The Darkness by Crystal Connor
Paperback, 266 pages
Published December 1st 2010 by Bennett & Hastings Publishing
The first thing I read when I received this book was :
I have removed essential steps and crucial ingredients from the spells and rituals performed in this story. This is not a textbook. The Darkness was written for entertainment purposes only. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to cast spells or reenact ceremonies performed by these fictional characters.
And that was before I even started the book. Whoa! A book with a warning? I knew this was going to be an interesting book. I was not even close. The Darkness is a mix of Sci-Fi, fantasy and horror with Christian beliefs and witchcraft thrown in. It is a fast paced book that should be read slowly so you have time to savor it. I am adding the book trailer here. It is a bit longer than most but well worth watching. I was blown away by it.
This book takes what we know is happening with scientific experiments and mixes it with what we think may be happening and what we fear to imagine happening , especially in the hands of the military - any military. It will hold you in its grip until its unexpected conclusion. I say unexpected because of all the ways I saw this ending I had not come to the one given.
Things I really enjoyed about this book were the respectful use of witchcraft. the very human people, the well developed characters, the fascinating story line, the mystery with which the author wrote.
I had guessed the rituals and spells used would be somewhat realistic based on the warning but, having read other "magical" books, I was aware of what the reality could be. Happily the author stayed true and presented them as they are. Reading them I could feel the power and emotions in them. To be able to 'water them down' and have them mimic the actual ritual without losing the feel of them is an awesome talent. Kudos to Crystal Connor for mastering that.
I really loved the way she let us into the hidden emotions. I do not want to give away too much of the book but there is a lot of realistic emotions put into her "villains". You really do not know whose side to be on. The author really does an excellent job at bringing out the dilemma of Solomon and the two mothers.
The story line I found to be somewhat fresh and unique. The author took something familiar and added a twist that I have not read very often. And she did it very well. The mystifying air was maintained through out the book. This is a writer who truly knows her craft. She is someone to watch.
A couple of quotes to whet your appetite a little more.
" The darkness. The darkness...is calling me. I -I can't control these feelings. It's calling me. 'Primun non nocere,' remember Doctor? Do you even remember me? I used to call you Mommy." Page 19
The child was only allowed to explore his world as far as he could see through the steel bars of his locked cage. Page 21
The child became upset and made something happen to Dr. Morgan. When Dr. Morgan was still, the bear resumed his flight with a hopeful prospect of reaching his destination. Page 23
The other man (Point Man: Barret, J. 29), who had covered up the heap of decaying flesh that once was Dr. Morgan, was now also kneeling at the child's cage. Page 24
As you can see all that happens in the first 25 pages. This style of writing continues until the final page.
I hunted around the net for some info for you all because I know some of you are interested. Here is what I have:
There is a sequel coming out to The Darkness! YAY! I knew there had to be.
She has a blog. It is at http://wordsmithcrystalconnor.blogspot.com/ I stopped by there and joined it. It is an awesome site. Check it out.
*I would like to apologize to Crystal Connor for the late timing on the review. I had marked it on the calendar for tomorrow. When I realized the mix up Junior was melting down. I am sorry. *
So peeps if you like a good scary story that blurs the line of reality and fantasy this book is one you will regret if you do not read. Pick it up today. Really you won't be sorry. You'll be scared but not sorry.
Please leave your comments. I love talking books with you!
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