All the Colors of the Dark: A Complete Review | Cactus Academy

Quick Verdict

The All the Colors of the Dark coloring book by CROWN delivers on its atmospheric promise with intricate, dark-themed designs that draw you in after the first page. The paper quality holds up well for most coloring mediums, though heavy watercolor users should exercise caution. If you enjoy detailed, moody artwork and want a coloring experience that feels like a creative retreat, this book earns a solid recommendation. I'd rate it around 4 out of 5 for the right audience.

What Is the All the Colors of the Dark Coloring Book?

Let me be honest about what happened when I first opened the package. It sat on my desk for three days before I actually sat down with it. I'm not a daily colorist, but I do keep a coloring book around for those evenings when the brain needs to switch off without staring at another screen. The cover caught my eye immediately — there's something about that moody aesthetic that promises a different kind of creative session.

All the Colors of the Dark is published by CROWN and appears to be positioned as part of the Read with Jenna Pick collection, which suggests a curated approach to the artwork selection. The book focuses on dark, atmospheric designs ranging from elaborate mandalas to fantasy-inspired illustrations. Each page invites extended coloring sessions, not quick five-minute breaks.

Key Features

• Single-sided pages prevent marker and pen bleed-through during coloring
• Wide variety of design styles including mandalas, creatures, and nature motifs
• Perforated pages allow for easy removal and display of finished artwork
• Good-quality paper suitable for colored pencils, gel pens, and most markers
• Dark, atmospheric theme creates immersive coloring experience
• Generous page count providing many hours of creative engagement

Hands-On Review

I started with a basic colored pencil set on a Tuesday evening — nothing fancy, just a standard 24-pack I'd had sitting in a drawer. The first design I tackled was a large central mandala with surrounding botanical elements. Within fifteen minutes, I forgot about the dishes in the sink and the email I'd been avoiding. That surprised me, honestly. I expected to get bored quickly, the way I sometimes do with simpler coloring books.

What struck me was the level of detail in each design. The lines are crisp and well-defined, which makes color placement feel intentional rather than arbitrary. I spent about forty-five minutes on that first page, switching between three different pencil techniques I'd read about somewhere but never actually tried. By the end, my mandala looked nothing like the original sketch, but it felt personal in a way that blank-page drawing rarely does for me.

After the first week, I tested the paper with a gel pen and then with a water-based marker. The gel pen performed flawlessly — smooth application, no skipping, colors layered nicely. The marker was fine for highlights and basic coverage, but I noticed some slight show-through when I held the page up to light. For the intended use — mostly colored pencils and gel pens — the paper genuinely delivers. What nobody mentions in the listings is that some designs near the binding can be tricky to color if you prefer keeping pages flat.

By the end of the second week, I'd completed six full pages and started three more. The book has become my go-to wind-down activity after dinner. I'm not someone who meditates or does yoga, but this occupies that same mental space for me — a deliberate pause that requires just enough focus to crowd out the noise.

Who Should Buy It?

Adults seeking stress relief will find this book hits the right notes. The detailed designs demand enough attention to quiet racing thoughts without requiring artistic skill.

Experienced colorists who enjoy intricate patterns will appreciate the variety and complexity of the artwork. Beginners might feel overwhelmed initially.

Fans of dark and gothic aesthetics will recognize the visual language immediately. The color palettes suggested by the designs lean toward deep purples, midnight blues, and warm metallics.

Gift buyers looking for a meaningful present will find this a solid choice for creative friends or family members who enjoy hands-off artistic activities.

Skip this if you prefer simple, large-scale designs that can be finished quickly, or if you primarily work with heavy watercolor techniques that require heavyweight paper.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Secret Garden by Johanna Basford remains a classic for a reason. If you want similarly intricate designs but with a more nature-forward aesthetic, this 2013 bestseller offers comparable detail with a lighter, garden-themed approach.

Lost Ocean by Johanna Basford provides an alternative dark-themed option with underwater scenes and marine life. The paper quality is well-documented across thousands of user reviews if you're doing comparison research.

The Art of Dr. Seuss Coloring Book offers a different mood entirely — whimsical and imaginative rather than atmospheric. Worth considering if you want complexity with a lighter emotional tone.

FAQ

Final Verdict

All the Colors of the Dark coloring book successfully delivers what its title promises — a palette of moody, atmospheric designs that invite extended creative engagement. The paper quality, while not heavyweight, performs well for the primary coloring mediums most users will employ. CROWN has assembled a cohesive collection that stands apart from generic adult coloring books flooding the market.

The intricate designs reward patience and encourage experimentation with techniques you might not normally try. For anyone seeking a coloring book that feels like a genuine creative project rather than a casual distraction, this one earns consideration. I plan to keep my copy accessible on the desk rather than filed away with other impulse purchases.