The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful, #2)

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The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2)

by Leanna Renee Hieber (Goodreads Author)

3.70 · rating details · 388 ratings · 85 reviews

Learning the truth of her mythic past and that of the reincarnated souls called The Guard is only the beginning, for young Percy Parker’s destiny is to defend both the world and true love from the gathering undead minions of Darkness.

Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

Published May 27th 2010 by Leisure Books (first published April 23rd 2010)

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Lists with This Book

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Books with Greek mythology references

78th out of 188 books — 144 voters

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Historical Fantasy

38th out of 53 books — 23 voters

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Community Reviews

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Jun 15, 2010

Melissa rated it

If the talk of war in the first book made you think, "that was it?" then you know you are in for a huge ride with this book. In this one you also get to meet more of the guard in a more personal way and also see what is in their hearts they so badly hide from one another. The question with these little secrets becomes is this what can tear them apart? Can this be a betrayal not only of the heart, but of the guard or even Percy?

You also get more romance with Percy and Alexi...more

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Nov 15, 2011

Lady Jaye rated it

Shelves: dark-or-gritty-or-raw, f-fantasy, kindle, magic, part-of-a-series, owned, r-historical-romance, liked-it, read-in-2011, stars-3

This tale was in a sense, Darkly Luminous, I guess. For me, it just didn't have the magic that made its predecessor a strangely beautiful tale. The stuff I found endearing in the first was tedious in this one.

Alexi and Percy, though lovable in the first installment, were rather annoying in this one. "Oh. Percy belongs to ME! I won't allow her to go into ANY danger, even though if she doesn't we all die and the whole world with it and Percy spends eternity being tortured by the...more

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Apr 25, 2010

Anna rated it

Shelves: reviews, historical-pnr

The story starts the day after the big battle. Percy has survived her fever and saved the day. Now that the goddess powers have awakened in Percy, she is plunged in and is part of The Guard. With the first battle won comes relief, but things are just beginning for Percy and her new family.

Last year I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and well it really went above and beyond of what I expected and absolutely fell in love with the Gothic feel and its characters. So, wh...more

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Jun 24, 2010

Bookaholics rated it

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
Historical Paranormal Romance – April 27, 2010
4 ½ Stars

In 1888 London, there are six extraordinary mortals who possess the power to keep London from being overrun by ghosts. This group is led by Professor Alexi Rychman, the 6 members of the group have recently welcomed their 7th member, Percy Parker, who is the reincarnation of the Goddess Persephone. Together, Professor Rychman, his beloved Percy...moreThe Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
Historical Paranormal Romance – April 27, 2010
4 ½ Stars

In 1888 London, there are six extraordinary mortals who possess the power to keep London from being overrun by ghosts. This group is led by Professor Alexi Rychman, the 6 members of the group have recently welcomed their 7th member, Percy Parker, who is the reincarnation of the Goddess Persephone. Together, Professor Rychman, his beloved Percy, and the rest of this group of misfits must stop the Whisperworld from taking over London. Worst of all, Rychman and his friends must also stop the Lord of Darkness from reclaiming Percy once more.

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is the second book in Hieber’s Victorian Fantasy novel involving Percy Parker and the other Guardians of the mortal world. I would highly recommend starting this series by reading the first book The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker before reading this second novel. This story picks up right from where the first book left off. If you try to dive in without reading the first one, the second book will seem very confusing and difficult to read. Thankfully, the first book is a great read as well. As soon as I figured this was not a stand alone, I bought and read the first book and then dove straight right into this one. Hieber is such an engaging and talented writer that I could not stop reading for the past five days!

First of all, I think the story in the second book is even better than the first. Percy Parker, our protagonist, really matures by the second book and becomes quite feisty at the end. Hieber did an amazing job bringing Percy to life, especially during the final climax. I was so impressed that I read out sections of it to my husband! The rest of the characters are equally well written, from the brash (yet loving) Mr. Rychman to Jane, the group’s Healer. Every character has their own problems/subplot that are original and well thought out.

Hieber is a writer who writes with love and care. You can see how much attention she pays to the details in her story and with all of her characters. She’s the only writer who really writes like a Victorian. Unlike other romance writers, who even though they are writing historical novels, they still retains their contemporary “accent,” Hieber really writes in the style of Gaskell or Austen. To keep it authentic, Hieiber also keeps her books romantic aspects very chaste. If you enjoy classics and supernatural fantasy, you will definitely want to give this book a try. Hieber does a successful job of marrying these two genres to create something unique and well worth your time.

Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

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May 11, 2010

Beth rated it

I thought this might be like a Soulless sort of book - it's a supernatural fantastic fiction debut novel that reminds me of a cross between A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, and Sabriel by Garth Nix.

19-year old Percy can communicate with the dead and is part of The Guard, a 7 member group that fights against the forces of darkness. She discovered her powers while away at a school for girls - part of the plot revolves around her impending marriage to her professor, Alexi, who...more

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Jul 29, 2010

Katyana rated it

Shelves: fairytales-and-folkstories, fantasy, victorian

I really loved this book. The tenor of it was much different from the first, but still wonderful. I would say the first sort of unwound or unfurled itself, like a rosebud opening. It was lovely, almost poetic at points, but still told a gripping story. This second book had a feverish pace. Even in the opening, when there were pauses for our characters to live a few moments of life, those moments felt like borrowed or stolen time. As a reader, you were horribly aware of the terrible force b...more

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May 17, 2010

± Colleen of the Crawling Chaos ± rated it

Shelves: dark-fantasy, romantic, historical-fantasy

A bit more 3/5 than 4, but I up-graded this one.

After finishing 'Strangely Beautiful', when I found out this story was already out, I simply had to run out and grab it. This book concludes the arc started in 'Strangley Beautiful', but also leaves threads open for a continuation of the series. I have no idea what the plans are in this regard, but I will say that I've become so enamoured with these characters that I will definitely keep an eye out for future installments.

...moreA bit more 3/5 than 4, but I up-graded this one.

After finishing 'Strangely Beautiful', when I found out this story was already out, I simply had to run out and grab it. This book concludes the arc started in 'Strangley Beautiful', but also leaves threads open for a continuation of the series. I have no idea what the plans are in this regard, but I will say that I've become so enamoured with these characters that I will definitely keep an eye out for future installments.

This story still mainly revolves around the relationship of Percy and Alexi, our brooding hero and damsel of the first story, but it focuses more on the big battle between Light and Dark and less on their "but I love you, but I can't, but I must" drama of the first book. This is both a plus and a minus. A plus because another book of that would be a bit tedious, but a minus because the author doesn't seem to capture the emotions of the battle quite as easily as she does the more romantic notions.

This story also gives us a bit more of the secondary characters, and makes nice little resolutions for them and their lives as well.

Alexi was, well, a bit much in this story - but at least his asshattery is explained a bit by circumstances and forces. And, the best part, Percy grows a spine and stands up for herself, even when having to scold her sometimes intimidating other half. She still relies on Alexi to be her protector, which is nice (as I'd hate for her to suddenly become one of those "I don't need no man" chicks) - but she gains her own inner strength as well, which was a nice change.

Overall, while it didn't have quite the same resonance of the first, and it did still suffer from some of the cheesy dialogue, etc - not to mention one of my most hated plot devices (i.e. I'm not going to give you all the information that would make you understand what I'm doing, because that would take all the drama away) - it was still a good story, and nicely resolved.

Oh, also, while it was still mostly predictable, the reveal of the previously prophecies betrayer did come as a bit of a shock. That was nicely handled.

And, for a final gripe, there is a part of the secondary characters story that happens "off-stage", and will be in a short story contained in some collection or another. I kind of hate when authors do that. I will not buy an entire collection of short stories to read one part of it! Maybe I'll pick it up from the library some day, though.

Despite my complaints, the story has lingered in my mind. When I was finished reading, I half wanted to pick it back up and start all over again. I am quite attached to the characters, and look forward to continuing the story.(less)

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Apr 22, 2010

Tori [Book Faery] rated it

Shelves: reviewed, signed, read-in-2010

See this review in it's entirety at:
http://www.book-faery.blogspot.com

Darkly Luminous--much like in SB#1 (Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker)--started off somewhat slowly. Leanna took care to ensure that no detail was shrugged off while setting the scene. She focuses on Percy and Alexi's relationship so thoroughly, I can guarantee you there is absolutely no room to doubt the love betwixt them.

The second half of Darkly Luminous finally begins to pi...more

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Apr 22, 2011

Jessica rated it

Leanna Renee Hieber's The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker was a great followup to the first one! The titles are pretty long-winded!

Anyway, this one picks up pretty much where we left off in the first one, so the story moves along rather quickly and the battle that has been brewing, you could say, is getting hotter. The fight is coming closer and not everyone may survive.

I was a little distracted in my reading of this since I had relatives come into town which...more

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Jun 28, 2010

Lea rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: 16 and up

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 23, 2011

Mel B. rated it

Shelves: fantasy, ghost, stories, ghosts, gothic, historical, fiction, romance, london, mannerpunk, mystery, paranormal, percy, parker, romantic, steampunk, supernatural, victorian, ebook

After having devoured the first book (and shirking school work), I was excited to pick up this second book. Unfortunately, I thought it too laden with flowery, heavy romance, especially at the beginning. And poor Percy was never really given any time to breathe. Taken in two books, I thought that the pacing was too fast -- I had a hard time with the development of a romance in a scant quarter -- and really not letting her develop as a student in her own right. And then all the things that were d...more

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Apr 22, 2010

Heather C (Darkly Reading) rated it

Darkly Luminous picks up directly where Strangely Beautiful left off. After facing deadly nightmares in the previous book, Alexi and Percy now get to have a dream come true and be wed. Although the newlyweds as well as The Guard know that their fight is not done and that Darkness may still try to claim his now mortal bride. While Alexi and Percy enjoy their new married life together dark signs begin to gather in Athens Academy that point to a great war coming with the Whisperworld and allies app...moreDarkly Luminous picks up directly where Strangely Beautiful left off. After facing deadly nightmares in the previous book, Alexi and Percy now get to have a dream come true and be wed. Although the newlyweds as well as The Guard know that their fight is not done and that Darkness may still try to claim his now mortal bride. While Alexi and Percy enjoy their new married life together dark signs begin to gather in Athens Academy that point to a great war coming with the Whisperworld and allies appear in the form of ghosts of previous guard members.

Though this book had its fair share of complicated love stories, Micheal's love for Rebecca as well as Josephine's love for Elijah, it starts on a happy note - the marriage of Percy to her dark and stormy professor, Alexi. Finally, the moment that I hoped would occur but feared would never happen in the previous book is laid out in delicious detail in this book. Thankfully, Ms. Hieber allows her readers to also witness the event rather than start the second book after the marriage and we get to tag along on their honeymoon as well. The romance between Alexi and Percy is young and they have alot of growing pains to go through in their relationship. Since they were both solitary creatures in their pasts they have to learn how to live with another person and learn to establish their relationship dynamic beyond professor and pupil and more as partners. One of the biggest changes in this book for me was Alexi becoming a bit unhinged at the thought of Percy being in more danger and of the possibility of losing her. Alexi who was always the calm and cool leader has so much tumultuous passion in his breast when it comes to his wife he doesn't know how to cope. Percy also slowly learns how to develop a backbone when it comes to Alexi and stand up to him, even when what she wants goes against his wishes. And it's important that they work out this difficult part of their relationship quickly since they face a war with the Whisperworld. Though Alexi and Percy certainly do have passion for each other that even overcomes them while in their magical chapel (oh my!).

Another favorite part of this book was learning more about the other members of The Guard and their loves and desires. You had to feel for Rebecca as she watched the man she loved and felt she should spend the rest of her life with married to another. You also felt for Micheal since he had to watch Rebecca go through this and her feelings were not for him. And learning about Jane and her mystery lover was surprising as well, as well as learning more about the mystery of her life and her multiple names. The Guard is integral to the fight with the Whisperworld and Darkness himself, and the sacrifices that have to be made to win the war are heartbreaking.

This book was a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me, a fitting end to this chapter of the fight against Darkness and it was lovely to see Alexi being an emotional mess about his beloved Percy.(less)

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Nov 09, 2010

Jimmy rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

Better than the first! This series is essential to any reader’s library that are fans of supernatural, mystery, suspenseful thrillers, with tear jerking romance. ‘The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker’ picks up right where ‘The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker’ left off. And with few answers, comes more questions with answers at a high cost.
Percy, the embodiment of The Lady, is warned of betrayal that will come from one very close to her. Perhaps even a jealous ...more

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Apr 27, 2010

Katie(babs) rated it

The strange, radiant looking Percy Parker and her gang of ghost busters (think of a Victorian Scooby Doo) are back in The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, the sequel to The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber. Darkly Luminous takes place a few days after Percy and a group of six, known as The Guard, was able to stop the evil forces responsible for Jack the Ripper stalking London. They must also keep watch over all those nasty type of ghouls and goblin...moreThe strange, radiant looking Percy Parker and her gang of ghost busters (think of a Victorian Scooby Doo) are back in The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, the sequel to The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber. Darkly Luminous takes place a few days after Percy and a group of six, known as The Guard, was able to stop the evil forces responsible for Jack the Ripper stalking London. They must also keep watch over all those nasty type of ghouls and goblins that have escaped the Whisper-world and enjoy causing havoc in London.

The shy and sometimes timid Percy has now found her calling as the seventh member of the Guard that was prophesized decades before. Percy has also found her one true love and soul mate with the leader of the guard, the older, dashing, brooding, "I look mighty sexy and fine wearing my blood red cravat", Professor Alexi Rychman, who also coincidentally teaches at Athens, the school Percy was a student at. This meeting, and eventual relationship between the two, was most likely fate since Percy is the reincarnation of a goddess Alexi was supposed to fall in love with. After Percy has recovered from her injuries in battle, she and Alexi have a, "blink and you miss it" engagement, are married within days, and go off on their honeymoon to enjoy the delights of marital congress with one another. While Percy and Alexi are enjoying this sensual waltz together, the Guard enjoys some down time to reflect on what the future may hold in store for them.

It seems that all is not well within the Whisper-world and on the moral plane. The former head of the Guard, the spirit Beatrice Tipton, appears to the present Guard to warn them that the ruler of the Darkness (ruler of the Whisper-world), wants revenge. Since Percy is the only one who can communicate with ghosts, and they with her, she is called to action. The Guard must prepare for a major battle with The Darkness, who wants to rise up and destroy the land of living, especially Percy who holds the key, or rather is the key to stopping this grave travesty. The Guard is in turmoil because everything they thought they knew, or were told, may have been wrong. There is also some internal stress as well with Rebecca, the Headmistress of Athens, who has always longed for Alexi, but now knows that can never be together, and with the Frenchwoman Josephine and her lover Elijah, who refuses to give her the one thing she wants above all else from him.

Whereas Percy is more than willing to take up arms so to speak, the others are not as willing to make the sacrifice, or allow Percy to do so. Alexi, who adores and loves Percy, even more than his own life, refuses to let her walk into the fires of hell, so to speak. He has just found her, and after his twenty years of waiting and fighting a good fight, he is ready to put aside his responsibilities and enjoy his newly married status. Whereas Alexi only had to watch out for himself and his fellow Guards, who are quiet skilled at not being killed, now there is Percy, who is still thought to be fragile as she tries to adjust to her new life. Percy feels she must do whatever she can to make all the wrongs of the world right. She places herself in danger, and may do more damage then good, including that of her marriage.

Leanna Renee Hieber's writing is so very beautiful; perhaps even more so than her debut with Percy Parker. Leanna has such a skill at writing wonderfully descriptive actions and dialogue. Darkly Luminous is a story you must take your time and read, savor and ingest, because there maybe some passages that may confuse you. The prologue is a bit disjointed, and the downtime from where Percy and Alexi are off on the honeymoon to those scenes with the Guard, as well as what is occurring in the Whisper-world may turn away some readers. But this is needed because it is all about the buildup to the final battle that brings forth some big fireworks.

Whereas The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker was more focused on the character of Percy, in Darkly Luminous, we are given more insight on the Guard as individuals and their motivations. Leanna excels at writing this connection these men and women have for one another. My favorite scenes are their interactions and why they all care deeply for one another.

But the main reason for reading Darkly Luminous is the relationship between Percy and Alexi. Talk about one humdinger of a romance! If you weren't certain if Leanna could pull of the older teacher who romances his student angle, you will be astounded by how well it works here. Leanna delivers this and more. Alexi is everything I adore in a hero. He is still very much a brooding stickler, but with Percy, he loosens up a bit, and his tender and protective side comes out. Percy, who was well known as a swooner in the first book, has grown into a more mature woman. She knows how to handle her husband and is sensitive to his nature. And, when these two come together in the intimate sense, meaning their lovemaking, it feels as if you are reading about the communion of souls. The love scenes are tasteful and will make you sigh. Leanna also has a sneaky way of penning The Rychman's love that can be on the naughty side, but still expressed in a very lovely way. A perfect example is an explosion of passion between Percy and Alexi that happens in the school chapel.

Darkly Luminous has a great combination of supernatural, mysticism, and spiritualism. The religious aspect can be heavy at times, but again it does fit the overall tone of the story. One character who grated on my nerves was Beatrice. I couldn't figure if she wanted to help the Guard or hinder them in such a way to suit her own needs. But then as I found myself annoyed, I quickly changed my mind the moment Alexi and Percy appeared. This couple is incredibly engaging, where you can't help but want to know what happens next in their journey.

Leanna Renee Hieber is one author who has a very unique voice that is shown very well in Darkly Luminous. Not only does she have an intricate way with her world building, but her characters are so welcoming, not to mention seductive, mainly in the case of Alexi Rychman, who with one heated glance at his beloved Percy, makes a lover of romance literature like myself swoon in total glee.(less)

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Jun 24, 2010

Marsha rated it

Recommends it for: Young Adults and Adults

Another beautifully written installment in the Persephone Parker series. This time, our herione barely has a chance to catch her breath from all of the recent changes in her life. Just as she embarks on her new life as wife, Athen's faculty member and filling the seventh position of the guard, she is once again reminded that this brief moment in time is the calm before the storm of a great war. Persephone is still a sheltered young woman but must learn to quickly adapt as well as grow into a mat...more

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May 20, 2010

Christine Rose rated it

Although Ms. Hieber set the bar quite high with her first book, she certainly doesn’t disappoint her readers with its sequel. Slower paced than the first, the reader gets to luxuriously bask in its Gothic romanticism. Ms. Hieber’s eloquent writing style weaves another beautiful, romantic tale along the dark streets of London.

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is the immediate continuation of the story from the first book. It begins with the final showdown in Strangely Be...moreAlthough Ms. Hieber set the bar quite high with her first book, she certainly doesn’t disappoint her readers with its sequel. Slower paced than the first, the reader gets to luxuriously bask in its Gothic romanticism. Ms. Hieber’s eloquent writing style weaves another beautiful, romantic tale along the dark streets of London.

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is the immediate continuation of the story from the first book. It begins with the final showdown in Strangely Beautiful seen from the perspective of a new character: the shade Beatrice, the leader of the last generation’s Guard come forth from the Whisper World to assist the current guard in a daunting task. From there, the author takes the reader on a delightful holiday through the horror of the underworld and the wonders of new love. Along the journey, we learn more about the other members of The Guard as well.

Readers got to know the handsome and intense Alexi Rychman quite well in the first book, but we see a different side of him in this book. Having saved his beloved Percy in Strangely Beautiful, he promptly marries her in a supernaturally luminous ceremony and whisks her away on a romantic honeymoon in York where they uncover a new mystery surrounding Percy’s birth and strange appearance. However, he becomes quite possessive, controlling, and aggressive when his new bride is put up to a horrifying task. Beatrice tells Percy, the only one of the guard who can hear as well as see ghosts, that she must undertake a dangerous mission into the Whisper World in order to save thousands of imprisoned souls. Alexi, the leader of The Guard would rather the entire world fall into Darkness than allow his beloved to be put into harm’s way.

I particularly enjoyed getting to know the other members of the Guard in this book and understanding their unique powers and personalities. By far my favorite was Elijah, the memory of The Guard. He can wipe memories of innocent bystanders when they see something harrowing, allowing them to lead a normal, ghost-free life. His wit had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book. He refers to Alexi as “Your Royal Eeriness,” and his quips often lighten a scene, bringing a relief from the horrifying reality they all must face. He is deeply in love with Josephine, the artist of The Guard, who hopes they might reveal their love and get married themselves now that Alexi has found his Prophecy.

Rebecca, the intuition of The Guard and second in command, is heartbroken over Alexi’s marriage and obvious adoration of Percy. She has loved him in silence for twenty years, and now she must face the truth that he will never love her. Still, she must hold it together long enough to play her part in the coming fight. And yet, love may not have eluded her completely, as there is Michael, the heart of The Guard, who can calm worry, fear, and anger with just a touch. He, in turn, has loved her these many years. His is the story that touched my heart the most in this book. He endured in the shadows for so long, always needed but never seen. Now he has a chance to come into the light and have Rebecca see him for the first time.

The final member of The Guard, Jane, the healer doesn’t have a love interest, at least in the world of the living. Her power enables her to heal any wound or disease with a single touch. All of The Guard is possessed with a muse from ancient times, working together to save the world from Darkness, the character based on the classical Hades, who kidnapped Persephone and killed her love The Phoenix, which now possesses Alexi.

No spoilers here, but I will just say this about the character of Darkness: he certainly lives up to his name! The scene between him and Percy is quite dark and delicious. Ms. Hieber, once again, excels in her gift, describing Darkness as to reveal both his evil, smarmy nature and the desperate love that lies beneath it all.

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is pure Gothic brilliance. Ms. Hieber expertly and eloquently weaves together a beautiful story full of Greek Mythology and a myriad of Shakespearean references in this delightfully dark romance. The Strangely Beautiful series is a must-read for every paranormal romance fan.(less)

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Feb 21, 2011

Jennifer rated it

Shelves: paranormal-mythology

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker begins right where The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker left off. Having survived the most recent ghostly misadventure, the Guard welcomes Percy into the fold. Of course, bringing Percy fully into the group sets off an inevitable reaction. The Guard, having forsaken love for the sake of their cause, sees the love Percy and Alexi share, causing them all to long for their own versions of romantic happiness.

I loved the love st...more

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Apr 20, 2010

Kelly rated it

Percy Parker and Alexi Rychman have finally confessed their love for one another, and they and the Guard have scored a victory against the forces of evil. They scarcely have time to celebrate and regroup, though, before trouble finds them again.

Roughly the first third of The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker focuses mainly on Percy and Alexi’s relationship, as they announce their engagement and move quickly toward marriage. The news makes plenty of waves at Athens Academy ...morePercy Parker and Alexi Rychman have finally confessed their love for one another, and they and the Guard have scored a victory against the forces of evil. They scarcely have time to celebrate and regroup, though, before trouble finds them again.

Roughly the first third of The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker focuses mainly on Percy and Alexi’s relationship, as they announce their engagement and move quickly toward marriage. The news makes plenty of waves at Athens Academy and at the convent where Percy once lived. If you wanted more closure to the romantic plot at the end of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, you’ll find it here. Leanna Renee Hieber gives her hero and heroine a resolution fit for fairy tales. I can see now, too, why she waited until this book to tie that storyline up. If these chapters were tacked onto the end of the first book, they’d seem too long and anticlimactic. Placed at the beginning of the second book, they work perfectly. Readers get what they want, and Hieber gets the chance to juxtapose these scenes of fulfillment with hints of a threat on the horizon.

Around the one-third mark, the fantasy plot — previously in the background — takes center stage. Old enemies are rising again, and it becomes clear that Percy will have to venture into the spectral Whisper-world alone if she is to thwart the designs of Darkness, Hieber’s “Hades” figure. Yet she will not be without help. I think I teared up a bit when I realized what all those blue dots on the Guard’s map represented. Hieber skillfully describes both the gruesome landscapes of the underworld and the beauty of Good’s transcendent powers, and places them in a quickly moving plot that will keep readers frantically turning pages. And it’s wonderful to watch Percy’s continued growth. She’s gone from a timid convent girl to a brave woman who can stand up to Kings of the Underworld and snarky math professors alike, while still being recognizably the same character.

Like its predecessor, The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker comes to a satisfying close but leaves room for future stories starring these or different characters. Along the way, Hieber gives us plenty of her lovely, delicate prose, and a few moments that are riotously funny.

If anything, I wanted more! Specifically, I would have liked to see more development of one of the secondary romances, filling in the gap between the ending and the epilogue. Hieber has a forthcoming short story that will address this; the story is titled “A Christmas Carroll” and will appear in the anthology A Midwinter Fantasy, to be published by Dorchester in October 2010.(less)

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Jul 22, 2011

Nicole rated it

Just like the first in the series, this book is beautifully written. The author really knows how to use vivid imagery to create scenes of a spectrally inhabited Victorian London. I've seen other reviews that feel the book takes on the feel of a cheesy romance novel, but I have to disagree. While there are love scenes, they are few and don't get in the way of the story itself. In fact I think they are integral in showing the deep and necessary connection between two of the main characters. I also...more

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Apr 22, 2010

Andreea rated it

Shelves: paranormal, young-adult

http://passionatebooklover.com/2010/04/2...

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Apr 19, 2010

Brooke rated it

Because the synopsis on the back of the book is so beautifully written (just like the rest of the book) I wanted to post it here for you to read.

From Leanna Renee Hieber's website:

With radiant, snow white skin and hair, Percy Parker was a beacon for Fate. True love had found her, in the tempestuous form of Professor Alexi Rychman. But her mythic destiny was not complete. Accompanying the ghosts with which she alone could converse, new and terrifying omens loomed. A war wa...moreBecause the synopsis on the back of the book is so beautifully written (just like the rest of the book) I wanted to post it here for you to read.

From Leanna Renee Hieber's website:

With radiant, snow white skin and hair, Percy Parker was a beacon for Fate. True love had found her, in the tempestuous form of Professor Alexi Rychman. But her mythic destiny was not complete. Accompanying the ghosts with which she alone could converse, new and terrifying omens loomed. A war was coming, a desperate ploy of a spectral host. Victorian London would be overrun. Yet, Percy kept faith. Within the mighty bastion of Athens Academy, alongside The Guard whose magic shielded mortals from the agents of the Underworld, she counted herself among friends. Wreathed in hallowed fire, they would stand together, no matter what dreams or nightmares—may come.

After reading The Strangely Beautiful Tale last year and giving it a five star review and naming it my favorite book of the year, it is obvious that I had super high hopes for The Darkly Luminous Fight. I was not disappointed either! I am not usually big on romance novels, but this series is the perfect blend for me. There is the magical guard that protects London and Athens Academy, Percy being able to speak and see the ghost, a battle of light vs dark, and the romance that unravels for the characters involved.

The Darkly Luminous Fight starts off with the Guard celebrating their win against the darkness, and Percy and Alexi's engagement. They are such a sweet couple, even Percy's shyness about her pale skin and what Alexi will think is endearing. She is very inexperienced with men in general, and to go from nothing at all to a husband is difficult for Percy to grasp.

I really liked the addition of the old Guard trying to help the new Guard even if there are bad feelings between some of them. Percy having to be mediator made it quite interesting, because everyone had to rely on her to know what was going on. It proved to the other members that they definitely need her aboard.

I adore all the secondary characters in this story. They have such large hearts and care so much for what the prophecy has in store for them. They get on each others nerves sometimes, but they are always there for each other; never letting one person fight on their own.

Again, Leanna has such a great voice and I enjoy reading her writing so much. I can not wait to see what she has in store for us in the future. I also wonder how she could come up with another title for the next book (lol). My review definitely isn't getting across how much I adore this series. I do hope those who are lovers of paranormal romance will give this one a shot.
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Jul 26, 2011

Lizzie Feliciano rated it

This was an amazing book! A great second part to the first book the Stangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. I'm so glad I stumbled across this series. I really enjoyed that the book started where the other left off, there wasn't any break inbetween like most series books have. Actually the book technically overlaps the time period of the first, the prologue was the last couple chapters from the first book just from a different viewpoint. All the charachters became more indepth. I loved the...more

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Apr 23, 2010

Mandi Schreiner rated it

Why I read: Author submitted for review, and I adored the first book in this series.

Favorite Quote: “Hello, my north star.”

Percy Parker has not only become Prophecy, but she has fallen in love. At the end of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker we discover the meek, almost ghostly Percy Parker fulfilled a destiny to become Prophecy, the seventh member of an elite Guard that keeps the evil spirits and demons in London at bay. Led by their fearless leader...more

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May 03, 2010

TDF Pamela (The Discriminating Fangirl) rated it

Shelves: paranormal-historical, paranormal-romance, fiction

I am WAY late with this review! I swear, I meant to write it a month ago, but I got so busy with grad school stuff. Ugh. Anyway, here we go!

The second book in Leanna Renee Hieber's Strangely Beautiful series is a lovely and exciting, if somewhat purple, continuation of the sweeping love story introduced in The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Hieber takes us deeper into Percy and Alexi's mystical world, delving into the underworld mythology that controls both of the...moreI am WAY late with this review! I swear, I meant to write it a month ago, but I got so busy with grad school stuff. Ugh. Anyway, here we go!

The second book in Leanna Renee Hieber's Strangely Beautiful series is a lovely and exciting, if somewhat purple, continuation of the sweeping love story introduced in The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. Hieber takes us deeper into Percy and Alexi's mystical world, delving into the underworld mythology that controls both of their fates.

I have to say, I'm getting more and more interested in the supporting characters, the members of The Guard whose job it is to protect London from angry spirits. Josephine and Elijah are particularly intriguing, and if I recall correctly, there should be a future book about Lord Withersby, and I can't wait for it. I also loved Jane in this book, and (no spoilers!) I hope she makes a few appearances in future books.

Percy continues to grow as a character, moving away from the meek girl she was at the beginning of the first book, and I'm very glad for it. As I mentioned in my review of book 1, I'm not the biggest fan of meek heroines, but I quickly developed a soft spot for Percy. It's nice to see her becoming more and more confident, particularly in her growing mystical powers. Sometimes she giggles and blushes a little too much for my taste, but she's definitely developing into a good heroine.

Alexi, on the other hand, is kind of going down a path that I'm not fond of. He's overprotective of Percy to the point of being utterly overbearing, and a few times, I wanted to reach into the pages and smack him. I understand that he loves her and doesn't want her to get hurt, but he's smothering her. Luckily, Percy stands up for herself, but I really, really hope that Alexi calms the heck down a bit for the next book.

I think my favorite thing about this book is the Underworld plot. The ghostly former Guard members are great, and I love the battle scene with all of the ghosts. The Underworld scene, where Percy goes to find the key, was fantastic, and I think Darkness is one of the most original, fascinating villains I've read in a while. He was utterly creepy in the way he shifts back and forth between flesh and bone.

The prose gets a little too purple for my taste; it occasionally overflows with adjectives, but the story is interesting, and the characters are relatable, and in the end, I enjoyed the heck out of this book.(less)

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Apr 09, 2011

Sarah rated it

Shelves: historical-fantasy, ghosts, paranormal, gothic, mythology-etc, hoopy-good-reads, reviewed, favorites-all-time, zz-2011

Actually, I finished Darkly Luminous a couple months ago. But I’ve had a difficult time writing a review -- not because I didn’t love the book (I did!), but because I haven’t been in the mood to write an erudite, elegant essay describing my affection for the STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL saga.

And so I won’t write an erudite, elegant essay. I’ll just talk about why I loved this particular installment. I love the characters; I love the plot; I love the mythology; I love the fantasy; I love the...moreActually, I finished Darkly Luminous a couple months ago. But I’ve had a difficult time writing a review -- not because I didn’t love the book (I did!), but because I haven’t been in the mood to write an erudite, elegant essay describing my affection for the STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL saga.

And so I won’t write an erudite, elegant essay. I’ll just talk about why I loved this particular installment. I love the characters; I love the plot; I love the mythology; I love the fantasy; I love the setting. What else matters?

Okay, I realize these books won’t appeal to everyone. There is romance, but very little onscreen intimacy. There is fantasy, but it’s split between Victorian England & a nebulous "Whisper World" of the spirits. There is mythology, but it’s tweaked to fit a more tangible plot of ghosts & reincarnation. (And, quite honestly, it's nothing like Gail Carriger's steampunk...so if you're expecting a similar feel, leave such preconceptions behind.)

STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL is a blend of high gothic & classical fantasy (classical as in Greek myth, not Tolkien). As for the plot specific to Darkly Luminous, there’s much fun with ghosts & possessions & Phoenix’s reincarnation within the structure of Athens Academy -- all of the fantasy/horror ilk, & that’s perfectly lovely. But these characters are fruits from the Bronte family tree. Alexi & Percy’s story, in particular, owes a debt to Jane & Rochester -- another literary duo who finds beauty in imperfection. That combination of imperfect beauty -- Percy’s bright lack of color, Alexi’s dark swathe of gloom -- are a complimentary duo, & they dominate the novel in a literal & metaphorical sense. Together they are the most basic & necessary components of a gothic novel: the duality of light & dark.

I also adore Ms Hieber’s vision of Hades (at this point in Persephone’s legend, a figure known only as Darkness). If Alexi & Percy create the light/dark duology, Darkness is perfection & ugliness in one character -- two shades of life & death as he vacillates between a beautiful fleshly figure in red & a grotesque skeleton in rags. Creepy, most definitely...yet there’s something compelling about this deity who set the Persephone cycle in motion, & I’m keen to learn more about him. As a whole the secondary characters are great fun to revisit, whether hero or villain. Elijah is still my favorite of the remaining Guard (I can’t resist a snarky, pale British lord), but I have good feelings for them all (nothing ruins a series faster than irksome characters) & am interested to revisit everyone in further installments.

...Including Beatrice, whose upcoming novel (The Perilous Prophecy of Guard & Goddess) is the generation previous to Percy & Alexi. Hurrah for prequels! And hurrah for Ms Hieber’s imagination, which manages to combine so many disparate elements into a (strangely) satisfying whole. :)(less)

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Nov 14, 2010

Shannon (Savhage Temptrest) rated it

"The Darlky Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker" by Leanna Renee Hieber was an interesting continuation to the Strangely Beautiful series. Action, suspence, humor, and petticoats were the main flavor in this second novel.

The story picks up where book one left off: Percy and her professor are planning to marry, The Guard has, for the most part, embraced Percy, and all seems right in the world. Of course, forces of Darkness are planning a war that will begin on the grounds ...more

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Sep 12, 2010

Amanda rated it

Leanna Renee Hieber continues her strangely beautiful and strangely enjoyable series with The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker. After surviving her awakening, Percy embraces her mythic fate and tries to figure out how to deal with her newest enemy, Darkness, while balancing her romance with Alexei. Though Darkness offers some conflict, the focus in the first half or so of the novel is on Percy's marriage to Alexei, but the transition into the heavier part of the novel is an action-pac...more

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Sep 19, 2010

L' Te rated it

Recently, I have been quite disappointed with the "second helpings" from authors of late - but Hieber delivers. The continuing saga of Persephone Parker, kept tight to the original premise. A magical blending of myth, occult, and the preternatural; all dropped seamlessly onto a Gothic backdrop. The author did not loose voice for any of her protagonists, and - surprise, surprise - the story actually had a conclusion. Finally, an author that actually remembers how to elegantly, and ...more

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May 15, 2010

Carlene rated it

I won this book from GoodReads, and received it today. I haven't really cracked it open yet, but was blown AWAY by the fact that the book was personalized and autographed, I received 2 bookmarks, also autographed, and flyer in the appearance of a book cover, which was also signed. I'm blown away by the authors generosity, and honestly cannot wait to read this book, which I shall be doing after I have lunch.

I feel amazed, and blessed, to have won this book. It's an amazing take on a w...more

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Jun 14, 2010

Dottie Taylor rated it

Percy Parker has finally found a place to belong to in this world of hers. She has more than she ever hoped for growing up as a convent orphan. Though well cared for and loved by the good Sisters and Mother of the Convent, she never hoped to find love, friends, and family. Now she has it all, if only she can hold on to what she has struggled to find. The Whisper-World calls to her beckoning her back, ready to take her as she is. The Whisper-World doesn't like to give up those who cross into...morePercy Parker has finally found a place to belong to in this world of hers. She has more than she ever hoped for growing up as a convent orphan. Though well cared for and loved by the good Sisters and Mother of the Convent, she never hoped to find love, friends, and family. Now she has it all, if only she can hold on to what she has struggled to find. The Whisper-World calls to her beckoning her back, ready to take her as she is. The Whisper-World doesn't like to give up those who cross into it's world, but it may be her only chance to save what she has come to love.

Percy's professor and husband, Alexi Rychman is loath to release his new young wife to the questing hands of Whisper-World, but Athen's Academy may give him no other choice. Even with his refusal, Athen's stones and bricks are coming alive, and if Percy doesn't seek The Darkness, it may be the end of them all. The Guard who have always give their all to The Grand Work may have no other choice than to watch their seventh and one-time Goddess return to The Darkness who had kidnapped and imprisoned her in the deepest, darkest part of the Whisper-World. The Darkness who holds a secret key and only with this key can all The Guard be saved. It's up to Percy to visit gray world and retrieve the key, the key to release all The Guard, both the past and the present.

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber is the second book in the Strangely Beautiful Series. In this story, Persephone Parker comes into her own. She can no longer be the innocent student of Athen's Academy, hiding beneath her layers and scarves. She is destined for great things and greater responsibilities. Strangely Beautiful left off with the whimsical Miss Percy Parker saving all of The Guard from an unspeakable evil, all six of her new companions laid at the brink of death, and only she was able to force the evil Gorgon away. Already enamored and endeared to Professor Alexi Rychman, he claims her as his own, his Goddess reincarnated and his prophesied love. But in this part of the story, the whole of greater good needs to be served. The Guard has protected the earth bound realm for centuries, and with the departure of The Guard from this world to the Whisper-World, The Darkness has been imprisoning them, locking them away, foes for an eternity. But there is one who can save them all, to do so she'll have to enter the Whisper-World with all it's dangers and with her captor, The Darkness himself.

Darkly Luminous is a fantastical tale of Gothic romanticism. Once again Percy Parker is called upon to save her companions and friends. She's such a fragile beacon of light, almost transparent, but within her resides the strength of Goddess and it's this power that both the Earth bound realm and the Whisper-World needs. The Darkness wants nothing more to claim her once more as his own, to kidnapped her and drag her into the bowels of the Whisper-World, his prize. But there has to be a way to save them all, the Goddess would not have taken human form only to perish and remain unrequited. Darkly Luminous is a tale of honor, pain, need, sacrifice, and above all love. It is with and through this love that Percy Parker Rychman may save and be saved. Without love and sacrifice, all would be lost to The Darkness. If you haven't started the journey of Ms. Parker, now is the time to pick up the tethers hold of this beautiful story and read. Start with The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and continue with The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker, both are more than worthy of your time. This series is one of the best I've read, it will be in my top picks for 2010. If you haven't tried it, I'm flummoxed, I don't know how to get you to pick up the series. I highly recommend to all book readers, something for everyone.(less)

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About Leanna Renee Hieber

An author, actress and playwright, Leanna grew up in rural Ohio, graduated with a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She's adapted 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays have been produced around the country. Her novella "Dark Nest" won the 2009 Prism Award for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. T...more

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Books by Leanna Renee Hieber

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, #1)

The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess (Strangely Beautiful, #3)

A Midwinter Fantasy (Strangely Beautiful, #2.5) (Sylph, #2.5) (The Magic Knot, #3)

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“The Goddess spoke to all the dead. She was beloved for it. It seemed she passed on that gift to you. Oh, it taxed her immensely, but she tried to set as many to rest as she could. Sometimes it only takes one word of kindness, you know, to set a soul at ease.” — 4 people liked it

“He's Darkness. Unpleasant. I wouldn't trust him. Nor do I trust every mortal I meet. I don't know where evil comes from, and frankly it doesn't matter. Not right now. Histories and myths are renamed and reinvented eternally across the world. I can't speak to that. What I do know? This is your story.” — 2 people liked it

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The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2)

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