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Ravenwood Mysteries #2
Darkness Falls: A Ravenwood Saga Novel
Perfect for fans of Twilight, Ravenwood is the bestselling vampire romance series 'Destined to take a large bite out of Stephanie Meyer's monopoly of the teenage vampire scene'. - Daily Record
April Dunne is having a rough time. There are vampires in her school. Not Goths, or kids in fancy dangerous, blood-sucking semi-immortals. They run the school and they're using their influence to recruit smart, rich students - aka 'bleeders' - to their own cause.
But what is that cause? April isn't sure. But she knows they'll kill anyone who gets too close to the truth, including her.
But that's nothing to what's coming next. Gabriel, her kinda-boyfriend, is dying and unless April can find a cure then not only is she going to be boyfriend-less, she's also going to lose one of her major allies in the school. And she really needs allies because it turns out April has an ability of her own, one that could prove lethal to the vampires who've taken over the school. If any of them figure out what she is, then losing her boyfriend will be the least of her problems...
‘Forget about Edward and Bella, Gabriel and April are the top couple now.’ - Chicklish
'The plot is fast and furious…lots of twists, lots of action, and some great dialogue. - Bookbag
'The whole book is dripping in Gothic horror’ - My favourite books
'It’s simply addictive and utterly brilliant' - Cuckoo reviews
April Dunne is having a rough time. There are vampires in her school. Not Goths, or kids in fancy dangerous, blood-sucking semi-immortals. They run the school and they're using their influence to recruit smart, rich students - aka 'bleeders' - to their own cause.
But what is that cause? April isn't sure. But she knows they'll kill anyone who gets too close to the truth, including her.
But that's nothing to what's coming next. Gabriel, her kinda-boyfriend, is dying and unless April can find a cure then not only is she going to be boyfriend-less, she's also going to lose one of her major allies in the school. And she really needs allies because it turns out April has an ability of her own, one that could prove lethal to the vampires who've taken over the school. If any of them figure out what she is, then losing her boyfriend will be the least of her problems...
‘Forget about Edward and Bella, Gabriel and April are the top couple now.’ - Chicklish
'The plot is fast and furious…lots of twists, lots of action, and some great dialogue. - Bookbag
'The whole book is dripping in Gothic horror’ - My favourite books
'It’s simply addictive and utterly brilliant' - Cuckoo reviews
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
39 people are currently reading
1200 people want to read
About the author
Mia James
24 books173 followersMia James is the pseudonym of bestselling author Tasmina Perry and her journalist husband John Perry. Between them they have sold over one million books worldwide.
By Midnight, the first book in their 'Ravenwood' series, was highly acclaimed and made the Sunday Times top twenty bestsellers list. 'Darkness Falls' is the brand new sequel and both books are available on Amazon.com in the Kindle store. Sleeping Angel, the third and final part of the series will be available on Amazon.com this summer. They love hearing from readers so please get in touch at www.tasminaperry.com.
By Midnight, the first book in their 'Ravenwood' series, was highly acclaimed and made the Sunday Times top twenty bestsellers list. 'Darkness Falls' is the brand new sequel and both books are available on Amazon.com in the Kindle store. Sleeping Angel, the third and final part of the series will be available on Amazon.com this summer. They love hearing from readers so please get in touch at www.tasminaperry.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 9, 2015
I'm so disappointed by that book. The opening part looks promising enough and the writing is decent, but the story is ruined by the childish, immature, needy heroine and the poor way she and her friends carelessly handled the murder mysteries which haunted their neighborhood. And the ending is just bad, bad, bad, BAD.
April, I know your father was recently murdered and your mother was having an affair even before your dad's body was cold. Surely it sucks. But it doesn't mean everyone has to let you have your way!
April, I know your father was recently murdered and your mother was having an affair even before your dad's body was cold. Surely it sucks. But it doesn't mean everyone has to let you have your way!
January 27, 2015
I enjoyed the first book in this series and am always a bit hesitant when starting the second book in a series as often they don't quite meet the expectations I've built up in my head for how the story is going to go. I am pleased to say in this case I think I enjoyed book 2 even more and am once again left on tender hooks waiting to see what happens next.
I liked how this book did all of the things I liked in book 1 just as well. I loved the dynamic between April and her friends. I loved the feel of the places and the way the story is told to make you guess and keep you guessing throughout. What I really loved that was in addition to this the book took the storyline and developed it even further and moe involved making it more and more interesting.
As I said the plotline thickens throughout the course of the book as April delves deeper into the vampire world and starts to learn more about her role as Fury. I loved seeing how she dealt with all these different things being thrown at her and I love her as a character s she is both kick ass at times and such a teenager at others. There are plenty of plot twists and revelations which I never saw coming and I love it when a book can catch me unawares like that.
Don't get me wrong there are parts of this series which I am a little dubious about. There are similiarities between this book and other vampire books in the genre but I do like that it is a British offering.
I am very much looking forward to the final book in the series and am not sure whether I'll be able to stand the wait. An awesome series that I would genuinely recommend to others.
I liked how this book did all of the things I liked in book 1 just as well. I loved the dynamic between April and her friends. I loved the feel of the places and the way the story is told to make you guess and keep you guessing throughout. What I really loved that was in addition to this the book took the storyline and developed it even further and moe involved making it more and more interesting.
As I said the plotline thickens throughout the course of the book as April delves deeper into the vampire world and starts to learn more about her role as Fury. I loved seeing how she dealt with all these different things being thrown at her and I love her as a character s she is both kick ass at times and such a teenager at others. There are plenty of plot twists and revelations which I never saw coming and I love it when a book can catch me unawares like that.
Don't get me wrong there are parts of this series which I am a little dubious about. There are similiarities between this book and other vampire books in the genre but I do like that it is a British offering.
I am very much looking forward to the final book in the series and am not sure whether I'll be able to stand the wait. An awesome series that I would genuinely recommend to others.
July 3, 2015
Das Cover ist rot. Irgendwie finde ich persönlich es jetzt nicht sooo ansprechend.
Die Charaktere fand ich irgendwie ein bisschen schwächer als beim Auftaktroman. April, die hübsche, tapfere, April, ist total überfordert mit ihren Aufgaben. Hinzu kommt noch, dass sie manchmal so naiv ist, dass man sie am liebsten schütteln würde. Eigentlich fand ich sie auch immer sympathisch, aber ihre ekelhafte Seite gegenüber ihren Freunden mindert diese gewaltig. Aber auch ihre nicht minder nervige Seite macht sie zu einer nicht so tollen Protagonistin. Und auch ihr Freund Gabe, der eigentlich so süß und toll wirkte kann einen wirklich zur Weißglut bringen. Gott sei dank ist Aprils beste Freundin Caro immer noch eine tolle Freundin und ein toller Charakter. Der Zicke Davina wird in diesem Teil sogar eine größere Rolle zugeschrieben als der eigentlichen besten Freundin.
Der Schreibstil ist mir nicht so wirklich im Gedächtnis geblieben, was nichts anderes bedeuten kann, als das der Roman ziemlich 0-8-15 geschrieben ist. Ich hatte mir irgendwie mehr Spannung erhofft, vor allem da ich bei Band 1 vom Schreibstil her eigentlich wirklich gut fand.
Die Story an sich ist gut überlegt. April und Gabe sind eigentlich glücklich miteinander, wäre da nicht die Tatsache das er wegen ihr schwer krank ist. Und sowieso besteht Aprils Leben mehr aus Lügen und Intrigen als man an einer Hand abzählen kann. Sie versucht mit allen Mitteln ihren Liebsten zu retten und begibt sich dafür auch selbst in Gefahr.
Ich glaube ich war schon lange nicht mehr so angenervt von den Charakteren eines Buches. Also im ernst mal, schön und gut, dass April ein Teenie ist, aber dieses ständige hin und her mit Gabe kann einem wirklich nur auf die Nerven gehen! Die Nebencharaktere machen das Ganze leider auch nicht viel besser, so dass das Ganze irgendwie zumindest von diesem Punkt betrachtet eine Enttäuschung war.
Das Setting und die detailgenauen Beschreibungen haben mir auch in diesem Buch wieder gefallen. Ich mag auch das Grundgerüst der Story, denn dieses baut wirklich gut auf den Vorgänger auf. In meinen Augen kommt allerdings die Akademiestory ein bisschen zu kurz - da hätte für meinen Geschmack ein bisschen mehr kommen können.
Eins muss man diesem Buch lassen: Es regt den Leser zum rätseln an und ist spannend. Und viele dieser Rätsel werden erst auf den letzen Seiten gelüftet, auf denen dann auch die Spannung etwas ansteigt. Trotzdem bleibt so manches ungeklärt.
Ich finde folgende Aussage beschreibt dieses Buch ganz gut: Es ist ganz nett und unterhält auch, aber das war es dann auch schon wieder, denn ausgereift ist das Ganze noch nicht.
Das Ende ist für die ganze Spannung die vorher vorherrscht einfach zu flach und zu romantisch, so dass es nicht wirklich zum Rest des Buches passt. Irgendwie hatte ich hier etwas mehr erwartet.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Ravenwood Trilogie ist in meinen Augen deutlich schwächer als der erste Band. Vor allem die Charaktere haben an meinen Nerven gezerrt.
Die Charaktere fand ich irgendwie ein bisschen schwächer als beim Auftaktroman. April, die hübsche, tapfere, April, ist total überfordert mit ihren Aufgaben. Hinzu kommt noch, dass sie manchmal so naiv ist, dass man sie am liebsten schütteln würde. Eigentlich fand ich sie auch immer sympathisch, aber ihre ekelhafte Seite gegenüber ihren Freunden mindert diese gewaltig. Aber auch ihre nicht minder nervige Seite macht sie zu einer nicht so tollen Protagonistin. Und auch ihr Freund Gabe, der eigentlich so süß und toll wirkte kann einen wirklich zur Weißglut bringen. Gott sei dank ist Aprils beste Freundin Caro immer noch eine tolle Freundin und ein toller Charakter. Der Zicke Davina wird in diesem Teil sogar eine größere Rolle zugeschrieben als der eigentlichen besten Freundin.
Der Schreibstil ist mir nicht so wirklich im Gedächtnis geblieben, was nichts anderes bedeuten kann, als das der Roman ziemlich 0-8-15 geschrieben ist. Ich hatte mir irgendwie mehr Spannung erhofft, vor allem da ich bei Band 1 vom Schreibstil her eigentlich wirklich gut fand.
Die Story an sich ist gut überlegt. April und Gabe sind eigentlich glücklich miteinander, wäre da nicht die Tatsache das er wegen ihr schwer krank ist. Und sowieso besteht Aprils Leben mehr aus Lügen und Intrigen als man an einer Hand abzählen kann. Sie versucht mit allen Mitteln ihren Liebsten zu retten und begibt sich dafür auch selbst in Gefahr.
Ich glaube ich war schon lange nicht mehr so angenervt von den Charakteren eines Buches. Also im ernst mal, schön und gut, dass April ein Teenie ist, aber dieses ständige hin und her mit Gabe kann einem wirklich nur auf die Nerven gehen! Die Nebencharaktere machen das Ganze leider auch nicht viel besser, so dass das Ganze irgendwie zumindest von diesem Punkt betrachtet eine Enttäuschung war.
Das Setting und die detailgenauen Beschreibungen haben mir auch in diesem Buch wieder gefallen. Ich mag auch das Grundgerüst der Story, denn dieses baut wirklich gut auf den Vorgänger auf. In meinen Augen kommt allerdings die Akademiestory ein bisschen zu kurz - da hätte für meinen Geschmack ein bisschen mehr kommen können.
Eins muss man diesem Buch lassen: Es regt den Leser zum rätseln an und ist spannend. Und viele dieser Rätsel werden erst auf den letzen Seiten gelüftet, auf denen dann auch die Spannung etwas ansteigt. Trotzdem bleibt so manches ungeklärt.
Ich finde folgende Aussage beschreibt dieses Buch ganz gut: Es ist ganz nett und unterhält auch, aber das war es dann auch schon wieder, denn ausgereift ist das Ganze noch nicht.
Das Ende ist für die ganze Spannung die vorher vorherrscht einfach zu flach und zu romantisch, so dass es nicht wirklich zum Rest des Buches passt. Irgendwie hatte ich hier etwas mehr erwartet.
Fazit:
Der zweite Band der Ravenwood Trilogie ist in meinen Augen deutlich schwächer als der erste Band. Vor allem die Charaktere haben an meinen Nerven gezerrt.
December 1, 2011
To start with, I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book in this series 'By Midnight' but I did love the idea behind it so decided to give this one a shot with the hopes that it would get better.
Darkness Falls picks up right where By Midnight left off, following April and the bad things that have been happening around her. From here, I remembered how much April bugged me. Yes, she has had a hell of a lot to deal with so I could sympathise with her in that respect but overall, she's childish and selfish. Although her vampire boyfriend is dying... and because of her I might add... everything still has to be all about her or she throws a bit of a hissy fit. Because of her constant whining, I actually hated April and the sympathy I did feel to begin with quickly went away.
Then there are the people that April goes to school with. Caro, her best friend, I actually quite liked. She has a lot of common sense and is pretty rational considering everything that is happening. I probably liked her as much as I did because she's the complete opposite to April. Ben, a secondary love interest was another character that I liked but he wasn't featured nearly enough. To me, it seems that he does genuinely like April although there still may be an ulterior motive in there somewhere. Ben just seems like a lovely guy who would actually treat April right, unlike her boyfriend Gabriel.
The dialogue between characters, for the most part, was terrible. The popular clique at school, 'The Faces', come from money and not only do they act like stuck up snobs, they act and talk like 50 year old socialites. I dread to think how many times darling or honey were used in conversation in this book. The teenagers do not talk at all like normal teenagers though in certain ways, they do act their age.
For a large chunk of the book, nothing seems to really happen. There is a lot of running around, talking to different people, trying to figure out answers and while this was supposed to add to the mystery and build tension, I found it quite boring. Nothing really exciting happens for at least 200 pages so the pacing was completely wrong for me. I would have loved for something exciting to happen a bit earlier so it kept me interested.
As you can probably tell by now, I really didn't like this book and won't be carrying on with the series anymore.
Darkness Falls picks up right where By Midnight left off, following April and the bad things that have been happening around her. From here, I remembered how much April bugged me. Yes, she has had a hell of a lot to deal with so I could sympathise with her in that respect but overall, she's childish and selfish. Although her vampire boyfriend is dying... and because of her I might add... everything still has to be all about her or she throws a bit of a hissy fit. Because of her constant whining, I actually hated April and the sympathy I did feel to begin with quickly went away.
Then there are the people that April goes to school with. Caro, her best friend, I actually quite liked. She has a lot of common sense and is pretty rational considering everything that is happening. I probably liked her as much as I did because she's the complete opposite to April. Ben, a secondary love interest was another character that I liked but he wasn't featured nearly enough. To me, it seems that he does genuinely like April although there still may be an ulterior motive in there somewhere. Ben just seems like a lovely guy who would actually treat April right, unlike her boyfriend Gabriel.
The dialogue between characters, for the most part, was terrible. The popular clique at school, 'The Faces', come from money and not only do they act like stuck up snobs, they act and talk like 50 year old socialites. I dread to think how many times darling or honey were used in conversation in this book. The teenagers do not talk at all like normal teenagers though in certain ways, they do act their age.
For a large chunk of the book, nothing seems to really happen. There is a lot of running around, talking to different people, trying to figure out answers and while this was supposed to add to the mystery and build tension, I found it quite boring. Nothing really exciting happens for at least 200 pages so the pacing was completely wrong for me. I would have loved for something exciting to happen a bit earlier so it kept me interested.
As you can probably tell by now, I really didn't like this book and won't be carrying on with the series anymore.
October 12, 2011
Earlier this year, when I read By Midnight I was really pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. I'd been really looking forward to the sequel and snapped it up as soon as it came out.
Sadly, it was really disappointing.
The atmospheric quality that made By Midnight intriguing seemed to be completely absent. April was no longer fun and independent. Rather, she was selfish and over-dramatic and kinda dumb. Sure, there's a certain amount of character behaviour that you can let go due to grief and emotional distress but there comes a point where you want to slap a character and she reached it several times.
I will admit though, she did have a nice few lines that made me appreciate that she's not a doormat.
Gabriel, too, was super annoying. There's only so many mood swings and break ups and make ups a person can deal with before they stop wanting the characters to be together. Most of the time, they hardly seemed to like each other let alone be in love.
There was just too much obvious plot direction, too many contrived misunderstanding and the plot became muddled and predictable. It just didn't evoke any emotion in me and i couldn't care about what happened. Plus, we got barely any real answers to the larger mystery.
By Midnight was noticeably cliché and weak places, but it had enough strong points to make it engaging. Darkness Falls had even more weaknesses and not enough good points to make the reader push past them and it did not make the best of all it's creepy potential.
It feels like a commercial exercise rather than a book with any real care put into it, like a blatant jumping on the vampire bandwagon (complete with characters who love Robert Pattinson) without enough respect for the readers of the genre to give them something of decent quality.
Sadly, it was really disappointing.
The atmospheric quality that made By Midnight intriguing seemed to be completely absent. April was no longer fun and independent. Rather, she was selfish and over-dramatic and kinda dumb. Sure, there's a certain amount of character behaviour that you can let go due to grief and emotional distress but there comes a point where you want to slap a character and she reached it several times.
I will admit though, she did have a nice few lines that made me appreciate that she's not a doormat.
Gabriel, too, was super annoying. There's only so many mood swings and break ups and make ups a person can deal with before they stop wanting the characters to be together. Most of the time, they hardly seemed to like each other let alone be in love.
There was just too much obvious plot direction, too many contrived misunderstanding and the plot became muddled and predictable. It just didn't evoke any emotion in me and i couldn't care about what happened. Plus, we got barely any real answers to the larger mystery.
By Midnight was noticeably cliché and weak places, but it had enough strong points to make it engaging. Darkness Falls had even more weaknesses and not enough good points to make the reader push past them and it did not make the best of all it's creepy potential.
It feels like a commercial exercise rather than a book with any real care put into it, like a blatant jumping on the vampire bandwagon (complete with characters who love Robert Pattinson) without enough respect for the readers of the genre to give them something of decent quality.
January 27, 2012
I am a HUGE fan of this series and loved the first book By Midnight as you can see from my review. So much so I went and visited Highgate Cemetery when I was in London, have a look at my pictures here.
Darkness Falls, starts were By Midnight ended on it's awesome cliffhanger. April feels guilty for infecting a deadly virus onto her boyfriend Gabriel, whom is a vampire. I really love April as a main character, she is a bit selfish in the typical teenage style, she can kick some ass but still lacks confidence, no wonder she has been though so much. I loved when she got her makeover and felt better about herself through the way she looked, it's true you do have so much more confidence when you look and feel good. I was so worried about Gabriel, I had to keep reading to find out what would happen.
Another character I liked was Ben, another potential love interest for April, who I would liked to have seen more of and although I like April and Gabriel together, I feel Ben treated her better. I am pleased April has some good friends around her one of them being Caro. I love Caro, her sarcasm cracks me up.
So much happens in the book, it's an emotional rollercoaster and action packed, so much so I had very little nails left by the end of the book. Especially in the later part of the book.
Another of my favourite parts was the witches and the history included from the Queen Victoria's library. What I love about this series is that these places all exist or you feel like they exist anyway and want to go exploring. Witches and vampires in the one book, I was in fiction heaven.
I would highly recommend this book. This book is full of action, is fast paced with some romance thrown in. I loved it and can't wait for book 3.
Darkness Falls, starts were By Midnight ended on it's awesome cliffhanger. April feels guilty for infecting a deadly virus onto her boyfriend Gabriel, whom is a vampire. I really love April as a main character, she is a bit selfish in the typical teenage style, she can kick some ass but still lacks confidence, no wonder she has been though so much. I loved when she got her makeover and felt better about herself through the way she looked, it's true you do have so much more confidence when you look and feel good. I was so worried about Gabriel, I had to keep reading to find out what would happen.
Another character I liked was Ben, another potential love interest for April, who I would liked to have seen more of and although I like April and Gabriel together, I feel Ben treated her better. I am pleased April has some good friends around her one of them being Caro. I love Caro, her sarcasm cracks me up.
So much happens in the book, it's an emotional rollercoaster and action packed, so much so I had very little nails left by the end of the book. Especially in the later part of the book.
Another of my favourite parts was the witches and the history included from the Queen Victoria's library. What I love about this series is that these places all exist or you feel like they exist anyway and want to go exploring. Witches and vampires in the one book, I was in fiction heaven.
I would highly recommend this book. This book is full of action, is fast paced with some romance thrown in. I loved it and can't wait for book 3.
March 17, 2012
Throughout Darkness Falls I was kept constantly guessing over what was going to happen next. Their was enough suspense and mystery to keep me guessing and wanting to find out what was going to happen, but not enough to told to give it all away.
Through most of the book I was still in two minds over Gabriel and couldn't decide whether I like him or not. I didn't like how he acted towards April, ignoring her in public but being OK in private, but the minute someone showed interest in her her was right there to stop it all. When he was being nice I believed he truly did like April, and it's not till the last few chapters of the book that my decision was made, but you have to read it yourself to make your own mind up over him.
I really liked getting to see a different side to Davina, and whether it was just an act, this nice side of her, or not is debatable but I enjoyed seeing her and her own world in a new light.
Miss Holden plays a bigger role in this book, being there more for April and offering help and advice when she needed it.
The plot line for the story is not overpowering, and although some people may think vampires have been over done the past few years, Darkness Falls has a lot of other things going on in the pages that take the focus away from it being just vampires, and other things, like friendship, family, love, come into focus that all blend well together.
I really enjoyed Darkness Falls and found myself drawn into the pages and found it hard to put it down. So far this has to be my favourite book and Mia James has upped the ante, not only for the series, but also for the next book due for release in June.
Through most of the book I was still in two minds over Gabriel and couldn't decide whether I like him or not. I didn't like how he acted towards April, ignoring her in public but being OK in private, but the minute someone showed interest in her her was right there to stop it all. When he was being nice I believed he truly did like April, and it's not till the last few chapters of the book that my decision was made, but you have to read it yourself to make your own mind up over him.
I really liked getting to see a different side to Davina, and whether it was just an act, this nice side of her, or not is debatable but I enjoyed seeing her and her own world in a new light.
Miss Holden plays a bigger role in this book, being there more for April and offering help and advice when she needed it.
The plot line for the story is not overpowering, and although some people may think vampires have been over done the past few years, Darkness Falls has a lot of other things going on in the pages that take the focus away from it being just vampires, and other things, like friendship, family, love, come into focus that all blend well together.
I really enjoyed Darkness Falls and found myself drawn into the pages and found it hard to put it down. So far this has to be my favourite book and Mia James has upped the ante, not only for the series, but also for the next book due for release in June.
January 9, 2012
its good book
September 5, 2018
I should just stop reading this series but some sort of morbid fascination keeps me sticking with it.
April is annoying. No 2 ways about it. She's a bit dim and very selfish. That being said, I got annoyed with people telling her to grow up. She's very young and has a lot to deal with. No one seems to want to help her either.
Gabriel is a dick quite frankly. You've been alive for over 100 years - learn to communicate dammit! Also his plot twist that is coming is so obvious it isn't even funny.
The writing is okay but there are timeline inconsistencies that bug me and other little facts that don't add up. I think James wanted to add foreshadowing but perhaps lacked the skill/planning to pull it off
Can't wait to finish book 3 and never read them again
April is annoying. No 2 ways about it. She's a bit dim and very selfish. That being said, I got annoyed with people telling her to grow up. She's very young and has a lot to deal with. No one seems to want to help her either.
