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Mercy Carver #1
Dark Shadows
A fast-paced, action-packed historical romance set during the last days of the Old South
When unimaginable calamities strike, Mercy Carver, a poor London woman, wonders what she has done to deserve such immeasurable suffering. It is only when she faces imminent death in the snow and ice-encrusted Virginia wilderness that she finally understands the power of destiny.
Mercy is passionate. She loves and hates in equal measure. Can love and hatred give her the strength she needs now to reach a Northern state, and free a runaway slave wanted for murders, she committed?
America and her people are strangled in an uncompromising political stalemate. Southern states have seceded from the Union, and a civil war is imminent.
Mercy Carver: her journey is just beginning.
When unimaginable calamities strike, Mercy Carver, a poor London woman, wonders what she has done to deserve such immeasurable suffering. It is only when she faces imminent death in the snow and ice-encrusted Virginia wilderness that she finally understands the power of destiny.
Mercy is passionate. She loves and hates in equal measure. Can love and hatred give her the strength she needs now to reach a Northern state, and free a runaway slave wanted for murders, she committed?
America and her people are strangled in an uncompromising political stalemate. Southern states have seceded from the Union, and a civil war is imminent.
Mercy Carver: her journey is just beginning.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
131 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Jana Petken
25 books709 followers Jana Petken is a multi award winning historical fiction author.
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction.
Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.
Nice to meet you all x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 8, 2015
WOW!! This truly MUST be turned into a TV series!
What an absolutely superb book. I say this should be a TV series, not because there are so many cliffhanging moments, but because there are so many “Oh Nooooooo! That’s not what you should be doing” moments.
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
What an absolutely superb book. I say this should be a TV series, not because there are so many cliffhanging moments, but because there are so many “Oh Nooooooo! That’s not what you should be doing” moments.
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
August 21, 2014
“Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows” by Jana Petken, is the second book I have read by this author and I found it an even more engaging and compelling historical novel than the first book, “The Guardian of Secrets: And Her Deathly Pact.”
I used to live in the Elephant & Castle area in South London and am familiar with its architecture and know a little about its history, which of course helped me to make an instant connection when the story begins right there.
In the dramatic prologue set in the 1840s Mercy Carver survives her difficult birth, circumstances that are hoped to set the tone of mercy for her life.
However, 18 years on in the 1860s we witness her life as somewhat different. An arranged marriage, an abduction and her later life in America, full of struggle and misfortunes.
Mercy is a great character whose life serves well to teach us about the times in general and the times as they were for women, inner power and determination and history. The America of the times with slave trade at its full bloom, love and destiny are further themes that the author skilfully weaved into her well written and accomplished novel.
This is a powerful and captivating read that serves well as historical novel and romance, giving plenty of room to emotional development of her characters, the coming of age of our heroine and enough conflict to keep the interest going.
Recommended to fans of historical romance and other historical fiction.
I used to live in the Elephant & Castle area in South London and am familiar with its architecture and know a little about its history, which of course helped me to make an instant connection when the story begins right there.
In the dramatic prologue set in the 1840s Mercy Carver survives her difficult birth, circumstances that are hoped to set the tone of mercy for her life.
However, 18 years on in the 1860s we witness her life as somewhat different. An arranged marriage, an abduction and her later life in America, full of struggle and misfortunes.
Mercy is a great character whose life serves well to teach us about the times in general and the times as they were for women, inner power and determination and history. The America of the times with slave trade at its full bloom, love and destiny are further themes that the author skilfully weaved into her well written and accomplished novel.
This is a powerful and captivating read that serves well as historical novel and romance, giving plenty of room to emotional development of her characters, the coming of age of our heroine and enough conflict to keep the interest going.
Recommended to fans of historical romance and other historical fiction.
March 9, 2015
Jana Petken is one of those authors who just has a way of beautifully telling a story while wrapping the reader up in the characters and locations. This is my second book I've read by her, and you can be sure it will not be my last. I hung on every word of Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows, much as I did with her debut novel. She has made me a believer in historical romance. Her research is impeccable and whisked me back in time in the book to places I couldn't even dream of. I was caught up in the story itself, and my heart went out to Mercy as she went through troubling times and good times. The twists and turns were phenomenal, but more than that, the supporting cast really held its own. That's one mark of an excellent writer - one who can write supporting characters that are just as real and full of depth as the main character. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows! I'm on to the second book in the series!
February 24, 2015
Anybody who follows any of my reviews might be aware that historical fiction is not exactly my normal genre of choice, though I do like to make a habit of reading a wide array of things aside from just my favourite genres.
With that said, I decided to check out ‘Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series Book 1)’ by Jana Petken, on the strength of her earlier novel ‘The Guardian of Secrets’ and discovered, that much like that book, this one is a grand achievement in historical fiction.
Spanning well over five hundred pages Dark Shadows is a big book with a hell of a lot of story contained within those pages.
It starts off in dramatic fashion, with a prologue section dealing with the birth of the tales eventual protagonist, Mercy Carver herself, and it is pretty obvious to see from the word go and this harrowing childbirth, that Mercy’s existence is not going to be a straightforward blissful one of tranquillity and simplicity. Death and suicide are on the agenda immediately, and the eventual name bestowed upon baby Mercy doesn’t even come from her parents.
From this point we move on to 1860 in London, where doomed to be married off to the affluent local grocer Mister Black, more commonly referred to as Big Joe; a slovenly balding fellow, more than double her age, Mercy Carver is about to embark on a story which runs the gamut from fascinating to disturbing, thought provoking to deeply poignant.
The author writes with a smooth, easy reading flow and uses engaging narration to relay the tale of Mercy’s abundant tribulations, and these are indeed many, starting from what is meant to be her wedding day.
From London, England to Virginia, North America the tale unfolds with measures of sheer darkness lacing it, scenes of sex and violence and some truly memorable (as well as some truly depraved) characters make their presences felt. The likes of Jacob Stone, Mrs Mallory aka Madame du Pont, Big Joe himself and an entire supporting cast all add weight to the tale, drifting into the central characters orbit and dramatically altering her existence.
The imagery is strong, the storytelling is splendid, and over the course of the lengthy tale, a wide range of emotions are going to be unleashed in the reader and it’s fair to say, one does not have to be an avid fanatic of historical fiction to become thoroughly immersed in Dark Shadows.
