Beyond the Darkness by Leonard D. Hilley II

If you want to buy either Predators of Darkness: Aftermath or Beyond the Darkness go to: eBooks For Pleasure

Series: The Darkness, Book Two

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Format: eBook

Published: Paperback: 22^nd July 2008

eBook:

Number of Pages: 280

Book: For Review From Author*

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Action, Adventure, YA, YA-Adult Crossover

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Lots of Violence, Mild Law Breaking, Swearing

No Alcohol, Drug References

PLEASE DON’T READ THIS IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON READING PREDATORS OF DARKNESS: AFTERMATH!

Synopsis From Goodreads:

“Leonard Hilley II's first novel, Predators of Darkness, shows us a nightmarish world of gruesome genetically-engineered monsters preying on humans, corporations more powerful - and more dangerous- than governments, and a web of lies and cover-ups that all sound remarkably like they could have been drawn from today's headlines. Fact or fiction? Read this gripping novel and find out."

- John Kachuba, Author of Ghosthunters: On the Trail of Mediums, Dowsers, Spirit Seekers and Other Investigators of America's Paranormal World

Three years after Daniel and the other survivors escaped the terrorizing, blood-thirsty shifters in Pittsburgh, his friends have moved forward with their lives, but Daniel cannot. He believes the conspiracies within TransGenCorp have not ended and more shifters exist.

Then Daniel receives a phone call from Lucas that bolsters his paranoia.

Lucas is being charged with murders he insists his clone committed.

Daniel soon discovers darker atrocities are emerging, which not only place his life in immense danger, but all his friends as well.

Review:

I knew there had to be more to come after Predators of Darkness: Aftermath, but I just wasn’t sure what.  After all, the Lucas-clone got away, and, well, it just couldn’t be over.  There was too much corruption, too many secrets, too many unanswered questions.  Plus, I had the sequel, given to me so generously by the author (thank you Leonard!).

Three years have passed since Predators of Darkness: Aftermath, and all the survivors are back in the real, outside world.  The evil mastermind behind the shifter experiment is dead, and therefore the nightmare is over.  But Daniel’s isn’t.  He can’t accept that it’s all over, that they’re all safe.  He just can’t shake the paranoia he acquired during his time in Pittsburgh. 

Turns out, he was right.  Lucas’ clone kills four senators and the real-Lucas is arrested for the murder.  To prove his friend’s innocence, Daniel will have to renter a world he never wished to see again.  And this time, they’re all in danger: Daniel, Julia, their daughter Felicia, Nancy, Lucas, Lydia, Dr Helmsby and Johanna...

I admit, I wasn’t entirely sure where the plot would go, but I found myself being pulled in straight away and just as addicted.  I raced through it, hooked: it was amazing and the pace was perfect.  And it was the same adrenaline-filled roller-coaster as the previous book, the one I simply adore.

Daniel was very withdrawn at the start of the book, constantly in fear of the shifters, damaged by the nightmarish time three years ago.  He’s married to Julia now, who’s just as strong and brave as ever.  The two have a daughter, Felicia.  And a shifter-cat called Morton.  I loved Morton!  He’s a good shifter, created by Helmsby, who has the ability to tell right from wrong.  And a very good sense of humour.  He would do anything for his family, and his witty remarks kept even the darkest bits amusing.

I still love the very reckless, brave and caring Lucas.  A few characters I didn’t like in the first I grew to love: Johanna and Lydia to name a few. 

Lucas’ clone had a name of his own in this book: Lucian.  You got to know him as a person, and I even felt sorry for him.  Idris treated him horribly, even using genetic blackmail on him.  Only a great author could make me feel for a guy who would’ve murdered everyone in the previous book.

I can’t wait to see where Game of Pawns takes this series, and I know that it will be just as fast paced and addictive as the rest of them.  I really recommend this, not just for teenagers or YA readers, but for adults as well.  It’s one of those that crosses between the two age groups so easily it appears to be effortless.  I love the twists, turns, the amazingly detailed characters and plots.  I can’t wait to get back into this world again!

P.S. And, can I just say, it was the coolest thing to have the FBI involved.  Supernatural-thriller meets police-drama.  Two genres I love.

Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

YA Thriller:

Cherub by Robert Muchamore (Same Adrenaline Rush)

Agent 21 by Chris Ryan

YA Horror:

Gone by Michael Grant

The Dead by Charlie Higson

Adult:

Stephen King novels

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

2011 E-Book Challenge (Hosted by The Ladybug Reads)

Happy Reading

Megan

*This book was recieved from the author in exchange for an honest review

Teaser Tuesday (#14)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

 

Here are the rules:

• Open your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers!
• Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!

Ok, now, this week I'm reading waaay too many books, so there are going to be a variety of teasers this week.  But I left my kindle upstairs, and I'm too tired to go get it.  So these are mainly off Goodreads.  Enjoy! :)

From City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, Chapter Seven, Page 120

"Is he dead?" he inquired.  "He looks dead."

"No," snapped Maryse.  "He's not dead."

"Have you checked?  I could kick him if you want."

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, Book Two) by Cassandra Clare

Synopsis From Blurb:

 Haunted by her past, Clary is dragged deeper into New York City's terrifying underworld of demons and Shadowhunters - but can she control her feelings for a boy who can never be hers?

I love this series!!  I only started this yesterday, and I'm already on Part 3; like three-quarters of the way through.  *Sigh*  I want to be a Shadowhunter.

From You Against Me by Jenny Downham

"Sometimes if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen. If you miss someone so desperately that it wrecks your insides, you say their name over and over until you conjure then. It's called sympathetic magic and you just have to believe in it to make it work."

You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Synopsis From Goodreads:

If someone hurts your sister and you're any kind of man, you seek revenge, right? If your brother's been accused of a terrible crime and you're the main witness, then you banish all doubt and defend him. Isn't that what families do? When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her at a party, his world of work and girls begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the crime, but says he didn't do it, her world of revision, exams and fitting in at a new school begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide. Brave and unflinching, this is a novel of extraordinary skillfulness and almost unbearable tension. It's a book about loyalty and the choices that come with it. But above all it's a book about love - for one's family and for another.

Jenny Downham is one of my favourite authors ever.  Her books are about such difficult subjects, and yet they're so easy and amazing to read.  I am loving this so far!

From Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

 Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Synopsis From Goodreads: 

One night fifteen-year-old Lina, her mother and young brother are hauled from their home by Soviet guards, thrown into cattle cars and sent away. They are being deported to Siberia. An unimaginable and harrowing journey has begun. Lina doesn't know if she'll ever see her father or her friends again. But she refuses to give up hope.

I've been in love with the whole Russian Revolution since I first did it in high school, and so this is just perfect for me.  I'm not far through this, but it's amazing so far.

 

 

 

 

 

And there are my Teasers for the week. 

 

What are your teasers?

In My Mailbox (#15)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome!

 

The books I ordered have arrived!  Very, very pleased with them.  I also got asked to read another book, which looks really cool.  And I had a free-books-shopping-spree on Amazon, for my kindle.  So, here's my Mailbox!

 

For Review:

 

 

Friendship: Launch Day by Susan J MacDonald (Goodreads | Amazon)

 Spend the day with Adventure Girl Kat Auton.
History is being made today with the launch of the Friendship, the most advanced ship ever seen in human space. It will be crewed by chethari, quarians and humans from across the League and Allianzi, and will soon be heading out on its first missions. Kat, the youngest member of the Friendship's media team, is reporting on the build up to the big event; front stage, back stage, all the atmosphere as it happens.
But it is going to be a much bigger day than even Kat is expecting.

This looks really different, but really good.  I was asked by Susan MacDonald to read and review it.  I said 'yes' because I'm into my Sci-Fi at the moment.  Thanks Susan! :)

 

 

Bought:

 

 

 

Where She Went (If I Stay, Book Two) by Gayle Foreman (Goodreads | Amazon)

If You Had A Second Chance At First Love... Would You Take It?

I loved If I Stay: it's one of my favourite books ever.  I was a little unsure when I saw there was a sequel, but then I saw all the amazing reviews and knew I had to get it.  And therefore: voila! ;)  Can't wait to read it!

You Against Me by Jenny Downham (Goodreads | Amazon)

You Want This To Be A Love Story?

I loved Downham's Before I Die, and the moment I saw she had a second book out, I wanted it.  And I've finally got it!  I started it as soon as it arrived, and I love it! 

Sisters Red (Sisters Red, Book One) by Jackson Pearce (Goodreads | Amazon)

I've wanted this for ages, but decided to wait 'til it came out in paperback.  It has, and therefore I have it.  I can't wait to read it!

Prisoner of the Inquisition by Theresa Breslin (Goodreads | Amazon)

Can she Survive This Time Of Fire And Fury?

I've read The Nostradamus Prophecy by Theresa Breslin and loved it.  This looks amazing too.  Set in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, it's about a rich, spoilt girl and a young beggar boy.  I think it looks incredible, and the cover is absolutely beautiful.

The 10P.M. Question by Kate De Goldi (Goodreads | Amazon)

I saw this on Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s blog and thought; 'Wow, I want that!'  It looks amazing!  I can't wait to read it!

 

 

Free eBooks For My Kindle:

 

Starfire Angels (Dark Angels Chronicles, Book One) by Melanie Nilles (Goodreads | Amazon)

This looks great, a new twist on the angel genre, and I love this cover.

Scary Mary by S.A. Hunter (Goodreads | Amazon)

Ghosts galore!  And is it just me, or does this cover creep you out?

The Demon Queen and the Locksmith by Spencer Baum (Goodreads | Amazon)

This is a story of three teenagers, in a world where there's 'Turquoise Hum', 'Hearers' and can I just say it sounds amazing.  Not entirely sure how the name fits in, though...

The Thirteenth Unicorn by W.D. Newman (Goodreads | Amazon)

I'm probably too old for this.  But I love unicorns.  And I love magic.  And therefore, as the book was free, I bought it.  (:

Mortal Ghost by L. Lee Lowe (Goodreads | Amazon)

A boy who's strangely gifted and has memories of fire...  Sounds good! :)

 

 

Well, there's my Mailbox.

 

What did you get this week?

Happy Reading

Megan

On My Wishlist (#12)

On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City that runs every Saturday.  It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet.  They can be old, new or forthcoming.    And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up.  All you have to do is click on the link below:

 

Here's my wishlist for this week.  Early for once.  I'm impressed with myself.  ;)

 

 

Shade

Series:  Shade, Book One

By: Jeri Smith-Ready

Published: 2nd September 2010

Published By: Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Found: On Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

 Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.
Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

I found this on Sammee's blog, and I think it looks incredible.  The idea of the Shift is intriguing , and I want to know the secrets!

The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook

By: Jason Heller

Published: 5th May 2011

Published By: Quirk Books

Found: On Sammee (I Want to Read That)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

He’s the most popular pirate in motion picture history—and now The Captain Jack Sparrow Handbook offers his fans an insider’s guide to all the dirty tricks of the buccaneer’s trade! Complete with step-by-step instructions, helpful diagrams, and full-color photography from the Pirates of the Caribbean films, this nautical treasure trove arrrrrrrrrrrticulates such vital and colorful information as: Arriving just in time for Captain Jack's long-awaited return in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, this fiendishly adventurous handbook is essential reading for pirate loves, Johnny Depp fans, and all-around rogues and rapscallions of all ages.

     •  How to Sail a Ship
     •  How to Survive Being Marooned
     •  How to Break a Curse
     •  How to Fight Six Angry Men in a Tavern
     •  How to Recruit a Crew
     •  How to Cope with Mermaids
     •  And much, much more!

Call me sad, mad, weird, anything.  This looks amazing.  I love Pirates of the Caribbean, and I really want this!  Sounds like good fun!  (:

The Raising

By: Laura Kasischke

Published: 15th May 2011

Published By: Harper Perennial

Found: On Lilly Bear (Book Lungs)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Last year Godwin Honors Hall was draped in black. The university was mourning the loss of one of its own: Nicole Werner, a blond, beautiful, straight-A sorority sister tragically killed in a car accident that left her boyfriend, who was driving, remarkably—some say suspiciously—unscathed.
Although a year has passed, as winter begins and the nights darken, obsession with Nicole and her death reignites: She was so pretty. So sweet-tempered. So innocent. Too young to die.
Unless she didn’t.
Because rumor has it that she’s back.

Wow, doesn't this look great?!  I really wanna read this one.  I want to know if she's back, and how.  Yes, this looks amazing.

Minder

Series: Ganzfield, Book One

By: Kate Kaynak

Published: 18th July 201o

Published By: Spencer Hill Press

Found: On Lilly Bear (Book Lungs)'s Blog and Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.
Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.
A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.
And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey. Especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

I like the look of this, and I've seen lots of positive reviews on it.  Plus, you gotta love secret training facilities.

Sisters in Sanity

By: Gayle Foreman

Published: May 2009

Published By: Harper Teen

Found: On Jessica (Thoughts At One In The Morning)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

"Where are they taking me?"
"It's for your own good, Brit," Dad said.
I was shoved into a small, stuffy room, and the door was locked behind me. I waited for my dad to realize he'd made a terrible mistake and come get me.
But he didn't.
For sixteen-year-old Brit Hemphill, it's hard to know who she can trust. Convinced she's out of control, her father has sentenced her to Red Rock: a center for supposedly rebellious teens, where the therapy consists of name-calling and the girls who get privileges are the ones who rat out their peers.

But then Brit meets V, Bebe, Martha, and Cassie—four girls who keep her from going over the edge. Together, they'll hold on to their sanity and their sisterhood despite the bleak Red Rock reality.
I loved Foreman's If I Stay, it actually one of my favourite book ever, and I've just bought the sequel Where She Went.  So when I saw she had another book out, I knew I had to add it straight onto my wishlist!  And it looks really, really good.

Well, that's my Wishlist for the week.  Nice variety there.

Anyway,

What are you wishing for?

Follow Friday (#11)

Follow Friday is a fun way for bloggers to find new blogger friends!  It's hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee's View, and it's such an awesome idea! 

Our Feature blog this week is...

Ninja Girl @ Ninja Girl Reads

And our question is...

"Can You Tell Us Five Quirky Habits Or Things About You?"

Quirky...  Um, ok, here I go:

1. I like to read four or five books at once: two on the kindle (one often a classic), a newly-released book, and an older book that's been on the shelf for a while.  I sometimes add books I'm rereading, like the Harry Potter I'm reading at the moment.
2. I have an unusual habit of talking too much, about random things.  I talked for like half an hour about angel/devil mythology, before going right into talking about a CSI show.  I also ask too many questions.  Hence, lots of 'you're mad' looks.  ;)
3. I believe in the whole world of paranormal.  Yes, that earns mad looks too, but I do.  I think the world's too big for there not to be something out there, unseen...
4. I put notes or blank bits of paper into the chapters of my books.  It started as a way of reminding myself of something.  Now, it's just my Quirk that I can't seem to stop...
5. I'm very protective of my books.  I make sure they have nice homes, that they aren't hurt (bent) and that they're safe from the elements.  And if someone says something mean about a book I'm reading, I stroke it so that its feelings aren't hurt.  Yep, I am mad.  But all the best people are a little bonkers.  (:

Well, there are a few of my many quirks.  My aunt often jokes that I'm 'special in the head'.  I'm not sure if I should be offended or what by that comparision...

If you've found my through FF, drop me a link so I can follow back.  If not, why not tell us a few of your quirks.

Have a good weekend, all!

I Need Help! Again...

Hi everyone, I need your help! 

Last time I asked, I wanted you to choose the books I should read, in what order.

This time, I need you to choose me an icon! 

Just leave a comment at the bottom with the letter of the icon you like best!  Thank you!

All I'd love for you have to do is look, judge and vote...

A                                    B

C                                    D

      

E                                  F

Thank you for your time!  And your help!  :)

All photos were created on Picnik: an awesome site!

Waiting On Wednesday (#15)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme all about the books that are coming out soon that we really can't wait to read.

Well, this is my Waiting List!

Between Here and Forever

By: Elizabeth Scott

Published: 24th May 2011

Published By: Simon Pulse
Found: On Amazon

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.
Until the accident.
Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.
She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.
Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

I think this looks amazing, and I really want to know what the 'something' is!

The Unwritten Rule

By: Elizabeth Scott

Published: 24th May 2011

Published By: Simon Pulse
Found: On Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Sarah and Brianna have always been friends, and it's always gone like this: guys talk to Sarah in order to get closer to Brianna. So even though Sarah met Ryan first, she's not surprised that he ends up with Brianna (even though Sarah has a massive crush on him). The three of them hang out, and Sarah and Ryan's friendship grows until one night an innocent exchange between them leads to a moment that makes Sarah realize that Ryan might be interested in her after all. But if there's one unwritten rule, it's this: you don't mess around with a friend's boyfriend. So Sarah tries to resist temptation. But with the three of them thrown together more and more, tension builds between Sarah and Ryan, and when they find themselves alone together at one point, they realize they just can't fight how they feel anymore....

Admittedly, this is a reprint: it's just come out in paperback.  But it looks so good!  I really, really have to try some Elizabeth Scott: they sound like my kind of books!

We Hear the Dead

By: Dianne Salerni

Published: 27th May 2011

Published By: Sourcebooks
Found: On Amazon

Synopsis From Goodreads:

It started out as a harmless prank. But soon enough, spiritualism was the fastest growing movement of the nineteenth century, and Maggie Fox was trapped in a life of deceit.
Meticulously researched by the author, We Hear the Dead reveals the secret of how the Fox sisters faked their rapping sounds and their motives for inventing the séance and founding spiritualism.
Maggie:
I began the deception when I was too young to know right from wrong. No one suspected us of any trick, because we were such young children. We were led on by my sister purposely and by my mother unintentionally. Only with the passing of time did I come to understand the consequences of my actions. As Doctor wrote to me: "Weary, weary is the life by cold deceit oppressed."
Kate:
My sister has used the word "deception." I object to her use of that word, for I do not believe that I have ever intentionally deceived anyone. Maggie has a different understanding of all the events that have happened since that night in Hydesville forty years ago. To her the spirits were always a game. For my sister Leah, they were a means to an end. For my mother, a miracle. And for me, they were my life's calling. I have no regrets.

I love the sound of this, and the differences between the two sisters intrigues me...  I really want to read this!

Starcrossed

Series: Starcrossed, Book One

By: Josephine Angelini

Published: 31st May 2011

Published By: Harper Teen
Found: On Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s Blog

Synopsis From Goodreads:

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

I've seen some great reviews of this, and I've wanted to read it for a while now.  I just love Greek mythology!  And I'm sure I'll love this!

Slice

By: Steven Herrick

Published: June 2011

Published By: Random House
Found: On Amazon

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A funny, refreshing look at the most awkward time in any young boy's life, from school, girls, and parties to parents, friends, and the dreaded "sex talk"
Darcy Walker is a normal 16-year-old boy, but he can handle that. He can even cope with parents, deal with parties, and soldier through the occasional fight. He's certainly got his infatuation with the beautiful Audrey under control, is clearly the best at spending quality chess-time with his nerdy best friend, Noah, and doesn't blink an eye at the misadventures that can occur when kayaking on a school excursion. He's a teenage boy, he can handle anything. That is, if only he'd learn to keep his mouth closed first.

The thing I noticed first about this book was the cover.  The watermelon slice looks like it's smiling!  :)  And when I read the blurb, I realised it looked good too.  So, voila!  It is now on my Waiting list.

So, that's my Waiting list.

What are you waiting for this week?

Happy Reading

Megan