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The Dark Heroine #2
Autumn Rose
The highly anticipated sequel to Dinner with a Vampire
Autumn Rose has the chance to save the world she loves. But how much will she have to sacrifice to achieve it?
In Autumn Rose, book two of her breathtaking series, Abigail Gibbs draws us even further into the dangerous and romantic world of the Dark Heroines.
Autumn Rose has the chance to save the world she loves. But how much will she have to sacrifice to achieve it?
In Autumn Rose, book two of her breathtaking series, Abigail Gibbs draws us even further into the dangerous and romantic world of the Dark Heroines.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Abigail Gibbs
10 books1,208 followersAbigail Gibbs was born and raised in deepest, darkest Devon. She is currently studying for a BA in English at the University of Oxford and considers herself a professional student, as the real world is yet to catch up with her. Her greatest fear is blood and she is a great advocate of vegetarianism, which logically led to the writing of her first novel, Dinner With A Vampire. At age fifteen, she began posting serially online under the pseudonym Canse12, and after three years in the internet limelight, set her sights towards total world domination. She splits her time between her studies, stories and family, and uses coffee to survive all three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
October 3, 2015
***3,25 - 3,75 "i'm not so sure how to rate it" stars***
I really don't know what i'm feeling about this book!!!
It's common secret that i loved fiercely the first book and especially that bloodsucker Kaspar Varn and his Violeta...
In this book the things were different...
First of all, we were in another dimension, where humans and people with special powers as Autumn were living together openly.
Autumn Rose was a girl with magical powers and scars that showing her kind... that she is a Sage.
Sages have many different powers... and Autumn's one of them is the ability to see some facts from the future...
And that's her biggest problem... She is having visions from a girl who as it seems is Violeta Lee.
Autumn's another problem is that after her grandmother's death she is lost and she is kinda of depressed...
She has no friends, the people around her avoiding her and now, from nowhere, a boy appeared in her school to change everything.
He is the younger prince of her people and she doesn't like him at all....
So she tells...
The time that take place this book is the same time that took place the previous book, but now we can see how the things were working for Autumn in her own dimension with her own problems...
Some people are determined to make her theirs and they don't stop at anything... After all she is the first heroine...
Her fate will be revealed and how she will manage to accept it???
Prince Fallon will be by her side but is it enough???
Well, it was a nice, easy going story, but for me it wasn't better than the first one...
I think that it didn't have so much action and Autumn sometimes irritated me... She was acting like a brat.
Prince Fallon from the other hand had so much patience with her and he was trying really hard.
I can tell that Fallon was the opposite from Kaspar and i adore this asshole who calling Kaspar.
Fallon was kind, caring, with big heart. He was very shy and selfless...
Fallon and Autumn could be great together but their romance was poor and almost non existent...
Hey! Don't judge me! I'm a girl and i like to have some romance inside the books!!!
It's more intrigue....
Well, i enjoyed it but it wasn't the very best...
It left me a little bit unsatisfied but i will continue reading the series...
I really want to know what will happen next... Who will be the next heroine and how the prophecy will be continue!!! I'm really curious...
I really don't know what i'm feeling about this book!!!
It's common secret that i loved fiercely the first book and especially that bloodsucker Kaspar Varn and his Violeta...
In this book the things were different...
First of all, we were in another dimension, where humans and people with special powers as Autumn were living together openly.
Autumn Rose was a girl with magical powers and scars that showing her kind... that she is a Sage.
Sages have many different powers... and Autumn's one of them is the ability to see some facts from the future...
And that's her biggest problem... She is having visions from a girl who as it seems is Violeta Lee.
Autumn's another problem is that after her grandmother's death she is lost and she is kinda of depressed...
She has no friends, the people around her avoiding her and now, from nowhere, a boy appeared in her school to change everything.
He is the younger prince of her people and she doesn't like him at all....
So she tells...
The time that take place this book is the same time that took place the previous book, but now we can see how the things were working for Autumn in her own dimension with her own problems...
Some people are determined to make her theirs and they don't stop at anything... After all she is the first heroine...
Her fate will be revealed and how she will manage to accept it???
Prince Fallon will be by her side but is it enough???
Well, it was a nice, easy going story, but for me it wasn't better than the first one...
I think that it didn't have so much action and Autumn sometimes irritated me... She was acting like a brat.
Prince Fallon from the other hand had so much patience with her and he was trying really hard.
I can tell that Fallon was the opposite from Kaspar and i adore this asshole who calling Kaspar.
Fallon was kind, caring, with big heart. He was very shy and selfless...
Fallon and Autumn could be great together but their romance was poor and almost non existent...
Hey! Don't judge me! I'm a girl and i like to have some romance inside the books!!!
It's more intrigue....
Well, i enjoyed it but it wasn't the very best...
It left me a little bit unsatisfied but i will continue reading the series...
I really want to know what will happen next... Who will be the next heroine and how the prophecy will be continue!!! I'm really curious...
January 19, 2014
What a mess! *sighs* I am wretchedly frustrated right now, peeps, considering how much I loved The Dark Heroine. It took me weeks to get through Autumn Rose, and I had to push myself all the way through.
First of all, Autumn Rose doesn't mention Kaspar and Violet until its last 20%. Everything in this book happens parallel to the time stamp of The Dark Heroine but in a different dimension and involving a completely different set of characters.
The main heroine, fifteen-year old Autumn, is a sage, a magic user and a noble woman, a Sagean Duchess of England, who goes to a normal school and struggles with her rising power as a seer and her depression due to the loss of her grandmother.
No one in her school knows who she really is until Prince Fallon enrolls in the same school to keep and eye on her, and they start falling in love.
Straight away I struggled to like Autumn. She did not feel like a well developed character, she was disjointed, jumpy, scattered, neurotic. It seemed that I was supposed to admire her but she confused the hell out of me.
Her relationship with Fallon was even worse. They were meant to feel for each other but I wasn't seeing it. No spark, zilch, nada.
At last there was the whole threat of Extermino suspiciously similar to Harry Potter's Death Eaters and a pretty messy concept of Heroines saving the world. From what? Extermino with their conflicting goals? People like Violet's father? I wasn't seeing the picture.
I perked up a little when Kaspar and Violet showed up, but the joy didn't last. They were described through Autumn's eyes, her perception, and looked pathetic. She was very judgemental, our girl.
So, perhaps, Abigail Gibbs rushed this book through publication, perhaps she felt like she needed a back story and lacked enthusiasm to write it, but whatever the reason, Autumn Rose failed to keep me as enthralled as the previous book. I reserve my judgement until book three, hoping it will rekindle my enthusiasm for the series.
First of all, Autumn Rose doesn't mention Kaspar and Violet until its last 20%. Everything in this book happens parallel to the time stamp of The Dark Heroine but in a different dimension and involving a completely different set of characters.
The main heroine, fifteen-year old Autumn, is a sage, a magic user and a noble woman, a Sagean Duchess of England, who goes to a normal school and struggles with her rising power as a seer and her depression due to the loss of her grandmother.
No one in her school knows who she really is until Prince Fallon enrolls in the same school to keep and eye on her, and they start falling in love.
Straight away I struggled to like Autumn. She did not feel like a well developed character, she was disjointed, jumpy, scattered, neurotic. It seemed that I was supposed to admire her but she confused the hell out of me.
Her relationship with Fallon was even worse. They were meant to feel for each other but I wasn't seeing it. No spark, zilch, nada.
At last there was the whole threat of Extermino suspiciously similar to Harry Potter's Death Eaters and a pretty messy concept of Heroines saving the world. From what? Extermino with their conflicting goals? People like Violet's father? I wasn't seeing the picture.
I perked up a little when Kaspar and Violet showed up, but the joy didn't last. They were described through Autumn's eyes, her perception, and looked pathetic. She was very judgemental, our girl.
So, perhaps, Abigail Gibbs rushed this book through publication, perhaps she felt like she needed a back story and lacked enthusiasm to write it, but whatever the reason, Autumn Rose failed to keep me as enthralled as the previous book. I reserve my judgement until book three, hoping it will rekindle my enthusiasm for the series.
January 9, 2016
Σαφέστατα πολύ πιο ώριμο το ύφος του βιβλίου. Με τεράστιες προόδους στις περιγραφές και στην ανάλυση συναισθημάτων και χαρακτήρων. Η πλοκή είναι πολύ πιο αργή από του πρώτου της σειράς. Στην ουσία δεν βλέπουμε τίποτα καινούριο -καθώς τα γεγονότα ξεκινούν την ίδια περίοδο που ξεκινούν στο πρώτο βιβλίο αλλά σε άλλη διάσταση- παρά μόνο προς το τέλος του βιβλίου. Δεν νομίζω ότι μου άρεσε περισσότερο ή λιγότερο διότι αν κ πιο ώριμο συγγραφικά δεν κατάφερε να με κρατήσει σε αγωνιά. Επίσης για άλλη μια φορά είχα ένα «θέμα» με την ηρωίδα, η οποία ήταν εξίσου ανώριμη με την Βιολέτα αν κ σε άλλο επίπεδο. Είχε αυτοκτονικές τάσεις!!! Πφ… γιατί κοπελιά;;; Τέλος πάντων η αλήθεια είναι ότι ήταν αρκετά καλό, με ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και πρωτότυπο μαγικό σύστημα. 3,5/5
August 4, 2017
A bit disappointed in this follow up to Dinner with a Vampire which was hot and sexy and just plain fun. This was a bit tamer in the romance department, but the heroine is 15 years old. Abigail Gibbs gives us the back story of Autumn Rose and Fallon who entered book 1 close to the end. There's a bit more teenage angst and teenage problems in this one (bullying, parents, suicide) . It made Violet Lee (from book 1)seem like a mature woman than the 17 year old she was. All in all, there was a fairly decent cliffhanger to set up book 3 and the writing is improving.
December 19, 2014
Since I read the first book of this series and it was okay, I figured I would read the second one to see if things might have improved or not. Well, it was like the first one. I just didn't care for it. I finally put it down with about a 1/3 left to go in the book, it's just not for me.
February 27, 2014
One of my favourite books from last year was Abigail Gibb's debut YA novel, The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. Needless to say I couldn't wait for the next installment - Autumn Rose.
Whilst waiting for my copy to arrive in the post, I browsed through some of the reviews on Goodreads out of curiosity. They were mixed. Some loved it, others were disappointed; primarily because of the lack of Kasper Varn and Violet Lee - the two characters who had us enthralled in Dinner with a Vampire - some appeared to dislike it intensely. So it was with some trepidation that I bent back the front cover and started to read.
If, like me, you have a fondness for YA fiction even though you technically left that age bracket behind way over a decade ago, then you will not be disappointed. Here are my ten reasons why:
1) Autumn and Fallon - I could empathise to a point with the reviewers who mourned the lack of Violet and Kasper. The reason we all fell in love with Kasper in the first place was because he is a bad boy. The kind of guy you know you shouldn't go anywhere near but yet draws you in like a magnet. He is not the kind of guy you can take home to meet your mother. Violet was feisty and stood up to him, trying desperately not to fall for his bad boy charms. But if I am honest, I much prefer Autumn and Fallon. The latter is a preppy charmer, the boy next door and a guy you wouldn't be ashamed to introduce to your parents. And I imagine he has a very cheeky - and dangerous - smile. The former is vulnerable, trying her best to do what is right although not entirely sure what that is. Trying to do her best in a world she doesn't quite fit in whilst mourning the loss of her Grandmother. When Kasper and Violet do finally appear towards the end of the book I found I was completely indifferent about them. Violet is weak, not adjusting to life as a vampire in the slightest it would seem and definitely no longer feisty. And there isn't really enough of Kasper for me to make comment on. All in all, it is Autumn and Fallon all the way. Violet and Kasper who?
2) A significant reduction in typos and proof reading errors - my main bug-bear with Dinner with a Vampire was the number of errors in it. At one point a whole paragraph was repeated. I found them distracting and frustrating. Autumn Rose contains one or two little whoopsies, but no where near as many as Dinner with a Vampire, for which I am very pleased. It allows you to enjoy the story and Abigail's writing so much more. However, there were a few American-isms, such as 'realization' instead of realisation and 'sidewalk' instead of pavement (I just couldn't leave it alone, could I?).
3) The sexual tension - seriously. Abigail is a master at creating sexual tension. She did it with Dinner with a Vampire and she has done it again with Autumn Rose. Lingering flirtatious looks, fluttering hearts, smouldering eyes and brushed - almost kissing - lips. I think her books should come with a fan to help with our flushed cheeks!
4) The Cunning Linguist - it made me laugh out loud, but I am not saying any more!
5) Magic - the ability to change your clothes, do your hair and apply your make-up with a flick of a finger? Yes please, where do I sign? And the ability to hex people who annoy you? Double yes.
6) References to Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca - maybe I noticed these because I read Rebecca for the first time last year. Maybe it is because the story stuck with me because there were a number of similarities between the protagonist and me (not all of which I liked). Autumn Rose contains a bully called Valerie Danvers, a large stately home called Manderley and a protagonist who is living in the shadow of someone called Rebecca and whose story primarily revolves around growing up, leaving childhood behind and becoming an adult.
7) The swearing - I am not a huge fan of profanity, but am not above uttering the odd expletive myself. There are not excess amounts of swearing in Autumn Rose, and each time it happened it did take me slightly by surprise, however I found it refreshing to read a YA book that does contain the odd swear word. It seems to be a little bit of a taboo thing to do, but honestly, have you heard teenagers these days? Even the little year sevens, who look as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouths, can spew forth a string of expletives, most of which are words I have never heard of before.
8) For making you want to take a sneaky look at the back to see if there is a snippet of the next installment - I managed to resist, but just to let you know, there isn't.
9) Multi-tasking in the extreme - let's take a moment to applaud the fact that not only has Abigail written two great books, but she has done so whilst attending Oxford. Proof that women are the masters of multi-tasking, even if sometimes we have to drop our heads into our hands and sob uncontrollably for 5 minutes before taking a deep breath and telling ourselves to get a grip and step away from the edge of the insanity void that we are about to disappear into.
10) Inner conflict - just as with Dinner with a Vampire, I raced through three quarters of the book, only to find myself slowing down towards the end in order to savour the last quarter and make it last as long as possible, despite the fact that I desperately wanted to know what happened.
I am already looking forward to book three, although, Abigail, should you by some fluke see this, please don't rush it. Please don't go insane trying to do all the things in all the world all at once. Take your time. We can wait. But don't take too long, okay?
NB - it is not imperative that you read Dinner with a Vampire before reading Autumn Rose, but given that the two run parallel with each other, you may find it helpful. In hindsight I would have re-read book one before reading this one, just to remind myself of exactly what happened.
Whilst waiting for my copy to arrive in the post, I browsed through some of the reviews on Goodreads out of curiosity. They were mixed. Some loved it, others were disappointed; primarily because of the lack of Kasper Varn and Violet Lee - the two characters who had us enthralled in Dinner with a Vampire - some appeared to dislike it intensely. So it was with some trepidation that I bent back the front cover and started to read.
If, like me, you have a fondness for YA fiction even though you technically left that age bracket behind way over a decade ago, then you will not be disappointed. Here are my ten reasons why:
1) Autumn and Fallon - I could empathise to a point with the reviewers who mourned the lack of Violet and Kasper. The reason we all fell in love with Kasper in the first place was because he is a bad boy. The kind of guy you know you shouldn't go anywhere near but yet draws you in like a magnet. He is not the kind of guy you can take home to meet your mother. Violet was feisty and stood up to him, trying desperately not to fall for his bad boy charms. But if I am honest, I much prefer Autumn and Fallon. The latter is a preppy charmer, the boy next door and a guy you wouldn't be ashamed to introduce to your parents. And I imagine he has a very cheeky - and dangerous - smile. The former is vulnerable, trying her best to do what is right although not entirely sure what that is. Trying to do her best in a world she doesn't quite fit in whilst mourning the loss of her Grandmother. When Kasper and Violet do finally appear towards the end of the book I found I was completely indifferent about them. Violet is weak, not adjusting to life as a vampire in the slightest it would seem and definitely no longer feisty. And there isn't really enough of Kasper for me to make comment on. All in all, it is Autumn and Fallon all the way. Violet and Kasper who?
2) A significant reduction in typos and proof reading errors - my main bug-bear with Dinner with a Vampire was the number of errors in it. At one point a whole paragraph was repeated. I found them distracting and frustrating. Autumn Rose contains one or two little whoopsies, but no where near as many as Dinner with a Vampire, for which I am very pleased. It allows you to enjoy the story and Abigail's writing so much more. However, there were a few American-isms, such as 'realization' instead of realisation and 'sidewalk' instead of pavement (I just couldn't leave it alone, could I?).
3) The sexual tension - seriously. Abigail is a master at creating sexual tension. She did it with Dinner with a Vampire and she has done it again with Autumn Rose. Lingering flirtatious looks, fluttering hearts, smouldering eyes and brushed - almost kissing - lips. I think her books should come with a fan to help with our flushed cheeks!
4) The Cunning Linguist - it made me laugh out loud, but I am not saying any more!
5) Magic - the ability to change your clothes, do your hair and apply your make-up with a flick of a finger? Yes please, where do I sign? And the ability to hex people who annoy you? Double yes.
6) References to Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca - maybe I noticed these because I read Rebecca for the first time last year. Maybe it is because the story stuck with me because there were a number of similarities between the protagonist and me (not all of which I liked). Autumn Rose contains a bully called Valerie Danvers, a large stately home called Manderley and a protagonist who is living in the shadow of someone called Rebecca and whose story primarily revolves around growing up, leaving childhood behind and becoming an adult.
7) The swearing - I am not a huge fan of profanity, but am not above uttering the odd expletive myself. There are not excess amounts of swearing in Autumn Rose, and each time it happened it did take me slightly by surprise, however I found it refreshing to read a YA book that does contain the odd swear word. It seems to be a little bit of a taboo thing to do, but honestly, have you heard teenagers these days? Even the little year sevens, who look as if butter wouldn't melt in their mouths, can spew forth a string of expletives, most of which are words I have never heard of before.
8) For making you want to take a sneaky look at the back to see if there is a snippet of the next installment - I managed to resist, but just to let you know, there isn't.
9) Multi-tasking in the extreme - let's take a moment to applaud the fact that not only has Abigail written two great books, but she has done so whilst attending Oxford. Proof that women are the masters of multi-tasking, even if sometimes we have to drop our heads into our hands and sob uncontrollably for 5 minutes before taking a deep breath and telling ourselves to get a grip and step away from the edge of the insanity void that we are about to disappear into.
10) Inner conflict - just as with Dinner with a Vampire, I raced through three quarters of the book, only to find myself slowing down towards the end in order to savour the last quarter and make it last as long as possible, despite the fact that I desperately wanted to know what happened.
I am already looking forward to book three, although, Abigail, should you by some fluke see this, please don't rush it. Please don't go insane trying to do all the things in all the world all at once. Take your time. We can wait. But don't take too long, okay?
NB - it is not imperative that you read Dinner with a Vampire before reading Autumn Rose, but given that the two run parallel with each other, you may find it helpful. In hindsight I would have re-read book one before reading this one, just to remind myself of exactly what happened.
February 16, 2014
I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK! I thought Violet's story was already untouchable but Autumn Rose's story is just...MIND BLOWING! And thank god, Kaspar Varn made a cameo later in this book though he was quite a rude brute, but of course that is nothing new. I seriously thought Kaspar Varn is THE ONE...I mean, tormented, badass hero is an IT thing right? And then comes in Prince Fallon Athenea and I just lost myself right then and there.
Anyway, this story is beyond interesting. I think this book is better than the first book. Readers get to understand the world of these dark beings better. We also get to learn a lot more about the prophecy and about the other dimensions. Kudos to Abby Gibbs for being able to come up with these Dark Heroines. I can't wait for the third book in the series to be realeased!
Anyway, this story is beyond interesting. I think this book is better than the first book. Readers get to understand the world of these dark beings better. We also get to learn a lot more about the prophecy and about the other dimensions. Kudos to Abby Gibbs for being able to come up with these Dark Heroines. I can't wait for the third book in the series to be realeased!
September 30, 2017
3,5 Sterne.
Band 2 bleibt leider ein wenig hinter dem Auftakt zurück...
Ich hatte eigentlich erwartet, dass es direkt mit Violet weitergeht. Wie geht es ihr nach dem Ende? Mich bei Autumn einzufinden hat aber nicht lange gedauert, sie ist sympathisch und die Geschichte ist spannend. Auch Fallon wurde mir nach und nach sympathischer (ebenso wie es bei Kaspar der Fall war). Aber ich hatte das Gefühl, dass die Geschichte sich sehr verändert, auch in ihrer Erzählweise, als Autumn und Violett aufeinandertreffen und das hat mir nicht so sonderlich gefallen.
Alles in allem ein toller Band zwei, der Lust auf mehr macht.
Band 2 bleibt leider ein wenig hinter dem Auftakt zurück...
Ich hatte eigentlich erwartet, dass es direkt mit Violet weitergeht. Wie geht es ihr nach dem Ende? Mich bei Autumn einzufinden hat aber nicht lange gedauert, sie ist sympathisch und die Geschichte ist spannend. Auch Fallon wurde mir nach und nach sympathischer (ebenso wie es bei Kaspar der Fall war). Aber ich hatte das Gefühl, dass die Geschichte sich sehr verändert, auch in ihrer Erzählweise, als Autumn und Violett aufeinandertreffen und das hat mir nicht so sonderlich gefallen.
Alles in allem ein toller Band zwei, der Lust auf mehr macht.
September 10, 2023
Definitely liked it better than the first, but I don't know why this was not the first book in the series.
July 9, 2016
Η έκδοση του πρώτου βιβλίου της Abigail Gibbs, το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στη χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Πατάκη με τίτλο «Σκοτεινή Ηρωίδα», αποτελεί απόρροια της τεράστιας αναγνωστικής αποδοχής που είχε ως διαδικτυακή ιστορία όταν η -έφηβη τότε- συγγραφέας την ανέβαζε κεφάλαιο-κεφάλαιο στον ιστότοπο Wattpad.
Μετά λοιπόν το “Dinner with a Vampire” -όπως είναι ο αυθεντικός του τίτλος- ήρθε η ώρα να διαβάσουμε το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς. Το «Φθινοπωρινό Ρόδο» με τον υπέροχο τίτλο και το όμορφο εξώφυλλο κυκλοφορεί επίσης από τις εκδόσεις Πατάκη.
Η ιστορία τοποθετείται χρονικά την ίδια περίοδο με αυτή του πρώτου βιβλίου και η πρωταγωνίστρια του Ότομν Ρόουζ νιώθει ένα ιδιαίτερο δέσιμο με την Βάιολετ, πρωταγωνίστρια του “Dinner with a Vampire”. Ο αναγνώστης εισάγεται από την αρχή στο κλίμα του κόσμου στον οποίο ζει η Ότομν και η σύνδεση με τους χαρακτήρες είναι πιο άμεση αυτή τη φορά. Η Ότομν συμβολίζει το ‘διαφορετικό’ στον κόσμο όπου ζει, καθώς η καταγωγή της και οι μαγικές της ικανότητες προκαλούν τρόμο αλλά και κακοποιητική συμπεριφορά απέναντί της. Ωστόσο, όλα αλλάζουν όταν εμφανίζεται στο σχολείο της ένας νέος μαθητής.
Ο Φάλον προέρχεται από τον ίδιο τόπο με τη Ότομν, έχει τις ίδιες δυνάμεις με εκείνη, όμως η αριστοκρατική του καταγωγή δεν επιτρέπει σε κανέναν να τον αμφισβητήσει. Η Ότομν ξέρει πως πρέπει να μείνει μακριά του, όχι μόνο γιατί δεν μπορεί να διαχειριστεί την μεταξύ τους έλξη, αλλά γιατί ο Φάλον ξέρει το μεγάλο της μυστικό. Ένα μυστικό το οποίο, εάν μαθευτεί, θα αλλάξει την πραγματικότητα που τόσο προσεκτικά έχει χτίσει.
Θα μπορέσει η Ότομν να ξεφύγει από τη μοίρα της; Τι θα συμβεί όταν τα όνειρα που βλέπει με τη Βάιολετ και την κοινή, σκοτεινή τους μοίρα αρχίζουν να γίνονται αληθινά;
Ομολογώ πως το δεύτερο βιβλίο της λογοτεχνικής σειράς The Dark Heroine μου άρεσε περισσότερο από το πρώτο. Αν και λείπει ο γοητευτικός Κάσπαρ -με χαρά τον συναντάμε προς το τέλος του βιβλίου- αγάπησα τόσο πολύ την Ότομν που μπόρεσα να παραλείψω την όχι και τόσο έντονη χημεία της με τον Φάλον. Η συγγραφέας επιλέγει την εναλλασσόμενη πρωτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση από την οπτική των δύο πρωταγωνιστών, με την Ότομν να κρατάει το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της διήγησης. Οι εξελίξεις στο πρώτο μέρος είναι αρκετά πιο αργές και εισαγωγικές σε σχέση με το δεύτερο, όπου η δράση κορυφώνεται.
Μαθαίνουμε ακόμα περισσότερα πράγματα για τον κόσμο των Ηρωίδων και τον επερχόμενο πόλεμο και γίνεται φανερό πως ο πυρήνας της ιστορίας δεν έχει να κάνει τόσο με τον έρωτα, όσο με τη φιλία, την εμπιστοσύνη, την αυτογνωσία. Η Ότομν Ρόουζ είναι μια από τις πιο όμορφες λογοτεχνικές ηρωίδες που έχω διαβάσει. Γοητευτική, ενδιαφέρουσα, μια όαση ρεαλισμού και αλήθειας που σε κερδίζει με τη μελαγχολία και τη γενναιότητα της. Γενναιότητα που έχει αποκτήσει μαθαίνοντας από τα λάθη της και σίγουρα γεμίζει ελπίδα τον αναγνώστη για τα επόμενα βιβλία της σειράς. Ας μην ξεχνάμε πως η Abigail Gibbs φιλοδοξεί να γράψει για τη μεγάλη μάχη που έπεται και την αποκάλυψη όλων των Σκοτεινών Ηρωίδων.
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο παρουσιάζει σημαντική συγγραφική εξέλιξη μέσω της σφιχτοδεμένης πλοκής και των σταθερών εξελικτικών ψυχογραφημάτων. Ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω το τρίτο βιβλίο της σειράς, καθώς στον επίλογο του «Φθινοπωρινού Ρόδου» μαθαίνουμε περισσότερα για την τρίτη Ηρωίδα. Η Abigail Gibbs έχει ανακοινώσει πως θα κυκλοφορήσει μέσα στο 2016... εν αναμονή λοιπόν!
Μετά λοιπόν το “Dinner with a Vampire” -όπως είναι ο αυθεντικός του τίτλος- ήρθε η ώρα να διαβάσουμε το δεύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς. Το «Φθινοπωρινό Ρόδο» με τον υπέροχο τίτλο και το όμορφο εξώφυλλο κυκλοφορεί επίσης από τις εκδόσεις Πατάκη.
Η ιστορία τοποθετείται χρονικά την ίδια περίοδο με αυτή του πρώτου βιβλίου και η πρωταγωνίστρια του Ότομν Ρόουζ νιώθει ένα ιδιαίτερο δέσιμο με την Βάιολετ, πρωταγωνίστρια του “Dinner with a Vampire”. Ο αναγνώστης εισάγεται από την αρχή στο κλίμα του κόσμου στον οποίο ζει η Ότομν και η σύνδεση με τους χαρακτήρες είναι πιο άμεση αυτή τη φορά. Η Ότομν συμβολίζει το ‘διαφορετικό’ στον κόσμο όπου ζει, καθώς η καταγωγή της και οι μαγικές της ικανότητες προκαλούν τρόμο αλλά και κακοποιητική συμπεριφορά απέναντί της. Ωστόσο, όλα αλλάζουν όταν εμφανίζεται στο σχολείο της ένας νέος μαθητής.
Ο Φάλον προέρχεται από τον ίδιο τόπο με τη Ότομν, έχει τις ίδιες δυνάμεις με εκείνη, όμως η αριστοκρατική του καταγωγή δεν επιτρέπει σε κανέναν να τον αμφισβητήσει. Η Ότομν ξέρει πως πρέπει να μείνει μακριά του, όχι μόνο γιατί δεν μπορεί να διαχειριστεί την μεταξύ τους έλξη, αλλά γιατί ο Φάλον ξέρει το μεγάλο της μυστικό. Ένα μυστικό το οποίο, εάν μαθευτεί, θα αλλάξει την πραγματικότητα που τόσο προσεκτικά έχει χτίσει.
Θα μπορέσει η Ότομν να ξεφύγει από τη μοίρα της; Τι θα συμβεί όταν τα όνειρα που βλέπει με τη Βάιολετ και την κοινή, σκοτεινή τους μοίρα αρχίζουν να γίνονται αληθινά;
Ομολογώ πως το δεύτερο βιβλίο της λογοτεχνικής σειράς The Dark Heroine μου άρεσε περισσότερο από το πρώτο. Αν και λείπει ο γοητευτικός Κάσπαρ -με χαρά τον συναντάμε προς το τέλος του βιβλίου- αγάπησα τόσο πολύ την Ότομν που μπόρεσα να παραλείψω την όχι και τόσο έντονη χημεία της με τον Φάλον. Η συγγραφέας επιλέγει την εναλλασσόμενη πρωτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση από την οπτική των δύο πρωταγωνιστών, με την Ότομν να κρατάει το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της διήγησης. Οι εξελίξεις στο πρώτο μέρος είναι αρκετά πιο αργές και εισαγωγικές σε σχέση με το δεύτερο, όπου η δράση κορυφώνεται.
Μαθαίνουμε ακόμα περισσότερα πράγματα για τον κόσμο των Ηρωίδων και τον επερχόμενο πόλεμο και γίνεται φανερό πως ο πυρήνας της ιστορίας δεν έχει να κάνει τόσο με τον έρωτα, όσο με τη φιλία, την εμπιστοσύνη, την αυτογνωσία. Η Ότομν Ρόουζ είναι μια από τις πιο όμορφες λογοτεχνικές ηρωίδες που έχω διαβάσει. Γοητευτική, ενδιαφέρουσα, μια όαση ρεαλισμού και αλήθειας που σε κερδίζει με τη μελαγχολία και τη γενναιότητα της. Γενναιότητα που έχει αποκτήσει μαθαίνοντας από τα λάθη της και σίγουρα γεμίζει ελπίδα τον αναγνώστη για τα επόμενα βιβλία της σειράς. Ας μην ξεχνάμε πως η Abigail Gibbs φιλοδοξεί να γράψει για τη μεγάλη μάχη που έπεται και την αποκάλυψη όλων των Σκοτεινών Ηρωίδων.
Το δεύτερο βιβλίο παρουσιάζει σημαντική συγγραφική εξέλιξη μέσω της σφιχτοδεμένης πλοκής και των σταθερών εξελικτικών ψυχογραφημάτων. Ανυπομονώ να διαβάσω το τρίτο βιβλίο της σειράς, καθώς στον επίλογο του «Φθινοπωρινού Ρόδου» μαθαίνουμε περισσότερα για την τρίτη Ηρωίδα. Η Abigail Gibbs έχει ανακοινώσει πως θα κυκλοφορήσει μέσα στο 2016... εν αναμονή λοιπόν!
October 11, 2016
Es gibt Bücher, die hätte man schon viel früher lesen sollen ..... "Autumn Rose" ist eines davon.
In "Dark Heroine" konnte mich Abigal Gibbs mit ihrem Vampirroman mit Biss überzeugen. Endlich waren Vampire wieder einmal das, was sie sein sollten: keine weichgespülten Loverboys sondern hartgesottene Monster. Am Ende erfährt man, worum es in Band 2 geht, nämlich um Autumn Rose, der ersten dunklen Heldin.
Geschickt webt die Autorin die Informationen zu ihrer komplexen Welt in eine Unterrichtsstunde von Autumn Rose ein. So erfährt man als Leser mehr über die neun Dimensionen und ihre Wesen.
Sehr spannend fand ich den Aspekt, dass die beiden Geschichten nicht aufeinander aufbauen, sondern zeitlich parallel zueinander verlaufen und am Ende zusammenfliessen.
So haben wir Autumn Rose schon kurz im ersten Band kennengelernt. Dass sie eigentlich eine Herzogin ist, verheimlicht sie am College. Als Sage ist es ihre Aufgabe, die Schule vor Magie zu bewachen. Doch Sage sind bei den Menschen gar nicht beliebt und so wird sie in der Schule regelrecht gemobbt.
Doch dann kommt Prinz Fallon auch an das Kable Community College und bringt Autumn total durcheinander. Er ist nämlich auch ihr Prinz, doch seit er aufgetaucht ist, verschlimmern sich ihre Visionen. Sie ist nämlich die erste dunkle Heldin und sieht immer wieder Bruchteile von Violets Schicksal, der zweiten Dark Heroine, die von den Vampiren entführt wurde.
Die Geschichte wird hauptsächlich aus der ich-Perspektive von Autumn erzählt. Sie ist wirklich eine sehr sympathische und tapfere Protagonistin. Seit dem Tod ihrer Grossmutter geht es ihr nämlich gar nicht gut. Sie droht sogar immer mehr in eine Depression abzurutschen. Ihre Eltern wollen nichts mit den dunklen Wesen zu tun haben und flüchten sich in die Arbeit. Durch das Mobbing ihrer Mitschüler zieht sie sich immer mehr in sich zurück und ist manchmal vielleicht ein bisschen gar naiv.
Erst Prinz Fallon gelingt es, an ihrem Schutzwall zu rütteln. Immer wieder ist auch ein Kapitel ihm gewidmet, so dass man Einblick in seine Familie bekommt.
"Autumn Rose" konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und ich fragte mich immer wieder, warum ich das Buch nicht schon lange in die Hand genommen hatte. Abigail Gibbs hat interessante und facettenreiche Charaktere entworfen, wartet am Ende jedes Kapitels mit einem kleinen Cliffhanger auf, weiss zu überraschen und hat einfach eine tolle Welt entworfen. All dies sind Aspekte, dass ich das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen konnte.
"Dark Heroine" ist eine bisher rundum gelungene Reihe. Die Handlung ist ausserordentlich fesselnd und das spezielle Konzept geht voll auf. Ich hoffe, dass Abigail Gibbs bald weiterschreibt, denn ich möchte unbedingt auch die anderen dunklen Heldinnen, die restlichen Dimensionen kennenlernen.
Fazit:
"Autumn Rose" ist definitv mehr als 'nur' ein zweiter Band. Abigail Gibbs konnte mich mit ihrem Weltenentwurf, tollen Charaktere und einer total fesselnden Handlung überzeugen, so dass ich die Reihe allen Fantasy-Lesern nur ans Herz legen kann.
In "Dark Heroine" konnte mich Abigal Gibbs mit ihrem Vampirroman mit Biss überzeugen. Endlich waren Vampire wieder einmal das, was sie sein sollten: keine weichgespülten Loverboys sondern hartgesottene Monster. Am Ende erfährt man, worum es in Band 2 geht, nämlich um Autumn Rose, der ersten dunklen Heldin.
Geschickt webt die Autorin die Informationen zu ihrer komplexen Welt in eine Unterrichtsstunde von Autumn Rose ein. So erfährt man als Leser mehr über die neun Dimensionen und ihre Wesen.
Sehr spannend fand ich den Aspekt, dass die beiden Geschichten nicht aufeinander aufbauen, sondern zeitlich parallel zueinander verlaufen und am Ende zusammenfliessen.
So haben wir Autumn Rose schon kurz im ersten Band kennengelernt. Dass sie eigentlich eine Herzogin ist, verheimlicht sie am College. Als Sage ist es ihre Aufgabe, die Schule vor Magie zu bewachen. Doch Sage sind bei den Menschen gar nicht beliebt und so wird sie in der Schule regelrecht gemobbt.
Doch dann kommt Prinz Fallon auch an das Kable Community College und bringt Autumn total durcheinander. Er ist nämlich auch ihr Prinz, doch seit er aufgetaucht ist, verschlimmern sich ihre Visionen. Sie ist nämlich die erste dunkle Heldin und sieht immer wieder Bruchteile von Violets Schicksal, der zweiten Dark Heroine, die von den Vampiren entführt wurde.
Die Geschichte wird hauptsächlich aus der ich-Perspektive von Autumn erzählt. Sie ist wirklich eine sehr sympathische und tapfere Protagonistin. Seit dem Tod ihrer Grossmutter geht es ihr nämlich gar nicht gut. Sie droht sogar immer mehr in eine Depression abzurutschen. Ihre Eltern wollen nichts mit den dunklen Wesen zu tun haben und flüchten sich in die Arbeit. Durch das Mobbing ihrer Mitschüler zieht sie sich immer mehr in sich zurück und ist manchmal vielleicht ein bisschen gar naiv.
Erst Prinz Fallon gelingt es, an ihrem Schutzwall zu rütteln. Immer wieder ist auch ein Kapitel ihm gewidmet, so dass man Einblick in seine Familie bekommt.
"Autumn Rose" konnte mich von der ersten Seite an fesseln und ich fragte mich immer wieder, warum ich das Buch nicht schon lange in die Hand genommen hatte. Abigail Gibbs hat interessante und facettenreiche Charaktere entworfen, wartet am Ende jedes Kapitels mit einem kleinen Cliffhanger auf, weiss zu überraschen und hat einfach eine tolle Welt entworfen. All dies sind Aspekte, dass ich das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen konnte.
"Dark Heroine" ist eine bisher rundum gelungene Reihe. Die Handlung ist ausserordentlich fesselnd und das spezielle Konzept geht voll auf. Ich hoffe, dass Abigail Gibbs bald weiterschreibt, denn ich möchte unbedingt auch die anderen dunklen Heldinnen, die restlichen Dimensionen kennenlernen.
Fazit:
"Autumn Rose" ist definitv mehr als 'nur' ein zweiter Band. Abigail Gibbs konnte mich mit ihrem Weltenentwurf, tollen Charaktere und einer total fesselnden Handlung überzeugen, so dass ich die Reihe allen Fantasy-Lesern nur ans Herz legen kann.
February 6, 2019
Bellissimo! Non posso dire altro che bellissimo, avvincente, dolce, triste… Complimenti alla Sig.na Gibbs, perché riesce a coinvolgerti nella storia pagina dopo pagina, creando mondi fantastici. Questo urban fantasy YA , anzi tutti e tre i libri usciti finora, mi hanno conquistato: spero abbia un seguito per scoprire quali sono le altre Eroine e quali avventure le aspettino.
Se nei primi due libri la storia era su Violet Lee e il suo vampiro Kaspar, qui conosciamo Autumn Rose e Fallon. Sono due Sage adolescenti, lei ha quasi 16 anni mentre lui ne ha 17, figli di famiglie altolocate, infatti lei è la Duchessa d’Inghilterra, mentre lui è il nipote del Re di Athenea.
La vita di Autumn è sconvolta dalla morte della nonna materna, veggente e Duchessa dei Sage, in più è costretta a tornare a vivere con i genitori e a frequentare il liceo degli umani, dove per la sua diversità viene derisa e non considerata dagli altri studenti. Autumn sospetta che qualcuno sappia chi ha ucciso sua nonna ma che non vogliano informarla: questo le suscita rabbia e dolore, perciò cerca di vivere più come umana che come Sage. Fin quando un attacco nella sua scuola la obbliga ad abbandonarla per essere protetta, nel frattempo scopre il suo destino…
Fin dalle prime righe non sono riuscita ad abbandonare il libro, posso dire di averlo divorato. Sono rientrata nelle vite delle Eroine e dei popoli fantastici creati da Abigail ma, nonostante sia uno YA e io un pochino più grande (ehm… ma solo un pochino), come dicevo all’inizio sono rimasta conquistata dalla fluidità del racconto, dalla creazione di mondi fantastici e creature altrettanto fantastiche, nascoste in mezzo a noi poveri umani.
Devo dire che la mia coppia preferita sono Violet e Kaspar, forse perchè lui è un pochino più carognetta rispetto a Fallon. Ho trovato i primi due libri più intensi come storia d’amore, mentre la relazione tra Autumn e Fallon è più dolce. Qui è molto presente il dolore per la perdita della nonna e il non voler far parte della Corte, ritenuta responsabile di tacere la verità, o forse la paura di crescere e dover prendere delle responsabilità grandi per una ragazzina, comunque questo è un libro più profondo e la storia d’amore che nasce si vede solo verso la fine. Ci sono due scene un po’ piccanti, ma appena accennate, che rendono il libro adatto a tutti.
Un libro consigliatissimo se ci si vuole immergere nel mondo fantastico delle Eroine insieme a Vampiri testardi, Sage prepotenti e tanti personaggi ancora da scoprire: buona lettura!
Se nei primi due libri la storia era su Violet Lee e il suo vampiro Kaspar, qui conosciamo Autumn Rose e Fallon. Sono due Sage adolescenti, lei ha quasi 16 anni mentre lui ne ha 17, figli di famiglie altolocate, infatti lei è la Duchessa d’Inghilterra, mentre lui è il nipote del Re di Athenea.
La vita di Autumn è sconvolta dalla morte della nonna materna, veggente e Duchessa dei Sage, in più è costretta a tornare a vivere con i genitori e a frequentare il liceo degli umani, dove per la sua diversità viene derisa e non considerata dagli altri studenti. Autumn sospetta che qualcuno sappia chi ha ucciso sua nonna ma che non vogliano informarla: questo le suscita rabbia e dolore, perciò cerca di vivere più come umana che come Sage. Fin quando un attacco nella sua scuola la obbliga ad abbandonarla per essere protetta, nel frattempo scopre il suo destino…
Fin dalle prime righe non sono riuscita ad abbandonare il libro, posso dire di averlo divorato. Sono rientrata nelle vite delle Eroine e dei popoli fantastici creati da Abigail ma, nonostante sia uno YA e io un pochino più grande (ehm… ma solo un pochino), come dicevo all’inizio sono rimasta conquistata dalla fluidità del racconto, dalla creazione di mondi fantastici e creature altrettanto fantastiche, nascoste in mezzo a noi poveri umani.
Devo dire che la mia coppia preferita sono Violet e Kaspar, forse perchè lui è un pochino più carognetta rispetto a Fallon. Ho trovato i primi due libri più intensi come storia d’amore, mentre la relazione tra Autumn e Fallon è più dolce. Qui è molto presente il dolore per la perdita della nonna e il non voler far parte della Corte, ritenuta responsabile di tacere la verità, o forse la paura di crescere e dover prendere delle responsabilità grandi per una ragazzina, comunque questo è un libro più profondo e la storia d’amore che nasce si vede solo verso la fine. Ci sono due scene un po’ piccanti, ma appena accennate, che rendono il libro adatto a tutti.
Un libro consigliatissimo se ci si vuole immergere nel mondo fantastico delle Eroine insieme a Vampiri testardi, Sage prepotenti e tanti personaggi ancora da scoprire: buona lettura!
February 2, 2014
This was a difficult book for me to review, let me say first that I loved Dinner with a Vampire the first time I read it, I actually started reading it on Wattpad then on kindle when it came out. As soon as I discovered that Autumn Rose was due out I pre-ordered it and re-read Dinner since it had been awhile but I must admit I didn't enjoy it as much on the second reading. The night before Autumn was released reviews started appearing on goodreads a couple of people loved it but most were surprised and disappointed that no real advancement was made from the original and this story runs parallel to Violets.
At around 30% in I wasn't sure about it at all, I'm struggling with Autumn to be honest I find her difficult to like at all.
Around half way in I found myself starting to enjoy this book more, I'm sorry to say that before this I was reading for the sake of it, Autumn started to soften and therefore I found her more likable and easier to read but for me the book didn't really come alive until Violet and Kasper made their appearance in Athenea.
The last 20% was compulsive reading and now I can't wait for the next book but I must admit if I'm being totally honest I was disappointed with the first half in particular, I wasn't thrilled when I realised that this book doesn't really move the story forward at all but after reading this I can see why it was necessary, we needed the story of the first Heroine in order to move forward but even understanding Autumns grief over her grandmother and the fact that she's only fifteen I really struggled to like and understand her which is what made the reading of this book, certainly early on a chore and not a pleasure, this said I'm glad I stuck with it.
At around 30% in I wasn't sure about it at all, I'm struggling with Autumn to be honest I find her difficult to like at all.
Around half way in I found myself starting to enjoy this book more, I'm sorry to say that before this I was reading for the sake of it, Autumn started to soften and therefore I found her more likable and easier to read but for me the book didn't really come alive until Violet and Kasper made their appearance in Athenea.
The last 20% was compulsive reading and now I can't wait for the next book but I must admit if I'm being totally honest I was disappointed with the first half in particular, I wasn't thrilled when I realised that this book doesn't really move the story forward at all but after reading this I can see why it was necessary, we needed the story of the first Heroine in order to move forward but even understanding Autumns grief over her grandmother and the fact that she's only fifteen I really struggled to like and understand her which is what made the reading of this book, certainly early on a chore and not a pleasure, this said I'm glad I stuck with it.
May 12, 2014
Oh man. That took me a lot longer than I ever anticipated and although started off good, I felt just dragged and dragged. Which is a shame.
image
Autumn is different to her class mates in the sleepy Devon town she lives in and feels like an outcast for it. With extraordinary marks on her skin she is shunned by the people she is sworn to protect. But when a handsome stranger she recognises turns up at her school with the same marks she bears, as well as reoccurring impendingly doomed visions she keeps have, her life is turning into turmoil.
When I picked this book up I did not realise it was the second book in the series. However, I didn’t feel like I missed out by doing so as I was read without feeling like I needed to know any previous knowledge and like that. The last 50 pages were the only place where I might have felt better reading the first, and given me a more rounded view on Violet.
Typically, I tend to steer away from these types of books, not for any particular reason, they just never tickle my fancy. But I did like the way this book was presented. I loved the ideas of the seven dimensions and found them incredibly interesting, especially the taken perspective on it. Additionally, I liked the comparison to the humans, yet felt it was not explored enough and could have been expanded a lot more in that sense instead of tiptoeing around other matters.
What got me the most was that this book was so long! Even though there was not a big amount of pages, it just felt drawn out and slow. A long time to describe to actions that were unnecessary. And this is where it lost me sadly.
This book started out good and I really liked the idea behind it but the novel felt too long and drawn out for my liking to be honest.
image
Autumn is different to her class mates in the sleepy Devon town she lives in and feels like an outcast for it. With extraordinary marks on her skin she is shunned by the people she is sworn to protect. But when a handsome stranger she recognises turns up at her school with the same marks she bears, as well as reoccurring impendingly doomed visions she keeps have, her life is turning into turmoil.
When I picked this book up I did not realise it was the second book in the series. However, I didn’t feel like I missed out by doing so as I was read without feeling like I needed to know any previous knowledge and like that. The last 50 pages were the only place where I might have felt better reading the first, and given me a more rounded view on Violet.
Typically, I tend to steer away from these types of books, not for any particular reason, they just never tickle my fancy. But I did like the way this book was presented. I loved the ideas of the seven dimensions and found them incredibly interesting, especially the taken perspective on it. Additionally, I liked the comparison to the humans, yet felt it was not explored enough and could have been expanded a lot more in that sense instead of tiptoeing around other matters.
