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Darkness Falls #1
When Darkness Falls
A missing father.
A mysterious lighthouse.
A girl willing to risk it all to learn the truth.
The last thing seventeen-year-old Austen Gillet expected to find on her way home from work was her dad’s car on the side of the road, empty except for the dead woman inside.
Determined to discover the truth about what happened to her father, Austen enlists the help of Ezra, a newcomer with secrets of his own, and Ian, an eccentric lighthouse keeper. Delving deeper into her town's dark history, Austen uncovers reports of missing people, mysterious monsters, portals to other worlds, and mayhem stretching back well over a century.
While coming to terms with her new, nightmarish reality, Austen has to figure out who she can trust, who wants her father dead, and what’s really going on underneath the surface of her small town before it costs her her life.
A mysterious lighthouse.
A girl willing to risk it all to learn the truth.
The last thing seventeen-year-old Austen Gillet expected to find on her way home from work was her dad’s car on the side of the road, empty except for the dead woman inside.
Determined to discover the truth about what happened to her father, Austen enlists the help of Ezra, a newcomer with secrets of his own, and Ian, an eccentric lighthouse keeper. Delving deeper into her town's dark history, Austen uncovers reports of missing people, mysterious monsters, portals to other worlds, and mayhem stretching back well over a century.
While coming to terms with her new, nightmarish reality, Austen has to figure out who she can trust, who wants her father dead, and what’s really going on underneath the surface of her small town before it costs her her life.
- GenresParanormalYoung Adult
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2017
39 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Chanda Stafford
11 books47 followersChanda Stafford teaches middle and high school English. She loves traveling and currently lives in Michigan with her husband and a menagerie of rescued dogs and cats.
When she’s not reading or writing, Chanda enjoys old zombie movies, authentic Italian food, and comic books.
When she’s not reading or writing, Chanda enjoys old zombie movies, authentic Italian food, and comic books.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 17, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Kindle Scout.)
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Austen was an okay character, but I struggled to connect with her. I found her mother to be a little odd the way she didn’t seem all that concerned that about her missing husband, and seemed like he was just popping down the shop rather than missing.
The storyline in this started out with Austen and her mother finding her dad’s car at the side of the road with a murdered woman inside, but then went on to a girl who had gone missing from a local camp. Even stranger though, the storyline then went on to a portal to another dimension, pirates, and dinosaurs which was totally unexpected! I found the way that the mystery over Austen’s father was lost a bit to be a little strange, but I was glad when the storyline finally came back to it. We did get a bit of a love triangle thrown in as well, with Austen kissing two different guys. This was quite an odd story overall though.
The ending to this was a cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
“Not all monsters have fangs, or teeth, or claws. Some walk on two legs, and they all came out when darkness falls.”
This was an okay story, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Austen was an okay character, but I struggled to connect with her. I found her mother to be a little odd the way she didn’t seem all that concerned that about her missing husband, and seemed like he was just popping down the shop rather than missing.
The storyline in this started out with Austen and her mother finding her dad’s car at the side of the road with a murdered woman inside, but then went on to a girl who had gone missing from a local camp. Even stranger though, the storyline then went on to a portal to another dimension, pirates, and dinosaurs which was totally unexpected! I found the way that the mystery over Austen’s father was lost a bit to be a little strange, but I was glad when the storyline finally came back to it. We did get a bit of a love triangle thrown in as well, with Austen kissing two different guys. This was quite an odd story overall though.
The ending to this was a cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
October 25, 2019
This story was okay. I liked the story....the characters not so much. it seemed like no-one wanted to share secrets even when Austin finds out parts no one fills in the blanks. I liked the other realms and think that a lot of come of that. It'll be interesting to see what happens next. I wonder what Ian will do now whether he'll continue to guard or try to go home again.
April 5, 2017
I was hoping to be wowed by this based on the synopsis, but it just didn't happen. In fact, I gave up less than halfway through. A few of the problems:
1. If you don't understand police procedure, either research it or leave it out. I'm no expert (though I do have a legal background), but even I know that state cops wouldn't interrogate an underage witness without a parent present. Nor would they do it at the scene, on the side of the road. Nor would they ask this 17-year-old insensitive questions like "Do you think he and Ms. Crum could have been having an affair?" or leading questions like "Does your family own any guns?"
