Thursday, December 2, 2010

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl


Book Summery:
Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.
-goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
I knew as I turned the last page of Garcia and Stohl's debut book, Beautiful Creatures (read my review here), that I had stumbled onto something rather unique, mysterious and original. In their second installment, Beautiful Darkness, Garcia and Stohl delve even deeper into the world of castors, demons, and true love. The genesis of the story continues, but is fleshed out more, secrets are revealed and discoveries are made. I honestly don't know how Garcia and Stohl work together, collaboratively writing a book, but however they do it, the outcome is beyond amazing. I love the introduction of some of the new characters, mainly Liv. I do hope to see more of her in upcoming books. I also enjoyed learning more of the history of the town as well as some select key characters. I must say, what I enjoyed most about Beautiful Darkness were the underground Caster tunnels. That took some expert world building on behalf of the authors. The tunnels could have been a character all on their own! I would like to caution readers that Lena is very different in this book, almost unrecognizable at some points. I really didn't connect with her until near the end. However, do not let that deter you away from reading this book! It is packed with engaging characters, curious secrets, and a journey you wont soon forget! I highly recommend Beautiful Darkness to readers who are looking for to venture into a dark magical realm, where anything is possible.

Favorite Quote:
" 'What are you Lucille?'
The cat looked me in the eye and cocked her head to the side.
'Ethan?' Liv was watching me. 'Are you alright?'
'Yeah.' I shot Lucille a meaningful look. She ignored me, sniffing the tip of her tail gracefully.
'You realize she's a cat.' Live was still staring at me curiously.
'I know.'
'Just checking.' " (p. 398)

Cover Art Commentary:
Just. Gorgeous. I really loved the cover of Beautiful Creatures. However, I was completely blown away by the cover of Beautiful Darkness. I love the color scheme. Very dark and mysterious, which is rather appropriate for the content between the covers!

Overall Rating:

3 comments:

  1. Ooooo sounds goood.
    Collaborations fascinate me too.

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  2. Terrific review Lily! I have yet to read Beautiful Creatures but am hoping to soon.

    I wanted to also say thank you for participating in my 21 Day B&B Bash. I really appreciate it.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  3. I bought a copy not too long ago but havent gotten to it yet but I'm hoping to soon. Can't wait to read about the Lena you described and find out whats happening to her.

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