Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review: Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba & Giveaway

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Just in time for Halloween is a chillingly creepy novel called Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba.  I’ve read another of Stacy’s books called Sink or Swim (my review) and I really enjoyed it so when the opportunity to review this one arose I jumped at it because it sounded so good to me.  I love anything to do with psychics, fortune tellers, and teenagers who get themselves into scary situations and Dark Before Dawn didn’t disappoint me at all.  This is a Young Adult novel but I can tell you that as an adult I was completely drawn into the story and anxious to see how it would all end. 

Dawn has had psychic abilities since the age of seven which seemed to manifest after the death of her father.  Her mother has discouraged these abilities and basically pretended they didn’t exist and wants Dawn to do the same.  So Dawn spends a lot of time hiding her abilities from her mother and everyone else.  It has made her seem a little strange to others and consequently led to her being one of the unpopular kids most of the time.

When her mother remarries Dawn finds herself with a new stepfather, stepbrother, and a new school.  As usual she is singled out as not being part of the crowd and messing up in gym class sure doesn’t help.  Then it hits her.  She has a vision about one of the popular boys at school and because she feels she couldn’t live with herself if something happened to him, she warns him of the impending danger.  When her vision comes true she is branded a witch and the teasing becomes even worse.

Then she meets Candace who tells her that there are others like her right in their town.  Someone who can teach Dawn how to use her abilities.  Dawn has a bad feeling about it all but agrees to meet his woman Serina.  All of a sudden she finds herself drawn into a world where others finally understand her and she is learning how to use her talent a lot more; even more important she finally has friends.  As time goes on though a bizarre string of strange accidents occur and Dawn is forced to face the facts that these new friends of hers may not be who she thought they were – they are much, much worse.

I really enjoyed Dark Before Dawn.  Stacy has an easy way of writing that draws you into her stories and keeps you there.  For those who enjoy paranormal YA fiction with a good mystery to go along with it I would recommend giving Dark Before Dawn a try. 

Be sure to pop by Stacy’s website and blog.  She can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.  You can buy your own copy of Dark Before Dawn here in the US.  It is also available for 99 cents for your Kindle here or your Nook here!

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway. 
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so that I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, November 12/11.  Good luck!

My copy of Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba was received for review from the author.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  6. Oh, this one sounds deliciously creepy and wonderful, and I would love the chance to read it, Dar! I am glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the incredible giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  14. I’m also drawn to stories with physcis and similar elements but haven’t read many in YA books. Thank you for the giveaway.

  16. I love intense books. This one sounds good.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    eswright18 at gmail dot com

  25. Thank you for offering this book contest. I would like to enter my name in the draw. Thanks!

    pboylecharley(at)hotmail(dot)com

  26. I find some YA reads much more engaging that Adult novels. Too bad though that so many are part of a series, not stand alone. It will be nice to read a story that finishes one books rather than having to read 6!