ARA Review by Balisa Mosisa Ejeta of This Side of the Darkness

[Balisa Mosisa Ejeta]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, This Side of the Darkness.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Title: This Side of the Darkness
Author: Andromeda Storm
Year of publication: 2024
Publisher House: Penguin Random House
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Synopsis: This Side of the Darkness follows the journey of a young woman named Lily who discovers she possesses extraordinary powers linked to an ancient prophecy. As she navigates the dangerous and mystical world of the supernatural, Lily must confront her own fears and insecurities while battling dark forces that threaten to consume her. With the help of unlikely allies, she embarks on a quest to fulfill her destiny and save both the human and supernatural realms from destruction.

Plot: The plot of This Side of the Darkness is richly layered and filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Andromeda Storm skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and romance to create a captivating narrative that will appeal to fans of the genre. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter building upon the last to create a sense of urgency and excitement that propels the story forward.

Character: The characters in This Side of the Darkness are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and inner demons to overcome. From the courageous and determined Lily to the enigmatic and brooding love interest, every character feels authentic and relatable, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Ideal audiences: This book is perfect for fans of fantasy and paranormal fiction who enjoy immersive world-building, complex characters, and high-stakes adventure. It will appeal to readers who appreciate strong female protagonists, epic quests, and romance woven seamlessly into the plot.
Writing Style: Andromeda Storm's writing style is descriptive and atmospheric, with lush imagery and vivid language that brings the magical world of the story to life. Her prose is engaging and evocative, with just the right balance of action, suspense, and romance to keep the reader hooked from start to finish.

Themes and Messages: This Side of the Darkness explores themes of destiny, identity, and the power of choice in the face of adversity. It delves into the complexities of good and evil, love and sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between darkness and light. At its core, the book is about finding strength and courage within oneself, even in the darkest of times.

Originality: While the fantasy genre is filled with tales of magical prophecies and epic quests, This Side of the Darkness stands out for its fresh and original take on familiar tropes. Andromeda Storm brings a unique voice and perspective to the genre, offering readers a thrilling and immersive reading experience that feels both familiar and new.

Pacing: The pacing of This Side of the Darkness is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next, making it difficult to put the book down.

Emotional Impact: This book packs an emotional punch, with moments of heartbreak, triumph, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers long after they've finished reading. Andromeda Storm expertly navigates the complexities of her characters' emotions, drawing the reader into their world and making them care deeply about their fates.

Enjoyment: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed This Side of the Darkness. It's a thrilling and immersive read that kept me hooked from start to finish, with its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and lush world-building. Andromeda Storm is a talented storyteller, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Alternative books: Fans of This Side of the Darkness may also enjoy other fantasy and paranormal novels such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

Overall Assessment: I give This Side of the Darkness 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and paranormal fiction, with its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building making it a standout in the genre. Andromeda Storm has created a rich and compelling story that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end, earning it a well-deserved spot on the bookshelf of any fantasy lover.

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