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Darkness
One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Erin Eveland
4 books20 followersKnown for her short stories in the horror-genre, and as a mother of four, Eveland has published works in Dark Moon Books, Mocha Memoirs Press, Cromaine Press, and Dreamscape. Her forthcoming dark fantasy novel, Darkness is unique in style to bring art and music to the reader using the Quick Response Code.
With children, work and life, Erin usually writes between the hours of 9pm and 6am. She didn’t start writing until she turned 30. Through the following years of dedication and persistence, she has created a staple in the writing community, in which she grows, discovering new writers and listening to their stories – personal and written.
Erin loves spending time with her children and the great outdoors of Michigan. As a musician and songwriter, she enjoys music and the arts. She’s a nerd for how-to-books and as boring as they come across she likes discovering new things and believes one of the greatest values in life is to never stop learning.
Erin Eveland
With children, work and life, Erin usually writes between the hours of 9pm and 6am. She didn’t start writing until she turned 30. Through the following years of dedication and persistence, she has created a staple in the writing community, in which she grows, discovering new writers and listening to their stories – personal and written.
Erin loves spending time with her children and the great outdoors of Michigan. As a musician and songwriter, she enjoys music and the arts. She’s a nerd for how-to-books and as boring as they come across she likes discovering new things and believes one of the greatest values in life is to never stop learning.
Erin Eveland
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 8, 2014
I received an arc from Netgalley
Although it had an interesting premise, the delivery was not satisfactory. The concept of darkness as a power was really appealing to me, but the way that the novel was delivered was too bleak and confusing. I wanted more of the darkness being used as a power, but it wasn't explained much for me to be able to enjoy it. Confusion and boredom were the only things evident till around 50% of the novel. Some exciting parts started to happen but nothing mind blowing.
The characters were also very boring. No attachment to any character whatsoever. The character building was horrible, and I didn't really care much for any of them. The author could have made the characters more appealing, or even slightly more interesting if possible.
Like I said, the main premise was very appealing but the delivery was horrible. It was a roller coaster ride of confusion for me. Everything was going too fast and important details were not explained thoroughly. While I enjoyed some of the latter parts, most of my questions are still unanswered. The plot was terribly boring and all over the place.
I really had high hopes for this novel, but I ended up disappointed instead This had huge potential, but it went downhill way too fast. Not something I would recommend.
Although it had an interesting premise, the delivery was not satisfactory. The concept of darkness as a power was really appealing to me, but the way that the novel was delivered was too bleak and confusing. I wanted more of the darkness being used as a power, but it wasn't explained much for me to be able to enjoy it. Confusion and boredom were the only things evident till around 50% of the novel. Some exciting parts started to happen but nothing mind blowing.
The characters were also very boring. No attachment to any character whatsoever. The character building was horrible, and I didn't really care much for any of them. The author could have made the characters more appealing, or even slightly more interesting if possible.
Like I said, the main premise was very appealing but the delivery was horrible. It was a roller coaster ride of confusion for me. Everything was going too fast and important details were not explained thoroughly. While I enjoyed some of the latter parts, most of my questions are still unanswered. The plot was terribly boring and all over the place.
I really had high hopes for this novel, but I ended up disappointed instead This had huge potential, but it went downhill way too fast. Not something I would recommend.
June 29, 2014
* I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
Darkness by Erin Eveland was by far one of the darkest, creepiest books I've read. The book didn't lack in regards to full character development. We meet Catherine as a child, with some disturbing behavior which sets the tone for the rest of the book.
After her grandmother dies, her biological mother takes her into custody mainly for the welfare benefits. To say that I hated her mother would be putting it lightly. I'm sure that was the intention of the author to build around the case of how horrible Catherine's childhood was/is.
The story picks up when the reader is introduced to Nathan and other major characters such as Artos. This is not a short book, so brace yourself. But, if you're a fan of some serious creepiness and suspense, then this is the novel for you.
I also wanted to mention how beautiful the author's writing is. Very nice!
Darkness by Erin Eveland was by far one of the darkest, creepiest books I've read. The book didn't lack in regards to full character development. We meet Catherine as a child, with some disturbing behavior which sets the tone for the rest of the book.
After her grandmother dies, her biological mother takes her into custody mainly for the welfare benefits. To say that I hated her mother would be putting it lightly. I'm sure that was the intention of the author to build around the case of how horrible Catherine's childhood was/is.
The story picks up when the reader is introduced to Nathan and other major characters such as Artos. This is not a short book, so brace yourself. But, if you're a fan of some serious creepiness and suspense, then this is the novel for you.
I also wanted to mention how beautiful the author's writing is. Very nice!
June 20, 2014
Wow. This book left me wanting more and questioning the authors sanity. The story was so horrifically realistic that I'm starting to believe shadows are watching me. That hasn't stopped me from wondering what will happen next in this dark fantasy novel. I hope the next book comes out soon but for now I give this book two thumbs up and recommend this book for anyone who wants to read something different.
August 24, 2014
(I got this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.)
Try as I might, I couldn't get into this novel, in spite of a theme that seemed appealing to me. Although I liked the idea of "interactive" parts (codes/links leading to songs, videos, pictures.. that had artistic value regarding the various chapters).
I think the main reasons to this are that:
1) I couldn't connect with the characters at all. Perhaps because I'm not currently in the mood for Bleak Life Is Bleak worlds, where nothing the people do seem to be able to get them out of their misery? Catherine had a strong streak, but in spite of that, I found her extremely passive, basically waiting on a guy that wouldn't look at her so often, just because they had been friends for a couple of years before that. This, in itself, was partly understandable (wanting to escape a horrible life with someone you love), except that he didn't show any inclination to do so, she never tried to prod and see how he was feeling about it, and so it looked less like hope than unfounded infatuation.
2) The romance between Nathan and Catherine: no chemistry to speak of. Again, with more action and less wishful-thinking-in-my-little-corner on their part, it could have worked.
3) The whole Darkness/Light conflict and mythology was confusing. It made more sense when Jorgen explained it, but this comes rather late in the story. In the end, I'm still not sure if Catherine is Darkness or Light or a mix of both, nor what exactly Artros wanted of her.
4) The story lacked editing. A few typos here and there, I can live with. However, the story had a tendency to go into rambling, about the thoughts of this or that character, as if at some point, several versions of those thoughts had been written, then left all together because choosing one turned too hard to do. It slowed down the pace and caused me to start skimming after a while.
5) Nothing much happens before the 65-68% mark. The characters are unhappy, then unhappy again, then something makes them more unhappy... And I just can't believe that after Kathy's episode with the hospital, no social worker pulled Cathering out of there. I know the CPS don't have the most brilliant reputation, but that was stretching it. (And why didn't Catherine do anything on her own, anyway? It's not like she was staying with her mother out of love and respect, her basic needs weren't even met, and frankly, considering her place and living style, going to some orphanage for two years might not even have been the worst option here.)
On the good side, the idea of Darkness as a power, of controlling Shadow Creatures, was interesting. Just not used here in a way that would have made me like this story.
1.5 stars.
Try as I might, I couldn't get into this novel, in spite of a theme that seemed appealing to me. Although I liked the idea of "interactive" parts (codes/links leading to songs, videos, pictures.. that had artistic value regarding the various chapters).
I think the main reasons to this are that:
1) I couldn't connect with the characters at all. Perhaps because I'm not currently in the mood for Bleak Life Is Bleak worlds, where nothing the people do seem to be able to get them out of their misery? Catherine had a strong streak, but in spite of that, I found her extremely passive, basically waiting on a guy that wouldn't look at her so often, just because they had been friends for a couple of years before that. This, in itself, was partly understandable (wanting to escape a horrible life with someone you love), except that he didn't show any inclination to do so, she never tried to prod and see how he was feeling about it, and so it looked less like hope than unfounded infatuation.
2) The romance between Nathan and Catherine: no chemistry to speak of. Again, with more action and less wishful-thinking-in-my-little-corner on their part, it could have worked.