Gabriel is a dick quite frankly. You've been alive for over 100 years - learn to communicate dammit! Also his plot twist that is coming is so obvious it isn't even funny.
The writing is okay but there are timeline inconsistencies that bug me and other little facts that don't add up. I think James wanted to add foreshadowing but perhaps lacked the skill/planning to pull it off
Can't wait to finish book 3 and never read them again
May 31, 2020
If 0* was a thing that is what I would give this book - it really has no redeeming qualities and the only reason I finished it and will finish the last book is because I absolutely hate to leave a book/series unfinished. Maybe, by some miracle, I will enjoy 'Sleeping Angel'.
Read
October 17, 2021Greeting my fellow readers. One question who the f is the regent because I am still looking for the third book. It is a must read. I read by midnight during the covid severe lock down. Really gripping. I didnt have much emotion as I did with others but still a good book.
January 10, 2023
Decent, pick me energy though
July 7, 2023
was super disappointed in this book. started strong ended crap.
October 11, 2011
Please bear in mind that this is Book 2 in the series and may therefore contain spoilers from the previous book, By Midnight review here.
The prologue of this book brings to mind images of Jack the Ripper, the scene is set immediately just by the chapter heading, however I had trouble reconcile the image of Jack the Ripper as a vampire. This notion could just be my over active imagination adding 2 and 2 together to make 5.
The story picks up a few weeks after the stunning ending of By Midnight. The relationship between April and Gabriel is intense yet see-saws between suspicion and mistrust to devotion. A roller-coaster of emotion, there are hints placed within the narrative as to the direction of the characters, if these do transpire I think I will cry. Nice recapping of the story helped keep the plot fresh in my mind while developing the storyline further.
The friendships portrayed and the trials and tribulations April has to face made me realise how hard it really is to find good friends, how necessary they are as a support network throughout life and I was really glad that April had such wonderful friends and was able to realise it. April's increase in self confidence via her makeover was easy to relate to: don't we all feel better about ourselves if we look good. The way in which superficial beauty was portrayed hiding a rotten, evil core was profound. Emphasising the point that beauty isn't everything, inner beauty is far more important.
I really like the introduction of the witches into the plot and would really like to see it developed further. the history and inclusion of Queen Victoria's library and the carefully concealed interest in the paranormal was just brilliant to imagine. I want to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum and search for that library now. Can someone give me one of those cards please. Jack the Ripper is mentioned further within the narrative with respect to the links to Queen Victoria, layering the plot.
I will be truthful and say that there were some aspects of the plot that I thought were quite obvious but this might just be me as I am good at this sort of thing. The action is really fast paced and dramatic. April's character development towards the end of this book more than makes up for her indecision at the start. In typical teenage mode she tries to ignore what needs to be done, yet at the end she really comes into her own by accepting herself.
There are still a lot of questions left to be answered from the first book, especially those surrounding April's family, I seriously need the answers to these questions, I eagerly await the last book in the series to tie it all together and hopefully not make me cry *Gabriel* you'll understand if you have read it.
Is Book 3 ready yet. Now maybe? how about NOW?????
The prologue of this book brings to mind images of Jack the Ripper, the scene is set immediately just by the chapter heading, however I had trouble reconcile the image of Jack the Ripper as a vampire. This notion could just be my over active imagination adding 2 and 2 together to make 5.
The story picks up a few weeks after the stunning ending of By Midnight. The relationship between April and Gabriel is intense yet see-saws between suspicion and mistrust to devotion. A roller-coaster of emotion, there are hints placed within the narrative as to the direction of the characters, if these do transpire I think I will cry. Nice recapping of the story helped keep the plot fresh in my mind while developing the storyline further.
The friendships portrayed and the trials and tribulations April has to face made me realise how hard it really is to find good friends, how necessary they are as a support network throughout life and I was really glad that April had such wonderful friends and was able to realise it. April's increase in self confidence via her makeover was easy to relate to: don't we all feel better about ourselves if we look good. The way in which superficial beauty was portrayed hiding a rotten, evil core was profound. Emphasising the point that beauty isn't everything, inner beauty is far more important.
I really like the introduction of the witches into the plot and would really like to see it developed further. the history and inclusion of Queen Victoria's library and the carefully concealed interest in the paranormal was just brilliant to imagine. I want to go to the Victoria and Albert Museum and search for that library now. Can someone give me one of those cards please. Jack the Ripper is mentioned further within the narrative with respect to the links to Queen Victoria, layering the plot.
I will be truthful and say that there were some aspects of the plot that I thought were quite obvious but this might just be me as I am good at this sort of thing. The action is really fast paced and dramatic. April's character development towards the end of this book more than makes up for her indecision at the start. In typical teenage mode she tries to ignore what needs to be done, yet at the end she really comes into her own by accepting herself.
There are still a lot of questions left to be answered from the first book, especially those surrounding April's family, I seriously need the answers to these questions, I eagerly await the last book in the series to tie it all together and hopefully not make me cry *Gabriel* you'll understand if you have read it.
Is Book 3 ready yet. Now maybe? how about NOW?????
October 17, 2011
This review was originally posted on Fluttering Butterflies
I was very excited to hear of Darkness Falls by Mia James, the sequel to By Midnight. By Midnight was the first book I finished this year, and I loved the combination of mystery, romance and creep factor involved in the story about an infestation of vampires in this fancy school near Highgate Cemetery. It was thrilling and exciting and I thought it would be a hard book to follow. I'm thrilled to say that if anything, I enjoyed Darkness Falls even more! Don't read any further if you haven't read By Midnight, because there are lots of spoilers straight ahead!
Darkness Falls begins several months after the shocking events of By Midnight. Aprill Dunne has been in hospital and physical therapy recovering from the wounds she recieved during the attack by one of her fellow students. Her father is dead, and her sort-of boyfriend, Gabriel is dying from a disease that April gave him. From all sides, April feels under pressure to solve several major problems - 1) find some important, mythical book which will cure Gabriel of the disease 2) figure out who the Regent is and kill him, thus releasing Gabriel from his vampireness 3) avenge her father's death.
What makes accomplishing these three tasks difficult are many. April's squicked out by her mother possibly already back in the dating scene. The fact that April is surrounded by many vampires and must hide what she is, hide her relationship with Gabriel and pretend to be in with The Faces obviously leads to jealousy issues between April and Gabriel and some serious misunderstandings between April and Caro. And because she has no idea where to start gathering intel on the vampires of this mysterious book, April must jump between thin leads here and there trying to track down any information she can. It sort of felt like a TV crime drama unfolding before my eyes.
And I couldn't take my eyes away from this book. I thought that April was unbelievably selfish and immature during A LOT of the book and I found myself huffing impatiently at quite a lot of her attitude and behaviour, but she is still a teenager and has no idea what she's doing, so I kind of understood. There was plenty of action, both in a scary vampire attacking way as well as kissing, both of which made me happy. I love the whole atmosphere of Highgate Cemetery and Ravenwood Academy. And solving this huge obstacles and figuring out the mysteries surrounding vampires and Ravenwood really kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book is a wonderful sequel, just as filled with mystery and excitement and romance as the first book and I cannot wait to see where this story will go!
I was very excited to hear of Darkness Falls by Mia James, the sequel to By Midnight. By Midnight was the first book I finished this year, and I loved the combination of mystery, romance and creep factor involved in the story about an infestation of vampires in this fancy school near Highgate Cemetery. It was thrilling and exciting and I thought it would be a hard book to follow. I'm thrilled to say that if anything, I enjoyed Darkness Falls even more! Don't read any further if you haven't read By Midnight, because there are lots of spoilers straight ahead!
Darkness Falls begins several months after the shocking events of By Midnight. Aprill Dunne has been in hospital and physical therapy recovering from the wounds she recieved during the attack by one of her fellow students. Her father is dead, and her sort-of boyfriend, Gabriel is dying from a disease that April gave him. From all sides, April feels under pressure to solve several major problems - 1) find some important, mythical book which will cure Gabriel of the disease 2) figure out who the Regent is and kill him, thus releasing Gabriel from his vampireness 3) avenge her father's death.
What makes accomplishing these three tasks difficult are many. April's squicked out by her mother possibly already back in the dating scene. The fact that April is surrounded by many vampires and must hide what she is, hide her relationship with Gabriel and pretend to be in with The Faces obviously leads to jealousy issues between April and Gabriel and some serious misunderstandings between April and Caro. And because she has no idea where to start gathering intel on the vampires of this mysterious book, April must jump between thin leads here and there trying to track down any information she can. It sort of felt like a TV crime drama unfolding before my eyes.
And I couldn't take my eyes away from this book. I thought that April was unbelievably selfish and immature during A LOT of the book and I found myself huffing impatiently at quite a lot of her attitude and behaviour, but she is still a teenager and has no idea what she's doing, so I kind of understood. There was plenty of action, both in a scary vampire attacking way as well as kissing, both of which made me happy. I love the whole atmosphere of Highgate Cemetery and Ravenwood Academy. And solving this huge obstacles and figuring out the mysteries surrounding vampires and Ravenwood really kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book is a wonderful sequel, just as filled with mystery and excitement and romance as the first book and I cannot wait to see where this story will go!
June 19, 2015
Das Cover:
Ein super passendes Cover, welches durchaus einen kleinen Teil des Inhalts wiedergibt. Denn der Friedhof bietet Schutz und Gefahr zu gleich für April.
Mein Fazit:
Die Geschichte über eine Schule, in welcher neue Vampire angeworben werden, eine Liebe zwischen einem Vampir und einer Furie und eine Mordserie die ungewöhnlicher und grausamer nicht sein kann findet auch in diesem zweiten Band wieder eine tolle Umsetzung.
Es wird weiterhin aus der Sichtweise von April geschrieben, sodass man ihren Charakter auch am besten nachvollziehen kann. Da sie jedoch auch neugierig ist, Nachforschungen anstellt und gerne mit ihren Freunden redet erfährt man auch einiges über andere Charakter und kann sich ein interessantes Bild machen.
Die Schreibweise ist noch immer bildhaft, einfach und leicht verständlich.
Der Aufbau der Geschichte ist gut durchdacht, wobei ich einen Sinnfehler gefunden habe und auch vereinzelte leicht langatmige Stellen dabei waren. Doch im Gesamten kann ich darüber hinwegsehen, da die Umsetzung mich tatsächlich total überzeugen konnte.
Der Charakter April wird im zweiten Band erwachsen. Sie merkt, dass sie nicht mehr naiv sein kann und ihr Leben, Glück und die Verbesserung selber in die Hand nehmen muss. Natürlich ist sie noch immer ängstlich und leicht überfordert, aber so gehört es sich auch. Denn solch eine Sache kann nicht von jetzt auf gleich überwunden werden. Tolle Charakterumsetzung.
Gabriel ist ein toller Charakter, der trotz einiger Aufklärungen noch immer unheimlich und geheimnisvoll ist. Und trotz, dass ich ihn total gerne mag habe ich das Gefühl dass hier leider noch einige Geheimnisse verborgen sind die das zarte Band der Liebe mit April zum Wanken bringen könnten.
In diesem Band wird es wieder gefährlich, emotional und gleichzeitig auch verwirrend. Einige Dinge werden aufgeklärt, andere bleiben verschleiert, wieder andere werfen noch mehr Fragen auf und ganz andere bringen komplett neue Erkenntnisse.
Man erfährt etwas mehr über die Vampire, den Regenten und auch die Angeworbenen und dennoch stand ich zum Schluss nur teilweise aufgeklärt da. Der Showdown zum Schluss ist spannend, einnehmend und sehr gut umgesetzt. Ich habe mit gefiebert, überlegt, kombiniert und war teilweise überrascht aber wurde auch bestätigt.
Meine Neugier auf den letzten Band ist gestärkt und ich bin unglaublich gespannt, ob die Liebe eine Chance hat, die „Invasion“ aufgehalten und alle Fragen geklärt werden können.
Besonders neugierig bin ich auf die Hintergründe von Aprils Familie und hoffe sehr, dass man noch erfährt von woher das Furien-Gen kommt und was für Geheimnisse noch im Verborgenen liegen.
Für dieses Band kann ich auf alle Fälle 4 Sterne vergeben und bin sehr gespannt auf die weiterführende Geschichte.
Ein super passendes Cover, welches durchaus einen kleinen Teil des Inhalts wiedergibt. Denn der Friedhof bietet Schutz und Gefahr zu gleich für April.
Mein Fazit:
Die Geschichte über eine Schule, in welcher neue Vampire angeworben werden, eine Liebe zwischen einem Vampir und einer Furie und eine Mordserie die ungewöhnlicher und grausamer nicht sein kann findet auch in diesem zweiten Band wieder eine tolle Umsetzung.
Es wird weiterhin aus der Sichtweise von April geschrieben, sodass man ihren Charakter auch am besten nachvollziehen kann. Da sie jedoch auch neugierig ist, Nachforschungen anstellt und gerne mit ihren Freunden redet erfährt man auch einiges über andere Charakter und kann sich ein interessantes Bild machen.
Die Schreibweise ist noch immer bildhaft, einfach und leicht verständlich.
Der Aufbau der Geschichte ist gut durchdacht, wobei ich einen Sinnfehler gefunden habe und auch vereinzelte leicht langatmige Stellen dabei waren. Doch im Gesamten kann ich darüber hinwegsehen, da die Umsetzung mich tatsächlich total überzeugen konnte.
Der Charakter April wird im zweiten Band erwachsen. Sie merkt, dass sie nicht mehr naiv sein kann und ihr Leben, Glück und die Verbesserung selber in die Hand nehmen muss. Natürlich ist sie noch immer ängstlich und leicht überfordert, aber so gehört es sich auch. Denn solch eine Sache kann nicht von jetzt auf gleich überwunden werden. Tolle Charakterumsetzung.
Gabriel ist ein toller Charakter, der trotz einiger Aufklärungen noch immer unheimlich und geheimnisvoll ist. Und trotz, dass ich ihn total gerne mag habe ich das Gefühl dass hier leider noch einige Geheimnisse verborgen sind die das zarte Band der Liebe mit April zum Wanken bringen könnten.
In diesem Band wird es wieder gefährlich, emotional und gleichzeitig auch verwirrend. Einige Dinge werden aufgeklärt, andere bleiben verschleiert, wieder andere werfen noch mehr Fragen auf und ganz andere bringen komplett neue Erkenntnisse.
Man erfährt etwas mehr über die Vampire, den Regenten und auch die Angeworbenen und dennoch stand ich zum Schluss nur teilweise aufgeklärt da. Der Showdown zum Schluss ist spannend, einnehmend und sehr gut umgesetzt. Ich habe mit gefiebert, überlegt, kombiniert und war teilweise überrascht aber wurde auch bestätigt.
Meine Neugier auf den letzten Band ist gestärkt und ich bin unglaublich gespannt, ob die Liebe eine Chance hat, die „Invasion“ aufgehalten und alle Fragen geklärt werden können.
Besonders neugierig bin ich auf die Hintergründe von Aprils Familie und hoffe sehr, dass man noch erfährt von woher das Furien-Gen kommt und was für Geheimnisse noch im Verborgenen liegen.
Für dieses Band kann ich auf alle Fälle 4 Sterne vergeben und bin sehr gespannt auf die weiterführende Geschichte.
October 17, 2011
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Holy moly! After reading a couple of reviews I was worried that this book might be suffering from 'Middle Book Syndrome' so I began reading it with trepidation. However I was quickly involved in the story and I couldn't put the book down. I actually felt more attachment to this book than the first. The characters had grown, the situation had become more intense and I was sharpening my nails ready to defend April at any given moment.
Gabriel, April's vampire boyfriend, whom she had infected with a deadly virus, is like a ticking time bomb for the first half of the book. I swear I thought he might drop down dead at any minute. Luckily April saves the day with a potion that will cure him, but stops any chances of romance for the time being. Their relationship comes to a sort of stand still and by the end of the book you can't help thinking that all is not quite right with Gabriel.
I love Caro! As April friend and Queen of the Conspiracy Theory, she had me in fits with her sarcasm. With each new comment she made whilst facing a rather dangerous situation, I was snorting with laughter. On the other hand, April needs a bit of a talking too, as she seems intent on throwing friends and loved ones in the trash heap. She is setting herself up for a fall, where no one will be able to catch her.
By Chapter 12 the conspiracy theories concerning Queen Victoria had me gripped. If the information mentioned about her in this book is true, then I will definitely want to know more. I had never heard of any of the claims written in this book before.
The ending of the book was explosive. I couldn't believe all the things that came out in the last couple of chapters. I now have my own theories about certain characters within the book which I am willing to share only with people who have read it. I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you.
My favourite thing about this series, is that Mia James has shown that we as Brits, can compete with the US vampire scene. We can have hot vampires too! We can have cool eerie places to hang out in! Mia James has just added to the coolness that seeps from Highgate Cemetary, helping to make it a popular tourist destination. I even think that April might be the UK's equivalent of Buffy! See there, I said it!
Out of the two books written in this series so far. This is definitely my favourite. What will happen in the next book? I can't wait to find out.
Holy moly! After reading a couple of reviews I was worried that this book might be suffering from 'Middle Book Syndrome' so I began reading it with trepidation. However I was quickly involved in the story and I couldn't put the book down. I actually felt more attachment to this book than the first. The characters had grown, the situation had become more intense and I was sharpening my nails ready to defend April at any given moment.
Gabriel, April's vampire boyfriend, whom she had infected with a deadly virus, is like a ticking time bomb for the first half of the book. I swear I thought he might drop down dead at any minute. Luckily April saves the day with a potion that will cure him, but stops any chances of romance for the time being. Their relationship comes to a sort of stand still and by the end of the book you can't help thinking that all is not quite right with Gabriel.
I love Caro! As April friend and Queen of the Conspiracy Theory, she had me in fits with her sarcasm. With each new comment she made whilst facing a rather dangerous situation, I was snorting with laughter. On the other hand, April needs a bit of a talking too, as she seems intent on throwing friends and loved ones in the trash heap. She is setting herself up for a fall, where no one will be able to catch her.
By Chapter 12 the conspiracy theories concerning Queen Victoria had me gripped. If the information mentioned about her in this book is true, then I will definitely want to know more. I had never heard of any of the claims written in this book before.
The ending of the book was explosive. I couldn't believe all the things that came out in the last couple of chapters. I now have my own theories about certain characters within the book which I am willing to share only with people who have read it. I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you.
My favourite thing about this series, is that Mia James has shown that we as Brits, can compete with the US vampire scene. We can have hot vampires too! We can have cool eerie places to hang out in! Mia James has just added to the coolness that seeps from Highgate Cemetary, helping to make it a popular tourist destination. I even think that April might be the UK's equivalent of Buffy! See there, I said it!
Out of the two books written in this series so far. This is definitely my favourite. What will happen in the next book? I can't wait to find out.
October 16, 2011
'Darkness Falls' is the second book in the Ravenwood Mysteries series by Mia James (the pseudonym for husband and wife writing duo Tasmina and John Perry). The story picks up from where 'By Midnight' left off. April is learning to cope after her father's death and after the shocking discovery that she is a Fury - the one thing that vampires truly fear. Having introduced all the characters and established the storyline, it was nice to see a bit more action in this installment as April faces the truth about who she really is and determines to track down the person responsible for her losing her beloved dad.
One of the things that I really like about this series is the complex mystery that lies at the heart of the plot. There are lots of angles, dead ends and unexpected twists throughout. You never quite know who you can trust from The Faces who are the most popular girls in school, to DI Reece who's investigating April's father's murder, to the teachers who work at April's school. Trust them at your peril because no one is really who they say they are! I certainly think there's a lot more to April's mother than meets the eye. She comes across as rather shallow and unreliable but I suspect she's hiding a big secret and I can't wait to find out what it is.
I also love the setting for these books. Highgate Cemetery in London is so spooky and creepy and wonderfully atmospheric. It's a perfect backdrop for a British book about vampires. There are some fabulous descriptions of the Cemetery itself and whenever the characters are there you just know that something bad is going to happen.
The thing that I felt fell a little flat was the romance between April and Gabriel. Gabriel is gorgeous, sexy, brooding and an extremely enigmatic and mysterious figure. Having got their romance off to a promising start, it seemed to become extremely up and down over the course of the book. I thought that April was quite quick to mistrust him and jump to conclusions about his actions, considering she's supposed to be in love with him. I didn't feel a real connection between the two of them although separately I really like their individual characters. There just weren't enough sparks between them to satisfy the romantic in me.
'Darkness Falls' had a stellar, explosive ending which definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what Mia James has up her sleeve next!
One of the things that I really like about this series is the complex mystery that lies at the heart of the plot. There are lots of angles, dead ends and unexpected twists throughout. You never quite know who you can trust from The Faces who are the most popular girls in school, to DI Reece who's investigating April's father's murder, to the teachers who work at April's school. Trust them at your peril because no one is really who they say they are! I certainly think there's a lot more to April's mother than meets the eye. She comes across as rather shallow and unreliable but I suspect she's hiding a big secret and I can't wait to find out what it is.
I also love the setting for these books. Highgate Cemetery in London is so spooky and creepy and wonderfully atmospheric. It's a perfect backdrop for a British book about vampires. There are some fabulous descriptions of the Cemetery itself and whenever the characters are there you just know that something bad is going to happen.
The thing that I felt fell a little flat was the romance between April and Gabriel. Gabriel is gorgeous, sexy, brooding and an extremely enigmatic and mysterious figure. Having got their romance off to a promising start, it seemed to become extremely up and down over the course of the book. I thought that April was quite quick to mistrust him and jump to conclusions about his actions, considering she's supposed to be in love with him. I didn't feel a real connection between the two of them although separately I really like their individual characters. There just weren't enough sparks between them to satisfy the romantic in me.
'Darkness Falls' had a stellar, explosive ending which definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what Mia James has up her sleeve next!
April 8, 2014
Mia James "Gefangene der Dämmerung" ist der zweite Band der "Ravenwood" Trilogie. Nachdem sehr durchwachsenen ersten Band und eher schlechtem Start, habe ich Mia James noch eine zweite Chance gegeben, mich von ihrer Protagonistin April Dunne zu überzeugen. Und tatsächlich bin ich als Leserin in die Handlung des zweiten Bandes viel leichter einsteigen können, Mia James hat mich gleich von der ersten Seite abgeholt. Ihr Scheibstil hat sich auch drastisch gesteigert, denn es gibt nur noch wenige Szenen, welche in die Länge gezogen worden. Gerade diese zähflüssigkeit in der Handlung habe ich beim ersten Band bemängelt. Auch Storytechnisch hat sich viel getan zum Vorgänger. Nachdem April mit ihren Eltern in den Londoner Bezirk Highgate gezogen ist, hat April einige Schicksalsschläge einstecken müssen. Ihr Vater starb in ihren Armen, nachdem er brutal ermordet wurde, kein Wunder das April nun alles daran setzt diesen Mord auf zu klären. Allerdings wäre es ja viel zu einfach, könnte sie ganz unbedacht ihren detektivischen Spuren nachgehen, nein dann gibt es auch noch Vampire in Highgate, die ihr das Leben buchstäblich zur Hölle machen.
Auch die Charakterentwicklung gefällt mir sehr. Aus der ziemlich naiven April, hat sich eine selbstbewusste April entwickelt, die auch mal Handlungen und Gespräche ihrer Mitmenschen in Frage stellt. Selbst ihrem Freund Gabriel Swift vertraut sie nicht mehr auf Schritt und Tritt, sehr gut, denn Vampiren sollte man grundsätzlich misstrauen. Trotzdem hat sich Gabriel für mein Empfinden im ersten Band schon sehr als Freund bewährt und diese Liebe stärkt sich auch im zweiten Band, ein paar Eifersuchtsszenen ausgeklammert, die nunmal zu einem Jugendbuch dazu gehören. Ich bin wirklich gespannt was Mia James im Abschlussband der Trilogie noch alles geplant hat. Ob der Mord an Aprils Vater aufgeklärt wird und ob April und Gabriel endlich in Ruhe glücklich werden dürfen?
Auch die Charakterentwicklung gefällt mir sehr. Aus der ziemlich naiven April, hat sich eine selbstbewusste April entwickelt, die auch mal Handlungen und Gespräche ihrer Mitmenschen in Frage stellt. Selbst ihrem Freund Gabriel Swift vertraut sie nicht mehr auf Schritt und Tritt, sehr gut, denn Vampiren sollte man grundsätzlich misstrauen. Trotzdem hat sich Gabriel für mein Empfinden im ersten Band schon sehr als Freund bewährt und diese Liebe stärkt sich auch im zweiten Band, ein paar Eifersuchtsszenen ausgeklammert, die nunmal zu einem Jugendbuch dazu gehören. Ich bin wirklich gespannt was Mia James im Abschlussband der Trilogie noch alles geplant hat. Ob der Mord an Aprils Vater aufgeklärt wird und ob April und Gabriel endlich in Ruhe glücklich werden dürfen?
April 19, 2012
The story is of April, who has recently escaped a murder and is trying to find a cure for her vampire boyfriend so that he won’t die
I didn’t enjoy this book, whether it was the fact that it was another paranormal romance, which all appear to be exactly the same since ‘Twilight’, or that I didn’t like the idea behind it, I don’t know, but it didn’t go down well with me at all.
For starters I disliked the main characters. April was horrible to all of her friends, and her boyfriend yet they appeared to worship her. She only thought about herself, in fact it is mentioned several times in the ‘why aren’t you thinking about’ me phrase was mentioned in the book several times. She was horrible to her mother, the reason she chose to leave home was ridiculous. Her mother was weak and pathetic, had no control over April, and made lame excuses. Gabriel was selfish and I have no idea why April so clearly adored him. I did like, however Ben, Layla and Davina, who I thought were powerful well built characters.
Secondly, I thought it dragged on a bit. It was unnecessarily long, and too much time was spent on the wrong things and little time on the others. For example she found the book to cure Gabriel in no time at all, yet it took ages for her to work out other things, like who The Regent was, though it was clear to the reader at the start.
Thirdly, the plot would have been more interesting if it was less predictable and could be livened up a bit with some twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect.
However I do think that the writer has talent, and that she should use her talent to her advantage but in another genre of books, because I didn’t feel that her writing style was suited to paranormal romances.
I didn’t enjoy this book, whether it was the fact that it was another paranormal romance, which all appear to be exactly the same since ‘Twilight’, or that I didn’t like the idea behind it, I don’t know, but it didn’t go down well with me at all.
For starters I disliked the main characters. April was horrible to all of her friends, and her boyfriend yet they appeared to worship her. She only thought about herself, in fact it is mentioned several times in the ‘why aren’t you thinking about’ me phrase was mentioned in the book several times. She was horrible to her mother, the reason she chose to leave home was ridiculous. Her mother was weak and pathetic, had no control over April, and made lame excuses. Gabriel was selfish and I have no idea why April so clearly adored him. I did like, however Ben, Layla and Davina, who I thought were powerful well built characters.
Secondly, I thought it dragged on a bit. It was unnecessarily long, and too much time was spent on the wrong things and little time on the others. For example she found the book to cure Gabriel in no time at all, yet it took ages for her to work out other things, like who The Regent was, though it was clear to the reader at the start.
Thirdly, the plot would have been more interesting if it was less predictable and could be livened up a bit with some twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect.
However I do think that the writer has talent, and that she should use her talent to her advantage but in another genre of books, because I didn’t feel that her writing style was suited to paranormal romances.
October 26, 2012
Where to start? The reason I liked the first book is the fact it takes place in England/started in Scotland, kind of. And I loved the cover. Conteporary. Vampires. Let`s give it a chance. So when I was on my vacation to England this summer I knew it wouldn`t kill me to read the second book.
I didn`t love By Midnight but it didn`t irritate me as much as Darkness Falls.
The plot. So killing the Regent didn`t help and we need another book. Big surprise. Vampires are still after April. Duh.
April is just so childish and self-centered. Well maybe I am just too old for this, but she constantly whines, overreacts, doesn`t even try to listen to other people and their explanations to situations. What was with quarrel with Gabriel and instantly throwing herself at Ben? Quarrel with Silvia or Caro and April instantly blocks them out and doesn`t even bother to think someone would worry for her? Quarrel with Grandpa and April rushes out. Quarrel with .. I don`t remember her name, the teacher.. and once again April rushes out. Quarrel/misunderstanding (see a sequence there? :) )with Gabriel and she doesn`t give a chance to explain and jumps into conclusions. Who did she not argue with?
It`s like if things don`t go her way she is so hurt. Blah. Just wanted to tell her to get over herself.
Not impressed this time at all. Nothing special happened between Gabriel and April. Oh, not to mention Garbiel. He is supposed to be more than a hundred years old and still comes off like a teenager.
Maybe I am too old for this teenage whining.
I didn`t love By Midnight but it didn`t irritate me as much as Darkness Falls.
The plot. So killing the Regent didn`t help and we need another book. Big surprise. Vampires are still after April. Duh.
April is just so childish and self-centered. Well maybe I am just too old for this, but she constantly whines, overreacts, doesn`t even try to listen to other people and their explanations to situations. What was with quarrel with Gabriel and instantly throwing herself at Ben? Quarrel with Silvia or Caro and April instantly blocks them out and doesn`t even bother to think someone would worry for her? Quarrel with Grandpa and April rushes out. Quarrel with .. I don`t remember her name, the teacher.. and once again April rushes out. Quarrel/misunderstanding (see a sequence there? :) )with Gabriel and she doesn`t give a chance to explain and jumps into conclusions. Who did she not argue with?
It`s like if things don`t go her way she is so hurt. Blah. Just wanted to tell her to get over herself.
Not impressed this time at all. Nothing special happened between Gabriel and April. Oh, not to mention Garbiel. He is supposed to be more than a hundred years old and still comes off like a teenager.
Maybe I am too old for this teenage whining.
February 25, 2013
I really liked this book.
I kinda got annoyed with April, she didnt seem to know what she wanted. One minute she would really love Gabe, then another she would be staring at Ben. Wanting to bring down the Regent and help the students at Ravenwood, then another not caring about them and only wants to find her fathers killer.
She, for one should know things are not what they seem. But she always seems to jump to conclusions and be very hot-headed about things.
I love Gabe, I admit he could do with a slap at several points in the book. But, I thing we know is he loves April and will do anything for her.
Sylvia.. I cant what to make of her, this may be where April gets it from. I know she just buried her husband, which would explain her behaviour, but. One minute she is staying out all night drinking, then she is completely sober and worrying about her daughter. She never seems to tell her daughter the truth either.
I reaaaaally miss April's father.
I love Caro! She seems like an amazing best friend, always there for you and even when you ignore her and you have a fight, she will always give you a chance to make it up to her.
I really want to find out what happens next, especially with April and Gabriel. So I will definitely be reading Sleeping Angel, due out in November 2013.
I kinda got annoyed with April, she didnt seem to know what she wanted. One minute she would really love Gabe, then another she would be staring at Ben. Wanting to bring down the Regent and help the students at Ravenwood, then another not caring about them and only wants to find her fathers killer.
She, for one should know things are not what they seem. But she always seems to jump to conclusions and be very hot-headed about things.
I love Gabe, I admit he could do with a slap at several points in the book. But, I thing we know is he loves April and will do anything for her.
Sylvia.. I cant what to make of her, this may be where April gets it from. I know she just buried her husband, which would explain her behaviour, but. One minute she is staying out all night drinking, then she is completely sober and worrying about her daughter. She never seems to tell her daughter the truth either.
I reaaaaally miss April's father.
