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Dark Lands #2
The Not-Where
The betrayal at the Requiem has passed, but the foreboding presence of the Dark Man still exists. While whispers of a new threat roll across the Dark Lands, Webb Thompson is plagued by a recurring nightmare that warns of a looming evil powerful enough to transform not just his life, but also that of his sister, Sundown, and her counselor, Raven. After the Dark Man initiates a move that destabilizes the shaky balance of good and evil in the Dark Lands, Webb realizes the only resolution may lie within a shadowy region known to few and traversed by even less. But does the cryptic Not-Where hide the source of tribulation or is it a place to release more insidious forces? As the paths of Webb, Sundown, and Raven surreptitiously intertwine, they realize too late that despite their caution and steadfastness, destiny cannot be tempered as new evils are unleashed, secrets are revealed, and a vast army rises. Now only time will tell if they can stop the Dark Man from escaping his otherworldly prison. . .
210 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 27, 2017
Continuing where Requiem left off, the reader is once again unapologetically in the thick of things.
One of the strengths here is the fact that the majority of the world building is done and the author is left to concentrate more on the character relationships. So we learn more about Raven and how she is entwined in Webb and Sundown's lives.
Revelations about other characters too, which may make their behaviour more understandable.
Webb remains one of the most frustrating characters I have read in a long time. And whilst this character trait feeds the plot narrative, it is a little tiring at times.
Nevertheless, a decent second volume in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
One of the strengths here is the fact that the majority of the world building is done and the author is left to concentrate more on the character relationships. So we learn more about Raven and how she is entwined in Webb and Sundown's lives.
Revelations about other characters too, which may make their behaviour more understandable.
Webb remains one of the most frustrating characters I have read in a long time. And whilst this character trait feeds the plot narrative, it is a little tiring at times.
Nevertheless, a decent second volume in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 29, 2016
The Dark Lands series of novels, are not just a triumph is fantasy fiction, but in fiction as a whole. The concept has a great uniqueness about it and it was written in a easy and effortless style. The world could have the next J.K. Rowling on their hands, with Lyn Kelly. Following the immense battle at Requiem in the previous book in the series, the Dark Man in imprisoned, but that doesn't mean he is finished with his plans. He has evil allies that aim to tip the balance in the favour of evil and release the Dark Man from his prison. With their own internal battles, will Webb and Sundown, be able to defeat the Dark Man for a second time, or will he change life in the Dark Lands for good.
June 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Likes: I like that the information over load is very minimal in this book. The reader gets a more in depth look at Raven, Webb, and Sundown, as well as the evil creatures presiding in the Dark Lands now that the back story to the land itself is established. I actually like that the Dark Man is so mysterious and always one step ahead of the main characters. I am sure this will change in the third installment of this unique series, but for now it is refreshing to see an underdog story being set up. That cliff hanger ending was killer!
Dislikes: I am normally a fan of love but this instant attraction between Raven and Webb and the reasoning behind it did have me rolling my eyes a little. It was a predicable move, one that I actually guessed while reading Requiem. There are a few other predicable tid-bits throughout the novel but this one stood out because it seemed kind of cliché compared to the rest of the novel. While overall I do like Webb, I find his childish way of thinking annoying. He just doesn’t act 17 to me most of the time, and I always feel like Sundown is much younger than she is as well (or maybe I’m just getting older and can’t remember being that impetuous ;)).
I have to give this novel 4 Dark Mans.
Likes: I like that the information over load is very minimal in this book. The reader gets a more in depth look at Raven, Webb, and Sundown, as well as the evil creatures presiding in the Dark Lands now that the back story to the land itself is established. I actually like that the Dark Man is so mysterious and always one step ahead of the main characters. I am sure this will change in the third installment of this unique series, but for now it is refreshing to see an underdog story being set up. That cliff hanger ending was killer!
Dislikes: I am normally a fan of love but this instant attraction between Raven and Webb and the reasoning behind it did have me rolling my eyes a little. It was a predicable move, one that I actually guessed while reading Requiem. There are a few other predicable tid-bits throughout the novel but this one stood out because it seemed kind of cliché compared to the rest of the novel. While overall I do like Webb, I find his childish way of thinking annoying. He just doesn’t act 17 to me most of the time, and I always feel like Sundown is much younger than she is as well (or maybe I’m just getting older and can’t remember being that impetuous ;)).
I have to give this novel 4 Dark Mans.
August 21, 2022
A massive improvement over the first. The characters grow, the lore deepens, the world makes more sense and there is a genuine sense of dread as Kelly adds a brilliant twist to the trope of someone progressively losing/questioning their sanity. It balances being character driven and plot driven beautifully ending in a cliff hanger that feels earned but still has a sense of urgency.
December 8, 2023
Better than book one.
March 11, 2017
Great second novel of trilogy! Sets things up nicely for the conclusion. But, maybe it won't be the conclusion. There are a lot of stories that could still come from the "Dark Lands".
November 30, 2016
Having read “Dark Lands Requiem,” I was anxious to know what was happening to my favorite characters. Yes, they grew on me and I enjoyed every teen-aged blush, act of tom-foolery and even the angst of living in a semi-paradisiacal limbo. The malevolent grew as well, with insidious intentions and abilities. But this is not just a book of good vs. evil; it’s about the challenges we all face dealing with our place in the world. How what you do can affect so many when you may feel totally diminished. Learning who to trust and should you listen to that voice in your head. Kelly is laying out intriguing possibilities and pushing Webb, Raven and Sundown to ever more extreme potential. This is turning into a fascinating YA series.
An advanced reader’s copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
An advanced reader’s copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
September 26, 2016
As a rule, I am not a big fan of fantasy novels – when it comes to books, I usually like to keep my feet on the ground. But, this book series was so highly recommended to me by a friend that I promised them I would try it. The first novel hooked me within a few chapters, so I had purchased 'Dark Lands: The Not Where' before I even finished 'Requiem'. I loved the uncomplicated style of writing, the relationship between siblings Sundown and Webb, and the new take on the age old battle of Good vs. Evil. The Dark Man is such a mysterious villain, he always seems one step ahead of the siblings, threatening every kind of existence. If you enjoy the darker side of fantasy novels, then you will love the Dark Lands books.
July 9, 2016
Dark Lands is a scary and confusing place to encounter. He may only be a teenager, but the responsibility to protect the goodness within The Dark Lands falls on Webb. Whilst sitting on the edge of my seat reading the tense and terrifying situations Webb encounters, I reflected on my own teen years and was glad I wasn't thrown into the Dark Lands to fight the Dark Man. I think young adults will relate to Webb's angst and frustration, and the protective nature he maintains for his little sister. I did not expect the book to end how it did, it kept me in suspense throughout.
July 27, 2016
I enjoyed reading The Dark Lands Not Where, even more so than the first book as it goes into greater depth. The Dark Man is more prevalent in this story, and the characters are wiser and more savvy to their terrifying surroundings. The author adds more about the relationship between Raven and Webb. The idea and description around soul-mates sent a shiver down my spine as I read it. This is not a romantic story, but there are naturally some elements explored throughout the journey which were fascinating and unique to read.
December 24, 2016
I received this book as a gift from the author, Lyn I. Kelly, I enjoyed this book more than the first. I still enjoy the descriptions Lyn uses, but since there was not as much need for backstory of the characters, we were able to get into the mystery a bit more. Whereas the first book seemed a little predictable this left me guessing a bit more. Nice cliff hanger to the end of this story. Looking forward to the next one. Please let me know when.
February 3, 2017
Very nice, original idea. I look forward to reading the next book eventually. The author does a nice job of creating suspense and holding the reader's interest. We want to know who the Dark Man is, and what happens to Webb and Sundown, and what Mrs. Murdock meant.
December 1, 2016
Solid sequel and I very much enjoyed the magic as well as the ending. I'm surprised I didn't see it coming. I'm just not sold on the romance portion of it and that's really the only weakness with the story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews