from the story every time
- The author does not curse at all, which is not something I would normally notice or care about, but instead of omitting the curse word phrases, they are left in and replaced by tamer choices (ie "gosh darn it" "what the freak" etc) which retracted from the story for me
- the FMC is not a strong, independent type character. She is wishy-washy on every single decision she makes, she constantly says "I can take care of myself" when she clearly can't, etc. It's a great book for someone who dreams of having 5 mountain men take care of them! Not as much for someone who prefers a stronger female lead
- the writing style on the whole reads like a wattpad novel, which is normally a hit for me because it gives me nostalgic vibes and in my opinion makes you feel like you're in the shoes of the main character almost immediately. However, maybe because I did not like the main character, it just wasn't hitting for me on this read

Things I think are important to note:
- this book is overtly religious and surrounding topics of Heaven and Hell, but you can't tell from the description at all, and that wasn't even touched on when the author sold us the book in person. This type of story can be an absolute hit for some and an immediate pass for others, so I wanted to make sure to note that.
- I am a firm believer that different tastes in books matters! What I didn't like about these book may be the reason someone else absolutely loves it, and I always am a fan of supporting a small local author! If you think the book sounds good please give it a try

[Masha M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Dark is a compelling and atmospheric start to a new fantasy series that plunges readers from a carefree life into a terrifying world of hidden monsters. The story follows Kalea, a young woman on the brink of college whose ordinary world shatters when she is kidnapped by a literal monster and thrown into a place of darkness and screams. Her desperate escape leads her to a secluded mountain property in Colorado, where a group of strangely kind men offer refuge but guard dangerous secrets of their own.

The novel's power lies in its potent contrast and mounting tension. Kalea’s journey is a visceral survival story that morphs into a gripping supernatural mystery. The central questions are deeply engaging: Who are these mysterious men? What are the unexplainable things happening around her? And most urgently, will her monstrous pursuer find her? As Kalea navigates this new reality of monsters, magic, and madness, she is forced to discover a hidden strength and a destiny she never imagined.