Review: Darkness
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Darkness by Joann Sowles Published by Self-Published on October 30th 2011
Genres: Young Adult- Fantasy/ Paranormal
Source: Author
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Not long ago, Laney Alexander was living a carefree life, that is, until she was thrown into a world full of creatures only the imagination thought possible. Now, after surviving a terrifying night, Laney and Oliver are lying low at Julz's place, relieved to be in each other's arms once again. But fate seems to have other plans...
Julz is not happy to have visitors in her home and emotions run high. Laney is pushed to her limits as she watches Carter fight for his life and her relationship with Oliver becomes strained as she discovers secrets about Julz that could tear them apart.
As she reaches her boiling point, disaster strikes and her life is shattered. Laney must come to terms with what has unfolded. Will she lose her way and let the darkness consume her or will she find her light in Oliver?
Secrets will be revealed. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be lost. Darkness will fall.
Since reading the first book, I knew I wanted to read the second. It was good, but some of the plot twist failed to grab me.
Plot: This plot pretty much follows the same formula as the first with some slight differences. It’s enjoyable with lots of drama and secrets. It definitely has appeal but some areas lack for me…like the love.
Love: UGH! What can I say other than it read like an very dramatic novella. The main character Laney is super whiny and always complaining about something. And Oliver, don’t get me started on him. He lied over and over and Laney just kept on acting surprised. Like, really chick?! I can read him like the back of my hand. He is no good. There are just several things that upsetted me.
Ending: The ending ends well with of course lots to go on for the next book. I might pick up the next in hopes that things will change with Laney and Oliver.
Overall, this is good. It totally didn’t capture me the way the first book did, but its okay. Darkness is good.
I give it 3 BITES!
Happy Reading!
25 Comments
Categories
Currently Reading
Spread the Bite…
Yeah, there’s no way I could stick with this one. That kind of romance makes me throw books!
You’re missing out big time! Tainted Blood and Zane were awesome! So much more was added to the story line. Cursed just came out too.
I think I’m going to have to pass on this one. I don’t like whiny main characters who let abusive and/or lying boys stay with them. It kind of teaches the wrong message, you know? If you do pick up the next book I hope it is better than this one!
“I received this book for FREE from publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. This DOES not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.”
I put in CAPS what’s true to that statement. (If you’re trying to get your hands on another copy…access denied!)
**SPOILERS
Is there a guideline to giving a review. A standard protocol to it. This isn’t a review, it’s a cut down, put down to a person that put her ideas to paper, went through the grueling process of it all to get this.
What’s with the WARNING THIS BOOK MIGHT BE…blah blah blah. Extreme much?!
First off, you should feel very lucky to get a copy of this book. You’re contradicting yourself throughout the review. Be in or out.
Everyone wants to blog now a days. Look at me!
This is what a review should look like.
“SO many things to blurb out but I wouldn’t want to ruin such a great read. It grabs you from the start and keeps you enthralled in their world. You learn so many things when you piece together the little hints that Joann gives you. It had me jumping up and down, saying “I knew it!!…Oh wait, no….OMG! YES” you can’t help but get lost in the possibilities. Oliver is mysterious and Laney is slowly finding out about her family. Carter…yup, special indeed and Kiera (smack) lol
The cover is AMAZING!! and fits the book to a T. I can not wait for the third book!!! I’ve put in my order for a hard copy, this is how badly I need it to be apart of my Vampire Collection. It’s a must have!
Keep up the great work Joann!
For all those that don’t have anything nice to say about her awesome books, come see me and my army at Vampires Anonymous! v–v “”
You’re given a power by having a Blog and writing reviews. Why not use it for good? And if not, think about how everyone’s different and might not see it in the same light as you do. Your failing at being an innovator. You don’t like it? Zip it and keep it moving or be a little more educated about it.
-Women helping women
You know what your comment tells me? That you’re a new blogger who is in it just for FREE books and will rate EVERYTHING you read a 5 star just to continue receiving FREE books.
You obviously have not been blogging very long. She shared her HONEST OPINION, which is what bloggers do. Bloggers do not get paid to review. It is a hobby and something done for fun.
Who are you to say that she is denied for the next book based on her opinion? Are you the author? Because only the author can make that call. How do you know that this review didn’t help the author out for the next book? Maybe she saw this and decided she needed to make her character a little stronger.
Unless of course you are the author, which would make this ten times worse.
If you’re a blogger, you wont get very far since all your reviews will be positive. Smh
Great review Savannah! I, despite what everyone else says, will still read this book since I liked the first one. 🙂
Thank You!
I am far from a new blogger. -Fact
And I PAY FOR EVERY BOOK I HAVE. -Fact
Please wipe your nose. It has a smug of brown on it.
And her opinion obviously didn’t hold any weight being it was several AWESOME books LATE. Kudos on your opinion ladies. You can have them, but am I suppose to like them? HELL NO. I see how great an author she is. I’m not comparing her to anyone but her own person. That’s the real reason for this bashing is it not?
I’m sorry are you an author, do you know the fundamentals to writing? Character structure and so on. Can you even tell me what are the other books to the series?
*crickets*
Wouldn’t that be a hoot if I were. But sadly I am not. Google Nisy Kitty. I’m up there.
What’s that saying about people that ASSume. Yeah.
Lets get it together ladies.
Hello! First off, I’m not asking for the next book. I didn’t even ask for this one. I accepted this book since I did really enjoyed the first book. Unfortunately, this story fell flat for me.
I review every book in my own honest opinion. That’s what reviews are. They are the opinions of readers. I do not bash nor say hurtful things about the author.
Yes, I did put a warning, because there are scenes that may be inappropriate for younger readers. I do have readers who are teens and mothers who ask for this knowledge.
Not everyone who has a blog is all about “LOOK AT ME.” I have been reviewing for well over 3 years. I do this for FREE! I do not have ads nor to I get paid to write reviews. Mind you, I do have a JOB, A CHILD AND A HUSBAND.
As far as your review, well good for you! I’m glad that you enjoyed the book. That is however, YOUR OPINION. I’m entitled to my thoughts as well as you are entitled to yours.
I do use my blog for good. I hold plenty of giveaway’s, promotions, interviews, guest post, etc. It’s why I started it in the first place. I love to talk about books!
And if this is the author writing this post, I’m sorry that you felt offended by the review. I did not bash you nor did I ever say anything rude. Suffice to say, I do not plan on reading anymore of your books. If you can not handle criticism on your books (which will happen, its inevitable), then I’m truly sorry for you handling it this way.
*UPDATE* The author has written to me and has clarified it was not her who wrote that comment*
That’s a review? To quote you:
“I’m sorry are you an author, do you know the fundamentals to writing? Character structure and so on. Can you even tell me what are the other books to the series?”
Did YOU address these things? “*crickets*” You did nothing but fangirl-squeal which isn’t taken seriously by people who are looking for constructive reviews. That’s not a review, that’s an ass-kissing, and it’s apparent by your praising of this cover that we can all clearly see is NOT “AMAZING”.
If you’re THIS “Nisy Kitty” (https://twitter.com/EvilNisy), I’d suggest rethinking your Twitter bio because this behavior could hardly be considered “thoughtful and caring”.
The characters and the romance seem like they would really bother me. I remember being interested in the first book, but seeing as the sequel doesn’t sound like my cup of tea I probably won’t end up starting the series. Thanks for the great honest review!
I’ve not heard of this series but I agree with you that if you can’t connect to the character or the love aspect seems unrealistic or impossible to understand it really puts a damper on the book. For me, characters are the driving force of a novel. I need to relate and connect to them and their situation. I’ll be skipping this series. Thank you for your honest review 🙂
Thanks!
I felt this was a very fair review and gave me everything I needed to know about the book. I won’t be picking this one up but may give the series a go if you like the next one.
Thank you Lotti. 🙂
Honest reviews are just that- honest. You didn’t like the book because you had issues with it. Not every book is for everyone and literature is extremely subjective. That being said, it’s completely ridiculous and totally out of line for anyone to “correct” your reviews, offer you samples of what you should be posting, or tell you how you should feel about a book. Often critical reviews are appreciated by authors, because feedback- negative and positive- are helpful to know what their audience feels worked and didn’t. I’m shaking my head so hard at this person.
Exactly. Not everyone will like every book published.
*UPDATE* The author has written to me and has clarified it was not her who wrote that comment*
What I find sad is that so many people have decided not to read the series based on one persons review. I’ve read all 5 books in the series, and not once did I feel the same way. I don’t find Laney whiny, (Kiera, yes), and I love Oliver. Their story reads like any teenage relationship with the added drama of the supernatural. Each book has its own personality and secrets to reveal.
I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion – which is exactly why you should read more than one review before deciding to mark it off your list.
As for the comments about the couple of posts being from the author, I can promise you that they aren’t from her. She does not respond to reviews, let alone in a fake name – and Nisy Kitty does in fact have a fb page, Vampires Anonymous.
In the world of books we should find peach and relaxation, not judgement and assumptions.
I urge you all to make up your own mind about all books, or at least read a minimum of 3 reviews of a series before saying no. There are many things we should just say no to, books are not one of them.
Enjoy, and happy holidays.
The voice of reason! Thank you v–v
I haven’t read the first book, but I’m not too sure I’d like this one. Whiny characters tend to bother me & I’m right there with you on the MC staying with someone who doesn’t treat them right being a bookish turn off. Great review!
I’m really not that sure WHY people are so upset. She did give the book 3 stars (or bites.) She DID say that it was a good read and that she still might pick up the next one. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t look at a 3 star review and think “oh my god, what a horrible book. I’m never going to read this.”
But I DO know that I’m never going to read anything by this author, because I don’t want to be attacked for rating her books below a 5 star review. No thanks.
I have no idea what is wrong with your OPINION. You’re entitle to state it freely. People need to chill out. Great review btw 🙂
Oh Savannah, I can’t stop laughing at some of these comments. There’s nothing wrong with this review or any of your other reviews. I’ve always thought you were fair and honest with your comments. I didn’t find it negative or bashing in any way. Keep doing your thing, girlie!
To the other people commenting on Savannah’s review and copying/pasting their own reviews – YOU ARE DOING NOTHING BUT BAD SHIT FOR THIS AUTHOR. This is going all around social media and other reviewers are promising not to review her books because of your stupidity. If you truly care about these books and the author, I suggest you walk away quietly. Also, seek some professional counseling. You have way too much anger. These are books we’re talking about, not life or death situations.
Wow, what crazy reactions to a review, especially for one that is three freaking stars. Based on my longtime readership of your blog, Savy, I would assume that even with your frustrations with this book, you may have still picked up the next one sometime. But maybe not after getting such rude remarks. I know I would think twice about reading after seeing these reactions.
I’m sorry people have so little tolerance for other people’s opinions, and I’m very sorry you had to deal with an attack on your own blog space, Savy.
As the author of the BHV series, I would like to state that I have absolutely no problem with Savannah’s review. I appreciate her honest opinion and that she took the time to review my work. Thank you, Savannah.
I would also like to point out that I typically do not comment on my reviews, but I would like to clarify that I did not make nor did I encourage any of the comments posted on this blog. However, now that I’m here, I will say that I am very sad that based on one passionate fan’s response, so many have decided not to read my books. I have no control over what my fans say or do, nor do I condone it.
I do ask that all of this come to an end. I am the one being hurt by all of these comments. It is my writing career that is being jeopardized, so please consider that it is my life being directly impacted each time a fan fights with a reviewer because they do not agree with that reviewers opinion of my books, and please remember that I am the one being hurt when someone decides not to read my books or bashes me just based on the drama that has unfolded.
I am truly sorry to any who have been offended or hurt, and I hope those who said they will not read my work based on comments made will reconsider.
Joann I. Martin Sowles
You have done a very good thing here. I haven’t heard of your books before this review to be honest, but I admire you as a person for what you posted.