I Had Fun

(More around 4.5)

**Slight Spoilers**

“Dark Shores” was a fun ride. Like the author pointed out on Goodreads, the marketing made this novel sound like it was going to be a swashbuckling pirate story, but it really isn’t that. It’s a story more about a world based on the Roman Empire and basically what happened to other nations and parts of the world that had the unfortunate happenstance to be acquainted with them. Teriana is part of a race of people who take it upon themselves to govern the ocean between Eastern Continents and Western Continents to uphold their 7 gods and goddesses wishes to keep the peace. But, you know, the Roman Empire side finds out about Teriana’s secret and wants to do the usual conquer thing.

I had fun listening to “Dark Shores” as an audiobook. There were two narrators, and I liked how each gave the story their own inflections. They were on par.

So, because I liked the story so much (Teriana was awesome, Marcus was nice and sad but trying to do better, and the side characters were memorable,) I can’t help but point out a few things that I would have liked to see or that interrupted my happy space.

I wasn’t much for Teriana’s mother. She seemed to be the “badass” mom, but the type of mom who would treat her child more like a student detached from her more than her actual flesh and blood. Obviously, she’s not a talk-it-through type of lady, and I just didn’t feel like she and Teriana had much of a connection.

I feel like Teriana is smart enough to know that Lily didn’t betray her. She knows that Cassius is a manipulative fart face, and she knows that her friend was someone she could share her deepest secrets with. There had to be some trust there, and I was hoping that Teriana would think of that at least in this novel. I’m also surprised that the reveal that Marcus “killed” Lily wasn’t brought up in the novel either. I really don’t like that it’s coming at some point. It will eventually happen, and there will be all sorts of drama and miscommunication.

Teriana also believed in Titus a little too quickly. Maybe she just wanted to have a reason to hate Marcus again, but she should have been able to know that was what was going on there. But despite all of this, I feel like Titus might actually be kind of nice? He wants to save Terianna, and he was disgusted with the criminals who were eventually sentenced to hang. Perhaps there is something more to do with him?

I do wish that the romance burned a little longer and came to a full culmination to the next book. I feel like leaving the declarations to the very end just…I dunno. It just fell a little short. I could have used a bit more platonic bickering. Actually, I feel like these two (Teriana and Marcus) would have been better as a strong, platonic friendship. Like a power friendship.

I also enjoyed the parts in the book the best when they were on the ocean and when the gods and goddesses showed themselves. It felt like the battle of Troy with immortals toying with mortals as they saw fit.

Anywhoozle, I overall really, really enjoyed “Dark Shores.” I plan on listening to the next book when it comes back.

4 people found this helpful

I wanted more!

DARK SHORES was a good read (or listen), however the story seemed to end abruptly with much of the plot hanging in the air. Even the romantic plot is left on a cliffhanger. I loved the characters and the struggle, but felt like the story was unfinished for as many chapters as there were.

4 people found this helpful

Disappointed

Big disappointment from an author I like. Despite listening to the whole thing and really LOVING Bridge Kingdom, I just couldn’t get into this.

The world building was confusing not just because there was too much to keep track of, but mostly because it wasn’t explained well, especially at the beginning. Later on, so many new ideas are introduced it just feels both rushed and distracting from whatever the main plot is. Too many loose ends that got lost along the way.

Teriana’s personality is very juvenile, annoying, and whiney, and I just couldn’t relate to her. I find constant complaining hard to tolerate. Marcus was much more compelling. His backstory, motivations, and goals are well developed. Overall, he’s a great character. However, I couldn’t feel any chemistry between them and struggled to connect to their supposed “slow burn.” Could partially be the boundaries of YA approved content.

Overall this book, though creative, is very slow at times and rushed at others. The pacing felt wrong. Struggled to finish. Won’t continue this series.

Great narration.

1 person found this helpful

omg ...

So this book pulled me in and had the ups and downs. Marcus what a man. marcus is working bith ends trying to make sure people stay alive and also trying to make sure he keeps his men alive because one wrong move could kill either. but teriana and him are great. she hated his guts at first so would i. but she found to love him now i cant wait to figure out whats going to happen next. hurry up book 2

3 people found this helpful

Slow at first, then fell in love!

It was slow at first, but then I grew to love it! I wasn't sure how it would end... Now I NEED to get the next book!

Good story...

I have read all of the other Danielle Jenson book series before this one. For me this was very hard to get into. Once I got like 7 or so chapters in it started to pick up. You have to follow all of the names and titles. Nothing about the prequel has anything to do with this book so that is confusing too. However...once all of that of figured out it gets better!

Loved It

"It's enough."

Politics...Family Loyalty...Protection...Desire...Redemption...Gods...Goddesses...

East vs West

Family isn't always by blood. Things aren't always what they seem. A good man has been pushed into the role of a villain.

Good Writing, okay plot

Although I liked the writing, it was just missing a little energy for me in the plot. I loved Jensen's other series The Bridge Kingdom, but this one fell a bit short for me. I wouldn't be opposed to finishing the series, but I it is not on my current list.

The narrations were good.

Slower Start than Bridge Kingdom But Captivating

Love this author, so I had high expectations for this series. Did not disappoint and can't wait to dive into the second one.

narrators make or break my enjoyment of audio book

loved the narrators that read Jenson's books. i may like the story but if i dont like the narrators style i will not listen..ill wait until i can read it and listen to the narrator in my own head