Nightingale

The Sensitives #2

by Dawn Rae Miller

Depressed and confused after her rescue from Summer Hill, Lark Greene trusts no one—not even herself. Cut off from Beck, all she wants to do is fade away and forget everything, but her mother has other plans: she wants to teach Lark how to master her Dark magic and pair her off with a new mate.

Lark is desperate to keep herself from going completely Dark, while also keeping Beck safe, so she allows herself to be drawn deeper into the dangerous, yet glamorous, world of the State. But as the Splinter Group launches attacks to wrest governmental control from the Dark witches, Lark finds herself drawing on her Dark magic more and more.

As her magic spirals out of control, no one around Lark is safe.

Certainly not Beck.

And not even Lark herself.

Genres: Paranormal, Dystopia, Ebooks, Fantasy, Young Adult

298 pages

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

Dawn is a Twitter and fashion addict whose favorite things in life are her family, gorgeous dresses, tea leaf salad, and French macarons. She splits her time between San Francisco and Northern Virginia, and is always up for a trip to Paris.

Reviews

[The Introverted Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when the one person who has been by your side for years, whom you are supposed to be bound to on your 18th birthday and spend the rest of your life with, whom you love and cant bare to be apart from is your supposed arch nemesis? What happens when you leave him behind because you think it’s the only way to protect him, not only from your world but also from yourself? Lark is on a journey to claim her spot among the Dark Witches as their leader but what she discovers along the way will challenge her in ways she never thought possible. Lies, deception, dark family secrets, betrayal and unrequited love are the makings of Dawn Rae Miller’s second novel, Nightingale, the second book in the Sensitive’s series.

I have been looking forward to reading Nightingale ever since I finished Larkstorm almost a year ago. I felt a deep connection to Lark and Beck and needed to know what happened to Beck once Lark left the Light Witches and Beck was left behind. Beck has always been Lark’s saving grace; the calm rational one that helps put things into perspective for her. Lark is senseless and often makes decisions in the heat of the moment with no validation to them. Without Beck by her side Lark is uncontrollable. In Nightingale, Lark spends a majority of her time having a temper tantrum, and who would blame her? She is left in the dark as to everything that is going on around her. The world in which she thought she knew and understood is all a facade. Lark has a difficult time trying to figure out who is on which side; there is ongoing conflict between the Dark Witches, the Light Witches, the Splinter Group and the humans. Lark tries desperately to find a middle ground but is unsuccessful as she deals with betrayal. Her mother’s dark web of secrets has clearly ruined Larks life and the darkness inside of her is slowly taking over. Trying to gain control of her power while trying to stay true to who she really is, is proving to be more difficult than she ever imagined.

Just when I thought I had figured out what was going on with the political unrest, Miller tossed in a curveball to shake things up. Her descriptive writing helps the reader to make a connection and feel like they are a part of the story. Lark’s personality is easy to insert ones self into as we experience her angst and confusion. I could feel what Lark was feeling as if I was part of the story and inside the character. Her love for Beck is innocent and pure but her Mother’s plan to sabotage it is enough to break anyone’s heart. No matter whom Lark turns to for answers, she ends up walking away with even more questions. It seems the only way to solve all of the problems is to figure out Malin’s past and to find a way to use that information to improve herself.

Nightingale will leave the reader wanting more. Wanting more answers, wanting more Beck and wanting revenge.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far, The Sensitives series, is one of the best I've ever read!! I enjoyed every second of reading it. It's incredibly suspenseful and I couldn't put it down!

[Stephanie Bibb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agghhh! How do you end a book like that? *Stares at the ending.*

Alright. Now that I've had a moment, on to the review.

To start with, I liked Larkstorm. It was good. Slow at times, but not a bad read. Nightingale, on the other hand, was awesome. It was breathtaking, it brought out the character's strong emotions, and best of all, it had the point of view from the "bad guy" side (though its up to the reader to really say if the Dark Witches are bad guys.)



To be honest, part of me wonders if Analise was controlling Malin. I wonder if Malin is really dead. And for goodness sakes, if I hadn't already wanted to read the next book in the series, the end of Nightingale made me want to find out what happens next.



So, now that my spoiler note is over, I'll say that the book had me intrigued from the start (where Larkstorm is slow to start, Nightingale gets going right in the first couple pages), and it kept going. The pacing worked great for me. I was reading it during breaks at work, and though I didn't read it all at once, this one kept me excited. I was thrilled every time I had a chance to read what happens next.

Here's why: In some of the books I've read, the main character, is afraid they're turning evil or have been tainted, but you read the story and you know they'll get past it because they're so concerned about it. With Nightingale, we don't know that. Evidence does point to Lark's destructive side coming out, and guess what? It's fun to read. It makes me wonder if she will or won't get with Beck (and I was glad it wasn't a love triangle. I'm not normally a romance reader, and I don't mind love triangles, but it was nice to have a straight forward love interest, even if there are complications).

The best part of this book is that you really can't say for sure if Lark is going reign in the dark witch heritage or enjoy her destructive powers. And there are antagonists who may or may not be good guys (Malin was an awesome, albeit dark, character). Betrayal, friendship, magic... an intriguing political system, and awesome magic-use moments (like the moment when Lark takes the guard's voice, or the air turns to glass).

I may have just picked up the book at the right time, but it was awesome, and I'd definitely recommend it. :-D

On a technical note, there were a couple typos, but nothing that detracted from the story. And the cover is beautiful, just like the first one. (I look forward to seeing the next one).

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, first the customary OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS BOOK.

YOu know I love this. I love the story, the characters are so fulfilling, the plot is unique and fantastical, and Miss Dawn Rae is like well, ya know, amazingly fantastically wonderful.

We get it, I love this series.

Now, here's the thing. I love this, I want everyone to read this series. I want to be Lark. It's great.

But.


But, I hated this. I mean, yes I loved it. But I felt like the book was just the same thing over and over. Lark is stupid. She forgets her love. She forgets who she is. She forgets everything that's of any importance.

And I don't get it. I mean, we're told that her Mother puts her through a lot, but Miller just starts the book at her forgetting. I don't like it. Give us some insight into her losing the memories, them slipping away, something for us to be like "No Lark, don't forget that!"

Also, I felt that this book just kept doing the same thing over and over. As soon as we finally break through and something more happens, it's over. I feel very dissatisfied with this book.

And I feel horrid saying that. I really honestly do. Because despite all of that I still love the story, love Lark, love love love Beck and his determination to stay with Lark, I love the side characters. I really hope that we're given more insight into Annalise and Callum in the next book. I loved seeing more of Annalise and feeling her grow as a character. But I feel Callum is lacking, like he could have so much story to tell and he's just not. I also am really looking forward to ANSWERS in the next book. I feel like we're given a lot of tidbits, a lot of possibilities, a lot of maybe's. I want to see something happen!

As always, Dawn is a phenomenal writer. I get lost in her words. Her storytelling is spot on and I truly just feel like I walk into the story and am in it.
I really wish that there were real copies of these books, I despise e-books, but for these I don't have a choice. I love nothing more than picking up a book and just opening it and rereading bits and pieces. I just can't do that on a tablet.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book really made me like the first book a lot more. The story line pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. However, the character development was a little frustrating. The constant back and forth with who everyone is, what they stand for, where they are is setting you up for a good mystery but at the same time - you can almost always guess what the next turn will be. And, Lark constantly repeating the same internal battle... it does get a little old.

Still though, the writing is great and really pulls you in to Lark's world. I am excited to read the third book. I do hope there is more focus on the back story with the characters.

[Gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I thought this book was better than Larkstorm, which I still really enjoyed. Lark's character progression here was really interesting, and I love the worldbuilding that the author has done; it makes the book shine. The cast of characters is complex and fleshed out; Annalise especially, do we like her? Do we hate her? Idk but I'm having a good time reading about her. This is one of the best YA novels I have read in a while.

There are times where Lark's thought processes are...confusing, but there's a legitimate reason for that, and I don't think it decreased my appreciation for the story at all.

I'm excited to see how this trilogy ends (and desperately hoping the ending is a happy one).

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still am enjoying this series, but it's getting a little convoluted. I love that Beck is still completely Lark's, and even when she doesn't realize it Lark is only drawn to him. There is no love triangle. It's sad knowing she's being manipulated when she doesn't. And I know we're supposed to feel bad for poor Lena, but I really don't.

[Isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3,5 Sterne

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I finished the last page of Larkstorm, I have been desperately waiting for Nightingale to be released. You may or may not remember that I fell in love with Larkstorm (review here) back in July of this year and have since re-read it three times, something that is UNHEARD of for me, let alone for a book blogger with a hefty TBR pile. I may have read Nightingale more than once too LOL. Nightingale is of course a continuation of the story as Larkstorm left our starcrossed lovers in a bit of a quandary. I am being kind of course, what I meant is that they’re basically screwed.

This is not going to come as a shocker to you but I LOVED the book. Nightingale is a full on ANGSTFEST and I think it should come with a warning as I’m feeling a little battered and bruised emotionally speaking. It was full of crazy and more than a little intense but still amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s no secret that Dawn has been having a hard time recently in her personal life (she blogs about it) and I feel like she channelled that energy and all her emotions into the story and man, could I feel it. There’s some pretty fabulous writing that is both raw and real and will rip your heart out.

“The world is on fire and I don’t know which way to run”


In Nightingale, Lark and Beck have been separated by the battle at Summer Hill and Lark is being manipulated by her crazy mother into telling the press and indeed the world, that Beck is evil and wants her dead. She is forced to publically deny any feelings she has for him and it’s having a hefty toll on her mental state. Basically, she’s a mess and not altogether likeable at times. She is often out of control and lets the darkness consume her....and then she hurts people. She always feels regret afterwards though which shows me that at least she retains some of her humanity. I want to hug her one minute and slap her the next but mostly, I just want to hold on to her and let her cry. I LOVE Beck for not giving up on her when she needs him the most and when it would almost be easier to let go. I decided early on that I wasn’t going to give up on her either. Besides, it’s not WHAT we are that matters but WHO we are, our behaviours are what makes us. Lark has a choice and she needs to realise that instead of feeling powerless (for someone so powerful, she’s actually powerless in that respect). She needs to take control and take responsibility for her magic and I hope we get to see that in the next book.

Nightingale allows some of the secondary characters to come to the forefront, one of which was Ryker. I really liked Ryker you know...but...he’s not Beck and I lived for the moments when Beck popped up in the story.

I enjoyed seeing Kyra grow up although I’m scared for her and the world she has joined so easily. It was interesting to see more of the dynamic between Callum and Annalise and her behaviour intrigues me. I do believe she is hiding a lot of secrets and I don’t fully trust her. I’m also highly suspicious of Dawson (Lark’s bodyguard) and I want to know who he is really and what is his agenda? I guess time will tell.

Dawn is a fabulous writer who excels at realistic dialogue and natural, descriptive emotions and I would read anything she writes. Nightingale will stay will you long after the daylight ends and whilst there are a lot of dark moments, the message I gleaned from it is one of hope. I do love this story and after THAT ending? I need the next book STAT.

[Yianna Yiannacou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gave me mixed feelings. Main reason because it was too short. By the time I was finished I kept flicking through the last pages of my kindle for more, but sadly it ended way too quick.

Lark has been brainwashed. After being removed from the care of the light witches, Larks mother reclaims her daughter and brings her home. She makes Lark believe that Beck, the one who she loved and planned on being with for the rest of her life was behind all her pain. She made Lark believe that Beck was the bad guy and was only using her. Lark tries to live with the dark witches but they fear her as they should and her dark powers threaten to overpower her. Her mother forces her to take a new mate, but deep down in her heart they could never bond since she was already bonded with Beck. When Beck returns after the fake bonding ceremony for Lark is when things take a turn. Lark’s magic has a mind of its own and she doesn’t know who to trust or believe anymore. Everyone she thought she loved has been torn away from her. Poor girl.

I don’t want to give too much away, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. So much more happened in this book that I can’t even begin to explain. All I can do is tell you to read it, but then impatiently wait with me for the next one. Grr. I always tell myself I won’t read unfinished series, but look, here we are. Oh well.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this one much quicker than the first, cuz I just couldn't put it down. So much happens in this 2nd installment to the series. Lark gets a much better grip on her powers and abilities, it seems like everyone is turning against the 'State', and it all kept me wanting to keep reading and find out what happens next. Lark's powers, tho much more under control now than when she first even found out she was a "Sensitive" in the first book, sometimes get the worse of her; she kinda loses control and does some damage, but then realizes what she's done and feels bad. She's been manipulated by her mother to do her bidding, pretty much, and Lark really believes what she's told, even if she may have some doubts about it. Towards the end, after the 'incident' with her Mother, (I'm not saying what, so as to not give it away), she sort of starts to come out of the fog she's been under and isn't quite sure what is fact and what wasn't while under her Mother's manipulation. All in all, I really enjoyed this sequel and the only thing now is to await the third one; which sucks! Waiting always sucks. But we shall wait. :)

[Georgianna Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent all day yesterday reading Larkspur and this book, the sequel to it.

I love Lark, she is interesting and, although she spends a good part of this book seeming as if she is not a very strong woman and is terrified that she will become a Dark Witch like her mother, she shows us in the end exactly what she is capable of.

Although there are plenty of people and situations that Lark struggles with in this book, her main antagonist is herself.

Read Larkstorm and then read this if you love YA/Dystopian stories with huge plot twists. Just when you think you've got it figured out, Miller pulls the rug right out from under you!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story kept me guessing, and I had no idea how things could possibly resolve. Ms. Miller kept her cards close in writing this, and while things were shocking, they weren't unsupported. Lark is conflicted, torn, doubting herself and doubting others, and as her perception of reality subtly shifted, so did mine. I'm impressed, and I will be first in line to buy the next book! Warning: Cliffhanger.

[Jennifer Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful sequel! Nightingale had me reading fast, dying to know what was going to happen next. The emotions ran high from the first page to the very last word, often taking unexpected turns. I can't wait for Book 3 and to find out what's next for Lark!

[S. Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is the 3rd book???

Although parts of this book made my enthusiasm for the writing and the story step down a notch, the characters and situations are still vivid in my mind & my fingers are itching for the third book in the series. I need it now!!

[Shadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book,can't wait for the next book!!

[Jhoanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't too sure with Larkstorm, but this was much better. I don't know why but it was. I am eager to read the next book.

[Book Whales]

Want!!!!