Reviews

A Darkness Absolute: A Rockton Thriller by Kelley Armstrong

cdbaker's review against another edition

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4.0

I like this series.

universalbookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a very face paced read with a satisfying ending that I did not see coming. There was plenty of character development, and relationship woes, for both Eric and Casey. Also, we learned more about some of the council's best kept secrets, and their manipulative ways.

What most impressed me about this book was Armstrong's attention to detail in writing about sensitive topics. There is no victim blaming, or shaming, and she paints a fairly realistic portrayal of how these subjects are misunderstood by using certain characters as mouth pieces to represent these typical reactions.

caszriel's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 Stars

Initial thoughts: Ahh I loved it so much! CASEY AND ERIC, goals! I don't really have anything to say, rather, rant so I'll just leave you here until I type up my review :)
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When stuck in a storm, Casey and Will find a girl, trapped in a cave for over a year. As they work to find who the perpetrator is, stories mix up and red herrings lie everywhere. In order to separate fallacies from truth Casey must take a look into the darkness, but she may not like the look of the face which stares back at her...

City of the Lost created a lot of interest and paths for future stories, one of such is in A Darkness Absolute. Developments made in the last book carry over and for some events, I am eternally grateful to City of the Lost. However now that the introductory stage is truly finished, proper explorations of Rockton can begin.

There's that's two paragraphs I just accomplished! Hopefully they act as a cushion for what comes next, because I certainly can't write any more without gushing about Eric and Casey. I love them so much, as individuals and as a couple because they work as a perfect team even with disagreements, and rather than feeding the other's insecurities they strengthen each other with their love. Mathias is really brought to my attention in this book and I must say, he fascinates me. Diana might've earned a teensy amount of my respect, but it's too early to say. As for Isabel? The woman will always attract my curiosity.

A Darkness Absolute is certainly very climactic, with high levels of drama all the way through. Personally I didn't get bored at any stage of the book, although that might just have been me and my obsession with everything Kelley Armstrong and thrillers driving my interest. One of the most effective things about this book is how instead of deliberating between a few suspects, we actually had no clue who did it. Mistaken identity and horrible but innocent characters certainly had a part to play in this mind twisting, genius of a thriller. Trust me; you don't want to miss it.

oramayjutila's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

stiney7887's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

rebeccas_readingnook's review against another edition

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4.0

Kelley Armstrong does it again with yet another thriller. I loved every word of this book. This series is yet another one by her to add to my top favorites. Cannot wait to continue reading the next books to come!

hgranger's review against another edition

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4.0

Another excellent installment. Good mystery, Casey is still great, and the characters are developing in interesting and multifaceted ways. The creepy atmosphere of the small town in dead of winter in the middle of nowhere is very well written as well.

ashnight's review against another edition

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5.0

Great detective story. Also very funny reference and sayings. Was a very good twist and makes me want more.

canadianbookaddict's review against another edition

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4.0

Kelley Armstrong is one of my favourite authors so of course I read this book.
This book is absolutely fantastic. Well written and got me hooked.

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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4.0

A Darkness Absolute
4 Stars

When Casey Duncan stumbles across a young woman imprisoned in a cave, she more fully comprehends that the seemingly quiet and tranquil settlement of Rockton conceals a darker and more sinister side of human nature.

Unlike the first installment in the series, which was slow to start, the action in A Darkness Absolute begins immediately and the story progresses and a rapid and gripping pace.

Casey is a more appealing heroine now that she has settled in in Rockton and her relationship with the sexy sheriff, Eric Dalton, is on a more even keel. There is also development in the characterization of the other Rockton residents, and those who seemed abrasive at first are becoming more likeable.

The serial killer mystery is on the predictable side and there is a moment when it becomes more than obvious who the culprit is. That said, the ultimate climax and resolution of the case are satisfying.

Therese Plummer's narration of the audiobook is excellent. She has distinct male and female voices, and her intonation rachetts up the suspense at appropriate moments.

All in all, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to spending more time in Rockton.