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Angelfire #0.5
A Dance with Darkness
With scorching romance and fantastic action, this original novella is a prequel to Courtney Allison Moulton's gripping and epic Angelfire series.
There were shadows in this alley that no light touched, and where there was no light, anything could hide.
At the end of the fourteenth century, angelic reapers struggle to defend London against a legion of the demonic who have their sights set on claiming human souls and ancient relics for a dark purpose. Madeleine, a young but powerful warrior, is duty-bound to fight the demonic, and she lives for this pursuit above all else. Then, on a routine night of tracking, she is ambushed by a cadre of reapers and, though she defeats them all, she is left wounded and at the mercy of their lord, the notorious Bastian.
Madeleine is astonished when Bastian lets her live. She goes deeper into the world of the demonic and is shocked to meet him again—this powerful reaper whose touch makes her restless and gives her a thrill unlike anything else. When they fall into a dangerous clandestine affair, her head and her heart must wage their war: can their love overcome his demonic nature? Will her dance with darkness burn her or bring Bastian into the light?
There were shadows in this alley that no light touched, and where there was no light, anything could hide.
At the end of the fourteenth century, angelic reapers struggle to defend London against a legion of the demonic who have their sights set on claiming human souls and ancient relics for a dark purpose. Madeleine, a young but powerful warrior, is duty-bound to fight the demonic, and she lives for this pursuit above all else. Then, on a routine night of tracking, she is ambushed by a cadre of reapers and, though she defeats them all, she is left wounded and at the mercy of their lord, the notorious Bastian.
Madeleine is astonished when Bastian lets her live. She goes deeper into the world of the demonic and is shocked to meet him again—this powerful reaper whose touch makes her restless and gives her a thrill unlike anything else. When they fall into a dangerous clandestine affair, her head and her heart must wage their war: can their love overcome his demonic nature? Will her dance with darkness burn her or bring Bastian into the light?
101 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 2, 2013
18 people are currently reading
2772 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Allison Moulton
12 books2,255 followersCourtney Allison Moulton lives in rural Michigan with her family, horse, donkey, and a flock of spoiled sheep. When she isn't studying ancient civilizations or writing about magic and monsters, she's busy with farm chores. Her debut novel ANGELFIRE was published when she was just 24 years old.
For more information about Courtney, visit her online at www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com.
For more information about Courtney, visit her online at www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 3, 2013
At last the synopsis is revealed! MADELEINE AND BASTIAN!!!!
I know, right?
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed writing from Madeleine's perspective and I totally have a girl crush on her now. She is badass through and through, and probably the strongest character I've ever written. She's so smart and resourceful - not to mention a little fireball of asskickery - but she learns when to take what she wants and when to make sacrifices for the good of others. Without being too spoilery, her son is a main character in the Angelfire series, and they are so much alike. There are very subtle things here and there that I think may make readers smile, thinking of him. Madeleine lives for battle and for heart-pounding thrills - the most of which she finds in Bastian. Talk about a forbidden affair.
Bastian.... Oh, Bastian....
This book is kinda raunchy. I don't want my dad reading it and I can't believe I got away with some of this stuff.
BUT COURTNEY. Bastian as a love interest??
I swear to you that I did not mean for this to happen. Bastian is obviously one of the baddest villains in the Angelfire series, one of the main heavy-hitters, and if you have read Wings then you know what was revealed about his past and relation to a couple of other main characters. I'll try not to be too spoilery, even though it's more fun. I knew going into this that he is the love interest. I knew the big things: what he did, what he wanted, how he got what he wanted, how he lost other things he wanted... But I didn't expect him to become so ridiculously, absurdly, profoundly, exceptionally hot. Then again, to those who have read the series and knoooow what's uuuppp, maybe this isn't all that shocking. But oh my goodness. Oh. My. Goodness. I still can't believe I got away with this. *fans self* Whoops!
Madeleine and Bastian aren't the only ones who get to tell their origin stories in A Dance with Darkness. There are two other main characters whom you know and love: Cadan and Nathaniel. This book takes place in 1391 so our beloved immortal reapers are quite young here. Bastian is 400, Cadan is 200, and both Nathaniel and Madeleine are about a century old each. Writing from only Ellie's point of view in the Angelfire series had somewhat limited the opportunity to full explore the motivations of other characters, notably Bastian, Cadan, and Nathaniel. Here, I was able to get down and dirty and flay these characters alive. You see them at their weakest, most vulnerable moments, and Madeleine seems to have a knack at getting others to bare their hearts to her. If you had any questions as to why these characters may done or wanted something, the answers are likely contained within ADWD. All three of those boys broke my heart while I wrote this book. I'm so excited to share this with you.
You guys are going to like this one.
I know, right?
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed writing from Madeleine's perspective and I totally have a girl crush on her now. She is badass through and through, and probably the strongest character I've ever written. She's so smart and resourceful - not to mention a little fireball of asskickery - but she learns when to take what she wants and when to make sacrifices for the good of others. Without being too spoilery, her son is a main character in the Angelfire series, and they are so much alike. There are very subtle things here and there that I think may make readers smile, thinking of him. Madeleine lives for battle and for heart-pounding thrills - the most of which she finds in Bastian. Talk about a forbidden affair.
Bastian.... Oh, Bastian....
This book is kinda raunchy. I don't want my dad reading it and I can't believe I got away with some of this stuff.
BUT COURTNEY. Bastian as a love interest??
I swear to you that I did not mean for this to happen. Bastian is obviously one of the baddest villains in the Angelfire series, one of the main heavy-hitters, and if you have read Wings then you know what was revealed about his past and relation to a couple of other main characters. I'll try not to be too spoilery, even though it's more fun. I knew going into this that he is the love interest. I knew the big things: what he did, what he wanted, how he got what he wanted, how he lost other things he wanted... But I didn't expect him to become so ridiculously, absurdly, profoundly, exceptionally hot. Then again, to those who have read the series and knoooow what's uuuppp, maybe this isn't all that shocking. But oh my goodness. Oh. My. Goodness. I still can't believe I got away with this. *fans self* Whoops!
Madeleine and Bastian aren't the only ones who get to tell their origin stories in A Dance with Darkness. There are two other main characters whom you know and love: Cadan and Nathaniel. This book takes place in 1391 so our beloved immortal reapers are quite young here. Bastian is 400, Cadan is 200, and both Nathaniel and Madeleine are about a century old each. Writing from only Ellie's point of view in the Angelfire series had somewhat limited the opportunity to full explore the motivations of other characters, notably Bastian, Cadan, and Nathaniel. Here, I was able to get down and dirty and flay these characters alive. You see them at their weakest, most vulnerable moments, and Madeleine seems to have a knack at getting others to bare their hearts to her. If you had any questions as to why these characters may done or wanted something, the answers are likely contained within ADWD. All three of those boys broke my heart while I wrote this book. I'm so excited to share this with you.
You guys are going to like this one.
January 23, 2013
It's no secret, I'm a big Angelfire fan, so I was very very excited about this one.
*clears throat* To say the least...
I'm not going to lie. This was like
Too awesome to find proper words to describe it.
Madeleine was a total kickass queen.
She's tough, but as every solid material, she has a melting point. Bastian's hotness provides enough heat for that.
He comes at Madeleine like
And she holds her ground. For a while...
Then hot stuff happens for a couple of chapters, and Bastian becomes a very lost puppy I want to own.
He is dreamy.
And maybe twisted and evil, but I don't care to care.
And for a while neither does Madeleine.
But then Dean opens the door and lets the heat out and she hardens again. ... This sounds wrong, but you know what I mean.
And I felt bad for Basti, but he really was a little obsessed with power...
Whatever happened,
Ah, and the end! Baby Will!!! *-*
I waved to him but he didn't notice. Which may be good because if he'd come to me I might have eaten him up. ... This sounded wrong again. But oh my god, he was such a cutie pie!!! Awwwwwww
I truly really loved this novel. Thank you Courtney for writing it!
*clears throat* To say the least...
I'm not going to lie. This was like
Too awesome to find proper words to describe it.
Madeleine was a total kickass queen.
She's tough, but as every solid material, she has a melting point. Bastian's hotness provides enough heat for that.
He comes at Madeleine like
And she holds her ground. For a while...
Then hot stuff happens for a couple of chapters, and Bastian becomes a very lost puppy I want to own.
He is dreamy.
And maybe twisted and evil, but I don't care to care.
And for a while neither does Madeleine.
But then Dean opens the door and lets the heat out and she hardens again. ... This sounds wrong, but you know what I mean.
And I felt bad for Basti, but he really was a little obsessed with power...
Whatever happened,
Ah, and the end! Baby Will!!! *-*
I waved to him but he didn't notice. Which may be good because if he'd come to me I might have eaten him up. ... This sounded wrong again. But oh my god, he was such a cutie pie!!! Awwwwwww
I truly really loved this novel. Thank you Courtney for writing it!
January 8, 2013
Spoilers
I guess this wasn't all bad, the characters were mildly interesting and the plot was kind of okay. What did let this down though was the insta-love and the dumb heroine.
This focused on Will's parents (Bastion and Madeline), and how they met and fell in love despite them being enemies. I was expecting some epic love story and some great reason why both of them betrayed their own kind so they could be together but nothing like that occurred. Madeline (an angelic reaper) meets Bastion (a demonic reaper) after she kills some of his men, and for no reason whatsoever he lets her live. So even though she was responsible for killing his best men, he's all 'Hey baby, I'm gonna let you live. Why? I don't know, it's not important. I'm sexy, you're sexy and that's all that matters. Make sure you keep it real babes, I'll be smexing sorry seeing ya soon..aw yea. Bastion out.' The second time they bump into each other they have sex and pwotect each other from everyone who wants to tear them apart for being in wuv. It was nonsensical.
