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On Dark Shores #2
On Dark Shores Part 2: The Other Nereia
Nereia is faced by a frightening choice. Copeland is getting dangerously unpredictable; and in the blind darkness of the sea-caves under the cliff, Blakey is about to make the acquaintance of the Archangel...
Sequel to "On Dark Shores 1: The Lady" and second in the dark fantasy series, this novella is gritty and gripping with a rich tapestry of characters and darkly evocative setting. Contains violence and drug-use.
**STARTS AT CHAPTER 7 following on from Chapters 1-6 in book 1**
The story will be followed later in the year by "On Dark Shores 3: The Mother"
Sequel to "On Dark Shores 1: The Lady" and second in the dark fantasy series, this novella is gritty and gripping with a rich tapestry of characters and darkly evocative setting. Contains violence and drug-use.
**STARTS AT CHAPTER 7 following on from Chapters 1-6 in book 1**
The story will be followed later in the year by "On Dark Shores 3: The Mother"
115 pages, ebook
Published April 15, 2012
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Clement
25 books46 followersJ.A. Clement lives near London with her partner and a lunatic lurcher puppy with a predilection for watering cans. She writes her fantasy series whenever she can, mostly in her lunch hour (which probably explains the excessive number of bacon sandwiches that have to be edited out later). Her "To-Write" list is as big as your "To-Read" list (and covers several genres, but she just needs to finish this series first...)
***For a free ebook of The Locket, sign up to her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/WLfLH***
or follow her on Bookbub at
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She's happy to be contacted by readers via email at jaclement [dot] ondarkshores [at] gmail [dot] com. She is happy to answer any questions she can without spoilers, and does love a good gossip with fellow bookworms. You have been warned...
***For a free ebook of The Locket, sign up to her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/WLfLH***
or follow her on Bookbub at
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-a-c...
She's happy to be contacted by readers via email at jaclement [dot] ondarkshores [at] gmail [dot] com. She is happy to answer any questions she can without spoilers, and does love a good gossip with fellow bookworms. You have been warned...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 3, 2012
"We of Scarlock, we stick together. That is how we survive."
Nereia is faced with a difficult choice - accept the Other Nereia and stay to protect Mary, or drift away from the beating Copeland gave her. The Other Nereia talks of making the dark waters sweet again, instead of the bitter waters they have become, and Nereia is tasked with completing this. Confused but determined, Nereia must accept that she still has some part yet to play...
Copeland has a plan for Blakey, and Blakey doesn't think he likes where it's leading. Down below in the caves, Blakey learns of Copeland's secrets, including that of the Archangel. But what can he do to stop it?
Picking up where the first book left off, book two is also richly written and full of vividness. The characters continue to grow and evolve, changing from meek-seeming and battered to firmer of will and full of purpose. There is a bit of history added into this book, explaining a bit about Nereia's past and giving insights into how her and Mary came to be under Copeland's thumb.
As if Copeland and his decent into madness wasn't enough, soldiers have come to town, threatening to find Vansel, Mickel and others of their company before their plans can be completed. And, while not seen much in this book either, the Mother is still playing a crucial role in the events of Scarlock. Some new players come on the scene as well, adding to the realness of the town setting and to the drama surrounding it.
What a twisted tale is being woven here. Dark, mysterious, suspenseful, and engaging, On Dark Shores: Other Nereia continues to follow Nereia and the others as change comes to Scarlock - and change isn't always good.
Nereia is faced with a difficult choice - accept the Other Nereia and stay to protect Mary, or drift away from the beating Copeland gave her. The Other Nereia talks of making the dark waters sweet again, instead of the bitter waters they have become, and Nereia is tasked with completing this. Confused but determined, Nereia must accept that she still has some part yet to play...
Copeland has a plan for Blakey, and Blakey doesn't think he likes where it's leading. Down below in the caves, Blakey learns of Copeland's secrets, including that of the Archangel. But what can he do to stop it?
Picking up where the first book left off, book two is also richly written and full of vividness. The characters continue to grow and evolve, changing from meek-seeming and battered to firmer of will and full of purpose. There is a bit of history added into this book, explaining a bit about Nereia's past and giving insights into how her and Mary came to be under Copeland's thumb.
As if Copeland and his decent into madness wasn't enough, soldiers have come to town, threatening to find Vansel, Mickel and others of their company before their plans can be completed. And, while not seen much in this book either, the Mother is still playing a crucial role in the events of Scarlock. Some new players come on the scene as well, adding to the realness of the town setting and to the drama surrounding it.
What a twisted tale is being woven here. Dark, mysterious, suspenseful, and engaging, On Dark Shores: Other Nereia continues to follow Nereia and the others as change comes to Scarlock - and change isn't always good.
April 25, 2012
If I hoped for a more complete ending from this second of J.A. Clement’s On Dark Shores series I might be disappointed. But Nereia’s tale does come to a fascinating turning point and the oddly ambiguous bad guy, Blakey, begins his approach to redemption. Meanwhile the Mother lies waiting in the wings and armies start to gather, and I'm hooked.
The world of this series is nicely complete with history, present and future waiting to unfold. Characters interact with pleasing dialog and genuine feeling. The streets, stores and shores of Scarlock feel very real. And there’s no sense of author intrusion as the story propels itself forwards. The fiercely addictive contents of Blakey’s snuffbox and the haunting appearance of Nereia’s Dark Shores visitor add depth and mystery, making the reader eager for more even though the mysterious Mother has yet to be revealed.
Expert world-building combines with good writing, great characters and dialog, and a sense of increasing tension to make this a thoroughly enjoyable series—just as long as you’re willing to wait for the end. If incomplete stories really annoy you, I’d suggest you place this high on to your future read-list. But if you’re looking for a nicely worked-out fantasy world to spend some reading time in, this is the series for you.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review, and I hope book 3 comes out soon!
The world of this series is nicely complete with history, present and future waiting to unfold. Characters interact with pleasing dialog and genuine feeling. The streets, stores and shores of Scarlock feel very real. And there’s no sense of author intrusion as the story propels itself forwards. The fiercely addictive contents of Blakey’s snuffbox and the haunting appearance of Nereia’s Dark Shores visitor add depth and mystery, making the reader eager for more even though the mysterious Mother has yet to be revealed.
Expert world-building combines with good writing, great characters and dialog, and a sense of increasing tension to make this a thoroughly enjoyable series—just as long as you’re willing to wait for the end. If incomplete stories really annoy you, I’d suggest you place this high on to your future read-list. But if you’re looking for a nicely worked-out fantasy world to spend some reading time in, this is the series for you.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review, and I hope book 3 comes out soon!
October 5, 2014
"The Other Nereia" is the second novel in J.A. Clement's On Dark Shores series which follows on directly from the finale of the first novel entitled "The Lady" which I have previously read. As Nereia lies unconscious, recovering from the injuries inflicted by the nefarious Copeland, her mind is taken to another plane of existence where she meets a being that appears to looks exactly like her. This other Nereia wants help to restore the damage within her own world, but this help is based around taking control of Nereia's body. Whilst she tries to come to terms with this request, the other inhabitants of Scarlock are faced with their own choices as Copeland's increasingly violent fall into madness and the arrival of soldiers within the town threaten to end the lives they all had previously known.
I was happy to see that the Clement has tried to progress the development of Scarlock and the various characters that inhabit the town. I really found that both the town and characters to be interesting, believable and easy to imagine which really helped me relate to their troubles. Without doubt, the main push of this novel appears to be in developing the characters and their history which is good as it was lacking a little bit in the first novel due to its short length.
The only issue with this concentration on character development is that the plot suffers a little bit due to the novel's short length. The overall progress made is very limited and whilst we learn a lot more about the characters and how they think, it didn't really feel like any of their individual adventures moved forward much. Don't get me wrong, the story is still full of dark suspense and intriguing mystery to the point that it was still entertaining but just don't expect any real forward momentum.
One of my biggest issues with the previous novel was that it was rather unsatisfying as an individual story due to its sudden ending and concentration on developing an overarching plot. Whilst the ending this time does feel a little bit more refined in terms of the point reached in the story, I still think it struggled to stand as a satisfying novel in its own right. In fact, the first chapter in the novel is actually quoted as being "Seven" which follows on from "Six" which was the final chapter in "The Lady". This to me really shows me that the author had no real plan to make the book stand alone in some manner which disappointed me a little.
Overall, I found this to be a rather interesting, if rather short fantasy novel like its predecessor, however it once again didn't feel like a story in its own right. I do think that anyone who has read the previous novel should appreciate the character development even it did come at the expense of some of the plot's forward momentum. For those of you who haven't read the previous novel, then I have to warn you that if you are someone who dislikes unfinished stories, then it would maybe be best for you to wait on the series being completed first. However, if you are interested in following the progress of an intriguing and enjoyable fantasy world as it is developed then you should look at picking up this series now, but just be willing to accept that each novel is more like one chapter of some overarching story.
