Darkness Watching

Darkworld #1

by Emma L. Adams

Eighteen-year-old Ashlyn is one interview away from her future when she first sees the demons. She thinks she's losing her mind, but the truth is far more frightening: she can see into the Darkworld, the home of spirits– and the darkness is staring back.

Desperate to escape the demons, Ash accepts a place at a university in the small town of Blackstone, in the middle of nowhere - little knowing that it isn't coincidence that led her there but the pull of the Venantium, the sorcerers who maintain the barrier keeping demons from crossing from the Darkworld into our own world.

All-night parties, new friendships and a life without rules or limits are all part of the package of student life - but demons never give up, and their focus on Ash has attracted the attention of every sorcerer in the area. Ash is soon caught between her new life and a group of other students with a connection to the Darkworld, who could offer the answers she's looking for. The demons want something from her, and someone is determined to kill her before she can find out what it is.

In a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, not everyone is what they appear to be...

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Demons, Supernatural

196 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

I'm Emma, a fantasy author, book collector, gamer, and wanderer. I write urban and epic fantasy novels, including the international bestselling Changeling Chronicles, the Relics of Power trilogy, and the Death's Disciple quartet.

*Note: I use Goodreads only to keep a record of what I'm reading. Please don't send me unsolicited review requests.*

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness Watching
Darkworld Series, Book 1
By: Emma L. Adams
Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
This is a great young adult fantasy novel that hooked me right away. Our gal can see dark spirits of demons. There is one on the loose that is after her now! Exciting and a great read! Can't wait for the next book!
Narration was great too!

[Emma Adams]

I don't rate my own books. Hey, I'm impartial. :)

Darkness Watching is the first in my upper-YA/New Adult supernatural/urban fantasy series. I'd recommend Darkness Watching to readers who like mysteries, things that go bump in the night, and a plot which develops over the course of a five-book series.

The Darkworld series follows eighteen-year old Ashlyn, who might be going through a life crisis but thinks she has a pretty firm grip on sanity - until the day she sees a sinister, violet-eyed demon inexplicably staring at her. She thought passing exams was scary, but now she finds herself heading off to a university no one's heard of, meeting fellow students with abilities like hers, and being drawn into a terrifying world of ghouls, harpies and demons.

This is the first book, so you won't get all the answers here. But I hope you'll stay for the ride. :)

Warning: contains demons, monsters, and students behaving badly.

[Bookish Satty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.

Firstly I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

Well, first of all the main thing that I felt while reading this story was that 'this story line is new to me, even if the concept is not new', I mean the way the author used up the concept and made it twist and turn in a very different fashion than the regular Urban Fantasy reads felt really good to me and it's really remarkable given the fact that even though there are so many books out there based on this same concept, this book succeeded in attracting the attention of the readers and judging the reaction of my fellow reviewers I think that it's true, right?

Coming to the characters, I have a little complaint here and that is the author only made the readers focus on the main character when there were other characters too that could have had a little bit share of the fame. I liked Ash very much and the most important fact is that is isn't naive like most of the other heroines.

The story progressed at the correct pace though the first few chapters were a bit slow moving but it happens in case of the first novels all the time. The suspense is good and it gave me goosebumps sometimes too and man, I couldn't guess a scene here and everything was either a surprise or a shock to me which felt really good and fresh.

Over all a great read that I think everyone should definitely read. Enjoy !!!

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

This October I'm reading the Darkworld series. You can also find my review on the prequel novella Fear's Touch.

Just before starting college Ash starts seeing weird things, which turns out to be a link to the Darkworld, filled with demons. Also, there apparently is a whole shadow community of magicians going, especially surrounding her new college.

Despite being not that original, as in a girl finds out she's got some special powers, and she's even more special than her already special friends, I thought it was a quick and entertaining read. Perfect for my October-fantasy read. I liked it that Ash and her friends are slightly older than usual in these YA fantasy series. It didn't feel like there was too much going on, it was mostly darkness watching, but there's also some mystery going on that I hope we'll learn more about in the coming books.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Eureca Laurice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darkness Watching (Darkworld #1)

I'm still contemplating on this, one side of me wanted to be more lenient on the author, on the book, on the story. The story is interesting but it is plain boring. You might end up dnfed this if you're looking for actions or something incredible. And the other side is why would I do that? Life is not fair. Sounds bipolar. So here goes nothing.

I read this because
1.) I can't pick a book to read, I just finish Spooks Revenge and it was like going crazy on my brain.
2.) It is my first time to signup on this type of request on Goodreads, why not try.
3.) I always ended up liking the unknown books to me, that's why my curiosity got the best of me.
4.) Its free. Not everyday you can get a free.
5.) For once I wanted to escape the hyped.
6.) Its urban fantasy that sure attracts me like a flower boy.
7.) I just wanted to try to have a deadline on reviews and be more focused (hope to be more focused).

Summary
It is the time of taking an entrance exam to college, Ashlyn or Ash is cramming for reviewing and studying not only for the Oxford exam but for her school exam also. It is 21st of December 2012 where the supposed to be end of the world should take place, came blackout then the darkworld is now visible to Ash. She could see a pair of purple eyes on a darkplace. A faint whisper calls her name. She is sure that the menacing creature is demon.


She didn't pass her exam on Oxford; she was accepted on this uni, Blackstone University. On this university she will meet new friends, flat mates and people that know what is happening on her.



This may sound special snowflakes to you, but the subject was not. She is different from the other sorcerers (yes, she is sorcerer she could use magic) but what makes her different is that one or two attack would suffice to know that she is a magic user instead she was usually attacked by dark entities.

There is no angel here; there is only demon and sorcerers.

The Characters

Ashlyn Temple or Ash – is our heroine. On descriptive note, she described herself as pretty ordinary. No boys ever wonder around her, but perhaps it was her magic that cause it. She has a strong impression when she was supposed to be scared.

She experienced sleep paralysis since her encounter to the "demon". And yet she throws a dictionary to it when she got a chance, pretty brave I might add.

Sometime she is stupid. They've gone to "Satan Pit" for clubbing, it's her first time to go on clubbing and some demon is lurking around her wherein she is actually sure that it's a demon and she gone clubbing on Satan's Pit? I mean comeon Ashlyn, I know it's dumb to sulk just because of demon. But hello, we are talking about demon here; does caution never rings a bell to you?

She was always sure on what's what. Uncertainty doesn't belong on her dictionary.

I shifted my gaze back to the dark space—and I almost stopped breathing. Something stepped out f the darkness.
The something was a shadow, black as the gap itself, hunched and shapeless, but as it moved, it seemed solidify into animalistic shape, crouched on all fours. Shadows blurred around it like a long shaggy coat.

This was no demon; it was something else.

Instinct? But no matter how her instinct was saying she sounds so sure.

But I was certain the creature I'd just seen had been different from the others.

David – the supposed to be love interest of Ash. But no, effing no. You can't feel/read it, until someone mentioned that he was or he is. It didn't work, no magic can fix that, and just if ever the two happen that'll be force I am certain that it'll be (force).

Cara – her high school best friend that is not in the story but in skype. I mean, she appears on the first few chapters but eventually she was just mentioned because she's on Skype.

Alex, Sarah – her new girlfriends, flatmates. These girls was kinda cute, but actually thinking about them made me think of just what they just did there? Except for the flat dialogues and all? They were there, supporting Ash in everything, they have same course as Ash, but remembering them they didn't leave an impact on me actually none of them were except Ash and Claudia perhaps and Madam Persephone? I just remember Alex gave an empty threat to David and Sarah having flu and Ash caught it too. That's all. They don't matter on the stories at all.

Claudia – the first girl she encountered on the Uni, but they didn't talk, until the Satan Pits incident. She can use magic and she's on this secret society with few people: Leo (the immature one and playful one), Cyrus (Leo's brother going to graduate soon, he founded the secret circle of them), Berenice(I actually forgot her name, the queen bitch that hate Ash, dunno why but she also hate everybody except for Howard), Howard (the douche one on the group, not worth mentioning but they are into each other with Berenice).

Let's go with my Pros and Cons because I don't know how to wrap this up.

Cons:

Flat dialogues

"You should definitely join the hiking club," said David. "I've heard they go all over, camping in Scotland and all sorts."

"I'm not sure about camping," I said. "I've heard too many horror stories from my Aunt Eve! She used to travel all over before she moved to Windermere."

"Sounds like fun. Windermere's a nice place."

"Yeah, I used to go there every summer. But I haven't been there for a while now; not since my aunt moved to Canada."

Yeah, I heard that it is fun there didn't you here my raging hormones right there? Have you seen it Ashlyn??



Ash is always sure on what's what
How did she know that it's a demon again? I mean its quite confusing at time, that suddenly that a creepy purple eye is a demon?

Then my chair tipped backward of its own accord. In slow motion, it leaned back, teetered for a moment. The demon grinned as I sat there, powerless to move..

You have to calm yourself before you pick it up again
I don't know what's the problem, may be its just me. Cause sometimes when I picked it up again and the first paragraph I encounter is a dialog it is always flat.
"Aren't you cold, Ash?"
"A bit,"

Slow pace
Roughly 80% on the book is where I get what I wanted on what I'm expecting.

The Cover


I'm not the type who sways by the cover of a book, but I do believe that a nice cover could attract a reader. They might end up reading the blurb and thought this must be interesting or something. I end up here because it something else. I don't actually remember the blurb, what attracts me is the urban-fantasy tag. Back to the cover, the girl is pretty, the violet cat eyes is yes a little scary but at the same time cute, the amethyst necklace nice touch up- purple background. Afraid looking girl, so where is the con in there? That will go back to the center. The girl is pretty I aint blind I can see that but yeah the girl is unnecessary, totally unnecessary. The amethyst and the purple eye could do the trick.

Plothole
There is the hit and miss on the plot and on the characters. It felt odd. There is always amiss on characters and events.

Pros:

From roughly 22% there is no insta love though I know for myself that I'm expecting it to be like that because it looks like it'll go there since its not.


World Building is weak but I could actually see the green sceneries around. I could smell the fresh air~ the forest, the grass, the heavy rain; I could imagine it well from the tiny bit of building because I could relate well to it.

I liked that we could hear no traffic on the woodland trail, no human noise, just birdsong, and a rustling in the undergrowth that might have been a hedgehog or rabbit. I knew more wildlife lived on campus than in the city suburb I'd lived in all my life. In the student village, wild cats the size of rabbits darted in and out of the bushes, begging for milk from anyone with any going spare, and sparrows and robins nested in the poplar trees. I still couldn't get over the fact that I could see sheep from my window, grazing in the field. At heart, I really wasn't a city person at all.

It reminds me a lot of home.

Overall to sum it all up, it is flat, slow pace and a bit dragging at times.This frustrates me, I want to redeem it but I can't think of any redemption on my last sentence, I was going to add something like… but the premise is interesting (but its not), or something like…but the plot has potential (does it really?) or …but its my first time to read this kind of plot [yes it is and in reality reading (this kind of plot) for the first time is not enough]. So uhm, yeah let's wrap it up. After some thinking I finally thought of redemption. The story did not frustrate me.

Overall rating: 2/5

Note to self: Received this copy from author in exchange of review.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy in exchange for an honest review

After participating in the cover reveal for this book I knew I wanted to read this. So when I got the invite for the blog tour I immediately signed up.

Darkness Watching has a different feel than what the blurb says. The story is about Ashlyn, a girl who can shadowy creatures and thinks she is going mad. Then she goes off to university and finds out more about it all. Darkness Watching takes the cliché plot of a girl who finds out she is different and adds original touches to it. The idea of the Darkworld is really original and while some parts of the book are really predictable it is really enjoyable and there are some surprising turns as well. Sometimes I realized things before Ashlyn did, but overal I still really enjoyed this book. There are some parts that feel a bit off or that need some more explanation, but I wanted to keep reading to find out more.

I liked Ashlyn, but I think this book is more story focussed than character focussed. Sure the characters do play an important role, but I didn't feel like I got to really know the characters. Ashlyn is the main character and we learn a lot about her, but still i would've liked more. There are a lot of side characters and at the beginning I had some toruble keeping them all apart, this got easier the further I got into the book. Also the side characters don't really come alive. The have their own characteristics, but I felt like I didn't really got to know them. And some of Ashlyn her flatmates just weren't fleshed out enough. Her two friends seemed inditical and apart from knowing one of them got durk from red wine and Ashlyn spend a lot of time with them I didn't really got to know them.

I really like the idea of the darkworld and it's just a touch different from other ghost and demon stories out there. But just like I mentioned with the characters, this book is really storyfocussed. There are no info dumps, but at times I wished there would be more information about the Darkworld, because had so many questions. Also everything surrounding the Venantium kept vague too. There is some information about them, but it was too little. Despite me wanting more world building, the world building was done really well and I wanted to keep reading to find out more.

To conclude: I really enjoyed Darkness Watching, it takes an cliche idea and add original touches to it. Creating an original world and enjoyable, but sometimes a bit predictable story. This book is story focussed and I would've liked learning more about both the characters and the world. Overal I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to read where the author takes this series next.

[Kathy Horsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Watching is a tale of demons and magic, that force a girl named Ashlyn to take a hard look at everything she thought she knew and open her eyes to another world that shouldn't even exist! She thought she was a normal teenager just trying to get into a good university when she starts seeing brilliant violet eyes watching from dark spaces in what seems like the middle of nowhere. She doesn't know why she sees them or how, but all she knows is this can't be normal. When she arrives at Blackstone College in the middle of the countryside, she starts to unwind a whole group of people that can see these voids too and maybe she isn't going crazy after all. needs to find out not only about these people but about herself and where she comes from as well as what she is going to do about these demons.

This is a wildly different story than any I have read about demons. It was refreshing to read about a character and situation that I haven't read before and really did a nice job of feeling out that never-before-seen plot with the reader. It almost seemed like you were experiencing everything right in time with her and it really made it enjoyable to read. Despite her self depreciating attitude, was a strong character. She was brave, even when she thought she wasn't, and she didn't freak even though all of this was so new and terrifying! Add to the other characters that surrounded her and it really made a great coming of age college story mixed with a paranormal edge.

I think that was the reason I enjoyed it so much. There was this interesting plot of only child moving away to college and living with other people her own age sense of almost a contemporary piece, but then it had this huge over-arcing paranormal plot that tied together so well that you got a great growing up story. There was just enough normal to balance all the crazy magic and demon things going on that it flowed really well without getting broken up in huge sections that don't seem to meld. Plus, the plot twists I never saw coming so any time a book can entertain and surprise me, I have to say I loved it!

[Desert Rose Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be sure to check out my blog post for this review! See it here!!




“Even then, I knew they watched me. That day, the fear began.” Darkness Watching, by Emma L. Adams

Demons, Sorcerers, evil, and secrets. Could you ask for a better supernatural suspense set-up? I couldn't, and picking this book to read for Halloween was perfect. It's full of suspense, danger, evil and dark humor. The plot is original, and completely gripping. From the first page, this book had me hooked, almost too afraid to finish, but knowing I'd regret it if I didn't keep reading.

Ash is an awesome character, and I enjoy reading about her. The situation she deals with is fantastic, and I love her reactions to things. She's strong, but sill human. Emma Adams did an wonderful job creating her, the rest of the characters, and especially the demons. Purple eyes, suspended in black clouds, and dis-embodied voices- just perfect for a sinister demon. Very much reminding me of the Cheshire Cat mixed with a horror-movie demon.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's perfect for when you're in the mood to read a book that will keep you up for the next few nights, wondering about the shadows in your room. Personally, I think this will be a book I read on Halloween every year, and I hope there's more to read from this author soon.

*I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.

[rachel, x · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Darkness Watching was a pleasant, fun, and easy read but it wasn't anything to rave about. In fact, I'm struggling to find the words to describe my feelings. When it comes down to it, this book was fun, sure but that's about all.

The characters weren't standouts. There's nothing wrong with Ash. I liked that she was a realistic character with doubts and quirks but we never got to know her well enough. She had a strong group of female friends, but we also never got to know the girls. I could barely describe them to you. I finished this less than a week ago and I couldn't tell you a single one of the roommates' names... I don't know if that's a legitimate issue or a comment on my forgetfulness, though!

I thought the magic system was good but nothing outstanding. The Darkworld was a good idea. I think that over the next few books as we discover more about it, it will improve. But for now? Great idea, just a little dull. The same with the plotline.

Overall? I thought this was a decent read. I'm not denying I enjoyed it, but I didn't think it was anything ground-breaking. I know that it will appeal to a certain set of readers, like fans of The Holders who maybe wanted something less romantic.

Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.

Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph

[Kathryn Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the Author and Lovers of Paranormal (LOP) at Goodreads.com for an honest review.
I have to state that the weirdest thing for me reading this book is that my two nieces (sisters) are named Ash and Cara, just like the best friends in the story. So reading the story had a whole different vibe for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the realism of the story being set in North England, and having visited England I could relate to the bad weather. Ash is a very likable character, who doesn't really answer to anyone except herself which I really liked. She understands she is different but is able to maintain her own personality without being overwhelmed by her insane "gift". Alex would be my go to girl and someone I would have been doing my outmost to be friends with. I hope she has some bigger roles to play in the books to come. The story took a bit of time to warm up, but once the pace got rolling the story really had me riveted to my seat. The plot had me guessing as to what would happen next, the final outcome leaving my mouth gaped wide open. The demons were portrayed in a light (or darkness I should say) that hasn't been captured before in my eyes. I must admit the only part of the story I was able to guess was that Terrence was the demon psycho after all. Other than that, I really enjoyed the twists and turns, the loves lost and friendships made and wait with baited breath for the next instalment.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating and Enchanting

I received this book by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

Darkness Watching is a riveting book about college freshman Ashlyn. She starts to loose her mind when purple eye begin appearing in dark shadows everywhere she goes. Having her heart set on Oxford, she ends up attending Blackstone University in northern England. Feeling an instant belonging at Blackstone, will she find answers to the unusual occurrences that have been happening throughout the past year?

"Your mind is your own. Guard your heart well."
"The only inhabitants are students and sheep."
"Now, I suppose I'd better should show you a magic trick that might well save your life."

I immensely enjoyed this book, it is simply amazing! The well crafted plot is captivating and kept my pages quickly turning, I literally couldn't put it down! It is an action packed story, that keeps you guessing right to the end. Though I wish the sexual tension was drawn out more. I think that plot line has the potential to make this four star book a five star book.

[Jed Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Watching is initially framed by its interesting (unique?) presentation of demons - intriguing, and given shape as the story progresses by the refusal to polarise 'good and evil' (rather presenting factions and individuals as they are; flawed, to various extents), which I found particularly engaging as so many fantasy stories are spoiled by the 'us vs them', 'pick one of two sides' dynamic. The characters are likeable enough - presenting the naivety and malleability of fresher-age students. That's what people of that age group are - finding themselves in the world (or worldS!). Ashlyn is a little disengaged in some situations, but then those are situations we have already been told she wouldn't choose to put herself in without the broader context of 'university life' and friends, so it's ultimately forgivable.
Oh, and the twist is great.

[Neil Cochrane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this first installment of the Darkworld series. I like Ash as a protagonist; she's very relatable. The magic and mythology in the novel are also really original and interesting. Highly recommended.

[Liis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young adulty, demony adventure...

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darkness Watching (Darkworld #1)
3 out of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For Readers Who:
(1) Are willing commit to a series. This book leaves the reader with many unanswered questions.
(2) Don’t need for a plot to revolve around romance.
(3) Enjoy reading about fictional worlds populated by demons (in some ways, this book reminded me of Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series).

Review:
I’m torn about how to review this book. The series has a lot of potential and Adams has clearly put a lot of thought into the world she has created. However, I didn't love this book.

The hidden world of demons that she creates is an interesting one. However, the plot moves slowly so that we learn hardly anything about it by the end of the novel. Like Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, there are a couple of run ins with creatures from hell. These scenes, which should have read as action-packed, ass-kicking, edge-of-your seat (or wherever you like to read) page turners, instead felt like they were only there to move the plot forward.

I had a similar reaction to the characters. I really, really wanted to love the main character, Ashlyn. She goes to college to study English literature and I went to college to study English literature. You think that I would have had a natural affinity for her. All I can say is that if we had ended up in the same class, we wouldn't have been friends because she was just plain boring most of the time.

As for her romantic interest, he was more boring than she was, which is kind of an impressive feat.

Verdict: The plot is slower than it needed to be and the main character sometimes lacked dimension. However, the way in which the book ends promises that the sequel will be far more interesting. Adams’ world-building is what redeems this book, and I will likely continue with this series.

Visit me at my blog: http://bookingthroughgradschool.wordp...

[Michelle Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading Darkness Watching. The first thing I noticed about this book was the beautiful prose. Emma Adams has a way with words that makes this novel flow effortlessly. The story was about demons and shadow creatures but still manages to make you believe you are in the average, everyday world of any 18 year old university student. Emma has created a very intriguing and imaginative world of magic and suspense that kept me interested until the very end.
I would have probably liked better character development as I found I did not connect with Ash on the level I was expecting, plus I found a couple of the secondary characters to be a little juvenile but I fear that comes from me being much older :)
All in all it was a very enjoyable read and I would certainly encourage anyone to add this to their 'to read' list. Great job. Looking forward to the next book.

[Nazish Ahmed (Nazish Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in the beginning I was a little bored, surprisingly, I enjoyed it. It was a unique take on demons.
Review to be added here soon, it's up on my blog, though.

My Book Blog: nazishreads.net

Sorry I didn't post the review here a few months ago, I just forgot. I thought I already posted it here, but apparently I didn't.

To view the full post and other reviews, click here Darkworld: Book 1 Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams



Gore: No
Magic: Yes
Romance: Not much, just a potential love interest

Action: No
Pacing: 4 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars


Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Temple is a quiet, antisocial nerd. She doesn't care about having a boyfriend, or about dancing and going to clubs. All she really cares about is reading books for fun, playing video games, etc. She gets accepted to an obscure university away from home. During her last year in high school, she starts seeing strange things, things that no one else sees. She thought that she was crazy, but then realized that those creatures are actually real and not figments of her imagination. And this college is basically in the middle of nowhere. And the book takes place in the UK.

There were a few things that were unpredictable. At some parts of the story, I was thinking, "hmmm, what the hell's going to happen next?" That doesn't happen very often. So, the author did a good job about that. The demons were different than what I'm used to in other books. They're definitely different than the ones in Charmed and the ones I imagined for the book I'm working on, so that was interesting, though they seemed more like ghosts than actual monsters that enjoy killing people. The magic in here is also different than in other stories. I love that it didn't focus much on romance, but then again, that's what urban fantasies are, they take place in an urban area, mostly paranormal stuff happened and not as much romance in them as paranormal romances have, thank god, I'm getting sick of paranormal romances because there is mostly romance and not much exciting paranormal stuff happened.

Funny thing is that when I started reading this book, I didn't remember what the synopsis said at all, so when I got to the middle of the book, I decided to just reread the synopsis, which I did, and after reading that, I felt like maybe it was good that I forgot the synopsis completely, because then I wasn't anticipating when that mysterious group Venantium would be mentioned. So I guess sometimes it's a good idea to not read the synopsis, but I'm still going to read them sometimes, especially when I'm at Indigo or Coles, there's no way I'm buying a book without knowing a little bit about it.

I liked Ash, she's kind of like me: antisocial (although I talk a lot online and to people I know pretty well, that's when I'm truly myself, so people at school don't know the real me because there are many types of people that I just don't like), she loves books (yay, a book nerd), people think she's weird (same here, in a good way, and I don't mind it, in fact I love being weird, it makes life more interesting), she's a gamer (another similarity here, although not as much as her), she sucks at interviews (I do too, but not as bad as her). I also love that she's not a damsel in distress, despite being new to this magic stuff, she manages to protect herself whenever she's in trouble. I just wish that she was a bit more humerous (I love funny characters). She also discovers something about herself that even her parents don't know about, yet it's a family secret.

I also liked some of the other characters as well, but some of them felt a bit 2D, hopefully that'll be fixed in the next books.
My favourite characters are: her flatmates Alex and Sarah, her other new friends Claudia, Leo, and Leo's brother (I think his name is Cyrus). They were all so interesting and welcoming. Plus they're pretty funny, and I love that Claudia and Leo are rebels and troublemakers.

I love that there isn't the typical 'popular' mean girl like in many many other books. There is a mean girl, but she hates everybody and she's just different than the usual, "I think I'm so popular and hot, so I can do whatever I want."

In some of the conversations when they were talking about what they like and their personalities, I remembered when me and my friend that's also a book nerd and an otaku talk.

The only big problem (ok, not exactly big) I had was that the way she talked about people being so judgemental in high school sounded kind of like those cliche tv shows that show so many lies about high school. I mean, I was the weird antisocial book nerd in high school (starting grade 10, I hated reading before that). Although, just because someone's a book nerd and smart doesn't mean that they're shy and don't have many friends, I was only like that because I didn't want to be friends with most of the kids since those were the kinds of people I'd rather avoid, plus a few other reasons.

Overall, I'm kind of shocked that I enjoyed this book so much, I wasn't expecting to like it so much.
Darkness Watching is interesting, has a different look at magic and demons, some likeable and interesting characters, mystery, some twists and turns, etc. I can't wait to see what will happen to Ash and the others next.

[vakilo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Während Ashlyns Leben total auf dem Kopf steht und sie nicht weiß, an welcher Uni ihr Leben weitergehen wird, passiert etwas Seltsames – sie sieht Dämonen. Ash versucht vor diesen zu fliehen und entscheidet sich für eine abgeschiedene Uni, wo sie zufälligerweise andere Leute kennenlernt, die die gleiche Fähigkeit haben, in die Dunkelheit zu sehen und gegen Dämonen zu kämpfen.

