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.

This book was not what I was expecting. I thought it would continue where the first book left off, but instead it resets to the beginning and goes from Lydia and Killian's perspectives. I was confused for a minute but I liked seeing the other side of the story since all we know is Lydia supposedly betrayed Teriana. Lydia is pretty smart and resourceful and I enjoyed her as a main character. Killian is my favorite though. He's funny and kind and tries to do the right thing. I definitely prefer him to Marcus.

The story was slow for the first third, but when it picked up, everything seemed to be happening at once. I loved seeing the Marked and their abilities, as well as the evil deimos. The romance was slow building, but I thought it was sweet. Beware of a cliffhanger ending! I can't wait for the next installment!

This is hard for me since I loved the first book Dark Shores. I also was excited to learn more about Lydia. However I wish some of this POV was woven into Dark Shores as the first part of the book felt repetitive.

This is a war between kingdoms and the gods but I really feel like we need a backstory or more of a purpose to the war.

Overall I am giving this one 3 stars and hoping we will get more in the next two books. I do however, think the next books need to have all four POVs to keep the pacing faster.

devoured book one of this series Dark Shores, It had action, political strife, and a really good romance with some magic gods thrown in. So enter book two amazing cover lets dive in. Now i should of been expecting this but book two follows a different set of people. Book two focuses on Lydia and Killian. Now i wanted to know more about Lydia she adopted so to discover the info we do in book two is interesting. The let down is at least for me i don’t have the same excitement in it that i just had no connection to what was happening. I wanted to know about Lydia but i felt it was just so drawn out.

I don’t want you think this series is bad i think the series is going to amazing but i kind of hoping that the next two books really bring the story lines together. As of now i feel a huge disconnect between what happened in book one and what happened in book two. I felt mostly that what happened in book two could of been told in less pages their like 4 major things that happened and it felt it was presented as filler. Excited to see how things continue for these characters

I binged read Dark Shores and Dark Skies together and can definitely say that the story and the characters become more developed and fleshed out. While Dark Skies follows a different set of characters and takes place in a more fantastical setting, it was so much fun and easy to get immersed in the world. The characters as well undergo a lot of transformation through the journey and it becomes so easy to root for their endeavors. I loved Lydia and Killian's relationship and I hope that they get to continue to develop in the future books.

For a sequel, this book did not disappoint! The world-building reinforces the amazing world-building in the first book. Full of intrigue, betrayal, action, and magic. Overall, this is already one of my new favorites and I hope you pick this book up and Dark Shores as well. Don't miss out on this amazing, epic fantasy filled with war, politics, the danger around every corner, complex characters and subtle romance.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Skies, wow - just wow. At first, I was hesitant because it was a little slow to start off with. Then I got a little confused because I was re-reading something that happened in the previous book. Yet, it started to make sense. We were going back because we had to see everything from Lydia's POV. Which, if I'm being honest.. was pretty boring throughout the book. Eventually she got better but I really enjoyed Killian's POV a lot more.

Oh, did I forget to mention that you meet Lydia and Killian in this one? Oops! Well, you do and they were interesting. Of course, I couldn't help shipping them myself but I wont spoil anything about them (I swear!).

Honestly, a lot of betrayal goes on this one which didn't really surprise me. Then there's this mysterious aspect because people are turning into the corrupted and some weird ass black sludge going around. Plus the hint of war - sounds like an average Tuesday.

Long story short, I definitely need the next book ASAP. I can't accept that kind of ending people! I have so many questions that need answers and I need to see certain people again.

I'm exhausted in the best way. Like holy moly I can't handle the amazingness of this book! I loved the first book and this one was even better. I will say first you probably could read this book without having read the first book, Dark Shores, but I think you will love it even more and understand the world a little bit better as well if you have read the first book. Dark Skies is not exactly a sequel to Dark Shores. It basically takes you on a new journey to new and dangerous lands.

The beginning of the book we see similar events as the beginning of Dark Shores but told from Lydia's perspective. I'm so glad to find out what happened to her. I won't go into too many details because I don't want to spoil anything but we see her in these changing times in Celendrial. I loved Lydia from the first book but there is so much depth to her character. She is the Senator's daughter but really doesn't want to be involved in the politics. She is a scholar at heart but has a kind heart and is a total survivor. She keeps getting back up even when all hope is lost. I really admired her for her spirit and strength. She is not necessarily a fighter or soldier but this girl is determined.

Then there is Killian who is a commander. He suffers a lost and ends up being the bodyguard to the Princess Malahi. It is a change for him to be commander of a great army one day then try to figure out the working politics of court life. I felt so bad for him. There is so much unrealistic pressure on him to win and I'm like umm, sorry but I didn't see any of you at the front. He suffers from guilt and lost and 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. He reminds me a bit of Marcus, one the main leads in Dark Shores. Both commanders who have to make a lot of mistakes and cost men, women and children their lives but the pressure is real and I think they do what they can.

I love me some political intrigue and along with some epic battle scenes; the intrigue is so complex and I was like ok, but what is really going on here. Politics are messy. There are so many lives at stake but then there are also greedy individuals who really want to be on top and will take the power at the cost of anything and anyone. There are no "good guys". Nothing is black and white and I freaking love that. 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, oh boy, the intensity is crazy. I need a nap after this one but it is so engaging and mentally and emotionally draining but like in a good way.

The world-building is so good. I can't wait to see the map that should be in the final copies of this book. Seeing more of the Marked ones who are individuals Marked by the one of the six (seven for the Corrupted) gods who each have their own abilities and talents but in Mudaire, where most of the story takes place, all of the Marked ones have to turn themselves into the King. They are used until their dying breath literally. Just like the second sons of those in Celendrial who are conscripted to the army. Basically, I would never want to live in this book. It is brutal, dark and disturbing, dangerous and deadly. Like it is great to read about but I'm good.

Overall, this is already one of my new favorites and I hope you pick this book up and Dark Shores as well. Don't miss out on this amazing, epic fantasy filled with war, politics, danger around every corner, complex characters and subtle romance. This one is exactly the kind of fantasy I want to read more and more of.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this so much. Dark Shores was an underrated book that didn't get near enough attention. Dark Skies was perfect for the second installment. This kept me on the edge of my seat. I did yell at the characters quite often, up to the last page. The suspense! Rufina remains one of the characters I am most curious about. It was great to read about two other favourites of mine! Can't wait for this adventure to continue!

Wow. This book blew me away. I've been following Jensen since she published her first book, and this is, in my opinion, the best book she has written. The political intrigue, balance of war, the exploration of different characters in the same world; everything about this story was brilliant.

Lydia and Killian were a joy to read. I love their determination to do their duty and what is right for their people and the world. Their struggles, weakness, and strengths drew me to them as characters and had me fall in love with them fairly quickly and kept me going until I finished the book.

What really made this book Jensen's best was her character Malahi. Without spoiling anything, Malahi was the greatest character. Not because of the character itself, but because how Jensen wrote her. I went through so many emotions when it came to Malahi; they were all over the spectrum. But the best part was when you wanted to feel one way about her, only to have the characters tell you to feel another, so you try to feel the way that you are being told to feel, only to find out something completely different. I have never been tossed around so much because of one character. Absolutely brilliant and amazing when writing Malahi. If we had more characters like her in the world of books, I believe more people would read.

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Definitely 5 stars. I can not wait for the next book to come out and hope Jensen continues the high that she is on with this one.

I can not get over how much I have fallen in love with this series! Dark Skies you get to follow another story line that is just as riveting and gives you more insight into this wonderful world that Danielle Jensen has created! I can't wait for more books!

Huge thank you to Macmillan & Netgalley for this ARC copy of Dark Skies. I am in love! To start off the book I really enjoyed meeting Lydia and Killian in two separate places. It is an intriguing way to catch my attention and equally like each POV. I began shipping them even before they met, so bravo. This book definitely has all the feels of Sarah J. Maas, but it also reminded me of Game of Thrones. I thoroughly enjoyed the different Gods, their marks and the threat to country. On several occasions I stopped to underline a favorite line or highlight a section of wording I simply adored. Seriously good writing and well put together story. Fantastic read that I couldn't put down and will recommendover and over. Gonna need the hardcopy to photographfor sure.

This book comes out May 5th 2020

Dark Shores set me up to believe this book would follow one set path and aim for one set goal, but Danielle Jensen messed with my heart, destroyed my beliefs, and made me fall in love with a brand new set of characters. I read Dark Shores right before Dark Skies and fell so deeply in love with its Roman history meets Pirates of the Caribbean story, all entwined with magic and mystery. It ended in a way that left my heart whole, but anxious for what would happen in this book.

BEHOLD Dark Skies. It introduces a new character and a past one, one that has a story to tell correctly. As a reader, you know that all of the characters, both past and present, will one day meet; but, in order to do that, their stories must align. Dark Skies drew me in with its detailed and glorious explanations of the magic system unique to this book. The reader is left knowing everything essential about the gods and the Six, as well as those they Mark. We're introduced to something altogether worse than the fear of the Cel taking over the West: the corrupted, led by Rufia and dedicated wholly to the Seventh. The god the rest of the West has refused to continue to worship due to his dark ways.

When Lydia and Killian's paths both connect, we're hit with a massive slow burn of a romance that still is dragging me under and threatening to burn me alive. I'm still reeling after the ending of this book (which I won't spoil), but gods be damned, it continues to mess with my heart and make me curse this book. Dark Skies has a plot filled with intrigue and mystery and, as stated before, the reader is left anxiously awaiting answers from Dark Shores and how the two books will one day connect. With the set-up Danielle Jensen has done, it cannot be denied the rest of the series will enthrall us just as much until we get to the tumultuous and swoon-worthy ending I know it will bring. This is a series I hadn't known about before being given the ARC of the second, but I am forever invested in these characters and the absolutely AH-mazing world building Jensen has done.

I would absolutely recommend Dark Skies and all Danielle Jensen novels. She creates characters that I really connect with and the new characters in Dark Skies do not disappoint. Killian & Lydia both have their strengths and I appreciate their independence from one another while also fueling a slow burn. Their willingness to take chances and continue on in the face of adversity provide encouragement for me in my daily life. It was refreshing to see characters make choices they typically don't make in other books. I cannot wait to see the character collision between Dark Skies & Dark Shores in the third book in this series. The complexity of the two worlds Danielle has created and the intricate magic system leave me craving more! Jensen's writing sticks with me long after I've finished. I care about her characters and hate leaving them behind. Thank you NetGalley and Tor Teen for this eARC.

Jensen is a master of world building - the battles in particular being so vivid you feel like you're there! However, I found Lydia's side of the story to be painfully slow at the beginning, and it took a great deal of build up to for the book to get more interesting.

The relationships between the two main characters felt a bit forced, but I loved the familial relationships that were presented throughout. I haven't read Dark Shores, but I don't think that really had an impact on my enjoyment of Dark Skies. And I'll certainly be picking up the rest of the series!

This review has been posted to Goodreads and will be submitted to Amazon after release.

Dark Skies is the next book in the Dark Shores series and to be honest I thought it was only a duology so when it started off with Killian and Lydia’s POV’s I was very confused. So, off I went to do some research and I find that this novel is a companion novel to the first, Dark Skies is a book that is taking place the same time as the first book in the series but in a different part of the world. The world building is still great but I found Lydia’s character a bit annoying at times. Somehow these two books are going to line up in the third book but there was nothing at the end of the story that gives any indication on how that will be happening so we will all be waiting to find out how Jensen pulls it all together. Overall, I’m not sure how I feel about this story, I liked it but I think I liked Dark Shores better.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.