The Vampire's Daughter (Of Light and Darkness, #1) by Shayne Leighton

Aug 21, 2011 Natalie Star rated it 5 of 5 stars

A vampire finds an abandoned human baby - and takes her in to raise her?... okay that concept drew me in. This is Shayne's debut novel so I wasn't sure what to expect. I loved the story and enjoyed the characters. She is heavy on the descriptions and usually that throws me off when I am reading a story, but the way she writes sucked me in. There were no problems with the pacing. If you like vampire reads this is a must for you :)

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Mar 06, 2013 Suzanne (Paranormal Pages) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampires

A high 3.5 stars, but not quite 4

This may be one of the more disturbing YA books that I've read but I did really enjoy it and Shayne had no trouble holding my attention from the word go. But it wasn't perfect, and I did have my issues with it. There were some mistakes I noticed, not spelling or grammer, but one thing being said at one stage and then this being completely changed later on. Like at one point, Valek doesn't want Charlotte in the room when he is going to "sleep" because he's most vo...more A high 3.5 stars, but not quite 4

This may be one of the more disturbing YA books that I've read but I did really enjoy it and Shayne had no trouble holding my attention from the word go. But it wasn't perfect, and I did have my issues with it. There were some mistakes I noticed, not spelling or grammer, but one thing being said at one stage and then this being completely changed later on. Like at one point, Valek doesn't want Charlotte in the room when he is going to "sleep" because he's most volatile at this time and might attack her, but later, it's ok for her to lie in a coffin with him for this.

The vampire Valek finds Charlotte as an abandoned baby on the streets of Prague, takes her home and raises her like a daughter. Makes him sound like one of the nice, romanticised vampires right? But no, he's actually quite disgusting. As we first meet eighteen year old Charlotte, she is out hunting for a human for Valek, as he's not allowed to pass beyond the walls of the occult, she isn't noticed as no humans are supposed to be on the inside.

She's also developing quite an un-daughterly like crush on Valek, which he eventually comes to return. Quite disturbing!! But, I feel these characters changed completely under the strenuous circumstances that they find themselves in, and as we don't really see much interaction as parent and child, I had to keep reminding myself of this. I couldn't really invest in the whole romance between them, but I could of course, understand how they would love each other. But then predicaments that Charlotte finds herself in because of Valek, leaves me questioning that love.

Charlotte, unsurprisingly, is not like other eighteen year old girls, having been raised by a vampire, and not being too bothered by him drinking human blood, killing humans, and keeping bodies in the freezer, maybe the inappropriate relationship is not surprising under these circumstances. But, he's the man who raised her, protected her, and comforted her when she was upset. She knows the way she feels about him is wrong, but she can't help her feelings.

Valek is a nasty type vampire. He needs blood daily or the monster arises, he has claws as hands and when he sleeps during the day, he actually dies and becomes corpse like. I can't see the attraction, but I enjoyed him as a character, and as weird as it was, I eventually found myself rooting for them, when an even more dangerous arrangement is put in their way.

I enjoyed the world building. There's all kinds of supernaturals in these books, but they all live under the rule of Wizards. Aiden, one of Charlotte's closest friends, is a wizard, and I found myself really liking him. Things really take a twist around him, but I won't say anymore, don't want to give too much away. There's quite a few interesting secondary characters who add to this story. It has a lot of action and living on the edge, a fast paced page turner.

I didn't like the cover for this book, but after reading it, it's actually quite fitting. And while I did have a few problems with this book, I still enjoyed this story overall and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.(less)

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Jul 10, 2011 Cassandra (The Book & Movie Dimension blogger) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, paranormal, paranormal-romance

Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog

I was amazed by Of Light and Darkness since it was unlike most other paranormal books. The romantic dynamic is a different one but sweet. Charlotte has only known Valek her vampire guardian and then he is threatened so she goes against all odds to protect her life with him. Someone close to her wants something different though. Little does Charlotte know that someone. With its sensual feel and paranormal twists you'll be happy...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Daniela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Vampire Valek never had someone to share his eternal life with. Before he found his Lottie he was a very lonely man. But then a miracle happened, he stumbled upon a little baby girl. A human. And Valek couldn't help himself, he took her to his home and raised her, even though it was strictly against The Occult laws. No humans were allowed to know that magical beings really existed, too bad Valek was never the sort to follow the rules.
As Charlotte (Lottie) matures, she begins to grow intimate fee...more Vampire Valek never had someone to share his eternal life with. Before he found his Lottie he was a very lonely man. But then a miracle happened, he stumbled upon a little baby girl. A human. And Valek couldn't help himself, he took her to his home and raised her, even though it was strictly against The Occult laws. No humans were allowed to know that magical beings really existed, too bad Valek was never the sort to follow the rules.
As Charlotte (Lottie) matures, she begins to grow intimate feelings for her father-figure/big-brother Valek. She tries not to, but she can't help herself either. She's falling in love with the vampire who raised her. But does Valek feel the same way? Is it destiny that brought them together? Is it even right to feel this way for him?
Unfortunately, Valek isn't the only one Charlotte has to worry about. Her childhood friend, Aiden, seems to find her equally interesting. But it's not love that's on his mind, it's power. Lottie is about to find out the real person hidden inside Aiden. Magical beings are never who they say they are.
Meanwhile, light forces are gathering. Their plan: Get rid of all the Vampires. It's a purge. A genocide.
And unfortunately, Valek is the main vampire they want dead. He started this war, now he's got to end it.
Of Light and Darkness blew me away. It's a different sort of read, and I really enjoyed it. The love was incredibly twisted, I honestly don't know if I agree with it or not. Valek isn't Charlotte's real father, but he did raise her. And yet, it just didn't seem right. There was nonstop action throughout the book and for once in my life, I read a book where vampires were the ones being attacked and not vice versa. Definitely refreshing.
The characters were only a bit of a problem for me. While Charlotte tried her hardest to be strong, she was insufferable. She was considerably brave in the beginning, but then she started getting whiny and I grew tired of her. I loved her determination and willpower, but her I'm-a-delicate-doll act got unbearable. She wasn't the strongest heroine in the book, she was more of a damsel in distress and if that's what Leighton wanted her to be, then Lottie's character and personality came out perfectly.
Valek's character developed very well throughout the book. He started off with this brotherly love for Lottie, but as the plot thickened, his love grew passionate. I didn't have any problems with him at all. I loved how he wasn't the tough, invincible vampire that did whatever he wanted. His flaws were loud and clear. He couldn't go out in the daylight, he died every sunrise, and Lottie was like a chain holding him down most of the time.
The plot was not that hard to predict. I knew how things would end, it was the in-between stuff that kept me latched. Mostly with the twisted romance, the kidnappings, the attacks, and such. The world Leighton created was brilliant. I loved how everything fit in perfectly and I wasn't confused half the time. I could get a clear picture of everything in my head without having to try hard and yet it wasn't so easy as to make me feel stupid. The pace was consistent, but there were some spots where it slowed down a notch.
Overall, Of Light and Darkness is more like a fairy tale. It's a light, enjoyable read with a small love triangle keeping us on the edge. There were still some questions unanswered and I'm curious to see what happens next. I think Of Light and Darkness would definitely make a great movie.(less)

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May 07, 2012 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, I was sent this back in February, but I got really behind with me e-book reading so I must firstly apologize for my lateness!
Now I have my ipad, I'm finding it easier to get through books and I actually started and finished this book today. Man I love lazy Bank Holiday Mondays!
Charlotte is found abandoned as a baby, but she is found by a Vampire, Valek decides to take her home and brings her up. It's a strange arrang...more I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, I was sent this back in February, but I got really behind with me e-book reading so I must firstly apologize for my lateness!
Now I have my ipad, I'm finding it easier to get through books and I actually started and finished this book today. Man I love lazy Bank Holiday Mondays!
Charlotte is found abandoned as a baby, but she is found by a Vampire, Valek decides to take her home and brings her up. It's a strange arrangement but it works for them, they live in a designated Occult area, safe and sound with other magical beings like witches and fairies. Until things start to go wrong and the two of them must decide what they really want.
I must say this book did hook me in immediately and I found myself unable to put it down. The whole world/setting in Prague is really good and well written, the imagery is clear and the characters full of personality. I liked Valek - kind of like the gentle monster, wanting to do good but held back by his circumstances. Charlotte is feisty and quite independant, but also has moments of insecurity. The two of them work really well together.
However I must point out that in places I found their relationship creepy. It starts out as a father/daughter thing, he is her guardian, she his little girl. Then as she grows up she develops feelings for him. Of course they are not actually related so that isn't necessarily an issue, however if he has been a father figure for that long it is a little weird. However I went with it and they do make a good pair. But I just wish they would pick one circumstance and stick with it. Either become 'lovers' or stay as father/daughter, not both. Valek seemed to flick between, one minute he would be saying things like 'she's my little girl.', 'i'm her father'. then the next be kissing her. If he is going to move on and they were going to have a relationship, he needs to drop the fatherly act otherwise it's just creepy and it did make my skin crawl a little bit.
Other than that I really did enjoy the story, the magic, mystery, action and characters really pulled me in.
The last 100 pages are particularly action packed and have a lot of twists and turns, and I devoured those pages even quicker.
I really got into the world and I would read the second one. Once you put aside the weird relationship the rest of the book is fab!!!(less)

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Apr 26, 2012 BookHookup rated it 3 of 5 stars

**This novel was given to The Book Hookup but did not influence the review**

Celeste’s review: A vampire found a human baby and then raised her as his own because there was something about her that was so pure it spoke to him….that appealed to me straight away….such a different concept! I was fascinated with the idea of a human girl living in a magical world. However, Charlotte, the human girl, is now an adult and has feelings for her vampire, Valek. eek. I tried to get past this, but I just had...more **This novel was given to The Book Hookup but did not influence the review**

Celeste’s review: A vampire found a human baby and then raised her as his own because there was something about her that was so pure it spoke to him….that appealed to me straight away….such a different concept! I was fascinated with the idea of a human girl living in a magical world. However, Charlotte, the human girl, is now an adult and has feelings for her vampire, Valek. eek. I tried to get past this, but I just had such a hard time with the concept of a father figure as a romantic interest.

My plan was to try and put the background of their relationship out of my mind and focus on the rest of the story. In this novel, the vampires of the world are the target of a genocide. They are the traditional vampires we are familiar with, but the rest of the society and secondary characters were written so well. The magical elves in power want to wipe every last vampire out and rule the world on their own. At the same time the next heir to power, elf Aiden, wants Charlotte for himself. So now the couple Charlotte and Valek are in even more danger, which is the story that is told here.

Ms. Leighton has a fabulous imagination, I truly loved all the characters in this world, I felt as though I could picture them perfectly. Every time a vampire’s hand was described as a claw, I could just visualize the cold, dead skin. I loved Mr. Trinozka and Edwin, although both creepy, they were both creatively fascinting at the same time.

The fight to save both Charlotte and the vampires was intense and quite a few times I wasn’t sure who was going to be killed and who would survive. It definitely kept my attention and I wanted to find out what would happen. There seemed to be several parts of the story that were unclear, slight inconsistencies, but did not take away from the story and something a great editor would catch. All in all it was an entertaining read and Shayne Leighton definiteley has a fantastic imagination.(less)

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Nov 02, 2011 Dawn Vanniman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Finally, a vampire that acts like a vampire. I mean, Valek needs blood to survive and he doesn't hid it and he doesn't hesitate to do what he has to do to get it. Valek rescued a human child about twenty years ago and now she's all grown up and doesn't look at Valek as a father figure anymore. She's realizing that he's quite the catch and is ready to take on the challenge of being with a vampire. Charlotte is no wimpy girl, she holds her own against werewolves, elves, vampires and witches.

The se...more Finally, a vampire that acts like a vampire. I mean, Valek needs blood to survive and he doesn't hid it and he doesn't hesitate to do what he has to do to get it. Valek rescued a human child about twenty years ago and now she's all grown up and doesn't look at Valek as a father figure anymore. She's realizing that he's quite the catch and is ready to take on the challenge of being with a vampire. Charlotte is no wimpy girl, she holds her own against werewolves, elves, vampires and witches.

The setting for the story is inside and just outside of Prague, a city that seems to be getting a lot of attention in new releases lately. I think it's history lends itself to lots of paranormal stories, it's wonderful to visit someplace new! There are cities called "Occult Cities" where all the magical folks live and they aren't allowed to leave their cities, the elves passed that law. But if vampires don't leave, they can't feed. For years, Charlotte has done the initial hunting for Valek, but now the elves are out for her too.

Of course Valek and Charlotte can't just fall in love and live happily ever after. The elves are the light-bearers in this universe and they've decided to destroy all the vampires as they are hateful and live in the dark. The biggest problem is that the next in line for the throne is Aiden, an elf who grew up with Charlotte and who is infatuated with her and determined to keep her from Valek.

The setting for the story is inside and just outside of Prague, a city that seems to be getting a lot of attention in new releases lately. I think it's history lends itself to lots of paranormal stories, it's wonderful to visit someplace new! There are cities called "Occult Cities" where all the magical folks live and they aren't allowed to leave their cities, the elves passed that law. But if vampires don't leave, they can't feed. For years, Charlotte has done the initial hunting for Valek, but now the elves are out for her too.

This is the author's debut book and I think she's done a delightful job. My e-reader let me know that my tv was lonely as I was reading this book instead of watching tv during primetime. :) I think that's a good indication of how wonderful the story is...I gave up watching Big Bang Theory just to finish it. ;)(less)

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Oct 26, 2012 Beth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, vampires, paranmormal, shapeshifters, elves, werewolves

Valek Ruzik, vampire, was touring the night in Prague when he discovers an abandon human child. He calls her Charlotte and take her home where he raises her as his daughter.

Charlotte Ruzikova is now a grown woman and assists in bringing victims for Valek to feed from. You see the Wizards, elves, have enacted a rule that no Occult member can cross the town boards into the human realm. This leaves Valek unable to secure his own meal.

There is a power play going on that threatens all creatures that...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Jasmine Villanova rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beneath the Moon and Stars review

This book is 258 pages of awesome. It had the perfect amount of humor, plot, and romance.

I really liked Charlotte. Of course in the beginning I thought her relationship with Valek was super creepy. First he was a father figure then he was like a brother then all of the sudden she was in love with him. Their relationship seemed a little rushed but they were super adorable together. That was probably my favorite part. Valek was kinda creepy. He was always thinking...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Kristerrn! rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: galleys

Okay so lets start of with their relationship. It was creepy with a capital C. Seriously this dude is like her adoptive dad, why the hell would he see her as anything other than his daughter. The story was good I liked the way it wasn't just vamps against vamps, there where elves, witches and even spider people (which I loooved). I don't know this story just didn't appeal to me despite it having some of my favourite creatures in. I found myself getting increasingly bored with the story, it was t...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Leonor (Ner) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge, fantasy, kobo, magic, net-galley, paranormal, ebook, romance, vampires, young-adult, review

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ALso published in "A Cup of Coffee and a Book"

Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was quite a surprise to me. I admit I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Honestly, when I began reading it I was scared of what would come out of it being this a paranormal story between a vampire and a human – we all are aware, I think, of the huge hype around this sort of romance since Twilight came out.

However, as soon as I got deep and deeper...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Rola rated it 4 of 5 stars

a copy of this novel + a signed bookmark can be won here:
http://xoreads.blogspot.ca/2012/07/in...

Wow. Upon recieving this novel from the Author Shayne Leighton, my expectations were average. I've recieved many novels to review from authors- and I havent been completely impressed by any. Until Now. The Vampire's Daughter was worth every second i spent reading it. As soon as you start reading you are drawn into the world that Leighton has created- and it's a great one indeed. THIS is what true va...more a copy of this novel + a signed bookmark can be won here:
http://xoreads.blogspot.ca/2012/07/in...

Wow. Upon recieving this novel from the Author Shayne Leighton, my expectations were average. I've recieved many novels to review from authors- and I havent been completely impressed by any. Until Now. The Vampire's Daughter was worth every second i spent reading it. As soon as you start reading you are drawn into the world that Leighton has created- and it's a great one indeed. THIS is what true vampires are like. HELLO EDWARD welcome to true vampire nature. Dark & Gruesome, that want BLOOD , regardless of who it comes from when they're hungry. I loved the way Leighton was able bring back the vampires we have grown up - the ones that haunted your nightmares as a child. They do not drink animal blood- nor do they sparkle. They hunt humans to feed, and when they're starving you best not be in the same room as them- even if you are their human lover. The author did a wonderful job showing Valek's struggle with being with Charlotte. How he tried his best to hide his true nature from her, especially when he was hungry- but sometimes it got the best of him. Thats The truth about real vampires (as real as they could get, anyways.)

I loved the development of the relationship between Valek & Charlotte. How he first began raising her as a father- but it quickly grew into something more as she grew into a young woman & he unaging. The story is, well, both Light & Dark. Their relationship vs The truth about their life- its a complex story that keeps readers drawn into the novel.

The innocent jealousy between Charlotte & Valek is believable. Charlotte with Aiden, Valek with Evangeline- Leighton is able to drop little signs that the relationship between Charlotte & Valek isn't as simple as it was years ago, when he found her on the streets abandoned & brought her home to raise. Their feelings slowly develop & the process is shown clearly to the reader- so it's not just SMACK in your face ... "Hey where did THAT relationship come from??!!? Thought she was his daughter :O " Nope none of that! (Thank god)

When we are introduced to the Relaationship between Aiden & Charlotte, we see charlotte's struggle. it's clear that Aiden likes her- and she appears to like him too- but that quickly disappears with Valek in the picture. All's fair in love and war? Hell yeah, you will quickly realize that that theory isn't too far off. Aiden, the next ruler of the regime, will do anything to make Charlotte his queen- while Valek would rather burn in the sun & destroy any that touch his little Lottie. It is indeed a great love traingle.

I do feel though that everything was set up little too perfectly. The moments Evangeline or Sarah are like "Oh they wont find us" or "This wont happen right now" , and then it happens as soon as they finish their sentance......what? its not all too believable.

I am defenitly anticipating the next novel in the series... and also, did you guys know that the novel is being made into a movie as well??! with the author, Shayne Leighton as Charlotte?! SO Cool.(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a very unusual Vampire story and I loved it. The story was non-stop from beginning to end and I am really excited for book 2.

Valek Ruzik is a vampire. He is wondering around Prague and goes along a park when he hears noises behind a bush. Upon investigating the noise, he finds a baby girl that has been abandoned. He is worried she has been forgotten, but there is nobody around. The beautiful girl has drawn him in and he cannot leave her there and so he takes her home.

Skip forward 17 year...more This is a very unusual Vampire story and I loved it. The story was non-stop from beginning to end and I am really excited for book 2.

Valek Ruzik is a vampire. He is wondering around Prague and goes along a park when he hears noises behind a bush. Upon investigating the noise, he finds a baby girl that has been abandoned. He is worried she has been forgotten, but there is nobody around. The beautiful girl has drawn him in and he cannot leave her there and so he takes her home.

Skip forward 17 years and Charlotte is grown. They have been living happily together in a routine. Charlotte would go hunting for Valek, as he is not allowed to leave the boundaries of his Occult or City. The laws of the Regime forbid anybody with magical blood to leave the boundaries. As Charlotte is not of magical blood, she is the hunter. The past couple of times she went hunting, she has been attacked by a Lycan. What has changed that she is now in so much danger?

Charlotte sees one of her childhood friends, an Elf named Aiden. She has had a crush on him for a while and he seems to have feelings for her also. Evangeline is a Witch and likes Valek, Charlotte comes home from hunting to find them in a compromising position. Charlotte is devastated and the way she thinks of Valek is changing from father figure to lover.

The Regime has declared war on all Vampires and is out to capture and destroy them all. They claim they are darkness and therefore evil. Valek and Charlotte are on the run and find a long-time friend of Valek’s to stay with in hiding.

Can Valek and Charlotte’s love last and what type of love is it? Aiden isn't what he seems and wants Charlotte for himself. What will happen with the Regime? Are the Vampire’s able to live in peace? What is Charlotte’s fate?

This is a Vampire story like no other. The magical components as well as vampires and lycan’s all contribute into an awesome story. Human girl falls for Vampire, but it is a very different story from Twilight. It is very well written and has such an easy flow that you cannot put it down. The characters are beautifully created and have their own little attitudes, that they could all really become main characters. There is so much potential for them all in future books. I can’t wait for number 2 and highly recommend this to all that enjoys a vampire story.(less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-read-in-2012, paranormal-read-in-2012, read-in-2012

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. Valek Ruzik is one of the last of the vampires left. While out hunting one night he comes across an abandoned baby girl. For some reason he decides to take her home to raise. Charlotte grows up in a world where she is the odd one. There is witches, elves and many more creatures that live here. They are all safe as long as they don't leave the area around their home. As Charlotte grows older it becomes her duty...more I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. Valek Ruzik is one of the last of the vampires left. While out hunting one night he comes across an abandoned baby girl. For some reason he decides to take her home to raise. Charlotte grows up in a world where she is the odd one. There is witches, elves and many more creatures that live here. They are all safe as long as they don't leave the area around their home. As Charlotte grows older it becomes her duty to bring her adopted dad Valek home food to eat since he can't leave. His food of course being humans. As she gets older and more beautiful she soon realizes that it may not be fatherly love she feels for Valek. When a dictator decides to wipe out Valek's kind for good, the two find themselves in a fight for their lives and more.

Valek is a vampire that never hides the fact he needs human blood or that he is what he is. This is a great thing in the fact he seems more old school vampire vs the new sparkly ones. He is tries to protect Charlotte from everything including himself as he fights his feelings for her. Charlotte is an amazing female lead. She grew up with a vampire knowing what he is and it didn't turn her away from him. He always protected her from all evil things as he could. She does start to feel bad about bringing him home humans and I like that the author does show how she is conflicted in her emotions. It makes her more real.

You really get a feel for the world you are reading about in this book. The author builds it up all through the book. You would think it would be creepy reading about a love growing between a vampire and human who are raised as father and daughter but it is not an issue. Why not you may ask because they both know all along they are not kin and have no secrets. It is an amazing story to read. There is fight scenes so if action is you thing have no fear. You also get betrayal, heart ache, you get to see just what all Charlotte is willing to grow through to help Valek. She will do anything for him and proves how much she loves him. It is a fantastic book and I look forward to more by this author.(less)

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Sep 18, 2012 Clara rated it 1 of 5 stars

I received this novel very unexpectedly because you may know this novel will be a movie, coming out in 2013. For me that's already a warning sign on how good this book will be. Usually novels, that turn into books-which means every movie out there these days- are either incredibly amazing, or down right sad and pathetic of a book, not trying to be harsh, but that's my opinion. So I'm on the later side of things for Of Light and Darkness. I'm someone who can't keep reading a book when they've mad...more I received this novel very unexpectedly because you may know this novel will be a movie, coming out in 2013. For me that's already a warning sign on how good this book will be. Usually novels, that turn into books-which means every movie out there these days- are either incredibly amazing, or down right sad and pathetic of a book, not trying to be harsh, but that's my opinion. So I'm on the later side of things for Of Light and Darkness. I'm someone who can't keep reading a book when they've made up their mind about disliking it. I read up to page 77, and was like "No, nope, no more, I can't handle this."

I write honest reviews, and I don't get paid to do this either from the recent news about authors paying reviewers. So when I looked up the author of this novel, my thoughts weren't particularly joyous. It maybe a Hollywood actor, who is writing an album, and a ya series, but you have to have flaws in what you do, especially with that much you do. I wouldn't say that her writing was bad per se, but I just didn't enjoy the story. It felt like everything else on the shelves at my local B&N ya section. Some supernatural bimbo falling desperately in love with something that is totally wrong for her.

Characters were a big part of what made me stop. I couldn't keep reading from whoever the red-headed human girl was. She is one of my least favorite characters because of her willingness and self-proclaimed soul mate to her guardian. For me that's incest. I couldn't keep on reading without having my walls up on incest and other things in that area. I just couldn't.
Who I did love, even though it was extremely brief was the demon, Edwin. Maybe it was because of his interaction with Charlotte was brief, but he seems like an important character in the future.

A relationship that because I don't have all the info on might change my mind about is that the true enemy of the vampires are elves. I'm like WHAT?!?!? Are you kidding me? Those elves do nothing, except be doctors from what I read, and they are the vampire's natural enemy? Oh Gosh! I don't know how else to explain how irritable I am because of that. Elves are supposed to be forest creatures and can protect animals, and things of that nature. I don't see how the paths of vampires, and elves can cross that easily.

Moving on, I won't recommed this book to anyone, really. When the movie comes out I won't watch it. If it becomes a success like the Hunger Games or Twilight, I still won't have anything to do with it except accept all the hype from my friends. I don't like where Hollywood is going with their movies, and how close-minded publishers are about what will sell in the ya section of the bookstore. Honestly young adults do read! Not all of them, but if you give them the right books, then THEY WILL!!! That's all I'm asking. So, going back to the review and off of that tangent, I give Of Light and Darkness by Shayne Leighton a head shakes vigorously, thumb pointing down, mad face for the waste of my time, and disappointed eyes. (1 out of 5)

If you liked my brutally honest review, I promise you that not all of my reviews are bad, please check out my blog @ http://readrw.blogspot.com/(less)

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Aug 01, 2011 Debbie (at) I Heart YA Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What came to mind, as I read Of Light and Darkness, was that the two leading characters—Valek and Charlotte—kicked Bella and Edward’s butt lol! When I think of a human teenage girl in love with a vampire, this is the way it would be for me: dark, wicked, and very sensual. Charlotte and Valek was all that and more, I want more of these two. I love a vampire that does what a vampire is supposed to do. Thank you, Shayne Leighton, for writing Valek’s character how a vampire should really be in a Par...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Kaila rated it 3 of 5 stars

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.

Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Lucie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dynamic and enjoyable to read. This novel mixes magical creatures and humans. It takes the reader into a modern world while making you travel elsewhere ...

We meet engaging characters hidden behind the masks of monsters and cruel villains hidden behind the ones of adorable and nice fellows. The good and the evil are competing, but not always in the most likely camps. The codes are then upset. This is what makes this story interesting and entertaining... Love triangle, betrayal, jalousy, thirst of...more

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Sep 17, 2012 KatieBookQueen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed At: http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...

Usually I avoid Vampire books in fear of them being cliché but I can tell you now that this is a Vampire book like no other. Set in a world full of Witches, Elves and even giant talking spiders, this book really is in a league of its own!

Of Light and Darkness follows the story of Charlotte who was discovered on the streets as a child by Vampire, Valek. He raises her like a daughter but as she is growing into a woman, things are starting to c...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review can be veiwed at My Two Cents

"I wouldn't say this book was a huge disappointment, or that I was strongly let down, but I was hoping for something a little more. The Summary of this book is what caught my attention, and intrigued me, but through out there always seemed to be something missing from this book. In fact after about 60% of the book I started to grow bored of reading it.

The prologue starts with a little bit of action, and sets up and eerie aura of doom and darkness, as we...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-booklist

When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness

Beautifully written story about a human girl who was abandoned as a baby who was found by a Vampire and raised as his own. You have your witches, vampires, Phasers, Elves and Wizards in a beautifully written story of love, war, death. What would you do if someone you loved life was in danger? Charlotte, our human charac...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Candace Charee' rated it 5 of 5 stars

Of Light and Darkness Is a beautiful magical story that captures you from the first sentence. Shayne has done a most terrific job of bringing you into the story and making you feel as if you were right there with the characters. This book will make you cry, laugh, be afraid and feel pure joy! It is honestly one of the very best books I have ever read! It is master crafted in such a way that gives you hope that there ARE great books out there since Twilight lol I give this book not 5 stars but 50...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Heather B (Owlnestly Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Owlnestly Book Reviews

I found this book to be quite refreshing. It was everything that I looked for in my reading, but with twists that were unexpected and exhilarating. I loved the fact that the vampires didn't sparkle, and did exactly what vampire should do, which is be a vampire. Shayne didn't try to make the vampires attractive to teenage girls, but they still seemed to be. I have always been attracted to the concept of immortal beings that are dark and misunderstood, but maybe don't really...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Valerie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, 2012-tbr-pile-reading-challenge

My Summary:

Found by a vampire as a baby, Charlotte has lived in the mythical world all her life. Now as a young adult, she hunts for her vampire and questions the relationship they have. He has stopped being a father figure to her and started being something more. But the powers that be want him gone and another wants Charlotte as his own. Struggling to deal with the turmoil of the only world she's ever knows and her developing feelings for the one who raised her, Charlotte must figure out how t...more My Summary:

Found by a vampire as a baby, Charlotte has lived in the mythical world all her life. Now as a young adult, she hunts for her vampire and questions the relationship they have. He has stopped being a father figure to her and started being something more. But the powers that be want him gone and another wants Charlotte as his own. Struggling to deal with the turmoil of the only world she's ever knows and her developing feelings for the one who raised her, Charlotte must figure out how to save all the ones she loves.

My Thoughts:

2 stars - not my taste but maybe yours

This book is a traditional vampire world with most of the common lore. I think I may prefer the more urban fantasy world of vampires compared to the traditional world. I don't care for the casual killing to survive that vampires do in the traditional worlds. I guess that makes me a western civilization girl, which is true.

The POV of the book moves between different characters. At first, the book spent a lot of time in Charlotte's head but then the POV started moving around a lot. At times, this confused me. I had developed an idea of a character and then I was in his head and it was really different than what I had thought before. Maybe I have 2 or 3 limit on points of view per book.

The idea of Charlotte being raised by Valek and then having him as a love interest was hard for me to deal with. I just couldn't get past it.

As for the plot, it wasn't predictable for me. That may have been because I was unclear about a few things. I didn't understand why in one situation, things were dangerous for Charlotte but then later in the same situation, it wasn't dangerous anymore.

What did I like about the book? Well I was compelled to finish it. I wanted to know what would happen. I think that's important because a lot of books I don't like, I never finish. I wanted to know the outcome. I don't think I will want to read the next book though. I'm content with this ending.

So this book wasn't for me but it may be for you. (less)

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Sep 07, 2011 Fathima rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW !!!! Thank you sooooooo much Shayne for bringing back the vampires that we all grew up listening about . Shayne manages to criss cross every recent vampire interpretation that we have heard or read about in recent times and successfully teleports us back to the 'Dracula' days kind of vampires . And she does it with a panache . Valek and Charlotte are just so cute . Their love story,shy and soft . It is definitely one of the best Vampire based love story i've come about . A must read for Vamp...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Karla(Book Addict) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, vampires, trapped-me

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile

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Dec 01, 2012 Nancy (Tumbling Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just love when, after having put aside a book for a while (because I had very little time to read), I can simply pick it up and continue reading it without being confused about what was going on. Trust me, with some books I'm actually scared to do that. I had no such worried with Of Light and Darkness and just knowing that I wouldn't feel lost when I picked it up again made me love it even more.

Reading this book felt a bit different than reading other young adult books, it felt mature and it r...more

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Apr 26, 2012 Celeste rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: asked-to-review, vampires

**This novel was given to The Book Hookup but did not influence the review**

Celeste’s review: A vampire found a human baby and then raised her as his own because there was something about her that was so pure it spoke to him….that appealed to me straight away….such a different concept! I was fascinated with the idea of a human girl living in a magical world. However, Charlotte, the human girl, is now an adult and has feelings for her vampire, Valek. eek. I tried to get past this, but I just had...more **This novel was given to The Book Hookup but did not influence the review**

Celeste’s review: A vampire found a human baby and then raised her as his own because there was something about her that was so pure it spoke to him….that appealed to me straight away….such a different concept! I was fascinated with the idea of a human girl living in a magical world. However, Charlotte, the human girl, is now an adult and has feelings for her vampire, Valek. eek. I tried to get past this, but I just had such a hard time with the concept of a father figure as a romantic interest.

My plan was to try and put the background of their relationship out of my mind and focus on the rest of the story. In this novel, the vampires of the world are the target of a genocide. They are the traditional vampires we are familiar with, but the rest of the society and secondary characters were written so well. The magical elves in power want to wipe every last vampire out and rule the world on their own. At the same time the next heir to power, elf Aiden, wants Charlotte for himself. So now the couple Charlotte and Valek are in even more danger, which is the story that is told here.

Ms. Leighton has a fabulous imagination, I truly loved all the characters in this world, I felt as though I could picture them perfectly. Every time a vampire’s hand was described as a claw, I could just visualize the cold, dead skin. I loved Mr. Trinozka and Edwin, although both creepy, they were both creatively fascinting at the same time.

The fight to save both Charlotte and the vampires was intense and quite a few times I wasn’t sure who was going to be killed and who would survive. It definitely kept my attention and I wanted to find out what would happen. There seemed to be several parts of the story that were unclear, slight inconsistencies, but did not take away from the story and something a great editor would catch. All in all it was an entertaining read and Shayne Leighton definiteley has a fantastic imagination.(less)

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Nov 23, 2011 Dani rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires

I don't think I'm going to do a full review of this one since I've got a backlog of obligations I'm currently working through, but I'll do a short one...

When vampire Valek Ruzik comes across an abandoned human baby in the streets of Prague, he decides to fight his baser instincts and raise her as his ward. Now 19 years later, that baby girl -- Charlotte -- has grown into a lovely young woman. A young woman who has begun to develop confusing, romantic feelings for him.

Unfortunately for Valek, on...more I don't think I'm going to do a full review of this one since I've got a backlog of obligations I'm currently working through, but I'll do a short one...

When vampire Valek Ruzik comes across an abandoned human baby in the streets of Prague, he decides to fight his baser instincts and raise her as his ward. Now 19 years later, that baby girl -- Charlotte -- has grown into a lovely young woman. A young woman who has begun to develop confusing, romantic feelings for him.

Unfortunately for Valek, on top of difficulty navigating new emotional territory with Charlotte, it's not a good time to be a vampire. Reviled by the governing body of magical creatures the rights of vampires have been more and more restricted, until it becomes clear that government means to do away with the race for good. Soon Valek & Charlotte are on the run from those would do them harm.

This book held particular interest for me, because the harsher realities of vampirism are not hidden or glamorized, and the vampires do not apologize for who they are -- much. It's interesting to me that these characters, Valek & Charlotte, are what you'd normally consider the "good guys" but only if you ,the reader, are accepting of a little moral relativism. They definitely don't follow a moral code that the majority of western civilization would consider acceptable, particularly regarding the sanctity of human life. And like I said, this made the book interesting, though I wished it had more expanded on the topic more. There were no long explanations of these characters' actions or philosophies to any satisfying extent. It was simply was.

The main issue I had with this book, is the character development. I don't feel like I got a very in depth view of any of the characters, they all felt very "surfacey" and underdeveloped -- like they're holding the reader at arms length. I never felt a strong connection to any of them. Some of their reactions to circumstances or to other characters are kind of strange. And a few of the characters felt very dangerous at times but then they would do a complete 180 and were suddenly kind and understanding. I just couldn't understand the unexplainable, somewhat manic changes of heart some of the characters underwent, especially at the end.

Also, the book description led me to believe that the book focuses on a coming struggle between vampires and The Regime, the magical governing body. In truth, while there is some warring between the forces of light and darkness, that plot line largely takes a backseat to the more central story of Valek & Charlotte, and mostly serves as a tool to further their story and relationship development.

Overall, Of Light and Darkness is an entertaining and somewhat thought-provoking read that delves into the fascinating realm of the morally gray.

Ok...that was longer than I had intended.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Nicki Markus rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At the start of this book, I was quite interested in the storyline and main character, but sadly it failed to hold my interest till the end.

The story started out well-paced but then seemed to lose momentum and I found myself skim reading a little. More difficult for me though was the romance between the two main characters. It just never felt right - partly because of the way their relationship suddenly changed from father-daughter to lovers and partly because I just didn't feel the connection b...more

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RELEASE - JUNE 28th!!!	1	7	Jun 22, 2011 06:58pm
Of Light and Darkness Release date	1	2	May 18, 2011 08:30am

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The Vampire's Daughter (Of Light and Darkness #1)

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