❄️ Book Review: While the Dark Remains by Joanna Ruth Meyer
A haunting, slow-burn romantasy set in an icebound palace where revenge, diplomacy, and buried magic collide.
Joanna Ruth Meyer’s While the Dark Remains, the first book in The Winter Dark series, is a Nordic-inspired adult fantasy romance that blends court intrigue, emotional trauma, and a heroine on a mission. With a Goodreads rating of 4.12/5 from over 1,400 readers, it’s a standout for fans of lyrical prose and morally complex characters.
🧊 Plot Overview
Brynja, once a captive performer in the mountain palace of Tenebris, returns under the cover of the three-month-long Winter Dark—a season of perpetual night—to exact revenge on the cruel King Kallias, who nearly destroyed her as a child. Now twenty, she poses as a royal emissary in a peace delegation, accompanied by rival courts and the enigmatic Prince Vil.
But Brynja’s plan is complicated by her lingering feelings for Prince Ballast, Kallias’s rebellious son who once helped her escape. As Kallias seeks to unearth a catastrophic weapon buried deep within the mountain, Brynja must navigate shifting alliances, buried trauma, and the darkest parts of herself.
🧠 Why It Resonates
- Dual Timelines: The story unfolds across past and present, revealing Brynja’s trauma and motivations in layers.
- Found Family & Emotional Depth: Themes of survival, loyalty, and healing are central, with Brynja’s relationships offering warmth amid the cold.
- Court Politics Over Romance: While romance simmers, political tension and psychological stakes take precedence.
- Atmospheric Worldbuilding: The frozen palace, magical lore, and looming threat of war create a richly immersive setting.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “A bracing fantasy about love, found family, and immeasurable revenge.”
- “Slow-paced but emotionally rewarding—perfect for fans of introspective fantasy.”
- “Brynja is a fierce, flawed heroine whose journey is both painful and empowering.”
Some readers noted the pacing may feel slow, especially for those expecting action-heavy fantasy, but praised the emotional complexity and poetic writing style.
🏁 Final Verdict
While the Dark Remains is a beautifully written, character-driven fantasy that explores trauma, vengeance, and the fragile hope of peace. If you enjoy slow-burn romantasy with rich atmosphere and layered storytelling, this one deserves a place on your shelf.
