336p.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Available Now
Source: TBR pile
I'm coming for you.
The whispers haunt her dreams and fill her waking hours with dread. Something odd is happening. Something...unnatural.
Possession of the living. Resurrection of the dead. And Natalie Stewart is caught right in the middle. Jonathon, the one person she thought she could trust, has become a double agent for the dark side. But he plays the part so well, Natalie has to wonder just how much he's really acting.
She can't even see what it is she's fighting. But the cost of losing her heart, her sanity...her soul.My thoughts:
As the first book hinged around the Portrait of Dorian Gray, this one also revolves around another horror tale, but to a much less degree. Still, the nod to the other horror book is unmistakeable. Not sure if I should share what story it revolves around because I'm not sure if it would be seen as a spoiler, but it is obvious within the book.
This book picks up where the last left off so I would say that you should read these books in order. I figured it would build upon the first book in the same way her other series, Strangely Beautiful, had done. I have to say that I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first. I do like this author's gothic romances. It is as dark as the first tale and still leaves you with questions in the end. No cliffies, but just knowing there is a continuation of the tale and an unfolding of the mystery of "The Society". A group of either people or demons with a horrifying agenda.
We also get introduced to more secondary characters in this book, Rev. Blessing and Rachel. Both unique in their own way and quite compelling as well. They are great compliments to our already known secondary characters whom we met in the first book. There is also a couple of hounds (greyhounds) we are briefly introduced but are based on real characters rescued by a friend of the author. Yea, I know... but I'm a sucker for a good dog character. LOL
I give this book 4 stars. If you like gothic tales based loosely on horror books (it's not too horrifying... I'm a wimp and had no problems), then I suggest this series. I'm curious as to what the next book aludes to in the horror genre.
I'm not a fan of horror either, though I'm glad to hear the gothic romance in this was well-done. As I mentioned before, Darker Still wasn't a favorite of mine and I didn't choose to continue with the series, though I absolutely love these covers. I'm glad they've pleasantly surprised you at every turn so far, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI think the different format may speak better for you. It isn't in diary form this time.
DeleteThis one sounds like it should be a standalone but I can see how reading the series in order would be beneficial. Still, I really don't like horror so much so...maybe?
ReplyDeleteIt is a continuation of the first book. It only give homage to horror and really isn't scary. :)
DeleteIntrigued by the title and loving the cover this is definitely one I'll keep a look out for.
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy her other series as well. :)
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed this one too Melissa! I haven't read the third one yet, so I'm curious to see what you'll think of it if you're reading/reviewing in the near future. I'm a big fan of Leanna's and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
ReplyDeleteYep, the review is on Fri. :) I enjoy her creativity as well!
DeleteI really like the Portrait of Dorian Gray so I'm curious about the first one. I'm glad you liked this one and it wasn't too terrifying!
ReplyDeleteNo, not terrifying at all. Just paid homage to the genre. :)
DeleteGothic works, so yes this would work for me..well hopefully
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit more of a grown up gothic story even though it is considered YA. :)
Delete*evil laugh* it rubs off! ;D
ReplyDeleteI think it works better. I think a lot of people had trouble with the format of the last book.
ReplyDeleteYou have me very curious, and I like that you felt this book was stronger Melissa, I will take a look at book one!
ReplyDeleteLook at you reading in order again! So the sequel lives up or I think surpasses the first book. Maybe I will dust off that first book!
ReplyDeleteI love horror, but I I also enjoy books like this. It sounds really good, and hey, the addition of animals is always a good thing. :D
ReplyDeleteOh I remember the reviews about the first one. I don't think I've read a lot of gothic stories but I should try them. It makes me curious.
ReplyDeleteI need to catch up on this series. Scratch that, I need to catch up on my whole entire TBR pile. I hate being behind.
ReplyDeleteI still really want to catch up and read this! I love gothic stories, and now I'm super curious which horror story book two is modeled after. Glad you enjoyed it! :-)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, does sound good. :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHumm interesting. Hard to find a lot of gothic themed books out there so that in itself has my attention. Great review, this series does look fascinating. I like the sound of the plot.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't in love with the first book, but I admit that I"m a bit curious about this one!
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