The Dark Shore by Kevin EmersonSeries: The Atlanteans #2
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books on May 21, 2013
Genre: Dystopian, Mythology, Science Fiction
Pages: 470
Source: ARC From Publisher
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Rating: ★★★
BEWARE THE GODS AND THEIR HORRORS.
Owen and Lilly have escaped Camp Eden, but the next step on their journey to find Atlantis and protect it from Paul and Project Elysium involves crossing the perilous wastelands of a wrecked planet. And unlike in EdenWest, where bloody truths were kept hidden beneath the surface, out here the horrors live bright beneath the poisonous sun.
With treachery at every turn, Owen has no choice but to bring his wounded clan to the dark shores of Desenna, a city built from the ashes of EdenSouth. Desenna's blood-soaked walls may hold the key to Owen's journey in the form of the third Atlantean as well as a deeper understanding of the true purpose of the Three, but there are also secrets lurking in the shadows, waiting to be unleashed, and once they rise, there may be no escape.
Filled with action, mind-bending twists, and powerful scenes of emotional and physical sacrifice, THE DARK SHORE takes readers on a journey to a question so great, even the gods have trouble answering it: What would you be willing to do, to save humanity from itself?
Hmm. I have very mixed feelings about The Dark Shore. I started out a little nervous because it had been so long since I’d read The Lost Code and I was afraid I’d have no idea what was going on. Luckily, things are recapped pretty well in The Dark Shore. It started out a bit overwhelming, but I managed to piece things together as I went.
I think the best part about The Dark Shore was the world building. Parts of it were a bit creepy and gruesome, but I got a really good sense of what the world was like, with the viruses, and the disgusting worm infestations, and the crazy religious cults, etc. There was this one description of a girl with worms that literally had me shivering. It was so creepy and disgusting and I could just picture it… ahh!! Gross!
Religion and “Gods” play a surprisingly large role in The Dark Shore. I don’t remember that being the case in The Lost Code. But in this book we learn about a whole religion tied into the Atlantis mythology.. but it’s also a little crazy and cult-like, with chopping off fingers, and hanging dead bodies, and strange worshipping…
But there were several things that bugged me in The Dark Shore, most significantly the romance. This book falls victim to the “second book romance bump”, which is a term I just randomly invented. It’s when there’s a great new romance in book 1, but then in order to “spice things up” in book 2 the couple suffers from relationship problems. They grow apart, they fight, they nitpick, and they basically bicker like an old married couple. This is exactly what happens to Owen and Lilly. And just to top things off, we get a love triangle as well. All the little arguments just felt so stupid and trivial. I wanted to smack both characters and tell them to grow up!
There’s also a bit of peer pressure drug use in The Dark Shore, which I wasn’t psyched about.
Although, there is a pretty big twist at the end, which I did not see coming! View Spoiler » Like.. was I blind? I don’t know.. It just came out of nowhere and it was awesome! I didn’t expect it AT ALL, although maybe I should have. I loved being completely taken off guard by the twist! One of the best things in the world is when you don’t see a twist coming, but when it does, suddenly everything falls into place and you’re like, “Ooohh, I see now!” That’s exactly how I felt!
But when View Spoiler »
So, ultimately, I don’t think I liked The Dark Shore as much as The Lost Code, but it was still a pretty good book. It’s a bit more gruesome and serious than The Lost Code, which just makes it feel pretty different overall. I do think I would have enjoyed the book more if not for the annoying romance thing and a few other small factors.
The Verdict
Hmm, it sounds disgusting and disturbing which I usually like but for some reason, this ones not catching my attention. I looked up book one and still, it’s a no-go. Happy it was okay overall though.
Yeah it’s okay but I think you have to really be into this certain kind of book.. with the sci-fi and the global warming. There are some interesting ideas but if you’re not that into it then you won’t enjoy it!
I haven’t heard of this series before now, it sounds interesting but its a shame it suffered from second book romance bump (love that!) I don’t think it would be for me – the mention of a love triangle has already put me off. I’m glad you were surprised by the twist, I love when you don’t see it coming.
A great review!
Yeah the love triangle totally bummed me out. 🙁 Ugh, why must they exist!!
Girl with worms. Done realistically. That certainly deserves a minute-long grossed-out session.
But I agree with you about the “second book romance bump,” which is a suiting name for that. Like, you guys are already in a relationship. Can you stop acting like a child and be mature with any problems that you encounter in your relationship?
I’ve been interested in these books. Would you recommend The Lost Code? Or should I avoid it all together? Awesome review Asheybaby!!
<333 Inky
I really liked The Lost Code, even though The Dark Shore didn’t quite go the way I was hoping. It might not be my favourite series, but I am still curious about how everything turns out.
So I wouldn’t say to avoid it, but maybe don’t expect it to be the most amazing thing ever? I personally think it’s worth reading if global warming and Atlantis are things that interest you!
I haven’t read The Lost Code (I don’t even know that I’ve heard of it before!) but I love when a twist comes at me out of no where and ties things up perfectly!
LOL – “second book romance bump” nice term for a super aggravating plot device!