3) The whole Darkness/Light conflict and mythology was confusing. It made more sense when Jorgen explained it, but this comes rather late in the story. In the end, I'm still not sure if Catherine is Darkness or Light or a mix of both, nor what exactly Artros wanted of her.
4) The story lacked editing. A few typos here and there, I can live with. However, the story had a tendency to go into rambling, about the thoughts of this or that character, as if at some point, several versions of those thoughts had been written, then left all together because choosing one turned too hard to do. It slowed down the pace and caused me to start skimming after a while.
5) Nothing much happens before the 65-68% mark. The characters are unhappy, then unhappy again, then something makes them more unhappy... And I just can't believe that after Kathy's episode with the hospital, no social worker pulled Cathering out of there. I know the CPS don't have the most brilliant reputation, but that was stretching it. (And why didn't Catherine do anything on her own, anyway? It's not like she was staying with her mother out of love and respect, her basic needs weren't even met, and frankly, considering her place and living style, going to some orphanage for two years might not even have been the worst option here.)
On the good side, the idea of Darkness as a power, of controlling Shadow Creatures, was interesting. Just not used here in a way that would have made me like this story.
1.5 stars.
June 8, 2014
The oldest battle is that between good and evil. As it turns out there is nothing such as pure evil or pure good and this fuzzy dichotomy is vibrantly illustrated in Erin Eveland’s debut novel Darkenss from Selladore Press.
Catherine is a girl who is down on her luck (to say the least). She has been tossed between households and struggles to gain comfort in life much less striving for happiness. Facing daily hardship, the teenage girl (who Eveland intelligently describes without actually addressing physical attributes) trudges through the snowy mud in the hope for something more.
And something more does indeed come to pass. Something she, unbeknownst to Catherine herself, has understood on a primal level since birth. She is more than just a little different--she has great and unusual powers that are in turn sought desperately by others who feel and collect such things. I really cannot and should not go any further into the characters or the plot, but I do need to say that Eveland is incredibly talented in crafting both her portraits and story.
Darkness is something special. The first of what promises to be a trilogy of works, fans will crave the next installment after rolling around the pages of this book for a while. I found this to be a carefully crafted, beautifully assembled, and perfectly plotted novel. Seriously addictive, painfully evocative, and truly terrifying I can’t recommend Darkness enough to fans of anything vaguely dark. Of course Eveland’s visceral and twisted use of language and graphic scenes (not overly gory or sexual in nature but still gut wrenching) may not be for every reader. I am truly impressed.
Catherine is a girl who is down on her luck (to say the least). She has been tossed between households and struggles to gain comfort in life much less striving for happiness. Facing daily hardship, the teenage girl (who Eveland intelligently describes without actually addressing physical attributes) trudges through the snowy mud in the hope for something more.
And something more does indeed come to pass. Something she, unbeknownst to Catherine herself, has understood on a primal level since birth. She is more than just a little different--she has great and unusual powers that are in turn sought desperately by others who feel and collect such things. I really cannot and should not go any further into the characters or the plot, but I do need to say that Eveland is incredibly talented in crafting both her portraits and story.
Darkness is something special. The first of what promises to be a trilogy of works, fans will crave the next installment after rolling around the pages of this book for a while. I found this to be a carefully crafted, beautifully assembled, and perfectly plotted novel. Seriously addictive, painfully evocative, and truly terrifying I can’t recommend Darkness enough to fans of anything vaguely dark. Of course Eveland’s visceral and twisted use of language and graphic scenes (not overly gory or sexual in nature but still gut wrenching) may not be for every reader. I am truly impressed.
June 19, 2014
A Phamtom of the Opera-type of mystique sets up the story in the prologue with the phantom waiting for his Katherine to become of age – his supernatural angel of darkness.
…Good versus evil
Light versus darkness
Positive energy versus negative
Greed versus conscience…
The novel touches on all of it – its balance and unbalance.
Intriguing: Every time I put the novel down, I found myself wondering if the shadow creatures exist in our world today -- it could explain a lot. Such concepts in this novel make Darkness quite inviting.
I was able to read an advanced reader copy of this book and would really like to mention the tactile feeling of this book was great. I also love the cover art.
…Good versus evil
Light versus darkness
Positive energy versus negative
Greed versus conscience…
The novel touches on all of it – its balance and unbalance.
Intriguing: Every time I put the novel down, I found myself wondering if the shadow creatures exist in our world today -- it could explain a lot. Such concepts in this novel make Darkness quite inviting.
I was able to read an advanced reader copy of this book and would really like to mention the tactile feeling of this book was great. I also love the cover art.
June 28, 2014
Synopsis:
One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
Cover:
The Cover looks amazing. Altogether, it gives you the impression of a gloomy, eerie atmosphere.
Title:
Darkness describes this story very good. Then it's gonna get dark for certain!
Writing style:
The writing style is one of the reasons, I fell in love with this book. I was already hooked on, while reading the prologue. Do you want a little sample?
"Searching the tomorrow of yesterdays, I have finally found you. Oh, my love, you have pulled me to you without even knowing. But as much as I long to take you, we have to wait, wait for the Darkness to enfold you, torment you and suffocate all of your being. Only then can you be mine"
Did you get goosebumps too? I definitely got some! The prologue is written in old, lordly sounding English. You'll know instantly, that this man is dangerous and powerful.
The feeling of danger follows you through the whole book. Even though the normal chapters are written in casual language.
I should also mention, that the story is told by an omnipotent narrator who gives you the impression of being in a dark fairy tale.
Characters:
We have three important characters. There is Catherine, who sees shadows since her childhood. She also hears the voice of Artros in her head. He tells her, he's the darkness and that he loves her. He also promises her, that they will unite as soon as she is ready. Catherine has no idea, what he means and later, when she's a teenager, she forgets about the shadows and voices around her. She lives with her alcoholic mother in a trailer park. Her only friend is Nathan, a boy from the neighborhood, she has a crush on. But Nathan is older than her and she is too shy to tell him. I liked Catherine. Her character has a lot of depth and she is a strong girl. After a while the shadows and voices are back and she has to run! Nathan on the other hand was a bit weaker than her but still a decent guy. He works at a local bar, where he meets a mysterious stranger who promises him to teach him to become independent and his own master. He wants to teach him to truly see the darkness and Nathan is fascinated by him. Too late he realizes, that his knowledge came at a huge price.
Noteworthy:
There are QR-codes in this book, leading you to songs fitting the story.
Stuck in my Head:
“She hated herself for being a coward and she blamed the greatest part of her hesitation on the confines of her life and the filth of Kathy soiled it with. Why would Nathan want her anyway? She was trash, just one big heap of it and it was no wonder he didn't stop by anymore. He just wanted to get rid of her. Toss her out like the garbage he once rescued from the alley.”
What I didn't like:
Nothing to complain, I love this book!
Quick and dirty:
It is really something special! I would definitely read it again! It isn't a story with lots of twists and turns but it convinces by its beautiful writing style, great atmosphere and inspiring characters. Impossible to put it down!
One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
Cover:
The Cover looks amazing. Altogether, it gives you the impression of a gloomy, eerie atmosphere.
Title:
Darkness describes this story very good. Then it's gonna get dark for certain!
Writing style:
The writing style is one of the reasons, I fell in love with this book. I was already hooked on, while reading the prologue. Do you want a little sample?
"Searching the tomorrow of yesterdays, I have finally found you. Oh, my love, you have pulled me to you without even knowing. But as much as I long to take you, we have to wait, wait for the Darkness to enfold you, torment you and suffocate all of your being. Only then can you be mine"
Did you get goosebumps too? I definitely got some! The prologue is written in old, lordly sounding English. You'll know instantly, that this man is dangerous and powerful.
The feeling of danger follows you through the whole book. Even though the normal chapters are written in casual language.
I should also mention, that the story is told by an omnipotent narrator who gives you the impression of being in a dark fairy tale.
