Review: The Dark Light by Sara Walsh

The Dark Light by Sara Walsh

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: August 28, 2012

Rating: 5 stars

Source: Won a giveaway 

(This review is a little late. I read this book back in September! The first review was originally posted HERE, on December 28, 2012)

For the year of 2012, I have not given many five-star ratings (most of my reviews are on Goodreads), but this book definitely deserved all five stars. I do not understand why the overall rating of this book is so low. This book is incredible. 

Summary (from Goodreads):

Mia is torn between two guys--and two worlds--in this epic, romantic fantasy.

Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she's concerned, that's about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia's not one to fall for just any guy, but she can't get Sol--or the brilliant tattoo on his back--out of her mind.

Then Mia's brother goes missing, and Mia's convinced that Sol knows more than he's sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol's not who Mia thought he was--and neither is she. 

What I Liked: 

I am going to be honest - I had very high expectations for this book. I am a sucker for fantasy, paranormal, and a little science fiction. This book met all of my expectations and then some. I expected to see a weak-ish protagonist in the beginning of the book, with tunnel vision (to find her brother), and at the end of the book, she is defiant and brave, but still wary and concerned about herself and others. I definitely saw the character development in Mia. I liked her from the start, because she cared about her brother more than anything else. But I also liked how she attacked situations head-on, considering the factors that came on both sides of the decision. 

On the topic of protagonists, I liked Sol. He is one of my favorite heroes of Young Adult literature this year. And it is not because he is described as absolutely gorgeous - tall, brooding, and oh so ripped - but also because he is fierce and loyal, yet gentle and sweet. He seems so sure of himself, but not in a cocky, arrogant way; and yet, sometimes, he is nervous and hesitant in his actions and feelings. 

I loved the fantasy in this book - because Sol and Delane are warriors, which ups my respect for them. Delane is a cute, funny character, but he is serious and stern when he needs to be. I loved how Ms. Walsh ties the royalty and lands and wars aspects into this book. It is epic! Trust me. I could go on and on (but I will not). 

What I Did Not Like: 

I cannot say that there was much that I did not like. This sounds stupid, but it is so true. I loved this book so, so much. 

Would I Recommend It: 

YES! To all fantasy lovers out there, this is definitely a book for you. 

Rating:

5 stars. I really hope this book is not a standalone, because I want more! Wonderful debut, Ms. Walsh!

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