Welcome to a world where nightmarish creatures reign supreme.
Five hundred years ago, Jack made a deal with the devil. It’s difficult for him to remember much about his mortal days. So, he focuses on fulfilling his sentence as a Lantern—one of the watchmen who guard the portals to the Otherworld, a realm crawling with every nightmarish creature imaginable. Jack has spent centuries jumping from town to town, ensuring that nary a mortal—or not-so-mortal—soul slips past him. That is, until he meets beautiful Ember O’Dare.
Seventeen, stubborn, and a natural-born witch, Ember feels a strong pull to the Otherworld. Undeterred by Jack’s warnings, she crosses into the forbidden plane with the help of a mysterious and debonair vampire—and the chase through a dazzling, dangerous world is on. Jack must do everything in his power to get Ember back where she belongs before both the earthly and unearthly worlds descend into chaos.
This cover is stunning, and initially what drew me to this book, and the title is very clever. Once I started reading, the world-building enchanted and intrigued me and, along with Ember, I enjoyed learning about the Otherworld, its rules, and the creatures inhabiting it.
With his pumpkin and Headless Horseman comparison, Jack is my favorite character in this book, but I have to admit, Dev is one of the most charming vampires I’ve come across in a while. Del, Finney, Frank (you can probably guess what that’s short for) – all are wonderful characters, but it took me a while to warm up to Ember – probably because of my frustration with her actions early in the book.
While the world-building and characterization are strong points, the love square between Ember, Finney, Jack, and Dev grew a bit tiresome and takes up a chunk of the book. I also had to backtrack numerous times when the POV changed abruptly during paragraphs – which happens a lot.
With the satisfying ending, I don’t see the author doing a sequel, and there’s no need for one. It’s nice to read a standalone in a genre with so many series. This is a perfect read to curl up with on a chilly fall evening – even better if it’s closer to Halloween.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Books and Such 
I appreciate this very mindful review, Teri. I would have been drawn to it right away. But the POV changes are a deal breaker for me. That’s one of the things that makes your reviews so valuable — especially to someone like me whose pleasure-reading time is so scarce. Hugs on the wing.
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It was jarring, I admit, and took some time to adapt to that style, but I overlooked it for this story. Don’t think I’d be able to do that for just any book. Hugs, Teagan!
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That cover!!! Love!!
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It should be framed.
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Striking cover. I’m with Teagan though on the POV changes. That’s one of my pet peeves when it comes to story telling. You always provide insightful reviews.
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Thanks, Mae! It’s the first book I’ve read with that style – that I can remember, anyway. The backtracking got a bit tedious.
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I’m not a fan of abrupt POV changes—there needs to be an indication of some sort. But I’m a fan of the Headless Horseman. Sounds like a good story, all things considered. Thanks for the frank review, Teri.
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It definitely takes some getting used to, Staci. It really is a perfect story for Halloween – the Headless Horseman, a charming vampire, Frankenstein, ghosts, and witches. What more could you want?
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Iron Man. (But that would change the genre, wouldn’t it?) 😉
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It goes without saying that Iron Man always makes things better – I personally have no problem with adding him to the genre.
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I don’t mind POV changes but that seems a bit much (too often and too many characters). Sounds like a great story, though, and awesome cover!
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Unfortunately, it happened numerous times, but it was an entertaining story – with a gorgeous cover.
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That’s one interesting cover! Great review, Teri. The only writer I know who can successfully fo POV switches mid-scene is Suzanne Brockmann. It takes deep POV to make it work, I think.
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A killer cover, for sure, Jacquie. I got used to the changing POV after a while, but it was mighty confusing at first.
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Fab review! I really like the sound of this one and a standalone is always welcome with so many series out there already.
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Thanks, Yvo! I agree – it’s nice to come across a standalone occasionally.
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Great review, Teri. LOVE that cover!
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Thanks, Shelley! It’s definitely eye-catching.
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A thoughtful review, Teri. I like the balanced opinion. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana – have a great week!
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