I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man reeling from the death of his sister must discover the family secrets buried in a nearby forest in author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness.”

The Synopsis

Still shaken by the death of his older sister, 14-year-old Jeremy Gardela is sent on a mission by his panicked aunt, to find a family secret she believes is buried in the dark forests which surround their small rural town. When Jeremy returns, he is leading a mysterious stranger who represents a vein of magic that has run for decades within the Gardela family. Within This Darkness is a deeply felt story about loss and friendship, and finding something, or someone, to hold onto, when you’re drifting helplessly into the night.

The Review

This was a rich and compelling blend of historical fiction and magical realism, with a touch of coming-of-age fantasy storytelling. The world-building and mythos that the author creates feel both mystical and grounded simultaneously, connecting generations of a family through tragedy and grief, which speaks to the enduring power of family connections. The characters themselves feel real and undergo a thorough journey of growth and exploration, allowing readers to become invested in them.

The emotional heart of this story was in the ways the book explored loss and grief so thoroughly. The loss of Jeremy’s sister punctuates the narrative early on, and the author does a remarkable job of exploring how such a loss can impact those left behind. The way this leans into the overall story with his relatives from a century ago and the fantasy element with how he discovers Agata adds to the idea of family and loss greatly. The way the military leader hunts for answers adds a sense of danger and tension, bringing a touch of the Stranger Things element, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The Verdict

Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness” is a must-read historical fiction meets magical fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich family connections between the characters, and the incredible balance of action with story make this novel a standout that readers will be eager to see a sequel to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Chris Tomasini is a writer living in Ontario, Canada.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Chris spent two summers in England in the mid 1990s. He taught English as a Second Language in Europe and Asia in the late 1990s, and, since 2000, has worked in bookstores, publishing, and libraries.

He has studied creative writing through Humber College’s Correspondence Program in Creative Writing, and via the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.

If he isn’t parenting, working, or writing, he is riding a bicycle.

Find out more at www.christomasini.ca