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The Sweetest Dark #2
The Deepest Night
A rich portrait of post-Victorian England, The Deepest Night seamlessly blends thrilling romance with riveting history and adventure—perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Lauren Kate.
It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.
As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.
Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.
With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart.
Beautifully written, deeply romantic, and filled with daring adventure and magic, The Deepest Night is a mesmerizing novel of the enduring pull of destiny, and the eternal strength of love.
It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.
As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.
Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.
With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart.
Beautifully written, deeply romantic, and filled with daring adventure and magic, The Deepest Night is a mesmerizing novel of the enduring pull of destiny, and the eternal strength of love.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 13, 2013
About the author
Shana Abe
29 books2,159 followersShana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
August 27, 2013
**4.5 stars**
Note to self: Buy more from this author. Her writing is so freaking beautiful. I'm a BIG fan.
This book takes off, more or less, where the first book left us. When I finished reading the first in the series, I kind of hated that there was a sequel. The first book is so heartbreakingly romantic that I didn't want the author to mess it all up! I had no faith. **Shakes head scoldingly at past Heather that doubted**
The author's writing is gorgeous, there are just no two ways about it. It is descriptive, but not annoyingly so. It is just... well crafted. Shana Abe makes dragon shifters seem like a true possibility. This book was ever so slightly sexy, deeply romantic, and was an excellent second book to a series.
I'm gushing a bit but I really enjoyed this one. So much. My only issue is that it was a second book- we started and ended with questions. I want some definitive conclusions in the next one, please!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Note to self: Buy more from this author. Her writing is so freaking beautiful. I'm a BIG fan.
This book takes off, more or less, where the first book left us. When I finished reading the first in the series, I kind of hated that there was a sequel. The first book is so heartbreakingly romantic that I didn't want the author to mess it all up! I had no faith. **Shakes head scoldingly at past Heather that doubted**
The author's writing is gorgeous, there are just no two ways about it. It is descriptive, but not annoyingly so. It is just... well crafted. Shana Abe makes dragon shifters seem like a true possibility. This book was ever so slightly sexy, deeply romantic, and was an excellent second book to a series.
I'm gushing a bit but I really enjoyed this one. So much. My only issue is that it was a second book- we started and ended with questions. I want some definitive conclusions in the next one, please!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 24, 2013
First thing that comes to mind when I think of this book is that it is WAY better than the first one. The writings improved, the pace is quicker and it has a much more exciting and more intriguing plot.
This book was much more enjoyable than The Sweetest Dark. I have been Team Armand from the beginning and if you have been too then you will LOVE this next instalment.
This series intrigued me because of its originality, it was fresh and something I had not read before. I couldn't predict what would happen next and that sensation for an avid reader like me was like a foreign drug that I could not get enough of.
This book is centred around Armand's brother and Armand and Eleanore's quest to save him. Both characters in this book are stripped down and you get to know them intimately and personally. By the end of the book you know these characters inside out and know exactly what type of people they are. I loved how their bond grew over the duration of the book and although I love Armand I did like Jesse as a character and I was pleasantly surprised by how he was still involved and not forgotten entirely.
I can't wait to see how the next book will play out. I am both anxious and nervous due to a certain promise Eleanore made.
This book was much more enjoyable than The Sweetest Dark. I have been Team Armand from the beginning and if you have been too then you will LOVE this next instalment.
This series intrigued me because of its originality, it was fresh and something I had not read before. I couldn't predict what would happen next and that sensation for an avid reader like me was like a foreign drug that I could not get enough of.
This book is centred around Armand's brother and Armand and Eleanore's quest to save him. Both characters in this book are stripped down and you get to know them intimately and personally. By the end of the book you know these characters inside out and know exactly what type of people they are. I loved how their bond grew over the duration of the book and although I love Armand I did like Jesse as a character and I was pleasantly surprised by how he was still involved and not forgotten entirely.
I can't wait to see how the next book will play out. I am both anxious and nervous due to a certain promise Eleanore made.
August 9, 2019
I loved this book. I really did. It was almost but not quite as good as the first, and I have high hopes for the finally in the series. It was captivating, and intense. I love the way the talk in this book and I can hear there accents in my head when I read. The romance is ok, its confusing and hard to know how to ship, but still intriguing. It has left almost no hint of where the second book will go with the story so of course I'm dying to know now.
April 9, 2013
The Deepest Night was as good if not better than The Sweetest Dark. In the Deepest Night Lora and Armand go on an adventure to rescue Armand's brother, who has become a prisoner of war. They face challenges and a test of surviving, especially since Armand in at a process of changing into his dragon form.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I found it interesting and really unique. The story line was not only full of adventure but also action. I also liked that it was a fast paced and it didn't have a moments that bored you.
The Deepest Night is written from three points of view- Lora, Armand and Jesse. I really liked the Lora and Armand views, but I wish there would be more of Armand's views, because there wasn't a lot of them. Now Jesse, I found his thoughts annoying at times, but since the first book I wasn't a fan of him. Still even though I didn't like that Jesse had his POW in a book, I found toward the end that it actually made a book feel more complete.
Finally in this book we get some more Lora-Armand moments, since the first book I liked Armand, it was a big plus for me. Armand was as charming as ever, I think I fell in love with his character even more. In The Deepest Night we see not only his sweet and caring side but also his valuable side. Lora, I liked her as much as I did in the first book. Through this adventure she become a more developed and understanding character. I also liked how even though it was hard and at times she just wanted to give up, she never did, she just kept on trying and trying. Even at hard times, she still had sarcasm and humor. Even though I didn't like Jesse and Lora romance in the first book, I liked how after Jesse died, she didn't just stop loving him and moved on, in this book she actually showed more feeling toward him than she did in the first one.
What I didn't really understand in this book and the previous is what are the stars? Lora and Armand hear them, but we don't really know anything about them....what is their purpose?
Overall, I really like The Deepest Night, even more than the first one, but it still felt like something was missing from the story. I hope in the next one the author explains the purpose of the stars and Lora's so to say destiny. I would definitely recommend to read this book, well if you read the first one and liked it, this one is even better!
I really enjoyed reading this book, I found it interesting and really unique. The story line was not only full of adventure but also action. I also liked that it was a fast paced and it didn't have a moments that bored you.
The Deepest Night is written from three points of view- Lora, Armand and Jesse. I really liked the Lora and Armand views, but I wish there would be more of Armand's views, because there wasn't a lot of them. Now Jesse, I found his thoughts annoying at times, but since the first book I wasn't a fan of him. Still even though I didn't like that Jesse had his POW in a book, I found toward the end that it actually made a book feel more complete.
Finally in this book we get some more Lora-Armand moments, since the first book I liked Armand, it was a big plus for me. Armand was as charming as ever, I think I fell in love with his character even more. In The Deepest Night we see not only his sweet and caring side but also his valuable side. Lora, I liked her as much as I did in the first book. Through this adventure she become a more developed and understanding character. I also liked how even though it was hard and at times she just wanted to give up, she never did, she just kept on trying and trying. Even at hard times, she still had sarcasm and humor. Even though I didn't like Jesse and Lora romance in the first book, I liked how after Jesse died, she didn't just stop loving him and moved on, in this book she actually showed more feeling toward him than she did in the first one.
What I didn't really understand in this book and the previous is what are the stars? Lora and Armand hear them, but we don't really know anything about them....what is their purpose?
Overall, I really like The Deepest Night, even more than the first one, but it still felt like something was missing from the story. I hope in the next one the author explains the purpose of the stars and Lora's so to say destiny. I would definitely recommend to read this book, well if you read the first one and liked it, this one is even better!
March 3, 2013
Lora Jones is still reeling from the loss of her love. Struggling to face her fears is one thing but struggling with the will to continue on is another. The situation is only compounded by the drakon attraction between Lora and Armand.
Discovering that a fellow drakon is being held prisoner behind enemy line in Germany, Armand and Lora must face insurmountable odds to rescue one of their kind.
This story is completely enchanting! Beautifully descriptive creating a stunningly realistic feel for this fabulously original fantasy. The plot pulls you in from the beginning and holds you till the very end. I absolutely adore this series and can't wait to read more of the Shana Abe's imaginative twisting of historical, fantasy and romantic tales into the world of the The Sweetest Dark.
This ARC copy of The Deepest Night was given to me by Random House - Bantam in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on August 13, 2013.
Discovering that a fellow drakon is being held prisoner behind enemy line in Germany, Armand and Lora must face insurmountable odds to rescue one of their kind.
This story is completely enchanting! Beautifully descriptive creating a stunningly realistic feel for this fabulously original fantasy. The plot pulls you in from the beginning and holds you till the very end. I absolutely adore this series and can't wait to read more of the Shana Abe's imaginative twisting of historical, fantasy and romantic tales into the world of the The Sweetest Dark.
This ARC copy of The Deepest Night was given to me by Random House - Bantam in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on August 13, 2013.
December 8, 2012
Beautifully written, lovely story.
Shana Abe writes the most awe inspiring dragon stories. Her dragons, or drakons, as she calls them are humans that shift into beautiful and powerful creatures. The shift itself is something to behold. The drakon turns into smoke and rises into the clouds in this form. Only when the drakons’ smoke form is high enough (and away from human eyes,) does the drakon turn into a large dragon.
The Deepest Night continues the story of Lora Jones and her friend and benefactor Lord Armand Louis, the only two remaining drakon. Lora is attending the Iverson School for Girls on a scholarship from Armand’s father. The school is not a great fit for Lora. The girls are snotty bullies, but Lora is equally adept at snarky retorts. As summer nears, the headmistress wants to send Lora away to Scotland. Armand comes to her rescue as he offers Lora lodging under the pretense that his home will become a field hospital. Armand is in love with Lora and offers to marry her, but Lora is still thinking of another love.
Meanwhile Lora must learn how to use her dragon abilities so that she and Armand an go and save his brother Aubrey from the German prisoner of war camp. Armand’s drakon abilities have not yet manifested, so the pressure is on Lora.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I had a lot of difficulty putting it down. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, evoking image and all the senses. I loved how the author described Lora turning into a dragon:
The flight sequences were amazing – I wanted to be up in the air with the beautiful dragon that was Lora. The second half of the book was a thrilling ride through war torn Europe. What an adventure for Lora and Armand.
I highly recommend this series to all dragon shifter fans.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Bantam for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
Shana Abe writes the most awe inspiring dragon stories. Her dragons, or drakons, as she calls them are humans that shift into beautiful and powerful creatures. The shift itself is something to behold. The drakon turns into smoke and rises into the clouds in this form. Only when the drakons’ smoke form is high enough (and away from human eyes,) does the drakon turn into a large dragon.
The Deepest Night continues the story of Lora Jones and her friend and benefactor Lord Armand Louis, the only two remaining drakon. Lora is attending the Iverson School for Girls on a scholarship from Armand’s father. The school is not a great fit for Lora. The girls are snotty bullies, but Lora is equally adept at snarky retorts. As summer nears, the headmistress wants to send Lora away to Scotland. Armand comes to her rescue as he offers Lora lodging under the pretense that his home will become a field hospital. Armand is in love with Lora and offers to marry her, but Lora is still thinking of another love.
Meanwhile Lora must learn how to use her dragon abilities so that she and Armand an go and save his brother Aubrey from the German prisoner of war camp. Armand’s drakon abilities have not yet manifested, so the pressure is on Lora.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I had a lot of difficulty putting it down. The writing is beautiful, lyrical, evoking image and all the senses. I loved how the author described Lora turning into a dragon:
“I’m not sure how best to describe what it’s like. Imagine the weight of your body, all those heavy pounds of muscle and bone and fat, abruptly melted away. You still exist, but you’re vapor. Diaphanous coils, elegant and twisting, lighter than air. You can see and hear, even control your direction. You’re not cold or warm. You feel no physical pain.
Only the hunger to fly.
This is the first step to Becoming a dragon.”
The flight sequences were amazing – I wanted to be up in the air with the beautiful dragon that was Lora. The second half of the book was a thrilling ride through war torn Europe. What an adventure for Lora and Armand.
I highly recommend this series to all dragon shifter fans.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Bantam for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
July 21, 2019
This is definitely one original series and I'm so engrossed in it. I'm not happy with all the love triangles spinning around, but it's interesting and it's keeping me engaged in the story! I'm excited to find out what book 3 has to offer!
August 27, 2013
EDIT: March 29, 2017 - I just re-read this as I have the next and final book of the trilogy in hand (The Fiercest Joy) and found I needed to refresh my memory before starting it. Still loved it!)
This was a 4.5 for me and I finished it in 24 hours - at about 2:00 this morning. So I guess that is a could not put it down book. I am never sure about tags as fantasy to me is in a fantasy make believe world and this one is not. It is set in the early 1900's during the World War. So maybe I should tag it historical? But did dragons fly in those days....probably not.
I just love Shana Abe's writing so my least favorite of her books are still wonderful to read. Not to say this is a least favorite because it is not. This author writes with a sense of a totally out of reality beauty and it just appeals to me as does the world of the Drakon. It is so sad to me that the world of her Drakon series has been destroyed, but in this series, (starting with The Sweetest Dark which is the book before this one)the Drakon are not all gone. There are at least two....you need to read it to find out more on that. Lora has found out what she is in the first book and another beautifully done romance took place in The Sweetest Dark. Lora fell deeply and forever in love with Jesse, only to lose him. The beautiful twist to this (and one I have never read before) is that Jesse is a star - and the stars (as well as gemstones and gold and silver) sing and speak to the Drakon. Jesse as a human is gone, but his love remains and his last words to Armand who is also Drakon but just finding out, "It's up to you now. I give to you her earthly cares, her beating heart and mortal life. She's rich with magic, rich with possibilities. Be careful, Louis. Protect her. she's more fragile than she looks."
I should explain that in these books and the previous series, the Drakon are shapeshifers and can turn to smoke or dragon. The descriptions of the feelings of being smoke are I think one of the things that make these stories so unique and beautiful.
This is a story of Lora who does not know who her parents were and was raised in an orphanage and Armand, wealthy son of a Duke and very much Drakon although he does not yet turn to smoke or to a dragon. Armand, who is very much in love with Lora knowing very well what she is. Why does Jesse from the stars speak to Armand and not to Lora? Why does he speak to Armand's father who is locked up in an asylum? There is an adventure for these two when they go behind enemy lines to rescue Armand's brother from a prison camp. ADVENTURE in caps. The scene where Armand turns to smoke and is tearing apart and the bargain Lora makes with the stars - well, that is why I kept reading until the wee small hours of the morning.
The romance in this book is so well done - not the crashing overwhelming love that Lora felt for Jesse in the first book, but a well written slow developing romance on her part, although Armand is truly Drakon and wanted her from the minute he saw her in the previous book. I really liked both characters and how they handled their situations. Ready for the next book and there is a teaser at the end of this one.
From the Prologue:
"With the Great War still raging on, the death of a young man isn't nearly as notable as it used to be, even in the countryside."....."Three feet straight out from the front of my marker and seven inches more straight down into the dirt--curiously enough, directly above my face, although I'm fairly certain that was coincidence- is buried a flower.
It's a buttercup, and it's made of solid gold.
I should know. I'm the one who made it, back in my mortal life. I used my earthly magic to transform it from a living thing into a golden dead one, and I gave it to the girl I loved, who has now given it back to me. In her own way.
I'm not a ghost. I am a star. I spin a celestial magic now high, high above her, waiting for her to take notice and hear me.
Because she's not a girl, really.
Actually not at all.
She's a dragon.
Poor lass. She only just found that out."
__________________________________________________
From the Epilogue:
"Who would hold a dragon in his hand?
Who would hold back love?
I, it seems cannot to either. It's just as well.
My love is a tether, but I never wanted it to be a bridle. She lives on borrowed time, and because I love her, because I did not lie when I told her forever and always, my sorrow is tempered by her joy. I want her still for my own, but he can give her now what I cannot, so I wish them both well.
I'm trying to."
As the reader, I loved Jesse in the first book. I still do. But he is gone as a mortal and Lora is not. With Lora I had to come to terms with that, and I also had to slowly figure out where Armand fit into all this. Well done.
This was a 4.5 for me and I finished it in 24 hours - at about 2:00 this morning. So I guess that is a could not put it down book. I am never sure about tags as fantasy to me is in a fantasy make believe world and this one is not. It is set in the early 1900's during the World War. So maybe I should tag it historical? But did dragons fly in those days....probably not.
I just love Shana Abe's writing so my least favorite of her books are still wonderful to read. Not to say this is a least favorite because it is not. This author writes with a sense of a totally out of reality beauty and it just appeals to me as does the world of the Drakon. It is so sad to me that the world of her Drakon series has been destroyed, but in this series, (starting with The Sweetest Dark which is the book before this one)the Drakon are not all gone. There are at least two....you need to read it to find out more on that. Lora has found out what she is in the first book and another beautifully done romance took place in The Sweetest Dark. Lora fell deeply and forever in love with Jesse, only to lose him. The beautiful twist to this (and one I have never read before) is that Jesse is a star - and the stars (as well as gemstones and gold and silver) sing and speak to the Drakon. Jesse as a human is gone, but his love remains and his last words to Armand who is also Drakon but just finding out, "It's up to you now. I give to you her earthly cares, her beating heart and mortal life. She's rich with magic, rich with possibilities. Be careful, Louis. Protect her. she's more fragile than she looks."
I should explain that in these books and the previous series, the Drakon are shapeshifers and can turn to smoke or dragon. The descriptions of the feelings of being smoke are I think one of the things that make these stories so unique and beautiful.
This is a story of Lora who does not know who her parents were and was raised in an orphanage and Armand, wealthy son of a Duke and very much Drakon although he does not yet turn to smoke or to a dragon. Armand, who is very much in love with Lora knowing very well what she is. Why does Jesse from the stars speak to Armand and not to Lora? Why does he speak to Armand's father who is locked up in an asylum? There is an adventure for these two when they go behind enemy lines to rescue Armand's brother from a prison camp. ADVENTURE in caps. The scene where Armand turns to smoke and is tearing apart and the bargain Lora makes with the stars - well, that is why I kept reading until the wee small hours of the morning.
The romance in this book is so well done - not the crashing overwhelming love that Lora felt for Jesse in the first book, but a well written slow developing romance on her part, although Armand is truly Drakon and wanted her from the minute he saw her in the previous book. I really liked both characters and how they handled their situations. Ready for the next book and there is a teaser at the end of this one.
From the Prologue:
"With the Great War still raging on, the death of a young man isn't nearly as notable as it used to be, even in the countryside."....."Three feet straight out from the front of my marker and seven inches more straight down into the dirt--curiously enough, directly above my face, although I'm fairly certain that was coincidence- is buried a flower.
It's a buttercup, and it's made of solid gold.
I should know. I'm the one who made it, back in my mortal life. I used my earthly magic to transform it from a living thing into a golden dead one, and I gave it to the girl I loved, who has now given it back to me. In her own way.
I'm not a ghost. I am a star. I spin a celestial magic now high, high above her, waiting for her to take notice and hear me.
Because she's not a girl, really.
Actually not at all.
She's a dragon.
Poor lass. She only just found that out."
__________________________________________________
From the Epilogue:
"Who would hold a dragon in his hand?
Who would hold back love?
I, it seems cannot to either. It's just as well.
My love is a tether, but I never wanted it to be a bridle. She lives on borrowed time, and because I love her, because I did not lie when I told her forever and always, my sorrow is tempered by her joy. I want her still for my own, but he can give her now what I cannot, so I wish them both well.
I'm trying to."
As the reader, I loved Jesse in the first book. I still do. But he is gone as a mortal and Lora is not. With Lora I had to come to terms with that, and I also had to slowly figure out where Armand fit into all this. Well done.
March 15, 2013
Shana Abe takes us back to the compelling world of the Drakon with her latest emotionally powerful novel, The Deepest Night. Lora is still reeling from Jesse’s death and her pain is so very raw re-living that night in her heart and mind. She’s made it through her grueling year at Iverson, and is learning more control over her powers as Drakon. Most importantly, she is learning to accept and embrace her uniqueness. Armand has proven to be so much more than just the rich young man he appeared to be. As the war continues in Europe, Armand learns that his brother Aubrey, was alive, wounded and a prisoner behind enemy lines and knows he must somehow rescue him and bring him home. In her Drakon form with Armand on her back, Eleanore flies them across a war torn land, often under fire in a desperate attempt to get to Aubrey and bring him safely home before it’s too late. Was it the journey that brought Armand and Eleanore closer? Was it the fact that they may be the last of the Drakon? Have her feelings for Armand grown so deep she would give her very life in trade for his?
With book 1, The Sweetest Dark, Shana Abe set a most beautiful and richly drawn world for Lora’s story. Her ability to communicate the depth of feelings in her characters was phenomenal! Most important, the stage was set for The Deepest Night to continue the saga of the last remaining Drakons and take this tale to even more greatness! Filled with more action, more danger and more depth in each character, I have to say, she succeeded in spades while keeping that almost dream-like atmosphere to get lost in! I was spellbound, held a willing captive in this magical world from the first page to the last!
This ARC copy of The Deepest Night was given to me by NetGalley & Random House - Bantam in exchange for my honest review.
Expected Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell
Series: The Sweetest Dark, #2
ISBN: 9780345531735
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Recommendation: YA on up
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
With book 1, The Sweetest Dark, Shana Abe set a most beautiful and richly drawn world for Lora’s story. Her ability to communicate the depth of feelings in her characters was phenomenal! Most important, the stage was set for The Deepest Night to continue the saga of the last remaining Drakons and take this tale to even more greatness! Filled with more action, more danger and more depth in each character, I have to say, she succeeded in spades while keeping that almost dream-like atmosphere to get lost in! I was spellbound, held a willing captive in this magical world from the first page to the last!
This ARC copy of The Deepest Night was given to me by NetGalley & Random House - Bantam in exchange for my honest review.
Expected Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell
Series: The Sweetest Dark, #2
ISBN: 9780345531735
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Recommendation: YA on up
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
February 2, 2019
2019
Dragon rescue mission!
I actually liked this a lot more than I had figured I would (for one: I haven't read the first book. In my defense, when I started reading this I hadn't realized it was part of a series. For two: I haven't read a dragon tale in a very long time. At least, not one that I remember enjoying)
I liked the idea that dragons were basically secret shapeshifters, which is why we don't see them running around (this book was also set during WWII, so smart phones and such weren't an issue with people filming everything). I also liked that the dragon shapeshifters could turn into smoke as well. A very useful talent to have
I liked the chemistry and Lora and Armand had. Even though she is a bit hesitant about her feelings for him, due to her conflicting emotions with Jesse the Star Boy, she and Armand seemed to have an easy affection/friendship/budding romance which I enjoyed. I definitely want to read the next book so that I can continue to see their love and affection for each other grow
At times the story seemed to drag, but I find that I usually get bored when the main characters are traveling for their quest, so I wouldn't put too much blame on the author
Dragon rescue mission!
I actually liked this a lot more than I had figured I would (for one: I haven't read the first book. In my defense, when I started reading this I hadn't realized it was part of a series. For two: I haven't read a dragon tale in a very long time. At least, not one that I remember enjoying)
I liked the idea that dragons were basically secret shapeshifters, which is why we don't see them running around (this book was also set during WWII, so smart phones and such weren't an issue with people filming everything). I also liked that the dragon shapeshifters could turn into smoke as well. A very useful talent to have
I liked the chemistry and Lora and Armand had. Even though she is a bit hesitant about her feelings for him, due to her conflicting emotions with Jesse the Star Boy, she and Armand seemed to have an easy affection/friendship/budding romance which I enjoyed. I definitely want to read the next book so that I can continue to see their love and affection for each other grow
At times the story seemed to drag, but I find that I usually get bored when the main characters are traveling for their quest, so I wouldn't put too much blame on the author
March 21, 2013
4.5 stars
I'm so in love with this series and coming from me that's high praise because dragons really 'aint my thing! Danger, adventure, love, heartache set against the historical backdrop of WWI, it's rich, emotive, haunting and bittersweet, The Deepest Night is one beautiful package.
I wish I could turn back the clock and start over, there's just something breathtaking about exploring a unique new world. I miss that 'newness' but there are different qualities to be excited about with the 2nd installment. What remains the same is Shana Abe's exquisite, intoxicating writing.
I loved them in The Sweetest Dark but there's a new depth to Lora and Armand in The Deepest Night, both individually and within their relationship. They embrace their magic, grow, adapt and shine, it's completely mesmerising and I was just a wee bit *cough* spellbound.
Nervous anticipation for the final book, I'm excited, hopeful, and just a little scared about how things are going to finish up.
Recommend: Screaming from the rooftop YES! YES!
I'm so in love with this series and coming from me that's high praise because dragons really 'aint my thing! Danger, adventure, love, heartache set against the historical backdrop of WWI, it's rich, emotive, haunting and bittersweet, The Deepest Night is one beautiful package.
I wish I could turn back the clock and start over, there's just something breathtaking about exploring a unique new world. I miss that 'newness' but there are different qualities to be excited about with the 2nd installment. What remains the same is Shana Abe's exquisite, intoxicating writing.
I loved them in The Sweetest Dark but there's a new depth to Lora and Armand in The Deepest Night, both individually and within their relationship. They embrace their magic, grow, adapt and shine, it's completely mesmerising and I was just a wee bit *cough* spellbound.
Nervous anticipation for the final book, I'm excited, hopeful, and just a little scared about how things are going to finish up.
Recommend: Screaming from the rooftop YES! YES!
March 17, 2013
4.5 Stars
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/...
The deepest night was fantastic, even more so than the first in the series. The romantic interludes have been toned down, and the aspects of war have played heavily throughout the storyline. Lora slowly morphs into a strong and courageous young woman, proud of her heritage, while Mandy comes to grips with his new responsibilities and the rescue attempt of his brother.
The story is told in dual points of view from Mandy and Lora, but every few chapters, there are a few passages from Jesse, pining for his beloved and trying to reach her with his song. I love the vivid descriptions of the wartime era, the attire, the lavish surroundings.
I still don't fully understand the concept of dragons, stars and the connection, but completely forgot my confusion during The Deepest Night, it really was entertaining, intense and couldn't put it down until I had read the entire book.
http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/...
The deepest night was fantastic, even more so than the first in the series. The romantic interludes have been toned down, and the aspects of war have played heavily throughout the storyline. Lora slowly morphs into a strong and courageous young woman, proud of her heritage, while Mandy comes to grips with his new responsibilities and the rescue attempt of his brother.
The story is told in dual points of view from Mandy and Lora, but every few chapters, there are a few passages from Jesse, pining for his beloved and trying to reach her with his song. I love the vivid descriptions of the wartime era, the attire, the lavish surroundings.
I still don't fully understand the concept of dragons, stars and the connection, but completely forgot my confusion during The Deepest Night, it really was entertaining, intense and couldn't put it down until I had read the entire book.
July 24, 2017
Swoon... is there anything more romantic than dragon-girls saving war heroes? Or nobles falling in love with beautiful orphans? Loved it! Such beautiful rich characters and a riveting storyline.
Favorite quote:
"You deserve someone who loves you without conditions. Who would never look at another woman for the rest of his life with anything but indifference, because you are the sum of his dreams. The one girl whose eyes shine with all the days and nights he prays will come. His stars and his sun and his moon. His happiness, his true heart." His voice roughened. "His everything."
Favorite quote:
"You deserve someone who loves you without conditions. Who would never look at another woman for the rest of his life with anything but indifference, because you are the sum of his dreams. The one girl whose eyes shine with all the days and nights he prays will come. His stars and his sun and his moon. His happiness, his true heart." His voice roughened. "His everything."
March 19, 2013
DNF - just not for me. Others love this series so I guess I'm the odd man out.
April 18, 2013
I received an advanced reading copy of The Deepest Night via Netgalley and I was thrilled because I didn’t actually expect it to happen. I’ve been sitting on this book for quite some time because even though I did want to read it, I knew that the third book was still a long way off. All I could hope for was that it did not end with a cliffhanger and I am relieved that it did not. The Deepest Night was a pleasure to read because of how beautifully written it was. We are inundated with YA fiction novels that have all the right things to make them instant best sellers: gripping story, kick-ass characters and an explosive climax. But the one woefully missing in most of those quick fixes is the language. In contrast, the language in the Deepest Night took me back to the fairy tales and classics I read as a child. And yet, it is not too flowery that it would pull you out of the story, no never-ending descriptions of things that matter little to the main narrative and the story. But an absolute treat nonetheless.
The Deepest Night is a very short novel, just 223 pages and a very fast read. While the previous book was all about discovering who and what Lora was, this time it was more about how she could use her powers to help those close to her (despite the fact that it may not have been her idea) Iverson closed for the summer and when all the other students left for exotic vacations or to go back home, Lora had no where to go. Until, a certain Lord Armand stepped in and gave her an option (to another orphanage in Scotland) Lora and Armand also learnt that Armand’s brother is still alive, that he’s a prisoner of war behind enemy lines and that the stars want Lora and Armand to go and save him. Oh, and there’s also the part where the brother is also a dragon. So, the majority of the book was about the two of them on their rescue mission. This was a welcome change from all those simpering girls at Iverson.
In the months after the events of the previous book and the loss of Jesse, Lora is a slightly different person. She is predictable sad about losing Jesse and yet a part of her yearns for the dragon with her, Armand. She always had wit and spunk and this is where I really liked her character even in the previous book. She did not cower in front of those self-entitled busy bodies. She let them have it (verbally of course) and what was even more gratifying was that most of the time, they had no idea how to deal with that. I am so glad that that did not change in this book. This time around, she was also more aware (and sure) of her powers and abilities and how she could use them.
Armand played a much bigger role in the Deepest Night than he did in the first book. His character was slightly different than what it had been earlier. Sure he was still arrogant and self-entitled but it was muted this time, tempered, perhaps by what he had seen and experienced. I liked him fine The Sweetest Dark but he was more likeable in The Deepest Night. Also, most of the time, he and Lora were nicer to each other, which was a good thing and a bad thing in equal measure. Good, because of obvious reasons and bad because suddenly there were none of those entertaining verbal exchanges that had become so expected whenever the two of them were around each other. I can’t seem to recall very clearly if we were treated to his POV in The Sweetest Dark, I think that that was more Jesse’s book. There were parts in this book that were in Armand’s POV, those chapters were much fewer than what I had anticipated. I had hoped that we would get a more thorough glimpse inside his head but alas that’s not what I found. Still, it was very clear where he was coming from and exactly how he felt about Lora.
I was glad to find that Jesse still featured in the narrative. He probably knows the most and also serves in setting up the next novel in the series. Jesse was probably one of the nicest boyfriends in YA fiction and I was truly sad to see him go but I guess I like the way it was handled, where he was a part of the story and at the same, was not.
There were also the gaggle of those annoying girls from Iverson, of the lot, Sophia is the only one of any consequence and she is still inscrutable. She’s the nicest of the lot but its not always clear whether that stems from wanting to be genuinely nice (highly unlikely) or liking Lora because she her perceived relationship with Armand cuts her step-sister Chloe down to size. Its probably a mix of both, but leaning more towards the latter. Chloe is insufferable as always and I hope that we may be spared her presence in the third book.
My only complaint with The Darkest Night is that it is far too short and was over much too quickly. Still, it’s a great book and a delight to read. Beautifully written, excellent characters and world building. I’d like to know more about the dragons in Lora’s world and the mythology behind them. I am really looking forward to reading the third instalment in this series.
P.S. – I really want to see Lora truly come into her powers and then turn into a dragon in front of her classmates at Iverson and shut them up once for all. If that doesn’t work, she could always eat the really annoying ones. Sure it won’t be the most nutritional of meals but a little junk food never hurt anyone
The Deepest Night is a very short novel, just 223 pages and a very fast read. While the previous book was all about discovering who and what Lora was, this time it was more about how she could use her powers to help those close to her (despite the fact that it may not have been her idea) Iverson closed for the summer and when all the other students left for exotic vacations or to go back home, Lora had no where to go. Until, a certain Lord Armand stepped in and gave her an option (to another orphanage in Scotland) Lora and Armand also learnt that Armand’s brother is still alive, that he’s a prisoner of war behind enemy lines and that the stars want Lora and Armand to go and save him. Oh, and there’s also the part where the brother is also a dragon. So, the majority of the book was about the two of them on their rescue mission. This was a welcome change from all those simpering girls at Iverson.
In the months after the events of the previous book and the loss of Jesse, Lora is a slightly different person. She is predictable sad about losing Jesse and yet a part of her yearns for the dragon with her, Armand. She always had wit and spunk and this is where I really liked her character even in the previous book. She did not cower in front of those self-entitled busy bodies. She let them have it (verbally of course) and what was even more gratifying was that most of the time, they had no idea how to deal with that. I am so glad that that did not change in this book. This time around, she was also more aware (and sure) of her powers and abilities and how she could use them.
Armand played a much bigger role in the Deepest Night than he did in the first book. His character was slightly different than what it had been earlier. Sure he was still arrogant and self-entitled but it was muted this time, tempered, perhaps by what he had seen and experienced. I liked him fine The Sweetest Dark but he was more likeable in The Deepest Night. Also, most of the time, he and Lora were nicer to each other, which was a good thing and a bad thing in equal measure. Good, because of obvious reasons and bad because suddenly there were none of those entertaining verbal exchanges that had become so expected whenever the two of them were around each other. I can’t seem to recall very clearly if we were treated to his POV in The Sweetest Dark, I think that that was more Jesse’s book. There were parts in this book that were in Armand’s POV, those chapters were much fewer than what I had anticipated. I had hoped that we would get a more thorough glimpse inside his head but alas that’s not what I found. Still, it was very clear where he was coming from and exactly how he felt about Lora.
I was glad to find that Jesse still featured in the narrative. He probably knows the most and also serves in setting up the next novel in the series. Jesse was probably one of the nicest boyfriends in YA fiction and I was truly sad to see him go but I guess I like the way it was handled, where he was a part of the story and at the same, was not.
There were also the gaggle of those annoying girls from Iverson, of the lot, Sophia is the only one of any consequence and she is still inscrutable. She’s the nicest of the lot but its not always clear whether that stems from wanting to be genuinely nice (highly unlikely) or liking Lora because she her perceived relationship with Armand cuts her step-sister Chloe down to size. Its probably a mix of both, but leaning more towards the latter. Chloe is insufferable as always and I hope that we may be spared her presence in the third book.
My only complaint with The Darkest Night is that it is far too short and was over much too quickly. Still, it’s a great book and a delight to read. Beautifully written, excellent characters and world building. I’d like to know more about the dragons in Lora’s world and the mythology behind them. I am really looking forward to reading the third instalment in this series.
P.S. – I really want to see Lora truly come into her powers and then turn into a dragon in front of her classmates at Iverson and shut them up once for all. If that doesn’t work, she could always eat the really annoying ones. Sure it won’t be the most nutritional of meals but a little junk food never hurt anyone
January 2, 2014
The Deepest Night by Shana Abé is the second in The Sweetest Dark trilogy, so there may be spoilers for the first book! I’ve been really loving this series so far, and The Deepest Night did not disappoint. The emphasis was more on the war than the magic, since we have already found out a lot about the dragons and stars at this point. Because of this shift, the tone was slightly different with more action and less romance, which I think some people will love and others will be disappointed by. If you enjoyed the first book, though, you should definitely continue with The Deepest Night!
Note: I received The Deepest Night through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. I read an advanced copy and so there may be differences in the final version.
4 Stars: The Deepest Night by Shana Abé ARC
The Deepest Night by Shana Abé (The Sweetest Dark #2)
Published by Bantam on August 13th, 2013
Genres: Historical Fantasy, YA
Length: 320 pages
How I got my copy: Publisher
Book Depository - Goodreads
Purchases made support this blog
It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.
As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.
Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.
With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart. --Goodreads
Strengths:
The fluidity and poetic nature of the writing continues to please. The Deepest Night was very enjoyable to read simply for the way the words fit together.
The Deepest Night improves on The Sweetest Dark somewhat with much less love triangle issues, however not perfect.
The grit and action of World War I comes to center stage in The Deepest Night, with the war being present throughout the book, not just at the end. Also WWI hospitals were gross *shivers*.
The hints continue to drop in The Deepest Night, making me really pumped for the third book. It’s gonna be epic :D.
Weaknesses:
The plot was much more focused on the very human problems of war, instead of the magical discovery of dragons and stars. I want more answers!
The romance element is getting more uncomfortable with the nature of dragons and the third book looks like it will be even worse. Also there was a bit of triggery stuff, but a human trying to attack a dragon doesn’t go well for the human….
Summary:
While The Deepest Night suffered from a bit of second-book syndrome, I still found it an enjoyable read. There were improvements in some areas but less magic than I could hope for. You should prepare yourself for a bit of men acting badly and the horror of war without very advanced medicine, but that darker nature to The Deepest Night also made it a compelling read.
January 12, 2013
OH. MY. LORDYNESS. This book was just AMAZING! I haven't read such a book in AGES now! The characters 'blossomed', yes, blossomed, for there is no other way to put it. It was fast paced in relevance with the first book, and it definitely kept my interest going, even when I wasn't reading it, my mind couldn't help but continue going over the wonderful-amazingness I've read, and attempting to figure out what would occur next. (Sure enough, I never guessed things right, which in this case is odd because lately that's all I've been doing with books and grown tired of it.) Anyway, my review isn't much of a review, just disorganised rambling, I wish I had more of a poetic way of attempting to describe this book, but alas, this is why I'm not a writer.
First, let me explain that from the beginning I was an Armand/Eleanore fan, though I didn't dislike Jesse at all, but I thought, maybe having a love triangle would make it tedious, yet Abé pulled it off nicely. For those who decided to continue reading my overly obsessed ramblings, and those who missed the first installment, Jesse was fated to become a star, and I don't mean the type people can make money off of, he's still very much present in this book and in fact, has a lot to answer for in regards to the destiny of both Armand and Eleanore.
If the characters were a bit flat in the beginning (of the first installment), or if any of you readers found it tiresome how it took a while for them to settle in as actual characters, this book expands their personalities more, and makes you care for them both. Eleanore wasn't the typical teenager heroine, no, she was witty, she was a subtle fighter, she didn't let anything bring her down, she loved and care for passionately, her mind and actions made sense, and she was always eating like there wouldn't be another tomorrow XD. SHE HAD AN ACTUAL PERSONALITY. Unlike some typical mainstream novels that go by some sort of guide on how to make their heroines act. Anywho, I felt that she definitely grew a spine and didn't lie to herself.
Now Armand on the other hand, he definitely resembled some character from Abé's previous works (and as a devoted fan, I have consumed all of her books, yes CONSUMED), their alpha traits, their clingy personalities, their vulnerability and fear of being alone forever, yup, I've read those, but for some reason Abé managed to make Armand change from her own previous heroes in the fact that he actually is aware that sometimes he has to leave the mantle of control to someone else, and he accepts the fact that he doesn't have much powers at first, and must rely heavily on Eleanore to take them to rescue his brother Aubrey. Also, I just love the way he shows he cares deeply for Eleanore, she seems rather distant at first, but his subtle persistence in making her feel SOMETHING for him draws them both together, and of course, me as the reader <3
The setting is in a new place!!!! Oh goodness, I was getting tired of all the places being in USA and England, this time we are treated with new places in central Europe like France, Belgium, and Germany, during the first World War (FINALLY! A new time era as well!) all in the wonderful, GORGEOUS prose of Abe! As I finished this book, I felt that it might be the last one, but by re-reading the last pages I realised this super author might have another book up her sleeve. Honestly, I cannot get enough of her works of art! I re-read most of her books when I want to read places that come to life in my mind as clear and unique as her characters perceive it. My favourite one by Abé has to be The Secret Swan, for it's similar to this book, in the way that it may be slow at first, but gradually gains pace as we come to realise the extent the hero loves the heroine. And this is very much apparent in this book. Please Ms. Abé, don't stop writing stories like this EVER!
First, let me explain that from the beginning I was an Armand/Eleanore fan, though I didn't dislike Jesse at all, but I thought, maybe having a love triangle would make it tedious, yet Abé pulled it off nicely. For those who decided to continue reading my overly obsessed ramblings, and those who missed the first installment, Jesse was fated to become a star, and I don't mean the type people can make money off of, he's still very much present in this book and in fact, has a lot to answer for in regards to the destiny of both Armand and Eleanore.
If the characters were a bit flat in the beginning (of the first installment), or if any of you readers found it tiresome how it took a while for them to settle in as actual characters, this book expands their personalities more, and makes you care for them both. Eleanore wasn't the typical teenager heroine, no, she was witty, she was a subtle fighter, she didn't let anything bring her down, she loved and care for passionately, her mind and actions made sense, and she was always eating like there wouldn't be another tomorrow XD. SHE HAD AN ACTUAL PERSONALITY. Unlike some typical mainstream novels that go by some sort of guide on how to make their heroines act. Anywho, I felt that she definitely grew a spine and didn't lie to herself.
Now Armand on the other hand, he definitely resembled some character from Abé's previous works (and as a devoted fan, I have consumed all of her books, yes CONSUMED), their alpha traits, their clingy personalities, their vulnerability and fear of being alone forever, yup, I've read those, but for some reason Abé managed to make Armand change from her own previous heroes in the fact that he actually is aware that sometimes he has to leave the mantle of control to someone else, and he accepts the fact that he doesn't have much powers at first, and must rely heavily on Eleanore to take them to rescue his brother Aubrey. Also, I just love the way he shows he cares deeply for Eleanore, she seems rather distant at first, but his subtle persistence in making her feel SOMETHING for him draws them both together, and of course, me as the reader <3
The setting is in a new place!!!! Oh goodness, I was getting tired of all the places being in USA and England, this time we are treated with new places in central Europe like France, Belgium, and Germany, during the first World War (FINALLY! A new time era as well!) all in the wonderful, GORGEOUS prose of Abe! As I finished this book, I felt that it might be the last one, but by re-reading the last pages I realised this super author might have another book up her sleeve. Honestly, I cannot get enough of her works of art! I re-read most of her books when I want to read places that come to life in my mind as clear and unique as her characters perceive it. My favourite one by Abé has to be The Secret Swan, for it's similar to this book, in the way that it may be slow at first, but gradually gains pace as we come to realise the extent the hero loves the heroine. And this is very much apparent in this book. Please Ms. Abé, don't stop writing stories like this EVER!
June 22, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: Jesse is gone and there’s nothing that can bring him back so Lora has resigned herself to a life of heart shattering loneliness until Armand helps her put the broken pieces back together.
Opening Sentence: I am dead.
The Review:
It is not uncommon for sequels to be considered less than the original. The Deepest Night is a great novel with the same beautiful details and wonderfully developed characters, but I didn’t feel the plot was all that it could have been and the new relationship that formed, while seemingly unsurprising, seemed a little forced.
Abe created such a beautiful and unique universe in the first book of this series that some of it seemed a little repetitive in the sequel. Learning about Lora’s dragon gift was fun and exciting and I was cheering for her to learn it all with Jesse as her teacher and Armand as her reluctant classmate, but with Jesse gone and Lora’s abilities nearly perfected, watching Armand go through nearly the same struggles as Lora, it all seemed a bit tedious to read through because I already knew what should happen. Abe tried to make it a little different by having Armand struggle in all the ways Lora didn’t but the struggles were short lived and a little dull.
Speaking of Armand, Abe did a brilliant job developing his character as he struggled with his own personal battles like thinking his brother had been killed in battle only to learn he had in fact been taken prisoner. Also, Armand was forced to take up a leadership role in the community when his father was sent to a mental hospital after his attack on Iverson in the previous novel. Armand grew in a lot of ways in the sequel that I wouldn’t have really expected in the original. His love for Lora, while heartwarming, seems wrong compared to the love and pure passion between Jesse and Lora in book one.
Abe did such a beautiful and fantastically exciting job on The Sweetest Dark, it feels like The Deepest Night was a bit of a let down by no fault of her own really. She created characters that people can bond with and really love, therefore, Jesse is who I feel belongs with Lora instead of Armand. Abe is a fantastic writer and I enjoyed both of these novels immensely, but I hope she let’s the series end here.
Notable Scene:
I was asleep. It was quiet and dark. Then I was awake, and it was quiet and bright. But it was raining wood all around me. A plank struck me hard and silent on the arm; hay swirled everywhere in a straw storm, sticking to my hair, my eyelashes. Where there had been a roof overhead before-surely there had been one?- there was now a gray cloudy sky. Armand was standing above me, impassioned, his lips moving, but he wasn’t making any sound. It was the most curious thing. He reached down, hauled me upright. He grabbed the knapsack and pulled me with him toward the open doors of the barn, which hitched back and forth and back and forth as though a brutal wind had them in its grip. I began to cough on the hay. Again, no sound. Breaking free from the walls of the barn, I realized that everything as bright because it was daylight still, and I was deaf because a bomb had just carved a crater only feet from our shelter. It was a sizable crater, too, deep enough to prevent a man from climbing back up should he fall in. Singed rocks and dirt formed spokes around it, a black smoldering starburst. Armand had my hand still. We were running for the woods at the edge of the pasture when the next shell went off, farther away but still near enough to send us both to the ground.
FTC Advisory: Bantam Dell/Random House provided me with a copy of The Deepest Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Jesse is gone and there’s nothing that can bring him back so Lora has resigned herself to a life of heart shattering loneliness until Armand helps her put the broken pieces back together.
Opening Sentence: I am dead.
The Review:
It is not uncommon for sequels to be considered less than the original. The Deepest Night is a great novel with the same beautiful details and wonderfully developed characters, but I didn’t feel the plot was all that it could have been and the new relationship that formed, while seemingly unsurprising, seemed a little forced.
Abe created such a beautiful and unique universe in the first book of this series that some of it seemed a little repetitive in the sequel. Learning about Lora’s dragon gift was fun and exciting and I was cheering for her to learn it all with Jesse as her teacher and Armand as her reluctant classmate, but with Jesse gone and Lora’s abilities nearly perfected, watching Armand go through nearly the same struggles as Lora, it all seemed a bit tedious to read through because I already knew what should happen. Abe tried to make it a little different by having Armand struggle in all the ways Lora didn’t but the struggles were short lived and a little dull.
Speaking of Armand, Abe did a brilliant job developing his character as he struggled with his own personal battles like thinking his brother had been killed in battle only to learn he had in fact been taken prisoner. Also, Armand was forced to take up a leadership role in the community when his father was sent to a mental hospital after his attack on Iverson in the previous novel. Armand grew in a lot of ways in the sequel that I wouldn’t have really expected in the original. His love for Lora, while heartwarming, seems wrong compared to the love and pure passion between Jesse and Lora in book one.
Abe did such a beautiful and fantastically exciting job on The Sweetest Dark, it feels like The Deepest Night was a bit of a let down by no fault of her own really. She created characters that people can bond with and really love, therefore, Jesse is who I feel belongs with Lora instead of Armand. Abe is a fantastic writer and I enjoyed both of these novels immensely, but I hope she let’s the series end here.
Notable Scene:
I was asleep. It was quiet and dark. Then I was awake, and it was quiet and bright. But it was raining wood all around me. A plank struck me hard and silent on the arm; hay swirled everywhere in a straw storm, sticking to my hair, my eyelashes. Where there had been a roof overhead before-surely there had been one?- there was now a gray cloudy sky. Armand was standing above me, impassioned, his lips moving, but he wasn’t making any sound. It was the most curious thing. He reached down, hauled me upright. He grabbed the knapsack and pulled me with him toward the open doors of the barn, which hitched back and forth and back and forth as though a brutal wind had them in its grip. I began to cough on the hay. Again, no sound. Breaking free from the walls of the barn, I realized that everything as bright because it was daylight still, and I was deaf because a bomb had just carved a crater only feet from our shelter. It was a sizable crater, too, deep enough to prevent a man from climbing back up should he fall in. Singed rocks and dirt formed spokes around it, a black smoldering starburst. Armand had my hand still. We were running for the woods at the edge of the pasture when the next shell went off, farther away but still near enough to send us both to the ground.
FTC Advisory: Bantam Dell/Random House provided me with a copy of The Deepest Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 19, 2013
You can read this and many other reviews on my YA book blog The White Unicorn!
I fell in love with Shana Abe's writing style when I read The Sweetest Dark and couldn't wait to start the second book in the series. Once again I was blown away by the way that the story was told and the historical elements that were weaved, ever so delicately, with the fantasy aspects. We got to see so much more of the magical side of things this time around and I really enjoyed that. But even though the fantasy was heavy we still didn't loose the historical bits and those tended to stand out.
I'm a huge fan of history hybrid stories and this series is certainly a favorite for me. Placing characters in the middle of a war with the ability to turn into mystical creatures is the perfect choice. It brings an excitement that normally wouldn't be there and also a fear that is rooted in the historical things that we already know.
Eleanore is a fantastic lead character and it was awesome to be able to revisit her story and see how she was holding up after the ending of the last book. A part of me wishes that we would have seen more of the affect of her mourning, but everyone deals with war in different ways. Where she was learning about her heritage in the first book, she is now struggling to overcome her fear and accept her gifts. It was great to see her interactions and to see that her snark hadn't left in all the madness of her life.
And Mandy (what man would ever want to be called Mandy? I still can't get over it) was back to his old games. I have so much love for this guy and his broody, sarcastic ways. We got to see a lot more of him this time around and he created some ultimate swoony moments for me. He's extremely loyal and yet doesn't ever suffocate Eleanore with over protection. It's something that I love in a romantic lead.
Part of me doesn't want to say this next bit, but I will anyways. In a way I felt like this book had a bit of a "New Moon romance" vibe. I think it was dealt with much better in this book, but it still had that lingering "I hope this isn't like New Moon" affect on me. It didn't turn out being that extreme, but it had it's moments. The set up for this romance is different because one of the characters is kind of out of the equation, so that helped the love story aspect of the novel, where as Edward was still around and just being ridiculous in that other book. That all being said, I enjoyed the romance, even if it drove me crazy. I don't understand why there is still something of a love triangle lingering, I honestly don't. Oh the other hand there were too many slow burning, swoony moments to count and I loved every second of it. Honestly nothing gets me more than a slow burning romance.
All in all I enjoyed The Deepest Night. The secondary characters were all brought back from the first book. Which was great and the story moved forward. There were a few really awesome fight sequences and even a little kick ass hand to hand combat. You don't want to mess with Eleanore! Once again Abe's flowing writing style shines, filling the story with wonder. This was a great continuation to a story that I think should be read.
*ARC provided by publisher for honest review*
I fell in love with Shana Abe's writing style when I read The Sweetest Dark and couldn't wait to start the second book in the series. Once again I was blown away by the way that the story was told and the historical elements that were weaved, ever so delicately, with the fantasy aspects. We got to see so much more of the magical side of things this time around and I really enjoyed that. But even though the fantasy was heavy we still didn't loose the historical bits and those tended to stand out.
I'm a huge fan of history hybrid stories and this series is certainly a favorite for me. Placing characters in the middle of a war with the ability to turn into mystical creatures is the perfect choice. It brings an excitement that normally wouldn't be there and also a fear that is rooted in the historical things that we already know.
Eleanore is a fantastic lead character and it was awesome to be able to revisit her story and see how she was holding up after the ending of the last book. A part of me wishes that we would have seen more of the affect of her mourning, but everyone deals with war in different ways. Where she was learning about her heritage in the first book, she is now struggling to overcome her fear and accept her gifts. It was great to see her interactions and to see that her snark hadn't left in all the madness of her life.
And Mandy (what man would ever want to be called Mandy? I still can't get over it) was back to his old games. I have so much love for this guy and his broody, sarcastic ways. We got to see a lot more of him this time around and he created some ultimate swoony moments for me. He's extremely loyal and yet doesn't ever suffocate Eleanore with over protection. It's something that I love in a romantic lead.
Part of me doesn't want to say this next bit, but I will anyways. In a way I felt like this book had a bit of a "New Moon romance" vibe. I think it was dealt with much better in this book, but it still had that lingering "I hope this isn't like New Moon" affect on me. It didn't turn out being that extreme, but it had it's moments. The set up for this romance is different because one of the characters is kind of out of the equation, so that helped the love story aspect of the novel, where as Edward was still around and just being ridiculous in that other book. That all being said, I enjoyed the romance, even if it drove me crazy. I don't understand why there is still something of a love triangle lingering, I honestly don't. Oh the other hand there were too many slow burning, swoony moments to count and I loved every second of it. Honestly nothing gets me more than a slow burning romance.
All in all I enjoyed The Deepest Night. The secondary characters were all brought back from the first book. Which was great and the story moved forward. There were a few really awesome fight sequences and even a little kick ass hand to hand combat. You don't want to mess with Eleanore! Once again Abe's flowing writing style shines, filling the story with wonder. This was a great continuation to a story that I think should be read.
*ARC provided by publisher for honest review*
March 17, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell and Netgalley.)
This is book 2 in the ‘Sweetest Dark’ series, and kicks off where book 1 ‘The Sweetest Dark’ left off.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1**
After the events of the previous book, Eleanore is coming to terms with Jesse’s death, and now must find somewhere where she will be able to stay for the summer, whilst the boarding school is closed.
Armand it seems can still hear Jesse though. He now speaks to him from the stars, and guides him. He tells Armand that his brother, who was thought dead, is actually alive, and in a German prison.
Converting his father’s home to a convalescent facility for army members, Armand creates a job and a place to stay for Eleanor for the summer, whilst they plan how to rescue Aubrey.
Can Eleanor learn to control her transformations so that Armand may ride her? Will Armand learn the art of transforming himself? And can they rescue Aubrey and bring him home?
This was an interesting story, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first in the series.
I felt like this book was a bit of a filler to be honest, something to take us from the first book to the third book, so this was sort of the dull middle bit.
This part of the story basically consisted of a lot of procrastinating over where Eleanor would spend the summer, a whole lot of flying by dragon, and a rescue operation. The pace felt a little slow to me, and there just wasn’t the magic and excitement that the first book had, there also wasn’t the romance.
To be honest, I didn’t really care about where Eleanor would spend the summer. I really didn’t see why there was any argument at all really. Never mind the fact that Armand is in love with her and lives in a big mansion, why would she go back to an orphanage for the summer when Jesse left her so much gold that she could easily spend on somewhere to live (and still have a fortune left over)?
The revelation that Armand’s brother Aubrey was alive was fairly surprising, but I just couldn’t feel excited for the rescue mission, it all just felt a bit stale, and really lacked something for me.
I liked that Jesse was still communicating with the Drakon, but for some reason Eleanor wasn’t able to hear him, which was also a bit disappointing.
The romance between Eleanor and Armand was sorely lacking until right at the very end, and again just didn’t excite me.
The ending was okay, and we were left with a promise of more trials to come for the Drakons, I seriously hope that the next book is more like the first and less like this one though, as this just didn’t do it for me.
Overall; an okay second instalment, but where has the magic and romance gone?
6.5 out of 10.
This is book 2 in the ‘Sweetest Dark’ series, and kicks off where book 1 ‘The Sweetest Dark’ left off.
**Warning – some unavoidable spoilers for book 1**
After the events of the previous book, Eleanore is coming to terms with Jesse’s death, and now must find somewhere where she will be able to stay for the summer, whilst the boarding school is closed.
Armand it seems can still hear Jesse though. He now speaks to him from the stars, and guides him. He tells Armand that his brother, who was thought dead, is actually alive, and in a German prison.
Converting his father’s home to a convalescent facility for army members, Armand creates a job and a place to stay for Eleanor for the summer, whilst they plan how to rescue Aubrey.
Can Eleanor learn to control her transformations so that Armand may ride her? Will Armand learn the art of transforming himself? And can they rescue Aubrey and bring him home?
This was an interesting story, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first in the series.
I felt like this book was a bit of a filler to be honest, something to take us from the first book to the third book, so this was sort of the dull middle bit.
This part of the story basically consisted of a lot of procrastinating over where Eleanor would spend the summer, a whole lot of flying by dragon, and a rescue operation. The pace felt a little slow to me, and there just wasn’t the magic and excitement that the first book had, there also wasn’t the romance.
To be honest, I didn’t really care about where Eleanor would spend the summer. I really didn’t see why there was any argument at all really. Never mind the fact that Armand is in love with her and lives in a big mansion, why would she go back to an orphanage for the summer when Jesse left her so much gold that she could easily spend on somewhere to live (and still have a fortune left over)?
The revelation that Armand’s brother Aubrey was alive was fairly surprising, but I just couldn’t feel excited for the rescue mission, it all just felt a bit stale, and really lacked something for me.
I liked that Jesse was still communicating with the Drakon, but for some reason Eleanor wasn’t able to hear him, which was also a bit disappointing.
The romance between Eleanor and Armand was sorely lacking until right at the very end, and again just didn’t excite me.
The ending was okay, and we were left with a promise of more trials to come for the Drakons, I seriously hope that the next book is more like the first and less like this one though, as this just didn’t do it for me.
Overall; an okay second instalment, but where has the magic and romance gone?
6.5 out of 10.
September 9, 2013
Set in 1915, sixteen-year old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at the very posh private boarding school of Iverson on England’s Southern coast. While Lora has always felt different, with the help of a friend Jesse, she finally found out why; she is a drákon, a rare and enchanted being with remarkable magical abilities. As war hits Britain’s shores Lora is still reeling from her unbearable loss of Jesse and her magical powers are going to be needed for a very dangerous mission to save her friend Armand’s brother Aubrey. Armand has already turned his lavish estate into a convalescent home for soldiers and Lora has agreed to spend her summer there helping the war effort. Armand is in love with Lora even as she mourns her recently departed Jesse, however the connection that Armand shares with Lora may bring them even closer - or on their dangerous mission rip them apart forever.
*** In the sequel to THE SWEETEST DARK - Abé’s first book in her newest drákon series, Lora is still at school at Iverson. Lora is recovering from a gunshot from the ‘mad’ duke who actually recognizes what she is and his son Armand has appointed himself her protector so to speak. When others from the school have been let go for the summer holiday, Armand turned his estate into a convalescent hospital in order for Lora to have a reason to stay on. Partially, because Armand is in love with her and partially because she is the only hope he has of rescuing his older brother who is now a POW off in Prussia.
I have been a fan of Shana Abé’s from the very beginning when she wrote amazing Medieval historical romances and have followed her progress all these years as she branched out to more of a fantasy / paranormal genre. In all her books, I am pleased to say that her writing and plotting have improved exponentially with every genre she entertains. Her creativeness in characterization and story telling is always original and with THE DEEPEST NIGHT - I applaud her original plotting in a WWI setting of an fabulous rescue by a drákon flying across the channel, turning to smoke, and confusing the heck out of the German army! What an adventure! The action is non-stop, the risks of getting caught, the escapes - it was all great fun and a total enjoyment. Not to mention the sensualness of Lora learning to love again after her loss of Jesse (who continues to play a small part in the telling of this book).
Bottom line: I have never been disappointed by anything Shana Abé writes and highly recommend to readers everywhere to keep both Shana and THE DEEPEST NIGHT in your auto-buy lists.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
*** In the sequel to THE SWEETEST DARK - Abé’s first book in her newest drákon series, Lora is still at school at Iverson. Lora is recovering from a gunshot from the ‘mad’ duke who actually recognizes what she is and his son Armand has appointed himself her protector so to speak. When others from the school have been let go for the summer holiday, Armand turned his estate into a convalescent hospital in order for Lora to have a reason to stay on. Partially, because Armand is in love with her and partially because she is the only hope he has of rescuing his older brother who is now a POW off in Prussia.
I have been a fan of Shana Abé’s from the very beginning when she wrote amazing Medieval historical romances and have followed her progress all these years as she branched out to more of a fantasy / paranormal genre. In all her books, I am pleased to say that her writing and plotting have improved exponentially with every genre she entertains. Her creativeness in characterization and story telling is always original and with THE DEEPEST NIGHT - I applaud her original plotting in a WWI setting of an fabulous rescue by a drákon flying across the channel, turning to smoke, and confusing the heck out of the German army! What an adventure! The action is non-stop, the risks of getting caught, the escapes - it was all great fun and a total enjoyment. Not to mention the sensualness of Lora learning to love again after her loss of Jesse (who continues to play a small part in the telling of this book).
Bottom line: I have never been disappointed by anything Shana Abé writes and highly recommend to readers everywhere to keep both Shana and THE DEEPEST NIGHT in your auto-buy lists.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
May 11, 2013
See more of my reviews at We Live and Breathe Books
I can’t even begin to express how well The Deepest Night follows The Sweetest Dark. If you read my review of The Sweetest Dark, you’d know that I loved it. With how much I loved it, The Sweetest Dark was a hard act to follow; however, The Deepest Night did not disappoint.
The Deepest Night picks up the story not very long after the end of the first book. Because most of the plot line for this follow-up either spoils the first book or this one, I can’t go into too much detail about the plot, but this story is filled with action. During The Deepest Night, Lora finishes up her year at Iverson and, however reluctantly, joins Armand at his family home as a nurse for the military hospital he established there. Through various events, Lora and Armand are off, venturing into the warfront. The way this story twists and turns kept me so interested in what was going to happen. I found myself worrying about whether or not Lora and Armand would make it out alive and accomplish their goal. Shana Abé perfectly mixes such action packed scenes with sweet and heartfelt ones, allowing a wonderful story to unfold with characters that feel so real.
Just like in the first book, I LOVE LORA. Lora is just so great. While still being her sassy and strong self, Lora grows a lot in this story. The reader begins to see a more thoughtful and caring side to her. While in the first book she was mostly concerned about herself, she is not learning how to be fully conscious to the people around her and how her actions may affect them.
Then there’s Armand. In the first book, I didn’t really love Armand. I didn’t hate him, but he definitely didn’t strike me as a wonderful character. In The Deepest Night, however, he definitely grew on me. I started to see who he truly was, rather than the duke’s son who needs to get what he wants, and how deep his emotions ran. It was a refreshing change from his character in the first book.
Overall, there is really nothing I would change about The Deepest Night. Shana Abé creates such wonderful characters in a wonderful world filled with wonderful mythology through wonderful writing. Not only is the plot interesting, but also the way she paces all the events is absolutely perfect. If you haven’t started reading this series yet, I highly recommend that you pick up The Sweetest Dark and delve into the world of the drákon.
I can’t even begin to express how well The Deepest Night follows The Sweetest Dark. If you read my review of The Sweetest Dark, you’d know that I loved it. With how much I loved it, The Sweetest Dark was a hard act to follow; however, The Deepest Night did not disappoint.
The Deepest Night picks up the story not very long after the end of the first book. Because most of the plot line for this follow-up either spoils the first book or this one, I can’t go into too much detail about the plot, but this story is filled with action. During The Deepest Night, Lora finishes up her year at Iverson and, however reluctantly, joins Armand at his family home as a nurse for the military hospital he established there. Through various events, Lora and Armand are off, venturing into the warfront. The way this story twists and turns kept me so interested in what was going to happen. I found myself worrying about whether or not Lora and Armand would make it out alive and accomplish their goal. Shana Abé perfectly mixes such action packed scenes with sweet and heartfelt ones, allowing a wonderful story to unfold with characters that feel so real.
Just like in the first book, I LOVE LORA. Lora is just so great. While still being her sassy and strong self, Lora grows a lot in this story. The reader begins to see a more thoughtful and caring side to her. While in the first book she was mostly concerned about herself, she is not learning how to be fully conscious to the people around her and how her actions may affect them.
Then there’s Armand. In the first book, I didn’t really love Armand. I didn’t hate him, but he definitely didn’t strike me as a wonderful character. In The Deepest Night, however, he definitely grew on me. I started to see who he truly was, rather than the duke’s son who needs to get what he wants, and how deep his emotions ran. It was a refreshing change from his character in the first book.
Overall, there is really nothing I would change about The Deepest Night. Shana Abé creates such wonderful characters in a wonderful world filled with wonderful mythology through wonderful writing. Not only is the plot interesting, but also the way she paces all the events is absolutely perfect. If you haven’t started reading this series yet, I highly recommend that you pick up The Sweetest Dark and delve into the world of the drákon.
March 25, 2013
This review contains *major* spoilers for The Sweetest Dark but not for this book
I had liked the way the first book had ended. It would have been a beautiful end for a stand-alone novel. I still think it was not really necessary to turn this into a series. But, if I am completely honest, I like the second book better than the first one in some ways.
Condraticting much? Here's explanation.
The writing flows much, much smoothly in this book than the first one and the plot is also considerably sronger and intriguing. We get to know much more about Drakons - their pasts and the scope of their powers. And even if I am completely into Jesse since the first book, Armand surprisingly grew on me as a love interest. The shifting dynamics of Lora and Armand's relationship did not seem awkward or forced and the growth seen in their characters was remarkable.
It is no secret I despise love triangles and I tend to avoid themas much as I can in this love triangle infested genre of YA and I think killing one of the characters is the worst copout an author could go for in such cases. So when Jesse died - and I was fully pro-Jesse - I was dreading this book even more. But Shana Abe has shown her worth as an author here, handling Jesse's death and the complexity of the relationship between all characters wonderfully.
The multiple PoVs - Jesse's (Especially in the prologue! I cried SO MUCH!!), Lora's and Armand's blend together and this book is much better in technical aspects than he first one. Emotionally though, it made me a wreck. I cried everytime Jesse was mentioned - in his PoV, in Lora's head, in Armand's head, in the Star's head(?)s and I could not decide whether I liked Jesse-of-the-Stars better in life or death.
The upside of 3.5 Stars I think.
This ebook was provided to me by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
I had liked the way the first book had ended. It would have been a beautiful end for a stand-alone novel. I still think it was not really necessary to turn this into a series. But, if I am completely honest, I like the second book better than the first one in some ways.
Condraticting much? Here's explanation.
The writing flows much, much smoothly in this book than the first one and the plot is also considerably sronger and intriguing. We get to know much more about Drakons - their pasts and the scope of their powers. And even if I am completely into Jesse since the first book, Armand surprisingly grew on me as a love interest. The shifting dynamics of Lora and Armand's relationship did not seem awkward or forced and the growth seen in their characters was remarkable.
It is no secret I despise love triangles and I tend to avoid them
The multiple PoVs - Jesse's (Especially in the prologue! I cried SO MUCH!!), Lora's and Armand's blend together and this book is much better in technical aspects than he first one. Emotionally though, it made me a wreck. I cried everytime Jesse was mentioned - in his PoV, in Lora's head, in Armand's head, in the Star's head(?)s and I could not decide whether I liked Jesse-of-the-Stars better in life or death.
The upside of 3.5 Stars I think.
This ebook was provided to me by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
August 8, 2013
**If you have not read The Sweetest Dark this review does contain spoilers.**
Shana Abe has a way of immediately sucking you into a book. This book picks up a little after where The Sweetest Dark left off. Lora is still grieving over Jesse, and has become closer to Armand in the process. They now spend time together talking about Jesse and about being drakon. Since Summer is about to begin there is a question of where Lora will go. Lord Armand has a plan up his sleeve to be able to keep her by his side. He turns his beautiful home into a hospital for wounded military and brings Lora on as a nurse. She has to deal with some unexpected house guests and some unwanted romantic gestures from a guest.
The relationship between Lora and Armand is a little strained at first. Armand wants more from Lora than what she can give at the moment, if she even wants to give anything. (I personally hope they get married and have a bunch of little drakon babies together.) When Armand finds out some news about another drakon that is captured by the Germans, Lora knows she must go and save him. Over this journey Lora and Armand's relationship builds and she starts to grow closer to him. Along the way she gets more confused about what to do. But when Lora makes a huge sacrifice for Armand and they go through all the life and death situations she finally starts to figure out what she wants.
This book won me over. It was a quick read and I devoured it. I loved The Sweetest Dark, but like I had mentioned in that review it lacked some things for me. This one showed me the reason the war is relevant in this story line. It still, however, did not give me the back story I'm still waiting for. BUT I think the information is being with held for a reason and that I'm okay with. I think that it will come out little by little in the rest of the books. (At least I hope so.)
Shana Abe has a way of immediately sucking you into a book. This book picks up a little after where The Sweetest Dark left off. Lora is still grieving over Jesse, and has become closer to Armand in the process. They now spend time together talking about Jesse and about being drakon. Since Summer is about to begin there is a question of where Lora will go. Lord Armand has a plan up his sleeve to be able to keep her by his side. He turns his beautiful home into a hospital for wounded military and brings Lora on as a nurse. She has to deal with some unexpected house guests and some unwanted romantic gestures from a guest.
The relationship between Lora and Armand is a little strained at first. Armand wants more from Lora than what she can give at the moment, if she even wants to give anything. (I personally hope they get married and have a bunch of little drakon babies together.) When Armand finds out some news about another drakon that is captured by the Germans, Lora knows she must go and save him. Over this journey Lora and Armand's relationship builds and she starts to grow closer to him. Along the way she gets more confused about what to do. But when Lora makes a huge sacrifice for Armand and they go through all the life and death situations she finally starts to figure out what she wants.
This book won me over. It was a quick read and I devoured it. I loved The Sweetest Dark, but like I had mentioned in that review it lacked some things for me. This one showed me the reason the war is relevant in this story line. It still, however, did not give me the back story I'm still waiting for. BUT I think the information is being with held for a reason and that I'm okay with. I think that it will come out little by little in the rest of the books. (At least I hope so.)
March 19, 2013
This truly was a beautiful read. A major improvement from the first novel, The Deepest Night excelled where The Sweetest Dark fell short.
Still lingering from the first novel are my feelings of confusion toward some aspects of the plot, but to a lower extent. Truthfully, the actual plot-line helped me ignore the fact that we had vital parts of the story left unexplained.
As with the first installment, the writing was nothing short of superb. The descriptions were spot-on, and it is obvious that the author did her research on the time period. I particularly enjoyed the conversations held between Eleanor and Armand, as their banter was humorous and lightened up the otherwise dark mood.
I liked how WWI took center stage and was more significant to the novel, not simply a sub-plot. I think it really was necessary to make this more complex and intriguing to read. I am kind of a history nerd and enjoy reading historical fiction, so this was a big plus.
Thankfully, there was minimal romance in The Deepest Night. Phew. Sure, I like romance, but I felt that the romance in the first book was kind of gag-worthy. (One word: Instalove)
Eleanor and Armand are much more likable, and believable. They felt real and I understood them better than I did in the first book. Like I said earlier, their banter was pretty fun to read, and personally, I think they complement each other better than Eleanor and Jesse.
Enthralling and unique, The Darkest Night is a book that I immensely enjoyed reading. The use of dragons, while not explained very well, made this an original read that is unique in its own way.
Still lingering from the first novel are my feelings of confusion toward some aspects of the plot, but to a lower extent. Truthfully, the actual plot-line helped me ignore the fact that we had vital parts of the story left unexplained.
As with the first installment, the writing was nothing short of superb. The descriptions were spot-on, and it is obvious that the author did her research on the time period. I particularly enjoyed the conversations held between Eleanor and Armand, as their banter was humorous and lightened up the otherwise dark mood.
I liked how WWI took center stage and was more significant to the novel, not simply a sub-plot. I think it really was necessary to make this more complex and intriguing to read. I am kind of a history nerd and enjoy reading historical fiction, so this was a big plus.
Thankfully, there was minimal romance in The Deepest Night. Phew. Sure, I like romance, but I felt that the romance in the first book was kind of gag-worthy. (One word: Instalove)
Eleanor and Armand are much more likable, and believable. They felt real and I understood them better than I did in the first book. Like I said earlier, their banter was pretty fun to read, and personally, I think they complement each other better than Eleanor and Jesse.
Enthralling and unique, The Darkest Night is a book that I immensely enjoyed reading. The use of dragons, while not explained very well, made this an original read that is unique in its own way.
March 22, 2013
Absolutely breath-taking, even better than the first book. Eleanore and Armand (Lora and Mandy) go on a rescue mission mid WWI to rescue another dragon. We see Lora growing into her dragon skin and Mandy evolving as well. Every few chapters we hear from Jesse, back in the stars, mourning the loss of his love but wishing her the love and joy she deserves. This book is much more serious than the first, giving first hand glimpses of WWI events, such as bombings and soldiers taking advantage of the locals, badly infured people, etc, but there's still many great moments between Lora and Mandy, sarcastic one-liners I loved Lora for in this book at Iverson before the rescue attempt takes place. Her internal dialogue whenever she feels she's about to be in trouble and needs to come up with society-acceptable excuses are so amusing. And I found it pretty hilarious that Lora's this strong amazing nearly invincible golden dragon, but she's badly afraid and squeemish of the sight of blood, which proves for some trying situations when she tries to play nurse at a convalecence home :)
I can't wait for the next installment, to see Lora back at finishing school, and read more wonderful sarcastic ways she brings down these bratty high society girls), what with her newfound confidence. Also looking forward to more of Armand's dark broody ways and to see how he continues to evolve, what other powers he has up his sleeve, shows more of his private self, and how his family will affect that.
I can't wait for the next installment, to see Lora back at finishing school, and read more wonderful sarcastic ways she brings down these bratty high society girls), what with her newfound confidence. Also looking forward to more of Armand's dark broody ways and to see how he continues to evolve, what other powers he has up his sleeve, shows more of his private self, and how his family will affect that.
April 17, 2013
I was totally captivated by this book. I adored The Sweetest Dark (you can read me gushing over it here), and The Deepest Night just hooked me even tighter. I flew through the book like a dragon flying through the amethyst night, never stopping, glorying in the darkness.
Lora is possibly my favourite heroine ever. She is exactly the right combination of gutsy, sweetness, bravery and empathy. She is growing into her powers and herself. In The Sweetest Dark, Jesse taught her so much, and now in the Deepest Night she is learning even more.
Abe weaves a wonderful world. It's war time, and the gravitas that this lends to the story is very important. By placing the book in recent history, Abe creates the feeling of a fairytale combined with a memoir.
While The Sweetest Dark started slowly, easing us into the story and setting up the background, The Deepest Night doesn't need that so it's a lot faster paced. Events move quickly in a nation at war, and the characters have to keep up with them. Part adventure, part fairytale, part love story; The Deepest Night has everything you could ever want from a book and more.
Full review at escapeintowords.blogspot.co.uk/2013/0...
Lora is possibly my favourite heroine ever. She is exactly the right combination of gutsy, sweetness, bravery and empathy. She is growing into her powers and herself. In The Sweetest Dark, Jesse taught her so much, and now in the Deepest Night she is learning even more.
Abe weaves a wonderful world. It's war time, and the gravitas that this lends to the story is very important. By placing the book in recent history, Abe creates the feeling of a fairytale combined with a memoir.
While The Sweetest Dark started slowly, easing us into the story and setting up the background, The Deepest Night doesn't need that so it's a lot faster paced. Events move quickly in a nation at war, and the characters have to keep up with them. Part adventure, part fairytale, part love story; The Deepest Night has everything you could ever want from a book and more.
Full review at escapeintowords.blogspot.co.uk/2013/0...
July 5, 2013
*** I received this book through the LibraryThing: Early Reviewer Contest ***
First of all, I would like to say that I have NOT read 'The Sweetest Dark', the first book of the series. I don't usually read out of order, but I received this book for review and wanted to get it reviewed in a promptly manner. Thankfully, Shana Abe wrote a story that I was able to read without becoming terribly lost for not reading the first book.
From the very beginning of the book, I was completely hooked! This story is so tantalizing and fun that I had trouble putting it down. It's not very often that I get to read book about dragons who can shapeshift into human forms that go on dangerous adventures, and I loved every page of it!
Shana Abe has created a remarkable story with remarkable characters. Lora and Armand are endearing characters that had me laughing quite often. I wish I could jump into the book and be apart of their story, especially flying above the clouds!
The Deepest Night is definitely a novel I would recommend! I can not wait to read the first one and see what will happen next to the Dragons in this original and compelling series.
First of all, I would like to say that I have NOT read 'The Sweetest Dark', the first book of the series. I don't usually read out of order, but I received this book for review and wanted to get it reviewed in a promptly manner. Thankfully, Shana Abe wrote a story that I was able to read without becoming terribly lost for not reading the first book.
From the very beginning of the book, I was completely hooked! This story is so tantalizing and fun that I had trouble putting it down. It's not very often that I get to read book about dragons who can shapeshift into human forms that go on dangerous adventures, and I loved every page of it!
Shana Abe has created a remarkable story with remarkable characters. Lora and Armand are endearing characters that had me laughing quite often. I wish I could jump into the book and be apart of their story, especially flying above the clouds!
The Deepest Night is definitely a novel I would recommend! I can not wait to read the first one and see what will happen next to the Dragons in this original and compelling series.
March 5, 2013
Shana Abe is one of those authors who has created a compelling world that you just can’t help but to go back to over and over again. The way she tells a story and captures your imagination is truly a gift.
I was a bit concerned that I might have forgotten some of the key components of these wonderful series because it has been over a year since I read book one. Thankfully this talented author can weave a story like no other and I was immediately swept back into the lives of Lora and Armand. It was interesting to see what has become of their lives since Jesse died. How they both, in their own different ways, have to fight to survive in the world they are in.
I enjoyed the historical events that really gave this book a strong feeling for the period it takes place in. That along with the adventures and the few twists makes this a book very difficult to put down. The romance was perfect and of course the dragons were truly magical.
It goes without saying that I am looking forward to the next book and any other book this amazing author pens.
I was a bit concerned that I might have forgotten some of the key components of these wonderful series because it has been over a year since I read book one. Thankfully this talented author can weave a story like no other and I was immediately swept back into the lives of Lora and Armand. It was interesting to see what has become of their lives since Jesse died. How they both, in their own different ways, have to fight to survive in the world they are in.
I enjoyed the historical events that really gave this book a strong feeling for the period it takes place in. That along with the adventures and the few twists makes this a book very difficult to put down. The romance was perfect and of course the dragons were truly magical.
It goes without saying that I am looking forward to the next book and any other book this amazing author pens.
Read
August 2, 2014I sigh my way through Abe's novels because of the out and out beauty of her words, sentences, and scenes. Her books are like poetry. Lovely, and wistful, and powerfully imaginative. Can you tell that I'm a fan? I'm amazed by her artistry and I can't help but care about her characters and want to stay within the story world she creates.
The Deepest Night is the second novel about Lora and Armand, two teens who can shape-shift into dragons (why yes, that's right -- dragons) and who are both just coming into their powers. In this book, which is set in Europe during World War I, Lora and Armand join forces to attempt a rescue behind enemy lines. Lora is an English orphan -- defensive and brave, mistrustful and canny. Armand, in juxtaposition, is the wealthy and confident son of a duke. I so enjoy the fact that their bond is stronger than their differences. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
*This is a YA romance written for the general market.
The Deepest Night is the second novel about Lora and Armand, two teens who can shape-shift into dragons (why yes, that's right -- dragons) and who are both just coming into their powers. In this book, which is set in Europe during World War I, Lora and Armand join forces to attempt a rescue behind enemy lines. Lora is an English orphan -- defensive and brave, mistrustful and canny. Armand, in juxtaposition, is the wealthy and confident son of a duke. I so enjoy the fact that their bond is stronger than their differences. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
*This is a YA romance written for the general market.
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