Untethering Dark: A Dark, Steamy Monster Romance by Trade L. Haynes – A Review
When I stumbled upon Untethering Dark, my curiosity was instantly piqued. The title alone felt like an invitation to explore a world cloaked in shadows, where the boundaries of love and danger blurred. Trade L. Haynes’ unique blend of monster romance and folklore called to my inner creature-feature enthusiast, and I couldn’t resist diving into this darkly alluring tale.
At its heart, Untethering Dark weaves the intricate lives of Astrid, a young woman raised by the winter hag Perchta, and Gudarīks, a horned forest guardian spirit. Raised in the protective embrace of Perchta after escaping a harrowing past, Astrid is a character full of sincerity and bravery. With each page, you can feel her conflict between duty and desire as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, community, and her evolving identity as a hag.
What struck me most was the way Haynes infused humanity into the monstrous. Gudarīks, with his intense protectiveness and mysterious past, is not just a fearsome creature but a complex character grappling with his legacy. Their relationship blossoms through mutual respect; there isn’t the typical combustible tension often found in romances. Instead, their chemistry emerges from subtle glances and moments of shared purpose, making their connection feel refreshingly grounded.
However, I must admit that while I appreciated the gentleness with which the characters treated each other, it sometimes felt like they were emotionally bubble-wrapped. There’s a certain softness in their interactions that, while charming, left me craving a bit more conflict to spice things up. Even the antagonist, the powerful witch Heldrin, didn’t instill the pure terror you would expect from a villain bent on domination, though her motivations added intriguing layers to the narrative.
That said, the plot is enriched by rich themes of protection, sacrifice, and the reclamation of power. The story unfolds in a serene forest that feels both timeless and oddly detached from its modern German setting, reinforcing the magical realism we’re drawn to in folklore. While the pacing occasionally lagged—especially as Gudarīks’ fragmented memories resurfaced—the final act delivered a gripping climax that elevated the stakes significantly.
One memorable highlight for me was Astrid’s journey through her hag initiation, choosing pleasure over sacrifice, which beautifully exemplified the blending of sensuality and spirituality. Haynes has a talent for painting visceral imagery with words, drawing you deep into the emotional and physical landscape of the characters’ experiences.
In a nutshell, Untethering Dark left me feeling both enchanted and intrigued. It’s a book that balances a delicate dance between darkness and light, inviting readers into its mystical embrace. If you enjoy monster romances that lean into folklore and character development, this book is a captivating read. Just be prepared for an experience that feels gentle yet profound, with a dash of the steamy—though I wish there had been just a sprinkle more!
For those who seek a tale that encourages vulnerability and the understanding that even monsters can be loving, this book is for you. It’s an enchanting adventure that whispers secrets through the trees, leaving you yearning for more—more moments, more magic, and ultimately, more monster smut. Happy reading!
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