Darkened
By Crystal Grant
Reviewed by Jubilee Anderson
GENRE: Christian Fantasy Romance
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5)
They call him the Dark Steward. But what side will he fight for?
Mason Grey has left his days of darkness behind and now stands against the same army he used to belong to. But as he ventures down this new path of light, he struggles to find a place among the Steward Knights he once swore to destroy. And when he cannot even hold the Beacon–the source of the Stewards’ power–without pain, he wonders if he’s been forgiven by the Lambient at all.
Though Seria Gayle has settled into her new life as a servant at Daymont Castle, her heart and mind often turn to the man she left behind at the Gateway. In her attempt to leave the past behind, she resolves to make amends for her choices and accept the consequences. But when the king of Paladin falls ill, her healing skills are again called into service, setting her on a path that will change her life forever.
When Mason is captured and held hostage by Emperor Jader, who refuses to release him from his vows, he faces the most difficult challenge of his life. As war looms ever closer, the Dark Steward must stand firm against the agonizing allure of darkness or surrender to its pull.
Darkened Book Review
Darkened is by far the best book of the Gateway Trilogy.
I loved the continuation of Seria and Mason’s character arcs as they learned to live rightly in the kingdom. The women in this story were unique. They were a picture of women who were not afraid to come to the aid of the men in battle, yet also gentle and kind, strong in character. The knights, likewise, were manly and valiant. I loved the picture of Mason and Seria, man and woman together fighting the villain to save the people. The comparison and contrast between them is beautiful.
As far as the romance, I think Grant handled it well in Darkened. When Mason and Seria came together again, they acted in a more mature way around each other.
(Spoilers ahead!)
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The climax was incredible. It displayed true love.
I didn’t like the bittersweet part of the ending. I didn’t want Mason to be blind, especially since he didn’t receive his blindness as a result of his wrongdoing, but as a result of his true love for Seria. Maybe that’s just me.
It is true that sometimes when we choose rightly, we suffer. Paul says, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” As Christians, we can look forward to a time when there will be no more suffering.
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(Welcome back everyone!)
Despite that, the ending left me with hope and joy. As Prince Eric reminds us, “As long as Shreil exists, there will always be darkness. Evil men will crave power, and the fight for good over evil will go on. But Lambient is constant, and His truth will last forever.”
Content Labels
- Romance: kissing
- Sorcery: Those on the evil side commit their lives to Shreil, the equivalent of the devil.
- Alcohol Use: Some knights are found drunk, and are punished accordingly.
I highly recommend this series, especially the last book! (Though you should read them in order) Thanks for sticking with me this far!
What the Lambient has lit, no darkness can overcome.
~The Sacred Code, Darkened by Crystal Grant
PAPERBACK: $19
PUBLISHED: 2025