Characters:
We have three important characters. There is Catherine, who sees shadows since her childhood. She also hears the voice of Artros in her head. He tells her, he's the darkness and that he loves her. He also promises her, that they will unite as soon as she is ready. Catherine has no idea, what he means and later, when she's a teenager, she forgets about the shadows and voices around her. She lives with her alcoholic mother in a trailer park. Her only friend is Nathan, a boy from the neighborhood, she has a crush on. But Nathan is older than her and she is too shy to tell him. I liked Catherine. Her character has a lot of depth and she is a strong girl. After a while the shadows and voices are back and she has to run! Nathan on the other hand was a bit weaker than her but still a decent guy. He works at a local bar, where he meets a mysterious stranger who promises him to teach him to become independent and his own master. He wants to teach him to truly see the darkness and Nathan is fascinated by him. Too late he realizes, that his knowledge came at a huge price.
Noteworthy:
There are QR-codes in this book, leading you to songs fitting the story.
Stuck in my Head:
“She hated herself for being a coward and she blamed the greatest part of her hesitation on the confines of her life and the filth of Kathy soiled it with. Why would Nathan want her anyway? She was trash, just one big heap of it and it was no wonder he didn't stop by anymore. He just wanted to get rid of her. Toss her out like the garbage he once rescued from the alley.”
What I didn't like:
Nothing to complain, I love this book!
Quick and dirty:
It is really something special! I would definitely read it again! It isn't a story with lots of twists and turns but it convinces by its beautiful writing style, great atmosphere and inspiring characters. Impossible to put it down!
October 9, 2014
This is one scary book. Darkness tells a story that captivated me. It really spun a web of mystery, suspense, and finger nail-biting chapters, (just one more that stretched into half the night so I see this book through to the ending). I am not going to be able to give this book a fair review. It ends on the edge of something, I just can’t believe I have to wait to see how this tale ends. I want to read the next story in this series. Right. Friggin. Now.
So this story starts off a little dry. Like, I actually started and gave up on the first few pages a few times. Once I was determined to get to the second chapter, it was all consuming. I think my mistake was just reading the prologue and expecting to be gripped by it. I wasn’t. It wasn’t until I finished the tale that I went back and read the prologue. By then it made so much sense. I wanted to use all the interactive stuff too while I reread this book, but it wouldn’t work for me. Mine is a kindle first 1st gen, so no bueno on the extra effects. The good news is that you don’t need them. This books is dark and all consuming enough to stand without all that jazz.
Catherine is a very special girl. Left by her mother in the care of her grandmother, she is surrounded by love. We get that she is special from their interactions. Catherine sees things, and her grandmother tries to keep Catherine from acknowledging that. When her grandmother dies Catherine is thrust into her neglectful mother’s care. Catherine forgets about the visions she has. She sees nothing more than to get her next meal. Catherine’s only ally in this harsh life a neighbor named Nathan. Some other world players come into play and Catherine is forced to see the darkness around her, and to acknowledge that she is no ordinary girl. She sees the shadow people, she can weild the light. If only she knew this and had someone to show her how…
I really enjoyed the creep factor in this book. Some characters are both dark and light, but most have revealed their true nature within the first few sentences. The story is darkly told and the author uses rich language to describe the landscape. The character of Catherine is one of innocence and shattered hope. She lives a bleak existence and her best hope is to get the boy so they can trudge into their own misery together. That is not Catherine’s fate. Thanks to the introduction of colors to Nathan by Artros, that is not Nathan’s fate either. Their lives are bound to intersect and impact each other. Artros is the bad guy in this tale of dark and light. Artros is the man in the hat that drives this tale into a climax. Artros just wants to get the girl and calls in some unlikely allies to help him out. He is not the only one that has noticed Catherine, and a war of darkness breaks out.
I can’t say too much more This is just one of those books that is more like an experience. Wanna read a creepy tale that will keep you guessing? Get this book.
So this story starts off a little dry. Like, I actually started and gave up on the first few pages a few times. Once I was determined to get to the second chapter, it was all consuming. I think my mistake was just reading the prologue and expecting to be gripped by it. I wasn’t. It wasn’t until I finished the tale that I went back and read the prologue. By then it made so much sense. I wanted to use all the interactive stuff too while I reread this book, but it wouldn’t work for me. Mine is a kindle first 1st gen, so no bueno on the extra effects. The good news is that you don’t need them. This books is dark and all consuming enough to stand without all that jazz.
Catherine is a very special girl. Left by her mother in the care of her grandmother, she is surrounded by love. We get that she is special from their interactions. Catherine sees things, and her grandmother tries to keep Catherine from acknowledging that. When her grandmother dies Catherine is thrust into her neglectful mother’s care. Catherine forgets about the visions she has. She sees nothing more than to get her next meal. Catherine’s only ally in this harsh life a neighbor named Nathan. Some other world players come into play and Catherine is forced to see the darkness around her, and to acknowledge that she is no ordinary girl. She sees the shadow people, she can weild the light. If only she knew this and had someone to show her how…
I really enjoyed the creep factor in this book. Some characters are both dark and light, but most have revealed their true nature within the first few sentences. The story is darkly told and the author uses rich language to describe the landscape. The character of Catherine is one of innocence and shattered hope. She lives a bleak existence and her best hope is to get the boy so they can trudge into their own misery together. That is not Catherine’s fate. Thanks to the introduction of colors to Nathan by Artros, that is not Nathan’s fate either. Their lives are bound to intersect and impact each other. Artros is the bad guy in this tale of dark and light. Artros is the man in the hat that drives this tale into a climax. Artros just wants to get the girl and calls in some unlikely allies to help him out. He is not the only one that has noticed Catherine, and a war of darkness breaks out.
I can’t say too much more This is just one of those books that is more like an experience. Wanna read a creepy tale that will keep you guessing? Get this book.
August 31, 2016
I won an ARC of this book thru a contest here from the author, and to be honest, when I entered it was with a 'what the heck, why not?' kind of mentality. And I am very glad that I did because I loved it. This book was completely original compared to anything else I have personally read and at times was just crazy cool. But there were also just a couple times when I was a little bored though.
This book revolves around a power called darkness which can be harnessed by the few who have become masters of it's power. It's something that must be taught and learned to control. Until Catherine is born. Somehow she was born with the power of darkness inside of her (which has never happened before), but not only that, she also has pure light inside of her. Basically she is full of A LOT of power. And the first master to discover her when she was a child was Artros. He's the bad guy of the series and he wants to basically posses all of Catherine because he can't simply take the power from her. After the loss of her nana, the only person she ever loved and who loved her, when she is 6, she is forced to live with her mother who never even wanted her. Somewhere between there Artros had sealed her power and hidden her memories and we flash forward ten years. She's been living in a rundown trailer park with her alcoholic whore of a mother, but has found hope in the boy next door named Nathan. Unfortunately since he has graduated she sees him less and less. Days would go by without a glimpse. He's working a lot sure, but that's not the only reason he's never around anymore. Artros has become a regular at the bar where Nathan works and one day starts talking to him. Leading to him teaching Nathan about colors every night after his shift. All of which is just the prelude to him learning about the darkness. Because he's so engrossed in the teachings, Nathan doesn't realize he's being manipulated and used to Artros' own ends. Then one day a second master shows up named Jorgen. He came following the energy that Catherine gives off and had no idea he would run into his former master Artros. Not a happy reunion considering Artros thought he killed him in the last battle. Jorgen tries hard to do good even though it's impossible to do so because he's a master of darkness. Despite all, he has decided to protect Catherine from Artros no matter the cost. To say she's reluctant to trust Jorgen at first is a massive understatement, but as events unfold she's left with no choice at the end. Speaking of, the end was pretty nuts.
The building of the book was fantastic. From everything about the characters, to the darkness itself, and simply the world. It was so easy to get into the story and want to keep reading. I so cannot wait until the next book comes out.
This book revolves around a power called darkness which can be harnessed by the few who have become masters of it's power. It's something that must be taught and learned to control. Until Catherine is born. Somehow she was born with the power of darkness inside of her (which has never happened before), but not only that, she also has pure light inside of her. Basically she is full of A LOT of power. And the first master to discover her when she was a child was Artros. He's the bad guy of the series and he wants to basically posses all of Catherine because he can't simply take the power from her. After the loss of her nana, the only person she ever loved and who loved her, when she is 6, she is forced to live with her mother who never even wanted her. Somewhere between there Artros had sealed her power and hidden her memories and we flash forward ten years. She's been living in a rundown trailer park with her alcoholic whore of a mother, but has found hope in the boy next door named Nathan. Unfortunately since he has graduated she sees him less and less. Days would go by without a glimpse. He's working a lot sure, but that's not the only reason he's never around anymore. Artros has become a regular at the bar where Nathan works and one day starts talking to him. Leading to him teaching Nathan about colors every night after his shift. All of which is just the prelude to him learning about the darkness. Because he's so engrossed in the teachings, Nathan doesn't realize he's being manipulated and used to Artros' own ends. Then one day a second master shows up named Jorgen. He came following the energy that Catherine gives off and had no idea he would run into his former master Artros. Not a happy reunion considering Artros thought he killed him in the last battle. Jorgen tries hard to do good even though it's impossible to do so because he's a master of darkness. Despite all, he has decided to protect Catherine from Artros no matter the cost. To say she's reluctant to trust Jorgen at first is a massive understatement, but as events unfold she's left with no choice at the end. Speaking of, the end was pretty nuts.
The building of the book was fantastic. From everything about the characters, to the darkness itself, and simply the world. It was so easy to get into the story and want to keep reading. I so cannot wait until the next book comes out.
July 3, 2014
The book starts with Catherine around the age of 6. She lives with her Grandmother, her mother checked out of the hospital and just walked off after her birth. When she turns six her Grandmother's heart starts giving out on her and while at the hospital Catherine's mother Kathy comes to claim her.
The story then skips forward ten years. Catherine is living in a trailer that really should be condemned. Her mother has put her through hell in the ten years she has lived with her. She's an alcoholic, and a tramp as well. The only reason she even has custody of Catherine is for the welfare. A horrible individual and horrendous mother to boot.
The only person that Catherine feels she can trust is Nathan. Since graduating high school the year before she has seen less and less of him. She has just two years left of school and she is hoping to get away with Nathan. He is as well waiting for her to finish school to let her know his true feelings for her. Little do they know that two Masters of Darkness are coming and Catherine is smack dab in the middle of them. Which one is the lesser of two evils?
The visualization in the writting is fabulous, but for me a little too much at times and I just wanted to get to the goodies of the story. I'll admit it, I can be a bit impatient. But once it does pick up it really gets a hold of you and sweeps you with it to the end. Leaving you waiting for the second book, Shadows.
The art and music that tie in with the book really do help set the mood. I'm more of a auditory person so the music was fabulous. Hearing it while reading, for me, totally helped set the scene. On the other hand the art was visually stunning as well. In whole a unique experience. Very different and highly enjoyable. All in all I would give a rating of 4 out of 5.
The story then skips forward ten years. Catherine is living in a trailer that really should be condemned. Her mother has put her through hell in the ten years she has lived with her. She's an alcoholic, and a tramp as well. The only reason she even has custody of Catherine is for the welfare. A horrible individual and horrendous mother to boot.
The only person that Catherine feels she can trust is Nathan. Since graduating high school the year before she has seen less and less of him. She has just two years left of school and she is hoping to get away with Nathan. He is as well waiting for her to finish school to let her know his true feelings for her. Little do they know that two Masters of Darkness are coming and Catherine is smack dab in the middle of them. Which one is the lesser of two evils?
The visualization in the writting is fabulous, but for me a little too much at times and I just wanted to get to the goodies of the story. I'll admit it, I can be a bit impatient. But once it does pick up it really gets a hold of you and sweeps you with it to the end. Leaving you waiting for the second book, Shadows.
The art and music that tie in with the book really do help set the mood. I'm more of a auditory person so the music was fabulous. Hearing it while reading, for me, totally helped set the scene. On the other hand the art was visually stunning as well. In whole a unique experience. Very different and highly enjoyable. All in all I would give a rating of 4 out of 5.
June 10, 2014
If allowed, I would have rated Darkness higher than five stars. It is books that now goes on my all-time-favorites list and so look forward to the next novel from this author.
I won’t go into the story, or any of the characters so as not to spoil the experience for any reader. I will say that Erin Eveland has created characters so real that when finished reading, you feel you know them as people that exist. You also become immersed in the dark fantasy world she has crafted as if it swirled around you.
Erin Eveland uses a refreshing, unique style of writing that allows your mind to accompany her on the journey through the story with all the sensations of being there in that world, with those characters, and experiencing their emotions.
I won’t go into the story, or any of the characters so as not to spoil the experience for any reader. I will say that Erin Eveland has created characters so real that when finished reading, you feel you know them as people that exist. You also become immersed in the dark fantasy world she has crafted as if it swirled around you.
Erin Eveland uses a refreshing, unique style of writing that allows your mind to accompany her on the journey through the story with all the sensations of being there in that world, with those characters, and experiencing their emotions.
May 31, 2014
"'The Shadows are here", Catherine said. They're coming for you, Nana.'" And so this dark fantasy begins on a seriously creepy note!! I received this book as an advanced reader copy and enjoyed it immensely! I was drawn into this book from the very start and just couldn't put it down!
I loved Jorgen, the reluctant hero, hated Artros, the super creepy bad guy, cheered when Sam gets what's coming to him, all the time anxiously chewing my fingernails to see what was next in store for Catherine.
Really enjoyable, and I just can't wait for the next one!
I loved Jorgen, the reluctant hero, hated Artros, the super creepy bad guy, cheered when Sam gets what's coming to him, all the time anxiously chewing my fingernails to see what was next in store for Catherine.
Really enjoyable, and I just can't wait for the next one!
June 27, 2014
Darkness, is an imaginative and creative story of the struggles between two worlds, the one we know and one that hides in the darkness- with a young girl, Catherine, caught in the middle. Catherine is gritty, sensitive, tough, yet vulnerable; a complex and compelling character that helps make a “fantasy” story seem so real. This is the first “interactive” novel I have read. I found the story too gripping to stop at each chapter to enjoy the music and illustrations; however, it was enjoyable to peruse these features when I was done the book and wanting a bit more…
June 1, 2014
When ever I read a new book, I set a certain expectation. My expectations for Darkness were already high but Erin Eveland managed to exceed all of them. This book has many unique things about it, but one thing I haven't ever seen in a novel is the interactiveness in each chapter. The only problem that I have with this book is that the sequel isn't out yet! I highly recommend Darkness to anyone who loves a well written book.
June 10, 2014
I just finished reading Darkness i thought it was awesome way to go Author Erin Eveland the book is very shall i say darkness. It has danger, little romance,spine chilling biting your nails wondering what gonna happen next , I would recommend the book Darkness to anyone . GREAT READ and thank you Author Erin Eveland for the signed advanced copy i feel honored you let me be one of the early readers.
August 9, 2016
Thankfully, there is no end to this “Darkness.” Eveland has crafted a bitter earthly landscape where unearthly beings reign supreme, but those who seem to be caught in the middle could prove most powerful. Shadow Creatures feed, chaos reigns, Masters collide—light does exist—but can Catherine overcome her past and master her future? I can’t wait to find out. The interactive codes connect you to the creative process like never before!
June 27, 2014
I have read the Advanced Reader Copy of Erin Eveland's Darkness. This was my first experience reading a book with Quick Response Codes. The QRC is clever and enhances the reading experience.
Darkness is a fast-paced, macabre coming of age story. My favorite character, Jorgen, struggles with the classic man versus self quandary in his quest to enlighten Catherine of her immense powers, and save her from the ruthless Artros.
I am anxious for the second book in the series.
Darkness is a fast-paced, macabre coming of age story. My favorite character, Jorgen, struggles with the classic man versus self quandary in his quest to enlighten Catherine of her immense powers, and save her from the ruthless Artros.
I am anxious for the second book in the series.
June 2, 2014
Erin Eveland has created an intriguing tale of mystery and suspense. Her characters have a real depth to them that soon draws you into caring for them. She has the ability, with her words, to make you 'see' the world she is writing about. This is a very compelling novel that leaves you wanting more!
June 27, 2014
I borrowed Darkness by Erin Eveland, from a friend who won the book from Goodreads.com. Darkness was a super read, full of supernatural powers, courage, betrayal, pain, love, and,well, darkness. You can't help but to continue turning the pages till the very end! Props to Erin Eveland on her first noval, which is worth all the five stars that I gave her
December 29, 2014
A really interesting book that I just could not put down. The storyline was gripping and the characters were what really made stick to the story until the end. I thought the author had done a great job creating interesting, realistic characters. Strongly recommend this book to anymore interested and I look forward to the next book from this author.
August 3, 2016
Darkness, by Erin Eveland, is the story of a teenage girl struggling with choices between darkness and light, anger and love - as she learns to deal with her own unique supernatural powers and gifts.
The first book in the Darkness series introduces us to Catherine, who was raised by a good, and faithful grandmother. Suddenly, Catherine, raised to be an angel, is reunited with her devil of a mother, Kathy, as well as well as Shadow Creatures and other dark beings who test nature vs. nurture and evil vs. good.
"Catherine was trying to decide if it was an Angel or the Devil who was trying to steal her Nana away," Eveland writes. "Catherine thought about the church Nana brought them to. It was an immaculate brick building with a steeple so tall Catherine thought it was a secret elevator the church used to shoot people straight up into Heaven."
Later, the struggle intensifies: “Some believe the night is without color. But I tell you, there are many colors in darkness."
Readers are later warned: "Nothing was all right while the world was covered in shadows."
Later, one of the dark beings explains: "Everybody is used for something, boy. That is the way of the world - the way of Darkness."
Catherine also encounters her first love as well as a host of dark supernatural creatures.
At one point, Catherine asks,“How can something scary be beautiful?”
Michigan author Erin Eveland, a mother of four who has written several short stories including many horror tales, easily moves into the dark fantasy genre in this, her first novel.
While suitable for young readers from the teenage years and up, Eveland's masterfully written fast-paced novel appeals to older readers as well: the struggle between the dark side and the light is an eternal one we cope with at every age.
"The union of Light and Darkness was a riddle which taunted him, boldfaced, between the two of everything, the two that held substance and isolation, together," Eveland writes. "Everything forgot and found, blade to grass, fingertip against touch, silence and sound."
Throughout life, we deal with choices between right and wrong, overcoming our own dark side. Eveland's Catherine grapples with these these choices on a much wider spectrum.
“Imagine a truth, in which a rainbow continually surrounds you and yet is hidden," Eveland writes. "When she is exposed, it is not the full measure of her colors you witness, only the fragmentations of the gown she has chosen to captivate you with, while she finds a means to escape your sight. Deception is her weapon, lest you part her lapels and expose her breast, where the splendors of pure white light exist – the power she refuses to let anyone wield..."
The first book in the Darkness series introduces us to Catherine, who was raised by a good, and faithful grandmother. Suddenly, Catherine, raised to be an angel, is reunited with her devil of a mother, Kathy, as well as well as Shadow Creatures and other dark beings who test nature vs. nurture and evil vs. good.
"Catherine was trying to decide if it was an Angel or the Devil who was trying to steal her Nana away," Eveland writes. "Catherine thought about the church Nana brought them to. It was an immaculate brick building with a steeple so tall Catherine thought it was a secret elevator the church used to shoot people straight up into Heaven."
Later, the struggle intensifies: “Some believe the night is without color. But I tell you, there are many colors in darkness."
Readers are later warned: "Nothing was all right while the world was covered in shadows."
Later, one of the dark beings explains: "Everybody is used for something, boy. That is the way of the world - the way of Darkness."
Catherine also encounters her first love as well as a host of dark supernatural creatures.
At one point, Catherine asks,“How can something scary be beautiful?”
Michigan author Erin Eveland, a mother of four who has written several short stories including many horror tales, easily moves into the dark fantasy genre in this, her first novel.
While suitable for young readers from the teenage years and up, Eveland's masterfully written fast-paced novel appeals to older readers as well: the struggle between the dark side and the light is an eternal one we cope with at every age.
"The union of Light and Darkness was a riddle which taunted him, boldfaced, between the two of everything, the two that held substance and isolation, together," Eveland writes. "Everything forgot and found, blade to grass, fingertip against touch, silence and sound."
Throughout life, we deal with choices between right and wrong, overcoming our own dark side. Eveland's Catherine grapples with these these choices on a much wider spectrum.
“Imagine a truth, in which a rainbow continually surrounds you and yet is hidden," Eveland writes. "When she is exposed, it is not the full measure of her colors you witness, only the fragmentations of the gown she has chosen to captivate you with, while she finds a means to escape your sight. Deception is her weapon, lest you part her lapels and expose her breast, where the splendors of pure white light exist – the power she refuses to let anyone wield..."
July 30, 2014
I received this ARC from Net Galley and Selladore Press in exchange for an honest review
Bell, Book & Candle | Darkness Review
First and foremost, I haven't tried out the QR code thing. Embarrassing enough, I don't know how to activate it, so at a later date I will get back to you all about it.
Anyways, the premise was very interesting. I've actually heard that people can see the "shadow people" in real life. So naturally, I had to read this book. Aside from the characters, Darkness didn't let me down; it was engaging. I shouldn't have read this at night though, because I started feeling like I had the heebie-jeebies. I can officially state that I am now afraid of the shadow creatures.
I would give this book a higher rating, but the characters really drove it down a bit. I just could not understand their logic. Catherine and Nathan are a match made in heaven because both are incredibly naive and foolish. Nathan meets the mysterious man in black, and he immediately tells this guy a bunch of information about EVERYTHING! One would think you would stay away from a guy who's dangerous, talks of weilding darkness and wants you to call him "master". Nope. Not Nathan. Then you have Catherine, after Jorgen put a protection necklace on her, wants him to take it off because the "master" said he'll hurt Nathan if she keeps it on. Obviously the "master" has something to gain from the removal of the necklace. And then when she's safe, she wants to run back to the "master" to save Nathan. What a genius she is. You have to save yourself first before saving another...duh!
Aside from the irrtating writing of the characters, the book is really good. It's a little trippy though- like I went on a bad trip thanks to shrooms or LSD. The end battle was amazingly written, by the way.
Bell, Book & Candle | Darkness Review
First and foremost, I haven't tried out the QR code thing. Embarrassing enough, I don't know how to activate it, so at a later date I will get back to you all about it.
Anyways, the premise was very interesting. I've actually heard that people can see the "shadow people" in real life. So naturally, I had to read this book. Aside from the characters, Darkness didn't let me down; it was engaging. I shouldn't have read this at night though, because I started feeling like I had the heebie-jeebies. I can officially state that I am now afraid of the shadow creatures.
I would give this book a higher rating, but the characters really drove it down a bit. I just could not understand their logic. Catherine and Nathan are a match made in heaven because both are incredibly naive and foolish. Nathan meets the mysterious man in black, and he immediately tells this guy a bunch of information about EVERYTHING! One would think you would stay away from a guy who's dangerous, talks of weilding darkness and wants you to call him "master". Nope. Not Nathan. Then you have Catherine, after Jorgen put a protection necklace on her, wants him to take it off because the "master" said he'll hurt Nathan if she keeps it on. Obviously the "master" has something to gain from the removal of the necklace. And then when she's safe, she wants to run back to the "master" to save Nathan. What a genius she is. You have to save yourself first before saving another...duh!
Aside from the irrtating writing of the characters, the book is really good. It's a little trippy though- like I went on a bad trip thanks to shrooms or LSD. The end battle was amazingly written, by the way.
July 7, 2014
Title: Darkness
Author: Erin Eveland
Rating: 5 STARS
OVERVIEW: One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
REVIEW: Darkness is a story that is quite disturbing. It is one of the most horrifically marvellous story I have ever read. Eveland started off this story at a neutral pace. But once I started reading it, I found it very hard to slow down my own pace. The storyline is very interesting and unique. This is a different story, written beautifully. All concepts in the book were explored thoroughly, which never left me confused. I read each page with understanding. The characters were well revised and created. I loved all of them, even the villain. Each personality is portrayed as a strong character. The theme of Darkness, I found for the first time ever, to be explored and written about perfectly. The use of terms and the writing shows how the author knew what she was doing. Everything about this novel was EPIC. The plot, the characters, the writing, the title, all the way to the cover, everything was perfect. I found myself skimming through the novel, once I finished, in order to pick out problems, but I just couldn't. Eveland made me live through Catherine's story. Every page, every sentence, every word was real. This is a fantastic read! I loved it!
Author: Erin Eveland
Rating: 5 STARS
OVERVIEW: One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.
Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.
An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.
REVIEW: Darkness is a story that is quite disturbing. It is one of the most horrifically marvellous story I have ever read. Eveland started off this story at a neutral pace. But once I started reading it, I found it very hard to slow down my own pace. The storyline is very interesting and unique. This is a different story, written beautifully. All concepts in the book were explored thoroughly, which never left me confused. I read each page with understanding. The characters were well revised and created. I loved all of them, even the villain. Each personality is portrayed as a strong character. The theme of Darkness, I found for the first time ever, to be explored and written about perfectly. The use of terms and the writing shows how the author knew what she was doing. Everything about this novel was EPIC. The plot, the characters, the writing, the title, all the way to the cover, everything was perfect. I found myself skimming through the novel, once I finished, in order to pick out problems, but I just couldn't. Eveland made me live through Catherine's story. Every page, every sentence, every word was real. This is a fantastic read! I loved it!
January 13, 2015
I received this from Netgalley for a honest review!
My first(and hopefully last) one star review of the year:( I hate one star reviews! I hate giving them even more!! I held back from DNFing this book. I tried so so so hard to not DNF this book! I tried to push through it's boring characters and long meaningless decriptions, but I just couldn't get over the writing style! I hated it! This book started strong with a great prologue but after that it just fell really flat for me! The first 100 pages just felt like one long decription about Catherine's horrible miserable life and I just couldn't push through any more:( Sorry
My first(and hopefully last) one star review of the year:( I hate one star reviews! I hate giving them even more!! I held back from DNFing this book. I tried so so so hard to not DNF this book! I tried to push through it's boring characters and long meaningless decriptions, but I just couldn't get over the writing style! I hated it! This book started strong with a great prologue but after that it just fell really flat for me! The first 100 pages just felt like one long decription about Catherine's horrible miserable life and I just couldn't push through any more:( Sorry
June 27, 2014
Darkness is an awesome read! I was fortunate to receive an ARC in May and found the story riveting and difficult to get off my mind (I love when a book does that to me). The author paints powerful imagery and shadows with her beautiful writing style! I'm looking forward to more books from Erin Eveland in the near future!
June 29, 2014
I found Darkness by Erin Eveland to be a thought provoking read. What if there ARE shadows lurking? The further I read the harder it was to put the book down. Erin has created a world that is different for any other fantasy book I have read. I can't wait for the second book in the series to come out!
April 19, 2015
I can't believe I love this book for its sensuality, not explicit, just sensual to the imagination in all of its paranormal glory.
Reviewed on: Zirev
I honestly don't know what to think of the romance in this book anymore. I'd like to imagine there's a love square here. Haha. Yes, not a love triangle but a love square (if such a term could exist) because there are 3 men involved. And to be honest, I don't know which one to root for. I hope that the author could keep this kind of a plot up until the last book of the series because it's one hell of an exciting emotional ride.
Darkness is a story typical of a good vs. evil plot with the exception that it's more focused on the usage of Darkness. For now, let's settle for Darkness being simply as initially Light, a life force that turns into Darkness when that energy is harnessed. The book touches on the usual paranormal world with characters having the ability to enter the astral plane with astral projection, interpret people's lives and future with aural colors, and manifest things with using the Force, I mean Darkness, among others.
For you to understand why I'm torn among 3 males of the book, let me describe them here. But first, let us establish that all Men in Black (people who use the power of Darkness) are elegantly youthful and beautiful.
The prologue was dedicated solely to Artros as it's written in the first-person perspective, his in particular. You can feel his thirst, his desire to possess the Light like that of a Vampire (if you're a fan). The way he wanted to covet a 6-year-old Catherine to be wholly his is akin to that of a pedophile wanting badly to feed on his lust. Call me evil but I'm drawn to the darkness of such a desire that I was disappointed later to find out that he only wants to harness the power that Catherine was uniquely born with. He put Catherine under his domain (like devoiding her of dreams in her sleep) until she was able to break through from his control 10 years later (when he allowed her a single dream where he gets intimate).
As you can see, Catherine (now 16 years of age) is born with both the power of Light and Darkness, that Darkness users want to covet so badly. I'll leave the rest in the book.
Nathan may still be a boy but he has so much potential to be something more. He protected Catherine when she was attacked by 3 kids in an alley on her way to school when she was still 13 that they almost have become inseparable from each other since then if it were not for Artros' intervention. Catherine and Nathan have feelings for each other but they've never acted on it. And oh, Nathan is also very handsome.
Jorgen is a very old man (most slaves to the Darkness are, as they've roamed the earth for centuries) but with the power of Darkness in his control, he keeps a visage of his former self, that of a handsome man in his early thirties. There's something in a small town that draws him in and he wants to find out what, only to find a developing young beauty. He contemplated on possessing the power of this innocent girl who has no idea what she has but ended up protecting her instead when he realized that he was slowly falling for her.
Gosh, who won't feel giddy with all that? And I don't care if Catherine is still a minor and innocent, all the more making the story so prohibitly exciting. Okay, that was just me.
I like how the author kept the beauty of Catherine, until for later... until somebody else describes her, instead of an omniscient narrator describing her for the swelling effect that I hate. I love that I see her charm through the eyes of another.
Catherine is a name that exudes delicacy, innocence and beauty that one could almost never touch, as founded by Emily Bronte is her classic novel, Wuthering Heights. Erin Eveland used the name aptly as her character deserves it, with all the special treatment you could ever give to someone.
Just like Catherine, the book drew me into it, almost taking me whole with both my Light and Darkness. It's an enthralling story paranormal romance junkies would surely love.
Reviewed on: Zirev
I honestly don't know what to think of the romance in this book anymore. I'd like to imagine there's a love square here. Haha. Yes, not a love triangle but a love square (if such a term could exist) because there are 3 men involved. And to be honest, I don't know which one to root for. I hope that the author could keep this kind of a plot up until the last book of the series because it's one hell of an exciting emotional ride.
Darkness is a story typical of a good vs. evil plot with the exception that it's more focused on the usage of Darkness. For now, let's settle for Darkness being simply as initially Light, a life force that turns into Darkness when that energy is harnessed. The book touches on the usual paranormal world with characters having the ability to enter the astral plane with astral projection, interpret people's lives and future with aural colors, and manifest things with using the Force, I mean Darkness, among others.
For you to understand why I'm torn among 3 males of the book, let me describe them here. But first, let us establish that all Men in Black (people who use the power of Darkness) are elegantly youthful and beautiful.
Artros — a power-lusty Master of Darkness. He claims himself to be the Father of Darkness, propelled only by the greed of coveting the Light.
Jorgen — a slave of Darkness. After a spurned love incident from centuries past, at a time when he lost himself to the power of Darkness, he dedicated his immortal life (a life harnessed using the power of Darkness) into a quest of finding the connection which would join the whole, the union of Light and Dark.
Nathan — a 19-year-old boy, fresh out of highschool spending his time working hard as a dishwasher in his little town's tavern, hoping to earn enough money to care for his illing father and to escape town with his beloved Catherine.
The prologue was dedicated solely to Artros as it's written in the first-person perspective, his in particular. You can feel his thirst, his desire to possess the Light like that of a Vampire (if you're a fan). The way he wanted to covet a 6-year-old Catherine to be wholly his is akin to that of a pedophile wanting badly to feed on his lust. Call me evil but I'm drawn to the darkness of such a desire that I was disappointed later to find out that he only wants to harness the power that Catherine was uniquely born with. He put Catherine under his domain (like devoiding her of dreams in her sleep) until she was able to break through from his control 10 years later (when he allowed her a single dream where he gets intimate).
As you can see, Catherine (now 16 years of age) is born with both the power of Light and Darkness, that Darkness users want to covet so badly. I'll leave the rest in the book.
Nathan may still be a boy but he has so much potential to be something more. He protected Catherine when she was attacked by 3 kids in an alley on her way to school when she was still 13 that they almost have become inseparable from each other since then if it were not for Artros' intervention. Catherine and Nathan have feelings for each other but they've never acted on it. And oh, Nathan is also very handsome.
Jorgen is a very old man (most slaves to the Darkness are, as they've roamed the earth for centuries) but with the power of Darkness in his control, he keeps a visage of his former self, that of a handsome man in his early thirties. There's something in a small town that draws him in and he wants to find out what, only to find a developing young beauty. He contemplated on possessing the power of this innocent girl who has no idea what she has but ended up protecting her instead when he realized that he was slowly falling for her.
Gosh, who won't feel giddy with all that? And I don't care if Catherine is still a minor and innocent, all the more making the story so prohibitly exciting. Okay, that was just me.
I like how the author kept the beauty of Catherine, until for later... until somebody else describes her, instead of an omniscient narrator describing her for the swelling effect that I hate. I love that I see her charm through the eyes of another.
Catherine is a name that exudes delicacy, innocence and beauty that one could almost never touch, as founded by Emily Bronte is her classic novel, Wuthering Heights. Erin Eveland used the name aptly as her character deserves it, with all the special treatment you could ever give to someone.
Just like Catherine, the book drew me into it, almost taking me whole with both my Light and Darkness. It's an enthralling story paranormal romance junkies would surely love.
August 24, 2014
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and honestly, the feminist in me crying out in pain. I abandoned reading at 67% when Catherine's first moment to shine is obliterated by Artros's limitless manipulation.
Catherine is an object Artros covets, a vessel for his desires. He uses his powers to isolate her, make her so empty and devoid of affection that she'll have no choice but to fall in love with him and give him anything. This is a very tricky set-up because Catherine has no leverage as a character. She's been thoroughly broken between losing her grandmother and being forced to stay with her abusive alcoholic mother. Her only comfort is her fantasies, which, guess what, are influenced by Artros.
Nathan imprints on Catherine. I can't say it any other way. In the dark abyss of endless loneliness and abuse, he arrives as her knight in shining armor, saving her from bullies. He becomes the only good thing in her life, so much so that's she's willing to endure until after high school so they could run away together. All attempts to break free from her hellhole are concluded with her staying for Nathan, and he is a faulty life raft. Artros chooses him as an apprentice to the Darkness, making it difficult for Catherine to have even that silver lining. It's a bit spit in Catherine's face. All this build-up about her being so powerful and so full of raw Darkness, and Artros keeps the girl as an object while imparting wisdom on the boy.
Even THIS wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for how much victim blaming Artros does when Jorgen arrives...
Wait, let me back up. YES, Catherine has become so passive that another dark lord, mainly Artros's previous apprentice, sets out to rescue her at the cost of his own life (or so he says). When she refuses his plea to run away before Artros does a choke-hold, he forces a protective necklace on her, which contains a piece of his spirit. Nonconsent upon nonconsent.
And back to the victim blaming. Catherine has no clue what's going on when Artros arrives in her dreams. He wants her to take the necklace off. She can't (it has some magic seal). So the guy who has not allowed Catherine to know anything about the Darkness expects her to use her powers to remove the necklace she didn't want in the first place. He blames her for her incompetency and then threatens to punish her. Meanwhile she's a desperate pile of Stockholm, crying out to him to help her, that she'll do ANYTHING for him to never let her go. So Artros tells her that he'll be "merciful," that all she has to do is run away from her home, get Jorgen to find her, and convince him to take it off. Or else.
I want to put the book down. We're at 65% and Artros is still having his way with her, playing it up like he's her betrayed lover when she's completely clueless. However, somewhere in there, Catherine locks up and refuses the rest of his advance. I internally fist-bump.
She wakes up in a mental fog, with her mother on a rampage. She thinks about running away again, but decides against it... because Nathan. THEN the misogynistic pig of a landlord (who totally wants to rape Catherine) suddenly bursts through the door like he has a worst-timing radar, setting the stage for Holy-Fucking-Hell-Run-The-FUCK-Away. That's when I put the book down.
I'm very certain Artros is forcing Catherine out of the house with his dark powers of controlling people. She's become such a pawn in his game that it's disgusting. If Catherine was just a LITTLE more proactive, a LITTLE less resigned to follow Nathan to hell and back, I'd have higher hopes, but all she does is make choices that keep her glued to the men, who make all the real, action-based decisions in her stead, often forcing her hand.
I had high hopes for this book. I knew it would be dark (derp) and I knew it would cover some touchy subject manner (Artros's evil, abusive soliloquy in the prologue gave that away), but it all hinged on Catherine's character development (of which there is too little too late). The book gives all the male characters purpose and direction while reducing Catherine to a casualty, someone highly prized and meant to be obtained or saved. All she does is endure while the guys run around doing stuff, and that's just really sad.
Catherine is an object Artros covets, a vessel for his desires. He uses his powers to isolate her, make her so empty and devoid of affection that she'll have no choice but to fall in love with him and give him anything. This is a very tricky set-up because Catherine has no leverage as a character. She's been thoroughly broken between losing her grandmother and being forced to stay with her abusive alcoholic mother. Her only comfort is her fantasies, which, guess what, are influenced by Artros.
Nathan imprints on Catherine. I can't say it any other way. In the dark abyss of endless loneliness and abuse, he arrives as her knight in shining armor, saving her from bullies. He becomes the only good thing in her life, so much so that's she's willing to endure until after high school so they could run away together. All attempts to break free from her hellhole are concluded with her staying for Nathan, and he is a faulty life raft. Artros chooses him as an apprentice to the Darkness, making it difficult for Catherine to have even that silver lining. It's a bit spit in Catherine's face. All this build-up about her being so powerful and so full of raw Darkness, and Artros keeps the girl as an object while imparting wisdom on the boy.
Even THIS wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for how much victim blaming Artros does when Jorgen arrives...
Wait, let me back up. YES, Catherine has become so passive that another dark lord, mainly Artros's previous apprentice, sets out to rescue her at the cost of his own life (or so he says). When she refuses his plea to run away before Artros does a choke-hold, he forces a protective necklace on her, which contains a piece of his spirit. Nonconsent upon nonconsent.
And back to the victim blaming. Catherine has no clue what's going on when Artros arrives in her dreams. He wants her to take the necklace off. She can't (it has some magic seal). So the guy who has not allowed Catherine to know anything about the Darkness expects her to use her powers to remove the necklace she didn't want in the first place. He blames her for her incompetency and then threatens to punish her. Meanwhile she's a desperate pile of Stockholm, crying out to him to help her, that she'll do ANYTHING for him to never let her go. So Artros tells her that he'll be "merciful," that all she has to do is run away from her home, get Jorgen to find her, and convince him to take it off. Or else.
I want to put the book down. We're at 65% and Artros is still having his way with her, playing it up like he's her betrayed lover when she's completely clueless. However, somewhere in there, Catherine locks up and refuses the rest of his advance. I internally fist-bump.
