Thursday, October 3, 2013

Review: Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley by Susan Adriani + Giveaway!!


From the publisher:
After an unspeakable tragedy befalls his sister at Ramsgate, Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley finds himself in Hertfordshire. There, he meets the alluring Elizabeth Bennet, whose dark eyes, engaging wit, and intelligent discourse thoroughly enchant him.

A taciturn gentleman by nature, Darcy prefers to keep his emotions and desires on a tight rein, especially among strangers; but the degree of power Elizabeth wields over him not only tests his inherent ability to restrain himself, but greatly alarms him.

Why does this bewitching slip-of-a-woman render his long-practised self-control all but useless? Why does her father appear to dislike him so vehemently from the start? And what mysterious secret is her family intent on keeping from him—Mr. Bennet and her elder sister, Jane, especially—aside from Elizabeth’s whereabouts, that is?

But Darcy has a secret of his own; a secret he dreads coming to light for fear that Elizabeth will turn from him with horror and revulsion. But learn of it she does, and Darcy is shocked to discover that her reaction isn’t at all what he expected.

Review:
Author Susan Adriani rides the popular paranormal wave in her novella, Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley. Unlike other Pride and Prejudice paranormal variations where Mr. Darcy is the inflicted character, here it is Elizabeth Bennet who carries around a dark secret. I wasn’t sure how I would like this premise of Elizabeth being the marred soul; however, that was a fleeting apprehension as Adriani quickly had me eating reading out of her hands.

Almost immediately, Darcy and Elizabeth are bewitched with each other. Yet, one cannot fashion a good story without a few impediments. With only Mr. Bennet and Jane aware of Elizabeth’s true nature, Mr. Bennet is quite over protective of his favorite child. In particular, Mr. Bennet is afraid of Elizabeth getting close to anyone, especially the brooding, mortal Mr. Darcy. It will not do if Elizabeth’s secret gets out. What Mr. Bennet doesn’t realize is that Mr. Darcy may be hiding some secrets of his own.

I loved Adriani’s command of the English language in her first novel, The Truth About Mr. Darcy. She brings that out in full-bloom in this novella. The words alone had me under a spell where I was forced to continue reading, held mesmerized. Even from the prologue, Adriani’s word choice is perfect, rich, and exact, and that is maintained throughout the story. Adriani’s carefully selected words, detailed descriptions, and darkly sexy scenes held me spellbound as I read—sensuality washing over me. I was amazed at how a mere conversation or an action as simple as taking a sip of wine could be so sensual and yet innocent at the same time.

As with any Austen-inspired piece I read, I enjoy finding Austen’s lines incorporated in new places or spoken by different characters; I enjoy discovering the differences in scenes as well. What would a Pride and Prejudice variation be without Darcy’s failed proposal? However, here, Elizabeth does not refuse Darcy because of his arrogance, conceit, and selfish distain for the feelings of others. Rather, it is on principle. It would be reprehensible because he is a man, a mortal. It is this decision that brings on a good portion of the struggles Darcy and Elizabeth face. Darcy’s inner struggle is tangible and a real point of contrition for him. Parallel to Austen, Darcy struggles to change, though this time it is not his character that must be changed.

I found it difficult not to have my emotions fully engaged in this story. With the rich and developed words and plot, I was able to empathize with Elizabeth and Darcy as they labored though their differences and be swept away in the passion of it all.

Overall, this is an exceptionally rich and developed Pride and Prejudice paranormal variation. Even Adriani’s character portrayal, specifically Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet, was original and enjoyable. One cannot have a Darcy and Elizabeth story without a happily ever after. Darkness’s ending is such a sweet touch to this passionate love story. 

Connect with Susan Adriani
Read It Now!
Kindle | B&N

***GIVEAWAY TIME***
I have exciting news for my followers! Susan Adriani is offering up ONE signed paperback copy of Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley to one lucky commenter. 
To enter, please leave a comment on this review. You can comment on the review, say what you think sound interesting about this book, or your thoughts. Have you ever read a paranormal before? Do you like them?
Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 9th! 
Best of luck!! =)

31 comments:

  1. what an interesting book would be to read!!!
    already added to my WishList!!
    paranormal is not my 1st choice to read, but i would so give this book a try!!
    thank you for the giveaway!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

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    1. Hey Cynthia. I agree; paranormal is not my first choice either. I read Mary Simonsen's Mr. Darcy's Bite and Mr. Darcy Bites Back and decided that if it is well done, it can be enjoyable. Plus, like Mary's book, Susan's book focuses on the romance between D & E. I hope you enjoy it when you read it. :)
      Thanks for entering the giveaway!

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  2. Thank you, Cyn! It's not a horror story by any means, but a romance despite the fact that a few of the characters are vampires. I hope you'll enjoy it - it's short and sweet.

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  3. Thank you so much for reviewing my book, Jakki! It was a wonderful start to my day. :)
    Best wishes to everyone in the giveaway!

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  4. I was going to say that I have not read a P&P paranormal novel which is true but I have read a short story - written by my husband. So looking forward to reading a full length story

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    1. Thank you, Vesper, but I'd like to take a moment to point out that Darkness Falls upon Pemberley is not in fact a full-length novel like my previous book, but a novella, which is a shorter, lighter read. I hope you'll still give it a try!

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    2. Hi Vesper! Thanks for stopping by! :) I hope you enjoy Susan's novella. :)

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  5. I was not a fan of adding paranormal twists to Pride and Prejudice because I read one where the plot is implausible but I shall not name it. I cannot only say that it is not the zombie title. Since then I have change my mind if the story is well written and I don't have to suspend my believe while reading.

    I would dearly love to win a copy. Thanks a lot.

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    1. Thank you, Evangeline - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. ;)

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    2. Hey, Sylvia! If you get a chance to read it, I hope you find this one is well written and holds your attention. Thanks for entering the giveaway! :) Best of luck. :)

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  6. I always had been fan the vampires, and paranormal twists. I have been following this story in the Susan's Web, and I look forward to reading all the story completely, so I am happy for this release book. I would dearly love to win a copy.

    The cover is precious, and I would want to ask if had Susan designed it?.

    Thank you for opportunity :)

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    1. Thank you, Namir, for finding this story on my website and for saying hello! I did, in fact, design the cover myself, something I was very excited to do this time around. I'm so glad that you like it!

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    2. Greetings Namir! Oh, I just love the cover, too! I think Susan is a talented designer. Glad to hear you enjoyed the story from her site. I hope you enjoy the published novella. Thanks for entering the giveaway! :) Good luck!

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  7. Excellent review, Jakki, and I definitely agree. Susan's descriptive writing often gives a kind of tingly, sensual feeling, even when it's something innocent. It's kind of addictive! Maybe she's a vampire, too....? hmmm. ;)

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    1. Aw, thanks, Monica. :) I couldn't agree with you more about Susan's writing. I am eagerly awaiting her next novel. :)
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  8. Lol! Monica, you're too much! But I love that my writing gives you tingles - that's the very best sort of compliment, and I can't thank you enough for letting me know! As for me being a vampire, well, I'm afraid you'll have to ask my husband.) ;)

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  9. That sounds great! I I would love to win a copy!
    arjanne.boneschanscher (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Hi, arjanne! I would love for you to win a copy, too - good luck to you, and thank you for stopping by.

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Arjanne! Good luck in the giveaway. :)

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  10. Superb review, Jakki! I really do like the idea of Elizabeth being the one inflicted as you said. It probably changes things up quite a bit! And I'm dying to know what Mr. Darcy's secrets are...sounds wonderful!

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    1. Hi, Meredith! We tend to be very focused on Darcy's inability to resist Elizabeth in P&P, and, because we love him so much, the focus usually remains on his powerful attraction and desire. But in an alternate universe perhaps there was something more we didn't know about Elizabeth that made it difficult for him to resist her? Maybe resistance was futile for reasons other than she was witty and bright and in possession of a pair of very fine eyes. When I wrote this story I decided to do something different that made a strange sort of sense to me (because it was Halloween and I happen to like vampires!) I ended up enjoying myself - it's very freeing doing something different, and I'm glad it hear it peaks your interest!

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    2. What a compliment, Meredith! Thanks. :) Yes, I thought it was a nice change to see Elizabeth inflicted rather than Darcy. I hope you enjoy the story, too. :)

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  11. I've read a handful of paranormal retellings of the story and all deal with Darcy as the paranormal probably for his darker nature. I do find it a refreshing change for that to be Elizabeth's role in this one. Glad you enjoyed it, Jakki! I look forward to reading it soon too.

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    1. Hi Sophia! I hope you'll enjoy this story. Elizabeth may be the vampire, but it's told from Darcy's POV only, a definite change for me. I usually alternate POVs between the two.

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  12. The idea of 'resistence is futile' is very appealing, especially given the tantalising undertones. Thanks for the intriguing story, Susan! I do wonder, same as Meredith, what secrets could Darcy POSSIBLY have, that would be on the par with Elizabeth's!!!

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    1. Joanna, I guess you'll just have to read and find out! Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway, and many thanks for stopping by - thank you!

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    2. Hi Joana! Thanks so much for commenting. :) Like Susan said, I guess you will just have to read the story to find out! *wink* ;)

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  13. P&P and Susan! How can you go wrong! And paranormal for a little added fun! I can't wait! thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Becky, thank you for being such a sweetie, and for stopping by! :)

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  14. I really can't wait to read this one! I like the idea that it's Elizabeth the dark secret.

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    1. Anna, we meet again! If you get a chance to read it, I'd love to know your thoughts. I couldn't resist the opportunity to make Elizabeth the one who's dangerous for a change. On so many levels, if you put them in an alternate universe, it made more and more sense to me.

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