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On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.
A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.
Here's a paranormal romance that doesn't follow all the conventions of the genre but relies at least in part on imagination to feed the needs of readers seeking supernatural fun.
In this novel, the heroine has no difficulty with vampires, werewolves, mermen or ghosts. Instead, Skye appears to live within reality in the normal world, until strange things start happening to her on her 17th birthday. Of course, two handsome new boys have coincidentally appeared, both with the ability to make girls weak in the knees at a glance, but it's Skye herself who seems to have some kind of supernatural ability. Her eyes turn from gray to shiny silver, and machinery explodes around her. Eventually readers learn that the boys—golden Devin and dark Asher—are angels, one a "guardian" and the other a rebel. Skye can't avoid her strong attraction to Asher, but Devin pulls at her heart as well. Little does she know that she's a very special girl, in great danger, with a life-changing choice to make. Davies layers on the suspense, delving ever further into the supernatural but keeping some realism in the story until the final confrontation (which may or may not set up a sequel). While angels are almost as thick on the ground these days as vampires, Devin and Asher achieve a modicum of originality, and Skye has enough spunk to please her audience.
A cut above the genre average. (Paranormal romance. 12 & up)
Jocelyn Davies is the author of A Beautiful Dark, the first book in this captivating trilogy. She edits young adult fiction at a publishing house in New York, a job that has allowed her to cultivate a keen interest in all things angsty, hilarious, and/or unrequited. She is a graduate of Bates College, and lives in an apartment overflowing with books.
This was an amazing read. There was mystery throughout the entire book that kept you guessing right along with the main character, Skye. I read this in just hours, I couldn't put it down. I love the spin that Jocelyn brought to the characters that are as Skye calls them angels. They aren't from Heaven or Hell, they are from The Order & Rebels, they're 2 sides with power on each going after the same thing...Skye. It all starts on Skye's 17th birthday. She is with her close friends Cassie, Dan, & Ian (who works at the coffee shop that they are having her birthday party at) when she has no choice but to notice two guys that she has never seen before. When she goes back to school that following Monday she is surprised when she see's both of the new guys there. Asher is dark & alluring. He is the one that is breaking the rules & having fun. Devin is calm & collected, he is the one that is for not breaking any of the rules. They both have a tendancy to come & go whenever they want in Skye's life. Skye has went through alot in her childhood with losing both parents & being raised by her mother's best friend. I can relate to that I lost my mom when I was 11. She does well in school & is on the ski team for the school which she has won many medals for. Skye has been noticing some changes in her eyes but hasn't given it to much of a thought, just hoped no one else has noticed it. But everything she thought she knew is slowly unraveling & her life is no longer what she has always that that it was. Not only did I love the chase that your given to find out more information about Asher, Devin & towards the end Skye. But I also loved the fact that Skye didn't just accept what she has been told by either of them. She reacted like anyone would given the information that she has been told. She asked questions, tried to avoid them like that would make everything go back to normal, she freaked...all normal responses. There is still so much that I would love to learn about the Order & the Rebels that I'm sure will be brought to light in the 2nd book that I can't wait to get my hands on. The end left me kinda shocked I must admit but that is part of the betrayal that has been in & out of the entire book we just didn't know which side it would be. I can't wait to see what Skye can harness with all of the information & things that she has now been through & what lies aheaad of her.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 18, 2012
If you are looking for a book with mystery, action, and a very HOT love triangle this book is for you! The story line is creative and easy to follow. The mythology was new and different from what I have red before; very refreashing! Can't wait for the next book!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 15, 2012
This book is one of the best books that I have read. I think it is sorta a mix between Unearthly/Hallowed by Cynthia Hand and the Hush,Hush series. So if you liked those books I think you would like this book!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 12, 2012
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I loved this book and I definitely liked the chemistry between Asher and Skye. But I thought Ske was a little bit of a overreacter and she kind of got on my nerves. The ending definitely left me hanging it also had me question Asher I mean did he like her or was he just trying to get her on a rebellion side but it seemed like he cared?
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 9, 2012
This story unfolds beautifully & tragically. I mean seriously, I dont think I would cope any different than Skye does. How much stuff should one person be asked to handle in just 17 years. I love Skye, I believe she is much stronger than she thinks. Its hard to tell who you can & cant trust in the story, the ending will leave you gasping in shock for the next book as a drowning person gasps for that next breathe of air!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 29, 2011
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This book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the next
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Let me say that I loved this book! I couldn't wait to read it and love it!!! I am super happy that I had a chance to read it. Immediately as you begin reading this book, the reader is thrown in to Skye shoes who meets two guys holding secrets and fighting. One thing I enjoyed about Skye is how different she is from other main characters. She is stronger and much more feisty! She doesn't put up with crap and puts her foot down a lot.
What I liked most about this book is "The Order." I really like how Ms. Davies portrayed such a great back round history to the story without losing the reader in the story line. The reader is given just the right amount of information at the right time, leaving me surprised and engaged! I loved how The Order control fate. That is a new element in the book that really got me hooked. It is something different that I had not read before. There are a few surprises in this book that I do not want to say or spoil for the readers, but just know that I love the Skye. She is unlike any other characters and I am glad that the literature world finally has a good mc that doesn't falling for anything.
A Beautiful Dark, is a beautifully written book with loads of secrets, great characters, and amazing writing. If anything, Ms. Davies knows how to make the reader feel the story so that you feel that you are actually in it. The ending has a major cliffy but one that left me wanting more! If you love angels, supernatural fights from beyond, read this book. A Beautiful Dark is a simple and easy read, one that you will never forget!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 11, 2011
A Beautiful Dark drew me in with it's storyline right from the start. The beginning was similar to other paranormal reads: mysterious new guys, girl with tragedy. Part of the fun was trying to piece together the way Skye, Devin, and Asher fit together. About half way through the book, you begin to understand who and what Asher and Devin stand for. I found this a really interesting take on this mythology. The dilema Skye finds herself struggling with is what really what attracted me to the story. "On one level, that was totally true. I was torn, trying to choose between two things: Asher or Devin, The Order or the Rebellion, Self-preservation or heartbreak. Control--or finally letting go" This quote perfectly describes the conflict that Skye feels. Most of time is trying to piece together who is good for Skye. I found myself questioning things I always thought about light and dark. In other words, this book made me think.
The second half of the book is faster paced with more action and twists coming that I really didn't forsee. The only reason I didn't give this a full 5 stars was because of the abrupt cliffhanger! It is really a good one which can be frustrating for someone impatient for a nice ending like me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 4, 2013
A must read
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 14, 2013
It started out kinda slow but then rappedly gathered speed until BAM! your hitting the windshild from a haed on fully unexpected loop.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CandyCain
Posted February 21, 2013
This story was interesting, and I will probably read the sequel. It was a little predictable though, and the romance reminded me of Twilight. It keeps your attention for the time being, but probably won't make your top ten list.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.lucky2004
Posted January 30, 2013
I loved this book it took me on an adventure and i could somehow related to the main character of this book. Being an ordinary girl then have your whole world turned upside down it was very exciting. Love it cant wait for the third one to come out.
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Posted December 21, 2012
All i gotta say is, I LOVE ASHER!!!! <3
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Posted October 18, 2012
This book had me hooked. As soon as I read the last page, I literally went straight to the shop and bought the second one. Great story. The development of the characters was smooth and realistic. Fantastic book!
Second one was just as amazing-if not better!
Anonymous
Posted September 30, 2012
Great book that I highly recommend reading!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2012
Im done it cant be over!!!!!! I want ti cry i need the secound book!!!!! PLZ WRITE FAST!!!! U NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
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Posted September 20, 2012
Well this one's different. But in a good way! Unlike any other angel storyline out there. Beleiveable? Hardly. But very entertaining! It was so refreshing. I don't want to give the plot away, so I'll just say this; Buy the book, you will really like the writting style and absolutely fall in love with Skye. This book is not slow, and it has a great unexpected story ending....A real cliff hanger!!!
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Posted August 12, 2012
When you think of modern paranormal teen romance, the stereotpical novel in such drama includes either angels, werewolves, vampires, or fairies of some kind. Not to mention the ever present love trianhle that seems to always show up in YA books nowadays. Howeverm even though A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies includes such stereotypes +see angels and love triangle+, this book is a gem in the rubble. With a funm quirky, questioning, and modern point of view from the protagonist, Skye and an even more intruiging plot, this book hits the bullseye for readers who are lookong for something new. Davies debut novel is remarkable due to the fact that the book is paced well enough not to make you bored or too fast that you are confused, and includes depth to the novel which in turn, even though paranormal, makes the characters and their conflics believable. Which, I must add is VERY rare in the case of ya literature today. While I won't give away anything (Im not even trying to make a plot, as in wariness I might reveal something) I want to tell you this: even if you read a crazy ton like myself and you think you know how this book will end, you will be utterly shocked at the ending. For anyone who is looking for a great read, get your hands on it now, as this is definitley one of the top ten paranormal ya books of this year. Enjoy reading! And then, waiting for the sequel to come out ASAP.
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Posted August 1, 2012
Try me result one
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Some_Reading_Required
Posted July 16, 2012
For me, A Beautiful Dark was neither a hit nor miss. It kept my attention and was enjoyable. But it’s not the kind of book I’d run around screaming about. In a way there’s three main key ingredients a book must excel at for me to love it.
Ingredient #1: A smooth and pleasant writing style. ABD’s writing style was spot-on. There was a good mix of both dialogue and description. Ingredient #2: Unique and/or highly interesting storyline. ABD was also once again, spot-on with this. Since the synopsis doesn’t give the paranormal aspect away, I won’t. However, I will say that it’s a very popular one that has been making huge waves in the YA genre lately. This is also one particular genre that I’ve really enjoyed lately. I was very impressed when the story started to heat up and big secrets were divulged. Ms. Davies did a wonderful job at taking a popular sect of paranormal entities, reshaping their mythology, purpose and overall reason “to be” in order to create a unique and fresh storyline.
So far 2 out of 3 important aspects have passed my check list. Now onto the characters. Well… I’m going to attempt to describe this although I’m sure how much sense it will make. See, I both loved and hated the entire cast of characters. First lets start with the “hate” part. Although “hate” may be too strong a word. My main problem is that I just couldn’t find a connection to any single character. This comes at such a huge surprise because well, I do like them, at least the idea of them. First off you have Skye, our main character. She’s portrayed as this athletic, confident and uber-smart girl. However I would say that she’s just “book” smart because when it comes to common sense she’s severely lacking. I could tell from the beginning that there was a love square in the makings, even though Skye adamantly refused to see or admit the fourth member throughout the book. It’s a slight spoiler but, this guy I’m talking about is one of her good friends, Ian. Even though Skye’s other two friends repeatedly tell her Ian like-likes her and other obvious signs occur, Skye just flat out refuses to acknowledge Ian’s feelings. I totally get that she may or may not feel the same way but it felt like instead of diffusing the situation from the beginning; she was leading him on.
Then there is Devin and Asher, both smoking hot and mysterious. We’re led to believe that one is dark and one is light but Ms. Davies once again does a great job by blurring the lines between good and evil. Honestly, throughout the book I wasn’t sure who or what to believe. Devin comes off as a very zen and reserved character, although there are those times when he has a tendency to lash out. Then there’s Asher, sexy and extremely flirtatious. He’s pegged to be the reckless one although the majority of the time it seemed as though he was the one with the best control. These two boys have been raised in entirely different ways with strikingly different rules and protocol. The only thing they have in common is their job to watch out for and monitor Skye. On paper I really loved these two characters, the ideas behind them and the part they played, but by the end I just never felt any connection to them. I felt like the story had been building towards this big breaking moment that just never really came, at least not in the way I’d hoped or expected.
There’s a few other characters, some friends of Skye’s and an aunt who seemed to flicker in and out of Skye’s life. This is one of those books where strange things happen to our main character and because they don’t share it with their “normal” friends and family, those friends and family take a backseat the majority of time. I was sort of bummed out because I really would have liked to see more of Skye’s bffs, Dan and Cassie. When the three of them were together it was extremely humourous and heartwarming.
All in all I did enjoy A Beautiful Dark. I feel like the storyline was fresh and unique, although not fully excuted. I think that the way book one ends, book two as the ability to branch off into some great and therefore I’ll definitely read it when it comes out in a few months. However, this is just how I perceived the book. If you are or think you might be interested in reading it; I’d definitely checkout some more reviews on Goodreads.
Overview
On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
In the ...