*This title will be released on January 25, 2011*
 | Title: A Brush of Darkness Author: Allison Pang Series: A Brush of Darkness #1 Cover Art: Nathalia Suellen Genre: Urban Fantasy Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Pocket (January 25, 2011) ISBN-10: 1439198322 ISBN-13: 978-1439198322  Source: http://fineprintlit.com/ Reviewed by: Abigail |
Book Description
The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.
Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.
Review
I swear my narcissism had nothing to do with my loving A BRUSH OF DARKNESS. Even if the main character hadn’t shared my name, I’ve would have enjoyed this smart, irreverent, and super sexy urban fantasy.
There is so much to like in A BRUSH OF DARKNESS. Toping the list for me is Phineas (who graces the back cover). He’s an irrepressibly horny miniature unicorn who ends up moving in with Abby. He’s cranky and sarcastic and a huge pervert for such a little thing. Unicorns are always presented as dignified, wise creatures. Phineas is the anti-unicorn.
Unicorns, incubi, succubi, angels, demons, werewolves, vampires, and mermaids. They all fraternize in A BRUSH OF DARKNESS with Abby caught in the middle. I’m always a fan of mixed worlds. Ones were numerous species co-exist. Abby has a basic handle on the supernatural world around her, but is still largely as naïve as we are when it comes to most of the ‘rules’ that govern it.
Urban Fantasy heroines have it rough. We expect a lot from them. They have to be tough, yet still venerable enough to relate to. They have to be strong, yet still make mistakes. They have to be self-sufficient, yet willing to ask for help when they need it. Not all heroines make the cut, but Abby does. And she brings a wicked sense of humor with her.
And I can’t forget Brystion. The incubus with a major insecurity complex that he tries to hide behind a blistering sexuality. His self-loathing is a pitiful thing, and something that keeps him from looking too closely at himself. He sees himself essentially as a whore and refuses to let anyone else convince him otherwise. It was fascinating to see that image crack.
I know I didn’t fully grasp the mythology in A BRUSH OF DARKNESS with all the touchstones, keystones, dreamwalkers etc. It was a little confusing but not in a way that diminished my enjoyment of the overall story. I imagine more of this world will be explained in future books and I’m more than willing to wait for them.
Sexual Content: Several graphic sex scenes. References to rape
My Rating:
4/5
Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now & pre-order the sequel.
Previous books in the series:
- N/A
I've started this, but I can't seem to finish it. It's not that I don't like it - it's just not holding my attention.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about Urban Fantasy Heroines - we certainly do expect a lot from them :)
Thanks for the review,
Sarah
That Bookish Girl
Very cool...I'll have to add this to the TBR for sure. Have got major cover love here, too.
ReplyDeleteNice review.
ReplyDeleteI love this book.
Great review! Looking forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteKristin
MyBookishWays
Sarah - I think the initial world building is not as user friendly as it could have been, which might account for the slow start you mentioned. I hope you'll keep reading as this is a solid debut.
ReplyDeleteAlisha - The cover isn't fab IMO. Doesn't look/dress at all the the character.
Sullivan - Did you read it already? Didn't you love Phin?
Kristin - It's a lot of fun. This is going to be a series to watch for :)
I purchased a movie once because the main character shared my name. ;) This has been getting great reviews from everyone, can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteTiah - It's usually a dog with my name in books. Finally a pretty woman :)
ReplyDeleteI honestly would have passed this up based on the cover and summary, but your review has me sold. Added to the TBR. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTara - The cover threw me too. It's not at all representative of the character/book. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm adding to the cover hatred. Is she supposed to be a member of the slutty cheerleading squad, or a woman on a mission? I would have passed the book by on that point. I may give it a try from your review.
ReplyDeleteYeah...it's not great cover art. I'm posting an interview with the author on the 29th that includes some of her original art of the characters...soooo much better.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review! I keep seeing this everywhere, and I can't wait to read it Someone's getting bumped from my reading schedule for sure.
ReplyDeleteSpincraker - LOL I do that too sometimes...tell me what you end up thinking of Phin :)
ReplyDelete