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Dusk #1
Dusk
Dusk by Eve Edwards is a beautiful love story set against the brutal back drop of WWI.
A love worth fighting for.
When Helen, a young hard-working nurse, meets aristocratic artist Sebastian, she doesn't expect to even like him, let alone fall in love. But against the troubled backdrop of wartime London, an unlikely but intense romance blossoms. And even the bloody trenches of the Somme, where they are both posted, cannot diminish their feelings for each other.
But Helen is concealing a secret and when a terrible crime is committed there are devastating consequences for them both.
When lives are being lost, can true love survive?
A love worth fighting for.
When Helen, a young hard-working nurse, meets aristocratic artist Sebastian, she doesn't expect to even like him, let alone fall in love. But against the troubled backdrop of wartime London, an unlikely but intense romance blossoms. And even the bloody trenches of the Somme, where they are both posted, cannot diminish their feelings for each other.
But Helen is concealing a secret and when a terrible crime is committed there are devastating consequences for them both.
When lives are being lost, can true love survive?
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2013
7 people are currently reading
683 people want to read
About the author
Eve Edwards
11 books199 followersEve Edwards has a doctorate from Oxford University and thinks researching a large part of the fun for writing historical fiction. She has visited Tudor houses, attended jousts and eaten Elizabethan banquets to get the sights, sounds and tastes right for this book. And, yes, she can testify that it is possible to eat neatly without the modern invention of the fork. She lives in Oxford and is married with three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 2, 2015
It has happened! A romance I actually enjoyed! *GASP!*
Okay, I loved this. It was so sweet and really well-written, and I loved all the characters. I want my own Sebastian, and I felt so sorry for Helen throughout everything she went through. Flora's journey as a character was also an interesting one. I was so wrapped up in their stories that I nearly cried several times, and I NEVER cry in books.
Definitely one of my favourites. I have to read the second one now!
Okay, I loved this. It was so sweet and really well-written, and I loved all the characters. I want my own Sebastian, and I felt so sorry for Helen throughout everything she went through. Flora's journey as a character was also an interesting one. I was so wrapped up in their stories that I nearly cried several times, and I NEVER cry in books.
Definitely one of my favourites. I have to read the second one now!
October 4, 2013
A very sweet romance set in a war torn world. It is an idyllic read. A must read for historical fans.
April 8, 2017
I have really mixed feelings on this book
In someways I really loved it. I loved the fact it was written about World War One. I loved the medical history stuff and the history geek in me was happily entertained by both of these things for the entire book. I loved the main characters who the story follows both the charming and elegant Sebastian and the lovely and feisty Helen. I loved how the story flitted backwards and forwards between time period building up the story as a whole as it went along and in someways it was the perfect book for me. I can see myself recommending this series far and wide but especially at school for the student I teach to compliment work we do on World War One.
However the ending left me so frustrated as it feels it just ends and the story as a whole doesn't feel complete. I know it is the first book in a series and I get that but as a reader I still want that first book to be complete within itself with the possibility of more left open. It's almost make me want to recommend to others to wait for the rest of the series to be published before reading it.
So definitely a book I enjoyed and would recommend but maybe hold off for now if you hate cliffhangers as much as I do.
In someways I really loved it. I loved the fact it was written about World War One. I loved the medical history stuff and the history geek in me was happily entertained by both of these things for the entire book. I loved the main characters who the story follows both the charming and elegant Sebastian and the lovely and feisty Helen. I loved how the story flitted backwards and forwards between time period building up the story as a whole as it went along and in someways it was the perfect book for me. I can see myself recommending this series far and wide but especially at school for the student I teach to compliment work we do on World War One.
However the ending left me so frustrated as it feels it just ends and the story as a whole doesn't feel complete. I know it is the first book in a series and I get that but as a reader I still want that first book to be complete within itself with the possibility of more left open. It's almost make me want to recommend to others to wait for the rest of the series to be published before reading it.
So definitely a book I enjoyed and would recommend but maybe hold off for now if you hate cliffhangers as much as I do.
January 16, 2015
This was recommended to me by my junior-high-school niece. It's the first of two books involving the relationship between a young man and young lady at the outbreak of World War I. Though decidedly PG-13, it does cover some gritty realities of war and also the social consequences for women who find themselves outside of the norm.
The narrative moves back and forth between the viewpoint of the girl and the viewpoint of the boy, so we know what's happening to each while they're apart, but the text also moves forwards and backwards in time (with date and location headings). Though that may sound confusing, it isn't; in fact, it's what sets this book creatively apart from others similar to it.
I'm looking forward to reading Dawn, which is the second book in the series. Note that Dusk ends in something of a cliffhanger, so the two books can't be read independently of each other!
The narrative moves back and forth between the viewpoint of the girl and the viewpoint of the boy, so we know what's happening to each while they're apart, but the text also moves forwards and backwards in time (with date and location headings). Though that may sound confusing, it isn't; in fact, it's what sets this book creatively apart from others similar to it.
I'm looking forward to reading Dawn, which is the second book in the series. Note that Dusk ends in something of a cliffhanger, so the two books can't be read independently of each other!
Want to read
February 28, 2016*need to have both books before I start, the first ends on a cliffhanger.
January 9, 2018
Don't get me wrong, I like this book! I like Helen and Sebastian as the main characters and the POV changing between them. I preferred the scenes taking place in London over the ones in France because I liked Helen and Sebastian's interactions with each other rather than them just thinking about each other. However, what annoyed me was that I got into this book thinking it was a stand-alone and therefore the ending shocked me quite a bit. So don't read this book if you don't want to commit to reading the second one as well.
Some things were a bit rushed while others were way too drawn-out but overall I still enjoyed it.
For me 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Some things were a bit rushed while others were way too drawn-out but overall I still enjoyed it.
For me 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
October 11, 2020
This book had great potential in the relationship between Sebastian and Helen, however I feel like it under delivered. Much of the plot felt rushed, and although the cutting across timelines worked for the reader to build up anticipation and concern for the characters, it didn’t allow the reader to develop an affection for the characters and their relationship in the same way that other Eve Edwards writing does.
I would have loved to explore their relationships with other people more, including Des and Flora, and I believe that the book could have benefitted from a change of pace to allow more information for the reader, although maybe this will be given in the sequel.
I would have loved to explore their relationships with other people more, including Des and Flora, and I believe that the book could have benefitted from a change of pace to allow more information for the reader, although maybe this will be given in the sequel.
January 16, 2018
Beautifully written with characters to live against the backdrop of one of the worst conflicts in history. Loved it!
July 22, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ I liked it!
December 23, 2024
Il mio pensiero si riduce a poche parole: non ho mai letto niente di tanto prevedibile.
June 8, 2013
Upon hearing about Dusk, I was really eager to read it. It's no secret that I'm a huge geek when it comes to World War One. I've been to the actual battlefields (including the Somme) about seven times, so to read a book with this interesting subject, set in a location that is well known to me was a real treat. I can't think of any WW1 young adult fiction off the top of my head, so I was really looking forward to this!
The first thing to mention is that although I am quite knowledgeable on the subject of the First World War, I allowed myself to relax with this book - I was definitely not being analytical with all of the facts, dates etc. The book doesn't feel all that heavy on the history, yet we still get to learn a lot about the circumstances of those who worked in during the war, especially our main characters, a medic named Helen and a soldier named Sebastian. Rather than giving long descriptions of things, the reader learns about the surroundings through the characters, it's simple to get a feeling for where we are and what's happening. Though it's a difficult task, Edwards has managed to create a very gritty atmosphere in this book - she has managed to put so many emotions on paper and allowed us a glimpse into the mind of someone at war.
It did take me a little while to really get into this book and to adjust to the historical aspect, but that's normal for me when reading historical books. There is a reasonable amount of moving backwards and forwards through time and switching between narratives, both of which I often struggle with, but it felt natural in this book and everything seemed to flow well. All of my worries concerning possible confusion were gone when I was quarter of the way into the novel and the more I read, the more I sunk deeply into the setting of pre-war England and the development of World War One.
As aforementioned, our main characters are Helen and Sebastian. Helen is a somewhat reserved girl with a troubled past, who seems to come to life when she meets Sebastian, an aristocratic and very charming artist living in London. It doesn't take all that long for both Helen and Sebastian to become accustomed to each other, soon we both get to see deeper layers of both of the characters as a romantic bond forms between them and they start to become less reserved and more open. Unfortunately, that's when the War begins and threatens not only their relationship, but their lives. Helen and Sebastian are both very likeable characters, who I found only to become more endearing as the book progressed. Helen appears to be a little shy, but it's very clear that she's also determined and can become quite fiery and passionate. Sebastian was simply, in one word, charming.
So, as I hope you can tell, I really enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment, Dawn. I do have to warn you that there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one, so it's definitely going to be difficult to wait to see what happens! I'd really recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for the Great War, or who is just interested in historical fiction. I think this would be a great book for anyone who is studying this particular period of history at school, too. It's great to read about the people at home and the people behind the front lines, as well as those who are right at the front.
The first thing to mention is that although I am quite knowledgeable on the subject of the First World War, I allowed myself to relax with this book - I was definitely not being analytical with all of the facts, dates etc. The book doesn't feel all that heavy on the history, yet we still get to learn a lot about the circumstances of those who worked in during the war, especially our main characters, a medic named Helen and a soldier named Sebastian. Rather than giving long descriptions of things, the reader learns about the surroundings through the characters, it's simple to get a feeling for where we are and what's happening. Though it's a difficult task, Edwards has managed to create a very gritty atmosphere in this book - she has managed to put so many emotions on paper and allowed us a glimpse into the mind of someone at war.
It did take me a little while to really get into this book and to adjust to the historical aspect, but that's normal for me when reading historical books. There is a reasonable amount of moving backwards and forwards through time and switching between narratives, both of which I often struggle with, but it felt natural in this book and everything seemed to flow well. All of my worries concerning possible confusion were gone when I was quarter of the way into the novel and the more I read, the more I sunk deeply into the setting of pre-war England and the development of World War One.
As aforementioned, our main characters are Helen and Sebastian. Helen is a somewhat reserved girl with a troubled past, who seems to come to life when she meets Sebastian, an aristocratic and very charming artist living in London. It doesn't take all that long for both Helen and Sebastian to become accustomed to each other, soon we both get to see deeper layers of both of the characters as a romantic bond forms between them and they start to become less reserved and more open. Unfortunately, that's when the War begins and threatens not only their relationship, but their lives. Helen and Sebastian are both very likeable characters, who I found only to become more endearing as the book progressed. Helen appears to be a little shy, but it's very clear that she's also determined and can become quite fiery and passionate. Sebastian was simply, in one word, charming.
So, as I hope you can tell, I really enjoyed this book and I'm definitely looking forward to the next instalment, Dawn. I do have to warn you that there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one, so it's definitely going to be difficult to wait to see what happens! I'd really recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for the Great War, or who is just interested in historical fiction. I think this would be a great book for anyone who is studying this particular period of history at school, too. It's great to read about the people at home and the people behind the front lines, as well as those who are right at the front.
June 15, 2013
I am a huge fan of Eve Edwards and have loved all of her previous books. I was excited to hear about this new series because it seems ages since her last book was published. I love historical fiction and so the idea of a story set during the First World War immediately captured my interest.
The time-frame of the story spans from 1914-1916 but it is not told in a linear way. Instead it jumps around a lot, focusing on current events, as well as those in the past. I sometimes found this style a bit disjointed to read because it moved backwards and forwards rapidly. I had to concentrate quite hard to make sure that this did not throw me. On occasion, when I was particularly enjoying a bit of the story I was also disappointed when it trailed off and picked up in a different year completely.
I loved the main characters: Helen and Sebastian, whom the story is built around. Helen is a nurse on the front line, while Sebastian is fighting in the war. Eve Edwards shows how the two first met and the progression of their romantic relationship, while also showing the adversity that they must face to be together. I particularly liked Helen who comes across as very shy and reserved, but actually shows incredible strength of will and bravery, as well as a fiery temper when she is defending something or someone she believes in. I can't imagine being left all alone without any family but this is exactly the predicament that she has to cope with.
Edwards deftly shows the brutality and horror of the war and there are some quite gritty and hard-to-read scenes in the book. For anyone interested in this particular period of history, then this title will definitely have a lot of appeal. I enjoyed it but at times I felt like there was something missing. I can't quite put my finger on what but it did mean that I wasn't as hooked as I was expecting to be.
This is the first in a trilogy, which will be followed by 'Dawn' which is due to be published next year.
The time-frame of the story spans from 1914-1916 but it is not told in a linear way. Instead it jumps around a lot, focusing on current events, as well as those in the past. I sometimes found this style a bit disjointed to read because it moved backwards and forwards rapidly. I had to concentrate quite hard to make sure that this did not throw me. On occasion, when I was particularly enjoying a bit of the story I was also disappointed when it trailed off and picked up in a different year completely.
I loved the main characters: Helen and Sebastian, whom the story is built around. Helen is a nurse on the front line, while Sebastian is fighting in the war. Eve Edwards shows how the two first met and the progression of their romantic relationship, while also showing the adversity that they must face to be together. I particularly liked Helen who comes across as very shy and reserved, but actually shows incredible strength of will and bravery, as well as a fiery temper when she is defending something or someone she believes in. I can't imagine being left all alone without any family but this is exactly the predicament that she has to cope with.
Edwards deftly shows the brutality and horror of the war and there are some quite gritty and hard-to-read scenes in the book. For anyone interested in this particular period of history, then this title will definitely have a lot of appeal. I enjoyed it but at times I felt like there was something missing. I can't quite put my finger on what but it did mean that I wasn't as hooked as I was expecting to be.
This is the first in a trilogy, which will be followed by 'Dawn' which is due to be published next year.
December 1, 2014
I really enjoyed Dusk by Eve Edwards. It is the first in a two part series. It takes place during the First World War and follows our two main characters, Helen and Sebastian, from 1914 to 1916. Written in a non-linear fashion, we are immersed in horrific battlefield scenes and the grim reality of nursing near the front line. Helen is a young, independent girl who doesn’t really believe in her own strength, courage and beauty because of her abusive father. Sebastian is the charming, dashing young artist who falls for her. The time they have together is short before they are ripped apart by fate.
While the non-linear narrative might not appeal to everyone, I thought it was fantastic as it showed a contrast between ‘then’ and ‘now.’ It aided in showing how quickly times changed. Though Helen and Sebastian’s first meeting is somewhat awkward, their second meeting is the start of a beautiful relationship. Helen was a great character; she was down-to-earth, level-headed and a hard worker. Sebastian loves art, but when his brother is killed in the war, it is the catalyst that makes him sign up.
Interspersed with scenes of Helen attending to patients with ghastly injuries and Sebastian advancing the line excruciatingly slowly and with heavy losses, are flashbacks to how their relationship developed. As the story continues, there is increasingly more about social classes and family heritage; it is not just the physical distance that separates Helen from Sebastian. Furthermore, I enjoyed reading Helen’s sister’s story. Flora is a young, confident and beautiful girl, but when she falls in love with an officer from the navy, events quickly take a turn for the worse.
