Ward Against Darkness by Melanie Card
Paperback, 352 pages
Published August 27th 2013 by Entangled Teen
Age Group: YA
Series: Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer #2
Source: ecopy from publisher
Summary:
The last thing Ward de’Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can’t allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire. But the mansion is filled with monsters–human and undead–and Ward has no way of telling who’s friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She’s still dead and he’s still alive . . . for now.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer series, Ward Against Death. I liked Ward Against Darkness too but it fell short of the first book for me. The first book was fast paced and action packed while still being super detailed. This book was just as detailed and deliberate as the first book, which I loved, but it lost the fast pace that I enjoyed so much in the first book. I still liked Ward Against darkness. I thought it was a good linking book for the middle of a series. It set up the third book nicely, I just thought it dragged a bit in some parts.
Ward Against Darkness picks up right where Ward Against Death left off, with Celia and Ward still on the run. Most of Ward Against Darkness deals with finding out more about the incestoriari and necromancers. I liked finding out more about what exactly Celia might be and I enjoyed watching Ward see just what his powers are and could be. His potential is huge!
Another great aspect of this story was the interaction between Ward and Celia. They started opening up more towards each other and I loved that. I really liked seeing the two of them admit that maybe they do have feelings for the other. Celia had her jealous moments and it was interesting to say the least. I really like the idea of the two of them together. They are such a unique pair. But they move just as slowly as ever. It was realistic but also kind of frustrating at times. haha!
I think the next book is set up perfectly and I can’t wait to read it. I think I am going to love the third book just as much as I loved the second one. I know that may seem strange given that I thought this book was a little slow, but I think this was a bridge the gap book. It is something that I have noticed sometimes in middle of the series books. But I think this is a compelling urban fantasy/paranormal series, and I think fans of the first book will like learning more about necromancers in Ward Against Death. Melanie Card has a real talent for describing and adding detail to stories. I just hope the next book picks up the pace a bit in the romance department because I love these characters so much and I just want to see them together!
Melanie has always been drawn to story telling. In fact, she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t telling a story in her head or on paper. In grade school, they had journal writing time which she turned into story telling time, weaving tales of magic and adventure that mimicked the fairy tales and myths that she loved to read. It was there, with the help of two very special teachers, that she nurtured this love and started her journey as a writer.
She writes fantasy, paranormal romance, and everything in between, seasoned with a good dash of adventure and mystery. Join her on my tales of magic, adventure, and romance.
Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads
Prize 2: $15 gift card (Amazon or B&N) US/Canada
Prize 3: 2 eBooks International
Joyous Reads
At least you’ve got something to look forward to, yes? 🙂 I haven’t read this series yet but I think I have the first book somewhere.
Jenny Jensen
I have had my eye on this series for a little while. The cover is probably one of my favorite covers I’ve seen in a while! Thanks for the giveaway!
Lo
Interesting! I have not seen this book before; thanks for the review!
Shane Morgan
Good review. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings
I have been wanting to check out this series for awhile. It is a tad bit disappointing that this books suffers a bit from the middle book syndrome but I am happy that it sets up the final book well~
Giselle
Ooh pretty new design! I just saw it now for the first time! Been SO busy lately I feel like I’m finally out of my cave! And this series sounds intriguing. I kind of expect middle books to be meh, now, I haven’t had the best of lucks with them lately. I hope the final one is a killer! 🙂
Beatriz Guadron
I hadn’t heard of this series before, but it sounds interesting. And I love the covers! Will definitely have to check these books out.
Lisa Vazquezanzua
OMG!! I am in LOVE with the cover!! Its absolutely gorgeous!! And I am DYING to read it to!! I can’t wait!! Thank you so much for this amazing and generous giveaway!!!
laurie
Good review. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Amanda Ray
Great review and loved the synopsis!
Mary Preston
Thank you for your thoughts. Very helpful.
Marissa A
Thanks for the review!
Christine
I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this series before–definitely want to read these books!! 😀