Dark Reflections by Laura C. Reden.
The Phantom Series, Book 2.
Forever just got longer . . .
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing—to shed all my worries and live the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m trying everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster. 
A brilliant read. I loved the St. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.

With “Dark Reflections”being the second book of this series, I remain intrigued and curious as to where the varying twists and turns in the plot will lead too, There is some repetitiveness and at times I wished the story would progress quicker, however, remains an intriguing read, great for young adult readers. I anxiously await the third book (3 of 4) in the series!

A sincere thank you for providing me an advanced copy of “Dark Reflections” in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read this tale and leave my review voluntarily.

This is Book 2 of the Phantoms Series. Kinsley Wilde just wanted a fun summer with her friends at the lake. Then, she dies and discovers the dark magic that haunts the lake and the area. Can she keep her friends alive and discover the truth of the dark magic that has her trapped?

I really enjoyed this book - it took me a little longer to get to because I wasn't sure it was a sequel right away and had to read the first one - but I am so glad that I did! This is a slow-to-start thriller that brings all the spooky vibes to the table! Dark Reflections is the perfect book to kickstart your spooky season!

I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and quickly read the first book to get ready for this one. I think I enjoyed the second book more than the first because at this point all of the characters had been introduced, the plot had been laid out and I had a much better feeling for the tone. I was ready for Kinsley and Walker to continue diving into the mysteries of Baylor Lake but the stakes seemed to be much higher this time.

When we left Kinsley, she had discovered some updating information that has changed her perspective on everything that has happened to her so far this summer. While it explains some things, it leaves her with many more questions than answers. Now she also has to worry about how her friends are involved and if they are at risk of being hurt or dying because of her. Walker is the only one who understands and together they are still trying to find the missing girl that Gran asked her to find.

The imagery in this book was very strong and I had a very good visual for some of the more surreal or dream like scenes. In fact, I felt like I was playing it in my mind like a creepy teen horror show the entire time. Reden does a great job of setting the tone and making you feel just as confused and scared as the main character Kinsley. I also like that she has the characters dealing with their own trauma or mental struggles and how that might look if it manifested into reality.

It's a great paranormal series and I look forward to continuing on with Kinsley and Walker in the next two books. I'm glad that this has been stretched about into several books because otherwise I don't think it would have the intended effect she was going for. It definitely deserves to be fleshed out and it heightens the suspense just a little bit more. Definitely recommend!

Dark Reflections | Laura C. Reden
⭐️ 3.5

Wow, there is a lot going on in this book and it all comes together so well.
I’m invested.

To be fair, I did not read book number 1, so I was stumbling around in the dark for a while at the beginning.
The story is focused around Kinsely Wilde and her internal struggle with what her purpose in this reality. It’s a slow unravelling of clues to how she can save herself and her friends from Baylor and possibly death.

The back story is well explained (especially as I missed book 1), and the past is slowly revealing itself to the reader. The internal struggle is so well written and I really feel torn for Kinsley and the choices that she has to make.

This second book leaves you off on pretty big cliff.
Is Kinsley dead, alive, or somewhere in between?
Is this magic, or is this reality created in her own mind?
What future will she choose?

Although this is not my usual genre, it’s been fun, and I can’t wait for book 3!

GENRE: I would consider this series YA Dark fantasy, horror.
COVERR: 9/10 Almost perfect, magical, references the story.

This is the second book in the Phantom series.
1. Phantom Reality
2. Dark Reflections
3. Haunted Waters
4. Beautiful Poison

ARC: Thanks to NetGalley and the Laura C. Reden for an ARC in return for an honest review

Second book in the series!
Slow to start but a great thriller/spooky themed read. Perfect read for over Halloween / autumn for those spooky vibes.

Thanks to netgalley for this ARC read

I really had a great time reading this I had enjoyed Phantom Reality as the first book. The Phantom series has been really well done so far both the first book and this book were perfectly written. It worked really well as a horror novel, I enjoyed the plot of the book and really enjoyed the characters in this story. It left me interested in where this series will go.

"“I can’t stop thinking about you. And I think you feel the same way. Now, I know I’ve messed up. The whole thing with Trinity . . . and I’ve apologized for that. I’m hoping that when you come home, I can take you out on a date. A proper date—without all these fools around. Maybe we can finally see if this thing between us has a chance. Would that be okay?” he asked, the lines creasing on his forehead and his denim-blue eyes burrowing into mine. “That sounds . . . nice,” I said, teeth clenched. I knew I wouldn’t be coming home."

“My deepest, darkest fear was then realized. I was nobody.”

Plot: This book picks up after the second book, with new possibilities and discoveries. Is Kinsley really dead, or is this just a dream? Why can't any of her friends leave Baylor? Why doesn't Layla want to be found, not even by... Walker? But most importantly... who is going to die next?

Characters: I liked Noah, Kai and Mason. I am not sure how to feel about Kinsley, Walker and Emma, and I really don't like Emma anymore. You can really see Kinsley's character development and how she is not the "innocent girl" she was when she first came to Baylor.

Elements/genres: Like the first book this is a YA paranormal/thriller set at a lakehouse!

Likes: The twists and turns. Also their theory about not being able to leave Baylor is pretty cool. I like when they work together, and feel a bit sad when they're fighting, especially when they're supposed to be working with each other instead of against each other.

Pace: The beginning was a bit slow paced, and was a bit harder to get into. It got better after a few chapters.

I really, really hope Noah, Kai and Mason don't die. They're my faves.

I don't want this series to ever end.

Forever just got longer . . .

Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing to shed all my worries and live the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.

Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.

It might be too late for me, but I’m trying everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster. 

In a space where dreams and nightmares both come true, one thing is clear: losing control is not an option.

Book 2 in the series and I’m really enjoyed this series so far roll on book 3 I can’t wait this is one series you don’t want to miss totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and ARC Provided By Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op
I just reviewed Dark Reflections by Laura C. Reden. #DarkReflections #NetGalley

"The only way out is...in"

In this Dark Fantasy Romance we follow Kinsley,
She thought this trip to the lake will be all she needs before heading off to college.
But
Things tooks a wrong turn and now she found herself, dead. Stuck in another dimension.

Her friends still don't know her secret, she is dead and a dark magic is looming over them and now trapped in Baylor, she knows and she needs to save them.

Mystery and thrills kept me locked onto this pages. Easy read and kept me wondering.

Thanks to @netgally for giving me this advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review

This book was not what I expected at all.
This story has spooky dark vibes, perfect for Halloween season.
If you enjoy stories about a ghost, realms and lucid dreams, this is the story for you.
Well paced! I was hooked from the first page.
Can’t wait to read more from this author. Thank you Netgally for this arc.

Lauren C Reden has continued her Phantom series with another brilliant heart stopping dark fantasy adventure. Can Kinsley Wilde protect her friends as she and they find themselves trapped in Baylor. Why is this happening? Is there a way out that doesn’t lead to death? Read the book and find out. If horror/dark fantasy is your thing, you’ll love this story/series. This book starts where book one, Phantom Reality, finished; it really helps to read the books in order. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.