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Despain, Bree
6 Reviews
(4)
YA
Into the Dark series.
The Greek mythology–inspired trilogy's conclusion (The Shadow Prince; The Eternity Key) finds human Daphne stuck in the Underrealm while Underlord Haden is dying in the mortal world. Worse, Haden's half-brother has seized the Underrealm's throne and plans to unleash the monstrous Keres. That sweethearts Daphne and Haden always just miss each other when traveling is contrived, but they do eventually get a happy ending.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(4)
YA
Into the Dark series.
Haden (a banished Underlord), Daphne, and their friends search for the Key of Hades and a way to return to the Underrealm in time to prevent monsters from being loosed upon the world. The multiple first-person narrators' voices are not particularly distinctive, but the banter and will-they-won't-they angst of this tale inspired by the Persephone myth will appeal to supernatural-romance fans.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(4)
YA
Into the Dark series.
A dual narrative, this retelling of the Persephone myth follows Haden, disgraced prince of the Underrealm, in search of a key to his troubled kingdom, and Daphne, the mortal girl he must convince to follow him there to help. With its myriad characters and unwieldy subplots, the lengthy book lacks focus. However, the world-building and myth-weaving are inventive and the protagonists engaging.
Reviewer: Susan Graham
(4)
YA
Werewolves Grace and Daniel (The Dark Divine; The Lost Saint) fight demons as "Hounds of Heaven." Grace's healing powers--and ability to restore werewolves' humanity--help the couple gain enough of a following to challenge Daniel's sinister father for leadership of the pack. The trilogy, with its unusual religious take on werewolves, wraps up neatly (if conveniently), with lots of sweet romance along the way.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(4)
YA
In The Dark Divine, Grace saved her boyfriend from his werewolf curse--and became infected herself. Now she struggles to keep her humanity as the wolf inside grows stronger. New friend Talbot promises to help, but his betrayal puts Grace's loved ones in danger. Religious Grace's determination to be a protective "Hound of Heaven" provides a unique twist on otherwise typical werewolf-story themes.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(4)
YA
Years after Daniel ran away from his foster family in disgrace, he returns for a fresh start. Grace's feelings for him become more than sisterly as she begins to suspect Daniel is other than human. Grace's strong religious background and the complexities of her relationships add some depth (and theology) to this otherwise familiar story of human-girl-meets-supernatural-boy.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
6 reviews
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