Rose desperately wants to escape her abusive father and the dark spirits who haunt her, but before she can get away, her daughter is kidnapped, and the spirits force her three hundred years into the past.
Now trapped in the midst of the Salem witch trials, Rose is left with only one way out: facing certain death to banish the dark spirits that plague the town before they destroy civilization and trap her in this alternate life.
Even if she completes the task in time to return to Georgia and save her daughter, there's still one problem: she's falling in love with a man who can't return with her.
Fans of The Crucible who like dark paranormal fantasy, peculiar supernatural creatures, and unusual, troubled characters will love the next installment in Rebecca Hamilton's bestselling series.
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Rebecca Hamilton writes Paranormal Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids, along with multiple writing personalities that range from morbid to literary. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently.
Rebecca Hamilton is represented by the ever-more-amazing Rossano Trentin of TZLA.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name
I received an ARC of this book. The receipt of this ARC was not given to me in order to get a review or to be coerced into giving a good review. These opinions are mine.
Since I am a huge Forever Girl fan, and Rebecca Hamilton completely changed my mind on this genre, I have been waiting, holding my breath for the next Forever girl tome. I was so happy when she selected me to read an ARC of her book (after I bugged her and bugged her and bugged her) Come, The Dark. I am not going to reveal too much about the story, but I do want to reveal to other readers what I think are the strengths of this awesome book. So, let’s get into what I loved about Come, the Dark:
Characters: Rose/Cordovae is a character that doesn’t get much more conflicted. All she wants is to get back to the one she loves, but she also has a destiny to fulfill. With the main character, I really felt that I was experiencing the conflicting ideals that are pulling on her. Hamilton does a fantastic job at making sure that I was able to be ‘there’ with the character, whether in her hometown or in Salem. This is Hamilton’s strength. Her characters are strong. Tess was another one of my favorite characters. She is hard as nails and not willing to put up with too much, but there seems to be a soft gooey middle to her that made me love her. The characters are very strong in this book. Well done, Ms. Hamilton.
Themes: What a great story. Themes like, “Is love stronger than destiny, or is there room for both?” “If you have lost, is it possible to gain back again?” So many themes and awesome fodder for thinking on the story and wondering about the deeper meanings of everything that is happening. I always love Hamilton’s writing because she talks about rough subjects and she doesn’t flinch. However she does so without being preachy and trying to shove a worldview down anyone’s throat. That’s good storytelling.
Poignancy: I always steel my emotions when I read Rebecca Hamilton stories because I know that she will pull at my heart somewhere inside those pages. Come , the Dark is no exception. There was one part that I was so shocked and overwhelmed by the situation that I actually DID cry. The situations are so harrowing and the twists are so surprising that I cursed Ms. Hamilton for making me cry again. She has an ability that many writers do not have. She has the ability to make you feel. That is the whole reason why I read.
So, I would give this 8 stars if I could, but will give it 5 stars instead. It is THAT good. Fans of The Forever Girl will not be disappointed by this one, and it is a good story to start The Forever Girl journey on too because it stands on it’s own two feet. Thank you, Rebecca Hamilton for a story that gripped me for many days.
I thought Rebecca Hamilton did a fantastic job with The Forever Girl and, like many people, kept poking around looking for book two. When I saw the initial blurb, my heart dropped a little: the main character was raped and impregnated by her father? I had mixed feelings about this, ranging from, "But I need to read the next book!" to "Ew."
Still, I was confident she made the story work--and I was right.
Hamilton did an amazing job at putting the reader in Cordovae's shoes and understanding her feelings surrounding her daughter. As I said, this was absolutely crucial to me, as a reader, to really get into this story.
I barely blinked.
It's pretty rare that I stay up late to read (up late to take over the world, yes, but not reading fiction). I read this in one go.
It's even more rare for me to get actual chills from a story, but the namesake scene? OMG. I read it twice because the imagery was amazing. I want this to be a movie just to see that scene. Or if someone with mad CG skills wants to do it indie style and put it on Youtube, count me in on the Kickstarter.
Another concern I had was the book had potential to feel too "historical". Those often go very wrong (to me) by either reading so stiff and dry, I feel like I should be wearing a top hat and monocle, or the dialog is so modern, it's not even believable. Neither was the case. It definitely felt like we were in good ol' Salem, yet the whole story was so dynamic and alive, I didn’t have to bust out the monocle at all.
Some of my favorite things about Hamilton's characters are that they don't fit into any tropes and that they behave realistically. Salem is in a war. Characters act accordingly, whether it's saving someone because they're on the same side, to remembering simply humane acts that the rest of us might have taken for granted.
