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bibliofiendlm's review
5.0
I very much enjoyed this book. Who wouldn't want to be Abby with the hot incubus, minature unicorn and enchanted iPod (minus the kidnapping attemps, cluelessness and succubi serial killer running amuck). Inventive plot, sassy heroine. I'd be happy with just one book but the series shows promise.
alexandra_0410's review
4.0
Aunque estos libro no tenga reseñas espectaculares, tengo que dejarlas de lado y decir que a mi me gusto.
Me gusto la personalidad de la protagonista y también de los personajes secundarios. El unicornio es muy gracioso y también me gusto el atormentado Ion.
La trama general era bastante predecible, pero supieron darle unos giros pequeños al final.
Sin duda me gusto
Me gusto la personalidad de la protagonista y también de los personajes secundarios. El unicornio es muy gracioso y también me gusto el atormentado Ion.
La trama general era bastante predecible, pero supieron darle unos giros pequeños al final.
Sin duda me gusto
buuboobaby's review
4.0
4 Stars.
Fun with a couple of lags and a very abrupt ending. Good thing I have volume two already loaded on the Kindle :)
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
Fun with a couple of lags and a very abrupt ending. Good thing I have volume two already loaded on the Kindle :)
Full review soon at www.mangamaniaccafe.com
kimster82's review
3.0
Let's see... Another 3 star rating, so that means I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. It's like lukewarm water. It's nicer than cold water, but still not hot enough to be comfortable in.
Sadly, I didn't really get into the story. It's very likely my limited knowledge of the English language contributed to the fact that during some parts of the story, I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but I didn't care enough to read those pages again. The author didn't really seem to feel like explaining everything properly, in a way that even Kim The Village Idiot understood what was happening. It can't be that hard if you ask me. Use small words.
The story pretty much revolves around a lot of succubi/incubi who went missing. This is how I felt about this and what eventually happened to them.
Seriously, at times I didn't even feel like it was important.
For those who don't like the OMG-SOUL-MATE relationships... I'm afraid I don't have good news. Abby (human) and Brystion (incubus) are trying to bed each other from the moment their eyes meet. I'm slightly more forgiving than usual, because he is an incubus, and seducing women is what he does. I liked how she sometimes doubted his feelings, but at the end of the day she only cared about bed gymnastics. At some point she even mentions something about how they only met 4 days ago. Yet they act like they'd catch a bullet to save each other's lives. I don't really see a reason for them to hook up, other than the usual. "You're hot. I'm hot. Let's boink." *eyeroll* Can't say this book was very refreshing on that part.
What I absolutely loved in this book was Phineas. Yes, I'm talking about the miniature unicorn. Who makes ALL the other unicorns out there look even moreunicorny than they already are. I would adopt him in a heartbeat. He is the reason this book got 3 stars instead of 2. It's too bad I can't really say that much about him without spoiling anybody. There is one scene towards the end that even made me laugh out loud. His methods of silencing a group of people is just plain awesome.
I will read the sequel because I really hope I will finally find out what the hell happened in the first book.
Sadly, I didn't really get into the story. It's very likely my limited knowledge of the English language contributed to the fact that during some parts of the story, I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but I didn't care enough to read those pages again. The author didn't really seem to feel like explaining everything properly, in a way that even Kim The Village Idiot understood what was happening. It can't be that hard if you ask me. Use small words.
The story pretty much revolves around a lot of succubi/incubi who went missing. This is how I felt about this and what eventually happened to them.
Seriously, at times I didn't even feel like it was important.
For those who don't like the OMG-SOUL-MATE relationships... I'm afraid I don't have good news. Abby (human) and Brystion (incubus) are trying to bed each other from the moment their eyes meet. I'm slightly more forgiving than usual, because he is an incubus, and seducing women is what he does. I liked how she sometimes doubted his feelings, but at the end of the day she only cared about bed gymnastics. At some point she even mentions something about how they only met 4 days ago. Yet they act like they'd catch a bullet to save each other's lives. I don't really see a reason for them to hook up, other than the usual. "You're hot. I'm hot. Let's boink." *eyeroll* Can't say this book was very refreshing on that part.
What I absolutely loved in this book was Phineas. Yes, I'm talking about the miniature unicorn. Who makes ALL the other unicorns out there look even more
I will read the sequel because I really hope I will finally find out what the hell happened in the first book.
nyxshadow's review
4.0
une lecture très agréable et colorée !
http://www.nyx-shadow.com/2011/06/brush-of-darkness-allison-pang.html
http://www.nyx-shadow.com/2011/06/brush-of-darkness-allison-pang.html
drey72's review
3.0
I have to admit, I picked up A Brush of Darkness multiple times, and never quite got past the first 15 pages. When I finally did get past that "hump," I couldn't understand why I'd gotten stuck. I mean, I've just barely met Abby at that point... AND the book's really really good. I'm not just saying that, either.
This urban fantasy is more fae-focused than were or vamp or other-types-of-paranormal. And it rocks.
Character: The characters are interesting, and not just Abby and Brystion either. Abby's friends are cool, her pet unicorn is hilariously perverted, her boss' bodyguard is a sanctimonious angel, and the big bad dude's big. And bad. Abby is perfect as the unsure-of-herself but tries-to-do-right heroine, and she uses her smarts, even if she doesn't really know enough of the big picture to be, well, smart... I loved the WoW reference, too. Guildies! *grin*
Pace & Plot: The storyline looks pretty simple at first. Abby's boss disappears, but she's not sure if she should panic. After all, she's still pretty new at this... Then Brystion shows up, and life as she knows it goes to hell in a hand basket... Or maybe it was already there, and she just didn't know enough to know that? In any case, Abby's dragged into a web of lies, confusion, and danger, as she tries to find out what's happened to her boss.
Allison doesn't give much away as she unravels the storyline for you, rather she feeds you just enough bits and pieces to keep reeling you in... And every so many turns 'round the square, you get another piece of the puzzle. Some of 'em open your eyes, and some of 'em confuse you a bit more. On purpose, I bet. *grin* Before you know it, though, all the pieces come together, and you're done with the book! Phew!
This urban fantasy is more fae-focused than were or vamp or other-types-of-paranormal. And it rocks.
Character: The characters are interesting, and not just Abby and Brystion either. Abby's friends are cool, her pet unicorn is hilariously perverted, her boss' bodyguard is a sanctimonious angel, and the big bad dude's big. And bad. Abby is perfect as the unsure-of-herself but tries-to-do-right heroine, and she uses her smarts, even if she doesn't really know enough of the big picture to be, well, smart... I loved the WoW reference, too. Guildies! *grin*
Pace & Plot: The storyline looks pretty simple at first. Abby's boss disappears, but she's not sure if she should panic. After all, she's still pretty new at this... Then Brystion shows up, and life as she knows it goes to hell in a hand basket... Or maybe it was already there, and she just didn't know enough to know that? In any case, Abby's dragged into a web of lies, confusion, and danger, as she tries to find out what's happened to her boss.
Allison doesn't give much away as she unravels the storyline for you, rather she feeds you just enough bits and pieces to keep reeling you in... And every so many turns 'round the square, you get another piece of the puzzle. Some of 'em open your eyes, and some of 'em confuse you a bit more. On purpose, I bet. *grin* Before you know it, though, all the pieces come together, and you're done with the book! Phew!
allycat616's review
3.0
I honestly didn't have high hopes for this book, seeing as how the last few uf series I've tried were a big letdown. However, this book turned out to be just what I was looking for. I was hooked after the first few pages. The plot seemed a bit choppy at times, but I attribute this to the fact that this is the author's first novel. I'm looking forward to the sequel, and I hope the storyline will only get better.
jonetta's review
4.0
I had two separate experiences with this book: the beginning, where you are mired in a world that you know nothing about and are in a state of near constant confusion; and, the second half where you're so riveted by the story you can't turn the pages fast enough. Funny how my feelings seemed to mirror that of the heroine, Abby Sinclair, and I believe this may have been the designed effect of the author and pretty brilliant. I suffered through the beginning, almost to the point of quitting but was utterly hooked by the second half of the story and settled in for a very interesting ride.
The story begins with Abby continuing to behave as if everything is normal, even though it's been four months since she's seen Moira, Protectorate of the Faery, her employer and the person she's responsible for as a TouchStone (mortal who provides those immortals or OtherFolk the ability to cross between worlds). Abby's pretty clueless about her role and Moira's world and those around her thinks she's pretty lame as a TouchStone for the most important immortal residing in the human world. When things start to get dicey, it becomes impossible to keep Moira's disappearance secret. It also becomes clear that something more is amiss when other disappearances come to light. Abby might be hapless initially but we end up seeing she has lightning sharp instincts that become invaluable.
While this is considered to be fantasy, there's much more paranormal romance than expected when Abby becomes involved with Brystion, a daemon incubus who infiltrates her mind but also gives her the awareness that she's a Dreamer. I normally don't like dream sequences but after a bit, they become such a natural part of the action and are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story. Brystion and Abby's relationship is sensual and unusual, but one that is often problematic.
Pang has created an utterly fascinating world with layered, complicated characters and if you can be patient through the first half, you'll get your payoff with the second. Abby is both frustrating at times and insightful at others. She's an enigma with a snarky sense of humor and a big heart. Oh, and there's a perverted unicorn that shows up that will keep you in stitches. The ending was a surprise and had me jump right into the next book so be forewarned.
The story begins with Abby continuing to behave as if everything is normal, even though it's been four months since she's seen Moira, Protectorate of the Faery, her employer and the person she's responsible for as a TouchStone (mortal who provides those immortals or OtherFolk the ability to cross between worlds). Abby's pretty clueless about her role and Moira's world and those around her thinks she's pretty lame as a TouchStone for the most important immortal residing in the human world. When things start to get dicey, it becomes impossible to keep Moira's disappearance secret. It also becomes clear that something more is amiss when other disappearances come to light. Abby might be hapless initially but we end up seeing she has lightning sharp instincts that become invaluable.
While this is considered to be fantasy, there's much more paranormal romance than expected when Abby becomes involved with Brystion, a daemon incubus who infiltrates her mind but also gives her the awareness that she's a Dreamer. I normally don't like dream sequences but after a bit, they become such a natural part of the action and are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story. Brystion and Abby's relationship is sensual and unusual, but one that is often problematic.
Pang has created an utterly fascinating world with layered, complicated characters and if you can be patient through the first half, you'll get your payoff with the second. Abby is both frustrating at times and insightful at others. She's an enigma with a snarky sense of humor and a big heart. Oh, and there's a perverted unicorn that shows up that will keep you in stitches. The ending was a surprise and had me jump right into the next book so be forewarned.