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Lightworld/Darkworld #2
Child of Darkness
Once upon a time yet to come, creatures of myth and fairy tale gained entry to the human realm and were expelled with extreme prejudice. Banished Underground, they carved out two kingdoms: the Lightworld of the Fae and their kin, and the Darkworld of demons, werewolves and their ilk. But the boundaries between these Worlds and the Upworld are about to be redrawn...in blood.
At a Lightworld royal gala, Queene Ayla announces the betrothal of her daughter, Cerridwen, to a high-ranking councilor. Though strategically brilliant, the engagement comes as a shock to Cerridwen especially. Infuriated by her mother s high-handedness, ignorant of her own true origins, she flees the court leaving herself vulnerable to those who would see the Lightworld destroyed.
Amid burgeoning unrest, desperate desires become divided loyalties and terrifying mercenaries lurk in the shadowy space between rebellion and anarchy.
At a Lightworld royal gala, Queene Ayla announces the betrothal of her daughter, Cerridwen, to a high-ranking councilor. Though strategically brilliant, the engagement comes as a shock to Cerridwen especially. Infuriated by her mother s high-handedness, ignorant of her own true origins, she flees the court leaving herself vulnerable to those who would see the Lightworld destroyed.
Amid burgeoning unrest, desperate desires become divided loyalties and terrifying mercenaries lurk in the shadowy space between rebellion and anarchy.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 15, 2009
10 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Armintrout
13 books488 followersJennifer Armintrout is a pseudonym for Jenny Trout aka Abigail Barnette.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 22, 2009
I don't know how to rate this book. Seriously. This book is DARK. As in, death, betrayal, deception, hate, and violence. I loathed Ayla for almost the entire book. I felt very bad for Malachai. I could not see putting up with what he endured by staying with Ayla. Love or not. She did love him, but she was a hypocrite, a bitch, and she was narrow minded and sometimes cruel.
Her daughter, Ceridwenn, wasn't much better. A spoiled, hateful, spiteful young Fae.
I don't know why I kept reading. But I did. The ending was pretty good, all things considered. Noble if you will. I most likely will read the next one when it comes out, but I'm not sure what to make of this series as a whole.
I was sad for Cedric. He really drew the short end of the stick when it came to treatment and loss.
I reserve judgment on that score.
Her daughter, Ceridwenn, wasn't much better. A spoiled, hateful, spiteful young Fae.
I don't know why I kept reading. But I did. The ending was pretty good, all things considered. Noble if you will. I most likely will read the next one when it comes out, but I'm not sure what to make of this series as a whole.
I was sad for Cedric. He really drew the short end of the stick when it came to treatment and loss.
I reserve judgment on that score.
October 29, 2009
This book takes place 20 years after QUEENE OF LIGHT. The heroine from the previous book starts out as a big old meanie in this one...
On a side note, I love the covers in this series. There is clearly a seahorse on this cover. In this book, there are waterhorses that aren't confined by water and have hands with claws. They actually kill a character with their claws.
While reading that particular scene, all I could picture was seahorses trying to kill someone by knocking at the character with their heads since they don't have hands, let alone claws! hehehe
On a side note, I love the covers in this series. There is clearly a seahorse on this cover. In this book, there are waterhorses that aren't confined by water and have hands with claws. They actually kill a character with their claws.
While reading that particular scene, all I could picture was seahorses trying to kill someone by knocking at the character with their heads since they don't have hands, let alone claws! hehehe
January 13, 2010
The Story:
Child of Darkness is the second installment of the Lightworld/Darkworld series by Jennifer Armintrout. Ayla has just become Queene of the Lightworld fae. On top of all that, she has just bore a daughter, Cerridwen, and is given the task of keeping her safe, for she is the one who will lead them into the battle with the Upworld. Cerridwen resents her mother, especially when she finds that she is betrothed to her mother's right hand man, Cedric. Battles are prominent and deaths shall occur.
My Thoughts:
Not my favorite. Queene of Light was okay. Good enough that I decided to purchase the second novel. It, however, falls very short of a great review. Do not let the romance title fool you. There is no romance. From the beginning, you learn that Ayla has transformed from the somewhat likable character to a self centered queen who has raised a very bratty child. Other that Cedric, none of Armintrout's characters are likable in this book. As a matter of fact, most of the time, I wanted to throw the book down and give up. That is not me, however, so I kept reading through the very end. One good thing, COD did have a decent ending. That was the only thing that made this book bearable. It was also the ONLY time the reader got any character development. I will read Veil of Shadows simply because this is only a trilogy, and I have made it this far. The book read more like a poorly written YA with a lot of violence that an adult paranormal romance.I am going in with low expectations and high hopes (because I did enjoy The Turning). Not recommended for anyone looking for a romance or a lot of plot.
Child of Darkness is the second installment of the Lightworld/Darkworld series by Jennifer Armintrout. Ayla has just become Queene of the Lightworld fae. On top of all that, she has just bore a daughter, Cerridwen, and is given the task of keeping her safe, for she is the one who will lead them into the battle with the Upworld. Cerridwen resents her mother, especially when she finds that she is betrothed to her mother's right hand man, Cedric. Battles are prominent and deaths shall occur.
My Thoughts:
Not my favorite. Queene of Light was okay. Good enough that I decided to purchase the second novel. It, however, falls very short of a great review. Do not let the romance title fool you. There is no romance. From the beginning, you learn that Ayla has transformed from the somewhat likable character to a self centered queen who has raised a very bratty child. Other that Cedric, none of Armintrout's characters are likable in this book. As a matter of fact, most of the time, I wanted to throw the book down and give up. That is not me, however, so I kept reading through the very end. One good thing, COD did have a decent ending. That was the only thing that made this book bearable. It was also the ONLY time the reader got any character development. I will read Veil of Shadows simply because this is only a trilogy, and I have made it this far. The book read more like a poorly written YA with a lot of violence that an adult paranormal romance.I am going in with low expectations and high hopes (because I did enjoy The Turning). Not recommended for anyone looking for a romance or a lot of plot.
November 17, 2009
I liked this book better than Queene of Light. This book is more of light political/court intrigue than anything else. You see how in this book the fact that Ayla was not trained to become Queene shows that she sometimes makes the worst choices, sacrificing the happiness of her daughter or her consort for what she believes is right. And yes, clearly, queenship has gotten into her head. But Ayla has been a better warrior than she was Queene. I think all of the bad decisions were primarily due to her insecurities.
The heir Cerri was spoiled, which was, also expected. A teenage heir to the throne, they were almost always spoiled. And you expected to find in this book the tipping point into making her stronger, into making her the destiny that book 1 made her out to be. I am waiting with bated breath what's going to happen in the next book with her.
I liked her characterization of Malachi, better in fact that her characterization of Malachi in the previous book. An alpha male in beta male's clothings. You were always rooting for Malachi, and how his life ended up that way.
Finally Cedric... I haven't thought much of Cedric. The news about the gypsy and her prophesy about fidelity was PREDICTABLE.
All in all, it was better than the first book but I can't see myself re-reading it.
The heir Cerri was spoiled, which was, also expected. A teenage heir to the throne, they were almost always spoiled. And you expected to find in this book the tipping point into making her stronger, into making her the destiny that book 1 made her out to be. I am waiting with bated breath what's going to happen in the next book with her.
I liked her characterization of Malachi, better in fact that her characterization of Malachi in the previous book. An alpha male in beta male's clothings. You were always rooting for Malachi, and how his life ended up that way.
Finally Cedric... I haven't thought much of Cedric. The news about the gypsy and her prophesy about fidelity was PREDICTABLE.
All in all, it was better than the first book but I can't see myself re-reading it.
July 16, 2011
Enjoyed the series.
March 16, 2020
This second book was a little harder for me to read as the POV changes from our previous main character to our new main. Our old main Ayla makes some pretty stupid decisions in this book. And our new main is a spoiled princess soo ya. Once u get halfway through it picks back up but it's hard to even get there 😓 not my fav. of the trilogy.
August 13, 2017
I don't know why I should care about the characters. They're all unsympathetic.
June 14, 2024
Excitement abounds!
Read
March 7, 2025Book #2 was as good as the first one, although I felt there wasn't enough detail as there usually is in a Jennifer Armintrout book. I loved it anyway.
April 4, 2010
This review was originally published on my review blog : Falling Off The Shelf.
Cerridwen has always been treated like a child, rather than the Princess of the Lightworld. Her mother, Queene Ayla forbids contact with those of the Darkworld, but keeps a Darkworlder as her personal Royal Consort. Cerridwen can't understand how her mother could be such a hypocrite, and this is just one reason why she rebels repeatedly.
Queene Ayla refuses to inform her daughter of her true origins, but only for her own safety. When she chooses to betroth her daughter to her highest-ranking counselor, Cerridwen sees this as the last draw. She packs up a few necessities and flees the Lightworld, and runs straight into the arms of the Darkworld, the most dangerous place in all of the Underground.
When first reading this book I couldn't decide whether I truly enjoyed it as much as Queene of Light, the first in the series. The main character, Ayla, was molded to fit her royal status, and lost a lot of the things I liked about her, or so it seemed. Her daughter, Cerridwen, only seemed to be a selfish brat, or in this case, a perfect example of a royal princess. The only character that I seemed to continue to enjoy was the Royal Consort, Malachi.
Instead of throwing this book to the side I pushed on, and was greatly surprised to find out that I just needed to wade through the beginning muck to find the beautiful story at the end. Despite my conflicting emotions toward this book, I found I ended up really enjoying it, especially the way the world is described so vividly. I actually felt like if I turned around I would end up in the beautiful city of the Lightworld, or in some cases, being chased through the tunnels of the Darkworld by a blood thirsty demon.
While others have reviewed this book and said that they clearly don't believe it should be marked as a romance, I beg to differ. There isn't a huge amount of romance involved, but there is an underlying tone of it, and if not for that little bit, this story would be bland and have little meaning. The love between these characters is what pushed them to do the things that they did, if it only caused a war in the process. I'm looking forward to reading the last installment of this trilogy, Veil of Shadows, to see what other kind of adventures these creatures of the Underground have to tell.
Cerridwen has always been treated like a child, rather than the Princess of the Lightworld. Her mother, Queene Ayla forbids contact with those of the Darkworld, but keeps a Darkworlder as her personal Royal Consort. Cerridwen can't understand how her mother could be such a hypocrite, and this is just one reason why she rebels repeatedly.
Queene Ayla refuses to inform her daughter of her true origins, but only for her own safety. When she chooses to betroth her daughter to her highest-ranking counselor, Cerridwen sees this as the last draw. She packs up a few necessities and flees the Lightworld, and runs straight into the arms of the Darkworld, the most dangerous place in all of the Underground.
When first reading this book I couldn't decide whether I truly enjoyed it as much as Queene of Light, the first in the series. The main character, Ayla, was molded to fit her royal status, and lost a lot of the things I liked about her, or so it seemed. Her daughter, Cerridwen, only seemed to be a selfish brat, or in this case, a perfect example of a royal princess. The only character that I seemed to continue to enjoy was the Royal Consort, Malachi.
Instead of throwing this book to the side I pushed on, and was greatly surprised to find out that I just needed to wade through the beginning muck to find the beautiful story at the end. Despite my conflicting emotions toward this book, I found I ended up really enjoying it, especially the way the world is described so vividly. I actually felt like if I turned around I would end up in the beautiful city of the Lightworld, or in some cases, being chased through the tunnels of the Darkworld by a blood thirsty demon.
While others have reviewed this book and said that they clearly don't believe it should be marked as a romance, I beg to differ. There isn't a huge amount of romance involved, but there is an underlying tone of it, and if not for that little bit, this story would be bland and have little meaning. The love between these characters is what pushed them to do the things that they did, if it only caused a war in the process. I'm looking forward to reading the last installment of this trilogy, Veil of Shadows, to see what other kind of adventures these creatures of the Underground have to tell.
August 19, 2014
NOT A PARANORMAL ROMANCE!
My Title may sound like its a negative thing that this book isn't really a paranormal romance, but its not. I just feel like this book would have been more honestly labeled as a fantasy book. I read the first book, "Queene Of Light" and enjoyed it however I had a difficult time connecting to the characters, and caring about them because they were so tremendously different, being fairies and angels, and their views of loves and emotions were way different than mine. I appreciated the story for the unique and detailed world Armintrout produced and the storyline was interesting if somewhat hard to get into. This second story "Child of Darkness" is a great improvement. I found the main character Cerridwen to be annoyingly childish for much of the book, but I also felt she was relatable and I think she may be the best character in this series to date. She is the daughter of Ayla, the queen of the Lighword, and a half human/half fairy mix and Ayla's royal consort, the fallen angel Malachi. In this story, a battle looms that will forever change the underworld. Elves have started a war against the Queene's palace and they have an evil force of Waterhorses at their beck and call. The waterhorses are leaving deadly trails of bodies in their wake already. Cerridwen fancies herself in love with an elf but he doesn't know her true nature and she is about to gamble the lives of her family and those of their followers. Their is a sorta romance between Cerridwen and her elf and an established romance between Anya and Malachi. Their love shows more in this book than it did in the first actually, and I had tears in my eyes by the end of the novel. Read the book though and you will probably agree with me about this not being a romance novel. Still the story worked on a more emotion level, and still the plot was very interesting and heart racing. I didn't agree with many of Ayla's political moves but its obvious she did care for her people. The battles were intense and thigns didn't always come out like you'd expect. The book ends on a cliff-hanger of sorts and the whole premise of the story seems to have changed. I was interested in reading this series before, but now I am quite involved and eagerly await the next book.
My Title may sound like its a negative thing that this book isn't really a paranormal romance, but its not. I just feel like this book would have been more honestly labeled as a fantasy book. I read the first book, "Queene Of Light" and enjoyed it however I had a difficult time connecting to the characters, and caring about them because they were so tremendously different, being fairies and angels, and their views of loves and emotions were way different than mine. I appreciated the story for the unique and detailed world Armintrout produced and the storyline was interesting if somewhat hard to get into. This second story "Child of Darkness" is a great improvement. I found the main character Cerridwen to be annoyingly childish for much of the book, but I also felt she was relatable and I think she may be the best character in this series to date. She is the daughter of Ayla, the queen of the Lighword, and a half human/half fairy mix and Ayla's royal consort, the fallen angel Malachi. In this story, a battle looms that will forever change the underworld. Elves have started a war against the Queene's palace and they have an evil force of Waterhorses at their beck and call. The waterhorses are leaving deadly trails of bodies in their wake already. Cerridwen fancies herself in love with an elf but he doesn't know her true nature and she is about to gamble the lives of her family and those of their followers. Their is a sorta romance between Cerridwen and her elf and an established romance between Anya and Malachi. Their love shows more in this book than it did in the first actually, and I had tears in my eyes by the end of the novel. Read the book though and you will probably agree with me about this not being a romance novel. Still the story worked on a more emotion level, and still the plot was very interesting and heart racing. I didn't agree with many of Ayla's political moves but its obvious she did care for her people. The battles were intense and thigns didn't always come out like you'd expect. The book ends on a cliff-hanger of sorts and the whole premise of the story seems to have changed. I was interested in reading this series before, but now I am quite involved and eagerly await the next book.
March 16, 2016
This book was a good continuation of the first book. It bridged the gap well, however I didn't expect it to jump 20 years ahead of time. That said, I think it was a good choice, since the younger years of Cerridwen wouldn't have been too exciting. The end of the book definitely leaves it open for the third book. Cerridwen grew up really fast in this book, then again, I'm sure war will do that to you. She threw fits like a child for much of the book, but at the end fully accepted her duties and what was to come. I think she remembered what her mother had done and had told her that it was her goal to save her people.
***spoilers below****
The book's prologue bridges the gap between the end of the first book and the first chapter of this book. Ayla's baby is born and she has to protect her. The first chapter begins 20 years later. Cerridwen is 20 and is the Royal Heir. She is like most teenagers and rebels, disobeys, believes that her mother isn't ever correct. She travels into the Darkworld on a regular basis and falls in love with an Elf. Elves and Faeries are at odds with each other. Danger, a.k.a. the Waterhorses, are coming (they are controlled by the Elves), so Cerridwen goes to warn her Elf boyfriend and gets captured herself. She is saved, learns of her actual lineage and survives. Her mother and father do not. She becomes Queene and now has to meet with the Faery Queene of the Upworld.
***spoilers below****
The book's prologue bridges the gap between the end of the first book and the first chapter of this book. Ayla's baby is born and she has to protect her. The first chapter begins 20 years later. Cerridwen is 20 and is the Royal Heir. She is like most teenagers and rebels, disobeys, believes that her mother isn't ever correct. She travels into the Darkworld on a regular basis and falls in love with an Elf. Elves and Faeries are at odds with each other. Danger, a.k.a. the Waterhorses, are coming (they are controlled by the Elves), so Cerridwen goes to warn her Elf boyfriend and gets captured herself. She is saved, learns of her actual lineage and survives. Her mother and father do not. She becomes Queene and now has to meet with the Faery Queene of the Upworld.
July 2, 2020
Armintrout's 2nd novel in this series was pretty good. I expected a sophomore slump of sorts because the first level and your expectations so high. I thought, "Well. The bar is awfully high and plus, most paranormal romance novels just fall out and repeat themselves." I was mistaken in this instance my friends.
The story picks up where we left off with Ayla continuing her reign as queen of the Lightworld. Her new bundle of joy, Cerridwen (weird name I know), grows up in a world in which she feels isolated, suppressed, and all together, boring. She falls in love with an Elf, Fenrick. The ironic thing about this is that you can see what's coming after you find out that the Elves and Fae are at odds. A new enemy lurks in the shadows as well that threatens ALL races which definitely doesn't bode well for the Fae.
We also get a glance into Malachi & Cedric's POV, which puts an interesting spin on Queene Ayla, as well as Malachi's own view of his mortality and religion.
The book ends on a sad note/cliffhanger. Let's just say I'm ready for book 3.
The story picks up where we left off with Ayla continuing her reign as queen of the Lightworld. Her new bundle of joy, Cerridwen (weird name I know), grows up in a world in which she feels isolated, suppressed, and all together, boring. She falls in love with an Elf, Fenrick. The ironic thing about this is that you can see what's coming after you find out that the Elves and Fae are at odds. A new enemy lurks in the shadows as well that threatens ALL races which definitely doesn't bode well for the Fae.
We also get a glance into Malachi & Cedric's POV, which puts an interesting spin on Queene Ayla, as well as Malachi's own view of his mortality and religion.
The book ends on a sad note/cliffhanger. Let's just say I'm ready for book 3.
March 11, 2010
Frustrating read. I really enjoyed Queene of Light, but Child of Darkness wasn't as good for me. 20 yrs have passed and the tough heroine from book 1 is now the big, bad, meanie Queene and the loving, tortured hero is her consort and baby daddy? LOL But, seriously ... the kid was annoying, the mom was mean ... ick! I did like getting Cedric & Malachi's POV. Sad/cliff hanger ending, so I'll read Veil of Shadows because I can't stop here, gotta finish the trilogy, just hope it's better.
January 6, 2010
20 years have past. Ayla has changed dramatically, a harsh Queene of the Faeries. She has become manipulative and even cruel. Malachi, his wonderful love for Ayla endures. Ceridwenn, a naive spoiled child, hateful and spiteful against her mother. Cedric, ancient in age and a wise Advisor always there to support and guide his Queene — he becomes the rock that grounds the story.
This sequel was annoying – seeing so many changes to wonderful strong characters to listening the constant whine of the selfish Royal Heir. Once the Waterhorses was let loose in the Underground, turmoil and sadness relents to the very end.
A dark violent read.
This sequel was annoying – seeing so many changes to wonderful strong characters to listening the constant whine of the selfish Royal Heir. Once the Waterhorses was let loose in the Underground, turmoil and sadness relents to the very end.
A dark violent read.
October 28, 2009
Second book starts 20 years later!?! What?! And the main character and her Consort weren't even together at the end of the first book! I was confused...
Not fond of whiny children, or adults. The daughter drove me nuts. Sad ending however for the parents, and it's ended so I'll have to grab the 3rd book to figure it all out.
Not fond of whiny children, or adults. The daughter drove me nuts. Sad ending however for the parents, and it's ended so I'll have to grab the 3rd book to figure it all out.
February 1, 2010
This was alot better than the first book. I couldn't put it down. At first I felt like to much time had passed between book one and two but I'm glad it played the way it did. There is so much tragedy but hope remains. Can't wait for the third one.
September 23, 2011
Seriously? A twenty year jump?
I found it hard enough to relate to the characters in the first book and now I'm introduced to new set of characters.
Once again curiosity got me to the end and the third will be read simply because I need to finish the series.
I found it hard enough to relate to the characters in the first book and now I'm introduced to new set of characters.
Once again curiosity got me to the end and the third will be read simply because I need to finish the series.
July 3, 2016
*spoiler alert* not really be prepared this book takes place 20 years after the first. I didn't enjoy it as well as I did the first book in the series but I found its worth finishing the series. If only to get closure.
December 2, 2009
OMG FIVE STARS!
OR ELSE!
I've just started to read this book. So far so good. Will keep you all posted.
OR ELSE!
I've just started to read this book. So far so good. Will keep you all posted.
April 5, 2010
I'm not sure why exactly, but it was a struggle to get through this.
November 15, 2010
Thought this one was worse than the first.
January 17, 2016
Highly mediocre.
September 17, 2011
this series so far is AMAZING!!!
May 7, 2012
Just as I expected, but a bit of a twist.
April 11, 2012
I liked this book much better than the first book in the series! I'm even planning to purchase the final book in the trilogy.
September 7, 2012
It could've had a better ending.
March 1, 2014
A little better than the first book in this series but still only so-so. Off to EBay for this tale. =)
Want to read
April 18, 2014(blank)
September 30, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the Lightworld/Darkworld series. It takes off about 20 year after the 1st novel and follows Ayla and Malachi's daughter Cerridwen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews