I’m kind of on the fence with this book. I thought the writing’s really good. I loved the fast pacing of the story. It doesn’t feel like I’m reading a 300-page book. I also loved the chemistry between Luna and Fowler because even if their romance seems instant, there’s this sweet subtlety in it.
I’ve also got a few issues with it though. The first would be the novel’s world building. It was not clearly established why the eclipse transpired in the first place that became the focal point of the story – with the characters simply stating that the kingdom of Relhok simply was covered in a perpetual darkness that started seventeen years ago and along with it, is the emergence of the dwellers. There come my questions about the dwellers. Who / What are these creatures? I mean, who created them? Uhm, we’re all left in the dark here.
Speaking of the dark, another issue for me is about Luna’s blindness. I find her skills utterly unrealistic to be honest. I could totally go with her great sense of feel, her instinct and all but she’s just way too good (even better than Fowler most of the times). At one of the latter scenes in the book where she was chased by Anselm, I was like in awe how she easily navigates the tree village and that lift. I’m like – did just that happened? Just not realistic at all.
I guess there are just too many questionable stuff about this book that needs to be be address in the next installment/s. So to end this review on a more positive note; I really liked that little twist regarding Fowler. It was almost a giveaway but it’s a pretty good one. I didn’t know at first that this would be a series but I’m really gonna keep watch for the second book regardless of the issued I have with it.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Expected publication: February 9th 2016 by Harper Teens
About The Author
Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s also the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.
website: sophiejordan.net
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