I was happy to see that the Clement has tried to progress the development of Scarlock and the various characters that inhabit the town. I really found that both the town and characters to be interesting, believable and easy to imagine which really helped me relate to their troubles. Without doubt, the main push of this novel appears to be in developing the characters and their history which is good as it was lacking a little bit in the first novel due to its short length.
The only issue with this concentration on character development is that the plot suffers a little bit due to the novel's short length. The overall progress made is very limited and whilst we learn a lot more about the characters and how they think, it didn't really feel like any of their individual adventures moved forward much. Don't get me wrong, the story is still full of dark suspense and intriguing mystery to the point that it was still entertaining but just don't expect any real forward momentum.
One of my biggest issues with the previous novel was that it was rather unsatisfying as an individual story due to its sudden ending and concentration on developing an overarching plot. Whilst the ending this time does feel a little bit more refined in terms of the point reached in the story, I still think it struggled to stand as a satisfying novel in its own right. In fact, the first chapter in the novel is actually quoted as being "Seven" which follows on from "Six" which was the final chapter in "The Lady". This to me really shows me that the author had no real plan to make the book stand alone in some manner which disappointed me a little.
Overall, I found this to be a rather interesting, if rather short fantasy novel like its predecessor, however it once again didn't feel like a story in its own right. I do think that anyone who has read the previous novel should appreciate the character development even it did come at the expense of some of the plot's forward momentum. For those of you who haven't read the previous novel, then I have to warn you that if you are someone who dislikes unfinished stories, then it would maybe be best for you to wait on the series being completed first. However, if you are interested in following the progress of an intriguing and enjoyable fantasy world as it is developed then you should look at picking up this series now, but just be willing to accept that each novel is more like one chapter of some overarching story.
May 7, 2012
To be honest, I have book one, but I just have not found the time to sit down and read it (sorry JA!!!), so I started book two with a lot of questions. I haven't really gotten to know the characters previously, and I literally dropped in the middle of the story. But, when I got about halfway through, I was completely immersed. I still have questions, and you can be sure I'll be reading book one very soon, but book two was enough to get me hooked on the series. It certainly left me wanting more… in a good way.
JA is a fantastic author. Her writing is vivid and descriptive and perfectly gripping. The settings are easy to imagine and the characters are completely relatable. The tale is dark and suspenseful, and it is interesting to follow each character as they grow and evolve and come together in different ways.
A great fantasy series—I can't wait to catch up on book one and then dive into book three!
JA is a fantastic author. Her writing is vivid and descriptive and perfectly gripping. The settings are easy to imagine and the characters are completely relatable. The tale is dark and suspenseful, and it is interesting to follow each character as they grow and evolve and come together in different ways.
A great fantasy series—I can't wait to catch up on book one and then dive into book three!
May 22, 2012
Things are about to get darker and stranger in Scarlock as more forces come into play. No longer is it just Mr. Copeland, the thug who runs the town, whom our heroes have to worry about. An army, a demon and a fugitive enter the streets of this sleepy seaside town. But that’s not Nereia’s biggest worry.
Continuing with the same elegant writing of #1 in the series, the sequel maintains the tension and the mystery, adding other elements to it. We continue to learn more about the characters and their secrets. My only major complaint is that #2 just ended without a resolution of sorts, so now I’m waiting for the sequel. Sigh. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys dark, epic, realistic fantasies.
Continuing with the same elegant writing of #1 in the series, the sequel maintains the tension and the mystery, adding other elements to it. We continue to learn more about the characters and their secrets. My only major complaint is that #2 just ended without a resolution of sorts, so now I’m waiting for the sequel. Sigh. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys dark, epic, realistic fantasies.
couldnt-finish
December 1, 2025DNF @ 32%
I started this collection some years ago and this second part starts straight after the first, but with zero background information provided about what had happened in the first 6 chapters, there’s almost no way a reader will understand what is going on.
Too many characters, too much bouncing around between places and people for one to grasp hold of.
The writing could also do with another edit to pick up line edits too.
I started this collection some years ago and this second part starts straight after the first, but with zero background information provided about what had happened in the first 6 chapters, there’s almost no way a reader will understand what is going on.
Too many characters, too much bouncing around between places and people for one to grasp hold of.
The writing could also do with another edit to pick up line edits too.
July 27, 2012
I read and reviewed the first book in this series The Lady just over a year ago so it was good to find time to see where the story was heading, as it had ended at a climactic moment. This novella picks up where the first left off, but to avoid creating a spoiler for anyone who plans to read the first book I'll keep it vague.
The mood in Scarlock is changing; fear now mingles with hope. Moneylender Copeland is showing signs of becoming ever more unpredictable and he is now turning on even those closest to him. However Nereia and sister Mary have given the town a tiny spark of hope and feeling against him is gathering momentum. Unfortunately the people now also have to contend with an army amassing in the town, on the tail of The Mother of Shantari, guard and guide to her people. When Nereia is offered the chance to help banish the darkness by her other self she has to consider at what cost?
This instalment reveals more of the forces at play in and around Scarlock, and reintroduces lots of the characters from the first book. Blakey receives a lot of attention in this book, which I appreciated as he is a character who is being pulled in different directions and is dealing with a lot of internal conflict. The mood remains dark and oppressive, and the story is as gritty as the first book. It does contain violence and details the effects of Copeland's deadly drug Angel Feathers, which we find out more about the production of.
I wish I hadn't taken so long to get around to reading this, as I found myself spending a bit of time scratching my head trying to remember some of the finer details. I'm very glad to hear that the author is planning to release the novellas in one book in the future, as I think it will improve the reader's experience. My previous review was critical of the point as which the first book ended and this would address that issue.
This author has a writing style that I enjoy, and in places her use of language and her descriptions really hit the mark. I'll definitely read the third book and would just suggest that if the series appeals you try and read the separate parts close together to appreciate it more fully.
The mood in Scarlock is changing; fear now mingles with hope. Moneylender Copeland is showing signs of becoming ever more unpredictable and he is now turning on even those closest to him. However Nereia and sister Mary have given the town a tiny spark of hope and feeling against him is gathering momentum. Unfortunately the people now also have to contend with an army amassing in the town, on the tail of The Mother of Shantari, guard and guide to her people. When Nereia is offered the chance to help banish the darkness by her other self she has to consider at what cost?
This instalment reveals more of the forces at play in and around Scarlock, and reintroduces lots of the characters from the first book. Blakey receives a lot of attention in this book, which I appreciated as he is a character who is being pulled in different directions and is dealing with a lot of internal conflict. The mood remains dark and oppressive, and the story is as gritty as the first book. It does contain violence and details the effects of Copeland's deadly drug Angel Feathers, which we find out more about the production of.
I wish I hadn't taken so long to get around to reading this, as I found myself spending a bit of time scratching my head trying to remember some of the finer details. I'm very glad to hear that the author is planning to release the novellas in one book in the future, as I think it will improve the reader's experience. My previous review was critical of the point as which the first book ended and this would address that issue.
This author has a writing style that I enjoy, and in places her use of language and her descriptions really hit the mark. I'll definitely read the third book and would just suggest that if the series appeals you try and read the separate parts close together to appreciate it more fully.
July 20, 2012
The second volume in the On Dark Shores series, The Other Nereia, lives up to the promise of the first book and expands the story in an ever-twisting spiral of strange and secretive happenings. Like the first book, it is a plethora of sparkling language and delicately woven story.
The Other Nereia begins where the first book ended, with the immediate gathering of the dangling plot threads from The Lady. From there we see the consequences of Nereia’s recovery, Copeland’s continued descent into madness, Blakey’s worsening addiction, and more on Vansel, Jack, Mickel and their secrets. Also, we see other characters, such as Madam, begin their rise to the forefront.
As I stated in my review of On Dark Shores: The Lady, JA Clement’s prose is enchanting, and her subtle touching at twisting the plotlines is just as marvellous in Book Two. Layer by layer her characters get more complex and her story more intriguing. As a reader I was engrossed, speculating at where Nereia’s fate journeyed, feeling sympathy for Blakey, despite his thuggish actions and wondering what fortunes would befall the rest as dangers loom.
I can’t say enough good things about the On Dark Shores series, and I highly recommend The Other Nereia. Of course, now I have to wait patiently for the remainder of the story.
The Other Nereia begins where the first book ended, with the immediate gathering of the dangling plot threads from The Lady. From there we see the consequences of Nereia’s recovery, Copeland’s continued descent into madness, Blakey’s worsening addiction, and more on Vansel, Jack, Mickel and their secrets. Also, we see other characters, such as Madam, begin their rise to the forefront.
As I stated in my review of On Dark Shores: The Lady, JA Clement’s prose is enchanting, and her subtle touching at twisting the plotlines is just as marvellous in Book Two. Layer by layer her characters get more complex and her story more intriguing. As a reader I was engrossed, speculating at where Nereia’s fate journeyed, feeling sympathy for Blakey, despite his thuggish actions and wondering what fortunes would befall the rest as dangers loom.
I can’t say enough good things about the On Dark Shores series, and I highly recommend The Other Nereia. Of course, now I have to wait patiently for the remainder of the story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews