After Dark

The 19th Year #1

by Emi Gayle

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn't know will probably kill her. In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she'll be for the rest of her life. She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it's her birthright. To Mac, it's a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours. Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists-which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class, figures out there's more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge. In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Magic

344 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2012

About the author

Emi Gayle just wants to be young again. She lives vicariously through her youthful characters, while simultaneously acting as chief-Mom to her teenaged son and searching for a way to keep her two daughters from ever reaching the dreaded teen years.

Ironically, those years were some of Emi's favorite times. She met the man of her dreams at 14, was engaged to him at 19, married him at 20 and she's still in love with him to this day. She'll never forget what it was like to fall in love at such a young age — emotions she wants everyone to feel.

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the synopsis for After Dark I was excited to get my hands on this new paranormal series and Emi Gayle started with a bang. It’s the story of a changeling who must determine by the end of her nineteenth year what type of supernatural creature she will be and take her rightful place on the council. Action-packed and filled with supernatural creatures I was immediately swept into the world and its characters.

The tale begins when we meet eighteen year old Mac Thorne as she rapidly approaches her nineteenth birthday. She is a changeling and has lived with her guardians a vampire and a witch as she hones her skills and chooses her destiny. Like any typical teen at this age she isn't sure what she wants to be when she grows up. By day she attends school with “humans” and at night she takes the form of all kinds of supernatural creatures. Things are about to heat up for her, as something is attacking her, she interacts with "humans" and the council begins to pressure her to choose her destiny. She meets Winn Thomas, a geeky, smexy senior who is carrying around an ancient book about her and she sets out to get it from him. The tale that unfolds was delightful.

Mac is strong, stubborn and determined. She is also smart, snarky, and a total badass. We see tremendous growth in her as a character over the course of the first book and it was fun to watch. She is a changeling faced with selecting one creature but the author hints that Mac is more and I cannot wait to discover what. Winn is such a loveable guy, he is sweet, cute and believable. He is a good guy and I found him to be charming, witty and bright. His little sister was interesting from the start and added to the tale. Her guardians were present, supportive and I loved the demon that interacted with them. The council was a hoot and they each had their own unique voice.

Gayle weaves an original tale that blended paranormal and urban fantasy. I quickly connected and slipped into that sweet spot I love when I am engaged in a good book. The world-building was well done, with suspenseful threads and foreshadowing throughout. I found the council and supernatural creatures to be fascinating and am anxious to learn more about them. We see some intense action scenes that will leave you breathless, mixed in with funny, romantic and insightful moments. The author gave each character a distinct voice and steered away from the usual tropes in young adult. There is no insta-love, triangle or absentee parental unit. It was so refreshing. The romance that develops was sweet to watch unfold and built slowly out of trust. The tale ends without a cliffhanger and gives us a clear sense or expectation of where the next book will take us. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Parajunkee · Rating 5 out of 5]

PJV Quickie: Another surprise read of the year, ‘After Dark‘ had me instantly enthralled and unable to put down. With a kick-butt heroine and a very creative story-line, I was in insta-love with Emi Gayle and her perfectly constructed main character Mac.

Review:

Mac, the darling of this story is a Changling. This means she can transform herself into different supernatural creatures at will. She fluctuates depending on her mood and need. By her 19th year though, Mac will have to choose what creature she must become and then take the reigns as the leader of that particular sect. The whole idea is just tantalizing in it’s originality. Not to mention Gayle feeds you bits and pieces slowly, which unlike some paranormal plot-lines that leave you confused, just adds to the mystery of the plot.

The main character was a gem of a creation. She was head-strong, tough and stubborn, all winning traits for me personally in a paranormal themed novel. On top of her spirit, she also made a great transition in the novel, leading her from respectable to lovable. At first glance she seems like a very high-brow type of supernatural creature, who looks down upon the humans she must associate with, but as she is slowly drawn more into the human world she realizes how much she does want to live within it a bit more, even while she is getting pressure from others to stay out, make decisions and other pressures. I thought it was a wonderfully constructed book and the cast of characters were just over-the-top fun to read about.

Yet, overall the originality of ‘After Dark’ was the lure for me. While stuffed full of vampires, faeries and other supernatural creatures, it paints them in a new and creative light, bringing forth the paranormal themes we all know and love, but stuffing them within a world that was different then anything I’ve read before in a YA novel. I call this the surprise read of the year, mainly because the cover and description of this book really look and read like EVERY other YA paranormal novel out there, yet the book is anything but.

A MUST read for young adult paranormal and young adult urban fantasy fans.

Recommendations:

Fans of young adult paranormal romance and urban fantasy reads should really like. If you enjoy the grittier in the genre, such as Cynthia Hand’s creations, or Richelle Mead, you should really enjoy. The novel was safe for teen reads and I recommend this for 13+. Adults will also enjoy, the character is mature and while there are some touchy subjects, nothing is graphic.

[Terri Rochenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads really needs the .5 star system. Pooh.

4.5 stars from me.

Have you ever thought it'd be cool to be a changeling? Change into a fairy or siren? A dragon? Troll? Mac, the MC, has unbelievable changeling abilities - she can choose to be anything. Anything you've read about before.

This story is the beginning of her journey in finding which form she'll choose for the rest of her life. Before she turns 19, Mac must decide her fate - demon or angel, vampire or witch - and take her place on the Council.

Yummies:

1 - Winn, the nerd. The glasses-wearing, braino with muscles. He seems to be a contradiction at first. Mac finds him so hot (so how can the reader NOT?) yet he's a nerd. Works in the library. Didn't jive for me at first, but within a few chapters after his introduction, he became my new favorite book boyfriend. Cradle robber. Yup. That'd be me.

He's responsible. Grounded. Has a good head on his shoulders. He's the opposite of Mac. The perfect balance for her, an excellent supporting character.

2 - I love the fact that Mac is a changeling without limits. I've read all the changeling stories before, but a single character that can beome anything from the paranormal world?? Sweet.

Yuckies:

This book started a bit slow for me. Wasn't sure exactly why, though. The writing is excellent. Now that I'm finished, I think it's because I wasn't onboard with Mac. She's got a distinctive voice & is a fun character, but a bit too mouthy, bad attitude-ish for my liking.

Cocky kids get under my skin in real life, and I think that's why her mouthy inner monologues drove me batty.

Recommend:

Definite YES. I love snarky and while this was a smidge much for me, most will love Mac - adore her attitude. You'll definitely enjoy her unique story & get caught up in the questions she needs to ask - and the answers she'll be forced to face.

The major problem I think you'll agree upon is the fact it'll be at least a year 'til the next installment.

Let's go, Emi. Get writing!!!

[J.A. Belfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac’s tough, and attitudal, and kick-a$$, and thinks she knows it all before learning she really has no idea.
Winn is nerdy yet cute, smart yet tough, and nothing at all like the kinda guy Mac should be ogling after.
Yet, when the two are pushed together through class assignment, they somehow end up far closer than Mac would have considered possible. He is a human after all. Blech! In Mac’s eyes, she has no need for humans—they’re no more than weak beings she has nothing in common with.
She couldn’t be more wrong.
And pretty soon, Mac ends up needing Winn way more than she’s comfortable with. Luckily for her, he’s a helpful kind of guy.
And a cute one.
And buff.
Traits which only lead to make his nerdiness hawt.
I don’t really want to say too much because I don’t want to give the story away. Just know this is a tale full of action, twists & turns, surprises (for the character as much as the reader), supernaturals galore, humour, wit, whacky characters, and some real LOL moments.
Learn about Mac as she learns about herself—and (BONUS!) get to spend some time with Winn in the process.
Oh, and as this is the first instalment in a trilogy? I can't wait to see where this one's going next. :o)

[Keertana · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all honesty, I don’t have much to say about After Dark. When I first heard about this new debut, I was more than a little excited and thrilled to pick it up: a paranormal novel with a protagonist who could shift shape, but only at night? In YA Fiction, shape-shifting hadn’t been explored as widely as everything else, so naturally, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this one. Unfortunately, I have to admit that After Dark is another classic example of a debut novel chock-full of potential that simply went wrong. Not only were its characters obscure and difficult for me to connect to, but the plot dragged on far too much as well and ultimately, I have to throw this book onto my shelf of “2012 Disappointments.” It isn’t the first debut up there and I doubt it’ll be the last this year as well – I’ve simply become too difficult to please.

Mac Thorne is a Changeling. Nope, she’s not a fey child whose life has been swapped with that of a human’s – don’t make the same mistake in assuming that as I did. Instead, she’s a being who can change her shape at will, but only at night. In the dark, she can shift into any paranormal creature she wants; but there’s a catch. When she’s nineteen, she must choose one form and stick to it, representing that race in a council and thereby making them the most powerful race – until the next Changeling comes along and chooses a different race, of course. Yet, ironically enough, Mac barely knows anything about who she is, her race of Changelings, or what her future holds. When she sees Winn, a classmate of hers, with a book about paranormal creatures, she makes it her mission to befriend him. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love. What she doesn’t count on is danger. What she doesn’t count on is a lot more than what she did count on and that just may not be so good...

After Dark starts out by immersing you into the world Emi Gayle has created, straight from Chapter 1, and while that isn’t a bad thing, you are floating around rather clueless for…awhile. Nevertheless, the world-building does kick in, and while I wasn’t a fan of the way it was introduced, it’s there. Thus, while I was rather disconcerted about the world Gayle had imagined, it didn’t bother me too much. What did bother me, however, was Mac. Mac was a character I couldn’t really connect with, no matter how hard I tried. You see, Mac is a human for the entire duration of the day, but she hates humans. Why? I don’t know. I honestly just don’t know. Mac is antisocial because she doesn’t want to talk to humans, she sticks to herself, and she generally doesn’t want friends. But, this entire book is about how Mac makes human friends and falls in love with a human and while I recognized that this was meant to be a moment for character growth, I didn’t understand why Mac hated humans or why she suddenly didn’t hate them.

Furthermore, Mac’s back story seemed too unbelievable. Much like Pia in Origin, who was brought up as a scientist but never felt curious about the world outside her “fence”, Mac never begins to wonder about her unique race or what she is and can do until she sees Winn with a book about paranormal creatures. Thus, from that moment on, Mac’s curiosity is completely insatiable. In fact, she even follows Winn into his house just to see this book because she is so desperate for answers when she didn’t even care for the past eighteen years. While reading this book, all I could feel was that it was so outlined and convenient; the only reason nothing happened before this book was because it needed to happen in this book and overall, that left me feeling more than a little detached from this novel.

Mac aside, I found the plot of After Dark to be disappointing. It isn’t boring or slow, but nothing much really happens in it. If anything, it can easily be condensed into a few short chapters and I’m sure this entire trilogy could be contained as a stand-alone novel if the author really tried. Also, plot-wise, as the romance goes, it was cute, but nothing earth-shattering. Winn was a decent love-interest, one I even liked, but I couldn’t understand why Winn grew to like Mac, especially since all they did was sit in his basement and read a book. Furthermore, there is no way that these two love each other; at least, it definitely didn’t feel that way to me. It wasn’t that the romance in this novel was bad, but it was such a clichéd and typical school-project-romance and unlike Kelly Creagh in Nevermore, Emi Gayle didn’t manage to make it meaningful, deep, or, for that matter, even work.

Overall, After Dark is a good book, but it didn't live up to my expectations or "wow" me in the least. Its MC was confusing and hard to connect with, many of the other characters were present for "comic relief" and weren't very amusing, and overall I think I expected this book to be something different from what it was. I contemplated giving it up more than once, but I did manage to finish the whole novel, even if I skimmed the last 30%. Thus, I'd recommend After Dark to the majority of people whose opinions don't correlate with mine since I tend to be that picky reviewer, but if you tend to feel the need to understand your character well, crave a more well-developed romance, or even want to read this book because the character can change into multiple paranormal creatures (not the standard 2-3 she flits between – seriously, haven’t vampires and faeries been overdone already?), then, I'm sorry to say, look elsewhere.

I was provided with a copy of this book from the publisher, J. Taylor Publishing, on behalf of the DAC ARC Tours in exchange for a honest review. Thank You!

You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank J. Taylor publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this awesome book to read for an honest review. When I was offered this book I was super excited. It's been on my list for a while and I couldn't wait for it to come out.

Blurb from Goodreads:
What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.
In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.
She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.
Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.
In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

First I want to start with the cover of this book. It's extremely eye catching and was one of the reasons I looked into reading the book in the first place. The cover is dark and mysterious. It draws you right in. And I love how it has the very special quote on the front, "Dawn conceals what the night reveals." This is used several times throughout the book and is key to understanding the characters. Then there is the element of the cemetery that is pictured on the front, also key to the story. Of course, the beautiful girl on the cover is always a plus. All in all I love the cover. I think it perfectly depicts the main character of the story and gives you some inside information on her, at least information you understand once you read the book.

I love how the characters are developed in this book. So many of them are mysterious, which makes learning about them all the more fun. And they make the story addictive because they are so likeable, even the villainous ones!
Mac (Maya Mackenzie Thorne) is a spunky loner with a ton of attitude who only hangs with humans because she is being forced to do so until her 19th birthday. She's confident and secure and quite stubborn. She thinks she knows it all until she finds out that everything she thought she knew was not what she needed to know at all. I will be honest and say that I didn't connect with her immediately. I felt like she was too withdrawn, but as the story unfolded, I understood why she was this way and then saw her develop into something totally unexpected.
Winn (Wineford Thomas) is the geeky guy you never really cared for in High School. And yet, he's got this attractiveness about him that pulls Mac in, despite her not wanting to be there. Once you get to know him, you see he's not only smart, but extremely sexy, and corny at some points as well. He has a quick wit and can certainly hold his own when he's with Mac. And he's not afraid to be exposed to things that might seem different as he's always been interested in the supernatural. When he was first described, I was sure he was just going to be this awkward, nerdy guy. But he is so much more than I would have ever expected! So much so that I could not wait for the scenes with him in them!
The supporting characters are really great. We get a glimpse at so many different facets of paranormal: vampire (Mac's "Dad" Lucas), Fae (Mac's "Mom" Alina), angels, demons, witches, sirens and even dragons, yes dragons! I think my most favorite supporting character is definitely Suze. He's a demon and he is not at all what I would have expected. He's funny and completely cares for Mac in a way I never thought could be possible from such a creature. He's her protector in so many ways, and he's also her friend. Their interactions are often funny.

Gayle does a great job at world building in this book. This world is like no other supernatural world I have read about or known. in all other paranormal books of this type, you see the different creatures at war or odds with each other. And, while this is certainly part of the theme in this book, you also see a cohesiveness to them as they struggle to "survive" in our human world. For the first three chapters of the book, I really wasn't sure what was going on. But once the characters were all introduced, and the reason for Mac's existence was explained, I could not put the book down. It was completely addictive. Gayle created a world that is totally unique, which is what I think will draw people to this book and keep them there. The originality storyline will keep people coming back for more. There are enough twists to make you wonder and enough turns to keep you on your toes.

Gayle's writing is excellent. She doesn't use extraneous words to try and make her material seem more interesting. She easily explains each character and allows you to see who they are through her words. And her writing was face paced keeping the story moving but not confusing the reader in the process.

All in all this a must read for any paranormal YA lover. The storyline is completely different, the characters are fun and interesting, and the world is nothing like you've ever seen. This is a 5 star book for sure. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series! Emi Gayle has a sure winner on her hands with this fun and entertaining read.

Review will also be posted to the following sites:
The Cover Contessa: http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
Library Thing

[L.S. Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta sneak peek & YES, everyone should be jealous. :) Add this to your must read list.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one of my most anticipated reads this year, I'm happy to say that After Dark didn't disappoint. Emi Gayle did an excellent job in building Mac's world, where she lives as a human during the day but can change to any super natural creature at night, as easily as taking a breath. But when she reaches 19, she must choose which creature she wants to be for the rest of her life.

By the time most changelings have reached the age of 18, as Mac is now, they've already made their decision. But Mac has no clue as to what she will choose and is starting to feel pressured to make a decision.

One night, she sees Winn, a geek guy from school leaving the library with a book she knows is about her former home. She knows she needs to see this book as she asked very few questions about herself while she was growing up and now feels it's information she needs to know. She doesn't even know where she came from. She has been raised by a faery mother and vampire who aren't her real parents and aren't even a couple, just her guardians. She feels the need to know more about herself before she'll be armed with the right information to make her decision.


Mac is a great main character, obviously tough and mostly unafraid, no need to be when she can become anything she wants so easily. But I did find it a bit ridiculous that she didn't know something as basic as where she came from, and had never questioned any of this information. She loathes humans and the fact that she has to spend her days in the human world. So when she appears to be in danger, she's not happy to hear that the best way for her to stay safe is to spend even more time with humans.

Winn is a hot geek and extremely likeable character. I really enjoyed the relationship he had with Mac and their interactions together. They have a slow build romance which I love. There is a fantastic host of secondary characters in this book which contribute to making this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

There is mystery and suspense as we learn about changelings along with Mac while also trying to figure out who's behind the attacks on her.

An interesting plot with a sweet romance, no love triangle and no cliffhanger. What more could I ask for. I'm really looking forward to book 2, Day After.

[Amaleen Ison · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you find it hard to choose between vampires and fairies, but also like dragons, witches, sirens, ghosts, goblins, and every other imagined supernatural being then After Dark is the novel for you.

I must mention that I beta read this novel, and, lucky me, I’ve already read the other two in the series. So I can say without a doubt that After Dark sets up the story world and trilogy stakes with efficiency.

Eighteen-year-old Mac Thorne is a changeling who, after dark, can turn into any supernatural creature with just an intake of breath. Sounds like fun, huh? Well there’s a catch. She has until her nineteenth birthday to choose which form she’ll be for the rest of her life.

Mac is a super-sassy teen with bags of attitude. She won’t take crap from anyone, especially the council of supernaturals who each have a vested interest in her final choice. Enter Winn Thomas, the geeky human, who might just possess the knowledge Mac needs to make her difficult decision.

Apart from the array of weird and wacky characters, my favourite part of this novel is the partnership between Mac and Winn.

I adore geeks. I grew up in a family of them, hung out with a group of them throughout school (yes, I’m a geek myself), so Winn Thomas is my kind of leading man. It helps that he’s cute and kind-hearted, and strong in all the ways Mac isn’t. Their relationship sizzles, and there’s a very sexy encounter that’s sure to generate discussion. :-)

Twists and turns galore, kung-fu fighting, a flamboyant-dressing demon, and loads of laugh out loud moments. Nuff said. :-)

After Dark by Emi Gayle is due to be released by J. Taylor Publishing on 31st October 2012.

[Alana ~ The Book Pimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC eBook from J. Taylor Publishing. My thoughts are my own, and I received no compensation for my review.

I really, really, really enjoyed this. Yes, it's YA, and it's 'tame' rather than 'spicy' on the romance. If you can handle the younger characters, more innocent (no sex) romance, enjoy paranormal shenangins (shifters, vamps, and fae, oh, my!), and a whole new take on the supernatural 'world' then run out and get your own copy once it's out on the shelves.

So unique!

More to come!

[equilibri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another disappointment. Boring plot, with nothing much happening, obnoxious dumb MC, clichéd supporting characters, dull school-project-pairing-equals-instant-romance scenario. Gave it a fair chance but couldn't make myself finish.

[Penumbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher through the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Fanatics group for an honest review, thank you.



After Dark is told in first person through the eyes of Mac, or as Suze the Demon likes to tease her with her full name, ‘Maya Mackenzie Thorne.’ Mac is a Changeling able to shift into any creature at will. She is also prickly, tough, a loner and doesn’t back down from a fight. She also hates being told what to do. As a Changeling, Mac lives as a human by day and attends high school amongst the humans she despises and looks down upon. Only at night can Mac change into whatever she chooses.

Mac has two surrogate parents who she lives with, Lucas a vampire and Alina a fairy. Others that oversee her welfare are a ruling Council of twelve mythical beings. These mythical beings also look down upon humans, even though they need them.

Being a Changling Mac has one duty she must fulfill. By her nineteenth birthday which is only months away she is to choose her final form. The ruling council is pushing very hard for Mac to give them an answer on what she’s chosen and that’s where the problems come in. She doesn’t like them pushing and she doesn’t really care about learning about her heritage. She is told to ‘ask the right questions’ and she will get answers, but she is only given answers that benefit each particular mythological creature.

Through a school assignment, Mac has to work with Winn a nerdy boy who has an interest in mythology. With Winn’s help, Mac may be able to find the answers to her problem on who she is and which creature she should choose to be. In the process Mac finds herself falling for Winn against her most vehement opposition. As she studies with Winn, Mac learns about humans and finds that they may have more to offer her than her own kind.

After Dark was an exciting read, I didn’t want to put it down. Even though a lot of the book was about finding out information from ‘The Book’ and the budding romance between Mac and Winn, the story didn’t bog down. I think that was because the author had numerous events happening to both Mac and Winn where neither they, nor the readers, know what was happening or why it was happening. We don’t get much information about anything. It’s like we are deliberately kept in the dark as much as Mac and Winn. So there is a lot of stuff happening, but not much information given out about the events occurring or about the characters other than Mac. I didn't even get a good in depth feeling about who Winn is even though he is often in the story. I think he should have been more deeply gone into since he is a key character.

One thing I didn’t like very much was that I thought the story was choppy. It doesn’t read smoothly. A lot of the sentences are short and abrupt, as are the thoughts. I didn’t get the feeling of flowing words from sentence to sentence. It’s like we aren’t given much breathing space in thoughts or action. It makes the story exciting but also a bit tiring because it was all so hard hitting. I don’t know how else to explain it.

I enjoyed the characters. The author did a good job of conveying the personalities of the characters even though the story is told in first person. Mac started out hostile and abrasive to humans, but as she associated more with Winn, and therefore had to associate with his friends, she gradually lost some of her annoyance at having them around. Being also a love story, Mac and Winn do fall in love and I like the way the author handled it. I liked hearing Mac’s thoughts as she realized she was thinking that Winn did something ‘cute’ or he sent her ‘heart racing’. She was resisting all the way, but Winn was such the gentleman she couldn’t help but fall for him. I wish we’d learn more about Winn because I really liked his character. I’m wondering if there is something ‘special’ about Winn even though he is human, there seems like it. I liked Winn’s spunky sister Zoe, who wasn’t afraid to ask questions of everyone. It was in marked contrast to Mac, who didn’t care to ask questions and which caused her a lot of problems. Suze the Demon is a very funny character. I think there is much more to him than we are seeing and I’d like to learn more about him.

Now here are a few comments about the technical issues. The formatting was very good as was the editing. I think I only found a few spelling and grammar problems. Lastly the cover is eye-catching. I liked it the first time I saw it. I like the colors, the fonts used, the placement of the fonts and the sizes.

After Dark was a fun read about a Changeling and her boyfriend with an unusual premise, a fast pace and distinctive characters. However, I wasn't happy with the little information we get dealing with events concerning the 'Choosing' and the lack of background info about the characters. Also the choppiness of the story was tiring to absorb when I read for too long. I would however read the following books in the series because this was an interesting story. I give this 4 stars.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy for review in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars without a doubt. I loved this book, it was so addictive and one of the most original stories I have come across in some time. I loved the idea behind the plot, but also the way this book is written. And the characters where likeable too. The only two complains I have is that I would’ve preferred more world building and I want more of this book.

The main idea of this story is pretty original. Lead character Mac is a changeling and can shift to every supernatural creature she wants, but she has to choose one form before she turns 19. The story starts off mysterious and a bit confusing and only bit by bit we find out more about the world and the characters. Normally I like to have explanations pretty soon, but the author did a good job of making the mysteriousness not too bad. Ofcourse I wanted to have more explanations, but the story was so good, that I didn’t mind waiting for them.

This book was so addictive and even though it still took me quite some time to finish it, once I picked the book up I didn’t want to stop. I really liked the story and even though some parts where a bit predictable, there were also many parts that surprised me. Also the writing style of the author feels original and fresh and she even managed to make the romance scenes original, while these are often a bit cliché.

The characters are very likeable too. Form the first page on I already liked Mac, she is stubborn and strong and insists every time on her right to make her own choices. There are quite some side characters and while I think some could have gotten a bit more attention, the ones that got enough attention where likeable and had their own personalities. There were a few side character that I often confused and from who I didn’t know from their name who was who. So the lead character was really likeable, but some side character could’ve used a bit more attention.

Now world building, I love world building and want to know as much as possible about the world in which the book takes place. This book actually didn’t provide much world building, especially not at the beginning. And while most times I would hate that I didn’t here, I actually enjoyed the mystery and finding out alongside Mac more about the world. Mac the lead character actually knows very less about the world she inhabits and finds most things out along the way. What I did mind was the fact that even though Mac can shift into any form, we still don’t get an idea what the powers and limitations of each form are. Probably because there are so many supernatural creatures, that it would e boring to explain it all, but I would still like to know more about each of them. Mainly I was just so intrigued and fascinated by the story and the original world that I wanted to know more and I felt like there just wasn’t enough world building to satisfy me.

To conclude: I loved this book, it was addictable and original. I loved the story and the main character. Some side characters would’ve profited from more attention. Also I would’ve liked more world building, mainly because I was fascinated by this original world this author has created. I really can’t wait to read the next book!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I thought the story of a changeling, someone who has the ability to change into any mythological creature was a really fresh idea. I loved the main girl, Mac who happens to be the changeling. She was a character that had to grow on me because in the beginning I felt she was arrogant and a bit rude but as the story goes on, she starts to change realizing that it's okay to have human friends and feel human emotions. When Mac realized that she didn't have to be this impenetrable one-woman army, I thought she was at her best. I loved when she was able to show vulnerability and open up to other people, especially Winn. Winn was so great, he's apart of that new class of main guys who tend to be a lot brainier and sweeter as compared to the brooding bad boy types. Winn was just the cutest guy. He was always honest and patient with Mac and no matter how crazy things got for her, he was right there by her side with his unwavering support.

I loved the relationship between the two, it was a process and they took their time getting to know each other. It was a refreshing change that they didn't even really like each other very much right off, only harboring a secret mutual interest but once they started to spend more time together and their comfort around each other grew, they were able to act on the feelings they both shared. They had some seriously cute moments and I couldn't help fangirling over the vast majority of them. Mac and Winn were a great team. They balanced each other out really well and trusted each other fully, even when things got rocky.

The story also had plenty of other great characters as well, like Mac's surrogate parents Alina and Lucas and Mac's fabulous demon friend Suze, who always looked out for Mac and Winn, he also added some more humor to the story.

The fact that Mac was being pushed by the council to choose what form she had to take permanently was interesting because she was perfectly content using all of them, not really forming a connection to any particular one unlike most changelings. She was more interested in living her life, not taking on a bunch of political responsibilities she didn't want. Even though the council kept getting on her case, Mac never let them push her into doing something she didn't want to, she always stood her ground and stayed true to her beliefs, which I really admired about her.

Overall, I loved this book and would totally re-read it.

[Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews* · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dark is book one in The 19th Year and a YA Fantasy/Paranormal written by Emi Gayle. I read this as a R2R with Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics! As always, a special thank you to the mods and author for allowing me to participate.

The Review:
This book was different then most fantasy/paranormal books in that the main character is a changeling. I liked the mix up to the paranormal lore the author uses and the rules and world building she creates for the reader and her characters. The idea of a human by day, changeling by night who has to choose her permanent form by the adult age of nineteen in the paranormal world was original and fun. The heroine, Mac, is spunky and full of life and she doesn't just sit by idly and let others fight her battles. She’s tough and pragmatic if not a bit sarcastic which only adds to her charm. All her life, she’s shied away from the fragile humans around her even though she lives among them. But forced to hide behind them in order to protect herself from certain elements of the supernatural community, she pairs up with Winn, a human boy who has something she wants. I really liked Winn. He taught Mac more than elements of her supernatural side as he seemed to genuinely want to help her discover who she really was, and he cared for her in a way she needed in order to connect with her human disguise.

I loved all the different characters we meet in this book. Their individual personalities ranged from quirky to serious and each one had a purpose.

Dislikes…
To me, this book started out slow. It took me several chapters to get into it but once the action picked up, I was hooked. I also felt like some of the dialogue and action sequences were confusing. I had to go back and re-read certain parts several times to understand what was happening. A few times the writing was choppy and didn't flow well.

The Wrap Up:
I really enjoyed this book. It was unique and fun. It left off with a bit of a cliffy so I’m looking forward to reading book two, Day After, with a projected release date of April 2013, and seeing where the journey of Mac and Winn heads next.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a feeling before I even started this that it was going to be something different and fun and totally kick butt.

Have I mentioned before, that I love it when I am right?

Mac is a great character, a changeling that knows very little about her past (even if some of that is her own fault for never asking), her parents, her true abilities and even her future. She is so much more that what others have lead her to believe. So much rests on her shoulders and she has to figure out who she can trust, who has her back and most of all, what it all means for her in the end.

She has to decide who she wants to be, what she is capable of, what lies in the mystery of her past and her parents and she only has about 9 months to do it in.

Mac is definitely kick butt, strong, brave, funny and someone I would want as a friend. I loved watching her grow as she discovered who she is and what she really wants out of life and that sometimes, things she thought and felt before, are nothing like she ever imagined them to be.

Winn. Ah the hot nerd with the (hidden) smokin' hot body and a heart of pure gold. How could anyone not love him? I really liked his character. He was so much more than I thought he would be. He was a little bit feisty and stubborn but he was also very loyal and romantic and just a really good guy. Not to mention brilliant and he had Mac's back even when she didn't think he did.

There were some fabulous secondary characters in this one, Zoe, Lucas, Maddie, Suze, Alina, Josie, too many to name. I love when a book has not only a great protagonist but a whole cast of people you would want to know, care about and simply just hang with.

Did I mention we get a whole slew of characters and beings in this one? Witches, fairies, angels, shifters, vamps, demons, gnomes, sirens, succubus, you name it, this book has it.

This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It will be a long wait until May when the next one comes out, but one, I will happily wait for.

I give this one 4.5 Stars!

[Emily D · Rating 3 out of 5]

The changeling myth is one of my favorites. I like the idea of mean things sneaking into rooms and stealing children, leaving one of their own behind. The whole thing just sort of creeps me out. Emi Gayle really takes this classic myth and completely turns it on its head and makes the story her own.

After Dark is about Mac who is a changeling. Only she is not a changeling in the traditional sense. Mac has been raised by a vampire father and a faerie mother and can change her form into anything she wishes, but only at night. One second she can be a vampire, the next, ghost, then witch, well you get the idea. At 19 Mac must choose one form to stay in for the rest of her life and take her place on the council which rules all of the supernatural beings. The problem is Mac is not ready to pick yet and the council is trying to force her to choose.

Initially Mac irritated me a bit. She was content just to go through the motions on life and not question her history, where she came from, or why she needs to choose a form. I am such a naturally curious and questioning person that I just did not understand her. It wasn’t until she met Winn Thomas that she begins to question where she came from, what happened to her birth mother, and the decision she must make. It was when she starting questioning things that I started to like her.

I liked that Mac did a lot of growing in this novel. When the novel begins Mac hates humans and disdains spending half her day as one. But by the end she has not only made friends with some humans (a feat she hadn’t achieved in 18 years) but she found herself falling for one of them.

The relationship between Mac and Winn it was a sort of slow blooming romance. It was extra sweet too because Winn had had a crush on Mac since elementary school but because Mac has always been so standoffish he had never been able to tell her.

Overall, I enjoyed After Dark and am excited for the sequel I have a feeling Mac is going to do even more growing and changing in the next novel and I’m excited to see what happens between her and Winn!

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dark (The 19th Year #1) by Emi Gayle

Emi Gayle has written a unique paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel, I really enjoyed the characters, the story flows well and I found I had a hard time putting it down till I reached the end. Emi Gayle has done a fantastic job writing the first novel in the series, you know it’s good when a reader finishes the book and goes looking to see when the next book is coming out as I wanted more right away.

I liked that is was a bit different from what I have read lately in these genre’s, there were a few times I wished for more clarification on a few things but maybe more will be clarified in the next book. I still really enjoyed After Dark.

Mac is a changeling who basically can become any creature she wants, the only downfall is once Mac turns 19 years of age she has to decide on one form and keep that form for the rest of her life. Presently Mac is 18 years old, living among the humans and attending high school. It funny because Mac hates going to school and living with humans who she really only tolerates. When Mac meets Winn things change a bit for her, for one she ends up hanging around his friends and Winn. At first Mac only starts this friendship because Winn has a book that holds secrets to her life past and future.

But nothing is that simple, of course Mac and Winn start to have feelings for each other, and this is a great romance in the making. I loved it because Winn is not your typical character in the paranormal romance department who gets the girl. Winn and Mac make you laugh out loud, I loved Mac character she is strong independent, and quite snarky at times. Its great watching her realize she is falling for Winn.

So I will say I have rated After Dark a 4 star rating and I would recommend it to any of my friends who enjoy paranormal/urban fantasy/romance novels. And I seriously cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Thanks to J.T. Publishing and Emi Gayle for the chance to read After Dark.

[Chris Torretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dark has some really great characters. Above all my favorite is the main character, Mac. I love female characters with male names! But Mac is more than just a name, she is one tough cookie! And being supernatural in a world full of humans you would have to be. She’s done a great job at keeping her secret until she meets Winn and finds out about the book he’s reading.

So even with Mac being tough and seriously knowing her own strength of character her birthday is coming up and she has elders that are pushing her to choose which race she wants to lead. Tough enough to just figure out who you are when you’re that young but knowing you are going to lead an entire race of beings once you choose your path? Thanks for the pressure! The elders actually really threw me off. I always think of my elders as actually giving good advice and showing me the right path, well mostly anyway, but these elders actually made her life a living hell! Every time they did something I was cringing!

And then there’s Winn. Even without knowing it he is a great shoulder for Mac. Sure she’s strong but every person needs someone to bring the best out in them. I was hoping that Winn would be that person for Mac! He just really gives her a positive influence that apparently nobody else is going to give. She doesn’t know it but all of her decisions are based off of her feelings for him.

You find out slowly what is going on and why. Actually Mac finds out slowly as well. One clue at a time. But this definitely added to the suspense of the book. Although I had many questions throughout, I felt that the pace and the plot was very steady and it kept me interested. The ending was very well done and I was pleased with the overall decision that Mac finally was able to make. On her own without the Elders influence!

Really good young adult read. A bit supernatural and paranormal and all fun!

[Danielle Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Publisher Type: Indy/Small Print
Rating: * * * * *

My Review:
I've gotta say, After Dark is the perfect YA Urban Fantasy!!! The premise is creative and unique (and I heart that big time!), with fun twists on what you thought you knew about the paranormal. The plot is engaging with great mystery and just the right amount of romance (and yummy chemistry galore!!!). It's simply an amazing read; one that is terribly hard to put down once you start. And then there's the cast!!! Mac is such a great character. I love her snarkiness!!! She's a favorite heroine of mine now. She's defiant and independent, but has a softer side she tries to keep buried. Her character growth seems natural and is paced nicelyly throughout the book. Then there's Winn **happy sigh**. Winn is an unexpected element; not your usual hero, which makes him the perfect breath of fresh air! Those around Mac and Winn are interesting and full of surprises (there's some great humor here as well). I just couldn't get enough of After Dark!!! The ending is fFAB-U-LOUS!!!! I loved what happened, how it unfolded and the consequences of it! I am crazy eager to read book 2, Day After, due out in May (yikes! that's a long time to wait!!).

Favorite Quotes from Mac:
"A real smile managed to cross my lips instead of the sarcastic one I wanted to share -- and would have if she didn't keep filling the space around me with happiness."

"Awkward and I didn't often meet, but at that moment, we stood in the same spot."

Cover Art:
It's sooooo beautiful, making me want to read the story within; though I do find myself wanting to place the tomb stone just a pinch to the right or maybe fade it out or even remove it completely. Hmmm. So maybe not perfect, but very nice nonetheless.

[Savannah (Books With Bite) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I have to admit that this book really gave me the unexpected. Within the first 30 pages I was ready to put it down. I'm not sure if the plot was moving too slow, or the way it was written. I set it down and looked at other reviews before I continued I saw that a few of my bloggers friends had read and love it. So I continued. I'm glad I did cause this book freaking ROCKED!

What I loved most about this book is the great plot. We have a young strong-willed girl faced with some BIG decisions. I like that through out the book each chapter revealed a smaller piece of the bigger picture. At first, I was unsure how this plot might turn out, instead I was drawn to each clue, each pressure to choose, each lie that became truth. I wanted more and could not stop reading.

I absolutely loved the character! Mac is one strong girl. She was never swayed and always stood her ground. Now this is girl I can respect. She didn't take crap from anyone. And if they dish it out to her, she dished right back and more! She also made me snort a lot. The thoughts that were going on in her head were similar to mind, therefore I had no problem relating and stepping in her shoes.

The love interest? What can I say other that its insanely awesome. I loved that she doesn't fall for a jock, or the popular guy. She falls for the nobody...one that everyone dismisses. I liked that there love is real and genuine.

The successful key that made this story a great success is ultimately the world building. After Dark is a story that you absorb fast and never get tire of. It''s a story that sticks in your mind, days after reading making you want to reach for it once again. After Dark is made of pure ambition that is impressive and divine.

[Liliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

I loved this book! The story idea was just super unique and I absolutely loved that! I mean, being able to change into any supernatural creature that you want...how freakin' awesome is that? And seriously, have you heard of anything like it?

Mac I thought was an interesting character. She has such a tough-girl exterior, but really, on the inside she is such a softie! And this is why: Winn melted her cold, non-human heart! Awws! Who would've thought, Mac falling for a human?? And not only that, Mac actually start to make human friends! Scandalous! Mac doesn't like humans, and yet Winn seems to seems to be affecting Mac in ways she didn't expect!

And what can I say about Winn? He's a HOT geek! It's SO freakin' adorable!

The ending was twisty and more than a bit surprising...I like surprises :) There's someone out there who really wants to hurt Mac, and, well, you'll never guess who or why!

Overall, I thought it was an awesome read (hence the five stars...duh!) I enjoyed the books originality (very refreshing!) and all the different supernatural creatures we were introduced to (I'm all about monsters!) And there was mention of Gods! Greek gods, perhaps? I don't know, but you know me: I love mythology!

So, would I recommend this book? Heck yes! Especially if you love a variety of supernatural creatures all wrapped up nicely in one book!

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In After Dark we meet Mac who is a changeling. She is in her last year of high school and she can't wait to graduate and be done with the humans she is surrounded by. Yes you heard me right I said humans she does not want to be around. See as a changeling Mac can become any super natural being she wants until she turns 19 then she must chose what super natural being she wants to be for the rest of her life. Once she chooses what she will become she will then be their leader. Fun you say well Mac does not really see it that way. Plus she has had a complication come up that she never thought would come up.

That complication comes in the form of a nerdy kid at school named Winn. Winn is a brainiac always studying and reading about something. So when he figures out what Mac is and tells her Mac's world is shattered. At first she is nervous but as the two get closer Mac learns to trust Winn and she realizes that he would never hurt her. Winn just wants to help her plus Mac is starting to get a soft spot for him even if she wants to deny it.

Once the change comes for Mac she will decide what she will become and have Winn by her side.With all the decisions Mac has to make which super natural being will she become Mac will have to stay strong and keep her whits about her. Can she do it? Will she keep Winn around? Will she be a great leader? Come along for the greatest paranormal ride I have read in years. It has everything I love in a story!

[Lynda Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story about a teen who thinks she doesn't belong in the human world, doesn't like people, and far prefers enjoying the freedom of being a changeling at night. Her freedom is messed up when she is forced to choose a single form by her 19th birthday, which is only nine months away. To make the decision she needs to find out more about herself and that means spending time with a human boy her age who owns a mysterious book.

I like the main character, Mac. Even though she doesn't like to be around other people, she is strong and I like her personality and voice. In the beginning of the book she comes across as somewhat intelligent, but during the course of the story she does some dumb things that felt a little contrived for the sake of the story, but I forgave her because I really enjoyed the writing.

I had the most difficulty with her supposed curiosity. For someone who was hyper curious, she didn’t ask any questions. Because of this, the story felt like it slowed down a lot toward the end because of all the dancing around the issues.

However, I loved all the secondary characters, including the lovely Winn—hot guy who is also a nerd. Yum!! His sister was intriguing too, along with all the different factions of beings.

The story had a very Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel to it, which I enjoyed, and yet it still remained original. That's a win for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!

[Damaris (GoodChoiceReading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The main character, Mac, was funny, bold, and daring. From the beginning to end there was always something happening so there really wasn’t any room for boredom. I enjoyed the plot a lot and thought it was pretty unique. I read so much that eventually a lot of the books all start to sound the same. I didn’t really get that from After Dark. I liked how the author introduces you to Mac’s world and she slowly reveals exactly how Mac’s world works, and what she truly is.

The romance for me was a huge plus. Mac doesn’t fall for the jock, or super rich popular kid. She actually falls for the “geek”. Winn and Mac were perfect for each other in every way possible. It was like two magnets finally finding each other and connecting. I loved their friendship and their romance. The romance wasn’t instant and it was believable.

My only complaint is that there were times that the book was so serious, and then the next it felt a little immature and fluffy. So it was sort of hard for me to take it so serious. I would say this was more a paranormal romantic comedy. I found myself laughing a lot with Mac rather than at the edge of my seat. There were some suspenseful moments and plenty of action, but then the fluffy side would come and throw me off.

I recommend After Dark! It’s funny and entertaining until the very end.

3.5 out of 5 Stars!

[Stefan Eveline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is beautiful :)!
Mackenzie (Mac) is a beautiful girl she is 18 years old, is very stubborn funny and naive.She is a Changeling that means she can change into any form that exist.She loves to change every night and is happy when she can change.The day she needs to be human because she goes the school with the humans.She loves his family Alina a fairy and Lucas a vampire.They are very funny and protective.I love them.
She hates the humans but ironically she fell in love with a human Winn Thomas the biggest geek from his school.She loves with him because she felt safe and happy with him and she's having fun with him.She is very protective with him and she respect him even if he is just a human.
She trust in him to help her to learn about the changeling and about his real mother Maya.
Winn is a sweet guy nerd naive trustworthy and he loves his family.He loves Mac
for years and he loves to spend time with her.He likes to read about creatures like vampire fairy and because of it he accepted very easy that Mac is a changeling
I loves the book.Thanks to J. Taylor Publishing for this arc :)!

[Karimia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has it all form vampires, faeries, dragons, sirens, to angels and more!

Mac is an 18-year-old changeling. She has the ability to change into anything she wants to. Mac, who thinks she knows everything, turns out to really know nothing at all. Before she turns 19 years old she needs to decide what she wants to be for the rest of her life. Should she be a vampire or faerie or dragon? Then Mac will take her place on the Council.

Winn is a nerdy yet cute boy who Mace ends up getting paired with for school. Winn is a human being and Mac usually has nothing to do with humans; but within the story Mac ends up needing Winn and they end up getting close.

After Dark is a very original story. I loved this story and would recommend this book to anyone. Once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down. I can't wait for the next book!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Dark is an action packed paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end and leave you wanting more.

Mac Thorne, an eighteen year old Changeling, who is human by day and can change into any supernatural being at night. On her nineteenth birthday, she will have to choose what form she will be for the rest of her life. This is a decision she has been dreading. Mac is forced to mingle with humans during the day where she meets Winn Thomas. He has a book that may hold the secrets to her past and help guide her future.

The author does an excellent job developing each character and drawing us into this story through her descriptive details. Mac is fun, strong, loyal but a little indecisive. I enjoyed the action and suspense of this story. I would recommend it and will be looking forward to the next installment.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I Freaking love this book!!! It is one of the most orginial books I have read!! I like how you have it all Vampires, Faries, witches, dragons, demons, sirens and so on!

Mac a 19 year old who thinks she knows it all, who turns out to know nothing at all and needs the one thing she says she never will!!!
I loved the charcters from the first page to the last!!! The book was addictive and I didnt want to put it down! Emi Gayle opens a different new world to us, full of action, twist and love! Please do yourself a favor and pick up this book! The only bad thing is having to wait for the next book!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book. This book has everything you can want in a paranormal story. Fairies, Vampires, Witches, Ghosts, even Demons. I loved the characters and the entire story line. I can't wait for the next book.

18 year old Mac is a Changeling. She can change into any paranormal entity she wants to be. She has until she is 19 to choose which type she wants to remain as. She has so many questions she needs the answers to. Who can help her choose the right one? Could it be one of her paranormal "family" members or even one of the humans she is forced to spend her days with?