But perhaps my most favorite aspect is how complicated this world and plot is, and yet it's delivered with skill and grace. The story takes you on twists and turns but you never fall off the side of the mountain. It's a long trip, but at the end, the view is incredible.
What a beautiful, mysterious, and gut-wrenching journey! I love stories that play with time and this one took me to many wild and wonderful places. I was scared. I was on the edge of my seat. My heart broke a little. Since turning the last page in The Forever Girl, I’ve been waiting on the kinds of pins and needles that a good book series always inflicts upon its desperate fans. I’m happy to say, my suffering was not in vain.
If you fell head over heels for that first book, you’ll love this latest one. Happily all three, The Forever Girl, Come, the Dark, and the novella Her Sweetest Downfall all share a similar flavor, a dark and gorgeous style that goes down easy as chocolate, yet each volume stands alone. Like the first two offerings, Rose’s story is rich with meaning while sparing nothing in the way of action and suspense. For this reason, I gobbled it down in one sitting.
Be prepared… Come, the Dark tugs on more than a few heartstrings. Our heroine is a mother separated from her child. She’s also caught in the middle of an impossible love story with a man from another time. It’s hard to know what to hope for. I had no idea where the story was going, which is unusual for me. Even as I found myself powering through to the end, dying to know what was going to happen, I felt saddened by the thought of finishing. And that right there is the biggest compliment I can give any book. Now, alas, the waiting begins again. I want more!
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair review.
First, I think it’s fair to warn you that this book isn’t for the faint of heart. This book contains scenarios that are dark and twisted. However, they happen in real life, and I say it makes this story more real. It’s dark and twisted, just the way I like it.
So, I have to say that I think I liked this book more than I like the first Forever Girl. Once again, Rebecca Hamilton has invited us into her vast world to play with her wonderful supernatural creatures. This time we get to learn more about the Ankou. Hamilton has taken the old myths and breathed new life into them. What’s even better is we get to experience time travel in a very interesting way.
The main character Rose/Cordovae is a mess. She has gone through so much even before the story starts and it only gets worse. Yet she never gives up chasing after what she wants most in life even when she finds things she wants in her current time, she is willing to give them up just to get back to her child. I of course love Tess with her sass. We even get to see some character from the first book. (Yay Adrian!)
This is a pretty action, packed story with some heart pounding moments and the end is a jaw dropper. I’m not going to spoiler it for you. Go buy this book.
Rebecca Hamilton fans, take heart! Your thirst for paranormal adventure and suspense as only Hamilton can brew it can now be quenched. COME THE DARK is here and it was well worth the wait. As an ardent fan of The Forever Girl Series, I was admittedly anxious. I’d been following the progress of this book on Hamilton’s blog and Twitter feed and was thrilled to receive an ARC copy for review. This is the story of Rose, a young woman suffering an illegitimate birth at the hand and deed of her own father. It’s 1961 and there aren’t many choices for girls like Rose, especially in the Georgia countryside. Escaping is the only way to freedom. Freedom from among other things – The Dark Ones who haunt her life. But after fleeing Rose finds herself living in Salem in another time period with memories that tickle the edges of her mind, and a brand new name – Cordovae. These fragmented memories are soon confirmed by those around her – including a strange man and woman – William and Tess – who she meets in the woods. The journey these three take together is fraught with battles against forces of evil determined to bring them down. There is adventure and intrigue and plenty of it. And as the saying goes where there’s smoke – there’s fire; a romance doomed to fail yet blooming all the same. I was immediately immersed into this tale. Hamilton’s writing has a uniquely magnetic tone. As a reader you are compelled to turn the pages and keep turning. I found it hard NOT to continue reading. She feeds the pages with gorgeous scenes that are so grounded in rich detail that I felt as if I was walking in the fields and brush along with the stars of the story. I do not refer to them as characters. This is because Hamilton writes people with all the rounded-out traits of the flesh. You will know them intimately and want to continue knowing them for life. I felt such a deep connection to Rose/Cordovae (who is also Abigail) that I’m certain she will remain one of my literary faves for years to come. I fell for this book. Hard and fast. I read it in just a couple days and then re-read it again. I’m limited to leaving only five stars but my affection for this book far supersedes those stars. In a large sea of paranormal fantasy, COME THE DARK shines like only a true gem can. *****
In 1961 a teenage girl whose name is Rose is expecting a baby. But not all is that simple. It’s her own father’s baby she’s carrying. Her Pa is not as he used to be. He’s different. And Rose keeps seeing shadow men at the edge of her sight. They are always beside her, never leaving.
All Rose wants is to give birth to her baby and run. As far as possible. What she least expected was that after giving birth to her baby, she would end up in Salem of 1691, separated from her Anna.
Trying to find a way back, she meets William and Tess who teach her a lot about elementals: the Ankou, the Strigoi, the Cruor and the Maltorim, and who try to figure out what Cord should do to stop the Maltorim.
Rebecca Hamilton’s Volume 2 of The Forever Girl Series proved once again what a gifted writer Rebecca is. Rose/Cordovae is a character you instantly sympathize with. I enjoyed her journey immensely. I was particularly impressed with the final battle Cord, William and Tess had against the Maltorim. It was amazing! And the ending is … outstanding! No spoilers here.
If you love Paranormal Romance and Dark Fantasy, this series is for you.
I simply loved the first The Forever Girl book, and I've been anxiously waiting for the next installment. It was well worth the wait for this stunning book. Rebecca Hamilton weaves the story so well, she's made a world that feels so real that I'm still there in my head even after I put the book down. I was a bit apprehensive abut the story given the blurb- but I'm so glad I didn't let that steer me away from Cordovae's story!
My name is Rachel McClellan. And I am a Forever Girl.
I couldn’t wait to read the book by Rebecca Hamilton, the second in the Forever Girl series. A lot of time had passed between reading the first and this one, so I actually went back to the Forever Girl and skimmed its pages. I’m glad I did this as it brought back the wonderful world Hamilton created.
The story begins full of tension with Rose/Corodovae in some serious trouble with her ass-hat father. There were some serious creepy scenes that Hamilton drenched with emotions. They were written so well I felt like I had to shower afterwards.
I don’t want to reveal too much of the story, but know that the characters were developed fully. I knew Rose’s motivation the entire novel. She never strays from her goal, and she will do whatever it takes to accomplish it.
Then there’s the love interest, Sir. William-I-Want-A lot. The tension Hamilton created between him and Rose was amazing! They were destined to be together, but I didn’t feel the writing forced this at all. There just was…chemistry. If I would’ve been there, I might’ve tried a threesome just to get in on some of the action. ☺
There were a lot of twists and turns, especially the ending. So didn’t see that coming. And yet it worked, much better than I thought it would.
Oh, and I just have to mention one of my favorite scenes involving tying a woman's hair until it becomes a witches ladder. More was involved and it really sounds strange the way I just described it, but just believe me when I say it was awesome!
Dislikes? After the first 10 pages, the story slowed as there was a lot of explaining required for Rose to orient herself to her new time and place. I found myself putting the novel down a few times, but it wasn’t long before it picked right back up.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes paranormal stories. You will not be disappointed.
I received this book from the author for an honest review. This review is based on MY opinion and at no time reflects that of other readers.
I haven't read book 1 in this series yet, and truthfully I cant wait to go back and do so. This book was so,... dark and REAL and so raw that I couldn't get enough of it. There are parts that left my heart bleeding and parts that had me screaming in rage. This book isn't for those who can't stand abuse or who are of the faint of heart.
The characters were all so well mapped out and their parts brought something new to the story. The twists and turns kept you on your toes waiting to see where we ended up next.
Rose, just a baby herself, is having a baby. But not just any baby her FATHER's baby. While she knows that most people think she should get rid of the baby, Rose can't bring herself to do so, because her mother told her once that all babies are a blessing, and truthfully Rose could use a few blessings. But then strange things happen and Rose is sent to a different time era. Where people except things from her, but she doesn't know if she can give them what they want because all she wants is her daughter that was ripped from her by her father.
That is where we meet William and Tess, and together they teach Rose how to get ride of the evil dark ones that haunt her life.
This book takes you on a journey, one where in the first few pages you want to jump off of, but yet you can't seem to take that leap. You get sucked in this book and the thought of not knowing what happens tears at you. Its haunting. And nerve wracking, but also so wonderful.
I adored the first Forever Girl book. I devoured it in two sittings. It would have been one if stupid work hadn't gotten in the way. With that in mind, I was basically foaming at the mouth with anticipation for this book, all the while wondering if it could live up to the ridiculously high bar the author set with the first one.
Well, after reading, I'm happy to say that it not only met my expectations, it surpassed them. The journey I was taken on in Come, the Dark was an absolutely engrossing thing that took hold of my imagination (and my heart) and wouldn't let go of either until I feverishly finished the last page.
The main character in this story is as layered as they come. Broken, imperfect, but insanely likeable, she's the only heroine I could imagine walking through this journey with; the only one I'd want to. Rebecca Hamilton brings her to life with a gorgeous and accessible prose that pulled me in from literally the first sentence. As with the first Forever GIrl novel, life isn't roses for these characters, and that makes us feel for them all the more. The mythology from the first book is firmly in place, and expanded on in new, fresh, and unforseen ways.
There's a twist near the end of this book that took my breath away. I'm not one who's easily surprised by plot twists and developments- but Rebecca Hamilton had my jaw hanging open in surprise. I can't recomend this book highly enough. I only wish that there was more!
Every once in a while I find a book that's so good it leaves me lost for words. Not a normal occurrence, I assure you!
On occasion I've re-read a particular book I've really enjoyed, though never before have I done so within days of the previous read. This is one of those incredible, immediate re-read books!
Come, the Dark is filled with emotions, some of which I truly believe only a woman who has given birth could understand so intuitively. The draw, the heartbreak, the all out *need* to return to a child lost.
The author maintains an intensity throughout the book that, so far, I've found unmatched in other books of a similar nature. Her education or research on subject matter is very clear. She knows of what she writes and relays it well.
There was so much information to take in on this work, so much detail given to the reader, that even the second time around I found myself truly intrigued, spellbound, and turning the pages with such anticipation.
I won't go into the content of the book, as I can see many other reviews have already done so, but I will say, in my opinion, Come, the Dark is a highly recommended read, especially for pagan lovers.
Rebecca Hamilton has once again bound her works to my automatic TBR list, without a doubt.
It all started with the Forever Girl, and I've become a forever fan after this amazing novel!
From the first page I felt like I was on a porch swing in Georgia, sipping tea, and then falling into Rose's trapped life where dark shadowy creatures hover wherever she goes and poison all she loves.
I was as equally taken with the time travel aspect when Rose is transported to Salem amidst the era of the witch trials. While here, she discovers her part in the war of elemental beings. Through it all, Rose fights to return home to her daughter and must make painful choices along the journey. There are plenty of plot twists involving allies and enemies and betrayal.
Rebecca Hamilton's voice is intense, gripping, original and compelling. Her long-anticipated sequel to the bestselling Forever Girl is every bit as spectacular, if not better than the first book in the series.
I thought Rebecca Hamilton did a awesome job with The Forever Girl Series thus far, she is an amazing writer and it shows through her writing style.
The characters are very strong in this book, as they are in all of The Forever Girl books. We are first introduced to Rose/Cordovae, she a main character that can not possibly get more conflicted about her life, after all she was pregnant for her abusive/alcoholic father. All she wants is to get back to her daughter, but she also has a destiny to fulfill and is in constant turmoil with what she should do and what she has to do to get back home.
Rebecca's story takes you on twist after twist and turn after turn and it's a trip that I assure you is worth the ride. I give it 5 stars.
It's kind of weird to rate a book that hasn't come out, but it seems like it's the thing to do. I'm so excited for this one. I loved the Forever Girl and can't wait until 2013!
Unfortunately, I haven't read Forever Girl. I don't say that because it affected my love for this book, I say that because, if Hamilton can write a book this brilliant, I wash I had read the series from the start. However, I can say, that if you haven't read the first book, you can easily get away with starting at the second, as it was a great standalone. I do suggest you grab book one though because, like me, you are going to wish you had started with it.
I LOVED this book. Like all my favourite paranormal reads, it had a darkness to it, which I love, as I think it adds a depth and realness to my reading. This book though, actually had a darkness, which was spreading through the world of Rose. The year was 1962. The darkness, which Rose could see lurking, hiding just at the corner of her vision, wasn't able to physically touch or harm things, but it could cause people to do brutal and ugly things. Things like forcing yourself on your daughter and getting her with child - Rose was that girl.
No matter the situation, like any true mother, Rose loves her daughter. She will do anything for her and plans to create a life for herself and her daughter by running. Running as far from the darkness as possible. She gets her wish of being as far from home as possible, but instead of running, she finds herself in Salem, without her baby, and in a time when her kind shouldn't be there.
It's the witch trials...and Rose is about to find out that she isn't exactly who she thinks she is, and she may just have a few powers up her sleeve.
This is the worst time to discover you are a witch, and more than that, Rose (now Abigail or Cordovae) is about to find out a lot about love, determination and the fact that the world, and her future, may just depend on what she can do in this war.
