As Within, So Without

by D.M. Darcy

As Within, So Without


Dark Fantasy Romance ✨ Fae & Demon Fantasy ✨ High Stakes Fantasy

The second book in The Fated Celestials Trilogy.

Months have passed since the eclipse, but slow-healing scars run deep. Ves has established a secret, fragile peace beside Ryc, preparing for her inevitable ascension as Sovereign Queen of Erus. Yet the shadows of her past are never far behind.

As political pressures mount and the weight of her responsibilities grow heavier, Ves uncovers long-hidden truths about the things she’s stolen from the hells. Launched into a perilous journey to understand who she truly is, she discovers not all demons are the enemy, and sometimes, the greatest battles are fought within.

As Within, So Without is the captivating second installment in The Fated Celestials Trilogy. Join Ves as she navigates a world teetering on the edge of chaos, discovers the limits of power, the complexities of loyalties and love, and struggles to find her place among the living.

As Within, So Without is a dark fantasy romance that delves deep into the tangled web of fate, love, and power. As such, some elements may be upsetting to some readers. Please check the content warning before proceeding.

549 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2025

About the author

D.M. Darcy has been a fan of the darker side of fantasy for centuries. Finally, she's stepped into the light to give storytelling a whirl. When she's not writing, you can find her tucked away in the wilds of northern New York hiking, photographing love stories, traveling, or on the couch cuddling a tiny rooster.

She’s an avid fan of rainy days, stained glass windows, and an aficionado of all featured creatures. D.M. Darcy first put pen to paper during the late 1900’s weaving fantastical stories about badass women in worlds meant to leave you breathless.

She lives in New York with her husband, son, and indoor tiny rooster.

Reviews

[Rebecca Massek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading this on an airplane, and the person next to me tapped me on the shoulder and asked, "Is that book about yoga?" To which I responded, "No, it's a dark romantasy about demons and fae." (Which, while true, doesn't quite do this book justice.) I asked them why they thought it was about yoga, and they said that the title, As Within, So Without, is a phrase used often in yoga and meditation, diving into the more metaphysical aspects of the self.

And you know what? I think this book might be about yoga. Obviously not really, but hear me out.

Yes, it's about demons and fae, with some deliciously relatable morally grey characters, and a thrumming plot of fantastical political intrigue, and DM Darcy's writing style transports you into a beautifully vivid world of magic. But, in this book particularly, Ves has to come to terms with who she is and what that even means. What her place in this new world can be and what she wants and is willing to sacrifice for herself and the people she loves. She has to learn to recognize herself when she didn't even realize a part of her was missing.

In short, this book is an amazing second installment in the trilogy. The paperback is GORGEOUS, and I can't wait for the third!

[Alyissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death can no longer have you"
THIS is the quote I cold heartedly believe should stand out in this book. It makes sense in more ways than one!

My mind is still swinging through all of the events that took place in this book. My mind is entirely blown - in a good way, of course.

Veilflowers, bloodstone, being fated, other halves -- these all come hand in hand in this book. You get glimpses of each of these things periodically in the book and by the end of the book, they all piece together and everything runs back through your mind, piecing it altogether. I found myself laughing and having "YES! Thats what that is / was" moments.

Ves & Ryc are trying to start their lives together, finally. They find trial and error to be their mantra in their lives they now share together. Cyran and Eve are the right hands to them and continue to be. Vaelyn, however, has other plans. Can they prepare for what's to come from Vaelyn?

If you haven't read 'As Above, So Below' you still have time to read it ebook, physically or audiobally. You're seriously going to miss out on an amazing world if you don't! Theres time to read that & prepare yourself for the release of 'As Within, So Without' releasing on 9.10.25

✨️ Please remember that although this is a dark romance fantasy book, there is more plot then spice. Don't dive into the book looking only for spice and be disappointed and make reviews based on expectations you shouldn't have had. Yes, there's spice, though. The plot in this, so far released in this Triology, is deep. Its worth reading and welcoming this world into your reading. Its a world I truly want to see for myself now! ✨️

[Jessika S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to D.M Darcy for the ARC of As Within So Without!

Dark romantacy about demons and fae!?!? say less right? This is book 2 in The Fated Celestials Trilogy. Though my beginning explanation of the book doesn't quite do it justice, it was incredibly well written!

"Death can no longer have you" - this quote is everything to this book and deserves to be the book quote at the top of the back cover on the paperback copies! haha not even joking my mind is blown away by this book. Bloodstone, fated mates, veilflowers, other halves - all equal parts of this book and by the end of the book they all piece together! (you'll have to read it yourself to find out what I mean - no spoilers here)

If you haven't read As Above, So Below ( book 1 in The Fated Celestials Trilogy) add it to your TBR now to get yourself ready for everything in book 2!!!!

If you're new to the "dark romance/fantasy" genres - this book has more plot than spice but it does all balance out very very well!

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBH I hate how much I love this series. Because now I have to wait for the next book. And UGH.

with that being said, sometimes I really wish I could slap Ves lol she's so oblivious and even kinda ignorant/naive beyond what she should be sometimes. in my personal opinion anyway. Most of it I get, a lot of her choices come from paranoia/anxiety. But things like having information handed to you and choosing not to dive into it, while complaining about needing more information is MADDENING!!! But otherwise it's still written well, it's a great story. And I can't wait for the next one.

Side note, Ryc is the best book boyfriend of all time and I will die on that hill. We all deserve a Ryc in our life.

[Raeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review in 3 parts...

The Plot of As Within, So Without was unpredictable making it extremely difficult to put down. But it was also riveting in a way that made me want to savor the moments + take it all in.

The Characters of As Within, So Without are relatable in ways that made me feel understood but also made me reflect on the ways I could grow. Whoever says you can't learn anything from fiction/romantasy has yet to read a D.M. Darcy book.

The Writing Style of D.M. Darcy made me feel deeply immersed in the experience of Ves and the realm of Eldoterra. There is not an emotion you'll miss experiencing while reading the works of D.M. Darcy.

[Jessica Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.M. Darcy does it again with the second installment in the Fated Celestials Series. This book has you on an emotional roller coaster from the get go. This book takes you on Ves’ journey through managing not only her true love but also first love and becoming the queen she is meant to be. Darcy writes the emotions of each character in a way that anyone can relate to and find a piece of themselves in each character. The unpredictability of this book will have you on the edge of your seat, wanting more and not just wanting more but needing more. The first book in the series pulls you in but this one keeps ahold on you.

[Niki Cioca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second book in D.M. Darcy’s trilogy The Fated Celestials, I felt that As Within, So Without not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them! I enjoyed reading this book just as much as I did As Above, So Below, maybe even more. I really enjoyed following along Ves’ journey and watching more of her story unfold. The love, the struggles, the growth, the pain, the emotion… The storytelling is so vivid and immersive that I felt like I was being pulled right into Eldoterra, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. This series just keeps getting better, and I honestly can’t wait to see where it goes next.

[Catalina Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Within, So Without is an amazing story. this is the second book in The Fated Celestials Trilogy and it just keeps getting better and better each book. I love getting pulled back into Ves story. you get to experience her journey, her growth, and her pain. there is so much emotion it gives you all the feels just like a great book should. I love the story building and that you just feel like you are wrapped up in this world yourself. Once you start reading this book you don't want to put it down. you don't want to miss anything that might happen. I will always recommend D.M. Darcy's books that is for sure!

[Debbie Delano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just barely released (9/10/25). I was reading it on my kindle, and then I purchased the audio from paige and p j productions because they do the narration for both books in this series and they are absolutely fantastic and one of my favorite duos. I was laughing, crying and on the edge of my seat in so many parts of this book. This is part of a trilogy and book threw is hopefully being worked on because I need to know what happens next. Another five star read for sure and I'd give it a 1.5-2 on the spice.

[Jackie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

DM Darcy has done it again. She has perfected the art of a great story that not only gives you hope but also rips at your heart. The continuation of Ves’ story brings hope, fight, and survival. If you want to feel all the feels read.this.book. I can’t wait for book 3!!

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I was so happy to be back in Eldoterra again!!! I need need need neeeeed book 3 like stat!!!


Those last few chapters had me screaming, crying, throwing up! I can not wait to see where book 3 goes!! 🖤🖤🖤

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this continuation of Ves’ story. I cannot get over how dynamic DM Darcy’s characters are, everyone is a little morally grey and I love that because it makes them feel so real. I am hooked. I can’t wait for the next book!