Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner

Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner 5 of 5 stars.
Voices in the Dark is the 2nd and latest book of The Last Descendants Trilogy.
Asking for the truth can be as painful as telling it...

Anselm Andros has clearly defined roles in his family and they are roles he plays very well - he is confidante to his mother, Maria. He is the confessor to his stepfather, Leo, a man haunted by the secrets of his past. And Anselm is also the patient, caring brother to his precocious sister, Jasmine. When the political landscape of Malonia starts to shift, this unassuming family begins to unravel. Even though they've spent the past fifteen years leading a quiet life, Maria and Leo's actions are forever linked to the turbulent history of Malonia and its parallel world, modern-day England. With so much uncertainty at home and in his world, it is more important than ever for Anselm to put all the pieces of the past together. He must listen to his own voice and acknowledge his fears and desires - whatever the cost.

After reading the first book in this trilogy, Eyes of a King, it took me a while to figure out where this book picks up. This book provides very little review of the previous book and to fully respect and understand it you must read the first. I loved the first book by Catherine Banner and in turn I loved this one. When you read a series that is crafted so carefully with such love and attention and that has such a realistic disposition even despite the unbelievable world you come to love the characters and to feel for them. I found myself crying with them and laughing with them. Catherine Banner's writing is beautiful and consoling but at the same time the story will break your heart. Its filled with such melancholy it hurts. Leo was our narrator in the first book but now, sixteen years later, his step-son takes over the narrative. In the beginning he seems much different from Leo, less miserable, angry, and thoughtful, but toward the end he picks up the same grief and guilt that filled Leo's world. While the little girl, Jasmine, seems to have a bit too large a vocabulary for a six year old she is a wonderful character that adds more texture to the story. I would suggest this trilogy to anyone who loves a good fantasy.

For fans of: Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Inheritance Cycle

Teaser Tuesday

On Teaser Tuesday I will post a few sentences from the book I am currently reading and you will do the same. =) Today I will post my excerpt from Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner on page 157. Enjoy!

"It is not just because of my father," Leo said. "Anselm, it was a very bad thing that I did. If it ever comes out--if anyone ever learns about it--I will be in trouble. And so will you--all of you."

Now, please share and teaser excerpt with me from whatever wonderful book your reading in the comments.

Also, I have now signed up for BookMooch.com and I can't believe what I've been missing out on! Its totally awesome. My username is AryaSmith. =)



Much love,
Arya

In My Mailbox (3)

I've gotten some pretty great books in the mail so far this week! =) Check this out.

Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini from the wonderfully ladies of BookDivas

From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Voices in the Dark by Catherine Banner from RandomBuzzers.

Asking for the truth can be as painful as telling it. . . .

Anselm Andros has clearly defined roles in his family and they are roles he plays very well—he is confidante to his mother, Maria. He is the confessor to his stepfather, Leo, a man haunted by the secrets of his past. And Anselm is also the patient, caring brother to his precocious sister, Jasmine. When the political landscape of Malonia starts to shift, this unassuming family begins to unravel. Even though they’ve spent the past fifteen years leading a quiet life, Maria and Leo’s actions are forever linked to the turbulent history of Malonia and its parallel world, modern-day England. With so much uncertainty at home and in his world, it is more important than ever for Anselm to put all the pieces of the past together. He must listen to his own voice and acknowledge his fears and desires—whatever the cost.


The Girl with Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron from my lovely friends at HarperTeen

Click. Sukie Jamieson takes a selfie after her tennis lesson. Click. She takes one before she has to give a presentation in class. Click. She takes one to be sure there's nothing in her teeth after eating pizza at Clementi's. And if she can't take a selfie, she checks her reflection in windows, spoons, car chrome—anything available, really. So when her mother gives her an exquisite full-length mirror that once belonged to her grandmother, Sukie is thrilled. So thrilled that she doesn't listen to her mother's warning: “This mirror will be your best friend and worst enemy.” Because mirrors, as Sukie discovers, show not only the faraway truth but the truth close up. And finding out that close-up truth changes people. Often forever.


I've got plenty of good books to read over the holidays! I hope you are all enjoying your time out of school. Remember not to shop, cook, and decorate to hard. Take some time to sit down, relax, and maybe reflect on the meaning for the season.

Love you all,

Arya