Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Immortals Book 4
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 320
Book Source: Own Purchase

In this eagerly awaited continuation of the bestselling Immortals series, Ever struggles to help her best friend Haven transition into life as an immortal—trying to keep her from doing anything that puts them at risk, while attempting to gain control over her enemy Roman, so she can finally obtain the antidote that will allow her and Damen to be together. But when the spell she casts backfires, resulting in a strange, foreign pulse that binds her to Roman instead, Ever turns to Jude and dark magick, desperately attempting to break free of the curse, and ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including her beloved Damen. - http://www.alysonnoel.com/

While there were certainly parts of this book that annoyed the shit out of me; like Haven's dialogue and Ever's ongoing stupidity, in all fairness Ever did move up the dumb totem pole from "dumber than a rock" to just plain dumb. You might wonder why I continue with the series if I'm going be so critical but believe it or not I actually enjoyed Dark Flame.

There was a lot more action in this installment in comparison to Shadowland, the pace zipped along and I must admit it was quite 'novel' to want to throttle someone else besides Ever; Haven was an obnoxious brat!

I finished the book wondering if Damen and Ever will get a Happy Ever After and yes that's my motivation for continuing with the series. Overall an enjoyable read, definitely an improvement on Shadowland and if you enjoyed Evermore and Blue Moon then worth reading for the story progression.

So Dottie from Tink's Place in answer to your question on my review of Shadowland ... yes it does get better and even if you don't agree at least I'll have someone to whinge with and Alaine Queen of Happy Endings, I read Evermore & Blue Moon on your recommendation so it's only fair that you return the favour :-)

Night Star, book 5 in the Immortals series is due for release November 16th 2010.

This month on The Eclectic Reader one lucky reader can win The Sky Is Everywhere OR Mockingjay OR By Fire, By Water. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.