The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
I decided I wanted to read this book after reading an interview Bree Despain did over at Frenetic Reader. The part that caught my attention was that it’s a retelling of the prodigal son story. Knowing that going into the novel made me look deeper into it, in a way I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t known that it was a retelling.
The Dark Divine tells the story of Grace; she knows something terrible happened between her brother and Daniel Kalbi the night he left years ago. Now Daniel has returned, and as she gets dangerously close to him, she’s got to decide who to believe. Her trust could cost her everything.
A paranormal story with plenty of secrets, The Dark Divine is best read when not knowing more than that it’s paranormal to start with. I accidentally read an unmarked spoiler review, and knowing the answer to the question took some angst out. However, there was still plenty to go around.
Grace is a curious main character, not able to keep away from Daniel and the mystery that surrounds him. Daniel is the exact opposite, quiet to a fault. One of the completely assinine details of the story that totally had me smiling is that Daniel dyed his hair. Men dying their hair is not something you read about very often, but I think it happens more than most would want to let on. (Hello, Mr. President.)
Anyway, the small details are what made this story work for me. The drawings, wanting to go to art school, the smaller moments that might not have had a huge impact on the plot, but definitely affected the way I viewed the characters, were what kept me hooked.
Published by Egmont USA, The Dark Divine is a story of betrayal, love, and finding your destiny. It’s sequel, The Lost Saint, is available and definitely one I plan on reading.
WoW: Beth Fantaskey’s Latest
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side made my Best of 2009 list. Now comes an unexpected (at least to me!) sequel, Jessica Rules the Dark Side. Less of a mouthful than the first title, thankfully.
Full of romance, mystery, and danger, the highly anticipated sequel to Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side shows that sometimes a princess has to earn her “happily ever after” – with a sharpened stake in hand.
You can read a preview (including chapter snippets) on Beth Fantaskey’s website.
It’s released in January 2012, so not too much longer to wait. You can preorder it on amazon
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.
Courtney King Walker Interview
Courtesy of Teen Book Scene, Courtney King Walker’s here to promote her book, On the Fringe.
Hi Ms. Walker, your bio says that you’ve been banned from the kitchen after one too many catastrophes. Sounds like me! What was the most memorable disaster?
Trying to make a banana cream pie with canned whipped cream. HINT: once you spray it, the cream only stays fluffy for about 5 minutes. But it still was a delicious banana cream soup.
Your website has a playlist for ON THE FRINGE. What’s your favorite song?
“Middle Distance Runner,” by Sea Wolf. What I get out of it is that he can’t run the whole way to reach her because he’s a middle distance runner, so he needs her to run to him, instead, and then they can meet half way. That’s the essence of Daniel and Claire’s relationship. (Look it up on iTunes, or on my website — it’s a gorgeous song).
Has your imagination ever gotten the best of you?
Up until I was at least in my twenties, I couldn’t sleep with the window open because I was afraid of getting killed in my sleep. When a serial killer rampaged through Northern California in the ‘80s I was petrified, even with the window closed. It was a nerve-wracking time. For some reason when I was littler, I also thought Hitler was out to get me. I guess there’s no surprise I suffer from anxiety.
Which was harder while writing ON THE FRINGE, the first draft or revisions?
I love revising. I think it’s hardest to get through the maze in my mind of where I want to take my story and how I want to get there. It’s like having a million choices in front of you and not knowing how to pick just one. It’s easier for me once everything has been decided and I just get to go back and make it better.
What’s your plan for celebrating ON THE FRINGE’s release?
I’m supposed to be on a Wells Fargo Client Event with my husband’s work on October 19th, so lets hope they’re serving something good for dinner. Maybe when I get home I’ll have to take the WHOLE family to sushi, which we never do because it’s kind of annoying sharing sushi with your kids.
Hope you enjoyed, everyone!