The Sweetest Dark (The Sweetest Dark #1) by Shana Abé

The Sweetest Dark (The Sweetest Dark #1)
by Shana Abé
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Format: Kindle, 352 pgs.
Published: April 2nd, 2013 by Bantam
Genre: YA, paranormal fantasy

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" “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." -goodreads

Review

“They are the drákon. And this is the story of one of the last of them.” (1)

In this truly unique tale of unimaginable proportions! With fluid and engaging writing, interesting plot and out-of-the-ordinary concepts, The Sweetest Dark surprised me. This coming-of-age story of Eleanore really something magical.

“If I was a monster, then by the stars, I was a glorious one.” (270)

It’s mysticism is alluring! My view on young adult books were brought to new fantastical heights with a story of smoke and Dragons, songs and Stars. The writing was not only descriptive, but it also had a poetic beauty, mixed with wit and excitement. I must admit that the concept of dragons and (especially) the stars and their role in this book was confusing at first, but I sunk into it’s basic overall meaning eventually. The ending, although it may be heartbreaking for some, wasn’t as much for me. I really love Armand’s character, and I can’t wait to see him and Eleanore evolve in future books.

“Dragon protects star. Star adores dragon. An age-old axiom.” (176)

In all, I really liked this book and the original concepts it takes on. As I’m writing this, I have already read, finished and loved the second book, “The Deepest Night” and let me tell you it is not only better than this first book, it’s amazing! I really can’t wait for a third book! I’d recommend this book for those who love originality in fantasy, intrigue and something all-around new in the young adult genre.

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First Line: “Are your eyes truly open?” (1)

Last Line: “I can wait a while longer, until she turns her ear up to the night skies, ready to hear my ballad once more.” (333)

Quotes:

“When I was a child, everyone believed that I was an ordinary human girl. Even I believed it, which shows you how little I knew.” (3)

“If Armand was the darkened ruby, then Jesse was pure, vibrant gold.” (69)

“I understood her warning about the pain that would come with my Gifts. I understood my sacrifice.” (328)