Into the Darkness

University of Isles, Book 1

By: Vee Taylor

Narrated by: Paige Reisenfeld, Oscar Reyes

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Into the Darkness I'll go

Ember Solis is a sweet girl from a not-so-innocent world.

When it comes time for her to venture out to the real world—to the college of her dreams—Ember is released from the shelter of her home, straight into bad boy and sworn enemy, Ash Ortiz’s addictive spell.

Ash teaches Ember everything he knows but soon, the student becomes the master.

Ember emerges from the depths of her inexperience to discover she is stronger than she seems.

But there is a bigger price to pay for loving Ash, and the way that Ember views her past, her present and her future will never be the same.

She realizes the entire world she once called home is there to drive her and Ash farther apart.

What was once shrouded in light is now rooted in the dark.

Confronted with the most critical decision of her life, Ember must choose between her family and Ash.

But what price will their lives bear as a consequence of her choice?

©2024 Vee Taylor (P)2024 Victoria Taylor

I’m so sad

Such a good story line but man am I devastated. I hope the next one heals me.

Dark Retelling of Romeo and Juliet

Enthralling dark college romance! The definitive enemies-to-lovers set-up, with Ember and Ash as children of rival crime families. The lust-at-first-sight tension between them is delicious, and develops into the “us against the world” dynamic from Romeo and Juliet. I really appreciate that while Ember is fairly sheltered and naive at the beginning of the story, she is shameless when it comes to embracing her sexuality as it is enthusiastically awakened by Ash. The other alpha males in Ember’s life, while very much taking that overprotective male stance, listen to her when she calls them on the idiocy of continuing the blood feud between their families. The only relationship that I did not love was the dynamic between Ember and her roommate - I just never fully bought into the friendship to begin with, and so the tensions between the two as time went on was just not interesting. I found myself skimming their conversations as much as possible. WARNING - ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!! Thankfully the next book is on its way, so we only have to last a few months before learning the fate of our young couple. The voice actors were wonderful - the perfect amount of passion during the spicy scenes without being over the top. The dual performance style was very natural, and they played off of each other well.

duet narration

duet narration was great (man speaks all male speaking parts, as if in conversation, woman speaks all female speaking parts).

the story was a wonderful blend of suspense and spice. the cliffhanger ending was rough, and I'm definitely looking forward to book 2.

I think character growth was well developed, and the story kept me on my toes.

My Heart

Okay, I need the second book right now! I can not believe the ending. Why? *sobs*

Absolutely loved!

I loved this book! It had me sucked in from the beginning. The narration is superb 👌 LOVED ash.

my first book by this author and now I'm looking for more of her books

excellent novel. the audio was well done and easy to go back and forth from listening and reading my hard copy. I like her writing style and will be adding more of her books to my collection!

So good!

Ugh Vee did it to me!! This book was so good, not what I was expecting, major plot twist that left me with a stupid surprise pikachu look on my face. The narration was so good with the audiobook as well!

I need a minute to recover because my heart is in pieces

This story is a Romeo & Juliet type, dark college romance filled with secrets and lies. The story had me sucked in from the very beginning, and honestly, there was not a single dull moment.

I loved how Ash always did his best to protect Ember, even when presented with impossible tasks. And Ember's growth and the way she stood up to her family were perfectly executed. The ending was really unexpected, and it left me with a lot of questions and even more assumptions. I can't wait to see what will happen next.

The audiobook had excellent narrators, and they did an amazing job in portraying the characters' feelings and emotions.

Quote: “Once you go into the darkness, there was no light to guide you out.”

What did you do to me!?!

Vee- my heart is hurting!!!! But it’s sooo good. This is a Romeo and Juliet inspired tale with darkness, spice (oh the spice is soooo hot) and a mafia/cartel world.
You will eat it up and then be so glad part 2 is nearly out!

Favorite Read

This book is such an incredible read definitely worth it. It will grab you by the heart and not let go. Definitely a fast pace book where you just can't seem to put it down. It is very engaging to where you say one more chapter and you get to the last chapter and you are left wondering if that is it... Spoiler it does end on a CLIFFHANGER and it will probably break you are well. But is it even a great read if you dont leave a little emotionally drained by the end of it.. Definitely a top read.