The Dark World by Cara Lynn ShultzMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
No spoilers and colorful language abound! I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'mma just put on my rose colored glasses real quick...
Ahhhh, much better.
I feel 17 again in the best way possible, and I'd like to hold onto that feeling just a little bit longer. Every now and again a book comes along that transports you back in time, to a place in your life where things were simpler, your first love was all consuming, and your parents just didn't understand. The Dark World is one of those lovely YA books that bucks the worst cliche's, embraces the best ones and executes them perfectly.
Alright, let's get real. If you follow my reviews, it's pretty clear I'm firmly in camp YA Haters, probably because I am *gasp* an adult. I don't see myself in YA, I see little shits who think they know everything.
When I saw this on NetGalley I wanted it. I can't speak as to what specifically made me request it, just an overall gut feeling I suppose. I hate love triangles, and know-it-all teenagers, insta-love, speshual snowflakes, clumsy girls, 2h0t4lyfe dreamboats who are really possessive, when the
The world building is truly enchanting. Parallel world, warlocks, all sorts of demons with specific abilities, political agendas, demon slayers, spells, and travelers? Fuck yes. First bump to Schultz for all the reasons provided in this world, the attention to detail is on point and I couldn't appreciate this more. Don't get it twisted this is YA through and through, high school drama,, tests, over protective and involved parents, but it's charming and sweet not naive and rage inducing.
I was captivated from the start by Schultz's portrayal of a snarky, dynamic and hopeful heroine. Paige Kelly is a young woman entangled by the consequences of a selfless act trying desperately to manage this new life thrust upon her. When Paige was brought back to life her energy was forever connected to both worlds, and altered with a unique ability to see spirits tethered to the Dark World. Turns out that makes her speshual, but for reasons totally justified.
The demon slayer full of mystery and a hero complex isn't really my flavor, but Logan's sincerity and ability to put himself out there won me over. I swore I saw a love triangle on the horizon but I was so wrong about that, so rest easy. Can I just take a minute here and say THANK YOU. Really, thank you. Inferior authors would have run with that dynamic, but Shultz masterfully slashed it to ribbons and it was glorious. Paige is suddenly dragged into a war that has been waging for centuries, Logan makes it his mission to not only arm Paige with a weapon but also to teach her to defend herself. Again, fuck yes mature character who doesn't want to foster an overly dependent relationship on him because he's an insecure dick
Alright, alright, alright, I'll focus now.
The time of teenage innocence is over, Paige must now decide her roll in this war before it's decided for her. I am excited to see how her story unfolds, turns out I might not entirely be in YA Haters…. maybe.
P.S. Dat ending tho.
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