Sarah Addison-Fox

I really liked the plotline of this compelling story and I read it in only a few hours (and one sitting)! The characters felt lifelike because of the many disagreements and the friendship that formed during of the adventure.
The descriptions of the landscapes that Kade and Hadley were traveling through painted a pretty picture in my mind while reading. I was almost convinced that I was on the adventure with them.
I can not wait to read the rest of the series. This book left off as a cliffhanger and I MUST know what happens next. (Books two and three release soon!)
I have to say that there were a few instances where some minor language was used so that is the only reason it did not get a higher rating for content. I will definitely be looking into more of the books by Sarah Addison-Fox though. :)

Personal Rating: 4 Stars
Content Rating: 2 Stars

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.… (mais)

I was very apathetic toward this book. I didn't care about it. Most of the pieces weren't bad, they just really didn't wow me.

The MCs' relationship, which is the main focus of the book, just... didn't feel very natural to me. :/ Also, I kinda get why Kade acted the way he did to Hadley, but I feel like his motivations weren't really made clear, and I couldn't really get on-board with his decision. I feel like there were definitely better ways he could have handled things.

The whole book felt like set-up, too. It felt really slow, despite the action in it. It felt like nothing was really happening, it was just... action to be action? Maybe the next book would be better, since things are mostly set up now? I don't know.

Overall, I just thought it was a pretty "meh" book.… (mais)

Between the tension of the hunt and the slow-burn romance, this is a story with fresh twists and an intriguing plot.

Tarquin is a Hunter, who follows his orders without question. While pursuing his next target, he finds himself hesitating. Merrin, his target, is hunting him as well, but for an entirely different purpose. When Tarquin agrees to listen to her before killing her, his own world turns topsy-turvy as he discovers everything he's believed has been a lie. Merrin's job is to draw him into the light so he can discover his true self as a Illuminate. Unfortunately, he's not what he appears and darkness isn't just something he's been trapped by, it is a part of who he is.

The story grabs right away as the hunt is underway, but it's clear that it won't be a normal one. This tension remains through the entire book, but the author does a great job at adding unexpected turns along the way. It's hard to guess what's true, and where the light and dark really play their role as the symbolism behind these attributes mutates right along with the intrigue. The beginning took a bit to sink into as the background and world unfolds slowly, but once this gets flowing, it's hard to put the book down.

Merrin is a little hard to grasp. She carries her own baggage, which muddles her decisions...especially since she tends to be a bit spontaneous anyway. While I cheered for until the very end, there were moments where her decisions stumbled. She does play a wonderful counter-part to Tarquin, who is fighting his own inner battles. Throw in Merrin's mentor, and it's a sparking mix.

While there is much intrigue, high tension and unexpected twists, the romance plays a solid role throughout the tale. It's a hard one with lots of give, take, and learning to trust. But this is definitely a read for romance fantasy friends who love the action and adventure along the side. And what an exciting mix it makes.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading this enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.… (mais)