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Dark Passage #2
Underworld
~Underworld~ part 2 of the Dark Passage Series~
Underworld is a gritty YA Novel that is action packed. The protagonist is a 19 year old girl named Ivy. She is strong and yet broken but she has a sense of hope that drives her to push beyond what she believes about herself. The story shows Ivy's growth as she comes to grips with who she really is and busts out the box that society has put her inside. She realizes she is so much more than just a girl from the wrong side of town and that she has it within herself to change the destiny of many. She finds herself facing not only demons from her past but also the demons beyond the veil of the underworld. The Underworld is a brutal place, with intense evil, that resonates the very worst of human nature. Sometimes to save those you love you must walk alone into the unknown and be ready to die for what you believe.
In a green ocean of pine trees and twisted branches it seems impossible that light can penetrate the darkness. I find myself outside the strange house in the coolness of a pine forest with my backpack slung over my shoulder. The pine scent lingers in the air and I can hear the faint sound of music from far away.
The pleasure of the light is so intense that I don’t care about anything else. All I have ever wanted is to be loved and to be held just like this. I want to stay forever and never to go back to my life. I savor the experience for a few more moments and then let my body fall out of the light. I know what I must do and slowly close the locket.
“The white horses belong to the third realm. When we saw him in the field this morning Emma said he was yours. How did you ever get your hands on one? He will prove right useful to you here.”
“How can I be equipped when I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do?” I feel a sudden feeling of panic rising up in me as the words tumble out. I don’t understand what I have done to deserve this and the thought of what I will have to face is terrifying.
“The way you are to go will come to you. You will be led by an inner feeling and when the time is right you will know what to do. The light will find you and show you other dimensions and doorways which you may pass through”.
My eyes never leave her face. She radiates warmth and looks as she had long ago, before the world had left its cruel marks on her. It’s a sliver of time I will never get back. It’s been a lifetime and I can’t forget her face, she is the one who completes me. It’s a fragment of time that I have hidden away in the inner recess of my mind. Nothing more than a promise of the reality of what could have been. We had chosen different paths and were never to see each other again.
I often dream the impossible dream. Can this sliver of time, this chance meeting, ever lead to an eternity with her?
Underworld is a gritty YA Novel that is action packed. The protagonist is a 19 year old girl named Ivy. She is strong and yet broken but she has a sense of hope that drives her to push beyond what she believes about herself. The story shows Ivy's growth as she comes to grips with who she really is and busts out the box that society has put her inside. She realizes she is so much more than just a girl from the wrong side of town and that she has it within herself to change the destiny of many. She finds herself facing not only demons from her past but also the demons beyond the veil of the underworld. The Underworld is a brutal place, with intense evil, that resonates the very worst of human nature. Sometimes to save those you love you must walk alone into the unknown and be ready to die for what you believe.
In a green ocean of pine trees and twisted branches it seems impossible that light can penetrate the darkness. I find myself outside the strange house in the coolness of a pine forest with my backpack slung over my shoulder. The pine scent lingers in the air and I can hear the faint sound of music from far away.
The pleasure of the light is so intense that I don’t care about anything else. All I have ever wanted is to be loved and to be held just like this. I want to stay forever and never to go back to my life. I savor the experience for a few more moments and then let my body fall out of the light. I know what I must do and slowly close the locket.
“The white horses belong to the third realm. When we saw him in the field this morning Emma said he was yours. How did you ever get your hands on one? He will prove right useful to you here.”
“How can I be equipped when I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do?” I feel a sudden feeling of panic rising up in me as the words tumble out. I don’t understand what I have done to deserve this and the thought of what I will have to face is terrifying.
“The way you are to go will come to you. You will be led by an inner feeling and when the time is right you will know what to do. The light will find you and show you other dimensions and doorways which you may pass through”.
My eyes never leave her face. She radiates warmth and looks as she had long ago, before the world had left its cruel marks on her. It’s a sliver of time I will never get back. It’s been a lifetime and I can’t forget her face, she is the one who completes me. It’s a fragment of time that I have hidden away in the inner recess of my mind. Nothing more than a promise of the reality of what could have been. We had chosen different paths and were never to see each other again.
I often dream the impossible dream. Can this sliver of time, this chance meeting, ever lead to an eternity with her?
382 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
1121 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Woolley
3 books144 followersML was adopted and raised in Washington State. She grew up loving the escape of books, far away places and magical endings. Horses were a huge part of her life and she learned to ride at age 6 on the neighbor's farm. She worked cleaning stalls and doing work in trade for riding lessons. When she was on the back of a horse she felt that anything in life was possible. The horse used in the second book is her own Quarter Horse show Stallion "The Great White Hope".
ML married early to start a new life and divorced by the time she was 23. She raised her two girls, worked her way through college and graduate school working for a housekeeping service. She has spent many years in social services as social worker, crisis worker, counselor and case manager. Her first intrest has always been helping people to live better lives and become all that they can be. She was remarried later in life and lives with her husband in a small town in Washington- I never give up on a goal once it's set in my mind.
ML's educational background is BA in Psychology, MA in Education and an MED in Counseling Psychology. Education focused on applied principles with a diverse theoretical approach. Writing plays a very small part of what I do vocationally and this is my first work of fiction.
"Everyone has potential and can achieve their dreams. NEVER give up on yourself"- ML
ML married early to start a new life and divorced by the time she was 23. She raised her two girls, worked her way through college and graduate school working for a housekeeping service. She has spent many years in social services as social worker, crisis worker, counselor and case manager. Her first intrest has always been helping people to live better lives and become all that they can be. She was remarried later in life and lives with her husband in a small town in Washington- I never give up on a goal once it's set in my mind.
ML's educational background is BA in Psychology, MA in Education and an MED in Counseling Psychology. Education focused on applied principles with a diverse theoretical approach. Writing plays a very small part of what I do vocationally and this is my first work of fiction.
"Everyone has potential and can achieve their dreams. NEVER give up on yourself"- ML
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 19, 2013
I cant believe that we are nearing the end of the summer! The months have flown past and fall is right around the corner- I have been busy with work and all of the other things that occupy my life- I have been working on part two and also have started a new series- I love to write and put ideas to paper. It can be a consuming passion and after a few months off I simply must get back at it- I hope you have had a wonderful summer and took time to enjoy yourself!
Received this from a blogger and it said it so perfectly- I absolutely love bloggers and all the amazing work they do!!
When considering Indie books though, you have to consider all the crazy loads of work that must go into it. Not only does the author have to actually write the words, they also have to edit & design the book, figure out the logistics of self-publishing and do all of their own promoting. Just simply having an idea for the story is just the start! That's why i love Indie Authors, they work hard! That's why i want to help them promote themselves with IAM as well as year-around support on my blog here! ** I would also like to add that the Indie writers typically work full time and have families just like you do- its really a labor of love and creating a story is rewarding - Indie authors have little or no profit it's all about the process of creating.
Peel back what we know as reality and there is an unseen world that is just waiting for you to enter. The way through the veil has been closed for many centuries but the terrors of war have unleashed great evil and the two worlds are merging. There are a chosen few who will walk the way of the dead and discover the secrets that are hidden deep within. Weapons of mass destruction are unleashed on society as world leaders face off to establish a one world government. Ivy & Jen are forewarned of the events to come and are hidden away in an underground bunker when chaos erupts. While they wait for word of when they are to come out of hiding, they explore the ancient caverns below the old house. They stumble upon the Book Of Prophesy they learn that they are to embark on a journey through the underworld to find the hidden location of the Tree Of Life that holds the secret of releasing the world from the evil that has overtaken it. In the process of finding the tree they discover the terrible secrets of the underworld. Nothing is as it seems, and they must find the answers or risk eternity on the Darkside; beyond the veil of humanity. One of the girls learns she has a powerful connection to this realm and faces the decision of embracing her humanity or accepting her rightful place in this world.
Received this from a blogger and it said it so perfectly- I absolutely love bloggers and all the amazing work they do!!
When considering Indie books though, you have to consider all the crazy loads of work that must go into it. Not only does the author have to actually write the words, they also have to edit & design the book, figure out the logistics of self-publishing and do all of their own promoting. Just simply having an idea for the story is just the start! That's why i love Indie Authors, they work hard! That's why i want to help them promote themselves with IAM as well as year-around support on my blog here! ** I would also like to add that the Indie writers typically work full time and have families just like you do- its really a labor of love and creating a story is rewarding - Indie authors have little or no profit it's all about the process of creating.
Peel back what we know as reality and there is an unseen world that is just waiting for you to enter. The way through the veil has been closed for many centuries but the terrors of war have unleashed great evil and the two worlds are merging. There are a chosen few who will walk the way of the dead and discover the secrets that are hidden deep within. Weapons of mass destruction are unleashed on society as world leaders face off to establish a one world government. Ivy & Jen are forewarned of the events to come and are hidden away in an underground bunker when chaos erupts. While they wait for word of when they are to come out of hiding, they explore the ancient caverns below the old house. They stumble upon the Book Of Prophesy they learn that they are to embark on a journey through the underworld to find the hidden location of the Tree Of Life that holds the secret of releasing the world from the evil that has overtaken it. In the process of finding the tree they discover the terrible secrets of the underworld. Nothing is as it seems, and they must find the answers or risk eternity on the Darkside; beyond the veil of humanity. One of the girls learns she has a powerful connection to this realm and faces the decision of embracing her humanity or accepting her rightful place in this world.
January 15, 2013
Ivy, as she clearly states, is a 19 year-old free spirit. What she is to discover is that she is so much more, that she has so much to give to save others. She is Chosen, with special gifts, that at times can be terrifying. Imagine having to face demons from your past, demons from the underworld, stand up to them to save not only yourself, but those you love! Where does she find the strength?
This book is dark and has an almost mystical quality to it. The evil is intense, overwhelming, but the Light inside Ivy is just waiting to come out and be victorious. Can she withstand the pain and horrors of what she sees?
As an example to teen readers, Ivy is a strong, positive character who must learn to overcome so much in her life, making this addition to the series a fantastic read!
Ms. Woolley has done a great job fleshing out scenes and characters, creating a frighteningly realistic world. My thanks to her for gifting me this read! In exchange, I have given an honest review!
This book is dark and has an almost mystical quality to it. The evil is intense, overwhelming, but the Light inside Ivy is just waiting to come out and be victorious. Can she withstand the pain and horrors of what she sees?
As an example to teen readers, Ivy is a strong, positive character who must learn to overcome so much in her life, making this addition to the series a fantastic read!
Ms. Woolley has done a great job fleshing out scenes and characters, creating a frighteningly realistic world. My thanks to her for gifting me this read! In exchange, I have given an honest review!
December 30, 2012
I wish to thank the author, M.L. Woolley, for gifting me with a copy of her latest book in the Dark Passage series.
Ivy discovers that she is Chosen after she discovers the Book Of Prophesy. She travels through the Veil to the Underworld on a journey to find the hidden Tree of Life. This Tree holds the secret to releasing the evil that has fallen over the world. In the process of locating the Tree she discover the terrible secrets of the underworld. Nothing is as it seems, and she has to find answers or risk eternity in the Underworld.
This is such a fascinating story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thanks again to the author for providing me with a copy.
Ivy discovers that she is Chosen after she discovers the Book Of Prophesy. She travels through the Veil to the Underworld on a journey to find the hidden Tree of Life. This Tree holds the secret to releasing the evil that has fallen over the world. In the process of locating the Tree she discover the terrible secrets of the underworld. Nothing is as it seems, and she has to find answers or risk eternity in the Underworld.
This is such a fascinating story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thanks again to the author for providing me with a copy.
January 9, 2013
Underworld (Dark Passage) M L Woolley
Underworld is part 2 of the Dark Passage Series and is set for general release in January 2013. I was supplied with a copy by the author in return for an honest review. I found this book incredibly intense, and as I hadn't read part one it took some time to work out what was happening and who the characters were and how they related to the story. Ivy, a 19 year old girl is a Chosen and needs to go into a sort of parallel realm called the Underworld to save her friends. The main focus seems to be on the age old good versus evil, light versus dark conundrum with Ivy being chosen to spearhead the war against the dark evil forces. It feels and if she's stumbling along blindly in parts as she has had certain skills all her life but nothing has prepared her for the enormity of the task she faces, and its very much learn as you go for her. It makes it easy to relate to her as an everyday person trying to do her best against forces she knows little of. I admired Ivy although at times I didn't understand her. She's loyal to her friends and trying her best to live up to something she's been plunged into without her consent. The story foes seem to jump from one crisis to another and often I hadn't really got to grips with what was happening when we were headlong into the next problem. I think if I’d read book one I'd have had a clearer picture of the world written about and maybe been better equipped to follow the plot. As it was I felt left behind much of the time, not knowing what had happened and what was going on.
The physical descriptions of the lands are beautiful and its easy to imagine what the landscape looks like, and feel as though we're actually in there with Ivy. The dark forces though are very very dark and scary and poor Ivy is often scared – I like that, it makes her feel like a normal person not one of those heroines who are so capable they make the reader feel inadequate. Its good to have a heroine who struggles sometimes. Ivy's problematic background impacts on the way she behaves too, and she fights to get beyond the fears it has left her with.
Its more fantasy in the LoTR, Eddings, Pratchett style than my usual urban fantasy and paranormal romance reading and its not a genre I favour and perhaps that’s why I struggled with the story. The characters were good, and I enjoyed and could relate to the way their past problems impacted upon their current reactions. I just couldn't get into the actual plot lines and story itself. To be fair in the star rating I’m giving I feel I need to make it clear that although this book wasn't to my taste for those like Son No 1 who loves the above authors this book will probably appeal greatly. Its the second in a trilogy, and is certainly value for money in the complexity of the story and length of the book. Its definitely not a quick read but one to be savoured, and I'm sure if its the sort of novel you like you'll find more of interest on second and subsequent readings as its got so much incredible detail and drama.
Stars: well only 3 from me but that’s because its really not my sort of fantasy book but as I've said for lovers of Pratchett et all it'll probably be a 4 or 5 star book.
Underworld is part 2 of the Dark Passage Series and is set for general release in January 2013. I was supplied with a copy by the author in return for an honest review. I found this book incredibly intense, and as I hadn't read part one it took some time to work out what was happening and who the characters were and how they related to the story. Ivy, a 19 year old girl is a Chosen and needs to go into a sort of parallel realm called the Underworld to save her friends. The main focus seems to be on the age old good versus evil, light versus dark conundrum with Ivy being chosen to spearhead the war against the dark evil forces. It feels and if she's stumbling along blindly in parts as she has had certain skills all her life but nothing has prepared her for the enormity of the task she faces, and its very much learn as you go for her. It makes it easy to relate to her as an everyday person trying to do her best against forces she knows little of. I admired Ivy although at times I didn't understand her. She's loyal to her friends and trying her best to live up to something she's been plunged into without her consent. The story foes seem to jump from one crisis to another and often I hadn't really got to grips with what was happening when we were headlong into the next problem. I think if I’d read book one I'd have had a clearer picture of the world written about and maybe been better equipped to follow the plot. As it was I felt left behind much of the time, not knowing what had happened and what was going on.
The physical descriptions of the lands are beautiful and its easy to imagine what the landscape looks like, and feel as though we're actually in there with Ivy. The dark forces though are very very dark and scary and poor Ivy is often scared – I like that, it makes her feel like a normal person not one of those heroines who are so capable they make the reader feel inadequate. Its good to have a heroine who struggles sometimes. Ivy's problematic background impacts on the way she behaves too, and she fights to get beyond the fears it has left her with.
Its more fantasy in the LoTR, Eddings, Pratchett style than my usual urban fantasy and paranormal romance reading and its not a genre I favour and perhaps that’s why I struggled with the story. The characters were good, and I enjoyed and could relate to the way their past problems impacted upon their current reactions. I just couldn't get into the actual plot lines and story itself. To be fair in the star rating I’m giving I feel I need to make it clear that although this book wasn't to my taste for those like Son No 1 who loves the above authors this book will probably appeal greatly. Its the second in a trilogy, and is certainly value for money in the complexity of the story and length of the book. Its definitely not a quick read but one to be savoured, and I'm sure if its the sort of novel you like you'll find more of interest on second and subsequent readings as its got so much incredible detail and drama.
Stars: well only 3 from me but that’s because its really not my sort of fantasy book but as I've said for lovers of Pratchett et all it'll probably be a 4 or 5 star book.
January 25, 2013
I want to first thank author M.L. Woolley for gifting me a copy of Underwolrd - the second book in the Dark Passage series.
I was blown away by the first book in this series, Dark Passage, and this author gave us another excellent adventure to experience.
Following the skillful storytelling by M.L. Woolley, it was eerie and scary to take this journey with heroine Ivy as she battles evil forces to save her friends. Being a "super hero" didn't mean that Ivy's battle would be easy though she has the necessary gifts to achieve her goal. I also liked that defining Ivy was not easy - she is quite the complex character which makes her totally unpredictable.
The backdrop of this story was so vivid and actually felt that I was watching a movie instead of reading a book - that's what this wonderful author did with her detailed descriptions.
Another outstanding book by this talented author - can't wait for the third book in this series! Five stars!
I was blown away by the first book in this series, Dark Passage, and this author gave us another excellent adventure to experience.
Following the skillful storytelling by M.L. Woolley, it was eerie and scary to take this journey with heroine Ivy as she battles evil forces to save her friends. Being a "super hero" didn't mean that Ivy's battle would be easy though she has the necessary gifts to achieve her goal. I also liked that defining Ivy was not easy - she is quite the complex character which makes her totally unpredictable.
The backdrop of this story was so vivid and actually felt that I was watching a movie instead of reading a book - that's what this wonderful author did with her detailed descriptions.
Another outstanding book by this talented author - can't wait for the third book in this series! Five stars!
January 1, 2013
Epic video game, Dante's Inferno, Pilgrim's Progress meet 19 year old girl. She rocks! As the main character goes into Hell to rescue friends she meets many horrid obstacles along the way. This is non-stop excitement. Minor romance but not as bad or as angsty as most YA's. This girl is on a mission. Her will and self-worth are on the line the whole way. I have got to wonder if the author had nightmares many a night as she wrote this. Oh, and there's a horse!
There are places I found the tenses going astray but it was in first person and in your face. There, also, were times of repetition, but I suppose faced with the challenges the main character faced, I would not only be repeating myself but stuttering like a fool comes to mind. Great story!
There are places I found the tenses going astray but it was in first person and in your face. There, also, were times of repetition, but I suppose faced with the challenges the main character faced, I would not only be repeating myself but stuttering like a fool comes to mind. Great story!
January 1, 2013
This was a page turner and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book. Why do they make us wait?
January 9, 2013
Wow! Beautifully written, vivid imagery and a great story!
February 18, 2013
This is a book that I won in a Goodreads giveaway. The author even sent a message to me herself letting me know that I was getting a copy, how nice!
I have not read the first book in this Dark Passage series, although I hope to soon. I think reading Chosen (book #1) would have helped me understand and sympathize with some of the lesser characters in Underworld (and maybe I would have a better grasp on why the characters had retreated where they are currently living). My recommendation is to read Chosen first, but maybe that is incorrect.
I thought Ivy, the main character, was likable and strong. I wish she had been able to stay with Tom and Lizzie for longer. I bet there was so much more exploring to be done! I would have liked to know more about Maggie and Rachael, too. I did find myself having to re-read some parts, trying to tell if Ivy was having a memory or was in another "realm", but not frequently. It was a very different book for me to read, but it was a nice change of pace. The twists revealed by Tyler were great. It will be interesting to see what happens between he and Ivy.
I have not read the first book in this Dark Passage series, although I hope to soon. I think reading Chosen (book #1) would have helped me understand and sympathize with some of the lesser characters in Underworld (and maybe I would have a better grasp on why the characters had retreated where they are currently living). My recommendation is to read Chosen first, but maybe that is incorrect.
I thought Ivy, the main character, was likable and strong. I wish she had been able to stay with Tom and Lizzie for longer. I bet there was so much more exploring to be done! I would have liked to know more about Maggie and Rachael, too. I did find myself having to re-read some parts, trying to tell if Ivy was having a memory or was in another "realm", but not frequently. It was a very different book for me to read, but it was a nice change of pace. The twists revealed by Tyler were great. It will be interesting to see what happens between he and Ivy.
July 31, 2017
I am not sure if the copy I received was a proof copy, and I hope it is. There were a lot of typos and other errors. I liked the idea of the story, but I just could not get into it because the version I received was not a smooth read. There were so many transitions that were not made clearly. And story-wise I was so disappointed in the end. For so much detail given to every thought and almost every action of the main character... The confrontation this book has been leading up to was disappointing at best.*I received this book through first-reads giveaway*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2013
M.L Woolley has done it once again. Underworld book 2 in the Dark Passage Series is an amazing read that readers will have a hard time putting down. Underworld is a darkly written book, but M.L. Woolley uses her talent to add a mystical quality to her words. There is plenty of evil from beginning to end, sometimes that evil is pretty intense and readers will feel as if all has failed. With the hint of a promise the light is there, just waiting to come out and be victorious. The landscape and world that has been created and described it will cause readers to feel as if they are really there. M.L. Woolley has done an excellent job while creating all her characters and bringing then to life, but she shows how truly lifelike they can be when she wrote her character Ivy. In Underworld Ivy is the main character, but she runs into plenty of others on her journey. Readers will feel the connection with her grow as she struggles to understand what her purpose is and deals consequences of her feelings, thoughts and actions, proving though she is the heroine she is not perfect. It is recommended to read Dark Passage book 1 in the series, published in March 2012 before reading Underworld book 2 in the Dark Passage series, published January 2013. Doing so will allow the reader to follow the story line easier, giving them the time to sit back, read and be drawn into the book. Readers will be left wanting more as they wait for M.L. Woolley to release Seal of Doom book 3 in the Dark Passage Series.
February 28, 2013
I really liked the story idea of both the books by M.L. Woolley I have read so far (Chosen and Underworld), but did have some trouble getting through them. Like others have commented, it was hard to tell who was in the story telling it from their perspective, in the first book there's an area where Ivy is getting on a horse, but then Jen's name is tossed in and confuses the whole issue until I realized it was a typo. The books feel to me like they were all the notes and ideas just tossed together into book form. I think once it gets 'polished' and all the typos and story line get smoothed out they will be fantastic. My big problem was paragraphs constantly contradicting themselves. Well, that and Ivy really got on my nerves at the end with her continual whining about how she's such a great judge of people yet is always with the wrong people doing the wrong thing then whining about that too. She was way too self centered and bounced around too much for me to really consider her a person I felt strongly in favor of. I really wished for more of the other characters to be in this book as well. After it all centered on Ivy, had a tough time getting through it. But I will continue to read works from this author, the potential is tremendous, and I did like the different take on good vs evil, with plenty of humanity thrown in for good measure to embrace the regular people with real world problems figuring out how to survive in both the real and the not so real worlds.
February 23, 2013
M.L. Woolley
Underworld
#2 Dark Passage series
Having read Chosen, I was happy to jump into Underworld to see where the story was leading, and wasn’t disappointed. The details and writing style draws you in and you’ll soon be completely immersed in the underworld as Ivy fights to save people that have been taken there. A dark read, this isn’t your typical YA story, but so much more. Well written, incredibly descriptive and with vivid scenes, you’ll soon let your imagination take you away.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Underworld
#2 Dark Passage series
Having read Chosen, I was happy to jump into Underworld to see where the story was leading, and wasn’t disappointed. The details and writing style draws you in and you’ll soon be completely immersed in the underworld as Ivy fights to save people that have been taken there. A dark read, this isn’t your typical YA story, but so much more. Well written, incredibly descriptive and with vivid scenes, you’ll soon let your imagination take you away.
I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2013
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Underworld is building towards something. I'm not entirely sure what yet, but I hope the next book will start pulling things all together. This book felt like a big teaser of what's to come, and it worked. I'm anxious to find out more!
February 25, 2013
Starts out strong then gets lost in repetition. Facts can change in the same paragraph with little follow through but with a little polish and some much needed proofreading I see an upcoming author to watch.
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