Maddy kills demonic reapers for a living because they're evul and are planning to take over the world yet she just ignores the work she's done for a lifetime so she can have sexytimes with her enemy...Ugh. Anyway, after falling in love and being in a serious relationship, Maddy's all 'Ooh maybe I like shouldn't be with Bastion, he's like super evul and kills my kind and wants to like totes take over the world, even though I totes knew all this info before, it's only now I'm like starting to think its like totes a bad idea. Oh but he's like totes sexy and I wuv him but he's been like killing innocents..OMG what to do, what to do?'. And I was all 'Girl, you always be knowing your man was evil, why you playing him now? Ain't it be a little to late to be changing your mind? Why you so crazy?!'
In conclusion, Bastion and Maddy's relationship made no sense AT ALL. Anywho, I'm actually kind of excited for the last book in the series… I think it's just because I like finishing off series' even when said series' aren't all that great.
I guess this wasn't all bad, the characters were mildly interesting and the plot was kind of okay. What did let this down though was the insta-love and the dumb heroine.
This focused on Will's parents (Bastion and Madeline), and how they met and fell in love despite them being enemies. I was expecting some epic love story and some great reason why both of them betrayed their own kind so they could be together but nothing like that occurred. Madeline (an angelic reaper) meets Bastion (a demonic reaper) after she kills some of his men, and for no reason whatsoever he lets her live. So even though she was responsible for killing his best men, he's all 'Hey baby, I'm gonna let you live. Why? I don't know, it's not important. I'm sexy, you're sexy and that's all that matters. Make sure you keep it real babes, I'll be smexing sorry seeing ya soon..aw yea. Bastion out.' The second time they bump into each other they have sex and pwotect each other from everyone who wants to tear them apart for being in wuv. It was nonsensical.
Maddy kills demonic reapers for a living because they're evul and are planning to take over the world yet she just ignores the work she's done for a lifetime so she can have sexytimes with her enemy...Ugh. Anyway, after falling in love and being in a serious relationship, Maddy's all 'Ooh maybe I like shouldn't be with Bastion, he's like super evul and kills my kind and wants to like totes take over the world, even though I totes knew all this info before, it's only now I'm like starting to think its like totes a bad idea. Oh but he's like totes sexy and I wuv him but he's been like killing innocents..OMG what to do, what to do?'. And I was all 'Girl, you always be knowing your man was evil, why you playing him now? Ain't it be a little to late to be changing your mind? Why you so crazy?!'
In conclusion, Bastion and Maddy's relationship made no sense AT ALL. Anywho, I'm actually kind of excited for the last book in the series… I think it's just because I like finishing off series' even when said series' aren't all that great.
January 3, 2013
I apologize in advance for any grammar mistakes (I'm argentinian so this isn't my native language) and this is also my first review
I've been a fan of the Angelfire series since the release of the very first book. I love the theme, the plot, the characters... EVERYTHING. However, I kind of underestimated this one. I didn't know what to expect from it (I hate Bastian -don't get me wrong- he is a great character and I love him for that, but he is just... so evil ). But still, I took a chance and bought the ebook.
A Dance with Darkness tells the story of Madeleine, and without being too spoilery, I will just say that I was really intrigued about her.
Madeleine, a young but still badass angelic reaper in the 14th century bound to fight the demonic finds herself falling for the enemy.
Before you judge about the inminent presence of a forbidden romance, and start thinking about drama queens and overprotective guys,you should know that this isn't the case.
What I really loved about the main character was her strength (literaly too), she is brave and smart and very focused on her duty. But still, someone able to find goodness even in the most troubled and evil hearts, and always willing to make sacrifices for the good of others. In short, someone who stands up for herself, someone who doesn't need a hero.
Regarding the love interest, Bastian, I will quote the author's review "Bastian.... Oh, Bastian....". I have to admit that he caused me kind of a bittersweet impression. I wanted to hate him sooo badly, (I read Wings of the Wicked) but he was at the same time so mysteriously, thrillingly... hot. I can't find another word for it. He made me love him at times and then hate him for the same reason... okay maybe other reasons too
As a prequel, it also tells the story of two other character of the Angelfire series, Cadan and Nathaniel (OMG OMG OMG)and reveals some surprising aspects of them .
To sum up, it was as great at the rest of the books, full of adventure, action, romance and full of surprises. It definitely didn't let me down. I absolutely loved it. It was amazing.
I can't wait for Shadows in the Silence, I absolutely can't. Please, Courtney, save your fans from this agony!
Ps: you are an amazing writer, thank you!
I've been a fan of the Angelfire series since the release of the very first book. I love the theme, the plot, the characters... EVERYTHING. However, I kind of underestimated this one. I didn't know what to expect from it (I hate Bastian -don't get me wrong- he is a great character and I love him for that, but he is just... so evil ). But still, I took a chance and bought the ebook.
A Dance with Darkness tells the story of Madeleine, and without being too spoilery, I will just say that I was really intrigued about her.
