ARC Review - Darkness Unknown by S. A. Fenech

Darkness Unknown by S. A. Fenech

(Beshadowed #1)

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal. 

You have been lied to.

Werewolves, vampires, ghosts … they aren’t what you think.

After the death of her mother, Everly Boderleth has to go back to her spooky hometown, Shroudhaven, and she has a plan to get in and out as quick as possible.

Step one, clear out the family home and antique store. Step two, watch her childhood sweetheart die violently at the hands of a horrific creature.

Wait, what?

That wasn't part of the plan. But it was just a dream, wasn't it? As the evidence mounts that what she saw was real, a broken heart is the least of her problems. Everly thinks she's close to the truth, but nothing is as it seems.

What is really lurking in the dark?

Darkness Unknown is the first book in the Beshadowed series by S.A. Fenech. If you're looking for shifters with a twist, urban fantasy with a touch of horror, and a satisfying mystery, you'll love Beshadowed.

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Book Depository

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this new paranormal mystery with a fresh take on supernatural creatures. Featuring a spooky town full of creepy monsters, and a mysterious estate on the hill, which is definitely not full of vampires lol. If you’re looking for a fun, spooky read for Halloween - that’s not too scary - with plenty of supernatural mystery, then this is the perfect read!

The writing felt a little clunky in the very beginning - and it definitely has a young adult feel to it, but the story pulled me right in and didn’t let go. It moved fairly quickly, not all action but definitely not dull. There was enough mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting the whole way through.

The plot was fun, dark at times, and I definitely did not expect that crazy ending! Things mostly got wrapped up, but there’s definitely more to the story and more mysteries to discover, so I’m looking forward to diving into book 2.

The MC Everly is not perfect. She has anxiety and panic attacks, she’s still dealing with a bad childhood, and she often sees herself as a failure, but she does whatever she can to help her friends, and she is brave despite her anxiety. She keeps going through extreme craziness, and doesn’t let the monsters scare her away from helping a friend. She always tries to be a good person, when she could choose to go back to her normal life, and I really admire her for it. 

Her best friend Harper is a bit over-the-top but I liked her. She never missed a chance for adventure. The story has a broad cast of diverse characters who all play a part in the story.

I love the way that dreams are used in the book, and the way that the MC uses lucid dreaming to kind of control what’s happening, but they still have weird dream logic. I thought it was really cool. If you're looking for an easy spooky read for October, definitely check this one out!

Happy reading!

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