Had to DNF it because I needed to return it to the library. Now it's been so long, I need to check it out again and re-read it. I really liked what I'...moreHad to DNF it because I needed to return it to the library. Now it's been so long, I need to check it out again and re-read it. I really liked what I'd read before I had to return it though! (less)
Ari, a seventeen year-old with a unique look: silver hair and teal eyes, has always felt out of place. Abandoned at a young age, Ari was thrust into t...moreAri, a seventeen year-old with a unique look: silver hair and teal eyes, has always felt out of place. Abandoned at a young age, Ari was thrust into the foster care system. Now, she's determined to find out what happened to her mother even if it leads her to New 2, the rebuilt city of New Orleans. Having been destroyed by hurricanes, with a government unwilling to rebuild, the most powerful families of New Orleans pool their massive wealth in order to buy what is left of New Orleans. The rebuild and New 2 is the result. A place unlike any other where rumors of supernatural creatures run rampant.
Ari's quest to find out who she is leads her to this unfamiliar territory. However, with her otherworldly looks and her general otherness, Ari finds that she feels at home among the freaks and outcasts of New 2. But the more she learns about herself and her ancestry, Ari finds that perhaps she is a freak among the freaks. Just what sort of monster might she become?
Overall, Darkness Becomes Her was an enjoyable read although much darker and disturbing than most of the other paranormals out there. However, there was at least one aspect of the story that I found lacking. But let's start with what I liked.
I liked that Ari was such a strong female character considering all that she'd been through. Having been abandoned at a young age Ari ended up in the foster care system and suffered some unspeakable horrors, many of which are merely alluded to in the book, while other atrocities are mentioned outright. I know that some readers have difficulty reading about abuse inflicted on children, so these forays into Ari's past may be a turn-off for some readers. However, Ari tries not to dwell on her past but to focus on the here and now.
I think Ari's difficult past allows her to handle all the weirdness that is thrown at her. She doesn't spend a lot of time dwelling on why things are happening, she just accepts things and reacts accordingly. For those that enjoy a fast paced read, Darkness Becomes Her certainly fits the bill. There is nary a lull in the action.
The secondary characters in Darkness Becomes Her added to my enjoyment of the story. They're colorful, intriguing characters. Especially Violet and her albino alligator.
The romance aspect of this book felt rushed. While I think Sebastian will be an excellent, swoon worthy character. I felt the romance between Ari and Sebastian was a bit premature. Because there is so much action in the book I didn't buy into the romance between these two. Had their relationship developed a little more, I'd have been ok with it, but as it stands I thought that aspect of the novel was weak.
Darkness Becomes Her mixes a lot of supernatural beings from voo-doo priestess to vamps to Greek gods and goddesses. Sometimes I have a hard time when an author mixes so many supernatural entities. I feel like the world building can suffer so far that doesn't seem to be the case with Darkness Becomes Her but I am wary of the amount of supernatural aspects. I hope Keaton can keep it all in check!
Darkness Becomes Her mixes traditional supernatural creatures with Greek mythology and the result is the start of a darkly, disturbing, action packed paranormal series.
Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for this review. (less)
Wild Man Creek is easily one of my favorite installments of Virgin River series. That's saying a lot, considering there are thirteen books (including...moreWild Man Creek is easily one of my favorite installments of Virgin River series. That's saying a lot, considering there are thirteen books (including novellas)!
We met our heroine, Jillian, in Promise Canyon she, along with her sister Kelly and two of her best friends, happened to stop in Virgin River on their way back from their week long girls vacation. Jillian fell in love with a huge Victorian House that reminded her of her Nana and felt like home. Months later, after Jillian has been betrayed by her boyfriend and forced to take a leave of absence from her high stress job, she finds herself drawn back to Virgin River and the house that felt like home.
There she discovers a passion for gardening the rare fruits and vegetables that her Nana once harvested. Whereas most people garden as a hobby, Jillian's drive and passion turn it into something more. Something that she think may, one day, make a promising business venture.
Enter, Colin Roirdian. The sexy, scruffy ex-pilot, current painter shows up, with easel in hand in the back yard of Jillian's new temporary home. Colin is taking a breather in Virgin River after recovering from a near fatal helicopter crash followed by rehab for his addiction to his prescription pain meds. Unfortunately, his career in the armed forces has been cut short. Colin's accident has given him the time and opportunity to focus on his wildlife painting, however he does not intend to give up flying for good. He plans to, after his stint in Virgin River, to travel to Africa to photograph wildlife to use in his future paintings as well as investigate any flying opportunities abroad.
Jillian and Colin's attraction is immediate and their relationship progresses quickly. Surprisingly, there's little drama where there was potential for it. Jillian was betrayed by her previous boyfriend which could easily have made for trust issues. Jillian doesn't demand Colin forgo Africa for her. It was refreshing to see Jillian encourage Colin's pursuit of his dreams and goals. Both parties know going into their relationship that it has an expiration date. Jillian will eventually have to give up her gardening to return to the corporate world and Colin has his African safari planned. Or can they build a new life, together, in Virgin River?
I love, love, loved Wild Man Creek. I loved Jillian and Colin's relationship, while not perfect, it was loving and supportive with out a lot of drama where drama could easily have complicated their relationship. As I've said before, and will likely continue to say in all my reviews of Virgin River books they're my warm fuzzy reads. When I need to feel like all is right with the world, I can always visit Virgin River for uplifting stories about friends, family, love, and community. (less)
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