Darklight (Wondrous Strange, #2)

Nov 15, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com

Since the frightening events of last Halloween, which ended with her beloved, Sonny, forced to leave her and return to the Faerie world, Kelley has been rehearsing for a new play, testing her powers, and trying to keep hope that she'll see Sonny again soon.

His Janus friends provide her with protection and company, but they hardly compare. And her unnerving Faerie mother keeps sending her images of Sonny on his violent quest that make Kelley wonder just h...more

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Feb 06, 2010 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-arc, books-i-own

Three words; Sonny is MINE! or impressive, exciting &captivating

I was even more impressed with Darklight than it's predecessor Wondrous Strange. Livingston was able to weave an unpredictable and entertaining plot, with all the characters that I had grown to love in Wondrous Strange. Not to mention characters that were re-introduced like... Fennrys. Where did this delicious dish come from! I'll have seconds please!

I loved the elements of the Otherworld, Livingston has a beautiful writing styl...more

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Feb 21, 2010 Kayla Gough rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, young-adult, tame-or-young-adult-romance

UGH!!! You'll want to throw this book at the wall(please dont) when you finish it!! Everything you don't expect to happen happens, and all the things you want to happen don't!!!

Not to say this was a bad book, it was just the opposite: absolute excellence. Not only was it exquisite with its imagery and details, this storyline is endearing as well as dangerous, introducing new definitions to fantastic creatures we thought we knew so well. The deep, passionate romance between Sonny and Kelly is pul...more

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Jan 20, 2010 BOOK BUTTERFLY rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's been six months since young actress Kelley Winslow learned of her true heritage and fell in love with changeling guard member Sonny Flannery. Kelley dreams of the day when she will be reunited with Sonny. Her wish soon becomes reality, though not in the way she imagined. A violent encounter with a murderous leprechaun hurtles Kelley into the Otherworld, and back into Sonny's arms once more.

The magical, romantic saga that began in Wondrous Stage lives on with Darklight, the second installmen...more

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May 04, 2010 Rosanne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya

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

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Mar 29, 2010 Kelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished-copies-review

Darklight picked up rather quickly after Wondrous Strange left off, so if you haven't read Wondrous Strange- you need to before you pick this one up!

Lesley Livingston has a way with words that draws the reader in and holds them to the pages until the end. Her descriptions are beautiful and to the point. The plot is also amazing, I was on the edge of my seat through most of the novel, and by the end when I thought I had everything figured out- BAM, new secrets are revealed, characters are differe...more Darklight picked up rather quickly after Wondrous Strange left off, so if you haven't read Wondrous Strange- you need to before you pick this one up!

Lesley Livingston has a way with words that draws the reader in and holds them to the pages until the end. Her descriptions are beautiful and to the point. The plot is also amazing, I was on the edge of my seat through most of the novel, and by the end when I thought I had everything figured out- BAM, new secrets are revealed, characters are different than you originally imagined, and there are twists and turns in the plot throughout. Sonny is still the great guy I loved in Wondrous Strange, but his past is more complicated than you ever imagined. Kelley was also still the awesome, kick-butt, strong female lead. The chemistry is great between her and Sonny and readers are rooting for them throughout.

There are many new characters, and some of the original characters are more developed in Darklight. Fennrys has a pretty big role in Darklight and while in Wondrous Strange I never really thought twice about him, I love him now! We get to see more of the other Courts and their leaders (Spring and Summer) and a few new species are introduced. Including leprechauns. I never thought I'd come to say this but: I HATE LEPRECHAUNS! They are vile and evil and.... *shivers*. There was a lot of action involving the leprechauns and the end fight scene with them was OMG. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and praying that my favorite characters would come out unscathed.

The ending definitely left me hanging. I need book three NOW! There were a lot of questions left unanswered and some loose ends I really want to see tied up. I'm hoping to have all my questions answered in the third, and final, addition to the Wondrous Strange series.

Once again, if you're thinking Darklight may be less amazing than Wondrous Strange- think again! It may have been better! This is a fantastic series that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. With great characters, an intriguing plot, and beautiful writing, Wondrous Strange and Darklight will captivate readers. 5 stars! In addition, I just have to quickly mention the covers. I love the covers for this series!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars(less)

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Mar 15, 2011 Maggie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, reviews

Lesley Livingston weaves a unforgettable story that will captivate you long after the last page. Once you pick this book up it will be impossible to set it down. You will take it to work with you and hide it under your desk until no one is looking, stay up late with a flashlight long into the early morning hours and fake deathly illnesses to finish this book. And once you have finished it you will mark your calendar and count down the days until the next one arrives. Fans of Wicked Lovely and Th...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Eccentrika rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, series, fantasy

Premessa: "Wondrous Strange", il primo libro della trilogia, mi era piaciuto tantissimo!!! Gli avevo dato nella mia scorsa recensione 5 stelline piene. Adesso, a poche settimane di distanza, mi sono apprestata alla lettura del secondo episodio, "Darklight", e devo ammettere che le aspettative erano alte. Forse, se il mio entusiasmo per il primo libro fosse stato minore, avrei trovato in questo sequel un degno successore. Ma proprio per il fatto che il primo libro lo avevo trovato così bello, la...more Premessa: "Wondrous Strange", il primo libro della trilogia, mi era piaciuto tantissimo!!! Gli avevo dato nella mia scorsa recensione 5 stelline piene. Adesso, a poche settimane di distanza, mi sono apprestata alla lettura del secondo episodio, "Darklight", e devo ammettere che le aspettative erano alte. Forse, se il mio entusiasmo per il primo libro fosse stato minore, avrei trovato in questo sequel un degno successore. Ma proprio per il fatto che il primo libro lo avevo trovato così bello, la lettura di questo sequel mi ha delusa, non l'ho trovato all'altezza.
"Darklight" è un romanzo di transizione, al suo interno non sono riuscita a trovare l'originalità, la freschezza e la simpatia del romanzo precedente. Caratteristiche vincenti di "Wondrous Strange" erano appunto alcune scene divertenti atte a stemperare la tensione in una storia che era sì interessante e innovativa, ma parecchio ricca di sotterfugi, imbrogli, segreti e pericolosi scontri corpo a corpo. Con una trama così ricca di avvenimenti trovo che siano indispensabili alcuni capitoli più rilassati e per rendere la storia piacevole e bilanciata. In "Darklight" questo bilanciamento non c'è. Ovvero, la trama è ricca di sotterfugi, imbrogli e segreti proprio come la precedente, ma manca totalmente di scene di svago, e la piacevolezza della lettura viene a mancare. C'è tanta azione, TROPPA, a mio avviso. Ci sono talmente tante scene di battaglie che ho rischiato varie volte di cedere alla noia e perdere il filo. Alcune descrizioni di scontri corpo a corpo mi sono apparse confuse, caotiche, difficili da seguire. Inoltre, l'originalità della storia che tanto avevo apprezzato nel precendente libro ora mi è apparsa forzata. L'autrice sembra voler mettere in tavola carte sempre nuove nel tentativo di sorprendere il lettore, ottenendo, nel mio caso, l'effetto contrario. Io penso che sia normale per un sequel perdere un po' dell'originalità iniziale. Quando decido di affrontare la lettura di una saga lo metto già in conto e non me ne rammarico. Ma qui ho invece avvertito un tentativo di aggiungere a tutti i costi elementi nuovi non pertinenti, forzando l'andamento naturale della storia.
Nonostante tutto ciò, se siete tra i lettori che in Wondrous Strange si sono affezionati particolarmente ai protagonisti della serie, troverete in questo secondo capitolo un romanzo di transizione che, date le tante sorprese e colpi di scena al suo interno, vi terrà sulle spine e vi farà desiderare il libro finale. Infatti le questioni irrisolte sono davvero tante, il finale è aperto e neanche tanto lieto. Anch'io sono tra i curiosi che vogliono sapere come si evolveranno le cose tra Kelley e Sonny e spero in un terzo ed ultimo romanzo che mi chiarisca le idee e che mi risollevi dalla delusione attuale.(less)

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Mar 15, 2012 Momi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

***Attenzione Spoiler***

Nuovo libro, nuovo spettacolo da interpretare per Kelley Winslow, che questa volta si calerà nei panni della bella Giulietta della famosa opera "Romeo e Giulietta" di William Shakespeare.

Lesley non finisce mai di stupirci, ed anche in questo romanzo non mancheranno le sorprese.

Dopo i drammatici avvenimenti accaduti alla fine del primo libro, la nostra protagonista dovrà far fronte a nuovi problemi, come la lontananza forzata dal suo amore Sonny o la scoperta di esse...more

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Nov 08, 2011 Nymeria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

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

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Jul 26, 2011 Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, faery, fantasy, paranormal-romance, paranormal, urban-fantasy, ya

Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-darklight-wondrous-strange.html

It has been a half a year for out Faerie (and not so faerie) friends in New York. After suffering through the devastation of the Wild Hunt, Kelley wants her boyfriend, Sonny, back. Sonny, unfortunately, has a duty to fulfill. He is now a fighter for King Auberon, Kelley’s father. Because of a mistake made in Wondrous Strange (book 1), he can’t come back unless he kills the remaining Hunter...more Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-darklight-wondrous-strange.html

It has been a half a year for out Faerie (and not so faerie) friends in New York. After suffering through the devastation of the Wild Hunt, Kelley wants her boyfriend, Sonny, back. Sonny, unfortunately, has a duty to fulfill. He is now a fighter for King Auberon, Kelley’s father. Because of a mistake made in Wondrous Strange (book 1), he can’t come back unless he kills the remaining Hunters of the Wild Hunt started by Kelley’s mother, Queen Mabh. So while Kelley is missing Sonny, she thinks she will have some success in seeing him in Central Park. Central Park is where the gate between the mortal world and the Fae world has cracked and things are beginning to creep through the cracks. Unfortunately for Kelley, none of them are Sonny.

I really enjoyed this book. Although I don’t think I liked it quite as much as Wondrous Strange. I love Kelley, but she had a knack for getting herself into trouble. Her going back to the park and getting attacked in the middle of the night made me want to punch her. She has the Janus Guard, but she never took them with her when she ventured into the park where she was always being hunted and that made me want to punch her sometimes. But I love that she is getting into her Fae power which helps her. Whenever we have characters just discovering who they are, they are always apprehensive about working with their powers. They are usually frightened of the fact that they aren’t human. But Kelley grew up fast and learned about her powers. I like that Livingston did that.

I loved all the characters in this. I am a huge Puck (aka Bob) fan. He oozes plenty of personality. Actually, dare I say, he reminds me a bit of Myrnin from the Morganville Vampires series. But my favorite character was Fennrys Wolf. He is not quite Sonny’s friend, but he is also a guard who grew up in a court, the Spring court. Sonny doesn’t like seeing him around Kelley, but knows he is best to look out after her while he is working for Auberon. I loved Fenn, He cracked me up and he was hot. As the story progresses though, I have the feeling Fennrys is up to something. I don’t want to give out my suspicions, but something was off when Fenn returns later in the book after a strange hiatus. I can’t wait for more of his story.

I liked the plots in the book. The one plot we really finish is the fight with the greenmen though. The others definitely have more to them, but we weren’t given much of those yet. There is a terrible secret about Sonny and what he really is. We also find out that the Greenmen aren’t the only ones they should be afraid of. Kelley’s friend and roommate Tyffanwy (aka Tyff) knows something that she took drastic steps to not tell Kelley and I have a feeling it has something to do with Tyff’s supposedly good friend, Titania, may have her own agenda. Problem is, we don’t find out what it is. There is also the issue with Kelley’s dad being sick and the fact that he may have been poisoned since the Fae don’t really get sick. But again, not much was revealed here.

This was a great book. As I said before, I mainly started this series because of the covers. Shallow, I know, but come on, they are gorgeous. Redheads always get great covers. Am I the only that noticed that or is it just me? As much as I enjoyed the book, the ending made me want to scream. It wasn’t bad or anything just made me insanely sad. The next book, Tempestuous, is the last in the series. So I am hoping all the doubts brought up in this book will be brought to light. There is obviously plenty of betrayal, but again, we will have to see where it will lead. But this book was full of magic and amazing characters, both good and bad. This book was just about raising suspicions and so I believe Tempestuous will pack a big punch considering all that was left unsaid (and said) in Darklight. (less)

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Jul 01, 2011 Dawnandwini rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dark light is a little darker than Wondrous Strange, but seized me in an enthralling way! The story starts with Sonny, the Janus warrior being back in the faerie realm completing a task for his King, and Kelley left behind in the mortal world. Two worlds apart, blossoming romance, Kelley frantically wishes she were with Sonny. Beyond her heartache for Sonny, Kelley is in danger and needs a friend or someone to protect her or better teach her how to use her fey gifts. Fennrys, another Janus warri...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the second book in the Wondrous Strange series. There are supposed to be three books total in this series. I liked this book a bit better than the first one; but it still wasn't anything extraordinary. You definitely need to read the first book, Wondrous Strange, to follow what happens in this book.

Kelley is trying to get on with her life as an actress in New York. Sonny is off in fairyland eliminating the Hunt one by one. They miss each other horribly. Kelley feels a need to take a walk...more This is the second book in the Wondrous Strange series. There are supposed to be three books total in this series. I liked this book a bit better than the first one; but it still wasn't anything extraordinary. You definitely need to read the first book, Wondrous Strange, to follow what happens in this book.

Kelley is trying to get on with her life as an actress in New York. Sonny is off in fairyland eliminating the Hunt one by one. They miss each other horribly. Kelley feels a need to take a walk through Central Park and is mugged by a man there. Ends up the man is a Leprechaun and he is after Kelley with a vengeance. In an attempt to save herself and Fennrys (one of the Janus guard) from a brutal attack, Kelley pulls them into fairyland. Once in Fairyland she faces a hoard of fairy politics and other fairy problems; one of which is Sonny himself.

There were some good things about this book. You get to learn more about the fairy world and meet a few more crazy fairy creatures. There is a lot of action and also a lot of romance between Kelley and Sonny. The story holds a couple interesting surprises for the readers and is relatively well put together. It is a quick read and an easy read.

There were also a lot of things that bothered me about the story. Sonny is kind of a jerk to Kelley, and she is kind of a jerk back. Still they are forever in love, and I still haven't figured out why. The strongest character in this book was Fennrys, then halfway through the story he disappears, only to reappear at the end. Most of the side characters are a far sight more interesting than Kelley and Sonny, and it is kind of a bummer that the story focuses on them. There are a lot of fight scenes but, as in the first book, they are missing something. None of the fight scenes seem to have the sense of urgency or action to them that you would expect. In general the story itself doesn't have much urgency. In fact I was hard-pressed to figure out why these evil Leprechauns were taking center stage in this story to begin with.

Overall, I got through the book and it was okay. It just left a lot to be desired in the areas of characterization, plot development, and action scenes. I was hoping this series would get better after the first book, but it hasn't. So, I guess, if you liked the first book a lot then you will like this one because they are similar in style. I will probably read the last book in the trilogy for some closure, but after that I don't think I will be picking up anymore of Livingston's books. If you are interested in book with a similar subject but stellar character development I would check out Holly Black's Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale. (less)

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Dec 02, 2010 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It has been about six months since Kelley Winslow has seen Sonny Flannery. He is back in the Otherworld, doing the bidding of Unseelie King Auberon, tracking down and killing recently released members of the Wild Hunt so that they might not inflict chaos and destruction on the Faerie realms. Kelley now has the lead role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet back in New York, but misses Sonny more that she can say.

Stubbornly and sentimentally, Kelley cannot stay away from Central Park. One of her excursi...more It has been about six months since Kelley Winslow has seen Sonny Flannery. He is back in the Otherworld, doing the bidding of Unseelie King Auberon, tracking down and killing recently released members of the Wild Hunt so that they might not inflict chaos and destruction on the Faerie realms. Kelley now has the lead role of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet back in New York, but misses Sonny more that she can say.

Stubbornly and sentimentally, Kelley cannot stay away from Central Park. One of her excursions ends in a wild chase from an angry and homicidal leprechaun, which results in being thrown into the Otherworld. Her happy reunion with Sonny is cut short, as magick in the Faerie realm seems to have plans for them.

Eventually, Sonny gives up his chase for members of the Wild Hunt, telling Kelley that he loves her and he will never leave her again. Meanwhile, Kelley discovers secrets about Sonny’s father, and power that has been passed down to Sonny. In a “final battle,” Sonny believes that Kelley is dead, causing him to unleash the power he didn’t know he possessed. It is strong and could take over, forever changing him and being dangerous for those around him. Kelley finds a way to hide this knowledge from Sonny, retrieving something that was taken from him that is able to hide this power from Sonny himself.

Kelley knows that Sonny loves her, which makes her the most dangerous person for him to be around. If something ever happened to her again, Sonny could again unleash his power and leave a path of destruction in his wake. This is too much for Kelley to bear, so she puts her acting skills to work. Sonny overhears Kelley’s conversation with her roommate and best friend, Tyff. “I don’t love Sonny Flannery,” she says. And as everyone knows, Faerie can’t lie.

I did enjoy this book, and I’ll definitely read the third and final book in the series, Tempestuous, when it is released later this month. This was a quick read, full of action and a bit of romance as well.
(less)

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Wondrous Strange and as soon as I finished it I picked up Darklight and read it in a couple hours. I really liked this sequel. Darklight starts right were Wondrous Strange ends. I liked that I got to know more about the characters, including Fennrys, who was one of my favorite characters. As the plot twists continued answers I had hoped to receive from Wondrous Strange were revealed.

The story starts with Sonny, the Janus warrior is back in the faerie realm completing...more 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Wondrous Strange and as soon as I finished it I picked up Darklight and read it in a couple hours. I really liked this sequel. Darklight starts right were Wondrous Strange ends. I liked that I got to know more about the characters, including Fennrys, who was one of my favorite characters. As the plot twists continued answers I had hoped to receive from Wondrous Strange were revealed.

The story starts with Sonny, the Janus warrior is back in the faerie realm completing a task for his King, and Kelley being left behind in the mortal world. Not only is Kelley in danger, but her dark dreams continue to plague her, as she sees Sonny's darker sider and what his power can do. Unsure of what to believe, and feeling more alone Kelley desperately wishes she was with him. Lucky for her, Fennrys has become her personal protector until Sonny returns. This doesn't go unnoticed from Sonny or a member of one of the courts. A turn of unfortunate events leads Kelley and Fennrys in the same relam as Sonny, but danger continues to follow them. What I admire most about Kelley's character is the more danger that follows her, the tougher she becomes. This also puts Sonny at risk, as he wants nothing more than to protect her.

Darklight is a little darker than Wondrous Strange, but held me captivated with it's story as there's more action, a lot more deceit and of course it wouldn't be complete with out some heartache. Each of the faerie courts have something to hid from their pasts and someone is out for Kelley, Sonny and the courts. What I enjoyed the most was Kelley's discovery of who she really is and finding her own inner strength. I of course enjoyed the scenes with Sonny and Kelley as they have a powerful connection that I'm looking forward to finding out more about in the next book. Just enough is revealed that together they would pose a powerful threat to the faerie courts, but exactly what they can do hasn't been revealed yet.

With ogres and killer leprechauns added to the cast of great characters, Darklight is a sequel that continues to engage me with the story, the plot twists and the alternating points of view between Kelley and Sonny, and has me anxiously awaiting the release of the next book, Tempestuous.(less)

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Oct 08, 2010 Margaryta rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chapter-books, favourite-books, great-fantasy-books, modern, romance, fairy

This is just as amazing as the first book had been and more. The story is beginning to unwind in a beautiful manner and I can't wait to learn more about Sonny's true inheritance.

Lesley Livingston, unlike a great number of authors I know, manages to continue the series beautifully without making the book boring or drag like I know the middle book in a trilogy or in a series often happens to be like. That's not the case with this book though where the series continues running the same smooth cours...more

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Sep 18, 2010 Soycazadoradesombrasylibros rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finish

Parece ayer cuando leí por primera vez "La Novena Noche"y leía una frase

la cúal siempre me ha encantado:

"De aquí para allá de alla para aca

soy temido en todas partes duende

aplicalé tus artes"

Esta frase me cautivó,me enamoró¡¡¡el tiempo que he esperado para leer "Los cuatro tronos" se me ha hecho eterno, entre las vacaciones,trabajo...pero me dije a mi misma,necesito saber que pasa con Sonny y con "Polvorilla" y con Fernn y el resto de personajes que tanto me habian cautivado.

Y ¿Que es lo que se...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Emilie added it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, series, own, reviewed

I loved Wondrous Strange when I read it and I have to admit that I loved Darklight even more. I am so happy I discovered Lesley Livingston, I just want to read whatever she writes no matter what it’s about. Her stories are captivating and keep you turning pages until the very last page, and even then you want more. Darklight was an amazing read and had I been able to, I would have read it all in one sitting.

Kelley’s life has changed drastically since she starred as Titania in a production of Sha...more I loved Wondrous Strange when I read it and I have to admit that I loved Darklight even more. I am so happy I discovered Lesley Livingston, I just want to read whatever she writes no matter what it’s about. Her stories are captivating and keep you turning pages until the very last page, and even then you want more. Darklight was an amazing read and had I been able to, I would have read it all in one sitting.

Kelley’s life has changed drastically since she starred as Titania in a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She discovered that the role she was playing was pretty close to her reality, seeing as she is a Faerie princess. And she fell in love with Sonny Flannery who she hasn’t seen since he was forced back to the Otherworld after Kelley’s performance on stage. Now Kelley is starring as Juliet and is missing Sonny more and more with each day that goes by. But when Kelley finds herself in the Otherworld things take an interesting turn.

I loved Kelley right from the start in Wondrous Strange and my love for her just grew as I read Darklight. She is still a really relatable character and a very likable characters. Throughout the book you can just feel how being away from Sonny is causing her pain. I was just reading and hoping as I turned every page that she and Sonny would be reunited...and the sooner the better! The only thing I didn’t like about Kelley this time around is what she says and does at the end of the book (not that I’m going to tell you) but I could see why she was doing it even then.

Oh Sonny, Sonny Sonny. Where to even begin. I loved him in the first book and I loved him even more in this one. To be honest, he was even better than I remembered him being. What I especially liked that even though he missed Kelley more than anything, when they finally saw each other again, he still had his opinions about things and wasn’t afraid to tell Kelley what he thought about the way she was acting. He loved her but wasn’t afraid to tell her what he truly thought.

I just love the way Livingston writes. There is just something about her writing that totally draws you in to the story. She has this wonderful story-telling ability that makes it so you just can’t put her books down...at times it wasn’t even an option in my mind. I truly enjoyed Darklight and I honestly can’t wait for Tempestuous, the final book in the trilogy, which comes out in December...I really don’t know if I’ll be able to wait that long to get my Sonny and Kelley fix!(less)

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Jul 19, 2010 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The plot thickens to the gummy consistency of taffy in the second book of the Wondrous Strange series, Darklight. Seriously, how's it all going to work out in the end? I'm dying to know!

Sonny and Kelley are thrown into the position of impossible star crossed lovers by a number of things outside of their control. The big one has to be the whole race issue, but the different worlds they are forced to occupy by the Wild Hunt situation doesn't do much to help. Add into the mix a surprising Daddy dis...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Tyene rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Meno di tre stelline veramente, mi trovo proprio male con questi voti che non permettono le mezze misure :/ arg. Va beh, comunque peggio del primo soprattutto nel finale che quasi sembrava Twilight.

Kelly è piuttosto strana, a dirla tutta. Sembra non voler passare per "cattiva" come la madre, però quando un rapitore cerca di rubarle l'orologio a Central Park lei dopo averlo spaventato e messo in fuga pensa bene di inseguirlo (quando non ci sarebbe nessun bisogno, ormai è fuggito e non le avrebbe...more Meno di tre stelline veramente, mi trovo proprio male con questi voti che non permettono le mezze misure :/ arg. Va beh, comunque peggio del primo soprattutto nel finale che quasi sembrava Twilight.

Kelly è piuttosto strana, a dirla tutta. Sembra non voler passare per "cattiva" come la madre, però quando un rapitore cerca di rubarle l'orologio a Central Park lei dopo averlo spaventato e messo in fuga pensa bene di inseguirlo (quando non ci sarebbe nessun bisogno, ormai è fuggito e non le avrebbe fatto del male e dice lei stessa che non aveva capito non fosse un semplice ladruncolo ma un membro del popolo fatato.. quindi che bisogno c'era?!) , dice per "dargli una lezione" (che suona come fracassarlo di botte, brava Kelley) però è scandalizzata quando Fenris le dice che nel caso fosse stato sbranato da un gruppo di nyxxie fatti suoi, infondo se lo è cercato. Cioè lei lo insegue per menarlo, e poi fa la santarellina?
Lo stesso problema lo ha anche Chloe. Partono dicendo, nel primo libro, che le sirene sono tutte cattive non c'è modo di uscirne. Poi però no, questa Chloe non è cattiva non è più neanche una sirena, infatti salva Kelley e si, le ruba una canzoncina ma poteva rubargliene tutte infondo (grande giustificazione, come se io salvassi uno e poi gli rubassi il cellulare, sono stata buona no? potevo lasciarlo in mutande infondo). Precisa pure che non è stata colpa sua, è stato un istinto irresistibile! però lei non era più una sirena, non sarebbe successo mai più e.. ops, è successo due secondo dopo con Sonny. Allora dite che è una sirena come tutte le altre e stop.
Kelly precisa subito che lei non vuole saperne niente di principi e principesse, che lei è una semplice umana e la zia che l'ha allevata/madre di Sonny è l'unica figura materna che vuole riconoscere. Strano però che quando le fa comodo diventi improvvisamente una principessa, o meglio una molto maleducata (soprattutto contando che quando si va da qualcuno a chiedere aiuto almeno di prova ad essere gentili, lei evidentemente non ne è in grado)

Nel silenzio che seguì, Fenris, impacciato, spostò il peso da un piede all’altro. Lei si domandò se non fosse stata troppo impertinente, ma poi decise che poco importava. Era di stirpe reale. Sua madre era una regina. Suo padre, un re. Non si sarebbe fatta umiliare.

Ma come, non aveva detto due righe prima che non riconosceva quei due come genitori? Insomma, quando le serve però li riconosce eccome vedo!
Oltre che parecchio maleducata è anche acida e permalosa, quando Aaneel giustamente le fa capire che ha aperto un varco che ha fatto uscire quintali di creature pericolose quello che sa dire lei è che non è colpa sua (accompagnato da un paio di offese verso Aaneel per aver osato criticare sua maestà la principessa schizzinosa) invece che semplicemente scusarsi e togliersi dalle scatole.
Fortuna che Mab era quella cattiva poi, appena il padre di Kelley ha un leggero capogiro lei corre subito da lui per salvarlo nonostante lui l'abbia imprigionata per secoli, lei altro che vendicativa pensa subito a salvarla. Allora, che razza di cattivi ha questo libro? se lei doveva essere le cattiva figurarsi i buoni cosa sono.
Leggendo il primo libro poi ero rimasta sorpresa perché Sonny non sembrava in classico gary-stue e Kelley quasi non sembrava una mary-sue. Invece, grazie a questo libro, mi rimangio tutto. Lei è una fata MA (c'è sempre un ma in queste storie) può mentire, cosa che le fate non possono fare, e può toccare il ferro altra cosa che le fate non possono fare. Insomma, fatemi capire bene.. è una fata e ha tutti i bonus delle fate (anche di più dato che è figlia sia dell'Autunnos che dell'Inverno) però non ha nessun malus, insomma è una Mary sue. E Sonny? era strano che fosse semplicemente il figlio di una contadinotta irlandese vero? Infatti ora viene fuori che i quattro regnanti del regno nascosto insieme se la fanno sotto se lo vedono passare, ottimo.
Aaneel poi è cattivo perché uccide creature fatate, ma Sonny no, sia mai!
«Non se ne andrà. Lo sai. Ha ammazzato un mucchio di gente…».
«Non era gente quella, Fenris!».
Ovviamente, se la uccide Sonny cara Kelley va tutto bene no?

Del finale poi ho già parlato, da far cadere le braccia. Ci manca solo che nel prossimo libro scopro che il Re della Primavera, l'unico decente a cui hanno pure fregato tutto il suo regno senza neanche dire grazie, è il vero cattivo della storia per catalogare questo libro come l'ennesima cantonata che si spaccia per fantasy.(less)

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Dec 01, 2010 Joanna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, series

4 stars!!!!

I really like this series!
It's like it makes you want to hug all the characters because of what they are feeling. :)
here are some of the things that will explain why I like the book.

first, loss, the feeling of losing someone. I made my point about this in the first book and yes there is still "loss" in this one. I kinda like it. it's not really irritating or anything... ok back to my point. Loss, it hurts to see the characters feel that they are losing someone because of the fact that...more 4 stars!!!!

I really like this series!
It's like it makes you want to hug all the characters because of what they are feeling. :)
here are some of the things that will explain why I like the book.

first, loss, the feeling of losing someone. I made my point about this in the first book and yes there is still "loss" in this one. I kinda like it. it's not really irritating or anything... ok back to my point. Loss, it hurts to see the characters feel that they are losing someone because of the fact that they weren't able to be there for each other. The point of missing someone and not knowing or being certain that the one you love and care about still is the person you know back then. Also not being sure if you still have the same feelings when you first parted. These doubts are really mind numbing and by just thinking about it makes you feel insane all the more because you have no way of knowing not unless you guys talk about it or see each other again. It's not even helping if there's another guy in the scenario. AND that you're jealous of that guy. I mean c'mon you see her with him hugging and dancing and having this type of connection that you don't know about in the first place. ~i am talking about Sonny. poor guy. Kelley is feeling that loss too. I mean Sonny is gone for about half of the year. She's on her own right now. I mean having the love of your life and then not having them the next for a long time is like a punch in the face that is just worst. She can't help it if she wants to befriend Sonny's friends and go to Central Park where they first met. I mean she just wants to have that connection with him even if he's not here.

second, power. gosh I didn't know Sonny has that kind of power! who knew right! well apparently Mabh, and Herne knew. even Chloe the Siren.

third, LOVE. yes. LOVE. i like how Mabh made a comparison about how Sonny and Kelley's love is more like how Mabh loved Herne. also I love how Mabh cares and loves Kelley. back to the point of love between Firecracker and Handsome Stranger. obviously in this book, Kelley and Sonny LOVE each other. as in the real thing. It shows as in really shows. First, the pain and the hurt when they first fought. The jealousy from Sonny. Their reunion at the theater. how they made up. :) AND how Sonny turn apocalypto when he thought Kelley died or more like lost her glow in his mind. AND how Kelley made an untrue confession about how she doesn't love Sonny, making Sonny's heart break again. But well, after that Kelley's heart broke too because she wept and it really hurt her lying like that. another loss again. Even though she's only doing it to protect him, it still hurt both of them. that sucks.

what sucks even more is Tempestuous isn't out yet. :( i want to read it noooow!(less)

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Apr 20, 2013 Sabrina (Soter) Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

«Il mio fuoco d'artificio...», sussurrò lui con occhi luccicanti. Quella voce le parve una musica meravigliosa. Sentirsi stringere da lui fu come essere finalmente tornata a casa.

Sono passati alcuni mesi dalla notte in cui la Caccia Selvaggia si è scatenata nei cieli di New York, e Sonny e Kelley non si sono più rivisti. Sonny è impegnato nella missione affidatagli da Auberon di scovare e uccidere i cacciatori superstiti, mentre Kelley, persa una parte dei propri poteri, continua la sua vita di...more «Il mio fuoco d'artificio...», sussurrò lui con occhi luccicanti. Quella voce le parve una musica meravigliosa. Sentirsi stringere da lui fu come essere finalmente tornata a casa.

Sono passati alcuni mesi dalla notte in cui la Caccia Selvaggia si è scatenata nei cieli di New York, e Sonny e Kelley non si sono più rivisti. Sonny è impegnato nella missione affidatagli da Auberon di scovare e uccidere i cacciatori superstiti, mentre Kelley, persa una parte dei propri poteri, continua la sua vita di attrice e "normale" ragazza a New York. La lontananza si fa sentire e non aiuta che la perfida Mab semini zizzania tra i due ragazzi con sogni e visioni che suscitano la gelosia di Sonny (Fen il lupo sembra troppo amichevole con Kelley XD) e lo sgomento di Kelley per le uccisioni a sangue freddo del suo Giano. Anche il momento del loro ricongiungimento, che mi aspettavo romantico e commovente, a causa dell'improvvisa apparizione di Puck con sconvolgenti notizie e dell'assalto di alcuni berretti rossi si conclude con un litigio e, ancora una volta, con la separazione dei due. In questo secondo volume Sonny, sballottato tra Mab e Auberon, combatte tra sangue e dolore mentre le battaglie di Kelley si trovano nel suo animo: le incomprensioni con Sonny, i problemi con gli altri Giani, il vuoto lasciatole dai poteri sottratti e l'indole crudele di Mab che a volte sembra riecheggiare in lei procurano molti dubbi alla nostra principessa fatata. Ancora una volta troviamo tanti richiami a Shakespeare da me molto apprezzati, Romeo e Giulietta (il nuovo spettacolo teatrale di Kelley!) e ovviamente Sogno di una notte di mezza estate dove i personaggi sembrano prender vita. Presenti tutti i quattro sovrani delle corti fatate, alcuni si relazionano in modo imprevedibili, altri sembrano buoni e gentili ma con le fate si sa niente è come sembra ;) Un altro tassello del passato di Sonny viene alla luce e porta ad un finale inaspettatamente triste e struggente mentre l'ombra di un ignoto essere fatato sembra minacciare sempre più da vicino i nostri eroi... Devo dire che mi piace molto l'edizione della serie, l'incantevole immagine di copertina con il titolo violetto e svolazzante, i capitoli in numeri romani e con delle piccole illustrazioni, davvero carino! Sono molto felice di aver già pronto il terzo e ultimo libro della serie da leggerlo perché dopo un finale del genere aspettare è impossibile! XD Consigliato!!(less)

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May 17, 2011 Ifmarybooks rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved Darklight the second book even more that Wondrous Strange ! This book was a perfect continuation of WS. It picked up slightly after the first one ended, and immediately threw you into action.
We really discover the Otherworld in this one because Kelley is in it for the first time and Sonny is there for most of the story too. I loved learning more about the Faerie Courts and meet the other Faerie King and Queen that we haven't seen in the first book.
There is also a lot more of actions and...more

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Jan 23, 2010 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

published by HarperTeen
Released December 22nd 2009

Hardcover, 312 pages
4 stars

Summary from Harper Teen "

Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken. . . .

For seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow, faeries are just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery, whose steel-gray eyes mask an equally steely determination to protect her.

Sonny guards the Samhain Gate, which connects the mortal realm with the Faerie's enchanted, dangerous Otherworld. Usually kept shut by order...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Reading, Eating & Dreaming rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-stars

Click here to read more YA book reviews at READING, EATING AND DREAMING

Wondrous Strange is back and better than before.

Darklight, the second installment in the Wondrous Strange trilogy by Lesley Livingston, was a success (at least, in my opinion, more of a success than Wondrous Strange). And although I am still not a huge Kelley and Sonny fan (because I do not understand what their relationship is even built upon), I found myself lured into Darklight. Livingston did a much better job of showing...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Terri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: july-reading-challenge

Really enjoying this series. I find it frustrating that Kelley has to learn who she is and what part faerie plays in her life, pretty much all by herself. She hasn't had much help with learning anything. Then her necklace is cursed and won't come off, so she can't even use her powers. And the fact that she is having to go through all of this without Sonny isn't helping either. After her visit to the otherworld you see how much Kelley and Sonny mean to each other, yet they are seperated again! Af...more

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Dec 13, 2010 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who likes stories of the Fey

Recommended to Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) by: Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom)

This is one time that I think the second book was better than the first. This book was really a 4.5 for me. I am just getting really stingy with 5 stars because I have read so many really incredible books. I liked Darklight better than Wondrous Strange, and I think it is because there was a lot more of the mystique of the Fey in it and less of the mortal realm. That may be because of the new characters that were brought in, and also that I already had been introduced to the world this book takes...more

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Oct 14, 2010 Danny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: september-2010

Of course after finishing the first book I HAD to jump into the second book right away. The story goes on where the first book left us and to say it right away I loved the book much more than the first.
This is one of those series that are getting better!

We will discover more about Kelley and see how she tries to handle her newfound Faery Part in herself. She has to face the question if she rather wants to be human or if she has to be more open about being a Faery.

Sonny is gone and has to deal...more

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Jan 21, 2010 Eleni ( La Femme Readers ) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Darklight is yet again another magical, action packed installment of one of the best faerie series I've ever read! I love how this book continues to enlighten the reader with character development. I strongly feel I know more about these characters with every page I read. My favorite aspect of this second book is experiencing the faerie realm. Lesley's choice of words to describe the fae world sparkled (literally!) in my mind with beautiful images. I once again fell in love with Sonny, however I...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Pearl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, ya-faeries

YES!! Such a good series. I can't believe how long t took me to get to the second book.

I am so glad i got round to it. I love it. I have a serious love going for faerie books right now, I especially love the 'Midsummers Night Dream' Related themes and there seem to be a lot of them around. Although my favourite series is still the 'Iron Fey' this series definitely comes in a close second.

I gotta say though that i unsure as to whether Sonny is the guy that I root for in these novels. I think this...more

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title link	preview: Darklight
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Darklight (Wondrous Strange #2)

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