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2.96 AVERAGE
2.96 AVERAGE
I myself don't know how I finished reading this book.I guess I have a high tolerance for stupidity.
I truly loved this book. I went into the book with all kinds of expectations, got in a few pages, and threw all those expectations out. The Dark Companion was not paranormal but much more Gothic-isque. The Gothic influences all throughout the book added a new dimension of awesome to the book. The book was a wonderful equal parts creepy, equal parts alluring. I was held in its grip for a few days as I grew to truly empathize with the choices that Jane was facing. If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the book. The book was merveilleux which is French for amazeballs.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was the awesome set of characters living within the pages. Mary Violet is one of Jane's new friends at Birch Grove, and I seriously wish I could find a Mary Violet in my life. She's vibrant and gorgeous in her own quirky way, and she is always there for a good laugh. I loved the way she talked because she was this fascinating combination of surreal and realistic all at the same time. Jack was fantastic, and I loved the huge contrast between who Jack is and who his brother Lucky is. The story had so many interesting parallels and gorgeous contrast among the characters. No wonder I couldn't put it down.
As the story progresses, Jane has to start making some very difficult decisions. I love how the book makes you think. Would you have done the same thing if you were offered so much in exchange for taking on a role for the rest of your life? Taken from Jane's perspective where she had grown up with almost nothing, that question becomes even more complicated.
Don't go into this book expecting vampire paranormal. Vampire fanatics would just end up a little disappointed. The beauty and treasure of this book is just how fresh and Gothic the story is. There is just that tint of paranormal flushing through the pages to keep it just a little fresher.
I am thrilled that I requested this book. It was an incredible reading experience.
Who Should Read It: Lovers of creepy meets realism. I know you are out there. Really if you just like a well-spun story. Don't pay attention to the ratings on this book. There is just so much conflicting ideas on this book. That is why it is up to you to figure it out for yourself. Enjoy.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was the awesome set of characters living within the pages. Mary Violet is one of Jane's new friends at Birch Grove, and I seriously wish I could find a Mary Violet in my life. She's vibrant and gorgeous in her own quirky way, and she is always there for a good laugh. I loved the way she talked because she was this fascinating combination of surreal and realistic all at the same time. Jack was fantastic, and I loved the huge contrast between who Jack is and who his brother Lucky is. The story had so many interesting parallels and gorgeous contrast among the characters. No wonder I couldn't put it down.
As the story progresses, Jane has to start making some very difficult decisions. I love how the book makes you think. Would you have done the same thing if you were offered so much in exchange for taking on a role for the rest of your life? Taken from Jane's perspective where she had grown up with almost nothing, that question becomes even more complicated.
Don't go into this book expecting vampire paranormal. Vampire fanatics would just end up a little disappointed. The beauty and treasure of this book is just how fresh and Gothic the story is. There is just that tint of paranormal flushing through the pages to keep it just a little fresher.
I am thrilled that I requested this book. It was an incredible reading experience.
Who Should Read It: Lovers of creepy meets realism. I know you are out there. Really if you just like a well-spun story. Don't pay attention to the ratings on this book. There is just so much conflicting ideas on this book. That is why it is up to you to figure it out for yourself. Enjoy.
I've read two version of this book last year,;the first (The Shadow Girl of Birch Grove)was darker and probably more mature.
Even the ending was different.
It was a vampire story with a twist.
Not the best book I've read, but I've liked it.
Even the ending was different.
It was a vampire story with a twist.
Not the best book I've read, but I've liked it.
The end was better than the rest of the book.
I say this because the rest of the book was at the level of "pulling teeth is less painful than reading this" and yet I pushed through.
Jane, for lack of a better description, is plain. She talks as if she lives in a SAT book, which I don't know about you but i don't speak like that nor did any of the kids I was in SAT prep with speak like this. Her infatuation with Lucky annoys the hell out of me, especially when she gives Wilde the business and then looks like a hypocrite when she goes straight into his arms. Jack... I can get on the same page with. He was the only character besides Mary Violet that kept me reading.
That's all I have to say, especially since I don't enjoy people who bash an author's works and I don't want to do that. So, yes, it's only two stars for me, but I do admit I loved Jack and Mary Violet from the moment they were introduced up to the last page.
I say this because the rest of the book was at the level of "pulling teeth is less painful than reading this" and yet I pushed through.
Jane, for lack of a better description, is plain. She talks as if she lives in a SAT book, which I don't know about you but i don't speak like that nor did any of the kids I was in SAT prep with speak like this. Her infatuation with Lucky annoys the hell out of me, especially when she gives Wilde the business and then looks like a hypocrite when she goes straight into his arms. Jack... I can get on the same page with. He was the only character besides Mary Violet that kept me reading.
