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Lightness Saga #1
The Crown of Light
**NOT A STANDALONE SERIES! HIGHLY recommend to read Darkness & Collector Series prior. Lightness Saga contains story-lines, world-building, and spoilers from previous books and characters. Starting with Darkness Series> Collector Series> Lightness Saga. A war is brewing. Kennedy is one of the last known Druids. Wanted dead by the Seelie Queen and as a coveted asset to defeat this cruel ruler, Kennedy has become a mark. Especially by a sexy, merciless Dark Dweller, Lorcan Dragen. Kidnapped and taken prisoner, Kennedy’s life takes a dramatic turn, down a path she never imagined. Spending time with a man who killed her best friend’s mother and her friend, she knows he is not someone she should care about. But the longer she spends with her enemy, the more her feelings blur the line between what is right and wrong, what is true and what is not. As her magic grows, so does the shy, nerdy girl, and she soon realizes nothing on a list or in a book will prepare her for what is ahead. Even her own feelings. **Sexual content, language, alcohol, violence, death, and other mature content intended for readers 17 and older.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2017
501 people are currently reading
5126 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
65 books6,355 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
July 8, 2022
"No..not if it means it´s going to kill you. I couldn´t live with that."
"I couldn´t live with myself if I didn´t."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Kennedy.
I really loved to finally read Kennedy´s story. I already liked her a lot as a side character in the Darkness Saga so to finally have her as the FMC is so nice. Loved her chemistry with Lorcan, the push and pull was so good. The tension was really good as well, especially for the parts where they were trying to stay away from each other. Although there could have been a bit more enemies before we transition to lovers for me.
The side characters were the same as in the Darkness series, there aren´t any new side characters added so far. So it was nice to see them all again but I hope that book 2 in the Lightness saga will advance a bit further into new side characters and a new storyline.
Plotwise we start at the ending of the Darkness Saga, but with Kennedys POV. It was really nice reading her POV on parts where she didn´t appear in the Darkness series and what happened during those times. But I have to say it made some of the scenes feel a bit repetitive, reading about them twice. The world building was as good as always and I liked the action a lot. The pacing was also really good. As a Marvel nerd I have to say I also loved the Spiderman reference. What I disliked a little bit was the cheating trope, I am not the biggest fan of those....This book felt more like an introduction/transition from the Darkness series to this, so I hope book 2 will venture into a new story then.
Overall it was a fun and good read and I can´t to read the next book in the Lightness saga.
trigger warnings: kidnapping, cheating, war
"I couldn´t live with myself if I didn´t."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Kennedy.
I really loved to finally read Kennedy´s story. I already liked her a lot as a side character in the Darkness Saga so to finally have her as the FMC is so nice. Loved her chemistry with Lorcan, the push and pull was so good. The tension was really good as well, especially for the parts where they were trying to stay away from each other. Although there could have been a bit more enemies before we transition to lovers for me.
The side characters were the same as in the Darkness series, there aren´t any new side characters added so far. So it was nice to see them all again but I hope that book 2 in the Lightness saga will advance a bit further into new side characters and a new storyline.
Plotwise we start at the ending of the Darkness Saga, but with Kennedys POV. It was really nice reading her POV on parts where she didn´t appear in the Darkness series and what happened during those times. But I have to say it made some of the scenes feel a bit repetitive, reading about them twice. The world building was as good as always and I liked the action a lot. The pacing was also really good. As a Marvel nerd I have to say I also loved the Spiderman reference. What I disliked a little bit was the cheating trope, I am not the biggest fan of those....This book felt more like an introduction/transition from the Darkness series to this, so I hope book 2 will venture into a new story then.
Overall it was a fun and good read and I can´t to read the next book in the Lightness saga.
trigger warnings: kidnapping, cheating, war
April 13, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐
“You are not pathetic. You are extremely sensitive and kind. Probably too much so.” He glanced back and forth between my eyes. “And you probably know by now I’m the kind of guy who likes things a bit difficult. There isn’t anything I won’t battle or do to keep you safe.”
*Highly recommended to read the Darkness series beforehand.
The story is in conjunction with Blood Beyond Darkness in Kennedy’s POV. It showed what happened during the time Kennedy was kidnapped. I remembered that I really liked Kennedy & Lorcan’s banter and mentioned it was like a breath of fresh air but in this book sadly I was mistaken. I really did not like Kennedy here. She is so confused with her feelings and was very selfish. 😤 As for Lorcan this book explains some of his actions and we were able to get to know more of him here. 😊 Reading Owen’s death again was truly heartbreaking 💔😭
To sum it up it was still an okay book(even if I really do not like Kennedy here🙄) I will still continue to the next one to know what happened, as they introduced a new enemy .😲
Kudos to the book cover its perfect 👑
“You are not pathetic. You are extremely sensitive and kind. Probably too much so.” He glanced back and forth between my eyes. “And you probably know by now I’m the kind of guy who likes things a bit difficult. There isn’t anything I won’t battle or do to keep you safe.”
*Highly recommended to read the Darkness series beforehand.
The story is in conjunction with Blood Beyond Darkness in Kennedy’s POV. It showed what happened during the time Kennedy was kidnapped. I remembered that I really liked Kennedy & Lorcan’s banter and mentioned it was like a breath of fresh air but in this book sadly I was mistaken. I really did not like Kennedy here. She is so confused with her feelings and was very selfish. 😤 As for Lorcan this book explains some of his actions and we were able to get to know more of him here. 😊 Reading Owen’s death again was truly heartbreaking 💔😭
To sum it up it was still an okay book(even if I really do not like Kennedy here🙄) I will still continue to the next one to know what happened, as they introduced a new enemy .😲
Kudos to the book cover its perfect 👑
May 26, 2017
I'm speechless ...
I cannot decide whether to include this book among my most favorite books ever! Yes, this book got under my skin. Thanks to this book, I almost got fired. 'Cause the story is so addictive you won't be able to let go of the book until you finish it.
Jesus ... the war! I didn't expect it to be such a massacre! It took my breath away. Although I was not a big fan of Jared, but ... WTF?!
OMG ... so amazing reading! Thank you Stacey for that!!
"By one of the Light, Darkness will take its revenge.
A bloodline that cannot be repressed will rise to power.
A descendant will take the throne. Blood will seek to kill you.
She who possesses the Sword of Light will have the power."
I'm dead!
... can't wait to read the next book ...
I cannot decide whether to include this book among my most favorite books ever! Yes, this book got under my skin. Thanks to this book, I almost got fired. 'Cause the story is so addictive you won't be able to let go of the book until you finish it.
Jesus ... the war! I didn't expect it to be such a massacre! It took my breath away. Although I was not a big fan of Jared, but ... WTF?!
OMG ... so amazing reading! Thank you Stacey for that!!
"By one of the Light, Darkness will take its revenge.
A bloodline that cannot be repressed will rise to power.
A descendant will take the throne. Blood will seek to kill you.
She who possesses the Sword of Light will have the power."
I'm dead!
... can't wait to read the next book ...
abandon-dnf
May 16, 2017No rating as I DNF'd this at a mere 30%.....
Ya ever read a book and every time you look at the progress you cringe? Ya ever read a book and constantly think "am I getting close to the climax yet?" "am I getting close to the end yet?" Ya ever read a book and ask why these characters even like each other? Well...this is one of those books. It had an interesting premise but holy friggin dog balls was it BBOOOORRRRIIINNNNGGGG!
Many have liked it and many more will like it but its just not for me....peace!
Ya ever read a book and every time you look at the progress you cringe? Ya ever read a book and constantly think "am I getting close to the climax yet?" "am I getting close to the end yet?" Ya ever read a book and ask why these characters even like each other? Well...this is one of those books. It had an interesting premise but holy friggin dog balls was it BBOOOORRRRIIINNNNGGGG!
Many have liked it and many more will like it but its just not for me....peace!
February 15, 2017
Another amazing read!
I have followed this series from the start of the Darkness series including West, through the Collectors series and I have never been disappointed only left screaming and begging for more. I will be honest and say that I was never a fan of Kennedy, something about her just irked me the wrong way and though I was curious as to her story I was still slightly reluctant to read about her. BUT I dove right in and OMG I'm so glad I did! I had a twisted book crush on Lorcan anyway and Kennedy, though I still want to ring her neck at times, ended up being a great read. Stacey has a writing style that is unmatched by any. She has a way of pulling you into the story that makes you see and feel the story. You do not just read it, you experience it. Bravo on another great book. I cannot wait for the next.
I have followed this series from the start of the Darkness series including West, through the Collectors series and I have never been disappointed only left screaming and begging for more. I will be honest and say that I was never a fan of Kennedy, something about her just irked me the wrong way and though I was curious as to her story I was still slightly reluctant to read about her. BUT I dove right in and OMG I'm so glad I did! I had a twisted book crush on Lorcan anyway and Kennedy, though I still want to ring her neck at times, ended up being a great read. Stacey has a writing style that is unmatched by any. She has a way of pulling you into the story that makes you see and feel the story. You do not just read it, you experience it. Bravo on another great book. I cannot wait for the next.
January 29, 2019
Pathetic, immature, insipid heroine.. Jeez
Started off OK but Lorcan was far too hot for this girl. I got fed up with her hot and cold towards him.... Ooh no.. I can't do this.. I have a boyfriend and he loves me!
Girl. You just had your hands on his big dick. If you can't deal? Step off the page.
Love triangles are not for me. Nope. Can't do them. The plot wasn't enough for me to carry on, she basically learned one damned spell and.. No character depth! There was basically one convo where Lorcan explained his home life and that was it.. She was all for him. She KNEW him! Only Kennedy KNEW him. Pah! Grow up little girl.
Started off OK but Lorcan was far too hot for this girl. I got fed up with her hot and cold towards him.... Ooh no.. I can't do this.. I have a boyfriend and he loves me!
Girl. You just had your hands on his big dick. If you can't deal? Step off the page.
Love triangles are not for me. Nope. Can't do them. The plot wasn't enough for me to carry on, she basically learned one damned spell and.. No character depth! There was basically one convo where Lorcan explained his home life and that was it.. She was all for him. She KNEW him! Only Kennedy KNEW him. Pah! Grow up little girl.
July 17, 2020
A new author to me and my first book by her.
To say it’s been so long since I’ve picked up or read a paranormal book this one ticked all the boxes for me. Magic. Power. War. Love. Fear. Heartbreak. Amazing characters. I like the mystery of the story. The nerdiness
the innocence of the h and the strong alpha H who of course makes you not trust him (which makes it hotter) and swooned at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was let down, (why I gave it 4 stars) when h kind of blamed H her situation even though she knew she wasn’t feeling real emotions for her first love, but hey can she just like not blame H when she was all there in that cabin smh.
To say it’s been so long since I’ve picked up or read a paranormal book this one ticked all the boxes for me. Magic. Power. War. Love. Fear. Heartbreak. Amazing characters. I like the mystery of the story. The nerdiness
the innocence of the h and the strong alpha H who of course makes you not trust him (which makes it hotter) and swooned at the same time.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was let down, (why I gave it 4 stars) when h kind of blamed H her situation even though she knew she wasn’t feeling real emotions for her first love, but hey can she just like not blame H when she was all there in that cabin smh.
November 28, 2020
11/27/2020: Reread!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
I am going to be very blunt about this. When I read the Darkness series I liked Kennedy's character, but I had never imagined her in a main character role. She is not the type of female lead character that I gravitate towards. I love the feisty, unruly, loudmouthed, takes-no-shit, badass, tough, could-kick-your-ass female protagonists. Kennedy is not this at all, but I still loved this book.
While Kennedy's character isn't quite as tough as Ember or Zoey, she still had her own defiance and strength. I loved seeing her grow as a character. The timid, cute, well-behaved girl from the Darkness series is gone. The new Kennedy was a pleasure to see unfold. Lorcan's character growth was even more extreme and incredible. I may have liked it even more than Kennedy's. Lorcan comes across as a villain in the Darkness series. This series really paints the picture that there are always two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white. Lorcan is all gray area. I love that Brown was able to warp my opinion of his character from something negative to absolute adoration. I honestly love his character just as much as Eli's.
This is Kennedy's story and this book actually takes place during the same timeframe as the Darkness series. We are just getting to see Kennedy's story this time. I loved seeing things from her point of view. The plot from the Darkness series continues in this book since it occurs at the same time, but it feels more intimate since now we are seeing things from other points of view. We have more information this time around. The plot is very strong and the additional viewpoints add so much more to the story. More emotion and more urgency.
I loved the world-building in this. Brown adds enough details to really make you visualize the surroundings of the story. The world-building does build off of the Darkness series though.
The romance in this book in incredible! I think that I almost liked it more than Ember and Eli's romance. At least, when I was reading this book it felt stronger. The chemistry between Kennedy and Lorcan was electric. I definitely loved the way that Kennedy and Lorcan came together. Yes, he kidnapped her and she was his prisoner, but they were able to grow close and get to know each other over the months they were together. The fact that Lorcan's motives are pretty misunderstood throughout the series plays a big part in Kennedy softening to him. Lorcan isn't good or evil and he is able to open up to Kennedy when no one else has been able to see that part of him. Kennedy was also able to feel more herself around him. The way that they fell in love was the perfect slow-burn hate-to-love romance and one of the best I've read in a while.
I think that it is worth saying that this series is a continuation of the Darkness series by Stacey Marie Brown. If you have not read that series first then I can't imagine that you would get any of the references or have any clue what is going on. The scope of what is happening in the book is based off of things already discovered in the previous series.
Overall, I was beyond impressed with this book! I wasn't sure that this book was going to surpass or live up to the Darkness series. I honestly wasn't sure that would like this book because I didn't connect with Kennedy's character as much in the Darkness series. I was sure that this book would fall flat for me, but it did not! I loved this book just as much, and for parts of me maybe even more, as the Darkness series! It was really an addictive read. I couldn't separate my eyes from this book. I devoured it! I highly recommend reading this book along with the Darkness series and the Collector series. This world is so captivating and you will love being sucked into it. With only a few more books left in this world, I am starting to feel anxious about ending it. I wish it could go on forever!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
I am going to be very blunt about this. When I read the Darkness series I liked Kennedy's character, but I had never imagined her in a main character role. She is not the type of female lead character that I gravitate towards. I love the feisty, unruly, loudmouthed, takes-no-shit, badass, tough, could-kick-your-ass female protagonists. Kennedy is not this at all, but I still loved this book.
While Kennedy's character isn't quite as tough as Ember or Zoey, she still had her own defiance and strength. I loved seeing her grow as a character. The timid, cute, well-behaved girl from the Darkness series is gone. The new Kennedy was a pleasure to see unfold. Lorcan's character growth was even more extreme and incredible. I may have liked it even more than Kennedy's. Lorcan comes across as a villain in the Darkness series. This series really paints the picture that there are always two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white. Lorcan is all gray area. I love that Brown was able to warp my opinion of his character from something negative to absolute adoration. I honestly love his character just as much as Eli's.
This is Kennedy's story and this book actually takes place during the same timeframe as the Darkness series. We are just getting to see Kennedy's story this time. I loved seeing things from her point of view. The plot from the Darkness series continues in this book since it occurs at the same time, but it feels more intimate since now we are seeing things from other points of view. We have more information this time around. The plot is very strong and the additional viewpoints add so much more to the story. More emotion and more urgency.
I loved the world-building in this. Brown adds enough details to really make you visualize the surroundings of the story. The world-building does build off of the Darkness series though.
The romance in this book in incredible! I think that I almost liked it more than Ember and Eli's romance. At least, when I was reading this book it felt stronger. The chemistry between Kennedy and Lorcan was electric. I definitely loved the way that Kennedy and Lorcan came together. Yes, he kidnapped her and she was his prisoner, but they were able to grow close and get to know each other over the months they were together. The fact that Lorcan's motives are pretty misunderstood throughout the series plays a big part in Kennedy softening to him. Lorcan isn't good or evil and he is able to open up to Kennedy when no one else has been able to see that part of him. Kennedy was also able to feel more herself around him. The way that they fell in love was the perfect slow-burn hate-to-love romance and one of the best I've read in a while.
I think that it is worth saying that this series is a continuation of the Darkness series by Stacey Marie Brown. If you have not read that series first then I can't imagine that you would get any of the references or have any clue what is going on. The scope of what is happening in the book is based off of things already discovered in the previous series.
Overall, I was beyond impressed with this book! I wasn't sure that this book was going to surpass or live up to the Darkness series. I honestly wasn't sure that would like this book because I didn't connect with Kennedy's character as much in the Darkness series. I was sure that this book would fall flat for me, but it did not! I loved this book just as much, and for parts of me maybe even more, as the Darkness series! It was really an addictive read. I couldn't separate my eyes from this book. I devoured it! I highly recommend reading this book along with the Darkness series and the Collector series. This world is so captivating and you will love being sucked into it. With only a few more books left in this world, I am starting to feel anxious about ending it. I wish it could go on forever!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
February 20, 2017
Crown of Light is the first book in the Lightness Saga. If you have read Stacey's Darkness Series then you already know Kennedy who is the lead character in this book. It coincides with the Blood beyond the Darkness timeline. Kennedy is the last remaining druid of her family line. She is growing in her powers but has been kidnapped by Lorcan, a Dark Dweller. We all grew to hate Lorcan during the Darkness series, but do we really know what we think we know about him? Turns out we may have made a few mistakes in judgement. There's so much more to Lorcan than we ever knew.
The relationship between Kennedy and Lorcan was so frustrating. The attraction was so strong, but almost equally rivalled by Kennedy's guilt and worry about what everyone else would think. I understand not wanting to hurt your first love, but some relationships aren't meant to last. That doesn't lessen the feelings; the love was real, but it wasn't a forever love. As for other's not accepting her feelings, this should not have played as big of a role. If people love you, then they need to respect you. They need to trust her; she wouldn't love someone who didn't deserve it. If Eli is worthy of forgiveness and love, why should his brother be any different. Still, it was nice to see Kennedy become a strong, confident, sexual young woman with Lorcan's help. And equally to see Lorcan start to open up and try to start mending the relationships with his family and friends. I can't wait until he and Eli are close brothers.
This book was a great addition to the Light and Dark Saga. Kennedy got the book she deserved and we found out so much more about this story and it's characters. The ending was a difficult one. The future is in danger, Lorcan isn't by Kennedy's side. I need to know what happens next...now!
The relationship between Kennedy and Lorcan was so frustrating. The attraction was so strong, but almost equally rivalled by Kennedy's guilt and worry about what everyone else would think. I understand not wanting to hurt your first love, but some relationships aren't meant to last. That doesn't lessen the feelings; the love was real, but it wasn't a forever love. As for other's not accepting her feelings, this should not have played as big of a role. If people love you, then they need to respect you. They need to trust her; she wouldn't love someone who didn't deserve it. If Eli is worthy of forgiveness and love, why should his brother be any different. Still, it was nice to see Kennedy become a strong, confident, sexual young woman with Lorcan's help. And equally to see Lorcan start to open up and try to start mending the relationships with his family and friends. I can't wait until he and Eli are close brothers.
This book was a great addition to the Light and Dark Saga. Kennedy got the book she deserved and we found out so much more about this story and it's characters. The ending was a difficult one. The future is in danger, Lorcan isn't by Kennedy's side. I need to know what happens next...now!
December 12, 2018
Stacey Marie Brown just did it again! I loved the Darkness series and was sad to see it end. Thank goodness the Lightness Saga is here! I was so excited to read Kennedy's story. The action, adventure, family and love are all there. You won't be disappointed! It was interesting to learn more about Kennedy and Lorcan. Can't wait for the next book!
September 26, 2019
I liked the romance but I was overall confused about the world. Obviously there was a whole other series with events I should have known about but it really bugs me when authors do spinoff series that can't stand on their own.
June 2, 2022
This was basically the Darkness series book 4: As told by Kennedy, and I'm not mad about it. Kennedy has always been a great character, and I remember liking her much more than Ember sometimes.
And Lorcan, damn. Big fan, I must say.
Anyway, can't wait to see where this goes, and super freaking excited that I'm getting closer to finally reading Savage Lands because FOMO is hitting me hard.
And Lorcan, damn. Big fan, I must say.
Anyway, can't wait to see where this goes, and super freaking excited that I'm getting closer to finally reading Savage Lands because FOMO is hitting me hard.
August 1, 2017
Damn that was good! On to book 2!
January 9, 2018
He leido este libro pensando que era otro, por lo que obviamente no he leido los libros anteriores, pese a que es el primer libro de una saga continua la historia de una saga anterior, iba perdida en algunas cosas que decian, como digo pensaba que era otro libro, aun asi me ha gustado, pero no me ha encantado, puede que lea el siguiente en un futuro, pero no es una de esas historias que te hace querer leer el siguiente libro y no quieres esperar.
no esta mal pero no es de mis favoritos!
no esta mal pero no es de mis favoritos!
May 11, 2023
4.5⭐️’s I was so surprised but I absolutely loved this
February 14, 2017
O.M.G....... I should just leave that as my review because THIS.BOOK.GAVE.ME.ALL.THE.FEELS. First of all, it's been a while since I've had a "book hangover". I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish. I was so engulfed that I forfeit sleep. Do you know how important sleep is? But this story was well worth it.
The Crown of Light gives the backstory of Kennedy's kidnapping by Lorcan and his clan. It happens simultaneously with Blood Beyond Darkness. In BBD, we only get glimpses of what we "think" happened. Now we "KNOW". And good gawd. We actually get to see what type of relationship that developed between Kennedy and Lorcan, how she matured and grew in her magic, and the connection they had.
Lorcan's character has always been the token "bad boy" of the Dark Dwellers, but what we didn't know about him and what drove his actions are revealed. Everything you thought you knew about him, let's just say you need to read the book for yourself to decide if you love or hate him. Kennedy has to battle with the changes of taking on the magic of a Druid, and the desires she has...She is in a constant battle with her heart and mind. Lorcan, was always a favorite character of mine, and he proves why in this book. I cannot say anymore because I don't want to ruin in.
What I loved most about this story was the story lol. Stacey always brings magic and passion to the characters, so much so I often wished I could live in her alternate reality, if just for a moment. Not so much for the someone-is-trying-to-kill me aspect, but more for the the heart, the love, the hate, the raw emotions that comes from each person, yet at the end you know or hope that love of your "family" wins out.
As Stacey does best, there are moments you will WANT, no NEED to take a cold shower or two, or three perhaps to cool off. Those scenes were smoking hot. Thinking about them now may warrant a cold shower...
Ok, here is the kicker...again as usual, you will cry. I guarantee it. You will feel that gut wrenching tug at your heart. Just warning you in advance. And that's all I will say ladies and gents!
Happy reading!
The Crown of Light gives the backstory of Kennedy's kidnapping by Lorcan and his clan. It happens simultaneously with Blood Beyond Darkness. In BBD, we only get glimpses of what we "think" happened. Now we "KNOW". And good gawd. We actually get to see what type of relationship that developed between Kennedy and Lorcan, how she matured and grew in her magic, and the connection they had.
Lorcan's character has always been the token "bad boy" of the Dark Dwellers, but what we didn't know about him and what drove his actions are revealed. Everything you thought you knew about him, let's just say you need to read the book for yourself to decide if you love or hate him. Kennedy has to battle with the changes of taking on the magic of a Druid, and the desires she has...She is in a constant battle with her heart and mind. Lorcan, was always a favorite character of mine, and he proves why in this book. I cannot say anymore because I don't want to ruin in.
What I loved most about this story was the story lol. Stacey always brings magic and passion to the characters, so much so I often wished I could live in her alternate reality, if just for a moment. Not so much for the someone-is-trying-to-kill me aspect, but more for the the heart, the love, the hate, the raw emotions that comes from each person, yet at the end you know or hope that love of your "family" wins out.
As Stacey does best, there are moments you will WANT, no NEED to take a cold shower or two, or three perhaps to cool off. Those scenes were smoking hot. Thinking about them now may warrant a cold shower...
Ok, here is the kicker...again as usual, you will cry. I guarantee it. You will feel that gut wrenching tug at your heart. Just warning you in advance. And that's all I will say ladies and gents!
Happy reading!
January 24, 2019
I sincerely surprise myself when it comes the series (Darkness of Light & City in Embers) from Stacey Marie Brown... I have NEVER been able to hold on to a set of series this way. EVERY book I read by her is so unique! You feel a personal connection to every single character she creates. And the humor? I really need to stop reading her books at work.. I'm getting strange looks for LOLing at my monitor.
On my last note, can we take a look at the cover?! I mean...
Any way. Of course I'm going to continue on. Hope you guys decide to jump aboard ;)
On my last note, can we take a look at the cover?! I mean...
Any way. Of course I'm going to continue on. Hope you guys decide to jump aboard ;)
February 10, 2025
It took me a minute to get into this book for two reasons. Firstly, my brain WAS (past tense) programmed to detest Lorcan and secondly because this entire book runs through the same events as Blood Beyond Darkness from Kennedys perspective instead of Embers. I wish I had known and could have duetted them to avoid feeling like I was reading the same book twice. That being said, I also wish I would’ve read the entire Collector series after Ember destroyed Seattle in the Darkness Series. I’m just a huge fan of reading things chronologically. But hey, I discovered these series’s because I read Savage Lands first and thought to myself that there HAD to be a book out there somewhere about Ember and Eli because their characters felt way to magnetic and developed for there not to have been so I’ve been doing it all out of order lol. This just gives me motivation to read all of these again someday chronically.
Okay, I’m done rambling. Lorcan did eventually grow on me and even though this felt largely like a re-read, I still enjoyed it. I did retract one star because I wasn’t obsessed with the feel of a re-read and because of the infidelity. Infidelity just icks me.
Okay, I’m done rambling. Lorcan did eventually grow on me and even though this felt largely like a re-read, I still enjoyed it. I did retract one star because I wasn’t obsessed with the feel of a re-read and because of the infidelity. Infidelity just icks me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2018
In this one, we get to see things from Kennedy's point of view. Which I really loved because we get to see more of Lorcan from her side. Kennedy was raised by humans, but found out she is actually a Druid from a VERY important and high up family line. Lorcan helped her embrace her power and figure out how to use it. Sadly, in this book, Kennedy has to shove her grief over her friends' and ex boyfriends death aside and deal with the Kingdom and all of the people who are against her. She works with Lars also, and I'm a little curious about that. Does he have an agenda or is he truly genuine in his desire to work together for both Kingdoms? I can't wait for book 2!
July 17, 2022
3.5-3.75 Stars
I’m slowly making my way through the Darkness/Collectors/Lightness series and finally finished this first book in the series. I’m not sure exactly what happened to Kennedy between the final book in the Darkness series and this book…but boy did her character drive me crazy. I was shaking my head throughout the whole story. If you’ve read/listened to the Darkness series, this really just a retelling of the final book but in Kennedy POV. We do have to go through a certain characters death again, and it did break my heart to hear it from a different POV.
It took me a little bit to get used to the narrator on this one….but I’m moving on to book 2.
I’m slowly making my way through the Darkness/Collectors/Lightness series and finally finished this first book in the series. I’m not sure exactly what happened to Kennedy between the final book in the Darkness series and this book…but boy did her character drive me crazy. I was shaking my head throughout the whole story. If you’ve read/listened to the Darkness series, this really just a retelling of the final book but in Kennedy POV. We do have to go through a certain characters death again, and it did break my heart to hear it from a different POV.
It took me a little bit to get used to the narrator on this one….but I’m moving on to book 2.
March 16, 2017
Stacey Marie Brown is definitely a favorite. I enjoyed the mindfuck of learning to love a character I basically loathed for 4 books prior to this series! SMB is a genius at screwing with your head, and I love it. I also enjoyed watching a character that was once timid, come into her own, and become anything but. I'm looking forward to where this series/story will go.
May 1, 2019
too much action, not enough content. Most of the time I don't know what's going on :/
Read
May 20, 2020Have to read the recommended series first and come back to this one
March 12, 2017
WOOOOOWWWWWW
I don't have words to express how I feel!!!! So amazing I loved it!!!!
I don't have words to express how I feel!!!! So amazing I loved it!!!!
July 2, 2018
I admire Stacey Marie Brown for her amazing talent of pulling a reader into the story. I love all of her books and have been anticipating Kennedy's story. It was a pleasant surprise to read all of the details from Kennedy's point of view after being kidnapped by Lorcan (again) This took place during the book "Blood Beyond Darkness" and everyone thought Lorcan was the bad guy. I felt the intensity he had with Kennedy even when he wasn't expressing it. He protected her, even though he had kidnapped her. His reasons for doing so weren't selfish by any means. Lorcan shares a lot of his past with Ken and she sees him for more than what others may see him for. He is a bad boy, sure, he's a Dark Dweller, he is much more though and I love him even more~ Seeing Kennedy grow into her abilities with Lorcan's help and become a young woman that was confident was refreshing. Seriously, SMB tells a story that you're fully able to envision being in between the pages, seeing the characters, feeling their emotions. I did hate to see Jared hurting over Ken but it happened. I guarantee you will cry during this book. I did, a lot...also, the chemistry between Kennedy & Lorcan was tangible. I look forward to the next book in this series. After reading "West" knowing the order he gets from Lars is kind of killing me here...lol. I advise everyone to read all of SMB's series!
March 6, 2017
Where to start !!!!
Well for one this book was an amazing edition to an already amazing series that I've fallen madly in love with!!!!
Although it was set in the same time frame as the Darkness series and I was a bit worried that it would be repetitive, it was NOT at all it did have a few of the same big scenes as Darkness but since it was from a entirely different POV it was like reliving it for the first time which was fantastic.
Kennedy wow she was like two totally different people from Darkness and Light which I felt Stacey wrote beautifully and I love how Kennedy cane into her own and became a little bad@ss.
Lorcan well we all knew how he was going to be and I was not disappointed at all at how his character was portrayed and how Stacey still made us all fall in love with him (which I'm still not happy about) lol.
A fantastic slow burn with smoking hot chemistry that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leaving you desperate for more.
I cannot wait to get transported back into this magical world again by Stacey's magic words so now the wait is on for part 2 in the lightness series and I can't wait !!!!!
February 23, 2017
My heart is in shambles..
I'm beyond devastated at how things ended between Kennedy and Lorcan. I completely fell in love with them. The way they slowly and unbeknownst to them fell in love and all the obstacles they faced and would continue to face if they stayed together really got to me. I cant wait for the next book!!!
I'm beyond devastated at how things ended between Kennedy and Lorcan. I completely fell in love with them. The way they slowly and unbeknownst to them fell in love and all the obstacles they faced and would continue to face if they stayed together really got to me. I cant wait for the next book!!!
February 20, 2017
Amazing
It was amazing. In this bok you get to see the events from the BBD unfold from Kennedy's POV which I felt was really well done. I loved getting to know Kennedy and Lorcan and I can't wait for the next one.
It was amazing. In this bok you get to see the events from the BBD unfold from Kennedy's POV which I felt was really well done. I loved getting to know Kennedy and Lorcan and I can't wait for the next one.
December 30, 2020
CRAP ON ASHBARK TIMES 100. Stacey Marie Brown has definitely done it again. Going into this book I didn't know it ran along side the Darkness series (Duh!!). This books brings us Kennedy and what happened to her after being kidnapped by Lorcan. How she went from geeky to powerful.
We see a side to Lorcan that completely throws us off kilter. Who knew what this man was really like. How much love he has for his family and guilt about all that came about. He pushes Kennedy to become the powerful Druid he knows she can be. We see that without Lorcan, Kennedy really would not have the confidence to do what she needed when the time came.
I cannot wait to see the next part of this story and how Kennedy can save her Crown.
We see a side to Lorcan that completely throws us off kilter. Who knew what this man was really like. How much love he has for his family and guilt about all that came about. He pushes Kennedy to become the powerful Druid he knows she can be. We see that without Lorcan, Kennedy really would not have the confidence to do what she needed when the time came.
I cannot wait to see the next part of this story and how Kennedy can save her Crown.
June 15, 2020
I must admit, although I liked hearing Kennedy's point of view, the story was recycled from the end of the last darkness book and the bits I knew of the storyline (a lot of it), I had to skim read as the repetition got too annoying for me. It may not happen to everyone but it took a lot of the spontaneity away - you know how this book ends with an added extra to draw you onto the next. Also, just when you wanted to feel all the emotions for the characters it faded to black or rushed along too quickly. I will read the next one as I'm keen to hear how this all ends regardless of having felt like reading a rehashed story.
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