Review: Dark Light of Day by Jill Archer

HI! Yep, I'm here...sorry I seem to be doing another absent blogger phase but I have a rather long dissertation/research project that is taking up rather large chunks of my time...plus I've started placement again, Intensive Care this time...which is stressing me out to say the least! But anyway, today I'm part of yet another superb tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. This time I was intrigued by the blurb for DARK LIGHT OF DAY by Jill Archer...I'm loving the demon based novels right now!

Title: Dark Light of Day
Author: Jill Archer
Publisher: ACE
Release Date: September 25th 2012
Series: Noon Onyx series, book 1
Source: I received this e-copy via NetGalley from the publishers as part of a Bewitching Books Tour.

Blurb:

Armageddon is over. The demons won. And yet somehow…the world has continued. Survivors worship patron demons under a draconian system of tributes and rules. These laws keep the demons from warring among themselves, the world from slipping back into chaos.
Noon Onyx grew up on the banks of the river Lethe, daughter of a prominent politician, and a descendant of Lucifer’s warlords. Noon has a secret—she was born with waning magic, the dark, destructive, fiery power that is used to control demons and maintain the delicate peace among them. But a woman with waning magic is unheard of and some will consider her an abomination.
Noon is summoned to attend St. Lucifer’s, a school of demon law. She must decide whether to declare her powers there…or attempt to continue hiding them, knowing the price for doing so may be death. And once she meets the forbiddingly powerful Ari Carmine—who suspects Noon is harbouring magic as deadly as his own—Noon realizes there may be more at stake than just her life.

Review:
First Line: 'The wind whipping across my face made it feel like I'd just scrubbed with camphor and bits of glass.'
Dark Light of Day is set in the country of Halja, and it was here that the war between Lucifer's army and the Saviour's army was fought. Only this time...good didn't win. But it has been 2,000 years since that fateful battle has fought and the people of Halja have moved on and leant to live with the demon next door. I find this concept fascinating, I honestly don't think I've ever read anything where the war is over and the evil side won...end of. That's what drew me to this book in the first place. The concept brilliant and the world building that Jill Archer uses is amazing, the powers of those with Waxing and Waning magic (which if I tried to describe would probably just confuse people but in context to the book, works really well) are amazingly detailed and just bring the whole book into another level of reality. I have to say that I didn't really get much of a sense of time, as in due to the vast differences between their world and ours...the magic...the names for things...I couldn't really pinpoint a time in out history where this setting would fit. And I like that, discovering an entirely new way of thinking and order is pretty cool for me so I enjoyed just learning the world Noon and others like her inhabit.

This new and fantasy world while taking some time to get to grips with, never smothered me. It's one this I absolutely hate in a book when you can't just enjoy yourself because you have to keep stopping to connect the dots or flick back to some obscure reference 30 pages earlier to understand the part you just read. That seriously short circuits my temper, thankfully Jill Archer never triggered my famous annoyance :) DARK LIGHT OF DAY was just fun and enjoyable read to sink straight into!

So we've fast forwarded 2,000 years from the war, and meet Nouiomo Onyx, a 21 year old girl just about to start her first day at St Lucifer's academy. There's only one problem...Noon has Waning magic, and she's a girl. It's not really heard of in Halja so needless to say Noon feels like a freak. So much so that she is debating whether or not to declare her magic at the academy. There's one tiny problem though. If Noon does not declare her magic by a certain day of her 21st year...she can be put to death. I don't think Noon has ever really accepted who she is or the power her magic gives her. Her Waning magic causes death and destruction all around her, she can't walk into a garden without all the plant life dying before her eyes. Noon would give anything to have healing (Waxing) magic, like her mother and Night (her twin brother) but instead she's stuck with her father's legacy...and Noon will do all she can to alter her destiny.

While I generally liked Noon's character she does make some idiotic decisions ..mostly because she can't accept who she is. Noon's insistence that she would never fit in, never be looked upon as anything less than a freak leads to some horrible decision making but for the most part I did enjoy her character. Especially after she meets Ari. Earlier in the book we meet an Angel called Peter, who has lived next door to Noon for years, and I thought he would be the main romantic interest. However Peter appears to never really have accepted Noon as the woman she is. He is insistent on finding a spell to give Noon the Waxing (healing) magic she always believed she should have. Ari however, takes Noon for who she is, and I think his acceptance makes Noon believe in herself and her magic more than she ever has before. And I enjoyed watching Noon have mini revelations over the course of the book.

DARK LIGHT OF DAY is more along the adult lines...because yes, there is sex involved  while not the most explicit sex scenes I've ever read, detail is there ;) though I imagine teens who are sort of getting used to the more adult content of some books would find it ok.

All in all, I think DARK LIGHT OF DAY is a new and interesting concept, I liked the characters and loved the world building. I certainly think I will be keeping a close eye on this series as it develops.

My Rating: 3.5/5

Think you might like DARK LIGHT OF DAY? I know I did, but to tempt you some more, Jill Archer has given us a lovely excerpt to show you...enjoy!

Exerpt:
“ I've been watching you, wondering, waiting to see where you’d end up. After all, there are other demon law schools,” Seknecus said, making a moue of distaste that made it clear exactly what he thought of them. “But I was happy to see that you chose St. Lucifer’s.”
Technically my mother chose St. Lucifer’s . . . But there seemed no reason to interrupt just to clarify that bit of misinformation. Seknecus wandered around the room, picking through papers, flipping open and quickly shutting the front covers of various leather-bound books, never meeting my eye. I had no doubt, however, that his attention was fully focused on me.
“So, you see, seeing your name on my List wasn't exactly a surprise, although it appeared much later than I would have liked.”
He did look at me then, with a frown of disapproval. I did my best to look expressionless because none seemed appropriate. It wouldn't do to look amused, bored or, Luck forbid, rebellious. Seknecus stared at me with narrowed eyes and then went back to wandering.
“ You've got some catching up to do,” he said, addressing a copy of Sin and Sanction: Codification & Case Law. “It doesn't matter why or what excuses you've got for yourself. You will be held to the same standards as everyone else, regardless of whose daughter you are. And you've missed a lot of class already.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off with a wave.
“Manipulation class,” he clarified. “You’re going to have to work ten times as hard as everyone else just to pass. Quintus Rochester doesn't go easy on students and he’s likely to see your absence during the early part of the semester as a challenge. You know, failing is not an option. Not if you want to live.”

For more information or to buy the book, visit:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

website: www.jillarcher.com

blog: http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com

Feature and Follow {15}

Hello again! It's Friday (thank goodness) and that means.... drum-roll....it's feature and follow time!!! Yep, it's that time of the week when anyone online can take part in this lovely meme. It's aim is to get a universal question answered and for all us in the blogging world to find and follow new friends :) ON WITH THE SHOW!

Q: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?

Ooooh, now I do have a confession to make. I haven't always been into the sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy scene...in my youth (6-7 years ago) my reading material of choice was crime thrillers! I have read every single Michael Connelly Book, Karin Slaughter Novel, and Mark Billingham thriller :) This love is still reflected in the TV I watch...I'm addicted to NCIS, CSI, Bones, The Mentalist...if it's criminally inclined and gory I will watch it!

The last time I strayed I re-read Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter. It's good, creepy, gory and kept me on my toes, what can I say, I fell in love...again :)
You want the blurb?
The sleepy town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is jolted into panic when Sara Linton, the town’s pediatrician and coroner, finds Sibyl Adams, a young college professor, dead in the local diner. As well as being viciously raped, Sibyl has been cut: two deep knife wounds form a lethal cross over her stomach. But it’s only once Sara starts to perform the postmortem that the full extent of the killer’s brutality starts to become clear.

Police chief Jeffrey Tolliver -- Sara’s ex-husband -- is in charge of the investigation, and when a second victim is found, crucified, only a few days later, he has to face the fact that Sibyl’s murder wasn’t a single personal attack: They’re dealing with a sadistic rapist turned killer who is terrorizing rural Grant County.
Jeffrey isn’t alone in his search. Lena Adams -- the county’s sole female detective -- wants to see justice done since her sister was the first victim. Sara, too, cannot escape the terror. A secret from her past could hold the key to finding the killer -- unless he finds her first.

Oh man I miss crime books...perhaps it's time to stray again ;)

What do you read when you stray from your normal genre? Give me a bell and I'll get back to you!

Look Out For: Violet Midnight by Lynn Rush + Giveaway

Hello again everyone! Today I'm proud to be participating in a release day blitz for VIOLET MIDNIGHT by Lynn Rush, hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. I've read the blurb for this book and I have to say I am most defiantly intrigued! Plus I am a big fan of the cover, loving the violet eyes...wish mine were that colour ;)
So without further ado, let me introduce you to Emma, vampire Hunter extraodinaire...we've even got a hold of an amazing excerpt to tease you all :) Oh, and there is a super awesome GIVEAWAY at the bottom of the post for a KINDLE FIRE!! ENJOY!

Blurb:

Let the Hunt begin….

Blending in with her college co-eds proves difficult for vampire Hunter, Emma Martin, considering the mystical tattoo on her wrist glows whenever Vamps are near. And after three months of silence, the glow is back with a vengeance.

Jake Cunningham witnesses Emma, a violet-eyed beauty, using unimaginable powers to fight off a fanged creature. Finally, after two years of searching, he may have found out what he’s become—a Hunter, like Emma.

Thankful for an ally in the fight against the Vamps, Emma finds hope and comfort in Jake’s arms. As she learns more about her new love’s family and its dark heritage, she may be forced not only to hunt them but to sacrifice her life to save Jake’s soul.

“Rush hooked me from page one! Fast-paced, gripping, this tale of vampire hunters is full of action and suspense. A great read! Buffy had better watch out…Emma Martin is one hunter to watch!” -Cynthia Eden, National Best-selling Author 

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER HERE! 

Where can I find it?
You can grab your copy of VIOLET MIDNIGHT at the links below! Oh and one more thing, the author has decided to donate a portion of all proceeds goes towards CANCER RESEARCH AND AWARENESS, which I really admire :)

Amazon Paper: http://amzn.to/TICHVl  

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/RzVLHT

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/NrIgHg 

Excerpt:
Emma Martin had never killed a human, at least not intentionally, but her best friend, Ava, might be the first. “No. I told you. I'm not going on a blind date, so drop it already.”
Considering she battled demons on a regular basis, few things in the world scared Emma. But the one thing she feared most was giving her heart away, then losing that person.
Been there, done that. Never again.
“Fine. You’re so stubborn. At least come to the party.” Ava wove her arm through Emma’s and dragged her across the campus, toward their dorm. “Your arms are freezing, Em, why are you wearing a tank top? I know we live in the desert, but we’re up north.”
“It’s not that cold out.” Then again, Emma didn't feel the cold, or heat for that matter, but Ava didn't know that.
No one did.
No one could ever know.
“Whatever,” Ava said. “So, come on, already. I’ve got two hours to beautify you. The football game will be over soon, and I'm in the mood to have some fun.”
“Ava, no. I said no more blind date—” Pulsing pain stabbed Emma’s wrist. She stopped and doubled over, clutching her wrist to her stomach to hide the glowing mark on her skin. Darn Vamp detector hadn't ignited in over three months. What the hell?
“What’s wrong?” Ava grabbed Emma’s shoulder.
She hugged her midsection. Now that the initial surprise had passed, she had to keep the pulsing light hidden from Ava. Otherwise, there’d have to be another mind-wipe.
Wonder if too many mind-wipes can harm a brain?
“Nothing. Just a cramp.” Emma stood straight, scanning the area. She never got cramps, but she had to cover when her wrist morphed into a freaky orange lighthouse beam. “I’ll be fine in a second.”
Everyone thought Emma’s mark was a normal tattoo, but they didn't know how it came to life when the bloodsuckers were near. She slipped her hand over the piercing orange flare, silently chastising herself for not wearing her thick-band watch.
Three months, no Vamps—she’d gotten lazy.
Time to snap into Hunter mode to keep Ava safe. No way was Emma about to lose her best friend to one of those fanged beasts. She’d already lost too much.
Emma scanned the empty courtyard. The dark fence of trees encircling the campus seemed calm. No bobbing red orbs—a tell-tale sign of a hungry Vamp. Until they fixed their sights on dinner, their eyes stayed black as coal.
Ava whipped out her massive, pink leather purse. “Here, I’ve got Advil.”
“Never mind. We’re almost to the room. I’ll grab some there.” Emma straightened and rubbed her wrist while scanning the area. A couple of lights lining the sidewalk to their dorm barely made a dent in the darkening sky.
Movement to her right caught Emma’s attention. Her heart stuttered. Every muscle tensed. She needed to get Ava out of here.
“Let’s go.” Emma latched onto her elbow and hurried her along the sidewalk. Emma caught a flare of orange against the leg of her denim jeans. The Vamps must be closing in.
Bushes to the left, silent academic buildings behind them and the open courtyard to their right. She glanced over her shoulder at the mazes of deserted sidewalks leading to the various campus buildings. Slate-colored clouds rolled in, chasing away the remaining light of the setting sun. That didn’t help, despite her heightened vision.
“What’s the rush? Jeez. I'm not one of your workout buddies, Em.” Ava stumbled. “If I break a heel on these Jimmy Choos, you and I are going to have words.”
“Oh, sorry. I just want to get back to the room and get ready for the party. You said Todd was going to be there, right? I bet you’re anxious to see him again. It’s what, your third date? That’s a record for you.”
“Jerk. But you’re right. I want to look nice for him. And remember, you said I can get you prettied up a little, too.”
“I did not say you could pretty me up.” Thankfully, Ava was easily distracted.
Emma continued to hurry her roomie along. Another flare of orange pulsed. Only a hundred feet to the dorms. One more cluster of bushes to pass.
A fist that could have passed as a sledgehammer slammed into Emma’s face as a gust of wind whipped by her. An explosion of metallic-tasting blood burst into her mouth. Damn Vamps were fast. Emma toppled into Ava. Her friend yelped and tumbled to the ground. Her purse shuffled to the side along with one of her shoes when she made impact.
Emma spun, working to locate the Vamp. Only darkness. Shadows from the cluster of five, three-story dormitories up ahead provided ample amounts of darkness. Not to mention the light flickering out. Or did a rock just hit that light bulb?
Shit.
“What the hell was that?” Ava pushed herself up and reached for her purse.
“Quiet. Stay there. Don’t move.”
Emma’s friend shot her a wide-eyed glare. “What—”
Emma put her hand up, silencing her, and crouched. She held up her free hand, and whispered, “Crossbow.”
In a flash of white light, the steel weapon appeared in her palm. She stroked the smooth, otherworldly, silver metal, confirming the magazine of bolts was secure and ready to fire.
She touched her throbbing cheek. Dumbass was going to pay for that. And more.
“Okay, where are you?”
Drawing in a deep breath, Emma willed her pulse to slow, then stood. The gravel crunched beneath her trainers as she stepped off the sidewalk toward the bushes. Ava sat on the ground watching Emma with wide, disbelieving eyes. Her platinum-blond hair glowed beneath the light of the lamppost beside her, giving her an angelic halo.
This’ll be a big mind-wipe for sure.
The hairs on Emma’s neck prickled. Instinct demanded she duck. Air whooshed above her, a fist narrowly missing her face. She jabbed an elbow into the creature’s soft mid-section.
She lunged forward into a summersault, then turned and crouched.
Click. Click.
Two bolts shot out and sank into the Vamp’s chest.
White, elongated teeth flashed as the wounded creature’s mouth opened. A throaty roar rent the air as he squirmed, writhing in anguish, then vanished in a poof of dust.
As ashes settled over the gravel beside a blooming bush, she spotted another creature slithering toward her best friend. Emma trained her weapon on the beast.
Before she could fire, two gigantic hands squeezed her shoulders and yanked her into the bushes. Her crossbow clattered to the rocky ground. The creature snarled. Foul breath wafting over her triggered her gag reflex.
Lifting her hand in front of her, she said, “Dagger.”
The weapon landed in Emma’s palm. She spun it to aim the blade downward and plunged it into the creature’s thigh. His grip loosened. Emma snapped her head back and cracked the Vamp’s nose, then pivoted out of his grip. Blood gushed from his leg onto the dusty earth, but it wouldn't keep him down for long.
The Vamp quirked his head to the side and drew in a breath. He glanced past Emma but didn't move.
Strange.
He took in another breath. “Can’t smell you. What are you?”
She flipped the knife, blade up. “The last thing you’ll be seeing tonight.”

About the author:

Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake, and a portion of the proceeds benefits cancer research and awareness.
Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. Originally from Minneapolis, Rush currently enjoys living in the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of 16 years and jogging with her two loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

GIVEAWAY TIME!
It all sounds so good right? I'll definitely be checking VIOLET MIDNIGHT out as soon as I have spare time on my hands :) but now Lynn Rush has been very generous in offering the giveaway underneath! For your chance to win a KINDLE FIRE, simply enter using the form underneath. GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT HOSTED BY V'S BOOK LIFE, AND I AM IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR PRIZES OR CONTACTING THE WINNER. I AM BUT THE MESSENGER ;)