What do you think?
Rate this book
Magic Most Foul #1
Darker Still
I was obsessed.
It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable...utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.
There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.
I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bound together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. Unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still.
It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brushstrokes of color swirled onto the canvas. It was the most exquisite portrait I'd ever seen--everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable...utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.
There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.
I've crossed over into his world within the painting, and I've seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked--bound together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. Unless I can free him soon, things will only get Darker Still.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
About the author
Leanna Renee Hieber
54 books1,070 followersAuthor, actress, artist and playwright, Leanna received a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She adapted 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays have been produced around the country. She is a 4 time Prism Award winner for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. Her debut novel, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the "Strangely Beautiful" saga of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels (Barnes & Noble Bestseller) won two 2010 Prism Awards (Best Fantasy, Best First Book) has been hailed by Tor Books as a "foundation work of Gaslamp Fantasy" and has been reissued in new, revised editions as STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL. The prequel, PERILOUS PROPHECY and the never before published MISS VIOLET AND THE GREAT WAR finish the quartet (Tor Books). DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul was named an Indie Next title by the American Book Association and a Scholastic book fair "Highly Recommended" title. All books in the Magic Most Foul trilogy are now available as is THE ETERNA FILES trilogy of Gaslamp Fantasy novels (Tor Books). Her new series with Kensington's new Rebel Base imprint, THE SPECTRAL CITY, a Gaslamp Fantasy / Supernatural Suspense became a # 1 Amazon bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy, Steampunk and Metaphysical Fantasy as well as hitting the top ten across other platforms. The series continues with three novels. Her short fiction has been included in anthologies such as QUEEN VICTORIA'S BOOK OF SPELLS and the MAMMOTH BOOK OF GASLAMP ROMANCE. All her Victorian-set series feature crossover characters. A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, she is a proud co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon Reading Series in New York City. A member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Leanna works often in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum, works as a ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead tour company and creates unique neo-Victorian and Steampunk jewelry on Etsy. In 2018 Leanna wrote, developed and now tours a one woman show "By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll" about the talented 19th century artist. Visit http://leannareneehieber.com for free reads, writers' resources, interviews, videos and more, and follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/leannarenee and FB http://facebook.com/lrhieber.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
September 12, 2013
DNF at 50%.
This is one of those books that makes me so mad that I just want to say, "I don't wanna talk about it."
But, I must. People need to be warned.
All I really feel like doing right now is raging about how much this book aroused intense feelings of extreme dislike and displeasure inside me, so much so that it was a challenge to finish the book. I really, really want to start ranting about how much this author messed up her seemingly brilliant story by sprinkling trite YA characteristics and thereby ruined a historical novel I was very much looking forward to.
Which is exactly what I'm about to do.
Rant mode: on.
Guess what my favorite part of the novel was? The insta-love! What’s a novel without insta-love? Being the teenage girl I am, I simply can’t bear to read a book with a slow-developing romance. My hormones need to be kept satisfied with a mysterious male interest with striking blue eyes who falls deeply inlust love with the heroine! I mean, what else is the point of reading??
I’m really tired of this. Like, genuinely sick of this to the point where the insta-love can force me to drop the book altogether. Hear that, publishers? Just because these books are marketed to teens, does not mean that it must have insta-love in one form or another in order for it to be “engaging”. If I hear that authors use this technique in order to attract a YA audience, I may just burn all the insta-love books printed all over the world. Do they realize how demeaning this is to me and others of my age? My hormones aren't controlling my reading tastes, you know. I’m not that shallow to only want these kinds of things in my books, I expect more, as I’m sure is a fact most of the reader population can back up.
On top of this ridiculousness, everything that occurs happens only because the heroine was attracted to the dashing man. Every. Single. Action was influenced by him, directly or indirectly. So if the painting was an old guy, she wouldn't have been interested at all?
What infuriated me further was the fact that Natalie declared her love for him at 20%. I kid you not. She didn't know him personally, she hadn't even met him; she had only seen his painting and deemed her obsession with it as love.
Up until this point, I didn't think things could get any worse.
Inevitably, they did.
When she goes in the painting and is with her “true love”, she is able to speak and is no longer mute. Well, whoop-de-doo. How terribly convenient. It’s definitely meant 2 be, guys.
They also dream with each other; they see and talk with each other in their dreams. Because it can’t be completely hackneyed without all the ingredients, can it? There was absolutely no point to these meetings. It’s pretty obvious why the author chose to contain these pointless encounters.
*barfs* Hallmark cards have less cheesy quotes than this book.
Usually, with these kinds of books, amidst all the crap, I would admit that the plot was decent or at least mildly interesting. Nope, that’s not the case with Darker Still. Besides the annoying fact that the basis of the plot is a girl trying to save a hot guy, it’s tedious as well. It gets repetitive. No one wants to read a repetitive plot, especially people with a very bad attention span, such as yours truly.
I refuse to give the author credit for trying to make her story different, because
a) the plot isn't even interesting
b) the book is so heavily weighed by tropes that it’s impossible to pay attention to anything else.
Darker Still is written in first-person, journal format. Boy, did it read as a textbook. Natalie’s voice was only giving us the facts and relaying the information with little to no emotion in the words. Realistically, most people don’t write like this in their journals. It’s a place to put their thoughts; as far as I know, that’s what people use a journal for.
I’m not saying the writing is bad; it just needs more emotion and passion. We want to read about her inner conflicts. It read more like a third person narrative, which would probably have been a better fit for this novel.
At least we wouldn't have had to read through her lusting over him and his blue eyes.
In the past, I've read worse books in the genre. But I’m at my wit’s end, and I really don’t want to read books like this. Please, authors, stop filling your books with unoriginal elements. Please, for all of us book-lovers.
This is one of those books that makes me so mad that I just want to say, "I don't wanna talk about it."
But, I must. People need to be warned.
All I really feel like doing right now is raging about how much this book aroused intense feelings of extreme dislike and displeasure inside me, so much so that it was a challenge to finish the book. I really, really want to start ranting about how much this author messed up her seemingly brilliant story by sprinkling trite YA characteristics and thereby ruined a historical novel I was very much looking forward to.
Which is exactly what I'm about to do.
Rant mode: on.
Guess what my favorite part of the novel was? The insta-love! What’s a novel without insta-love? Being the teenage girl I am, I simply can’t bear to read a book with a slow-developing romance. My hormones need to be kept satisfied with a mysterious male interest with striking blue eyes who falls deeply in
I’m really tired of this. Like, genuinely sick of this to the point where the insta-love can force me to drop the book altogether. Hear that, publishers? Just because these books are marketed to teens, does not mean that it must have insta-love in one form or another in order for it to be “engaging”. If I hear that authors use this technique in order to attract a YA audience, I may just burn all the insta-love books printed all over the world. Do they realize how demeaning this is to me and others of my age? My hormones aren't controlling my reading tastes, you know. I’m not that shallow to only want these kinds of things in my books, I expect more, as I’m sure is a fact most of the reader population can back up.
On top of this ridiculousness, everything that occurs happens only because the heroine was attracted to the dashing man. Every. Single. Action was influenced by him, directly or indirectly. So if the painting was an old guy, she wouldn't have been interested at all?
What infuriated me further was the fact that Natalie declared her love for him at 20%. I kid you not. She didn't know him personally, she hadn't even met him; she had only seen his painting and deemed her obsession with it as love.
Up until this point, I didn't think things could get any worse.
Inevitably, they did.
When she goes in the painting and is with her “true love”, she is able to speak and is no longer mute. Well, whoop-de-doo. How terribly convenient. It’s definitely meant 2 be, guys.
They also dream with each other; they see and talk with each other in their dreams. Because it can’t be completely hackneyed without all the ingredients, can it? There was absolutely no point to these meetings. It’s pretty obvious why the author chose to contain these pointless encounters.
”The moment I saw you, my world shimmered, like bright light through dark water. Like an angel.
*barfs* Hallmark cards have less cheesy quotes than this book.
Usually, with these kinds of books, amidst all the crap, I would admit that the plot was decent or at least mildly interesting. Nope, that’s not the case with Darker Still. Besides the annoying fact that the basis of the plot is a girl trying to save a hot guy, it’s tedious as well. It gets repetitive. No one wants to read a repetitive plot, especially people with a very bad attention span, such as yours truly.
I refuse to give the author credit for trying to make her story different, because
a) the plot isn't even interesting
b) the book is so heavily weighed by tropes that it’s impossible to pay attention to anything else.
Darker Still is written in first-person, journal format. Boy, did it read as a textbook. Natalie’s voice was only giving us the facts and relaying the information with little to no emotion in the words. Realistically, most people don’t write like this in their journals. It’s a place to put their thoughts; as far as I know, that’s what people use a journal for.
I’m not saying the writing is bad; it just needs more emotion and passion. We want to read about her inner conflicts. It read more like a third person narrative, which would probably have been a better fit for this novel.
In the past, I've read worse books in the genre. But I’m at my wit’s end, and I really don’t want to read books like this. Please, authors, stop filling your books with unoriginal elements. Please, for all of us book-lovers.
December 10, 2011
The writing was decent, I loved the era and the setting, I thought the author did it justice but the plot is still poorly done. When you really think about it, we all know books have to have high stakes. There was no real stake for our heroine at all. She got drawn in by the painting, the only reason she helps is because she feels a certain pull to the ridiculously attractive lord and thus must help him (Honestly, what if he was butt ugly? Different situation entirely).
If our MC chose not to act, she could have easily walked away with no consequence. I guess her motivation aside from her attraction to oh-so-gorgeous guy is also because she's lonely as she's a mute. It's nice for her to be involved and feel appreciated.
Although it does become ridiculous how she's the only person able to go into the painting and converse with Jonathan, and it's also too far-fetched that in the painting she can miraculous talk again which helps her in real life.
Also, the book is written in the diary style which puts a distance from the actual conflict. You won't actually be worried for the MC because you know she'll be fine. I mean she can't give us the end if she's dead right? Someone has to write the thing.
There are many accounts of our MC's nightmares, which is probably supposed to be the scariest and most exciting bit. But too bad I found it inane along with the subplot of her mother. I guess we're supposed to worry about the bad guys in this case right? But you'll be surprised how easily the MC manages to deal with the problem and get the body back.
I found it surprising that there seems to be a sequel. Out of no where we just get one mention how there is a society and therefore there is more danger to be had. I don't think it's really enough for another book.
The main character was somewhat interesting (although I already forgot her name...) but in the end her and Jonathan's romance fell flat. I mean they only like each other because they need each other's help. The only thing attractive about Jonathan is his handsomeness, but he's very one dimensional and the only thing we know about him is how he wants to be a doctor which I assume is supposed to make us like him and show us his compassion and deep-soul. He also comes across as silly/stupid with how he got into the whole mess in the first place. Honestly, I can't buy into it.
This book is set around the 1880s and propriety was stern then. But once you get our MC into the painting and get some action with the sexy-dude, man these ladies don't have much control after all. What is wrong with our naive heroines turning out to be not so naive?
Disappointing novel after all. Not once was it believable or clever or brave.
If our MC chose not to act, she could have easily walked away with no consequence. I guess her motivation aside from her attraction to oh-so-gorgeous guy is also because she's lonely as she's a mute. It's nice for her to be involved and feel appreciated.
Although it does become ridiculous how she's the only person able to go into the painting and converse with Jonathan, and it's also too far-fetched that in the painting she can miraculous talk again which helps her in real life.
Also, the book is written in the diary style which puts a distance from the actual conflict. You won't actually be worried for the MC because you know she'll be fine. I mean she can't give us the end if she's dead right? Someone has to write the thing.
There are many accounts of our MC's nightmares, which is probably supposed to be the scariest and most exciting bit. But too bad I found it inane along with the subplot of her mother. I guess we're supposed to worry about the bad guys in this case right? But you'll be surprised how easily the MC manages to deal with the problem and get the body back.
I found it surprising that there seems to be a sequel. Out of no where we just get one mention how there is a society and therefore there is more danger to be had. I don't think it's really enough for another book.
The main character was somewhat interesting (although I already forgot her name...) but in the end her and Jonathan's romance fell flat. I mean they only like each other because they need each other's help. The only thing attractive about Jonathan is his handsomeness, but he's very one dimensional and the only thing we know about him is how he wants to be a doctor which I assume is supposed to make us like him and show us his compassion and deep-soul. He also comes across as silly/stupid with how he got into the whole mess in the first place. Honestly, I can't buy into it.
This book is set around the 1880s and propriety was stern then. But once you get our MC into the painting and get some action with the sexy-dude, man these ladies don't have much control after all. What is wrong with our naive heroines turning out to be not so naive?
Disappointing novel after all. Not once was it believable or clever or brave.
September 7, 2011
Darker Still is a story that draws its inspiration from a number of great Gothic classics. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray can be found in Darker Still, and yet this story still feels unique in a YA market that is flooded with witches, fairies, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. I love Victorian literature, and this book manages to tackle some fairly significant modern themes in a historical paranormal romance by examining them through a Victorian lens.