She wakes up in a mental fog, with her mother on a rampage. She thinks about running away again, but decides against it... because Nathan. THEN the misogynistic pig of a landlord (who totally wants to rape Catherine) suddenly bursts through the door like he has a worst-timing radar, setting the stage for Holy-Fucking-Hell-Run-The-FUCK-Away. That's when I put the book down.
I'm very certain Artros is forcing Catherine out of the house with his dark powers of controlling people. She's become such a pawn in his game that it's disgusting. If Catherine was just a LITTLE more proactive, a LITTLE less resigned to follow Nathan to hell and back, I'd have higher hopes, but all she does is make choices that keep her glued to the men, who make all the real, action-based decisions in her stead, often forcing her hand.
I had high hopes for this book. I knew it would be dark (derp) and I knew it would cover some touchy subject manner (Artros's evil, abusive soliloquy in the prologue gave that away), but it all hinged on Catherine's character development (of which there is too little too late). The book gives all the male characters purpose and direction while reducing Catherine to a casualty, someone highly prized and meant to be obtained or saved. All she does is endure while the guys run around doing stuff, and that's just really sad.
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October 6, 2014
The writing is solid and Eveland does a fantastic job at creating a spooky atmosphere, inspiring a sense of dread even on a sunny day. The story itself is interesting and extremely captivating, even if some of the characters fall flat. You can tell that Eveland really knows what she’s writing about and has a firm grasp on the mythology she’s weaving; I was never left wondering how a specific form of ‘magic’ worked or why something was happening. Everything was well explained, but not overly done, and it left me wanting to know more about this world of shadows and colours.
The first part of the book introduces Catherine, a lovable little girl living in complete isolation with her grandmother. Raised in almost complete seclusion from others, Catherine’s world is shattered when the only person she’s known her entire life is put in a hospital after a frightening series of escalating events. You see, young Catherine would have sudden ‘fits’ in which she would seem almost possessed. She would suddenly attack her grandmother or talk about a mysterious nightly visitor. There were constant episodes of dancing trances. She was convinced that there were shadow creatures slowly picking away at her grandmother as the greater her fear became. Finally, it became too much for both Catherine and her grandmother and suddenly the visions and the episodes went away, as did grandmother when Catherine was forcibly placed with her abusive, both emotionally and physically, birth mother. The larger portion of the book deals with the aftermath of this placement. The effect of both the negligent treatment she received for the better part of a decade, and the repressed memories and abilities that were locked away.
While I did not find Catherine or Nathan’s characters to be extremely exciting, even though they should be considering everything that surrounds them, I believe that’s only because the other, cursory characters are so much more intriguing. We know what makes Catherine and Nathan tick. We know their childhoods (for the most part) and what their desires are. Artros, Jorgen, and Esa are complete mysteries. We know they have some sort of power. We know they have lived a very long time. We know there was, at once time, a love triangle between the three. They are where the excitement lay for me. I’m sure, though, once Catherine and Nathan begin to understand their new gifts and the world they’ve now been placed in, they’ll shine through.
// I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and uninfluenced review //
The first part of the book introduces Catherine, a lovable little girl living in complete isolation with her grandmother. Raised in almost complete seclusion from others, Catherine’s world is shattered when the only person she’s known her entire life is put in a hospital after a frightening series of escalating events. You see, young Catherine would have sudden ‘fits’ in which she would seem almost possessed. She would suddenly attack her grandmother or talk about a mysterious nightly visitor. There were constant episodes of dancing trances. She was convinced that there were shadow creatures slowly picking away at her grandmother as the greater her fear became. Finally, it became too much for both Catherine and her grandmother and suddenly the visions and the episodes went away, as did grandmother when Catherine was forcibly placed with her abusive, both emotionally and physically, birth mother. The larger portion of the book deals with the aftermath of this placement. The effect of both the negligent treatment she received for the better part of a decade, and the repressed memories and abilities that were locked away.
While I did not find Catherine or Nathan’s characters to be extremely exciting, even though they should be considering everything that surrounds them, I believe that’s only because the other, cursory characters are so much more intriguing. We know what makes Catherine and Nathan tick. We know their childhoods (for the most part) and what their desires are. Artros, Jorgen, and Esa are complete mysteries. We know they have some sort of power. We know they have lived a very long time. We know there was, at once time, a love triangle between the three. They are where the excitement lay for me. I’m sure, though, once Catherine and Nathan begin to understand their new gifts and the world they’ve now been placed in, they’ll shine through.
// I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and uninfluenced review //
August 17, 2014
I'll admit it, I don't think I knew what I was getting myself into. Actually I'm pretty sure that none of you will go into this thinking you know what's up and what's down. And if you do, then you're in for a loopy, twisty surprise.
I won't say that this story is bad, because it isn't. I just couldn't get into the writing style of Mrs. Eveland. I felt disconnected from the story, as if I were looking at everything through a glass bottle. It's a meandering sort of writing. It goes on many, many tandems, then loops back to the story just when I had forgotten what was actually happening. I honestly just couldn't find a rhythm to this book.
I will say that I enjoyed all the, shall we say, macabre scenes. If you can enjoy horribly terrifying moments of creepy-ass things. Also, creepy children are the absolute worst! The worst, I tell you. I had a terrifying moment with my little brother when he was like 5, maybe 6. I will tell you guys all about it, even though I may get PTSD from sharing this particular story.
So it's late, I'm watching tv in the living room and everyone else is in bed, asleep. Supposedly. My little brother then walks out of the hallway, very slow and creeping along the edges of our living room walls and he comes into the light cast from the tv. Then he just stands there, looking out at something. So I ask, "Hey little man, what are you doing up?" And I shit you not, the most demonic voice I've ever heard in my life told me to shut the fuck up. And then he just turned around and went back to bed! I am scarred for life!
DAЯRKNESS had a lot of scenes that sent tingles down my spine. I feel that if the writing was a little more fixed, instead of wandering off, then I would've enjoyed it much more.
Oh, and one more thing. This is one of the first "interactive" novels that I've come across. And I'm wondering if this is something that we'll start seeing in more books. Basically every chapter had one of those weird scrambled bar codes that your phone scans and it would show you a painting or a song that you could read along with the chapter. Now me being me, I didn't even pay attention to it till the 8 or 9th chapter. And even then, I didn't scan it at every chapter, so I'm not sure what to make of it. I think it's cool, but I don't see it trending. For now anyway.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I won't say that this story is bad, because it isn't. I just couldn't get into the writing style of Mrs. Eveland. I felt disconnected from the story, as if I were looking at everything through a glass bottle. It's a meandering sort of writing. It goes on many, many tandems, then loops back to the story just when I had forgotten what was actually happening. I honestly just couldn't find a rhythm to this book.
I will say that I enjoyed all the, shall we say, macabre scenes. If you can enjoy horribly terrifying moments of creepy-ass things. Also, creepy children are the absolute worst! The worst, I tell you. I had a terrifying moment with my little brother when he was like 5, maybe 6. I will tell you guys all about it, even though I may get PTSD from sharing this particular story.
So it's late, I'm watching tv in the living room and everyone else is in bed, asleep. Supposedly. My little brother then walks out of the hallway, very slow and creeping along the edges of our living room walls and he comes into the light cast from the tv. Then he just stands there, looking out at something. So I ask, "Hey little man, what are you doing up?" And I shit you not, the most demonic voice I've ever heard in my life told me to shut the fuck up. And then he just turned around and went back to bed! I am scarred for life!
DAЯRKNESS had a lot of scenes that sent tingles down my spine. I feel that if the writing was a little more fixed, instead of wandering off, then I would've enjoyed it much more.
Oh, and one more thing. This is one of the first "interactive" novels that I've come across. And I'm wondering if this is something that we'll start seeing in more books. Basically every chapter had one of those weird scrambled bar codes that your phone scans and it would show you a painting or a song that you could read along with the chapter. Now me being me, I didn't even pay attention to it till the 8 or 9th chapter. And even then, I didn't scan it at every chapter, so I'm not sure what to make of it. I think it's cool, but I don't see it trending. For now anyway.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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