After Dark by Emi Gayle
Series: The 19th Year #1
Published by J.Taylor Publishing
Published on: October 20, 2012
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 344
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Kobo | B&N | GoodReads
What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn't know will probably kill her.
In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she'll be for the rest of her life.
She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it's her birthright. To Mac, it's a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.
Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there's more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.
In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Teenage girl who just happen to be something other than human. It’s been written about so many times. But. Sometimes a book comes along that even though a tad similar to all the others, it’s actually so different and well written that the reader can forget all about any similarities.
MacKenzie(Mac)is a changeling and what that means, is that she can change into any supernatural creature that she wants to-after dark. Before dark, she is all human and has to attend school. She abhors humans and keep herself apart from everyone, pretty much guaranteeing that she has no friends. She is eighteen and has eight more months until she has to decide on her birthday what she will be forever. She has no idea what she wants to be and plans on waiting until the last minute to choose. The counsel that rules the supernaturals have started putting pressure on her to pick her forever form. Each member of the counsel started out as a changeling like Mac, and when Mac chooses, she will take someones place on the counsel and rule that race of supernatural. When she sees a boy from her school with a book that has a picture of something from her world on it, she knows she has to see the book. This involves making friends. The boy, Winn, is pretty much a nerd, but he is a good guy as well.
Mac’s character is the epitome of a hardcore kick ass loner. It takes finally letting some human’s into her life to begin to change Mac. I loved how vulnerable she was at times and how hard she tried to fight her attraction to Winn-all the while planning to use him to get to the book. I also really liked her conversations she has with herself in her mind. Winn was the epitome of a nerd, one that was cute with abs. But still a nerd. The more he is around Mac, the more he opened up to her and she to him and it’s not long before he realizes that Mac is “different.” Other important characters were Lucas, a vampire, and Alina, a fairy. They are Mac’s surrogate parents until she chooses. Also along for the ride are the other members of Winn’s nerd group, Maddie in particular. Maddie tries to befriend Mac. She’s the bubbly cheerleader type, but also happens to be smart enough to qualify for nerdom. But it’s the destroyer demon with a heart, Suze, the guard at the country club that doubles as a front for all things supernatural, that stole the prize for best side character for me. Throughout the book, he is a protector and information gatherer for Mac. He was sweet and funny and I want to see more of him in future books. Villains? They are there, but due to spoilers that’s all I can say.
This story pretty much centers on Mac’s journey to find out more about what a changeling is, who her real parents were, and her growing feelings for not only Winn, but also for other humans. Along the way, things start happening around her or to her and the reader along with Mac realizes that she’s no longer safe in her world.
At this point in the series it’s still a young adult read, but that could change as Mac is an adult now. So that’s just a heads up. Highly recommended to paranormal romance/urban fantasy readers age 15 up.
The 19th Year Series |
||
  |
  |
  |
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
This actually sounds really interesting.
Stormi Johnson recently posted…Audiobook review of Old World Murder
I thought so too and I was right 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
Oh my gosh I love this series! I’m so excited you are reading it because it truly is so underrated. In fact, I’m adding it to my list of books for the underrated event I’m doing. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Release Day Mini Review: Seriously Hexed by Tina Connolly
I thought about that as well but had read it after I did my post. It’s so good!
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
The cover calls to me and I think this is one I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing your great review.
sherry fundin recently posted…Is There A New Killer In Town – Sunset Darkening b Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist
Thank you! I hope you get a chance to try it 🙂
I love when a character grows up in the novel. So I’m curious on how the story line will change now that she’s an adult.
Curious!
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[727]: Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
It started out and she was already 18, not sure if it’s going to go into anything rated R or not. It could happen 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
Yes, this sounds great. It really approaches this story different and leaves the formulaic plot stuff behind.
Great review, Lorna!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Review: Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti
I thought it was unique as well Sophia. I think you might really enjoy it. Thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
Ohhhh I have this book. I remember wanting to read it years ago. Need to bump it back up.
Christy LoveOfBooks recently posted…Bad Girls with Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten
That’s a good idea! I think you may really like this one Christy 🙂
I definitely DO NOT need more UF in my life… but this sounds so good *drools* On to the TBR list it goes! Great review 🙂
Sarah recently posted…Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
I know that feeling. I think this is worth putting it on your list 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
I do love it when an author can take a often-used trope but makes it their own. After Dark sounds like something I’d enjoy. You have me very curious about Mac, Winn, and a vampire and a fairy for parents?? Okay, I know they aren’t her “real” parents but still. Yep. I’ll be sure to add this to my list, Lorna! 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Audio Review ~ American Prince ~ Sierra Simone #2017NewRelease #AudioChallenge
Just so you can get a giggle for today….I clicked over to Amazon to check out the book…you know, just look at it. Not one-click. 😉 And…uh…I one-clicked it BACK IN 2013!!! So I’ll be reading it sooner than later! Hahahaha
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Audio Review ~ American Prince ~ Sierra Simone #2017NewRelease #AudioChallenge
Oh I definitely know that feeling, have done that many times. Glad you have it to try. It’s easy to get into I thought 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
Yes, they are surrogate parents, but they aren’t together, at least I don’t think so. He spends his evenings with his vampire buddies 🙂 I hope you get to read this one Brandee!
Lorna recently posted…Review: After Dark by Emi Gayle (@Mollykatie112, @emijgale)
I don’t read a lot of YA, but this book sounds like one I would enjoy.
Nadene recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE by JILL SHALVIS @JillShalvis #Romance #HolidayReads
I like a lot of good paranormal YA. So I really enjoyed it Hope you enjoy if you get a chance.
I enjoyed this series so I am delighted to see you did as well Lorna
Kimberly recently posted…Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti
Yes, I made myself wait to read the next one although I already bought it. So good!
Oh this sounds perfect for me and unique. I’m going to have to check it out! Thanks!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Dual review: Ramses the Damned #1, #2 by Anne Rice and Christopher Rice
I think it’s worth it to try. I am glad I did