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A review by winecellarlibrary
A Way With Darkness by Zoe T. Conley
dark
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This review, as well as the author's Spotify playlist, are available on my blog: Wine Cellar Library
First, I would like to thank the Reedsy Discovery and author for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (This review is slightly modified from the editorial review that I wrote for Reedsy.)
Before, Adelaide would do anything for Nathan–even steal ancient magic to save his sister. A mutual betrayal leaves Adelaide cursed with dark, uncontrolled magic and Nathan in prison. One year later, Nathan is back at the University of Mysteries while he awaits a formal trial, flanked by his cocky former cellmate, and Adelaide struggles with her conflicting feelings. The strict rules that the Council enforces on the pledges forbid unsanctioned relationships, but some loves are too powerful to deny. While Adelaide’s status and future career are on the line, Nathan faces being returned to the prison that broke him.
This book has me in its thrall. Adelaide starts her final year at university as a shell of herself. Emaciated and depressed, she has isolated herself from everyone who cares about her. As she repairs her friendships and becomes confident in her magic, she slowly grows in confidence. While she still has doubts, her journey in healing is glorious. Her growth to become unapologetically herself is inspiring. A Way With Darkness by Zoe T. Conley is written beautifully, from the prose to the strong bonds of friendship and love to the call for women's empowerment. As Adelaide begins to question the chokehold that the Council has on its pledges, she starts to rebel, and it awakens a drive within her to master her talents, explore her sexuality, make a statement with her appearance, and embrace her dark magic.
The friendships in the story are to be envied, being mutually forgiving, understanding, devoted, and supportive. While Adelaide and Nathan do stumble, they communicate in a healthy way and recognize and admit to their faults. It’s truly refreshing to read a book bursting with healthy relationships. I will definitely read anything Zoe T. Conley publishes in the future.
A Way With Darkness is a stellar addition to the romantasy genre. With dark academia and magical vibes, it is a cozy, slow-burn friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance with moderate open-door sexual content, making it appropriate for new adult and adult audiences.
First, I would like to thank the Reedsy Discovery and author for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (This review is slightly modified from the editorial review that I wrote for Reedsy.)
Before, Adelaide would do anything for Nathan–even steal ancient magic to save his sister. A mutual betrayal leaves Adelaide cursed with dark, uncontrolled magic and Nathan in prison. One year later, Nathan is back at the University of Mysteries while he awaits a formal trial, flanked by his cocky former cellmate, and Adelaide struggles with her conflicting feelings. The strict rules that the Council enforces on the pledges forbid unsanctioned relationships, but some loves are too powerful to deny. While Adelaide’s status and future career are on the line, Nathan faces being returned to the prison that broke him.
This book has me in its thrall. Adelaide starts her final year at university as a shell of herself. Emaciated and depressed, she has isolated herself from everyone who cares about her. As she repairs her friendships and becomes confident in her magic, she slowly grows in confidence. While she still has doubts, her journey in healing is glorious. Her growth to become unapologetically herself is inspiring. A Way With Darkness by Zoe T. Conley is written beautifully, from the prose to the strong bonds of friendship and love to the call for women's empowerment. As Adelaide begins to question the chokehold that the Council has on its pledges, she starts to rebel, and it awakens a drive within her to master her talents, explore her sexuality, make a statement with her appearance, and embrace her dark magic.
The friendships in the story are to be envied, being mutually forgiving, understanding, devoted, and supportive. While Adelaide and Nathan do stumble, they communicate in a healthy way and recognize and admit to their faults. It’s truly refreshing to read a book bursting with healthy relationships. I will definitely read anything Zoe T. Conley publishes in the future.
A Way With Darkness is a stellar addition to the romantasy genre. With dark academia and magical vibes, it is a cozy, slow-burn friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance with moderate open-door sexual content, making it appropriate for new adult and adult audiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
Minor: Self harm