Author: Elizabeth Richards
Series:
Black City #1
Published:
November 13, 2012
Publisher:
Penguin Group (USA)
384
pages (Ebook)
Summary:
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic
love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war
In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.
When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.
In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.
When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.
Review:
Now
that I think about it, why the hell did I only read this book now? I mean, it
was released last year and there’s quite a buzz during the release day. But I
am so glad that I finally picked it up.
Black
City is a mind blowing, heart-stopping and rolling-in-the-bed-while-squealing
kind of book! I like the fact that this book was told into two POVs of Ash and
Natalie, the main characters in the book. I have something to admit, I actually
thought at first that Ash is a girl. Yep, you read that right. I really
believed that he’s a she. *facepalm* But then I realized that Ash is actually a
guy. Hahaha. :D
The
world building on this book was actually incredible. Elizabeth managed to
create a world full of conspiracy, secrets, lies and betrayal. It kinda reminded
me of The Hunger Games. Despite having a lot of negative stuff that surrounds
the Black City, it was still beautifully created. Elizabeth perfectly describe
it that I can easily picture out what Black City looks like. In fact, I
actually want to see in my own eyes the Black City. Though it was describe as a
gloomy and grayish looking city, I’m still intrigued by it. And the walls .. I
was wondering the whole time I was reading this, how high the walls are. I know
that it’s kind of stupid thought but I’m very curious in nature. Haha. I also
like the idea of the Darklings being separated by the walls from the humans. It
was cool!
The
love story was cliché. Yet I found myself liking it! Ash and Natalie puts Romeo
and Juliet into shame. They were able to turn down the barrier and go against
the norms. Despite their difference—Ash being half-Darkling and Natalie being
human—they still decided to be together and to heck with what people around
them will think about.
The
only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is the cheating act
Ash did to Natalie. I hate guys who cheat to their girlfriends. Seriously. I
was downright furious to him the moment he think some stupid thoughts about
Evangeline. And when he kissed Evangeline, I just wanna punch both their faces.
I seriously pitied Natalie and my heart breaks a little because of what Ash
did.
Elizabeth
managed to trick me into thinking … Okay, I won’t finish that sentence because
that will spoil the last part so I’m just gonna shut my mouth and gave you guys
a knowing smile. I like how the book ended and I can’t wait to get my hands on
Phoenix. I will finish this review by leaving you my favorite quote from the
book.
“So
begins my heart, so begins our life, everlasting.”
