Early Reader Review: Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk 

Publisher: Storyside
Publication Date:  February 25, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Elia Tallis’s key conjuring abilities, when used with her father’s magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant.

Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he’ll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings’ futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife.

Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she’s growing to love.

Review: 

This YA novel is pitched as a fantasy romance, but I’d say it leans much more toward fantasy than romance. The focus of the love in the beginning is primarily familial—Elias, the eldest sibling, is deeply devoted to her family. As a Conjurista, she has the ability to unlock doors and craft keys, skills she uses to earn money while keeping her ailing father alive long enough for her to become an adult and legally care for her younger siblings. When a prince named Trys offers her a wild bargain to get him through a door to a magical floating library, she takes the risk in order to save herself, her brother, and her whole family really. They set off on an adventure filled with magic, danger, and duty.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its depiction of family. The dynamics feel authentic—the love, the obligation, and the banter all hit home, especially for someone from a larger family like me. The pacing starts off strong, drawing me in with its worldbuilding and magic system, but the second half felt rushed, leaving me wanting more depth, particularly when it came to the magic, growth of the characters, and building romance.

The romance didn’t quite work for me, mostly because it leaned into insta-love, and Trys as a character felt underdeveloped. While Elias undergoes some growth, Trys remains largely static, making their relationship feel flat. Also, I have to mention Cuddles—the creature was fantastic, and I was incredibly disappointed with how his story wrapped up. You will see, I think he deserved better after all they had been through. It felt like a large build up to be cast aside. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for those who love rich family dynamics and inventive magic. I just wish the second half had been fleshed out more, the romance had been given more development, and, most importantly, that we learned more about Cuddles and how he is living in the end.