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Monday, December 21, 2009

Review: Darklight by Lesley Livingston




Title: Darklight
Author: Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: 12/22/2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Fae, Theater, Shakespeare, Love, Family
Pages: 320
Plot (from GoodReads):
Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.


I liked Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston, but I loved Darklight! Since most of the background story was introduced in the first novel, readers were able to jump right into the action with the second book.

In this novel, readers are able to explore some of the minor characters from Wondrous Strange to a further degree. I enjoyed reading more about Kelley’s parents, Bob (Puck), Fennrys, and the Autumn and Spring Courts of Faerie. Fennrys, one of Sonny’s fellow Janus guards, plays a larger, more integral role than he did in the first installment. Some readers will find his presence maddening, but I enjoyed the discord he caused; I felt that it added an interesting element. I have a feeling Fennrys will be making another appearance in the third novel, as there were some loose ends left.

Kelley and Sonny’s love sparkled in Darklight. Since they were separated during the time between the end of Wondrous Strange and the beginning of Darklight, there was plenty of tension every time they saw one another again. While I always want my favorite characters to end up together in the end, I love when they have issues getting to that point. Not only does it make their story more interesting, it makes their story one I can actually relate to. In Darklight, Sonny and Kelley’s relationship still shines bright, but there are some darker undertones of jealousy and distrust.

The action in Darklight was well written and engaging. Livingston does a great job writing sinister characters, like the Leprechauns found in the novel. Not only are they not the cliche you imagine them to be, they’re better.

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

A major secret is revealed near the end of Darklight, leading to a shocking conclusion. I was left anxious for the next book and the continuation of Sonny and Kelley’s story. I can only imagine that the third book will be a page-turner as well!

Read my interview with Lesley, here, in which she discusses her released novels, future novels, and other various things! Then go here to win a signed copy of DARKLIGHT!


19 comments:

  1. ooh you've got me excited...socking conclusions--how intriguing

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  2. great review, sounds like a great read :)

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  3. Ohhh. I haven't read Wondrous Strange yet, so I really shouldn't have read this review *bad me*. Buuut, you've encouraged me to go read Wondrous Strange because Darklight sounds so good! I guess spoiling myself has it's advantages. Great review! :D

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  4. Do you think the book could be read out of order?! Just wondering.. I really want to read Darklight and Wondrous Strange, sounds so good! :)

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  5. I need to read Wondrous Strange. I have been meaning to buy it, but I keep on getting side-tracked by vampires instead of fairies. - Parajunkee

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  6. I just won a copy of Wondrous Strange. I can't wait to read it so I can go on to the sequel. Maybe I should wait a little bit to read it so I don't have to wait so long for the next book. :) Great review!

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  7. I have Wondrous Strange as I better get reading, so I can read the sequel. It sounds great!

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  8. I've read Wondrous Strange, I MUST read this sequel! I love sequels!

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  9. Awesome! I loved, loved Wondrous Strange and am so excited to read this. I'm hoping to get a copy soon!

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  10. Hi :)
    Thank you for the review and for not revealing the major secret at the end of DARKLIGHT.
    :)
    Merry Christmas!
    xoxo

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  11. I can't wait to get my hands on this and Wondrous Strange! Thanks for the review.

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  12. I've never read Wondrous Strange, but it seems you liked Darklight better. Nevertheless, I have to add both these books to my TBR pile, and possible the soon to come third installment.

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  13. Great review. Im glad we will learn more about the other characters like her parents. Cant wait to read Darklight. Wondrous Strange was excellent.

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  14. Wow, great review! I want to read this book soooo bad. I LOVED LOVED LOVED Wondrous Strange, and now I'm satisfied that this one will be just as good.

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  15. I'm glad to hear you liked Darklight. I keep hearing that Darklight was so much better than Wondrous Strange. I know what you mean when you say it's better when the main character has to go through obstacles to make their love work. When they finally do get together your so much happier for them.

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  16. I still have not read Wondrous Strange yet but it is on my to read list. I knew the second book was coming out and really enjoyed reading you review of Darklight.

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  17. Wonderful Review!:) I can't wait to read this!:)

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  18. Sounds like you really liked this one a lot... I 've heard so many good things about it.

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  19. I really want to read this one. I just LOVED the first one! I think I read it all in one sitting.

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