Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld, #1)

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Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld #1)

by Jennifer Armintrout (Goodreads Author)

3.33 of 5 stars 3.33 · rating details · 647 ratings · 90 reviews

In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder—creatures of myth and fairy tale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings Underground, to colonize the sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities. But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony, and soon two Worlds emerge: t...more

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Published October 1st 2009 by Mira (first published September 18th 2009)

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Oct 29, 2009 new_user rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Harlequin, PNR fans

Shelves: first-reads, paranormal-romance

Queene of Light was an interesting read. Regular readers of the Mira line will find the style and tone familiar.

The prose was formal, perhaps a little florid; for example, Armintrout's continuing descriptions of voices as "rustling leaves," et cetera. At times, she borrowed some old-fashioned language appropriate to the ancient races, fae and angels, running the novel. Likewise the dialogue.

Personally, I'm not a fan of heroes who speak in "I do not understand" and "You will explain this to me"...more Queene of Light was an interesting read. Regular readers of the Mira line will find the style and tone familiar.

The prose was formal, perhaps a little florid; for example, Armintrout's continuing descriptions of voices as "rustling leaves," et cetera. At times, she borrowed some old-fashioned language appropriate to the ancient races, fae and angels, running the novel. Likewise the dialogue.

Personally, I'm not a fan of heroes who speak in "I do not understand" and "You will explain this to me" archaic forms, but I did find Malachi's characterization before his Fall very interesting. Formerly a death angel and soulless, Malachi is almost alien in his apathy and animal-like savagery. These are angels as thoughtless killing machines, and I found him very convincing and plausible. I admire Armintrout for writing him so unflinchingly at the risk of drawing him as a less desirable hero, though I find that he could have developed further. Indeed, Malachi gets the short shrift, particularly when the narrative shfits to Ayla's battles. After he acclimates to humanity and learns some emotion Hollywood-style, he's almost nonexistent.

The concept of predator and prey is key to the world that Armintrout builds here. I liked the dystopic setting: a world in the sewers and subways. I liked the unique Fae that she's constructed: slim, fragile people with dragonfly wings and antennae.

I also enjoyed some of the political maneuvering. Unfortunately, too much of the politics was conducted in a very Romance way with the Queen having frank conversations with Ayla Nobody and so on. Some official functions besides the ending scene might have gone a long way. Maybe I'm nitpicking, but considering that the struggle for the throne was the climax of the novel, the scope was shrunk to a limited cast of characters whom we saw in a mostly personal, intimate, non-political capacity, and of them, only Ayla was developed and possibly the villain. Okay, and the advisor. Everyone except the hero.

So this little story might have bitten off a bit more than it could chew, but it flows from one scene to the next with little excess. This 'un is lean. LOL. So if you're a big paranormal romance (light on the romance) fan, don't mind the prose and fancy the idea of an outcast Faery -I did like the focus on her halfling heritage- fighting to carve a place for herself among her people and court and helping an angel learn it's not cool to kill along the way, check this out. :)(less)

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

The fantasy worlds of light and dark collide in Jennifer Armintrout's new series, Lightworld/Darkworld. In Queene of Light, readers are introduced to Ayla, a promising member of the Assassin's Guild, who is plagued by being half-Faery and half-Human. Ayla is stalked by a Death Angel named Malachi, who is tasked with harvesting human souls and later clashes with her in a clash of light and dark.

Queene of Light is an interesting new fantasy novel set in a world of Faeries, magical creatures and ot...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: vine-book

What I really liked about this book is that it has followed the recent trend toward realism when telling about faeries - that is, that faeries are beautiful, but in many cases terrible, creatures. They aren't all love and light and cute and sweet, that is for sure! In this world, they are separated into Lightworld and Darkworld, although the humans have forced all of them Underground after the veils of reality have been rent asunder.

Ayla is a half-human/half-faery assassin. When she is stalked...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Lura (The Life of Serendipity) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I picked this up because the cover caught my eye and the story interested me. At first I was afraid to read it, fearing that I would like it but there would be a lot of stuff I didn't like about it. I was pleased to find that a lot of I did like and there were only a few things I didn't like about it. Now I'm not going to go into depth of what I liked and didn't like because I might end up writing a huge review that people will stop reading because it was to long!

Plot - ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ The plot was some...more

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Feb 14, 2011 Nan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: never-again, romance, urban-fantasy

I've had this book on my to-read shelf for a year. I bought it during the clearance sales when my bookstore was closing, and it got a bit lost in the sheer quantity of books I was buying at that time. The first time I picked it up, a few months after I bought it, I couldn't get into the story very easily.

This time, I got pulled right in.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the ride as much as I wished I would.

This is the story of Ayla and Malachi. Alya is half Fae, half human, and works as an Assassin...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I was expecting a kick butt faerie assassin in an interesting setting where paranormal creatures have been cast underground by humans. What I got was a poorly constructed romance with strange characters. The darkworld and lightworld weren't described well enough for my liking. I understand why they are there and I understand what some of the buildings look like in each, but as a whole I didn't get a good feel for them. Well, the setting isn't really that important if the characters and plot are...more

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Oct 28, 2010 Chibineko rated it 2 of 5 stars

I'd loved Armintrout's previous series, so I'd picked the first three volumes of the Lightworld/Darkworld series up without too much of a second thought. I really wish that I'd read the first book before making such a commitment to the series.

Queene of Light shows us a world where faeries & all sorts of mythical creatures seemingly exist. It is in this world that the character of Alya, a half-breed, makes her meager existence. Half-breeds aren't very well liked in this world, so it comes as...more

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Nov 30, 2009 Nonny rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-books, paranormal-romance, 2-stars, romance

I picked this up because I had read and liked Armintrout's previous work, but honestly, I found it disappointing. The characters are two-dimensional; the most interesting is Keller, a secondary character who is a BioMech, part human and part machine. He's quirky and a lot of fun.

As a romance, this book utterly fails. While I'm used to the recent trend of multi-book romance arcs, there is nothing appealing whatsoever about Malachi in this book. He's a Death Angel who accidentally Falls at the beg...more

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Nov 26, 2009 Terra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout is a Romantic Fantasy at its ultimate best. A story that could be considered an adult fairytale reveals the best and the worst of the Fantasy world.

Ayla is a half faery, half human who spent her childhood as a thief for her human father. Coming of age Ayla goes to the Faery World and appeals to the Queene to allow her to live among them. The Queene's brother is immediately smitten and begs his sisters indulgence with the provision that he be her mentor. Ayl...more Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout is a Romantic Fantasy at its ultimate best. A story that could be considered an adult fairytale reveals the best and the worst of the Fantasy world.

Ayla is a half faery, half human who spent her childhood as a thief for her human father. Coming of age Ayla goes to the Faery World and appeals to the Queene to allow her to live among them. The Queene's brother is immediately smitten and begs his sisters indulgence with the provision that he be her mentor. Ayla thus begins her life as an Assassin for the Queene of Light.

Malachi is an Angel of Death. A creature of the Dark World, he collects souls of all who are to depart their current existence. One never knows when he will show up and one will never see him coming until it's too late. All know of him and his kind and all fear the touch of the Angel of Death.

Can an Assassin finally develop a conscience? Can an Angel really fall from favor and plunge into a living Hell? Hmm...good questions!

Ayla breaks her oath while on assignment in the Dark World and upon return to the Light World neglects to confess to her mentor and best friend that which could cost her the position she has worked so hard for. Will his love for her allow him to forgive her this transgression should he find out? Will the Goddess allow Ayla to keep her secret for the sake of a prophecy so long ago predicted?

A brush with the Angel of Death leaves both Ayla and Malachi stunned beyond belief with it's outcome. What will become of their hatred for each other in the face of temptation?

The author has given us a story of many creatures, good and evil that live together but hide from each other. A story of hatred, fear, corruption, deceit, beauty and darkness and a love so true and pure that it will challenge the strongest of barriers. An intense story that is action packed and not lacking for imagination on any level. A first installment of a trilogy that is sure to fire up a longing in us like a glass of water quenches our thirst.(less)

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Jun 14, 2012 Alicia rated it 1 of 5 stars

I picked this book up for the first time three or more months ago. It was on the recommended table and I was intrigued by the description and cover. I had also checked out a number of other books and this one got pushed to the side. I tried to check it out again last month and it was gone, but last week it was in and so I picked up the whole series.
I wanted to like it, but I just wasn't connecting. I took a closer look at the binding and saw that it was a romance book and I had only been lookin...more

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Jan 20, 2010 Tina Hayes rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: vine

Fizzling plot, barely any romance, anticlimactic end, January 20, 2010
By Tina Hayes (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

"Queene of Light" by Jennifer Trout fell short of my expectations. As a reader, I had absolutely no emotional reaction to either the story or the characters. The book had potential, and the author can write, but it would have been better if she put more effort in making the reader care about what happened rather than just giving us a wonderful paranormal setting.

Ayla is a hu...more

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Oct 16, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, urban-fantasy, fae-fairy-faery-elves-pixies

Jennifer Armintrout offers us something completely different from her Blood Ties vampires

Queene of Light kicks off Armintrout's Lightworld/Darkworld series with an interesting UF world inhabited by light and dark fae, and angels, whole civilizations which were forced under ground when humans and Fae collided in the past. Although the world is interesting and the story does have its moments, Queene of Light feels very thin and the romance - between the leading lady half human/fae assassin, Ayla,...more

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Dec 03, 2009 Darcy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009

I had a friend recommend this book to me as she really liked it. Both of our tastes are similar so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately for me I just couldn't get into it. I did give it longer than I normally do a book where there is a disconnect, but as I just kept wanting to get up and actually do the dishes more and more instead of read I realized it was time to throw in the towel.

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Jun 03, 2011 J. Ostrowski rated it 2 of 5 stars

I didn't really dig the writing style and felt that in the middle of moving the story forward, Jennifer stopped to develop the world in which her characters operated rather than allowing us to understand it through the existing knowledge of the characters themselves. She described in detail thoughts and emotions I could only tolerate to skim and skipped details that jarred the story. On one page, without giving anything away, someone wants to leave and a few pages later that person is miffed tha...more

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Aug 26, 2011 Yvonne Boag rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, supernatural

This book is part scifi, part romance and part fantasy. It tells the story of a future when the veil has been ripped between worlds. Humans, demons, fey, dragons and others creatures out of myth and legend are battling each other for space and power. Ayla is an assassin for the fey and is half faery and half human. She is sent on assignment where she meets Malachi, a dark angel. By touching him, she causes him to fall and he decides to get his revenge. Of course they fall in love.
This book had s...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Solace Winter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ayla, of the Lightworld, is half-faery, half-human. Malachai is from the Darkworld and once was a Death Angel. A happenstance meeting has their lives intertwined and a love that is destined for greater things.

Sounds like an awful premise, to be honest, but Armintrout does a beautiful job with the story. This is not a simple love story, this is a story of obsession, of need, of different backgrounds, and of slightly different characters. Both Ayla and Malachai are twisted in thoughts and actions,...more

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Nov 02, 2009 Siuane Sadi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fallen, fae, first, in, series, magic

Hmmm... I picked this book up because I had a love-hate relationship with her previous vampire story. This one is a post-apocalyptic story with angels and faeries (yes, both belief sets if you can actually... believe it)

In the beginning it was difficult to picture the world structure, you are suddenly thrown into a hunt between an assassin and her prey, but it all gets waded through and explained through one history lesson in one chapter... yippee. Slowly, you learn as Malachi learns about the w...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Kara Callahan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Warning: Spoilers!

