Descending Into Darkness

Descending #1

by Alainna MacPherson

Jessandra was content with her life in New York, before a creature hunted her down and took her to an underworld beneath the city. There, he reveals that she’s more than just a waitress living in a walk-up apartment with her sister. She’s his people’s last hope in ever seeing freedom.

Fallon’s people are done being slaves. Lacking the numbers to simply fight back and rebel, they’ve found a secret weapon: Jessandra. Once she discovers all that she is and can be, they will have a fighting chance.

That’s if they can keep their hands off one another. Should the enemy find out about Jessandra, the whole plan goes to hell. And her cover relies on the two keeping the heat between them a secret.

Genres: Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2017

Reviews

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DESCENDING INTO DARKNESS is the first book in the Descending series. We start off with Jess being kidnapped following her shift as a waitress and taken to a stronghold. There she is told she isn't a prisoner but is, instead, a Seelie princess whose powers haven't yet awakened. At the same time, her sister, Alyss, is kidnapped by the UnSeelie Court and taken there although they are reunited very quickly.

This is a fast-paced novel with plenty of action and a dash of mystery. Being the first book, there is world-building to help the reader understand what's going on, as well as learning more about the characters that are introduced. Fallon tells Jess that he is her mate very quickly and, just like everything else, Jess accepts that and moves on. Whilst I don't like unnecessary histrionics, I do feel Jess accepted everything just a little too easily. After all, she's gone from a waitress who works the late shift to a Princess of the Seelie Court and has the ability to save not one but two races from slavery and/or extinction and she takes it all in her stride.

There is a good storyline here that I would like to read more about and the cliffhanger ending will leave the reader wanting more. The only thing I would say (and it may have been the copy I received to review) but it wasn't always clear who was talking. It seemed to change from one paragraph to another with nothing to indicate a change of point of view.

A good first book and I look forward to reading more in this series. Recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ancient race struggle to escape clutches of slavery in this fast-paced, intriguing story of rebellion, bravery, and romance, the first in the Descending series from MacPherson.

Walking back from work one night, Jessandra is kidnapped by a mysterious stranger and learns of her powerful lineage and dormant powers which can help free an ancient race from thousands of years old slavery. Determined to help Fallon and his people, Jessandra is unaware of the danger lurking ahead.

The beginning of the book (the kidnapping part) could have used more details, but MacPherson’s crisp prose and gripping narrative quickly get the reader invested in the story. A horde of appealing characters, sensuous romance, and interesting setting (an intriguing mixture of contemporary and ancient) provide the perfect backdrop for this dark tale.

Fans of paranormal romance will be pleased. Completely engrossing!

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descending Into Darkness is engaging from the start. I immediately related to Jess as she scurried to be on time for work, knowing that she would be just slightly late. Her spunkiness in the face of danger was admirable, as was her acceptance of the new world she seemed to embrace almost without question. Alyss was a badass and an awesome little sister. In one night, their world irrevocably changes.

Descending Into Darkness is a compelling paranormal romance. There is an introduction of a race of paranormal that leads to some very intriguing interactions. With the ending being a bit of a cliffhanger, the next book in the series can't come too soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lirpayaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the opportunity to read this book and feel it is one of the more simplified yet intriguing romantic novels. I’m not one for romantic novels but I thought I would give this a try after my cousin recommended it to me. The author does extremely well conveying emotion yet keeping a storyline without making it feel cheesy or unauthentic. The mix between a contemporary feel versus the underworld keeps the reader at bay as to what’s gonna happen next. I highly recommend reading if it is your first time reading a romantic novel and you like a little bit of adventure and mystery.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the interesting and mysteriously different storyline, which draw me to the book and triggered my interest. I was looking forward to starting it. However I found the writing style quite difficult to follow at the beginning and the storyline quite complex until I got used to it, having to re read parts of it. The narrative is written from a third person perspective, which unless it's done really well is something that I often struggle with reading. I almost gave up at one point, however was glad I carried on, because once I got used to the unusual characters and writing style I did enjoy it.
I am looking forward to the next book, and have become invested in the characters.

[Jamee Mcintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling characters and a great twist on a love story. It didn't take me long to become invested and I definitely need to know what happens next!

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first book full of action, mystery and plot with a little dash of romance. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Sam Everard · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Descending Into Darkness really hits its stride around 1/3 of the way through, it certainly doesn't start off slowly. Jess meets a beautiful and otherworldly male named Fallon down a dark alleyway after work and quickly learns that, not only does she belong within his strange and magical world, but she's its only chance for saving their people from the inequalities thrust upon them by a tyrant king.

Jess' background and the intricacies of the various supernatural creatures we meet are delved into rather quickly - and in great detail. The author spends a good amount of time laying out this world that neither we, as readers, or dear Jessandra know anything about. What holds the reader to the edge of their seat is trying to sort out the motivations of some of the outlying characters as they're brought into the story... and waiting for that strong pull between Jess and Fallon to finally come to a head. Mystery and action are nonstop from the first chapter, and it makes for a fast-paced and enjoyable read.

While Descending doesn't leave off on a cliffhanger, it'll leave you wanting to jump into Book 2 to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for a fair and honest review. There were some errors found throughout the text that were, at times, distracting, but the story is interesting enough that I'd recommend it being worth the read.

[Rachel Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great from the get go. Jessa thought she was just an ordinary girl. That is until Fallon tracked her down and took her to his world. There he explained that she was the heir to the Seelie throne. Her world was ripped upside down and now she was in a fight for her life and the lives of others. To top it all of, she and Fallon are mates.... I can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[David Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it was the format of the book, but changes of viewpoints had me guessing who I was reading about.

There is so much going on that it is hard to give a brief outline. Two sisters are kidnapped by 2 different forces, both with a common goal---To unite the two forces in a quest to free themselves from the rule of a harsh king.

There is budding romance, some backstabbing, and a Thanksgiving dinner. This is part of a series so you should plan on getting the whole set.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I enjoyed the storyline and found it well written. The characters are likable and well developed. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

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[Debbie Loader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess to being a little confused and bemused. I can see the research that has been done but the backstory for me is missing. I have no idea who is who. Good idea and a great effort but sadly not for me. With thanks to #BookSirens