Ensuing Darkness (The Dark Chronicles Book: 1)

By Sabrina Giles

Kota’s hometown is harboring more secrets than she ever imagined.
Hunting, partying, and hanging with the guys has made up the most of her frustratingly simple life, and she’s looking hard for something else. Something new. Unfortunately for her, she gets her wish senior year when a family of dancers comes Waltzing into her life.
Unbeknownst to Kota however, the Peters are hiding dark secrets and a dark past that’s still chasing them. Their dangerous mission needs to go perfectly, but when the twins get mixed up in a taboo romance with Kota and her best friend Sue, things get nasty for everyone.
Driven by her inexhaustible curiosity and the disturbing effect the Peters have on her, Kota starts pushing her way towards the truth without hesitation. All at once, she’s surrounded by everything she never knew existed, and now more than just her life is in danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sabrina Giles
• Release date: Jan 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301491674

Sabrina Giles

Sabrina Giles was born in a storm, in a room with no windows and no electricity. She used to hate reading fiction so much her mother made it a punishment, but then one day something clicked. Now she can't stop writing it.Ensuing Darkness is the first installment in her series The Dark Chronicles, and she is persistently working on its sequel, as well as a few other projects you might see popping up soon. When she's not writing, she can be found spending time with her wonderful fiancé, indulging her artsy side, or making tasty messes in the kitchen.

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Ensuing Darkness

The Dark Chronicles: Book One

Written by:

Sabrina Giles

~*~

Ensuing Darkness

Copyright © 2014 by Sabrina Giles

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

To my family, and their never-ending faith in me.

~*~

Also, to my fiancé, for all his ideas and all his help in re-shaping this book into what it is today.

I love you all.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Strangers

Sixth Sense

Tingles

Unsettling

Truce

Dinner & Dancing

Questionable Characters

The 1st Test

Strange Happenings

After Effects

Shadows

Sunshine State

Kota Cottontail

Stowaway

Paying Tribute

Cat & Mouse

Thunderhead

Promises

Prologue

It was near midnight when the Peters family descended on Maxville. The treetops bent slightly in the wind, carrying snow with it to cover the already icy road. This far out of town the roads were less managed, but they didn’t mind.

How much longer? Connelly asked, a German accent permeating his voice. His cell was against his ear, his father on the other end.

Four miles, then take a right, Mathias replied, sounding as worn out as Connelly felt.

Connelly sighed and hung up. We’re almost there, he told his twin brother, Ivan.

Ivan just nodded and looked into the truck’s backseat, where their sister was still fast asleep. Her arm was wrapped in gauze stuffed with a poultice to speed up the healing process, but she still looked in pain even while passed-out. She would’ve healed almost instantly had it have been a normal attack, but this wound was tainted with magic.

Between the devastating losses they suffered today and the dangerous deal with a centuries old creature, at least they had made a small step in the direction of success. But try as he might to look at the positive side of things, he knew they weren’t out of the woods yet. It only got more perilous from there, and he was afraid for his family.

There, Ivan pointed to a mailbox in the far distance and Connelly urged the truck faster until he turned onto the long tree-lined driveway, his father’s SUV right behind him. A few minutes later, the trees gave way to a small clearing, and sitting in the center was their new home.

Both vehicles eased to a stop and everyone stepped out. Aubrey, Connelly took her hand that was hanging off the seat. Aubrey, we’re here. She stirred, and he helped her exit the truck. She was barely awake, leaning on the truck while continuing to hold her bandaged arm.

Um, weren’t we supposed to find something a little more… Ivan trailed off, looking doubtful.

Livable? Connelly added as the last of the family, Mira and an injured Alister walked from the SUV to get a better look at the new place.

It was a good question, as the house before them had obviously been in disrepair for a long time. It was a two-story number with a wrap-around porch, looking more like the local haunted house than their next hide-out. Connelly, Ivan, and Mathias walked around the building, noting that almost all the windows were busted, the porch sagged miserably in several areas, and the side-paneling as well as the concave roof were missing in some places.

Well? Mira asked when they returned to the front yard.

They all looked to the black SUV for an answer where Amelia was the last to emerge from the vehicle. The moon above shone on her face, wretched and streaked with the remnants of mascara she’d missed wiping away. Connelly’s heart broke all over again seeing their mother’s pain as she sniffed and tried to pull on a mask of normalcy. Well, her voice cracked slightly and she cleared her throat, It needs some work, but I think it will be nice. It was the only one big enough for everyone…

She trailed off and Mathias spoke quickly to keep her mind focused on the present. Let’s get this going. You all have school tomorrow.

Don’t you think, because of all that’s happened, that we should at least get a day off? asked Alister, his voice agitated. None of the others said anything and looked to Mathias.

I wish I could, but you have an appointment up there you can’t miss.

"Who gives a shit about appointments! Alister exploded. That bastard just took Vincent! How are we supposed to just go on like nothing happened?"Audible gasps echoed around the group, and shocked eyes skipped from him to Mathias.

You are so stupid, Connelly thought. Alister had never gone this far, and hoped he would stop there.

Yes he did, to save your lives! Mathias bellowed, his deep voice echoing across the clearing. He took a step toward Alister and pointed a finger, Don’t you dare imply I don’t care, but in case you’ve forgotten in the last few hours, we’re in a war!

Amelia was suddenly at his side with her hand on his arm. They shared a look, but slowly he lowered his arm and looked back at Alister, whose shocked face had reverted back to a glare. Take your sister inside. Mira, you and Ivan put up the perimeter and Connelly, you’re helping me with the house.

Amelia patted his arm before helping the still drowsy Aubrey up the steps with Alister dragging his feet behind them. Mathias sighed in frustration, and then turned to Connelly, tossing him a small jar of purple liquid.

Without a word, they started in the middle of the front porch and worked their way around, drawing sigils for protection, concealment, secrecy, healing, and blessings, among many others. Connelly’s brow furrowed in concentration, watching the liquid sigils disappear when they were completed.

Over an hour later they were all finally walking into the house, finding Amelia tending to Alister’s wounded side while he and Aubrey rested on an old moldy sofa. They nearly killed them, Amelia said, not looking up from her work and murmuring healing spells under her breath. The wounds looked better than they had earlier that day, so at least their healing speed was returning to normal.

How are you holding up? Mathias asked, looking down at Alister gravely.

Well, I would’ve been better –, Alister had a sharp intake of breath at Amelia’s touch, then continued, if we would’ve been allowed to practice any magic at all before this crap.

Alister, Mathias began, I’ve already told you why we can’t do that.

"Yeah, yeah, because our magic is more powerful and they would be able to track it. Well, if we don’t die by them finding us, then we’ll definitely die by not being able to defend ourselves when we attack them!"

Mathias looked about to yell again, but Aubrey piped up, I agree.

It’s a catch-22, Ivan offered.

Whatever it is, it’s stupid on our part for letting them make it to where we can’t prepare ourselves, Mira added.

I know, I know, Mathias said, sounding almost annoyed but they knew he agreed. We’ve never stayed anywhere long enough to set up the right area…. But we are farther out then we’ve ever been before…. so I’ll see what I can do.

Okay now, everyone happy? Amelia asked, but didn’t wait for answers. Mira and I set up two bedrooms upstairs for tonight so everyone go get settled. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.

Connelly, Ivan, and Mathias went back out to the cars to gather the rest of their belongings. Hey Dad?Connelly asked and Mathias raised his brows, signaling he was listening. What about food tonight? Too risky?

I think it’s a little too dangerous to do it our first night here, Mathias answered after a second, but first thing tomorrow we’ll find something. I think we’ll be fine until then.

What about – him? Ivan prodded.

I don’t know, Mathias was shaking his head, but it was obvious he was thinking about it. No. We just met him tonight. I don’t –

Heavy wings beat air down on them from above as an enormous animal landed nearby, holding something equally large in its jaws. Having trust issues already, Mathias? The voice of the dealmaker was gravelly and deep, befitting the monstrous beast walking towards them. He was three times the size of the largest wolf, black as night, but with bright yellow eyes that were trained on Mathias.

No, Mathias said, trying to remain calm, I was going to say that we don’t know you well enough to ask for a favor like that. We’ve only had an alliance for a few hours, and this seems…

An alliance is an alliance. As long as you keep up your end and let me keep the Chronicle tonight.

I have it right here. Mathias gestured towards his coat pocket.

Tonight? Connelly echoed. The twins’ eyes widened and Connelly’s throat clenched in an attempt not to say anything. How did they know he wasn’t just going to run off somewhere else no one would ever find him, and after they had just sacrificed almost everyone they had? He looked to his father, who was looking at the dealmaker’s hardened stare.

The Dealmaker glanced at Connelly, and then back to Mathias. Having trust issues already, Mathias? His lip started making the smallest of twitches.

No, they’re just not used to this sort of thing. Mathias reached into his coat and produced The Dark Chronicle, a dagger resembling a wing.

Well, you better get used to it, because the other Protectors may not be as easy to persuade as I.

How many more are there? Connelly asked, but once The Dealmaker had his prize he disappeared into the night with it and his kill.

Dad, are you sure? Ivan asked once the dealmaker was really gone.

Mathias shushed him instantly. Yes and he’s right. An alliance is an alliance, and I don’t think he will go against us. If he didn’t believe in our cause he wouldn’t have agreed to help in the first place. Now, go tell the others dinner will be arriving shortly.

Connelly bit back the argument on his tongue and obeyed. They consumed their dinner in silence and then it was time for bed. Aubrey and Alister were sleeping next door with their parents while the twins were stuck with Mira, who was once again whining about always being on the run, never having any nice things except for what they needed for their cover, blah, blah, blah.

It took almost no effort to tune her out as Connelly unrolled his sleeping bag and pillow. He knew her complaining was in part to cope with her fears about their dangerous plans and the horrible things that continued to plague them. He couldn’t deny that it seemed impossible at times to see them succeeding instead of running to their deaths, but there had to be hope somewhere.

Without a word to the others, he slid into his sleeping bag and got comfortable, ready for the nightmares he knew were coming. They were going to torture him with his deepest fear of losing everything he loved. The pressure on them to succeed was almost unbearable, but the outcome of the world should they fail was inconceivable. If they were going to win this for sure, he knew they couldn’t do it alone, and there was no room for error.

Strangers

The sun kissed the sky good morning, making the sky blush with purples, pinks, and oranges. It was my favorite time of day, and I watched as night transcended into morning, giving me more light to see my prey by.

Hunting was one of my favorite things in the world to do. There was just something about being in the forest, so far from civilization, that changed me. I felt freer, I connected with the wilderness and allowed myself to rely more on my natural instincts.

Me, Dale and Sue had already been out here for about two hours or so, finding a good spot to settle down and wait for our furry little friends to arrive. We were all spread out along the tree line, but when they continued not to show, I decided to take a chance and made my way into the fields toward the hill before us.

Kota! Dale whispered urgently, but gave up when I dropped to all fours and crawled the rest of the way to the hill’s edge.

There they were, a herd of pronghorn grazing lazily in the pinkish light of the rising sun. Turning back to the trees, I waved Dale and Sue over. That was risky, Kota, Sue commented as she laid down beside me with her compound bow on her right.

Well it paid off, Dale countered, taking in the sight. Okay, let’s do this. I’m starving.

We all smiled and returned to scanning the herd, picking out the buck of our choice. Our bows at the ready, we all fired at the same time, my arrow aimed at one nearest to us. For the few seconds the arrows soared toward their marks I crossed my fingers and hoped with all my might mine would stick. Getting a good kill right before school started was a good omen, or at least it was to me.

Suddenly the herd bolted, taking off away from the hill, but thankfully I saw two still bodies out there, and one of them was mine! Well, mine and Sue’s, since there were two arrows sticking out of it, my orange-tip sticking out of the side of its chest and her pink-tip sticking out of its stomach.

Whoo! I exclaimed as I jumped to my feet. Dale and I high-fived, but Sue looked disappointed. Sue, so we shot the same buck, not big deal. We’ll just half it.

I know I just, I thought I was getting better with this thing, she looked sternly at her bow.

I smiled, saying, Sue, you’ve only had it for a few months and you know you get nervous when you come out here.

Hey, at least you hit it this time, Dale added, and that made her crack up a bit.

Fine, fine, she said, but I hope this doesn’t ruin your omen thing, Kota. Does it?

No, I think it just means… well I don’t know, I chuckled, Maybe we’ll be involved in something together this year.

We’re always involved in something together, she said, smiling as we all made our way down to the prong bucks.

Sometimes I seriously think you make that stuff up, Dale commented, pulling the arrow from his kill.

She’s superstitious, Sue said in my defense, even though she sounded like she agreed with him. She held up his phone and took a picture of him holding up the deer’s head, then he took a picture of Sue and I kneeling next to our deer.

You’re right I’m sorry, he said, grabbing his buck around the middle with both arms. That’s only a little less than being crazy.

Hey!

He let out a laugh and hoisted the carcass onto his shoulder, making his way back up the hill and taking a picture of himself while doing it. It was amazing how he could lift something 120 lbs or more, but of course he could the way he was built all tall and brawny. He almost made it look easy. Okay, I’ll be right back with the ATV.

Oh okay, well thanks for bringing our buck up there too! I called up to him.

You kill it, you drag it, you gut it! he called back before smiling and walking away.

You seriously thought he was gonna bring ours up there? Sue asked, raising one eyebrow.

No, but it never hurts to try. We smiled and then proceeded to drag the buck up the hill, which took almost as long as it did for Dale to get back. At least he was nice enough to help us get our buck in the hitched wagon with his, but only after having a good laugh at our miserable efforts to lift the darn thing and dropping it twice.

On the ride back to Dale’s pickup I savored the morning. I took off my camo cap and wiped the slight perspiration from my forehead. It was full-on morning now, about six or seven if I had to guess. I tried to take in everything around me, the sunlight fighting its way through the treetops to illuminate the greenery below, the smell of cedar and pine, of nature. It would be a while before I was out here again.

We finally arrived back at the truck, where Sue and I jumped off and watched Dale load everything back up. I really think this year is going to be different guys, I said, opening the truck’s passenger door and throwing my hat in.

Of course it’s gonna be different, Dale said, It’s our last year of high school. Then after a completely wild and guilt free summer, it’s off to college. Sue and I laughed at his wild happy look before all jumping in the truck and heading home.

I opened my mouth to say I was serious, but decided against it. I knew this year held some big things for me with being a senior, still not knowing what college I was going to, or if I was going to one at all and what that meant for me if I wasn’t. There was that, but there was something else too, an odd feeling I couldn’t shake that I was supposed to be expecting something big, something unexpected.

It made me feel like I needed to be on guard for it, and I wondered if that meant it wasn’t going to be good. Dale and Sue would’ve just shrugged it off as being nerves or something, but I learned years ago that feelings like these had merit.

Mom will be waking up soon, I thought, and smiled even though I knew I was headed for trouble. On the way home, I made Dale stop by a little bookstore-slash-coffee shop called Pages & Pie so I could pick up some specialty coffee and muffins as a peace offering. Plus, I knew Dale wouldn’t mind ‘cause he’d get to see his all-time crush, Johanna Colt. She was almost his height, with a sexy curvy figure, long dark brown hair and matching eyes that he stared at whenever she wasn’t looking.

Hey guys, how’d it go? Johanna greeted us when we got to the counter. What would you like this morning? Sue and I made our orders while Dale leaned on the counter feigning interest in a cinnamon roll the size of his fist.

I did pretty good, Dale said, acting like he was trying not to brag. I got a big one, right in the heart. He’s got a pretty nice head on him too. You wanna see?

Yeah, and we did pretty good too, I said and we all smiled.

She laughed and nodded to Dale, who whipped out his phone. Well I wish I could’ve gone, but Mom needed help this morning so… He looks good Dale, and are you carrying him on your shoulder?

Yeah, he grinned and I knew he was fighting off a blush.

That sucks, but hey it’s gotta be great working here, right? Sue said.

Yeah, but it’s hard not getting fat with all these sweets around me, she gestured to the display counter full of mouth-watering treats.

You are not fat, Dale said almost instantly, sounding like he was forcefully stating a fact. We all looked at him and he blinked, realizing how he sounded. Um, I just meant – I’m gonna go check on the deer.

Okay, I guess we’ll see you later, I said, Sue and I grabbing our orders, We better go before he drives off without us. She just laughed and waved.

When we got in the truck, before I could say anything Dale held up his hand and said, Not a word. Sue and I just smiled and drank our coffee.

When we got to mine and Sue’s houses, which were next door to each other, I let Dale into my back yard to drop the buck and then went inside to confront my mother. "Where have you been?" Mom asked as soon as she heard the door close.

Good morning to you too, I replied, continuing into the kitchen where she and Dad were sitting at the dining room table in the corner. I brought you some coffee and muffins for breakfast!

Are you going to answer me?

Sweetie, she already told us last night she was going hunting in the morning, Dad glanced at Mom and then grabbed two blueberry muffins from the bag. Thank you, sweetie.

I smiled at him. You’re welcome.

Then why didn’t you wake me up before you left, like you’re supposed to?

I told you what time I was leaving last night, why didn’t you set an alarm if you wanted to be up when I left? Why can’t you just enjoy breakfast and thank me for getting us some more deer meat? I said, walking passed her to the sliding glass door and rolling my eyes.

Don’t you cop an attitude with me Dakota Riley, she said, a warning in her tone.

Mom, I’m turning nineteen this year. Why do I still have to tell you every time I make a move?

Because if something happens to you, I want to know where to look, that’s why. And because I’m your mother and as long as you’re living in our house you’ll do what we say.

Dad’s not saying anything! I snapped, which I knew I shouldn’t have done, but I was so tired of this. He’s fine! He’s not overreacting because I told ya’ll everything you wanted to know! I was good!

Enough! Dad interrupted Mom as she was about to yell back at me. He stood up and looked between us. Kota, you are not allowed to yell at your mom, it’s disrespectful.

I sighed deeply and looked at the floor. I’m sorry, I said, because I had no choice.

You can go now, he said, I’ll handle the deer.

I grabbed two muffins from the bag and turned on my heel, heading up to my room where I ranted to Sue while stuffing my face. You think you’ll still be able to go to the party tonight? she asked.

Probably not, I groaned. I’m an idiot. I should’ve just said I forgot to wake her up or something, but no, I had to start a freakin’ fight.

Well, she’s always been a little overbearing, but I still agree with you. She’s got to give you more freedom now that you’re older.

I know! I feel like I’m suffocating. I might just go to college to get away from her, pick one that’s across the country or something. I smiled at the thought of being away from Mom’s authority, her parental hold on me diminishing the more miles I put between us, and I felt better.

Well, you have to get accepted first, and before that you have to freakin’ apply.

I know, I know, I said, smiling and rolling my eyes. You’re getting as bad as my mom about the college thing. We laughed at that, and then we hung up because I had to take a shower.

As expected, I’d ruined my chance at going to the last party before school started. Everyone would be talking about it on Monday, and I was going to be the only one not there. Dale suggested sneaking out, but I declined because I did enjoy what little freedom I had and if I got caught it would be forever before I got it back.

Things were tense between Mom and I the rest of the day, mostly because I refused to talk to her. I knew I was right and she needed to relax, be more like Dad. I spent most of the day in my room being bored watching TV or playing video games, and after dinner I hit the hay early.

If there was anything I wanted from this year, it was freedom and a chance to see what I was really made of without Mom getting in the way.

~*~

Monday arrived sooner than I wanted it too, but as expected everyone was abuzz about Saturday’s party, returning me to my foul mood. After about the tenth time of me glaring at Dale for bringing up how he and Johanna actually danced together and how he knew she was into him, he stopped.

Hey, you did it to yourself. I didn’t do anything, he said, shrugging his shoulders. I sighed and tried not to say anything, mostly because he was right.

Later on that day, everyone rushed off to class and left me to walk the nearly empty hall alone towards gym. A girl who’d had it last period spread the word about the new ‘activity’ we were doing this year. Dance. It was no longer an elective apparently. I tried not to picture what a fool I was about to make of myself, jumping around and attempting to do flips I had no right or experience doing. After gathering my messenger bag from my blue locker, I continued my walk towards inevitable embarrassment.

Wind swept through the breezeway, my dirty blonde hair flying into my deep green eyes as a sigh escaped me. Maybe if I was late enough, all the positions would be filled, my mind suggested as I drug myself against my will toward the gym. The thought brought with it several excuses with which to convince the Coach. I had long since given up on wondering why this school had made it mandatory to have four years of gym.

The perfect lie settling on my lips, I was soon walking through steel double doors, only to find that class had apparently already started. Melodious music was coming from a handheld stereo on the opposite side of the room and beside it sat the Coach. His eyes flicked towards me briefly, before returning to the middle of the room where three couples were dancing in a circle around our mascot’s head, a ferocious Maxville white wolf.

Kota, Someone whispered. Glancing around, I spotted Sue waving me over, her light blonde hair put up into a French braid. I thought you weren’t going to show up.

I thought about it, I admitted, then added, "What is this? Don’t tell me we’re going to be learning this."

Ballroom, and yes I think so. We both winced. I sighed. "I know, but hey, maybe it won’t be so bad."

But why here? Yes Maxville was a city in Colorado, but a small one compared to our neighbor. Brookstock was nearly twice as large, and the thought of having dancers show up unannounced to teach their students just seemed more likely. We had lived here all our lives and never had I once heard of anything like this happening.

I don’t know, she admitted. Maybe… Brookstock said no? Or they couldn’t do it?

"If they couldn’t do it, then how can we?" I asked, and she shrugged.

I don’t know, I was just saying… She glanced back over to the dancers, and then it hit me.

Okay, where is he? I started scanning the faces of the dancers. That’s the only reason she would be okay with doing something like this.

She was just about to protest when we heard a hissing sound and looked over to where Coach Bailey sat. He pointed a finger at us and then put it over his lips, a warning in his eyes. We immediately looked back at the dancers.

All wearing tuxes and gowns, they danced with fluidity the likes of which I’d never seen before. The music seemed to own them; its sweet, slow notes seizing their bodies and bending them as it saw fit. They were all very well muscled and tanned, and upon closer inspection I saw they were also our age. We were all in rapture at their performance.

So? I whispered to her. She raised her eyebrows in question and I added, who is he?

I don’t know what– she stopped when she saw my look and finally conceded. He’s the one dancing with the girl in the green dress.

I immediately zeroed in on him and nodded approvingly. He had an angular face that at the same time seemed soft, with short dark brown hair and moss green eyes that were trained on his partner. He held her so gently and a smile played on his lips like he was genuinely enjoying himself. Glancing at Sue, I said, I like him. He’s cute.

I just hope he’s single. I mean, the way they’re looking at each other… she trailed off and watched his partner, who was smiling flirtatiously back at him. I knew what she was thinking and I understood. Almost. I mean, sure, all the girl dancers were tall and had more muscle definition than I’d ever seen, their skin was flawless and I could swear they were models, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have anything to compete with. We had muscles, we were both lean and even though we were short we had always had pretty good game when it came to the opposite sex.

I don’t think so, I said, and then nodded toward the girl. "See how her smile is bigger than his? She’s clearly more into him than he is her. I think

Reviews for Ensuing Darkness (The Dark Chronicles Book

[naturalbri-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ensuing The StoryLife is not always what it seems. Kota (short for Dakota) found this out the hard way, her Senior year of school. She started it with her normal routine – her and her mates out hunting, to pay tribute to the great white wolf, but little did she know that everything was about to change. On her first day, she was surprised with two things – a family of new kids, two of which were very attractive twins, and the announcement that their school was taking part in a dance competition. She wasn’t too keen, until she came to find out that the attractive guy she had her eye on, Connelly, was one of the professional dancers she could be paired with. Over time, Kota and her best mate Sue, got very close to the twins. Sue and Ivan, the other twin, instantly liked each other and began to spend more and more time together. Kota, who took things a little slower, was starting to build a great bond with Connelly.Then it started happening. Weird things, some unexplainable – Wolf attacks, the White wolf appearing, a shadowy flying creature and the new family’s on again/off again attitude towards her, but that wasn’t the worst of it. It was the shocks. The horrible, body wrenching shocks. What was going on here?Was there something wrong with Kota? Or was it the new family? Soon, when a terrible event thrusts one of the family members into action, Kota wakes in their house. Terrified and confused, she does what anyone would do- demands to know their secret. Will finding out cause more trouble than she expected?With approval meetings, offering hunts, blood messages, massacres and magic – Senior year soon turns out to be more than Kota bargained for, but does she regret any of it? What can she do to help? How does she get through it when she can’t even talk to Sue? Follow Kota and her friends ad they conquer Senior year, live, learn, love and make some life decisions – but will it be enough to save what they have?My Thoughts –I found this story to be a very different take on vampires, and on the connection between vampires. Yes, I know that we have Twilight and it has opened out eyes to seeing vampires as friendly, rather than horrific, blood sucking monsters. However, I still feel that, even though both stories start in high school/secondary school, this story has a very different take on things. Firstly, there are still surly characters, who have to be won over, but I like the fact that, unlike Edward, the news of their secret isn’t given up as easily. Connelly may make a decision to do something that means the family have to tell Kota their secret, but they also fight to keep secrets. I think that the pace of this story was great. We were given just enough detail, especially at the beginning, to keep us guessing. Then, when we did find out the groundbreaking detail, it wasn’t just handed to us in full. It trickled through, as Kota struggled to come to terms and as she questioned things around her. I also liked Kota questioning nature. She didn’t just wait around to see what happened. She actively searched out answers to the family’s life, asking at any moment she had the opportunity. She got involved in what they were doing and really got to know them. I think this made the story flow very well, as we weren’t just thrown details for the sake of it, they all had a place. The character depth was good. I like that the characters had very specific personalities. It was great to see how some of them reacted to specific situations, especially when they did so in line with what you expect from their character. Finally, the ending was good for what is expected. It was heart-wrenching, but left you hanging enough to want the next instalment of the series right now. You want to know what happens to the family, what Kota does and how she’s involved. Throughout the book, it eludes to a feeling, and inkling, that she is involved in more way than we know, and this feeling has almost come to fruition at the end – leaving you guessing as to what will happen in the next book. I did find that the end moved rather quickly, but considering what was taking place and the style of end, it was fitting. OVERALL: I liked this book. It is a great book for YA and adult readers of YA. It talks about a lot of life’s trials, when you are that age, and deals with them in the best fantasy book style way possible. I think the overall story if fab and that a lot of people would enjoy it. It definitely left me craving the next book.