Monday, August 10, 2015

Review: Darken the Stars by Amy Bartol

Title: Darken the Stars
Author: Amy Bartol
Series: Book Three in the Kricket Trilogy
Published By: 47North (September 8, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Sci fi/Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.

As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.

As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself. 







Amy Bartol has done something that I didn't ever think possible, she made me fall in love with a genre that before now, I never really paid much attention to. Not because I didn't like it necessarily, but because I just never had any interest in it until now.

She managed to capture my attention from the very first book in the series and not only hold it, but with book two, be in love with it. I couldn't put her books down and devoured them all. To say I have been anxiously awaiting the release of book three, is quite the understatement. 

Kricket, Jax, Trey, Wayra and yes, even Griffen and Kyon stole my heart with each new book and I have become so invested in their stories that I just knew this last book, would be epic.

It is never easy reading the last book in a series. You want to devour it at the same time that you want to savor it and if you are anything like me, you war with yourself on which you should do. In the case of Darken the Stars, I had to devour it, I didn't have any other choice. Once I picked it up, I was immediately whisked right back into Kricket's world and I didn't want to leave until her story was over and I was hoping like heck, that however it ended, it would be a good one. One that would finally give Kricket some peace and hopefully happiness and love too. 

This book played with my emotions more than any of the others have. I was torn between those characters I already loved and cared about, to liking characters and even loving certain characters, that I never looked twice at or thought I would actually feel for, let alone grow to care and love.

The story took unexpected twists and turns that I wasn't quite ready for. Kricket is in a tough position no matter what she chooses and like always, she has to look out for those that she cares about as well as trying to keep herself safe and protected. There is no easy choice for her. 

There is no easy road for her to go on. No matter what, I knew someone was going to get hurt and I thought I would be prepared for that. 

My emotions are still all over the place with the ending and honestly, I'm not going to say a whole lot about it other than Bartol made it realistic to the rest of the storyline, to who Kricket has always been throughout the series and for that, I am thankful for it. Was it the one I was expecting? Not. At. All. 
But that's okay too, I'm happy with the way it all went down and especially with the fact that with the ending the way it was, I could definitely see a spin off or even a sequel come about eventually. 

All in all, a very realistic and believable conclusion to the series.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

38 comments:

  1. Very honest and nice review, and it is true about reading the last book in a series -you never want it to end.
    Greetings!

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  2. AH YAY!! I have this one waiting for me and I am excited. I love this series. I am so glad I have a good last book to look forward to- Great review!

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  3. OK Ali, I need to know that ending. I really need to know before I start book 2!
    I'm glad that you took a chance on a genre that you didn't think you would like and wound up loving it. Wonderful review, Ali!

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    1. Oh gosh, that ending was a bit brutal but in a good way!

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  4. I'm with Nick - I need to know all about that ending before I pick this series up! I'm a happy ending kind of girl, so the "realistic to the story and Kricket" line makes me nervous! So glad you loved it though!

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    1. I can't tell you but it wasn't what I was expecting at all!

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  5. Can we just talk about how beautiful the covers are for these books. They're seriously amazing. I haven't read these books yet but they sure sound like something I need to be reading!

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    1. They really are gorgeous covers for all three of them.

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  6. I've been receiving recommendations for this book through Amazon and Audible. Not gonna lie, it's not my thing either, but I guess I won't know until I try, right?

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  7. My heart is beating faster now after reading you review - lol! I'm so excited and nervous to read this last book. I have a feeling it is going to be twisty and emotional. I am so glad you loved it still!! :)

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  8. Thanks Ali, great review I Love it when an author makes me love something better than I did before too!

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  9. Taking a chance on a genre out of your comfort zone is not easy. So if this series made you did that and you thoroughly enjoyed it, then that means I need to pick these books up.

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  10. I don't think I know these books, but that's great you loved them so much. I'm sorry you reached the end though - that can always be tough. It's also really cool you found a series in a genre you don't normally read.

    -Lauren

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  11. I'm glad you found a sci-fi series that you love! I always save the last book. It's good that this one didn't disappoint. Does it end sadly? I've debated reading this series and you make if sound so good, but I need happily ever after!

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    1. Umm that might give too much away! I will say sort of both, which probably doesn't help at all LOL!

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  12. Both? Nope, totally unhelpful lol. I don't mind spoilers of this kind. I always peek to see who's going to die ahead of time to prepare myself. But I wouldn't want to spoil anyone else who looks at the comments. I will assume someone dies.

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    1. Someone always dies in each book LOL! I'm so not helping but if you really want to know you can email me. ;)

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  13. Wow! What a great tribute to a series you love. Plus that cover... LOVE it! :) I'm hoping my library gets these in!

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    1. I really hope so to! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

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  14. I have all three books and I am happy to see that this is just a trilogy. I am now motivated to binge read this series because you and everyone else who've tried these are absolutely loving it!

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    1. Do it, so it, do it. :P
      I can't wait to see what you thought about it.

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  15. I can't wait to read this, it's coming up soon. I'm avoiding everything about it, even the blurb because I want to be blind. I just had to see if you liked it though. I'll be back after I read it, though, because I may need to vent/sob or whatever depending on how it turns out.

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  16. I love that the ending wasn't what you expected with twists and turns but that in the end you were ok with it.

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    1. Thanks Kim! It was a fun ride even if it was unexpected.

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  17. Brilliant review for this one. I love the sound of this one and am very excited to read it myself.

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  18. Ali, girl this is ALWAYS how I am when I finish a series. I war with myself on whether or not I want to devour the story or torture myself and take the time to soak in all the words when I know the ending is coming. I'm really going to have to make a budget plan when it comes to buying books...
    *glares at quickly dwindling money on debit card*

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  19. I don't read much YA sci-fi/fantasy for the same reason you mentioned, but you're making me consider this series! Lovely review!

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  20. LOL, yes, savor AND devour! The last books always make me sad that it's over. I haven't paid a lot of attention to this series but I'm glad you really loved it!

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