A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2)
Publication: September 25, 2012
Pages: 352
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Publisher: Harper Teen
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ARC provided by publisher for review purposes
When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. But it’s not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she’ll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.
Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she’s capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can’t forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.
I was afraid that Skye was going to dissolve into one of those girls who go all soft and gooey after falling in love and getting the guy. It really seemed like it was heading in that direction at first, but I’m delighted to say that Skye still has her head together at the end of this book, if not her heart. She’s still one tough cookie. She still yearns for a normal life, but her fear for the safety of those close to her prevents her from telling them the truth about what’s happened to her. Underneath her strength of character lies a vulnerable girl. While she is smart, Skye also wants to be just a girl and do stupid things because of love. Because of her integrity, however, she can’t let herself choose love over the right path, and her heart breaks over the tough choices she has to make. She can’t just change teams like I can. The fate of the balance lies with her after all.
So, yeah. I’m to shamelessly switch teams after having read this book. I totally went and wrote a Team Asher post after reading A Beautiful Dark (see related posts below), and I still like the guy. However, I’m beginning to think that it can’t work out. He’s much too passionate about his cause and doesn’t–can’t–understand how much the Light is a part of her. That she can’t dedicate herself to the Rebellion. Devin also wants Skye to choose a side (in his case the Order), but there is much more depth to his character than that. He really sees Skye and gives her the encouragement that she needs. In the first book, his character was still very suspect, and I didn’t like how he’d rationalize his actions through the claim that he has no will, but he’s proven himself true in this book. I seriously fell hard for him this time around. Please don’t tell me there’s going to be a third awesome guy in the next book. My heart can’t take any more of this. Especially the hot kiss scenes. Oh, wait. I need more of those!
There are so many dynamics playing in this book. Skye and Asher are finally together, but their relationship is complicated by Skye’s inability to forget Devin despite his attempt to kill her at the command of the Order. There the unreasonable, specific hatred that Aunt Jo and Ian hold towards Asher and all the rumors flying around regarding Skye’s relationship with Asher and Devin. The new kids from RSH. New (hot) characters. And new developments with Skye’s growing abilities.
Love, betrayal, and angelic powers blend together in this heartwrenching sequel to A Beautiful Dark. Skye will discover herself, her past, and the secrets that those around her have been hiding even as she grows into her powers and embraces her destiny. There are some devilish hints about what’s going to happen in the next book that I’m dying to see come to life. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment and see where Skye will take us!
Recommended for paranormal-romance lovers, especially fans of the series
Related Posts
Review – A Beautiful Dark
Team Asher Post
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Danny says
I.Just.Love.Romance… No, I crave and need good romance in a book! I loved the first book and now I cannot wait for this one!! Thanks :))
Crystal says
The romance in this book is amazing, isn't it? And Jocelyn always leaves us with a nasty cliffhanger. I'm dying to read the third book now. Hope you love this one as well!!! 🙂
Gaby says
Romantic what?! This is so my kind of book 😀
Crystal says
Enjoy!!
M.A.D. says
Fractured sounds so romantic!!!
I haven't read any of this series yet, but it's on my radar 🙂
Crystal says
It *is* romantic. It's the one that's pulled my heartstrings the most out of all the paranormal books I've read (besides Unearthly). I love the series and can't wait to read the third book!