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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
At first I thought the concept of this was fairly interesting. Even though I thought the main relationship was somewhat lukewarm I continued reading in the hopes it would become more intense but it just stayed pretty tepid. I also eventually got bored with the plot since not much seemed to happen anymore. I only finished this because I was already too far in to dnf
Opinioni sparse (sì, ultimamente non sono nemmeno in grado di scrivere un commento come si deve):
1) La scrittura di Demon's Night pare seguire l'andamento delle montagne russe. Aka, a pezzi fluidi e scorrevoli se ne alternano altri dove le parole faticano a scivolar via.
2) La trama in sé potrebbe essere interessantissima (e a mio gusto molto più accattivante che non quella della Adrian o della Ward): sfruttare i miti dell'Antica Grecia è un'idea vincente, imo. Peccato che, a fin dei conti, rimangano così in secondo piano rispetto alla vicenda rosa. Ora, io capisco che questo sia un romanzo rosa (paranormal o meno non importa), ma avere una così bella trama potenziale e gettarla alle ortiche per far risaltare la parte romantica? Irritante.
3) Perché?! Perché Maddox e Ashley non posso resistersi? Perché scocca la fantomatica scintilla? Io voglio sapere perché. (E idem per Danika e compare, anche se lì ho speranza che magari venga spiegato in futuro)
4) Per essere una vergine con zero esperienza, Ashley sembra parecchio preparata sull'argomento. All'atto pratico, intendo, non solo teoria.
5) Capisco che la Showalter voglia sottolineare come la natura dei Demoni sia totalmente aliena rispetto alla medias res umana. Ma più che innarrestabile Violenza (sugli altri abbiamo meno contatto diretto) pare più che altro un bambino.
6) Perché non vogliono che si ritrovi il vaso?!?! Data la loro condizione una immaginerebbe che pur di liberare il mondo dal pericolo dei demoni, guerrieri come loro si sacrificherebbero volentieri.
7) Non ho ben chiaro come Danika faccia a trovarsi fuori dalla fortezza? Come fa a non essere contagiata? Ashley la vede addormentata insieme alle altre, e a quel punto i Cacciatori hanno già toccato Malattia.
8) Per essere un'organizzazione in piedi da millenni e che dovrebbe avere una vastissima conoscenza sull'argomento, quanto stupidi sono i Cacciatori a toccare Malattia?!
9) Sì, potevo riassumere tutto questo in un: idea di fondo dal potenziale interessante, ma alla fine buttata alle ortiche per stare dietro solo alla parte romantica. E ripeto, peccato, perché potenzialmente questa storia poteva piacermi molto più che non quelle della Ward o della Adrian. La Showalter mi dà l'impressione di essere una scrittrice più sicura di sé rispetto alle altre due.
1) La scrittura di Demon's Night pare seguire l'andamento delle montagne russe. Aka, a pezzi fluidi e scorrevoli se ne alternano altri dove le parole faticano a scivolar via.
2) La trama in sé potrebbe essere interessantissima (e a mio gusto molto più accattivante che non quella della Adrian o della Ward): sfruttare i miti dell'Antica Grecia è un'idea vincente, imo. Peccato che, a fin dei conti, rimangano così in secondo piano rispetto alla vicenda rosa. Ora, io capisco che questo sia un romanzo rosa (paranormal o meno non importa), ma avere una così bella trama potenziale e gettarla alle ortiche per far risaltare la parte romantica? Irritante.
3) Perché?! Perché Maddox e Ashley non posso resistersi? Perché scocca la fantomatica scintilla? Io voglio sapere perché. (E idem per Danika e compare, anche se lì ho speranza che magari venga spiegato in futuro)
4) Per essere una vergine con zero esperienza, Ashley sembra parecchio preparata sull'argomento. All'atto pratico, intendo, non solo teoria.
5) Capisco che la Showalter voglia sottolineare come la natura dei Demoni sia totalmente aliena rispetto alla medias res umana. Ma più che innarrestabile Violenza (sugli altri abbiamo meno contatto diretto) pare più che altro un bambino.
6) Perché non vogliono che si ritrovi il vaso?!?! Data la loro condizione una immaginerebbe che pur di liberare il mondo dal pericolo dei demoni, guerrieri come loro si sacrificherebbero volentieri.
7) Non ho ben chiaro come Danika faccia a trovarsi fuori dalla fortezza? Come fa a non essere contagiata? Ashley la vede addormentata insieme alle altre, e a quel punto i Cacciatori hanno già toccato Malattia.
8) Per essere un'organizzazione in piedi da millenni e che dovrebbe avere una vastissima conoscenza sull'argomento, quanto stupidi sono i Cacciatori a toccare Malattia?!
9) Sì, potevo riassumere tutto questo in un: idea di fondo dal potenziale interessante, ma alla fine buttata alle ortiche per stare dietro solo alla parte romantica. E ripeto, peccato, perché potenzialmente questa storia poteva piacermi molto più che non quelle della Ward o della Adrian. La Showalter mi dà l'impressione di essere una scrittrice più sicura di sé rispetto alle altre due.
I really, really loved this book. It's hard to explain why I had such an emotional reaction to it, other than the fact that Ashlyn was ready to make such a sacrifice for Maddox, that it literally took my breath away. The author built a dark & beautiful world and I can't wait to explore more of it in future books.
You can check out my full review, here: http://lostandfoundinfiction.com/2014/04/book-review-th…gena-showalter.html
*This book was a self-purchase and all opinions are my own*
You can check out my full review, here: http://lostandfoundinfiction.com/2014/04/book-review-th…gena-showalter.html
*This book was a self-purchase and all opinions are my own*
This was a surprisingly interesting story for a romance novel. I like the concept of the Lords of the Underworld. Even though Maddox, was probably the least interesting Lord, I still enjoyed the book. Not as much sex as I expected but still sexy. Looking forward to reading book #2.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
1. I wasn't exactly sure if I was meant to find certain bits so funny. Obviously bits were made to be funny like the guys thinking pills were 'pebbles' and some of the other random crap they thought, showing just how isolated they were, but then during the 'heated' moments, some of the stuff Maddox and Ashlyn says is just hilarious in a very cringey and cheesy way!
2. WHY SO DRAMATIC? I know you're in a house full of demons that could kill you within a second but like, must you have a giant break down every damn second?! This was especially true in the scene where Dannika (sp?) was getting brought into town and it was like a 5minute scene of her screaming... Shut up. This wouldn't of annoyed me if every moment of their interaction would of been like this but it wasn't. At other times they were completely calm and accepting of the situation.
3. While the first chapter was a slight 'info dump' it actually worked out in the end. For this being the first book in a series, we were fed information about their world in a way I could actually stand and in a way that actually made sense which was a welcome change to the general 'first book info dump'.
4. The pace of the main relationship was excellent. More and more in PNR's I find myself getting annoyed at how fast they seem to go with the main relationship but for this book it was near enough perfect. Even though it did happen quite quickly time-wise, in the book itfelt like much longer and it was totally believable.
5. I also like the pace of the friendships in the book. The acceptance of Ashlyn by the Lords was truly believable.
6. I really didn't like Anya. I mean, I knew there was going to have to be some sort of way to end it and it was cutting it close to really bring in a whole load of explanation and 'way out clause' but Anya felt rushed. Hopefully we'll get to know her!
Overall this is a really great book, but I thought it definitely had its flaws, especially in terms of writing.
2. WHY SO DRAMATIC? I know you're in a house full of demons that could kill you within a second but like, must you have a giant break down every damn second?! This was especially true in the scene where Dannika (sp?) was getting brought into town and it was like a 5minute scene of her screaming... Shut up. This wouldn't of annoyed me if every moment of their interaction would of been like this but it wasn't. At other times they were completely calm and accepting of the situation.
3. While the first chapter was a slight 'info dump' it actually worked out in the end. For this being the first book in a series, we were fed information about their world in a way I could actually stand and in a way that actually made sense which was a welcome change to the general 'first book info dump'.
4. The pace of the main relationship was excellent. More and more in PNR's I find myself getting annoyed at how fast they seem to go with the main relationship but for this book it was near enough perfect. Even though it did happen quite quickly time-wise, in the book itfelt like much longer and it was totally believable.
5. I also like the pace of the friendships in the book. The acceptance of Ashlyn by the Lords was truly believable.
6. I really didn't like Anya. I mean, I knew there was going to have to be some sort of way to end it and it was cutting it close to really bring in a whole load of explanation and 'way out clause' but Anya felt rushed. Hopefully we'll get to know her!
Overall this is a really great book, but I thought it definitely had its flaws, especially in terms of writing.
Maddox and Ashlyn fell in love way too quickly with few shared experiences and little in common. The dues ex machina ending is a cheap trick that completely robs the story of any real drama.
dark
emotional
tense
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
The Darkest Night
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Ashlyn Darrow is afflicted with the ability to hear the voices of past conversations. In an attempt to end her nightmare, she seeks out a group of men rumored to possess supernatural abilities. What she finds is the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors possessed by the demon spirits they willfully released from Pandora's box. Ashlyn is soon swept away by her attraction to Maddox, the warrior who holds Violence within, and must cope not only with the passion he ignites but with external forces bent on destroying the only family she has ever known.
Review
Disclaimer: Began this book a few month ago when I first started reading paranormal romance and couldn't get into it. So, this is my second attempt at reading the book and overall, I am pleased that I gave it another chance.
The Darkest Night suffers from first book syndrome - it is slow to start and there is an overabundance of exposition. Moreover, the details of the world building are forced rather than being allowed to unfold naturally. Nevertheless, the mythology meshes well within the plot and the take on Pandora's box is original and intriguing.
The focus of the book is the developing relationship between Maddox and Ashlyn. While they are a compelling couple with intense chemistry, it is only toward the end that the action heats up and a bigger story line begins to appear. Ashlyn is a likeable heroine - she definitely holds her own without being too kick ass and does not wait around to be rescued by her "tarnished prince". Maddox is tortured, sexy and possessive but never feels the need to walk all over the heroine (not that she would let him). The manner in which his personal curse is resolved and how he comes to terms with the demon inside him are highlights of the story.
Regarding the secondary characters, the other LOTUs are appealing in their own right, although the angst and aggression that characterizes their interaction is contrived and overdone. The villain is very one-dimensional and there is very little indication that he constitutes any real threat. Anya, the warriors dubious ally, is especially intriguing and I look forward to discovering her true motives.
Despite its problems, the basic concept of tormented warriors seeking forgiveness, redemption and love is very appealing and I will continue reading the series.
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Ashlyn Darrow is afflicted with the ability to hear the voices of past conversations. In an attempt to end her nightmare, she seeks out a group of men rumored to possess supernatural abilities. What she finds is the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors possessed by the demon spirits they willfully released from Pandora's box. Ashlyn is soon swept away by her attraction to Maddox, the warrior who holds Violence within, and must cope not only with the passion he ignites but with external forces bent on destroying the only family she has ever known.
Review
Disclaimer: Began this book a few month ago when I first started reading paranormal romance and couldn't get into it. So, this is my second attempt at reading the book and overall, I am pleased that I gave it another chance.
The Darkest Night suffers from first book syndrome - it is slow to start and there is an overabundance of exposition. Moreover, the details of the world building are forced rather than being allowed to unfold naturally. Nevertheless, the mythology meshes well within the plot and the take on Pandora's box is original and intriguing.
The focus of the book is the developing relationship between Maddox and Ashlyn. While they are a compelling couple with intense chemistry, it is only toward the end that the action heats up and a bigger story line begins to appear. Ashlyn is a likeable heroine - she definitely holds her own without being too kick ass and does not wait around to be rescued by her "tarnished prince". Maddox is tortured, sexy and possessive but never feels the need to walk all over the heroine (not that she would let him). The manner in which his personal curse is resolved and how he comes to terms with the demon inside him are highlights of the story.
Regarding the secondary characters, the other LOTUs are appealing in their own right, although the angst and aggression that characterizes their interaction is contrived and overdone. The villain is very one-dimensional and there is very little indication that he constitutes any real threat. Anya, the warriors dubious ally, is especially intriguing and I look forward to discovering her true motives.
Despite its problems, the basic concept of tormented warriors seeking forgiveness, redemption and love is very appealing and I will continue reading the series.
This book was ridiculous. I mean that in kind of a good way...but yeah...ridiculous.