This novel should be in a genre all its own. If you like Christian fantasy, you’re going to be blown away by Where Darkness Dwells. It has the battle between light and darkness, but these concepts don’t just exist—they breathe.

If you haven’t heard of this book, check out the quick Goodreads blurb below before we get into the review:

A land plagued with darkness and grief is all Amyrah knows, but when luminescent creatures appear in the Vale, her inborn gift awakens and allows her to see the shadows for what they are.

Caught between fear and the pull of light on her soul, she must decide whether her convictions are worth shattering the beliefs of those she loves.

If courage fails her and she gives in to the pressing dark, her people could remain shrouded forever. But if she stands against it, true light might penetrate the Vale for the first time.

Where Darkness Dwells by Andrea Renae

Ratings for Where Darkness Dwells

Story: 5/5

Worldview: 5/5

Where Darkness Dwells is among the most stunning books I’ve read. The prose is vibrant and engaging, and each character feels so alive—even darkness and light, personified in the kaligorven and the solas. The author did an amazing job of balancing five perspectives within the very beginning and I take it as a masterclass in multiple POVs, seriously. The beginning was slower, but it was never boring, as it served to establish this world of perpetual darkness and the different perspectives. Amyrah only wants to find light, to help the people of the Vale, but the valefolk are deceived. They are tied to darkness and bound by the terrifying creatures that dwell in it. The whole story felt like an allegory. I felt like I was watching the Old Testament play out in front of me a little bit with idolatry.

Worldview was intrinsically tied to every page of this phenomenal novel. The struggle between light and dark was like an allegory of serving God versus false religions. The characters dealt with grief and loss in a way that rang with truth. Some other characters struggle with mental health, with obsession and idolizing, until God broke through and was once again on the throne of their hearts. I know this was a chosen one story, but I never got that impression at all. Every single person mattered, everyone was important. It was clear that God was orchestrating certain events to reach wayward hearts and bring light into deception.

Overall Thoughts

This book is now among my favorites. It seems like 2024 is really the year that every other book I read is spectacular! If you like Christian allegorical fantasy, you’d also definitely appreciate the Empire of Ash and Song series by D.E. Carlson, which right now consists of Casandra’s Dragon and To Bind Fire.

Whenever the sequel comes out, I’ll make sure to link it here!