What is Dark Within Me is the first book in a gothic romantasy trilogy by L.B. Black, the author of Ghosts I Have Loved. I fell in love with Black’s writing after reading Ghosts I Have Loved, and I couldn’t wait to explore this new fantasy filled with romance, deals with the devil, and magic.
Alejandra Ruiz will do anything to find her best friend, Violet, who vanished without a trace on a hike in the woods. Aleja is a witch, one whose family made a deal with the devil generations ago, a deal that had dire consequences.
Since nothing else has worked, she takes the risk, lights the black candle, and summons the devil. The Knowing One, Nicolas, is willing to make a deal, but Aleja gets more than she bargained for.
Together, they must find the answers they need to complete the terms of the bargain, and Aleja learns that not only is the devil obsessed with her, but there is much more to The Knowing One and his world than she could have ever imagined.
Alejandra and Nicolas are fascinating characters, and not just because she’s a witch and he’s the devil, but because the author built them such rich backstories and infused the story with intriguing details about who they are and what motivates them. Nic was friends with Botticelli, for example, and has a deep appreciation for talented people throughout history.
Aleja was going to school for art history, and her love of art, particularly the art that hangs on Nic’s walls, is a constant presence. While my own art history knowledge is limited to a handful of college electives, it seems the author knows the subject well and imparted that into her characters.
There’s also a delightful and hilarious talking hellhound named Garm who is the perfect comic relief in this story.
Not particularly coincidentally, I’ve been drawn to books this year that explore feminine rage, and Aleja Ruiz very much fits that theme. She is angry, for good reason, and that anger gives her power. I love to see it.
What Is Dark Within Me has long chapters. It’s not a quick read, but it’s unequivocally worth the time. It’s filled with incredible details and layers of plot and storytelling, amongst phenomenal character building.
The enchanting plot twists work really well with the dynamic of the characters, and the world-building is exceptional and beautiful. It’s clear from the start without sacrificing any of the rich magic.
…if it came down to you or the world and everyone in it, I would choose you every time.
Nic’s tendency to deflect and keep secrets adds to the tense relationship and reluctant attraction between him and Aleja. The dynamic lends itself well to the slow burn romance, with all its yearning and complicated attraction.
There are not a lot of spicy scenes in this book; it is a true slow burn, but the ones that are there towards the end are mired in an undeniable passionate chemistry. Nic and Aleja have a magnetic bond, only made more interesting by all its complexities.
I knew I was going to like What Is Dark Within Me, but the story still took me by surprise in the best way. It went to an unexpected place, and I found myself enchanted. I will absolutely be continuing with the rest of this completed series, and I can’t wait to discover what lies in store for Nic and Aleja.
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