That's all I have to say, especially since I don't enjoy people who bash an author's works and I don't want to do that. So, yes, it's only two stars for me, but I do admit I loved Jack and Mary Violet from the moment they were introduced up to the last page.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really hope this is a one-off, because it really doesn't need to be part of a series!
Orphan Jane (like Eyre, only in California and we do get a sense of what she looks like) is suddenly granted a scholarship to a chichi prep school, living expenses and a new status as an emancipated minor - although, as anyone whose previous life was in the foster system, she wonders "why me?" Once at Birch Grove she meets the Headmistress' sons, Jacob and Lucian and falls for... well, it's clear that she's infatuated with Lucky (he's gorgeous) but Jake does something to her (infuriates her, confuses her, stalks her, nicknames her Halfling). She also finds friends and seems to settle down.
Of course, this is a Gothic/semi-vampire book so things are never what they seem and Jane's life becomes more complicated and fraught than one might have imagined. As in Jane Eyre there's a climactic fire scene, but that's pretty much it for the comparisons. The Gothic part is really pretty mild, with none of the heart-thumping that, say, Victoria Holt produces (or Jane Eyre, for that matter). The quotations at the start of each chapter may lead readers to search out other Gothic novels if they don't already know them). Mary Violet deserves a book all unto herself, particularly those French translations!
The cover is a bit off, and I hope this isn't the final artwork. Jane is pixie-like, with brown hair, brown eyes and light brown skin, thanks to her part-Mexican mother (the rest of her is anyone's guess, although MV's Laplander is probably out). Why not highlight that on the cover? This person looks a tad light...
ARC provided by publisher.
Orphan Jane (like Eyre, only in California and we do get a sense of what she looks like) is suddenly granted a scholarship to a chichi prep school, living expenses and a new status as an emancipated minor - although, as anyone whose previous life was in the foster system, she wonders "why me?" Once at Birch Grove she meets the Headmistress' sons, Jacob and Lucian and falls for... well, it's clear that she's infatuated with Lucky (he's gorgeous) but Jake does something to her (infuriates her, confuses her, stalks her, nicknames her Halfling). She also finds friends and seems to settle down.
Of course, this is a Gothic/semi-vampire book so things are never what they seem and Jane's life becomes more complicated and fraught than one might have imagined. As in Jane Eyre there's a climactic fire scene, but that's pretty much it for the comparisons. The Gothic part is really pretty mild, with none of the heart-thumping that, say, Victoria Holt produces (or Jane Eyre, for that matter). The quotations at the start of each chapter may lead readers to search out other Gothic novels if they don't already know them). Mary Violet deserves a book all unto herself, particularly those French translations!
The cover is a bit off, and I hope this isn't the final artwork. Jane is pixie-like, with brown hair, brown eyes and light brown skin, thanks to her part-Mexican mother (the rest of her is anyone's guess, although MV's Laplander is probably out). Why not highlight that on the cover? This person looks a tad light...
ARC provided by publisher.
I have to admit I really disliked Jane for most of the novel. I found her annoying because she kept lusting after Lucian/Lucky (who I found annoying and obnoxious) when she was always getting mad at Jacob/Jack. Most of the time I put things together way before she figured it out and it frustrated me. I didn't really like anything in this book until nearing the end.
Wow, first sentence has me totally hooked!
More at the blog
Oh, Dark Companion, how I love you. Let me count the ways!
The first sentence that instantly drew me in and began my reading frenzy of the book.
Mary Violet
The vocabulary (inchoate, vex, amok, susarration)
Witty exchanges
The suspense!
Modern twist on a subject
The ending!
The more I read, the more I had to know what exactly was going on. Early on, I had to train my brain to understand that this book was CONTEMPORARY and not one set in the past. That took a little doing, but in the end I left the past behind!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I got to say, I did not see it coming. I can't tell you what 'it' is because then that wold ruin the book...but wow. I thought I had it figured out early early on, but dismissed it because Marta informed me it was a contemporary novel and not a paranormal novel. So ... wow.
Jane was the lead character. You can tell she has been handed the world on a silver platter. Every so often, she can't let go of her behaviors and habits from living in foster systems. She hides her stash of money, etc. She is wary of cars driving slowly. Jane is street smart.She doesn't let anyone treat her like crap. Including Lucky. That pompous jerk named Lucky who thinks he can order her around. Pft. Jane is so much better than that, and she all but tells him. Yet, it doesn't stop her from being his. Then again, can you blame her? She spent all her life being alone; suddenly this gorgeous guy wants her to be his, to be his closest confidante. What else would she do?
One of my favorite exchanges in the book happens between Jane and her new friend Mary Violet.
"Why do the girls here say 'coitus' all the time?"
"Because you can tell someone to 'coitus off' and you won't get detention."
Lol. That Mary Violet. She is just too much! MV is a fabulous girl who uses French in her everyday language, even though she can't speak any French.
So, what should you do for 4th of July? Well, you should be reading Dark Companion! And then go chit chat with Marta, she is an awesome woman!
More at the blog
Oh, Dark Companion, how I love you. Let me count the ways!
The first sentence that instantly drew me in and began my reading frenzy of the book.
Mary Violet
The vocabulary (inchoate, vex, amok, susarration)
Witty exchanges
The suspense!
Modern twist on a subject
The ending!
The more I read, the more I had to know what exactly was going on. Early on, I had to train my brain to understand that this book was CONTEMPORARY and not one set in the past. That took a little doing, but in the end I left the past behind!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I got to say, I did not see it coming. I can't tell you what 'it' is because then that wold ruin the book...but wow. I thought I had it figured out early early on, but dismissed it because Marta informed me it was a contemporary novel and not a paranormal novel. So ... wow.
Jane was the lead character. You can tell she has been handed the world on a silver platter. Every so often, she can't let go of her behaviors and habits from living in foster systems. She hides her stash of money, etc. She is wary of cars driving slowly. Jane is street smart.She doesn't let anyone treat her like crap. Including Lucky. That pompous jerk named Lucky who thinks he can order her around. Pft. Jane is so much better than that, and she all but tells him. Yet, it doesn't stop her from being his. Then again, can you blame her? She spent all her life being alone; suddenly this gorgeous guy wants her to be his, to be his closest confidante. What else would she do?
One of my favorite exchanges in the book happens between Jane and her new friend Mary Violet.
"Why do the girls here say 'coitus' all the time?"
"Because you can tell someone to 'coitus off' and you won't get detention."
Lol. That Mary Violet. She is just too much! MV is a fabulous girl who uses French in her everyday language, even though she can't speak any French.
So, what should you do for 4th of July? Well, you should be reading Dark Companion! And then go chit chat with Marta, she is an awesome woman!
This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read
After a fall when she is young, Jane ends up in a coma and when she wakes she doesn't remember anything about her childhood. She is now a foster child who has the opportunity of a lifetime offered to her. But this offer comes with some interesting strings.
The synopsis of this book does not give anything away about what happens in this story! I was completely surprised by what came about in this book (in a good way, of course). I saw the cover of this book and loved the dark feel, and the book definitely is dark. This book brings back the gothic genre to YA, everything about what happened was dark and mysterious.
The characters are a big part of what made this book for me. I loved how Jane knew how to defend herself. Though I had some issues with her naivete towards Lucky. Around Lucky, Jane became the typical I'm in love with the gorgeous guy and will do anything for him. Lucky is a jerk of a character, he's self absorbed and privileged, and it shows a lot. I hated how Jane was able to stick up for herself in certain situations, but then when it came to the gorgeous guy she melted.
Jack was absolutely adorable, I always loved when he came along, he also was one that made some great comedic scenes throughout this dark tale. And then there was Jane's friend Mary Violet. She was one of the best supporting characters of the book, I loved how she always spoke her mind, she was the complete opposite of Jane but they complimented each other.
Finding out what "Dark Companion" actually meant in this book was a huge surprise. And from there I loved finding out the mystery behind the disappearances at the school. Marta Acosta definitely keeps you hanging on until the very end with this book.
After a fall when she is young, Jane ends up in a coma and when she wakes she doesn't remember anything about her childhood. She is now a foster child who has the opportunity of a lifetime offered to her. But this offer comes with some interesting strings.
The synopsis of this book does not give anything away about what happens in this story! I was completely surprised by what came about in this book (in a good way, of course). I saw the cover of this book and loved the dark feel, and the book definitely is dark. This book brings back the gothic genre to YA, everything about what happened was dark and mysterious.
The characters are a big part of what made this book for me. I loved how Jane knew how to defend herself. Though I had some issues with her naivete towards Lucky. Around Lucky, Jane became the typical I'm in love with the gorgeous guy and will do anything for him. Lucky is a jerk of a character, he's self absorbed and privileged, and it shows a lot. I hated how Jane was able to stick up for herself in certain situations, but then when it came to the gorgeous guy she melted.
Jack was absolutely adorable, I always loved when he came along, he also was one that made some great comedic scenes throughout this dark tale. And then there was Jane's friend Mary Violet. She was one of the best supporting characters of the book, I loved how she always spoke her mind, she was the complete opposite of Jane but they complimented each other.
Finding out what "Dark Companion" actually meant in this book was a huge surprise. And from there I loved finding out the mystery behind the disappearances at the school. Marta Acosta definitely keeps you hanging on until the very end with this book.