Synopsis
Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new role as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill.
While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares, but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.
With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: accept the Dark Lady's offer or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other freedom. But time is running out, and if she doesn't choose soon, her decision will be made for her.
Loved
- The character development! This book has some of the best character development in any series. Selene enters this second book as a cold, guarded, reserved, and unhappy traitor to her house, and develops into a warm, curious, and loving Lady of the House. I loved watching her transform as she learns about the Light, lets herself love and be loved by Damien, and slowly removes the cold mask she has learned to wear throughout her life.
- Damien. I know I talked about him in my review of the first book, but he really is the best. He is so compassionate and patient with Selene as she discovers who she is, what she wants, and how she fits into her family's history and future. In this book we find out much more of Damien's history and we understand his strength and his love for the Light, and how these have gotten him through his traumatic past. I love how he encourages Selene to discover the Light for herself and his goodness is what inspires her to seek out the Light.
- The Light. This is Christian literature, so there are very strong Christian themes in this book, however, "the Light" could apply to any higher power, religion or spirituality. Damien worships the Light, and actively spends time each day practicing his gift from the Light and offering it as a protection for his people. I love how pure Damien is because of his belief and active worship of the Light, and how he influences Selene to want to form a relationship with the Light as well. It was so gratifying watching Selene discover the Light (versus the Dark Lady that her family worships) and seeing her become warmer, loving, and more confident the closer she becomes to this Light.
- The romance. Damien and Selene's relationship in this story is the BEST. I just love seeing their tenacious fascination and gratitude for each other slowly become admiration, respect, and love for the other. Their romance seems more realistic than other fantasy romances because it's built on mutual respect, compassion, patience, effort, and understanding each other. I love how their characters both develop so much in this book, which causes them to grow together and bond through their challenges.
Didn't Love
- I LOVED this second book! My only complaint is that Selene was frustrating at times because of her lack of communication (this is my complaint in every YA novel . . . ) But she withholds information, makes assumptions, and doesn't explain herself very well, which leads to unnecessary drama. However, Damien is so awesome that he doesn't let the drama last long and he is patient and compassionate with Selene, even when she doesn't communicate clearly with him.
Content
Content
- Language:
- Only curses from this world, such as "Da'artan!"
- Sexual content:
- A few kisses, very sweet and nervous, but meaningful. Described as putting his hand in her hair, on her back, or on her cheek.
- A married couple shares a bed and she "gives him her heart," as they walk into the bedroom together. Nothing described beyond that.
- Referenced affairs.
- Violence:
- A secondary character is stabbed and killed after trying to assassinate another character.
- Many references to using dreams and nightmares to kill/assassinate.
- The Dark Lady (an ethereal patroness of evil) stalks the main character in her dreams and leaves others unconscious.
- Religious Themes:
- A priest and a family worship the Dark Lady, which is a patroness of evil. Prophecies are made using her power. Many references to her power being fueled by those who believe in her and do her bidding.
- Much of the story revolves around Selene discovering "the Light," which is God. Mentions of religious texts, monks, chants, and festivals to worship the Light. This is meant to be Christian literature, but the Light could apply to any higher power, religion or spirituality.
- Only curses from this world, such as "Da'artan!"
- A few kisses, very sweet and nervous, but meaningful. Described as putting his hand in her hair, on her back, or on her cheek.
- A married couple shares a bed and she "gives him her heart," as they walk into the bedroom together. Nothing described beyond that.
- Referenced affairs.
- A secondary character is stabbed and killed after trying to assassinate another character.
- Many references to using dreams and nightmares to kill/assassinate.
- The Dark Lady (an ethereal patroness of evil) stalks the main character in her dreams and leaves others unconscious.
- A priest and a family worship the Dark Lady, which is a patroness of evil. Prophecies are made using her power. Many references to her power being fueled by those who believe in her and do her bidding.
- Much of the story revolves around Selene discovering "the Light," which is God. Mentions of religious texts, monks, chants, and festivals to worship the Light. This is meant to be Christian literature, but the Light could apply to any higher power, religion or spirituality.
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