Title: The Darkening
Author: Sunya Mara
First published July 5, 2022
400 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780358561989 (ISBN10: 0358561981)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
The Darkening by Sunya Mara is an enthralling YA fantasy novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Vesper Vale, the daughter of failed revolutionaries, must save her father from the clutches of the queen’s soldiers.
To do so, she must join forces with a prince who fears his own throne and possesses a squad of soldier-sorcerers. Armed with her father’s dangerous experimental magic book, she infiltrates the elite squad and even attempts to win the prince’s heart.
However, as she uncovers the truth about her mother’s death, she must decide between trusting the prince with her family’s secrets or following in her mother’s footsteps into the cursed Storm that surrounds the city. With heart-pumping action and unexpected plot twists, The Darkening is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy.
About the Author
Sunya Mara had a nomadic childhood, residing in six different cities across five states. However, she has now made Los Angeles her permanent residence.
Sunya studied film and business at the University of Southern California, and later worked at Kobe Bryant’s Granity Studios, both writing and illustrating. When Sunya isn’t creating stories, she enjoys visiting historic movie theaters and spending time admiring artwork in museums.
Editoral Review
Redemption by J.M. Darhower is a poignant tale of love, loss, and second chances. Published on December 16, 2013, the book explores the depths of human emotions in a gritty and powerful narrative that will leave readers stunned.
J.M. Darhower is a critically acclaimed American author known for her gripping and emotional storytelling. With Redemption, she once again showcases her immense talent for bringing to life complex characters and weaving a story that will resonate with readers long after the last page has been turned.
The novel follows the story of Vincent DeMarco, a man who has just been released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. With nothing left to lose, Vincent decides to seek revenge on those who put him behind bars.
However, things take an unexpected turn when he meets Eve, a woman who is struggling with her own demons. While the book can be categorized as a romantic suspense novel, it is much more than that.
It is an intense and gripping tale of redemption and forgiveness that explores the depths of human emotions. Darhower does not shy away from addressing difficult and uncomfortable topics but does so with sensitivity and grace.
The characters in Redemption feel vivid and real, with each one having their own unique backstory and motivations. Vincent, the protagonist, is a layered and complex character whose emotional journey is at the heart of the novel.
Eve, his love interest, is a strong and independent woman who is also struggling with her own past. One of the strengths of Redemption is Darhower’s writing.
Her prose is evocative and poetic, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the gritty streets of New York City. The pacing of the book is also excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged from start to finish.
The themes explored in Redemption are universal and timeless, touching on topics like trust, forgiveness, and second chances. Darhower manages to address these themes in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
However, the book does have some flaws. At times, the plot can be predictable, and some of the secondary characters could have been developed further.
Despite these flaws, the novel remains a gripping and powerful narrative that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. Overall, Redemption by J.M. Darhower is a must-read for fans of romantic suspense novels or anyone who is looking for a poignant and emotionally resonant story of second chances.
With its richly-drawn characters and evocative prose, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. 4 out of 5 stars.