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sarina_langer's review
5.0
Having devoured Lee's debut novel last year I was really excited to get my hands on the sequel. And it delivered! Book 2 was every bit as thrilling, with new plot twists and new fascinating developments - and, of course, new cliffhangers setting up Book 3 - but no spoilers there ;)
Come to me, she whispered, and the fireflies in her eyes took flight.
The focus at the beginning is on Clove's little group; however, previous POVs still made plenty of appearances, too, which gave a brilliant overview over (almost) everything that's going on. I especially loved Moth's and Teal's POVs. Both boys really came into their own in this sequel and it was great to see just how much they developed over the course of the story.
There were also a few new characters who brought with them an interesting look into vampire politics!
I shuddered, the sensation running down my spine like the edge of a fingernail. My vision blurred and I blinked back tears, but I wasn't sure if I was crying for what I had lost or what I had found.
Speaking of Moth and Teal, their character development was a personal highlight. We already knew a few things about them from Book 1, but this time we really got to know them and I loved watching them cope with all the new developments throughout. They are two very different boys who added a lot of depths to the plot. There were some fascinating facts about Teal which were revealed slowly as the plot progressed, and seeing Moth slowly open up was wonderful. For most of the book all I wanted was for Moth and Gabriel to get together and adopt Teal, because they'd make such a beautiful family! <3 Honestly, I can't think of one character in Lee's books I don't like.
The writing was another highlight. Lee's style is beautiful, and I found more quotes than I usually do - hence why I've chosen to include three rather than the usual two.
Something shifted deep inside him. Moth wasn't prepared to lose another brother. If they went down, they would all do it together.
There's everything to love about A Shining in the Shadows, and I can't think of one aspect I didn't enjoy. If you're looking for a gothic urban fantasy with demons, vampires, and ancient magic (and why wouldn't you? That sounds awesome!) I can't recommend this book enough. It has everything you could want, and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
Come to me, she whispered, and the fireflies in her eyes took flight.
The focus at the beginning is on Clove's little group; however, previous POVs still made plenty of appearances, too, which gave a brilliant overview over (almost) everything that's going on. I especially loved Moth's and Teal's POVs. Both boys really came into their own in this sequel and it was great to see just how much they developed over the course of the story.
There were also a few new characters who brought with them an interesting look into vampire politics!
I shuddered, the sensation running down my spine like the edge of a fingernail. My vision blurred and I blinked back tears, but I wasn't sure if I was crying for what I had lost or what I had found.
Speaking of Moth and Teal, their character development was a personal highlight. We already knew a few things about them from Book 1, but this time we really got to know them and I loved watching them cope with all the new developments throughout. They are two very different boys who added a lot of depths to the plot. There were some fascinating facts about Teal which were revealed slowly as the plot progressed, and seeing Moth slowly open up was wonderful. For most of the book all I wanted was for Moth and Gabriel to get together and adopt Teal, because they'd make such a beautiful family! <3 Honestly, I can't think of one character in Lee's books I don't like.
The writing was another highlight. Lee's style is beautiful, and I found more quotes than I usually do - hence why I've chosen to include three rather than the usual two.
Something shifted deep inside him. Moth wasn't prepared to lose another brother. If they went down, they would all do it together.
There's everything to love about A Shining in the Shadows, and I can't think of one aspect I didn't enjoy. If you're looking for a gothic urban fantasy with demons, vampires, and ancient magic (and why wouldn't you? That sounds awesome!) I can't recommend this book enough. It has everything you could want, and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
allygrove's review against another edition
5.0
I realized I never reviewed this on my first read. I honestly don't even know where to start with why you should read this book but you need to. Lee weaves a dark tale with complex characters. Vampires aren't sparkly, romantic characters but gritty and real. Family, loyalty and love run deep through this story; it just grabs your heart and holds on. If you fancy a gripping vampire tale you really need to read about Gabriel, Teal and Moth. The writing is fast paced and pulls the reader in. I give it 5 plus stars .
fae_princess_in_space's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
pbanditp's review
5.0
“I’m working on being at one with the night, a shadow of a shadow. Because sometimes I feel like the dark is my only friend.” -Gabriel
Book two of the Gabriel Davenport trilogy brought me back to a beautiful gothic world that have missed. Vampires, ghosts, demons and witches add to the excitement that I could not stop reading. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the story and the predicaments that the characters were in. I brought this book everywhere with me because I wanted to read with every chance I got. Beverley brings the tension in this one with her elegant and sensual writing style.
Being book two I won’t give any type of summary because it would spoil book one. I can’t wait to start book three.
Book two of the Gabriel Davenport trilogy brought me back to a beautiful gothic world that have missed. Vampires, ghosts, demons and witches add to the excitement that I could not stop reading. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the story and the predicaments that the characters were in. I brought this book everywhere with me because I wanted to read with every chance I got. Beverley brings the tension in this one with her elegant and sensual writing style.
Being book two I won’t give any type of summary because it would spoil book one. I can’t wait to start book three.
ruth_miranda's review
5.0
What else can I say, other than Beverley Lee has not disapointed. After being utterly smacked in the face and swept away by The Making of Gabriel Davenport, I expected nothing short of another sublime read from the lady, and have not been let down at all. If in the previous instalment I found myself drawn to Clove, this book had me longing to delve further into Moth, Gabe, but mostly Teal. I wanted all the secrets to come out into the light, they did not, which has made me hungrier for more, of course. If I had disregarded the two vampire boys in the first book, I found them impossible to ignore in this second novel on the series, they are bigger than life, and shine brighter than the brightest of stars. That is one of the things Ms. Lee excells at, her characters won't leave you indifferent, and they're so well designed, the weaving of who they are is so fine, so rich, so intense, and yet... you're constantly hungry for more, asking yourself who are they, really, what is their story, what is their past... and what will their future be. You cannot fail to care for them, and even when they are meant to be loathed, you will, but if anything like me, you'll constantly wonder why, why are they so detestable, what has made them this, who turned them into that. Superbly done, the characters simply enter you and refuse to leave.
I was left hanging on air, the fate of my favourite character unknown, and cannot wait to get my hands on the final - no, how can it be the last one??? - book of the series, wishing to see all my questions finally answered, secretly longing that I'm left with still too many questions, maybe Ms. Lee will grant us one more story where we get to hang with Clove, Gabe, Moth and Teal again...
One amazing read.
I was left hanging on air, the fate of my favourite character unknown, and cannot wait to get my hands on the final - no, how can it be the last one??? - book of the series, wishing to see all my questions finally answered, secretly longing that I'm left with still too many questions, maybe Ms. Lee will grant us one more story where we get to hang with Clove, Gabe, Moth and Teal again...
One amazing read.
julie_embleton's review
5.0
Gabriel Davenport emerges from the shadows, struggling to survive in a world where every day is a fight for survival. When his mentor, Clove, goes missing, Gabriel and his friends learn the truth hiding in the shadows of the vampire underworld.
The second book in this gripping series holds attention just as firmly as the first. I don't want to reveal plot spoilers, but let me tell you, there really is no time to catch your breath with A Shining in the Shadows. The pace moves at a clip which kept me playing the 'just one more chapter' game with myself. Familiar faces from book one return, but Lee also introduces new characters which keeps the story fresh, something that can often lack in sequels.
My lasting impression of this book is the theme of hope. The lives of Manor Hall's inhabitants have been irrevocably altered following the end of book one, but even in its darkest moments, hope is a beacon. Clove is one of those rare characters who fully formed for me within just a few pages. His adversary, D'Grey, the same. Lee bounces them off each other with perfection, each one of their interactions so much fun to read, despite how creepy and lecherous D'Grey is. With a host of new backdrops, and a return to the comfort of Manor Hall, A Shining in the Shadows builds so beautifully on its predecessor, and once again gallops to a fantastic climax which left it impossible not to jump straight into the final book immediately.
The second book in this gripping series holds attention just as firmly as the first. I don't want to reveal plot spoilers, but let me tell you, there really is no time to catch your breath with A Shining in the Shadows. The pace moves at a clip which kept me playing the 'just one more chapter' game with myself. Familiar faces from book one return, but Lee also introduces new characters which keeps the story fresh, something that can often lack in sequels.
My lasting impression of this book is the theme of hope. The lives of Manor Hall's inhabitants have been irrevocably altered following the end of book one, but even in its darkest moments, hope is a beacon. Clove is one of those rare characters who fully formed for me within just a few pages. His adversary, D'Grey, the same. Lee bounces them off each other with perfection, each one of their interactions so much fun to read, despite how creepy and lecherous D'Grey is. With a host of new backdrops, and a return to the comfort of Manor Hall, A Shining in the Shadows builds so beautifully on its predecessor, and once again gallops to a fantastic climax which left it impossible not to jump straight into the final book immediately.
fairestskyebooks's review
5.0
Gabriel Davenport's life has not been a restful one. In this second installment of horror and mystery, Gabe is learning how to function in his new world. He's got 'brothers' and a mentor to keep happy and his place to figure out.
Things aren't going to be easy, but he's a smart guy and willing to put his all into the effort,
despite the pull toward his old life and friends.
But the darkness, the evil, that took him and others isn't gone, it's been waiting. With an upheaval in the vampire world and talks of hunting and 'cleansing' Gabriel and his new family are on the move.
From the moors of England to a small tourist village by the sea they are seeking safety and answers. But are they just falling into a well crafted trap? How can he, so new to this life, be of any help especially when the old life and new collide?
Beverley has once again written a novel that keeps you on tenterhooks. The transition from the first book was so smooth, effortlessly flowing into this sequel without a hiccup or feeling of loosing any of the story. The relationships so engrossing and real, the horror as creepy as a clown covered in snakes and spitting scorpions, the mystery, myth, and magic are just 'can't stop reading' amazing! I am so happy that I was given the privilege to read this book from the author before publication (for my honest review, of course).
Yes, I do feel smug.
And happy.
And like I need the next book now!
If you like the things that go bump in the nigh: witches, vampires, demons and myth, along with fascinating and diverse characters, and a plot that twists like a knife, I say go get the first book, 'The Making of Gabriel Davenport' and pre-order this gorgeous sequel ASAP! You will not be disappointed.
Things aren't going to be easy, but he's a smart guy and willing to put his all into the effort,
despite the pull toward his old life and friends.
But the darkness, the evil, that took him and others isn't gone, it's been waiting. With an upheaval in the vampire world and talks of hunting and 'cleansing' Gabriel and his new family are on the move.
From the moors of England to a small tourist village by the sea they are seeking safety and answers. But are they just falling into a well crafted trap? How can he, so new to this life, be of any help especially when the old life and new collide?
Beverley has once again written a novel that keeps you on tenterhooks. The transition from the first book was so smooth, effortlessly flowing into this sequel without a hiccup or feeling of loosing any of the story. The relationships so engrossing and real, the horror as creepy as a clown covered in snakes and spitting scorpions, the mystery, myth, and magic are just 'can't stop reading' amazing! I am so happy that I was given the privilege to read this book from the author before publication (for my honest review, of course).
Yes, I do feel smug.
And happy.
And like I need the next book now!
If you like the things that go bump in the nigh: witches, vampires, demons and myth, along with fascinating and diverse characters, and a plot that twists like a knife, I say go get the first book, 'The Making of Gabriel Davenport' and pre-order this gorgeous sequel ASAP! You will not be disappointed.
booksies_booksies's review
5.0
I absolutely love this book! I read The Making of Gabriel Davenport, and immediately started in on this one. Part way through, I realized it would be a while before the third book in the series comes out, so I limited myself to only reading this on Saturday nights. I did not want it to end!! I have little self-control though, and totally binged on this last night, reading until after 4am. This is the only vampire series I have ever enjoyed, and I'm counting the days until book 3 comes out and I can dive back in!
unitedcakedom's review
5.0
The second installment of The Gabriel Davenport series - to start I enjoyed this one way more then the first and the first book was really good! I think that I enjoyed it more was because we already know the characters and in this one we get to see them grow and adapt to their current situation, which is still precarious and somewhat dangerous (very understated) as Gabriel is being hunted by the very thing he escaped as a baby, but this time it's wearing a new face.
All our favorite characters are back and although they are all damaged they are carrying on and coping as best anyone could. Looking foward to seeing how our author wraps the series up!!
All our favorite characters are back and although they are all damaged they are carrying on and coping as best anyone could. Looking foward to seeing how our author wraps the series up!!
morticia_59's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0