{Review} DARKNESS LIES IN WINTER by Ariana Wood

ASIN #: B00ESMZXSU

File Size: 1941 KB

Page Count: 319

Copyright: August 25, 2013

Publisher: DragonRiver Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

Though Victoria's life appears picture-perfect from the outside, no one knows what it's really like on the inside. Her father is a callous, yammering cad. Her mother grows more distant and ill with each passing day. When her older brother's attempt to be like their father begins to fail, he turns to drugs. And then there's her baby brother, Bradley. He's a sweet boy that can't help that he's just a little different.

Victoria seems to be getting a handle on things until the unthinkable happens: Her mother suddenly dies. Victoria is tossed into a world of survival for not only herself, but for her little brother as well. But, how high will the price of her sacrifices be? Will she ever be able to have a life of her own?

Mandy's Review:

Normally I don't read other people's reviews of a book before I post mine, because I don't want my review "tainted" with the ideas of others, but this time I did. I was curious to see if anyone agreed with my thoughts. There was one that seemed to think along the same lines as me.

The title and cover are okay. I get what the author was trying to do with those. They represent the main character's story metaphorically. Her whole life she feels like she's in the midst of a winter, where it's cold, lifeless, and dark. The cover art reveals how Victoria feels trapped and stuck inside her life. Does she ever get to experience Spring in her life? Perhaps.

As far as how the novel was written ... it was just okay. I've read way better, but I've also read way worse. Despite some other reviewers' opinions, the dialogue did seem a little canned to me in some areas. It was a little difficult for me to lose myself in this story.

Overall, DARKNESS LIES IN WINTER is just meh. Definitely not something I'll be recommending to anyone.


*An ecopy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.