Genre Historical Fantasy/Romance Gothic
Pages: 319
Release Date April 27th 2010
Book 2 Strangely Beautiful Series
Book given to me by author for review
Favorite Scene
“There was that kiss.” Percy giggled. “You threw me against the bookshelf.”
“Ah, yes, there was that.” He smirked. “how did that go again?” He lifted and spun her. Her breath fled as he pressed her against the shelves for reenactment.
“Yes, that was it,” she finally gasped, as he carried her again to the desk. “Alexi, were you really thinking such things during our tutorials? You seemed so cold.”
“I began to unhinge the moment I demanded you reveal yourself, the moment you took off your scarf, your gloves, your glasses, all your shrouds, and stood bravely before me, diamond blue eyes piercing my soul.”
Percy frowned. “You looked at me in surprise, then.”
Alexi leaned closer.”You were a revelation.”
lu·mi·nous {loo-muh-nuhs} when something overtakes a human body – a possession with intent to harm…
war { wawr} spirits say it is war, all hell has broken loose now that the bride is gone. The fight on the borderland was just the beginning…
Where do I begin…I fell in love with Percy Parker in The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, where a shy, awkward, ‘freakishly pale’ girl became the missing piece in a prophesied puzzle. We meet the illustrious Miss Parker again in The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker and resume the fight against ‘The Darkness’, complete with the broodingly handsome Professor Alexi Rychman and the rest of the guard. Now that Alexi has realized that Percy is his mythical destiny, their proclamation of true love is confirmed for all to see. But alas, it’s not all moonbeams and rainbows as something sinister is lurking in the depths of the Athens Academy, something that want’s Persephone. Percy will have to be on her guard as one within her group is foretold to be a betrayer, someone who she is close to. With the daunting task of being the newest member of the guard, navigating a new position at the academy and being the wife of Alexi, Percy cannot help but feel a little lost. How is she to save herself when someone close to her will betray her at her most vulnerable? All I can say is that Alexi and Percy have a difficult road a head of them, but not to fear, Percy is a being of light, and light always defeats the darkness….right? Just who is Percy Parker, and is she even human?
Leanna Renee Hieber is one of those authors that can write a romance that is both poignant and heartwarming. Usually when you read a sequel from a beloved first book, there is really no option but to go down. Not so with this book. Although, I did miss Alexi and Percy’s tutorial tete a tete’s I enjoyed the journey of their relationship from whirlwind of forbidden feelings to a working partnership. And yes, Alexi is still the same old aloof Darcy-like character, who only has eyes for Miss Persephone Parker, a fact that I deliciously enjoyed. *swoon* Not to disappoint, our full cast of characters from the pervious book come back to life and add a richness and humanity to this second installment. I enjoyed that Alexi and Percy were not always at the forefront of this story and that we began to see more of the Guard than just magical shields against the underworld.
I will make a hint that I can’t wait to read more about Rebecca! Rebecca has sacrificed everything for Prophecy, even her feelings for the ambivalent Professor Rychman. So long as they could work together, her sacrifice seemed achievable with Alexi at her side. But Alexi has found Percy, his goddess in human form and now Rebecca is left with nothing but the cold embrace of duty. She is the one who knows of the betrayer but her bitterness of Alexi’s feelings for Percy could cloud her judgement. What if Rebecca is the one that is to betray Percy, could she be the one?
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is made of all kinds of awesome and is just as exciting and romantic as the first book. Not to be missed.
Rating
GIVEAWAY
I heart this book so much I’m doing a Giveaway Ends 4/29 for Amazon Gift Certificate to purchase Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker (Contest Open to All That Can Access Amazon)
Simply comment to this question: We’ve all felt like Percy a time or two, (an outcast, feeling as if you were somehow odd or different from everyone else) what’s your Percy experience?
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- The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
I’m not entering the contest since but just wanted to say you voiced my sentiments about this book perfectly. When I finished this book I actually went “ahh.” I can’t remember the last time I did that! I loved that scene-there were just so many great ones!
@Colette I love Alexi’s aloofness, wondering if there will be another Percy book…?
I have heard so many great reviews about this book I can’t wait to read it, it sounds lovely! I felt different and outstanding during the time I was 12-14. I was the serious, straight A student, good girl in a rowdy risk-taking, bad boys&girls crowd of friends. They didn’t make me feel left out, it was my own inner feeling, that even though I was with them I couldn’t identify with some of their actions/thoughts.