What got me the most was that this book was so long! Even though there was not a big amount of pages, it just felt drawn out and slow. A long time to describe to actions that were unnecessary. And this is where it lost me sadly.
This book started out good and I really liked the idea behind it but the novel felt too long and drawn out for my liking to be honest.
January 30, 2014
*ARC was given in exchange for honest review*
Anyone who is a fan of magic, is really going to love this fast paced book!
Having only one more year to complete before graduation, Autumn should be thrilled like any normal teenager, except Autumn is anything but normal. She's a sage-- magical beings that live in the first dimension alongside humans. Sages are amongst humans to serve one purpose; to protect them in anyway deemed fit from the Extermino.
Extermino are dark Sages, who want nothing but to end the human race. Autumn has been trained her entire life to help protect everyone around her. When her grandmother dies suddenly-- leaving a string of lingering questions, Autumn will stop at nothing to figure out what really caused her grandmother's death...
Even when an old friend pops back into her world--a friend that is famous in the world of Sages. Promising to keep her head cleared of good looks and charm, Autumn barrels into a world she never intended to be apart of, with a friend she's not sure she can trust.
There are dark secrets that are being kept from her. Secrets that Autumn can no longer ignore.
I'm such a fan of Abigail Gibbs! I immediately fell in love with The Dark Heroine when it came out, so naturally I was thrilled when I learned she had another book coming in the series! I was not disappointed at all with this book, just as the first, it hooked me from page one and kept me until the very end! I can't praise it enough! I loved it! Amazing sequel to The Dark Heroine! I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book, and hopefully Abigail will hear my pleas and I won't be waiting long!
Anyone who is a fan of magic, is really going to love this fast paced book!
Having only one more year to complete before graduation, Autumn should be thrilled like any normal teenager, except Autumn is anything but normal. She's a sage-- magical beings that live in the first dimension alongside humans. Sages are amongst humans to serve one purpose; to protect them in anyway deemed fit from the Extermino.
Extermino are dark Sages, who want nothing but to end the human race. Autumn has been trained her entire life to help protect everyone around her. When her grandmother dies suddenly-- leaving a string of lingering questions, Autumn will stop at nothing to figure out what really caused her grandmother's death...
Even when an old friend pops back into her world--a friend that is famous in the world of Sages. Promising to keep her head cleared of good looks and charm, Autumn barrels into a world she never intended to be apart of, with a friend she's not sure she can trust.
There are dark secrets that are being kept from her. Secrets that Autumn can no longer ignore.
I'm such a fan of Abigail Gibbs! I immediately fell in love with The Dark Heroine when it came out, so naturally I was thrilled when I learned she had another book coming in the series! I was not disappointed at all with this book, just as the first, it hooked me from page one and kept me until the very end! I can't praise it enough! I loved it! Amazing sequel to The Dark Heroine! I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book, and hopefully Abigail will hear my pleas and I won't be waiting long!
August 11, 2014
2.5 stars
This was all over the place, I don't know what happened but I don't think she must have been very enthusiastic about it or was just rushing to finish it.
The 'romance' (if you can call it that) between her and Fallon was basically non-existent, it was stilted and awkward and there was no character building.
I didn't like Autumn, I felt that her 'depression' was not realistic, it seemed like it was just thrown in there just for the sake of it.
Also, Violet and Kaspar? Autumn was very judgemental about them that just got on my nerves, and she acted nothing like she did in the first book.
Lastly, the timing of this book, I assumed it would take place after Violet's been turned, instead this runs parallel to the first book and only the last 50 or so pages are actually after the first book, I felt that most of the book was kinda pointless between that, we learnt a bit about the Extermino (who just reminded me of Harry Potter) and a little bit about the other nine dimensions but this was definitely a huge let down for me.
This was all over the place, I don't know what happened but I don't think she must have been very enthusiastic about it or was just rushing to finish it.
The 'romance' (if you can call it that) between her and Fallon was basically non-existent, it was stilted and awkward and there was no character building.
I didn't like Autumn, I felt that her 'depression' was not realistic, it seemed like it was just thrown in there just for the sake of it.
Also, Violet and Kaspar? Autumn was very judgemental about them that just got on my nerves, and she acted nothing like she did in the first book.
Lastly, the timing of this book, I assumed it would take place after Violet's been turned, instead this runs parallel to the first book and only the last 50 or so pages are actually after the first book, I felt that most of the book was kinda pointless between that, we learnt a bit about the Extermino (who just reminded me of Harry Potter) and a little bit about the other nine dimensions but this was definitely a huge let down for me.
May 20, 2015
I'm kind of really disappointed with this book. I loved the first in the series and naturally I was excited to start the second novel. I knew it wasn't going to be about violet and kaspar, but I went in with an open mind and I was okay with that. However the thing is: this book was just so boring! At some points I was struggling to read it and found that I had to go back a few times and re-read what I had just read because I hadn't been paying too much attention as to what was happening in the chapter.
Also, the love story between autumn and fallon... I don't get it! Not one bit. And it's not like I didn't want to get it because boy I did. But I honestly didn't understand it at all. I don't know what else to say other than the fact that the most exciting thing to happen was probably the last page... Thoroughly dissapointed, but I know I'll be buying the next book in the series when it comes out in the future just to see where this storyline goes.
Also, the love story between autumn and fallon... I don't get it! Not one bit. And it's not like I didn't want to get it because boy I did. But I honestly didn't understand it at all. I don't know what else to say other than the fact that the most exciting thing to happen was probably the last page... Thoroughly dissapointed, but I know I'll be buying the next book in the series when it comes out in the future just to see where this storyline goes.
March 13, 2016
4.5 sterren: ik vond deze zoveel beter dan deel 1! Ben enorm aangenaam verrast. De schrijfstijl is veel volwassener, de verhaallijn sterker en minder cliche en de personages interessanter. Af en toe een beetje lastig te volgen, maar ik heb er wel echt van genoten. Recensie: http://thebookreview.nl/recensies/you...
May 19, 2020
Autumn Rose ist nicht das was sie auf den ersten Bklick zu sein scheint.eigentlich ist sie die Herzogin der Vampire doch das will sie auf keinen Fall in der Öffentlichkeit sein.Viel lieber ist sie die eigenbrötlerische Rose ,die seit dem Tod ihrer Großmutter versucht ihren Platz in der Welt zu finden . Ihre magischen Fähigkeiten weiss sie geschickt zu verbergen ,denn auch so ist es schon schwer genug Freunde zu finden.
Und dann taucht auch noch Prinz Fallon auf und macht ihr das Leben schwer,denn Rose hat keine Zeit und keine Lust sich auf die Liebe ein zu lassen besonders als die lang vorhergesagte Prophezeiung scheinbar zum Leben erweckt wurde.
Abigail Gibbs versteht es meisterlich ihre Protagonisten in einer tollen Welt agieren zu lassen ,die mal so ganz anders ist als die bisherigen Vampirwelten.Düster und voller Konflikte und Regeln ,die Aussenstehende nur schwer verstehen können.,dazu eine hohe Spannung durch das gesamte Buch hindurch fesselt den Leser von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite.
Und dann taucht auch noch Prinz Fallon auf und macht ihr das Leben schwer,denn Rose hat keine Zeit und keine Lust sich auf die Liebe ein zu lassen besonders als die lang vorhergesagte Prophezeiung scheinbar zum Leben erweckt wurde.
Abigail Gibbs versteht es meisterlich ihre Protagonisten in einer tollen Welt agieren zu lassen ,die mal so ganz anders ist als die bisherigen Vampirwelten.Düster und voller Konflikte und Regeln ,die Aussenstehende nur schwer verstehen können.,dazu eine hohe Spannung durch das gesamte Buch hindurch fesselt den Leser von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite.
October 26, 2014
Inhalt:
Autumn Rose ist Wächterin in einer öffentlichen Schule in Brixham. Nach dem Tod ihrer Großmutter hat es sie in dieses Nest verschlagen, um ihre Pflichtzeit zu absolvieren, wie es der Terra-Vertrag zwischen Menschen und dunklen Wesen vorsieht.
Als wäre ihr Leben durch die Anfeindungen ihrer Mitschüler nicht schon schlimm genug, greifen Extermino, die Feinde des interdimensionalen Rats, Menschen an und töten sie. Die Zeitungen berichten von der Entführung eines Menschen in der zweiten Dimension und ständig hat Autumn Rose diese Träume von Violett Lee, der schlimme Dinge angetan werden.
Zu allem Überfluss taucht ein weiterer Sage in der Abgeschiedenheit von Brixham auf: Der Sohn des Herrschergeschlechts der Sage: Fallen Athanea, der Prinz. Er outet sie vor ihren Mitschülern nicht nur als Herzogin von England, sondern behält auch etwas für sich, das Autumn Rose unbedingt erfahren muss: Warum ihre Großmutter, die Regentin von England, sterben musste.
Meinung:
Der Weltentwurf von Abigail Gibbs konnte mich in Band 1 der „Dark Heroine“-Reihe überzeugen. Da mir aus diesem Reihenauftakt die Sage Autumn Rose bereits bekannt war, musste ich natürlich erfahren, wie ihre Welt so aussieht.
Autumn Rose ist eine Sage. Sie lebt in einer der neun Welten, in denen die Menschen über die dunklen Wesen Bescheid wissen. Doch das macht es alles andere als einfach für sie. Denn die machtvollen Sage werden von den Menschen gemieden. Autumn Rose wird in der Schule gemobbt und angefeindet. Keiner in der Provinz kennt ihre wahre Herkunft, weiß, dass sie Herzogin von England ist und das Land regieren wird, wenn sie alt genug ist.
Mit dem Prinzen Fallen Athanea verband sie früher etwas wie Freundschaft. Nach dem Tod ihrer Großmutter vermutet Autumn, dass Fallen mehr über die damaligen Geschehnisse weiß. Doch er weigert sich, es ihr zu sagen, was Autumn fuchsteufelswild macht.
Schon nach den ersten Seiten war mir klar, dass Autumn Rose‘ Geschichte mehr bietet als der Reihenauftakt. In der ersten Dimension leben die Menschen mit dem Wissen über die dortigen dunklen Wesen, die Sage. Die Terra-Verträge verpflichten sie zu Diensten an den Menschen, außer ein paar Gesichter, die aus den Klatschzeitungen bekannt sind (wie Prinz Fallon), begegnen sie den machtvollen Sage jedoch nicht sehr freundlich. Autumn Rose‘ Leben an der Schule ist hart, sie sehnt sich nach den Zeiten zurück, in denen sie an der Seite ihrer Großmutter gelebt hat, ehe diese verstorben ist. Erst Kapitel für Kapitel erschlossen sich mir die Hintergründe, fügte sich das Puzzle zusammen. Das Lügenkonstrukt, das rund um Autumn Rose aufgebaut wurde.
Abigail Gibbs‘ Weltentwurf kam in dieser Dimension erst richtig zum Tragen. War Band 1 noch eine „normale“ paranormale Geschichte, mit all den verborgenen Wesen, kam der Unterschied zur Dimension der Sage sofort zur Geltung. Menschen leben Seite an Seite mit den dunklen Wesen. Und dennoch droht Gefahr: Die Abtrünnigen Extermino greifen Menschen an und halten sich in keiner Weise an die Terra-Verträge, die das friedliche Zusammenleben ermöglichen. Der Bogen zu „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ ist schnell gezogen, denn auch Autumn Rose erfährt von der Entführung Violett Lees. So bekommt der Leser hautnah mit, wie sich Autumn Rose in der Zeit entwickelt, die in Band 1 verborgen blieb.
Denn auch in der ersten Dimension gibt es das Gerede über die Prophezeiung der Dark Heroines, die Autumn Rose nicht ernst nimmt. Ein paar Frauen, die den Krieg zwischen Menschen und dunklen Wesen aufhalten sollen?
Immer wieder zieht die Autorin die Verbindungen zu bereits bekannten Szenen, was mir ausgesprochen gut gefallen hat. Als Leser kannte ich die Prophezeiung, wusste um Autumn Rose‘ Rolle – und dennoch konnte mich die Autorin an ihre Geschichte fesseln.
(Interdimensionale) Politik spielte auch in „Dark Heroine 2“ eine große Rolle, durch den kurzweiligen und einfachen Schreibstil der Autorin wirkt er jedoch nicht so trocken, wie man vermuten würde. Hauptsächlich wird die Geschichte aus der Ich-Perspektive von Autumn Rose erzählt, doch auch Fallon gibt ab und an tiefere Einblicke durch seine Ich-Perspektive. Neben zahlreichen „Träumen“ hat Abigail Gibbs besondere Rückblicke eingebaut: Autumn Rose erinnert sich an die „Anweisungen“ ihrer Großmutter, Dialoge mit ihr wurden gelungen in den Text eingefügt und rundeten die Geschichte ab.
Auch wenn ich um Autumn Rose‘ Schicksal wusste, war der Weg, den sie gehen musste, beinahe durchweg spannend. Ich mochte ihre Art (auch wenn ich sie ab und an etwas zu „dramatisch“ fand), ihr Verhalten gegenüber Fallon und wie sich langsam aber sicher etwas zwischen den beiden entwickelte.
Nach der „Offenbarung“ ging es Schlag auf Schlag, das Ende von „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ wurde überschritten und ich bekam Einblicke in das, was sich in Band 3 wahrscheinlich ereignen wird. Auch „Autumn Rose“ besaß keinen klassischen Spannungsbogen, keinen Showdown, wie man sie sonst gewohnt ist – dennoch schaffte es die Autorin, mich durchweg bei der Stange zu halten und nun sehnsüchtig auf Band 3 zu warten. Ich hoffe, es dauert nicht zu lange.
Urteil:
Mit der Fortsetzung ihrer „Dark Heroine“-Reihe konnte Abigail Gibbs den Vorgänger noch toppen – das Schicksal zu kennen, Zauber und Flüche, Kämpfe und Intrigen fesselten mich an das Buch und ließen mich kleinere Kritikpunkte nahezu vergessen. Sehr gute 4 Bücher für „Autumn Rose“, die erste Heldin.
Wer Band 1 mochte, wird großen Gefallen an der Fortsetzung haben. Viele der Kritikpunkte im ersten Band wurden ausgeräumt, daher könnte „Autumn Rose“ auch für all diejenigen interessant sein, die „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ nicht ganz so gut fanden.
Die Reihe:
1. Dark Heroine – Dinner mit einem Vampir
2. Dark Heroine – Autumn Rose
3. ?
?
©hisandherbooks.de
Autumn Rose ist Wächterin in einer öffentlichen Schule in Brixham. Nach dem Tod ihrer Großmutter hat es sie in dieses Nest verschlagen, um ihre Pflichtzeit zu absolvieren, wie es der Terra-Vertrag zwischen Menschen und dunklen Wesen vorsieht.
Als wäre ihr Leben durch die Anfeindungen ihrer Mitschüler nicht schon schlimm genug, greifen Extermino, die Feinde des interdimensionalen Rats, Menschen an und töten sie. Die Zeitungen berichten von der Entführung eines Menschen in der zweiten Dimension und ständig hat Autumn Rose diese Träume von Violett Lee, der schlimme Dinge angetan werden.
Zu allem Überfluss taucht ein weiterer Sage in der Abgeschiedenheit von Brixham auf: Der Sohn des Herrschergeschlechts der Sage: Fallen Athanea, der Prinz. Er outet sie vor ihren Mitschülern nicht nur als Herzogin von England, sondern behält auch etwas für sich, das Autumn Rose unbedingt erfahren muss: Warum ihre Großmutter, die Regentin von England, sterben musste.
Meinung:
Der Weltentwurf von Abigail Gibbs konnte mich in Band 1 der „Dark Heroine“-Reihe überzeugen. Da mir aus diesem Reihenauftakt die Sage Autumn Rose bereits bekannt war, musste ich natürlich erfahren, wie ihre Welt so aussieht.
Autumn Rose ist eine Sage. Sie lebt in einer der neun Welten, in denen die Menschen über die dunklen Wesen Bescheid wissen. Doch das macht es alles andere als einfach für sie. Denn die machtvollen Sage werden von den Menschen gemieden. Autumn Rose wird in der Schule gemobbt und angefeindet. Keiner in der Provinz kennt ihre wahre Herkunft, weiß, dass sie Herzogin von England ist und das Land regieren wird, wenn sie alt genug ist.
Mit dem Prinzen Fallen Athanea verband sie früher etwas wie Freundschaft. Nach dem Tod ihrer Großmutter vermutet Autumn, dass Fallen mehr über die damaligen Geschehnisse weiß. Doch er weigert sich, es ihr zu sagen, was Autumn fuchsteufelswild macht.
Schon nach den ersten Seiten war mir klar, dass Autumn Rose‘ Geschichte mehr bietet als der Reihenauftakt. In der ersten Dimension leben die Menschen mit dem Wissen über die dortigen dunklen Wesen, die Sage. Die Terra-Verträge verpflichten sie zu Diensten an den Menschen, außer ein paar Gesichter, die aus den Klatschzeitungen bekannt sind (wie Prinz Fallon), begegnen sie den machtvollen Sage jedoch nicht sehr freundlich. Autumn Rose‘ Leben an der Schule ist hart, sie sehnt sich nach den Zeiten zurück, in denen sie an der Seite ihrer Großmutter gelebt hat, ehe diese verstorben ist. Erst Kapitel für Kapitel erschlossen sich mir die Hintergründe, fügte sich das Puzzle zusammen. Das Lügenkonstrukt, das rund um Autumn Rose aufgebaut wurde.
Abigail Gibbs‘ Weltentwurf kam in dieser Dimension erst richtig zum Tragen. War Band 1 noch eine „normale“ paranormale Geschichte, mit all den verborgenen Wesen, kam der Unterschied zur Dimension der Sage sofort zur Geltung. Menschen leben Seite an Seite mit den dunklen Wesen. Und dennoch droht Gefahr: Die Abtrünnigen Extermino greifen Menschen an und halten sich in keiner Weise an die Terra-Verträge, die das friedliche Zusammenleben ermöglichen. Der Bogen zu „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ ist schnell gezogen, denn auch Autumn Rose erfährt von der Entführung Violett Lees. So bekommt der Leser hautnah mit, wie sich Autumn Rose in der Zeit entwickelt, die in Band 1 verborgen blieb.
Denn auch in der ersten Dimension gibt es das Gerede über die Prophezeiung der Dark Heroines, die Autumn Rose nicht ernst nimmt. Ein paar Frauen, die den Krieg zwischen Menschen und dunklen Wesen aufhalten sollen?
Immer wieder zieht die Autorin die Verbindungen zu bereits bekannten Szenen, was mir ausgesprochen gut gefallen hat. Als Leser kannte ich die Prophezeiung, wusste um Autumn Rose‘ Rolle – und dennoch konnte mich die Autorin an ihre Geschichte fesseln.
(Interdimensionale) Politik spielte auch in „Dark Heroine 2“ eine große Rolle, durch den kurzweiligen und einfachen Schreibstil der Autorin wirkt er jedoch nicht so trocken, wie man vermuten würde. Hauptsächlich wird die Geschichte aus der Ich-Perspektive von Autumn Rose erzählt, doch auch Fallon gibt ab und an tiefere Einblicke durch seine Ich-Perspektive. Neben zahlreichen „Träumen“ hat Abigail Gibbs besondere Rückblicke eingebaut: Autumn Rose erinnert sich an die „Anweisungen“ ihrer Großmutter, Dialoge mit ihr wurden gelungen in den Text eingefügt und rundeten die Geschichte ab.
Auch wenn ich um Autumn Rose‘ Schicksal wusste, war der Weg, den sie gehen musste, beinahe durchweg spannend. Ich mochte ihre Art (auch wenn ich sie ab und an etwas zu „dramatisch“ fand), ihr Verhalten gegenüber Fallon und wie sich langsam aber sicher etwas zwischen den beiden entwickelte.
Nach der „Offenbarung“ ging es Schlag auf Schlag, das Ende von „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ wurde überschritten und ich bekam Einblicke in das, was sich in Band 3 wahrscheinlich ereignen wird. Auch „Autumn Rose“ besaß keinen klassischen Spannungsbogen, keinen Showdown, wie man sie sonst gewohnt ist – dennoch schaffte es die Autorin, mich durchweg bei der Stange zu halten und nun sehnsüchtig auf Band 3 zu warten. Ich hoffe, es dauert nicht zu lange.
Urteil:
Mit der Fortsetzung ihrer „Dark Heroine“-Reihe konnte Abigail Gibbs den Vorgänger noch toppen – das Schicksal zu kennen, Zauber und Flüche, Kämpfe und Intrigen fesselten mich an das Buch und ließen mich kleinere Kritikpunkte nahezu vergessen. Sehr gute 4 Bücher für „Autumn Rose“, die erste Heldin.
Wer Band 1 mochte, wird großen Gefallen an der Fortsetzung haben. Viele der Kritikpunkte im ersten Band wurden ausgeräumt, daher könnte „Autumn Rose“ auch für all diejenigen interessant sein, die „Dinner mit einem Vampir“ nicht ganz so gut fanden.
Die Reihe:
1. Dark Heroine – Dinner mit einem Vampir
2. Dark Heroine – Autumn Rose
3. ?
?
©hisandherbooks.de
April 3, 2022
Autumn Rose is part 2 of The Dark Heroine, but can be read independently. So, I loved the first book, it was great. Hence, maybe my expectations were to high because I did not feel the same way about this read. Don’t get me wrong, there were parts that I liked but generally was not blown away. I found it to be kind of all over the place. It was a real struggle to decipher what was happening half the time. The romance aspect was nice though. Autumn Rose and Prince Fallon were the saving grace of the read for me.
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Magic
Trigger Warnings: death, gore, attempted rape
Typo Count: 2
“I suppose I always knew I was different; that my fate was set in stone, and that one day, I would sit on a cold, hard throne.” 1
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Magic
Trigger Warnings: death, gore, attempted rape
Typo Count: 2
“I suppose I always knew I was different; that my fate was set in stone, and that one day, I would sit on a cold, hard throne.” 1
April 10, 2020
The story is rather slow for the first part. But after that I was hardly able to stop until I finished. The storyline really comes together with the storyline of the first book and it’s slowly building up to something much bigger. I really hope there will be a 3rd book at some point.
June 18, 2016
Autumn Rose is the second book in Abigail Gibbs’ The Dark Heroine series. I read the first book – The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire – last year, and enjoyed it for the most part, so I was interested to see how the series progressed. Initially, it defied my expectations. I was expecting it to pick up more or less where the previous book left off, given that we met Autumn Rose at the end, but it doesn’t. Instead, it moves back in time to the moment of Violet Lee’s kidnapping, and relates Autumn Rose’s story from this point.
Given that we’ve already met Autumn, some aspects of her story don’t come as a surprise. We know she’s the first heroine, Sagean and a seer, but it was interesting to see the development of events we’re already familiar with from her perspective. It’s not completely devoid of revelations, though. We learn a lot more about the Extermino and the relationship between them, the Pierre clan of slayers, and Violet’s father. We also discover that Autumn’s own life isn’t as charmed as it might first appear – her school days are troubled, her relationship with her parents strained and somewhat cold, she suffers from depression and is borderline suicidal. Against this backdrop, the arrival of Prince Fallon and her developing relationship with him, and the ultimate revelation of her purpose in the Prophecy of the Heroines, stand out as bright sparks in the darkness. Autumn at the end of this book isn’t the Autumn we meet at the beginning, and I enjoyed seeing how she became the character we meet at the end of The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. We see Violet Lee’s progression from human to heroine up close and personal, and now we experience the same thing with Autumn. By the end of Autumn Rose, we’re up to date with both Autumn and Violet, and ready for the third heroine.
