Dark Passage - Book Review

Title ~ Dark Passage
Series ~ Dark Mirror #2
Author ~ M.J. Putney
Release Date ~ September 13, 2011
Publisher ~ Macmillan
Source ~ Macmillan

GOODREADS SUMMARY

The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed. Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers.

Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?

Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?

Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home?

REVIEW

Does anyone else get a little anxious when they go to the read the second book in a series? You know what I’m talking about. When you really loved the first book, but now you are both excited and nervous to read the second one. You worry that the second one won’t live up to the high expectations you have attached to it. Well, that is how I felt going into Dark Passage. I was both excited and nervous.

In Dark Passage, the story is told from both Tory and Cynthia’s points of view. Now, you are probably expecting that I would like Tory’s point of view best since she is the main character and she is confident, good-natured, and powerful. You’re wrong! Tory was great, but I totally loved Cynthia’s point of view better. Yes, I am talking about spoiled Cynthia with the bristly personality. What I found under that cool exterior, was a scared and vulnerable girl. My gosh, I love when that happens with a character!

With characters who just cannot keep themselves out of trouble, Merlin’s Mirror takes center stage once again. There is time travel back and forth from the 1803 present to the future. I know that sounds confusing, but I could keep up with where and when everything was happening. I have yet to find another book or series with a Merlin’s Mirror.

Romance! Tory and Allarde are still together and now Cynthia and Jack have something going on too. The romance is a little different than what I usually read about because of the historical setting. Teens in 1803 England have more innocent romances than teens do today. They move slowly. They get to know each other. They are friends first and romantic second.

I had no reason to be anxious. Dark Passage lived up to the expectations I put on it. Now, I am already getting excited for book three.