ARA Review by Sarah Russell 4 of This Side of the Darkness

[Sarah Russell 4]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, This Side of the Darkness.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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This Side of Darkness By Andromeda Storm is a haunting and deeply introspective exploration of monsters—those that grow within us and those that surround us in the world. The story follows young Annie, a girl who yearns for her mother’s happiness but is raised under the shadow of a manipulative father. It is through him that Annie first encounters her inner monster, watching as it takes root within her, becoming an unwanted but familiar presence.

As Annie grows, her experiences become more harrowing, and the narrative masterfully illustrates the contrast between innocence and the creeping darkness within. The monsters in her life, both internal and external, take many forms: some are the people closest to her, others are the painful choices she must make, and then there are those that represent society’s darkest corners. Andromeda Storm captures these conflicts with a brutal honesty that makes the reader feel both sympathy and discomfort.

Storm’s ability to weave metaphors of monstrosity into everyday struggles is where the novel truly shines. The story isn’t just about the external forces Annie faces, but the deeper, more complex emotions and thoughts that fester in her mind. As readers, we are drawn into her internal battles—the moments of doubt, rage, and sorrow that shape who she becomes.

The book is a hard read, not just because of its heavy themes, but because it requires readers to reflect on their own monsters—the parts of themselves they may wish to ignore. The narrative doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions, making it an unsettling yet thought-provoking experience.

Storm's This Side of Darkness stands out as a brilliant psychological novel, offering a raw and unsettling look at the human condition and the delicate balance between light and dark within us all. For readers seeking a story that challenges both heart and mind, this is an unforgettable journey into the abyss.
4 out of 5

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