2. There's virtually no character development. When I stopped reading, I didn't know the characters any better than I did on page one. And I didn't care.
I didn't hate this, I suppose, but I didn't like it enough to even finish it, so I guess that says it all. Can't really recommend it.
1. If you don't understand police procedure, either research it or leave it out. I'm no expert (though I do have a legal background), but even I know that state cops wouldn't interrogate an underage witness without a parent present. Nor would they do it at the scene, on the side of the road. Nor would they ask this 17-year-old insensitive questions like "Do you think he and Ms. Crum could have been having an affair?" or leading questions like "Does your family own any guns?"
2. There's virtually no character development. When I stopped reading, I didn't know the characters any better than I did on page one. And I didn't care.
I didn't hate this, I suppose, but I didn't like it enough to even finish it, so I guess that says it all. Can't really recommend it.
September 12, 2017
I really, really wanted to like When Darkness Falls with its mix of Irish folklore, and the use of a female protagonist, but it's just poorly written
"A missing father. A mysterious lighthouse. A girl willing to risk it all to learn the truth."
Why wouldn't anybody want to read that? It's a great catching line… But in the end, that's all it is. And that's all this book amounts to- A well written synopsis and a great one-liner.
The cover is fantastic, and the bait and hook were well formed, but the book itself - the main attraction - just disappointed.
While I may have enjoyed the included folklore, the poorly constructed female protagonist; her weirdly non-motherly mother; the insta-love trope mixed in with the over-done, and quite sickening, love triangle nonsense; and irrationality in Austen's intense flirting amidst the drama of a missing father in the end I simply dropped the book halfway through chapter 6.
"A missing father. A mysterious lighthouse. A girl willing to risk it all to learn the truth."
Why wouldn't anybody want to read that? It's a great catching line… But in the end, that's all it is. And that's all this book amounts to- A well written synopsis and a great one-liner.
The cover is fantastic, and the bait and hook were well formed, but the book itself - the main attraction - just disappointed.
While I may have enjoyed the included folklore, the poorly constructed female protagonist; her weirdly non-motherly mother; the insta-love trope mixed in with the over-done, and quite sickening, love triangle nonsense; and irrationality in Austen's intense flirting amidst the drama of a missing father in the end I simply dropped the book halfway through chapter 6.
May 22, 2017
When Darkness Falls by Chanda Stafford is a kindle scout program book and it is a great one. A mystery and fantasy all rolled into one. Good plot, great characters, twists, fun fantasy, and loved how it kept me interested. Very happy with this book. Book 2?
August 2, 2017
Fun
This was a very fun book. Interesting ideas, no spoilers here, and I want to read the next book now!
This was a very fun book. Interesting ideas, no spoilers here, and I want to read the next book now!
July 23, 2017
Time travel, bit of romance, a lighthouse, dinosaurs, a cave, library research, a diner, missing dad, worried mother, Greek mythology, and last but not least pirates. That wasn't even last to be honest. But if you're curious, all of the above make their way into this story. If you are intrigued, pick up this book. It's absolutely wonderful. Even has a bit of romance.
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September 7, 2018
Billed as a paranormal mystery, When Darkness Falls by Chanda Stafford is more a paranormal young adult novel with a light splash of mystery. That’s not to say it wasn’t enjoyable! This was a very light, breezy read that sometimes is just what you need. I know it’s what I needed after reading heavier and longer works.
We follow Austen, a seventeen-year-old whose life takes a strange and twisted turn after her father goes missing and a dead female reporter is found in his car. I was super into this! How exciting! Let’s find out what’s going on, what is this mystery! Did he kill her? Is something after him? Unfortunately, this book is too short and tries to include too much so that the mystery doesn’t really work. I never have time to mull anything over, just as Austen never really has time to think anything through. Things happen and they happen quickly.
Without time to process the information or come up with theories, this really falls short on the mystery part. But, as a young adult paranormal story, I was really enjoying it. Then, a certain twist happens and my enjoyment fell off a bit. This twist didn’t really need to be in the story, which was doing fine enough on its own. I’m not going to go into spoilers (maybe I’ll mention it in a round-up vlog), but Ian’s background had so much more potential than we ended up with.
As it is a YA book, it should come to no surprise that there is the potential for romance and I was okay with it! In fact, it’s what has me interested enough to possibly pick up the second book in the series one day far in the future when I’m not so busy play catch-up. Ian and Austen seemed very sweet, while Austen and Ezra seemed fun and mischievous. I want to see what happens and I want to see more of their interactions with each other – Ezra and Ian especially!
A little shaky, but still a fun read, When Darkness Falls by Chanda Stafford is an enjoyable book to pick up when you want something light to read.
// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. //
We follow Austen, a seventeen-year-old whose life takes a strange and twisted turn after her father goes missing and a dead female reporter is found in his car. I was super into this! How exciting! Let’s find out what’s going on, what is this mystery! Did he kill her? Is something after him? Unfortunately, this book is too short and tries to include too much so that the mystery doesn’t really work. I never have time to mull anything over, just as Austen never really has time to think anything through. Things happen and they happen quickly.
Without time to process the information or come up with theories, this really falls short on the mystery part. But, as a young adult paranormal story, I was really enjoying it. Then, a certain twist happens and my enjoyment fell off a bit. This twist didn’t really need to be in the story, which was doing fine enough on its own. I’m not going to go into spoilers (maybe I’ll mention it in a round-up vlog), but Ian’s background had so much more potential than we ended up with.
As it is a YA book, it should come to no surprise that there is the potential for romance and I was okay with it! In fact, it’s what has me interested enough to possibly pick up the second book in the series one day far in the future when I’m not so busy play catch-up. Ian and Austen seemed very sweet, while Austen and Ezra seemed fun and mischievous. I want to see what happens and I want to see more of their interactions with each other – Ezra and Ian especially!
A little shaky, but still a fun read, When Darkness Falls by Chanda Stafford is an enjoyable book to pick up when you want something light to read.
// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. //
February 1, 2018
Austen’s simple life is in shambles after her father goes missing and a dead female reporter is found inside his car. Austen befriends a mysterious new boy in town and the two bond over searching for missing family members. He encourages her to investigate the land near the lighthouse, which grows more mysterious each time they visit. From odd creatures in the water to a man-eating creature on the road and it all centers around the good-looking young lighthouse keeper.
When Darkness Falls was a fun adventure that I had no idea where it was going half the time. It’s a bit of a mish-mash of a whole bunch of different types of books. As in, overall it’s urban fantasy, but there were times when it was a time-travel with portals, points when it was a monster horror, then there were the pirates, the fantasy creatures (and even some dinosaurs), and the mafia assassins, and definitely don’t forget the romance and mystery. There are unfortunately still plot threads that were dropped and never attended to like the merrows in the water (and the murder of the reporter and her father being a suspect/witness to the reporter’s murder). And I had to groan each time Austen snuck out of the house at night, after getting into trouble each and every time. You’d think she’d learn a lesson. Still, the author definitely has talent and I would consider reading more by her. And Misery Bay retained a wonderful air of darkness and mystery through the entire story, and probably still had plenty more adventures waiting to be uncovered.
When Darkness Falls was a fun adventure that I had no idea where it was going half the time. It’s a bit of a mish-mash of a whole bunch of different types of books. As in, overall it’s urban fantasy, but there were times when it was a time-travel with portals, points when it was a monster horror, then there were the pirates, the fantasy creatures (and even some dinosaurs), and the mafia assassins, and definitely don’t forget the romance and mystery. There are unfortunately still plot threads that were dropped and never attended to like the merrows in the water (and the murder of the reporter and her father being a suspect/witness to the reporter’s murder). And I had to groan each time Austen snuck out of the house at night, after getting into trouble each and every time. You’d think she’d learn a lesson. Still, the author definitely has talent and I would consider reading more by her. And Misery Bay retained a wonderful air of darkness and mystery through the entire story, and probably still had plenty more adventures waiting to be uncovered.
June 20, 2017
Note: I received a free copy of this book through the Kindle Scout campaign.
This is Stafford’s fourth and most recent book. I’ve been a fan of hers since first picking up her first book, appropriately titled, First. I’ve seen a lot of growth in her as a writer over the course of her bibliography. However, one of the classics of her writing style is strong and snarky female main characters, which are delightful to read. This book by far is one of Stafford’s most ambitious plots. It has multiple mysteries layered in together and I don’t want to admit how many hours of sleep I lost because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Each plot thread uncovers clues that solve the others and though the plots do at times feel random and disjointed, all come together and make for a very explosive cliffhanger ending. I’m eagerly awaiting the next volume in this series since there are questions still left unanswered.
One of the most surprising experiences I had with this book was the time it took for me to connect with the main character in this book. Normally with Stafford’s books, I have no problem liking and relating with the heroine. It took me about a fourth of the way through the story to really connect with her and like her as a character.
This is not my favorite of the author’s novels. Burning Bright continues to remain my favorite. However, this ambitious series shows a lot of growth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy. You will not be disappointed.
This is Stafford’s fourth and most recent book. I’ve been a fan of hers since first picking up her first book, appropriately titled, First. I’ve seen a lot of growth in her as a writer over the course of her bibliography. However, one of the classics of her writing style is strong and snarky female main characters, which are delightful to read. This book by far is one of Stafford’s most ambitious plots. It has multiple mysteries layered in together and I don’t want to admit how many hours of sleep I lost because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Each plot thread uncovers clues that solve the others and though the plots do at times feel random and disjointed, all come together and make for a very explosive cliffhanger ending. I’m eagerly awaiting the next volume in this series since there are questions still left unanswered.
One of the most surprising experiences I had with this book was the time it took for me to connect with the main character in this book. Normally with Stafford’s books, I have no problem liking and relating with the heroine. It took me about a fourth of the way through the story to really connect with her and like her as a character.
This is not my favorite of the author’s novels. Burning Bright continues to remain my favorite. However, this ambitious series shows a lot of growth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy. You will not be disappointed.
June 14, 2018
Missing home?
I chose 5 stars for this book because of several reasons. I liked the story line. There was enough adventure , mystery, and drama to keep my attention and not want to put the book down.
Ian I liked. He is a lot older than he seems but is one of those good guys who would sacrifice everything for others. Poor guy I hope in the next book he is rewarded somehow.
Austen can't seem to stay out of trouble. Well, it finds her more often than not due to her curious nature. And her parents? Finding out the truth about her dad missing and why....well I did not see that coming.
Overall, I really like the book. NEXT PLEASE.
I chose 5 stars for this book because of several reasons. I liked the story line. There was enough adventure , mystery, and drama to keep my attention and not want to put the book down.
Ian I liked. He is a lot older than he seems but is one of those good guys who would sacrifice everything for others. Poor guy I hope in the next book he is rewarded somehow.
Austen can't seem to stay out of trouble. Well, it finds her more often than not due to her curious nature. And her parents? Finding out the truth about her dad missing and why....well I did not see that coming.
Overall, I really like the book. NEXT PLEASE.
November 7, 2017
Mysteries abound in this story and being a teen young adult book has made it one of the best I have read. Fantasy and the real mixing together to make a great read and keep you wanting more. I was so intrigued from the start and not wanting it to end so to find there are more stories after this I can not wait to jump in feet first to the next story.
Chanda Stafford did a wonderful job in keeping the characters so real and the story line on track I am will be making this one series that I want to keep going with til the end (I hope that will not be too soon.)
Chanda Stafford did a wonderful job in keeping the characters so real and the story line on track I am will be making this one series that I want to keep going with til the end (I hope that will not be too soon.)
May 16, 2017
Good read
The storyline was pretty awesome but I didn't care for the main character Austen. Her character didn't have much intelligence and I just feel so much more could have been done with her.
The storyline was pretty awesome but I didn't care for the main character Austen. Her character didn't have much intelligence and I just feel so much more could have been done with her.
May 22, 2017
Great story
Loved the different creatures, twists and all the characters. This is one story that will put you in and won't let you go even as you read the last word.
Can't wait to read more!!
Loved the different creatures, twists and all the characters. This is one story that will put you in and won't let you go even as you read the last word.
Can't wait to read more!!
June 9, 2017
A mystery with a paranormal twist!
Loved this book! There's no slow build up here, this story takes off from the start! Mystery, intrigue and excitement wrapped up in a paranormal package.
Loved this book! There's no slow build up here, this story takes off from the start! Mystery, intrigue and excitement wrapped up in a paranormal package.
June 16, 2018
I think I would’ve like this book more if Austen weren’t so irritating. She made so many stupid choices, the same ones in fact, over and over again... I like Ian though. He is very interesting.
The ending was very abrupt as well, which I dislike.
All in all, it was okay.
The ending was very abrupt as well, which I dislike.
All in all, it was okay.
February 27, 2018
When darkness hides
Great book! Loved everything about it....I would recommend this book to everyone to read....love that it’s about a town I know so much about....
Great book! Loved everything about it....I would recommend this book to everyone to read....love that it’s about a town I know so much about....
March 27, 2018
Loved it!!!
May 15, 2019
I really enjoyed the book. It was full of the unexpected!
August 12, 2017
Great book that gets 3.5 stars. When Darkness Falls was a book I had nominated on Kindle Scout, and I'm so glad I did. The first couple of chapters intrigued me and I wanted it to get published so I could read the entire story. You can read this as a standalone book, but it does have a soft cliffhanger ending. The author is already writing book two to pick up where this book ends. There is a lot of violence so it may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.
This story combines SciFi and mythology. The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author did a great job of combining small town secrets to keep the population at large unaware of what is really going on. The characters are fully developed and multi-dimensional. The storyline will keep you guessing what twists and turns will be revealed next. It definitely kept me riveted and I could not put the book down!
I look forward to reading more of this series and hope she writes fast!
This story combines SciFi and mythology. The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. The author did a great job of combining small town secrets to keep the population at large unaware of what is really going on. The characters are fully developed and multi-dimensional. The storyline will keep you guessing what twists and turns will be revealed next. It definitely kept me riveted and I could not put the book down!
I look forward to reading more of this series and hope she writes fast!
May 26, 2018
A few too many threads not woven.
2.5 stars. I didn’t dislike the main storyline; but the three arcs of the book don’t fully mesh,
it needs more polishing and editing, and lapses in continuity are jarring.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program
2.5 stars. I didn’t dislike the main storyline; but the three arcs of the book don’t fully mesh,
it needs more polishing and editing, and lapses in continuity are jarring.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program
April 7, 2017
Intriguing,different,paranormal mystery,suspense story with a hint of romance.
Really liked reading,kept my interest throughout the book.
Really liked reading,kept my interest throughout the book.
April 7, 2017
I couldn't find the desire to finish.
April 7, 2017
Three stories intertwine, but they all have a connection to seventeen-year-old Austen: one centers around her father, and the other two are about the two boys she meets and crushes on. It felt a little disjointed at times. It starts out with the mystery around the disappearance of her father, but then focuses a bit on Ezra who's looking for his brother, and finally shifts mostly to Ian, the mystery boy in the lighthouse. In the end it all comes together and there is a common focus to each story line, although everything isn't resolved, leaving it open for a sequel.
It has bits of Irish mythology and Greek mythology and even prehistoric creatures creeping in. A bit horror, a little teen romance, some mystery and thriller. In all, it was an enjoyable read, one I think the YA crowd will enjoy.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
It has bits of Irish mythology and Greek mythology and even prehistoric creatures creeping in. A bit horror, a little teen romance, some mystery and thriller. In all, it was an enjoyable read, one I think the YA crowd will enjoy.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
April 20, 2017
Great read
Wonderful tale that keeps you guessing. Strong female lead who is smart and able to handle herself. Not your grandma's damsel in distress story.
Wonderful tale that keeps you guessing. Strong female lead who is smart and able to handle herself. Not your grandma's damsel in distress story.
November 7, 2018
Very good story, good characters. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews