Darkness Becomes Her - Kelly Keaton - Review & Giveaway

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

(Synopsis taken from goodreads.)

Title: Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters #1)

Author: Kelly Keaton

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: February 22, 2011

Format: E-galley

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab program. Many thanks goes to Simon & Schuster for sending me this copy for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository.

My rating: 5/5

Ari has had a tough life, growing up without a mom, and suffering the abuses that come with being a foster child. She's had to grow up fast, but now she's with a couple who really are good foster parents. They are also bail bondsmen, and Ari does help them out with their work. She has some questions about the mother who abandoned her though, and so she sets off to find out what she can about her. Little does she know that she's in for a whole new world of crazy. Having found some information about her mom she continues on to decipher the strange note that her mother had left her. With the help of some newfound friends she'll finally get to the bottom of things and find out just who, or what, she is.

Darkness Becomes Her is a genuinely entertaining, thrilling and breathtaking ride. Ari is a tough and sassy main character who uses the f-shot freely and fluently. Her tough girl exterior wards off some, but when she meets a group of kids in the New 2, she realizes that maybe there are others like her, others who are different like she is. I found myself easily identifying with Ari, and I really liked that she opened up to let others in, especially since she normally doesn't let anyone in. 

The world building of the city, New 2, is portrayed beautifully. New 2 comes to life and is rich with detail. It fully engulfs the reader and draws them in, allowing them to feel as if they were there exploring the different areas of the city alongside Ari and her friends. 

Though this is primarily Ari's story, there is a romantic element to the book. The name of said element is Sebastian. He and Ari seem to hit it off pretty quickly, but honestly, I can see why she fell for him so quickly as I was falling for him just as fast. The tension between the two sizzles on the page, and makes the read that much more thrilling. It really is nice, for a change, to read a book that doesn't have a love triangle. The love story in Darkness Becomes Her takes a back seat though to Ari's pursuit of her heritage. Another character that I couldn't get enough of was Violet. She is such a cutie, and she alone seems to win Ari over. She almost steals the limelight from Ari in this book and I can't wait to see what happens with her, as well as the rest of the group, in the next book.

Keaton has written a brilliant book which tackles many genres, though I'll mention specifically Greek mythos and urban fantasy. It really is a gem, and I know I'll be re-reading this book in the future. The only drawback that I found is that the ending was almost too abrupt, and felt very much like a cliffhanger to me. Now I can't wait for the second book to come out, as I want to know what's going to happen with or to certain characters.

All in all, a highly original and fantastic debut young adult book. It's easy to see that Keaton is writing in her niche as nothing is lacking. There is rampant sexual tension; memorable characters; a living, breathing, vibrant world and butt kicking galore. I want more and can't wait for the second book to come out. This honestly is one of the best books I've read this year. I love this book. Period.

Giveaway

I've decided to give away a copy of this book because I love it so much.

With that said, go forth, enter. You do not need to be a follower, AND the giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY courtesy of the Book Depository.

The giveaway will end March 18, 2011 at midnight EST.
Giveaway has ENDED. Thank you to all who participated!

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