Review of “The Darkened Enchantment” by M.C. Ryder

​Score: 87/100 (8.7 out of 10)

MC Ryder’s The Darkened Enchantment intertwines elements of fantasy, supernatural lore, and real-life struggles. The book follows Lily, the magical daughter of Camille (one of the main vampire characters throughout the series) and Beckett (a werewolf). It also follows Cleo, a high school student with a passion for nature and a love for animals. Ryder is ambitious in attempting to blend these worlds.

Lily embodies resilience and leadership. Her character is well-developed, showcasing her journey through the fire academy and her role in protecting her family’s sanctuary. Ryder effectively portrays Lily’s internal and external struggles, making her a relatable and strong protagonist.

Lily's arc seems to be about coming of age and coming into your own. In other words, we see her grow throughout the book, accepting more responsibility for herself, her home, and her family, carrying the baton (so to speak) that was once held by Camille, Beckett, and the original cast.

Cleo’s narrative provides a contrast with her more grounded experiences. As a high school student who finds solace in nature, Cleo’s story is marked by her battle against bullying and her dream of studying botany. Her interactions with animals, particularly the injured dog Saffron and her opossum friend, Mutsu, highlight her compassionate nature. Ryder’s depiction of Cleo’s resilience and growth is another strong point in the novel.

A huge theme in this book is the idea or concept of a safe space. Both Lily's family and Cleo find solace and sanctuary away from the chaos of the real world and humans.

The novel tackles also themes of identity and resilience. Both Lily and Cleo grapple with their unique circumstances and strive to find their place in the world. The exploration of these themes is a significant strength, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own journeys.

Family relationships are a central theme, with Ryder painting a picture of supportive and loving bonds. Lily’s interactions with her extended family and Cleo’s memories of her late parents add depth to their characters. There really is a strong sense of legacies in this book. Lily carries on both the blood and purpose of her storied family. Cleo, as a lover and caretaker of animals, carries on her late mother's legacy as a veterinarian. These relationships provide a solid foundation for the protagonists’ development and underscore the importance of family.


While the parallel narratives of Lily and Cleo are intended to provide a rich, multifaceted story, the transitions between their stories can sometimes feel disjointed. The shift from supernatural elements to everyday realities is abrupt at times, which may disrupt the narrative flow. Readers might find themselves pulled out of the story due to these uneven transitions.

Ryder’s world-building in The Darkened Enchantment is ambitious, with detailed descriptions of both the supernatural sanctuary and Cleo’s natural environment. However, the pacing of the novel can be inconsistent. Certain sections, particularly those detailing the fire academy and Cleo’s interactions at the garden center, are well-paced and engaging. In contrast, other parts of the narrative, especially the supernatural elements, can feel rushed or underdeveloped.


The emotional arcs of the characters are well-conceived, but the execution sometimes falls short. While Lily’s protective instincts and Cleo’s struggle against bullying are compelling, the emotional depth can feel forced in certain scenes. Ryder’s attempt to elicit empathy and connection from the reader occasionally misses the mark, leaving some character interactions feeling superficial.

The primary thing that this book is missing is the epicness and action of previous books. There really isn't a big bad in this book other than maybe the bullies or intangible concepts like identity, family, or the general threat to the security and secrecy that the sanctuary provides. There's no Maximilian or Vladimir in this book. With no big, bad villain and no evil army to fight, most of this book seems more like a drama than a fantasy epic.

This book also has continues the pattern of proofreading errors that were apparent in other books in the series, though it's still a huge improvement from book one. For example:

“Her interests to them quirky”

“She loved the open farm life outside”

“Her wide smile dimmed to one of earnest.”

The Darkened Enchantment by M.C. Ryder is a novel that ambitiously blends the supernatural with the everyday. The character development, particularly of Lily and Cleo, and the exploration of themes such as identity and resilience are commendable. However, the novel faces challenges in its narrative structure and pacing, which can affect the overall reading experience. For readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy and reality, Ryder’s novel offers an intriguing, though occasionally uneven, journey.

Check it out on Amazon!