sjess421's review against another edition
5.0
Honestly, I loved this book. Although I wish the author put in the whole wedding, she did a fantastic job. I usually hate when authors ruin their books with a sequel, but this time it did it justice. I don't think the author could have made it better, just trust me and don't skip to the end. The middle is the best part! And yes it is obvious who the culprit is so don't think too hard like Princess Jessica in this book!!!!
its_tara's review against another edition
5.0
This was originally a 4.5* review, and can be found here at my blog, Hey, Tara.
At the beginning of the book, Jessica is struggling as the newest Vampire Princess. She can’t speak Romanian, doesn’t know her way around her own castle, and looks meek and helpless besides the powerful figure of her new husband. However, when he is accused of destroying (killing) another Vampire Elder, it’s Jessica who has to test her mettle and try to prove her husband’s innocence.
This is one of those books that could easily have been all post-marital bliss and schmexing (don’t expect that – these books do read as a fairly young YA, but that doesn’t detract from how enjoyable they are, honest!). But that’s not the case at all. In terms of storyline I actually enjoyed this one more, because it’s a departure from the typical Vampire courtship storyline there is a lot of in the genre at the moment.
The storyline of this really grew Jess as a character, changing her from Pennsylvania farm-girl vegan teenager through to Princess Antanasia Dragomir Vladescu (her birth name – she was adopted by the Packwood’s for those who don’t know the series). I have read that this was Beth Fantaskey’s intention with the book, and I very much feel it was accomplished. Lucius doesn’t change too much from the previous book – he’s still sexy vampire leader with clear ambition and a penchant for fair rule.
The addition of Mindy’s POV added a lot to her character, and she changes from being Jess’ somewhat annoying friend through to being a character in her own right, and I ended up really liking her. Likewise, Raniero as a character was brilliant, and it was good to see the clear sides of him, as Vampire Assassin and as chilled-out Surfer.
Basically, I couldn’t complain about the characters in this book, and the new characters really did make the story that much better for me. And the fact that the story was that much more complicated in this one made me think a lot more of Fantaskey’s writing style and skills. Massive thumbs up!
I really did enjoy this book, and I’d recommend it for anyone who read the first book and enjoyed it, or to anyone who likes vampire stories in general. Definitely not one to be read as a standalone though, I don’t think.
One of my only criticisms is that I kind of saw the ending coming miles off, and that’s why it doesn’t get the full 5/5! However, this was a fun and relaxing read, and I’d recommend it!
At the beginning of the book, Jessica is struggling as the newest Vampire Princess. She can’t speak Romanian, doesn’t know her way around her own castle, and looks meek and helpless besides the powerful figure of her new husband. However, when he is accused of destroying (killing) another Vampire Elder, it’s Jessica who has to test her mettle and try to prove her husband’s innocence.
This is one of those books that could easily have been all post-marital bliss and schmexing (don’t expect that – these books do read as a fairly young YA, but that doesn’t detract from how enjoyable they are, honest!). But that’s not the case at all. In terms of storyline I actually enjoyed this one more, because it’s a departure from the typical Vampire courtship storyline there is a lot of in the genre at the moment.
The storyline of this really grew Jess as a character, changing her from Pennsylvania farm-girl vegan teenager through to Princess Antanasia Dragomir Vladescu (her birth name – she was adopted by the Packwood’s for those who don’t know the series). I have read that this was Beth Fantaskey’s intention with the book, and I very much feel it was accomplished. Lucius doesn’t change too much from the previous book – he’s still sexy vampire leader with clear ambition and a penchant for fair rule.
The addition of Mindy’s POV added a lot to her character, and she changes from being Jess’ somewhat annoying friend through to being a character in her own right, and I ended up really liking her. Likewise, Raniero as a character was brilliant, and it was good to see the clear sides of him, as Vampire Assassin and as chilled-out Surfer.
Basically, I couldn’t complain about the characters in this book, and the new characters really did make the story that much better for me. And the fact that the story was that much more complicated in this one made me think a lot more of Fantaskey’s writing style and skills. Massive thumbs up!
I really did enjoy this book, and I’d recommend it for anyone who read the first book and enjoyed it, or to anyone who likes vampire stories in general. Definitely not one to be read as a standalone though, I don’t think.
One of my only criticisms is that I kind of saw the ending coming miles off, and that’s why it doesn’t get the full 5/5! However, this was a fun and relaxing read, and I’d recommend it!
kphmitten's review against another edition
5.0
A bit predictable on the who done it but interesting development of characters and I enjoyed how the mystery itself unfolded.
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
5.0
OK I so loved this book, like I loved the first one and the description of Lucius and Antanasia's wedding. *-*
I love how we see the enormity of Lucius's feelings for his wife *-* And the other way around too *-* It is just wonderful :)
Antanasia shows us that she is a strong woman, willing to do whatever it takes for her loved ones, specially her husband. *-* Oh such love makes me feel so good!!
I am totally looking forward to another book, when we can see Lucius's dream fulfilled - him as a king and Antanasia as a queen and a bunch of children around them *-*
I love Happy Ever Afters!!!
I love how we see the enormity of Lucius's feelings for his wife *-* And the other way around too *-* It is just wonderful :)
Antanasia shows us that she is a strong woman, willing to do whatever it takes for her loved ones, specially her husband. *-* Oh such love makes me feel so good!!
I am totally looking forward to another book, when we can see Lucius's dream fulfilled - him as a king and Antanasia as a queen and a bunch of children around them *-*
I love Happy Ever Afters!!!
jaleh's review against another edition
3.0
wasn't sure if i could pull through, but i'm happy i did because I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON ALL ALONG
vikcs's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
graziapatrizia's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this book a lot, but it could've been a lot better if we not only would've gotten a focus on Antanasia's and Lucius's life but also on Raniero's and Mindy's love story. The whole conspiracy about Lucius being a murderer was well-chosen but the dramatic effect of Dorin and Ylenia being the ones who set up the whole murder lasted too shortly. Instead of a build-up, it was simply thrown into the last couple of pages which made it a bit unsatisfying and took away the suspense.
Apart from that, this was a very easy and enjoyable read. Definitely a recommendation if you're looking for something you can relax with.
Apart from that, this was a very easy and enjoyable read. Definitely a recommendation if you're looking for something you can relax with.
nicolelin23's review against another edition
3.0
I am giving this book 3 and half stars. Jessica Rules the Dark Side was funny and somewhat interesting. I think that this book falls in the category of a typical YA vampire story. There is nothing wrong with this I really enjoy these type of stories. However, I was disappointed because the first book in this series was so amazing. It was really different form the typical YA vampire book. Although, the book was good, I was not excepting this story. The story started off strong but it kinda slowed midway through. Also I figured out who the bad guys were early on.
the_lady_reads's review against another edition
4.0
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!
Jessica Rules the Dark Side is a great sequel to a Beth Fantaskey's debut novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.
I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely loved the first book. It was so angsty and pretty much ruined my nerves for every other book, ever. This was much less angsty and I'll admit, I didn't love it as much as the first. This one was much less about romance and more about Jessica filling in her role as Princess.
Jessica really develops into a mature woman in this novel. She is an even better character than in the first one. She stands up for what's right and puts her duty as a leader above all. I was very proud of her. Even though her love for Lucius is what makes her strong and keeps her going, she uses that love to rule vampires in a world that she has not been a part of very long. Basically, she's freaking awesome.
Her friend, Mindy, is another matter entirely. Reading from her perspective really annoyed me. She speaks like a valley girl, which is strange since both she and Jessica were from a town in Pennsylvania. I adore her love interest, but not her. Raniero is so sweet. His backstory is horrible, but the way he is able to overcome it makes me happy.
The men in this story tell their point-of-view through letters to each other, which is very interesting, but gets their points across. I thought it was a neat idea pulled off very well through Ms. Fantaskey's writing. She's a great author and I've really enjoyed everything she has written.
I want there to be another book, so that Jessica and Lucius can have babies and be cute and stuff. I seriously love them. They are freaking sweet! They love each other so much and have gone through so much together. It's great that they are able to put their job as rulers above their love though. That is what their people need.
Overall, this book didn't hold my attention like the first one, but it is still very good and easily enjoyed by those who liked the first one. I will definitely be reading what ever Beth Fantaskey is writing next!
Jessica Rules the Dark Side is a great sequel to a Beth Fantaskey's debut novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.
I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely loved the first book. It was so angsty and pretty much ruined my nerves for every other book, ever. This was much less angsty and I'll admit, I didn't love it as much as the first. This one was much less about romance and more about Jessica filling in her role as Princess.
Jessica really develops into a mature woman in this novel. She is an even better character than in the first one. She stands up for what's right and puts her duty as a leader above all. I was very proud of her. Even though her love for Lucius is what makes her strong and keeps her going, she uses that love to rule vampires in a world that she has not been a part of very long. Basically, she's freaking awesome.
Her friend, Mindy, is another matter entirely. Reading from her perspective really annoyed me. She speaks like a valley girl, which is strange since both she and Jessica were from a town in Pennsylvania. I adore her love interest, but not her. Raniero is so sweet. His backstory is horrible, but the way he is able to overcome it makes me happy.
The men in this story tell their point-of-view through letters to each other, which is very interesting, but gets their points across. I thought it was a neat idea pulled off very well through Ms. Fantaskey's writing. She's a great author and I've really enjoyed everything she has written.
I want there to be another book, so that Jessica and Lucius can have babies and be cute and stuff. I seriously love them. They are freaking sweet! They love each other so much and have gone through so much together. It's great that they are able to put their job as rulers above their love though. That is what their people need.
Overall, this book didn't hold my attention like the first one, but it is still very good and easily enjoyed by those who liked the first one. I will definitely be reading what ever Beth Fantaskey is writing next!
denacolada's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25