Darkness Before Dawn

Sydney Sedrick #3

by Kellie Wallace

In June 1940, Germany bombed the Island of Guernsey, bringing World War II to the Channel Islands. With her home in the midst of war, jazz singer Catherine La Mar must adapt to change. Within days, the island is overun. Resistance cells start to emerge, hindering the German forces. Catherine's life is inevitably changed when childhood friend Thomas Potter is linked as the ringleader to one of the Island's biggest cells.

The people she once knew are no longer who they seem to be. But nothing could prepare her for when she meets Nazi officer Captain Max Engel. Her view on the war forever changes when she is given a chance for love and new beginnings. For once in her mundane life she unveils her true self, as Max teaches her how to truly live. Their love puts a strain on Catherine's family, risking the lives her sisters and friends. As the war intensifies and divides the people on Guernsey, Max and Catherine must decide if their love is really worth risking it all?

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My passion for storytelling took root at thirteen, after discovering Emily Rodda’s Rowan of Rin series. Throughout my teen years, I experimented with creative writing, penning countless fan fiction novels of my own.

In 2008, I self-published my first novel, All She Ever Wanted, an experience that remains one of my fondest memories. Since then, I’ve traditionally published multiple novels across a wide range of genres, including paranormal, crime, WWII romance, and dystopian fiction.

I stepped away from writing to focus on family life, returning to my laptop when Sydney entered lockdown in 2021. The pause reignited my creativity and reminded me how deeply I adore storytelling. I live in Sydney with my husband and two children. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found playing video games or streaming my favourite shows.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I always deny that I like Dark Romance and in a way that's true. I don't like the ones that feature domestic violence of any kind (unless the abuser is getting their ass kicked as the victim walks out the door) or sexual assault. Those of course aren't all Dark Romances. This particular one involves loving the enemy in a time of war. The war is dark, the depiction of life on the occupied Channel Islands is dark, and the enemy is cruel. All of these things make for a depressing read, however, found myself eagerly turning the pages for more. I found the heroine, Catherine to be human. She has loyalty to her countrymen, her family, and her friends. Her attraction to Max is real, and undeniable. For the first time in her life, she's with someone who makes her happy. They have tons of struggles and seriously you don't know what's happening until the very end. It's a roller coaster ride of dark deliciousness and has a good dose of Historical fact to drop in your lap as well. This is the second World War 2 Romance that I've read by this author, and I can tell she enjoys writing about the time period and she knows her facts. I devoured this book and hope she has more Historicals on the horizon.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for Adults only as there is serious adult and violent historical content involved.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving story.

Set on the island of Guernsey during World War II and the Nazi occupation, this is a very moving story of forbidden love, hardships, loss and loyalty.
An enjoyable read which I am happy to recommend for lovers of this genre.

[Amy DeWolfe · Rating 1 out of 5]

At a certain point, I started to think 'this must be an alternate history'. Unfortunately, it was incredibly historically inaccurate and didn't depict the Occupation of the Channel Islands well at all. The same goes with Max's experience as a POW in England at the end of the book.

The book was riddled with inconsistencies where the plot and characters are concerned.

I was shocked by Catherine's rape and found it didn't do anything to further the plot. If it wasn't there, the book wouldn't have changed. Despite what this book portrays, rape and violence towards Islanders wasn't at all common and there was only one recorded case of rape. It was a serious offence that the army wouldn't have taken so lightly.

[Bernadette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This trilogy was enjoyable but it's not a series I would read again. I found the recapping very off putting as the author would explain a point that had already been written about several chapters beforehand. The storyline itself was quite entertaining, with the suspense coming in the form of who would Sydney choose to ally herself with, the werewolves or the vampires. All questions were answered in this book but just when you think all the loose ends have been tied up, a suggestion is planted that could lead to another book.

[Shoulanda August · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and great adventures ahead!

I believe Sydney has learned to someone like her life and all the crazy things she's to encounter with daily. I admired her will to not betray neither species, vampires or the werewolves. She felt as being a selected, her purpose was to unite them to live among each other. Welcome to her world!!!!!

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was left still feeling betrayed for Sydney. I hate being left in the dark and manipulated as well, so I really got into her head at times. All the males in the story I could've quite happilly eviscerated at several points. Such was this trilogy so engrossing.

[Tara Kolsrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As a history lover myself I was absolutely enthralled with this book." - From My review at : http://www.obviouslyopinionated.com/d...