The story is told in epistolary form through Natalie’s diary entries, letters she receives or writes, and police and newspaper accounts. This type of first person narrative, in which the whole story is told this way, is uncommon in modern literature. It serves a psychological function between the character and the reader that works for teenagers, who are familiar with this structure from their Facebook, Twitter, and blogging accounts. It also makes sense for Natalie; because she doesn’t speak, her communication with other characters naturally happens through her writing, and the reader gets to feel even closer to her than through a straighforward first person narrative.
Natalie Stewart is seventeen years old and knows her prospects are limited. She witnessed her mother's violent death as a small child, and it has left her unable to speak. Her father loves her, but he doesn't know what to do with her, so he ships her off to school with other young people who have a variety of "mental" problems. Even worse, when she comes home, people treat her like she's furniture, and openly pity her father because she's not likely to make a good marriage.
Her life takes a new direction, however, when she hears about a mysterious portrait of a young man who disappeared immediately after the painting was finished. Rumor has it the painting is haunted, and Natalie is intrigued enough to convince her father to let her work in the acquisitions department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he is a curator. The museum can’t afford the asking price of the portrait, however, and the wealthy and somewhat mysterious widow Mrs. Evelyn Northe is persuaded to purchase the art and loan it to the museum.
But Natalie immediately notices there's something strange about the painting: She’s certain the young man, Lord Denbury, moves on the canvas between her glances. Just a few minutes later she sees a young man who looks just like Lord Denbury walk past her and speak to her rudely. Natalie is scared, but intrigued by this mystery.
Because of her friendship with Mrs. Northe she learns that the older woman knows more than she has previously revealed, and Natalie decides to learn everything she can from the enigmatic widow. Natalie begins to spend increasing amounts of time with the painting until she sees a message asking her to touch Lord Denbury’s hand, after which she falls into the painting and meets the real Lord Denbury. Natalie and Jonathon are immediately drawn to each other, and Natalie promises to help Jonathon break the curse and gain his freedom.
But women are suddenly going missing in the poorer Five Points area of New York, only to turn up murdered in grisly fashion, and the description of the assailant matches Lord Denbury. Now Mrs. Northe and Natalie are in a race against time to stop the murders and determine if Jonathon is friend or foe before the curse becomes permanent.
I liked how Hieber explores gender, class, and the question of disability in this novel. Natalie is an intelligent young woman, yet her inability to speak makes her peers see her as broken and of reduced value as a human. Her father’s overprotectiveness makes things even worse by making sure she is sent away to a sheltered environment that stunts her development. Her father loves her, but she makes some potentially life-threatening mistakes because she doesn't know any better, which made me even more upset. Her father is unable to see the capable young woman he has raised. The book’s theme about finding one’s voice is larger than learning to speak one’s thoughts; it’s also about encouraging the young adult audience to challenge what they’ve been taught, and to reexamine social ideas of perfection and self-worth for value and applicability.
Darker Still is a page-turner that will appeal to the teenage audience’s sense of drama and controversy, while possibly also capturing their imagination and desire to read the classics I mentioned at the beginning of my review.
My formal review for this book can be found on: http://doctorfantastiques.com/2011/11...
The story is told in epistolary form through Natalie’s diary entries, letters she receives or writes, and police and newspaper accounts. This type of first person narrative, in which the whole story is told this way, is uncommon in modern literature. It serves a psychological function between the character and the reader that works for teenagers, who are familiar with this structure from their Facebook, Twitter, and blogging accounts. It also makes sense for Natalie; because she doesn’t speak, her communication with other characters naturally happens through her writing, and the reader gets to feel even closer to her than through a straighforward first person narrative.
Natalie Stewart is seventeen years old and knows her prospects are limited. She witnessed her mother's violent death as a small child, and it has left her unable to speak. Her father loves her, but he doesn't know what to do with her, so he ships her off to school with other young people who have a variety of "mental" problems. Even worse, when she comes home, people treat her like she's furniture, and openly pity her father because she's not likely to make a good marriage.
Her life takes a new direction, however, when she hears about a mysterious portrait of a young man who disappeared immediately after the painting was finished. Rumor has it the painting is haunted, and Natalie is intrigued enough to convince her father to let her work in the acquisitions department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where he is a curator. The museum can’t afford the asking price of the portrait, however, and the wealthy and somewhat mysterious widow Mrs. Evelyn Northe is persuaded to purchase the art and loan it to the museum.
But Natalie immediately notices there's something strange about the painting: She’s certain the young man, Lord Denbury, moves on the canvas between her glances. Just a few minutes later she sees a young man who looks just like Lord Denbury walk past her and speak to her rudely. Natalie is scared, but intrigued by this mystery.
Because of her friendship with Mrs. Northe she learns that the older woman knows more than she has previously revealed, and Natalie decides to learn everything she can from the enigmatic widow. Natalie begins to spend increasing amounts of time with the painting until she sees a message asking her to touch Lord Denbury’s hand, after which she falls into the painting and meets the real Lord Denbury. Natalie and Jonathon are immediately drawn to each other, and Natalie promises to help Jonathon break the curse and gain his freedom.
But women are suddenly going missing in the poorer Five Points area of New York, only to turn up murdered in grisly fashion, and the description of the assailant matches Lord Denbury. Now Mrs. Northe and Natalie are in a race against time to stop the murders and determine if Jonathon is friend or foe before the curse becomes permanent.
I liked how Hieber explores gender, class, and the question of disability in this novel. Natalie is an intelligent young woman, yet her inability to speak makes her peers see her as broken and of reduced value as a human. Her father’s overprotectiveness makes things even worse by making sure she is sent away to a sheltered environment that stunts her development. Her father loves her, but she makes some potentially life-threatening mistakes because she doesn't know any better, which made me even more upset. Her father is unable to see the capable young woman he has raised. The book’s theme about finding one’s voice is larger than learning to speak one’s thoughts; it’s also about encouraging the young adult audience to challenge what they’ve been taught, and to reexamine social ideas of perfection and self-worth for value and applicability.
Darker Still is a page-turner that will appeal to the teenage audience’s sense of drama and controversy, while possibly also capturing their imagination and desire to read the classics I mentioned at the beginning of my review.
My formal review for this book can be found on: http://doctorfantastiques.com/2011/11...
April 23, 2017
This started out kind of insta-lovish and cheesy, but the puzzle of the curse and the haunted painting were really interesting and I ended up liking it mainly because of that and the Gothic atmosphere. I was happy enough with the ending that I'm probably not going to pick up the rest of the series, though. I don't really need to see where else this goes.
I do enjoy this author's writing. Everything I've read by her has had great atmosphere. But I liked her adult series better, and I think I'll wait until she goes back to writing for adults again. This was too YA for me.
I do enjoy this author's writing. Everything I've read by her has had great atmosphere. But I liked her adult series better, and I think I'll wait until she goes back to writing for adults again. This was too YA for me.
August 16, 2017
My review: 1.5 of 5 stars
Uhhhhh.....
Final Page Thoughts
Dumb, dumb, dumb! *throws book*
First Thoughts
So here's the story on how I came to obtain this book: I was browsing through the library stacks and I was intrigued by the title and was even more intrigued when I picked it up and saw the cover girl was wearing this gorgeous purple dress. (If you know anything about me, it's that I'm a huge sucker for anything purple). Yep. That's my story. Completely necessary addition to my review, I know.
I start reading it and I'm kind of pleased at how it starts: it's interesting and original sounding and it's written in the form of diary entries. If someone would have told me it was written in the form of diary entries I would've given them a skeptical look and kindly set it aside.
My experience with journal entry-style books have not been pleasant. Plus, I think of how I wrote in my diary when I was a teen: ("Today, I woke up and ate breakfast and then had to take the bus and it was dumb but the day got sooooo much better because Kenny touched my hand when he went to turn his homework in and I'm going to be happy for the rest of this week. I <3 Kenny. Remember not to wash hand.") Note: Not actual diary entry. Maybe. You can understand my glee at realizing these were well written diary entries. Maybe I set the bar a bit low in comparison.
The Not So Pretty
Like I said, I found the journal entries to be interesting but they turned out to be a requirement as I'm not sure how else you'd tell a story from the POV of a girl who has been mute since she was 4 years old. This girl writes in her diary A LOT... but not all of the entries seemed entirely appropriate.
"I've been captured! I know not where I'm going. I'm in a carriage. Heading north, I think. I can write only a quick note."
Uhh... you've been kidnapped and you've decided to write in your diary. I think additional comment is unnecessary.
Obviously you're able to determine from the summary alone that some type of magic-y goodness is involved with lines like 'He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.' The magic was lacking in goodness in my opinion. The combination of runes, hieroglyphics, dark magic, and elements related to the Saints was definitely original but ended up being a tad far-fetched and basically a big hot mess. And once it really started snowballing there at the end she totally lost me.
'...I called upon that sacred vow granted me as a baby, a vow I renewed now as a woman in this moment, a vow to reject the Devil.' Uhh... sure.
And come on. She's a mute in the real world but she can speak find in picture world.
'I could speak in Denbury's world. It was time I started speaking in this one.'
So she just decides that she wants to speak again? And she does. Sure. That makes PERFECT sense. The way she said it was like she was talking about getting the dishes done, that she's just been a lazy-ass about it, and she's decided she's finally gonna get it done.
The Romance... Oh boy, where to begin. Let's just say I really had a hard time believing their love. Half the book I kept expecting him to turn out to be a big jerk-face who was just using her to help him get out of the portrait, but, okay.. I was wrong. I still didn't feel the legitimacy there.
Do I need to say I won't be reading the next one?
Uhhhhh.....
Final Page Thoughts
Dumb, dumb, dumb! *throws book*
First Thoughts
So here's the story on how I came to obtain this book: I was browsing through the library stacks and I was intrigued by the title and was even more intrigued when I picked it up and saw the cover girl was wearing this gorgeous purple dress. (If you know anything about me, it's that I'm a huge sucker for anything purple). Yep. That's my story. Completely necessary addition to my review, I know.
I start reading it and I'm kind of pleased at how it starts: it's interesting and original sounding and it's written in the form of diary entries. If someone would have told me it was written in the form of diary entries I would've given them a skeptical look and kindly set it aside.
My experience with journal entry-style books have not been pleasant. Plus, I think of how I wrote in my diary when I was a teen: ("Today, I woke up and ate breakfast and then had to take the bus and it was dumb but the day got sooooo much better because Kenny touched my hand when he went to turn his homework in and I'm going to be happy for the rest of this week. I <3 Kenny. Remember not to wash hand.") Note: Not actual diary entry. Maybe. You can understand my glee at realizing these were well written diary entries. Maybe I set the bar a bit low in comparison.
The Not So Pretty
Like I said, I found the journal entries to be interesting but they turned out to be a requirement as I'm not sure how else you'd tell a story from the POV of a girl who has been mute since she was 4 years old. This girl writes in her diary A LOT... but not all of the entries seemed entirely appropriate.
"I've been captured! I know not where I'm going. I'm in a carriage. Heading north, I think. I can write only a quick note."
Uhh... you've been kidnapped and you've decided to write in your diary. I think additional comment is unnecessary.
Obviously you're able to determine from the summary alone that some type of magic-y goodness is involved with lines like 'He was alive. Trapped within his golden frame.' The magic was lacking in goodness in my opinion. The combination of runes, hieroglyphics, dark magic, and elements related to the Saints was definitely original but ended up being a tad far-fetched and basically a big hot mess. And once it really started snowballing there at the end she totally lost me.
'...I called upon that sacred vow granted me as a baby, a vow I renewed now as a woman in this moment, a vow to reject the Devil.' Uhh... sure.
And come on. She's a mute in the real world but she can speak find in picture world.
'I could speak in Denbury's world. It was time I started speaking in this one.'
So she just decides that she wants to speak again? And she does. Sure. That makes PERFECT sense. The way she said it was like she was talking about getting the dishes done, that she's just been a lazy-ass about it, and she's decided she's finally gonna get it done.
The Romance... Oh boy, where to begin. Let's just say I really had a hard time believing their love. Half the book I kept expecting him to turn out to be a big jerk-face who was just using her to help him get out of the portrait, but, okay.. I was wrong. I still didn't feel the legitimacy there.
Do I need to say I won't be reading the next one?
November 18, 2011
Darker Still
A copy of this book was kindly provided by Sourcebooks Fire Publishing via Netgalley.
For Natalie Stewart destiny is scrawled across the morning paper's headlines. A story and a photo of a painting capture her attention. It is the handsome portrait of a Lord Denbury, who is reported to have committed suicide in England. Rumors swirl thick around the picture, some believe that it is haunted and that the essence of the young man is trapped inside. Our mute heroine, Natalie is immediately drawn to the painting. She endeavors to gently prod her father, a museum curator, into purchasing the work for the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. A few furiously scribbled notes later he is convinced but it seems there are others interested in the mysterious painting. With the aid of a wealthy widow, Mrs. Northe, the masterpiece is procured and Natalie soon finds herself plunged into a strange, supernatural mystery. There is foul magic afoot. Natalie inexplicably is able to enter into the painting and indeed trapped inside is the soul of the striking, Jonathan Denbury; while his corporal body is possessed by the very demon that ensnared him. Natalie is absorbed in a race against time to shatter the curse to free Denbury and halt the horrific murders that are committed by the demonic possessor of Lord Denbury's body. Each time she plunges into the painting she leaves a bigger piece of her heart behind. She has fallen hopelessly in love with the cursed Jonathon Denbury. Will she be able to break the evil spell and save the man she has lost her heart to?
What I Liked:
*I enjoyed the setting of New York in 1880 (the description of the novel at the time of this review states the story takes place in 1882, this is an error for the book starts in June of 1880) it is in the years when the United States is coming out from under the dark, bloody years of the Civil War. New York is bustling with activity and with an ever-growing fascination with the mystical and spiritualism. I was intrigued by the ideas put forth in this novel regarding the occult. It was a time when individuals were more open minded and willing to accept the possibility of supernatural explanations. An era when people openly dabbled in the world of spirits and tried to open lines of communication through seances and ouija boards. This time provides the perfect backdrop for the novel.
*The characters in this book are unique. Natalie, the lead heroine, is notable by the loss of her voice. As a young child she witnessed a traumatic accident that stole her mother and her ability to speak. She has spent thirteen years trapped as a mute. This is the first time that I encountered a voiceless protagonist. Don't let the lack of speech fool you; Natalie is determined, headstrong, a quick scribe and adept in sign language. I was delighted in the way she finds her voice. This novel provides a candid look at the many obstacles someone with disabilities faced in the past. My favorite character was Mrs. Northe, she immediately becomes Natalie's fast friend. She is intelligent, open minded, a spiritualist and willing to acknowledge the whisperings of the supernatural. A forward thinking and capable woman in a male dominated society. Jonathon Denbury, he is a gentlemen, dashingly handsome, charming, noble and a caring healer. It is easy to see why he holds such sway over the ladies even as a painting. I am certain he will set many hearts a flutter.
*The premise of the book, a haunted painting; one that entraps a man's soul. This was a novel and creative story. I liked the idea of Natalie being able to dive into the painting. I also appreciated that the book was told through the writings in Natalie's journal, letters and newspaper clippings. This concept married well with Natalie's handicap; the diary is Natalie's voice.
And The Not So Much:
*I was so excited to read this book, the idea of a painting coming to life. As I delved into the pages I found that at times the pacing of the story ambled along. It took a long time before the pace moved to a jog and it isn't until the last couple of chapters that it speeds to a running finish. Due to the slow unfurling I had a hard time staying engaged in the plot. Perhaps it was just me.
*I was left confused about two characters. The conniving Crenfall, who underhandedly helped entrap Denbury. I was unclear over his ultimate role; was he possessed by the same demon or was he under a compulsion spell? I was also unsure of Mrs. Northe's niece, Maggie. Upon first meeting there is some foreshadowing whirling around her and Mrs. Northe's disapproving looks and annoyance indicated that she was headed towards something problematic or a possibly dark enterprise but alas it did not come to fruition. She does make a bumbling attempt at a seance during an inopportune, climatic moment in the story but her role is left unfinished. I have a feeling that perhaps her involvement has not ended. I certainly hope so because her thread is left hanging.
*I did not like the participation of the police detective. I am not sure what the purpose of his voice was in the plot but it felt out of place to me.
*This is labeled as a young adult title but due to the graphic murder scenes and mature themes, I think this is a novel better suited for mature young adult readers.
Darker Still is a captivating glance into a bygone era. A world of spiritualism and supernatural possibility. Grab Lord Denbury's hand and dip into his painting. Follow Natalie as she navigates the streets of New York chasing a demon. This is an intriguing adventure that immerses you into the world of the occult. The door is left ajar to continue the tales of Natalie and Jonathan, who knows what trouble lurks ahead for the two lovebirds.
Favorite Quotations:
"I was lost in the music of him."
"Perhaps the Devil knows when a man could do great things and stops him from them. Wreaking havoc in his path instead."
"It would take a very wise young woman to know that she shouldn't always trust a fairy tale."
"A soul without purpose withers."
"Great things may not change the world, but they will change the lives around you."
For more reviews visit:http://rainydayramblings.typepad.com/
A copy of this book was kindly provided by Sourcebooks Fire Publishing via Netgalley.
For Natalie Stewart destiny is scrawled across the morning paper's headlines. A story and a photo of a painting capture her attention. It is the handsome portrait of a Lord Denbury, who is reported to have committed suicide in England. Rumors swirl thick around the picture, some believe that it is haunted and that the essence of the young man is trapped inside. Our mute heroine, Natalie is immediately drawn to the painting. She endeavors to gently prod her father, a museum curator, into purchasing the work for the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. A few furiously scribbled notes later he is convinced but it seems there are others interested in the mysterious painting. With the aid of a wealthy widow, Mrs. Northe, the masterpiece is procured and Natalie soon finds herself plunged into a strange, supernatural mystery. There is foul magic afoot. Natalie inexplicably is able to enter into the painting and indeed trapped inside is the soul of the striking, Jonathan Denbury; while his corporal body is possessed by the very demon that ensnared him. Natalie is absorbed in a race against time to shatter the curse to free Denbury and halt the horrific murders that are committed by the demonic possessor of Lord Denbury's body. Each time she plunges into the painting she leaves a bigger piece of her heart behind. She has fallen hopelessly in love with the cursed Jonathon Denbury. Will she be able to break the evil spell and save the man she has lost her heart to?
What I Liked:
*I enjoyed the setting of New York in 1880 (the description of the novel at the time of this review states the story takes place in 1882, this is an error for the book starts in June of 1880) it is in the years when the United States is coming out from under the dark, bloody years of the Civil War. New York is bustling with activity and with an ever-growing fascination with the mystical and spiritualism. I was intrigued by the ideas put forth in this novel regarding the occult. It was a time when individuals were more open minded and willing to accept the possibility of supernatural explanations. An era when people openly dabbled in the world of spirits and tried to open lines of communication through seances and ouija boards. This time provides the perfect backdrop for the novel.
*The characters in this book are unique. Natalie, the lead heroine, is notable by the loss of her voice. As a young child she witnessed a traumatic accident that stole her mother and her ability to speak. She has spent thirteen years trapped as a mute. This is the first time that I encountered a voiceless protagonist. Don't let the lack of speech fool you; Natalie is determined, headstrong, a quick scribe and adept in sign language. I was delighted in the way she finds her voice. This novel provides a candid look at the many obstacles someone with disabilities faced in the past. My favorite character was Mrs. Northe, she immediately becomes Natalie's fast friend. She is intelligent, open minded, a spiritualist and willing to acknowledge the whisperings of the supernatural. A forward thinking and capable woman in a male dominated society. Jonathon Denbury, he is a gentlemen, dashingly handsome, charming, noble and a caring healer. It is easy to see why he holds such sway over the ladies even as a painting. I am certain he will set many hearts a flutter.
*The premise of the book, a haunted painting; one that entraps a man's soul. This was a novel and creative story. I liked the idea of Natalie being able to dive into the painting. I also appreciated that the book was told through the writings in Natalie's journal, letters and newspaper clippings. This concept married well with Natalie's handicap; the diary is Natalie's voice.
And The Not So Much:
*I was so excited to read this book, the idea of a painting coming to life. As I delved into the pages I found that at times the pacing of the story ambled along. It took a long time before the pace moved to a jog and it isn't until the last couple of chapters that it speeds to a running finish. Due to the slow unfurling I had a hard time staying engaged in the plot. Perhaps it was just me.
*I was left confused about two characters. The conniving Crenfall, who underhandedly helped entrap Denbury. I was unclear over his ultimate role; was he possessed by the same demon or was he under a compulsion spell? I was also unsure of Mrs. Northe's niece, Maggie. Upon first meeting there is some foreshadowing whirling around her and Mrs. Northe's disapproving looks and annoyance indicated that she was headed towards something problematic or a possibly dark enterprise but alas it did not come to fruition. She does make a bumbling attempt at a seance during an inopportune, climatic moment in the story but her role is left unfinished. I have a feeling that perhaps her involvement has not ended. I certainly hope so because her thread is left hanging.
*I did not like the participation of the police detective. I am not sure what the purpose of his voice was in the plot but it felt out of place to me.
*This is labeled as a young adult title but due to the graphic murder scenes and mature themes, I think this is a novel better suited for mature young adult readers.
Darker Still is a captivating glance into a bygone era. A world of spiritualism and supernatural possibility. Grab Lord Denbury's hand and dip into his painting. Follow Natalie as she navigates the streets of New York chasing a demon. This is an intriguing adventure that immerses you into the world of the occult. The door is left ajar to continue the tales of Natalie and Jonathan, who knows what trouble lurks ahead for the two lovebirds.
Favorite Quotations:
"I was lost in the music of him."
"Perhaps the Devil knows when a man could do great things and stops him from them. Wreaking havoc in his path instead."
"It would take a very wise young woman to know that she shouldn't always trust a fairy tale."
"A soul without purpose withers."
"Great things may not change the world, but they will change the lives around you."
For more reviews visit:http://rainydayramblings.typepad.com/
October 31, 2011
I've had Leanna Renee Hieber's Strangely Beautiful series on my wish list for a long time now so I was very excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of the first book in her new Magic Most Foul series. Darker Still is a fantastic Gothic paranormal story set in Victorian New York and I loved it.
The story is told in the form of diary entries written by our heroine, 17 year old Natalie. Natalie is a beautiful, intelligent young woman but since the trauma of witnessing her mother's death as a child she has been unable to speak. Her father loves her dearly but is unsure how to cope with her and she has spent most of her childhood in an asylum with people suffering from various mental illnesses. She has now come home to live with her father but is treated as an outcast by society because she is unable to speak and is very unlikely to make a suitable marriage because of her disability. Natalie's father works for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and she manages to convince him to get her a job there, afraid that he will send her back to the asylum if she doesn't find something useful to do.
It is at the museum that she first sees the painting of Lord Denbury. She has already heard of the mystery surrounding the painting, the subject disappeared not long after the painting was finished and is presumed dead and there are rumors that the painting itself is haunted but she is just intrigued by the amazing detail in the picture. Famous spiritualist Mrs Northe has her heart set on buying the painting and she quickly takes Natalie under her wing. The more time Natalie spends with the painting the more she starts to believe that there is something suspicious going on, she is positive that Lord Denbury moves when she isn't looking and starts to wonder if she really is insane after all. It doesn't take long before she discovers that something much more sinister is going on though, the real Lord Denbury has been trapped inside the painting but can she find a way to help him escape and who put him there in the first place?
Natalie is a great heroine, she has led a sheltered life but is smart and resourceful and you really get to see her grow throughout the story. She is terrified of the things that she sees and has to face but is equally determined to find a way to help Lord Denbury. It makes a nice change to read a book where it is the heroine who has to rescue the hero rather than the other way around. I also loved the fact that the story is set in Victorian New York, I've read a lot of books from that era set in London and this made a refreshing change. I liked Lord Denbury, he is sweet and passionate but doesn't really have a major role to play in his own rescue. Trapped as he is there is little he can do but stand by and watch as Natalie faces the dangers on his behalf and I'm hoping he will have a more active role in future books in the series.
I don't want to tell you more about the story because I think you need to read the book and discover it for yourself so I'm just going to say that if you like books with a historical setting, strong female characters and a paranormal twist that is different from the usual vampires or werewolves then Darker Still is a must buy. I loved Leanna Renee Hieber's writing style and have purchased her Strangely Beautiful series which I can't wait to start reading. I will also be first in the queue when it comes to picking up the next book in the Magic Most Foul series.
The story is told in the form of diary entries written by our heroine, 17 year old Natalie. Natalie is a beautiful, intelligent young woman but since the trauma of witnessing her mother's death as a child she has been unable to speak. Her father loves her dearly but is unsure how to cope with her and she has spent most of her childhood in an asylum with people suffering from various mental illnesses. She has now come home to live with her father but is treated as an outcast by society because she is unable to speak and is very unlikely to make a suitable marriage because of her disability. Natalie's father works for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and she manages to convince him to get her a job there, afraid that he will send her back to the asylum if she doesn't find something useful to do.
It is at the museum that she first sees the painting of Lord Denbury. She has already heard of the mystery surrounding the painting, the subject disappeared not long after the painting was finished and is presumed dead and there are rumors that the painting itself is haunted but she is just intrigued by the amazing detail in the picture. Famous spiritualist Mrs Northe has her heart set on buying the painting and she quickly takes Natalie under her wing. The more time Natalie spends with the painting the more she starts to believe that there is something suspicious going on, she is positive that Lord Denbury moves when she isn't looking and starts to wonder if she really is insane after all. It doesn't take long before she discovers that something much more sinister is going on though, the real Lord Denbury has been trapped inside the painting but can she find a way to help him escape and who put him there in the first place?
Natalie is a great heroine, she has led a sheltered life but is smart and resourceful and you really get to see her grow throughout the story. She is terrified of the things that she sees and has to face but is equally determined to find a way to help Lord Denbury. It makes a nice change to read a book where it is the heroine who has to rescue the hero rather than the other way around. I also loved the fact that the story is set in Victorian New York, I've read a lot of books from that era set in London and this made a refreshing change. I liked Lord Denbury, he is sweet and passionate but doesn't really have a major role to play in his own rescue. Trapped as he is there is little he can do but stand by and watch as Natalie faces the dangers on his behalf and I'm hoping he will have a more active role in future books in the series.
I don't want to tell you more about the story because I think you need to read the book and discover it for yourself so I'm just going to say that if you like books with a historical setting, strong female characters and a paranormal twist that is different from the usual vampires or werewolves then Darker Still is a must buy. I loved Leanna Renee Hieber's writing style and have purchased her Strangely Beautiful series which I can't wait to start reading. I will also be first in the queue when it comes to picking up the next book in the Magic Most Foul series.
July 9, 2011
Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart has been unable to speak since her mother died when she was a little girl, and so she has lived a rather isolated life. After graduating from a school for the deaf and mute and returning home to New York City, she begins writing a diary to pass the time. Her father works for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which in 1880, when the story is set, had only been opened for a few years. Natalie becomes interested in a painting of Lord Denbury, a young English nobleman who was recently presumed dead.
From the start, Natalie is fascinated by the lifelike portrait, and she soon learns why. Lord Denbury is not dead, but has been trapped in the painting by an evil demon who has possessed his body. Only Natalie can visit him in the painting, and in her dreams, which have always been dark and disturbing. Natalie and Lord Denbury soon begin to fall in love, but can Natalie save him by defeating the demon and breaking the curse that traps him in the painting?
Darker Still is a book that really stands out from the sea of young adult paranormal romances out there. Both the setting (New York City in 1880) and the story (a demon who trapped someone in a painting) are very unique, as is the format, since the story is told through Natalie's diary. If you are like me and love young adult paranormal romance but are sick and tired of the endless modern vampire and werewolf books, I highly recommend this book, and I think fans of historical fiction would enjoy it as well.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
From the start, Natalie is fascinated by the lifelike portrait, and she soon learns why. Lord Denbury is not dead, but has been trapped in the painting by an evil demon who has possessed his body. Only Natalie can visit him in the painting, and in her dreams, which have always been dark and disturbing. Natalie and Lord Denbury soon begin to fall in love, but can Natalie save him by defeating the demon and breaking the curse that traps him in the painting?
Darker Still is a book that really stands out from the sea of young adult paranormal romances out there. Both the setting (New York City in 1880) and the story (a demon who trapped someone in a painting) are very unique, as is the format, since the story is told through Natalie's diary. If you are like me and love young adult paranormal romance but are sick and tired of the endless modern vampire and werewolf books, I highly recommend this book, and I think fans of historical fiction would enjoy it as well.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
December 11, 2018
İsteği dışında bir tabloya hapsedilen Lord Denbury ve onu bu lanetten kurtarmak isteyen dilsiz Natalie'nin ilginç hikayesiydi. Fena değildi ama üçleme olması ve sonunun havada bitmesi negatif kısımları bence. Ama kendini okutuyor orası kesin.
September 2, 2011
I should first off say that this review will contain no spoilers as this book is not being released until November 2011 - although it is a crime to make someone wait that long to read this wonderful piece of pure art. I should also say that I am very much in love with the writing of Miss Hieber, and as such I may appear a little biased. But I assure you, this review is meant wholeheartedly and with the mind that I have never before met and/or heard of Leanna Renee Hieber. To give a false review is to lie to the author - and it's ten times worse than to say "oh, your child is so cute!" when in fact, it is not. With that said...
I started this book a couple of weeks ago with the hopes of finishing it before I was to be thrown back into the havic that is high school. This, however, did not happen and therefore has taken me longer to complete. I have spent a lot of my study hall time reading this book, wishing that first period would last all day so that I could just sit and read. But I should start at the beginning.
The novel appealed to me from the first time I heard the premise of the story. The phrase that Hieber uses with signing this novel is "Find your voice", and the deadication is to those who have ever struggled to do so and to be heard, this too intrigued me further as this is a obstacle that I often struggle with - although not physically. The narrator of this "diary" is Natalie Stewart, a 17 year old mute, home from having completed school. Her father, being a single parent, has no idea what to do with his "unfortunate" daughter (this being 19th century New York). Mr. Stewart, being an employee of the Museum of Art comes across the story of a painting coming to town - with quite a contriversial reputation. The portrait of young Lord Denbury is said to be haunted, that as you stand before his likeliness you can feel a sort of presence - as if his very soul lingers with the painting. Lord Denbury, after losing his parents, was presumed dead by suicide shortly after the painting had been comissioned. Natalie is taken with the story of the painting, having always been interested in the supernatural, having been aware of a sort of whisper since she was young. She tells her father that she would like to be employed at the museum as well - mainly so that she can be around the painting. Her father, seeing this as a suitable plan, agrees. They come in contact with the owner of the painting - Mrs. Evelyn Northe.
Natalie is even more taken with the painting than she had thought, the very sight of Lord Denbury giving her chills, and not just from the cool air that surrounds the painting. Although, one day she sees a figure that looks like Lord Denbury, save for the eyes.
As the story progresses, Natalie and Mrs. Northe realize that there is something, indeed, magical and mysterious about this portrait. Together, they set out to solve this mystery. The painting changes, as if Lord Denbury is summoning Natalie into his world. With a step, her life changes. Both good and terrible things are instore for Miss Stewart, but perhaps, she has found a reason to speak. And maybe, just maybe, she has at last found her voice.
P.S. If anybody may come across such a man as Lord Denbury...DIBS!
P.S.S. I honestly, 100% loved this book. PLEASE read it when it comes out this November!! (My name's in the back :) )
I started this book a couple of weeks ago with the hopes of finishing it before I was to be thrown back into the havic that is high school. This, however, did not happen and therefore has taken me longer to complete. I have spent a lot of my study hall time reading this book, wishing that first period would last all day so that I could just sit and read. But I should start at the beginning.
The novel appealed to me from the first time I heard the premise of the story. The phrase that Hieber uses with signing this novel is "Find your voice", and the deadication is to those who have ever struggled to do so and to be heard, this too intrigued me further as this is a obstacle that I often struggle with - although not physically. The narrator of this "diary" is Natalie Stewart, a 17 year old mute, home from having completed school. Her father, being a single parent, has no idea what to do with his "unfortunate" daughter (this being 19th century New York). Mr. Stewart, being an employee of the Museum of Art comes across the story of a painting coming to town - with quite a contriversial reputation. The portrait of young Lord Denbury is said to be haunted, that as you stand before his likeliness you can feel a sort of presence - as if his very soul lingers with the painting. Lord Denbury, after losing his parents, was presumed dead by suicide shortly after the painting had been comissioned. Natalie is taken with the story of the painting, having always been interested in the supernatural, having been aware of a sort of whisper since she was young. She tells her father that she would like to be employed at the museum as well - mainly so that she can be around the painting. Her father, seeing this as a suitable plan, agrees. They come in contact with the owner of the painting - Mrs. Evelyn Northe.
Natalie is even more taken with the painting than she had thought, the very sight of Lord Denbury giving her chills, and not just from the cool air that surrounds the painting. Although, one day she sees a figure that looks like Lord Denbury, save for the eyes.
As the story progresses, Natalie and Mrs. Northe realize that there is something, indeed, magical and mysterious about this portrait. Together, they set out to solve this mystery. The painting changes, as if Lord Denbury is summoning Natalie into his world. With a step, her life changes. Both good and terrible things are instore for Miss Stewart, but perhaps, she has found a reason to speak. And maybe, just maybe, she has at last found her voice.
P.S. If anybody may come across such a man as Lord Denbury...DIBS!
P.S.S. I honestly, 100% loved this book. PLEASE read it when it comes out this November!! (My name's in the back :) )
February 20, 2012
Premise had a lot of potential in a "take Oscar Wilde, romance novels, and Victoriana--throw it in a blender" type way. But, as with the other Hieber book I've read, I can't get past her really stilted, clunky, nonsensical prose and her highly artificial, superficial courtship plots.
I also had a REAL issue with the way disability is handled in this novel. While the narrative of finding one's voice, despite societal expectations, is a sound one, I thought that Hieber's decision to make her character succeed only when she literally began to have voice was suspect. The decision to stigmatize the heroine's inability to speak, in this way, struck me as alarmingly ableist.
I also cringed whenever Natalie would share her views on other disabled characters, in particular the blind. Why did Natalie seem to have such an issue with the blind actress in her school play? The blind male fencers? The fiancé of her first crush (in this case the woman's blindness was quickly mentioned as something that really annoyed her but the character was never even introduced!). Perhaps Hieber's ableist rhetoric is supposed to illuminate something about Victorian discrimination, but instead it seemed quite rooted in our own present day prejudices and our culture's general unwillingness to accept non-normative bodies in heroic and romantic roles. I would have loved to see a signing heroine who triumphed in her native "tongue"!
A side note, the character of Mrs. Northe was so bland it was at times painful to read. I eagerly waited for her to become evil but it never happened. Part of me felt bad feeling this way because I think more books would benefit from depicting female mentorships. But many times the kinship felt forced, and every time Northe spoke unkindly of her niece (who gets demonized at the last moment in a poorly constructed scene that would have been better left for the sequels), I felt like she had an unexplored entitled, superior, narcissistic dark side that sadly was never delivered on/explored/problematized.
I also had a REAL issue with the way disability is handled in this novel. While the narrative of finding one's voice, despite societal expectations, is a sound one, I thought that Hieber's decision to make her character succeed only when she literally began to have voice was suspect. The decision to stigmatize the heroine's inability to speak, in this way, struck me as alarmingly ableist.
I also cringed whenever Natalie would share her views on other disabled characters, in particular the blind. Why did Natalie seem to have such an issue with the blind actress in her school play? The blind male fencers? The fiancé of her first crush (in this case the woman's blindness was quickly mentioned as something that really annoyed her but the character was never even introduced!). Perhaps Hieber's ableist rhetoric is supposed to illuminate something about Victorian discrimination, but instead it seemed quite rooted in our own present day prejudices and our culture's general unwillingness to accept non-normative bodies in heroic and romantic roles. I would have loved to see a signing heroine who triumphed in her native "tongue"!
A side note, the character of Mrs. Northe was so bland it was at times painful to read. I eagerly waited for her to become evil but it never happened. Part of me felt bad feeling this way because I think more books would benefit from depicting female mentorships. But many times the kinship felt forced, and every time Northe spoke unkindly of her niece (who gets demonized at the last moment in a poorly constructed scene that would have been better left for the sequels), I felt like she had an unexplored entitled, superior, narcissistic dark side that sadly was never delivered on/explored/problematized.
December 4, 2013
GrowingUpYA
Oh. My. God. I die!
My heart is (oh God) alight with joy!
Yeah, I know I just said that, but that's exactly how this book made me feel.
Darker Still was delightfully strange and charming. The book absorbed me within its first couple of pages. I was instantly captivated by Natalie Stewart, the book's unique protagonist, who was quick-witted, brave, and absolutely her own person. Let's not forget to mention her role as the novel's hero, sent by destiny, to rescue the "damned-man in distress."
Come on, we're talking 19th Century here! It wasn't common for girls to be that bad-ass in ye olde times. Love. It.
And in a world where YA fantasy books kind of muddle together, Leanna Renee Hieber, brought a really different story to the table. It was every bit as inspired as the synopsis described. It's also writing like this, that makes me wish that these fictional characters were my friends.
Like Lord Denbury, for example. Um...I swoon, I drool, I embarass myself. He may or may not play a role in my unrealistic expectations of men. Le sigh
This novel is chock-full of mystery, suspense and a most magical romance! I absolutely loved it and I absolutely recommend it.
Can you tell?
Also, Leanna Renee Hieber? Well, you just earned a huge spot in my book-loving heart...and my favorite author's list. Bring on that sequel!
Oh. My. God. I die!
My heart is (oh God) alight with joy!
Yeah, I know I just said that, but that's exactly how this book made me feel.
Darker Still was delightfully strange and charming. The book absorbed me within its first couple of pages. I was instantly captivated by Natalie Stewart, the book's unique protagonist, who was quick-witted, brave, and absolutely her own person. Let's not forget to mention her role as the novel's hero, sent by destiny, to rescue the "damned-man in distress."
Come on, we're talking 19th Century here! It wasn't common for girls to be that bad-ass in ye olde times. Love. It.
And in a world where YA fantasy books kind of muddle together, Leanna Renee Hieber, brought a really different story to the table. It was every bit as inspired as the synopsis described. It's also writing like this, that makes me wish that these fictional characters were my friends.
Like Lord Denbury, for example. Um...I swoon, I drool, I embarass myself. He may or may not play a role in my unrealistic expectations of men. Le sigh
This novel is chock-full of mystery, suspense and a most magical romance! I absolutely loved it and I absolutely recommend it.
Can you tell?
Also, Leanna Renee Hieber? Well, you just earned a huge spot in my book-loving heart...and my favorite author's list. Bring on that sequel!
Want to read
October 9, 2011Because I love reading books about cute guys with their souls trapped in paintings. Because I think guys like girls with pointy shoulder blades. Because she's wearing purple. Because it's Tuesday. And that's why I want to read this book.
November 8, 2011
Ohhh dear I'm already hooked just by the synopsis alone! My heart already did a bunch of little flip-flops :) This just sounds so....so....good :)
December 16, 2011
A little bit of everything, but just not for me.
Natalie Stewart is a 17 year-old living in New York with her father, a worker at the Museum of Art. They acquire a painting of a young man, Lord Denbury, who died under mysterious circumstances. Natalie, and her mentor, Mrs. Northe, become interested in this painting and investigations prove that this is no ordinary painting.
My feelings about this book are slightly confused. The description--Pride & Prejudice meets Picture of Dorian Grey meets Dr. Jekyll & Mr, Hyde--totally sold me. In fact, I raced out to buy it as soon as it was available. But as I started reading, my interest began to wane. "What is wrong?" I asked myself. Was it the characters? No, they are pretty interesting and well-done. Was it the setting? No, it was pretty accurate without the heavy, obscure writing. Was it the story? Well, it was slow, but still that wasn't it.
And that's when it hit me. This book just wasn't my thing. That sounds really lame, but it's the truth. This is a book that I'm sure some will rate 5 stars, and you know what? It probably deserves it. But as for me, I just wasn't nearly as absorbed as I hoped. It was entertaining, atmospheric, and intriguing, the characters were well-done and even the romance wasn't bad, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Our protagonist, Natalie, was really well-written. Kudos to Hieber for making her mute! I have never read a mute protagonist (or if I did, it was eons ago), and it was interesting to experience her predicament, particularly in this era! Natalie was a smart girl, loving and caring and genuinely likable. She was intelligent and brave and didn't wait around to be saved all the time. All of those characteristics I adore in a main character.
Mrs. Northe was outstanding. I loved the inclusion of a strong, female influence in our young protagonist's life. She was intelligent, competent, and caring. Natalie felt safe coming to Mrs. Northe, and I think every girl should have a Mrs. Northe in her life.
Jonathan, Lord Denbury, was decent. He was rather bland at times, being locked in a painting and all, so that was a bummer. But he was a gentleman on the whole and I thought he acted fairly appropriate for his time.
The villain needed some work. His plan was too easy to unfold (once they actually got to the "unfolding" part), and it seemed rather helter-skelter--yeah, that's the point, but I wasn't fond of it. What was the reasoning behind him trapping Jonathan in the painting? Why murder all these ladies? What is the point?
The story itself was okay, though terribly slow. The revelation should not have taken so long; it wasn't that complicated of a story, and yet pages upon pages were Natalie "tumbling into the painting" (God, I got so sick of hearing how she "tumbled" into the painting, into the waiting arms of her Lord Denbury), asking Lord Denbury questions that seemed to give no answers, and then suddenly, the villain would write something on the frame that would be The Big Clue. A good thing the villain was so sloppy! Also, I wasn't fond of how many dream sequences there were. I understand why they were there (to showcase the spiritual world), but I got tired of reading about Natalie dreaming about stuff happening; I just wanted stuff to happen.
The romance was okay. Denbury and Natalie are good together, they really attempt to build a relationship...but, she also does "fall" into his arms (literally and figuratively). She wouldn't have even begun this journey had she not been "inexplicably drawn" to the painting; there really is no wondering "will they or won't they" from that point on. And while some scenes are steamy, there is far too much time "getting to know each other" that really doesn't make sense if you are trying to investigate the cause of the entrapment.
I thought Hieber did a good job rendering the surroundings. I got a pretty good visual of New York at the turn of the century. I liked how Hieber included spiritualism and yet our major characters were of Christian faiths. It felt very realistic to the time period. And Hieber wasn't ashamed of including things like opium dens (it would be far too easy for a person to sugar-coat this era or, alternatively, wallow in the cesspits).
Hieber doesn't try to recreate the writing from the era, which I think was a good move, but instead goes for a balance between modern speak and some "archaic" speech. It wasn't bad at all; it made the reading easier while still having an old-time feel. Also, you don't have to worry about being jarred out of the experience by some fake old speak.
This book is a setup for a series, though it does more than stand on its own two legs. Actually, I thought the setup for a sequel was unnecessary and tossed in because every book nowadays has to have at least two more books in the works. Toss in a few words about a "society" and "dark magic accumulating" and you have a 7 book series secured. As for this book, we have a complete story; there is no big, huge cliffhanger at the end of this book.
While I wasn't a fan of this book, I definitely think that others will be. So although I've rated it 3 stars, I really recommend you read it for yourself, especially if you like A) paranormal, B) light romance, C) Victorian setting and D) one of the following books: Pride & Prejudice, Picture of Dorian Grey or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I probably won't check in for the sequel, but maybe, if it sounds interesting, I might give this series one more shot.
Natalie Stewart is a 17 year-old living in New York with her father, a worker at the Museum of Art. They acquire a painting of a young man, Lord Denbury, who died under mysterious circumstances. Natalie, and her mentor, Mrs. Northe, become interested in this painting and investigations prove that this is no ordinary painting.
My feelings about this book are slightly confused. The description--Pride & Prejudice meets Picture of Dorian Grey meets Dr. Jekyll & Mr, Hyde--totally sold me. In fact, I raced out to buy it as soon as it was available. But as I started reading, my interest began to wane. "What is wrong?" I asked myself. Was it the characters? No, they are pretty interesting and well-done. Was it the setting? No, it was pretty accurate without the heavy, obscure writing. Was it the story? Well, it was slow, but still that wasn't it.
And that's when it hit me. This book just wasn't my thing. That sounds really lame, but it's the truth. This is a book that I'm sure some will rate 5 stars, and you know what? It probably deserves it. But as for me, I just wasn't nearly as absorbed as I hoped. It was entertaining, atmospheric, and intriguing, the characters were well-done and even the romance wasn't bad, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Our protagonist, Natalie, was really well-written. Kudos to Hieber for making her mute! I have never read a mute protagonist (or if I did, it was eons ago), and it was interesting to experience her predicament, particularly in this era! Natalie was a smart girl, loving and caring and genuinely likable. She was intelligent and brave and didn't wait around to be saved all the time. All of those characteristics I adore in a main character.
Mrs. Northe was outstanding. I loved the inclusion of a strong, female influence in our young protagonist's life. She was intelligent, competent, and caring. Natalie felt safe coming to Mrs. Northe, and I think every girl should have a Mrs. Northe in her life.
Jonathan, Lord Denbury, was decent. He was rather bland at times, being locked in a painting and all, so that was a bummer. But he was a gentleman on the whole and I thought he acted fairly appropriate for his time.
The villain needed some work. His plan was too easy to unfold (once they actually got to the "unfolding" part), and it seemed rather helter-skelter--yeah, that's the point, but I wasn't fond of it. What was the reasoning behind him trapping Jonathan in the painting? Why murder all these ladies? What is the point?
The story itself was okay, though terribly slow. The revelation should not have taken so long; it wasn't that complicated of a story, and yet pages upon pages were Natalie "tumbling into the painting" (God, I got so sick of hearing how she "tumbled" into the painting, into the waiting arms of her Lord Denbury), asking Lord Denbury questions that seemed to give no answers, and then suddenly, the villain would write something on the frame that would be The Big Clue. A good thing the villain was so sloppy! Also, I wasn't fond of how many dream sequences there were. I understand why they were there (to showcase the spiritual world), but I got tired of reading about Natalie dreaming about stuff happening; I just wanted stuff to happen.
The romance was okay. Denbury and Natalie are good together, they really attempt to build a relationship...but, she also does "fall" into his arms (literally and figuratively). She wouldn't have even begun this journey had she not been "inexplicably drawn" to the painting; there really is no wondering "will they or won't they" from that point on. And while some scenes are steamy, there is far too much time "getting to know each other" that really doesn't make sense if you are trying to investigate the cause of the entrapment.
I thought Hieber did a good job rendering the surroundings. I got a pretty good visual of New York at the turn of the century. I liked how Hieber included spiritualism and yet our major characters were of Christian faiths. It felt very realistic to the time period. And Hieber wasn't ashamed of including things like opium dens (it would be far too easy for a person to sugar-coat this era or, alternatively, wallow in the cesspits).
Hieber doesn't try to recreate the writing from the era, which I think was a good move, but instead goes for a balance between modern speak and some "archaic" speech. It wasn't bad at all; it made the reading easier while still having an old-time feel. Also, you don't have to worry about being jarred out of the experience by some fake old speak.
This book is a setup for a series, though it does more than stand on its own two legs. Actually, I thought the setup for a sequel was unnecessary and tossed in because every book nowadays has to have at least two more books in the works. Toss in a few words about a "society" and "dark magic accumulating" and you have a 7 book series secured. As for this book, we have a complete story; there is no big, huge cliffhanger at the end of this book.
While I wasn't a fan of this book, I definitely think that others will be. So although I've rated it 3 stars, I really recommend you read it for yourself, especially if you like A) paranormal, B) light romance, C) Victorian setting and D) one of the following books: Pride & Prejudice, Picture of Dorian Grey or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I probably won't check in for the sequel, but maybe, if it sounds interesting, I might give this series one more shot.
August 12, 2011
3.5 stars!
There’s something innately magical about historical fantasy, and Darker Still brings it in spades. Its atmosphere is simply regal, and although Natalie’s New York is certainly not the prettiest place in reality, Leanna Renee Heiber makes it seem positively lush. The actual magic involved in Darker Still fits the setting quite like a glove. At first thought, having a painting move—or watch you—might seem nightmarish, but Hieber manages to make it romantic. The incorporation of “magic most foul”, even, seems appealing despite its shadowy origins and rituals. The romance, too, is delicate and charming, but it eventually turns into something incredibly passionate. Darker Still’s setting and style somehow imbues the story—even the horrific moments—with beauty.
In terms of characters, Darker Still does not quite hit the nail on the head. Because Natalie is from a different time period (and thus has a different mindset than today’s teens), it’s difficult to connect with her. She does, however, provide an excellent point of view, and (like most historical fantasy heroines) she defies the rules set for her as a female. Lord Denbury is unfortunately, somewhat of an enigma. He is kind of Natalie when they first meet, and subsequent meetings after that, but there is a point in the story when his upstanding character falters. It’s difficult, after this point, to really find him genuine. There is, however, one truly stellar character in Darker Still, and that is Mrs. Northe. She acts as Natalie’s mother-figure and confidant, and she plays her part excellently. In a majority of YA literature, heroines are reluctant to tell adults what they’re going through for fear of being disbelieved. Mrs. Northe never questions what Natalie tells her, and she does a fantastic job of looking after her.
A large part of Darker Still is the romance between Natalie and Lord Denbury. It is initially very cautious, and it kind of creeps up on you, despite Natalie’s instant infatuation with the painting of Denbury. The way they exchange coy glances and blush at each other’s touch is instantly endearing. Later, though, Natalie and Denbury’s passion is unleashed almost too quickly (especially for the time period); I wanted more of the slow, sensual buildup of tension. After this point, I found myself not truly enjoying the romance aspect of the book.
Despite issues with characters and the romance, Darker Still is still an excellent historical fantasy. The setting and mystery really make the novel captivating and worth reading.
There’s something innately magical about historical fantasy, and Darker Still brings it in spades. Its atmosphere is simply regal, and although Natalie’s New York is certainly not the prettiest place in reality, Leanna Renee Heiber makes it seem positively lush. The actual magic involved in Darker Still fits the setting quite like a glove. At first thought, having a painting move—or watch you—might seem nightmarish, but Hieber manages to make it romantic. The incorporation of “magic most foul”, even, seems appealing despite its shadowy origins and rituals. The romance, too, is delicate and charming, but it eventually turns into something incredibly passionate. Darker Still’s setting and style somehow imbues the story—even the horrific moments—with beauty.
In terms of characters, Darker Still does not quite hit the nail on the head. Because Natalie is from a different time period (and thus has a different mindset than today’s teens), it’s difficult to connect with her. She does, however, provide an excellent point of view, and (like most historical fantasy heroines) she defies the rules set for her as a female. Lord Denbury is unfortunately, somewhat of an enigma. He is kind of Natalie when they first meet, and subsequent meetings after that, but there is a point in the story when his upstanding character falters. It’s difficult, after this point, to really find him genuine. There is, however, one truly stellar character in Darker Still, and that is Mrs. Northe. She acts as Natalie’s mother-figure and confidant, and she plays her part excellently. In a majority of YA literature, heroines are reluctant to tell adults what they’re going through for fear of being disbelieved. Mrs. Northe never questions what Natalie tells her, and she does a fantastic job of looking after her.
A large part of Darker Still is the romance between Natalie and Lord Denbury. It is initially very cautious, and it kind of creeps up on you, despite Natalie’s instant infatuation with the painting of Denbury. The way they exchange coy glances and blush at each other’s touch is instantly endearing. Later, though, Natalie and Denbury’s passion is unleashed almost too quickly (especially for the time period); I wanted more of the slow, sensual buildup of tension. After this point, I found myself not truly enjoying the romance aspect of the book.
Despite issues with characters and the romance, Darker Still is still an excellent historical fantasy. The setting and mystery really make the novel captivating and worth reading.
September 24, 2011
How could I resist? Pride and Prejudice and Dorian Grey are two of my favourite classic tales (The Literary Cannon has its uses! hehehee) However when I was given this ARC I was not the first member of my family to read it! Minxy Mummy said that looks good and snaffled it out from under my nose and took it home! I had to go and steal it back from her. I did allow her to read it though, because I am nice like that, and she thought it was ' really good' which is Mum language for I loved it. Which is good, because I finished it this morning and I agree, I loved it!
It is great and a unique idea, a young girl to save a man trapped in a painting and love blossoms, add to that supernatural beliefs of different nations, demons and spirits and I am sold! The characters are well crafted and believable, Natalie is sincere and innocent and we watch her grow as a person as the novel develops, she becomes a heroine in the true sense of the word, battling evil whist shaking in her boots but refusing to give in. Danbury is gallant and a gentleman, but with a passionate edge that shows you he would be an interesting man to know. In some sense he is a man led by his passions, but one who had learned that to follow blindly will lead to disaster. Now he has a passion for Natalie, and his freedom.
The supporting characters are equally intriguing, particularly Mrs Northe and her niece Maggie. I am wondering how they will develop in future novels, some lovely teasers were dropped into this book, I want to know more about Mr Bentrop, why was he in Egypt, why did he want the painting so much? I could be way off the mark, but I do want to know more. I do love it when a story is resolved but leaves the reader wondering and further questions. To me that is the sign of a great read.
I don't read and recommend much YA, but I do recommend this, why? Firstly is is great and well written with believable characters which give an insight into to the supernatural superstitions of Victoriana, secondly because the appeal is generational, from 12 to 92. Lets put it this way Minxy Mummy is in her 60s and she loved it. I loved it. I hope everybody loves it.
Ok, ramble time usually means I need to finish this off, so here goes, Darker Still is a great read by a talented author and I hope it becomes a modern classic! There, I said it. I hope all who read the book, enjoy it as much as I did. I give it 5 frillies out of 5!
It is great and a unique idea, a young girl to save a man trapped in a painting and love blossoms, add to that supernatural beliefs of different nations, demons and spirits and I am sold! The characters are well crafted and believable, Natalie is sincere and innocent and we watch her grow as a person as the novel develops, she becomes a heroine in the true sense of the word, battling evil whist shaking in her boots but refusing to give in. Danbury is gallant and a gentleman, but with a passionate edge that shows you he would be an interesting man to know. In some sense he is a man led by his passions, but one who had learned that to follow blindly will lead to disaster. Now he has a passion for Natalie, and his freedom.
The supporting characters are equally intriguing, particularly Mrs Northe and her niece Maggie. I am wondering how they will develop in future novels, some lovely teasers were dropped into this book, I want to know more about Mr Bentrop, why was he in Egypt, why did he want the painting so much? I could be way off the mark, but I do want to know more. I do love it when a story is resolved but leaves the reader wondering and further questions. To me that is the sign of a great read.
I don't read and recommend much YA, but I do recommend this, why? Firstly is is great and well written with believable characters which give an insight into to the supernatural superstitions of Victoriana, secondly because the appeal is generational, from 12 to 92. Lets put it this way Minxy Mummy is in her 60s and she loved it. I loved it. I hope everybody loves it.
Ok, ramble time usually means I need to finish this off, so here goes, Darker Still is a great read by a talented author and I hope it becomes a modern classic! There, I said it. I hope all who read the book, enjoy it as much as I did. I give it 5 frillies out of 5!
October 29, 2011
What a delightful and engaging read! I saw an advertisement for this book in the window at my local bookseller. I was intrigued by the cover and even more drawn in by the description. Since I was at the time finishing up The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, I was thrilled with the idea of reading another mystical-picture plotline.
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive when I saw it was intended for 12 and older. Being in my early 30s I figured it would either be too pre-teen angst ridden or too simplistic to hold my attention. Don't get me wrong, I love young adult, but was a bit concerned this one would be too young for me.
Thankfully, I didn't listen to "age nagger" in my system! I was completely wrapped up in the story, was swept away by the romanticism, found myself chilled by the evil, and fell in love with the characters. I anxiously await book two in this series!
Note: When I originally tried to purchase this book, the book seller had the darndest time trying to find it. Now (Oct 30) I find out it doesn't actually release until November 8. No wonder they had to pull it from the back room! It wasn't supposed to be out yet. Lucky me to snag a preview two weeks early!
I must admit I was a bit apprehensive when I saw it was intended for 12 and older. Being in my early 30s I figured it would either be too pre-teen angst ridden or too simplistic to hold my attention. Don't get me wrong, I love young adult, but was a bit concerned this one would be too young for me.
Thankfully, I didn't listen to "age nagger" in my system! I was completely wrapped up in the story, was swept away by the romanticism, found myself chilled by the evil, and fell in love with the characters. I anxiously await book two in this series!
Note: When I originally tried to purchase this book, the book seller had the darndest time trying to find it. Now (Oct 30) I find out it doesn't actually release until November 8. No wonder they had to pull it from the back room! It wasn't supposed to be out yet. Lucky me to snag a preview two weeks early!
March 6, 2017
Great to read about Natalie and Jonathan again! And the magic to get him back, and how she starts talking in both places, the picture, and outside of it! Can't wait to reread more!
*First read March 31st 2012*
Really great book, really enjoyed it, can't wait for more!
*First read March 31st 2012*
Really great book, really enjoyed it, can't wait for more!
July 29, 2012
Originally posted here.
I suppose I should have known after a string of good reads that I would soon be in for a disappointment. My hopes were high for Darker Still, which I've heard compared to Jane Austen with magic. That sounded AWESOME. Unfortunately, what I found was a fairly typical YA paranormal romance complete with instalove and a ditsy heroine.
Before I get into the things I didn't like, I'll talk about the aspect that I liked: the concept. The basic story holds a lot of appeal for me. The handsome boy trapped in a painting has vague echoes of The Portrait of Dorian Gray, though obviously the circumstances here are different. Traveling into a painting also sounds completely neat. Even the fact that Natalie could travel into the painting through her dreams was a nice addition, suggesting some interest things about the soul and connections.
The biggest problem I had was with Natalie. In a first person narrative (Darker Still is told primarily through Natalie's diary), characterization is even more vital than usual, and I did not like Natalie from the very beginning. Though I think I at first had hopes that her muteness would make her a unique heroine, she remained as petty, though entirely unaware of it, as all of the other society girls. She lost any sympathy I had for her voice lost in a childhood trauma when she said this of a blind girl engaged to the young man Natalie dreamed of for herself: "But alas, I'll have to find some other handsome young scholar with a penchant for unfortunates since Edgar stupidly went and got himself engaged to one. So what if she's blind? She can't see how beautiful he is. What a waste!" That unsympathetic, bitchy tirade turned me off to her entirely, and she never did anything to recover my estimation of her.
The writing perfectly matches Natalie's character. This is both a good and bad thing. Obviously, it's good for there to be a strong sense of character in a book told in first person. However, it is unfortunate when that person is not particularly bright. Darker Still teems with fragments and simple sentences. Natalie's diary is vapid and the writing made me want to headdesk. I believe Hieber did do this intentionally, as the writing from the news articles and other statements was much improved, but the book is still mostly in a writing style that makes me batty.
Next up, we have the romance. Shy, nineteenth century mute Natalie stumbles into Jonathon's painting and into his arms. She has, of course, been transfixed by his appearance. Being the innocent she is, this even startles her into speech, clear only in this picture's small environs. This is a convenient plot point, because, as we learned in The Little Mermaid, guys actually do want their girls to talk.
Natalie and Jonathon promptly fall into instalove. Yup. What really upsets me about this is how quickly our good little nineteenth century Lutheran accustoms herself to physical contact (oh my) with Jonathon. That seemed rather out of character. The whole book takes place over the course of just two weeks, and I have trouble imagining that a girl with her background and that much to lose would rush into a physical relationship so quickly. Let's not forget, also, that they have their romantic moments in a portrait, sometimes while Mrs. Northe is watching. I don't know what can be seen while she's in there, but that's really not something you want to take a chance on. For the most part, there's is a typical YA paranormal romance where they seem to have little to nothing in common but for their circumstances and mutual attraction, but they do at least have one conversation not about the present.
The final thing, perhaps most damning (pun!) to me, were the religious undertones. I definitely was not expecting them, and was very much not thrilled to find them here. I don't want to go into much detail, but I had to mention it.
The redeeming factor of the book that lead me to bump the book up to a 2.5 from a 2 is Mrs. Northe. She sort of adopts young Natalie, and is the one person in the book who is entirely comfortable with Natalie as a mute. If there's a love story here, it's one of an adopted daughter, because Mrs. Northe is, as I see it, the only one who truly acceps the best and worst of Natalie. Jonathon didn't get to see it all. Mrs. Northe is funny, spunky and one of those old ladies with a steely glint in her eye, the kind who would be played in a movie by someone like Dame Judi Dench or Maggie Smith, only around age 40. She looks classy, but will say exceedingly surprising and inappropriate things. For example, she gave me hope with the quote I shared down below. This is what I want to say to ALL of the instaloving couples.
My overall feelings about this book definitely ended up being rather meh. I think the book turned out the way Hieber intended, and it will be delightful for people who enjoy Natalie's way of thinking. Though I do not plan to read the sequel, I will probably try one of Hieber's books for adults to see if I like those better, since I can see promise shining through.
I suppose I should have known after a string of good reads that I would soon be in for a disappointment. My hopes were high for Darker Still, which I've heard compared to Jane Austen with magic. That sounded AWESOME. Unfortunately, what I found was a fairly typical YA paranormal romance complete with instalove and a ditsy heroine.
Before I get into the things I didn't like, I'll talk about the aspect that I liked: the concept. The basic story holds a lot of appeal for me. The handsome boy trapped in a painting has vague echoes of The Portrait of Dorian Gray, though obviously the circumstances here are different. Traveling into a painting also sounds completely neat. Even the fact that Natalie could travel into the painting through her dreams was a nice addition, suggesting some interest things about the soul and connections.
The biggest problem I had was with Natalie. In a first person narrative (Darker Still is told primarily through Natalie's diary), characterization is even more vital than usual, and I did not like Natalie from the very beginning. Though I think I at first had hopes that her muteness would make her a unique heroine, she remained as petty, though entirely unaware of it, as all of the other society girls. She lost any sympathy I had for her voice lost in a childhood trauma when she said this of a blind girl engaged to the young man Natalie dreamed of for herself: "But alas, I'll have to find some other handsome young scholar with a penchant for unfortunates since Edgar stupidly went and got himself engaged to one. So what if she's blind? She can't see how beautiful he is. What a waste!" That unsympathetic, bitchy tirade turned me off to her entirely, and she never did anything to recover my estimation of her.
The writing perfectly matches Natalie's character. This is both a good and bad thing. Obviously, it's good for there to be a strong sense of character in a book told in first person. However, it is unfortunate when that person is not particularly bright. Darker Still teems with fragments and simple sentences. Natalie's diary is vapid and the writing made me want to headdesk. I believe Hieber did do this intentionally, as the writing from the news articles and other statements was much improved, but the book is still mostly in a writing style that makes me batty.
Next up, we have the romance. Shy, nineteenth century mute Natalie stumbles into Jonathon's painting and into his arms. She has, of course, been transfixed by his appearance. Being the innocent she is, this even startles her into speech, clear only in this picture's small environs. This is a convenient plot point, because, as we learned in The Little Mermaid, guys actually do want their girls to talk.
Natalie and Jonathon promptly fall into instalove. Yup. What really upsets me about this is how quickly our good little nineteenth century Lutheran accustoms herself to physical contact (oh my) with Jonathon. That seemed rather out of character. The whole book takes place over the course of just two weeks, and I have trouble imagining that a girl with her background and that much to lose would rush into a physical relationship so quickly. Let's not forget, also, that they have their romantic moments in a portrait, sometimes while Mrs. Northe is watching. I don't know what can be seen while she's in there, but that's really not something you want to take a chance on. For the most part, there's is a typical YA paranormal romance where they seem to have little to nothing in common but for their circumstances and mutual attraction, but they do at least have one conversation not about the present.
The final thing, perhaps most damning (pun!) to me, were the religious undertones. I definitely was not expecting them, and was very much not thrilled to find them here. I don't want to go into much detail, but I had to mention it.
The redeeming factor of the book that lead me to bump the book up to a 2.5 from a 2 is Mrs. Northe. She sort of adopts young Natalie, and is the one person in the book who is entirely comfortable with Natalie as a mute. If there's a love story here, it's one of an adopted daughter, because Mrs. Northe is, as I see it, the only one who truly acceps the best and worst of Natalie. Jonathon didn't get to see it all. Mrs. Northe is funny, spunky and one of those old ladies with a steely glint in her eye, the kind who would be played in a movie by someone like Dame Judi Dench or Maggie Smith, only around age 40. She looks classy, but will say exceedingly surprising and inappropriate things. For example, she gave me hope with the quote I shared down below. This is what I want to say to ALL of the instaloving couples.
My overall feelings about this book definitely ended up being rather meh. I think the book turned out the way Hieber intended, and it will be delightful for people who enjoy Natalie's way of thinking. Though I do not plan to read the sequel, I will probably try one of Hieber's books for adults to see if I like those better, since I can see promise shining through.
July 1, 2013
This was really different, but in a good way, and I was hooked from the first page. An endearing heroine, a delicious mystery, the ambiance of the seedier side of New York during the Gilded Age, Spiritualism, romance, danger, magic, and a touch of horror all combine into a cohesive and compelling story. Natalie Stewart is probably one of the best YA heroines I've come across in the past two years. She's not a privileged debutante, but the daughter of a prominent art scholar, living on the fringes of high society. She's smart and sassy, yet demure and shy. And she's mute. She witnessed her mother's gruesome death at the age of four and hasn't spoken since. She's fortunate to have a father who adores her, educates her, and gives her the freedom to forge a life despite her disability. I think she's very realistic and very well-drawn. She's an unusual type of girl to go about solving mysteries, but she's the kind of heroine a reader wants to root for.
Her father is the director of the fledgling Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the musem's newest acquisition is the talk of the town. Rumored to be haunted by the spirit of its subject, Lord Jonathan Denbury, whose untimely death is shrouded in mystery, his portrait is sought after by practitioners of the Spiritualism movement sweeping through the country, and by starry-eyed society girls. Natalie is drawn to the portrait, too, and not just because it's the most realistic rendering of the most beautiful man she's ever seen, but because the portrait seems to be communicating with her. Subtle changes in the portrait seem to be designed to catch her attention. After a frightening encounter with a very real and very different Lord Denbury in the museum after hours, the portrait changes again. Touch Me. She does, and her life will never be the same. Jonathan's spirit is trapped in the painting, and Natalie is the only person who can save him.
The situation becomes intense as Jonathan's alter ego prowls the back alleys of New York, leaving death and horror in his wake. Natalie can't stand by and let innocent victims suffer, but she's torn between her desire to help and her fear of the unknown. She's having horrible nightmares. She's hiding from a madman. And she's falling in love with his spirit. But of the two versions she's met, which one is the real Jonathan? Can she trust him? Can she trust herself? With the help of an eccentric and wealthy museum patron, Natalie starts to piece together what happened to Jonathan and searches for a way to rescue him before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this story. It has all the elements I like in a book. I've already told you how much I like Natalie and her character arc is really meaningful and moving. The only thing that bumps this book down a notch for me is the ending. I just think things happened a bit too easily for the level of difficulty of what Natalie and Jonathan were dealing with. And while I liked what happened, I didn't really care for the epistolary style of the ending and the notes from other characters who hadn't really been involved in the story. I'm not saying the ending isn't satisfactory, because it is, I just thought the manner in which it was done took away a bit of the intimacy. But overall Darker Still is creepy, intellectual, and very romantic. I'm a fan of supernatural historicals because they deliver that glimpse into the past I love so much and combine it with a fanciful story, giving it a bit more weight, and I'd like to see more like this in the YA market.
Her father is the director of the fledgling Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the musem's newest acquisition is the talk of the town. Rumored to be haunted by the spirit of its subject, Lord Jonathan Denbury, whose untimely death is shrouded in mystery, his portrait is sought after by practitioners of the Spiritualism movement sweeping through the country, and by starry-eyed society girls. Natalie is drawn to the portrait, too, and not just because it's the most realistic rendering of the most beautiful man she's ever seen, but because the portrait seems to be communicating with her. Subtle changes in the portrait seem to be designed to catch her attention. After a frightening encounter with a very real and very different Lord Denbury in the museum after hours, the portrait changes again. Touch Me. She does, and her life will never be the same. Jonathan's spirit is trapped in the painting, and Natalie is the only person who can save him.
The situation becomes intense as Jonathan's alter ego prowls the back alleys of New York, leaving death and horror in his wake. Natalie can't stand by and let innocent victims suffer, but she's torn between her desire to help and her fear of the unknown. She's having horrible nightmares. She's hiding from a madman. And she's falling in love with his spirit. But of the two versions she's met, which one is the real Jonathan? Can she trust him? Can she trust herself? With the help of an eccentric and wealthy museum patron, Natalie starts to piece together what happened to Jonathan and searches for a way to rescue him before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this story. It has all the elements I like in a book. I've already told you how much I like Natalie and her character arc is really meaningful and moving. The only thing that bumps this book down a notch for me is the ending. I just think things happened a bit too easily for the level of difficulty of what Natalie and Jonathan were dealing with. And while I liked what happened, I didn't really care for the epistolary style of the ending and the notes from other characters who hadn't really been involved in the story. I'm not saying the ending isn't satisfactory, because it is, I just thought the manner in which it was done took away a bit of the intimacy. But overall Darker Still is creepy, intellectual, and very romantic. I'm a fan of supernatural historicals because they deliver that glimpse into the past I love so much and combine it with a fanciful story, giving it a bit more weight, and I'd like to see more like this in the YA market.
November 6, 2014
“I was obsessed.
It was as if he called to me, demanding I reach out and touch the brush strokes of color swirled into the canvas. He was the most exquisite portrait I’d ever seen – everything about Lord Denbury was unbelievable… Utterly breathtaking and eerily lifelike.
There was a reason for that. Because despite what everyone said, Denbury never had committed suicide. He was alive. He was trapped within his golden painting.
I’ve crossed over into his world within the painting and I’ve seen what dreams haunt him. They haunt me too. He and I are inextricably linked – bond together to watch the darkness seeping through the gas-lit cobblestone streets of Manhattan. And unless I can free him soon, things will only get darker still.”
Lord Denbury’s portrait was the talk of the town. Everyone was curious to see the mysterious lifelike portrait of Lord Denbury. Everybody including Natalie Stewart.
Natalie never uttered a word after her mother’s death. All she had was a journal which she uses to collect her thoughts and communicate to others.
When Natalie heard about Lord Denbury’s painting she was as curious as everybody else was about what the portrait would be like. She was not a firm believer of the supernatural until she sees the portrait. A very strong urge to touch the portrait overwhelmed her. When she finally did touch the painting she found herself tumbling over to a room different from where she was moments before she touched the painting. She was inside the portrait with no other than Lord Derbury himself.
I loved Dorian Gray. It was one of the reasons why I got extremely excited to read this book. Darker Still was a very beautiful and engaging read. A novel like this was not something that you come across every day. It was very unique but not entirely original. I still loved reading every moment of it. Ms. Hieber’s writing was incredible.
The characters were very likeable.
Natalie was my kind of heroine. I’ve mentioned in all of my previous reviews that I admire girls who ooze with girl power and Natalie was a perfect example. Despite her inability to speak (at first) she did not let people talk down on her. She wanted to prove to everyone that she has the capability to do things even if she can’t speak. She was brave and daring. We usually read about girls being saved by the guys but here it was the other way around. Natalie was determined to find a way to save Lord Denbury and she did of course with the help of Mrs. Northe who I adore as well.
I admit it. I have a thing for English guys. Hahaha. Jonathon Whitby, Lord Denbury. *Sigh*. The gentleman in distress. Obviously if I was in Natalie’s shoes I’m sure I would have done the same thing. I would have risked everything if the price would be the blue-eyed Lord Denbury. Hahaha. Way to go Natalie!
The whole book was an amazing read. The setting, the story, the characters, the plot, the pacing of the story was perfect for me.
Five stars!!! :)
January 23, 2012
I cannot help but notice how influential Victorian literature was on Leanna Renee Heiber when she was working on the plot for Darker Still. This is not a bad thing! I personally love Victorian and Gothic literature (Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, etc)so I noticed a number of similarities in Hieber's narrative and that of Bronte, Shelley, and Austen. Not only does the story have similarities to these works, but Natalie, the main character, has similarities to some of the classic heroines as well. (It doesn't hurt that Natalie is also a book worm that relishes in the fantasies provided by the Victorian writers of her time, since it does take place in 1880.) I must say I enjoyed the twist on the Dorian Gray issue in this story.
It took me by surprise that an established writer like Hieber would use the literary device of the character's narrative being told through a journal, but I understand why this choice was necessary due to the main character being Mute. Now, Natalie is a mute almost by choice (she had a traumatic childhood experience that effectively silenced her), so it establishes her as a bit of an outcast regarding stereotypical mutes. How else are readers supposed to hear her story, told in first person, without the use of a journal or a story written down. I suppose Hieber could have used stream of consciousness, but the journal worked adequately.
I really appreciate that the main female characters, save Maggie, were very strong willed. Typically period pieces can cast the main female characters in a passive agressive lead role, but Natalie and Mrs. Northe defy this stereotype.
The plot was well constructed, but I still have questions about the "magic" used to release Denbury from his prison. There are a lot of mythical things at play from Runes to Egyptology, and sometimes the narrative was bogged down by confusing explanations of how they were related and what not. (I'm still NOT sure why it was vital for this demon to destroy Denbury and not some other random person.) But regardless of my confusion I was still engrossed in the turmoil as it unfolded.
I think the only major problem with the narrative that I noticed was Hieber's use of what reviewers tend to call "instalove." I understand that Hieber explains via Natalie that Denbury's portrait is described as mesmorizingly realistic and that a typical woman falls in love with his beauty upon seeing it. Hence when Natalie and Denbury meet, we watch as Natalie almost instantly develops feelings for this man she barely knows. Now, there is a redeeming part of this, Hieber allows Natalie to question her feelings quite often which makes the relationship much more realistic (or rather, as realistic as a love story can be when one party is trapped in a painting.) I enjoyed Denbury and Natalie's connection to one another, as predictable as it was, and cheered for them the entire story.
Overall, I think it is an impressive start to a series and a good debut for Hieber in the YA market. 4 Stars.
It took me by surprise that an established writer like Hieber would use the literary device of the character's narrative being told through a journal, but I understand why this choice was necessary due to the main character being Mute. Now, Natalie is a mute almost by choice (she had a traumatic childhood experience that effectively silenced her), so it establishes her as a bit of an outcast regarding stereotypical mutes. How else are readers supposed to hear her story, told in first person, without the use of a journal or a story written down. I suppose Hieber could have used stream of consciousness, but the journal worked adequately.
I really appreciate that the main female characters, save Maggie, were very strong willed. Typically period pieces can cast the main female characters in a passive agressive lead role, but Natalie and Mrs. Northe defy this stereotype.
The plot was well constructed, but I still have questions about the "magic" used to release Denbury from his prison. There are a lot of mythical things at play from Runes to Egyptology, and sometimes the narrative was bogged down by confusing explanations of how they were related and what not. (I'm still NOT sure why it was vital for this demon to destroy Denbury and not some other random person.) But regardless of my confusion I was still engrossed in the turmoil as it unfolded.
I think the only major problem with the narrative that I noticed was Hieber's use of what reviewers tend to call "instalove." I understand that Hieber explains via Natalie that Denbury's portrait is described as mesmorizingly realistic and that a typical woman falls in love with his beauty upon seeing it. Hence when Natalie and Denbury meet, we watch as Natalie almost instantly develops feelings for this man she barely knows. Now, there is a redeeming part of this, Hieber allows Natalie to question her feelings quite often which makes the relationship much more realistic (or rather, as realistic as a love story can be when one party is trapped in a painting.) I enjoyed Denbury and Natalie's connection to one another, as predictable as it was, and cheered for them the entire story.
Overall, I think it is an impressive start to a series and a good debut for Hieber in the YA market. 4 Stars.
October 15, 2011
I would recommend this book to Wilde fans, fans of a strong female heroine who fights for her man and pretty much anyone who loves a good old paranormal twist in a good old-fashioned New York City. Oh and a handsome Victorian gentleman of course. We can't get enough of those, can we?
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blo...
Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blo...
January 3, 2015
I stumbled upon this book while I was looking through the ebooks that I could get from an ebook library that my local library offered. Had I not had that resource, I would have never found this book. And that's really sad. Because this book had such a unique premise, yet it only has a few thousand ratings on GoodReads.
Natalie Stewart has been a mute since her mother's death. This then separates her from everyone else, making her feel lonely. Yet when she sees the portrait of a supposedly dead Lord Denbury, she doesn't feel so alone. She's curious, just like everyone else, but when she touches the portrait, she falls into it. She meets the young lord, and helps him figure out what has happened to him.
Natalie
I felt really bad for her. I know that her muteness was of her own doing, but everyone kinda shut her out. She desperately wanted to be loved and be around people, but it was pretty much impossible. It was great when she met Jonathon, because even if he was in a painting, at least it was someone.
Jonathon
His story was pretty fascinating. He was trapped in a painting, everyone thinks he committed suicide, and he really wants to get out. I do have a feeling that he shouldn't totally be trusted though...
Overall, I think that this book was so unique. It had a very different premise, and it didn't let me down! I was so happy that it was a great book. I can't wait to see Natalie grow and to learn more about Jonathon. I can't wait to read the next book and see what else we learn!
For this review and more, go to my blog Lizzie the Sarcastic Blonde
Natalie Stewart has been a mute since her mother's death. This then separates her from everyone else, making her feel lonely. Yet when she sees the portrait of a supposedly dead Lord Denbury, she doesn't feel so alone. She's curious, just like everyone else, but when she touches the portrait, she falls into it. She meets the young lord, and helps him figure out what has happened to him.
Natalie
I felt really bad for her. I know that her muteness was of her own doing, but everyone kinda shut her out. She desperately wanted to be loved and be around people, but it was pretty much impossible. It was great when she met Jonathon, because even if he was in a painting, at least it was someone.
Jonathon
His story was pretty fascinating. He was trapped in a painting, everyone thinks he committed suicide, and he really wants to get out. I do have a feeling that he shouldn't totally be trusted though...
Overall, I think that this book was so unique. It had a very different premise, and it didn't let me down! I was so happy that it was a great book. I can't wait to see Natalie grow and to learn more about Jonathon. I can't wait to read the next book and see what else we learn!
For this review and more, go to my blog Lizzie the Sarcastic Blonde
November 9, 2011
Darker Still is a beautifully written book with lyrical prose wrapped in a Victorian setting where language is the paramount vehicle for communication and ironically where the heroine is mute. Author Leanna Renne Hieber has created a wondrous world where mystery, mayhem and magic abound. Where a young woman on the cusp of becoming an adult is open to all the untold possibilities the world has to offer; and where faith, courage and love are the touchstones needed to face the next step in her journey.
Ms. Hieber’s words draw you into the past with a vibrancy and alacrity that immediately puts you into a young woman’s world where magic co-exists with reality. Through Natalie’s diary entries, she cleverly weaves together the unique timbre and tone of 1880’s, the frenzy of spiritualism and the occult, the nuances of the relationship between Natalie and Jonathan (Lord Denbury), and the courage of a young woman facing the unknown. As we read the entries we are subtly but completely drawn into Natalie’s life and become just as anxious and excited as Natalie to solve the mystery that will free Jonathan.
Darker Still is an historical paranormal novel, but more than that, it’s a book about the rite of passage. Through Natalie, Ms. Hieber allows us to take a journey of discovery where critical decisions determine how she will live her life. It becomes the underlying tension in the book and gives us a mute heroine whose words are critical.
Ms. Hieber’s words draw you into the past with a vibrancy and alacrity that immediately puts you into a young woman’s world where magic co-exists with reality. Through Natalie’s diary entries, she cleverly weaves together the unique timbre and tone of 1880’s, the frenzy of spiritualism and the occult, the nuances of the relationship between Natalie and Jonathan (Lord Denbury), and the courage of a young woman facing the unknown. As we read the entries we are subtly but completely drawn into Natalie’s life and become just as anxious and excited as Natalie to solve the mystery that will free Jonathan.
Darker Still is an historical paranormal novel, but more than that, it’s a book about the rite of passage. Through Natalie, Ms. Hieber allows us to take a journey of discovery where critical decisions determine how she will live her life. It becomes the underlying tension in the book and gives us a mute heroine whose words are critical.
June 28, 2013
The author never fails to deliver compelling, addicting Gothic storylines with almost lyrical prose. In spite of the nod to Dorian Grey, the book stands on its own merits. A beautiful, poignant romance with giddy G-rated kissy scenes, an underdog heroine one can't but admire, and a completely swoon-y hero.
The only problem for me was that both the mystery and the climax of the plot unravelled very speedily (and tidily) towards the end.
Full reviewwhen I finish another completely addicting book I picked up soon :)
The only problem for me was that both the mystery and the climax of the plot unravelled very speedily (and tidily) towards the end.
Full review
Want to read
June 21, 2011I love the sound of this one. Hope it will rock.
March 3, 2012
Full review can be found here.
This idea held a lot of potential and for the most part the story lived up to my expectations. I liked the idea behind it all: it is fairly quickly implied that dark magic was used to imprison the British lord and what ensues is the attempt to unravel the secrets behind the ritual that tore Lord Denbury’s soul from his body. The end result of this was a little disappointing as I was expecting some complicated riddle, all things considered, but after the reveal it just felt like the characters had spent the whole book overlooking clues that had been staring them in the face.
Natalie was an interesting protagonist. I liked that she was mute, giving her an unusual perspective of life, but that she could hear – something all too often forgotten by those around her to comedic effect when Natalie takes things into her own hands to remind them of the fact. At the start of the story she’s in an asylum for the blind, deaf and dumb but soon returns home to her father. He happens to be a curator at a museum and when Natalie reads of the lifelike portrait of the recently deceased Lord Denbury coming to Manhattan, she becomes convinced that they need to procure it for the museum.
Her obsession with just looking at the portrait was a little disconcerting, though I suppose she wasn’t the only young woman in the story to show such tendencies. The only reason ever offered for this is that the man in the portrait happens to be very good looking. What would have happened had he been just average or suffered from some disfiguring scar?
It soon transpires that the painting looks so lifelike because there is a very much alive Lord Denbury stuck inside the painting. It also transpires that Natalie is the only one able to able to move through the portal from our world to the magical prison – both through physically touching the portrait and subconsciously in her dreams. The reader receives no explanation as to why this is the case beyond the idea that Natalie has a particular “aura” about her, opposite colours to those of the evil people who forced poor Lord Denbury into the painting. I suppose that if she wasn’t able to move between the two realities then there wouldn’t be much of a story but I felt like I, as the reader, was being asked to suspend my disbelief a bit too much.
I admit that I wanted more to it than what I was offered. Obviously, I can accept outlandish claims in fiction (such as a rock lodging itself in some woman’s hand – The Native Star by M.K. Hobson), so I have no doubts that with a little more effort on the author’s behalf, I could have accepted this more readily as well.
The villain’s motives were never really explored either. We don’t know why Denbury was chosen or why they (both the good Denbury in the portrait and the evil Denbury clone on the outside) travelled to the other side of the Atlantic (beyond, perhaps, anonymity but then the painting receives so much attention that that motive is rendered moot) or even what exactly the evil Denbury wants – beyond debauchery.
A large number of things are not addressed in this book and while I hope that they will be explored in future instalments, I would have preferred at least some insight in this book.
Beyond this, I like the characters introduced. Mrs Northe in particular is interesting, if bordering on a little too perfect. I wish Maggie had been used more – at one point I thought she might get a bigger, if terminal, role, but, like answers, she seems to have been shunned for a later book.
The focus of this book was on getting Denbury out of the cursed painting as well as the budding attraction between Natalie and Denbury. This worked quite well, though Natalie was infatuated before she’d even discovered the portal and Denbury seemed to choose her simply because she was the only human contact he got. It was sweet, despite teetering on the verge of questionable a couple of times.
Finally, I really don’t understand why this book is Pride and Prejudice meets Dorian Grey. Dorian Grey sure, it’s easy to see the parallels there, but I didn’t see any parallels with Pride and Prejudice.
This idea held a lot of potential and for the most part the story lived up to my expectations. I liked the idea behind it all: it is fairly quickly implied that dark magic was used to imprison the British lord and what ensues is the attempt to unravel the secrets behind the ritual that tore Lord Denbury’s soul from his body. The end result of this was a little disappointing as I was expecting some complicated riddle, all things considered, but after the reveal it just felt like the characters had spent the whole book overlooking clues that had been staring them in the face.
Natalie was an interesting protagonist. I liked that she was mute, giving her an unusual perspective of life, but that she could hear – something all too often forgotten by those around her to comedic effect when Natalie takes things into her own hands to remind them of the fact. At the start of the story she’s in an asylum for the blind, deaf and dumb but soon returns home to her father. He happens to be a curator at a museum and when Natalie reads of the lifelike portrait of the recently deceased Lord Denbury coming to Manhattan, she becomes convinced that they need to procure it for the museum.
Her obsession with just looking at the portrait was a little disconcerting, though I suppose she wasn’t the only young woman in the story to show such tendencies. The only reason ever offered for this is that the man in the portrait happens to be very good looking. What would have happened had he been just average or suffered from some disfiguring scar?
It soon transpires that the painting looks so lifelike because there is a very much alive Lord Denbury stuck inside the painting. It also transpires that Natalie is the only one able to able to move through the portal from our world to the magical prison – both through physically touching the portrait and subconsciously in her dreams. The reader receives no explanation as to why this is the case beyond the idea that Natalie has a particular “aura” about her, opposite colours to those of the evil people who forced poor Lord Denbury into the painting. I suppose that if she wasn’t able to move between the two realities then there wouldn’t be much of a story but I felt like I, as the reader, was being asked to suspend my disbelief a bit too much.
I admit that I wanted more to it than what I was offered. Obviously, I can accept outlandish claims in fiction (such as a rock lodging itself in some woman’s hand – The Native Star by M.K. Hobson), so I have no doubts that with a little more effort on the author’s behalf, I could have accepted this more readily as well.
The villain’s motives were never really explored either. We don’t know why Denbury was chosen or why they (both the good Denbury in the portrait and the evil Denbury clone on the outside) travelled to the other side of the Atlantic (beyond, perhaps, anonymity but then the painting receives so much attention that that motive is rendered moot) or even what exactly the evil Denbury wants – beyond debauchery.
A large number of things are not addressed in this book and while I hope that they will be explored in future instalments, I would have preferred at least some insight in this book.
Beyond this, I like the characters introduced. Mrs Northe in particular is interesting, if bordering on a little too perfect. I wish Maggie had been used more – at one point I thought she might get a bigger, if terminal, role, but, like answers, she seems to have been shunned for a later book.
The focus of this book was on getting Denbury out of the cursed painting as well as the budding attraction between Natalie and Denbury. This worked quite well, though Natalie was infatuated before she’d even discovered the portal and Denbury seemed to choose her simply because she was the only human contact he got. It was sweet, despite teetering on the verge of questionable a couple of times.
Finally, I really don’t understand why this book is Pride and Prejudice meets Dorian Grey. Dorian Grey sure, it’s easy to see the parallels there, but I didn’t see any parallels with Pride and Prejudice.
November 30, 2012
I became really intrigued with this book upon reading the synopsis. I had heard a lot about the book over the past year, but I had never really looked to see exactly what it was about. I just knew some people were saying it was great, while others were saying it was just okay. I feel like I fall somewhere between those two ideas. I thought this book was really good when it came to the concept, writing and overall style. But there were other things that just didn't click well for me.
Overall the story itself is a gem. I felt like it really drew upon a lot of interesting elements. I loved the idea of the haunted painting, and everything that sprung from that. I enjoyed the settings, the Museum in particular. I also really enjoyed the Gothic feel of the story and just the time period of the story. There wasn't really very much of the story that I didn't care for generally speaking.
The one main issue I had was with Natalie and Denbury. Did I dislike the characters? Absolutely not. As single characters I thought the were both pretty amazing. My issue was when their relationship starts to build and everything else. I don't know why exactly, but I just didn't like them together which is really odd for me since I really liked both of them looking at them as single characters. But once everything starts happening between them it just kind of dropped off for me. It's a pretty major focal point of the story too which left me a little disappointed. But overall I loved the characters as a whole, I guess I was just hoping for something a little better between them.
I'm anxious to get into the second book though, thankfully it's what I will be starting next so I can see how everything plays out. Just to kind of break it down, I really like the story. While I wish there would of been a little more between Natalie and Denbury, it is still easy to see something is there. I just didn't quite agree with it all I guess. But I am pleased with the overall outcome of the book, the writing, style and everything else about the book is amazing and makes up for my arguable disagreement with the book.
Is this a book a lot of people would enjoy? I really think so. It's got so many wonderful things about it, and it's pretty unique. I enjoyed my experience reading it and I think it's really fair to say that my one issue is quite an arguable one. You might end up loving Natalie and Dunbury, it's all a matter of personal opinion. This is a book I would highly suggest though, I really think you could get a pretty enjoyable read out of it.
Overall the story itself is a gem. I felt like it really drew upon a lot of interesting elements. I loved the idea of the haunted painting, and everything that sprung from that. I enjoyed the settings, the Museum in particular. I also really enjoyed the Gothic feel of the story and just the time period of the story. There wasn't really very much of the story that I didn't care for generally speaking.
The one main issue I had was with Natalie and Denbury. Did I dislike the characters? Absolutely not. As single characters I thought the were both pretty amazing. My issue was when their relationship starts to build and everything else. I don't know why exactly, but I just didn't like them together which is really odd for me since I really liked both of them looking at them as single characters. But once everything starts happening between them it just kind of dropped off for me. It's a pretty major focal point of the story too which left me a little disappointed. But overall I loved the characters as a whole, I guess I was just hoping for something a little better between them.
I'm anxious to get into the second book though, thankfully it's what I will be starting next so I can see how everything plays out. Just to kind of break it down, I really like the story. While I wish there would of been a little more between Natalie and Denbury, it is still easy to see something is there. I just didn't quite agree with it all I guess. But I am pleased with the overall outcome of the book, the writing, style and everything else about the book is amazing and makes up for my arguable disagreement with the book.
Is this a book a lot of people would enjoy? I really think so. It's got so many wonderful things about it, and it's pretty unique. I enjoyed my experience reading it and I think it's really fair to say that my one issue is quite an arguable one. You might end up loving Natalie and Dunbury, it's all a matter of personal opinion. This is a book I would highly suggest though, I really think you could get a pretty enjoyable read out of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews