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Embracing the Darkness: The Darkness Trilogy - 2

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"An animated cast energizes this grand tale of faraway kingdoms and magic." - Kirkus Reviews

Winner of SIX awards including Honorable Mention for Fantasy for the Eric Hoffer Award and Winner (Fantasy) in the Book Excellence Award as well as Finalist (Fantasy) in the Feathered Quill Award.

What lurks in darkness cannot hide from the light.

Jasce Farone, previously known as the Angel of Death, has returned to Orilyon as commander of the Paladin Guard in hopes of locating his long-lost sister and settling down with his fiancée, Kenz. But now that peace has come to Pandaren, Queen Valeri is hosting the Gathering—a meeting of five kingdoms, and among those invited are the Vastanes, whose war crimes have not been forgotten. And though the rulers of each kingdom claim they want peace, ulterior motives hide in the shadows.

As the Gathering begins, lethal magic-hunting creatures terrorize the people, and Spectrals are reported missing. Jasce is forced to choose between the search for his sister and the survival of the kingdom he has sacrificed everything to save.

In this second installment of the Darkness Trilogy by award-winning author Cassie Sanchez, Jasce, Kenz, Kord, and Amycus return and are joined by a new cast of characters to battle political intrigue, foreign magic, and mystifying beasts. Jasce will need all his magic—and more—to defend those he loves, while resisting the familiar embrace of the Angel of Death, who demands blood at any cost.

374 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2022

18 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Cassie Sanchez

5 books195 followers
Growing up, Cassie Sanchez always wanted superpowers and to be a warrior princess fighting alongside unlikely heroes. Suffice it to say, she lost herself in books, from fantasy to sci-fi to a suspenseful romance. Currently, Cassie lives in the southwest with her husband, Louie, while pestering her two adult men-children. She can usually be found drinking too much coffee while working in her office with her dogs, Gunner and Bullet, warming her feet. When she isn’t writing about magic and sword fights, she enjoys golf, spending time with friends, or partaking in a satisfying nap. You can visit her online at cassiesanchez.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Cassie Sanchez.
Author 5 books195 followers
Currently reading
January 30, 2023
Embracing the Darkness has received its first award from Literary Titan and also received a 5 STAR review from Readers View.

If you haven't checked out this sequel, then what are you waiting for?

SPOILER ALERT: Please read Chasing the Darkness first. These books are not stand-alones.
3 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2022
Great sequel to Chasing the Darkness, one of my favorite books. Cassie does an excellent job of developing the characters and the locations in the story, as well as keeping the book fast paced and exciting. A must read for fantasy and/or romance readers. Can't wait for book #3!
Profile Image for Laurisa Brandt.
Author 4 books56 followers
September 28, 2022
Embracing the Darkness follows a broken assassin turned Paladin Guard Commander on a transformative journey that tests the limits of his relationship with his fiancee, friends, and family. Jasce Farone might be a functional alcoholic with a flash temper and a lot of scars, but his heart is in the right place and I couldn't help but believe in him and root for him the entire way.

His fiance, Kenz, is a worthy partner for Jasce and there are so many great moments of family and friendship—not to mention witty banter---glazed into the story's layers. I love how much Jasce's friends and family support him and believe in him even when he doubts he is beyond saving.

The plot offers fantastic magical descriptions, wyverns, deadly creatures of an unknown origin, court intrigue, and betrayal; and Jasce's loyalties to spouse, friends, and his queen are put through a trial by fire and magic.

The magical dynamic and world building of Padaren and its nations is vivid and unique. Cassie's pacing is comfortable and her character dialogue is realistic. Her prose is simple yet impelling. She knows how to deliver a story right where it hurts best.
Impactful.
Meaningful without being preachy.
Gritty without being gratuitous.
She paints her canvas of darkness with splashes of light in all the right places. She puts her characters between rocks and hard places and shows us the way out of the dark, even through failures.

And when she didn't have me laughing, she had me crying. Both Chasing the Darkness and Embracing the Darkness offer much for thought and deliver powerful messages without sapping the momentum and action sequences. Her characters are dynamic, believable, and well-motivated.

This book had me clinging to the edge of my seat through all the twists and turns; and when I'd finished, I walked around in a daze for several hours, completely satisfied with the ending, but terribly moved by it all.