Just discovered your blog, and became a follower
Thank you!
Loved this one. So romantic. And for as much as I love Alexi and Percy, I thought she did such a good job with the rest of The Guard’s stories. Elijah makes my heart melt.
Oh gosh, what a great review. I have not fell for this series yet. I am not sure why, I have seen ~ as yours ~ great reviews about it. I guess I feel sorry for the (don’t know the exact number) of books in the massive TBR pile that cry every night… But with your review you have piqued my interest in it… Thanks! I will be checking this series out!
Hope all is well honey!
I still haven’t read the first one. So behind. I’ve heard great things though, nice review. (Don’t enter me)
Wow, thanks K.C., for your lovely words. I love how you set this up, the scene you included and the definitions – what a treat! Thanks so much. And thanks to the commenters and some friendly faces who have done the Strangely Beautiful series such beautiful services, for joining in.
I wanted to answer your query about if there will be more Strangely Beautiful books – and with Percy? Strangely Beautiful #2.5 will be Rebecca / Michael’s novella included in A MIDWINTER FANTASY anthology (release date Sept. 28) and in spring 2011 will be Strangely Beautiful #3 – a prequel involving the Goddess Herself and two, yes two, young Guards caught in the middle of the origins of Prophecy. As for Percy… well, she’s in the book, but only as a vision.
And Strangely Beautiful #4 continues forward in time with the Rychman family legacy (replete with Alexi, Percy and all our Guard friends) as I hope I don’t regret deciding to broach World War I… Eeek. Work cut out for me. Thanks again for everything and I’m blessed to have you along for the journey.
Well…when all the Twilighter’s start up about they’re sparkly vampire love…I’m lost. I suddenly don’t fit in with the people I know I normally fit with. It’s like an out of body experience to watch smut lovers suddenly turn into squeeing tween-like fan girls over sparkly vampires. These are grown women! So that is my Percy Parker moment. Is it me or are are they just weird? I think their just weird. *shakes head*
@Stella I too had some awkward moments during that age 12- 15. Let me just tell you getting acne in the 6-7th grade BEFORE everyone else really doesn’t help with self confidence, reading became my outlet. As an adult I can appreciate who I’ve become now, but damn teenage years were awkward.
@Mandi I was mooing over Michael and Rebbecca.
@Fiction Vixen Somebody could be persuaded to ::Cough: loan you her copy of Strangely Beautiful…
@Cecile i know just how you feel, I keep adding and adding and adding more books, but if you ever get a spare weekend, Strangely Beautiful Tale is a book not to be missed.
@Leanna Renee Hieber thanks for stopping by
So excited to hear we will be getting more Percy books!!!! <–Woo and Hoo
@Danielle Yockman ::blush:: I, uh…maybe have squeed a bit over Twilight, I'm not proud of that.
Wow – my experience is RIGHT NOW — I feel weird and like an outcast that I haven’t read this book or heard about this author does that count? I’m definitely adding to my TBR!!!
I haven’t read the first one and only skimmed over this one because I don’t want to read any spoilers. But I’m sure it was a FAB-U-LOUS review!!
I feel like a bad person, I still haven’t read the first one but I know its here somewhere in my stack of TBR. I’m going to find it now and read it so I can read this one next. You really had me at Darcy-like lol oh Mr Darcy.
AS for not fitting in, well i never really stepped into myself until just about my last year of college. I was trying to be who I thought I should be but then I went abroad and really found myself and my true friends. Oh and my love for reading too!
I think I’ve felt that way my whole life, as an adopted person, until I had my son and finally knew someone that was my own flesh and blood. But the time I felt most out of place, most out of my element, and most like an outsider? Well, that was when I first attended an NFL football game. It was in another state, I didn’t even know of anyone who played on either team, and I really hated football, brats and beer. I was the only tailgating girl in a group of 10 fraternity brothers thumping their chests, painting their faces and “drinking” through funnels. There I was, in the corner of the back of a pickup truck, sitting on a blanket reading a book, wearing my glasses, with my flaming red hair tied up in a bun with chopsticks. I wish I could remember what book I was reading. I think that was in my Ken Kesey phase.
I first want to say wow… historicals generally aren’t my cup of tea but this sounds fabulous and delicious. I have to pick this up.
My Percy like moments oh boy where do I begin… I am still living them. Try explaining the Dior, Coach and Tumi addict who walks around in $$$ shoes who would rather spend the weekend reading a Paranormal, Sci-fi Romance or attending a Sci-Fi/Comic book convention. My co-workers don’t understand me and my friends thank the gods just deal with me.
@Drens ::adds name to giveaway:: last year I was in the bookstore and say this odd title “The STrangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker” I picked it up and then put it back. Big mistake, a few weeks later I got it for review and was like holy moley this is one great book. If you like Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre) or Jane Austen this is a good series, very romantic with a dash of paranormal.
@Jamie Until I became married is really when I stepped out of my shell. I became more independent and confident.
@LaurenFaith Oh lordy you won’t see me at an NFL game, I think I’d be like you sitting with a book in my hand with a beer.
@Marnie Colette people just don’t ‘get’ our reading addiction accept for other readers.
I would say that letting my father doll out fashion advice at a pivotal point in my becoming a ‘lady’ might have led to my inability to make friends as a newbie in a new town and gasp new jr. high. Butchy vests and mustard colored shorts with greasy bangs and an unfortunate pizza face might also have had something to do with it.
I loved this series and I can’t wait to read more about Rebecca and Michael! Light Up the Darkness.
The last time I felt like an outcast was actually just a couple days ago. For the most part, I get along with just about anyone, but since I started a new job 6 months ago I’ve been trying to stay out of the work/employee gossip. For the most part I’ve been succeeding and it has been a good thing… until this weekend. It isn’t a bad thing to not worry about stressful stuff at work that isn’t pertinent to my actual job, but it did make me feel like an outsider when I went to a get together with friends one night after a big night at work. I felt like everyone already was friends and spent a lot of time outside of work together – drinking, hanging out, and gossiping. It just made for an awkward situation with lots of inside jokes and meaningfuly glances. Not fun.
On a side note, I’ve been to read these books for quite some time and would be thrilled to win!
Sara @ The Hiding Spot
grochowskisAThotmailDOTcom
I am really wanting to read this series. Now, I can also blame you for wanting me to read this series.
My experience is EASY. I have a whole side of the family I feel that way. They feel as if I am the antithesis of who they are. Am I? I have no idea, but they have deemed me the devil incarnate. At least the other side of my family is loving.
@Sara I will never forget the ‘cafeteria feeling’ when I start a new job. To this day, my stomach drops when I think about how I tried to be polite and join my new employees for lunch. Yeah didn’t go so well. I ended up cornering an older (outcast) newbie and he and I ended up being friends. It actually worked out to my benefit because I had to travel to different schools & those employees who snubbed me on the previous lunch were left having to work by themselves.
@Melissa devil incarnates are sexy
@K-Khan *echos* Light up the Darkness!!!!
God, we were so butch when we were younger. Thank god Dad took us to Clinque when we were 15 and we started to look like girls.
@ Sara I hate that. It took me 18 months to infiltrate the ‘inner circle’ as I liked to call it at my last job. :pounds fist to chest: i feel ya sister.
Great review – I so loved the is book! Alexi is such a great and broody character though he can be so dark and sexy too – yum! I really hope Leanna gets to do a book of Elijah and Josie too, she mentioned she would like to and I loved Elijah’s wit and Josie’s outspoken ways ;D
@K you worked for the car industry ::shudders:: I went to you x-mas company party, I feel ya.
@Heather Rebbecca and Michael’s story –> I wants it!
Great review! I’ve been hearing so many wonderful things about this series, I think I need to read this
But I was definitely the odd one out among those hardworking peeps!
If amazon.uk.co counts as well, I’d like to enter.
Uhm, my Percy experience? Well, with the risk of sounding haughty… I’ve felt odd and different from everybody else during summer breaks from college while working in factories to pay for my next year of college. All the people there thought I was odd of course, no matter how hard I tried to blend in (that is, act as if I really enjoyed packing thousands of smoked sausages in boxes or filling cans with all kind of foodstuff and didn’t have another care in the world than when my next coffee break was). Alas, it only motivated me more to save the money for college and not spend it on something more fun like holidays
Happy Release Day, my dear!!! And please don’t put my name in the drawing, I have many copies of Darkly expected on my door as we speak.
Leanna, you know how much I’m celebrating your success!!!
(((Hugs)))
Bev
I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about the first book which I haven’t yet read – sounds like the second one is good too!
MsM
I’ve always felt a little different, but it usually didn’t bother me. I liked my differences.
@Janna (EroticRomReader) I think gift cards will work for Amazon UK.
@Bev Happy Release Day for Leanna Renee Hieber!!!
@Elizabeth Jules Mason The first book will always hold a special place in my heart.
@Marlene Breakfield well said
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds very romantic and simply wonderful! KC, you did a great review!
My Percy moment or feeling left out would have to be whenever I have started a new job. Everyone knows each other and they already have their “cliques” and then you walk in. I hate how it takes a while to find your own niche at work. Or maybe it’s just the field I work in:) The medical field:)
Thanks!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
@Lisa G *tips hat* why thank you
@Angie D Starting a new job is like moving school during your prime high school years. I call this the cafeteria affect.
I grew up blonde in an area where I stood out like a sore thumb. It sounds so stupid now, but I hated my hair color and dyed it mostly dark colors so that I could blend in. It makes me sad that I couldn’t just embrace myself, but I do now, blondeness and all!
Hi KC!!
I can’t answer the question b/c I haven’t read the book and I can’t enter the giveaway b/c I already have the book!
Look at me, bringing all the negative! Anyhoo, so happy everyone is lovin’ this series. I’m even happier that I have the books. Great review!
Hugs, VFG
the magic words: ‘Darcy-like’ *drool drool drool*
@Pamela embrace your blondness!
@VFG You’ll love it. Dying to read your thoughts on this series.
@Jaymzangel Darcy is my book soul mate.
My awkward experience is whenever I have had to meet my boyfriend’s family. I feel out of place and I am socially awkward so I get really self conscious.
I would love to read this book!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
@Raelena meeting bf’s fam is hard.
Oh this does sound like a great book. Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
When I was young (yrs ago) I thought I was adopted. I did not look like my Dad or Mom, was always sick and just felt like I did not belong in the family. 50 yrs later I do look alot like my Mom and a little like my Dad and they were the best parents in the world. I was not adopted.
I need to read the 1st book first! This series sounds very, very good.
I’m never in the Kewl Kids Club when Supernatural talk comes on (Dean and Sam who?)…I need to remedy that!!!
@KC-I know there is going to be a Christmas novella featuring Rebecca & Michael, but I haven’t heard about any other books for the series…
@Colette thanks for the info.
@misskallie2000
@Patti *cries* I’m not either I never even watch Supernatural.
This book is worth reading for the title alone! I’ve always been a bit of an isolationist, never fit in with any group in particular – for many reasons, one of which is…I see dead people! No joke! Not all it’s cracked up to be, I must say! LOL!
One day I’m going to find out firsthand about the awesomeness of this author, I do have her first book on the shelves so I will read it!!
And what my Percy moments are…the moment I think I’m all humor telling or doing something and the other one doesn’t get it. it makes me really self conscious at that moment, I’ve been told on more than one occasion I have a weird sense of humor *sigh* Perhaps it takes a special kind of breed to understand my humor *headdesk*
I felt odd-girl-out at my college graduation. The friends I had lost touch were were total party animals and celebrating the single lifestyle with great joy and sense of fun. I had been (very happily) married for all of those 10 years and was the mother of twin boys.
caity_mack(at)yahoo(d0t)com
@Julia Rachel Barrett for realsies?
@Leontine I like your sense of humor!!!! I still laugh when I remember you tweeted DAisy Chain when were were chatting about Bareback.
@Cathy M Twins how exciting!
Yeah, for realsies! It’s some scary sh%t! Especially when you’re a Harry Houdini-type skeptic!
When I was in primary, I went to the same school my mom teaches in and one day in the fifth grade she told me to ditch all my friends because they were “no good” company. I did not understand it or why but had to obey anyway. I don’t remember anymore how it went, but from then on I was always the odd-one-out. I was “Percy” for life.
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/04/win-darkly-luminous-fight-for.html
Twitted: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/13060093848
Well my family immigrated to the US when I was 6, and I didn’t speak the language. I was immediately sent to school, but really felt like an outcast since I couldn’t communicate with anyone or understand anyone at first.
Great review. I have always felt like that a little. In my case I am sure its a confidence issue.
Oh wow, I’ve had a lot. I had one when I was in grade school though…changing for gym and got called fat. It does hurt you, esp. at such a young age.