I loved that this book was such a different fantasy story then what I am used to. Joss Brevyn is the local town executioner, a title that is passed down through generations in a family. Even though she has a menacing job, that doesn’t stop her from assisting those in need. Little does she know the next person in need would already have their futures intertwined. The book was a bit slow to build, which would be my only gripe. Right when Joss and Aric’s stories merge is when you hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride. I enjoyed the POV’s between the different characters and getting to know what was going on in their heads. I am anxiously awaiting the next book to continue the series and give me relief from the cliff I’m hanging off of! This book and the following one in the series would be best suited for dark fantasy and romance lovers. It is a YA book, so there wasn’t much spice. More of a true action dark fantasy with a strong, independent main female character who I can tell is going to be badass. Excited to have a new author and book series to follow! Thank you to @netgalley and @A.M. Dunnewin for the copy of this book for an honest review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three and a half
Well I really enjoyed the premise of this with a female executioner as our main protagonist. Joss has inherited the position and indeed is both torturer and executioner so clearly not a role usually associated with the so called fairer sex. I liked that to offset her more gruesome duties she has compassion and a genuine desire to do her very best.
Yes this story was interesting but somehow felt short and occasionally lacking something. I wasn’t particularly sure how masked men kept suddenly appearing with dire warnings although clearly they are part of the political machinations as there’s a missing heir . Plus it definitely felt more medieval/fantasy yet in spite of horses for transport and a general feel of old worldliness bizarrely electricity was mentioned ! I will admit as it got near the end that’s where the author decided to give answers and action. I am a bit flummoxed how to rate this because I did enjoy it in spite of it appearing that any infringement provoked hanging or be heading ! I hope that there is a sequel because I did enjoy reading about Joss although I honestly didn’t particularly warm to the supporting characters and wonder if Aric is intended as a romantic interest further down the line ? This held my attention without a doubt but sadly didn’t quite leave me satisfied.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

A very strong 3.75 stars

Thank you Netgalley and A. M. Dunnewin for the ARC!

"They made you what you are, but always remember that this does not define you"

The story jumps right in at Joss and Henrik finding Aric, an assassin, badly beaten and half dead. They take him to their cottage where Henrik tends to his wounds while Joss heads into town to do her job as the executioner. Aric is in and out of consciousness but he's relieved when he wakes up and sees that Jocelyn is back. A tentative friendship forms along with a slow burning romance, but then they're put in each other crosshairs when Jocelyn makes a decision that changes her life.

The writing is done very well, I could envision the landscape and the character interactions in vivid detail. I was entertained by the dialogue and the relationships that were forming.

One thing that I think could have improved the reading experience would be to stick to one POV during a chapter instead of it being omniscient. In chapter eight it starts in Arics POV but we also get information on Jocelyn. For example:

"Do you remember what happened? Who did this to you?" Jocelyn asked, thinking it was a good time as any to know what caused his downfall.
Arics guard automatically rose, wanting to keep her from knowing what he was. "I made a bad bet," he answered vaguely. That was half-true; not assassinating your subject and being caught by the ones paying for the death was an extremely bad bet.

I don't read a lot of stories with omniscient narrating so it took me a while to get used to it, which also took me out of the story a little bit.

The pacing is a little slow and then picks up at the end. This books is only 200 pages and again, when it starts to pick it up in ends on a cliffhanger. I wish this book would have been longer so I could have had time to really connect with the characters and have their relationships really develop. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I'm really looking forward to reading the next one!

This book should have been so much longer as the minute I felt I had gotten into it it was over! It was ok but there could have just been so much more. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book.

3.2 rounded down to 3/5.
All the Dark Souls by A. M. Dunnewin introduces readers to Joss Brevyn, the last heir in a line of executioners. The premise of a female executioner in a fantasy setting is intriguing and offers a fresh twist to the genre. The world-building in the book is well-researched, and the descriptive writing effectively immerses readers into the story.

The complex characters, particularly Joss and Aric Kayden, add depth to the narrative. Joss, despite her role as an executioner, demonstrates compassion as a healer, and readers are likely to empathize with her struggle to be seen beyond her profession. Aric's internal conflict and haunted past create intrigue and make him a compelling character.

The writing style is generally easy to follow, allowing readers to engage with the story. However, the book has some drawbacks. The ending leaves readers hanging with a cliffhanger, which can be frustrating for those looking for a resolution. Additionally, the pacing of the story is inconsistent, with a slow pace for the majority of the book followed by a sudden shift to a fast-paced conclusion.

While the world-building and character development are commendable, the plot itself may not feel entirely fresh or original. Elements such as a lost heir, political schemes, and a kingdom entangled in war have been explored in the fantasy genre before, which might make the storyline feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers.

One aspect that could have been improved is the point of view transitions. It is unclear at times whose perspective the reader is experiencing, as multiple characters have their own points of view throughout the book. This ambiguity can make it challenging to fully connect with each character's journey.

Furthermore, the relationship between Aric and Joss, characterized by intense attraction and obsession, falls into the insta-love trope, which may feel unrealistic and rushed given their limited interactions and knowledge of each other.

In conclusion, All the Dark Souls presents an intriguing premise, well-researched world-building, and complex characters. However, the book falls short in terms of pacing, originality of the plot, and the development of the romantic relationship. While the writing is descriptive and the story is easy to follow, the overall impression is that of a prologue or setup for a longer book rather than a standalone novel.

Joss inherited her profession from generations of family members, through a series of unfortunate events. The town executioner. She enjoys helping people and easing their pains with her knowledge of herbs and medicines, and practices healing as much as she can to balance out the death. She and Henrick have picked up stragglers on the road before, but neither of them had any idea of what this particular stranger would bring into their lives.

All The Dark Souls was witty, expertly designed, and had wonderful characters. I loved the relationships that were highlighted in this, and the importance on found family and belonging. The struggle of doing what's right for all and what's right for one is a point of contention, and is a cornerstone of humanity. Aric, Joss and Henrick are put in an impossible situation, trust is tested, and survival must reign above all.

I'm so glad I waited to read this until the second one was in my hands, I cannot wait to see what happens next!!

A very interesting dark tale which touches upon heavy subjects but introduces them light enough to be suitable for more people. I am very curious to see how this story continues.

A missing prince, a female executioner (talk about equal rights), and a wounded assassin, maneuver through intrigue, betrayals, and growing attractions in the midevil world. Fast paced and non stop adventure. There has to be more!

this story follows two protagonists, joss—an executioner—and aric—a hired assassin. when joss discovers aric lying on the side of the road, bleeding to death, she takes him to her house and tends to his medical needs. they gradually form a friendship and a burgeoning romance. it feels like, besides their mutual respect, they're naturally drawn to each other but at the same time are making a half-conscious effort to not let it grow any further. i could see how the two can develop themselves as people and grow as a couple, they build a meaningful relationship without compromising who they were as individuals. all woven together with a heavy sprinkling of literary allusions and action-packed adventure. i wish i could have seen more of how the author built the characters of joss and aric because, to be honest, they felt flat and one-dimensional. the world building was nice and i did not have anything to complain about. however the pace of the writing may use some improvement. although the conclusion is not sudden, there are too many unanswered questions, and there is insufficient data to draw any conclusions. overall i’d recommend this to those who like romantasy, political intrigues and tangled mess of a kingdom’s war.

thank you to the author and netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to A.M. Dunnewin, Dark Hour Press, and Netgalley for this ARC!

I want to address first how clear and concise this novel is. At just over 200 pages, it has well developed characters and storyline. Nothing felt rushed or forced, and flowed incredibly well throughout. There wasn’t ever a chapter where I felt the need to put the novel down, or found my attention straying.

I love that Joss came from a family line of executioners, and had to fill the family role. Her family not only learned how to provide a swift and merciful death, but also how to heal. Her relationship with Hendriks is sweet, and we meet all the main characters within the first chapter of the entire novel. I love the almost forbidden romance aspect in regards to Aric and Joss, and can’t wait to see how it develops in the next book!

I really loved the different take and approach to the job of an executioner. They have been portrayed vastly as cold blooded people who enjoy death. This story brought their humanity forward and it was a woman as well. I can't wait to read the sequel, if there's a sequel lol. Really enjoyable read that I was sad to see it end.

I was instantly drawn to this one by the cover and I was not disappointed!! Such a fun fantasy read for the winter & I just know the physical copy is gonna be GORGEOUS. Cannot wait for more people to dive into this one!!

If you are looking for an easy read that will also entertain you, then this is the book for you. Light and refreshing it tells the story of a empathetical executioner, which seems like an oxymoron, but will make sense when you read this book. Following the casual cliches of a love story between enemies, this will leave you in a constant state of "when will they finally admit their feelings", however this author does not disappoint.

I have to start by saying that I really love that this books opens in a way that throws us right into the story without making things confusing. We meet our three main characters in the first few pages and get a glimpse of who Joss, Henrik, and Aric are as people. Of course each of their stories turn out to be much more and much darker than that peek, which you'd think would be hard when the first time we meet them it's finding a badly beaten Aric on the side of the road. But they've all been dealt a bad and the things that Joss in particular has gone through and continues to go through are just... wow.

In the first few chapters I had questions about how Joss, Aric, the man on the missing poster, and the dark eyed man Joss sees at the jail would tie together. And with this being a trilogy I worried we would only get some of the answers to those questions. I'm beyond happy that my wondering was put to rest and that I was right in my guesses. For some catching what could be considered a plot twist isn't good, but for me I love when I'm right because it shows that twists and turns aren't thrown in there just to shock. That they matter to the story and they most definitely did. And Joss finding everything out in the last few chapters was still as painful as it would have been if I didn't think up where the story could be going.

All in all I look forward to the next book. To how the journey to finding and saving the prince goes. To how Aric will make up for his betrayal. I also hope to get a few more answers. Will we find Joss' brother Oliver along the way? Will everyone survive? Will we see how the people in Joss and Henrik's town be punished for their part in such a treasonous attempt? And most importantly, will I be right about who the Mask it or at the very least about who he works for?

2.5 stars (rounded down)

"Not everyone who leaves comes back. Sometimes the silence is goodbye."

I was drawn in by the synopsis, but after the first few chapters I realized this wasn't the type of book I'd normally read. I did still enjoy it even though some of the pictures in my head made me shudder.

It did feel short. I guess now I have to read the sequel.

This was a free copy via NetGalley.

Jocelyn “Joss” Brevyn comes from a family of executioners. After losing nearly all family members, she follows in her father’s footsteps and becomes the town executioner. Set in a somewhat medieval world with guns and electricity, Joss and her apprentice happen upon an injured man who she decides to take in and help heal. Aric, our second POV, is an assassin who, after a failed attempted, is beaten and left for dead. As Joss tends to his wounds we see them slowly open up to each other about their lives while also hiding parts that they aren’t ready for the other to know.

What I liked:
A female executioner. I really liked Joss who came across as very strong and self-sufficient. Too often I read fantasy reads with an FMC who is meek and aloof. Joss felt like she knew her place in the world and had somewhat of a moral compass, even though her profession would say otherwise. The world-building was excellent and I felt this was really well written. I will absolutely continue the series.

Things I wish were stronger:
This was a rather short read which made the pacing feel a bit off. This was written well and had amazing pacing, up until the end, where we start to see some interest between characters. It felt rushed and just a bit forced. Ultimately, I would have liked to see this book be a bit longer, really giving time to build relationships, connections, and backstories a reader would care about. This last note is certainly a personal preference… please reference the POV at the start of the chapter. I went into this completely blind and had to work out that there were dual POVs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dark Hour Press, LLC for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've definitely never read a book with this premise before! I enjoyed Joss' character and how, despite her history, she was trying to do good in the world. It was a short book, but still managed to describe the world and its characters. I'm interested in where this story will go.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC on exchange for an honest review.

This book follows Joss, the last executioner I the long line of her family. Each time she is called to carry out her job she has three tries to get the job done or she will face being executed herself.
One day while on the way home, Joss and Henrik find a badly beaten man at the side of the road. They take him in and help him to recover. As Joss gets closer to this stranger though - is he really who she thinks he is?

I really enjoyed this book. I like that it switched seamlessly between different perspectives. It’s quite a short book and I wish it had been a little longer. The majority of the action is in the last few pages and I felt it’s finish was a little abrupt - but this is probably in preparation for the next book.

Really great short novel. Great Dark fantasy, both Max characters are interesting and the book is very fast pasted , strong women trope, lots of actions and very little romance but still very enjoyable.

all the dark souls by a.m. dunnewin
☆☆☆.5 /5
“joss brevyn is the last heir in a long line of executioners. although a woman, the same rules still apply: kill the condemned within three tries, or be tortured and killed. joss has yet to miss her mark, and even though she spends her free time as a healer, the town views her only as a deathsman. so, when she and her assistant, henrik, stumble upon a beaten man on the way home, both are hesitant to reveal who they really are. the only problem is, so is he.”
this is categorised as “romantasy” but take that lightly… i would probably push the mediaeval side of it rather than romance. If you enjoy history and authors who do their research- sign up for your copy of this book. If you prefer worldbuilding fantasy, maybe look elsewhere. this is a short book, which i can appreciate, and i think a lot of it was setting up the characters for the trilogy to come… and that maybe the plot will thicken in the rest of the books?
although the book was generally enjoyable, i had HIGH expectations based off the cover… now, mind you, this is a terrible bookish habit i have. I tend to over hype a book due to it’s cover appeal. I went into this book thinking it would be hard hitting, executions, almost dwarf-style (looking at you markus heitz!). Instead i was bombarded with a flood of lack luster relationships and characters that didn’t really go anywhere. I think the marketing side could have been better?
I honestly didn’t love or hate the characters. I was annoyed by them, but only because i felt like i wasn’t getting anything from them. They weren’t very believable- but that may have to do with the length of the book. This also goes back to my “need” of thorough backstories due to my d&d obsession so maybe i’m just too harsh with character development…
the writing style was consistent and i got to know dunnewin’s manner- which i love. As a writer, i think it’s important to have a consistent style and not jump all over the place. mind you, the book was 202 pages, so we’ll see how book 2 goes before i jump into the deep end of that pool.
I think my overall enjoyment was just par. was i disappointed because of the cover and the category? Yes. but, was it a well thought out story with a target demographic and an excellent entry level story that could make a satisfying trilogy. Also yes.
I give this 3.5 stars because, although i think it deserves a 3, i am intrigued and added .5 because i would actually read book two upon release.