Darke London

Uncanny Chronicles #1

by Coleen Kwan

The only way to save her life is to resurrect the dead…

Uncanny Chronicles, Book 1

Julian Darke was only a newborn when he was abandoned on the doorstep of a gentleman doctor. Though raised with love, he is driven to discover his true origins.

Convinced Sir Thaddeus Ormond knows something, Julian shadows him one night—and is shocked to see a young woman thrown from Ormond’s carriage and accosted by a thug. Julian manages to save her life, but not her face and hands from horrific injuries.

Nellie Barchester doesn’t recognize the scarred, disfigured stranger in the mirror. Though the gifted doctor and engineer has done his best to repair the damage, scars ravage her body, and chill her soul with the realization that her own husband may have plotted her death.

Julian’s tenderness is a balm to her soul, and Nellie is drawn to the edge of passion by a man not repelled by her deformities. But as their pursuit of the truth draws them into London’s underbelly, they cross the path of a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to fulfill his schemes.

Can a brilliant but troubled doctor find happiness with a woman scarred both inside and out? A hint of the supernatural plus a night of passion spice up this Uncanny Chronicle.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Historical, Historical Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Coleen Kwan writes contemporary and steampunk romance for Carina Press and Entangled Publishing.

Coleen has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Reviews

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first posted on my blog.

Darke London is part of that category of books that managed in an instant to capture my attention and make me extremely curious, and that thanks to the cover and description.
The beginning of the book is powerful and made me even more curious than I already was. Actually, this is my favourite part of the book. Julian made his entrance exactly like a brave knight carrying his injured (really injured) lady - Nellie. The next sequences I also enjoyed because I got to know Julian's father, a really likeable character.

Well, afterwards my confidence and hopes began to falter. I also liked the recovery period of Nellie. But up to a certain point. I think my disappointment came at the same time with Julian and Nellie's uncertain relationship. I know that their love should have been a... jolly opportunity. Not for me. First of all, I think this relationship wasn't based entirely on love. There was something more, like physical attraction. They both showed some sort of affection, tenderness mostly, but not that kind of love I expected. Secondly, all these doubtful feelings, the situation and the dizzy conversations between them kinda slowed the action and their pursuit of discovering the truth about Sir Thaddeus and his family.

The end brought a pleased smile on my face, but it also emphasized what I said above about Julian and Nellie being together. If I think twice, all this disbelief, I have towards them, comes mostly because of Nellie. She is very... hesitating. One other think I noticed is that this book misses that surprising element. Both Julian and Nellie didn't discover something, they just simply assured themselves, so there was no big discovery.

Nevertheless the plot was really interesting, the narrative was easy to follow, and the characters, leaving aside what I said above, are likeable and very well outlined. Therefore, Darke London is a good book, and I'd really enjoy reading the next Uncanny Chronicle.

[Belinda Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coleen Kwan had me at the first paragraph.

Coleen’s expert prose was the first thing that grabbed me. She throws the reader into a London of a different time, both effortlessly and ruthlessly. I was seriously impressed with her grasp of history and the conventions of the time. It means the reader is in Julian and Nellie’s world from page one and once you’re immersed, you don’t want to emerge back into the real world.

The characters as well as the mystery hold the reader fast. Julian is dark and handsome, but with a tenderness and contrasting impetuousness that make him immediately likeable. Nellie is vulnerable, but she’s also feisty – it’s this combination that Julian finds himself admiring and against his better judgement, falling for.

While you watch Julian and Nellie battle over their feelings for one another – Nellie is still technically a married woman, after all – the greater mystery over Julian’s parentage and Nellie’s husband’s intentions for her loom large and make for a compelling reason to keep turning the pages.

I’m always on the lookout for Australian authors and I’m pleased to say that Coleen Kwan doesn’t disappoint. At only 50,000 words, Darke London is short and sweet, but it far exceeded my expectations. It was an original read, infused with mystery, suspense, romance and passion – it was a ride I was loathe to get off once I reached the end.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review: http://wp.me/p2rLKF-cU (www.belindawilliamsbooks.com)

[Mina Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the beginning was rather slow, but once I met Nellie, the heroine, I was hooked. She's a very interesting, strong, complex character. Part of me wanted her to do something to save the wretches locked up in the asylum.

I also liked that Julian wasn't your typical hero -- he's obviously a person of color, a doctor with an engineering bent. However, at times he comes across as very annoying -- esp. when he disparages the heroine's paranormal abilities. It seemed like a double-standard: he's hurt because she misunderstands his mechanical interest, but he won't even consider her paranormal experience.

Also, I wasn't quite sure how Ms. Kwan would handle the heroine's married status...but she did it well. And I was happy, the husband actually had more depth than I expected. ANd Ms. Kwan does touch on the immigrant situation that might have existed in old London and that was another layer of fascination for me.

And yes, at the end I cheered when the villain got what he deserved. I just wish there was a stronger steampunk aspect in the story.

*A copy of the book was given to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.*

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars is what I would give it. I have not read anything from this author up to this point and I really liked this book. Starts off fast and keeps you on your toes, I could not put the book down, this has a little bit of mystery and some supernatural stuff going on. I loved Julian and Nellie, they both knew what hard times were and still kept true to themselves. The points of view from both main characters, helped me connect to them. This is over all a great read and the first in the series, I will definitely read more from this author.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darke London by Coleen Kwan is the first novel in the Uncanny Chronicles and offers a nice blend of historical romance, suspense and steampunk. With its colorful characters and heated romance, I quickly devoured this tale. Three word review: engaging, original and fast paced.

The tale quickly captures your attention as Julian Darke gallops towards his home carrying a badly injured woman. While stalking Sir Thaddeus Ormond, a man who may hold the key to his birth, he witnesses him throw a young woman from the carriage. A young woman Nellie Barchester is immediately set upon by a thug. Her hands and face brutally injured before Julian pulls the thug from her and races to his estate. Julian and the man who raised him are both doctors. They work to save her life, and as she recovers, Julian learns they are linked through Ormond. Together they pursue answers and the tale that unfolds was action-packed, and suspenseful.

Julian Darke is yummy, compassionate and more than just a healer. He is also an engineer who looks at ways to help damaged bodies become whole with gadgets. I instantly liked Julian and understood his desire for answers. Nellie Barchester is brilliant, opinionated, and fearless. She her own share of issues but I adored her and loved her nonsense approach to life. The relationship that develops between them felt real and grew out of trust and respect. We get some heated moments with just enough detail to sizzle the page. The characters were fleshed out, and the secondary characters added depth, and suspense.

Kwan offered up a light blend of genres with Darke London. She wove them into a historical romance that took us into the underbelly of London. The world and characters were fleshed out allowing me to slip into the world. This is a relatively short book and one that I finished in a single sitting. The gadgets mentioned were impressive, but I am not sure I would classify this as Steampunk. There were some paranormal moments that were chilling and offered a unique creep factor to the tale. The pacing was excellent as we went from moments of action to character development allowing the reader to become invested. The first in Uncanny Chronicles, Darke London,wrapped up nicely giving us closure and felt genuine.

Fans of historical romance filled with mystery, suspense and a dash of steampunk will enjoy Darke London and the Uncanny Chronicles. I look forward to reading more of Coleen Kwan’s work and this new series.


Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5

Braine's Talk Supe review

What threw me off was the paranormal element. For most of DARKE LONDON, there was barely a hint on anything supernatural aside from the mention of occultism which was common during this time. Towards the latter half of the story, Nellie became possessed by the spirit of Phillip's mother while pretending to be an occultist, and it came without preamble. Not that it isn't a welcome addition to the flavor of the story, it just felt like a sore thumb because the premise leading to it was missing.

DARKE LONDON by Coleen Kwan is a relatively short historical romance novel with a well-drawn mystery that will keep the readers engaged. CKwan did a great job in setting up the series by planting the seeds of intrigue, mystery, forbidden romance, plot twists with just a hint of the paranormal bordering Uncanny Chronicles to spark interest and reach a wider range of audience. Julian has more stories to tell and CKwan more oddities to share. I'm sure the series is going to pick up momentum in the coming books because the pieces are now placed and the gears are moving.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The author has an amazingly descriptive voice that wove magic through every scene, vividly bringing the settings to life. A blend of mystery, light supernatural and romance, it was a perfect balance presented with the brooding aspect of gothic London. I thought the writing was exceptional, and the hero and heroine are equally excellent characters.

Julian Darke is a doctor who was adopted as an infant. His murky past has always been a source of discontent as he struggles to understand why he was abandoned. Nellie has been disfigured by a vicious attack which Julian witnesses. The issues each faces eventually intertwine, causing conflict and setting the stage for increased danger. The romance between them unfolds at a perfect pace and is sweetly and satisfyingly done.

If I have any quibble at all, I wish the story had been longer. I hated to see such a good tale end so soon!

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful story of love and honor torn apart by a deceitful Man of power, whose intent is to destroy what ever and whoever gets in His way. Julian a Man without a past searching desperately to find who He is while Nellie is a woman with no future. Their path cross sending down a path in search of answers that may not lie in this world.
I enjoyed the story with its mystery that kept you guessing. The beginning dragged on until about the middle then that is when thing speeded up. Overall it was an intriguing with an element of paranormal spice.

[cagla tastemur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author created a wonderful man,a heroine.I love Julian so much.He's so sweet.I wanna ahold him tight in my arms and I wanna kiss him *blush*.

Honestly I can't wait the second book of Uncanny Chronicle.

For Nellie, She's such hero. I can't sure I love her or something.

All I want Julian's Happiness.

I have to admit I never like to read Steampunk,Historical books.But Maybe this is different(for me).

Coleen is very talented writer.The book very descriptive.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

This book sucked me in from the very first few pages. The characters were easy to get to know a you're given perspectives from both, Nellie and Julian. They both brought their own issues to the table. I enjoyed watching them work through these issues both together and apart as the story progressed.

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Requested ARC Review: Darke London by Coleen Kwan

Rating = 4/5

Caliber SEAL: GREAT READ

Final Verdict: Excellent appetite wetter for the rest of the books to follow in the Uncanny Chronicles series.

Review goes live at 00:00 hours MVT, September 9, 2013!

[Deelylah Mullin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come 9/19/2013 at twimom227.com

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julian Darke was abandoned as a baby on the doorstep of a kind doctor. He grew up with love and care, but has been plagued by questions about his true parentage. He has a clue that he could be related to Sir Thaddeus Ormond, but the man keeps slamming the door in his face. He’s in pursuit of Ormond when he sees a woman thrown from the man’s carriage and snatched away in the night. He is horrified to see her attacker slash up her face –and nearly kill her– before Julian interferes and saves her life.

Nellie only wanted a new life when she left her drug addicted father behind. She has that now, but it’s nothing like she imagined. When she wakes up at Julian’s home, scarred and mutilated, she even wonders if perhaps she would have been better off dead. But there is something about the kind doctor and his household of misfits that keeps her from going over the edge.

An attraction blossoms between Julian and Nellie almost right away. Despite all that is going on, it’s really the bedrock of the story. Julian sees past her scars to the woman beneath, and it’s both sweet and sexy. Not only does Nelly have to deal with the fallout of her attack, though, she also has another man in her life who may or may not be behind her misery. All this makes it hard for her to surrender to her feelings for Julian, but that’s what creates the conflict they must overcome.

From the very beginning, this story reeled me in. I loved the dark, gothic atmosphere. I know Coleen Kwan is considered a steampunk author –and though there is a tiny taste of this, it’s not really much of a factor in the book. I really liked the development of the relationship between Julian and Nellie… how he wanted her, but tried to do right by her… how she struggled with her divided loyalties and honest emotions. Good stuff. It helps that the characters are well drawn and believable. Plus, they each have a subplot outside the romance, where they search for answers about their pasts.

The ending is a little abrupt, but not terribly so. I’d prefer this to a saccharine Epilogue any day of the week. And the book ends with at least one kind of big unanswered question, but I found myself kind of ok with that. Overall, I liked it quite a bit and I read it beginning to end without putting it down. If you like gothic London or a scarred hero/heroine, I’d say give it try.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by author for review

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars.


I don't know why but It took me forever to read this book. I kept putting it off and I can't find a specific reason. The story line was really good and original. I never read a similar book before, which is a really good thing. The story is told in a kind of a weird way, from our main characters both point of views, Nellie's and Julian's. The book has a very capturing start of the first scene, but it didn't last long and the book kind of slowed down to the point where you loose a little of interest.

I felt indifferent about the characters, they didn't bring out any emotions in me, and that is a part of why I lost interest in this book. The only thing is that I believed in their emotions towards each other, but at some parts I even doubt that.

Really liked the story line and the idea, but the characters just didn't work for me.

[Namerah Saud Fatmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAAY!! another steampunk novel from Coleen Kwan!!!!

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. The supernatural element worked well.

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond)]

Review coming soon