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Illuminate
He's trained to manipulate her.
She's trained to illuminate him.
Falling in love could kill them both.
Shunned Luminary Merrin, is an outcast Tracker guarding one of the borders closest to Tartarean's stronghold.
Called a reckless rogue by the other Luminaries, she's haunted by her past failures and there is no way she will let another reclaimed Luminary slide back to the dark.
Tarquin is a Hunter who survives with no memory of who he was before Lucius Tartarean coerced him into service.
Forced to kill on demand and to utilise his manipulation skills, he's nothing more than a slave to the dark that controls his every move.
When Merrin is called to Track a fallen Luminary, she isn't prepared for a half-light who shouldn't exist.
She's trained to illuminate him.
Falling in love could kill them both.
Shunned Luminary Merrin, is an outcast Tracker guarding one of the borders closest to Tartarean's stronghold.
Called a reckless rogue by the other Luminaries, she's haunted by her past failures and there is no way she will let another reclaimed Luminary slide back to the dark.
Tarquin is a Hunter who survives with no memory of who he was before Lucius Tartarean coerced him into service.
Forced to kill on demand and to utilise his manipulation skills, he's nothing more than a slave to the dark that controls his every move.
When Merrin is called to Track a fallen Luminary, she isn't prepared for a half-light who shouldn't exist.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
8 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Addison-Fox
17 books458 followersSarah Addison-Fox is a New Zealand misfit with a weakness for stubborn heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that throw punches—sometimes literally. Whether she’s writing YA dystopian or steampunk, expect fast action, big feelings, and romance by the truckload.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2019
2.5 Stars.... Sarah Addison-Fox is a fantastic author, I just didn't enjoyed this one like I have with her other books....
So, I like to start things off of the positive side, so let's start there.
First of all, the writing style is wonderful!!! Like, I love how it flows, and the descriptions of the characters emotions, and, wow, the style was extremely good!!!
There is kind of the superhero vibe going on in the story as well. The main character, Merrin, has some pretty cool powers.
Merrin brings Tarquin to her home. Tarquin tells her that she lives in a pigsty.... I love it, lol, this is so funny and fun! She keeps telling him to clean it up if he doesn't like it messy, and he actually does it later! I love this part!!!
And Skylar!!!! Like, YES!!! He was so respectful and kind, and I just wanted more of him and I couldn't stand it when Merrin wouldn't give him the time of day.
What I Didn't Like It (and why I gave it 2.5 stars):
I was really surprised I didn't like this book very much. Sarah Addison-Fox is one of my most favorite authors who I found in 2018. But there were some things in this book that just didn't work for me....
Confused??? Me??? Of course not, I'm just trying to figure something out....
So yeah, Tarquin was confused, Merrin kept getting the rules wrong, and I was like does anyone know how the Luminary stuff works???
So Tarquin was supposed to not have any memories, while Merrin was suppose to have the answers. Great, right? Except, Merrin apparently doesn't understand how it all works, and I realize, plot twist! But I was so upset as a reader because I felt that the rules kept changing after being told one thing for so long. And Merrin kept saying things that later had totally different reasons than why I thought, like what?
Light and Darkness Theme:
I really don't like how the light and darkness is represented in this book. Normally when you think of light you think of something good, with darkness you think of something bad but redeemable. I felt that in this book the light was also as bad as the darkness. I understand not everyone who has the light is going to be nice all the time. But in this book, I need to have a reason why I should like the light, why they are supposed to be better than the dark.
A lot of the Luminaries seemed to be very judgmental and mean.
Tarquin is also often interpreting the light with Merrin and is usually not corrected.
And Merrin literally hurts Tarquin with her light once just to prove that she could. Just because Tarquin said that a girl couldn't protect him. I feel like this scene was just put in here to show us what her "light" can do.
Also I believe that everyone is given a choice to choose the light or the darkness, there were times when people were forced either way and not given a choice in this book.
The Romance....
I was warned about the content of the romance; however, I thought it was going to be written in a different matter than how it was written. In other books by Sarah Addison-Fox, her romances are very respectful and full of love. The best way I can describe Merrin's and Tarquin's relationship is: toxic, destructive, and where both of them only manipulate each other. The relationship is very Insta-love, which I can't stand even by itself. Tarquin throughout the book kept trying to have sex (even if it isn't described as sex and they are always wearing pants) with Merrin. Why? Oh, because he loved her. Just no, please no. Is very lustful, and a very destructive relationship.
Also why did Tarquin even get down from that tree when she called him? Wasn't he supposed to hunt her? Insta-trust, like, just no.
Content in Book:
1. Kissing (very descriptive, getting more passionate, wrapping their legs around each other, taking off their shirts, could be described as sex if they weren't wearing pants.)
2. Manipulating people to do things (including forcing girls to sleep in a man's bed. And other things).
3. Some violence. (Mentions of people hunting other people, hand-to-hand combat, using magic-like stuff to hurt people, trying to use arrows at people and animals, etc.)
4. Magic (with light and darkness themes.)
This review has nothing to do with the author. The author is awesome! And I totally recommend her other books, like totally read them. I just didn't like this one book, and this happens sometimes.
So, I like to start things off of the positive side, so let's start there.
First of all, the writing style is wonderful!!! Like, I love how it flows, and the descriptions of the characters emotions, and, wow, the style was extremely good!!!
There is kind of the superhero vibe going on in the story as well. The main character, Merrin, has some pretty cool powers.
Merrin brings Tarquin to her home. Tarquin tells her that she lives in a pigsty.... I love it, lol, this is so funny and fun! She keeps telling him to clean it up if he doesn't like it messy, and he actually does it later! I love this part!!!
And Skylar!!!! Like, YES!!! He was so respectful and kind, and I just wanted more of him and I couldn't stand it when Merrin wouldn't give him the time of day.
What I Didn't Like It (and why I gave it 2.5 stars):
I was really surprised I didn't like this book very much. Sarah Addison-Fox is one of my most favorite authors who I found in 2018. But there were some things in this book that just didn't work for me....
Confused??? Me??? Of course not, I'm just trying to figure something out....
So yeah, Tarquin was confused, Merrin kept getting the rules wrong, and I was like does anyone know how the Luminary stuff works???
So Tarquin was supposed to not have any memories, while Merrin was suppose to have the answers. Great, right? Except, Merrin apparently doesn't understand how it all works, and I realize, plot twist! But I was so upset as a reader because I felt that the rules kept changing after being told one thing for so long. And Merrin kept saying things that later had totally different reasons than why I thought, like what?
Light and Darkness Theme:
I really don't like how the light and darkness is represented in this book. Normally when you think of light you think of something good, with darkness you think of something bad but redeemable. I felt that in this book the light was also as bad as the darkness. I understand not everyone who has the light is going to be nice all the time. But in this book, I need to have a reason why I should like the light, why they are supposed to be better than the dark.
A lot of the Luminaries seemed to be very judgmental and mean.
Tarquin is also often interpreting the light with Merrin and is usually not corrected.
And Merrin literally hurts Tarquin with her light once just to prove that she could. Just because Tarquin said that a girl couldn't protect him. I feel like this scene was just put in here to show us what her "light" can do.
Also I believe that everyone is given a choice to choose the light or the darkness, there were times when people were forced either way and not given a choice in this book.
The Romance....
I was warned about the content of the romance; however, I thought it was going to be written in a different matter than how it was written. In other books by Sarah Addison-Fox, her romances are very respectful and full of love. The best way I can describe Merrin's and Tarquin's relationship is: toxic, destructive, and where both of them only manipulate each other. The relationship is very Insta-love, which I can't stand even by itself. Tarquin throughout the book kept trying to have sex (even if it isn't described as sex and they are always wearing pants) with Merrin. Why? Oh, because he loved her. Just no, please no. Is very lustful, and a very destructive relationship.
Also why did Tarquin even get down from that tree when she called him? Wasn't he supposed to hunt her? Insta-trust, like, just no.
Content in Book:
1. Kissing (very descriptive, getting more passionate, wrapping their legs around each other, taking off their shirts, could be described as sex if they weren't wearing pants.)
2. Manipulating people to do things (including forcing girls to sleep in a man's bed. And other things).
3. Some violence. (Mentions of people hunting other people, hand-to-hand combat, using magic-like stuff to hurt people, trying to use arrows at people and animals, etc.)
4. Magic (with light and darkness themes.)
This review has nothing to do with the author. The author is awesome! And I totally recommend her other books, like totally read them. I just didn't like this one book, and this happens sometimes.
January 28, 2019
GAH! That was SO good!!! All the heroic feels for Tarquin AND all the redemption themes that pulled at my heartstrings, making me want to almost cry.
His story absolutely made this book for me. Not that I didn't like Merrin or the overall story itself, but specifically his story was gold. It reached out and grabbed me and took me on a journey that though I can't readily identify with his exact struggle (hello manipulation), what he *feels* was so real and relatable. I was so incredibly happy and encouraged by his ending. <3
Now I highlighted quite a few places on my Kindle because I LOVED the theme of two being stronger than one. I'm not going to go into detail about that since it would be spoilers, but also because it's fun to see this played out in more ways than one. ;) There were fantastic light analogies that I simply loved and a powerful reminder to be on guard too.
I confess that this is a time I would love to use a bunch of GIFs to really capture in sharing my thoughts on Illuminate, but I guess I will end my review with this: If you like romance, if you like action, BUT also like a great story that weaves in truth, then this a great read to enjoy. It has all those elements and extra.
I'm truly so glad I read this story and look forward to reading it again because I think every reader can relate to Tarquin in some way. <3
His story absolutely made this book for me. Not that I didn't like Merrin or the overall story itself, but specifically his story was gold. It reached out and grabbed me and took me on a journey that though I can't readily identify with his exact struggle (hello manipulation), what he *feels* was so real and relatable. I was so incredibly happy and encouraged by his ending. <3
Now I highlighted quite a few places on my Kindle because I LOVED the theme of two being stronger than one. I'm not going to go into detail about that since it would be spoilers, but also because it's fun to see this played out in more ways than one. ;) There were fantastic light analogies that I simply loved and a powerful reminder to be on guard too.
I confess that this is a time I would love to use a bunch of GIFs to really capture in sharing my thoughts on Illuminate, but I guess I will end my review with this: If you like romance, if you like action, BUT also like a great story that weaves in truth, then this a great read to enjoy. It has all those elements and extra.
I'm truly so glad I read this story and look forward to reading it again because I think every reader can relate to Tarquin in some way. <3
January 9, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a story of good vs evil and a beautiful picture of how, even if we come from roots of unspeakable evil, we can rise above it and walk in the light. Even if was have committed many sins and made countless mistakes, we can still be forgiven and loved. I greatly enjoyed how the battle between Light and Dark was portrayed, and that the author didn't draw a veil over the horrors evil produces.
I liked that the heroine wasn't a "Little Miss Chosen One Goodie Two Shoes" or a "Little Miss Rebel Who Knows Everything and is Always Right". No, this girl's house is a pit because she doesn't bother to clean it and if she would have just been patient and listened to her teachers instead of assuming things, she wouldn't have had to deal with half of the emotional pain that she did!
Also, the villain made my skin crawl. Well done, Sarah, that doesn't happen often.
However, I didn't like that it felt a bit wordy at times, as though the author used ten words where six would do, and then ending felt a bit rushed.
Otherwise it was a very good story and I wish we could have a few sequels showing the land as it recovered from the tyrant's control.
Due to violence, implied rape and cutaway sex scenes, I would not recommend this story to anyone under the age of 18.
This was a story of good vs evil and a beautiful picture of how, even if we come from roots of unspeakable evil, we can rise above it and walk in the light. Even if was have committed many sins and made countless mistakes, we can still be forgiven and loved. I greatly enjoyed how the battle between Light and Dark was portrayed, and that the author didn't draw a veil over the horrors evil produces.
I liked that the heroine wasn't a "Little Miss Chosen One Goodie Two Shoes" or a "Little Miss Rebel Who Knows Everything and is Always Right". No, this girl's house is a pit because she doesn't bother to clean it and if she would have just been patient and listened to her teachers instead of assuming things, she wouldn't have had to deal with half of the emotional pain that she did!
Also, the villain made my skin crawl. Well done, Sarah, that doesn't happen often.
However, I didn't like that it felt a bit wordy at times, as though the author used ten words where six would do, and then ending felt a bit rushed.
Otherwise it was a very good story and I wish we could have a few sequels showing the land as it recovered from the tyrant's control.
Due to violence, implied rape and cutaway sex scenes, I would not recommend this story to anyone under the age of 18.
January 12, 2019
4 3/4 stars.... is that possible? Yes it is because I just made it up!
Gah! This book was so good. So intense, and dark! How do I describe the amazing feeling I have about the beauty of this book!? It's just Sooo good! I'm just all feels right now I can't even put all my thoughts out coherently. So review to come soon. Whenever I can properly gather my feelings and thoughts into their correct categories.
Okay.... so after sitting here and trying to get over the book ( which has been highly impossible ) I think I'm now ready to review it. *nervous giggle* I'm probably gonna mention just HOW GOOD IT IS multiple times... *nods* Anyways... here's my jumbled thoughts all wrapped up and tied in a bow.
The whole LIGHT V.S. DARK aspect was just... GAAHH!!! So. Good. I was comparing it to our spiritual battle between good and evil the. Whole. Time. And I was just like.... yesssss. It was so true and correct! The darkness wanting to take over you, but once your under light your protected except that your NOT protected!! It's just soooo intense!
The characters!! Were. So. Amazing. ( Including the villain... I mean the guy's back story broke my heart!!! ) It's like the depth of their stories just kept going on forever and you felt like you were there. Like really there. Feeling their pain and struggling to regain memories. Struggling to grasp that one pin prick of light left. They had such pain, but as I struggled through the story with them they just kept growing and growing!! It. Was. Just. So. Good.
The description!! I always mention description and details in my reviews because this particular aspect is very important to me. I feel like Sarah is not so much a description person but more action and detail on what the characters are feeling, which is good too. It was just seriously so intense!!
Okay so your probably wondering why I marked it down 1/4, right? This is going to be a funny explanation... but still. A couple things bugged me. Let me explain. 1 - The sexy scenes. ( I knew that going into the book so I don't blame the author or anyone... most of the time I ignored the extreme detail in those areas. Anyways it didn't bother me to much... ) 2 - The way Tarqine ran away at the end came across as kinda dramatic to me? So yeah... xD
Between those two things it came down 1/4 of a star... and yes that is a thing! Because I made it up! The rest ( like the intense goodness of the book ) erased my mixed feelings on the book.
I'm still a puddle of feels for y'all's information and I now I must go do something else to distract myself from the fact that it's OVER NOW!! It's.. over. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note : I didn't put "spoiler alert" up because I didn't feel like I gave to much away... hopefully no one's offended because I ruined a scene.
Gah! This book was so good. So intense, and dark! How do I describe the amazing feeling I have about the beauty of this book!? It's just Sooo good! I'm just all feels right now I can't even put all my thoughts out coherently. So review to come soon. Whenever I can properly gather my feelings and thoughts into their correct categories.
Okay.... so after sitting here and trying to get over the book ( which has been highly impossible ) I think I'm now ready to review it. *nervous giggle* I'm probably gonna mention just HOW GOOD IT IS multiple times... *nods* Anyways... here's my jumbled thoughts all wrapped up and tied in a bow.
The whole LIGHT V.S. DARK aspect was just... GAAHH!!! So. Good. I was comparing it to our spiritual battle between good and evil the. Whole. Time. And I was just like.... yesssss. It was so true and correct! The darkness wanting to take over you, but once your under light your protected except that your NOT protected!! It's just soooo intense!
The characters!! Were. So. Amazing. ( Including the villain... I mean the guy's back story broke my heart!!! ) It's like the depth of their stories just kept going on forever and you felt like you were there. Like really there. Feeling their pain and struggling to regain memories. Struggling to grasp that one pin prick of light left. They had such pain, but as I struggled through the story with them they just kept growing and growing!! It. Was. Just. So. Good.
The description!! I always mention description and details in my reviews because this particular aspect is very important to me. I feel like Sarah is not so much a description person but more action and detail on what the characters are feeling, which is good too. It was just seriously so intense!!
Okay so your probably wondering why I marked it down 1/4, right? This is going to be a funny explanation... but still. A couple things bugged me. Let me explain. 1 - The sexy scenes. ( I knew that going into the book so I don't blame the author or anyone... most of the time I ignored the extreme detail in those areas. Anyways it didn't bother me to much... ) 2 - The way Tarqine ran away at the end came across as kinda dramatic to me? So yeah... xD
Between those two things it came down 1/4 of a star... and yes that is a thing! Because I made it up! The rest ( like the intense goodness of the book ) erased my mixed feelings on the book.
I'm still a puddle of feels for y'all's information and I now I must go do something else to distract myself from the fact that it's OVER NOW!! It's.. over. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note : I didn't put "spoiler alert" up because I didn't feel like I gave to much away... hopefully no one's offended because I ruined a scene.
June 17, 2019
I have now read all of Sarah Addison-Fox's [published and soon-to-be published] books.
This might be long-ish. :)
Characters
Merrin and Skylar were pretty good characters. I liked Merrin's 'girl power' attitude (it wasn't annoying because she also had faults and failings) and I liked Skylar's conflictedness and backstory, though I'm not sure I grasped all of it. However, Tarquin GREATLY annoyed me. Another reviewer has said that his and Merrin's relationship is 'toxic' and it totally is. He didn't seem realistic, as a guy or as a fictional character either.
Worldbuilding
I liked the atmosphere of this book though I felt like there weren't enough details to make the world feel really concrete and vivid in my mind.
Plot
It took me several days to finish this book because the plot wasn't very gripping. I think one reason why that is is because Merrin and Tarquin spend most of their time confused, hurt, or making out. The stakes never felt real to me.
Writing Style
This is my biggest complaint. As with all of Fox's books, the writing style is clunky, obtuse in places, and there are typos in almost every chapter. So many typos. That was also one reason I couldn't fully immerse myself in this book...poor writing gives me a mental headache. All of this, plus the author's unprofessional behavior towards myself and others, means that I probably won't be picking up any more books from her.
This might be long-ish. :)
Characters
Merrin and Skylar were pretty good characters. I liked Merrin's 'girl power' attitude (it wasn't annoying because she also had faults and failings) and I liked Skylar's conflictedness and backstory, though I'm not sure I grasped all of it. However, Tarquin GREATLY annoyed me. Another reviewer has said that his and Merrin's relationship is 'toxic' and it totally is. He didn't seem realistic, as a guy or as a fictional character either.
Worldbuilding
I liked the atmosphere of this book though I felt like there weren't enough details to make the world feel really concrete and vivid in my mind.
Plot
It took me several days to finish this book because the plot wasn't very gripping. I think one reason why that is is because Merrin and Tarquin spend most of their time confused, hurt, or making out. The stakes never felt real to me.
Writing Style
This is my biggest complaint. As with all of Fox's books, the writing style is clunky, obtuse in places, and there are typos in almost every chapter. So many typos. That was also one reason I couldn't fully immerse myself in this book...poor writing gives me a mental headache. All of this, plus the author's unprofessional behavior towards myself and others, means that I probably won't be picking up any more books from her.
Read
December 13, 2018I can't leave an official, starred review of this book because I helped in its publication, but I LOVED this story and wanted to share about it. It's gritty, it's imaginative, its symbolic (so so so symbolic), its sexy, its exciting...it has everything a good fantasy romance should have.
I specifically appreciated how the author contrasted light and dark, good and evil, love and lust in this book. The symbolism is breathtakingly beautiful and really resonated, without seeming preachy at any point. The story world sucked me right in, from the first chapter, and the characters were very well done too. I even loved the minor characters.
There are moments in this story that will grip you with sadness, that are times when you'll shake your head and laugh, there are times when you'll lean closer and read faster because you absolutely must know what happens next, there are times when you'll swoon over the romance...
This is a must read, both in Christian and secular circles.
So read it.
Content: I rate this story PG-13 for one slightly un-nice name calling, romance and battle sequences. There is some sexual content in this story (no on-screen sex, just heavy smooching): the kissy-kissy it is handled tastefully and serves an important function in the moral of the story.
I specifically appreciated how the author contrasted light and dark, good and evil, love and lust in this book. The symbolism is breathtakingly beautiful and really resonated, without seeming preachy at any point. The story world sucked me right in, from the first chapter, and the characters were very well done too. I even loved the minor characters.
There are moments in this story that will grip you with sadness, that are times when you'll shake your head and laugh, there are times when you'll lean closer and read faster because you absolutely must know what happens next, there are times when you'll swoon over the romance...
This is a must read, both in Christian and secular circles.
So read it.
Content: I rate this story PG-13 for one slightly un-nice name calling, romance and battle sequences. There is some sexual content in this story (no on-screen sex, just heavy smooching): the kissy-kissy it is handled tastefully and serves an important function in the moral of the story.
January 20, 2019
~I received an e-ARC from the author and willingly reviewed it~
In Lathrea, many have become slaves to Lucius Tartarean, a dark manipulative master. Merrin belongs to a group known as the Luminaries, who help spread light back into their world. Her job is to bring those who are lost back to the side of the light, but when she is called to track Tarquin, a Hunter of Tartarean, she is conflicted about what to do. Unsure of whether or not he is manipulating her, Merrin must learn to separate truth from lies before it's too late.
TBC
In Lathrea, many have become slaves to Lucius Tartarean, a dark manipulative master. Merrin belongs to a group known as the Luminaries, who help spread light back into their world. Her job is to bring those who are lost back to the side of the light, but when she is called to track Tarquin, a Hunter of Tartarean, she is conflicted about what to do. Unsure of whether or not he is manipulating her, Merrin must learn to separate truth from lies before it's too late.
TBC
September 25, 2020
This is a book I very nearly DIDN’T read. I have to say upfront, I’m very glad I did read it. Previous to this I would have said I don’t like romance stories. But this book has changed my view, forever.
This story had such a strong compelling storyline that I challenge ANYONE not to love it.
At 55% this is what I wrote.
“ So far am enjoying the story. It seems that all the characters are involved within themselves in a battle between the dark side and the light. Comparisons to Star Wars and the force.
I think it’s also a struggle that is within all of us. Like real life, it’s up to us to choose which side to take. Dark / Light, Hate / Love “
Having finished my view hasn’t changed.
This is an awesome read . Brilliant.
Thank you Sarah. Thoroughly recommended.
This story had such a strong compelling storyline that I challenge ANYONE not to love it.
At 55% this is what I wrote.
“ So far am enjoying the story. It seems that all the characters are involved within themselves in a battle between the dark side and the light. Comparisons to Star Wars and the force.
I think it’s also a struggle that is within all of us. Like real life, it’s up to us to choose which side to take. Dark / Light, Hate / Love “
Having finished my view hasn’t changed.
This is an awesome read . Brilliant.
Thank you Sarah. Thoroughly recommended.
January 5, 2019
This book was an amazing read. The author kept twists and going back and forth with characters so you didn't know what was going to happen. I love the thought and ideas of light vs dark. It was very well written. I hope there is a second book coming out. Soon!
January 29, 2019
Stand alone
This was an excellent stand alone featuring redemption, forgiveness and love. The characters came to life and my heart broke for them. Very intense story. Couldn't put it down. A clean read. Very impressed with this author
This was an excellent stand alone featuring redemption, forgiveness and love. The characters came to life and my heart broke for them. Very intense story. Couldn't put it down. A clean read. Very impressed with this author
January 15, 2019
Between the tension of the hunt and the slow-burn romance, this is a story with fresh twists and an intriguing plot.
Tarquin is a Hunter, who follows his orders without question. While pursuing his next target, he finds himself hesitating. Merrin, his target, is hunting him as well, but for an entirely different purpose. When Tarquin agrees to listen to her before killing her, his own world turns topsy-turvy as he discovers everything he's believed has been a lie. Merrin's job is to draw him into the light so he can discover his true self as a Illuminate. Unfortunately, he's not what he appears and darkness isn't just something he's been trapped by, it is a part of who he is.
The story grabs right away as the hunt is underway, but it's clear that it won't be a normal one. This tension remains through the entire book, but the author does a great job at adding unexpected turns along the way. It's hard to guess what's true, and where the light and dark really play their role as the symbolism behind these attributes mutates right along with the intrigue. The beginning took a bit to sink into as the background and world unfolds slowly, but once this gets flowing, it's hard to put the book down.
Merrin is a little hard to grasp. She carries her own baggage, which muddles her decisions...especially since she tends to be a bit spontaneous anyway. While I cheered for until the very end, there were moments where her decisions stumbled. She does play a wonderful counter-part to Tarquin, who is fighting his own inner battles. Throw in Merrin's mentor, and it's a sparking mix.
