Drowning In The Dark

The Veil #4

by Pippa DaCosta

“I wasn’t demon enough to defeat my brother before. Things have changed.”

As the veil begins to fall, and the demons bleed through onto the streets of Boston, Muse knows the battle is lost before it’s even begun.

To make matters worse, Adam and the Institute have captured Akil at a time when the city has never needed him more. Muse believes Akil’s incarceration is a ruse, because if he truly is at the mercy of the Institute, she must choose which side she’ll fight for. Human or demon?

The princes are coming. Valenti, Muse’s immortal half-brother, leads the charge. The Institute is not ready, the people of Boston are not prepared, but one man is. Stefan knows what it will take to beat back the netherworld. Will his demon allow him the freedom to right his wrongs?

Muse’s loyalty will be tested. To save those she loves, she must give up that which she cherishes most. Her humanity.

The Mother of Destruction is about to go nuclear.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Demons, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Romance

274 pages, ebook

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Two-time DragonCon Finalist & Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist--- "Wait a second. Let's cut to the chase. I write kick-ass urban fantasy & sci-fi novels with conflicted characters, breathless action, and no-holds-barred dialogue. My books may not leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside, but they will excite you. There will be plot-twists, angst, probably a few dead bodies, and very likely your favorite character will turn out to be the bad guy. Don't say I didn't warn you..."

www.pippadacosta.com

(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☠ Woot Woot Woot We Love Muse On and On We Go I Got Them Hooked I Got Them Hooked Muahahaha MacHaloistic Buddy Reread (WWWWLMOaOWGIGTHIGTHMMBR™) ☠

➽ And the moral of this Oh Please Pippa Don't Kill Me Dead Again Reread (OPPDKMDAR™) is: Pippa You Killed me Dead Again you are Slightly Evil,you Evil Woman you How I Love to Suffer at Your Hands it's Painfully Delicious and Deliciously Painful (PYKmDAyASEyEWYHILtSaYHiPDaDP™).
➽ And the other moral of this Oh Please Pippa Don't Kill Me Dead Again Reread (OPPDKMDAR™) is: I want to be the Mother of Destruction when I grow up.
➽ And the other, other moral of this Oh Please Pippa Don't Kill Me Dead Again Reread (OPPDKMDAR™) is: Prince of Greed + Prince of Wrath = yum yum yum = poof! Gone! Harem!

Oh, and by the way:



✎ Prequel: Wings of Hope ★★★★★
✎ Book 1: Beyond the Veil ★★★★★
✎ Book 2: Devil May Care ★★★★★
✎ Book 3: Darkest before Dawn ★★★★★
✎ Book 5: Ties that Bind ★★★★★
✎ Short story & bonus scenes: One For Sorrow ★★★★★



Original review (February 2015):

There comes a time when a book/series becomes so incredibly amazing that you find yourself with nothing to say. Welcome to The Veil. You've never read anything like this before.

Yes, I wanted this. I was destruction. It was my purpose, my right. I’d lay waste to all in my wake.

This is no series for the faint of heart. Is it fair to say I was nervous before I started reading Drowning in the Dark? No, it's not. I wasn't nervous. I was scared. Forget scared. I was terrified. That's Pippa DaCosta for you. She has absolutely no mercy on either her characters or her readers. We are all but pawns in the world she has created. What you think will happen never does. What you pray won't happen does. What you never thought, not even in your wildest dreams, would happen does as well. And then some.



This series should come with a warning. While reading it you might find yourself (check all that apply):
☛ Breathless
☛ Generally manhandled
☛ Knocked out cold
☛ Slapped around
☛ Speechless
☛ Emotionally drained
☛ Torn apart
☛ Exhilarated
☛ Sucker punched
☛ Stunned
☛ In need of a few drinks

Anyone in your immediate vicinity know CPR? Good. Their skills might prove helpful, should you decide to read this series.



What can I tell you about the story itself? Honestly, very little. Because nothing I might say could do this incredible book justice. Drowning in the Dark is about trust, destruction, sacrifice, power, humanity, redemption, internal struggles, destiny, love, death. And hope. There is no black and white here, no good and bad. There is evil. There are lesser evils. And there are always two sides to a coin (or three, or four). Everything is what it seems and yet nothing is what it seems.

Where madness had clawed at my mind, only clarity remained. A soft, hopeful smile crawled across my lips. The Mother of Destruction was ready to take on the netherworld.

DaCosta is an amazing story teller. She weaves a beautifully dark tale and makes you feel. Just that. Feel. She throws things at you, takes them back, mixes & shakes them up, turns them upside down and when she's done she just slams it all back in your face.

The final instalment in this series will be released this coming spring. I am not prepared. I don’t think anyone is. I do know one thing: Pippa DaCosta cannot be trusted. What has been done can be undone.



Reading The Veil is an experience like no other. What are you waiting for?

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Akil, how do I love thee let me count the ways.

- I love the way you play with the puny mortals that think for a second they could capture you.

- I LOVE the way you play with Muse hoping that she will smarten up and catch on to all you are doing for her. Seriously someone smack her

- I love the way that you play your demon games and stay leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

- I love how you hid the Demon King in plain sight.

- I love that “Evidently immortal chaos demons can—and do—change.”

- I hope that this is a calculated risk you are taking and that it will change everything between you and Muse. Because I believe you deserve her more than any other.



- I love the heat you project and the sexy words that come out of your mouth. THEY are scorching hot.

My needs are visceral. Before her, they were easily met. I am greed. I yearn. I hunger. Here, in this time, this place, I take. But not her. I could. I could claim her, tie her up in lies and pin her down with promises. But I don’t. I skirt the fringes of truth. I weave a veil of misdirection. And ask myself, why? The answer eludes. Thousands of years, and I don’t possesses the answer to her.

