Darkness and Dawn

The Casket Girl Chronicles #6

by Terry Hooker

Damica isn't sure why her mother decided to ship her halfway across the world. She only knows that she is not going to get married when she gets there! The year is 1728 and she can take care of herself! 

 

The ship is crowded, she has to share the space with girls who are wistfully dreaming about thier new lives. The days are full of daydreams of the future, giggles, and cardgames to pass the time. Everything is full of hope, until the first death.

 

Damica must use all of her wits to stay ahead of the terror that is on the ship with them. Land is their salvation, or will the power that pursues her tear her world apart!

 

 

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

Reviews

[Kristen S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this later in the evening and stayed up until I was done. Luckily, this wasn't a long book.

It took me a little bit to get into, but once I did I really enjoyed it! I was fortunate enough to meet the author last year in NOLA which is where this book takes place. I am so glad I took the time to read it. It's a little different from my usual reads but I think that helped me honestly.

[Melanie Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read several of the Casket Girl Chronicles books and this was, by far, my favorite. This one just has more… well, everything, than the rest of them. More action, more adventure, just more everything.

Damica sounds feisty and strong. She’s doing what she has to but also isn’t willing to just roll over and accept her fate. I know The Casket Girls were real women in history, but I hope at least one of them was like Damica. She knows what she wants. She knows what she’s willing to accept and what she’s not. Idk, I’d like to think I’d be more like Damica, but I’d probably have been burned at the stake.

This book is totally worth reading. I didn’t love how much of the last quarter of the book went, but I also understand why it had to go that way. I loved the magical elements in this book, too. That was one of the main differences between this one and the others.

[Annmarie Kuyath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damica's mother was sending her half way across the world to New Orleans and  arranged for her to stay at a convent the first night since the ship is delayed.  This starts Damica's trip off in a dark abbey, locked in a room.  The ship was not any better for her, although it was filled with girls with the same plight as her's, to be sent to marry a stranger far away.  The girls seemed to be doing well, until one of them died.  What happened to the girls on the ship for all the months of the trip and did they arrive to the new country and marry? Did any more die? 

I had to read this all always one day, I had to find the answers to my questions!  It's a short book, and in really enjoyed it! 

[April Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Edge of My Seat

Perfect Horror ! Truly riveting tale of a young girl's coming of age. Finding the courage and strength to stand against evils that invade her world. Sent alone, at 15, Damica must navigate unimaginable horror aboard the cargo frigate she's
traveling to the New World on and make a life upon her arrival. I was sitting, mouth agape as I read the Epilogue of this book. This is a highly suggested, must read to the last page book!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was brilliantly written. I enjoyed the Author writing style. It is full of history mixed with horror. My heart was beating fast with fear as the story develops. It's about a girl growing up and facing the dangers of the New World. I highly recommend
The cover is visually stunning!!
Terry Hooker-Author

[Dragonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have honestly never read a book as incredibly written as this one! Terry has done a fantastic job of writing something so unique that keeps you wanting to read non-stop!!! I continue to keep thinking about the story and definitely my favorite read of 2023!

[Ashley Carvalho · Rating 4 out of 5]

definetly my favorite of the 3 books I have from her as a pagan witch and paranormal geek this made me hyper fixate on the French history of their own witch trials which amazes me. the writing and oddities of this book will get you hooked.

[Kathy Butterworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damica is a very strong woman. She goes through so much and proves darkness isn't always a bad thing.

[Dragonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to begin on stating how incredibly this book is!!! The story is like nothing I have read before! It's creative, intriguing and unusual! It is very hard to put down reading it as the story is constantly in motion. The characters are strong and well written as is the whole book! I highly recommend it and especially for readers who enjoy not knowing what to expect next! Great job Terry!!!

[Peggy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author and I loved it.The year is 1728 and Damica's mother sends her daughter by ship to New Orleans to find a husband but Damica finds herself on a ship with Vampires and has no intention of getting married.Then she meets Rene and his two cats and they decide to get married in name only and he lives on a large plantation but their life is not peaceful as the Vampires cause havoc and danger.Will they survive?

[Tina Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story

Loved the story girl is sent to the new world only to find out she has been sent to marry, while aboard the ship she encounters evil and the story begins. I give it a 4 star because I did enjoy the story just wish it was more in depth and more atmospheric I do absolutely recommend it and will read more from this author.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so entertaining. Damica’s mother sent her to America for a better life, but what she wound up with was more than she bargained for. The mystery of her special powers and who she meets on the way makes for a good vs evil story. I really enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it.