This is the second time I've been happily devastated by this author, and I'd let her do it to me again as soon as her next book comes out.

The ending grabs you by the gut and packs a punch, delivering more than promised. The climax and close is richly rewarding, heart-moving, and intensely satisfying.
Profile Image for Rozanne Visagie.
766 reviews104 followers
October 20, 2022
"𝙅𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚. 𝙃𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙨."

I was very excited to return to Paladen and see Jasce, Kent and Kord. In this second book, Jasce, the former angel of death known as Azrael, has returned to Orilyon. While searching for his sister, the Queen gives Jasce a choice - search for his sister or search for the missing Spectrals. Which is more important, where does Jasce's loyalty lie?

Pandaren is hosting the Gathering but a terror sweeps across the kingdom and this is where the adventure begins. The reader is met with magical creatures, quests as well as romance. But a shocking plot twist or two happens and takes the story in an unexpected direction. I enjoyed the magic, seeing how the characters develop and overall where the story went. After an ending such as this, I'm patiently waiting for the third book. I have questions!

A trope I recently started liking is found-family and I felt that Sanchez did a great job with the connections between the characters. I also like the Wyverns, the mystical beasts, I enjoy a good fantasy with beasts. That always makes for an entertaining read. We have kingdom politics, hidden agendas and the fight against temptation, this is bound to keep you glued to the pages.

"𝙅𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣. "𝙇𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣."

Many thanks to the author for a gifted electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sara Jamieson.
191 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
Wow. A phenomenal sequel to Chasing the Darkness. This book has action drama loyalty betrayal mystery love and all tied into a great evolving plot that’s pleasently paced. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Sascha Rosa.
225 reviews25 followers
October 20, 2022
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Embracing the Darkness is the second book in The Darkness Trilogy series by Cassie Sanchez. This book picks up right where Chasing the Darkness concludes and is not only fast paced but is also filled with some of my favourite things ~ witty banter, romance, unique magical system, friendship and morally grey characters.

We witness firsthand Jace’s continued struggle to escape Azrael (his darker alter ego in a sense) whilst trying to build a better future for himself and soon to be wife. Cassie did a great job at developing both the plot and characters further in this sequel. I really enjoyed the found family trope and loved getting to know our secondary characters like Kord, a little bit better.

I also really enjoyed Cassie’s writing style, making it easy to follow - so much so that I finished this book in just 2 days. Cassie has done a great job at pulling on your heart strings, which is one of my favourite things.
The ending of this book has me really excited for what is to come.

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
⚔️ YA Romantasy
⚔️ Action
⚔️ Political intrigue
⚔️ Found family trope
⚔️ Morally grey MC
⚔️ Magic

𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to the author Cassie Sanchez for the #gifted eARC of this book.

Embracing the Darkness releases on October 25th, be sure to get your preorders in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,785 reviews442 followers
October 24, 2022
Jasce’s sister is missing, and the very people who can help most do not see her return as a priority. The kingdom has seemingly more important things with which to contend, and Jasce is expected to do his part, forcing him to make a choice between family and the Kingdom. Jasce, as it turns out, possesses a power highly desired by those who know him. As infamous as he is, however, he is unable to overturn the command he has been given to stand down and stop his frantic search for his sister, Jaida.

Embracing the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, is a rousing fantasy tale centered around siblings Jasce and Jaida, both of whom possess powers that set them apart in more ways than one. Jaida is considered a fugitive, and Jasce’s number one concern, despite the orders he has been assigned by the Queen, is finding his sister and gaining her forgiveness. Jasce’s inner turmoil and fiery temper make him a standout character in Sanchez’s beautifully detailed novel.

The author provides great backstories in the book’s introduction. Readers are given a full breakdown of the trauma and abuse that dominated the siblings’ childhoods. The gripping introduction and the interactions with their loving and fiercely protective mother set the stage for the intensity of emotion later in their lives when Jasce becomes the one with his sights set on mending fences and recovering his sister.

Cassie Sanchez is a master at balancing a complicated and multi-faceted plot with detailed imagery and incredible visuals for readers. Jasce and Jaida’s story is fast-paced, and the variety of settings and relatable dialogue all combine to make Sanchez’s story a must-read in the fantasy series.

When an author manages to make a plot come full-circle, I am always impressed and satisfied as a reader. I absolutely loved the idea that the stories Jasce’s mother told him as a child came to light in adulthood and served him as he fights to obey the Queen and recover his sister. Sanchez pulls this technique together and gives readers a specific type of closure to their reading–a truly masterful technique.

I am giving Embracing the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, a solid 5 out of 5 stars. With strong main characters, tastefully done romantic scenes, and an engaging plot, Sanchez’s fantasy delivers it all from cover to cover. I highly recommend Sanchez’s novel to any fantasy fan looking for a fabulous new cast of characters to cherish.
Profile Image for Linda Jeffreys.
98 reviews
October 19, 2022
“Embracing the Darkness” is Cassie Sanchez’s brilliant new book in her thrilling fantasy series. This is an amazing sequel to “Chasing the Darkness”.
As soon as I started ETD I was immediately reeled in, the story is totally immersive. Jasce Farone (previously known as Azrael the Angel of Death in CTD) has returned to the City of Orilyon and is now Commander of Queen Valeri’s Paladin Guard.

Peace has come to Pandaren and the Queen is about to host a tournament of the five kingdoms, an event that hasn’t been held for 20 years because of the war with the Vastanes, plus the past unrest in Pandaren.

Under strict orders it is Jasce’s responsibility to make sure that everything stays under control when the five kingdoms gather together.
He is also desperately trying to track down his sister Jaida…determined to find her, to the point of risking his own life.

Supporting Jasce in ETD are the two amazing characters from CTD Jasce’s fiancee, Kenz Haring a Spectral Shield and her brother Kord Haring a renowned Spectral Healer. The three powerful Spectrals have a unique bond, that you can actually feel when reading.

ETD has the perfect balance of romance, great world building, monsters, magic and action, all weaved beautifully into a gripping storyline. Cassie’s great pacing and her flowing descriptive writing keeps you turning those pages…also she knows actually how to pull on your emotions.

I’ve always been partial to a morally grey male protagonist and Jasce’s constant struggle to keep “Azrael” his darker side from emerging is passionate and intense. Will Jasce ever win his inner battle with Azrael’s insatiable lust for power?

Embracing the Darkness is compelling and edge of your seat exciting. Many Congratulations Cassie Sanchez you have delivered an electrifying sequel with an ending that intensifies the epic Saga. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for SusieQ_Reviews.
438 reviews7 followers
October 24, 2022
Old friends return as new appear in “Embracing The Darkness”. This is the second installment of The Darkness Trilogy by author Cassie Sanchez. Throughout much of the story we see a different side of Jasce Farone as he struggles to keep his alter ego Azrael the Angel of Death contained. As our hero gets bombarded with untold personal and professional pressure, one must wonder, just how much is one man supposed to take before succumbing to the darkness inside? This intricately written ever moving story contains every emotion and never stops entertaining from start to finish. The completely unexpected twist at the end leaves me hopeful for Jasce’s future. Fantasy lovers should not miss this series!

ARC copy provided by the author, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kate Blythe.
85 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2022
I read Chasing the Darkness earlier this year and it was without a doubt a 5⭐️ read for me. I’ve been highly anticipating the sequel, Embracing the Darkness, ever since and it was exactly what I have been hoping for.

The characters I grew to love in book one make a return in this book and are still as captivating as ever. One of my favourite elements of the story was watching the bond between Jasce, Kenz and Kord grow as they continue to combine their strengths and work together.

Fast paced throughout, this book had me sat on the edge of my seat. It is a must read for any fantasy lover and you can grab your copy from October 25th 2022!
Profile Image for Laura (Bookie_mama_bear).
351 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2022
I have been (impatiently) awaiting the arrival of Embracing the Darkness, the follow on to Chasing the Darkness by @cassiesanchezauthor
I adored book one so I was nervously excited for book two & I can honestly say it did not disappoint.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so here’s my best bits below:
• Jasce (MMC) swoon
• found family
• testing loyalties
• wyverns (eeeeeee happy dance)
• action
• epic world building
• fast paced & totally gripping

Fantasy lovers….this series is 🤌🏼🤌🏼 it’s also refreshing to have a male lead!
Profile Image for Sarah.
240 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2022
With one of my favorite fantasy magic systems, a troubled yet redeemable hero, and a found family that I would die for, Embracing the Darkness is the exciting addition to The Darkness Trilogy fantasy readers have been waiting for.

