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A review by amybraunauthor
A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard
5.0
Talk about a dark sequel! Dennard picks up a short while after the previous novel left off, and our poor hero Eleanor simply unable to catch a break. Seriously, so much goes wrong for this poor girl, which leads to a few light hearted moments or tender scenes down the line that really make you feel for her later in the book.
I loved the introduction of more supernatural elements and creatures, which added to the danger and terror of adventure. I had a tricky time pinning down who the main villain would be, and it wasn't who I expected! The action is bigger, stronger, and far more brutal for our heroes. I was literally reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next.
Yet the core of this story is the characters. Eleanor becomes more layered and complex, with darkness and magic twisting her soul, yet you still feel sympathy for her. I also felt a lot for Oliver, the mysterious young man who helps turn her life upside down and adds a connection to Eleanor's past. While Jie was a little more absent than I wanted (it's important to the story, and honestly I just miss the girl), which leads Daniel and Joseph to take more prominent roles. I was glad to see them both, but they were definitely pushing my buttons at some points with how they treated poor Eleanor.
All of this culminates in an explosive finale that leaves unanswered questions and suspense and leaves me wanting more. I'm super excited to read the last book in this thrilling action-fantasy-horror-historical-mashup!
I loved the introduction of more supernatural elements and creatures, which added to the danger and terror of adventure. I had a tricky time pinning down who the main villain would be, and it wasn't who I expected! The action is bigger, stronger, and far more brutal for our heroes. I was literally reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next.
Yet the core of this story is the characters. Eleanor becomes more layered and complex, with darkness and magic twisting her soul, yet you still feel sympathy for her. I also felt a lot for Oliver, the mysterious young man who helps turn her life upside down and adds a connection to Eleanor's past. While Jie was a little more absent than I wanted (it's important to the story, and honestly I just miss the girl), which leads Daniel and Joseph to take more prominent roles. I was glad to see them both, but they were definitely pushing my buttons at some points with how they treated poor Eleanor.
All of this culminates in an explosive finale that leaves unanswered questions and suspense and leaves me wanting more. I'm super excited to read the last book in this thrilling action-fantasy-horror-historical-mashup!