Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Review: Death and the Girl He Loves

DEATH AND THE GIRL HE LOVES
Darklight #3
Darynda Jones
Paranormal Young Adult
272 pages
St. Martin's Griffin
Available Now
Source: Finished copy from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. 

Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. 

This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.

MY THOUGHTS
Death and the Girl He Loves reunites us with the trademark humor of Ms. Jones, her characters sparking with sarcastic fire and delighting us with the casual barbs and witty taunts they toss back and forth throughout. Though imminent death hovers quite literally on the horizon for most of this book, the story never loses the qualities that so drew us to it in the very first installment, the emphasis on family and friendship–as well as just a touch of romance–as strong as ever to keep us hovering on the edge of our seats, waiting to see just if and how Lorelei is going to fulfill all that is prophesied.

Though Lorelei is endlessly funny and has us wishing we could live in this world simply to be a part of the banter between her, Brooke and Glitch, she can be more frustrating at times in this final book than she has books past. We find ourselves swinging back and forth between sympathy for her given the sheer amount of pressure placed on her young shoulders, and frustration given her tendency to wallow in self-pity. She’s severely lacking in the self-confidence department, so convinced she’s going to fail the entire time that she shakes our confidence in her as well, and we end up wondering if she’ll be able to step up to the plate when the time comes. That being said though, she’s at least not ignorant to her own pessimism and owns up to it on a number of occasions, we just can’t help but wish she’d dare to believe in herself as much as those around her so clearly do.

Given Lorelei is in no way, shape or form the type of heroine who would win in any sort of hand to hand combat situation, the way the final battle goes down is both beautifully fitting and completely unexpected, Ms. Jones forcing us to tip imaginary hats in acknowledgement of how many steps ahead of us she’s been all along. There are a few lingering questions with regard to some things Jared mentions about his relationship with Lorelei, but they’re questions that don’t necessarily demand answers, and we’re left more than content with a rather fascinating conclusion.

Rating: 4/5
 

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This book was sent to me by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of a review
I received no other compensation and the above is my honest opinion.

20 comments:

  1. I like Darynda Jones so I am curious about this YA one

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    1. I really enjoyed this series! I need to get caught up with the Charley Davidson books:)

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  2. Darynda Jones is one of those authors I can't resist, yet I haven't heard about this one before. How is that possible? I can deal with a novel that doesn't give me all the answers because you know how I feel about endings that are too neat and tidy, so colour me intrigued about this one, for sure! Wonderful review, Jenny!

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    1. I think you were on hiatus when this series started (or at least when book 2 came out), so that's maybe why it wasn't on your radar! I was very impressed with the end of this one, it wasn't at all what I imagined and that was fun:)

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  3. I think I'd get frustrated with Lorelei and her wallowing. Of course, she's allowed SOME wallowing but not too much. And the self-confidence thing. Poor girl. It's hard to be a teen, isn't it?

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    1. She's definitely entitled to some wallowing for sure, but it was a little too constant for majority of the book. What made it better was the fact that she was very aware of it and could poke fun at herself:)

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  4. I read the first book and really liked it and then just haven't had time to continue. I am so glad you liked the whole series, I really love this author and her sense of humor.


    I hope you have a wonderful and safe New Year Jenny!

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    1. She has a fantastic sense of humor doesn't she? Love her books:)

      I hope you have a fabulous New Year as well Ali!

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  5. Jenny, I was able to score both books (well the first two) so I do plan on reading the books. I hoping to dive more into my tbr pile next instead of letting it grow. Nice review!

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  6. I really should revisit this series since I love Jones. Book one was just ok for me but it really sounds like the series gets better:) Wonderful review!!

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  7. I have heard mixed things about this series and I decided I'll catch up on her adult series first, but I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

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  8. For some reason, this series didn't work for me. I think there was just too much going on in the first book and the characters were just ok. I prefer her Charley Davidson series, but I'm thrilled that you're enjoying this series.

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  9. OOoh nice review! I'm actually just about to start reading this one myself! Glad to hear that it was a satisfying ending!

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  10. I was just looking at this series at the library online. I was trying to see if her other series was out there on audio. Found the first book in this series, but I already read that one. :) I still need to read the second one so I'm behind. However, this sounds like Lorelei is growing and I love a series like that. Oh I can't wait to catch up!

    Happy New Year!

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  11. You know--some day I will give these a whirl. I love DJ's writing so I am sure I will enjoy them :)

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  12. I didn't realize this was the last book in the series. I am glad it has a satisfying conclusion. I'll have to pick this one up soon. That Angel of Death looks mighty yummy, doesn't he?? You have convinced me to hurry up and read this one. Jenny, you are already busting my book budget and the new year has only just begun, have mercy!!

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  13. Jenny,
    Ohhh how I have missed your blog :) I actuakky didn't read your review bc I have book one on my nook... Will have to be back later to comment!

    Diana @ The Lovely Getaway

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