Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Reading Level: YA, Caster goodness.

Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Hardcover: 503 pages

Summary; Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Beautiful Darkness, continues where Beautiful Creatures left off; thrusting us back into the world of dark magic and casters.

For the most part, the beginning of the tale follows Lena and her sorrow, as she finds herself unable to come to grips with the death of her beloved uncle Macon. It is this sorrow that seems to drown Lena, causing her to turn within herself, and away from Ethan-who is desperate to help her find happiness. This unimaginable pain, seems to manifest and grow, causing Lena to completely shut Ethan out-if it is the only thing she is able to do.

And so it begins...

*Spoiler free*

The characters:

I have to say, I really enjoyed Ethan in this book and found myself distancing from Lena. I suppose I had become protective of our young boy, but I am not alone.

The authors have done a wonderful job at developing Ridley and Link, and interestingly enough, they become important aspects to the story. That was actually great to read.

The addition of Liv and John were a pleasant surprise as well and I have to wonder what role John will play in the future as well with Liz. Do I dare say Liz has become my one of my favorites?

Overall, there was a lot revealed about each of the characters and I feel I have a little more of an understanding of this mysterious and mystical world.

The plot:

I have to admit, in the beginning, things moved a little slow for me. But we’re talking about Gatlin, Georgia, are we not? As Amma would say, P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E. - As in get some.

Once the story picks up, there is much to learn. I felt like a “castergirl-in-training” as the authors unraveled their convoluted plot points, but in a way, that was absolutely spell binding.

What amazes me more than anything is the level of writing from these two ladies. When they describe scenery, I felt as if I could see it perfectly in my mind; as if a strange and wonderful movie was playing in my head. There were moments when I stopped and thought- “How the hell do these author’s imagine this stuff?” This supernatural world that Kami and Margaret have created, is utterly extraordinary.

My conclusion:

When I read Beautiful Creatures, I lost myself to Ethan and Lena.

When I read Beautiful Darkness, I lost myself to the transcendental world of darkness.

If you would like to join me in a “Beautiful Darkness” book discussion, please check out Bewitched Bookworms. These fabulous gals, along with Fragile Little Human are hosting it! *whispers* There is also a contest with awesome prizes! Mark your calendars, we start next week!