Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Fantasy, Featured, Historical | 5 Comments
Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear
Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear (Aether Chronicles)
Publisher: Flux
Release date: August 8, 2012
Pages: 406
Summary: Noli fixed up an old flying car and took it for a joy ride with her best friend, V. Unfortunately, they are pulled over, and Noli’s punishment is to attend reform school in San Francisco. The school is absolutely terrible, complete with an evil headmistress. Noli will do anything to get away—even take a faery huntsman up on an offer that may cost her life.
My thoughts: Though Innocent Darkness is set in a steampunk alternate history, I felt that Suzanne Lazear’s voice was a bit too anachronistic. I found myself forgetting that Noli was supposed to come from the early 1900’s because of Lazear’s writing style. Innocent Darkness could easily be set in the present, and it gives that illusion until a word like dollymop pops up, or someone mentions corsets. If a story is to be set in a historical period, it should give that feeling all the way through, not just at sporadic moments. The steampunk background seemed more gimmicky than helpful to the story to me, so I was disappointed with its execution.
That being said, Suzanne Lazear’s voice is a very readable one, and because of that Innocent Darkness is easy to pick up and read for hours. Readers looking for a quick, fun book will enjoy Innocent Darkness. Noli is a spunky protagonist who is just too much fun to follow around. Skilled at troublemaking, Noli will delight fans of girls who break barriers with pride.
Innocent Darkness also features a love triangle, and luckily it’s one that doesn’t totally involve two guys going caveman and fighting over one lucky gal. Both love interests have their merits—one certainly more than the other—but they don’t push Noli too hard to be theirs. The choice is ultimately Noli’s, which is the way it should be.
If adventures in faeryland are your thing, check out Innocent Darkness. The mythology might not be fresh, but the story is fun and exciting enough to keep you hooked.
3/5 stars
For those who like: faeries, love triangles
This one sounds lie a good book. I love steampunk so it caught my interest right away! It’s a shame that it’s not executed quite well, but still sounds like a fantastic read. Great review!!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday 8-8-12
aw sad this isn’t as good as it looks from the cover! glad it’s still kind of fun haha
I’ve been wondering about this one. I love steampunk, but this one has not been able to sway me in one direction or the other. I think I might try it because of your review, but I’m sad you didn’t enjoy it more!
Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl recently posted..From What I Remember… by Kramer & Thomas (Book Review)
I can’t wait to read this! Seriously, I can’t. For me, it’s easier to immerse myself in the world-building and be blinded by the awesome characterization, so I’m hoping that’s what happens here. Awesome review, Lauren!
Great review!
I am interested in reading this now. And the cover is awesome! :)
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