ARC Review: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

(more like 4.5 feathers!)

Moonglow

(Darkest London #2)

by Kristin Callihan

Kristen Callihan is quickly becoming an author on my auto-buy list. After reading FIRELIGHT and being impressed by the writing style and plotting, I was eager to read the second book in the Darkest London series, MOONGLOW. But I had absolutely no idea how good this book would be until I devoured it completely. Callihan, you officially have my heart.

Words cannot describe the amount of love I have for this book. I thought FIRELIGHT was an interesting read, but MOONGLOW absolutely ensnared me. I fell in love with Ian immediately and as I continued to read the book, I fell in love with Daisy as well. Both characters are superbly written, their personalities seeming to jump out from the pages because they seem so real, or at least I wish they were.

When a string of murders occur, Ian and Daisy join forces to find the killer. However, with Ian’s special abilities, the story gets much more interesting. Added to that is Daisy’s ability that is revealed in this book and you’ve got a winner! I love the way that Callihan gives clues as to who the killer is. It makes you think right alongside the characters and if you’re able to put the clues together, you’re able to figured it out yourself!

Another great thing about this book is the sexual tension. As Callihan weaves an intricate plot, she doesn’t leave the romance aspect hanging. Ian and Daisy sizzle and I loved the spunk Daisy possessed. It kept Ian on his toes.

Towards the end, I thought it was a little rushed, but overall, this book was amazingly written. WINTERBLAZE is going to be a book I will definitely be looking out for. Why must March be so far away?

*ARC provided by the publisher

 

 

 Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Ember by Kristen Callihan

 

Ember

(Darkest London #0.5)

by Kristen Callihan

EMBER doesn’t really serve so much as a prequel than it does as bonus material. It doesn’t lead into the events of FIRELIGHT, the first book in the Darkest London series but instead, highlights and expands on certain scenes of the first book. I highly suggest you read FIRELIGHT before you read EMBER, because although you won’t be confused, I just feel like you would appreciate the story more if you know the details of FIRELIGHT.

This book is mainly for those readers who simply couldn’t get enough of Archer and Miranda. Callihan takes you deeper, enhancing scenes and revealing details that readers would appreciate if they loved the first book.

So far, I’m enjoying this series so it will be interesting to read about another couple and see where Callihan takes us.

Read my review of FIRELIGHT.

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Firelight by Kristen Callihan

Firelight

(Darkest London #1)

by Kristen Callihan

Debut author Kristen Callihan makes quite a statement with her first book in the Darkest London series entitled FIRELIGHT. A mixture of historical and paranormal romance, readers will be delighted by this dark, gritty world that blends fantasy elements in seamlessly.

We are introduced to Miranda Ellis, a woman who possesses a rare gift. The beginning of this book starts off well, enticing readers into a world that is both dark and intriguing. Callihan’s writing pulls you in, sketching out scenes that seem more like a movie with its great descriptions.

This story bears some resemblance to Beauty and the Beast as Miranda is simply too beautiful to be with a damaged man like Archer. The match is unlikely. But Miranda soon finds out that being married to Archer isn’t as bad as everyone thought. When Archer is accused of being the murderer of a series of assassinations, Miranda soon finds out more about the man behind the mask.

I enjoyed this book immensely, but it wasn’t until 30% in that I felt the author brought flesh to her characters. It was in this pivotal scene with Lord Archer that changed the way I saw him:

“You are no coward. You are so very brave –“
“Everyone promises to stand by me –“ His jaw clenched, pain flashing in his eyes. “Always in the beginning, But none of them do.” He swallowed hard, arranging his expression into dispassion with force of will. “I cannot risk with you. Not you. None of the pretty words your sweet mouth weaves will change that so please don’t try.”

This scene is the first we see of the real Archer, the man who desperately hides his scars away from the world. I knew that from this point on in the story that everything would change.

He is such a complex character and getting to know him made this story an easy one to devour. Add in the fantasy elements and the historical setting and you have a unique debut that looks promising.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon