Review: Great companion book to Sapphire Universe
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 16, 2013
It's been some time since I've read Devon Herrera's Sapphire Universe and, even though I recall loving the story, it was the minor details of the narrative that escaped my mind. After reading just one page of the follow-up novel, Dark Universe, I remembered exactly why I love the author's writing, which has an effortless quality, inviting the reader to return to the comfort of familiar characters. Some books take time to capture my interest, but this one had me hooked from the moment each protagonist is introduced. The romantic relationship between the book’s main characters, Lola and Drake, has previously been introduced in the first book, but Dark Universe backtracks to fill in all the missing pieces.Although Drake provides sporadic narration, it is Lola who narrates the majority of the book, which was perfectly fine with me because I absolutely love her character. I have to say that she's one of the most enjoyable heroines I've had the pleasure of reading about because I never knew what to expect from her, especially since half the words that come out of her mouth are purposely said for shock value. Lola is a brazen, blunt, and make-no-apologies kind of girl, which translates to a fun narrator. She's already proven herself to be a strong and fiercely loyal friend to former protagonist, Nina, but this book offers a different view of her, exposing her vulnerabilities and inner desires once Drake enters the picture.Such a feisty heroine deserves a strong willed hero and Drake doesn't disappoint. His character is more of a wildcard, with a troubled past and a closed off attitude. Drake's a bit of a mystery and is oftentimes frustratingly vague but understandably so. Drake’s views about life and love are just as jaded as Lola’s, making them an unlikely match, yet their chemistry is undeniable. Theirs is a somewhat strange relationship characterized by playful and snarky bickering at work and steamy encounters between the sheets. Who needs terms of endearments when you can have sarcastic comments? The unconventional romance works for their characters’ personalities.Although Dark Universe would be categorized as part of the New Adult genre, there are elements of action and suspense that distinguish this story as something more than your typical NA Romance. There is a bit of a twist added into the plot, but it's one that's set up early in the story so the reveal wasn't so much of a shock. Although I knew it would be an issue, the more pressing concern dealt with the romance between Lola and Drake, which starts as a casual, physical relationship and evolves into something deeper. Dark Universe isn't so much a sequel as it is a companion novel to Sapphire Universe, with the two narratives running almost parallel to each other for much of the book, and I loved getting to re-experience past events in a new light and getting to experience Drake and Lola’s journey to happily ever after.