This book started out okay but I had to force myself to finish it. I found much of it implausible without clear explanations as to how events came about. The fae have been forced underground by humans but it was never really explained how that happened. These fae did not seem to have any magic and seemed to be mostly like humans. Their differences, if any, were not clearly pointed out. The faery Queen was easily killed by her brother with a simple dagger. It is difficult to bel...more

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Sep 18, 2009 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Many urban fantasy authors have written about supernatural races coming out of the shadows and living among humans. Few have done anything like this: The supernatural races crossed the Veil to live among humans, but war broke out, and the humans won. The otherworldly beings, along with any humans found to have paranormal abilities, have been banished to an underworld of sewers and subway tunnels, while the humans rule the world above. I love this idea. Jennifer Armintrout gives the reader a sett...more Many urban fantasy authors have written about supernatural races coming out of the shadows and living among humans. Few have done anything like this: The supernatural races crossed the Veil to live among humans, but war broke out, and the humans won. The otherworldly beings, along with any humans found to have paranormal abilities, have been banished to an underworld of sewers and subway tunnels, while the humans rule the world above. I love this idea. Jennifer Armintrout gives the reader a setting that feels both archetypal (because the fae have often been said to live underground) and fresh (because I’ve never seen it done quite like this).

The subterranean realm is divided into two parts, the Lightworld and the Darkworld. Faeries rule the Lightworld, insulating themselves from the other races and playing their ancient games of court intrigue even in their dismal new home. In the Darkworld, many types of beings live, and chaos reigns.

Our heroine is Ayla, an assassin in the service of the decadent Queene Mabb. Mabb lives in luxury while ignoring the troubles around her. One of the most haunting images in Queene of Light is the line of petitioners waiting to see the Queene. They’ve been waiting for years. The line never moves; the Queene never sees a petitioner. Yet the desperate wait anyway, clinging to the hope that she will relent. Working for Mabb is not much of a life for Ayla, but it’s a life, and with her “tainted” half-human heritage, she has been taught to expect no better.

The story begins when Ayla encounters Malachi, a Death Angel from the Darkworld. Their meeting has disastrous metaphysical consequences, yet neither can stop thinking about the other. Meanwhile, Ayla is caught up in a plot that could topple the Queene and put Ayla in mortal danger.

Queene of Light is structured as a paranormal romance, in terms of the way the plot unfolds. However, there is plenty here to please urban fantasy readers. There’s the aforementioned world-building, for starters, plus plenty of faerie backstabbing, and a heroine who kicks butt when it needs doing. The climactic scene — unusually for a romance — features the heroine, not the hero, facing off against the villain. And if you’re worried about a faerie smutfest, don’t be. Queene of Light reminds me far more of Marie Brennan’s Onyx Court series (despite the very different time period) than it reminds me of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry series. There are a few sex scenes, but they are not the focus of the story. The focus is Ayla’s and Malachi’s fight to survive, and to find a way to be together, in a world of dangers and betrayals.

I couldn’t put Queene of Light down, and I will eagerly devour the next two installments of the Lightworld/Darkworld series when they come out later this year.(less)

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Nov 01, 2009 Arlette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ayla, a half-human half-faery assassin from the Lightworld and Malachi, an angel of death from the Darkworld, form a dangerous bond that will put both of their worlds at risk.

In enjoyed this book very much, I thought it was unique and interesting. The heroine was a very brave young woman-eh, female faery-who did what she must to protect what she loved. The plot had it’s unexpected moments, there were times were I was utterly shocked, I had to close the book and take a few seconds to process what...more

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Oct 13, 2009 Aimee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-it, violence-is-golden, paranormal-romance

This one was kind of ...meh...for me. First off, I would not categorize this as a paranormal romance, as it was shelved. It read like a fantasy. And the whole time I was reading it I couldn't help picturing a cheesey flick on the sci-fi channel. The characters seemed to fall flat. I tried to bond with them and it just didn't work.

That said....
It was enough to hold my attention. I made it to the end and was still interested in what might happen in the next book. I want to know what the future hol...more

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Feb 10, 2010 Bethany C rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was really looking forward to this series, and I have to say I was slightly disappointed. It didn't really grab me for a long while, just kept me interested enough to keep reading. It got a little more interesting about 2/3 of the way through. I don't understand some of what happened and I wonder if that was the intent of the writer, and will be explained in the subsequent books, or if some things just weren't explained to my satisfaction. That being said, I did enjoy this overall, and will re...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't really expecting much out of this book. I read the back and was like...uuuuhhhhh I'm bored I'll give it a try. Wow... it was really a great read. I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the way the author portrayed this apocolyptic world where humans and the creatures of myth have merged. Jennifer Armintrout does a wonderful job creating a desolate setting and really giving you a feel of how hopeless this time is. Then you get to the fae...which for once are portrayed not as Tinkerbell types....more

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Jan 30, 2011 Tahnee rated it 1 of 5 stars

meh...I didn't like this but I didn't hate it either. At least I think I don't hate it...In reading the synopsis it seemed like it would be a great fun filled story but it fell flat. undeveloped story line, romance, and character development. I did not know anything about this author before reading but as I was posting this review I saw in her bio she likes the macabre. Tell me about it! this world is dark, dark, very dark almost with a goth feel to it. the author goes out of her way (at the exp...more

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Nov 12, 2010 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Wow, was exactly what I was thinking after I closed the cover of this book. I wasn't expecting much; I honestly admit, because I heard some so-so reviews, they were completely wrong. I dived into this book head first and it gave me the literary oxygen my body needed...there are twists and turns, a few bumps-but easily handled-and it was smooth gliding until the end. I did get a bit of Gothic feel from this book, just like Jennifer Armintrout's Turning series...there is some Gothic feel to that s...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Stacey rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have waited a long time for this series since reading a very brief preview in the back of the last book in her "Blood Ties" vampire series. I wasn't sure if it would be up my alley or not, but I liked Armintrout's writing style enough to try it out. I have to say that I liked Armintrout's writing much better here, even than in the vampire books. What she has done with Lightworld/Darkword is make a completely different and unique world than any out there. The premise of the world is this: When...more I have waited a long time for this series since reading a very brief preview in the back of the last book in her "Blood Ties" vampire series. I wasn't sure if it would be up my alley or not, but I liked Armintrout's writing style enough to try it out. I have to say that I liked Armintrout's writing much better here, even than in the vampire books. What she has done with Lightworld/Darkword is make a completely different and unique world than any out there. The premise of the world is this: When the fae/vamps/demons/magical whatever else is out there 'came out' the Humans fled the magical others and went to live in the tunnels underground. They set up cities and housing and everything they needed. Then came the war betwen them and the humans resumed living aboveworld and the others were shunned to the tunnels underneath. Now those other magical beings have been split into two groups with seperate areas in the tunnels underneath. There are the Darkworld who lives in filth and the worst of the underground. These are vampires, werewolves, demons and angels. Then there are the fae and dragons that live in the Lightworld. The Lightworld isn't all that light either since its still underground. But those in the Lightworld live under the reign of Queene Mabb who wants to (or claims to want to) eventual reclaim there place aboveground. Lightworld is a little nicer living all around than the Darkworld but the Queene actually has a palace with a lot of luxeries from the aboveground. The Queene is immortal so its never been a big deal to have a heir or think of who will replace her. But that next ruler has to be a woman. The King cannot rule the Lightworld. The Queene's brother is Garrett who has taught Ayla, a fairie/human mixed breed to be an assassin. On one of her missions she touches a death angel. Because of her mixed blood the angel becomes mortal and is now a fallen angel. They vow to kill each other. Basically from there the tale becomes an eccletic mix of romance, fantasy, action, and politics. Its actually quite a tale packed into a fairly easily read book. I can't say much more about the plot without giving something away and I don't want to do that, as this book more than deserves to be read. However the story, for me, wasn't exactly a five star. I think the beginning of the book is quite confusing in spots and it felt like I was playing catch up for the first while. Then I wondered how much I really like Ayla and Malachi, the fallen angel at times. Queene Mabb was an interesting, twisted character and I actually really enjoyed her. She was kind of evil in the way Whilemina is evil in Ugly Betty. I will be picking up the next two books as I did enjoy this one a lot.(less)

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Mar 02, 2011 Ana Mardoll rated it 3 of 5 stars

Queene of Light / 978-0-7783-2662-5

"Queene of Light" is a book that I really feel that I shouldn't have liked, and yet somehow I did anyway.

The plot is predictably derivative - indeed, I realized a couple of chapters in that I was basically reading "Underworld": With Fairies!, and with a somewhat happier ending, due to the convenient "You Kill It, You Bought It" politics of the fair folk world herein. And despite all the fantasy elements and the book cover blurb, this is really a romance novel...more Queene of Light / 978-0-7783-2662-5

"Queene of Light" is a book that I really feel that I shouldn't have liked, and yet somehow I did anyway.

The plot is predictably derivative - indeed, I realized a couple of chapters in that I was basically reading "Underworld": With Fairies!, and with a somewhat happier ending, due to the convenient "You Kill It, You Bought It" politics of the fair folk world herein. And despite all the fantasy elements and the book cover blurb, this is really a romance novel with fantasy elements - you could easily switch out the fair folk vs. humans vs. dark world spawn elements with a more traditional kings vs. commoners romance setting, and very little of the intrinsic plot would be altered in the process.

In retrospect, I find it frustrating that so much of a potentially interesting world is jettisoned here in favor of the predictable romance between our two fishes out of water, as the resulting book seems small and claustrophobic - the fairy world seems to consist of little else but a dinky palace and some spas; the dark spawn world little more than a strip mall and some empty sewers, simply because the reader is never allowed to see more, and the impression is never given that there is more world out there, or that the dark spawn strip mall isn't right next to the fairy realm, for all the ease it takes to travel between the two, repeatedly over the course of the novel. Quite a lot of detail has been jettisoned here, in fact - I had to read the first chapter twice, just to get oriented to the relative size of the two main characters (who are both seemingly human-sized, but when your characters are a half-fairy and an angel, you need to tell the reader the major details like size and scale).

And, yet, somehow I liked "Underworld: With Fairies", probably for the same reason I liked "Underworld". Despite the predictable romance and the stereotypical mustache-twirling evil stalker, the fantasy and action elements manage to muscle their way to the front from time to time, leaving us with a romance novel that manages to not spend the minimum amount of time yearning passionately, and as much time as allowed to active violence, intrigue, and mayhem. The yearning elements aren't dragged out to the point of madness, and while the mandatory "we need to make each other miserable for the sake of the plot" shenanigans rear their head, the characters are generally genre-savvy enough to call this out for the stupidity it is, and by the end of the novel, everything is tidily settled - leaving me to hope that the later books in the trilogy will focus less on the 'burning passion' of Ayla and Malachi and more on the interesting inner workings of this intriguing fantasy world.

Bottom line is, if you're interested in a romance novel with some intriguing fantasy elements, I would recommend this book. I generally do not like romance as a genre, and yet I felt compelled to finish this book in day. I can't really recommend it as a fantasy novel, though, because the fantasy elements are forced to take too much of a backseat to the romance. This book really reminded me that "predictable" doesn't necessarily make something bad, but I do think this book won't be for everyone.

NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through Amazon Vine.

~ Ana Mardoll(less)

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Aug 01, 2011 JoJosBookCorner marked it as to-read

Shelves: my-goodie-box, to-review

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Well i have to say i really do like this series so far. It was a little slow for me at the beginging, but picked up and i just couldn't put it down. I do like the fact that Ayla, and Malachi were not " destined " to be together. Yes there is a destiny that is supposed to happen, but that can change at any time , depending on what path they chose at that time. Yes they had strong feelings that pulled them, but they didn't just get that feeling and instantly knew they were mates. Don't get me wron...more Well i have to say i really do like this series so far. It was a little slow for me at the beginging, but picked up and i just couldn't put it down. I do like the fact that Ayla, and Malachi were not " destined " to be together. Yes there is a destiny that is supposed to happen, but that can change at any time , depending on what path they chose at that time. Yes they had strong feelings that pulled them, but they didn't just get that feeling and instantly knew they were mates. Don't get me wrong i do like that in some series, but it is refreshing to see more and more romances like this that are shying away from it. Now speaking of Romances, i do like the romance that is in this book,but there is not enough of it for me. I like a book that has romance ....and lots of it. I do think what little romance was in the book did fit the characters very well.

The world created in this series is by far different. It all takes places underground and in sewers . Which is good,but it would be nice for them to go above ground eventually. i like how every race technically has their own place, and each place is a little different and goes with the race. I found it very easy to picture the description of surroundings. *cringes* Kinda creepy what your imagination can come up with when you are picturing them living in the sewers.

Now for Ayla i really do like her character. I like the fact that she is this strong willed assassin, that no matter her past and the life she had before she still kicks butt. Yes she is half human, but she doesn't let that stop her from doing what she wants to do. Except when it comes to her heart.I don't like that fact that she is weak when it comes to her emotions. *shakes head* There were times i just wanted to reach into the book and slap her,and say " girl wake up.....you have a heart, and it is ok to use it, you got some hawtness fallen angel right in front of you, but yet you would punish yourself in being unhappy, just because Garret Offers you a place by his side. Yes Malachi is considered the enemy, but get over it, follow your heart! " Ya i know thats what helps makes the story , but still wake up women !
Malachi i sooo like his character. He is this Hawtness fallen angle with yummy black wings *sigh*. It really does suck that he fell and it wasn't even by his doing technically. But no matter what he eventually picked himself up and moved on trying to make a life. * fans self* Did i mention he is a Hawt angel with big black wings !!!
Garret.....now Garret i was dissapointed in his character. I really thought he was a good guy. I can't believe he did what he did to Ayla. He had her fooled this entire time!! Makes me wana slap him. I think he got what he deserved !
For Queene Mabb *whistles* now she was Miss Bitch with a capital B right there. She was made out to be evil,self centered and hateful. Which she truly was, but i still do wonder if she might have had a softer side that we just didn't get a glimps at before she was killed.

So Ayla ends up pregnant and I think this will be a big part of the rest of the series. I'm not exactly sure what her part will be yet, but i do hope it has something to do with them being able to go above ground again. Maybe the Light world and Dark world eventually beable to get along and not be mortal enemys.
In the end Ayla becomes queene, which is ok, actually the entire time i was reading this i was asking myself " self....why is this book called Queen of Light, when the main character is an assassin." Well duh...I guess i should have seen that one comeing. But she seemed to just fall into the queene roll really easy. I would liked to have seen a little more struggle for her in accepting the roll, and getting comfortable with it. Yes she has people there to help her along the way, but it is a different place than the life she had with nothing, and noone looking at her like she mattered. Being Queene isn't something just anybody can step into and be all over it.

Overall I really likes this book. I think it is going to be a great series. I have never read anything by Jennifer Armintrout, but lemme tell ya i already bought the 2nd book. I can't wait to start reading it too. I would reccomened this to anyone looking for a different read !
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Jun 24, 2010 Lexie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-romance-paranormal, review-blog, review-romance-reader-at-heart, genre-romance

Queene of Light is the first book in Jennifer Armintrout’s new series Lightworld/Darkworld. This time she focuses more on Fae creatures and the Faery Court than vampires, however (which suits me fine).

The book begins with Ayla in the middle of an assignment tracking a werewolf through a disgusting, stinky sewer. Armintrout does a very good job of setting atmosphere throughout the entire book—from the dank, dreary, and stench-ridden Darkworld to the only slightly better-off Lightworld—visually. A...more Queene of Light is the first book in Jennifer Armintrout’s new series Lightworld/Darkworld. This time she focuses more on Fae creatures and the Faery Court than vampires, however (which suits me fine).

The book begins with Ayla in the middle of an assignment tracking a werewolf through a disgusting, stinky sewer. Armintrout does a very good job of setting atmosphere throughout the entire book—from the dank, dreary, and stench-ridden Darkworld to the only slightly better-off Lightworld—visually. Actually, I thought I could smell the sewers that are Ayla’s home at one point.

The world Armintrout builds is just this side of desperately bleak. Between the denizens of the Lightworld (who seek to re-take the above from humans by any means necessary) and the inhabitants of the Darkworld (who at least don’t want to eradicate humanity, but are nasty critters in a multitude of other ways), hope seems to be as foreign as sunlight. Selfishness, greed, violence, hatred...these emotions drive most of the characters’ actions.

Ayla and Malachi's relationship begins rocky, continues to be pretty rocky and manages to smooth out just enough so that they're not at each other's throats, at least. They don't go from enemies to "'Oh, my God, I love you!" quickly (thank goodness). In fact, Malachi spends a good deal of his time away from Ayla devising ways to kill her with his bare hands, and Ayla alternately hates him and feels guilty over his condition.

My favorite character, hands down, is Keller. He is a Bio-Mech (a human that believes that a body's everything can be easily interchangeable with mechanical parts...pretty much a cyborg, but seems to be more a way of life/belief) and helps Malachi out. He’s just plain fun—takes the world as it is and makes something from it. I wouldn’t say he’s an optimist, but he’s a good deal happier than almost every other character we meet.

A good start to the series, I’m eager to find out the consequences of the final chapter and see where the future shall bring Ayla (nowhere comfortable and happy, I’m willing to bet). (less)

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Feb 14, 2011 Natasja rated it 3 of 5 stars

When the humans managed to banished all Otherworlders back to the underground, the groups were divided into two worlds; Light and Dark. Faeries, dwarves and dragons are living in the Lightworld, while angels, demons, werewolves and other creatures are living in the Darkworld. But there is a neutral territory between the two worlds, call the Strip.

Ayla grew up in the Strip, but was accepted into the Assassins Guild in the Lightworld. On her last mission, she runs into a Death Angel who turns mort...more When the humans managed to banished all Otherworlders back to the underground, the groups were divided into two worlds; Light and Dark. Faeries, dwarves and dragons are living in the Lightworld, while angels, demons, werewolves and other creatures are living in the Darkworld. But there is a neutral territory between the two worlds, call the Strip.

Ayla grew up in the Strip, but was accepted into the Assassins Guild in the Lightworld. On her last mission, she runs into a Death Angel who turns mortal after he touches her human flesh. Ayla know she has to kill him, but decides to leave him behind to die. But this Death Angel Malachi doesn’t die and wants revenge.

Garret is Ayla’s mentor at the Guild and also brother to the Queen Mabb and he is asking her to be his mate. She know this is a good match, especially consider her background (half human- half faerie), but she cannot seem to get this Death Angel out of her mind. She knows it’s forbidden to have a relationship with any kind of Darkling, but despite that Malachi wants his revenge, they both are attracted to each other. When a war breaks out, Malachi cannot leave her to face her enemies alone.

Which relationship will Ayla choose; the Darkling Malachi or her mentor Garret?

Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout is the first novel in the Lightworld / Darkworld Trilogy.

I’ve finally read the book and it was definitely a easy read because I’ve finished it in one afternoon…not bad if I say so myself. You have to figure out the difference between the two world, but when you understand that, it was easy. It was a little confusing to see two male characters Garret & Malachi trying to win Ayla for their own and not be able to see which one would eventually be the one for her. At first I couldn’t decide which one was better for her, but when you getting into the story better and discovers what Garret is up too, then you want to smack him in the head and scream out loud.

I couldn’t believe my eyes apart the part where Garret took her to Sanctuary and mate with her and she simply goes along with it. Even though she is not sure she cares about him and she is thinking of someone else when it happens. I have to agree with Xavia with the sex part in the book…it was simple and definitely PG-13 for my taste.

To see the love grow between Ayla and Malachi, when they both never experience that emotion before was great. Although I really wanted to smack Ayla at the end when you gave up on Malachi and not wanting to fight for love. But of course I could say that of Malachi too, he was mad when she send him away, but he didn’t fight either. I think this is a good example where you can see that love is a new emotion for both of them.

I’m definitely curious to see how this story will continue in the following books.
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About Jennifer Armintrout

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Armintrout became interested in the macabre at an early age. Raised in a large Roman Catholic family, she viewed too many funerals at a formative age. She lives in a small, rural community in Southwestern Michigan and was born in 1980.

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“Wasn't loving him like loving the sun, so beautiful and warm, essential to light but deadly if you got too close?” — 5 people liked it

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Queene of Light (Lightworld/Darkworld #1)

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