The Rising Dark started off a bit rough, and I was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy it because it felt super rushed at the beginning. As the story progressed though things started to fall together.

I enjoyed the fact that the history behind vampires and how they’re created is different than the typical “you get bit, and if you live you turn into one”. In this story, they’re born by other vampires, not made during their life. They also don’t “live forever”, their lives are just extended.

The problems I found a bit was the lack of action, when I think of a vampire story with a rogue one attacking people, I think of a lot more action than this book provided. I also noted that the romance didn’t pick up at all until 70% in.

The story was interesting enough to keep me going, but the lack of action or romance until towards the end left me wanting more.

I overall enjoyed the storyline and the backbones of it. Will I read the second one in the series? Most likely not, but I am still glad I read this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nyx Publishing for the ARC!

Full review on both StoryGraph and Goodreads!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7900110272

Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/75e491b2-9d96-4e3e-b586-d255a7b6ad87

Thank you again for allowing me to read this :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Welcome back: my vampire obsession!!
I love strong women that would kill for you ugh

It wasn't the typical vampire stuff I've seen in movies and have read in other books, but I wasn't opposed to it. Not at all! It was a welcome change, although I probably still prefer the classic vampire.

The book was packed with action, and I enjoyed every single page.

I liked the dynamic between Lavinia and Michelle from their first encounter, and I LOVED following their story.

I can’t wait to read more books by Celia Thorn!!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc! <3 I left this review voluntarily.

Totally action packed. I’m a sucker for a vampire romance. (Sorry for the bad pun). 3.5 stars rounded to 4!

"The Rising dark" has:
- Slow burn
- Vampire x human
- Sapphic romance
- Witches/magic
- Fake dating

Michelle is a human that is being hunted by a monster.
Her savior? Lavinia, a vampire who rescues her and sweeps her away to a hidden house full of vampire warriors.
The vampires must figure out who or what is terrorizing the city- and why it is so focused on Michelle.
Before long, a romance starts to brew between the two women. but, things are tough when you’re fighting for your life.

I liked this!
I can eat up a paranormal romance, and this is certianly an example.
The way Lavinia would kill to keep Michelle safe. The way that she would do anything for this woman? Oh boy.
They are just… so good together.

The way vampires were portrayed in this was interesting.
Most of them hate unnesscary violence or death, apart from a select few which are not accepted by the rest. Also, vampires here are born, not turned.
I will admit as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of vampire stories- I don’t prefer this. I just love the more classic vampire lore.
But, this was new, different and interesting- so I have respect for that. There is always fun in modern takes and switching things up.

I have to note the feeding scene. I just-
I can’t handle the tension, yet I am in love with the tension.
This was my without a doubt my favorite part of this entire book, and I NEEDED MORE.

Thank you to Netgalley, Nyx Publishing and author Celia Thorn for providing me with the eARC of "The Rising Dark", in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 22nd, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads: September 06, 2025