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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
OMG I loved this one more than the first
Which is shocking because I wholly went into this thinking I'd hate the FMC, turns out that was exactly the perception we were supposed to have
I also so thoroughly loved the not so subtly hidden comparisons for the struggles of the two characters, it was oh so real and I think have the MMC being as shocked as he was just made it all the more realistic
Which is shocking because I wholly went into this thinking I'd hate the FMC, turns out that was exactly the perception we were supposed to have
I also so thoroughly loved the not so subtly hidden comparisons for the struggles of the two characters, it was oh so real and I think have the MMC being as shocked as he was just made it all the more realistic
The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller
Quick Summary: Chrysantha Stathos has emerged victorious in her carefully crafted charade. Concealing her ambitions beneath the facade of a beautiful, naive girl, she has ascended to the status of a wealthy duchess. With the passing of her elderly husband on the horizon, she anticipates finally attaining the freedom, wealth, and security she has long coveted.
She never expects to have a challenge to her wealth and status until a man claiming to be her estranged grandson, Eric, intends to usurp her inheritance. Her anguish grows when her younger sister, Alessandra, is the impending queen. She is determined to assert dominance and undermine Alessandra's joy at her sister's wedding. No matter the cost, Chrysantha remains resolute about eliminating Eric's claim on the inheritance so that she can be free.
I enjoyed the character of Chrysantha. She was smart and a survivor. She understands how to play the game in a world dominated by men. She was determined to win on her terms and get everything she wanted or what she believed was coming to her. Unfortunately, her experiences caused some of her reactions to be cold and calculating. She had warmth and kindness when interacting with the manor's staff but showed contentment when interacting with the wealthy. It added depth to her character. She resonated with me on several different levels. As for the grandson, Eric, I was intrigued by his actions at the story's beginning. He fell a little flat toward the end of the book. It might be because we only see the world through Chrysantha's point of view.
The Darkness Within Us is an enemy to the lovers' storyline. There are a few twists and one I did not see coming. I did not read The Shadow Between Us, the first book in this duology, so I walked into the story blind. I understood the storyline and could follow along without difficulty. The pace was not too slow and kept me interested throughout the book. The ending did feel rushed, and the climax was not as exciting as I had hoped. I would consider this book a YA Romantsy. There is plenty of spice alluded to, but not graphic. Overall, it was a good, light-hearted read exploring women's societal struggles and romantasy.
This is my honest review based on an ARC copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
Quick Summary: Chrysantha Stathos has emerged victorious in her carefully crafted charade. Concealing her ambitions beneath the facade of a beautiful, naive girl, she has ascended to the status of a wealthy duchess. With the passing of her elderly husband on the horizon, she anticipates finally attaining the freedom, wealth, and security she has long coveted.
She never expects to have a challenge to her wealth and status until a man claiming to be her estranged grandson, Eric, intends to usurp her inheritance. Her anguish grows when her younger sister, Alessandra, is the impending queen. She is determined to assert dominance and undermine Alessandra's joy at her sister's wedding. No matter the cost, Chrysantha remains resolute about eliminating Eric's claim on the inheritance so that she can be free.
I enjoyed the character of Chrysantha. She was smart and a survivor. She understands how to play the game in a world dominated by men. She was determined to win on her terms and get everything she wanted or what she believed was coming to her. Unfortunately, her experiences caused some of her reactions to be cold and calculating. She had warmth and kindness when interacting with the manor's staff but showed contentment when interacting with the wealthy. It added depth to her character. She resonated with me on several different levels. As for the grandson, Eric, I was intrigued by his actions at the story's beginning. He fell a little flat toward the end of the book. It might be because we only see the world through Chrysantha's point of view.
The Darkness Within Us is an enemy to the lovers' storyline. There are a few twists and one I did not see coming. I did not read The Shadow Between Us, the first book in this duology, so I walked into the story blind. I understood the storyline and could follow along without difficulty. The pace was not too slow and kept me interested throughout the book. The ending did feel rushed, and the climax was not as exciting as I had hoped. I would consider this book a YA Romantsy. There is plenty of spice alluded to, but not graphic. Overall, it was a good, light-hearted read exploring women's societal struggles and romantasy.
This is my honest review based on an ARC copy of the audiobook from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was almost as good as the first! It was a little more predictable but overall very satisfying to read. This is the 4th book I've read by this author and she is quickly becoming a new favorite for me. I loved how easy it was to read and fall back into the world. As much as I disliked the FMC when she was featured in the first book, I loved seeing her perspective in this one. I also enjoyed the bonus content at the end. Also, I have to praise the narrator for an excellent narration. I'm sure it elevated my experience compared to if I had physically read the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
eryxcrysantha my beloveds CHEFSKISS now THIS is exactly how you write enemies to lovers. what a trope what a pair what a book loved the alessandrakallios cameos too plus the mending of the sisters' relationship hehehe man i love my girls!!! also absolutely ADORED crysantha as a character, and she was made all the more better by not being perfect but still trying her best, esp in terms with her relationships w.ith others like her staff hehhehe i love all of them sm and boy do i looove a REAL happy ending mwacksiez <3333
A little slow. Book 1 is better but I still enjoyed it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have a hard time with this book because it’s the exact same premise as book one. Idk I enjoyed it still but I felt a little annoyed that I was reading the same story with different people. Kyros deserved better.
medium-paced