What do you think?
Rate this book
The Atavists Trilogy #1
Darkness Surrounding
Convoluted pasts. Moral conflicts. Zanni Anderson, a strong-willed blonde with wit to boot, discovers she's tangled in something more inexplicable and daunting than she could ever imagine. And she — along with a motley crew of teenage boys — are the only ones who can stop what their ancestors began.
248 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2011
1 person is currently reading
101 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 4, 2012
anyone who says unpublished authors aren't worth reading clearly has not read enough books (or any books by kat mellon...) to know what they're talking about. Darkness Surrounding is better than some popular best selling novels today. not only do the characters seem real, genuine, and lovable (but not too lovable) but they also captivate you in ways you only read about in Harry Potter novels.
the plotline? thicker and more enjoyable than your favorite diner's malt shakes (and zero calories!). almost all young adult novels I've read have had predictable endings - this one not so much. Kat Mellon keeps you guessing from page to page, it's a wonder she hasn't been sued for paper cuts.
even if her characters and storyline were crap, I still wouldn't be able to put this book down because the way she writes is so beautiful and descriptive, you feel like you're in the scene, getting thrown into a basketball hoop with Zanni. having only been to New Mexico when I was a young little tot, just by reading Mellon's descriptions make me feel the heat of the sun, and make me see the dry but beautiful plant-life.
if you're looking for a book that delivers all the packages of good writing and then some, this is easily the book for you.
*if you're thinking of bringing this novel on a long road trip, I recommend you packing more than this book, because you'll finish it so quickly you'll be banging on Kat's door demanding for the second one.
the plotline? thicker and more enjoyable than your favorite diner's malt shakes (and zero calories!). almost all young adult novels I've read have had predictable endings - this one not so much. Kat Mellon keeps you guessing from page to page, it's a wonder she hasn't been sued for paper cuts.
even if her characters and storyline were crap, I still wouldn't be able to put this book down because the way she writes is so beautiful and descriptive, you feel like you're in the scene, getting thrown into a basketball hoop with Zanni. having only been to New Mexico when I was a young little tot, just by reading Mellon's descriptions make me feel the heat of the sun, and make me see the dry but beautiful plant-life.
if you're looking for a book that delivers all the packages of good writing and then some, this is easily the book for you.
*if you're thinking of bringing this novel on a long road trip, I recommend you packing more than this book, because you'll finish it so quickly you'll be banging on Kat's door demanding for the second one.
August 9, 2016
I can usually tell how much I’m going to enjoy a book based on how quickly it draws me in. With “Darkness Surrounding,” I was hooked from the start. It’s a fascinating story about what happens when the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur.
Zanni is struggling with the usual perils of youth (feeling awkward, difficulties fitting in, etc.), but she soon learns that those are the least of her problems. Most teenagers have misconceptions about being “different,” but in Zanni’s case, it’s the absolute truth. As she begins to discover who, or what, exactly she is, you’re led on a magical journey that you won’t want to end.
Often I pick up a book before bed with the intention of only reading a chapter, but with “Darkness Surrounding,” I found myself unable to put it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written storytelling with the occasional unexpected twist. I can’t wait for the second installment in the trilogy.
Zanni is struggling with the usual perils of youth (feeling awkward, difficulties fitting in, etc.), but she soon learns that those are the least of her problems. Most teenagers have misconceptions about being “different,” but in Zanni’s case, it’s the absolute truth. As she begins to discover who, or what, exactly she is, you’re led on a magical journey that you won’t want to end.
Often I pick up a book before bed with the intention of only reading a chapter, but with “Darkness Surrounding,” I found myself unable to put it down. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written storytelling with the occasional unexpected twist. I can’t wait for the second installment in the trilogy.
September 21, 2011
Honestly, I have avoided this "mystic" genre through the emerging fascination of my high school students. I'm still not ready to dive into Twilight, but I enjoyed this novel very much. The foreshadowing draws you in immediately. Within the first two chapters I was already emotionally tied to Zanni and sharing her outrage and confusion. The diction and figurative language are effective and contribute to the story. I was engaged throughout and anxious to get back to the novel each evening. My only complaint is that I didn't have Book 2 sitting on my nightstand when I reached the end!
July 21, 2011
Knowing the author probably distorts my judgment of this book to some degree, so I will give the best review I can.
Brilliant. Unputdownable, with a wicked storyline and believeable characters. Being a self-published book however, there are a few punctuation mistakes, and the ending could've been more properly developed, but even with these you'll be screaming for the next installment.
Rock on, Kat M. ;)
Brilliant. Unputdownable, with a wicked storyline and believeable characters. Being a self-published book however, there are a few punctuation mistakes, and the ending could've been more properly developed, but even with these you'll be screaming for the next installment.
Rock on, Kat M. ;)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews