Darken the Stars
(Kricket #3)
by
Amy A. Bartol
Pub September 8th 2015
by 47North
ARC for Review
Summary
Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.
As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.
As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.
Everyone Knows There Must Be a Great Sacrifice For Peace
Bucket of tears. Buckets and buckets of tears. What an epic read that was!! The Author has weaved pure magic into the pages of this book! Darken the Stars is my favorite of this series. I honestly hope it isn’t the last. If you are reading this review YOU MUST add the first two and if you have read them and are on the fence regarding this one…I say what are you waiting for? DO it! Bartol takes the reader through several ups and downs. I really really really hope there is another book in the making because this was just to perfect of a read to not have complete resolution of all story lines. I will be stalking watching for a possible next book.
The Story, GAH!!! This one was so good! It picks up right after Sea of Stars and is so full of amazing detail and knowledge of Ethar. Kyon has been searching for Kricket for years he was sent with a very calculated mission, but upon meeting Kricket he knew they were destined to be together. Through an exchange Kricket finds out exactly who her family really is. Sadly they aren’t what they should be and Kricket finds herself more alone than ever. Being near Kyon should make her sick but there is something about him she comes to know him better than anyone else. Piercing his fierce heart there isn’t anything he would not do for her and the reader can feel the passion and love within every caress. While Kricket is with Kyon war rages on and the house of Rafe is near complete demise. The brotherhood continues their deprive plans and at the helm Kyon’s father. He is Kricket’s number one threat but Kyon will stand by her defending her from the world. Secretly another group of outcasts plan to fulfill the prophecy on their terms using Kricket for their own elevation in power and then discarding of her as though she were nothing more than a useful tool turned to trash. Kricket has always been a powerful survivor and she fights for those she loves. We watch her willingly make sacrifices and difficult decisions because she knows that is the right path.
The Characters, Kricket is more powerful than before. Drawing strength from her heart she will continue to show everyone she will not be caged or controlled. We get to see major development as she begins to maneuver through this world with confidence. Her intelligence and forthwith all are key in the days to come and situations she has to outwit. She proves herself time and time again as a fighter and my heart broke for her paper heart more times than I can count. She is truly everything and more in what a beautiful of heart and mind character should be. Kyon, his involvement with Kricket was like a dream to me. I’ve never disliked him, I’ve actually always liked him for Kricket and in this installment we really get to see how much they are meant to be together. Though Kyon is a bit unhinged I’ve always felt like there is more to him than he’s shown. I can happily say we see a different side of him. The side that is born of the love and connection he has with Kricket. I truly hope we get to see more of Kyon with Kricket and dare I say end up with her by his side. Trey, sigh this is a hard one for me…Kricket has always loved Trey from the very beginning but things have changed so much and there has been so much betrayal that I don’t want to see these two together. Where Kyon has relentlessly pursued Kricket and did everything for her and gave her everything just to know her. Trey just sits back to see what will happen instead of fighting for her until the very end. There was a point in book two where Trey openly states things may not work out for them, while Kyon promises they will always be together, that no one will ever come between them. I’m usually wrong in these situations but I think Kricket is perfect for Kyon and there is no one else, and I could easily see Trey falling in love with someone else…GAH! I know I’m going to be so wrong and so crushed!!! I’ll stop now cause I could go on all day! We get to meet the leaders of the war and a slew of key characters. I honestly hope we get another book because I feel like there is so much more that needs to happen.
The Ending, just what I’ve come to expect from Bartol…Perfection with a dash of ominous energy. From the very beginning of this series everyone who meets Kricket wants something from her. Trey took her heart and there were times when I felt he used her for information. Kyon took her and all I saw was him trying to win her eternal love. If you don’t like love triangles then watch out because this one is a doozy. I on the other hand quite enjoy them even though I tend to pick the wrong guy, fingers crossed I get it right this time! The groups of people who underestimate and try to control Kricket are shown how much of a free spirit she truly is. As I mentioned before everyone wants something and in turn she gives everyone what they want. I can’t believe how she does it, but she lets her heart lead the way and the rest is history. Though a major plot point is resolved there are a few open story lines. So much sacrifice happens at the end that it is heart breaking. It had me in ugly tears. I’m hoping and wishing with all of my might that we get another book. Hopefully these characters I’ve come to love all find their way esp Kricket and Kyon*together* winky face.
My Rating
5.0 I read it TWICE because it was so FREAKING AWESOME I just had too, Sea Shells, Swim Lessons, Dreams, Betrayal, Abandoning, Mothers Best Friends, Shower, Love, Spix Memories, Date, Shadow World, Crowns, Broadcast, Torture, Consort, Annexed Area, Water, Goodbye, A New Chapter in A New World, New Beginnings, Hope Filled Stars!!!
About the Author
I was in love with the first two books, but I really missed all the guys (Trey, Wayra, Jax) in this book. I did warm up to Kyon and Kricket, because there were a lot of great moments in their time together, and Kyon evolved a little and became more of a real boy during that time. I also agree that Kricket grew into her fierce self and was super strong in this book. HOWEVER, this cannot be the end! This cannot be the end of Kricket's story and it's not the romantic part I had the biggest problem with, it was just the ending in general. She is destined for more than that.
ReplyDeleteI adore the cover. Buckets of tears? And you thought it was magic? Guess I need to get this series on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHigh five! Gah, this book was so good. And yes, bucket of tears is right! I reallyreallyreally hope we get more.
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