With such a richly imagined world and complex characters it's no wonder how Sanchez's debut series rakes in awards. If you're a fan of redemption arcs, this is a must-read.



Profile Image for Red The Book Nerd.
278 reviews29 followers
September 28, 2022
I’m really glad I joined Bookstagram because of finding gems such as this book. I loved loved loved Chasing the Darkness and was very much looking forward to this book coming out. It did not disappoint. It kept my attention from the beginning. The characters are well written and the language and story flow beautifully. The characters have such a bond and you can feel it. It kind of reminds me of the Grishas’ bonds (as well as magics) in Bardugo’s tales. There were also new characters brought in and I couldn’t wait for their scenes, such as Prince Jazari. That dude was awesome. He may be my new book boyfriend. Oh… and my favorite… WYVERNS!!!!!!!!

Every chapter was filled with action or something that would push forward the storyline. In other books, I found myself bored and skipping lines of text, but not in Embracing the Darkness. The author has so much to tell and she does not waste time. While reading this story, my muscles were tensed up and I went through a rollercoaster of emotions: from excitement, to sorrow, to my own wish for revenge. Jasce is a tragic main character and his internal struggle to keep Azrael (his dark side) from emerging was intense. However, I kinda like Azrael, aka The Angel of Death, so I wanted to see what would happen. I may not be a good person (haha). There are very few book series I’d like to re-read and this is one of them. If you like intense, action-filled fantasy for adults, you’ll definitely like this one.
Profile Image for K.E. Barden.
Author 4 books65 followers
September 28, 2022
What can I say? Cassie builds a fantastical world with a lot of interesting characters. She’s nailed the lore with magic and is great at action scenes.

I especially loved the build ups of relationships and getting to know our characters better. I loved the political intrigue and I have to say my favourite character was prince Jazari. (Hello daddy)

Cassie has managed to keep the intrigue and her plot was great! The heart of panderan was a favourite of mine and I’m so excited to see more of it in the third instalment.

This was an easy four stars for me, simply because of how creative it was and the fast pace.

Why it didn’t quite hit five star for me was because of the MC. I couldnt connect with him in this book and the miscommunication between him and the others grinded my gears a little. He was selfish, a little off putting and i really just wanted to strangle him and shout ‘stop being an idiot.’
I also wanted to see him and Amycus connect more. It felt disjointed and when amycus died I was a bit let down because I needed to see those relationships more.

Due to this, it pulled me away more than I would have liked. Otherwise, this was a fantastic read. I think the ending is intriguing and I’m especially keen to see how the MC and his sister go in the next book!

Awesome work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
213 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2023
Wow!!!! Embracing the Darkness by Cassie Sanchez, the second book to Chasing the Darkness, did not disappoint. Embracing the Darkness continues Jasce's struggle to escape Azrael and build a future for him and those he loves. With Drexus gone, Jasce is now the Commander of the Paladin Guard and can focus on finding his sister but Queen Valeri has other ideas. Since Pandaren is now in a peaceful state Queen Valeri wants to host the Gathering - A meeting of the five kingdoms to negotiate trade between them. When the Gathering begins all is not what it seems and Jasce must do everything in his power to protect the ones he loves.

Jasce continues to be a complex character. He never stops developing as he discovers who he is now that he is no longer Azrael. However, he still has characteristics of the Angel of Death. He continues the internal fight from book one but in this book he has more to lose. The fight within himself is heightened by the political and moral conflict happening in the world around him. There were points that I railed around Jasce and there were points when his wants and deserves made me uncomfortable, but in a good way. Jasce is a perfect example of a morally gray character, fighting between being a good person and taking what he wants. It is a constant struggle I felt while reading.

The plot of Embracing the Darkness is different from its predecessor. Instead of getting his revenge and stopping a political cue from happening, Jasce must protect Pandaren from foreigners and a rediscovered ancient power, even greater than himself. This plot continues the story from book one but gives a new insight into the world and its characters.

While there are some new places introduced, the main setting is back at the castle where Azerla lived. However, this time the castle is seen through Jasce's eyes. It's a familiar setting but with a fresh twist. Because it is a familiar setting the world building wasn't in great detail. There was less interaction with the citizens of Pandaren in this book than there was in the first, which was disappointing. How did the whole of Pandaren feel the change of leadership? I can only wonder.

Ultimately, I would recommend this book series because of the characters and plot development. The story consumed me and I finished it in two days. For anyone who likes Grey characters, political tension, and romance, this is the book for you. I will not wait so patiently for the best book.
Profile Image for Janine Goff.
21 reviews
October 12, 2022
Loving the first book in this series I could not wait to read the 2nd book and it was even better than I thought it could be. Quick paced, exciting, and I could not put it down! Really good read even if you don’t normally read fantasy books!
Profile Image for Reader Views.
4,752 reviews333 followers
January 28, 2023
“Embracing the Darkness” is the second installment in Cassie Sanchez’s “Darkness” Trilogy. Following the events of the first book, Commander Jasce Farone is striving to atone for the wrongs he dealt as Azrael, the Angel of Death. Now, as commander of the Paladin Guard, he is working to build up a formidable fighting force consisting of both Spectrals and Normals, and to eradicate the previous prejudices Drexus and those like him harbored against those with magic. His quest to find his sister, Jaida, and plans to marry his fiancée, Kenz, will have to be put on hold, however, when new threats and old enemies surface. Aside from the outside turmoil, Jasce is also struggling to combat the internal desires and emotions of Azrael, who still lurks deep inside him. To save the kingdom and people he loves, will Jasce be able to combat the darkness and keep Azrael at bay? Or will he need to succumb to the ruthless killer he once was?

“Embracing the Darkness” was a thrilling follow up to the first book, “Chasing the Darkness.” As all writers know, the second book in a series or trilogy is usually always the hardest to pull off, since you’re trying to both build off what you started in the first book while also bridging toward what you envision for the final ending in book 3, which, of course, does not exist yet except in your own drafts and mind. Sanchez produced a remarkable sequel, however, bringing back not only the quirks and nuances of the characters readers’ love but also introducing new faces and challenges. Set against the backdrop of what I envisioned as a “Game of Thrones” meets “Hunger Games” style competition, the book contains a healthy balance of humor, action, fantasy-style elements, romance and frustration.

“Embracing the Darkness” brings back a theme of fighting against one’s internal desires or intrusive thoughts. Jasce, at the beginning, seemed to have completely overcome the person he used to be as the Angel of Death. As a reader, I thought, too, that he was definitely on his way to actually attaining the kind of life he never thought he would be able to have. As the book goes on, however, Jasce learns that power, whether magical, political or individual, can easily blind us and cause us to revert back to being someone we do not want to be. As Jasce’s magic slowly shatters his mental stability, we see him struggle against doing what his intrusive thoughts want, and remaining faithful not only to his fiancée and Queen, but to the man he fought so hard to become since shedding the mask that was Azrael. Eventually, the quest for power, albeit to protect his loved ones, causes him to lose control over himself. This is something that we have all experienced in our lives, and something that makes Sanchez’s books easily identifiable for readers. You both feel for Jasce and sympathize with him, while also wanting to slap him upside the head for not realizing (or at least not wanting to realize) that he is letting his better judgment lose to old habits.

“Embracing the Darkess” is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy novel that any sci-fi and fantasy lover would enjoy.
Profile Image for Lady Readalot.
235 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2022
“With a roar the Angel of Death attacked”.

We all know anger, even rage, and what it takes to contain. Jasce Farone was once Azrael, the Angel of Death. His past formed him into a creature of vengeance. When events come to light in book one (Chasing the Darkness) Jasce has to make a choice about his future.

Book two of The Darkness Trilogy is the continuation of that choice. We feel the realistic portrayal of Jasce’s internal struggles to grow, repent and redeem, whilst enjoying the development of relationships with Kenz and his Found Family.

Jasce’s challenges increase when “The Gathering” of Pandaren’s surrounding nations comes to Orilyon. The pressure to keep things running smoothly starts to falter when Spectrals go missing, and power games are being played at Court. Who can Jasce trust? Is an old enemy returning, or does a new foe brew within the City walls?

If you love action based fantasy about a redemptive hero look no further. Cassie’s world building and cast of characters/ creatures -each with their own special abilities is phenomenal. If you enjoy magical battles you are in for a treat. Is it wrong to be smitten by the villain - why do I love the baddies 🤔.

I love how Cassie writes each book as a complete story with a hook to the next instalment- it leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

Read if you enjoy:
- Adult fantasy
- Found Family
- Romantasy
- Fabulous creatures
- Magic
- Battle scenes
- Devious villains

To get a deeper understanding of this novel, it’s recommended to read Book one Chasing the Darkness.

Thank you to the author for the eARC- thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW: sex scenes, violence, blood, death, MMC has anger management issues, and more message me for spoiler CW
Profile Image for ThianeJansen.
727 reviews90 followers
October 24, 2022
“ “Don’t give in to the darkness.”
Easier said than done.”

I remember it like yesterday when I gobbled up Chasing the Darkness and just fell head over heels for our anti-hero Azrael. So when Cassie announced book Two will be coming out soon I jumped at the opportunity to read this ARC and get swept in again by how Cassie creates such a fresh and exciting magical system with creatures that have the most phenomenal abilities and world-building that absolutely transports you.

Jasce was once known as Azrael, the Angel of Death, but in book two Jasce tries to put all the anger and lust for revenge that came with Azrael to rest and embrace this choice of building a life of hope and light with his new found family. While also on the search for his sister who is still missing.Reading this internal struggle was so intriguing and realistic,watching him adopt this identity he was once more scared of than death and those close to him backing him even through the imposter feeling of not being good enough made my heart swell.

Internal war on the inside, and the war of power games being played in his court, who can Jasce still trust?

Prepared to be swept away into a world packed with action, wyverns, plot twists galore and a gut punching end!

Ps: We also see a whole lot more of Kord which is my favorite because he is just the sweetest cinnamon roll!

Tropes to look forward too:
✨Anti-hero turned hero
✨Fast paced action
✨Magical creatures and unique magical systems
✨Political intrigue
✨Plot twists
✨Romantasy
✨Found family
✨Morally grey MC
✨Love interest who is just a badass

Seriously that ending was insane. I absolutely can’t wait for book three!
I’ll think about this one for months to come!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,594 reviews239 followers
October 19, 2022
It was great to revisit with Jasce formerly known as Azrael as well as Jasce's fiancé, Kenz and her brother Kord. Kenz and Kord played big parts in helping Jasce. So, I was very excited to hang with them again. If anything, these three make a great team and only grow stronger in this book. Plus, I really did enjoy seeing the new progression of Jasce and from where he started to where he is now as a person.

The introduction of new characters was nice. They each played important parts in this book. Which is what I love about Cassie's writing. Each character is an important part of the story as well as the world building. The world building alone is amazing. Even non fantasy readers would love these books. There was never a dull moment. That I would find myself reading for long periods of time. Looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy. Embracing the Darkness by Cassie Sanchez is a rollercoaster, fantasy must read!
1 review
October 18, 2022
I was excited to read Embracing the Darkness in anticipation of what would happen to Jasce, Kenz, Kord, Amycus, and the kingdom of Pandaren. This is Cassie Sanchez’s second book in a trilogy series which is full of intrigue, fallen relationships, eerie beasts, lasting friendships, and magic. Embracing the Darkness unfolds with Kenz and Jasce back in Pandaren facing multiple challenges as Jasce faces the darkness that surrounds his life. Each chapter is a page-turner as the characters and plots develop into an ultimate course of events. The characters of this series have drawn me in and I can not wait to know more. Embracing the Darkness is a thrilling fiction.
I recommend this series for book clubs and avid readers everywhere.
Profile Image for Kaiti Mae Corbett.
94 reviews
March 15, 2023
WHAT DID I JUST READ?! I’m so shook by the ending of this book, not at all what I expected, but so freaking good. I can’t wait for book 3.
Cassie Sanchez has created such a wonderful world and some truly amazing characters!
Jasce, who was once the Angel of Death has turned his life around and using his magic to help others and train recruits for the Paladin guard. Except the voice of the Angel of Death, Azrael, is breaking through the wall he carefully built to keep that part of him locked away. Slowly Azrael wins the battle between the two, and Jasce loses to the worse part of him…
The ending is not at all something you would expect. It literally had me aching for book 3! Also, I can’t get over how perfectly these books are titled.
Profile Image for Jared K.
34 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2022
Embracing The Darkness is an action-packed, magically filled sequel to Chasing The Darkness by Cassie Sanchez.
I am totally in love with these characters and the storyline, and looking forward forward for the third book in the trilogy.
Profile Image for Nikki B.
79 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2023
As with the first book in the series, the main character, Jasce, is what makes it spectacular. His war between good and evil in his own mind, his complexities, and his faults, is what makes him so interesting and keeps the pages turning. Love how the story builds in tension from the very beginning to the very end. The way it ended was perfect, there's a resolution to this book but also builds intrigue for the next. Very entertaining, especially if you love an anti-hero.
Profile Image for Brittany ( BookWyvernLovesTea ).
236 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2023
The intrigue, action, and intimate moments between Azrael and Kenz in this book have increased since the last. We also get a bit of psychological intrigue as the Azrael struggles to deal with the consequences of having multiple magics.

The use of a post isolation gathering to re-open trade was a great way for us to see the other kingdoms in this world and also the different magics that each of those kingdoms possesses. The Alturians and Baltens were my favorite magic types! The Gemaris got brownie points for wyvern riding, though. It also made the way for more history/lore of the world to be woven in, and it was done without it getting tedious or boring.

I'm sad that I truly disliked both queens. I'm usually a big fan of women in power, but both of these ladies ground my gears for totally different reasons. The villains was also pretty obvious, but I didn't mind because they were just so well done.
Profile Image for Danielle Paquette-Harvey.
Author 41 books121 followers
July 5, 2023
I was so excited to read this book as I loved the first book so much! I will keep my review spoiler free as I always do.

I absolutely love Kenz and Jasce. So many things happened! I'll say that I wish the ending was different but I do believe that Cassie will build on top of this for the next book so I understand 😉

Still a great book with lots of magic and fantasy. Perfect for YA and teenagers too.
2 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2022
After reading Cassie's first Book "Chasing the Darkness" I could hardly wait to read her 2nd book of the Trilogy, "Embracing the Darkness." I was NOt disappointed. I love this story and how Cassie develops her characters. Now I can hardly wait for the 3rd book in the Trilogy!
1 review
October 11, 2022
Another awesome book from Cassie Sanchez. I couldn't put it down!! Engaging, surprising, just an overall exciting and thought provoking book. I love it!
Profile Image for Breanna 🔮.
86 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2024
These books just keep getting better! I can’t wait to read the third book! This really needs to be a movie. Love Kenz and Jasce! The book had me on edge of my seat and hours of reading
Profile Image for Summer Waters.
273 reviews24 followers
October 22, 2022
I was expecting to do my review of Embracing the Darkness on release day, but since I just finished it, I want to do my review before I forget what I just read! As much as I loved Chasing the Darkness, I loved Embracing the Darkness even more. In this amazing sequel, we see Azrael has started going by his birth name of Jasce! He is engaged to Kenz and is on a mission to find his sister Jaida. When the Queen tells him to stop his search, we see him conflicted with his loyalty to his queen, and his desperation to find his sister! We see his relationship with Kenz, Korda, and his friends progress and change. Jasce is also the Captain of the Queen's guards, and hes in charge of promotions. Kenz wants to be a captain, but Jasce, in his attempt to keep his love protected, denies her promotion. They also face enemies that are creatures of unknown species or origin! This book had me laughing, gasping, crying, cheering. I felt almost every emotion under the sun! I cannot wait to see what the finale has in store for my beloved friends in this beautiful, magical world! Congratulations on yet another amazing book Cassie, and thank you for letting me be a part of it! ❤

Embracing the Darkness will be available for purchase on October 25th. Be sure to order your copy, and a copy of Chasing the Darkness which is book one of this beautiful trilogy!❤
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