Look I know that this is supposed to be Muse’s story. But Akil IS the most interesting character in the book. I find myself sometimes annoyed with Muse and I’m sure that the love interest I love probably won’t get the girl in the end (This is the reason I shy away from anything with a love triangle) but I yearn and I hunger for him to get his way. I really at this point just want to gift wrap Muse and set her before him. I think I have to knock her on the head first and tell her to snap out of it since she seems to think she is in love with Stefan but I really truly believe that what she and Akil have is so much deeper than that.

“How deep does your relationship go?”
I looked up at Sabine beside me. I’d not heard her return and didn’t feel quite up to fake smiles and biting my tongue. “Deep.” I bowed my head and lost my gaze in my coffee. “So damn deep I can’t see the bottom.”

There isn’t just the love triangle stuff going on even though that takes up a lot of the story. There is also Muse fighting for control since she has the soul of a demon wrapped around her insides. The Princes are trying to create more chaos on this side of the veil in hopes of weakening it even more so they can bleed through and the Human Resistance people making me root for the Demons (at least some of them) more than the humans.

Muse’s brother Val is a piece of work and most of his time on page just makes my skin crawl. It seems that Lust demons hold some very fine lines on what is okay to say or do to family. Seriously Ewe is all I’m saying.

I did get some answers to things I wanted to know like: What was the Institute doing with Half-Bloods and where are the others? How did Adam become involved enough with a Demon to sire Stefan? What crawled up Ryder’s butt and why he has been such a jerk lately? Why the heck is Muse so fixated on Stefan? ← Okay that one was not answered at all, but I hold out hope because when Muse thought that Stefan might have seriously hurt or dead she ran off to Boston to save the day. But when she thought Akil had died she went completely insane and nuked all the Demons. I’m thinking her feelings for one of those events far outweighed the other.

The ending of this one physically hurt. I’m reading this with a book group and it was the first time in forever that I really wanted to cheat on the group and jump into the next book early. I need to know how it all ends. I can’t wait to find out if I’m right and the man for Muse is the one who might have changed his Chaos ways and actually put her wellbeing above his own. I need to know the lengths he went to for this. And damn it if she doesn’t take him at the end of this I WILL. AKIL IS MINE!!!

P.S. This is why I don’t read books with multiple love interests very often. Because once I’ve decided who I think the heroine should be with it is impossible for me to see her with anyone else and I scream internally anytime that pretty ice boy Stefan puts his hands on her.

And now I wait longingly for Wednesday to read the conclusion of this series that is driving me crazy.



Since I love UF peeps I will not cheat.

[Choko · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 4.65 ***

A buddy read with my girls, Maria and Sarah. We need more bloodthirsty Demons!!!

OooooooKkkkkkkk..... ! Wow! Talk about an out of control Demon set on destruction and chaos!!! This was kick-ass, bone-melting, lava engulfing, down to ash destructing, power-drenching, horror-inducing, and vengeance seeking crazy ride!!!! It is the time for our half-bread Human-Demons to come into their power and show everyone who is the boss!!! And the Mother of Destruction, together with the Winter King of Wrath are a power which could stand against any other force of nature! And It Was GLORIOUS!!!! How the heck am I expected to wait for the next book in order to find out how everything ends??? It is not fair that I have to show restraint and be reasonable - this wild lust for life and the force of the Chaos inhabiting and forming the demons, Muse and friends are contagious, and I only wish I had read it in the moment I felt falling into depression after the Presidential Elections here last week. It would have awaken this thirst for life and desire to kick some ass and prove the strength and importance of each and every one of us still then, so I did not have to stay in this funk more than 10 days...

This book is exhilarating! I had a ton of fun reading it, but that does not mean that Pippa DeCosta has decided that she should spare us all the backstabbing and manipulations all the males in this series are constantly involved with. Nope, not at all. All of them, Adam, Akiel, Stephen, Rider, Val, and all others, important characters or not, are the same skimming, lying, treacherous, backstabbing, torturous, manipulating, slimy bastards we have grown to love and hate through the books up to now. They are maddeningly bad, but just as maddeningly compelling and this constant battle between love and hate keeps you on your toes at all times, in case we get to feel comfortable or something...

Muse is finally getting over her fears and it is a beautiful thing to see. Now if she only starts trusting herself more, she will be the "Magnificent" specimen everyone expects her to be. However, I feel sorry for her, surrounded by all those men she can never trust - that has got to be exhausting!

As I said earlier, this book was the strongest so far and if the trend is anything to go by, I am expecting something truly great from the last book in the series!!! Cannot wait to jump in the Chaos once more!!!

I wish you all Happy Reading and a wonderful Holiday Week!!!

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest instalment in Pippa Da Costa's The Veil series was everything I was hoping it would be and more. I thought the third book in the series had a few irritating flaws. Those being:

-The overly bleak tone.
-Muse becoming a frustrating character as she developed into a doormat who let the guys in her life treat her like crap and always forgave them no matter how awful they treated her.
-All of the male characters developing in an extremely negative direction!

Drowning in the Dark did retain a bleak tone, but it was not nearly so bleak as the last book. I felt like a tiny bit of hope was back that things might turn out OK for Muse and the others. I do need a tad of hope in my stories! The major improvement all lay with the characters. Muse was as likeable as ever and seemed a bit stronger as she gained a bit more confidence again despite her many control issues. The guys were the real plus. Both Stefan and Akil were fantastic in this book and both managed to redeem themselves in my eyes. Even Ryder, much to my shock as I wanted to kill the guy after the way the last book ended, came good by the end!

It all meant that I loved this book a whole lot more than the last one. In fact this might just be the best book in the series so far.

The story was engaging enough. Muse is on the brink of losing her control on her demon half as Damien's insidious presence begins to wear her down. Unfortunately this is the time when she needs her strength and control the most as Akil has been captured and trapped in his human vessel by the Institute and the remaining Demon Princes' are planning to collapse the Veil and invade Boston. Muse's evil brother is on the scene paving the way for the invasion and Stefan is also back in Boston, but is he here to help or harm Muse?

The world was as fascinating as ever and the story was fast paced and intense. I was caught up in the action and shocked by a few of the developments. I cannot wait for the next book to learn where the story goes from here!

Rating: 4 stars

Audio Note: I'm warming more to Hollie Jackson all the time. She did a great job with this one.

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy read with the Wednesday UF Group.

I both anticipated and dreaded reading this book for a second time. Anticipated because some of my favourite scenes of the entire series are here like Muse accepting Akil's infusion and pretty much any scene where Akil shows up and of course the awesome battle near the end. Dreaded because at the end we loose the Akil we all know and love.

This reread helped me catch some details I totally missed the first time around, especially ones pertaining to the two Institute half-bloods Gamma and Delta. And even though I knew what to expect I still wanted to hit Ryder with a baseball bat and raged at Adam's hypocrisy. Adam is one of those maddeningly complex characters that while technically on the side of good make you want to side with the villains. His motives might be good but oh boy isn't he the biggest monster in Muse's world. And believe me he has quite the competition *coughs*Val*coughs*.

Just like the last time DitD got me through the whole specter of human emotions and left me a mess at the end. And despite the fact that I've read the last book before I still need to restrain myself from reaching for it and waiting for my friends to finish this first.

Original review:
Something like a buddy read with the MacHalos. I utterly failed to comment because I was too engrossed in the story. Sorry guys!

Another wild ride from Pippa DaCosta with an ending that just begs for me to jump right in with the next one. By the way this deserves so much more than 5 stars that this rating is an insult to the greatness that is Muse and company. I adore the maddeningly complex characters that always make you doubt their motives and intentions. Even when you are pretty sure that they don't really mean what they say/do part of you still doubts and when they do/say something good you look for a hidden motive. One that's usually there but not always. So it keeps you on the edge of your seat and flying through the pages. And as things in Muse's world get progressively more screwed up I find myself more and more fascinated and downright obsessed. This is just what Urban Fantasy should be!

[Lanie (Lanies Book Thoughts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book from the Veil series I'm always blown away. I can never fathom how DaCosta can constantly out do herself and surprise me over, and over, and over again. This book is not only action packed, but it's one your gonna invest your emotions in as well. It's hard to find a book like this that puts you through the emotional ringer with the character your reading about. I promise you this isn't one of those series that you read and forget about, it definitely sticks with you. Now onto the review!

So, quick recap of Darkest Before Dawn, basically Muse was on her own trying to protect the lil halfblood girl Dawn which may not have ended so well. Muse was also drowning in her soullock with her previous master, she was starting to unravel but refused to take help from Akil. Akil and Stefan had made it back from beyond the Veil, both changed in polar ways. One of the big baddie guys was killed and the blame was laid at Muses feet. All that is important to keep in mind while reading Drowning In The Dark because nearly every event from that book is still in play in this one.

In Drowning In The Dark, Muse is essentially being eaten alive from the inside out by her soullock. She's becoming mad and slowly slipping away with every page. She knows it, she fears it, but is she willing to trade one foreign monster inside her for another? Muse has really developed into this person who respects life and cherishes people which is a far cry from who she use to be. Even though she's just a halfblood she see's herself as human now. She's found worth in herself. She's fighting to save the people she loves, all the people of Boston and a few demons she just couldn't live without. She's the Mother of Destruction so step off.

Akil and Stefan play a huge part in this book. One falls while another rises.

Akil has been warped by Muse and his experiences in the human world. He can no longer claim to be the evil man he once was. He's starting to feel which kinda makes him sexier. Yes, the evil guy with a heart is just sexy and you know it. Akil is going to have to decide whether he will stand with the other princes and lay waste to the world, or be the man that Muse deserves. However, can a demon in sheeps clothing truly feel anything other than hate, greed and lust?

Stefan has stepped it up in this book, he's still evil, but fighting to reclaim his soul. Unlike Muse, Stefan was raised by the Institute, where his existence was essentially a means to an end. He was trained to hunt and kill demons without much thought. The world was suppose to be black and white, and his demon was suppose to be buried deep inside. Now that the demon is out Stefan doesn't want to lock him back up, he's fully surrendered himself to it. Stefan has become a bad@ss monster that scares the panties off other demons. The good thing is though he's finally decided what he wants Muse for. Might not be so good for her though...

I'm not going to give anything more away about this book, if youve read the previous books and the synopsis you have an idea of whats to come. At least that's what you think. Haha.

I loved this book. It's just...amazing? I'm not sure I can put into words my feelings on this book and how awesome it really is. I think though it really has surpassed all other works done by DaCosta. I'm amped up and ready to read the final book in this series after Drowning In The Dark. The ending of this book has me going crazy with curiosity. I'd recommend this book to any adult without a second thought. If you don't read Urban Fantasy, well you better start. Afraid of demons? Get over it. This book is a must read.

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

[Jen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK. So basically, these books are like crack. This one, in particular, grabbed me from the very first page, with an amazing Akil POV prologue. One of the things that has really gotten under my skin with these stories is that I never truly know which end is up. We generally only have Muse’s point of view, so often as readers, we are tricked and manipulated right along with her. But getting the truth, hearing Akil’s thoughts… well, there is no arguing with that. And before we even get to chapter one, how I look at these characters has changed yet again.

The thing is, the rug gets ripped out from under me before I can even really wrap my head around it. The Institute takes Akil hostage just as the other demon princes make their plans to cross over from the netherworld. So much is at stake with the big picture and Muse has a major role to play, but there is also so much blowing up in her own life. She is mourning what happened to Dawn and how it fractured her relationship with Ryder. She’s still got Damien locked on to her soul. And then, there is still Stefan, who seems to go back and forth in wanting to love her and wanting to kill her.

Love triangles suck. They suck bitter, pulpy lemons. But this one has me totally in its grip. I want things to work out with Stefan so hard, but then Ahil creeps up on me. And just like he does with Muse, he charms me; he makes me believe that there is something real there. I’m tied up in knots, but in a totally delicious way.

The world building has me totally engrossed. The princes are so awful and fascinating; Pippa Dacosta has drawn them so well. They are monsters, truly, but I don’t want to look away. With Muse’s brother Val, it almost feels like his oily blackness is coming off the page. Stefan’s father Adam is every bit the monster, as well, albeit in a human shell. It drives home that a monster is defined more by who someone is than by what they are.

These books are not for the faint of heart. They are not light reading. They should not be read out of order. And you should probably clear your schedule if you decide to give them a try, because if you’re anything like me, you will tear through them until you’re done. But it’s worth it. Muse is worth it, because boy has she come into her own. And Stefan with his fragile grip on humanity, and Akil with his… I don’t even know what.

Plus, the ending. Wow. Must keep reading.

Rating: A-

[Beige · Rating 4 out of 5]

A buddy read with the group Buddies Books and Baubles :)

That was pure heart-pumping-adrenaline fun! It was already a great series, but this, THIS was bloody epic. The Mother of Darkness was unleashed and she did not disappoint. If you love Ilona Andrews and haven't read this yet, you know what to do.

I feel like I need to immediately mainline book 5 into my brain...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when Muse thinks things can't get worse the Veil between our world and the Netherwold starts to fail allowing more and more demons to get through. Muse knows that the Princes of Hell are on their way and she has no hope of surviving if she has to stand against them alone. Akil seems to be on her side but when he is taken captive by the Institute she isn't sure where to turn. Stefan is back but his demon side is more in control than his human one and Muse can never be quite sure whether he loves her or hates her and Ryder has already betrayed her more than once. With her brother Val determined to open the veil once and for all Muse is going to need every little bit of power she can get her hands on to keep the princes at bay and she needs to figure out who she can trust to help her - fast.

I think Pippa DaCosta is trying to kill me, she keeps throwing my favourite characters into these incredibly stressful situations and making them work against impossible odds. She isn't afraid to hurt them and I can never quite be sure if she's going to murder them or somehow get them through by the skin of their teeth. In fact, this series should probably come with ulcer warnings because my stomach is always in knots when I'm reading it! I honestly never know what is going to come next and that's one of the reasons I love these books so much. They're dark and they can be uncomfortable but the characters are fantastic, multifaceted creations who are never simply good or evil. There are so many shades of grey and sometimes the bad guys are the only ones you can trust because at least they'll warn you before they stab you in the back unlike the supposedly good guys who will string you along with lies until they find the perfect moment to betray you.

I absolutely love Muse, after everything she has been through I think it would be easy to forgive her if she just gave up but she keeps on fighting for what she believes in. She's sure there can be no happily ever after in her cards but she keeps hoping that things can be better for other half bloods, she wants to keep humanity safe from the demons and she is so determined to do the right thing no matter what any prophecy may say about her. I love the way she sees the good in people, even those who have hurt her the most, but there are times when I kind of wish she had a bit more of a nasty streak because there are some characters who really deserve to get their arses handed to them. I only have one book left in the series now and I'm kind of terrified to pick up Ties That Bind, I honestly have no clue how Pippa DaCosta is going to tie everything up but I have absolutely no doubt that if Muse is going to get a happy ending she's probably going to have to face a lot more trouble before she earns it. I just really, really hope things turn out well for her. No matter what happens in the final book this series is absolutely fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Kat Desi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippa DaCosta once again dazzles me with the latest installment of The Veil, Drowning in the Dark. I had the privilege to be given an ARC. Plus there is a prologue told in Akil's POV, available on the author's website: I Watch.

The Institute captures Akil. Ryker's changed and it's not a good thing. Muse barely holds onto her humanity. Stefan is back. The veil falls. Valenti has halfbloods at his beck and call. The Princes of Hell come. In other words... Chaos is here, but this is just the beginning.

Let me start with OH MY GOD! This series is gonna be the death of me. So many twists and turns I seriously didn't count on. You can't not invest emotions in this book if you are a fan. The story is so full of tension, you can seriously feel it around you. The action scenes left me breathless. The status of Muse's relationships with Akil and Stefan left me befuddled ('course I'm still rooting for my Akil). There are also revelations in the book that had me saying 'OH MY GOD! Really?!'. Damn.

This book left me mesmerized...

And anxiously awaiting the very last installment of the series, which is sad and exciting at the same time. It all ends in book 5, Ties That Bind, which comes in Spring.

Urban fantasy lovers, if you haven't checked out this series yet... WHY NOT?

* * * * *

[Jenny Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad the author gave us a peek at Akil's thoughts at the beginning of the book. It was something different than the rest of them, so I enjoyed it. But the rest of the book, Oh mannnnn. A couple of big things happen and even though it is not what I wanted to happen, it makes for such an amazing story. After finishing this series I know I will continue with another series of DaCosta's.

[Heather Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever been scared to start a book?

Like utterly terrified? That was me, looking at the first page of Drowning In the Dark.



And I wasn’t wrong.

*sigh*

So we start with a fight in a back alley, fitting for Muse. She’s also still fighting the darkness of her old master on her soul. The twisted sickness that one way or the other, is going to be the death of her. Unless she can find it in her to trust Akil.

Ah-hem.



But just when she decides she has no choice, the Institute arrives and attacks, headed by our old friend Ryder. Akil is captured and locked away.

Yes.

You heard that right.

Akil. Is. Captured.

I’m not going to give anything more away - you make of that what you will. But Muse is sick, sick at heart, sick at soul and desperate to make sure he is okay. Then Stefan shows up.

Oh boy. Here we go.

This was a WILD ride. Half-bloods, half-bloods everywhere. Princes galore. Mammon/Akil in chains. The King returns(hint, he's been there all along). Stefan in beast mode. Adam is a fuckface. The Veil falls. People get hurt. People die.

Very important people.



Is there any hope left? Even the smallest flicker?

I have one word for you.

Just one.

Soul-lock.



*walks away with a tiny smile*

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loyalties will be tested. Muse will finally know who she can trust. The princes are coming. Muse will play an imperative role in either helping or destroying them. It’s up to her, but some believe her fate has already been decided. She knows who she wants to help, but her control is slipping more and more. Without control, she has no idea what will happen.

Muse is one impressive heroine. The more she struggles, the more I love her. No matter what anyone has done to her, she lets her guard down. She still has the capacity to trust others. Her faith in other people is astounding. Muse is innately good, which does get frustrating at times. Some of the people around her are evil. They need to be taken down, but she is reluctant to do anything about it. It makes sense that she doesn’t want to cross that line, but she shouldn’t endanger herself or others either.

A lot went down at the end. It was crazy! The one thing I had figured out was who the king was. It was obvious, but it was the only thing in the series I’ve been able to predict so far. The actions of some of the characters were unexpected and shocking. Can what happened be undone? If it can, will things be the same? It was one hell of a cliffhanger and possibly a game changer depending on how it all plays out. At least the next book is out already, so there is no need to wait to know how it ends.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of Drowning in the Dark in exchange for an honest review. It has in no way impacted on my rating.

The Veil series in my new drug of choice, it beats the adrenaline rush you get after riding a roller coaster. It beats champagne, cocktails, even chocolate… Okay, so I wouldn’t give up chocolate, but I most certainly left mine lying in the cupboard while I gobbled up the final pages of the book instead. And by then I was in dire need of comfort food to ease my troubled mind. If you’re still hanging on to your new year’s resolution of eating less candy, this book will be your undoing. Because oh, boy, you’re going to need an emotionally satisfying sugar rush – or an XL bucket of ice cream - once you’ve finished Drowning in the Dark.

Life has certainly dealt Muse some craptastic blows from her humble beginnings in a world ruled by callous demons and parasitic former owners, not to mention her disturbing half-brother; Valenti. All of which is making it increasingly difficult for Muse to cling onto her humanity.

A nightmare of epic proportions are about to destroy the world as we know it, as the princes prepare to tear down the veil between the mortal and the demon realm forever. Muse, a.k.a the Mother of Destruction learns of the fate she’s been destined for since birth, and not even the lustful attention of Akil might save her from her terrible fate. Not when the new Prince of Wrath is hot on her heels, Adam and the Institute have an ace up their sleeve and Ryder, the only human friend she’s ever had is starting to act weird and distant…

I absolutely loved the twists and turns Pippa took us on in this story. It was intriguing and raw and captured my attention from the very beginning. Her stories always infuse a bit of ”ugly” in them but always yields a beautiful, albeit bloody mess. It was freaking hot an sexy in places. Because the guys, *sigh*, the guys… Whether they are flawed half-bloods, an ancient (but sweetly) dysfunctional demon prince or a protective human caught between the rock and a hard place; they aren’t perfect, but they ARE perfect for one-another. The two royals vying for her attention are made up of opposing elements yet are both so crucial to Muse’s well being:

Akil: “I am an eternal demon, the Prince of Greed, but I am something else, something I do not understand. In this form I feel. You believe me a liar. You think I am incapable of emotion… From the day I saw fire in your soul the likes of which I’d never witnessed, you changed me… You changed a constant. You altered chaos. It is impossible.”

And Stefan, he really grew on me in this installment: “Apart, we are fractured, missing a piece of ourselves, but together, we’re complete.”

“You know how wrong this is? How screwed up we both are? Ice and fire? I should kill you.”

“You’ll either save me or condemn me, Muse. Either way, I have no intention of letting you get away again.”

The choices made by Muse, Akil and Stefan as they dueled with their minds and bodies in their little dance of death was exciting and left me unsure who is being truthful, who can be trusted and if there can ever be a happy ending, not only for our two half-bloods but also our fully fledged demon with the curiously human flaw called love, as impossible as it might seem.

Between the I’ll murder-you-to-death relationships and the powerful but innocent weapon that is wielded – in the most heartbreaking way - by a person who sees the world in black and white, old demonic secrets are revealed and self-sacrifices are made. Hatred becomes an expression of love - and love is expressed through hatred. A powerful entity is revealed, and I can’t wonder how THAT will play out. ..

Be warned: This book isn’t without it’s heart stopping moments, in fact it should come with a health warning. The symptoms you’re likely to be affected by, include respiratory distress and heart palpitations. If you’ve never needed a pacemaker before, you actually might need one after witnessing the events in this book. The ending certainly left me heartbroken..

But all hope is not lost. A business transaction might prove a blessing in disguise, and Muse IS the woman who made a promise that sums up just how loyal she is to those she loves: “As long as I live and breathe, as long as I have a shred of humanity left, as long as I have it in me to care, I will be here for you. Always.”

I desperately want her to prove them wrong; everyone who said there are no happy endings for half-bloods. Muse deserves it all. Dates with ice cream, lasting friendships across the species barrier… and a love that burns hot… for eternity.

Drowning in the Dark is sure to leave a lasting impression on all lovers of Urban Fantasy.

Easily 5 stars & a fave series. Well done, Pippa!


______________________

Every epic series deserves an epic theme song. If this isn't the perfect theme song for Muse & the Veil series, I don't know what is...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RMx5LUF...

Enjoy!

Now it's stalking time, and I'm so very - as in extremely - pleased to have been told that... are you sure you want to peek? ;-) a certain dysfunctional couple will get some one-on-one time in the final novel. And no; I am NOT talking about Muse, Akil or Stefan. *evil cackle*

[Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The veil is falling and the Princes are poised for battle in the fourth installment of the Veil Series, Drowning in the Dark. Akil, Stefan, Ryder, and the Institute are all playing their own game and Muse, afraid to call upon her demon for fear she will lose her humanity, has to make some tough choices about who she can trust.



I love Akil. No, really. I LOVE Akil. The prologue from Akil's POV... *SWOON*

Exhibit A: “She hasn't the faintest idea how she kills me with the way she walks, how she tips her head, licks her lips, touches her hair. How she looks at me; eyes narrowed, hand on hip, so adamant in her belief she knows who--what I am. I need to take her; hard and fast. Rip the degenerate bastard from her soul, and seed myself inside her. Own her for eternity. Longer.”

Exhibit B: “Together we could burn the world. I’d burn it for her; just to free the fire.”



Every single character in this book had a revelatory moment. My emotions were all over the place. Cheering one minute, mouth gaped in shock the next. I even cried. (Let the record show that this is the first Urban Fantasy book that has EVER made me cry. And a full on ugly cry, too)

Drowning in the Dark is a heart-pounding, pulse racing, non-stop thrill ride. When it comes to this series I should know by now to expect the unexpected, but once again Pippa DaCosta has blown me away. A word of warning, though. This book ends in one heck of a cliffhanger. Thankfully the fifth and final book in the series, Ties That Bind, will be out at the end of April.

*An e-copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Quotes:
“I’m the freakin’ Mother of Destruction. Those bitches will get in line or die.”

”Trapped inside his arms, pressed against his chest, his scent so pungent it burned my throat, I couldn't run, couldn't fight, couldn't cry out, and the sordid yellow eyes revealed he knew it. I did the only thing possible when faced with fate. I smiled.”

[Z-squared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't understand how each book in this series keeps topping the last in action, angst, and sheer epicness, but somehow Pippa DaCosta makes it happen. I put this series aside for a few months to savor its quality (and recover from its intensity), but I had no trouble starting up again, despite being tossed immediately into the thick of it. The pacing in this is breakneck, and yet the action never overshadows the characters, nor does the plot ever slip out of control. Akil's rehabilitation culminates in some surprising actions, Stefan goes entirely off any map of predictable behavior, and Muse continues to hold herself and all of Boston together by the skin of her teeth. The ending blew my mind. Twice.

This series is finished now (this was the penultimate installment), so my review is unforgivably late. However, I know that many of you have grown tired of discovering nail-bitingly good series, only to have to wait years for them to trickle into publication. This series is complete. Done. Finito! No suffering after each cliffhanger ending! If you haven't started this series yet, it is a perfect book binge just waiting to be devoured! Nom nom nom...

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

[Feminista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the same recipe over and over again. Run around like a headless chook not know what is going on, getting betrayed by the same people especially Adam and Ruder.

This is starting to wear thin.

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*2016 Cliterary Genius A to Z reading challenge, letter D.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short,
Pippa Dacosta is a great UF writer (one with an impressive vocabulary, by the way).
If you like UF you can't miss this series.

[★Moonrise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

Another fantastic installment in the series! Drowning in the Dark is set in Boston, where Muse continues to struggle in her role as a half-demon in the human world. The veil that shields humans from the dangerous netherworld is thinning. And as the battle to save Boston begins, the Princes of Hell are making their way toward the city, led by the most sinister demon of all... Valenti. The encroaching demons are enough to keep Muse on her toes. But it's the one inside her that may be the biggest threat of all.

On a mission to protect the humans, and the city she loves -- the city that saved her from a torturous childhood -- Muse seeks answers from those who have seen what is coming. Loyalties are tested as the Institute questions her motives, and takes drastic measures to gain the upper-hand. With the Prince of Greed, Akil, at her side, they might have a chance at survival. But Akil's behavior is leaving her scratching her head. What is he up to? And as for the Institute... Muse has a hunch about what is really going on behind the closed, guarded, and secretive doors. If her hunch is correct, the netherworld is the least of their worries.

Muse finds herself turning to Stefan, the ice half-demon, who has transformed into someone she doesn't recognize. But will she rediscover in him the man she once loved? More than likely, he will be her downfall, as Valenti has warned. Stefan is on his own mission, and has his own reasons for returning to Boston... and Muse's very survival may depend on the choices he will be forced to make.

Muse is an extraordinary character, who can hold her own in life and in battle. I am still torn between the two sexy demons, Akil and Stefan, who are so different, but equally charming and mysterious. Each installment has its own appeal, and weaves together a series that is rich with detail, and filled with enticing reveals and enchanting characters. The next book will be the final installment in the series. And although I am sad to see it ending, I am eager to see how it will conclude. Anyone who enjoys breathless, action-packed urban fantasy will love this book!

[Kristal & Charmaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review up at www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog/2015/2... <3

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/onceuponabookblog <3

Can we please just take a moment to relive the amazingness that was that prologue...

...The things she's doing to me. I am not this man. I am demon. And yet this impossible woman undermines everything. Undermines me. Burrows deep. Deep into shadows, into darkness, into facets I've refused to acknowledge.

Oh my LIFE Akil. The prince of Greed is seriously off kilter, it's unsettling, especially for Muse. Common sense tells her that he is deluding himself thinking that he feels something for her. But she can't seem to get away from the fact that his actions are trying to prove otherwise. Welcome to the very complicated world half-blood Muse. Right from that prologue I knew that I was going to be lost to this book. I have been an avid follower of this series and as the story has twisted and turned into hell and back I have had my emotions wrung out too many times to count. That doesn't change here in book 4, in fact I think my heart was lucky to survive this instalment.

We land in this story right as the Institute makes their biggest move yet and captures Akil AKA Mammon. Muse is horrified, Akil needs to be out in Boston helping them fight the demons and Princes that are heading Boston's way, but no one is listening to her. Muse knows she has a limited amount of time until chaos claims her and she wants to do everything she can to prevent the two worlds from colliding. This is where Stefan comes in. He's back and it seems that he and his demon are wanting very different things.

I don't want to say too much more specifically about the story because you really want to be able to feel shocked, stunned and spun-out as the story demands it. Because that is one of the strengths of this series, these demons really keep you on your toes! I'm still unsure where each demon stands exactly in relation to Muse and humanity. I am in love AND hate(!) with parts of both Akil and Stefan, which is completely owing to the care Pippa DaCosta takes in her character building. Demons by their very nature should be confusing to our human sensibilities and that absolutely is achieved. I don't know half the time if I want to love these guys or kick them! So yes, I'm conflicted. I don't know if I should be, but I am.

Meanwhile Muse is still the badass chick I have come to expect. Even at her darkest hour, even when she feels her control slipping away. Even when she's not sure she has anything left to give or to fight for, she pulls out the biggest guns that she can and she hits full throttle. Every. Single. Damn. Time. You can't beat an epic female character and Muse definitely delivers.

So you need to read this book. Like you seriously need to read this book. Obviously if you've been following this series then you'll already be one step ahead and will be currently reading this book... But if not then get onto it! If you're new to this series then you REALLY need to get onto it and read all of the books! I will end with one word of warning... The ending of this book... it almost killed me, mostly from multiple heart attacks, but also from knowing that I now have to wait until APRIL to find out what on earth had just happened! (In more ways than one) I'm still slowly coming to terms with Drowning in the Dark (can you tell!) I need closure.... So I swear nothing is coming between me and the final book in this series...

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review

[J.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you could sum up Drowning in the Dark in three words, what would they be?
Ice-cream. Heartbreak. Devastation.

What did you like best about this story?
The characters, without a doubt. They are so well crafted they feel like real people. Every single one of them has redeeming qualities, and none are painted exclusively in black or white. They do what they must, for reasons that are perfectly justifiable from their points of view, and they fail. Don't get me wrong, there are some hard earned victories but it is so well constructed that you will never be completely sure of who'll walk out of a battle alive, who will die, and who will get out of it with a fate worse than death.

Which scene was your favorite?
I can't tell (because it would spoil it) but it is the first scene involving ice-cream (and there is a lot of ice-cream in this book).

Any additional comments?
This series keeps getting better. Even when I thought it would disappoint me at a specific scene, it turned things around, and gripped my attention right back with newfound glee.
The book ended in such way that left me half-desperate for the next (and last) one, and I can almost taste its greatness.

[Amy Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... That was... Whoa. My mind is still reeling from the events of this book. Seriously, talk about an adrenaline filled adventure from start to finish. Even the snow moments of this book were fast paced and thrilling. I'm torn between DROWNING IN THE DARK being my favourite book in the series now, though DEVIL MAY CARE still has a strong hold on my heart. They're both so good! The series is definitely taking a darker turn, however. After the previous book kind of stumbled for a clear storyline, this one knew exactly what it was setting out to do, and achieved that goal in spades. The story was powerful and gripping, the characters more exciting than ever, the stakes higher, and a mind-blowing final battle. There were a couple things I predicted when I likely shouldn't have, but there was a huge twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Honestly, it's getting to the point where I don't see how anything can go right for Muse, Stefan (and I am totally Team Stefan), and the rest of the gang, but I'm hoping things work out the way I want them to! This is an amazing series and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up. Urban fantasy fans need to check this one out ASAP!

[Mollien Fote Osterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to be chosen to receive an ARC of the 4th installment of The Veil Series, Drowning In The Dark. Each book just gets better and better. Ms DaCosta puts so much into her books. She gives descriptions that you can imagine seeing on the big screen. Drowning In The Dark has so much going on. Some old characters return, new ones appear, and some characters are not who they seem.

Muse struggles to maintain her humanity as Damien's soul lock gets stronger. Her friendship with Ryder is becoming more strained and Akil has been captured by the Institute.

This book is so exciting. I read it non-stop until almost the end, then I had to pace myself because I knew that when it was over, I would have to wait to find out what happens to these characters that Ms DaCosta has brought to life.

[Shellie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

This series is so believable...I would recommend this series to all of my friends and give it five stars because it absolutely deserves it. I spent my entire Sunday reading book 4..I can't wait to read book 5, but sad it's the finale. Love, love it!!

[Laura Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS is the distraction I needed from the world right now. Death, destruction, demons, desire, drama... So much better when it's fictional! If you haven't yet picked up this series you're wasting valuable time. If you've already started, keep going. Every book is better than to one before it.

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at:


*I was provided an eARC by the author in exchange of an honest review.

My Rating:✮✮✮✮½

I am both satisfied and outraged when the topic of discussion is this book. I got my heart ripped out and handed to me on a silver plater a handful of times. I almost shed a tear for, dare I say it, Akil. This story was one heck of a ride that ended mid fall.

Muse is just as beat up and bruised as ever. She's been rolling with the punches for some time now. When she finally decides that Akil is a lesser evil, when the consequence is her continued suffering, and asks him for help the institute rears it's ugly head and ruins EVERYTHING. The institute is the thorn in everyone hindquarters.

Akil is as secretive as ever when it comes to what's going to happen in the future (because apparently he's had insider information all along). This time around it seems he's found he has feelings. I don't know if he's being truthful or just messing with Muse's/reader's head.

Stefan's finally back to being a more serious version of his original self. I was hoping/praying/dreaming that would happen. I couldn't give up on him. He has his struggle's, but the important thing is that he's back and willing to help. Stefan ♡ Muse!

That ending made me shed a tear. OK, maybe I paused my reading and had a few quiet minutes of ugly cry. The uncertainty of it all was the worse part. If Muse/I knew for sure what actually happened I could find closure, but even that wasn't possible. The last two lines in the last chapter of this book were one heck of a cliffhanger.

Conclusion: I don't appreciate cliffhangers, especially one as heart wrenching and disturbing as this one. I want the next book. Now.

My Favorite Quotes:

"Don't look at me and see a survivor. I'm not human, not any more. If the demon wants, it gets. I have no control. None."

"Give it room to move, let it fester too long, and hate could smother the brightest spark of love."

"He was afraid of me, for me, for those around me. He was my mentor, my guardian, and if need be, my executioner."

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drowning in the dark is novel #4 in Pippa Dacosta’s The Veil series, and it is mind blowing. I can’t think of any other way to describe it.

I was never able to figure out exactly how long after the events of book three that this novel picks up. At times it seems fairly recent, yet in a conversation with Ryder about Dawn, there is mention of almost a year passing. I am going to look for some clarification on that, not sure why I am such a stickler for timelines. :p

The novel begins with Muse recklessly battling demons, with no care to her well being. She’s afraid to summon her demon at all because she may lose control, as Damien’s essences is driving her insane. Akil shows up and saves her just in the nick of time….along with Ryder and fellow institute enforcers. They shoot Akil with etched bullets and pump him full of PC-34, they drag him away to their idea of “incarceration.” He is not happy about this and fully believes Muse orchestrated the ambush.

Muse tries on multiple occasions to warn Ryder that he really should let Akil go. It seems Ryder hasn’t been himself lately though, which Muse attributes to his guilt over killing Dawn.

We learn quite a bit about Val in this novel. Remember Muse’s ability to read the past in a piece of metal? Val has a similar, very interesting power.

Tension seems to be easing in the relationship between Stefan and Muse. He reflects on what it was like when he defeated the prince of wrath and claimed his title.

The veil is weakening, and demons are pouring in. Allies are discovered and alliances are made. Chaos is among them, and Muse is really embracing this Mother of Destruction title. I love it.

The second half of this book is literally littered with new twists every few pages. As I have stated before, I am not a fan of spoilers. If you are a fan of this series, this novel is a game changer. We have one left, and I am so glad I don’t have to wait for it.

[R.C. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with a rare insight into Akil's POV. It was delicious! I love Akil and his twisted, complex personality. He keeps us on our toes, and I'm rooting for him to get everything that his greedy heart desires.

The whole storyline with Akil and the Institute was fabulous. And the revelation of the King of Hell had me smacking my forehead and thinking, "Duh, of course!" The action scenes continue to thrill, and that ending had me screaming out loud. No, no, no! I'm a little confused about how Destruction obliterated every demon in the area and yet the King wasn't harmed. Those glyphs must be damned special.

I might be in the minority here, but I'm not a huge fan of Stefan. He is the Prince of Wrath and cannot be trusted any more than the Prince of Greed. So why does Muse constantly give him the benefit of the doubt? Only because he's half-blood and she wants to believe he can control his demon? Oh, please. He hasn't done anything to demonstrate he has his shit together. In fact, everything he has done since returning from the netherworld should have Muse screaming in the other direction. Sorry, not feeling it. Stefan is always late to the party, and a dime too short. Akil does some pretty messed up stuff, but he would never attack or want to kill Muse. That's a real turn off for me.

Never-the-less, this story is amazing and I can't get enough of it.

[Te`Neil Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. first, I couldn't put the book down. sleep was my enemy. All I wanted to do was get to the end and then once I did, I didn't want it to end. Pippa is such an amazing writer that you feel that your right there with Muse, feeling what she is feeling. I laughed, I teared up and litterally wanted to throw my kindle across the room at points during this book. once you start reading, it's an action packed race to the finish with the return of our favorite half- ice demon, Stefan. He needs Muse's help to keep the Prince's out of Boston and she, being the newly proclaimed Mother of Destruction, steps up to the challenge. Old feelings mingle with new and ones Muse never knew existed rear their ugly heads. There is death and destruction and fire and ice and it's a story you can't miss. It is a must read along with its 3 predecessors.