Another thing I particularly enjoyed was that Autumn Rose takes events to a place just beyond the conclusion of The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. We reunite with Violet soon after she has become a vampire, and it appears that things aren’t going too well – seemingly uncomfortable in her new life, she is refusing to drink blood. Kaspar also seems to have reverted to a personality akin to that he possessed before he fell in love, which seems at odds with where we left him.
My biggest problem with this book is the grammar, and I hate being a pedant so it truly pains me to say that. It’s actually testament to how much of an issue it becomes that I’ve brought it up at all. At one point, we find Eaglen “sat at” a table in the library, rather than sitting, and that grated on me. Abigail Gibbs is, or was at the time, a student of English at the University of Oxford, so you’d think she might be able to do a better job. People spin a lot, too, or rather “span”. I span, he span, it span, we span. I think maybe “spun” would be more elegant, not to mention grammatically correct. Or “turned” even. It’s used so often that it becomes intensely irritating – almost as irritating as “cummerband” from The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire (it was actually hard to type that, because Word wanted to auto-correct to “cummerbund” more times than I care to count). I can only assume, based on what I’ve read, that everyone’s spinning pretty much all of the time, and that’s a visual I could have done without. There are other words, Abigail! Most distracting of all, though, is the emphasis on how exactly people are sitting. It actually gets to the point where it takes away from the plot, because your brain’s trying to work out the latest bit of contortionism (not all of them make sense, in terms of elbow, hand, knee and thigh positions), which Gibbs has taken the trouble to describe at length and in far more detail than is really necessary. It’s odd to contrast the often clumsy writing with the decent story hiding underneath it. I do wonder how it ever got to publication in its current state – and I’m reading the finished version, not an ARC.
There’s a good series in the making here, if you can overlook the clunky grammar and distractingly detailed posture descriptions. Autumn and Violet are well drawn and mostly convincing, and the world-building is strong. According to Abigail Gibbs’ website, the third in the series was supposed to appear in 2015. It hasn’t, as far as I’m aware, so perhaps it’s stalled for the moment. I’ll give the third book a try, if and when it appears, because it seems like it’s at an interesting point now. I hope, if it does, that Gibbs gets back to the point of the series because I’ve actually more or less forgotten what that was supposed to be – the significance of the Prophecy of the Heroines plays much less a part in Autumn Rose than it did in The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. Something about an interdimensional war? It’d be nice to tie that back in, because without it the whole thing becomes pretty pointless. I hope, as well, that the writing might have become more assured. I’m intrigued to see what the future holds for this series.
Visit my blog for more reviews: http://scheherazadereads.blogspot.co.uk/
Given that we’ve already met Autumn, some aspects of her story don’t come as a surprise. We know she’s the first heroine, Sagean and a seer, but it was interesting to see the development of events we’re already familiar with from her perspective. It’s not completely devoid of revelations, though. We learn a lot more about the Extermino and the relationship between them, the Pierre clan of slayers, and Violet’s father. We also discover that Autumn’s own life isn’t as charmed as it might first appear – her school days are troubled, her relationship with her parents strained and somewhat cold, she suffers from depression and is borderline suicidal. Against this backdrop, the arrival of Prince Fallon and her developing relationship with him, and the ultimate revelation of her purpose in the Prophecy of the Heroines, stand out as bright sparks in the darkness. Autumn at the end of this book isn’t the Autumn we meet at the beginning, and I enjoyed seeing how she became the character we meet at the end of The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. We see Violet Lee’s progression from human to heroine up close and personal, and now we experience the same thing with Autumn. By the end of Autumn Rose, we’re up to date with both Autumn and Violet, and ready for the third heroine.
Another thing I particularly enjoyed was that Autumn Rose takes events to a place just beyond the conclusion of The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. We reunite with Violet soon after she has become a vampire, and it appears that things aren’t going too well – seemingly uncomfortable in her new life, she is refusing to drink blood. Kaspar also seems to have reverted to a personality akin to that he possessed before he fell in love, which seems at odds with where we left him.
My biggest problem with this book is the grammar, and I hate being a pedant so it truly pains me to say that. It’s actually testament to how much of an issue it becomes that I’ve brought it up at all. At one point, we find Eaglen “sat at” a table in the library, rather than sitting, and that grated on me. Abigail Gibbs is, or was at the time, a student of English at the University of Oxford, so you’d think she might be able to do a better job. People spin a lot, too, or rather “span”. I span, he span, it span, we span. I think maybe “spun” would be more elegant, not to mention grammatically correct. Or “turned” even. It’s used so often that it becomes intensely irritating – almost as irritating as “cummerband” from The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire (it was actually hard to type that, because Word wanted to auto-correct to “cummerbund” more times than I care to count). I can only assume, based on what I’ve read, that everyone’s spinning pretty much all of the time, and that’s a visual I could have done without. There are other words, Abigail! Most distracting of all, though, is the emphasis on how exactly people are sitting. It actually gets to the point where it takes away from the plot, because your brain’s trying to work out the latest bit of contortionism (not all of them make sense, in terms of elbow, hand, knee and thigh positions), which Gibbs has taken the trouble to describe at length and in far more detail than is really necessary. It’s odd to contrast the often clumsy writing with the decent story hiding underneath it. I do wonder how it ever got to publication in its current state – and I’m reading the finished version, not an ARC.
There’s a good series in the making here, if you can overlook the clunky grammar and distractingly detailed posture descriptions. Autumn and Violet are well drawn and mostly convincing, and the world-building is strong. According to Abigail Gibbs’ website, the third in the series was supposed to appear in 2015. It hasn’t, as far as I’m aware, so perhaps it’s stalled for the moment. I’ll give the third book a try, if and when it appears, because it seems like it’s at an interesting point now. I hope, if it does, that Gibbs gets back to the point of the series because I’ve actually more or less forgotten what that was supposed to be – the significance of the Prophecy of the Heroines plays much less a part in Autumn Rose than it did in The Dark Heroine: Dinner with a Vampire. Something about an interdimensional war? It’d be nice to tie that back in, because without it the whole thing becomes pretty pointless. I hope, as well, that the writing might have become more assured. I’m intrigued to see what the future holds for this series.
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March 17, 2018
No wonder I unable to read it for the first time. The pacing is so slow....like at the 70% of the book then you'll know what actually is happening...
The first book actually a lot better than this.
The first book actually a lot better than this.
January 25, 2014
First off I would like to thank Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of Autumn Rose through the GoodReads First Reads giveaway program.
I LOVED Dinner with a Vampire... I read it initially on Wattpad before Abigail Gibbs success was wisely noticed by publishers. The published copy was still amazing, though missing some of the things that made it feel so "real" in the serial published via wattpad.
All that said, I had really high hopes for Autumn Rose. In the end of the Dinner... We met her and she seemed like a strong, put together, powerful being, a deity. What we got in the book wasn't the same girl we witnessed in the first book.
I will say that I did enjoy the book, but I think I was generous in my willingness to like it based on my affections for Dinner... and for Abbi herself, as I watched the story unfold online and shared in the excitement of her success both online and then into the professional book contract.
Unlike others who wanted a continuation of Dinner... I did like the idea of getting Autumn's back story, of getting to see Prince Fallon for more than who I saw him as at the end of Dinner... I kind of flip flopped in my opinions of him and Autumn from the first book to the second. In the first I thought he was a strict royal, who seemed slightly controlling of Autumn and in a rare thing for me, liked Autumn far more than I did him. That all changed in book two.
In book two, Fallon showed himself to be kind, patient and adoring. And all around nice guy. Problem was, we didn't get to see much depth. I liked him, but I didn't LOVE him like I did Kaspar. Autumn transformed from a strong Heroine in my eyes, to a slightly whiny, almost weak character in book two. She didn't have the strength that we saw in Violet in Dinner...
Violet endured a lot of really difficult things and though she was pretty strong to start with, she came through it stronger, having grown through the horrors and the love she experienced in the book. Autumn didn't have much to really suffer through, and if she did it sure didn't come across that way. The few terrible things that did happen were not to her, and felt easily dismissed. I won't share spoilers here, but towards the end Autumn learns of something devastating, and within hours is joking and flirting.
One thing that bothered me and I believe the blame falls mostly on the publisher for, is the lack of the dealing with the sex thing. I am not entirely sure, but I believe there is sex, first time sex between Autumn and one of the characters. I'm not saying I even wanted to see it necessarily, but to not address it as big event it is, was disappointing, especially for someone her age.
There was a bit of telling in this book, and while telling has a very important place in a story, it shouldn't be used to tell the current events happening, we shouldn't be told what people are saying rather than being shown it through dialogue. There were a couple parts where this tactic really brought me out of the world and the story and back to reading a page instead of living the experience.
Overall, this book felt a little rushed, with little depth being given to the characters or the story and instead being replaced with lots of descriptions of scenery and telling us why things were the way they were instead of showing us, giving us the experience to feel it for ourselves.
This review seems somewhat ranty, but that is because those were the things that stood out as a difference from the first. I did enjoy the book, I did like that Fallon was so devoted to Autumn. Though the image I had of of the Athenea realm after the first book was dramatically different than the reality of the one shown, it showed more of the world in which the whole series resides in and informed. And my image wasn't hard to get past when a picture of all the realms was revealed very early in this book. I do love discovering worlds and this book helped to give that discovery.
Abbi is a very talented writer, I hope with the next book though, as much as I want it NOW NOW NOW, I hope she slows down and really gives it the depth such a sprawling epic requires and does it the justice it deserves, as she did in the first.
If you loved the first book, you'll most like like the second, but be aware it isn't a continuation of Kaspar and Violet's story, but truly, it's Autumn's story. They do converge towards the end. I don't know what to expect of the third, if it'll be the third Heroine's story as this was Autumn's or if it will advance the story we've already seen. I'll hold expectations on it, until we hear more.
I did give it 4 stars, and I meant them. I wasn't in love with the characters and the story as I was the first, but it still really did like it and cannot wait for the next installment.
I LOVED Dinner with a Vampire... I read it initially on Wattpad before Abigail Gibbs success was wisely noticed by publishers. The published copy was still amazing, though missing some of the things that made it feel so "real" in the serial published via wattpad.
All that said, I had really high hopes for Autumn Rose. In the end of the Dinner... We met her and she seemed like a strong, put together, powerful being, a deity. What we got in the book wasn't the same girl we witnessed in the first book.
I will say that I did enjoy the book, but I think I was generous in my willingness to like it based on my affections for Dinner... and for Abbi herself, as I watched the story unfold online and shared in the excitement of her success both online and then into the professional book contract.
Unlike others who wanted a continuation of Dinner... I did like the idea of getting Autumn's back story, of getting to see Prince Fallon for more than who I saw him as at the end of Dinner... I kind of flip flopped in my opinions of him and Autumn from the first book to the second. In the first I thought he was a strict royal, who seemed slightly controlling of Autumn and in a rare thing for me, liked Autumn far more than I did him. That all changed in book two.
In book two, Fallon showed himself to be kind, patient and adoring. And all around nice guy. Problem was, we didn't get to see much depth. I liked him, but I didn't LOVE him like I did Kaspar. Autumn transformed from a strong Heroine in my eyes, to a slightly whiny, almost weak character in book two. She didn't have the strength that we saw in Violet in Dinner...
Violet endured a lot of really difficult things and though she was pretty strong to start with, she came through it stronger, having grown through the horrors and the love she experienced in the book. Autumn didn't have much to really suffer through, and if she did it sure didn't come across that way. The few terrible things that did happen were not to her, and felt easily dismissed. I won't share spoilers here, but towards the end Autumn learns of something devastating, and within hours is joking and flirting.
One thing that bothered me and I believe the blame falls mostly on the publisher for, is the lack of the dealing with the sex thing. I am not entirely sure, but I believe there is sex, first time sex between Autumn and one of the characters. I'm not saying I even wanted to see it necessarily, but to not address it as big event it is, was disappointing, especially for someone her age.
There was a bit of telling in this book, and while telling has a very important place in a story, it shouldn't be used to tell the current events happening, we shouldn't be told what people are saying rather than being shown it through dialogue. There were a couple parts where this tactic really brought me out of the world and the story and back to reading a page instead of living the experience.
Overall, this book felt a little rushed, with little depth being given to the characters or the story and instead being replaced with lots of descriptions of scenery and telling us why things were the way they were instead of showing us, giving us the experience to feel it for ourselves.
This review seems somewhat ranty, but that is because those were the things that stood out as a difference from the first. I did enjoy the book, I did like that Fallon was so devoted to Autumn. Though the image I had of of the Athenea realm after the first book was dramatically different than the reality of the one shown, it showed more of the world in which the whole series resides in and informed. And my image wasn't hard to get past when a picture of all the realms was revealed very early in this book. I do love discovering worlds and this book helped to give that discovery.
Abbi is a very talented writer, I hope with the next book though, as much as I want it NOW NOW NOW, I hope she slows down and really gives it the depth such a sprawling epic requires and does it the justice it deserves, as she did in the first.
If you loved the first book, you'll most like like the second, but be aware it isn't a continuation of Kaspar and Violet's story, but truly, it's Autumn's story. They do converge towards the end. I don't know what to expect of the third, if it'll be the third Heroine's story as this was Autumn's or if it will advance the story we've already seen. I'll hold expectations on it, until we hear more.
I did give it 4 stars, and I meant them. I wasn't in love with the characters and the story as I was the first, but it still really did like it and cannot wait for the next installment.
November 30, 2022
This was a vastly different angle for the story, and it was done well. Can’t wait for the next one!
December 6, 2017
Enjoyed reading it once again...What's going on with the 3rd book though of the series..we don't have any updates
January 3, 2014
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you, Harper Collins*
I was so excited to start this book - I absolutely loved Dinner with a Vampire so was really looking forward to seeing how this story would develop. What I didn't expect was for the book to showcase the same events of book one but from Autumn Rose's point of view. I was a little hesitant at first but there is no repetition in the book; it's all new and fresh and I loved this book even more than the first one! Autumn is a much more likeable character and I truly cared about what happened to her and and the royal family. Even though this book doesn't lead to much progression with regards to the story, it is definitely a great read - truly captivating.
I loved learning about the Sagean community in this book. It was even more fascinating than the world of vampires in the last. I got so immersed in this community and was eager to learn how the events developed from Autumn's point of view. It was a very emotional read and filled with so many *feels* moments. It was difficult to see Autumn attempting to recover from her Grandmother's death and coming to terms with her role as Guardian at her school. She is responsible for ensuring that the students are safe from the Extermino. Autumn harbours a few secrets which are slowly revealed as the novel progresses. I really loved reading from her point of view; everything seemed so much fresher and made for a much nicer read compared to that of Violet's. It was definitely interesting to see the events unfolding which led to the revelation of Violet Lee in Dinner with a Vampire. I love that it has been written like this, but I hope that next bit progresses the story a little more.
Gibbs' writing has developed immensely in this book with the world building being much cleaner and the language is more mature. The world that she creates is so captivating, I really couldn't put this book down. One of my most anticipated reads of 2014 and it definitely didn't disappoint. Abigail Gibbs is definitely a very talented lady and I'm looking forward to reading more from her - bring on book three!
*Thank you, Harper Collins*
I was so excited to start this book - I absolutely loved Dinner with a Vampire so was really looking forward to seeing how this story would develop. What I didn't expect was for the book to showcase the same events of book one but from Autumn Rose's point of view. I was a little hesitant at first but there is no repetition in the book; it's all new and fresh and I loved this book even more than the first one! Autumn is a much more likeable character and I truly cared about what happened to her and and the royal family. Even though this book doesn't lead to much progression with regards to the story, it is definitely a great read - truly captivating.
I loved learning about the Sagean community in this book. It was even more fascinating than the world of vampires in the last. I got so immersed in this community and was eager to learn how the events developed from Autumn's point of view. It was a very emotional read and filled with so many *feels* moments. It was difficult to see Autumn attempting to recover from her Grandmother's death and coming to terms with her role as Guardian at her school. She is responsible for ensuring that the students are safe from the Extermino. Autumn harbours a few secrets which are slowly revealed as the novel progresses. I really loved reading from her point of view; everything seemed so much fresher and made for a much nicer read compared to that of Violet's. It was definitely interesting to see the events unfolding which led to the revelation of Violet Lee in Dinner with a Vampire. I love that it has been written like this, but I hope that next bit progresses the story a little more.
Gibbs' writing has developed immensely in this book with the world building being much cleaner and the language is more mature. The world that she creates is so captivating, I really couldn't put this book down. One of my most anticipated reads of 2014 and it definitely didn't disappoint. Abigail Gibbs is definitely a very talented lady and I'm looking forward to reading more from her - bring on book three!
April 14, 2014
In het vervolg op Violet krijgen we als lezer een kijkje in het leven van Herfstroos. Op het eerste gezicht lijkt ze vrij normaal, maar haar leven is alles behalve rustig. Haar grootmoeder is vermoord, op school wordt Herfstroos vermeden omdat ze vreemd is en dan verschijnt er ook nog een knappe jongen met dezelfde littekens als zij heeft op school. Bovendien heeft Herfstroos last van terugkerende dromen over Violet en vampierprins Kasper.
Lees de recensie op De Lady Library.nl: http://deladylibrary.nl/recensie-herf...
In eerste instantie keek ik op tegen het lezen van dit tweede deel. Violet was namelijk zo goed bevallen dat ik niet wist of ik het lezen vanuit een ander perspectief wel leuk zou vinden. Ondanks dat ik wat informatie over de Varns uit Violet was vergeten, wat het lezen soms belemmerde, kan ik gelukkig zeggen dat Herfstroos een heel goed vervolg is.
Abigail Gibbs schrijft slim en goed. Ze geeft mooie beschrijvingen, maar af en toe een beetje too much naar mijn mening. Ook schrijft ze op een manier waardoor het echt spannend is en waardoor je, mede dankzij de vele gebeurtenissen, niet weet waar het verhaal zal eindigen. Helaas waren er een aantal zinnen nogal krom, zoals: ‘Ik kreeg mijn paspoorten terug, samen met een tijdelijk visum, ik las de eerste alinea.’ en ”Waar is hij?’ mompelde ik tegen Edmund, die knikte en sloeg snel de hoofdgang tussen de gangpaden in.’ Het doet natuurlijk niks af aan het verhaal, maar toch vind ik het jammer.
Herfstroos is een prettig personage. Ze verschilt heel erg van Violet, die als onwetende in de wereld van vampiers terecht kwam. Herfstroos daarentegen heeft een vrij hoge rang en kent de magie al, mede dankzij haar grootmoeder. En ondanks dat zij al overleden is, speelt ze toch een belangrijke rol in Herfstroos’ leven.
Er gebeurt veel in het boek Herfstroos. Hierdoor word je op een goede manier door het boek gesleept en dat einde, dat smaakt naar meer!
Lees de recensie op De Lady Library.nl: http://deladylibrary.nl/recensie-herf...
In eerste instantie keek ik op tegen het lezen van dit tweede deel. Violet was namelijk zo goed bevallen dat ik niet wist of ik het lezen vanuit een ander perspectief wel leuk zou vinden. Ondanks dat ik wat informatie over de Varns uit Violet was vergeten, wat het lezen soms belemmerde, kan ik gelukkig zeggen dat Herfstroos een heel goed vervolg is.
Abigail Gibbs schrijft slim en goed. Ze geeft mooie beschrijvingen, maar af en toe een beetje too much naar mijn mening. Ook schrijft ze op een manier waardoor het echt spannend is en waardoor je, mede dankzij de vele gebeurtenissen, niet weet waar het verhaal zal eindigen. Helaas waren er een aantal zinnen nogal krom, zoals: ‘Ik kreeg mijn paspoorten terug, samen met een tijdelijk visum, ik las de eerste alinea.’ en ”Waar is hij?’ mompelde ik tegen Edmund, die knikte en sloeg snel de hoofdgang tussen de gangpaden in.’ Het doet natuurlijk niks af aan het verhaal, maar toch vind ik het jammer.
Herfstroos is een prettig personage. Ze verschilt heel erg van Violet, die als onwetende in de wereld van vampiers terecht kwam. Herfstroos daarentegen heeft een vrij hoge rang en kent de magie al, mede dankzij haar grootmoeder. En ondanks dat zij al overleden is, speelt ze toch een belangrijke rol in Herfstroos’ leven.
Er gebeurt veel in het boek Herfstroos. Hierdoor word je op een goede manier door het boek gesleept en dat einde, dat smaakt naar meer!
December 16, 2015
Ik was al geen fan van deel 1, waardoor ik een beetje opzag tegen het lezen van dit boek. Eerlijk is eerlijk: dit boek is beter dan het eerste deel, maar blijft toch teleurstellend.
In deel 1 ergerde ik me enorm aan Kaspar en de zieke relatie tussen hem en Violet die verheerlijkt werd. In dit deel gelukkig (bijna) geen Kaspar en Violet, maar Fallon en Herfstroos. Met name Fallon is een behoorlijke verbetering ten opzichte van Kaspar: om te beginnen is hij tenminste respectvol en vriendelijk en minder labiel. Herfstroos sprak me wat minder aan. Ik vond haar wat "zeurderig" overkomen. Haar depressie was ook niet overtuigend beschreven. Ook kon ik haar gedrag tegenover Fallon maar moeilijk begrijpen: het ene moment werpt ze zich wanhopig in zijn armen, het volgende moment staat ze tegen hem te blèren.
Daarbij blijft de relatie tussen Herfstroos en Fallon nogal op de oppervlakte en was er totaal geen chemie.
Dat wat betreft de personages, dan nu de verhaallijn. Het boek las op zich wel door, maar in de eerste helft gebeurde er eigenlijk vrij weinig. Later komt er wat meer spanning in, al had ik niet dat 'ik-zit-op-het-puntje-van-mijn-stoel-en-moet-weten-hoe-het-verder-gaat-gevoel'. Ik werd door het gehele boek heen te weinig meegenomen in het verhaal. Scènes die indruk zouden moeten maken - spannend, verdrietig of romantisch - deden dat niet. Gebeurtenissen die duidelijk als bedoeling hadden de lezer te shockeren, shockeerden mij niet. Mogelijk doordat ik me niet betrokken voelde bij de personages.
Nee, ik denk niet dat Abigail Gibbs' boeken wat voor mij zijn. Jammer. Wel een mooie cover, though.
In deel 1 ergerde ik me enorm aan Kaspar en de zieke relatie tussen hem en Violet die verheerlijkt werd. In dit deel gelukkig (bijna) geen Kaspar en Violet, maar Fallon en Herfstroos. Met name Fallon is een behoorlijke verbetering ten opzichte van Kaspar: om te beginnen is hij tenminste respectvol en vriendelijk en minder labiel. Herfstroos sprak me wat minder aan. Ik vond haar wat "zeurderig" overkomen. Haar depressie was ook niet overtuigend beschreven. Ook kon ik haar gedrag tegenover Fallon maar moeilijk begrijpen: het ene moment werpt ze zich wanhopig in zijn armen, het volgende moment staat ze tegen hem te blèren.
Daarbij blijft de relatie tussen Herfstroos en Fallon nogal op de oppervlakte en was er totaal geen chemie.
Dat wat betreft de personages, dan nu de verhaallijn. Het boek las op zich wel door, maar in de eerste helft gebeurde er eigenlijk vrij weinig. Later komt er wat meer spanning in, al had ik niet dat 'ik-zit-op-het-puntje-van-mijn-stoel-en-moet-weten-hoe-het-verder-gaat-gevoel'. Ik werd door het gehele boek heen te weinig meegenomen in het verhaal. Scènes die indruk zouden moeten maken - spannend, verdrietig of romantisch - deden dat niet. Gebeurtenissen die duidelijk als bedoeling hadden de lezer te shockeren, shockeerden mij niet. Mogelijk doordat ik me niet betrokken voelde bij de personages.
Nee, ik denk niet dat Abigail Gibbs' boeken wat voor mij zijn. Jammer. Wel een mooie cover, though.
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