Die Geschichte klang interessant, aber die Umsetzung war leider nicht überzeugend.
Ash ist zwar die Protagonistin, aber beim Lesen hatte ich dieses Gefühl nicht. Sie hat einfach keinen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen, obwohl sie oft als einmalig beschrieben wird, und dass sie als einzige von den Dämonen angegriffen wird. Ashs Mitbewohner sind nicht nur normale Menschen, oder wie sie, nein, wir haben da noch zwei andere Exemplare. Einen Bösewicht, der die Dämonen herbeiruft. Man weiß zu Beginn bereits, wer es ist. Daher war die Suche nach ihm einfach lächerlich. Und dann haben wir noch einen weiteren Mitbewohner, für den sich Ash seeeehr interessiert, welcher leider jedoch zu einem Rat gehört und mit ihr nicht zusammen sein darf. Ja, die Handlung ist leider nicht sehr überzeugend.
Zwar war die Handlung ok, aber mich davon nicht überzeugt sie weiter zu verfolgen.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrifying yet electrifying ride through a dark, paranormal world!
Before I begin my review, what I LOVED about this book:
This is a young adult paranormal ADVENTURE, action packed and just a perfect dash of romance.
I also absolutely loved the heroine! She’s well-rounded, intelligent and tough-as-nails. I admire how she does not sway easily toward peer-pressure, and does what she feels needs to be done and how she wants to do it. Actually, all the characters were easy to become attached to as the reader! They were fun/funny, true and helpful– besides the one who was not so keen about the new girl LOL, but you’ll see her intentions later once you read!
I was thinking how cool it would be to possibly see future installments in some of their POV’s, their own side of the story as they deal with all the danger that has been thrown their way.
Now, not only were the characters such a win, but oh-my-gawd, the plot. This book is full of unique lore! You could tell the author has a passion and knows it well. It was so well thought out and the world-building was designed so flawlessly that I felt as if I were standing right beside them when things began to get wild. I was completely enveloped within this world!

The story is told in the perspective of a young lady named Ashlyn, and she has not a thing on her mind save for passing the latest exams and getting accepted into her dream university -- even as the whole town is up in arms with paranoia about the world coming to an end. Well, funnily enough, the world survived yet another paranoid doomsday prediction, but her sanity most definitely did not! Coincidentally, shortly after the town’s ludicrous fear dark voids began to appear; and it seemed as if she were the only person who could see them.
She was so frazzled over her exams and worries of college acceptances, that she had started to believe these voids and the amethyst eyes which peered at her from within them, were all figments of her sleep-deprived imagination, causing her to make a complete fool of herself in public.
To her dismay --which she will realize later-- she would be proven wrong. Her imagination was the least of her worries when a peculiar University sent her an acceptance letter, one that she didn’t quite remember applying to.
Seeing as her Oxford dreams were shattered in the shape of an envelope, and a tour to this bizarre and mysterious college called Blackstone University -- set in the town of which the Uni is named after-- she decided to go with it.
Upon arrival, she found that she was not alone when it came to her strange run-ins with the voids and the demons that lurked in between her world and theirs. Needless to say, her calling to this college was undeniably destined.
She finds herself housed with many other young men and women who have a lot more in common with her than she could ever imagine. Oh, can’t forget about the resident-nut, Terence (lol!) He was one of my favorites; always screaming, making loud noises and making weird appearances in the kitchen and making a mess. He played an interesting part in the book. *bites lip* I’ll say no more!
Then you had Claudia who is a badass chick in heels and little black dresses!! The other flat-mates were just as awesome.
Claudia is the one who breaks the news to her: no matter how normal Ash strives to be in her attempts to start a new life in this college, one that doesn’t involve demon hallucinations, is a failed attempt. She’s one of them whether she likes it or not and this madness was most definitely real.
Shortly after meeting Claudia, she is introduced to the circle, a group of other Blackstone students who found themselves meant to be together, in unison of their abilities and family-ties.
With the help of her new friends, Ashlyn is set out to find her place in this mad, magical world and just how deep her roots are set into this chaos, something her parents never clued her in on. Through these trials, one particular moment where Ash is fighting for her life, her powers appear unexpectedly and might I just say without an attempt to spoil, it’s totally cool and chilling muahha!
You know when my review is long that I immensely enjoyed myself as I was reading, sometimes I just can’t shut up, and that’s a bad thing when you don’t want to spoil any of the good stuff, which is basically the entire book . . . yep, I did not find a single thing that I didn’t like about this read other than the fact I got to the last page and realized I was back in reality!! I have a new favorite author and paranormal top-pick! :D I can’t wait to discover what’s next in this series

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness Watching by Emma L. Adams is book one of her new series Darkworld and tells the story of Ashlyn, an eighteen year old off to college for the first time who also happens to see demons. Ash thinks she's crazy, seeing dark voids with purple eyes staring out at her everywhere she goes. She just wants a normal life and believes that living away at college will give that to her. Then she is accepted to some obscure college that she doesn't remember applying to. On a visit she realizes that on campus there are no demons. So she happily accepts. But there's more to this college than she knows. Why can't she see demons while on campus? And once there, why does she feel like something or someone is after her?

So this book was just okay for me. I had a hard time relating to Ashlyn and found myself skimming instead of reading multiple times. Ashlyn is your typical teen, ready to leave home for the first time when she sees her first demon. Then she becomes a bit of a recluse. She doesn't socialize with her friends, she talks to herself (a lot!), and well she handles the whole seeing demons better than I would have. She doesn't break down or anything like that. Instead she internalizes her feelings. She claims she's gone crazy and tries her best to ignore the whole problem.

David, one of Ash's flatmates, becomes the sort of love interest for this story. He, along with two others in the flat, are English lit majors just like Ashlyn (I found this a bit unrealistic, as usually dorm assignments you have nothing in common with your roommates). He's sweet, a little on the uppity side for me, and takes to following Ash around like a puppy. When he finally works up the nerve to ask her out, he has ulterior motives. Sorry can't say more without spoilers. Then there's Claudia and her circle of sinners as they call it. Like Ashlyn they can also see demons. And they have information for Ashlyn about what she is and who might be trying to hurt her.

The Venantium is a secret society of wizards who locked the demons in their world hundreds, if not thousands, of years earlier. But they're not necessarily the good guys either. Claudia describes them as ruthless and power-hungry. With Claudia's and the other's help, Ashlyn tries to hide from them. The Venantium make a really good absent villain. You know, the kind that everyone talks about and tells scary stories about, but no one really knows what they are capable of or who is involved with them.

The plot is really focused around Ashlyn discovering her newfound abilities and whoever is trying to kill her. The writing is good, but as I stated earlier I found myself skimming instead of really reading several times. The beginning of the book was slow to start and it really didn't pick up the pace until about half-way through. I had a really hard time paying attention and some of the characters I had to go back and reread because I wasn't sure who they were.

Overall I give this book 3.5 stars. The ending really picked up the suspense and action, along with a bit of drama, that renewed my interest. Because the book ends without a cliffhanger, it can be read as a standalone, and it makes a good start to the series. There is some world-building, but I believe there will be more as the series progresses. Although this book is classified as young adult, there is some violence and sexual innuendoes (I mean they are in college). I would recommend this book more for the 16+, possibly even new adult. If you enjoy paranormal, wizards, and demons, I believe you will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany Oharriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I expected when reading this book but I do know that I really enjoyed it. It was an interesting mix of demons, magic and college life (Uni for the English). It was slightly reminiscent of my first review on this blog, a book titled “Dark Souls” by author Ketley Allison.

In this book you’re introduced to your main character Ashlyn ‘Ash’. I think I liked her originally solely based of her name. I grew to love her because of her spunk and ability to keep going even when she thought she was losing her mind. It also doesn’t hurt that her character loves books as much as I do ;)

Pros:

Demonology. The demons and the story behind them were badass ‘nuff said. No but seriously I like all the thought put into the demons, their world and how they came to be in this world.

Magic. Sucker fro a good story ith awesome magically elements and this title was no different. It was something that took over the whole story but the author gave you just enough to tease you pallet.

Friendship. I liked the friendships in this book and how the author worked them into the story. You have a young woman who moves away for college and yet she still has a close friendship with her best friend and she forges some pretty awesome friendships with new people.

Story and Romance. While there is a hint of the romance… this story is about a lot more than that so its not a huge focus. By doing this the author allows the development of the main character as something other that part of a twosome. There is no lide altering, mind blowing love just your run of the mill dating. Girl likes boy, boy likes girl and some flirting here and there.

Unpredictability. At times you are 110% sure you know where the story is heading, but then you’re proved wrong and it kinda awesome. It’s a classic case, well not classic with all the demons running amok, but it is a case of ‘who done it’. I loved the mysetery of the story almost as much as the magic and demonology.

Cons:

Dating. There just isn’t enough of it lol. While I’m happy it was a paranormal read oozing with romance, I do with there was more happening on the dating front. Give us a bit more of the college life dating fun. You can keep it PG, I think I prefer it that way because the story is definitely strong enough without the promiscuity.

Gaps. I felt like the story moved in an odd pace. I’m not exactly sure how describe it but it felt sort of dream like which might have been the goal but it completely threw me for a loop. The story flowed just fine but it felt jumbled somehow like we as the audience reading the story is Ash’s POV were missing something crucial.

As I stated before, it reminded me a lot of ‘Dark Souls’ by Ketley Allison so my recommendations is the same… A must have with writing comparable to Jana Oliver ‘Demon Trapper Series’, Kim Harrison ‘The Hollows’ and Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie ‘Wicked Series’. Seriously its just that good. It’s a solid read that’s both mysteriously captivating and slightly haunting. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling ‘watched’. I look forward to book 2.

“I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psychocat Reads Review of DARKNESS WATCHING by Emma L. Adams

(I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Continuing on with my creepy Halloween book reviews, we've got another one of our SSBP authors up against the Psychocat's claws today. Hands down, the cover of Darkness Watching is what caught my attention. Holy hopping hell-bunnies - those creepy purple eyes.

The Characters: Ashlyn is a lively character to get to know throughout the book. She's a bit awkward, intelligent, and struggling to keep it together as the world as she knows it gets turned completely upside down. I love that she doesn't have a complete meltdown, but also doesn't stay perfectly composed through everything.

There are also a collection of secondary and tertiary characters that contribute to the primary plot, as well as to the idea of Ashlyn straddling two lives. These characters introduce a variety of personalities and a ton of mystery and unknown intentions.

The Relationships: DARKNESS WATCHING isn't a romance, but there are plenty of relationships within these pages. I LOVE that even as a minor character, Ashlyn's friendship with Cara remains a consistent theme throughout the book. There's just something great about that one constant as the story unfurls.

Of course, a bit part of the book deals with the two distinct groups of relationships that Ashlyn develops - her flatmates and the group that is aware of the Darkworld. These two dynamics prove very interesting. One tends to be more light-hearted, typical college fun and drama. The other has it's own portion of very college-age drama, but also has the extra layer of fantastical intensity.

World Building: As the book stars, if you've read the blurb, you are already a huge step ahead of the main character. As things unfold, the reader largely keeps pace with Ashlyn as she learns knew info, though in one significant place we get to hold onto the info a bit better than she does. Lucky us! :)

The world Emma has created is very interesting and unique from other books that I've read. However, since the book takes place in England, the basics of the world are familiar even as the fantastical elements are new and unknown. Overall, the book weaves a fun world without requiring a PhD to understand it.

The Book As Part of a Series: A solid start to a new series. DARKNESS WATCHING sets up a strong foundation both in the world building and characters that makes a promising launching pad for future books.

Jen's Final Rating: 4 STARS!! I will forever be wary of creepy purple eyes and unexplained black spaces now. DARKNESS WATCHING isn't over the top creepy or scary, but it might make your skin crawl a time or two. In my opinion, it was a good balance of freaky and fun.

Psychocat's Final Rating: Psychocat appears to have vanished. I'm beginning to wonder if she's off hunting for things from the Darkworld or if she is a thing from the Darkworld. The latter might explain a few things.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It certainly took me some time to adapt to the story and at first I didn´t really feel like I would love this book. But I´m more than glad that I was wrong! I really ended up enjoying this book so much and I´m already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Ash is that ordinary girl in school that doesn´t really stand out and doesn´t have much friends except one. She has a huge fear of failing tests and university interviews and recently she´s been able to see demons.
As she moves out from home to the campus of Blackstone, Ash first thinks she is safe from the demons there. But she is wrong. Even more demons appear out of nowhere - targeting her - why, she has no clue. As she discovers her abilities more attacks focus on her. In order to survive, Ash must embrace her abilities and face the truth about her heritage.

I have to admit I didn´t feel it at first. I even disliked Ash a little bit, because she was so unbelievable scared of EVERYTHING. She was scared of tests, she was scared of interviews and she was scared of speaking her mind to her parents. It annoyed me, simply because Ash and I are so much unlike, I guess.
As she moves to the campus, however, Ash transforms. Suddenly she isn´t this scared little girl anymore, but a young woman curious to find out about life at college. She also finally decides to know more about her abilities, which remain a complete mystery to her and the reader for so long.
I love reading about protagonists that slowly learn to wield their power and are suddenly faced with so much strength and potential that it scares them! I just love it! It always gives me a sense of "everything is possible".

The story started off quite slow and the first few chapters were a drag for me, but after adapting to the pace of the book I couldn´t put it down. I simply devoured it. Adams manages really well to keep the suspense going, without confusing the reader in the process. Everything makes sense, even though there are more than a few mysteries that have yet to be solved.

It was also really refreshing that the romance part is not as dominant as in so many other books out there. I expected something different, and yet I ended up liking it the way it is.
I also liked the side characters, especially Claudia was one of my favourites. I´m really curious to find out more about her and the Venantium. The latter is still one hell of a mystery to me.

And guys just look at this stunningly beautiful cover! Seriously?! If it wouldn´t have been for the intriguing synopsis, I would have solely picked the book up because of the cover!

The Yearning Mermaid says: "If you want a well written story about demons and magicians then this might be a book for you! The story is full of mysteries and strong characters that will keep you well occupied!" - See more at: http://yearningmermaid.blogspot.de/20...

[Ken Rahmoeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen-year-old Ash doesn’t know it yet, but she’s special. After all, not every university student has to spend their nights fending off shadow creatures and solving magical mysteries.

