Review: Darklight

Darklight by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: December 22nd, 2009
Pages: 312
Age Level: 14+
Series: #2 in Wondrous Strange Trilogy

Synopsis
Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.

The fans who flocked to Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange will fall hard for Darklight, the soaringly romantic second book in the trilogy. Breathless high stakes and vividly magical characters make this a can’t-miss fantasy for readers of Melissa Marr and Holly Black.

Review
Darklight was a series of small, wonderful surprises all rolled into one. I honestly didn't know 2nd books could be THIS good. Lesley Livingston does an absolute marvelous job of continuing Kelley and Sonny's story.

I admit I was surprised by how much the characters continued to grow and develop in not only personality, but also internal conflict and motive in Darklight. I didn't just get to know some of the characters better, like Sonny and Kelley; instead, it seemed I got to know them all better. For example, I really thought I had Auberon, Kelley's dad and King of the Unseelie Winter Court, all figured out in Wondrous Strange. However, I was very mistaken. And with Sonny, I soooo didn't see that twist coming. I grew to understand and love Kelley's character even more. Fennrys and Tyff are also two other characters whom I got to see a lot more of than in Wondrous Strange and I really loved getting to delve into their characters more, especially Tyff. When it comes down to it, I would probably have to say that this trilogy has one of the best cast of characters I've ever come across.

Until I read Wondrous Strange I didn't really think it was possible for a book to have absolutely no slow spots, but it didn't and nor did Darklight; at least not that I recall. Even though not all of the scenes are action packed somehow these books manage to carry on a quick and consistent pace without being overloaded or rushed. The plot for Darklight was slightly more twisted and way less predictable than in Wondrous Strange making Darklight even better than it's predecessor. Not too mention that it still manages to hold on to that great suspense level and story line, a unique Shakespearean aspect, and an enchanting quality of writing.

The ending...OMG...don't even get me started! Talking about a serious cliffhanger. I understand why Kelley thought she had to do what she did but it still made me want to throw the book at the wall; which I didn't, by the way, because I love and cherish my books and would never want to cause one harm. And those last two pages have got me planning how I'm going to manage to steal the manuscript for the third and final installation in this terrific trilogy.

What can I say, I figured Darklight would be great but it really out shined my expectations. I just hope that the final book can live up to just how wonderful Darklight is. If you have not read this trilogy yet, you are REALLY missing out; it has the entire package of dynamic characters, a gripping plot, lovely writing, cliffhanger endings, and gorgeous covers. What more could you ask for?

Grade
Characters: A-
Writing: B+
Plot: A-
Ending: A
2nd in Trilogy: A
Enjoyment/Likability: A
Recommendable: A+

Cover: A-

Overall: A-


You can read my review of Wondrous Strange HERE!