I can say with full honesty that Hieber's second tale of the most unusual Persephone Parker is every bit as intriguing, genuine and delightful as its predecessor. The opening prologue is set during the first book, following a minor character as she watches the events of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Persephone Parker unfold (with choice epitaphs). Chapter one then picks up very soon after the events of book 1 and wastes no time in setting things in motion.

What I enjoyed most about The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is that while the story is linear, we follow several different threads as they weave in and out of the main (that being Persephone Parker). The myth that is the foundation for the 'ancient vendetta' between Light and Darkness is put to use more heavily in this novel, with Percy alternately dreading the past she can't remember and wishing she understood her role better. Though Percy shows more backbone and spirit in this book, she is still as uncertain and unsure as ever. Several factor make her doubt Alexi, or perhaps not doubt so much as worry over, and his feelings for her. Plus her fate seems tailor made to end in an unfortunate demise at nearly every turn.

The rest of the Guard (Michael, Elijah, Jane, Josephine and Rebecca) receive more depth and time to stretch their own stories more. As Alexi and Percy grow closer, and rely on each other more, the others see this unique chance at their own freedom in different ways. Elijah dreads what will become of a promise he made to Josephine years before, Josephine is a twitter at the possibilities, Michael desperately tries to both convey his affection for Rebecca while also trying to keep it hidden out of fear, Jane retreats further and further into her 'miracles' and Rebecca...half torn by the fact she can never have Alexi now, she is also tremendously frightened that her feelings of bitterness and jealousy will be the undoing of the Guard's hard work. I felt the worst for Rebecca, though I felt keenly for Jane. We learn a lot more about her, a bit about her past.

My one irritation was with Percy and her endless worrying. She is, by far, one of the most fragile girls I've ever read about. Sometimes she seems quite capable and self-assured and ready to take on anything that presents itself. However the slightest change in attitude towards her--whether it's Alexi or someone else--and she begins to doubt everything. Alexi's love, the Guard's treatment, her role in Prophecy. That sort of fragility puzzles me, seeming entirely extreme given all the evidence to the contrary.

The ending of the novel is guaranteed to make you choke up, or in the very least get misty-eyed. It's fraught with tension and upsetting events. The epilogue is more hopeful, and Hieber's website lists a short tale will be available in the winter as part of a collection, so I look forward to seeing how the circumstances work themselves out. ( )

This is the 2nd book in the Strangely Beautiful series. There is a 3rd book in this series, The Perilous Prophecy of God and Goddess, which is a prequel to the first two books in the series. This book wasn’t as good as the first book in the series, but it does a decent job of wrapping up Persephone Parker’s story. This review does contain spoilers from the first book in the series.

Percy and Alexi have solidified their relationship and overcome of the deceits of the first book. Now they are planning on getting married. Unfortunately a new darkness (known creatively as Darkness) is haunting London. It will take all of Percy’s power, combined with that of her guard to save the city.

This book was another beautifully written story that has both gothic and Victorian overtones to it. There wasn’t as much history in this book (pretty much none) and there was about as much mythology as in the last book (which is to say some, but not a ton).

The first half of the story focuses on Alexi and Percy’s marriage; which was nice to read about but not all that exciting. The story gets more exciting in the 2nd half; as the Darkness gains ground and Percy and the Guard have to join forces to fight it.

The biggest problem with this story was how protective and domineering Alexi is over Percy. Percy is there to be the Guards’ seventh, to be their strength. Alexi is constantly trying to hide Percy away and protect her; without ever asking what Percy actually wants. Percy just goes along with it for the most part, although she does show a bit more spunk toward the end of the book. The whole dynamic between Alexi and Percy kind of ruined the story for me some.

I really enjoyed the rest of the Guard though and some of the Guard from previous times that we meet as well. It’s a darkly beautiful story, full of the message that love can conquer all.

Overall a decent wrap up of this story. I enjoyed the beautiful writing style and the Guard. I did not enjoy Alexi’s alpha over-protective attitude or how Percy meekly went along with him most of the time. I would recommend these two books to those who enjoy paranormal romance with gothic overtones. I won't be reading the prequel because the character itfollows (we meet her in this book) just doesn’t interest me that much. ( )

This book is somehow better than the first book in the Strangely Beautiful series. It started out a bit slow and I really didn't get into it until about half way through but...once I made it to a certain part (you will know when you read it) I was hooked and not letting go, it also seriously makes up for the slight slowness. This book picks up the storyline quite a bit, and it helps fill in some gaps about who Percy is and what she is meant to do, I love that about this book.

As with the last book, the characters and the writing are absolutely beautiful and there were so many moments where I was cheering and saying "GAH FINALLY" and jumping and there were also some moments when I was sad for the characters and even a point where I cried, yes people, I cried; such is the talent of Ms. Hieber, I don't easily cry at books. This is such a great book and such a great series...please check it out! Perfect for anyone who loves a great story. Period. ( )

The only reason this did not get five stars is because of the death of a core character that left me very sad. Otherwise, well done and a fitting end to the saga of Persephone Parker. :) ( )

In Hieber's historical/fantasy romance novel, Percy Parker was a beacon for Fate. True love had found her but her mythic destiny was not complete. Omens loomed accompanied by the ghosts. A war was coming and Percy would stand with her friends. Interesting. ( )