At first glance, Darkness Watching will seem familiar to readers of this genre. First off, Ash begins seeing scary, purpled-eyed creatures no one else can see. Then she receives an invite to attend Blackstone, a school she doesn’t remember applying to. And once she arrives at the school, it doesn’t take long for her to discover that not only does she have an affinity for magic, but that some of the other students do as well.

But that’s where many of the similarities to other books end. It’s not your typical magically-imbued girl goes off to prep school to battle vampires, werewolves, or the obligatory group of rich snooty girls. It’s not filled with teenage angst and there are no interspecies love triangles. Heck, Blackstone isn’t even a school of magic. This is a simple, yet mystery-filled story about a teenager trying to figure out why weird things are happening to her. There are plenty of twists and turns as she learns who she can trust and who she can’t. She’s not out to save the world, just her own sanity, and quite possibly, her life.

The pacing is good. The story is always moving toward the next mystery, and little time is wasted on fluff that doesn’t drive the story forward. You learn about the Darkworld in bits and pieces. Not so fast as to overwhelm you, but not so slowly you become bored.

What I liked most: Darkness Watching made me feel as if I were back in college again, but with the added bonus of being in England as opposed to Missouri. I admit to being a bit of an Anglophile, so the idea of stomping around pubs, perusing ancient libraries, and exploring cemeteries in England while dabbling in magic ranks pretty high on my wish list, and the author’s writing style left me feeling as if I was right there doing it as opposed to watching a movie. Thanks, Emma.

I also enjoyed the colorful characters, although some of them seemed a little too similar, which meant I occasionally had trouble remembering who was who. Of course, I have that same problem during movies too, so perhaps it’s just me. But a few more distinguishing characteristics might have been nice.

What I didn’t like: My only real problem was that sometimes Ash avoided asking obvious questions about the Darkworld or her abilities, often deciding to keep them to herself for no apparent reason.

My only other complaint was that Ash didn’t seem to spend much time doing schoolwork. Supposedly the first year at University is the easiest, so maybe you really can get away with that, but if the next book in the Darkworld series occurs during her second year, she better spend more time in the library! :)

Oh, did I mention I’m looking forward to the sequel?

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was provided with an advanced electronic copy of this book from the author and Xpresso Book Tours in return of an honest review. No monetary compensation was provided in this exchange.*

Review origininally posted as part of DARKNESS WATCHING BLOG TOUR on Moonlight Gleam Reviews

FINAL RATING: 3/5

It’s the day before her Oxford interview when Ashlyn first sees them: purple eyes and a terrifying face in the middle of her vision which should definitely not be there. After that, the demons are everywhere she goes. She ends up in Blackstone, a small-town university town for that reason a lone – for some reason, she didn’t see any demons during her first trip to visit the township.

Ashlyn is only 18 – all she wants is to study literature and maybe make some friends and maybe a life away from the demons that have been constantly appearing before her for some reason or another. But Blackstone is much more mysterious than it appears, and its people have secrets of their own… Here Ashlyn learns about the Darkworld and its inhabitants. When her own life is put in danger, can Ashlyn rise up to the occasion (and discover the truth about herself in the process)?

First things first, I love that this is set in the UK (and that the author is from the UK as well!). The setting was very refreshing for me. As I go to a university in the middle of a big city, it was interesting to see the dynamics of a small-town college. There were a few moments of predictability in the story, but overall I found it well-written and I enjoyed reading from Ash’s POV and learning about Blackstone and the Darkworld along with her. A sense of mystery goes on for long enough to keep us interested, but not too vague in that it actually makes sense.

However, I found it difficult to connect with the surrounding characters. I felt that we did not get a good enough understanding of the people around Ashlyn, and that there were probably too many characters being introduced in that I was getting a bit confused as to who was who. I did like that the romance did not take over the story; it supports the story, improving it. And I am in love with the cover, it was what initially attracted me to the story!

Emma L. Adams has introduced a very interesting story of an 18 year old girl who really only wants to live quietly and study – Ashlyn is a greatly developed character and I grew to really like her by the time I finished Darkness Watching. Her story left me interested enough to follow up as to when the next in the series will be released, and I am curious as to how Adams will continue her story. For readers of YA (although this can easily slip into NA) and paranormal, I think that you will find Darkness Watching a worthy read.

[Krystle ~A Booknatic~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world that the author created for her characters was very unique, I loved how...dark and mysterious everything was. Not that I'm saying that this was a doom-and-gloom type of book, not at all! It's just different than what I've been reading lately, and I am very thankful that this author asked me to read it. It's full of adventure, MAGIC, sorcerers, mystery, and it flirts with the idea of having a little romance. Maybe as the series progresses, we'll see more to that side.

The story is told from the main character Ashlyn's POV. She's a very strong-minded young woman, who had her heart set on going to Oxford University, but it seems the universe has different plans for where she attends to further her studies. As all of this is going on though, she starts experiencing something other-worldly...something she can't explain, and she's now convinced that she's losing her mind. I mean how normal is it to see incorporeal shadow creatures, that sometimes watch her with their purple eyes, and sometimes even...speak to her.

Which now leads her to Blackstone University. While she visited there, she didn't encounter any paranormal events, so she thought it'd be a fresh start. Somewhere she could discover herself, get over her hermit-like tendencies, and even possibly make some new friends. – I did get a kick out of how Ash is a “Gamer-Chick” and likes to play online mmo's like WoW, I myself can identify with that! – As she moves into her room at uni, and gets to know the rest of her flat-mates, she does start to have a good time and relax...until her not-so-friendly-shadows-pets appear. Then, her adventure REALLY begins!

“You're not mad. Just...different. And who wants to be normal?” - Claudia to Ash.
I love that!

Ash learns that there are other students at this university like her, that she's not alone, and she's definitely not crazy. Shortly after she befriends this group of people, I knew that she had to be “special”...and that there was something more to her. I liked reading about the progress she was having with her new found abilities; how she learned to use and control them. She seems like a really smart young woman, that's more than capable of taking care of herself. I'm sure she'll become even more “bad-a$$” as this series progresses. It's books like these that allow us, the reader, dream with our eyes open. I would love nothing more than to have a life full of fantasy and magic. That'd be so much fun! Probably why I enjoy playing those Fantasy themed MMORPG's!

...I'd also like to see Ash take a crack at Berenice...at least once! :)

It goes without saying, that I enjoyed this book very much, and I will highly recommend it to friends in the future!

This copy was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Darkness Watching in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Ash is sitting in a career assembly when the power goes out basking the room in the dark aside from the light coming through the window blinds. While the room is bask in darkness Ash sees a pair of violet eyes staring right at her from above with a voice saying her name. She starts questioning that she saw from hallucinations to ghost at last ending on demons before heading to bed. It’s after everything that day that everything changes Ash is haunted by demons seeing them everywhere but unsure as to why or how to stop it.

When she’s offered a place at Blackstone University one that she’s never heard of before she jumps at the chance after all it’s in a quiet north England village. After waiting ten months Ash arrives at Blackstone University where she will be staying in a flat with several housemates each unique. As Ash settles in she starts to learn about why she can see the Demons, why they are reaching out to her as well as how she can see them. When strange things start happening around the school Ash begins her own search to find out what is really happening. Will Ash be able to beat the demons? Will she pass her classes? Will she find love?

I like Ash she’s your typical college student she attends parties, makes friends and even falls in love but that’s where the similarities end. I found too connect with she’s smart, and determined to find out what’s going which I like. My favorite type of character is one that grows as the book progresses and I think the author did a great job of having Ash grow. I don’t know how I feel about David I wanted to like him but he’s the kind of guy I don’t care for. Maybe he will redeem himself in the next book it’s not like he was a bag guy.

Darkness Watching is a fast paced story right from the start we are pulled into Ash’s world. The story is a college story but with the mix of demons sorcerers it turns into a captivating paranormal story. I think the author has taken the demon concept and added her own unique twist to an intriguing story. I've not honestly read a lot of demon books but I really enjoyed Darkness Watching it’s a quick fun story. I feel like the characters are real they don’t have that fake quality maybe because they aren't all perfect. I think Ash is a great character with lots of potential for future books. The author had done fantastic job of creating Ash’s world but doesn't bog the story down with overloading. The story flows along start to finish with enough suspense to keep you guessing till the very end. I like that the book is clean that teens as well as adults will enjoy. Looking forward to see what happens next.

[Hannah (Hannah, Fully) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS AN ADVANCE REVIEW. Date to be posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts: October 10, 2014

Note: Formatting and pictures are lost due to copy and paste.

Disclaimer: Review copy provided by Curiosity Quills Press via Netgalley for review – Thanks!

Okay, wow. I'm so behind with writing reviews, I kind of slacked off a little... along with other factors (the not so controllable factors).

On the bright side, I actually did catch up with my reading schedule during Thanksgiving Break. Like I said, best thing ever invented. The inventor deserves a hug.

Back to talking about Darkness Watching. It's a very interesting and unique concept with demons and sorcerers/magic-users (it could be witches. Most common name used throughout the book are those two, so feel free to correct me) in a school setting – well, particularly a college setting. It's making me a bit curious about how the British school system works. Well, I'm a tad bit confused on that... the dictionary wasn't – and isn't – entirely friendly. I might understand the book better then.

*brushes off and doesn't even count since it's a random, erudite-ish thought of mine...*

Speaking of the book's setting, it seems that most of the time, the characters are in a club. And getting drunk. Not that the main character, Ashlyn (aka Ash), is.... but speaking of Ash, she seems to be the type that easily succumbs to peer pressure. She is still, however, a strong heroine.

Random thought, but Leo apparently reminds me of Rick Riordan's Leo Valdez from The Heroes of Olympus series. Their humor and personality – and their namesake! (now I just need to find out if this particular Leo is Spanish...) – are almost the same, they could probably pass as twins.

Imagine that. A demigod and a sorcerer.... O_o It's not a bad thing; I kind of enjoy Leo as a character (from both series now). :3

In terms of grammar, it's virtually spotless, aside from a few tiny mistakes here and there. Nothing distracting though (I'm assuming it's not an ARC since it was on Netgalley after the publication date...). :)

In the overall view though, I enjoyed reading Darkness Watching; it's a fresh take with the combinations of demons and sorcerers/magic-users!

Not everyone runs screaming out of their interview.

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost let me begin by stating that I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review (LOP R2R). Thank you

Darkness Watching is about a young lady who is learning how to cope with her newly found quirk and college life. In many ways it’s a story about growing up and becoming comfortable with who you are, admittedly Ash has a bit more to deal with. I enjoy the story. It was a simply written story which you interested throughout, they were some points I did not enjoy which our written under the spoilers warning. All in all is a great start to a good story…. Waiting to see Leo’s and Ash story on fold…. I’m sure Alex is hiding something too

****warning spoilers *************************************************
Lets starts with the good parts: I was pleasantly surprise when the fortune teller reveal herself. I did not have any insight. I also enjoy the young people tidbits that the author added. In some of the books you read the young adults act so mature and fake that it was a breath of fresh air to read all the small talk. I also enjoy how the story was unravel, starting on her discovery of the demons to finding out who she was. With some of the major good parts discussed, let’s start on the not so good. Or the items that I would have preferred modified.


One of the major issues was Terrence being the bad guy. From the beginning he was described as being unfriendly, crazy and introvert. I would have preferred if he was just a normal guy who enjoy the sciences a bit much and was not very friendly, but somehow ended up helping Ash. I would have made the demon someone else, someone more surprising like, Sarah, Alex, or even Danielle. The action scenes were a bit simple and felt void of suspense and drama. Especially in the end scene, when Ash fights Terrence who is being possess by a high scale demon. I expected more of a fight, more of a challenge. I expected for her to somehow win over the demon because of her humanity and not her “high” demon blood. We are also left with some unanswered questions: What powers does Alex have? Who is Leo and what powers does he have? The background story of Howard and what were his parents experimenting on? So many questions, at least it leaves you wanting to read the next book….

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

My StarReview is:
4 stars
****
-I received a Ebook copy at change for a honest review.-

"I'm going mad. It's not real. Cara's superstitions have made me start seeing things".

Darkworld is a place to be explored more, both for readers and for Ashlyn, our protagonist.

In this first installment of the Darkworld, Watching Darkness, is the base for you to meet your main character: Ashlyn, who like every girl protagonist has a normal life. everyday problems and more, until he discovers she has a feature that is no ordinary girl: see demons, creatures of the night or as you like to call them.

Something that at first glance might be crazy! But take form gradually .

For me the story is well thought out, I feel it has potential as a first delivery as most clearly seeks to identify which will be the protagonist. And I think that’s where a little failure, only I have that little feeling that I needed to feel to the characters that accompany our protagonist in this story.

Although I feel that most likely in the second part we see more full these interactions and what will be the underworld with the world and the way of Ashlyn.

Part of this factor funny thing is that it is the same thing that attracts you to read more history. To know more about the Darkorworld, and more action than it is to play with these underworlds.

This reading and more these days is highly recommended, is subtle and is easy to read, leaves you wanting to know more, wanting to know more about demons, which sees Ashley and that is the mystery of Venantium.

I really wanted to start reading this series, but I need more enjoyment! I have doubts and I particularly think those questions are good. And that make the reader think more of what could have happen, or what or who is behind all this.



I hope in the second installment see more action, and discover some important secret that has the key to what will happen, So do not delay Emma please :-)

And as the author says; Warning: contains demons, monsters, and students behaving badly.

This book could be the start of the young readers that provide insight into the world of Indie Paranormal slowly.

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