Book Review: Blackbirch: The Dark Half by K.M Allan
The Dark Half by K.M Allan is as gripping a book as its prequel, The Beginning, delving further into the realm of magick and what it possible there. I was reluctant to read it as the coming books in the series are not published yet, and I felt I would be left hungry for more.
From the Book: Now that the origins of his power have been revealed, Josh Taylor’s search for answers continues with the arrival of Kallie—a girl he thought only existed in his dreams.
Running from her own secrets, she shows Josh how to use his gift in ways he didn’t know were possible. But, as they push the limits of their abilities, they discover there are consequences to messing with magick.
Security guard Kered knows the repercussions. Finding a power-filled crystal, he starts a chain reaction that brings a dangerous foe from Kallie’s past to Blackbirch and forces a devastating choice. Is Josh and Kallie’s bond strong enough to save them? And will their magick have the power to stop a darkness intent on destroying everything Josh has left?
Here is a book for people seeking the unordinary in the ordinary. Here is a book for people who have drifted apart from themselves and from their friends only to come back to themselves stronger. Here is a book for the people who have lost a piece of themselves and wondered what happened to it?
Confronted by Kallie Jacobs, a girl Josh Taylor thought existed only in his dreams, Josh scrapes beyond the surface of the magical talents he thought he understood, uncovering further abilities and old family ties as he grows closer to Kallie, a girl with her own turbulent secrets.
I enjoyed The Dark Half on the final wave of summer breaking against the shore. At two hundred and fifty-four pages, the story slid by and I, comfortable at my new desk, allowed myself to become lost without the need for a bookmark.
The Dark Half explores the split of the self and what magick is capable of when used in excess or desperation. Where there is power, there is temptation. The Dark Half beautifully explores who falls prey to the lures present in the use of magick and why.
Lurking in the simplest of everyday life, normal people are drawn into the strange, the weird, and the unexpected in a marvelous and tense showing of what people are capable of. The innocent lose their innocence, hidden agendas flare to light, and loyalties are tested to the end of their fraying tethers.
K.M Allan’s writing is addictive and real, as in “Josh’s knees bent, slamming into the concrete . . .” I feel the ghastly agony of that jolt, the melding of bone with that cold, unforgiving floor. K.M Allan’s writing is clever and vivid, so simple it tricks you into believing it simple. She will turn you upside down multiple times when you thought you were standing in the know and you will love it because each twist is as fulfilling as it is necessary.
Experience the loyalty of Sarah Randall, the inner turmoil of Max Ryan, and the curiosity of Eve Thomas in an enthralling story that draws to a satisfying, clever, and give-me-more finale!
This book is for you if you love magical realism and the exploration of power in combination with self. This book is for you if you love strong writing and lucrative twists. This book is also for you if you want to live the extraordinary through words and invite it into your life.
Dare to meet your Dark Half.
If you are so called, purchase The Dark Half through Amazon, or check out K.M Allan’s website for a further glimpse into her world of words.
lynnmumbingmejia
Great review, Jaya! I’m glad you enjoyed this book. Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Karalee
I haven’t heard of this book before & I’m not the biggest fan of this genre, but it sounds so interesting. Great review!
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour
I haven’t read this book before but it sounds good. It’s the first time I am reading a book review from you and I must say that you did a splendid job! This is actually not the kind of book I read but I would love to give it a try as it sounds interesting! Afterall it’s from my favorite blogger poet. Thank you for sharing x
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much! I am thrilled you enjoyed this review and found the book interesting. <3
Isa A
Seems like a paranormal fantasy. Also the kind you’d like. I saw your writing style in reviews and poetry. Really good review. Probably one j might have to check on again if I everything of doing a book review. Thanks for this xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
Jaya Avendel
Aww, thank you, Isa! I confess I never used to write reviews but writing them has helped me find my own style. I looked at other writers’ examples of review too, and am happy you will come back to mine. 🙂
Charity
This looks like a great and suspenseful book. Thanks for sharing your review of it. I will have to check it out!
Sara James
The way this book has kept you on your toes seems worth reading. The twists and turns are the reason you didn’t need any bookmark. I adored equally reading your thoughts about the author as well as of the book.
Thanks for sharing a great review, Jaya. xx
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much, Sara, for sharing your observations! I wanted to capture both the essence of the book and how I experienced it. Delighted I nailed it!
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
Great review! This sounds like an interesting read, I’ll have to check out the first book.
Giulia
Sounds like an interesting novel! And I have to say I love the photos in this post 🙂
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much! I loved taking the photos here too. 🙂
Anika
I haven’t heard of this book before! But the premise sounds like a great fantasy read, with lovely writing too. Thanks for sharing your review!
Rayo
I love the book cover already. My kind of genre. Because I love the other side of just being ordinary. I would really love to know their misuse of power. Thanks Jaya, I like the way you reviewed the book
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Rayo! Delighted you found the book interesting and enjoy the extraordinary.
TheQuietGirl (Anissa)
I love your review! This sounds like an interesting read, I don’t usually read genres like these but your review makes me want to check it out. Great review! xx
TheQuietGirl | http://www.quietgirlblog.com
Unwanted Life
I don’t think I’ve read a book review by you before, I normally read your poetry, and more recently, your writing tips.
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but the cover for The Dark Half is actually pretty cool. Your review does make the book sound pretty cool too, which is tough to do as I rarely feel interested in a book. So congrats on that.
It’s great to see another side of your writing talents. Now it’ll be a surprise with what you’ll have published here by my next visit
Jaya Avendel
Aww, thank you kindly! I am delighted you find the change of topic interesting. The covers to the Blackbirch series are simple but definitely attractive! <3
Caroline
I don’t tend to read this genre, but the book certainly sounds interesting!
Jordanne || Ofaglasgowgirl
This sounds so interesting and right up my street. Love the cover for the book as well, so nice. I really enjoy stories that have a mystical side and the plot sounds very interesting. Thank you for sharing, I’ll have to check it out x
glowsteady
This isn’t a genre I usually opt for at all but your review was so captivating I kind of want to read it myself now. I love books that are that perfect length that you can get lost in them and enjoy it in one without losing your whole day x
Jaya Avendel
Yes! The Dark Half and The Beginning are definitely the perfect length. Love that this is enticing you to read them. 🙂
Jodie | That Happy Reader
While this is not from a genre I would normally read, your review is captivating! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book.
Lisa's Notebook
Wow, I think this is the first book review I’ve read from you and I loved it. You talk about KM Allan’s writing but your review is equally powerful. Not my usual genre but I’m now very tempted to take a look at both books in the series!
Jaya Avendel
Thank you, Lisa! I really enjoyed both books and am delighted I was able to do justice to the books. I hope you like what you see if you explore Blackbirch. 🙂
Kelly Diane
Great review. Whilst this isn’t the type of book I would read, I know my mum would love it. Youve inadvertently helped me with my Christmas shopping!
Jaya Avendel
<3 I am so pleased to hear this, Kelly! I hope your mother enjoys the series if she reads it.
Elle
Oooo this book sounds amazing! I love the sound of the authors writing style. Thank you for sharing a great book & review. Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Gemma Jayne
This book sounds interesting and I love the cover! I definitely want to go and check this out, also great review ☺️ X
Della Driscoll
What a great review! I’m not a big fan of magic in books, however, I love the sound of the author’s writing style xx
K.M. Allan
Thank you for reading and reviewing The Dark Half, Jaya! I’m so happy to hear you liked it. I worked hard on those twists 😉 and I’m working hard on book 3, which will be out soon.
Jaya Avendel
Your twists are the bomb! I look forward to the rollercoaster of the coming books eagerly. May the words flow. 🙂
K.M. Allan
Thank you! 😊 you made my day.