What do you think?
Rate this book
Darwin's Children #3
Common Descent
Eighteen-year old Jaycie Lerner’s telekinesis is finally in check – too bad levitating a picnic table is now a workout. Not to mention her previously dormant telepathy is back and raging out of control. As she struggles to manage her frightening power, the Dey-Vah announce they will soon reveal the supernatural world to the human race. To make matters worse, people start dropping dead all over northern Alabama. Then, a mysterious new enemy emerges. Jaycie must elicit the help of the world’s only master vampire slayer and an assassin who converses with the voices in her head. Strengthening the Core is the only way to protect mankind from the coming vampire army, and that’s not even their most dangerous threat. Jaycie and her family face their darkest hour when an innocent young girl serves as a pawn to form a deadly Alliance. The perfect vampire, Lilith Bradshaw, becomes an eye-opening example of how far the Alliance will go to serve their own destructive ends. The world around Jaycie plummets into darkness, and betrayals from the past threaten to undo them all.
- GenresYoung Adult
Paperback
First published September 16, 2013
1 person is currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Larry
18 books127 followersNatasha Larry is a mother and DC comics fan girl. She writes multicultural paranormal fantasy for teens and adults. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Her published works include The Night and Darwin's Children.
She lives somewhere in Alabama.
She lives somewhere in Alabama.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 19, 2013
Common Descent starts off where it ended in book 2, with Matt figuring out how to help Jaycee learn to control her powers. Jaycee who when she wakes up struggles with her power and the fear she has of it. Also there is an enemy(as always) ready to destroy the CORE and all that they stand for.
Jaycee is my girl. I freakin' looove her soo much. She's funny, smart, caring and a total bad-ass! She has grown up since we first met her in book 1. She has the whole world on her shoulders, along with all this power that she has to learn to control and fight with. In the last book we see her struggle with this and watched as power nearly consumed her a few times. This time along with Matt and her family we finally start to see her come into her own. She accepts that she has one of the most important roles in the Core and that if she doesn't get her act together and fast, shit is going to hit the fan.
Matt, ohh Matty. What is there to say about the perfect man? Matt in this book was more cocky then in the previous books. He does a lot for Jaycee and everyone being that he is the Alpha of the CORE but I think that has gone to his head a lot. His ego is kinda big. But I feel like he deserves to gloat some. I mean if I was the perfect woman and someone told me that, I would be all egotistical about it. Matt also has his own trials and tribulations that he goes through in this story. It was kinda sad and I could feel his emotions while reading it. I love his relationship with his mom. You can feel how close they are and how much they love one another.
This book takes the readers for a ride while also providing a lot more information on what Jaycee and the crew's mission is. And it's a lot.....
We meet some new characters in this book as well as some old ones and ones we have heard about but never got the full story on them.
I don't want to reveal what happens in this book but I will say that it was one amazing story to read. If you haven't read book 1 from this series I suggest you buy! You won't regret it!!!
One thing I wanted to mention about this series that I don't think I stated in my previous reviews is how wonderful it is to read about a main character that is black and has an amazing dad. It's really refreshing as a black woman to read a story that has such a positive and inspiring black teenager and Father. Not only that but all the characters are multicultural. There is someone for everyone to identify with and I don't see that enough in YA books.
Thanks Natasha!! I can't wait for book 4!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
Check out my review on my blog where there is also a Rafflecopter contest!!!! http://yaninjareviews.blogspot.com/20...
Jaycee is my girl. I freakin' looove her soo much. She's funny, smart, caring and a total bad-ass! She has grown up since we first met her in book 1. She has the whole world on her shoulders, along with all this power that she has to learn to control and fight with. In the last book we see her struggle with this and watched as power nearly consumed her a few times. This time along with Matt and her family we finally start to see her come into her own. She accepts that she has one of the most important roles in the Core and that if she doesn't get her act together and fast, shit is going to hit the fan.
Matt, ohh Matty. What is there to say about the perfect man? Matt in this book was more cocky then in the previous books. He does a lot for Jaycee and everyone being that he is the Alpha of the CORE but I think that has gone to his head a lot. His ego is kinda big. But I feel like he deserves to gloat some. I mean if I was the perfect woman and someone told me that, I would be all egotistical about it. Matt also has his own trials and tribulations that he goes through in this story. It was kinda sad and I could feel his emotions while reading it. I love his relationship with his mom. You can feel how close they are and how much they love one another.
This book takes the readers for a ride while also providing a lot more information on what Jaycee and the crew's mission is. And it's a lot.....
We meet some new characters in this book as well as some old ones and ones we have heard about but never got the full story on them.
I don't want to reveal what happens in this book but I will say that it was one amazing story to read. If you haven't read book 1 from this series I suggest you buy! You won't regret it!!!
One thing I wanted to mention about this series that I don't think I stated in my previous reviews is how wonderful it is to read about a main character that is black and has an amazing dad. It's really refreshing as a black woman to read a story that has such a positive and inspiring black teenager and Father. Not only that but all the characters are multicultural. There is someone for everyone to identify with and I don't see that enough in YA books.
Thanks Natasha!! I can't wait for book 4!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review
Check out my review on my blog where there is also a Rafflecopter contest!!!! http://yaninjareviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 18, 2021
Oh that I could find the words to explain why I love these so much.
I'll try and find some soon.
I'm gonna say my reason for not giving it the 5 is because certain characters {cough cough} Matt, would start explaining things that would leave me tilting my head going "huh?" Also contributing to my confusion was the fact that I couldn't enlarge my text so anyone looking over my shoulder would have probably thought I was reading the fine print of something.
The minute I started reading, everything just came flooding back to me and I immediately started trying to come up with words to explain why I love this series so much.
It stands alone when it comes to other books. I can't even imagine trying to find one that compares. And the characters! There's just something that makes you want to embrace them and never let them go.
When I started the series, I'm pretty sure I said what drew me to Jaycie was that she reminded me of a friend I had in high school, while true then, over time she stopped being a reminder and is now just a character that I love for her alone.
This one is different from the previous two, we get so much more from everyone. And get answers to questions we didn't even think needed to be asked. There's also some interesting plot twists in this and I can not see where things go from here.
Like I said above, it's just something special.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'll try and find some soon.
I'm gonna say my reason for not giving it the 5 is because certain characters {cough cough} Matt, would start explaining things that would leave me tilting my head going "huh?" Also contributing to my confusion was the fact that I couldn't enlarge my text so anyone looking over my shoulder would have probably thought I was reading the fine print of something.
The minute I started reading, everything just came flooding back to me and I immediately started trying to come up with words to explain why I love this series so much.
It stands alone when it comes to other books. I can't even imagine trying to find one that compares. And the characters! There's just something that makes you want to embrace them and never let them go.
When I started the series, I'm pretty sure I said what drew me to Jaycie was that she reminded me of a friend I had in high school, while true then, over time she stopped being a reminder and is now just a character that I love for her alone.
This one is different from the previous two, we get so much more from everyone. And get answers to questions we didn't even think needed to be asked. There's also some interesting plot twists in this and I can not see where things go from here.
Like I said above, it's just something special.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2014
Darwin's Children series is so much fun to read. Having just finished reading Common Descent I really can't wait to read what is in store next.
It picks up where Unnatural Law left off. Matt is continuing to figure out how to help Jaycie control her powers. Just when they think they have gained control and have eliminated their enemies, they find out they have new ones to deal with. These new enemies are quite unexpected.
There are new relationships and some new characters. I loved Brianna, wow she is something else. I love the banter between Matt and John. In this book we learn more about the backgrounds of some of the characters. I was shocked by some of the revelations but oh are they ever good ones. There are some major plot twists and shakeups. Lots of action, suspense and romance. Oh yeah and Matt and more Matt, can't get enough of him. I really enjoy the relationships these people have with one another. I would love to have friends like these. They made me laugh so much throughout reading this. Oh yeah and then you get to the end and major cliffhanger. I did not see it coming and was shocked at what happened.
I am so ready for book number four. I love this series! This e-book was provided to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
It picks up where Unnatural Law left off. Matt is continuing to figure out how to help Jaycie control her powers. Just when they think they have gained control and have eliminated their enemies, they find out they have new ones to deal with. These new enemies are quite unexpected.
There are new relationships and some new characters. I loved Brianna, wow she is something else. I love the banter between Matt and John. In this book we learn more about the backgrounds of some of the characters. I was shocked by some of the revelations but oh are they ever good ones. There are some major plot twists and shakeups. Lots of action, suspense and romance. Oh yeah and Matt and more Matt, can't get enough of him. I really enjoy the relationships these people have with one another. I would love to have friends like these. They made me laugh so much throughout reading this. Oh yeah and then you get to the end and major cliffhanger. I did not see it coming and was shocked at what happened.
I am so ready for book number four. I love this series! This e-book was provided to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
October 7, 2013
I can't get enough of Natasha Larry's characters! They're all back, plus lots more. We get perspectives of lots of the characters as well as multiple perspectives from one character in particular. Wow Brianna is so much fun! I'm not sure what condition Natasha was in when she had the epiphany of Brianna, but I'm glad it happened. She has her own short story, The Day The World Went Orange, if you're in need of more Brianna.
Natasha has an exceptional ability to show super powered humans, vampires, fairies, and other supernatural beings in such a fun and unique way...not to mention a somewhat brutal and deadly way also. It's almost as if she says to herself "I see your rules for these beings everyone knows and loves so just let me mix in some anarchy just to see what happens."
There are quite a few twists in the story I wasn't expecting and they keep coming right up until the last line of the book. I sort of expected one person who has ever been mentioned in previous books to show up, but I did not expect this character to show up in the way she did.
I highly recommend Common Descent - Darwin's Children Book 3 as well as the rest of the Darwin's Children books. In fact I'm going to recommend them to my 11 year old daughter. She enjoys super powered beings as much as I do.
Natasha has an exceptional ability to show super powered humans, vampires, fairies, and other supernatural beings in such a fun and unique way...not to mention a somewhat brutal and deadly way also. It's almost as if she says to herself "I see your rules for these beings everyone knows and loves so just let me mix in some anarchy just to see what happens."