The characters in this book are brilliant. There is a darkness surrounding everything and our main and secondary characters have been given a depth, personality and sheer determination that really brings out the light in them. Rose, who is already in a situation because of the darkness, is thrust ins a world she doesn't know, told she s someone else and a witch, and she finds that the world depends on her. Yet, throughout the story, she keeps her head on, ready to do whatever it takes to get back to her daughter, whom she loves no matter how she was brought to life. She has a strength and determination that makes me proud. Even before she knew of her powers and the war, she was in a situation where most would give up, where many would hate the life inside her and themselves. However, rose creates a way to live inside herself, and be outwit the moments of darkness. She uses her sheer strength and courage to live in a life that is horrendous. I love her character, enough said. Her supporting characters have strength and determination as well, but they also bring love and joy into the world, as well as leadership. With all of them, the cast of the book are deep, real and truly pull me into the book.
The storyline was amazing and the world Hamilton created absolutely blew my mind. She had and intricate world, woven with darkness, both in the shadowy creatures and the behaviour of those in the world. She has woven in terror, fear tragedy, love, hate, compassion and so much more, as well as a war and an urgency that can only be fully understood if you read the book. However, throughout all this, the world Hamilton has written is beautiful. It replay makes you feel as though you are there. I can see every detail in my imagination and truly felt as if I knew the world.
The pace was excellent. I felt wrapped up in every single emotion, understanding it and the lives of the characters, but I also felt the swift urgency of the war and the world around the characters.
All in all, this book was excellent. One of the best paranormal reads I have read, so far, in 2015. I really loved every moment of it. I highly, highly suggest any fan of paranormal read this book, but especially so if you are a fan of dark paranormals. Loved every page and detail!
What I liked: I liked seeing this paranormal version of why the Salem Witch Trials happened, and I do think I detected some references to The Crucible in regards to the names of characters and I really did like that story. It was a refreshing and different type of twist about the ordeal that I hadn't seen before and it made for an interesting story. Our main character, Cordovae, is a carefully crafted character who we see grow as she spends time with William and Tess, characters (and situations) who ultimately influence the way she grows from the beginning when she first meets them, to even just halfway through the book. I know by the halfway mark Cordovae definitely showed that she had grown since the beginning of the book, because she was thrust into a similar situation that she had earlier in the book but she reacted completely different this time! The story itself was rich and enjoyable to me, and I came to like the different characters even though you could tell how different each of them were based on their experiences. Through it all though, I love how Anna was still who Cordovae concerned herself with and wanted to return to. Despite what Cordovae was subjected to for Anna to be born, I think the fact that she was still willing to love her daughter no matter what and return to her so they could get away was an especially poignant part of the book.
What I didn't like: I wasn't sure why the word medieval was tossed in to describe clothing in this book. It's out of context, seeing as the medieval era had already ended, and the word itself only has context in European history. While others did have a "medieval" era, they're generally referred to with a different name that reflects what was happening during that time. So I felt that was a little jolting because it snapped me out of the book in those moments when it wasn't used right.
Overall Review: Despite the dark beginnings of this story, don't let it deter you from reading it. Its a well written and entertaining novel that has minimal world building shown, but there is plenty for the reader to enjoy. The best part is that even though this is the third book in the series, it stands alone because it follows another girl. After reading such a thrilling story that kept my attention, I've even purchased the novella for the series (because apparently I already own The Forever Girl!) I can't wait to start on both of those books this summer.
Recommend?: I do indeed! This was a good book that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading the other books!
I read “Forever Girl” by Rebecca Hamilton by chance, and I really loved it. When I saw that she had a new novel in the same genre, of course I had to read it right away. “Come the Dark” is different than her first work. It’s the same world of elemental beings: Cruor, Ankou, Strigoi, and Chibold. But the story line is completely different. It starts with the story of Rose, who is a young girl abused by her father. Rose gives birth and her father takes the baby away while she is sleeping. As she wakes and realizes what’s happening, Rose gives chase. In the midst of her chase, the world changes. She finds herself in another era. Salem, Massachusetts, during the witch hunting times. There she meets William and Tess, who have been waiting for her. They know her by another name, Cordovae. Rose has new memories suddenly, and is confused. William and Tess need her to fight an epic battle with them, but all she wants to do is get back home and rescue her baby from her horrible father. This novel really connected with me on many levels. It’s full of action, the emotion of difficult choices, the giving of trust, the sting of betrayal, and the complexities of wanting to return to a time that is full of evil, yet full of good as well. There are many elements of the supernatural. Ms. Hamilton has truly created an amazing new mythology which includes deep characters, supernatural creatures, rules that govern the universe, and a hell of a lot of fun. I read probably one hundred books per year. There are a rare few authors whose writing style I call “coming home.” Whenever I’ve just gotten through a difficult read, I always like to choose a book from one of these authors because it feels like “coming home” after a long trip. Like a bedtime story my mother is reading to me, while I am all safe and sound and tucked away. Rebecca Hamilton’s writing style definitely fits the bill here. It sets my mind at ease, and it’s effortless to read. I only wish she had a huge library to choose from so I could ‘come home’ more often. I can’t recommend “Come the Dark” highly enough. It was a superb read. One of those rare books you think about even after you are finished reading.
Note: I received an ARC (pre-release copy of the book) in exchange for an honest review.
My Review: Rose had a happy childhood until the darkness came. The darkness caused her father to do unspeakable things, and made her mother turn a blind eye. The only bright spot in her bleak existence is Anna, a child conceived in darkness, but loved nonetheless. When Rose is suddenly transported to the past, she'll do anything to get back to Anna. Rose is now known as Cordovae, and it's not only her name that has changed. She has become Ankou and is in possession of powerful magic she would gladly trade if she could just hold Anna in her arms again. As Cordovae struggles to reconcile her memories of her life as Rose with her new, overwhelming identity, she must learn to fight to save the past so that she has a future to return to.
Come, the Dark definitely brings the darkness. The authors explores sexual abuse, loss, and hopelessness. Most of this story is set against the backdrop of the Salem Witch Trials, a time when anyone who was a little different lived in constant danger of being accused of witchcraft. For Cordovae, her attempts to blend in prove disastrous. She must rise above despair and learn to fight, not only for a chance to return to Anna, but to fulfill her destiny. As she gradually grows to care about (and even love) the people she's met during her time in Salem, the idea of returning to Anna is fraught with pain.
Despite the dark themes and often hopeless situations Cordovae must face, there is always hope. Cordovae learns to fight no matter what. She never gives up on love. In many ways, Come, the Dark is vastly different from The Forever Girl. Yes, we still explore the rich world of elementals the author has created, a world of Chibold, Strigoi, Cruor, Ankou, and Morts, but the general atmosphere in this book is much heavier. This book is less about magic, and more about sheer determination and the power of love. For Cordovae, love is the driving force behind everything she does, and that's what makes her a stand-out character. Beautifully written, Come, the Dark is a book I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging read.
Wow! Just, wow, or maybe it should be woah. I loved the first book of this series, which was Forever girl. I couldn't wait for book two, and this one, is jaw dropping, heart wrenching, and hauntingly beautiful!! I wasn't sure how I was supposed to feel, but dammit if I didn't go through a whole lot of feelings for this whole book. The author did an amazing job at making something horrible seems fixable. You see, when I say that, the abuse victim still loved and had compassion and humanity. I'm amazed, that's about as simple as I can put it. I kept thinking I would be disappointed about SOMETHING but NO, I am still amazed as I finish the last words.
The story is complicated, I am not sure how else to say that. We start with Rose, who is abused by her father in multiple ways throughout her life. I was appalled and horrified, and I wanted to cry. I want that man to die, and I seriously want her mother to maybe have some torment as well. Seriously, seriously!!! I said that word a lot. And I also said a lot of curse words. And then something happens. Rose wakes up in another time, in another place, in another body. WOAH! And I loved that it's Salem and "witches" are talked about and it's got a creep factor that made me cheer. LOL And this time is in chaos. Things are kinda scary. Not maybe more scary than what happened on one side but it's crazy how cool this author did this transition. Because Rose is Abigail and Cordovae. I know it sounds crazy but it's still cool. Then we meet Will and Tess. And Adrian. This will help those who read book one, but no worries, you could pick up book two without reading book one.
All I can say is that it was worth the wait for this one. If you like an amazing journey with some soul and heart put into a story as well as a great world building with crazy good characters, this is for you. Well done!!! 5 PAWS!
Gorgeous writing, poignant story, and good vs. evil
This book has it all. From the first pages the beautiful writing grabs you and thrusts you into a world that unfortunately is all too possible. Rose is raped and impregnated by her father after the darkness comes. I don’t want to give anything away, but suffice to say it’s heartbreaking.
Rose is sucked back in time to Salem, Massachusetts during the time of the witch trials and becomes Abigail…kind of, she’s actually Cordovae, a forever girl. Which is the title of the first book in the series. I haven’t read Forever Girl, and that didn’t hinder my reading experience at all.
And it is an experience.
The author’s writing and world building are exceptional and take to you an alternate reality far removed from how we view the world. In the beginning, it took a bit to grasp all the different species, but before long I knew them all, how they operated, and if they were friend or foe. The way the author weaves actual historical events into the novel makes it all the more believable.
The ending took me by surprise, which is a good thing, and left me wanting to read forever Girl, and the next book when it comes out.
The budding love between Cordovae and William tells a story of learning to trust, love, and heal after unspeakable horrors have befallen you. It’s believable and very well done.
This book is for mature audiences for its rape and incest content and the author has a disclaimer in the front of the book, but don’t be dissuaded in reading it because of this as the book is not graphic in this respect.
I recommend this book highly!
I received a free copy of Come, the Dark in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This is the second book in the series although you can read it as a standalone if you haven't read book 1 (like I haven't). Whether this has affected my enjoyment of this book, I'm not sure as I thoroughly enjoyed it and got lost in it over time.
It starts with some harrowing scenes that manage to convey the pain and anguish that Rose is feeling, without actually going into gratuitous detail. The scene changes when Rose is thrown back in time to become Cordovae in Abigail's body. Although this is all explained, it can be quite confusing trying to figure out just who is what and when. The names used for the different elements became a sticking point for me as I could never remember which ones were the Strigoi or the Cruor etc. The only one I could remember was Ankou but then I couldn't remember their abilities apart from moving on the Mort.
The pace of this book is slow and detailed - too detailed in places for me. The inner monologues of Rose/Cordovae/Abigail became slightly monotonous. I know that she was desperate to return to Anna and I know that that was her driving force but to hear it on every page actually detracted from the urgency for me.
The ending brings some explanations and pleasant surprises whilst also leaving it open for you to draw your own conclusions and to wait for the next book in the series.
For those who like a longer book, with detailed, intricate twists and turns then I can definitely recommend this book.
I loved "The Forever Girl", I enjoyed Ophelia Journey in "Her Sweetest Downfall" and I was eagerly waiting to have the next book. So when I got a chance to read "Forever Girl#2" before its release I quickly grabbed the opportunity and got an e-ARC.
I enjoyed Cordovae's Journey. But I didn't had that instant connection with this one like I had with the previous two books. Beginning was gripping and when 'THE EVENT' occurred I was so curious to know what will happen next but then there came in the only minus point Cordovae's reaction, I mean I understand why she was reacting that way but I don't know why I felt it was 'too much'. Only that part was hard for me to get through but as soon as I was 30% into the story,it became more appealing and after few more pages I was so engaged that I didn't put down my kindle till I read the last word. This one was again action-packed, infact it had the most enthralling events- be it the sparks flying between the love birds or the fight with 'the bad' .
The plot was amazing and the ending Oh My God that was a total suprise. I loved all the characters tough but sweet Tess, Caring Verity and intense n caring William
We also meet few of our favorite characters from book #1 and the way Rebecca Introduced them here I was all like "no!no!no! this can't be" but by end my reaction was "Phew! Now that is good" ;)
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Come, the Dark: Cordovae's Journey by Rebecca Hamilton 5 stars
I liked The Forever Girl, and when I started this I knew it had to be somehow tied to the first book. In no way, shape or form, could I have imagined the way that this was going to tie into the first, but it tied in SO well. I was heartbroken when I started the book, coming to terms with what Rose had already survived, and then her next major tragic life event was nearly crushing. I just couldn't imagine being in her shoes, and yet being strong enough to make the choices she had, and was planning to make. The events that took her through a major shift, and back in time were surprising. The strength she had, and then the inner strength she had to form and develop, more and more, throughout the entire book at times made my heart skip a beat wondering how she was going to pull through the next thing thrown at her. As difficult as each thing was for her, I didn't want to put the story down, because I had to know how she got through it. I was relieved by the end to see how some of the parts of the story were tied up, and I hope there will be another book that will bring the characters from book 1 and this one together. Rebecca's writing consumed me in the best way!
I received an ARC's of Come, the Dark by Rebecca Hamilton (that fact has no baring at all on my review)
I loved the Forever Girl #1 so much that imminently after finishing it I went looking for book #2, needles to say my search left me a bit downhearted when I released it wasn't finished yet. When I got the ARC's I could have danced for joy.
I don't want to give too much away about what happens in the book so I'm not going to say much.(believe me I could go on and on about it if I didn't think it would spoil it for anyone wanting to read it)
The book starts off with Rose giving birth her father's baby (shocking start to a book I know) Rose desperately wants to escape life with her overbearing, cruel, incestuous father and a mother who turns a blind eye to what is going on. She plans on leaving once the baby is born.
Somehow Rose ends up in Salem 1692 without her baby and where people of Salem call her Abigail. She's got Abigail's memories as well as some of her own (Rose). The strongest memory she has is of her baby.
To get back to her baby she must learn to survive in this new world she has landed in and enter a war she never knew existed.
I thought Hamilton did a great job with The Forever Girl. I gave it five stars. Then, I read Come, the Dark and wished I had given the first novel four stars. As much as I enjoyed the first one, I loved this one at least one star more.
It's hard to pick what I loved most about it.
After reading the description I was a little uncomfortable. I mean, a girl gets raped by her father and carries his baby? Somehow, the author made the concept work. This was just a beautiful novel.
Salem is at war. I loved the historical feel of the book. One of the things I was most impressed by was how easy it was to empathize with the characters. I connected with Cordovae and her concerns regarding her daughter. Which was what made the concept work so well.
Another thing I was super impressed with was how complex Hamilton's world is, because it doesn't read that way. The novel doesn't drag anywhere, which kept me flipping the page. And some scenes gave me chills.
Mmm, that namesake scene. I'd like to live in that scene.
All in all, I couldn't ask for more in a book. Twists and turns, dynamic characters and stunning imagery. Need next book.
Just finished reading my ARC copy of Come The Dark and have to say that Rebecca Hamilton has outdone herself this time with this Forever Girl story! It starts off a bit darker than most with a sadness that happens all too often in this world of ours, incest, but from there the story takes off into the world of the Forever Girl and those strange, wonderful, yet scary creatures that inhabit it. Rose/Abigail/Cordavae is a complex but exciting character and her story is a good one! William and Tess come along to help her and the twists and turns that the story take leave you breathless at times. Love the bad guys and 'Cords' reason for being. There was one part of the story that I thought I remembered reading in the first Forever Girl book but it made sense because it tied the two together nicely. I will tell you there was a twist near the end that really caught me off guard but that I loved! I am hoping that Ms. Hamilton already has the next book in this series started because it is a great series!
Rose is running. running to save the baby she has just given birth to. Who knew that she would have to save her baby from it's own father. Of course, who knew the father would be Roses' s father. The year is 1962, and yet when Rose feels herself falling she ends up in the year 1692. She doesn't understand what happened. All she was trying to do was save her baby, Anna. Rose finds herself in a fight for her life. Not only that, she is also on a journey of self discovery. She is taken through adventures of epic proportions. Afterall, it's not every day you find out you have magical powers. Or that you are the reincarnation of not one but several persons. If that isn't enough, she needs to fight a war, which is part of her destiny, before she can return back to 1962 and find the baby that she dearly loves. A spectacular story of a courageous young girl trying to find her way in a tumultuous realm of paranormal beings and wicked creatures. A must read!! Extremely enjoyable and entertaining!!!
~Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review~
I loved Come, the Dark. Please note that this book contains detailed violence and sexual abuse. I love it how Rebecca Hamilton managed to combine Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Spiritual Fiction, and sexual abuse into one mesmerizing tale. At first, I didn't know what to expect. I was really confused by the changes in time, and I thought it was a typo. Then, I realised that it was all deliberate, and it was then that I realised what a great book Come, the dark was. After that point, every time I had some time to read digitally, I passionately read on, and I started loving it more and more till the point where I knew I was going to give it 5+ stars. I'm telling you, I loved it. It was confusing at the start, but it was definitely worth reading on. If you're a fan of Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Spiritual Fiction, or a mix of them definitely give Come, the dark a go. you never know, you might just wind up liking Cordovae as much as I do.
A dark tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. This the second book in the Forever Girl series and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Please note it can be read as a stand-alone. Rose knows that darkness has come and she only wishes to escape it. She is transported back in time to the Salem witch trials and the only way to save her future is to destroy the darkness, but can she do so and lose the man she loves. The story is a dark one but it does draw you in and won’t let go until you have reached that last page. I loved it and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC of this book, but these views are my own...not paid for :) I could not believe this book! You will go through so many different emotions reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed how the story unfolded with Cordovae. At first I thought the memories of Anna were a bit overwhelming but as I kept reading, they were so crucial to the story. Those memories were her foundation for the drive and determination for going through with what she had to do. What an awesome read. Really great. Thank you for allowing me to read it before its released! I feel very honored.