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Darkshine #2

Dark Ember

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The last thing Miriam wants is another marriage, but committing to the magic needed to save Earth means committing to a man hiding a dark, disturbing past. Avoiding her birthright, however, might also kill her. That is, if the fae taletellers can be believed.

When an opportunity arises to strike the Realm's oppression, Miriam knows the only chance for success is if faerie rebels and darklings unite. Unfortunately, the darklings have other ideas about how to save themselves. Can she bridge the opposing groups, or will the darklings' agenda destroy everyone's shot at freedom?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2018

1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

R.D. Vallier

2 books80 followers
The highlight of R.D. Vallier’s award-winning career was when her 6th grade teacher threatened to call CPS over a story about a runaway and a magical wolf. She avoided government capture, but continued creating dark tales in secret. Now she’s living the cliche as a storyteller in the remote wilderness, handcrafting an off-grid homestead with straw and mud and whatever she scrounges from the landfill. She holds degrees in wildlife management and hard knocks, only feels at home on the road, and believes humanity illuminates the most brilliantly during darkness.

Dark Ember, Book 2 in the Darkshine series, is now available!

You can peek into her life at www.rdvallier.com

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn.
733 reviews42 followers
January 24, 2018
I love Delano! Just had to say that. I enjoyed this 2nd book and I have to say that Delano is my favorite character. The way he is with Miriam and especially the way he communicates with animals warms my heart. Even his moodiness had me laughing a couple of times. I hope he and Miriam get to have a happy ever after.

I volunteered for an ARC of this book and my opinions are my own
577 reviews72 followers
January 1, 2018
OMG. THIS BOOK! Dark Ember is a fast-paced and romantic adventure full of evil light fairies and seductive darklings. R.D. Vallier weaves words into beautiful prose will captivate and transport you to the seductive Darkshine. Delano is sexy, kind, a book nerd, and fiercely protective of those he loves, plus he is just GOOD. I am really pulling for him and Miriam to both find their happy endings, because they both deserve happiness. I loved every minute of this book and couldn't put it down until I finished the last page at 3 in the morning. The world could have been falling apart around me and I probably wouldn't have even noticed. I'm hoping Dark Cinder comes out soon, because I can't wait find out what happens next in Miriam's story.

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ramona Plant.
752 reviews23 followers
January 23, 2018
Dark Ember is a well written book by R. D. Vallier. I always enjoy coming across a book that is different, and this one sure fits that bill. The plot is definitely intricate and captivating, however it is a little bit on the slow side I found. I was wondering for a little bit where the story was going but once that was revealed it definitely got me. The slowness does make up for the depth of it all though. There are some serious twists hidden in this one that are nicely developed and that got me by surprised.

This book is not your average "vampire slayer finds vampire she likes" story and I did enjoy that a lot about it. It is no a stand alone book and in my eyes was the build up for the grand finale in the third book I think so I am definitely looking forward to see what will happen in that one.

In regards to the characters, well I really enjoyed what the author did with Orin in this one. He is playing a great part in this one. Miriam drove me a little nuts this time. Her indecisiveness is a tad annoying and it seems it actually got her something in the end that she did not anticipate. She needs some serious growing up and I hope she got her rude awakening in this book, because if this didn't do it, I am not sure what will. And poor Delano, oh man but you can't help but feel for this guy! He does nothing but right and to no fault of his own, he ends up getting the short end of the stick, the seriously short end of the stick.
Profile Image for TDCbookreviews.
705 reviews68 followers
February 11, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Darkshine series.

The book started off slow and ended with a bang. Miriam got confusing at times, I loved Delano but at times I felt like he couldn't be trusted. In the end, I was heart broken. I loved the cliffhanger and I hope Miriam truly has her happy ending. I loved the different characters throughout the book. Even though I did read the first book, I did get confused on some parts of the book, such as who is who.

I loved the fae world and I can't wait to read more. Give me more about the changelings and how they are saved. I would love to learn more about that.

Book Blurb:
The last thing Miriam wants is another marriage, but committing to the magic needed to save Earth means committing to a man hiding a dark, disturbing past. Avoiding her birthright, however, might also kill her. That is, if the fae taletellers can be believed.

When an opportunity arises to strike the Realm's oppression, Miriam knows the only chance for success is if faerie rebels and darklings unite. Unfortunately, the darklings have other ideas about how to save themselves. Can she bridge the opposing groups, or will the darklings' agenda destroy everyone's shot at freedom?
Profile Image for Dawn.
223 reviews14 followers
February 28, 2022
Takes a bit to get rolling, and the beginning is dense with info dump, but the ride is worth it. When's the next one?
Profile Image for Mirela.
582 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2018
Dark Ember by R.D Vallier is book two of Darkshine series. This is definitely a series that you want to read if you are interested in the fae world and want a new perspective. I received a complimentary copy of the book, and have also purchased it now that it is out.


Jumping in I absolutely love the characters. Miriam is our heroine and the pov that we follow. She is still hesitant and good natured, her inner dialogue very realistic. She isn't perfect and always right. She’s still trying to figure out her limits and her potential. Delano has taken on a mentor role with Miriam teaching her about magic and being a consistent source of information. I really enjoy reading about his character and his point of view. Orin comes back in this book, but something doesn't seem right. He kept me on my toes and made me doubt a lot of his motives.


Some of my favorite things about R.D Vallier’s writing are her story telling, the suspense build, and character development. The fae world is so vast and there is a whole backstory. In this world a lot of what we know of fae is wrong and it is rebuilt beautifully. I love all the details that come out and the descriptions as a whole. I love the building suspense, there is a war coming and everyone is getting ready. I also appreciate the care given to the characters. We get to see everyone develop more, I love being able to watch a character come into themselves.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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