I wanted to love this book but the plot didn't keep my attention and the story fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Thank you for the free review copy, however, I will not be posting my review online as I did not complete the book. I just couldn't get into the characters enough to care before giving up on the story. Rather than give a review on a partial read, I'd rather not bias others who may enjoy this story, and will try again at another time. If do finish the book in the future, I will post a review at that time. I enjoyed the author's previous works, as well as liked the previous story in the trilogy, but this one was harder to get into.

I was so very excited to read this book! It started out slow for me, but then at 30% in, I was totally swept away! Terrifying creatures that torment a city at night? Check! Selfless characters that go out of their ways to help others in need? Check! Characters you love to hate? Check! Heroes you love to cheer for? Check! Battles that make you hold your breath? Check! A romance you can't help but swoon over? Check, check, check! The end of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I cannot wait to see how this all comes together once all of our heroes unite!

4'75 stars
It's not a 5 because I must admit the beginning felt slow, because Lydia's first chapters were just a repetition of the beginning of the first installment, Dark Shores, and thus they dragged the story a little bit. On the other hand, I found Killian's chapters gripping from the very beginning. Overall, I fell in love with both characters (although I didn't have any idea this book was not following the same characters as Dark Shores) and what kept me super hooked to the story was that I didn't predict a single plot twist that happened, so the book managed to surprise me page after page. It's an absolute must read, and I can't wait for the third one!

This book was a great sequel/secondary introduction to the Dark Shores series. As I have read Dark Shores before, I might have a different reading perspective for Dark Skies compared to those who start with this one.

It was interesting to get to see the characters from different perspectives than in the first book. I felt like the relationships built in this book were very realistic and the characters made decisions that made sense as opposed to just having them make decisions that progressed a plot but may not have made sense.

One of the things I wanted to know more about in the first book was the unique magic system this world possessed and this book definitely gave us a lot more information on it which I really enjoyed. The world was built upon but left enough open that there will be more to explore in future books.

I also enjoy when a book can take a dark turn and this book did not disappoint in that area.

Overall, it was a great book and I can't wait to come back to this world and read on.

I loved Dark Shores and afterwards I couldn’t wait to read this one. I like that we get introduced to two new main characters. I love Killian, I am not a huge fan of Lydia or her decisions, and I detested Malahi. Although I admit character’s like her keep it interesting. This book like the first was full of action, political intrigue and sprinkled with romance. Neither the plot, characters or world building were left wanting. I am highly anticipating the third book where all four main characters are together.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I was a little worried when I got approved for this one. I don’t remember all that much from the first book, (Dark Shores) aside from the fact that I totally loved it. So, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to jump right into this one, but I saw on GoodReads that the author made a statement that Dark Shores and Dark Skies can be read interchangeably. I thought that was super interesting, so I just jumped right into this one.
We follow Lydia and Killian. They each have their own perspectives, which I loved. Lydia is a bookish girl who loves to learn. But when her future husband attempts to murder her, she finds herself on the other side of the world, a world that she thought was a myth. I loved Lydia because she was determined and strong, even when she didn’t feel like those things. She made a plan and did her best to see it through or make the best of any situation. She was clever and loyal to her loved ones. She did her best to learn as much as she could, about the world she was in and about herself.
Killian is a Marked One. This means he was chosen by a specific god, the God of War, and given abilities. He’s disgraced after losing an important battle, so he becomes the personal guard of the princess. Which means he’s dragged into her plot to overthrow her father. Killian is a good man, though his reputation may not say so. I really liked him.
Overall, I loved this book. It made me want to immediately reread Dark Shores. I loved the world and the characters. There was action and romance and drama. I loved it all. The stakes were high and only got higher. I loved the way the story was concluded. The ending was satisfying enough that I was eager for more of the story, but not annoyed that everything wasn’t solved. I am beyond excited about the characters from this book and the first book to meet. This is a must-read.

3.5 stars.

I’m not really sure what to think about this book. I have faith that, obviously, this story will join up with Teriana and Marcus’s but I’m not sure if it quite held my attention.
I liked Killian. I liked his band of girls.
I’m not sure I liked Lydia. She did what she needed to do, but felt a little weak to me.
I think my main problem with this book is just how much doesn’t go for them. It’s hard to read something constantly getting worse. There weren’t many bright spots in this book.
I also felt it was a little slow to start, but the magic system was better explained in this book.
There are shades of an infamous “seventh” book in a series, in this one, but I hope it all comes together eventually!

4.5 stars!

My book memory is terrible, so by the time I picked up Dark Skies, the only real things I could tell you about Dark Shores were the basic premise and the fact that I enjoyed the book.

Thankfully, it wasn't too confusing to read Dark Skies, even for those of us afflicted with goldfish-level-memory! The first book started coming back to me as I read Dark Skies, and the plot was different enough from the first book's storyline to be complete intriguing even if I'm missing a few details. I loved exploring the world and conflict through the lenses of Lydia and Killian, who are in the first book, but as side characters! This time, Lydia and Killian led the story. Teriana and Marcus appear, but only briefly.

I typically have a tough time with second books (they tend to drag for me), but this new narrative perspective kept this story really fresh. Especially since both Lydia and Killian are fantastic characters. Lydia surprised me in a really good way, and Killian is the perfect mix of revered and vulnerable.

Dark Skies is fast paced and bloody. Like, really bloody. It's full of twists and creepy scenes and it feels really EPIC. I kept thinking of the movie 300 while reading. I started it one eve and read to 20%. The next night, I thought I'd read another 20%. Instead, I stayed up late (a rarity these days) and finished the book. I just couldn't put it down!

Jensen really knows how to UP THOSE STAKES and keep her readers hooked! This comes out in less than two weeks (May 5) and I highly recommend preordering. The author has a preorder campaign as well, on her instagram. Looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you Tor Teen and Netgalley for a free advanced e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Lydia is the best friend of Teriana, and if you read Dark Shores first, you briefly met her. Killian is a new character we meet, and the novel is told from both of their perspectives.

I really wasn't sure if I would find Lydia interesting or if it would be enough to anchor this story, but I was wrong. Lydia's transformation and journey from the beginning to the end was amazing. From attempted assassination, being robbed, beaten up and then being Marked. I could not stop rooting for this girl. It isn't often I read about a character who wears spectacles either, and I loved that small representation. Killian is also a great male character, some of his choices resulted in his disgraced status, but I love his determination and his growth into his role as being marked by the God of War.

There is definitely a romantic interest going on between Lydia and Killian. I loved the development between the two, and that it didn't overshadow the plot. Warning, the ending nearly broke me.

The world building. Dark Skies has a medieval-esque world, dark, foreboding with gods and mythical creatures. It was easy to immerse myself within the walls of Mudaire to the sewer tunnels where orphans took refuge fighting disease, hunger and the dark creatures that haunt the night skies. There is also this war between Mudamora and the Corrupter's armies, it gets pretty bloody and nasty.

Overall, I thought Dark Skies was amazing. It has action, drama, romance, intrigue and great characters. Yeah, I can't wait for book 3, Teriana, Marcus, Lydia and Killian together... oh man things are going to get pretty interesting.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Skies is the second installment in author Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series. The setting isn't just a few kingdoms, but an entire world. It crosses a dozen nations, it contains diverse cultures and races and religions, it faces evils that are both human and decidedly inhuman. This story delves more into the gods and goddesses of the Dark Shores, particularly the seventh god, The Corrupter. The most feared god, The Corrupter wants control over all of the other gods. People who have been “marked” by this god can literally suck out your life force.

But at the heart of the series has always been the friendship between two girls, Lydia and Teriana. Dark Skies alternates between Killian Calorian, a new character readers haven't met yet, and Lydia Valerius, best friend to Teriana, the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate who you would have met in Dark Shores. Lydia Valerius is the adopted daughter of Senator Appius Valerius and very much an outsider due to not being born in Calendral.

If you've read Dark Shores, you know that Lydia did a bad thing which ended up with Lydia disappearing about the time Terianna and her crew ended up in deep trouble. A good part of Lydia's story actually takes place simultaneously to Teriana's story. After betraying Teriana's trust and her friendship, Lydia has every intention of making things right. But, she ends up in another land called Mudamora where she suddenly finds that she has some pretty cool new abilities that may or may not work back in Celendral.

From being the subject of an assassination attempt, to an unwanted bethrotal, to being robbed, beaten up and then being Marked, to being a guard for Malahi and coming to trust Killian to help train her, Lydia's journey is nearly non-stop. Lydia being Marked is a curious twist to her life and leads to some major twists. Lydia's transformation and journey from the beginning to the end show the girl has a bit of moxy to her.

The story actually begins by introducing readers to 19-year old Lord Killian Calorian. After Killian and his Legion suffer a catastrophic defeat to Rufina, and her 10,000 corrupted, he's assigned to protect Princess Malahi for the rest of his life. In Killian's part of this world, there are people who are Marked by the Six. Killian has been marked by Tremon who is the God of conflict and war. Unfortunately, Tremon didn't help him or his legion when they were overrun and soundly defeated, and he didn't help Killian get out of his protection detail.

But, there is more to Killian than meets the eye. A softer side that will see him rescue orphan children and ensure they are fed with food that would have been tossed away by Malahi's cooks. He is just trying to do something that will make a difference and save lives. He knows he can't save everyone but that doesn't mean he won't try until his last breathe. Then he meets Lydia. Here's something fun, Killian actually knows who Teriana and her crew are and are willing to help Lydia save them. The Maarin have the capability to travel from East to West without letting anyone know how they are able to do it.

Politics is a major player in Dark Skies. It drove the story and heaped out tons of tension between the characters. So much scheming by so many different people. The plot twists were anything but predictable. All of the characters have their flaws. No one has all of the answers and no one is completely invincible or untouchable. The intrigue really carried the story along with all of the danger. The danger is intense. Wars, a plague, starving citizens, demons falling from the sky, dangerous armies, literally ones called the Corrupted at your front gate

The author and Tor Teen have made a choice for readers which is pretty unique in this genre. You can start reading the series with Dark Shores, OR, you can start reading with Dark Skies first. They have the same starting points which will converge in the third book! While this book doesn't focus on Marcus or Teriana, they do make brief appearances since Lydia's story overlaps with events that cross over from Teriana and Marcus's. The author states on her Goodreads page that she hasn't abandoned either character. You'll see them again in the third installment she calls Dark Skies as well as Lydia and Killian.

What do milkshakes, Slurpees, and smoothies have in common?

Besides being drinks, they’re all mixes.

I’ve already confessed to being a milkshake connoisseur, but I’m also a Slurpee addict. The perfect Slurpee is a blend between Cherry and Coke, mixed to the perfect texture that’s not too thick and not too watery.

Similarly, Dark Skies is an absolutely perfect blend of Magic, Action, Politics, Deception, and Romance.

Nearly every page is dripping with awesomeness that sucked me in and pulled me along a fantastic journey.

Dark Skies Review
Let’s get the not so great stuff out of the way so I can resume gushing about this book.

It’s rare that I get the perfect Slurpee every single time. Usually, I get a thin layer of liquid at the bottom of the cup. This is either because it’s hot and it’s started to melt, or it wasn’t properly mixed before I dispensed it.

Either way, the beginning of my drink is a little disappointing until all the liquid is gone.

Similar to my review of Dark Shores, I felt that the beginning dragged a bit.

A point of clarification, because I didn’t know this going in, but Dark Skies takes place at the exact same time as Dark Shores, but features two different characters.

The characters from Dark Shores, Teriana and Marcus, are shown briefly in Dark Skies. You’ll see the exact opening scenes you remember from Dark Shores happening here in Dark Skies, but from Lydia’s perspective.

But you also get Killian, a new character who I immediately fell in love with. Killian is marked by the gods and lives in northern continent of the Dark Shores.

After those same initial scenes that gave me pause in the first book, I was totally sucked in and couldn’t get enough of Dark Skies.

Answered Questions
One of my biggest questions from Dark Skies was “What happened to Lydia?”

I was left pretty disappointed with how that line ended in Dark Shores, but Jensen had a master plan all along. Dark Skies reveals exactly what happened to Lydia, and there’s no way it could have been answered in a single paragraph!

She told me that she had intended to release Dark Skies a lot closer to the publication of Dark Shores, but the best laid plans…

In either case, it’s easy to see how Dark Skies and Dark Shores would have made for one epic book if it featured all four POVs. Thankfully, that’s exactly what we’ll get with Book 3, and I can’t wait!

What is Dark Skies About?
After Lydia accidentally reveals the existence of the Dark Shores to Lucius via her frustrating cousin hellbent on destroying her, Lucius moves to have her killed.

Without revealing too much, she ends up on the Dark Shores and quickly meets Killian.

And that’s where things get interesting.

Lydia’s whole goal is to save Teriana, but she has no idea how to go about achieving this considering she doesn’t even know where she is.

Thanks to events that happen, Killian gets her a job as a guard to the royal princess. And that’s really where it gets interesting.

As Captain of the guard, it positions Killian and Lydia in just the right place to develop a flourishing romance.

The problem?

Killian is sworn to princess Malahi. And even if he doesn’t have a relationship with her, he is bound to protect her forever and his life is not his own.

The Plot Thickens
Within the first chapter of the book you’ll quickly come to realize that there is more at work here.

Aside from the threat of the Cel legions invading the Dark Shores we saw in Book 1, there is also the armies of Derin, those devoted to the seventh god, the Corruptor.

With a known enemy pressing in from the North, the people of Mudamora are oblivious to the looming threat to the South. Even Lydia is unaware that they’ve made it through.

All of this melds perfectly to provide you with excitement on every page. If it’s not the clanging swords or the singing arrows, it’s the internal struggles of forbidden love, or impossible situations that are forced upon our characters on more than a few occasions.

Final Thoughts
I can’t express my love for Dark Skies enough.

I’m so grateful to Danielle for sending me a copy.

I really enjoyed Dark Shores, but I loved Dark Skies so much more.

And that cover is absolutely gorgeous, is it not?

The beginning dragged the book down a little bit, but since it was my second time with those scenes, and getting to see it from a different perspective, it was easier to digest than the first go around.

Oh, and did I mention there’s a medieval version of zombies?

You heard me right. Zombies!

I’ll let you see for yourself how Jensen pulls that one off.

I don’t have too many “auto-buy” authors, but Danielle L. Jensen is one of them. Another fantastic tale and one you won’t want to miss.

Having not read Dark Shores I wasn't sure what to expect, but I loved this book! I didn't feel lost at all. It does start off a little slowly with a lot of Lydia's world, but with reading from both Lydia and Killian's POV's all I wanted was for them to meet!

Lydia and Killian are both strong lead characters, who have personal struggles and totally valid reasons to be super nasty people, but they just aren't. They're both just trying to do the right thing. The other characters, however? There is a lot of plotting and you never know who is truly trustworthy.

I loved this story, but that ending?! I am sad to have to wait for the next one! I can't wait to see how everything plays out.

Dark Skies predecessor Dark Shores had three things I'm a huge sucker for: a world inspired by Ancient Rome, pirate girls, and unlikely alliances. I was really excited to read this next installment and I loved the feel the author created, but though the Ancient Rome inspired setting was really cool, and the problem I had with Dark Shores was officially solved in this installment.

I'm talking about my hope that the author would explore issues of imperialism a bit more deeply, and employed more nuance with regards to whether you can be good, whether your intentions matter, when you're part of an evil machine. I think Teriana's development and questioning of her choices was interesting and well done, but even though Marcus also grappled with his deeds, I found his development in that regard a little lacking.

BUT NOW THIS TIME. I truly felt melded with the inner workings of this world and I was craving that. I could see the gears moving, could see the hidden dilemmas of the politics, it all worked in the end. The stakes were risen and I'm satisfied with the end result.

Jensen's writing is still off pace for me personally but I have always found the writing like that even in her earlier series but that is just a me problem I'm sure. Highly recommend this sequel to others who were unsure about Dark Shores.

Killian is 19 and has been training to inherit the command of the royal army. Killian has been taking orders from Lady Darren's Falorn until she sends word to his father that he is ready to lead the royal army.The captain of the Garrison wall has perished. They are trying to stop Rufina,a corrupted queen with thousands of soldiers.Lydia is reproached for having friends of a lower class. Vibius,her father's nephew will have her kicked out of the house upon her father's death unless she is married well.This is due to her heritage. Rufinas army kills out of fear and will not be easily stopped. Rufina can snatch an arrow like a toy.Killian is trying his best to live up to his father's expectations . I loved the characters and world building. I didn't read the first book but I was hooked and able to follow along and gain a connection to the book.I like the name Malahi.I loved how it felt like it was two world's colliding.❤️

Like with book one in this series by Danielle L. Jensen, it took me a while to become immersed in the story and find connection with the characters. But once that happened, oh man, Dark Skies did not slow down or disappoint.

The first handful of chapters in Dark Skies are chock full of names and places I either didn't remember from book one or were new to the story.I hope the final copy of this book includes both a map and a glossary of characters because it was a lot to remember and also learn as I read.

But once I was far enough into the story where I remembered parallel events from Dark Shores and also caught on to character names and places, this story took off. There's a lot of action, a lot of dialogue, and a lot of politics. If you like fantasy that leans heavily on political conspiracies and usurping those in power, Dark Skies is the story for you.

I was a little disappointed to learn the this sequel did not pick up where Marcus and Teriana's story left off in Dark Shores, but instead, this follows Teriana's best friend, Lydia, and what happened to her after Marcus fails to murder her. The events of this story run parallel to Dark Shores so as Lydia searches for a way home, she uncovers information about what is happening with Teriana and Marcus. But again, once I was locked into the story, I found how much I admired Lydia's character. She's not like Teriana at all, but she pushes through and does whatever she can to help people who are basically strangers. She's a noteworthy female protagonist among many other YA fantasy stories.

In addition, we're introduced to a new character, Killian, who is from the "Dark Shores." I like Killian's character a lot, almost as much as Marcus. He's strong and broody,  but he also has a big heart for his people and he goes to great lengths to show that. He's a good balance of the sweet, cinnamon roll type and the strong, heroic type.

As with the first book, the world-building details are spectacular in Dark Skies. This book expands upon what was established in book one, giving more insight into the lifestyle and customs of those who live on the Dark Shores. I love how intricate everything is tied together and how the gods play an active role in the story, shaping the characters and their actions. I also thought the enemy in this was just the right balance of cruel and terrifying. 

The relationship that develops between Lydia and Killian is interesting as well. While I figured they would end up in love, their relationship doesn't move too quickly to be unbelievable. They help each other, learn from each other, and trust each other over the entire length of the story. Yes, the attraction is there, but they don't let the romance overshadow what they are trying to do for Killian's people, which was a blessed relief to a lot of other stories.

There are a lot of intricate threads tied into this story, and I'm excited to see how those tie together with what happened in Dark Shores. Also, that ending left me with so much agony! I need book three way sooner than its publication date. If you liked Dark Shores or you want a good, immersive YA fantasy series, read Dark Skies.

A gripping sequel to Dark Shores, Jensen's next installment, Dark Skies, is beautifully written with strong characters and even stronger narrative -- a novel readers will not want to put down!

Dark Skies follows the path of Lydia, a book-smart and headstrong protagonist and a once-heralded commander, Killian. After being caught up in a game of dangerous Celendor politics, Lydia is nearly killed by Marcus -- that is until she is transported to the Dark Shores. Alone and without resources, Lydia must learn to survive in Mudamora -- a country facing war, famine and its own share of political intrigue. When Lydia's path crosses with Protector of the Crown Princess, Killian, the gods weave together their existences. A tale of deception, loyalty, redemption and hope, Dark Skies continues an adventure readers will absolutely want to follow.

Well, Danielle Jensen is phenomenal and I will settle for nothing less at this point.

Yet again, she brought me a story I absolutely love. Our female MC, Lydia goes through such an interesting change in this story. The world she comes from and the world she ends up in actually forces her to ask questions and adapt. The mental and physical trials she goes through are emotionally strong for the reader.

Killian is exactly what you would imagine a sworn sword would be, as well as so much more that you weren’t expecting. Readers can go from being completely proud of him and his loyalty, to wanting to slap him for being so dang loyal at the same time.

Both of the characters had me screaming with joy and frustration, which just goes to show Jensen is truly gifted at creating her characters. The world building is well written. All the descriptions of the different locations actually take the reader there. You can imagine and feel what the writer wants you to see and feel. It is just incredible.

I can not wait for the next book and I just HAVE to know what happens next.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

-Stone

This was a really fun, fast-paced read perfect for all fantasy fans!


I really enjoyed this second installment in the Dark Shores series. It grips you right from the beginning and keeps readers enthralled right to the very end. The characters are relatable and well rounded. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing right till the very end and even then they're left wanting more answers and asking more questions.


I also appreciated having queer characters included. These characters weren't the main focus of the story by any means but their inclusion was wonderful. It was also refreshing to have those characters simply be who they are, without others questioning them or having their sexuality become a plot point.
I'm 1000% here for queer characters who don't have to explain or defend their sexuality.


The only thing I disliked about this book was some of the formatting. A few times the characters are thrust into new situations but there wasn't a clear indication that their circumstances had changed and it was jarring and confusing to work out what had happened. This might have just been a formatting issue with the digital copy however and overall it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book.


I'm very excited for the next book and I look forward to seeing where Jensen takes her characters and their stories.

Okay guys I absolutely ADORED this book and can not wait for the third!! I haven’t read Dark Shores yet but it will be my next read! Danielle Jensen does an amazing job at writing relatable characters in all of her books, while still making them completely different. It’s safe to say I’ve found a new favorite author.