Title: Daughters of Darkness
Author: L.J. Smith
First published August 1, 1996
228 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780671551346 (ISBN10: 0671551345)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Some telltale signs that your new neighbor is not quite like the others: 1. He only comes out at night and sleeps all day.
2. He’s being hunted down by an ancient clan of vampires, yet he insists he can handle them alone.
3. He never ages a day.
For Sarah Jameson, her mundane life takes an unexpected turn when she gets entangled with the alluring and enigmatic Ethan Sullivan. Despite his mysterious background, Sarah can’t resist his charm and attraction.
But with danger lurking around every corner, can their love overcome the dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart? Find out in The Nightwalker’s Embrace by [author’s name].
About the Author
Hey, I just started a new blog where I share my Vampire Diaries fanfic. If you’re a fan of the series, you should definitely check it out.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’m Lisa Jane Smith, also known as L.J. Smith, and I’m a New York Times #1 Bestselling author.
I’ve written over two dozen books for children and young adults, including The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, The Forbidden Game, Dark Visions, Wildworld, and Night World series. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to share my stories with the world.
When I’m not writing, I love spending time outdoors. One of my favorite places to visit is a cabin in the Point Reyes National Seashore area.
The cabin is surrounded by trees and animals, and there are plenty of beaches and hiking trails to explore. On one hike, I even saw a snow-white buck and followed it for almost half a mile.
I also enjoy collecting things, like angels (they remind me of my late mother), tiny boxes from different countries, and nineteenth-century children’s literature. I’m fascinated by books about quantum physics, especially those that explore the mystery of dark energy in the universe.
I’m a big fan of books with strong female characters and love discussing them with others. I’ve traveled extensively in Europe and the Far East, and my favorite countries to visit are Great Britain and Japan.
I’m a huge Terry Pratchett fan and love the wild and witty satires in his Discworld series. Jane Austen is my favorite classical writer, and I enjoy the poetry of Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson.
As for movies, I love The Seven Samurai and Avatar.
But my favorite people are my readers. Each and every one of them holds a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful for their support and affection.
Editoral Review
Daughters of Darkness by L.J. Smith is a fascinating addition to the horror and supernatural genre. First published on August 1, 1996, L.J. Smith is known for her young adult fiction, as well as her role in popularizing the vampire genre.
Daughters of Darkness is no exception to her proficiency in this genre. Set in the peaceful town of Briar Creek in Virginia, the story follows a group of four teens: Mary-Lynette, Kestrel, Rowan and Jade, who are brought together by a common experience of terror.
The girls find themselves at the mercy of a coven of immortal witches known as the Night World. In their quest to escape the Night World’s clutches, they soon discover that they have a powerful destiny that they must embrace to defeat the witches once and for all.
Smiths storytelling style in Daughters of Darkness is as captivating as ever, with her eloquent, descriptive prose and vivid set pieces. She weaves a world of supernatural fantasy and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
The horror elements are well balanced, and the supernatural mythology is well-researched, making the story plausible and compelling. One of the strengths of the book is the characterisation.
The main characters are well-rounded, with distinct personalities that complement each other. Each character has their own journey which allows them to grow and develop throughout the story.
The side characters are also well fleshed out, adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing of the book is excellent.
The plot progresses at a reasonable speed, and the suspense is perfectly maintained, making the book hard to put down. Smith’s masterful use of action and adventure keeps the story engaging and exciting throughout.
The themes of the book are timely, relatable and resonant, centring on love, friendship and the struggle for power and control. Smith’s narrative also touches on themes of morality, humanity and redemption, all of which are woven into the story in a delicate and thoughtful way.
Despite its many strengths, there are a few limitations to the book. The dialogue can be stilted and jarring in some instances, making certain characters appear one-dimensional or contrived.
Additionally, the ending may leave some readers dissatisfied as it is a little too neat and predictable. Overall, Daughters of Darkness is a must-read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction.
Smith’s writing style, characterisation, pacing and plotting create a truly immersive experience. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, well-written, and engaging read.
Rating: 4/5