Madeleine, a young but still badass angelic reaper in the 14th century bound to fight the demonic finds herself falling for the enemy.
Before you judge about the inminent presence of a forbidden romance, and start thinking about drama queens and overprotective guys,you should know that this isn't the case.
What I really loved about the main character was her strength (literaly too), she is brave and smart and very focused on her duty. But still, someone able to find goodness even in the most troubled and evil hearts, and always willing to make sacrifices for the good of others. In short, someone who stands up for herself, someone who doesn't need a hero.
Regarding the love interest, Bastian, I will quote the author's review "Bastian.... Oh, Bastian....". I have to admit that he caused me kind of a bittersweet impression. I wanted to hate him sooo badly, (I read Wings of the Wicked) but he was at the same time so mysteriously, thrillingly... hot. I can't find another word for it. He made me love him at times and then hate him for the same reason... okay maybe other reasons too
As a prequel, it also tells the story of two other character of the Angelfire series, Cadan and Nathaniel (OMG OMG OMG)and reveals some surprising aspects of them .
To sum up, it was as great at the rest of the books, full of adventure, action, romance and full of surprises. It definitely didn't let me down. I absolutely loved it. It was amazing.
I can't wait for Shadows in the Silence, I absolutely can't. Please, Courtney, save your fans from this agony!
Ps: you are an amazing writer, thank you!
January 5, 2013
Loved it! It was nice to see more background on Bastian, Madeleine, Nathanial, & Cadan. Poor Maddie & Nathaniel. Baby Will :)
April 26, 2013
A dance with darkness:
This book was pretty good but there are a lot of reasons I gave it 2 stars instead of five. Here are the good and bad reasons why:
Good points:
A. Backstory-I really enjoyed the backstory on on Will as well as Cadan, Bastian and Nathaniel too. I mean regarding Will, Cadan, and Bastian, I kinda already had a feeling that there was a connection between them all while reading Angelfire the first time so things weren't too shocking for me.) but kudos to Ms. Moulton for actually surprising me this time around.
B. I feel sorry for Madeline (I think that's Will's mom's name?) and Bastian because they seemed so right for each other but just wasn't meant to be. *cries tears of sadness* I did love the interactions between M & B. They were very realistic but their love and whatnot felt a bit rushed instead of gradually getting to know each other like they should've (which is a problem w/a lot of books that have romance nowadays).
C. It kept me reading even if I kept shaking my head at the lack of time reference in the story. I was thinking to myself "what day or month or week r they on again?
Well that's it for the good points now here are the bad ones:
A. insta-love: come on seriously?! I know it's a novella but still...WTF MS. MOULTON. They just had to fall instantly in love with each other just because their both reapers and they both think each other is attractive?! No way. Be freaking realistic please! *rolls my eyes in annoyance while wanting to kick my laptop in frustration*
B. lack of setting: ok the only thing I knew of as far as the time the story took place was the first chapter after that I was completely confused on where the heck the story was going as far as whether it was months, days or weeks that have passed since chapter one. Not only that but Ms. Moulton didn't give any good description of the clothing, customs or scenery of the story at all. It's like how do u expect your readers to get a feel for the story if they don't even know when, or where the story is taken place. DO YOUR DAMN RESERACH RIGHT IF YOUR GOING TO WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT'S BEFORE THE 21ST CENTURY OR THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH HISTORY PERIOD. *slowly breathing in and out to calm myself but ya not helping*
C. Why not longer? Another thing that bugged me about this story is that it was too short. I mean regardless of the fact that it was a novella, I still feel as if everything was rushed too too much instead of giving readers a little more accustomed to Madeline and Bastian's *forced cough cough, nonexistent* romance as well as who they are as people. I mean is it just me or did it seem like we really didn't learn anything about Will's mom or what?
D. Lack of character development and description! Okay like I said I know its a darn novella but it seems to me like the only reason this story was made was so Ms. Moulton could gain extra fans that like Cadan or Bastian. I mean dont get me wrong, I have nothing against any of Ms. M's characters...okay Ellie, Kate and her little fanclub yes but all the others no. Anyway before someone hits me with a hammer or worse for hating Ellie and her friends (if you can call them that...yeah no.) I just honestly feel that the characters weren't drawn out enough so I couldn't decide if i liked them or hating them. Did i forge to mention that there wasn't much as far as describing how the characters looked or how they felt that kinda annoyed me? Well I'm saying it now!
D.2: lack of character description! Okay I don't know about you guys but I can't stand it when I can't picture a scene or character(s) in my head. It drives me crazy. I mean how hard is it to give us a description of what the characters look like instead of just leaving that crap out. And another thing everyone is all shapes and sizes not just one thing. We come in all colors too so no more damn stereotypes please! It's offensive and irritating as hell. I mean if you need help on making diverse characters that talk to or research people from other cultures and learn from that to help make your story more diverse instead just using one ethnic group in your story. I really hope you all get what I'm talking about.
E. Lack of showing vs telling! WTF IS UP WITH THIS WOMAN AND ALWAYS TELLING HER READERS HOW THE CHARACTERS FEEL INSTEAD OF JUST SHOWING US THROUGH HER DAMN WRITING?! Sorry for the cursing I just really can't stand it as a reader and aspiring author when a book I'm reading (like most books these days whether for adult, new adult or YA) has the author telling us what's happening or how the characters feel instead of showing it through their expressions, actions etc. I mean with angelfire I could kinda forgive Ms. M but three books later I can't do it. Honestly if I was the editor for Ms. Moulton's books I wouldn't definitely edited out a lot of the unnecessary crap that's in her books: teen partying too much, teen drinks, spoiled snobby rich girls who whine about everything for no stupid reason etc. you get the picture. But since I'm not an editor all I can do is rant about how this series makes me feel.
Okay I'm finally done ranting...I think. Anywho the book wasn't the worse out there. I'm sure you all have seen the books out there that are just....shitty so this one wasn't as bad.
Final verdict: 2/5 stars because it couldn't been so much better if not for its issues. Will I be reading the rest of this series? Hmm maybe I haven't decided yet.
PS Had the story been a full-length novel, things would've been more enjoyable but it wasn't boring in a way to where I kept rolling my eyes at the cheesy love scenes. Okay so I did roll my eyes at the love scenes because they didn't make sense because the story was so short. But was it horrible to get through? Not really considering I finished it under 2 or so hours on a Thursday morning.
I mean I was surprised about Elie's true identity in Angelfire when I first read it but this story caught me by surprise because it didn't turn out how I thought it would. I thought they would be together or maybe something tragic would happen as to why Bastian ended up going back to being evil but instead it was a slightly lame reason (no spoilers sorry!) for him being bad again. I mean just because demonic reapers are supposed to be bad doesn't mean they should be bad. I kinda do agree with Ellie on that and only that. Anyway I kinda recommend this story because it gives some backstory on Will as well as Cadan, Bastian and Nathaniel too which I did enjoy so you can read this book if you want to before or after reading Angelfire ok.
This book was pretty good but there are a lot of reasons I gave it 2 stars instead of five. Here are the good and bad reasons why:
Good points:
A. Backstory-I really enjoyed the backstory on on Will as well as Cadan, Bastian and Nathaniel too. I mean regarding Will, Cadan, and Bastian, I kinda already had a feeling that there was a connection between them all while reading Angelfire the first time so things weren't too shocking for me.) but kudos to Ms. Moulton for actually surprising me this time around.
B. I feel sorry for Madeline (I think that's Will's mom's name?) and Bastian because they seemed so right for each other but just wasn't meant to be. *cries tears of sadness* I did love the interactions between M & B. They were very realistic but their love and whatnot felt a bit rushed instead of gradually getting to know each other like they should've (which is a problem w/a lot of books that have romance nowadays).
C. It kept me reading even if I kept shaking my head at the lack of time reference in the story. I was thinking to myself "what day or month or week r they on again?
Well that's it for the good points now here are the bad ones:
A. insta-love: come on seriously?! I know it's a novella but still...WTF MS. MOULTON. They just had to fall instantly in love with each other just because their both reapers and they both think each other is attractive?! No way. Be freaking realistic please! *rolls my eyes in annoyance while wanting to kick my laptop in frustration*
B. lack of setting: ok the only thing I knew of as far as the time the story took place was the first chapter after that I was completely confused on where the heck the story was going as far as whether it was months, days or weeks that have passed since chapter one. Not only that but Ms. Moulton didn't give any good description of the clothing, customs or scenery of the story at all. It's like how do u expect your readers to get a feel for the story if they don't even know when, or where the story is taken place. DO YOUR DAMN RESERACH RIGHT IF YOUR GOING TO WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT'S BEFORE THE 21ST CENTURY OR THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH HISTORY PERIOD. *slowly breathing in and out to calm myself but ya not helping*
C. Why not longer? Another thing that bugged me about this story is that it was too short. I mean regardless of the fact that it was a novella, I still feel as if everything was rushed too too much instead of giving readers a little more accustomed to Madeline and Bastian's *forced cough cough, nonexistent* romance as well as who they are as people. I mean is it just me or did it seem like we really didn't learn anything about Will's mom or what?
D. Lack of character development and description! Okay like I said I know its a darn novella but it seems to me like the only reason this story was made was so Ms. Moulton could gain extra fans that like Cadan or Bastian. I mean dont get me wrong, I have nothing against any of Ms. M's characters...okay Ellie, Kate and her little fanclub yes but all the others no. Anyway before someone hits me with a hammer or worse for hating Ellie and her friends (if you can call them that...yeah no.) I just honestly feel that the characters weren't drawn out enough so I couldn't decide if i liked them or hating them. Did i forge to mention that there wasn't much as far as describing how the characters looked or how they felt that kinda annoyed me? Well I'm saying it now!
D.2: lack of character description! Okay I don't know about you guys but I can't stand it when I can't picture a scene or character(s) in my head. It drives me crazy. I mean how hard is it to give us a description of what the characters look like instead of just leaving that crap out. And another thing everyone is all shapes and sizes not just one thing. We come in all colors too so no more damn stereotypes please! It's offensive and irritating as hell. I mean if you need help on making diverse characters that talk to or research people from other cultures and learn from that to help make your story more diverse instead just using one ethnic group in your story. I really hope you all get what I'm talking about.
E. Lack of showing vs telling! WTF IS UP WITH THIS WOMAN AND ALWAYS TELLING HER READERS HOW THE CHARACTERS FEEL INSTEAD OF JUST SHOWING US THROUGH HER DAMN WRITING?! Sorry for the cursing I just really can't stand it as a reader and aspiring author when a book I'm reading (like most books these days whether for adult, new adult or YA) has the author telling us what's happening or how the characters feel instead of showing it through their expressions, actions etc. I mean with angelfire I could kinda forgive Ms. M but three books later I can't do it. Honestly if I was the editor for Ms. Moulton's books I wouldn't definitely edited out a lot of the unnecessary crap that's in her books: teen partying too much, teen drinks, spoiled snobby rich girls who whine about everything for no stupid reason etc. you get the picture. But since I'm not an editor all I can do is rant about how this series makes me feel.
Okay I'm finally done ranting...I think. Anywho the book wasn't the worse out there. I'm sure you all have seen the books out there that are just....shitty so this one wasn't as bad.
Final verdict: 2/5 stars because it couldn't been so much better if not for its issues. Will I be reading the rest of this series? Hmm maybe I haven't decided yet.
PS Had the story been a full-length novel, things would've been more enjoyable but it wasn't boring in a way to where I kept rolling my eyes at the cheesy love scenes. Okay so I did roll my eyes at the love scenes because they didn't make sense because the story was so short. But was it horrible to get through? Not really considering I finished it under 2 or so hours on a Thursday morning.
I mean I was surprised about Elie's true identity in Angelfire when I first read it but this story caught me by surprise because it didn't turn out how I thought it would. I thought they would be together or maybe something tragic would happen as to why Bastian ended up going back to being evil but instead it was a slightly lame reason (no spoilers sorry!) for him being bad again. I mean just because demonic reapers are supposed to be bad doesn't mean they should be bad. I kinda do agree with Ellie on that and only that. Anyway I kinda recommend this story because it gives some backstory on Will as well as Cadan, Bastian and Nathaniel too which I did enjoy so you can read this book if you want to before or after reading Angelfire ok.
January 13, 2018
A Dance with Darkness is the love story that I never knew that I wanted to hear -- the love story of Will's parents, Bastien and Madeleine. Having only recently discovered the true story of Will's parentage, I hadn't thought enough about it to ever really wonder how that ended up taking place. A generally cold-hearted demonic reaper and a generally good-hearted angelic reaper? It shouldn't make sense. It shouldn't work out. And we already know that it isn't going to end so well. But this little novella (and it really is super, super short) gives a little taste of how two unlikely lovers could end up together.
My experience with Bastien in the first two Angelfire books has been entirely negative. Until the very end of Wings of the Wicked I wouldn't even say that there were any layers to his character. He was just evil. Pure evil. But all of the sudden, at the very end of that book he revealed his true relationship to Will, and he showed a tiny (itty,bitty) bit of hesitation to be part of this grand evil plan he was hatching. And suddenly he became very, very interesting to me. And then . So when I found out that this novella was being released I jumped at the chance to hear more about this forbidden love match.
As for this story, I really did enjoy it a lot. It was neat to see how Will could have become such a powerful guardian. His family history destined him for the great role he would take on as protector of the Preliator. I enjoyed seeing the many sides to Bastien's personality. It was fascinating. Here was this guy who could be so, so bad, but then he could hold so much love at the same time. I could see how Madeleine could forget his demonic origins at times. She could see the potential good in him, and her almost blind faith in his goodness kept her from seeing what his demonic responsibilities forced him to become. Doesn't that happen all the time ... a person overlooks serious character flaws in a partner, believing them to be fixable, because of overwhelming love for that person?
My biggest complaint would be that this story is WAY too short. It was so fascinating to me, and I really wanted to know more about this relationship and the struggles that these two opposites face in their love for one another. They fall in love super fast. It might have been nice to read more about the growth of these inexplicable feelings. And then it would have been nice to read more about the struggles that came after Madeleine really began to see Bastien's true nature and how incompatible he would be with her. And Cadan! I wanted more Cadan! I love him more now than I did at the end of Wings of the Wicked. What a good little demonic reaper he is! It was also super neat to see more of Nathaniel. Seeing his interactions with Madeleine made me want to go back and re-read the books in the Angelfire series to see more of his interaction with Will. There truly is a deep history between these two men that goes beyond simply knowing each other for a long time. Way cool!
I do recommend this book for fans of the Angelfire series. I know that it is listed at book #.5, but I would still say that it would be better to wait and read this one after reading the first two books in the series. Four stars!
My experience with Bastien in the first two Angelfire books has been entirely negative. Until the very end of Wings of the Wicked I wouldn't even say that there were any layers to his character. He was just evil. Pure evil. But all of the sudden, at the very end of that book he revealed his true relationship to Will, and he showed a tiny (itty,bitty) bit of hesitation to be part of this grand evil plan he was hatching. And suddenly he became very, very interesting to me. And then . So when I found out that this novella was being released I jumped at the chance to hear more about this forbidden love match.
As for this story, I really did enjoy it a lot. It was neat to see how Will could have become such a powerful guardian. His family history destined him for the great role he would take on as protector of the Preliator. I enjoyed seeing the many sides to Bastien's personality. It was fascinating. Here was this guy who could be so, so bad, but then he could hold so much love at the same time. I could see how Madeleine could forget his demonic origins at times. She could see the potential good in him, and her almost blind faith in his goodness kept her from seeing what his demonic responsibilities forced him to become. Doesn't that happen all the time ... a person overlooks serious character flaws in a partner, believing them to be fixable, because of overwhelming love for that person?
My biggest complaint would be that this story is WAY too short. It was so fascinating to me, and I really wanted to know more about this relationship and the struggles that these two opposites face in their love for one another. They fall in love super fast. It might have been nice to read more about the growth of these inexplicable feelings. And then it would have been nice to read more about the struggles that came after Madeleine really began to see Bastien's true nature and how incompatible he would be with her. And Cadan! I wanted more Cadan! I love him more now than I did at the end of Wings of the Wicked. What a good little demonic reaper he is! It was also super neat to see more of Nathaniel. Seeing his interactions with Madeleine made me want to go back and re-read the books in the Angelfire series to see more of his interaction with Will. There truly is a deep history between these two men that goes beyond simply knowing each other for a long time. Way cool!
I do recommend this book for fans of the Angelfire series. I know that it is listed at book #.5, but I would still say that it would be better to wait and read this one after reading the first two books in the series. Four stars!
March 25, 2014
It feels really good coming back to the Angelfire world Moulton has done a fine job creating all of these characters. This takes place long before the first in the series. We get to meet Madeline and Bastian in a different light that what we now know. I was curious to read about their interactions and was delightfully surprised. Forbidden and unlikely love always proves to be one of the strongest forms of love. We find out the details surrounding Madeline and why she made the sacrifices she did. This was a really fun and enjoyable read I highly recommend it for those that are fans of the series.
January 8, 2013
Interesting background on Madeline. I thought it was kind of wierd that after 10 minutes of knowing eachother Madeline and Bastian just get past the fact that they're sworn enemies (and the fact that they've known eachother for less than an hour) and ah, get very intimatly acquainted. ??? And remain together for quite awhile. Despite this, I liked the further look into the world Ms. Moulton created.
January 3, 2013
Yeah, it's nice to see the original story between Bastian and Madeleine, and a cameo from Cadan, but this would've worked way better as a full length prequel than as a novella. The rushed romance between Will's parents just made Madeleine seem naive and clueless for instantly falling for Bastian, and I lost all respect for her over the course of the story. But what can you do with only eleven chapters and an epilogue to work with?
December 10, 2016
I enjoyed this short novella. It reminded me why I enjoyed the Angelfire series in the first place. It was a total flip to see Bastian, the main villian, as a leading hero.
Is it necessary to read this novella in order to understand the rest of the series? No. But if you liked the books and find this for a good price, or better yet at your local library, give it a go!
Is it necessary to read this novella in order to understand the rest of the series? No. But if you liked the books and find this for a good price, or better yet at your local library, give it a go!
Want to read
October 15, 2012Wantwantwant
Needneedneed
Needneedneed
Want to read
November 14, 2012Expected publication: January 2nd 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books
September 29, 2021
Unbelievable. Crazy, plot-twisting. I loved this book. I stayed up all night to finish this. I can't wait to start the next book Angle Fire. I cannot believe she got pregnant. I mean like how old is he to her? I mean do they even age? Probably not just how she said she was almost one century old. I love how they got the angel Gabriel in the book. That was crazy. I mean does she get with Nathanial? Also what happened to Bastian's son??? Did she just forget about all of them? Leave them in the past? This really was a quick read and an amazing book. It really sought the good in people. Anyone can chose good and bad, and you always have a choice you don't have to do anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2020
I'm shocked
I am so shocked with this ending. I've already previously read all the Angelfire series books but I'm glad on how it ended so now I understand how things became about with Will and Ellie! Awesome job the Courtney Allison Moultron! I wish there were more Angelfire books to follow!
I am so shocked with this ending. I've already previously read all the Angelfire series books but I'm glad on how it ended so now I understand how things became about with Will and Ellie! Awesome job the Courtney Allison Moultron! I wish there were more Angelfire books to follow!
July 4, 2022
A dark read!
