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Darkness Falls (Immortal Beloved #2)

4.17 of 5 stars 4.17 · rating details · 3,156 ratings · 396 reviews

Nastasya has lived for hundreds of years, but for some reason, life never seems to get any better. She left her spoiled, rich girl life to find peace at River's Edge, a safe haven for wayward immortals. There, she learned to embrace River's Edge, despite som drama involving the sexy Reyn, who she wants but won't allow herself to have. But just as she's getting comfortable,...more

Hardcover, 392 pages

Published January 2nd 2012 by Little Brown and Company (first published October 3rd 2011)

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Oct 18, 2012 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-or-paranormal, fantasy-or-pn-favourites, romance, paranormal

Darkness Falls is living proof that Middle Book Syndrome is preventable. More than preventable. With this second instalment of the Immortal Beloved series, Cate Tiernan interlaces humour, romance and a dark story line. With her witty protagonist, she creates a book both entertaining and full of depth. With her exploration of redemption and good and evil, she crafts together a thought-provoking plot that doesn’t fail to engross. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Nastasya – the name...more Darkness Falls is living proof that Middle Book Syndrome is preventable. More than preventable. With this second instalment of the Immortal Beloved series, Cate Tiernan interlaces humour, romance and a dark story line. With her witty protagonist, she creates a book both entertaining and full of depth. With her exploration of redemption and good and evil, she crafts together a thought-provoking plot that doesn’t fail to engross. In other words, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Nastasya – the name our immortal heroine has momentarily adopted – is back with the vigour she presented in the first book and just as entertaining as ever. While her bleak sense of humour is ever-present in this instalment, it is easy to recognise the subtle developments in her character. Traces of positivity and determination linger beneath the surface and it’s incredibly encouraging to note the small but significant changes in her attitude. Of course, her contentment is not a stable thing. At River’s Edge – a rehabilitation home of sorts for troubled immortals – Nastasya battles with the intrinsic darkness in her magickal abilities whilst also re-facing her murky past. She worries about Innocencio, her seductive and malevolent ex-best friend, possibly locating her and coming after her…

Incy is my favourite sort of villain. The subtle kind that cannot be quickly judged. His demeanour oozes power and lust, a warning of thrilling danger ahead, but, at the same time, there’s a sense of insecurity surrounding him. His dependability on Nastasya is extreme to the point of disturbing, but it also raises to surface the question of whether or not he can be helped – in the same way Nastasya is being helped at River’s Edge. The extent of his warped mind is made apparent, however, in a gruesome and shocking climax. Tiernan gave us more substance here than in Immortal Beloved (which I found to be a little lacking towards the end) and kicks the story up a gear from its usual slow pace.

Dark magick and disturbing best friends aside, the romance in this book is one of the more engaging aspects of Nastasya’s story. It’s complicated, to say the least. The horrific past that Reyn and Nastasya share, a past coated in so much death and grief that it cannot be ignored, forms a solid wall between them and their feelings for each other. This doesn’t dilute the sexual tension, however. It’s significantly more charged here than in the first book, almost as though we are watching the pair teeter on the edge, waiting with bated breath for them to fall on one side or the other. Tiernan did a fantastic job here blending the past with the present, using her well-integrated flashbacks to run more than one story simultaneously. She managed to expertly draw to attention the significance of then and now – through River’s wonderful character, of course – highlighting the extent to which people can change for the better with the right guidance.

I am incredibly satisfied with the direction of the story in this book and my curiosity for the third instalment is now well and truly piqued. The release date for Eternally Yours, the conclusion to this trilogy, is fast approaching, and if it is anything like the first two books, I’m sure I will have to make room on my favourites shelf for another series.

(This review also appears on my blog)(less)

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Nov 20, 2012 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: youngadult, fantasy

If possible, I love Nastasya more now. Also Reyn. Also everything about this book.

I managed to beg an ARC from the Little Brown booth at the IRA convention this weekend, and then I promptly devoured the entire book on my way home. So good. So addictive.

At the end of Immortal Beloved, you think that Nas has her life in order: she's staying at River's Edge, she and Reyn have confronted their shared past, he's hot, she's hot, it's all good!

Yeah. No. Because there is too much of Nas's past boiling i...more

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Sep 24, 2012 fяσzєη rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: covergasm, owned-ebooks, all-time-faves, 2012-faves, faves, creatively-original, heroines-i-adore, immortals, its-so-fluffy-im-gonna-die, made-me-smile, hilarious

This review is also available over at my blog.

________________________

Actual rating is 4.5 stars.

Although I definitely adored this book, unfortunately for me it's not exactly as awesome as its predecessor.

The story continues where the last book left off. Nastasya is still in River's Edge, but things are suddenly going downhill in her life, and she feels surrounded by dark magick. She then finds out that her old friends are in town, including Innocencio, her ex-best-friend who wants her back in h...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Jordan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ouaw ! Quel plaisir de lire ce livre ! J'avais vraiment adoré le premier tome, mais celui-ci dépasse de loin mes espérances ! Je suis devenu accro à Nasty, à son histoire, à sa répartie et à ses réflexions ! Puis le monde des Immortels est juste passionnant ! Cet opus m'a vraiment beaucoup plu ! Cate Tiernan a vraiment un don pour nous transmettre de nombreuses émotions et nous faire vivre ses romans !
La Traque nous ramène directement à River's Edge, lieu où Nasty, Reyn et les autres Immortels v...more Ouaw ! Quel plaisir de lire ce livre ! J'avais vraiment adoré le premier tome, mais celui-ci dépasse de loin mes espérances ! Je suis devenu accro à Nasty, à son histoire, à sa répartie et à ses réflexions ! Puis le monde des Immortels est juste passionnant ! Cet opus m'a vraiment beaucoup plu ! Cate Tiernan a vraiment un don pour nous transmettre de nombreuses émotions et nous faire vivre ses romans !
La Traque nous ramène directement à River's Edge, lieu où Nasty, Reyn et les autres Immortels vivent pour se purger de leurs peines passées. Mon héroïne adorée a encore du mal à s'adapter à l'endroit : entre réveils matinaux aux aurores, travaux plutôt déplaisants à effectuer et le manque de luxure, ce n'est pas la joie ! D'ailleurs, tous ces petits manques qui déplaisent à Nasty m'ont beaucoup fait rire ! Certaines de ses pensées étaient à mourir de rire ! Elle a une répartie d'enfer, cette petite ( enfin petite, elle a quand même 459 ans, ne l'oublions pas ) !
Heureusement pour elle, son mal-être devient surmontable grâce à River, personnage qui prend beaucoup d'épaisseur dans ce tome et que j'apprécie beaucoup, et à... Reyn ! Haaa, ces deux-là ! Ils sont beaux, mignons, touchants ! Je les aime ! Nasty, qui ne sait pas vraiment comment s'y prendre avec ses sentiments, nous permet de découvrir des scènes assez comiques !
Mais ce n'est pas tout. Reyn, lui, est fou amoureux de Nasty. Ca se voit comme le nez au milieu du visage. Nasty, elle, ne sait pas trop où elle en est, surtout à cause de ce qu'elle a précédemment appris sur lui dans le premier tome. L'histoire qui les lie l'oppresse toujours. A cause de cela, sa relation avec Reyn est très compliquée à gérer. Du coup, ce presque-couple offre le genre de romance que j'adore : celle qui mêle haine et passion. Comme vous devez certainement le savoir, je suis un grand fan de ce style d'histoires d'amour. Quand répulsion et amour entrent en collision, je fonds ! Là, j'ai été servi ! C'est d'ailleurs cet aspect du livre qui m'a permis de plus l'apprécier que son prédécesseur ! Ce n'est pas compliqué, tout était parfait : romance, intrigue, personnages et rebondissements !
Sauf que voilà, entre ses émotions, son passé et sa nouvelle vie, Nasty va avoir beaucoup de mal à se poser et à relâcher la pression. Du coup, elle va se remettre en question et... Replonger dans son passé ! Haaaa, quel bonheur d'en apprendre plus sur elle ! L'histoire de cette Immortelle est vraiment prenante et poignante ! J'ai été conquis ! Souvent dans mes lectures, je recherche de très bonnes intrigues, de l'amour à revendre mais qui ne tombe pas dans la niaiserie et... de l'humanité. Hé bien franchement, si vous êtes comme moi, jetez-vous sur Immortels tome 2 !
Nasty, qui m'avait déjà beaucoup plu dans le premier roman grâce à son côté humain, m'a encore plus fait chavirer ! Là, c'est un vrai livre sur sa maturité que l'auteure nous offre. Et j'ai, bien entendu, adoré ça ! Quelle joie de la voir avancer, progresser, se battre contre elle-même pour réussir à changer ! Nasty est réellement un personnage que j'aime et que je regrette ne pas retrouver dans plus d'ouvrages !
Par contre, l'histoire serait vraiment trop simple si tout restait ainsi. Un énorme problème va finir par se poser : bien que Nasty lutte contre ses démons intérieurs, ces derniers reviennent très vite à la charge. Ses hantises et son manque de confiance en elle vont finir par ressortir et la forcer à replonger. Là-dessus, je ne vous dirai rien ! Gardez donc les plus grosses révélations pour vous !
Je passe donc directement à la fin... Elle m'a beaucoup plu ! J'attends la suite avec une impatience énorme, mais cette attente ne sera pas invivable. Il reste pas mal de questions en suspens, mais ça ne me dérange pas ! J'ai confiance en Cate Tiernan pour la suite. J'espère que nous continuerons à voyager sur le chemin de la rédemption et du pardon de Nasty, car ce côté de l'intrigue m'a touché et pris aux tripes ! Puis les dernières pages sont gorgées d'adrénaline ! Faux semblants, mensonges et trahisons sont au rendez-vous ! Et c'est surtout pour le pire...
Le message est passé, non ? Si vous avez autant aimé Immortels que moi, précipitez-vous sur sa suite. Elle est intense, explosive, et encore meilleure ! Du bonheur à l'état pur ! Nasty devient une personne émouvante, tout en restant drôle et prête à se battre pour les bonnes causes ! Une aventure pleine de surprises et de moments à vous faire fondre de plaisir sont au programme ! (less)

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May 31, 2012 Leah (Jane Speare) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(Not *quite* a huge 5 stars. Maybe 4.70.)

It started out just a little slow, because of the recapping. Then the pace picked up, and it was exciting. :) About halfway through though, it dragged just a TINY bit. Because the setting changed, and Nasty got into the almost-self-pity mode....and then came right back out of it in a Moment of Epic Awesome. You'll know what I'm talking about when you hit it.

I love Reyn. He is in Darkness Falls about the same amount as the first, and I think the part that...more (Not *quite* a huge 5 stars. Maybe 4.70.)

It started out just a little slow, because of the recapping. Then the pace picked up, and it was exciting. :) About halfway through though, it dragged just a TINY bit. Because the setting changed, and Nasty got into the almost-self-pity mode....and then came right back out of it in a Moment of Epic Awesome. You'll know what I'm talking about when you hit it.

I love Reyn. He is in Darkness Falls about the same amount as the first, and I think the part that bothered me most about the whole thing was the head-smacking amount of sexual tension between him and Nasty. XD But I have a feeling he will be in the last of the trilogy a lot more, because Nasty's finally gotten out of her stupid and insecure mode.

Also speaking of Reyn. Ever since my friend (you know who you are) had to say, "He reminds me exactly of Thor!!!"...well, now I think of that too, every time he appears. Because of the way he is described, it's not that hard to make the connection. Nasty does call him The Viking God pretty often.

I can easily see some people complaining about the amount of action in Darkness Falls. But I think if you didn't mind the calmish mood of Eternal Beloved, (meaning more introverted battles, than physical encounters, yanno?) then this isn't too bad. I could say there is actually more action in here, you just have to wait for it.

Still really liking the back-flashes into Nasty's ancient existence! It's fun to go back in time here and there, to see what awful things she did in her former lives. And now she looks at these past events differently, instead of just accepting the misfortune of others as part of life as an immortal, she thinks "Huh, maybe instead of coming upon a train wreck and looting all the dying people's bags...I could have helped save a few of them." That sort of thing.

And the way immortals can be killed is cleared up more. Yay! :) Apparently you can kill them by beheading them. Ouch. Or by magickly sucking all their life energy/force. Yick.

So Nasty's brittle attitude and snide comments are still aplenty, and I just really like how reading the writing is like talking to Nasty herself, she has such an interesting internal dialogue. I would never want to know her in person.

I can't wait for the last installment, Eternally Yours! (less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Ifmarybooks rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: signed-books

We are lucky ! I'm just so happy to be french right now. I read Immortal Beloved at the beginning of september and I was eagerly waiting for the second one Darkness Falls. But then I saw that the release date has been changed to January 2012... I was mad but as I said we are lucky in France because the release date was still September 14th ! I didn't know if I wanted to read it in french because I don't really like reading a translation of a book especially an english book... Fortunetely I still...more We are lucky ! I'm just so happy to be french right now. I read Immortal Beloved at the beginning of september and I was eagerly waiting for the second one Darkness Falls. But then I saw that the release date has been changed to January 2012... I was mad but as I said we are lucky in France because the release date was still September 14th ! I didn't know if I wanted to read it in french because I don't really like reading a translation of a book especially an english book... Fortunetely I still bought this book and I don't regret it ! It was awesome even in french and the translation was pretty good.

Again i'm going to start this review just like the one I wrote about the first book... Wow just wow !!
The second one was just awesome. It was more deep and emotional. The writing was also better (even if I already loved it in Immortal Beloved).

In Darkness Falls there is three parts. In this one the darkness is embracing her, she falls back into her old, wild partying ways (loved that part). There is still moments of Nastayas history I looooooove that (yeah there is going to be a lot of love in this review). I want a book just about Nastaya history please !!
In this book we know more about the immortals, their power and how they are able to kill their own family or friends to get it.
And then there is Innocencio... I LOVE this character ! He might be one of my favorite male character in a YA book ! Oh crazy Innocencio... I already liked him in Immortal Beloved and wanted to know more about him and his past and Darkness Falls has it all ! I was so happy to see again glimpses of his past with Nastaya and how they met. I'm really fascinated by his relationship with Nas even if it is really creepy and dark. He is the perfect evil at the end but I still love him.
The last chapter by the way was beautiful. Awww Reyn <3.

This book got all the elements again of a fabulous read : a snappy main character with Nastaya, lots of dark humor, romantic tension, secrets...
I can't wait to know more about the past of all the people who live at River's Edge, the relationship between Nas and Reyn, the taksin, how Innocencio is now living...

This book isn't even out in the US but i'm already dying to read the third one Immortal Light.
I can't wait to meet Cate Tiernan next week. I have lost of questions ^^ !(less)

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Jan 11, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

DARKNESS FALLS focuses on Nastasya's fears and how she chooses to deal with this emotion; she has strong magick powers, but doesn't know anything about them, her belief that she is too tainted by her colourful and long past to save, her attraction to Reyn feels wrong considering their shared history and scares her and how when she tries to help others she always seems to end up hurting them.

I really enjoyed how we get to learn more about the other people at River's Edge and we also learn more a...more DARKNESS FALLS focuses on Nastasya's fears and how she chooses to deal with this emotion; she has strong magick powers, but doesn't know anything about them, her belief that she is too tainted by her colourful and long past to save, her attraction to Reyn feels wrong considering their shared history and scares her and how when she tries to help others she always seems to end up hurting them.

I really enjoyed how we get to learn more about the other people at River's Edge and we also learn more about why a few of them needed guidance and support to escape their own dark beginnings. Leader River always came of as whiter then white in the previous book, so it was really nice to learn something about her past here. It makes her character seem realistic to have her halo removed.

We also get a deeper look into Nastasya's past, which doesn't sound exciting but actually gives a fascinating insight into her often abrupt attitude and questionable decisions. A standout for me are the parts of the story that deal with her [mortal] son - very moving. I really enjoyed the first book but never found Nastasya likable in it, but now I can fully see where she's coming from and has lived though, so my opinion of her has completely changed. If you didn't wholly like Nastasya last time either, you will too after reading this.

Despite getting to explore the backgrounds of several characters, there is also more action in this book, compared to the first one. Another improvement in this book is that the ending is stronger then that of the first book and is less predictable.

The story gives hints as to what the final book will be about, but the main plot-line both solidifies and is resolved in this one book, so we're not being left hanging for a year whilst we wait for the final part.

Finally; the writing style has subtly changed. Book one was obviously geared towards the young adult crowd, but DARKNESS FALLS seems to be casting a larger net. Nastasya looks like a teenager, but she doesn't talk and act like one so much now. There is also some moderate swearing and a bit of blood and gore - we're not talking Hellraiser here, but it makes the sense of tension, confusion, stress and danger seem real.

I have one niggle; I loved how the first book in the trilogy (Immortal Beloved) portrayed the immortals in a realistic light; they were shown as regular people who just happen to heal quickly and age extremely slowly once they reach puberty, not as mystical beings with extra speed, strength etc. So I was a bit disappointed by how often the subject of their magick is brought up. And - naturally - Nastasya is special and has stronger abilities then normal.

Also - Nastasya doesn't know much about her magick, so therefore we don't either, so it's a bit confusing now that we're meant to have a understanding of how it works. In short I find myself glossing over mentions of magick in the book. (less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Erica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yay! I finished Darkness Falls and of course being a part of Immortal Beloved, it was amazing! I loved Reyn a lot more in this book. I have to admit I skimmed over some of the bar scenes and such with Incy, I just got bored. This book was incredible with so many things happening at once. It was an unbelievable 2nd book and am currently beginning the 3rd book. I highly recommend people to read this series, you won't regret it.

Nasty was definitely more wise as she's grown a lot with the help of R...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Sabrina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: immortals

I'm gonna say it now: I'm disappointed by how much Reyn was not so much involved with Nastasya. Yeah I guess it's going to add dept to your character is you push away the Viking god that wants you, but you're just going to mess things up for yourself. The giving up and running away was stupid, but I understand why she did it. I am a little surprised that there would be another person to get between Reyn and Nasty (well not that surprised. any woman with a working brain would be trying to get a p...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-emmy

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: The sequel wraps up loose ends from Immortal Beloved with humor, action, and more swoony romance with our favorite Viking God.

Opening Sentence: ”I want you.”
The Review:

The novel’s first line, “I want you.” comes from Reyn, so believe me when I say he has you swooning from page one. Nastasya is still at River’s Edge, learning Tähti magic and clean living and hiding from her not-so-BFF Innocencio. She’s still a smart-a$$ immortal with huge in...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Kiora rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: could-have-been-better, fantasy, all-right

I chose to read this second installment before the first, due to the need of reading a random book when you have to wait 5 hours in the airport and the bookshop only has sequels in the English section. So I'm just going to write what I liked/disliked.

I liked the protagonist's story telling voice, mainly because she didn't take herself too serious which I find way too many ya main characters do and that was definitely a plus. I did find it somewhat irritating though when she actually opened her...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An immortal saga; ones dark past comes into the light.

I was extremely excited to be able to read an Immortal Beloved novel, having been so lucky as to win it from a book blog giveaway; hence once I began reading Darkness Falls I was unable to put it down. Captivating and spellbinding this is a story that I lost myself within, following the immortal Nastasya as her past catches up with her. After living for more than four-hundred years she still faces desire, death and heartache, as more truths t...more An immortal saga; ones dark past comes into the light.

I was extremely excited to be able to read an Immortal Beloved novel, having been so lucky as to win it from a book blog giveaway; hence once I began reading Darkness Falls I was unable to put it down. Captivating and spellbinding this is a story that I lost myself within, following the immortal Nastasya as her past catches up with her. After living for more than four-hundred years she still faces desire, death and heartache, as more truths that were concealed are now revealed and brought into the light. Following on from book one Immortal Beloved Cate Tiernan begins to expand on the storyline, enlightening the reader on the characters and the main character who is shrouded in mystery and hidden secrets. Intense, intriguing and full of twists and turns, this book is full of suspense that makes you sit on the edge of your seat gripping the pages. Both the joys and the truthful horrors of history are shown to you, through the eyes of such endearing and fascinating characters that bring the tale to life making it so realistic. Wanting to find out more I was completely engrossed, mesmerized by such electric tension and words that sent chills down my spine. I was truly blown away by this outstanding novel that did quite literally take my breathe away, as it was something original, unique and something quite special. Darkness falls is most distinctive within its genre, being nothing like anything else I have ever read thus I cannot praise the author enough as her work has exceeded all my expectations.
I am extremely excited by this novel and cannot wait to read book three in this incredible trilogy, which is readable and thoroughly enjoyable; being a page-turner. Fans of fantasy fiction and the supernatural, young adult fiction or fictional works with an immortal theme will without a doubt absolutely love ‘the immortal beloved’ novels. I found it so interesting to observe a character’s life that was extended and how different it was to a mortal being’s, where they must endure the passing of time and many ages. This unusual, remarkable narrative will capture your soul as it did my eyes with its striking and beautiful cover, standing out with a most absorbing storyline that draws you in as the darkness engulfs you, clouding your vision as daily life is blocked out whilst pulling you into Nastasya’s story.

This is a book to loose yourself in, that is soul searching as thoughts on the meaning of life spring into ones mind. It is a spectacular trilogy that many readers will love from the adult readers to teenagers and those with curios minds, seeking out questions whilst wanting to loose themselves in a good book. It is a novel that you can read anywhere and that never looses its momentum or drive, as you race through its pages wanting to find out the answers to the characters questions. I feel so privileged to have been able to read this wonderful book that I enjoyed so much, where I was able to connect with the characters immersing myself within their story. The style of writing is fluid and easy to read with the balance of action, romance and detailed description just perfect so as to make it authentic and real as you envisage the world around you.
(less)

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Aug 18, 2012 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fanatsy-Lovers, Lovestory-Lovers

Originaltitel: Darkness Falls
Umfang: ca. 390 Seiten
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 13-16 Jahre
Serie: Immortal Beloved, Band 2 (→ Band 1)

Kurze Inhaltsangabe
Nastasja hat sich erst eingelebt in River´s Edge und nachdem Nell gegangen ist (siehe Band 1) rückt Reyn ihr ständig näher. Nasja fühlt sich zu ihm hingezogen, so wie er zu ihr, aber sie kämpft dagegen an mit der Erinnerung an ihre gemeinsame, grässliche, Vergangenheit. Abgesehen von ihrem inneren Kampf scheint Nastasjas Welt wieder in Ordnu...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Pavithra Mahendran rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read some reviews that said Darkness Falls actually didn't match up to the level of Immortal Beloved, but I thought that it was just as good. In fact, I like the tone of Nastasya's inner voice better in this installment of the series. She was witty and sarcastic in a slightly self-deprecating way, (the kind of attitude I simply can't resist reading about), if a little too self-loathing at times. I get that she doesn't think she deserves saving, but she let that blind herself to the possibilit...more

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Jul 11, 2012 RAIN Holt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan. Nastasya is everyone little dream girl. She’s immortal (aside from her head being cut off) and she has power but she’s not a little goodie two shoes; she can be reckless and loved partying. It’s like having all the perks and none of the downside. Well, that’s how she started and now she wants to embrace the power she’s ignored for so long; the power that is her destiny as her father’s heir and she’s starting to straighten out. Working on a farm at River’s Edge wil...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Madame X rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: brings-the-funny, damaged-heroine, heroine-to-hang-out-with, paranormal-urban-fantasy, romance-spans-multiple-books

I'm confused by the fact that I didn't pick this up right when it came out, as I loved IMMORTAL BELOVED, but now there's only a few months left before the third third and final installment in the trilogy comes out, so I guess it all worked out.

I have to admit my favorite parts of DARKNESS FALLS were the chapters back at River's farm, following Nastasya as she works in the kitchen or at the local drugstore. These might feel a little like treading water if you're reading the books back to back, b...more

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Jun 17, 2012 CriCra CriCra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

Reyn sbucò da dietro un albero e per poco non mi sfuggì un urlo.
— Porca miseria! Tu, razza di una… spia! È così che te la spassi? Peccato che non sia affatto divertente!
— Non stavo spiando — replicò con aria irritata. — Ti stavo aspettando. So che non ti piace stare fuori da sola di notte.
— Credi davvero — mormorò — che con tutto quello che c’è stato tra noi, potrei ancora divertirmi a prenderti di sorpresa? — Incrociò le braccia sul petto.
Controllai il respiro e mi portai una mano sul cuor...more Reyn sbucò da dietro un albero e per poco non mi sfuggì un urlo.
— Porca miseria! Tu, razza di una… spia! È così che te la spassi? Peccato che non sia affatto divertente!
— Non stavo spiando — replicò con aria irritata. — Ti stavo aspettando. So che non ti piace stare fuori da sola di notte.
— Credi davvero — mormorò — che con tutto quello che c’è stato tra noi, potrei ancora divertirmi a prenderti di sorpresa? — Incrociò le braccia sul petto.
Controllai il respiro e mi portai una mano sul cuore. — Non credo più a niente — risposi con distacco. — Mi hai spaventato. Come fai a sapere che non mi piace stare fuori di notte?
— Ogni volta che capita, sei più tesa di una corda di violino — disse, parlando a voce così bassa che inconsapevolmente mi avvicinai per sentire. — Lo detesti. Lo detesti al punto che ti avvicini, mentre camminiamo. — La sua voce era calda e vellutata, come per tenere a bada il freddo della notte.

Anastasya è tornata. Siamo nuovamente a Rivers Edge, il centro di riabilitazione per immortali ribelli, dove avevamo lasciato Anastasya – Nas per gli amici – nella lotta contro il suo centenario passato dopo aver condotto una vita sregolata, piena di vizi, tra feste, superficialità, alcol, droga e promiscuità. Proprio quando uno dei suoi migliori amici – Incy (Innocenzo) – aveva compiuto un atto di crudeltà contro un umano, usando, peraltro, un tipo di magia oscura e crudele, Nastasya aveva deciso che era arrivato il momento di allontanarsi da quella vita e cercare un luogo per lasciarsi tutto questo alle spalle.

Qui, oltre a River, la proprietaria e “guida spirituale” ritroviamo anche altri personaggi del centro, insegnanti e allievi, tra i quali anche Reyn, “il carnefice d’inverno o il dio vichingo”, che Nas odia (per tutto quello che gli riporta alla mente dal passato, ossia la famiglia di lui che uccide la famiglia di lei e viceversa) ma allo stesso tempo ama (per tutto quello che vorrebbe si avverasse nel suo prossimo futuro) oltretutto condividendo sulla propria pelle, una bruciatura non identica ma complementare, le due metà dell’amuleto della madre di Nastasya.

Ma ci pensate Anastasya nelle fattezze di una (quasi) diciottenne, ha 459 anni di età (wow!) mentre Reyn, che sembra un aitante Dio Apollo, nei panni di un ventenne, ne ha 470 (doppio wow!) e continuano a girarsi attorno come le falene, sono attratte dalla luce e allo stesso tempo, si respingono come la lepre che scappa dalla caccia di una volpe (giusto per rimanere in tema di esempi faunistici).

Stavolta Nas affronta nuovi problemi, come la perdita del suo (brutto) lavoro, la possibilità di essere oramai perdutamente una Terävä – una maga dal lato oscuro – continui incubi e l’avverarsi di strani incidenti all’interno del centro stesso, facendola cadere nuovamente in uno stato di cupo terrore, tanto da farla scappare da Rivers Edge e riunirsi proprio con quelle persone – Innocenzo, Stratton, Katy, Boz e Cicely – da cui si era allontanata.

Innocenzo, affascinante e folle allo stesso tempo, aggiungerà alla storia un tocco di tensione e di pericolo in più, tanto da renderla eccitante fino a quello che sarà un epilogo mozzafiato – almeno per questo capitolo di trilogia – con la sua fame di potere e magia, attenterà alla vita di tutti loro, impossessandosi della loro energia vitale, senza alcuno scrupolo.

Ho notato come, anche in questa nuovo proseguo della storia, viene messo in evidenza, la profonda e piena presa di coscienza di Nastasya; i suoi continui flashback; la ricerca di quelli che sono stati i suoi errori e di conseguenza le valutazioni in merito; fallimento, caduta e vittoria, il tutto sempre contornato da quella ridente vena ironica che accompagna ogni suo pensiero, lecito o assurdo che sia.

Volendo analizzare il testo dal punto di vista letterale o di traduzione fatta, posso dire che non si presentano, a mio modesto avviso, errori di alcun genere, anche sotto l’aspetto grammaticale che a maggior ragione, per rispettare il filone fortemente ironico presente in molti tratti dei soliloqui della protagonista, viene valorizzato da simpatiche aggiunte come parentesi o vocaboli di slang moderno e urbano, rendendo il testo ancor più fluido e con spaccati davvero divertenti.

Le aspettative anche questa volta sono state davvero soddisfacenti e mi auguro che l’epilogo finale, possa dare le risposte ai tanti quesiti rimasti ovviamente irrisolti, come la rivelazione del vero potere di Nas, Reyn e il suo oscuro passato e le scelte future e tutto ciò che a loro fa contorno.

Il finale (per il momento)poi, da manuale, a parere mio. River & Company davvero fantastici e Reyn poi.. si commenta da solo.

La mia recensione sul Blog, SognandoLeggendo:
http://sognandoleggendo.net/blog/?p=3515 (less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Lily rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://eldesvandelosuenos.blogspot.co...

Si tuviera que describir con una sola palabra esta segunda entrega sería "frustración". Amor inmortal me gustó bastante, tenía potencial y para ser una primera parte estuvo bastante bien. Las siguientes novelas prometían mucho más de lo que me he encontrado en esta.

Plantea un argumento y unas ideas muy interesantes: una joven con apariencia de tener unos 17 años que ha vivido más de cuatrocientos y que vive con el fantasma de su dramático pasado se ve envu...more http://eldesvandelosuenos.blogspot.co...

Si tuviera que describir con una sola palabra esta segunda entrega sería "frustración". Amor inmortal me gustó bastante, tenía potencial y para ser una primera parte estuvo bastante bien. Las siguientes novelas prometían mucho más de lo que me he encontrado en esta.

Plantea un argumento y unas ideas muy interesantes: una joven con apariencia de tener unos 17 años que ha vivido más de cuatrocientos y que vive con el fantasma de su dramático pasado se ve envuelta en una peligrosa magia oscura. Y ahí se queda todo, en el planteamiento.

En primer lugar, la protagonista, Nastasya, es el caos más absoluto. ¿Cómo se puede ser tan bipolar y tan desesperante a la vez? Un segundo está abrumadísima por algún trágico suceso de su pasado, al siguiente te cuenta una divertida anécdota que vivió con su mejor amigo Incy, al siguiente te suelta un comentario irónico-superficial, al siguiente está aterrada por lo oscuro y siniestro que se ha vuelto dicho amigo y al siguiente se mira al espejo y se ve la tía más buena de la sala y está encantada de haberse conocido. Todo muy coherente y lógico, como veis. Por un lado, cuenta una serie de vivencias y explica cómo es su carácter y, en otras ocasiones, olvida todo lo vivido y se comporta de una forma muy poco creíble para llevar 400 años a las espaldas. Además, el libro está escrito en primera persona, que ya de por sí me suele gustar menos que en tercera, y la chica padece una verborrea muy seria. ¡Madre mía qué forma de divagar y de lamentarse!

El resto de personajes tampoco es que sean mucho mejores ni que destaquen especialmente. Quizá River y Reyn, porque son los que más menciona Nasty junto a Incy. Una de las cosas que salvo de la novela es River y la increíble sorpresa que me he llevado al leer algunos fragmentos de su turbia vida pasada. ¡Quién lo diría comportándose como se comporta en la actualidad! Reyn, por su parte, pues ha perdido todo el interés que tenía en él, la verdad. Y eso que su descripción según la protagonista es: rubio, alto, vikingo y un montón de cualidades más que lo harían totalmente achuchable. Pero es anodino a más no poder. Vale que va de personaje torturado, taciturno, discreto, callado y tímido pero se puede ser todo eso y tener atractivo, ejemplos de este tipo de protagonista los hay a patadas en la literatura juvenil. Y eso que Nasty nos lo vende a cada rato que puede con un sinfín de adjetivos a cual más calenturiento. Pero ni por esas. Con el juego seguro que podría haber dado un vikingo macizorro...

Además, por si fuera poco, no sé que es más frustrante, si cuando están juntos o separados. Se pasan la mayor parte de la novela separados o sin hablarse y los pocos momentos de disfrute que podrían ofrecernos son ridículos o insuficientes. Cuando parece que el asunto se pone interesante pasa algo que lo interrumpe o, simplemente, Nasty abre la boca y la pifia. Pero no de estas veces que una piensa: "¡ay! Cuántos obstáculos tienen que superar los héroes para estar juntos". No, es más bien de esas veces que te pones a reír por no llorar o pones los ojos en blanco por la estupidez de la protagonista. Un ejemplo de lo más ilustrativo es la escena final entre los dos: desesperante.

Por otro lado, el argumento se ha quedado en un "prometía". Las casi cuatrocientas páginas de libro me las he pasado creyendo que iba a pasar algo mínimamente interesante. Cuando parecía que la cosa mejoraba o que había un momento de leve tensión, el asunto perdía toda la fuerza al instante. Además, algunas de las subtramas y personajes que aparecen podrían ser totalmente prescindibles porque, en un principo, parece que van a resultar de ayuda o que van a modificar en algo el comportamiento o la forma de pensar de la protagonista pero no, todo queda en meras escenas de relleno. Y en cuanto al desarrollo de la magia y su potencial en el mundo creado por la autora, me ha resultado inconsistente, como un puñado de datos desperdigados por el libro pero sin llegar a establecer unos límites claros de qué es cada cosa y lo que se puede hacer y lo que no.

Sin embargo, no pierdo la fe y por alguna extraña y masoquista razón me gustaría leer el siguiente, cuando salga, para ver si remonta este despropósito y salva esta saga paranormal.(less)

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Jun 09, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Darkness Falls definitely breaks the curse of sophomore books in a series. Many times a second book in a series would somehow be a disappointment or a letdown compared to the first book, however Darkness Falls was so much better!! We got more backstory on the main characters, more development plot wise and character wise and we finally get a chance to meet Incy! Nasty's best friend of over a century. I really enjoyed Darkness Falls because Nasty has finally toned down the whining and "why me" at...more Darkness Falls definitely breaks the curse of sophomore books in a series. Many times a second book in a series would somehow be a disappointment or a letdown compared to the first book, however Darkness Falls was so much better!! We got more backstory on the main characters, more development plot wise and character wise and we finally get a chance to meet Incy! Nasty's best friend of over a century. I really enjoyed Darkness Falls because Nasty has finally toned down the whining and "why me" attitude, and while we do have some times when she falls in despair and becomes emotionally distraught and screwy, it is all filled with real, raw emotions that you can't help but feel sorry for her and hope that she can see that everyone CAN change for the better. Nasty has definitely been bumped up my list of favorite characters in Darkness Falls. However, we unfortunately do not get much of Reyn since this book is mostly dedicated to Nasty and Incy's relationship and the final outcome of it. I am hoping the third book will be more about Reyn and from what the author has hinted, it will be!
There were several flashbacks in the book and you all know how flashbacks aren't really my thing but they were short and informative that the story can't do without so I didn't get the usual restless feeling when I read flashbacks. Reyn and Nasty's relationship takes two steps forward then three steps back then again five steps forward but with the promise for more. I am definitely excited to explore more of their relationship and how Reyn and Nasty will have to deal with their past and history in order to be together. One thing that i'm still not used to is the amount of characters in the book; there are several wayward immortals that have also taken refuge in River Edge and while we do get a glimpse of each the pasts they are all trying to move on from, I really hoped that we might be given more backstory to some of their pasts. However I sometimes confuse between them all because I just don't know them enough to be able to remember them all.
All in all Darkness Falls was an excellent follow up to Immortal Beloved and ended on a good note that gives the readers a satisfactory ending while at the same time giving them hints of what is to come, and trust me, I know it is going to be amazing! (less)

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May 17, 2012 Britt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I felt like this whole novel was just a huge step backwards for Nastasya, especially after everything that happened in the first book. I had so many "well, duh!" moments. Rather irritating. I guess it makes sense, that in order for her to move forward, she would have to shed Incy from her life...and this was probably the best way. But it doesn't mean I liked it.

BUT, that said, I still enjoyed Darkness Falls immensely. All of the characters are so richly drawn and through flashbacks we learn so...more

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Apr 11, 2012 kari rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, ya

3 and 3/4 stars
This book takes off within a few days of when the first one ends and has quite a bit more action and stoy development. I enjoyed it more than the first, but I'd have liked a little better pace. The first half sort of drags a bit and for a being who is over 450 years old, Nastasya seems to have so little self-awareness and tends to always jump to the wrong conclusion. She seems a bit dim for someone with so much life experience. She mentions that she never graduated high school or...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Whatchyareading added it · review of another edition

Shelves: caitlin, fantasy, series, young-adult

So, last year, I wrote up a truly gushing review of Immortal Beloved, the first in this trilogy. I mean, I loved that book. LOVED. So let me tell you all I would’ve thrown the world’s biggest temper tantrum on twitter (I mean, bigger than the one threw when Pottermore sorted me into Slytherin) when the publication of Darkness Falls was pushed back from September to January. I would have….except I had an ARC and all was well in the world.

I love Reyn so much! He gets the very first line of the boo...more So, last year, I wrote up a truly gushing review of Immortal Beloved, the first in this trilogy. I mean, I loved that book. LOVED. So let me tell you all I would’ve thrown the world’s biggest temper tantrum on twitter (I mean, bigger than the one threw when Pottermore sorted me into Slytherin) when the publication of Darkness Falls was pushed back from September to January. I would have….except I had an ARC and all was well in the world.

I love Reyn so much! He gets the very first line of the book and it’s possibly my most favourite first line ever. And there’s a scene where he wakes Nastasya up in the middle of the night so she can see puppies! And then there’s a bit where he walks close to her in the dark. And then there’s this other bit where he holds the wiggly, runty puppy and…and….

Maybe I should talk about the book. And, you know, Nastasya. Who is awesome and still has her sarcastic, smart alec, voice. Which I love so much. Darkness Falls continues to focus on Nastastya’s road to self discovery and growth and such. And while Immortal Beloved was more about her becoming comfortable in her own skin, I felt that this book was about Nastasya accepting her power and her family’s power. As someone who has seen the horrible things people with power do, and done horrible things when she was in a position of power, you can tell she is reluctant and wary of the power she has.

And then, of course, everything goes wrong around her and Nastasya believes her power is, itself, inherently evil.

I loved the look we got into River’s past. You could tell from the first book that she had a darkness in her past and being 1300 years old or whatever she is, you know there’s got to be some major drama. And she continues to understand Nastasya so well, better than Nastasya understands herself possibly, and I enjoy the repertoire the two have. River wants so much for Nastasya and isn’t willing to give up on her or let her take an easy path. I can just see, hundreds of years from now, these two being the best of friends and laughing about what an idiot they both used to be.

I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that I’m glad a certain character/plot thread got all tied up in this book. It leaves the last book open for something new and more evil.

OR for Eternally Yours to be about Nastasya and Reyn making super cute, immortal, viking babies. I am totally okay with that being all the third book is about. And Dufa. I want more Dufa. Wriggly, ugly, adorable Dufa.

Things that worry me. Well, Cate Tiernan doesn’t exactly have the best track record for giving her characters the happily ever after I want them have. I’m still angry about Morgan and Hunter…sigh. And while I know Balefire had originally been planned to be longer, there was little to no resolution between Thais and Luc and I NEEDED those two together. But I can forgive Balefire because it was cut short. And Luc and Thais are happy and together in my head.(I really didn’t care at all about Clio and Richard)

But…but…I’m not going to be able to deal if Nastasy and Reyn do not have a good ending. The title suggests a happy ending…right?

I’m going to end it here…this wasn’t much of a review so much as it was a rant about things I liked. But, whatever. Reyn is awesome. And Nastasya is kick ass.

Reviewed at WhatchYAreading on January 5, 2012.(less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ever thought that Immortals get sick with their lives and powers and need time out ? Where do Immortals go ? If they get crazy and nutty then they head down to Aunt Louise's who runs an Immortals Aslyum but if they are wanting a change of scenery and direction in life they head down to River's where she runs a work farm/rehab of sorts. After an incident in book #1 with Nastaya's friend Incy when he broke without even a consideration a cab driver's spine because he was rude , Nas runs away to Riv...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Catie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan takes us to the dark world of immortals. Darkness Falls is the sequel to Immortal Beloved which I loved just as much as Darkness Falls. Darkness Falls is a beautifully written masterpiece that took me to places that I have never been in a novel before, which was quite refreshing. It was great being taken away from the normal which I usually read. It was hard watching Nas come to terms with who she is and what she really wants to be. I feel so sorry for her as I rea...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was definitely looking forward to reading Darkness Falls after finishing Immortal Beloved. I enjoyed the first book very much and I was excited to see where the plot would go and how the characters would change. I was also hoping for a bit more action in Darkness Falls since Immortal Beloved had a slow start. Not to mention, the cover is of course, gorgeous!

First 50 Pages: Darkness Falls seemed to pick up right...more See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was definitely looking forward to reading Darkness Falls after finishing Immortal Beloved. I enjoyed the first book very much and I was excited to see where the plot would go and how the characters would change. I was also hoping for a bit more action in Darkness Falls since Immortal Beloved had a slow start. Not to mention, the cover is of course, gorgeous!

First 50 Pages: Darkness Falls seemed to pick up right where Immortal Beloved left off, except for this time, it seemed like the pace was much quicker and the book had a lot of action right from the beginning. In the first book there were a lot of flashbacks to the past that kind of dragged the storyline down. Not so much in this book, which made me very happy! The flashbacks are very few and far between and I really think it helped and made the book much better than the first novel.

Characters & Plot: Nastasya undergoes some major changes in this new book. She is fighting to resist her darker side and she ends up relapsing for an amount of time. Everything in her life seemed to just be falling apart for her, everything she touched went bad. In Darkness Falls, darkness truly is overtaking everything and people Nastasya cares about are getting hurt. This character was a bit frustrating for me. I wanted her to get better and get back on the right path towards good, but she was so indecisive about her decisions and what she really wanted. She hurt so many good people and by the end of the book, not all of her relationships are in good shape.

I FINALLY was able to learn more about River!! She is my favorite character even though she isn’t the main character of the story. She is just so kind, sweet, helpful and wants to do good everyone around her. In the first book, not much of her past is revealed. I was dying to know what exactly River had been through to make her like she is in the present. I knew her past would be dark, but I didn’t expect it would be what was revealed! Oh my! River is incredibly helpful to Nastasya. Nastasya believes she will never be a good person like River and I think River really made her believe that anything is possible, even with a dark and evil background that people can change.

There were a few more interesting characters in this book. I got to know Incy a little more, but I think more will be revealed of him later in the next book. He has a dark past too and Nastasya is almost desperate to help him, but she isn’t quite sure how. I’m interested to see what is going to happen with this character. There is also a new female character; again, she is very mysterious, named Miss Edna, who was obviously involved with darker magic. I’m dying to know what role she will play in the next book!

Once again, there isn’t a ton of romance in this book, which I really don’t mind. There is a little bit of a love triangle kind of thing going on with the introduction of Amy, who basically is lusting after Reyn. As if Nastasya and Reyn’s relationship isn’t complicated enough! They have this whole, love/hate thing happening even though they both do care for each other. I really want their relationship to work itself out in the next book. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Amy!

Final Thoughts: I am very happy with the way this book ended. It had some resolution with very little of a cliff-hanger. I think I liked Darkness Falls much more then I liked Immortal Beloved. There was a ton more action and character development in this book and I think overall it was very well done. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Immortal Beloved and to people who enjoy stories of immortals and the paranormal. It was very clever! (less)

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Jan 09, 2012 Liz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Nasty’s time at River’s Edge hasn’t been easy. Changing your whole life around doesn’t happen in one day. But Nasty’s gotten used to life there – even waking up before dawn to collect chicken eggs doesn’t seem so bad anymore. But soon, everything starts going wrong. Nasty seems to mess up everything she touches. Her New Year’s resolution to cast off her darkness seems to have been thrown back in her face – darkness is everywhere, infecting her and her surroundings. She’s hurting people she cares...more Nasty’s time at River’s Edge hasn’t been easy. Changing your whole life around doesn’t happen in one day. But Nasty’s gotten used to life there – even waking up before dawn to collect chicken eggs doesn’t seem so bad anymore. But soon, everything starts going wrong. Nasty seems to mess up everything she touches. Her New Year’s resolution to cast off her darkness seems to have been thrown back in her face – darkness is everywhere, infecting her and her surroundings. She’s hurting people she cares about, causing accidents and making things even more confusing with Reyn. What is going on? Why can’t she do anything right? And will she be able to stay on the path of good, or will she go back to the way she was? Her old friends are still searching for her – and they’re dangerously close.

Darkness Falls was an excellent follow up to Immortal Beloved. We found out a lot more about certain characters (including Lorenz, who was a minor but very interesting character), which I really enjoyed, and got to see how Nasty and Incy became friends. Nasty was her usual witty self in this book, but was also suffering a lot, and her past was really haunting her, causing her to spiral back into darkness. She relapsed for a while and definitely made some stupid mistakes, but I could see how hard things were for her, and how little she trusted anyone (including herself). I admit I got a bit frustrated with her indecision at times, but I also really felt for her, and was rooting for her the whole time. She had started to care about people, including everyone at River’s Edge, her co-worker Meriwether and a teenager called Dray, and felt genuinely upset when she made them angry and couldn’t help them. I really hope she manages to work things out with Meriwether and Dray in the future, because I think she needs them as much as they need her.

River - kind, sweet, amazing River - revealed a lot of her past to Nasty, which was fascinating. I knew that River had a dark past, but I really didn’t expect what we got here. River was the wisest, most solid and loving person at River’s Edge, and it was really weird seeing her as she was centuries ago. Nasty was convinced that she couldn’t be saved, that she was too dark to be good, but River disagreed. By showing Nasty her own, dark past, I think she managed to help Nasty see that she could get better. That everyone could be good if they truly wanted to and worked hard to make up for the awful things they did. River used to be worse than Nasty, but had managed to become the most genuinely lovely person you could imagine. I don’t know if I’d say she redeemed herself, but she was trying. And she taught everyone at River’s Edge that all you could do was try.

Another character we got to discover more about was Incy. He was a strange one. When he first came back in the story, he seemed completely normal. Nothing like the deranged guy in Nasty’s visions. I was a bit confused – as was Nasty. He acted like nothing happened, like a caring friend that was just worried. The rest of Nasty’s friends seemed normal and fine too. But as Incy and Nasty spent more time with each other, you could see something was very wrong with him. He was hiding something dark – and Nasty wanted to help, but wasn’t sure if she could by herself. I found Incy to be one of the most intriguing characters in this book, and I’m looking forward to book three to see what becomes of him.

Of course, there was also the Reyn/Nasty relationship to deal with, and with the arrival of Amy, a perfectly nice woman who was in lust at first sight with the Viking god, things got even more complicated. Nasty tried to act like she didn’t want Reyn, that she despised him and what his clan did to her family, but she was still drawn to him, and hated the fact that Amy wanted him too. Reyn quite clearly liked Nasty but got infuriated by her comments. It was a mess. They wanted each other, but they hated each other. They were attracted yet disgusted. By the end, a few things were resolved, but still. The problems between them – their history – will always remain. I’m wondering whether they can really get past it (I hope they can).

Plot-wise, this one was a little faster in pace and there was a bit more going on. A mysterious woman called “Miss Edna” was introduced (by name only) and was quite clearly involved in very dark magick. I have a feeling she’ll be a lot more prominent in the next book and I can’t wait to find out who she is. There was also a bit more action which I liked, and I also really loved the way Darkness Falls ended. It was satisfying but still left room for more, and the last line was pretty cool in my opinion.

Overall, I really enjoyed Darkness Falls and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoyed the first book (and to those who haven’t read the first book yet – read it!)(less)

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Jan 08, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't imagine reading this book without having read the first book. Not that the reader can't catch up because the story of the first book is reiterated in this one. I just so enjoyed the development of the relationships and revealing of Nastasya's past and connection with other characters (Reyn) which sets the stage so very well.

Once again, Nastasya's strong personality is the selling point. Her internal dialogue makes me laugh out loud. If you've read it, shout out if you remember 'Rock and...more

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Jan 06, 2012 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, well, this is kind of awkward since I came across this book first and didn't know it was the middle child of a trilogy. I usually say that the second book in a trilogy is the weakest one, but I read this novel as a stand alone. Color me shocked - I thought it was good enough for a standalone!

From the perspective of someone who believed this book to be a standalone:

I loved the premise. The immortality theme is more realistic than any other book I've come across, because here we actually see...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Bailey (IB Book Blogging) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

DARKNESS FALLS is an entertaining sequel to IMMORTAL BELOVED that falls a little short. While it was enjoyable, I felt like it was missing...something. The action was barely there until the end and the synopsis doesn't even begin to play out until the middle of the story. It does end on a happier note so I will be anxiously awaiting the last book in the trilogy.

Nastasya was much less annoying and immature than in IMMORTAL BELOVED. She has grown so much since first coming to River's Edge and I wa...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: received-review-copy, series, immortals, rehab, young-adult-fiction, adult-ya-crossovers, magic, dark, romance, relationship-problems, relationships

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Nastasya is a powerful immortal, more than 400 years old. She has come to River’s Edge to make peace with her past in a community of other immortals who are struggling with a host of problems. Think: rehab for immortals. Accustomed to living frivolous and violent lives, these recovering beings are attempting to learn how to be human again and how to live good, honest lives. Nastasya is uncomfortable in her own skin, and lately everything seems to be going wrong. She keeps having visions of her f...more Nastasya is a powerful immortal, more than 400 years old. She has come to River’s Edge to make peace with her past in a community of other immortals who are struggling with a host of problems. Think: rehab for immortals. Accustomed to living frivolous and violent lives, these recovering beings are attempting to learn how to be human again and how to live good, honest lives. Nastasya is uncomfortable in her own skin, and lately everything seems to be going wrong. She keeps having visions of her former best friend, Incy. When she casts out her darkness at their New Year’s celebration, Nas believes she has taken the first steps on the path to wellness. But soon after she is reunited with Incy and her past, and finds herself thrilled to be swept up in her former life. Thrilled until she discovers that Incy is using his power to steal power from others – draining humans and immortals alike to make himself stronger. This is dark magic at its worst. By the time she discovers this, it is too late to save the lives of her friends Kate and Boz, and nearly too late for herself. River’s quick intervention, and Nastasya’s own slapdash attempts to defend herself with her own formidable (but untrained) power are all that keeps Incy from doing his worst.

Although "Darkness Falls" is the second book in this series, it is a decent standalone story (I haven’t read the first book). Nastasya is a funny, if self-deprecating, character and many of her comments and insights (when she isn’t feeling too sorry for herself) are quite entertaining. This really does read like a diary of someone’s recovery from addiction – with all of the accompanying self-doubt and (inevitable) relapses. Although this is published for a teen audience (and some teens will probably enjoy it), Nastasya is an adult character, with adult (and waaaay beyond adult; immortal, even) problems. This will likely appeal more to older teens and adults who like their fantasy dark and a little scary, with a hint of steamy romance in the making.(less)

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The (Not-So) Aust...: Darkness Falls - December Read Discussion	1	4	Dec 19, 2012 01:37am
The Ultimate ABC ...: Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan	1	5	Mar 03, 2012 11:18am
Book Giveaways: Interview w/ Cate Tiernan/Giveaway!!	1	6	Feb 02, 2012 06:41am

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About Cate Tiernan

"was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1961. New Orleans is one of the most interesting American cities, and it has an incredibly rich and exotic culture that had a profound influence on me. Kids in other cities have lemonade stands; we sold voodoo gris-gris and made wax dolls in the likenesses of our enemies. It's a very beautiful city, and the constant heat and humidity make gardens grow out of contro...more "was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1961. New Orleans is one of the most interesting American cities, and it has an incredibly rich and exotic culture that had a profound influence on me. Kids in other cities have lemonade stands; we sold voodoo gris-gris and made wax dolls in the likenesses of our enemies. It's a very beautiful city, and the constant heat and humidity make gardens grow out of control. There's an air of lassitude there, a general acceptance of eccentic or flamboyant behavior--the heat simply makes people do crazy things.

I went to school in New York, and after school went back to New Orleans. Then I went back to New York (Manhattan) and got a job in publishing and started writing. My first book, a young, middle-grade chapter book, was published in 1990.

Living in Manhattan was incredible, even though I didn't have a lot of money. There was so much to do and see, and so many interesting people to watch. There was a lot of frenetic energy there, and sometimes that felt very wearing and hard to live with. After eight years I was ready for a change, and my husband and I moved back to New Orleans. (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

(While I was in NY, I helped edit "The Secret Circle" by L.J. Smith. I thought it was great.)

We stayed in New Orleans five years. By the time we had two small children we knew we had to find someplace safer to live. I was glad my children were born in New Orleans--I had been born there, and my father had, and his father had, and his father had and so on. There was something about the connection of generations of blood coming from one place that I found very primal and important.

Now I live in a cohousing community in Durham, NC. This is the most suburban place I've ever lived, and it's very different from living right in the middle of a city. For one thing, there aren't enough coffee shops. However, it's incredibly safe, and the community is very important to me. There are a lot of strong women here, and I find them inspiring.

Am I a witch? Well, no. Even Wicca is too organized a religion for me. I'm much more idiosyncratic and just need to do my own thing, which is kind of new-agey and pantheistic. It's not that I don't work or play well with others, but I need to decide for myself when I do a certain thing, and how I do it. However, I can really relate to Wicca, and I so appreciate its woman-centeredness and its essentially female identity. I love those aspects, among others.

I have several favorite writers. Barbara Hambly has been the biggest influence on how I describe magic. She's an incredibly imaginative and empathetic writer with a gift for creating a rich, sensual world. I love Barbara Pym, an English writer whose books came out mostly in the fifties. She was a master at describing the thousand tiny moments that make up a woman's day; how the seemingly small and inconsequential thing can suddenly take on a huge emotional importance. I greatly admire P.D. James. She's one of the very few writers who makes me actually look up words in the dictionary. She has a beautiful, precise, educated command of the language that leaves me in awe. I love Philip Larkin's poetry. I read a lot of nonfiction and also have some favorite romance writers. Before anyone groans, let me say that these women write really well about women trying to achieve emotional fulfillment, and that's kind of what we're all doing, right? I also just like reading about sex. Anyway, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and early Linda Howard are my faves.

And then of course there's my dark side, but more on that later.

" -Source

Cate Tiernan is a pseudonym for Gabrielle Charbonnet (less)

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Quotes from Darkness Falls

“Oh my God, can you see me? I thought I was wearing my invisibility cloak.” — 30 people liked it

“You went to all that trouble just for my body?" I said, amazed and so grateful.
Reyn looked up, irritation on his face. "Yeah. We were going to have you stuffed, as an example to future students."
I grinned, "You could put me on wheels, move me from room to room.” — 20 people liked it

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Darkness Falls (Immortal Beloved #2)

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