Dusk was a well-researched, well-written historical book. It presented what was happening in the trenches during the War realistically; futile, grim and desperate. I liked Helen and Sebastian. I would have liked to have seen more of the development of their relationship. Other than that, Dusk was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading the sequel, Dawn.
While the non-linear narrative might not appeal to everyone, I thought it was fantastic as it showed a contrast between ‘then’ and ‘now.’ It aided in showing how quickly times changed. Though Helen and Sebastian’s first meeting is somewhat awkward, their second meeting is the start of a beautiful relationship. Helen was a great character; she was down-to-earth, level-headed and a hard worker. Sebastian loves art, but when his brother is killed in the war, it is the catalyst that makes him sign up.
Interspersed with scenes of Helen attending to patients with ghastly injuries and Sebastian advancing the line excruciatingly slowly and with heavy losses, are flashbacks to how their relationship developed. As the story continues, there is increasingly more about social classes and family heritage; it is not just the physical distance that separates Helen from Sebastian. Furthermore, I enjoyed reading Helen’s sister’s story. Flora is a young, confident and beautiful girl, but when she falls in love with an officer from the navy, events quickly take a turn for the worse.
Dusk was a well-researched, well-written historical book. It presented what was happening in the trenches during the War realistically; futile, grim and desperate. I liked Helen and Sebastian. I would have liked to have seen more of the development of their relationship. Other than that, Dusk was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading the sequel, Dawn.
June 21, 2013
When I was younger I used to read a lot of war books. You may know the ones, often set in London with a young girl on the brink of adulthood living her life throughout the war. They may have been samey but I really enjoyed them as a young teenager. However, after a year so of devouring all of the ones my neighbour and Nan gave me, I found young adult books and I enjoyed them even more so the wartime books were totally forgotten. Then I got the email about this book and I asked for it even without knowing what it was about because it was by Eve Edwards who has written some of my favorite historical books ever and (under her pen name Julia Golding) some of my favorite fantasy books. Then I saw that it was war... and YA and I was so unbelievably happy.
This book blew me away completely, it was everything that I hoped it would be and more. This is a book that is heartbreaking as much as romantic, a book that will tug at your heartstrings and make you think about it for long after you close the last page. A book about near misses between two people that live for eachother. Helen may not have been the most interesting character to follow, but she was true to life and her story was interesting, especially nearer the end. Seb had a for more gripping story for the most part, and the harrowing description of life in the trenches makes me wonder how Eve Edwards wrote it so descriptively and honestly. The amount of research that must have gone into making this book so authentic is amazing, I'm always astonished by the effort that historical authors go through.
The only fault I can find in this is that the non-linear time scale is a bit distracting and off-putting at times. I had to read back a couple of times to find out if I was in the past or present, this was a little bit annoying for me and I would liked the past to have been in a different font or something... still it wasn't a MASSIVE deal.
This book blew me away completely, it was everything that I hoped it would be and more. This is a book that is heartbreaking as much as romantic, a book that will tug at your heartstrings and make you think about it for long after you close the last page. A book about near misses between two people that live for eachother. Helen may not have been the most interesting character to follow, but she was true to life and her story was interesting, especially nearer the end. Seb had a for more gripping story for the most part, and the harrowing description of life in the trenches makes me wonder how Eve Edwards wrote it so descriptively and honestly. The amount of research that must have gone into making this book so authentic is amazing, I'm always astonished by the effort that historical authors go through.
The only fault I can find in this is that the non-linear time scale is a bit distracting and off-putting at times. I had to read back a couple of times to find out if I was in the past or present, this was a little bit annoying for me and I would liked the past to have been in a different font or something... still it wasn't a MASSIVE deal.
July 30, 2013
i read dusk after going on a history trip to vist the somme battle field so i had what i had learned from it in my head while reading the book making it all the more emotional to read, but i loved it for someone who who should of been safe in blighty goes onto the frontline so that she could be near her lover who was a genral in one off the trenches. that even though a war was on they were willing to risk everything. on the first day off the somme so many people were killed her love lucky to be alive as so many people came in injured but it was the fact that he only got injured by his own side who were overly eager to shoot anything that moved beliving that everyone is the enemy. you were told the background story of their love so you get the story from two diffrent points of veiws causing it to be more emotinal and powerful than what just point of veiw could of done. the whole story is heart felt and i belive is historicity accurate by the facts and figures which has been used. that often it was the people who had money that could easily become generals so that they wouldn’t be the lowest of the low. this shows that it is much the same as it is today as what it was then making them feel that society has not much changed.
dusk is my first historical romance novel ive read and im willing to find more like dusk but i think i will always remember dusk for it being powerful and moving. i was annoyed that the next book dosent come out for ages as you just want to know what happens next in their story
i would recomend this book to everyone especially people who like history and is stringed by it all
dusk is my first historical romance novel ive read and im willing to find more like dusk but i think i will always remember dusk for it being powerful and moving. i was annoyed that the next book dosent come out for ages as you just want to know what happens next in their story
i would recomend this book to everyone especially people who like history and is stringed by it all
June 5, 2013
Dusk is a beautifully written story about a young couple mixed up in the brutality of war. Set during World War I, Sebastian is an officer in the army, doing his best to try to motivate his soldiers and keep them alive. Helen is also trying to save lives, working as a nurse behind the front lines. The narrative switches between their two perspectives as well as jumping back to their lives before the war, detailing how they met. The contrast between the two time periods serves to emphasises the brutality of war. To start with I thought the constant switching would get confusing but it is done really well so it flowed nicely and I didn't once get mixed up with which character or time I was reading.
Helen and Sebastian are both really likeable characters. Helen has had a tough childhood and although shy and quiet, she's also feisty and determined when she needs to be. Sebastian is somehow adorable, even though I can't quite decide why; there's just something about him. He's a proper gentleman and I really liked that he essentially joined the army out of duty to his country and loyalty to his brother.
As I was reading the story, I was mostly expecting it to play out as a nice safe romance - not my usual thing but I do like me some historical fiction, so I tend to give exception in this genre. So, I was pleasantly surprised for there to be quite a twist towards the end and there is a bit of a cliff hanger making me eagerly anticipate the second book, Dawn, which is due out next year.
Helen and Sebastian are both really likeable characters. Helen has had a tough childhood and although shy and quiet, she's also feisty and determined when she needs to be. Sebastian is somehow adorable, even though I can't quite decide why; there's just something about him. He's a proper gentleman and I really liked that he essentially joined the army out of duty to his country and loyalty to his brother.
As I was reading the story, I was mostly expecting it to play out as a nice safe romance - not my usual thing but I do like me some historical fiction, so I tend to give exception in this genre. So, I was pleasantly surprised for there to be quite a twist towards the end and there is a bit of a cliff hanger making me eagerly anticipate the second book, Dawn, which is due out next year.
July 15, 2015
This was a heartbreaking story set during the time of WWI. It was when the world was very different. All boys and men were pressured to go into the war. Women were underestimated and not as important in society. Everybody was desperate and wanted the war. This was a love story between Sebastian and Helen. Sebastian, a boy who loved art which was mocked at in that day and age never wanted to join the war until he lost his brother to that war and he wanted to prove himself. Helen, a nurse who had an extremely difficult childhood had run with her sister to London. As a half-german she hid her roots as it would raise suspicion in a time where Germany was considered the enemy.
The book was in flashbacks to give us information about what happened before and what happened now. It was so sad to see so much grief as loved ones were lost, However, it was a flash of hope to see Helen and Sebastian's relationship flourish. They were so happy amid all the sadness but, as usual the war ruined everything. How could anyone think the war was good? The lives that all these people were living and losing was nothing to the people in power. All they had to do was push a button and start a war.
The book ended in a cliffhanger but, it was not a shock cliffhanger. It was hope that they would find each other and love will conquer all and it was also hope that the war and all the devastation it caused would end soon.
The book was in flashbacks to give us information about what happened before and what happened now. It was so sad to see so much grief as loved ones were lost, However, it was a flash of hope to see Helen and Sebastian's relationship flourish. They were so happy amid all the sadness but, as usual the war ruined everything. How could anyone think the war was good? The lives that all these people were living and losing was nothing to the people in power. All they had to do was push a button and start a war.
The book ended in a cliffhanger but, it was not a shock cliffhanger. It was hope that they would find each other and love will conquer all and it was also hope that the war and all the devastation it caused would end soon.
September 17, 2023
This is going to sound stupid, but I don't have a good reason for giving this book 3 stars. There was nothing wrong with the book, and I was actually pretty riveted by it because I had a hard time putting it down. I guess 4 stars just seems too high for a book that, despite its heavy subject matter, did not really stay with me at all after I finished it. I'm still going to read the sequel because of the very annoying cliffhanger ending , and I hope I'm left feeling like there's more substance to it.
(Also, can I just complain about the covers of this book and its sequel? This one is a bit cheesy and ridiculous with the cartoony barbed wire heart, but the cover of the sequel just makes me mad because clearly, NO effort went into it at all. It uses the exact same format, a very similar background, and photos that are clearly from the exact same photoshoot but from different angles. It just makes me sad that the publisher clearly gave up on this duology and threw together a cover with minimal effort.)
(Also, can I just complain about the covers of this book and its sequel? This one is a bit cheesy and ridiculous with the cartoony barbed wire heart, but the cover of the sequel just makes me mad because clearly, NO effort went into it at all. It uses the exact same format, a very similar background, and photos that are clearly from the exact same photoshoot but from different angles. It just makes me sad that the publisher clearly gave up on this duology and threw together a cover with minimal effort.)
May 21, 2013
I'm not a fan of historical fiction. There have only been two books in the historical fiction genre which I have enjoyed and I have tried a lot. I love learning history at school so it is really disappointing that I don't like reading fictional history books, and unfortunately this book didn't change my mind.
This review isn't discouraging the book, because the problem wasn't the book, it was me. Personally, I found the first chapter quite boring and kept drifting off. My mind was on other things and I couldn't concentrate. I discovered that I'd read 20 pages without actually following the storyline - blindly, I kept turning the pages whilst daydreaming.
From what I actually read, the story seemed very beautiful. World War I is really interesting so I am sure that Edwards conveyed the love story in a wonderful way. However, I didn't carry on because of the genre. One of my closest bloggy friends, Lucy from Queen of Contemporary, adores historical fiction and loved this book. My advice: only reading this book if you like this genre!
This review isn't discouraging the book, because the problem wasn't the book, it was me. Personally, I found the first chapter quite boring and kept drifting off. My mind was on other things and I couldn't concentrate. I discovered that I'd read 20 pages without actually following the storyline - blindly, I kept turning the pages whilst daydreaming.
From what I actually read, the story seemed very beautiful. World War I is really interesting so I am sure that Edwards conveyed the love story in a wonderful way. However, I didn't carry on because of the genre. One of my closest bloggy friends, Lucy from Queen of Contemporary, adores historical fiction and loved this book. My advice: only reading this book if you like this genre!
June 22, 2015
This book is very old fashioned and is old style. It is mainly about world war 1 and how 2 people fall in love. I think this books main message is that it doesn't matter which country your from, you can still fall in love.
This is the first book (Dusk)
The second book is called (Dawn)
Here is the review or blurb or whatever it is you call it!!!!
A love worth fighting for.
When Helen, a young hard-working nurse, meets aristocratic artist Sebastian, she doesn't expect to even like him, let alone fall in love. But against the troubled backdrop of wartime London, an unlikely but intense romance blossoms. And even the bloody trenches of the Somme, where they are both posted, cannot diminish their feelings for each other.
But Helen is concealing a secret and when a terrible crime is committed there are devastating consequences for them both.
When lives are being lost, can true love survive?
This is the first book (Dusk)
The second book is called (Dawn)
Here is the review or blurb or whatever it is you call it!!!!
A love worth fighting for.
When Helen, a young hard-working nurse, meets aristocratic artist Sebastian, she doesn't expect to even like him, let alone fall in love. But against the troubled backdrop of wartime London, an unlikely but intense romance blossoms. And even the bloody trenches of the Somme, where they are both posted, cannot diminish their feelings for each other.
But Helen is concealing a secret and when a terrible crime is committed there are devastating consequences for them both.
When lives are being lost, can true love survive?
August 8, 2015
Dusk is an average read, short and easy to fly through. I liked it's simplicity and the historical feel to it, but I was pretty much disconnected the entire time I read it. The characters were standard tropes used in romances, with very likeable characteristics, but nothing exciting. I do think Helen had some sort of unique qualities but the voices just never stood out to me. I would have to say I'm not a massive fan of romances and it definitely shows after finishing this. I floated through it, really appreciated the "real" side of war time and propaganda, but was left thinking it was merely an ok read.
Being a duology, I suppose it sets up - or I'm assuming it will - for a greater journey between Sebastian and Helen in finding their ways back to each other. I'm just not sure if I want to read the next book or not.
Being a duology, I suppose it sets up - or I'm assuming it will - for a greater journey between Sebastian and Helen in finding their ways back to each other. I'm just not sure if I want to read the next book or not.
April 16, 2014
Aw, what? I didn't realize this was a series, I thought it was a stand alone. Then to end it right there? Grrrr. As you might be able to tell, I really liked this book. I enjoyed the slow build up, the legitimate and believable love story. All the characters seem realistic to me, especially Sebastian and Helen. I do hope as well that some of the minor characters get their wrap up as well. I bought this on impulse after hesitating a number of times over it in the bookstore, and I wasn't disappointed!
I guess the good part is I have a second book to look forward to. Now I just need to remember to buy it when it comes out!
I guess the good part is I have a second book to look forward to. Now I just need to remember to buy it when it comes out!
June 25, 2014
I hadn't expected to like this book as much as I did! (And I am not normally a fan of historical but I really liked it!) I found this a well written enjoyable read. I loved Helen and Sebastian's love story!! Aww I must say i did not expect this book to leave me hanging like it did!!
October 8, 2014
An average WW1 romance for teens. Nothing about the writing or characters particularly stood out for me, and some of the plot elements felt slightly soap-opera-ish or just plain unbelievable .
May 7, 2014
I do not usually take interest in historical books especially WW1. But I am glad I picked up 'Dusk' for my first one and I have to say the book is beautifully written. Every characters personality fits in with the story very well and the ending really makes you hungry for more. Although I did find it dragged in some places but other than that, it!s a great read! Can't wait for 'Dawn' which comes out in June!
August 20, 2014
It took me a while to get into this story, and then when I eventually did and wanted to know more and could not put the book down - it ended only to be continued in a sequel. I loved the scenes with Helen and Sebastian and could even imagine being in the beginning of the century. The author did a good job of making the era feel real. I liked reading this story, once I got into it, and wished it was longer. I know it is longer, but I wish everything was all wrapped up in one book.
December 12, 2013
Eve Edwards is fast becoming one of my favourite ya authors. I loved everything about this book, except the cliffhanger ending! I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
October 16, 2013
My blog review of Dusk by Eve Edwards-
http://wrathsqueensbooks.blogspot.co....
http://wrathsqueensbooks.blogspot.co....
January 30, 2014
I thought this book was amazing. The characters were very creative and suited to that time. I also loved the ending... I have been left dying for more!
April 25, 2014
Wierd. Kinda liked it, the characters were nice. Stll. Hum.
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