There are quite a few twists in the story I wasn't expecting and they keep coming right up until the last line of the book. I sort of expected one person who has ever been mentioned in previous books to show up, but I did not expect this character to show up in the way she did.
I highly recommend Common Descent - Darwin's Children Book 3 as well as the rest of the Darwin's Children books. In fact I'm going to recommend them to my 11 year old daughter. She enjoys super powered beings as much as I do.
December 2, 2013
Now that everyone is recuperating and Jaycie is re-learning control of her telekinetic & telepathic abilities, the Dey-Vah Guardians tell the Core that they will soon reveal the existence of the supernatural world. Along with this bombshell comes news that their enemy, the Alliance, is growing in strength and has no moral reservations about using whomever they choose to achieve their ends. Coupled with a grave betrayal, Jaycie and the rest of the Core have a long road ahead of them if they are going to succeed. Common Descent, the third book in the Darwin’s Children series, is my favorite so far. I love the main characters and I enjoyed the new supporting characters. The action is intense and the story flows very well. I feel it is a must to have read the first two books before reading Common Descent. I could see the author building up to an explosive clashing of the two opposing forces as the book neared the end, but I was definitely not expecting the cliffhanger! Common Descent is an enthralling read and now I can’t wait until the next book!!
Darwin's Children series: Darwin's Children (1), Unnatural Law (2), The Day The World Went Orange (2.5), Common Descent (3)
Darwin's Children series: Darwin's Children (1), Unnatural Law (2), The Day The World Went Orange (2.5), Common Descent (3)
September 26, 2013
I stuck with this writer because she seemed to have some original ideas, which I don't see often in the genre. Glad I stuck with her. This book is probably one of my favorites, not just from the author, but in the genre.
Great storytelling.
Great pacing!
Funny as shit, but still had some of that drama I need to have.
Have always loved the characters, but in this book, they just seemed so, SO fucking real. Juicy conflicts! Naughty John.
Last thing I want to say, and I'll be quick because long reviews suck, this book just seemed so much easier to read. But, more was going on, and that's impressive.
Larry knows how to write.
Oh, and Brianna! LMAO!!!
My only complaint is the cliffhanger. *Strangle*
Great storytelling.
Great pacing!
Funny as shit, but still had some of that drama I need to have.
Have always loved the characters, but in this book, they just seemed so, SO fucking real. Juicy conflicts! Naughty John.
Last thing I want to say, and I'll be quick because long reviews suck, this book just seemed so much easier to read. But, more was going on, and that's impressive.
Larry knows how to write.
Oh, and Brianna! LMAO!!!
My only complaint is the cliffhanger. *Strangle*
August 15, 2014
To see my full review:
http://abookvacation.com/2014/08/11/r...
Jaycie Lerner’s story continues in this third installment of the Darwin’s Children series, an action packed ride for those in love with all things paranormal. As is Larry’s nature, this novel indeed picks up where the Unnatural Law left us, and we thrust deep into the storyline from the very first page.
As is true in all things, once one aspect of Jaycie’s life within the Core seems fixed, all hell breaks loose elsewhere. Such is the case time and time again as Jaycie, her beau Matt, Haylee, and the entire cast of characters complete or smooth over an aspect within the novel. I almost feel bad for them; while there is some downtime, much of the novel itself is action related as Jaycie attempts to figure out the truth behind her enemies and the growing vampire army intent on destroying everything she holds dear. And yet, these constant events keep the novel hopping with its fast paced nature, easily gluing readers to the pages as it all unfolds.
Jaycie and Haylee continued to grow on me throughout this novel, and at this point, I really do love them. As their budding relationships blossom as well, there are some swoonworthy scenes that steal the show, as it were. And as the threats around Jaycie and Haylee abound, I couldn’t help but begin to really fret for their safety, especially at the end, where Larry again throws readers one hell of a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to the fourth installment already!
http://abookvacation.com/2014/08/11/r...
Jaycie Lerner’s story continues in this third installment of the Darwin’s Children series, an action packed ride for those in love with all things paranormal. As is Larry’s nature, this novel indeed picks up where the Unnatural Law left us, and we thrust deep into the storyline from the very first page.
As is true in all things, once one aspect of Jaycie’s life within the Core seems fixed, all hell breaks loose elsewhere. Such is the case time and time again as Jaycie, her beau Matt, Haylee, and the entire cast of characters complete or smooth over an aspect within the novel. I almost feel bad for them; while there is some downtime, much of the novel itself is action related as Jaycie attempts to figure out the truth behind her enemies and the growing vampire army intent on destroying everything she holds dear. And yet, these constant events keep the novel hopping with its fast paced nature, easily gluing readers to the pages as it all unfolds.
Jaycie and Haylee continued to grow on me throughout this novel, and at this point, I really do love them. As their budding relationships blossom as well, there are some swoonworthy scenes that steal the show, as it were. And as the threats around Jaycie and Haylee abound, I couldn’t help but begin to really fret for their safety, especially at the end, where Larry again throws readers one hell of a cliffhanger. I’m looking forward to the fourth installment already!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews