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The Lovely Dark
Three teenagers.
One witch.
Twelve souls.
Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
One witch.
Twelve souls.
Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
- GenresParanormalYoung Adult
ebook
Published October 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Last
30 books366 followersK. A. Last is a graphic designer and author blessed with a vivid imagination. She has a Diploma in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in English, and minors in Children’s Literature, Art History, and Visual Culture. She lives in the Australian countryside with her family and a menagerie of animals, where she loves to immerse herself in creativity and nature.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 2, 2020
A dark and magical journey
Beautiful written story that I read in one sitting. While it's a Young Adult book the darker themes make it geared to the older readers able to deal with death of friends and loved ones. Harvey is in year 11 and on school camp with his Best friends Jack and Toni. When he's paired with Toni, Greg and Lian for orienteering, little did they know things would go terribly wrong. After Harvey gets stuck in hole with Toni and Lian, they stubble across a book, box and pentagram and accidentally release and evil witch that was bound in the book. When people around them start dying the must come up with a plan to binder her again. Can they do before more people die or they get themselves killed in the process
Beautiful written story that I read in one sitting. While it's a Young Adult book the darker themes make it geared to the older readers able to deal with death of friends and loved ones. Harvey is in year 11 and on school camp with his Best friends Jack and Toni. When he's paired with Toni, Greg and Lian for orienteering, little did they know things would go terribly wrong. After Harvey gets stuck in hole with Toni and Lian, they stubble across a book, box and pentagram and accidentally release and evil witch that was bound in the book. When people around them start dying the must come up with a plan to binder her again. Can they do before more people die or they get themselves killed in the process
October 9, 2020
If you love a good YA scary read then this is the book for you! It’s well written and got witches, magic and death. There’s action, drama, excitement and enough twists and turns to have you on the edge of your seat! Great scary story ready for Halloween.
October 23, 2017
Love the book, so appropriate for Halloween 🎃 Creepy at times, but great anyway and not to be missed by anyone. Received an ARC and definitely ready for more by this outstanding author.
May 19, 2020
ONE HEART STOPPING THRILL RIDE!!!
Don't walk, run! Last hit the jackpot with this action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, ass kicking, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, page flipping bombshell, hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a tailspin with a life-changing culmination. Locked and loaded this baby goes off without a hitch, rolling with the drama, intrigue, turmoil, danger, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations along with a double dose of trouble while dodging sinister evil, you have one mind-blowing adventure. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding those swirling emotions and imparting one block busting dynamo, launching this baby to a whole new level. Vexing mishaps and baffling circumstances, display the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, along with explosive twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open. Amazing job Last, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
Don't walk, run! Last hit the jackpot with this action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, ass kicking, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, page flipping bombshell, hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a tailspin with a life-changing culmination. Locked and loaded this baby goes off without a hitch, rolling with the drama, intrigue, turmoil, danger, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations along with a double dose of trouble while dodging sinister evil, you have one mind-blowing adventure. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding those swirling emotions and imparting one block busting dynamo, launching this baby to a whole new level. Vexing mishaps and baffling circumstances, display the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, along with explosive twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open. Amazing job Last, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
June 3, 2020
Three teenagers.
One witch.
Twelve souls.
Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
One witch.
Twelve souls.
Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 19, 2021
This book was like watching a spooky teen horror movie - a bunch of teen characters pushed together by circumstance and then strange, supernatural stuff starts happening to them (here, it's Harvey and his best friend Toni, Lian, the most popular girl in school, and Greg, the guy who hopes to be her boyfriend.) They're off in the wilderness when Harvey and the girls end up falling into a hole, and there, they release an ancient evil witch.
The rest of the book is about how they defeat her, with typical teen angst and adventure on the way.
Like I said, it really did feel like I was in the middle of a movie - one of the late 90s/early 2000s horror flicks, where you scream at the characters who make bad decisions (seriously, Lian, you want to WEAR the locket of a long-dead witch when you're in a hole in the middle of nowhere?), get shocked by the body count, and root for the protagonists to save the day.
All that was missing was the popcorn. :)
The rest of the book is about how they defeat her, with typical teen angst and adventure on the way.
Like I said, it really did feel like I was in the middle of a movie - one of the late 90s/early 2000s horror flicks, where you scream at the characters who make bad decisions (seriously, Lian, you want to WEAR the locket of a long-dead witch when you're in a hole in the middle of nowhere?), get shocked by the body count, and root for the protagonists to save the day.
All that was missing was the popcorn. :)
June 4, 2020
For a kid who learned everything he know about witches from scary movies on TV, Harvey seems oblivious to the fact that he stumbled into a very similar story himself. Good thing his best friend Toni and his crush Lian are there to help him figure it out. This starts out as a campy YA novel, but quickly turns dark and creepy. By the time the kids figure out what it happening it is a race to stop the incredible evil they accidentally awoke. And even if they figure it out, do they have the power to pull it off?
This story does have a resolution, but the kind that is slightly unsettling and threatens to creep into your nightmares. You might think twice about that walkabout in the Australian bush after this read.
This story does have a resolution, but the kind that is slightly unsettling and threatens to creep into your nightmares. You might think twice about that walkabout in the Australian bush after this read.
June 13, 2020
I can definitely see this become a movie for even a Series. This book have so many Twist and turns that it was very very riveting. Reading this book reminded me a lot of when I was watching Buffy the vampire slayer and her gang. You had the jock then you have the popular girl then you had the which and then you have the unpopular boys. Together they all brought something special to defeating this which and also to breaking this crazy century year old curse. I love that when I read this book I really thought it was going to be from a female's point of view but it took me by surprise that it is actually Harvey's point of view and I absolutely loved it. It showed that no matter what we you have friends true friends that you can defeat anything or anyone.
September 9, 2020
A spirit wanting to be free, death, friendship tested, new friends made. On a High School field trip, Harvey, Lian, Toni, and Greg are paired up and they get lost in the woods, fall through a hole in the ground and end up in a large cavern. But while waiting to be rescued they find a box, a witche’s book, and a magical knife. And what they let lose will haunt them, kill friends and loved ones, and they will grow close. Because before that day Toni and Harvey were the nerds and Lian and Greg were the popular ones. But death and fear don’t choose and don’t care, and they will have to work together to stop what they released, and put it back, or no one will be safe. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
October 19, 2017
3.5 Stars rounded up.
Mayhem fraught with peril for these teenager who release a darkness they didn’t know existed.
Magic, learning and young love build while they fight to put back the evil that crawled out and is reeking havoc on their lives.
As a hardcore romance reviewer I love diving into a great YA read and enjoying the refreshing words and innocence. This is one of those reads. I loved Harvey with his awkward ways and naive mind.
I would have loved some more at the end and the emotions experienced needed to be a little bit more but overall this is a great trip through witchcraft and magic.
Mayhem fraught with peril for these teenager who release a darkness they didn’t know existed.
Magic, learning and young love build while they fight to put back the evil that crawled out and is reeking havoc on their lives.
As a hardcore romance reviewer I love diving into a great YA read and enjoying the refreshing words and innocence. This is one of those reads. I loved Harvey with his awkward ways and naive mind.
I would have loved some more at the end and the emotions experienced needed to be a little bit more but overall this is a great trip through witchcraft and magic.
September 4, 2020
K. A. Last makes her characters come to life, and makes you want to get to know more about them. To root for them and hurt for them. This is a story that brings the IT crowd and the nerds together to fight for their lives and the lives of their friends and loved ones against an ancient evil. An evil that they have to come together and banish or die trying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2017
A great story spooky story. I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and how the story twisted and turned. It reminded me of a horror movie that you watch on Halloween.
It flowed well and the characters were entertaining and enjoyable to read.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a ya spooky story.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
It flowed well and the characters were entertaining and enjoyable to read.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a ya spooky story.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
May 26, 2020
If you love scary stories then this one will be one that you’ll enjoy! It has a witch and spells and death. There are twists and turns and things happening that will,keep you read to see what will happen next! This would be a great storyline for a Halloween adventure! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 21, 2020
Chillingly Good!
Magical mayhem abounds in “The Lovely Dark” by K.A. Last. This chillingly creepy tale will have you looking over your shoulders every night.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
Magical mayhem abounds in “The Lovely Dark” by K.A. Last. This chillingly creepy tale will have you looking over your shoulders every night.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
May 25, 2020
I really liked Toni and Lean, Harvey was a little annoying sometimes with the way he acted tho was a nice kid over all. The Lovely Dark was a nice easy read, took a little to start up tho story was good. Liked the twist at the end when facing their foe.
June 2, 2020
A spooky, creepy, and scary fast paced book that will make you look at the calendar because it feels like it's Halloween after reading it. I'm looking forward to more books by this author.
*I've received a Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I've received a Advanced Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
August 30, 2020
What starts out as every bad horror decision people ever make when faced with adversity, turns into a hell of a story that's fast-paced as well as full of drama. This scary story will have you on the edge of your seats as you follow three teenagers as they struggle with life and death.
September 4, 2020
Talk about a school project gone horribly wrong! This book was so good it had me on the edge of my seat for most of it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2020
Good story with lots of adventure and twists and turns. Enjoyable characters written into this story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2020
Very entertaining story that was enjoyable to read. The twists and turns, the darkness and intrigue, and the suspense and great characters made for a good story.
June 14, 2020
This book is a unique and wild ride. The MC is quirky and odd. The story starts off at a pace that let's you get to know all the important characters. The plot is smooth, and keeps the reader guessing. Well done!
November 11, 2017
When I was a teenager I loved reading scary stories, but I lost that love a little as I grew older. The Lovely Dark by indie author K.A. Last may just have gotten me back in the groove!
Some time ago I reviewed K.A.Last's first book Fall for Me as my first ever review of an indie author, and I had a lot of fun reading that book and trying a new genre. That she has written and published other books in the interim really show in her new book about three teens who fall down a hole while on school camp and inadvertently release a dark force into the world with dire consequences. The Lovely Dark actually grabs the reader and pulls them into the story in a way Fall for Me did not.
Read the rest of the review at http://thebookbubble.com/2017/11/revi...
Some time ago I reviewed K.A.Last's first book Fall for Me as my first ever review of an indie author, and I had a lot of fun reading that book and trying a new genre. That she has written and published other books in the interim really show in her new book about three teens who fall down a hole while on school camp and inadvertently release a dark force into the world with dire consequences. The Lovely Dark actually grabs the reader and pulls them into the story in a way Fall for Me did not.
Read the rest of the review at http://thebookbubble.com/2017/11/revi...
October 14, 2017
I was lucky enough to nab an ARC (advanced reader copy) of The Lovely Dark, which is scheduled for release later this month -- just in time for Halloween. The release date is particularly appropriate, because this story is atmospheric and occasionally creepy as all get out. I was reading it in an empty house when the sun was going down, and brr!
The story starts with Harvey, his best friend Toni, and popular girl Lian as they get lost orienteering in the Aussie bush on school camp (who hasn't done that -- amirite?) and fall into an underground cavern that opens up during an earthquake. Toni is injured, so Harvey and Lian explore the cave system, trying to find a way out. Of course, given Harvey's luck, they manage to release a soul-sucking, murderous witch instead. Whee!
Harvey is the point of view character. He's afraid of the dark, which makes the scary night-time and underground scenes in this book twice as confronting as we see them through the filter of his terror. He is also very conscious of what the other teens think of him, and would prefer to escape into Netflix rather than deal with what is going on.
All of this made him seem realer to me than your average young adult protagonist ... at the same time that I occasionally wanted to shake him a little, not gonna lie. But those moments where Harvey took action were glorious, just because I'd been cheering for him to step up for so long.
Toni is far and away my favourite character. She has a little bit of Hermione about her -- she is the one who figures out what is going on and tends to be the voice of reason and competence throughout the story. I loved her. Lian was nice enough, and I could see why Harvey had a crush on her, but she was no Toni! ;)
K. A. Last hasn't just gone for the wicked witch stereotype here, which is a relief (I've dabbled in paganism in my past, so I hate a bad stereotype). While there's no doubt that the witch they release is evil, she has a tragic backstory and her nastiness is more than offset by the awesomeness of the other witchy characters that pop up throughout the story. (I won't provide details, because spoilers.)
Other than how atmospheric this book is, my favourite thing about The Lovely Dark is the dialogue. There were actual, for real laugh out loud moments for me (something that doesn't normally happen when I'm reading). Plus there's a nod to Evil Willow from Buffy, which basically earned the book a star on its own. <3
If you love your books spooky as all get out, with creepy birds and a high body count, then this is the story for you!
The story starts with Harvey, his best friend Toni, and popular girl Lian as they get lost orienteering in the Aussie bush on school camp (who hasn't done that -- amirite?) and fall into an underground cavern that opens up during an earthquake. Toni is injured, so Harvey and Lian explore the cave system, trying to find a way out. Of course, given Harvey's luck, they manage to release a soul-sucking, murderous witch instead. Whee!
Harvey is the point of view character. He's afraid of the dark, which makes the scary night-time and underground scenes in this book twice as confronting as we see them through the filter of his terror. He is also very conscious of what the other teens think of him, and would prefer to escape into Netflix rather than deal with what is going on.
All of this made him seem realer to me than your average young adult protagonist ... at the same time that I occasionally wanted to shake him a little, not gonna lie. But those moments where Harvey took action were glorious, just because I'd been cheering for him to step up for so long.
Toni is far and away my favourite character. She has a little bit of Hermione about her -- she is the one who figures out what is going on and tends to be the voice of reason and competence throughout the story. I loved her. Lian was nice enough, and I could see why Harvey had a crush on her, but she was no Toni! ;)
K. A. Last hasn't just gone for the wicked witch stereotype here, which is a relief (I've dabbled in paganism in my past, so I hate a bad stereotype). While there's no doubt that the witch they release is evil, she has a tragic backstory and her nastiness is more than offset by the awesomeness of the other witchy characters that pop up throughout the story. (I won't provide details, because spoilers.)
Other than how atmospheric this book is, my favourite thing about The Lovely Dark is the dialogue. There were actual, for real laugh out loud moments for me (something that doesn't normally happen when I'm reading). Plus there's a nod to Evil Willow from Buffy, which basically earned the book a star on its own. <3
If you love your books spooky as all get out, with creepy birds and a high body count, then this is the story for you!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews