Reviews

Darker Days by Jus Accardo

birdloveranne's review

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I enjoyed the opening zombie killing scenes. After that, no. I read about three chapters altogether. While I can enjoy reading some teenager books, this one was not for me.

1madchild's review

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3.0

eh.not my favorite

katetj's review

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5.0

More reviews can be found at my blog: Nomalicious Reads

Jessie Darker, is another great kick-ass heroine that Jus Accardo has cooked up for all of us. I must say for everyone who is a big fan of Accardo's Denazen series, Darker Days does have all the amazing unique things I love about Jus's writing, although don't go in expecting Jessie to be just like Dez... because she isn't. But I'm not saying that in a bad way. Both girls are awesome, and both are different, just as they're meant to be.

But that doesn't make me love Darker Days any less. Jessie although badass, isn't as rough around the edges as our lovable Dez is. I didn't want to compare the books, because I hate doing that but I thought that Jessie was just an interesting comparison compared to Dez and I'm looking forward to reading more of both worlds and especially other characters that Jus will create in the future.

I want to compare Kale and Lukas too, I'm sure everyone already has but I can't help myself, both are equally delicious. I love how they both can be completely bad-ass, yet sexy and completely clueless to some of the rules of society in the same way. Kale obviously is a bit more oblivious to the ways of the world since he practically grew up in lock down. Lucas on the other hand is from a completely different time and would be considered a gentleman - which I'm sure that Jessie, as well as myself love but wishes he wasn't so 'gentlemanly' at times.

Okay enough comparing, time to talk about the book itself.

I love detective stories, so when I read the synopsis and discovered its a detective paranormal agency I was excited. Everything about the book was unique. I swear no one in the YA industry can write a book about a teenage detective without people scoffing and thinking about Veronica Mars and then comparing the book closely to the popular teen hit while they read. I've been guilty of doing this in the past and I'm happy to say that this didn't happen at all while I read Darker Days, maybe it was because of the paranormal aspect but once I started reading it didn't cross my mind at all until I was finished.

The only thing that made me a bit apprehensive about reading Darker Days was the mention of the seven deadly sins, but I shouldn't have worried at all. It was very well done and I really enjoyed what crazy antics the different sins brought to the table.

I thought the creative way that Jus used demons was great and I can't wait to find out more about different demons, and the ones we already know in the next book... things will clearly get a little crazy with everything that happened in the end.

I recommend Darker Days to all Jus Accardo fans and especially to readers who haven't picked up Denazen series, this book is definitely worth checking out for all paranormal YA lovers out there.

staceyhust88's review

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2.0

Jus Accardo you have disappointed me!

I LOVE the Denazen series so when I heard about this book I was sooo excited for another awesomely snarky female lead. Unfortunately it fell flat. Don't get me wrong it's an okay book but my expectations were so high going in that I can't get over my disappointment. Jessie Darker was snarky but not in a good way and it was hard to get over her obvious lust/insta love for Lukas. More than anything Jessie just flat out annoyed me.

I also had a hard time going along with the story. At times it seemed like the story was moving unrealistically fast and other times it drug on. There was plenty going on and a lot of unexpected realizations but I just wanted it to be so much more. The ending was the only time I got really into the book but I still don't think I will read the next one.

My advice to you is if you are familiar with Accardo don't go in expecting anything, rather have an open mind so that maybe you will have a better chance of enjoying the book.

heather4994's review

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4.0

You are going to love this one! Jessie Darker is one fast talking, sarcastic, tough paranormal butt kicking heroine. She has an almost constant inner dialogue going on that is smart and funny, commenting on what she sees, does, hears, until you get to know her inside and out. She's got a great relationship with her mother. She knows her mother's looks and how to diffuse her anger. And her mother can read Jessie like a book. Though I am nothing like Jessie, I could definitely identify with her and loved her opinions about life and high school boys and love. She is a character I am going to love to learn more about!

This is a paranormal book, a hard thing to find with all the contemporaries flooding the market these days. It's a breath of fresh air to read something fun and light with a new mythology-demons. I haven't read many demon books so I don't have a lot of built up knowledge about the world. I thought it was pretty easy to follow with a little bit of a twist at the end that made it really interesting.

I enjoyed the novel, it's light and entertaining. No heavy stuff, lots of laughs, crazy good metaphors. Jus Accardo's writing is lean without being dry. The characters that we care about for this story are developed just enough that we understand them and want to stick around to read more about them.
Highly recommended for lover's of YA Paranormal with romance.

cupcakegirly's review

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3.0

3.75 Stars. http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/15591-darker-days-the-darker-agency

jezzebelljc's review

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5.0

Sinfully Fun and In-Your-Face Action

I read the first chapter and had to know more right away! What I thought was going to be a cute supernatural-filled read turned into a high-powered, tilt-a-whirl sundae with OH MY toppings.

The Good


It was even better than the first chapter had me so excited for. I met a girl that's strong and stubborn working for an investigation agency with her mom. One fabulous thing about this story that I don't see often is that her mom is a large part of her life. She tries to set Jessie on the bench during the hard cases to keep her safe, but Jessie's too stubborn for that. I love seeing this caring mother though. Jessie's father plays the role of absent parent, and his story, even how it's revealed in bits, is incredibly interesting.

Lukas is by far my favorite character besides Jessie. He is the storm that rolls in and blows their town to smithereens. Handsome, charming, a bit naive, and great back-up, he brings the problem to their doorstep, but stays through thick and thin to get the mess cleared up.

The story and the writing are absolutely spectacular! I didn't want to put this one down for a minute. The whole concept of the Seven Deadly Sins being personified and snatching bodies was unique and exhilarating, then Jessie and her mom having such a small deadline to be up against to save the innocents kept the pace action-packed. There are epic twists, turns, and reveals within the pages of Darker Days.

The Bad

None - yep that's right. I don't remember one negative thing with this book. Even the cover is pretty!

The Romance

The romance is very YA and cute to read. Jessie and Lukas make an adorable pair. Lukas is amazingly good, handsome, and old-fashioned. Jessie needs an old-fashioned guy. She's a little rough around the edges and he helps smooth them out. I like seeing the two of them together.

There is an attempted rape to watch out for.

Conclusion

Wow! Talk about an ending! How could you do that to me Accardo? Smack me with the feels and make me get all invested and emotional? What a roller-coaster ride and cliff jump at the same time, but in a good way! This story should thrill any paranormal and urban fantasy fan. Jessie may be a YA character, but there is not a lot of the YA annoyances that may turn adult readers off. Darker Days has some great supernaturals, action galore, topsy-turvy twists, and a story-line that I must see continued in a second installment! Absolutely recommended.

emilyanne3000's review

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4.0

Darker Days by Jus Accardo was such an amazing book! After reading the synopsis, I knew the story would be right up my alley, yet the tale and, in particular, the characters, were more intriguing and laugh-inducing than I had previously hoped. The Darker Agency and family will certainly give the reader a grand adventure. Also, isn't the title clever?

Jessie Darker was, in my opinion, a great, and awesomely sarcastic, narrator. I know some would find her many snarky/silly comments annoying, but once in a while I need an entertaining character like her in a story. She is kind of quirky, although that could be blamed on her mom. For instance, Jessie's punishment for misbehaving is a "soggy zombie". So yeah, she is far from the average kid, yet she in never mopes or "wishes to be normal" like most heroines in paranormal books. That fact alone earned Darker Days serious bonus points in my book.

I also loved the family dynamics in Darker Days. Guess what? They all get along like a normal family despite the many paranormal interferences! The parents love their daughter, and vice versa. And both parents are alive! My favorite character in the book, was, funnily enough, Jessie's mom. I really want to know her story as the bits we get are extremely interesting.

The story was also creative. The way the Seven Sins worked, and the addition of other paranormal creatures, created a plot that was not cliche or predictable. Also, the length of the book was perfect. There were great action sequences and just enough time for a budding romance. Speaking of the romance... I LOVED it! The love interest was just right for Jessie, although I may have to admit I am a little jealous that she took him for herself. What do you mean she doesn't know I exist? She still should have let me have him! Anyway, the love interest, Lukas, is from like, a hundred years ago,which makes him adorable! I mean, he is formal and says funny things for the 21st century. Also, a lot of things are new to him, which is kind of cute to watch... (read? imagine?)

Overall, Darker Days. is an amazingly entertaining read. I would highly recommend this novel for book lovers looking for a light, cutesy paranormal story. I can honestly say there was nothing in this book I disliked. If Darker Days had any faults, they were overlooked in favor of the overall awesomeness! Also, I am anxiously looking forward to the next book.

mlboyd20's review

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4.0

I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of her book for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this book. Honestly, I don’t remember requesting to read it for review, but it was provided to me so I did and I’m glad I did. This book is takes the entire bad boy, good girl theme and provides tons of twists and turns that will have you amazed that you actually were able to follow along.

The Seven Deadly Sins are given a new life in this book. They are given substance that I never would have ever considered done and the author does it without seeming to blink an eye. The reader is tossed into the turmoil created by the sins and Wrath is given an even more structure to it. I’m not one for book boyfriends, but Lukas is definitely a hot commodity that is worth the effort and Jessie’s dad seemed quite a Dave Navarro look alike, yum!

What I didn’t like is that there times when there is just too much going on. Trying to sketch out the scene in your mind was just too hard because of all the action going on while trying to figure out which sin was causing the commotion and how to get it to stop. That’s about all that I didn’t like. The characters themselves were strong. I could see Jessie in the match up with some of the other contemporary paranormal book females and kicking their ass’s one right after the other.

I recommend this to ages 15+ due to some subject matter and violence. Anyone who likes a good paranormal thriller mixed with romance and chaos would welcome this into their reading lists and finish wanting more.

limabean74's review

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4.0

The Darker Days by Jus Accardo is a fun read. Love the characters and it has a bunch of awesome bad guys. I must say I really enjoyed The Darker Days, the story was fantastic and it is a unique YA Paranormal Romance. The story centers on Jessie Darker, she is such a great character and totally my favorite character, she has great one-liners and I found myself giggling a few times at the stuff she said. She just wants to be a "normal" teen but it's really hard when you are dealing with zombies, ghosts, and possessed people and pets. The handsome Lukas Scott is a new client who really needs the Darker Agencies help. I realIy thought the chemistry between Lukas and Jessie was great. I wanted it to work out for them. I loved the twists the book took and I have to say the possessed dog was such a great character :) All the characters in the book were very well written even the bad guys were awesome.

Seven sins, six innocent people, five days

Jessie and Her mom Klaire Darker are the owners of The Darker Agency a company that helps people with certain paranormal problems the average person doesn't notice. They are hired by Lukas Scott to find a box that contains the 7 deadly sins that are now on the loose. They have 5 days to put them back but they have a witch to deal with and she isn't what she seems. The sin possess a bunch of people and cause complete chaos in the town of Penance but something isn't right and it appears that this is a lot deeper than they all thought. With lives on the line can they stop the sins or are they doomed to roam the earth forever.

I gave Darker Days 4/5 stars it is a fun read and I recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun book with a kick ass heroine with good dose of humor. This is my first book from Author Jus Accardo and I can't wait to read more from her. Really looking forward to the next book in his series.

See all my reviews at love2readalways.blogspot.com