Monday, July 23, 2012

The Darkest Day by Britt Bury

ALL-CONSUMING DESIRE . . .

Izel Campbell was raised to believe she is an immortal Fionn with the magical skills fo persuasion. But when she travels to Scotland to visit her ancestral home, Izel discovers that she is actually the world's last living human. Forced to run for her life, Izel crosses paths with Kelvin Kerr, the Campbells' greatest foe-and the most magnificent warrior she has ever seen.

BURNS BRIGHTEST . . .

A thousand-year-old battle chief of the Kerr clan, Kelvin lives only to avenge his father, who died at the hands of the bloody Campbells. Honor demands he kill the Campbell heir, but when he learns that the lovely Izel is both Campbell and human, Kelvin is torn between duty and desire . . .

ON THE DARKEST DAY
~~

After all the hooplah on Twitter and the reviews I've read for this book, I can see why The Darkest Day is considered one of those 'next big things' - it is a lot of fun. I was worried initially because Kelvin comes off as a bit of an ass, but things quickly pick up momentum in this story and while there's some drama it's handled well and I  never found myself annoyed by it. I've never been a fan of manufacturing reasons to keep the hero and heroine apart, but Bury successful turns their separation into a chance to meet new characters as well as to put faces on both sides of this Campbell/Kerr conflict.

Still, like all good romances, it's Kelvin and Izel that make this book what it is. Their Romeo and Juliet style 'forbidden love story' might not be new but the way their individual personalities play within it feels unique. They're drawn to each other but don't want to disregard the past and what their families have done in the name of vengeance. It of course results in a lot of tension - especially when combined with the physical attraction they feel for one another, and the way neither of them wants to admit what's happening. There's a special place in my heart for shapeshifter-esque romances and Kelvin's love for Izel and his desperate battle to make her forgive him his initial lies definitely worked for me. And ok I don't know how to do this without a spoiler, but near the end when he's sitting by her bedside? Heartstrings officially pulled! I almost teared up, not gonna lie.

The world building's good, reminiscent of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, and there are plenty of characters that Bury could pick to focus on in her next book (my vote's for Ian!). I'm look forward to it :).

Overall Feeling - B+

Series - 1) The Darkest Day

**Title requested from NetGalley**