Can their love overcome his demonic nature? Will her dance with darkness burn her or bring him into the light?
Man, I wished their story turned out differently - I love redeeming villains. But their love was explosive and a light in the darkness.
It provided a nice little background before I get into the series.
Full of demons, darkness, reapers, love, action and romance.
Perfect for readers of fantasy/paranormal romances.
Can their love overcome his demonic nature? Will her dance with darkness burn her or bring him into the light?
Man, I wished their story turned out differently - I love redeeming villains. But their love was explosive and a light in the darkness.
It provided a nice little background before I get into the series.
Full of demons, darkness, reapers, love, action and romance.
Perfect for readers of fantasy/paranormal romances.
January 27, 2018
I loved it. This little short story was even better than the first two books in the series that I have managed to read. It was wonderful to read more about Will's mother and the circumstances that led to his birth.
June 20, 2017
Una historia de amor de lo más peculiar enmarcada entre la lucha del bien y del mal. Me gusto. Desde ya a continuar la serie.
September 6, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
December 30, 2017
I was not expecting that. Wow.. Yeah I think I'm good with out this series for now.
December 19, 2018
So much backstory! It makes everything more interesting, knowing it's all connected
December 30, 2019
It was a good story and a quick read. It was great to read more about Will's history because it is something not talked a lot about in the main series.
September 26, 2020
Just a teaser to see if the series is worth reading. Very Shadowhunters. Which I loved so it might be a good idea to pick up the series.
September 18, 2021
I'm curious about the series 😍
It's such a great world
It's such a great world
March 4, 2022
A Dance with Darkness
I really enjoyed this book, just wished the story had been longer. Did not read the following books series due to the fact it start a new book series.
I really enjoyed this book, just wished the story had been longer. Did not read the following books series due to the fact it start a new book series.
December 31, 2025
Not great. Maybe because I read this book first in the series.
February 8, 2015
I liked it. It was nice getting to know Madeleine more, as well as Bastian and Cadan.
I really love the title. It's perfect for this story. Loved it.
I really love the title. It's perfect for this story. Loved it.
February 7, 2013
I loved this book! I really liked getting to know Madeleine and getting to know a different side of Bastian. This book shows how even that the most evil of creatures can love if they let themselves and that not all is hopeless.
This book is a prelude to all the others it is about Madeleine, an angelic reaper and Bastian, an demonic reaper who meet and fall in love even though it is forbidden and against all the rules. Like most of the demonic Bastian feels the pull to have more power and to bring in more human souls while Madeleine struggles to keep him in the light and keep her friends and job from interfering with her relationship. In a night of flared tempers and harsh words Madeleine flees only to find herself pregnant so she goes to the one person in the whole world she can trust to help her. But what will she say when he asks about the father? and where is she going to hide and half angelic half demonic baby from Bastian?
this book was prob one of my favorite of the whole series. I really enjoyed the characters and even though Bastian ended up evil I still held out hope that he would come around. I really like meeting the shy side of Caden in this book as well he was always so flirty and charming in the other books.excellent book and a must read!
This book is a prelude to all the others it is about Madeleine, an angelic reaper and Bastian, an demonic reaper who meet and fall in love even though it is forbidden and against all the rules. Like most of the demonic Bastian feels the pull to have more power and to bring in more human souls while Madeleine struggles to keep him in the light and keep her friends and job from interfering with her relationship. In a night of flared tempers and harsh words Madeleine flees only to find herself pregnant so she goes to the one person in the whole world she can trust to help her. But what will she say when he asks about the father? and where is she going to hide and half angelic half demonic baby from Bastian?
this book was prob one of my favorite of the whole series. I really enjoyed the characters and even though Bastian ended up evil I still held out hope that he would come around. I really like meeting the shy side of Caden in this book as well he was always so flirty and charming in the other books.excellent book and a must read!
January 15, 2013
This novella is one of my favorite stories that I have read so far this year. :D I've been following this series for awhile now. Before the first book came out. Something about Courtney Allison Moulton's blog told me that I would like this series and I was right. Can't wait for the last book to arrive in the mail.
This novella was pretty short, but enjoyable. I liked learning about Madeleine and Bastian, who are Will's parents. I know their love was insta-love, but whatever, I still liked it. :P I also liked that we got to learn a bit more about Nathaniel. Anyway, I enjoyed this story. It got me hooked into this world again and can't wait to read the last book of the series.
Can't really say much else since it's pretty short and because I don't want to spoil this for people. But if you are fans of the Angelfire series, definitely read this. I think you will like it.
This novella was pretty short, but enjoyable. I liked learning about Madeleine and Bastian, who are Will's parents. I know their love was insta-love, but whatever, I still liked it. :P I also liked that we got to learn a bit more about Nathaniel. Anyway, I enjoyed this story. It got me hooked into this world again and can't wait to read the last book of the series.
Can't really say much else since it's pretty short and because I don't want to spoil this for people. But if you are fans of the Angelfire series, definitely read this. I think you will like it.
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