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A review by theswordandthesea
The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller
4.25
Thanks to Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for the audio ARC. :)
This was even more fun than the first in the series! I haven't enjoyed YA this much in a while, but Tricia Levenseller gets it right. You've heard of grumpy sunshine but have you heard of grumpy grumpy? The enemies-to-lovers vibes are strong - these two loathe each other instantly.
"I don't want love and happiness. I want freedom."
With Chrysantha, I was getting strong Nesta vibes the entire time - she will do whatever it takes to get the power and peace she wants, love reading, & flirts via insult.
"Are you saying you would kill that man for me?"
Then there's Eryx, who arrives grumpy and mysterious but ultimately provides a delightful gender-swapped My Fair Lady moment. My Fair Duke? Chyrsantha making him suitable for public consumption was one of my favorite parts of the book.
This series is very trope-y but in a way that seems intentional and part of the fun. For a young adult audience, it's a perfect introduction to classic romance tropes, while staying appropriate for the age level since the only on-the-page spice is a kissing scene. Everything else is fade-to-black. The narration was seamless, clear, and lovely. Caitlin Davies delivers a great performance.
Basically, this series is pure fun and I hope there will be more of it!
This was even more fun than the first in the series! I haven't enjoyed YA this much in a while, but Tricia Levenseller gets it right. You've heard of grumpy sunshine but have you heard of grumpy grumpy? The enemies-to-lovers vibes are strong - these two loathe each other instantly.
"I don't want love and happiness. I want freedom."
With Chrysantha, I was getting strong Nesta vibes the entire time - she will do whatever it takes to get the power and peace she wants, love reading, & flirts via insult.
"Are you saying you would kill that man for me?"
Then there's Eryx, who arrives grumpy and mysterious but ultimately provides a delightful gender-swapped My Fair Lady moment. My Fair Duke? Chyrsantha making him suitable for public consumption was one of my favorite parts of the book.
This series is very trope-y but in a way that seems intentional and part of the fun. For a young adult audience, it's a perfect introduction to classic romance tropes, while staying appropriate for the age level since the only on-the-page spice is a kissing scene. Everything else is fade-to-black. The narration was seamless, clear, and lovely. Caitlin Davies delivers a great performance.
Basically, this series is pure fun and I hope there will be more of it!