May 25, 2012

Review: For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Hardcover, 398 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

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Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

This book had a very slow start for me. It took me a while to really get into because there is so much back ground information to gather for the reader. Continuing it though, I was eventually pulled into the story and I have to say it didn’t really WOW me, but it was pretty interesting. It was different and not something I would normally read until the last page, but it grabbed my attention enough to finish it. Supposedly this book is a re-telling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, which is a book that I’ve never read before, so maybe that is why I had such a hard time really grasping everything.

Overall, the characters of the book were well written and well defined. It’s an edgy story with a classic and simple twist. And although this story wasn’t really for me, I still think others will enjoy it a lot. Especially Jane Austen fans.

2.5 out of 5 Stars!




28 comments:

  1. I've never read anything by Jane Austen but I've been really excited to read this. I'm sad to hear it is slow but maybe it will work for me. Glad to hear it is unique.

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  2. It's too bad you had a hard time grasping the idea of this novel. I'm still very curious though. If fact, you made me more curious.

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  3. Thank you for the honest review, when I read the novel I'll think about the things you said in your review.

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  4. Bummer. I really liked the book. But then I am a huge fan of Persuasion by Jane Austen. I do think that it is important to understand the background of the story. It really adds to the story and makes much of what happens have meaning.

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  5. I've read some really interesting reviews about this book. I haven't read any of the classics, including Austen, but I love reading re-tellings of the stories. I think the language of the originals just throws me. But, if I read the YA re-tellings, I might be more willing to try reading the original versions. The premise sounds really good, can't wait to read it myself.

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  6. That's too bad the story didn't turn out so well especially since the cover is so beautiful! I hate when that happens.

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  7. I haven't read any Jane Austen, but I'm excited to read For Darkness Shows the Stars. Shame you didn't like it more.

    -Kim

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  8. I haven't heard much about this book, but I think I will still eventually get around to reading it. I have to check out a few more reviews on it. thanks for your honest review.

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  10. ahhh I was excited for this book too... o well

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  11. Good review! I was looking forward to this book... oh well.

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  12. I didn't know that this book is a Persuasion retelling. I haven't read Persuasion either so maybe I'll have a hard time reading this as well? Anyway, I'd still give this a try. Maybe I'd like it more. :)

    Sarah @ Smitten over Books

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  13. This book's cover doesn't really show it as a dystopian... I actually never realized that it as a dystopian until I read the summary and your review. It sounds quite interesting; a retelling of Persuasion in a dystopian manner.

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  14. Not a log of bloggers are loving this one, but I'm still excited to read it. I love all of Jane Austen's books, and I'm wondering how much of a difference that will make.

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  15. I really like the cover for this book! But I really hate when a book is really slow and hard to get into; it makes me want to give up on it. I don't know if I'll be giving this book a chance...

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  16. Thanks for the review. I love the cover but sometimes the books don't live up to it. I think I'll check out more reviews before adding to my TBR list. Thanks!

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  17. This isn't getting the rave reviews I hoped it would. I don't mind a slow start if the story eventually picks up. Thanks for the review. I think I'll give it a try- the premise sounds fun:)

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  18. Thank you for the review. I certainly thing the cover if lovely and was intrigued, but I am not so sure about this new trend to rewrite the Jane Austin stories, may not be for me either :)

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  19. Awww. And to think the cover looks beautiful.

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  20. Diana Peterfreund posted on her blog that the ending of the finished copy is actually different from the ending in the ARC. I wonder if reviewers who read the ARC would like the new ending better. (commenting as Justine)

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  21. Thanks so much for the honest review! I've been wanting to read this book because I love Jane Austen's books. I haven't read Persuasion either, though, so I wouldn't have any preconceived ideas about that at least. I'm definitely going to keep your points in mind when I decide whether to read it or not now :)

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  22. Is the book very sci-fi-ish? I'm not big on sci-fi....

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  23. I loved Persuasion by Jane Austen so I will defiantly be putting this on my TBR list!!!

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  24. Just on the sole fact you said that Jane Austen fans might like this, means I am going to have to pick up a copy haha :)

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  25. Awww, I am disappointed that you didn't like this one. I have been looking forward to this one for a while. The cover is sooooo, soooo beautiful. It literally makes me drool. I still think I will take a shot with it, though. It sounds unique and I am a fan of uniqueness! Thanks for your review!

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  26. Hmm. The premise sounds good, but these days a book has to be super to keep my attention. Thanks for honest review.
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  27. This is the first review that I've read of this book. I think I may not be as quick to chase this one down since you say it has a slow start. I guess I'll read it if I happen across it since I don't have Jane Austen pulling me in (never read her). :-)

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