[Review] Black City

Monday, November 26, 2012



Title: Black City
Author: Elizabeth Richards
Format: Harcover, 384 pages
Genre: Dystopian, Paranormal
Publication Date: November 13, 2011
Published by: Penguin Canada, RazorBill



Purchase

Amazon | Chapters | Book Depository


Synopsis
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.


My Thoughts
First of all I would like to thank RazorBill Canada and their monthly contest for this book! Plus the cover was amazing and that was the selling point for me:)

Black City surprised me from the very beginning, I really wasn't expecting it to be about Vampires, I know it says in the synopsis that they are darklings but I never really made the connection. But what I loved most was that it was a different take on Vampire culture. I loved that this novel focused more on the physiological aspect of vampires and their lack of a heart instead of their constant need of blood. I thought that was a very interesting perspective and it made for a very interesting story. 

I did think that some of the plot went a little to fast for me, I wanted it to slow down a bit so I could get to know some of the other characters a little bit better because I really didn't like any of the secondary characters at all, and I think that was because of the lack of time I got to know them. 

The main characters, Ash and Natalie, are very interesting people and were the foreground for a very large issue within the book--the segregation of Darklings and humans. I really liked that I could see some historical aspects peaking through this paranormal story and t made it all the better for me. Each of these characters were real and represented a certain "race" and their interactions were created accordingly.

I have heard that the love story that appears comes fast and furious and really doesn't make sense, but I disagree. I thought that it was very realistic, especially when it is explained as to why their feelings are as strong as they are. I thought it as very well done. I also loved the appearance of a love triangle at the end that led to a twist that I really did not see coming, and is really going to make Pheonix (the second book) very inetresting to read. 

I really can't wait to continue this story, and I would really recommend this book to any one who is looking for a different kind of vampire story, and don't worry they don't sparkle :P

4/5 Stars

You Might Also Like

7 comments

  1. I am very excited to read this book! I've been wanting something really fast paced and I honestly had no idea it involved vampires!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looking forward to read this book. I hope soon :)
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great review! This sounds like such a good book, can't wait to get my hands on it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love interesting vampire books! Thanks for your thoughts! This book is near the top of my list:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Even though I've read a few reviews I also didn't make the vampire connection. I'm so torn with this book because I love the cover but I've read quite a few negative/disappointed reviews. I'm getting more optimistic though now, so I probably will read it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I thought that love story completely made sense as well.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have just won this book but didn't start to read it yet but after reading your review I think I will start reading it after I finish my current book. Thank you for your honest review.

    ReplyDelete