THE DARKNESS WITHIN US - Tricia Levenseller

"𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖"

Goodreads rating - 4.03/5 
My rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 

Genre - Fantasy, Romance, YA.

It is a captivating exploration of ambition, rivalry, and the darker side of family dynamics. The story centers on Chrysantha Stathos, a young woman who has spent her life carefully cultivating an image of a beautiful, air-headed duchess to mask her true intelligence and cunning. Chrysantha's carefully laid plans for power and independence are thrown into disarray when her sister, Alessandra, wins the ultimate prize by marrying the Shadow King. What was supposed to be Chrysantha's victory is suddenly slipping through her fingers, and her determination to reclaim what she believes is hers sets the stage for a gripping tale of revenge.

The introduction of Eryx Demos, the supposed heir to Chrysantha's late husband's duchy, adds a thrilling twist to the narrative. Eryx is everything Chrysantha despises—a man standing in the way of her ambitions—yet he is also undeniably charismatic and mysterious, with powers that intrigue and unsettle her. Their interactions are charged with tension, blending danger with an undercurrent of attraction that complicates Chrysantha's plans. Levenseller skillfully navigates this push-and-pull dynamic, creating a relationship that challenges both characters and keeps the reader eagerly turning pages.

At its heart, "The Darkness Within Us" is more than just a story of power struggles; it's a deep dive into the complexities of identity, the weight of expectations, and the lengths one will go to carve out their own destiny. Chrysantha's journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about revenge, and Levenseller's writing brings out the nuances of her character with finesse. This book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, where heroes and villains are not always what they seem, and where the line between ambition and morality is constantly blurred.