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The Spectrum Trilogy #1
The Darkness
The Darkness has been selected as a two time Award-Winning Finalist in the 2011 International Book Awards in the fiction categories of Cross Genre Fiction and Multicultural Fiction !
Artemisia, a scientist who also practices alchemy, is wealthy beyond imagination. She is one of the founding members of the Skyward Group, a privately funded, secret, research facility conducting experiments that erase what tradition has established as the boundaries separating the realm of man from the realm of God. Artemisia has everything she wants - money, fame, knowledge and power - except for a child. Inanna is a powerful and dangerous witch, also wealthy beyond imagination. Her powers are greater and more deadly than any in the long tradition before her. Inanna has everything she wants - money, knowledge and God-like power - except for a child. The Child has nothing. At three months of age, he knows only what he has experienced through the bars of his locked cage. He has nothing. He doesn't have a mommy. He doesn't have a daddy. He doesn't have a name. The scientists who created him do not handle him, because they know The Child is dangerous.
In The Darkness, Two women clash in a vicious battle that has been fought since the days of King Solomon - the fight over a child. One woman unleashes the nightmarish arsenal of modern science while the other dispatches the weaponries of witchcraft. And as The Child grows up, his love for one and resentment for the other will change the fate of both these women, forever.
Artemisia, a scientist who also practices alchemy, is wealthy beyond imagination. She is one of the founding members of the Skyward Group, a privately funded, secret, research facility conducting experiments that erase what tradition has established as the boundaries separating the realm of man from the realm of God. Artemisia has everything she wants - money, fame, knowledge and power - except for a child. Inanna is a powerful and dangerous witch, also wealthy beyond imagination. Her powers are greater and more deadly than any in the long tradition before her. Inanna has everything she wants - money, knowledge and God-like power - except for a child. The Child has nothing. At three months of age, he knows only what he has experienced through the bars of his locked cage. He has nothing. He doesn't have a mommy. He doesn't have a daddy. He doesn't have a name. The scientists who created him do not handle him, because they know The Child is dangerous.
In The Darkness, Two women clash in a vicious battle that has been fought since the days of King Solomon - the fight over a child. One woman unleashes the nightmarish arsenal of modern science while the other dispatches the weaponries of witchcraft. And as The Child grows up, his love for one and resentment for the other will change the fate of both these women, forever.
266 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2010
About the author
Crystal Connor
21 books109 followersI grew up telling spooky little campfire style stories at slumber parties. We’d make a tent in the bedroom, and the only source of light would be from a flashlight that was about to die. I’d tell my tale of doom and then while everyone was jumping at the tree branch scraping against the window and I’d be sound asleep!
I served my country in the United States Navy working as a boiler technician on board the USS McKee AS-41 assigned to the 7th fleet.
While deployed at various ports-of-call throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East I began to learn about other cultures’ monsters and nightmares and I use my world travels and experiences take you to some of the exotic places that I’ve been but have altered and embellished with my twisted view of how a story should end…while at the same time taking you on a journey you might not otherwise be able to afford or brave enough to undertake.
The Darkness, is my first full-length novel, is published by Bennett and Hastings. My current projects, “…And They All Lived Happily Ever After” and “Artificial Light,” the sequel to The Darkness will be released in 2011. My short story “The Ruins” was the runner-up selection of Crypticon Seattle’s 2010 writing contest, and accepted for publication for The Static Movement Anthology "Sowing the Seeds of Horror.” My short story “The Monster” will be featured in the anthology “Strange Tales of Horror” published by NorGus Press.
I served my country in the United States Navy working as a boiler technician on board the USS McKee AS-41 assigned to the 7th fleet.
While deployed at various ports-of-call throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East I began to learn about other cultures’ monsters and nightmares and I use my world travels and experiences take you to some of the exotic places that I’ve been but have altered and embellished with my twisted view of how a story should end…while at the same time taking you on a journey you might not otherwise be able to afford or brave enough to undertake.
The Darkness, is my first full-length novel, is published by Bennett and Hastings. My current projects, “…And They All Lived Happily Ever After” and “Artificial Light,” the sequel to The Darkness will be released in 2011. My short story “The Ruins” was the runner-up selection of Crypticon Seattle’s 2010 writing contest, and accepted for publication for The Static Movement Anthology "Sowing the Seeds of Horror.” My short story “The Monster” will be featured in the anthology “Strange Tales of Horror” published by NorGus Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 30, 2011
Buyer Beware! ..Your in for a fantastic, refreshing read!
A rare dark tale filled with action, fantasy, science, mystery and magic.
The characters are unique and promising.
Artemisia is a fantastic character. She's a new favorite for me, but Adam stole the show with his personality and "gift". Artemisia and Adam have such a fascinating chemistry, you'll feel compelled to know their story. This is a book you won't be able to put down. I had a hard time dragging my eyes away for the few times I needed to eat and have a bathroom break. I suspect you'll feel the same way.
Even the cover art is unique. It's not a cover I'd normally like, but the artist did a wonderful job, and although it's a bit misleading(being a fantasy type novel, you wouldn't think of a cover like that.. well not IMO anyway.)
Cover aside, this was a wonderful, enchanting read. It's full of emotion and twists, I suggest you get your copy today!
A rare dark tale filled with action, fantasy, science, mystery and magic.
The characters are unique and promising.
Artemisia is a fantastic character. She's a new favorite for me, but Adam stole the show with his personality and "gift". Artemisia and Adam have such a fascinating chemistry, you'll feel compelled to know their story. This is a book you won't be able to put down. I had a hard time dragging my eyes away for the few times I needed to eat and have a bathroom break. I suspect you'll feel the same way.
Even the cover art is unique. It's not a cover I'd normally like, but the artist did a wonderful job, and although it's a bit misleading(being a fantasy type novel, you wouldn't think of a cover like that.. well not IMO anyway.)
Cover aside, this was a wonderful, enchanting read. It's full of emotion and twists, I suggest you get your copy today!
January 6, 2011
The Darkness by Crystal Connor has to be one of the best book I have read this year. Once I started I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Crystal Connor does such wonderful job in creating a world that you are immediately engulfed in. The characters are well written and you can't help but care and worry about what happens to them. This book has everything a reader looks for in a great book, drama, mystery and action with a little touch of magic and love. Anyone who picks up this book will enjoy it, there is absolutely nothing bad anyone can say about this book. Crystal Connor is off to a great start and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
January 13, 2011
It took a while for the juiciness of the plot to get going, but once it did, I was not able to put this one down. There are never any apologies made for the immoral acts that appear in this book. As a matter of fact, the protagonist specifically doesn't apologize for what she does. It almost makes the ending come as a surprise.
This book gripped me and left me with lots of questions about humanity. As another reviewer said, it felt like reading a Dean Koontz novel. Specifically, one I remember reading as a teenager whose title I can not recall.
As an aside, I will admit too, the short disclaimer at the beginning of this novel made me chuckle.
This book gripped me and left me with lots of questions about humanity. As another reviewer said, it felt like reading a Dean Koontz novel. Specifically, one I remember reading as a teenager whose title I can not recall.
As an aside, I will admit too, the short disclaimer at the beginning of this novel made me chuckle.
January 2, 2011
The Darkness is a really quick paced Sci-Fi/Horror novel that has a lot of fantasy as well. It was a blast to read. I always root for the villain/monster/bad guy and The Darkness gave me a female super villain that I couldn't get enough of...Artemisia! She's ruthless and vain beyond reason. She doesn't apologize for anything she is the ultimate anti-hero.
There is also a very wicked witch in The Darkness who powers are so great the last place on earth she'll ever be is tied to a burning stake. In a lot of stories I've read that revolve around a very powerful a witch, the witch is always evil, the witch in The Darkness Inanna is indeed evil...but she is not the bad guy. In a nice twist she is actually the hero in this book and that totally caught me off guard and I love being thrown off when I'm reading a book!
I was so stunned at the ending I wasn't really sure what to do, its amazing ending but I didn't see it coming and I was holding my breath for a different ending.
The best part of this book was finding out that there is a sequel! There is a preview of the next book called Artificial Light. It's kinda weird because the review start on chapt 6 but it makes me feel better about the way The Darkness ended because introduces us to some new characters two of them I can't tell you who they are because it won't make any sense until you read the 1st book but there is another witch and a group of knights which makes me believe Artificial Light will have a lot more of a sword and sorcery element to it and that is just fine by me!
Fans of both the Twilight series and Dan Brown and anyone in between will have fun reading this book.
There is also a very wicked witch in The Darkness who powers are so great the last place on earth she'll ever be is tied to a burning stake. In a lot of stories I've read that revolve around a very powerful a witch, the witch is always evil, the witch in The Darkness Inanna is indeed evil...but she is not the bad guy. In a nice twist she is actually the hero in this book and that totally caught me off guard and I love being thrown off when I'm reading a book!
I was so stunned at the ending I wasn't really sure what to do, its amazing ending but I didn't see it coming and I was holding my breath for a different ending.
The best part of this book was finding out that there is a sequel! There is a preview of the next book called Artificial Light. It's kinda weird because the review start on chapt 6 but it makes me feel better about the way The Darkness ended because introduces us to some new characters two of them I can't tell you who they are because it won't make any sense until you read the 1st book but there is another witch and a group of knights which makes me believe Artificial Light will have a lot more of a sword and sorcery element to it and that is just fine by me!
Fans of both the Twilight series and Dan Brown and anyone in between will have fun reading this book.
January 5, 2011
A Chiller with a Twist
It was such a long time ago in a land very far away. This is a chiller when you think about the fights that take place over a little baby. They both want him and neither should have him. They fight each other to see who can hurt the most and in the end it is the child that cries. Are you into reading science fiction stories that have mystical powers with real life science at work? Is possible to mix the two types and have a story that is worth reading? Yes, this book title The Darkness by Crystal Connor is an example of this very situation.
She may be new to you but you will be following her from now on when you get through with this story. I loved they way they show the villain up front. It takes the guess work out of it but you know who to follow. Adam is the one you in pain and the one you route for since he is the real object of desire in this story. This would make a great gift for someone’s backpack as they head off to college. I enjoyed the story.
It was such a long time ago in a land very far away. This is a chiller when you think about the fights that take place over a little baby. They both want him and neither should have him. They fight each other to see who can hurt the most and in the end it is the child that cries. Are you into reading science fiction stories that have mystical powers with real life science at work? Is possible to mix the two types and have a story that is worth reading? Yes, this book title The Darkness by Crystal Connor is an example of this very situation.
She may be new to you but you will be following her from now on when you get through with this story. I loved they way they show the villain up front. It takes the guess work out of it but you know who to follow. Adam is the one you in pain and the one you route for since he is the real object of desire in this story. This would make a great gift for someone’s backpack as they head off to college. I enjoyed the story.
March 6, 2011
The Darkness, Crystal Connor's debut novel, is an interesting blend of dark fantasy bordering on horror, science fiction and urban fantasy that completely does away with traditional genre categories. In fact, it does away with a lot of other elements traditionally found in speculative fiction and literature in general, such as the portrayal of motherhood, womanhood and characters of color. Like a lot of debut novels, there are quite a few things to praise here, but also a few to nitpick.
The opening chapters are among the best I've read in a while, as Connor is quick to set up an uneasy atmosphere that successfully grabs hold of her readers from the very start. You'll get chills down your spine by the time you read these words "I used to call you mother". And you'll want to know who this child is and what could possibly have happened for him to hold such hatred towards the one who rescued him. And here's the double-edged sword, because Connor will tell you this story.
She takes you back to the days when The Child was but a child, albeit with extraordinary abilities he couldn't always control, sometimes to dreadful consequences. The novel's pace slows down then, though I'd be hard pressed to ever call it slow, because Connor smartly alternates between past and present narratives. But the novel does start to lose some of its initial steam as we get to know more about Adam and identify with Artemisia's feelings for him. We know he's dangerous, and yet, he seems to be such a cute little baby that it's hard to re-conciliate the initial perception we had of him as a dangerous stalker, lurking and simply waiting for the right moment to strike, and this little child acting like any child, manipulating his environment to obtain what he wants. Again, this was a necessary step in the narrative, the reader's understanding of the past and Artemisia's feelings towards her child, otherwise the ending wouldn't have that much of an impact. But while building up for the ending, it also slowly unravels the atmosphere of gloom and unease that made the opening pages so gripping. And I never seemed to be able to reconnect with it later on. It felt like the fog had lifted and I could see the background tricks. I do realize this is a probably me being picky as I haven't read any other reviews that hinted at this and truth is, I don't think there was any way around it; except perhaps starting the novel at another point? But truly, I can understand that it was too tempting for both author and editor to have the novel start then and loose steam later on, rather than the other way around. Anyway, the character of Adam annoyed me as we got to know him. I struggled to see him as the psychopathic murderer the author wanted us to see, all I could see was an annoying little brat with special powers going through a teenage crisis.
I did however greatly enjoyed the characters of Artemisia and Inanna, both embodied different types of womanhood and motherhood (one could argue that where one is science and rationality, the other is magic and emotions, but it's a bit more complicated than this simplistic dichotomy), but both are strong, ambitious women who will stop at nothing to get what they want and they don't look for excuses or pretend to be sorry about it. I think the novel's greatest asset resides in the opposition of these two characters. Had the novel only included one and not the other, and had opposed Artemisia/Inanna to what I'll refer to as the traditional mother character, Artemisia/Inanna would have inevitably been set up as the dark side, the evil one, the ambitious black woman with an agenda. In The Darkness, because they share these traits, one is not set up as good and the other as evil. Both obey their own laws whether these happen to fit the laws of man or not, both love Adam and want to be a good mother to him, and so neither is good or evil. Without spoiling the ending, if the reader manages to rid himself of his traditional perception of motherhood and what it implies, and simply puts together the pieces scattered throughout the novel, the decision taken at the end of the novel makes perfect sense. That's all I can say and keep this review spoiler-free.
The Darkness is a short novel, with a gripping opening and a shocking ending. And while I do have queries about some of the middle parts, it must be recognized that it's a far from being your usual urban fantasy novel, especially when it comes to the portrayal of women of color and motherhood. Also know that a sequel is in the making, Artificial Light.
September 15, 2012
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I rate books, and it seems to me the prevailing factor has become how much it grips me and keeps me interested. There are books that are great, maybe even critically acclaimed that I would have no problem putting down and picking up a month later. Then there are books that when I put them down, I can’t stop thinking about them and seize the very next opportunity to pick them up again. The Darkness by Crystal Connor was one of the best of these, and that’s the difference for me between a 5 star review and lesser ones. I don’t care if I’m reading about pumpkin carving, if it’s so interesting that I can’t put it down, I will rate a pumpkin carving book with five stars (I doubt that will ever happen but I have an open mind.)
The Darkness is a story about two women, different in practical ways but also much the same, who both at some point in their lives play the role of mother to a very special child. The child, “Adam”, I found to be a brat. Didn’t like him too much, but I really can’t blame him as his life was rather cold at the start and I’m sure that carried with him as he grew. He seems very powerful but also very immature. Inanna, the second mother in his life, is my favorite. She is a powerful witch. Her scenes were clearly my favorite part of this book. If I have any complaint at all, it’s that you really have to pay attention during the Skyward group scenes to keep all the players straight. I had to go back a few times to refresh my memory of who all the various Doctors were. But that being said, I loved this book and its one of my favorite reads. It’s a bit quirky in parts, it’s totally original, and in an era where horror/fantasy novels are becoming all too predictable, I had no idea where Ms. Connor’s was going with this one. The ending surprised me, I totally didn’t expect it. I was a bit miffed at first, but reflecting on it a day later it was a perfect ending. Perhaps one of the best endings I have ever read. Hard to believe this was her first novel, and I’m very excited to pick up the next book “Artificial Light” and see where that takes me. If you like a bit of science and a bit of sorcery, conflict, originality and surprise….well then this book is totally for you. Ms. Connors also notifies the reader in the beginning that the particulars of the spells have been left out (presumably for our safety), well that’s pretty creepy.
I’d also like to mention that the cover artwork is great. Not your typical photoshop crapola, but what appears to be a hand drawn depiction of characters in the book. Pretty cool and also original. For these reasons, but primarily because it totally sucked me in and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I give this book 5 stars when I would normally give a similar book 4 (but I don't think there are any similar books). It has my highest recommendation.
I will give this book 5 stars when I would normally give a similar book 4 (but I don't think there are any similar books). It has my highest recommendation.
The Darkness is a story about two women, different in practical ways but also much the same, who both at some point in their lives play the role of mother to a very special child. The child, “Adam”, I found to be a brat. Didn’t like him too much, but I really can’t blame him as his life was rather cold at the start and I’m sure that carried with him as he grew. He seems very powerful but also very immature. Inanna, the second mother in his life, is my favorite. She is a powerful witch. Her scenes were clearly my favorite part of this book. If I have any complaint at all, it’s that you really have to pay attention during the Skyward group scenes to keep all the players straight. I had to go back a few times to refresh my memory of who all the various Doctors were. But that being said, I loved this book and its one of my favorite reads. It’s a bit quirky in parts, it’s totally original, and in an era where horror/fantasy novels are becoming all too predictable, I had no idea where Ms. Connor’s was going with this one. The ending surprised me, I totally didn’t expect it. I was a bit miffed at first, but reflecting on it a day later it was a perfect ending. Perhaps one of the best endings I have ever read. Hard to believe this was her first novel, and I’m very excited to pick up the next book “Artificial Light” and see where that takes me. If you like a bit of science and a bit of sorcery, conflict, originality and surprise….well then this book is totally for you. Ms. Connors also notifies the reader in the beginning that the particulars of the spells have been left out (presumably for our safety), well that’s pretty creepy.
I’d also like to mention that the cover artwork is great. Not your typical photoshop crapola, but what appears to be a hand drawn depiction of characters in the book. Pretty cool and also original. For these reasons, but primarily because it totally sucked me in and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I give this book 5 stars when I would normally give a similar book 4 (but I don't think there are any similar books). It has my highest recommendation.
I will give this book 5 stars when I would normally give a similar book 4 (but I don't think there are any similar books). It has my highest recommendation.
September 20, 2011
Crystal Connor recently sent me a copy of her first novel, The Darkness. In my house it’s always an exciting proposition when a book comes in the mail. My family just can’t seem to grasp the concept of how this book review thing works. There’s always a discussion about it.
“You got a book in the mail? Why?”
“She just sent you a book in exchange for you writing about it? For free?”
Eventually, after dinner I got my kids calmed down and I settled in to read. There is a warning in the front of the book. It says, “There are pieces of the magic rituals purposely left out of this book.” Basically, the gist was, “Don’t try these dangerous spells at home.”
I must admit I was intrigued.
The story I found inside was about two powerful women. One is an alchemist. The other is a dark witch. Between them is a little boy with great power and uncertain origins. Both women use every skill they have to win control of the boy’s mind and heart in the attempt to command his special talents.
At first I thought this book was about two women who shape a great man, but I was wrong. I then had the idea that the book was a little about adoption and the love of two types of mothers, but I was wrong about that, too. For a time I thought it was a retelling of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein written from a woman’s point of view, and for a while it may really have been about that. But at its core this book, which is a mixture of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and suspense, was about power and the pursuit of it by any means necessary. No one in the book is good. No one is the hero. And that is what made this book so very incredible.
I read the whole book between the time when I finished dinner and the time when I went to bed. I couldn’t put it down. It was that good. Do I recommend this book? Yes I do. Pick it up. You’d be remiss not to.
That being said, I am giving the book four out of five stars, and I will tell you why. To me five denotes perfection, and this one had a little way to go. There are some mistakes in grammar, some tense switching, and the word ‘alter’ was used in place of the word ‘altar’ throughout the book. It wasn’t bad, not by any stretch. It was enough to distract this particular jack-booted grammar thug from a truly brilliant story. Admittedly every book has mistakes, and I think for a lot of people content is more important than mechanics. Once again, it wasn’t even a bad problem, it was just a little distracting.
In conclusion, thanks for the really good free book, Crystal, and I can’t wait to read the sequel. I would even pay money for that one.
A link to the Amazon listing is here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
“You got a book in the mail? Why?”
“She just sent you a book in exchange for you writing about it? For free?”
Eventually, after dinner I got my kids calmed down and I settled in to read. There is a warning in the front of the book. It says, “There are pieces of the magic rituals purposely left out of this book.” Basically, the gist was, “Don’t try these dangerous spells at home.”
I must admit I was intrigued.
The story I found inside was about two powerful women. One is an alchemist. The other is a dark witch. Between them is a little boy with great power and uncertain origins. Both women use every skill they have to win control of the boy’s mind and heart in the attempt to command his special talents.
At first I thought this book was about two women who shape a great man, but I was wrong. I then had the idea that the book was a little about adoption and the love of two types of mothers, but I was wrong about that, too. For a time I thought it was a retelling of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein written from a woman’s point of view, and for a while it may really have been about that. But at its core this book, which is a mixture of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and suspense, was about power and the pursuit of it by any means necessary. No one in the book is good. No one is the hero. And that is what made this book so very incredible.
I read the whole book between the time when I finished dinner and the time when I went to bed. I couldn’t put it down. It was that good. Do I recommend this book? Yes I do. Pick it up. You’d be remiss not to.
That being said, I am giving the book four out of five stars, and I will tell you why. To me five denotes perfection, and this one had a little way to go. There are some mistakes in grammar, some tense switching, and the word ‘alter’ was used in place of the word ‘altar’ throughout the book. It wasn’t bad, not by any stretch. It was enough to distract this particular jack-booted grammar thug from a truly brilliant story. Admittedly every book has mistakes, and I think for a lot of people content is more important than mechanics. Once again, it wasn’t even a bad problem, it was just a little distracting.
In conclusion, thanks for the really good free book, Crystal, and I can’t wait to read the sequel. I would even pay money for that one.
A link to the Amazon listing is here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
October 6, 2011
It started off slowly, but a quarter of the way in, I was completely interested in the story. The Darkness deals with a mixture of super technology and dark witchcraft, which I found intriguing. The writing was more factual than I generally like (a lot of telling, very little showing), but I got used to it and didn't find it as annoying once I started reading more. Overall, I think this is an entertaining story that remains suspenseful until the very end.
However, the characterization wasn't enough for me. Part of this is told in first person, and with that point of view, I especially expect to have some sort of emotional connection to the main character. This didn't happen at all. I think it was because the narration was entirely factual. We don't get a lot of Artemisia's feelings, and if we do, they're rather shallow. Instead of reflection, the character only says, "I'm upset" (or whatever emotion she's supposed to be feeling) and moves on. Maybe she'll have a drink, but that's it. There aren't any deeper thoughts or tell-tale actions going on. I wanted more from her. The same thing can go for Inanna and Adam (The Child) as well, but I didn't have so much of a problem with their characters. Their stories were told in third person, and I didn't consider them the "main characters." Besides, I think their history was more fully realized than Artemisia's, which gave them more depth.
Also, all the characters are perfect. They are all beautiful, incredibly rich, successful, smart, can speak multiple languages, etc. I wanted them to have some flaws.
Despite this, I thought the story was enjoyable. I liked how the magic came from different cultures, and I especially liked the voodoo influence. The plot was suspenseful and delightfully frustrating as Adam tries to come to terms with his past. I thought the ending was rushed, but it's a perfect ending -- I would have been disappointed if it had ended any other way. If you're at all interested in dark stories or witchcraft, you should give this one a try. Like I said, the characterization had flaws, but the story is truly fantastic.
However, the characterization wasn't enough for me. Part of this is told in first person, and with that point of view, I especially expect to have some sort of emotional connection to the main character. This didn't happen at all. I think it was because the narration was entirely factual. We don't get a lot of Artemisia's feelings, and if we do, they're rather shallow. Instead of reflection, the character only says, "I'm upset" (or whatever emotion she's supposed to be feeling) and moves on. Maybe she'll have a drink, but that's it. There aren't any deeper thoughts or tell-tale actions going on. I wanted more from her. The same thing can go for Inanna and Adam (The Child) as well, but I didn't have so much of a problem with their characters. Their stories were told in third person, and I didn't consider them the "main characters." Besides, I think their history was more fully realized than Artemisia's, which gave them more depth.
Also, all the characters are perfect. They are all beautiful, incredibly rich, successful, smart, can speak multiple languages, etc. I wanted them to have some flaws.
Despite this, I thought the story was enjoyable. I liked how the magic came from different cultures, and I especially liked the voodoo influence. The plot was suspenseful and delightfully frustrating as Adam tries to come to terms with his past. I thought the ending was rushed, but it's a perfect ending -- I would have been disappointed if it had ended any other way. If you're at all interested in dark stories or witchcraft, you should give this one a try. Like I said, the characterization had flaws, but the story is truly fantastic.
November 1, 2011
Crystal Connor's The Darkness is that rare blend of science fiction and horror, mixing science, magic, religion, and philosophy, that actually works as well as the premise would have you expect.
Initially, I found the first part of the book a little confusing, because it bounces around through the timeline, and between character viewpoints, often without any immediate clues. Once I settled in, however, and got used to the narrative voices, I quite enjoyed the slow reveal of the mystery.
Adam is a really intriguing character, and one that I think is developed perfectly. He spends the first two thirds of the book coming across as a monster . . . spoiled, capricious, prone to temper tantrums, and far too powerful for his own good. Of course, other than the power element, much the same can be said of any child, but it's his potential for destruction that so feeds the monster fears. It isn't until the final third of the book that he really comes into his own, developing a human side even as his monstrous side fully reveals itself.
As for the two adopted mothers of the story - the scientist and the witch, both of whom love Adam in their own way - I found them fantastic characters and viewpoints. Through them we really get to see both sides of the story, both sides of the nature versus nurture debate, and both sides of the empirical versus spiritual exploration of life. There are a few coincidences in their relationship that irked me a bit, but not so much as to impact my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, a very good read, with some truly chilling scenes and some even more chilling implications - kind of like a good Michael Crichton tale, but with a healthy dose of Dean Koontz mixed in.
Initially, I found the first part of the book a little confusing, because it bounces around through the timeline, and between character viewpoints, often without any immediate clues. Once I settled in, however, and got used to the narrative voices, I quite enjoyed the slow reveal of the mystery.
Adam is a really intriguing character, and one that I think is developed perfectly. He spends the first two thirds of the book coming across as a monster . . . spoiled, capricious, prone to temper tantrums, and far too powerful for his own good. Of course, other than the power element, much the same can be said of any child, but it's his potential for destruction that so feeds the monster fears. It isn't until the final third of the book that he really comes into his own, developing a human side even as his monstrous side fully reveals itself.
As for the two adopted mothers of the story - the scientist and the witch, both of whom love Adam in their own way - I found them fantastic characters and viewpoints. Through them we really get to see both sides of the story, both sides of the nature versus nurture debate, and both sides of the empirical versus spiritual exploration of life. There are a few coincidences in their relationship that irked me a bit, but not so much as to impact my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, a very good read, with some truly chilling scenes and some even more chilling implications - kind of like a good Michael Crichton tale, but with a healthy dose of Dean Koontz mixed in.
October 4, 2011
This is a unique book. The subject matter is very different from what we are used to reading, even in the paranormal genre.
The storyline is complex, with many different lives intertwining. It moves back and forth between the past and the present, which gives it a nice flow. What I enjoyed most about it, though, was the inclusion of many aspects of ceremonial magick. As a practitioner myself, it was gratifying to read about it from someone who obviously did her research. In so many books the authors don’t even bother to read up on this branch of the pagan religion, so it’s nice to see some truth in these pages. Of course, a lot is fictionalized, which brings me to one issue I had with the book. Innana, one of the main characters, ends up being too powerful. That’s a common problem when an author adds magic into the plot, there’s a real danger of making the characters too powerful, so there is no tension. We never fear for their lives, since we know they can get out of pretty much anything. It’s not a huge fault, especially in this book, but it can get frustrating.
This was a fun read, with any aspects I really enjoyed, from the magical aspects to the character development to some really funny dialogue. I can recommend this to all lovers of paranormal fiction.
The storyline is complex, with many different lives intertwining. It moves back and forth between the past and the present, which gives it a nice flow. What I enjoyed most about it, though, was the inclusion of many aspects of ceremonial magick. As a practitioner myself, it was gratifying to read about it from someone who obviously did her research. In so many books the authors don’t even bother to read up on this branch of the pagan religion, so it’s nice to see some truth in these pages. Of course, a lot is fictionalized, which brings me to one issue I had with the book. Innana, one of the main characters, ends up being too powerful. That’s a common problem when an author adds magic into the plot, there’s a real danger of making the characters too powerful, so there is no tension. We never fear for their lives, since we know they can get out of pretty much anything. It’s not a huge fault, especially in this book, but it can get frustrating.
This was a fun read, with any aspects I really enjoyed, from the magical aspects to the character development to some really funny dialogue. I can recommend this to all lovers of paranormal fiction.
October 25, 2011
The Darkness is one of those rare stories that can combines science with magic. The story is a brew of secrets, deception, and power wielded between two women who share their love for one little boy.
Adam is the creation of a group of scientists that seek power any way that they can obtain it. Genetically engineered, without parents, and subsisting in a lab where he is constantly watched and studied, Adam's chances at life appear bleak. What his captors never expected was that the boy would wield powers that they could not control. Or that one scientist from a rival group would develop an interest, and later a passion, for this seemingly innocent child.
As it turns out, Adam is far from innocent, but that doesn't stop the reader from caring for him or the two women that love him, Artemesia (the scientist) and Innana (the witch). The story follows the characters across continents, back and forth through Adam's shadowy existence, and finally to a shocker of an ending.
The Darkness is more than worth a read. It's unique, edgy, and engaging. The next book in this series, Artificial Light, is highly anticipated.
Adam is the creation of a group of scientists that seek power any way that they can obtain it. Genetically engineered, without parents, and subsisting in a lab where he is constantly watched and studied, Adam's chances at life appear bleak. What his captors never expected was that the boy would wield powers that they could not control. Or that one scientist from a rival group would develop an interest, and later a passion, for this seemingly innocent child.
As it turns out, Adam is far from innocent, but that doesn't stop the reader from caring for him or the two women that love him, Artemesia (the scientist) and Innana (the witch). The story follows the characters across continents, back and forth through Adam's shadowy existence, and finally to a shocker of an ending.
The Darkness is more than worth a read. It's unique, edgy, and engaging. The next book in this series, Artificial Light, is highly anticipated.
September 30, 2011
This book takes what we know is happening with scientific experiments and mixes it with what we think may be happening and what we fear to imagine happening , especially in the hands of the military - any military. It will hold you in its grip until its unexpected conclusion. I say unexpected because of all the ways I saw this ending I had not come to the one given. The author really does an excellent job at bringing out the dilemma of Solomon and the two mothers. The story line I found to be somewhat fresh and unique. The author took something familiar and added a twist that I have not read very often. And she did it very well. The mystifying air was maintained through out the book. This is a writer who truly knows her craft. She is someone to watch. Full review on my blog.
The review is my personal opinion of the book. I received no monetary compensation for the book review. A copy of this book was provided to me for free for review purposes.
The review is my personal opinion of the book. I received no monetary compensation for the book review. A copy of this book was provided to me for free for review purposes.
October 16, 2011
The Darkness by Crystal Connor
A science experiment interacts with the occult with bizarre consequences.
Adam is the child turned young man upon which this story revolves. Adam’s welfare and abilities challenge both science and witchcraft represented by his conflicted mothers.
Amoral behavior is characteristic of practically all the participants in this adventure. Any altruistic actions seems to morph into self serving indulgence. I found no likeable characters in the book. Intriguing, mystifying, overblown, satanic and selfish behavior is in abundance but likeable not so much. The book has an interesting and challenging premise with a satisfyingly intricate plot.
I was not overly thrilled with the cover and I think a more captivating cover would increase interest in the book. Twilight Zone fans will love this book.
I recommend it.
A science experiment interacts with the occult with bizarre consequences.
Adam is the child turned young man upon which this story revolves. Adam’s welfare and abilities challenge both science and witchcraft represented by his conflicted mothers.
Amoral behavior is characteristic of practically all the participants in this adventure. Any altruistic actions seems to morph into self serving indulgence. I found no likeable characters in the book. Intriguing, mystifying, overblown, satanic and selfish behavior is in abundance but likeable not so much. The book has an interesting and challenging premise with a satisfyingly intricate plot.
I was not overly thrilled with the cover and I think a more captivating cover would increase interest in the book. Twilight Zone fans will love this book.
I recommend it.
December 17, 2011
Artemisia and Inanna - one a woman of science, one a woman of powerful and dark magics. Both have everything they want out of life except one thing - a child.
The Child - the result of scientific experiment is what links these two women and divides them in battle.
The Darkness is an excellently written first novel by Crystal Connor, a story that keeps you guessing with every twist and turn. The science and the mystical magic are believable, the characters stand out as 3 dimensional and I for one can't wait for the next part of the story to be published.
Crystal Connor is definately one to watch (and she writes a dog character better than Dean Koontz!)
The Child - the result of scientific experiment is what links these two women and divides them in battle.
The Darkness is an excellently written first novel by Crystal Connor, a story that keeps you guessing with every twist and turn. The science and the mystical magic are believable, the characters stand out as 3 dimensional and I for one can't wait for the next part of the story to be published.
Crystal Connor is definately one to watch (and she writes a dog character better than Dean Koontz!)
January 20, 2013
It took me a while to get into this book but only because it's not the sort of book that I would normally pick up and read, but once I got into the story and the fabulous way that Crystal Conner describes the charactors I couldn't put it down!
This book has it all. Heartache, Suspense, Murder & Witchcraft with a lot of Genetics thrown into it.
The Darkness is the story of Adam, a brilliant and gifted young boy who everyone loves, including two women who he calls Mother - but all is not as it seems :-)
A most definate recommended read for anyone who loves a dark story!
Laura (Orchard Admin)
This book has it all. Heartache, Suspense, Murder & Witchcraft with a lot of Genetics thrown into it.
The Darkness is the story of Adam, a brilliant and gifted young boy who everyone loves, including two women who he calls Mother - but all is not as it seems :-)
A most definate recommended read for anyone who loves a dark story!
Laura (Orchard Admin)
January 5, 2012
You can read my review by clicking on the link below.
http://kyanarasmadreviews.blogspot.co...
http://kyanarasmadreviews.blogspot.co...
January 21, 2012
You can read my review of The Darkness by Crystal Conner at http://twistedgeeks.wordpress.com/201...
January 25, 2013
This was a great read. I had to force myself to put it down to do other things. I found the strong female characters great and some women I could certainly learn to hate lol
December 31, 2021
A very interesting read by Seattle writer Crystal Conner.
While most people compared it to a modern-day Frankenstein... it also has a very Anne Rice feel. There were parts that remined me of the Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Dammed. If you liked those books, you should definitely check this one out.
While most people compared it to a modern-day Frankenstein... it also has a very Anne Rice feel. There were parts that remined me of the Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Dammed. If you liked those books, you should definitely check this one out.
August 29, 2015
Artemisia has devoted her life to science, alchemy and jewelry. Family wasn’t as important to her as trying to obtain forbidden knowledge. She is a founding member of The Skyward Group which is a team of scientists working on top-secret projects. Artemisia’s main goal is to learn how god thinks and play god herself. There is another woman like her named Inanna. Inanna is a powerful witch who also has everything she wants and desires to be more god like. The one thing that neither has is a child.
This brings us to Adam, a three-month old boy who is being kept in a cage in a science lab. The doctors won’t get close to him because he’s dangerous. Alex has power but he doesn’t understand it and what he wants more than anything is to be loved. Inanna and Artemisia have their eyes set on the boy and want to raise him in their own image. Only one can be his mother while the other will suffer at the hands of both mother and child.
The Darkness by Crystal Connor is the first book in The Spectrum Series and it was hard to put down. This isn’t a story of good versus evil, it’s the story of forbidden magic versus forbidden science. It’s also a study on what happens when you become to powerful and have too much forbidden knowledge. I admire Crystal’s ability to make you love a character and hate them at the same time. The story here takes place over several years and we get to watch Adam go from a child to an adult. We see what destruction he causes when he can’t get what he wants, but we also see a boy who tries desperately to save the people he loves when they are in danger and how bad he feels when he hurts someone he loves.
You also see the good and bad in Inanna. You feel bad for her when her mother is taken away and she cries but then when she takes her vengeance on a group of people, you see that maybe this isn’t a person you should show pity for. One of my favorite scenes in the book has Inanna summoning warlocks and demons in order to do a protection spell for Adam. As she does this, one of the demons says that when she dies there will be no end to her suffering. Inanna’s reaction to this is indifference. I loved this scene because she was using evil and sacrificing herself to protect someone she loved. Inanna knows what she wants and nothing will stop her from having it.
What makes The Darkness interesting is that there are no heroes and villains, everyone is a shade of grey. The characters are complex, at times both Artemisia and Inanna show that they have a dark side but they also both show that they have a compassionate nature. The boy Alex also shows a lot of depth such as at one point he takes his anger out on one of the doctors in the lab but then another time we see him cry as another doctor hugs him for the first time. The characters are so fascinating you don’t see any of them as good or evil, they’re just people. Rather then choose sides I found myself compelled to just sit back and enjoy the ride. The way their personalities are, you’re never sure who to root for, which made for an unpredictable story.
This brings us to Adam, a three-month old boy who is being kept in a cage in a science lab. The doctors won’t get close to him because he’s dangerous. Alex has power but he doesn’t understand it and what he wants more than anything is to be loved. Inanna and Artemisia have their eyes set on the boy and want to raise him in their own image. Only one can be his mother while the other will suffer at the hands of both mother and child.
The Darkness by Crystal Connor is the first book in The Spectrum Series and it was hard to put down. This isn’t a story of good versus evil, it’s the story of forbidden magic versus forbidden science. It’s also a study on what happens when you become to powerful and have too much forbidden knowledge. I admire Crystal’s ability to make you love a character and hate them at the same time. The story here takes place over several years and we get to watch Adam go from a child to an adult. We see what destruction he causes when he can’t get what he wants, but we also see a boy who tries desperately to save the people he loves when they are in danger and how bad he feels when he hurts someone he loves.
You also see the good and bad in Inanna. You feel bad for her when her mother is taken away and she cries but then when she takes her vengeance on a group of people, you see that maybe this isn’t a person you should show pity for. One of my favorite scenes in the book has Inanna summoning warlocks and demons in order to do a protection spell for Adam. As she does this, one of the demons says that when she dies there will be no end to her suffering. Inanna’s reaction to this is indifference. I loved this scene because she was using evil and sacrificing herself to protect someone she loved. Inanna knows what she wants and nothing will stop her from having it.
What makes The Darkness interesting is that there are no heroes and villains, everyone is a shade of grey. The characters are complex, at times both Artemisia and Inanna show that they have a dark side but they also both show that they have a compassionate nature. The boy Alex also shows a lot of depth such as at one point he takes his anger out on one of the doctors in the lab but then another time we see him cry as another doctor hugs him for the first time. The characters are so fascinating you don’t see any of them as good or evil, they’re just people. Rather then choose sides I found myself compelled to just sit back and enjoy the ride. The way their personalities are, you’re never sure who to root for, which made for an unpredictable story.
August 29, 2015
Artemisia has devoted her life to science, alchemy and jewelry. Family wasn’t as important to her as trying to obtain forbidden knowledge. She is a founding member of The Skyward Group which is a team of scientists working on top-secret projects. Artemisia’s main goal is to learn how god thinks and play god herself. There is another woman like her named Inanna. Inanna is a powerful witch who also has everything she wants and desires to be more god like. The one thing that neither has is a child.
This brings us to Adam, a three-month old boy who is being kept in a cage in a science lab. The doctors won’t get close to him because he’s dangerous. Alex has power but he doesn’t understand it and what he wants more than anything is to be loved. Inanna and Artemisia have their eyes set on the boy and want to raise him in their own image. Only one can be his mother while the other will suffer at the hands of both mother and child.
The Darkness by Crystal Connor is the first book in The Spectrum Series and it was hard to put down. This isn’t a story of good versus evil, it’s the story of forbidden magic versus forbidden science. It’s also a study on what happens when you become to powerful and have too much forbidden knowledge. I admire Crystal’s ability to make you love a character and hate them at the same time. The story here takes place over several years and we get to watch Adam go from a child to an adult. We see what destruction he causes when he can’t get what he wants, but we also see a boy who tries desperately to save the people he loves when they are in danger and how bad he feels when he hurts someone he loves.
You also see the good and bad in Inanna. You feel bad for her when her mother is taken away and she cries but then when she takes her vengeance on a group of people, you see that maybe this isn’t a person you should show pity for. One of my favorite scenes in the book has Inanna summoning warlocks and demons in order to do a protection spell for Adam. As she does this, one of the demons says that when she dies there will be no end to her suffering. Inanna’s reaction to this is indifference. I loved this scene because she was using evil and sacrificing herself to protect someone she loved. Inanna knows what she wants and nothing will stop her from having it.
What makes The Darkness interesting is that there are no heroes and villains, everyone is a shade of grey. The characters are complex, at times both Artemisia and Inanna show that they have a dark side but they also both show that they have a compassionate nature. The boy Alex also shows a lot of depth such as at one point he takes his anger out on one of the doctors in the lab but then another time we see him cry as another doctor hugs him for the first time. The characters are so fascinating you don’t see any of them as good or evil, they’re just people. Rather then choose sides I found myself compelled to just sit back and enjoy the ride. The way their personalities are, you’re never sure who to root for, which made for an unpredictable story.
This brings us to Adam, a three-month old boy who is being kept in a cage in a science lab. The doctors won’t get close to him because he’s dangerous. Alex has power but he doesn’t understand it and what he wants more than anything is to be loved. Inanna and Artemisia have their eyes set on the boy and want to raise him in their own image. Only one can be his mother while the other will suffer at the hands of both mother and child.
The Darkness by Crystal Connor is the first book in The Spectrum Series and it was hard to put down. This isn’t a story of good versus evil, it’s the story of forbidden magic versus forbidden science. It’s also a study on what happens when you become to powerful and have too much forbidden knowledge. I admire Crystal’s ability to make you love a character and hate them at the same time. The story here takes place over several years and we get to watch Adam go from a child to an adult. We see what destruction he causes when he can’t get what he wants, but we also see a boy who tries desperately to save the people he loves when they are in danger and how bad he feels when he hurts someone he loves.
You also see the good and bad in Inanna. You feel bad for her when her mother is taken away and she cries but then when she takes her vengeance on a group of people, you see that maybe this isn’t a person you should show pity for. One of my favorite scenes in the book has Inanna summoning warlocks and demons in order to do a protection spell for Adam. As she does this, one of the demons says that when she dies there will be no end to her suffering. Inanna’s reaction to this is indifference. I loved this scene because she was using evil and sacrificing herself to protect someone she loved. Inanna knows what she wants and nothing will stop her from having it.
What makes The Darkness interesting is that there are no heroes and villains, everyone is a shade of grey. The characters are complex, at times both Artemisia and Inanna show that they have a dark side but they also both show that they have a compassionate nature. The boy Alex also shows a lot of depth such as at one point he takes his anger out on one of the doctors in the lab but then another time we see him cry as another doctor hugs him for the first time. The characters are so fascinating you don’t see any of them as good or evil, they’re just people. Rather then choose sides I found myself compelled to just sit back and enjoy the ride. The way their personalities are, you’re never sure who to root for, which made for an unpredictable story.
August 24, 2014
WOW Crystal Connor's writing is always uniquely creative and she never fails to capture my attention and this book was no exception. I truly think this is the best thing she has ever written.
The Darkness takes science and magic to a whole new level. The way the author blends science fiction and fantasy with medical experimentation is brilliant. And she does it brilliantly... this story is weaved together in such a way that it captures you with the prologue and doesn't let go ....
It's so hard to write a review to tell others how incredible the book is without giving away spoilers
With the two "mothers" of Adam... you find yourself loving them and hating them at the same time... and Adam... the same, I found myself hating him and loving him and feeling sorry for him. There is no real bad guy in this book, but yet they are all the bad guy. Just wonderful creative writing that captured me and wouldn't let me go.
I would recommend this book to anyone... and I can't wait for a part 2!!!
The Darkness takes science and magic to a whole new level. The way the author blends science fiction and fantasy with medical experimentation is brilliant. And she does it brilliantly... this story is weaved together in such a way that it captures you with the prologue and doesn't let go ....
It's so hard to write a review to tell others how incredible the book is without giving away spoilers
With the two "mothers" of Adam... you find yourself loving them and hating them at the same time... and Adam... the same, I found myself hating him and loving him and feeling sorry for him. There is no real bad guy in this book, but yet they are all the bad guy. Just wonderful creative writing that captured me and wouldn't let me go.
I would recommend this book to anyone... and I can't wait for a part 2!!!
August 24, 2014
WOW Crystal Connor's writing is always uniquely creative and she never fails to capture my attention and this book was no exception. I truly think this is the best thing she has ever written.
The Darkness takes science and magic to a whole new level. The way the author blends science fiction and fantasy with medical experimentation is brilliant. And she does it brilliantly... this story is weaved together in such a way that it captures you with the prologue and doesn't let go ....
It's so hard to write a review to tell others how incredible the book is without giving away spoilers
With the two "mothers" of Adam... you find yourself loving them and hating them at the same time... and Adam... the same, I found myself hating him and loving him and feeling sorry for him. There is no real bad guy in this book, but yet they are all the bad guy. Just wonderful creative writing that captured me and wouldn't let me go.
I would recommend this book to anyone... and I can't wait for a part 2!!!
The Darkness takes science and magic to a whole new level. The way the author blends science fiction and fantasy with medical experimentation is brilliant. And she does it brilliantly... this story is weaved together in such a way that it captures you with the prologue and doesn't let go ....
It's so hard to write a review to tell others how incredible the book is without giving away spoilers
With the two "mothers" of Adam... you find yourself loving them and hating them at the same time... and Adam... the same, I found myself hating him and loving him and feeling sorry for him. There is no real bad guy in this book, but yet they are all the bad guy. Just wonderful creative writing that captured me and wouldn't let me go.
I would recommend this book to anyone... and I can't wait for a part 2!!!
August 20, 2012
The Darkness by Crystal Connor is an intriguing and entertaining book that mixes fantasy and science fiction by juxtaposing the concept of black magic against mad science. It melds corporate power against dark arcane might, each side led by a strong female protagonist.
The book chronicles the lives of two women, Artemisia, an influential businesswoman and scientist and Inanna, a powerful and dangerous witch. Their lives intersect through a child they both claim as their son. Eventually it is his choices and anger that touches off a chain of events that lead to the book’s tense climax.
There is a lot to like about this book, strong characters, compelling plot, tension, exotic settings and a nice undercurrent of philosophical and ethical ambiguity towards science and witchcraft. I loved how the author sets up the contrasting lifestyles of the two main female characters, both so wildly dissimilar, yet oddly matching. Also, even with the often controversial subject matter, the author draws the reader into caring about the characters, despite their actions.
I did, however, find the structure of the flashback sequences that pepper the beginning of the book rather jarring at times and this gave the flow of the narrative a disjointed feel. This may be a matter of taste, but I felt a few of the scenes could have used a bit more in the way of introduction. But not a large problem in the overall read of the book, so I give The Darkness a recommend.
The book chronicles the lives of two women, Artemisia, an influential businesswoman and scientist and Inanna, a powerful and dangerous witch. Their lives intersect through a child they both claim as their son. Eventually it is his choices and anger that touches off a chain of events that lead to the book’s tense climax.
There is a lot to like about this book, strong characters, compelling plot, tension, exotic settings and a nice undercurrent of philosophical and ethical ambiguity towards science and witchcraft. I loved how the author sets up the contrasting lifestyles of the two main female characters, both so wildly dissimilar, yet oddly matching. Also, even with the often controversial subject matter, the author draws the reader into caring about the characters, despite their actions.
I did, however, find the structure of the flashback sequences that pepper the beginning of the book rather jarring at times and this gave the flow of the narrative a disjointed feel. This may be a matter of taste, but I felt a few of the scenes could have used a bit more in the way of introduction. But not a large problem in the overall read of the book, so I give The Darkness a recommend.
June 13, 2013
Book one of the Spectrum trilogy contains a harmonious blend of fantasy and science fiction. Witches, scientists, and magic all take turns in the spotlight in this horror novel, but with so much going on, one may prepare themselves to get confused, but the disorientation never kicks in because Connor executes the story flawlessly. The one of a kind, compelling plot encompasses two bold, strong as nails heroines who we can thank for making this gripping book original and for scaring the heck out of us. The transitioning between past and present throughout is easy to follow, and although this dark and sinister tale is paced a tad on the slow side, we get to realize that it's beneficial because it gives us time to digest the crucial information which is vital to fully experience The Darkness. Impeccable writing and the extremely descriptive settings of faraway lands and continents will initiate excitement amongst readers, and it's undeniable that the author did her research on witchcraft and advanced technology to make everything all the more believable. This powerful debut novel will keep us guessing and the unexpected ending leaves us hanging and awaiting book two feverishly.
August 8, 2013
The ending of this book makes you want to flip to the beginning and start reading all over again just to rediscover all the clues you missed. The Darkness is heavily layered in magic and mythology that is reexamined in a fresh new way. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 30, 2011
Ta-da! My 1st novel =D
Because I am the author of this book I am not going to write a review because that would be like totally cheating!
Because I am the author of this book I am not going to write a review because that would be like totally cheating!
January 31, 2011
At best, the story was mediocre, no emotional connections could be made, missing substance, characters lacking that 'something' that makes them real to the reader. VERY disappointing.
March 2, 2015
Did not finish. I just could not get into this book at all. The writing was awkward and I couldn't force myself to continue.
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