As this is book one in a series, stay tuned for a follow up. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
With that said, I decided to check out ‘Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series Book 1)’ by Jana Petken, on the strength of her earlier novel ‘The Guardian of Secrets’ and discovered, that much like that book, this one is a grand achievement in historical fiction.
Spanning well over five hundred pages Dark Shadows is a big book with a hell of a lot of story contained within those pages.
It starts off in dramatic fashion, with a prologue section dealing with the birth of the tales eventual protagonist, Mercy Carver herself, and it is pretty obvious to see from the word go and this harrowing childbirth, that Mercy’s existence is not going to be a straightforward blissful one of tranquillity and simplicity. Death and suicide are on the agenda immediately, and the eventual name bestowed upon baby Mercy doesn’t even come from her parents.
From this point we move on to 1860 in London, where doomed to be married off to the affluent local grocer Mister Black, more commonly referred to as Big Joe; a slovenly balding fellow, more than double her age, Mercy Carver is about to embark on a story which runs the gamut from fascinating to disturbing, thought provoking to deeply poignant.
The author writes with a smooth, easy reading flow and uses engaging narration to relay the tale of Mercy’s abundant tribulations, and these are indeed many, starting from what is meant to be her wedding day.
From London, England to Virginia, North America the tale unfolds with measures of sheer darkness lacing it, scenes of sex and violence and some truly memorable (as well as some truly depraved) characters make their presences felt. The likes of Jacob Stone, Mrs Mallory aka Madame du Pont, Big Joe himself and an entire supporting cast all add weight to the tale, drifting into the central characters orbit and dramatically altering her existence.
The imagery is strong, the storytelling is splendid, and over the course of the lengthy tale, a wide range of emotions are going to be unleashed in the reader and it’s fair to say, one does not have to be an avid fanatic of historical fiction to become thoroughly immersed in Dark Shadows.
As this is book one in a series, stay tuned for a follow up. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
September 1, 2014
Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows is a powerful story and a compelling page-turner. Right from the beginning the heroine is set to have a hard life. Losing her parents at her birth, she is given the name Mercy, but her grandparents and accorded anything but that quality. To them, she is nothing more than a commodity to by them a better life by selling her to a much older shopkeeper as his very young bride. Mercy is not given the chance of another life and is well guarded, except on that last day when a spirit of desperate independence causes her to have one innocent outing. Only things go wrong and she ends up with a different life and horrific circumstances.
I love the details and realism in this story. It is very clear a lot of research has gone into the book. Some of the things I didn't know included the stink of London's poorer quarters during this time. It is details like this that elevate this book head and shoulders above the usual historical fiction books.
Mercy is a very compelling character as she has learned to be strong and resilient to hardship. There is in her a capacity to feel things very deeply, as was the case with her parents. She is protective of others weaker than herself and will fight for what is right in any way she can. What happens to her is disturbing, while being grounded in the realism of the time portrayed. Life was not easy for a woman on her own in an age where men invariably had the upper hand. One did rise to the top by appalling means and it is her who threatens Mercy the most. Who will win, for it will be a battle for Mercy's life? You will have to read this gripping book to find out. I am delighted to hear there is a sequel coming out as I want to continue with this story.
I love the details and realism in this story. It is very clear a lot of research has gone into the book. Some of the things I didn't know included the stink of London's poorer quarters during this time. It is details like this that elevate this book head and shoulders above the usual historical fiction books.
Mercy is a very compelling character as she has learned to be strong and resilient to hardship. There is in her a capacity to feel things very deeply, as was the case with her parents. She is protective of others weaker than herself and will fight for what is right in any way she can. What happens to her is disturbing, while being grounded in the realism of the time portrayed. Life was not easy for a woman on her own in an age where men invariably had the upper hand. One did rise to the top by appalling means and it is her who threatens Mercy the most. Who will win, for it will be a battle for Mercy's life? You will have to read this gripping book to find out. I am delighted to hear there is a sequel coming out as I want to continue with this story.
August 30, 2014
I devoured this wonderful book in three sittings. Quite simply, it is an accomplished literary masterpiece written by a wordsmith of note, who is surely going places.
Kudos to Jana Petken for this stellar composition.
The pace never lets up and the characters portrayed are totally addictive.
Petken’s style is eloquent and her descriptions are superb; I was completely transported. At times I was near tears for Mercy and the other innocent girls, kidnapped by sadistic criminals, sexually and emotionally abused (some were brutally murdered by the mistress in front of their new friends to set an example) and thrust into a life of enforced prostitution. And if I thought Mercy’s future ever looked rosy, I was wrong.
There’s a tangible richness and sumptuous descriptions right through so that I could feel the strength and courage rise in our heroine.
There’s a deeply haunting and profound history scaling two different continents: the underbelly of squalid London, UK, and the slavery-entrenched deep south of USA. From horse-drawn carriages to ships and ocean crossings, from Colts to rifles, from trudging along on foot to riding atop a horse - all immediately imaginable.
The roles and plots are intricately researched so the reader experiences no disconnect in this work. It takes a skilful author to transport the reader from cover to cover without losing them at some point along the way.
Mercy Carver takes me back to the ‘Angelique’ series. ‘Mercy Carver’ is exactly the type of historic novel I lose myself completely in and as I turned the last page, I realised I was holding my breath.
Again, kudos, Jana Petken. Another glowing work under your belt.
Kudos to Jana Petken for this stellar composition.
The pace never lets up and the characters portrayed are totally addictive.
Petken’s style is eloquent and her descriptions are superb; I was completely transported. At times I was near tears for Mercy and the other innocent girls, kidnapped by sadistic criminals, sexually and emotionally abused (some were brutally murdered by the mistress in front of their new friends to set an example) and thrust into a life of enforced prostitution. And if I thought Mercy’s future ever looked rosy, I was wrong.
There’s a tangible richness and sumptuous descriptions right through so that I could feel the strength and courage rise in our heroine.
There’s a deeply haunting and profound history scaling two different continents: the underbelly of squalid London, UK, and the slavery-entrenched deep south of USA. From horse-drawn carriages to ships and ocean crossings, from Colts to rifles, from trudging along on foot to riding atop a horse - all immediately imaginable.
The roles and plots are intricately researched so the reader experiences no disconnect in this work. It takes a skilful author to transport the reader from cover to cover without losing them at some point along the way.
Mercy Carver takes me back to the ‘Angelique’ series. ‘Mercy Carver’ is exactly the type of historic novel I lose myself completely in and as I turned the last page, I realised I was holding my breath.
Again, kudos, Jana Petken. Another glowing work under your belt.
January 4, 2015
Born on a night that took both her parents, Mercy Carver is raised and sheltered by her grandparents. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday she finds out she's been promised to the local butcher for four years. Mercy's stomach turns. She tries to think of a way out, but coming up with nothing, plans a single day of freedom over the bridge in London - a town she's never seen. If she'd only known what that day would bring.
This story starts off like a gothic, but quickly turns to an historical romance reminiscent of the old 600 page 'bodice rippers' full of kidnappings, damsels in distress, thwarted lovers, and a trip to a new country. It's not 600 pages, thank goodness, and while the author doesn't spare the details of our heroines trials, the story doesn't get as dark as some others I've read in the past. It isn't full of happy coincidences either, staying true to a reality I may not have always liked as I read, but understood.
Set in the American pre-civil war era, there is a great deal of attention to history delivered in a very conversational manner. Again, the author stayed true to the period. When you're introduced to a slave owner, he talks and thinks like a slave owner. It's a tad bit bracing, but honest.
I no longer read a great deal of romance, but this one took me back. Glad I picked it up.
This story starts off like a gothic, but quickly turns to an historical romance reminiscent of the old 600 page 'bodice rippers' full of kidnappings, damsels in distress, thwarted lovers, and a trip to a new country. It's not 600 pages, thank goodness, and while the author doesn't spare the details of our heroines trials, the story doesn't get as dark as some others I've read in the past. It isn't full of happy coincidences either, staying true to a reality I may not have always liked as I read, but understood.
Set in the American pre-civil war era, there is a great deal of attention to history delivered in a very conversational manner. Again, the author stayed true to the period. When you're introduced to a slave owner, he talks and thinks like a slave owner. It's a tad bit bracing, but honest.
I no longer read a great deal of romance, but this one took me back. Glad I picked it up.
August 24, 2014
Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows by Jana Petken is a wow book. I was definitely moved by Mercy and her compelling story. This well-written smart piece of historical fiction pulled on my heartstrings. There are so many moments that I felt myself totally attached and invested. It’s an emotional story that is beautifully written. I needed to know where it all would lead. My heart was pumping while I read with vigor..
The author weaves an intricate tale. Emotional, devastating ,and fascinating. This story is an epic. One I could see played out on the big screen. I was captivated from the start and I practically ate this story up. Mercy Carver: Dark Shadows is a powerful coming of age story that takes you right in and pulls on your heartstrings.
Quote ~
“Jacob looked at Mercy’s tired face and saw fear written across it. She had tried to hide it from him and from Julia, but as she sat that there like an innocent, lost child, wide-eyed and apprehensive, he knew instinctively that with nowhere to go, no one to help her, and no funds, she would be doomed to an early death- or, worse, forced to become the very thing he had just rescued her from.”
October 21, 2014
Mercy Carver sounded like a great story.
I have read Jana Petken’s other book, The Guardian of Secrets and found her writing style compelling. Mercy Carver was all that and more. It was an unusual story, told with the author’s wonderful storytelling abilities. The young woman Mercy struggled at birth, only to struggle against poverty and cruelty when going into womanhood.
The uplifting moral of the story here was not just that love can conquer but that the human spirit can triumph against all the odds.
This was another great piece of writing from Petken and deserves 5 stars.
I have read Jana Petken’s other book, The Guardian of Secrets and found her writing style compelling. Mercy Carver was all that and more. It was an unusual story, told with the author’s wonderful storytelling abilities. The young woman Mercy struggled at birth, only to struggle against poverty and cruelty when going into womanhood.
The uplifting moral of the story here was not just that love can conquer but that the human spirit can triumph against all the odds.
This was another great piece of writing from Petken and deserves 5 stars.
Read
August 30, 2020Getting into the story took me a while, I found it rather bland to start with, because it starts slow, and not much happens past the startcross lover thing.
The writing is pleasing, in an unorthodox, old-fashion way, but it sometimes makes the scene quite confusing.
When the story quicker in at "chapter one" I was quite shocked, it felt like it was ready to end soon; no one has done such a long intro since Tolkien's "concerning hobbits."
From there, the style got less confusing and also more entertaining; I enjoyed it tremendously; I just think the intro doesn't do justice to the rest.
The writing is pleasing, in an unorthodox, old-fashion way, but it sometimes makes the scene quite confusing.
When the story quicker in at "chapter one" I was quite shocked, it felt like it was ready to end soon; no one has done such a long intro since Tolkien's "concerning hobbits."
From there, the style got less confusing and also more entertaining; I enjoyed it tremendously; I just think the intro doesn't do justice to the rest.
October 21, 2014
Can't wait to read.
February 24, 2020
Mixed feelings about this one.
I just finished reading this book about an 18-year-old woman in England born under horrific circumstances and in poverty. Her circumstances lead her to make naive choices and her actions cause her to be entrapped into a life of forced prostitution.
Mercy eventually escapes to Virginia in America on the cusp of the Civil War where she sees slavery for the first time. This is even a greater shock to her after her recent victimization and escape and she has fallen in love with a plantation owner.
The story is rapid paced with much suspense and adventure. The characters are well described. My mixed feelings are with the romance aspect whereby Mercy falls in love rapidly and then finds out she's been duped by her lover. She's in a foreign land, Virginia, with no qualms about going out on her own and ultimately becomes embroiled in another life and death situation. Her commitment to the man she loves while she's on the run is beyond reason while she assists a slave to gain freedom in the North. I found that more than I could swallow.
Although the plot is overdone with drama and unrealistic, I do plan to read the next book of the series. I want to see where the story goes. Eh!
I just finished reading this book about an 18-year-old woman in England born under horrific circumstances and in poverty. Her circumstances lead her to make naive choices and her actions cause her to be entrapped into a life of forced prostitution.
Mercy eventually escapes to Virginia in America on the cusp of the Civil War where she sees slavery for the first time. This is even a greater shock to her after her recent victimization and escape and she has fallen in love with a plantation owner.
The story is rapid paced with much suspense and adventure. The characters are well described. My mixed feelings are with the romance aspect whereby Mercy falls in love rapidly and then finds out she's been duped by her lover. She's in a foreign land, Virginia, with no qualms about going out on her own and ultimately becomes embroiled in another life and death situation. Her commitment to the man she loves while she's on the run is beyond reason while she assists a slave to gain freedom in the North. I found that more than I could swallow.
Although the plot is overdone with drama and unrealistic, I do plan to read the next book of the series. I want to see where the story goes. Eh!
August 5, 2018
Awesome book.
This book is fantastic! She takes you from the plagues in London, an illegal whore house to the deep South with slaves. How in the world can the author do this so smoothly? Got to get on to the sequel!
This book is fantastic! She takes you from the plagues in London, an illegal whore house to the deep South with slaves. How in the world can the author do this so smoothly? Got to get on to the sequel!
August 24, 2018
Wow
I knew nothing about the southern wars in america so this was a real eye opener. Again the author uses very atmospheric writing to bring you deeper into the story. Looking forward to following mercy further in her story
I knew nothing about the southern wars in america so this was a real eye opener. Again the author uses very atmospheric writing to bring you deeper into the story. Looking forward to following mercy further in her story
November 13, 2017
i loved the book, will continue on in the next book of the series.
April 9, 2015
What an absolutely superb book. I say this should be a TV series, not because there are so many cliffhanging moments, but because there are so many “Oh Nooooooo! That’s not what you should be doing” moments.
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I can’t leave this review without mentioning one last thing. A large part of the book concerns slavery issues. Now normally the plantation owner is described or portrayed as a tyrant; whipping the male slaves, raping the females. But in this book the plantation owner is a handsome, thoroughly decent fellow who’s also a hero. His morals are tight whichever way you look at it. And then without warning he goes into an explanation as to why keeping slaves is the honourable and just thing to do. Industry (cotton etc.) would break down if people weren’t allowed to keep slaves. He feeds them, clothes them, only whips them when he needs to make an example and only sells on their children when they’ve reached a certain age.
This is very clever writing by Jana, and one example of what I mean when I say she’s throws a spanner in the works. You see, this bloke is obviously so wrong in everything he’s saying, yet a) the reader likes him and b) as a decent bloke believes he believes his argument to be well founded. Just because of a person’s skin colour he or she is viewed as a lesser human being.
But there’s a deeper question here is; do we still view certain people as lesser human beings because of their status in life? Because they’re homeless, for instance?
Do we, say, walk past them on the way to a restaurant, leave a big tip for the waitress because she’s assisted us in the enjoyment of a big meal, and walk past the homeless guy on the way home?
Just a thought. And I only mention that to show how very clever Jana Petken is.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I can’t leave this review without mentioning one last thing. A large part of the book concerns slavery issues. Now normally the plantation owner is described or portrayed as a tyrant; whipping the male slaves, raping the females. But in this book the plantation owner is a handsome, thoroughly decent fellow who’s also a hero. His morals are tight whichever way you look at it. And then without warning he goes into an explanation as to why keeping slaves is the honourable and just thing to do. Industry (cotton etc.) would break down if people weren’t allowed to keep slaves. He feeds them, clothes them, only whips them when he needs to make an example and only sells on their children when they’ve reached a certain age.
This is very clever writing by Jana, and one example of what I mean when I say she’s throws a spanner in the works. You see, this bloke is obviously so wrong in everything he’s saying, yet a) the reader likes him and b) as a decent bloke believes he believes his argument to be well founded. Just because of a person’s skin colour he or she is viewed as a lesser human being.
But there’s a deeper question here is; do we still view certain people as lesser human beings because of their status in life? Because they’re homeless, for instance?
Do we, say, walk past them on the way to a restaurant, leave a big tip for the waitress because she’s assisted us in the enjoyment of a big meal, and walk past the homeless guy on the way home?
Just a thought. And I only mention that to show how very clever Jana Petken is.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
April 9, 2015
What an absolutely superb book. I say this should be a TV series, not because there are so many cliffhanging moments, but because there are so many “Oh Nooooooo! That’s not what you should be doing” moments.
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I can’t leave this review without mentioning one last thing. A large part of the book concerns slavery issues. Now normally the plantation owner is described or portrayed as a tyrant; whipping the male slaves, raping the females. But in this book the plantation owner is a handsome, thoroughly decent fellow who’s also a hero. His morals are tight whichever way you look at it. And then without warning he goes into an explanation as to why keeping slaves is the honourable and just thing to do. Industry (cotton etc.) would break down if people weren’t allowed to keep slaves. He feeds them, clothes them, only whips them when he needs to make an example and only sells on their children when they’ve reached a certain age.
This is very clever writing by Jana, and one example of what I mean when I say she’s throws a spanner in the works. You see, this bloke is obviously so wrong in everything he’s saying, yet a) the reader likes him and b) as a decent bloke believes he believes his argument to be well founded. Just because of a person’s skin colour he or she is viewed as a lesser human being.
But there’s a deeper question here is; do we still view certain people as lesser human beings because of their status in life? Because they’re homeless, for instance?
Do we, say, walk past them on the way to a restaurant, leave a big tip for the waitress because she’s assisted us in the enjoyment of a big meal, and walk past the homeless guy on the way home?
Just a thought. And I only mention that to show how very clever Jana Petken is.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
Mercy Carver is a chick from the Elephant & Castle in South-East London. By the mid-19th century parts of the Elephant and the surrounding areas, especially along the riverside, had become notorious slums and these were immortalised by Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist, with Bill Sikes meeting a violent end hanging above the mud of Folly Ditch. By the time Mercy Carver was born it had been nicknamed “The Capital of Cholera,” with pollution spreading by drains that discharged themselves straight down the walls of houses into the street and overflowing over the swollen carcasses of dead animals, ready to burst with the gases of putrefaction.
No surprise then that a vigorous and violent street culture lay at the heart of life for people living in the area, and Jana Petken grabs the reader by the scruff of his neck and drags him/her straight into the action. She pulls no punches in her writing, you’d better believe that!
I’ve no intention of spoiling the story for anyone but just watch how Petken handles situations of shocking violence in the book. She literally leaves the reader breathless.
But you get back into the story again, and everything’s flowing along nicely when without warning the author throws another spanner in the works, leaving the reader with no choice but to hang on tight as she bounces you from pillar to post, from safe streets to brothels, from England to America and from promises to betrayal.
If I had to pick a fault – and I honestly don’t – but I guess I’d have liked Mercy Carver to be a little more street-wise, coming from the Elephant & Castle, as she does. Growing up on those cobbles she’d have developed a resilience, toughness and fortitude, which she certainly has, but comin' from saarf of the ‘shake and shiver’ as she does, I’d have expected a little more in-yer-face ‘street'
That’s not a criticism, and don’t let it spoil the story, for Jana Petken is a master story-teller, and I truly cannot recommend this book highly enough. This is one of those rare can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-my-book books that you find yourself thinking about at rare moments of the day.
I can’t leave this review without mentioning one last thing. A large part of the book concerns slavery issues. Now normally the plantation owner is described or portrayed as a tyrant; whipping the male slaves, raping the females. But in this book the plantation owner is a handsome, thoroughly decent fellow who’s also a hero. His morals are tight whichever way you look at it. And then without warning he goes into an explanation as to why keeping slaves is the honourable and just thing to do. Industry (cotton etc.) would break down if people weren’t allowed to keep slaves. He feeds them, clothes them, only whips them when he needs to make an example and only sells on their children when they’ve reached a certain age.
This is very clever writing by Jana, and one example of what I mean when I say she’s throws a spanner in the works. You see, this bloke is obviously so wrong in everything he’s saying, yet a) the reader likes him and b) as a decent bloke believes he believes his argument to be well founded. Just because of a person’s skin colour he or she is viewed as a lesser human being.
But there’s a deeper question here is; do we still view certain people as lesser human beings because of their status in life? Because they’re homeless, for instance?
Do we, say, walk past them on the way to a restaurant, leave a big tip for the waitress because she’s assisted us in the enjoyment of a big meal, and walk past the homeless guy on the way home?
Just a thought. And I only mention that to show how very clever Jana Petken is.
I cannot wait to read more from this extremely talented mistress of the adventure narrative. PLEASE somebody make this into a TV series. It truly deserves it.
A great, great book!
July 17, 2019
True Grit
Mercy Carver is probably the strongest female character I’ve ever read about. The love she holds for Jacob and his family is beyond measure. This young girl just 18, has seen it all and been through it all in her short life. She is resourceful, a crack shot, clever and a kind loving friend to those who are kind in return. Looking forward to part 2 in the series hoping she doesn’t have to endure anything like the horrors in part 1 and that Jacob saves her and gives her a good life.
Mercy Carver is probably the strongest female character I’ve ever read about. The love she holds for Jacob and his family is beyond measure. This young girl just 18, has seen it all and been through it all in her short life. She is resourceful, a crack shot, clever and a kind loving friend to those who are kind in return. Looking forward to part 2 in the series hoping she doesn’t have to endure anything like the horrors in part 1 and that Jacob saves her and gives her a good life.
September 28, 2016
Very good
All of the grammatical errors bugged me. But I thought the story was very good. Some of the characters were so evil yet I liked all them anyway
All of the grammatical errors bugged me. But I thought the story was very good. Some of the characters were so evil yet I liked all them anyway
December 29, 2014
Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series Book 1) by Author Jana Petken
I am fast becoming a huge fan of Author Jana Petken. "Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series Book 1)" is the second historical, fictional novel that I have read and reviewed by her with the first being The Guardian of Secrets. I can assure you that "Dark Shadows" will not be my last as I have already purchased Blood Moon (The Mercy Carver Series Book 2) and plan on reading it immediately. This gifted author definitely has a way with words and I could hardly put this captivating and enticing novel down. The many twists and turns as well as the numerous unexpected and unpredictable outcomes in the storyline kept me riveted to the pages.
Mercy Carver, the protagonist, is born during the 1800's in London, England to Thomas and Joan Carver. Joan dies in childbirth at the young age of seventeen. Grief-stricken and much to the shame of his parents, Thomas, shortly thereafter as he lays by the body of his dear wife Joan...takes his own life. Therefore, orphaned at birth, Mercy becomes the responsibility of both sets of grandparents and a unique set of circumstances unfold for her as she leads a sheltered life as a commoner on the poor side of London Bridge.
At the young age of fourteen, due to poverty and hunger, her grandparents promise Mercy's hand in marriage when she reaches her eighteen birthday to a well-to-do older and unbecoming man. In the midst of getting fitted for her wedding dress, Mercy persuades the seamstress and hairdresser to let her enjoy one day of freedom across London Bridge before she is forced to marry a man she does not love. The turn of events that ensues is beyond description. Abduction, murder, mayhem, and prostitution all take on a new meaning to the young and naïve Mercy until Jacob Stone enters her life...
Trust me, once you sink your teeth into this well-written and mindboggling historical romance, you'll be as keen as I am to see what happens next! On to Book 2...
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
I am fast becoming a huge fan of Author Jana Petken. "Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series Book 1)" is the second historical, fictional novel that I have read and reviewed by her with the first being The Guardian of Secrets. I can assure you that "Dark Shadows" will not be my last as I have already purchased Blood Moon (The Mercy Carver Series Book 2) and plan on reading it immediately. This gifted author definitely has a way with words and I could hardly put this captivating and enticing novel down. The many twists and turns as well as the numerous unexpected and unpredictable outcomes in the storyline kept me riveted to the pages.
Mercy Carver, the protagonist, is born during the 1800's in London, England to Thomas and Joan Carver. Joan dies in childbirth at the young age of seventeen. Grief-stricken and much to the shame of his parents, Thomas, shortly thereafter as he lays by the body of his dear wife Joan...takes his own life. Therefore, orphaned at birth, Mercy becomes the responsibility of both sets of grandparents and a unique set of circumstances unfold for her as she leads a sheltered life as a commoner on the poor side of London Bridge.
At the young age of fourteen, due to poverty and hunger, her grandparents promise Mercy's hand in marriage when she reaches her eighteen birthday to a well-to-do older and unbecoming man. In the midst of getting fitted for her wedding dress, Mercy persuades the seamstress and hairdresser to let her enjoy one day of freedom across London Bridge before she is forced to marry a man she does not love. The turn of events that ensues is beyond description. Abduction, murder, mayhem, and prostitution all take on a new meaning to the young and naïve Mercy until Jacob Stone enters her life...
Trust me, once you sink your teeth into this well-written and mindboggling historical romance, you'll be as keen as I am to see what happens next! On to Book 2...
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
October 21, 2014
The more I read of Ms. Jana Petken, the more of a time traveler I become.
Clearly, she is in the process of carving out a niche in the genre of historical fiction and she will be a master at it very soon.
As always, the author's skill to sketch every setting to its finest detail is praise worthy. There you are, be it in the grit and business of an 1800's London, a dark corner of Liverpool or in the freezing snow covered lands of USA where the drama unfolds so meticulously in front of you.
The protagonist; young Mercy Carver latches onto the reader's imagination within seconds. She radiates that immense will to break free from the chains of an enforced destiny. Free is what she wants to be and that is what she wishes for the oppressed just like her.
The dark in this book appears out of nowhere, like a nightmare cracking into a photo frame of innocence. The details may not be new but it certainly makes one feel uneasy, especially when you are taken into the gallows of a highly-protected-prison-like brothel.
The author leaves no stone unturned while describing her characters. You will find the scum, the strong, the malicious and in between all of this stands out Madam Du Pont. You will need to read about her to comprehend her depths of evil.
If I have not given away enough spoilers already, here comes another; the scene where a certain Jacob Stone desperately tries to save Mercy from a raging fire. It is most definitely a heart gripping sequence.
I must admit, beyond the pure entertainment in this book, it gives the reader a great deal to think about many issues, such as the slavery on plantations that once existed or the state of women trapped within brothels even today. The author's words are at times gut-wrenching, at times ironical.
As a trait of all good novels, there is always hope. Here is where the reader finds redemption.
This is more than a story that grips you right from the beginning till the end. This is a full length movie about love, incredible strength and survival.
Clearly, she is in the process of carving out a niche in the genre of historical fiction and she will be a master at it very soon.
As always, the author's skill to sketch every setting to its finest detail is praise worthy. There you are, be it in the grit and business of an 1800's London, a dark corner of Liverpool or in the freezing snow covered lands of USA where the drama unfolds so meticulously in front of you.
The protagonist; young Mercy Carver latches onto the reader's imagination within seconds. She radiates that immense will to break free from the chains of an enforced destiny. Free is what she wants to be and that is what she wishes for the oppressed just like her.
The dark in this book appears out of nowhere, like a nightmare cracking into a photo frame of innocence. The details may not be new but it certainly makes one feel uneasy, especially when you are taken into the gallows of a highly-protected-prison-like brothel.
The author leaves no stone unturned while describing her characters. You will find the scum, the strong, the malicious and in between all of this stands out Madam Du Pont. You will need to read about her to comprehend her depths of evil.
If I have not given away enough spoilers already, here comes another; the scene where a certain Jacob Stone desperately tries to save Mercy from a raging fire. It is most definitely a heart gripping sequence.
I must admit, beyond the pure entertainment in this book, it gives the reader a great deal to think about many issues, such as the slavery on plantations that once existed or the state of women trapped within brothels even today. The author's words are at times gut-wrenching, at times ironical.
As a trait of all good novels, there is always hope. Here is where the reader finds redemption.
This is more than a story that grips you right from the beginning till the end. This is a full length movie about love, incredible strength and survival.
November 15, 2014
"Dark Shadows" by Jana Petken is an emotional thrill ride. It starts off in the depths of woe, and keeps you glued to your seat wondering just what will happen to poor Mercy next. The book opens on the day Mercy is born. *SPOILER* Her mother dies in child birth, and her father -- stricken with woe -- commits suicide. After a vicar recommends the baby be sent to an orphanage, Mercy's grandparents decide instead to raise her themselves -- naming her after her mother's last words, a cry to God for mercy. If that isn't an emotionally walloping way to start a story, I don't know what is. And the best part is that Ms. Petken's highly descriptive writing pulls you into the world of the story and doesn't let go. It's like you can see every face, every dingy street corner and shack and pub and brothel and ship.
From her mournful beginnings, Mercy's story only gets more and more evocative and tragic, with a few precious silver linings of joy. After her grandparents try to pimp her off to a grocer, Mercy moves from the streets of London to the battlefields of Virginia. Finding love amidst war and immeasurable tragedy, Ms. Petken immerses us in the life Mercy builds for herself as a gun-toting heroine and a romantic lover.
Madame du Pont, also known as Mrs. Mallory, a brothel owner, was one of the most fascinating characters for me -- because, while brothel owners are a typical trope in these types of stories, Madame du Pont is far from your usual brothel owner. Through her Mercy learns much more than you'd ever expect.
This is sweeping, epic storytelling at its best. If you like historical fiction, if you like romance, you won't be disappointed with "Dark Shadows."
From her mournful beginnings, Mercy's story only gets more and more evocative and tragic, with a few precious silver linings of joy. After her grandparents try to pimp her off to a grocer, Mercy moves from the streets of London to the battlefields of Virginia. Finding love amidst war and immeasurable tragedy, Ms. Petken immerses us in the life Mercy builds for herself as a gun-toting heroine and a romantic lover.
Madame du Pont, also known as Mrs. Mallory, a brothel owner, was one of the most fascinating characters for me -- because, while brothel owners are a typical trope in these types of stories, Madame du Pont is far from your usual brothel owner. Through her Mercy learns much more than you'd ever expect.
This is sweeping, epic storytelling at its best. If you like historical fiction, if you like romance, you won't be disappointed with "Dark Shadows."
March 19, 2016
Another historical romance from Jana Petken, set in a different period, in different countries and still a fantastic example of its genre. This is the third Petken I've read now and like the previous two, I have enjoyed it immensely. It isn't the towering saga that was Guardian of Secrets or the hard-bitten, Errant Flock, but it is a wonderful story of courage, love and lust that takes us from the slums of mid-nineteenth century London to the wilds of the Virginian countryside, just prior to the American Civil War.
The heroine in this tale is one Mercy Carver, a poor girl from the poorest part of London; "The East End" or as it was called, "The Elephant and Castle". Mercy had the most awful of starts in life, with her mother dying giving birth to her and her inconsolable father, unable to continue without his beloved wife, committing suicide.
I don't want to give away too much of the story, but a desire to see the "real London", just once in her life, before accepting her predetermined fate of marrying an old and disgusting man, her grandparents had virtually sold her to when she was just fourteen; leads Mercy on a journey that will test even her powers of resilience and courage.
Dark Shadows is the first book in the Mercy Carver series and I have little doubt that there is still much, much more to be told about Mercy and her one, true love Jacob Stone. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Another absolute winner from Jana Petken and worth every single one of the five stars I give it. If you love the historical novel with plenty of action and romance, you will love Dark Shadows.
The heroine in this tale is one Mercy Carver, a poor girl from the poorest part of London; "The East End" or as it was called, "The Elephant and Castle". Mercy had the most awful of starts in life, with her mother dying giving birth to her and her inconsolable father, unable to continue without his beloved wife, committing suicide.
I don't want to give away too much of the story, but a desire to see the "real London", just once in her life, before accepting her predetermined fate of marrying an old and disgusting man, her grandparents had virtually sold her to when she was just fourteen; leads Mercy on a journey that will test even her powers of resilience and courage.
Dark Shadows is the first book in the Mercy Carver series and I have little doubt that there is still much, much more to be told about Mercy and her one, true love Jacob Stone. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Another absolute winner from Jana Petken and worth every single one of the five stars I give it. If you love the historical novel with plenty of action and romance, you will love Dark Shadows.
November 19, 2015
Stories like the Mercy Carver Series are why we read historical fiction. Dark Shadows starts in the back streets of London and ends in the state of Virginia just after the election of Abraham Lincoln. This story gives the reader a look at the dark underbelly of Victorian England, as Mercy Carver tumbles from an unloving home where she is sold into marriage, to her abduction, to slavery in a whore house in Liverpool.
Mercy manages to escape the whore house still a virgin but is also a woman on the run. She does find true love along the way to American only to discover that her true love is engaged to marry another woman. Once again, she finds herself running from her past. This time she has a companion in a slave who she wishes to free.
Will Mercy ever be free to live openly with the great love of her life? Will this passionate woman find herself settling for a less heady but perhaps more reliable love?
While Mercy is engaged in her battle against evil, America is preparing for war. The southern plantation owners prepare to fight for their own way of life believing that it is within their rights to own slaves. The northern position is less clearly drawn in this story that focuses mostly on the slave issue around the US Civil war.
If you like your romance in historical settings, this is a great book for you despite the brutal coverage of the sex-slave topic.
Mercy manages to escape the whore house still a virgin but is also a woman on the run. She does find true love along the way to American only to discover that her true love is engaged to marry another woman. Once again, she finds herself running from her past. This time she has a companion in a slave who she wishes to free.
Will Mercy ever be free to live openly with the great love of her life? Will this passionate woman find herself settling for a less heady but perhaps more reliable love?
While Mercy is engaged in her battle against evil, America is preparing for war. The southern plantation owners prepare to fight for their own way of life believing that it is within their rights to own slaves. The northern position is less clearly drawn in this story that focuses mostly on the slave issue around the US Civil war.
If you like your romance in historical settings, this is a great book for you despite the brutal coverage of the sex-slave topic.
December 18, 2014
Dark Shadows by Jana Petken is a mesmerizing tale that I couldn't stop thinking about. Mercy and her shenanigans lured me in. Keeping up with her can make a delightful journey. She and Jacob make a captivating couple. I fell in love with their love and admired their strength and courage.
This story is action packed and full of suspense that had me reading in a fury. Brought goosebumps to my skin. Near impossible not to get emotionally involved.
The strong female lead, Mercy Carver with all her beauty, depth, loving heart and spunk had me routing for her all the way through this epic series. Reading something so rich, well researched and well written was breathtaking. The author takes you right into the action as the scenes are clearly woven out in front of your eyes. I almost felt as if I was there. I could feel there love, anguish and the other spectrum of emotions they were feeling.
This series will stay with me ~ always.
Quote ~
"He would pay Du Pont's asking price; he would pay anything just to be close to the young woman that affected him in a way that unnerved him to the core of his being. He couldn't explain the depth of his desire. Did love at first sight exist? He bumped into another couple of men on his way out. Had he fallen under some unknown spell, drunk too much and made himself dull witted? Or had he simply been a sea for too long?"
This story is action packed and full of suspense that had me reading in a fury. Brought goosebumps to my skin. Near impossible not to get emotionally involved.
The strong female lead, Mercy Carver with all her beauty, depth, loving heart and spunk had me routing for her all the way through this epic series. Reading something so rich, well researched and well written was breathtaking. The author takes you right into the action as the scenes are clearly woven out in front of your eyes. I almost felt as if I was there. I could feel there love, anguish and the other spectrum of emotions they were feeling.
This series will stay with me ~ always.
Quote ~
"He would pay Du Pont's asking price; he would pay anything just to be close to the young woman that affected him in a way that unnerved him to the core of his being. He couldn't explain the depth of his desire. Did love at first sight exist? He bumped into another couple of men on his way out. Had he fallen under some unknown spell, drunk too much and made himself dull witted? Or had he simply been a sea for too long?"
September 2, 2014
"You southern women are all kinds of crazy."
Mercy Carver has only been in Virginia a few months when she is told this by a wagon driver. Guess it didn't take her long to learn the ropes.
I was curious to see how the author would handle an historical fiction story which begins in 1860s London and ends in 1861, in pre-Civil War Virginia. It wasn't the typical migration pattern for that time in history and the author did an excellent job of maneuvering the novel from London to Liverpool and on to Virginia. She brings to light the little known Victorian human trafficking of upper class females.
Mercy Carver is not a typical female. Anyone who crosses her path should take cover because Mercy will find a way to make events change to fit the way she believes they should be. She lives, loves, fights and works to make the world around her a better place, wherever she may find herself on her life's journey .
The plot is riveting and the characters well developed.This book reads like an epic adventure, only the main character is female instead of the traditional male. I loved it! The book ends by saying...Mercy Carver: her journey is just beginning. I can't wait until Part 2 is released in December 2014.
Mercy Carver has only been in Virginia a few months when she is told this by a wagon driver. Guess it didn't take her long to learn the ropes.
I was curious to see how the author would handle an historical fiction story which begins in 1860s London and ends in 1861, in pre-Civil War Virginia. It wasn't the typical migration pattern for that time in history and the author did an excellent job of maneuvering the novel from London to Liverpool and on to Virginia. She brings to light the little known Victorian human trafficking of upper class females.
Mercy Carver is not a typical female. Anyone who crosses her path should take cover because Mercy will find a way to make events change to fit the way she believes they should be. She lives, loves, fights and works to make the world around her a better place, wherever she may find herself on her life's journey .
The plot is riveting and the characters well developed.This book reads like an epic adventure, only the main character is female instead of the traditional male. I loved it! The book ends by saying...Mercy Carver: her journey is just beginning. I can't wait until Part 2 is released in December 2014.
January 1, 2015
This is the second Jana Petken novel I've read and I was not disappointed. Her debut work, Guardian of the Secrets, is an outstanding read and she has followed it up with yet another, in Dark Shadows (The Mercy Carver Series, Book I).
The novel begins on the day Mercy is born in a poor section of 1800's London. She grows to be a striking young lady but is doomed to an arranged marriage to an older and extremely unattractive man. Seeking just one day of freedom before she weds, she ventures out of her impoverished neighborhood into greater London only be become the unwilling victim of sadistic scoundrels. What happens next, I'll let you discover on your own when you read the book and I can assure you, you will not be able to put it down!
Ms. Petken draws the reader in from page one and does not let go. Her meticulous attention to detail and marvelously descriptive writing, transports the reader back to a distant time and place. Her characters are deftly drawn and it is impossible not to find oneself thoroughly invested in discovering Mercy Carver's fate.
Dark Shadows, the first book in the Mercy Carver series, is a compelling read and one I will not soon forget. I can recommend it most highly for any who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and a real page-turner!
The novel begins on the day Mercy is born in a poor section of 1800's London. She grows to be a striking young lady but is doomed to an arranged marriage to an older and extremely unattractive man. Seeking just one day of freedom before she weds, she ventures out of her impoverished neighborhood into greater London only be become the unwilling victim of sadistic scoundrels. What happens next, I'll let you discover on your own when you read the book and I can assure you, you will not be able to put it down!
Ms. Petken draws the reader in from page one and does not let go. Her meticulous attention to detail and marvelously descriptive writing, transports the reader back to a distant time and place. Her characters are deftly drawn and it is impossible not to find oneself thoroughly invested in discovering Mercy Carver's fate.
Dark Shadows, the first book in the Mercy Carver series, is a compelling read and one I will not soon forget. I can recommend it most highly for any who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and a real page-turner!
September 16, 2014
Once again, Jana Petken has written a page turner, filled to the brim with heartache, wonder and fantastic imagery. The story of Mercy Carver has only just started, but with each turning page I was becoming more and more invested in the story. I cried, I laughed, I hated with a vengeance and wished ill on those who hurt her and her friends. The story starts with the simple life of a couple having their first baby, and then tragedy strikes and it seems that the beginning of Mercy's life will be fraught with despair. Yet, the way that Petken writes, you know that you are in for a heart warming tale from beginning to end.
I have never really been one to like Historical Fiction, but yet when I read Petken's books I find that I become enthralled within a few pages and am desperate to know whether there will be a happy ever after. I'm pleased to know that the sequel to this book is due out later this year because I don't think I can wait too much longer to know what happens to Mercy and whether or not she will be able to escape the cruel hand of Du Pont. It's a great book, well written and excellently crafted and I highly recommend it to people who love a fantastic story from beginning to end!
I have never really been one to like Historical Fiction, but yet when I read Petken's books I find that I become enthralled within a few pages and am desperate to know whether there will be a happy ever after. I'm pleased to know that the sequel to this book is due out later this year because I don't think I can wait too much longer to know what happens to Mercy and whether or not she will be able to escape the cruel hand of Du Pont. It's a great book, well written and excellently crafted and I highly recommend it to people who love a fantastic story from beginning to end!
September 23, 2014
A fascinating story that takes you from the poverty-stricken streets of London to the wilds of Virginia in the lead up to the American Civil War. This was the time of Charles Dickens and there is a certain similarity between Mercy's sad story and much of Dickens' work, as the plight of people in both places at the time shines through Ms Petken's work just as clearly as Dickens'. That said, Ms Petken brings a distinctly feminine perspective to the story that Dickens could never have managed.
Mercy is no innocent, though she has lived a sheltered life up until her eighteenth birthday, when her plan for a single day to herself before getting married to a man many years her senior goes horribly awry.
The story of a young woman who's both selfish and kind, naïve and practical, mentally strong while physically weak, trying to make choices in a world she barely understands. What shines through the most in the book is Mercy's resilience - and her independent spirit, buoying her up in a world where women were defined by their connections and not for themselves.
I'd certainly be interested in reading more of Mercy's story, as I understand this is the first in a series, because this is one character whose future no one can predict.
Mercy is no innocent, though she has lived a sheltered life up until her eighteenth birthday, when her plan for a single day to herself before getting married to a man many years her senior goes horribly awry.
The story of a young woman who's both selfish and kind, naïve and practical, mentally strong while physically weak, trying to make choices in a world she barely understands. What shines through the most in the book is Mercy's resilience - and her independent spirit, buoying her up in a world where women were defined by their connections and not for themselves.
I'd certainly be interested in reading more of Mercy's story, as I understand this is the first in a series, because this is one character whose future no one can predict.
July 24, 2015
I've read another story that I loved from this author, so I was curious about this one. I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. Once again, Miss Petken leaves her readers breathless. The setting of the story was initially in London but then it took place in Virginia. I was impressed with how the author developed the plot and the characters. It was easy to get attached to Mercy.
The writing was phenomenal in my humble opinion. The author provided just the right amount of dialogue and descriptive detail to keep the readers interested. There was plenty of action and twists and turns. Many times I found myself staying up a little longer to read one more chapter.
Although Mercy was innocent and inexperienced in the start of the story, she was forced to grow up very quickly to face the cruel world. I loved watching her develop into a strong young woman. I especially loved her idealist views of the world and doing the right thing to help others.
I'm curious now what the sequel will bring. Not quite sure how I feel about the male character in this first book yet. Can't wait to find out what happens in Book 2.
This truly is a great read with a little bit of history as well. Bravo to the author.
The writing was phenomenal in my humble opinion. The author provided just the right amount of dialogue and descriptive detail to keep the readers interested. There was plenty of action and twists and turns. Many times I found myself staying up a little longer to read one more chapter.
Although Mercy was innocent and inexperienced in the start of the story, she was forced to grow up very quickly to face the cruel world. I loved watching her develop into a strong young woman. I especially loved her idealist views of the world and doing the right thing to help others.
I'm curious now what the sequel will bring. Not quite sure how I feel about the male character in this first book yet. Can't wait to find out what happens in Book 2.
This truly is a great read with a little bit of history as well. Bravo to the author.
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