While there is much intrigue, high tension and unexpected twists, the romance plays a solid role throughout the tale. It's a hard one with lots of give, take, and learning to trust. But this is definitely a read for romance fantasy friends who love the action and adventure along the side. And what an exciting mix it makes.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
Tarquin is a Hunter, who follows his orders without question. While pursuing his next target, he finds himself hesitating. Merrin, his target, is hunting him as well, but for an entirely different purpose. When Tarquin agrees to listen to her before killing her, his own world turns topsy-turvy as he discovers everything he's believed has been a lie. Merrin's job is to draw him into the light so he can discover his true self as a Illuminate. Unfortunately, he's not what he appears and darkness isn't just something he's been trapped by, it is a part of who he is.
The story grabs right away as the hunt is underway, but it's clear that it won't be a normal one. This tension remains through the entire book, but the author does a great job at adding unexpected turns along the way. It's hard to guess what's true, and where the light and dark really play their role as the symbolism behind these attributes mutates right along with the intrigue. The beginning took a bit to sink into as the background and world unfolds slowly, but once this gets flowing, it's hard to put the book down.
Merrin is a little hard to grasp. She carries her own baggage, which muddles her decisions...especially since she tends to be a bit spontaneous anyway. While I cheered for until the very end, there were moments where her decisions stumbled. She does play a wonderful counter-part to Tarquin, who is fighting his own inner battles. Throw in Merrin's mentor, and it's a sparking mix.
While there is much intrigue, high tension and unexpected twists, the romance plays a solid role throughout the tale. It's a hard one with lots of give, take, and learning to trust. But this is definitely a read for romance fantasy friends who love the action and adventure along the side. And what an exciting mix it makes.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
January 12, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Shifted Sheets and I voluntarily leave my review and this is my 1st read and review for this author Sarah Addison- Fox and it’s a fantastic story. This is a fantastic story of the battles between light against the darkness and this is the story of Merrin and Tarquin. Merrin is an outcast a tracker who has been sent to track a fallen Luminary she finds Tarquin who is a halflight and shouldn’t exist. Tarquin has no memories of his life before he was called in service to be a hunter and when he meets Merrin his memories start to come back. They band together to destroy the evil and boy oh boy he is evil incarnate. This is a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
January 12, 2019
Overall rating: 4.6 (ku)
A first for me by this author, this storyline came to life very quickly for me and I always enjoy a tale that captures me fast. The characters intrigued me and kept me guessing. Tartarean is truly the epitome of all things manipulative and debase. The good guys are not squeaky clean either which made the tale even more captivating. Loved the originality of the creation of luminaries! Definitely a fantasy tale worthy of recommendation! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
A first for me by this author, this storyline came to life very quickly for me and I always enjoy a tale that captures me fast. The characters intrigued me and kept me guessing. Tartarean is truly the epitome of all things manipulative and debase. The good guys are not squeaky clean either which made the tale even more captivating. Loved the originality of the creation of luminaries! Definitely a fantasy tale worthy of recommendation! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
January 11, 2019
I was hooked by the premise and I found this story as facinating, original and satisfying as I expected. There was some wonderful moments of truth and hope and redemption, and lots of kissing. A delicious lot of kissing. A great cast of believable characters that made me feel for them, including the antagonist. Satisfying character development
The brilliant ending (pun intended) was wonderful. The characters will stay with me for a long time to come.
The brilliant ending (pun intended) was wonderful. The characters will stay with me for a long time to come.
January 13, 2019
" I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. "
What a read! The story keeps you in suspense and hooked. This is my first time reading anything from this author but I can tell you it will not be the last. The story was well written and the characters believable, we are not even going to talk about all the twist. It is a Must Read!
What a read! The story keeps you in suspense and hooked. This is my first time reading anything from this author but I can tell you it will not be the last. The story was well written and the characters believable, we are not even going to talk about all the twist. It is a Must Read!
January 27, 2019
Thought this was an excellent story about love under difficult--no impossible-- circumstances. Also about the war between good and evil, light and darkness, especially as it rages in individual souls.
January 5, 2019
I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this story. Good one.. Shifted Sheets
April 4, 2019
This is a nice YA paranormal quick read. The author writes beautiful prose about characters she cares for greatly. People who enjoy paranormal/fantasy will find this book appealing. There is a lot of passion between the lead characters Tarquin and Merrin as they strive to follow their hearts in impossible situations.
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