The Sweetest Dark - Review

The Sweetest Dark (The Sweetest Dark #1)

by Shana Abe 

Blurb

The Sweetest Dark is filled with thrilling romance, exciting adventure, and ancient magic. Shana Abé brilliantly captures the drama of post-Victorian England, while unfolding a passionate love story that defies time.

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.” 

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.

My Review

Lora is being raised in an orphanage in London, England 1915. In these time the sixteen year old knows she has to stay out of sight and to keep quiet about her ability to hear music when others don't, the voice in her head and her dreams. While she tries to blend in she does stand out and gets the attention of a charity. She is sent to a boarding school where she clearly doesn't belong. Jesse a groundskeeper and Armand both notice her and want her for there own. Lora's powers seem to be growing and there is a danger near. She has to learn to use her powers quickly if she and her friends want to survive.

This book does stand out as different and is very well written. It just didn't seem to be my thing. I know other people will love it. I liked Lora she is a good character that is surrounded by rich spoiled girls and makes the best of it. She has to understand what is special about her and learn to control it. She has two guys who want her but she doesn't go back and forth. She knows what is in her heart. I really liked Jesse. He seemed really special to me. I guess I am a sucker for the working and poor people in this story. At times I will say this book was very easy to put down and then I had to go back a few pages to refresh my memory. I just didn't get into it like I had hoped. I enjoyed the time period and what paranormal aspects the books has. If you like historical, paranormal YA books or are wanting to try one you may want to give this one a try.

3 out of 5 Bats~Pam

I received a copy via Netgalley for a honest review.