Genres: NA Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy | Release Date: 15 July 2024 | Series: Twisted Worlds | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 355 | Indie Author | Review
“This is a forest that thrives on decay and death.”
Scarlett D. Vine
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Book Sirens and Scarlett D. Vine for letting me read an e-ARC of Within the Darkening Woods! This NA fantasy is book one in the Twisted Worlds series, and is a tale which lures the reader into a dark and terrifying landscape. Combined with an elf king who thinks nothing of demanding a human sacrifice, is it any wonder that I love it?! Let’s give you an overview!
Since the mortal and faerie worlds collided five years ago, everything has changed. Fantasy has become reality, with new lands and fae taking the place of countries and loved ones. Amber has never lost her bitterness, as her best friend was one of those who disappeared when the collision occurred. But now? She’s been poisoned by a spider from the forest which houses all manner of creatures, and no human can survive this bite without help. When an elf rescues her, taking her through the barrier to the Darkening Woods, little did she know this would come at such a steep cost. Because the elf’s brother, the king, will only heal Amber if she agrees to strengthen the barrier she came through. And if this works? Amber will be stuck on the wrong side. Forever. Can Amber and Eldrin find a way to heal her without the king’s help? What deadly secrets await Amber in this forest? Time is running out…
Happiness Boost:
I love the idea that the forest is a sentient one, and the fact that this story revolves around its secrets? I raced through this romantic fantasy! Scarlett deliberately weaves a tangled web within the Darkening Woods, and I adore how we’re fed small morsels of darkness and pain even as Amber races the clock. This plot is a captivating one, and the clash of urban reality with faerie is exceptional. I’m so delighted this is just the first book!
Can we talk about the characters? Amber is such a stubborn FMC, her resilience against an everchanging world and the poison racing through her system is honestly staggering. But the best thing about her? Scarlett makes sure this woman *listens*. Even when she doesn’t want to (because grief has hardened her heart), Amber takes the time to understand why the barrier must hold. I really, really love this. Miscommunication is a plot device I detest, so I cheered for Amber all the way!
Within the Darkening Woods is an NA fantasy which gives us all kinds of magic, and it’s so exciting to see something different! These elves all have one hand which is skeletal, as a part of their autumnal powers. It’s been a long time since I was so fascinated by the magic system in a tale, but this one completely enchanted me! Combine that with the power and rules which govern the forest itself? Holy guacamole glitterbugs. You’re in for a treat when you read this!
Downside:
I adore this romantic fantasy, there’s no downside for me!
Final Thoughts:
Within the Darkening Woods by indie author Scarlett D. Vine is a NA romantic fantasy full of dark secrets and deadly magic. Did I read this beautiful book really quickly? Yes, yes I did. But it’s taken me this long to gather my thoughts for it, because goodness it blew me away! Suffice to say, I’m a huge fan. Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on the link below to grab a copy of this beauty! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Within the Darkening Woods via this link: Amazon