I love Caro! She seems like an amazing best friend, always there for you and even when you ignore her and you have a fight, she will always give you a chance to make it up to her.
I really want to find out what happens next, especially with April and Gabriel. So I will definitely be reading Sleeping Angel, due out in November 2013.
October 1, 2013
April is such an annoying character that I couldn't even focus on anything else. The plot line was slightly dull and there were plenty of inconsistencies (such as Davina and Ben being natural vampires-i.e. born of other vampires, when neither of their parents were vampires). The rules the vampires lived by changed a lot as well. They had reflections but couldn't have their photo taken, which didn't make much sense to me. So the whole book was disappointing (the first book did at least make sense). But it was April who really got on my nerves. She spends about 80% of the book moaning about how she doesn't have any friends, nobody is nice to her, her mother is a cow, her boyfriend is undeserving of her. And yet, she is constantly being invited to parties, has two best friends, is in with the popular crowd and her mother is constantly complimenting her (which doesn't make sense when April says "When have you ever said anything nice to me?" Erm... all the time). She then calls Davina "pure evil" based on the opinion of her boyfriend (who still has a pretty shady personal character) even though Davina has been nothing but nice to her and Gabriel has been messing her around.
Basically I will not be reading the sequel. Such a shame because I have been looking forward to this series ever since I got it.
Basically I will not be reading the sequel. Such a shame because I have been looking forward to this series ever since I got it.
November 8, 2013
I really liked book two. Better than the first, I actually found it was more engaging and intriguing. I would probably go as far as saying it was the best in the series, but then, there's a third book and that one might be even more enthralling.
Hmm, did I expect Benjamin to be a bad guy?
Just no. But, really, I should've just guessed, because it's not possible for a Vamp to be that nice in James' novels. I mean in the first book, one tried to kill the main character by literally ripping her apart! Gruesomely awesome scene.
Also, I'm pissed that April never even once strove to find about the 'old country' and her Grandma and her family history because there's something important, I can feel it! And, I thought in this particular book April was the most insufferable, and that's saying something considering.
Just to sum up; good book. Unexpected bad guy. April is annoying. Yeah . . .
Why don't my images ever work?!
Hmm, did I expect Benjamin to be a bad guy?
Just no. But, really, I should've just guessed, because it's not possible for a Vamp to be that nice in James' novels. I mean in the first book, one tried to kill the main character by literally ripping her apart! Gruesomely awesome scene.
Also, I'm pissed that April never even once strove to find about the 'old country' and her Grandma and her family history because there's something important, I can feel it! And, I thought in this particular book April was the most insufferable, and that's saying something considering.
Just to sum up; good book. Unexpected bad guy. April is annoying. Yeah . . .
Why don't my images ever work?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 10, 2016I personally was awestruck by the book - and its prequel. It is actually quite good - except for the fact that the author is the bitch of plagiarism.
She has used ideas and terms from literally every single teenage YA paranormal novel - Twilight, vampire diaries, vampire academy, mortal instruments, bloodlines, caster chronicles, and just so many more. it ruins the uniqueness and the beauty of the story once you discovered that some of the stuff in the books were copied from previously released books.
'The protagonist is ...... not so great. And i dont like the flimsy romance between April and Gabriel - because they keep fighting at the smallest things and they break up and then they get back and its all so uneccessarily complicated, because the author feels obliged to bring romantic complications.
Like, seriously girl, we're fine without it. you dont need that!
But aside from some negative factors, the storyline and plot is great. it's mysterious, thrilling, exciting and the author does manage to keep the readers excited and eager to read ahead.
She has used ideas and terms from literally every single teenage YA paranormal novel - Twilight, vampire diaries, vampire academy, mortal instruments, bloodlines, caster chronicles, and just so many more. it ruins the uniqueness and the beauty of the story once you discovered that some of the stuff in the books were copied from previously released books.
'The protagonist is ...... not so great. And i dont like the flimsy romance between April and Gabriel - because they keep fighting at the smallest things and they break up and then they get back and its all so uneccessarily complicated, because the author feels obliged to bring romantic complications.
Like, seriously girl, we're fine without it. you dont need that!
But aside from some negative factors, the storyline and plot is great. it's mysterious, thrilling, exciting and the author does manage to keep the readers excited and eager to read ahead.
July 7, 2012
I went into this book with high hopes, after By Midnight, I'd been so anxious for Darkness Falls.
Now don't get me wrong, it was great, the thing I didn't like was the on-off-on-off-never was on-definitely on relationship between April and Gabe, it did get tiring after a while, and there was a lot of times when April was either too naive or too trusting around Gabe.
But, even as I say that, I love him, and I can't wait to find out his history and what he's hiding, *because we all know that he is* ;)
Okay, onto the plot, I personally thought it was great, it kept you on your toes, trying to guess who was behind it all, with 100pages left I figured it out, that it was Ben, *I always had an inkling around Mr. Sheldon anyway*
It is and was a great read, my only wish that for the next book, Mia James doesn't switch April and Gabriels feelings for reach other about a million times round:)
Now don't get me wrong, it was great, the thing I didn't like was the on-off-on-off-never was on-definitely on relationship between April and Gabe, it did get tiring after a while, and there was a lot of times when April was either too naive or too trusting around Gabe.
But, even as I say that, I love him, and I can't wait to find out his history and what he's hiding, *because we all know that he is* ;)
Okay, onto the plot, I personally thought it was great, it kept you on your toes, trying to guess who was behind it all, with 100pages left I figured it out, that it was Ben, *I always had an inkling around Mr. Sheldon anyway*
It is and was a great read, my only wish that for the next book, Mia James doesn't switch April and Gabriels feelings for reach other about a million times round:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2015
What a complete let down! I want to give this book a better rating, but how can I? April, the teenage Heroine is a complete idiotic, insufferable, spoiled twit. I don't know what's worse. Her words or her thoughts. What I mean by this is, someone will tell her something vital and yet she still acts like she doesn't have a clue. It's so distracting.
Plus, I think my biggest problem right now is she's not really making any progress with who she is. Okay, so she discovered something about herself that makes her different. Why, oh why, is she not learning more about it?! Ugh!!! AND I keep waiting, waiting, waiting, for her mother and grandfather to talk to her about whatever it is they're hiding from her. Please, let them tell her in the next book. Or I will seriously lose my mind. I've suffered enough damn it!
Plus, I think my biggest problem right now is she's not really making any progress with who she is. Okay, so she discovered something about herself that makes her different. Why, oh why, is she not learning more about it?! Ugh!!! AND I keep waiting, waiting, waiting, for her mother and grandfather to talk to her about whatever it is they're hiding from her. Please, let them tell her in the next book. Or I will seriously lose my mind. I've suffered enough damn it!
March 29, 2012
Not at all what I expexted. I really though Ben was sweet and really just being interested, maybe a bit jellous, but never did I expect this! And my word the regent...some friend. I just really wish April would speak to her mother, she knows something that April needs to know, I can just feel it! Poor Gabe, always getting ti wrong, hopefully he gets something right very soon. Cannot wait to see what happens next. Who else knows about April and who are they actually looking for? Such a thrilling read. I do however hope that April gets over her selfish streak, even if she does feel like the main victim, she needs to grow up just a little. But she does make for good drama!
December 9, 2016
A good second instalment in the series. Resolves a lot of things from the first book and we finally find out who the regent is causing more issues... April has grown as a character she still occasionally has her outbreaks which are definitely needed at points. The twists and turns in this book i did not see coming and Mia's writing kept the book flowing and made it hard to put the book down. As soon as i finished this book i have started reading the third and I can not wait to see what happens to April and i want to know what the big secret her grandfather has its been two books and we still haven't found out...
February 23, 2012
More action..More secrets and lots of drama. I have to say i really liked this a lot more then book one i think it come down to the fact that there was always something going on and i had no chance to get bored. They was lot's of information to take in and the ending was brilliant i did not see that coming at all. It left we wondering what is going to happen in the next book and i'm pleased to say i can't wait to read it. While book one was not as good for me book two really picked up and exceeded my expectations.
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