Charmfall (Dark Elite #3 ) by Chloe Neil
YA Paranormal
January 3, 2012
NAL
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “I’m not going to apologize for actually thinking about what’s happening here, instead of just accepting what you and Daniel say. “
Lily Parker has learned to adapt well to being in a new school and learning about the strange and wonderful new world she has become part of since receiving her gift of Firespell. After completing a daring and dangerous mission to rescue her kidnapped BFF, Scout, Lily decides some down time is needed and volunteers to help work on the school’s annual dance, The Sneak. When she encounters a reaper siphoning a fellow student on school grounds, Lily knows that something is wrong . The reaper is too young and they aren’t usually this obvious about it. When Lily attempts to save the student, her powers are suddenly gone. She and Scout contact the other adepts and learn that everyone’s magic is gone. No one knows who or what is responsible, but Lily wants her magic back now. Even if it means consorting with the enemy.
Charmfall is the third installment in Chloe Neill’s teenage urban fantasy series-The Dark Elite. A character driven novel that follows Lily Parker and her best friend Scout around as they try to balance school work and boyfriends with fighting the darkness that threatens Chicago at night. Just as with her adult series, Chicagoland Vampires, this series is set up around close knit friends with plenty of snarky humor and sweet romantic interludes. Action, suspense, and personable characters makes this for an enjoyable comfortable read. The teen angst level is low and regulated to a minor status in here.
Being new to this sub world, Lily reveals a rather adult outlook towards the reapers and magic in general. She isn’t automatically prejudiced towards the reapers as the other adepts are; especially in light of what happened in Hexbound. Lily acknowledges the gray area in this war and handles a multitude of problems and prejudices with aplomb. Her independence, loyalty, and ability to think for herself are wonderful qualities and I look forward to watching her continue to grow. I admit to not liking how she and Jason ended things. She make a valid point to him and his answer was unsatisfactory considering his own issues. Her relationship with Scout is fab and I enjoy their snarky commentary though at times the teenage slang became tiresome.
The world building continues as Neill layers fantasy over reality in Lily’s Chicago home away from home. The story picks up almost right where the last book leaves off. Light and low key, there aren’t many edge of your seat moments but some mystery, action and mild arc advancement keeps your attention. I did feel that this installment didn’t have the same tension or suspense that was present in Hexbound and Firespell. It’s rather matter of fact in its telling.
The romance(s) are sweet though and some developments arise that promises Lily and her friends are in for some interesting times.
Overall Rating: C+
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okay I guess will catch up with this series.
Thinking some other things but wont rant away about author and subpar books this past year :(
LOL This series is comfortable.
Yeah, teenage slang, I get that. I honesty do not speak differently now than I did when I was a teen…so either I was an adult then or still a teen now
I speak slang myself-know I know how irritating I may sound at times. :P
I still need to read bk 2 in this series….
yes you do. :)
Lovely review Tori and I love that quote!
Thank you :)
Great review, I have not read this series or anything else by this author, but it sounds promising.
It’s a nice YA series. I enjoy.
Have to admit that I think this series has quickly become one of my favorites. I love the interplay between Lily and the rest of the characters. Being a guy, I did not get to see a high school girl’s world, I find the interplay between characters thoughtful and often amusing.
I also like the fact that it hasn’t gone epic, Lily is learning, doing her part and making her own way/part in the world. I would actually be alright if another book in the series was never written.
Great review! I am hooked on Chloe Neill. Love her books this is just another of her books I have read. As of now I own the complete trilogy and I gotta say, This was the best, I really hope Chloe makes more of these novellas. I will keep reading her books as long as she still writes!
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Perfect review! I am praising on Chloe Neill. I very like her books this is all of her books I have finished read. I gotta say, This is the best, I am thinking that Chloe makes more of these novellas publish and I will reading her books as long as she writes!