Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Synopsis for Black City (from Goodreads):
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.
In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.
When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Read 2012
Series: Black City Trilogy
Author: Elizabeth Richards
# of Books: 3 (Black City, Phoenix, Wings)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Vampires, Dystopian, Romance
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: November 2012 – June 2014
Source & Format: Public Library–Hardcover, eBook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I’m not sure how I learned about Black City when it was first released. I think I was browsing new titles at my library and came across it. Regardless, I devoured the book in one sitting–when I should have been studying for exams–and loved it! I remember when twist after twist happened, I emerged from my room telling my roommates how AWESOME this book was.
So why did I wait 5 years to read Phoenix? I don’t have a good answer. I was dying to read it, taking note of the publication date and waiting and waiting. And I think life and school just got in the way and this book went to the wayside. That’s why I made this series a part of my Make Me Read It Readathon for August 2017.
The Concept / The World:
Gah, I adore this world! I love a good vampire story and dystopian fiction is my kryptonite. So the two of them together? Magic. (Or some might call it “Urban Fantasy”) Not a lot of series can do this well (Darkness Before Dawn for example) but this one is the standard for me. It has a rich world, a complex political situation (swoon!) and a setting that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The Plot:
This series has everything I want in a plot. It’s engaging, action-packed and has just the right dose of romance. And the TWISTS! They always got to me. This series always kept me guessing.
Everything just builds so well. Phoenix (book 2) is the perfect example of that. Usually, Book 2s in Trilogies are a little slumpy but this one was not! Definitely not. It was addicting from start to finish and one of the strongest sequels I’ve ever read.
And the grand finale was fabulous! It wraps everything up beautifully and never had a dull moment. AMAZING!
The Characters:
I loved Ash and Natalie. They each have such a compelling story and character background. I couldn’t help but want them to succeed in everything they tried.
But the rest of the cast is phenomenal as well. You have the people you love to hate; the ones who surprise you and the ones who just make the story that little bit stronger. It’s a rich world that is only enhanced by its rich cast.
The Romance:
It’s perfect! You see why they are drawn to each other despite their differences. I was a fan from the start.
Series Rating: 5/5
Black City 5/5 | Phoenix 4.5/5 | Wings 5/5
Why aren’t more people talking about this series?!?!? I just love the cast, the amazingly heart-pounding plot line and the passionate romance. It has everything I want in a paranormal dystopian (urban fantasy) series!
Read if You Like: vampires, paranormal dystopian, urban fantasy
Avoid if You: dislike action, paranormal
- Mystic City by Theo Lawrence (Mystic City Series #1)
- Defiance by C J Redwine (Defiance Trilogy #1)
- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky Trilogy #1)
