"What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Hidden in the dark heart of Victorian London, the Romanesque school was dreadfully imposing, a veritable fortress, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met its powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadows, of the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She saw simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gift. This arched stone doorway was a portal to a new life, to an education far from what could be had at a convent-and it was an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death..."
**Book given to me for review, but the thoughts are all my own!
The story starts with six kids, barely entering their teens. They find themselves bound by a destiny that they do not fully comprehend, they are The Guard. They are united by a mission, their friendship and a prophecy, that promises them a seventh member that will finally weight the balance exponentially towards the greater good.
Almost twenty years later we meet Percy Parker. A 18-year-old albino girl finds herself away from the convent she grew up in and thrust into a Quaker style academy (co-ed) in 19th Century London. Percy has always felt and have always been treated as an outsider. But, having a great thirst for knowledge, Miss Parker grabs this new chance .
I found Percy to be such an adorable and lovable character. Some might view her coyness and her way of always depreciating herself to be annoying. However, I see it as a normal and understandable reaction by someone that has always been treated as an aberration and has never been said otherwise. Her journey from coy "little girl" to a woman capable of demanding to be heard is a beautiful and amazing one.
Alexei is a professor of the Athens academy and the leader of The Guard and has the strongest belief that the 7th prophesied member of their group is his soul mate. That belief is considered his weakness by his peers even though Alexei is such a strong character. I just loved his loyalty and strength. He is so swoon worthy, that it made perfect sense for Percy to fall for him.
Miss Parker's and Alexei's love story is definitely not an easy one. Besides him being her professor, there are obstacles and false signs that try to keep them apart. It was nerve wrecking an I shed so many tears for them. Their chemistry was so great and so well built that when they actually got to have their first kiss I got so excited. It is most definitely a beautiful love story.
I really enjoyed the other members of The Guard. Rebecca, Jane, Josephine, Elijah and Michael were really nice characters and I wish we got to see more of them. I loved Elijah's sense of humor, he cracked me up hehe.
Leanna has created such a beautiful and rich world with great creatures and a lot of action. Her characters are so full of life and face 
many adversities that you can't help but feel their struggles deep inside. One thing I really loved about it, was that even though it is set in the 19th Century and the characters speak appropriately to the time, it never gets stuffy and the really helps you connect with them all.
many adversities that you can't help but feel their struggles deep inside. One thing I really loved about it, was that even though it is set in the 19th Century and the characters speak appropriately to the time, it never gets stuffy and the really helps you connect with them all.I absolutely adored this book! It was a first for me reading a Goth Fantasy novel and I have to say I LOVED it!
I give this book 5/5 Loveys!
Smut Level 0.5/5!
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2) Comes out in April 27th and I can't wait!
Check out the Trailer bellow!
Im so looking forward for that one!
***Don't Forget!***
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
i've heard many good things about this book! i really want to read it. thanks for the review!
ARGH! I am dying to read this one!
I had to order 'Percy Parker' from my local bookstore; but apparently it's out of print in Australia and will take months to get me a copy.
Your review makes me even more anxious to read it :)
@Chelley
You're welcome! Im totally in love with this book! =)
@Danielle
aw that sucks! I hope you get it soon! I cant wait to read what you say about it =))
I meant to buy it but bought another book instead, duh! bad choice perhaps now
@Blodeuedd
awwww which book did you get??
This sounds cute and intense and great and magical all at the same time - I've totally got to get a copy of it!
@Brizmus
it totally is and you so should! and its so worth it! =))
I have been wanting to read this...I am glad you liked it so much!
I absolutely loved this book! I was a huge Jane Austen/Charlotte Bronte nerd growing up so I really enjoyed Hieber's writing style. It was such a nice change from all the contemps and erotic romance I've been reading.
Great Review Hon!
Another amazing review!!!
V
This is one of my favorite reads from last year. Loved your review! I can't wait for Darkly Luminous either. :)
@Stacy
I hope you love it when you read it! =)
@Smokinhot
@Veronica
@Donna
Thanks, guys! I can't wait for the next book! Im in love with this one hehe =)))
Well I bought 4, that first Jeanine Frost book (had to get it!) the 1st Molly Harper book (heard so much great things) 2nd P.Briggs Mercy Thompson books. And then silly me got book 3 also instead of this one
@Blodeuedd
wow you got some pretty amazing books! dont regret it for a second lol =)))
love the title of this and the premise sounds great. goth victorian is a great mix. will definitely put this on my tbr list. thanks for the review.