5 Stars

A Monster Like Me is the second and concluding instalment in the Heart of Darkness Duology by Pamela Sparkman. It is an incredibly good paranormal fantasy, full of despair, revenge, lies, secrets, depression, choices, fate, life and death, action, danger, drama, adventure, battles, tests, friendship, redemption, and forgiveness.

Because this is the second part of a duology, I really recommend reading the first instalment before you begin this one, as there are important facts and backstory that will enhance your overall reading experience of this book.

There are some emotional details of a sensitive nature, but the author doesn’t use them gratuitously, she is careful, but also realistic about it. It made my heart ache. There are quite a lot of touching scenes also, and the depiction of the friendships, and banter really made me smile and warmed my heart. There was also tension, suspense, and heart-stopping details that sent me scrambling, flipping pages as I read along to find out how things would work out. The story is really well written, and Ms. Sparkman managed to shade the story really well, giving it true balance- blending both darkness and light into the storyline.

The characters are just fantastic- fully developed individuals who are original, complex, flawed, and a little quirky. Zeph is the perfect example of an anti-hero, and when I embarked on this book I wasn’t entirely sure how I would feel about him at the end of the story, I wasn’t sure I could like him- But he really did win me over, and his story is quite compelling. I loved the other secondary characters too, although I feel they all played important rolls in the story, helping the story to flow and grow….and adding extra interest. I love Arwyn, she is amazing, and the connection she has with Zeph is everything…..

I read the book completely engrossed in the wonderful world that Ms. Sparkman ingeniously created. I was swept into this action-packed adventure, hanging on every word- there was a lot at stake (including my heart)- I could see and feel, the blood sweat, tears, joy, emotion, heart, and soul, that Ms. Sparkman put into her creation….. and I. Loved. Every. Single. Word!!!

I am excited to see what she will do next!

Thank you, Ms. Sparkman!