Review: The Dark Lands by Christina Bauer

Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis is loving life–she’s now a wife, mother, and Queen of the Thrax. Oh yeah, and being a super-powerful demigoddess who moves souls into Heaven or Hell doesn’t suck, either. In fact, everything is pretty much awesome. Until something craptastic happens.

Her honorary older brother Walker enters the Dark Lands, home to the rule-loving ghouls, and vanishes without a trace.

Now it’s up to Myla to solve the mystery of Walker’s disappearance. Of course, Myla likes interacting with ghouls about as much as elective dental surgery. To make matters harder, everyone thinks that Walker is simply taking a well-deserved vacation. But Myla and her Angelbound love, Lincoln, both suspect that a new criminal called the Viper took Walker in order to release Lucifer, the ex-King of the Angels and bloodthirsty killer.

Long story short, Myla and Lincoln have only twenty four hours to rescue their good friend and stop Lucifer from taking over the after-realms. Even for them, this may be a too-tall order, especially when Lucifer’s mysterious past with Myla’s father threatens the very future of the after-realms.

My thoughts

Sooo…did you know that Myla and I both drink venti mochas? Just saying. We have so much in common! I knew we were besties for a reason.

Christina Bauer still can pull some surprises out of her sleeve and it is a doozy. Holy sugar.

I was preparing myself for a huge tear-jerking scene because hello it is Walker, but…I am so not going to give away the ending. You totally thought I was going to, didn’t you. I will say that people get the asses handed to them and that includes our girl Myla.

Let me tell you Bauer creates a really kick ass villian called Inferno. I would love to see a story about her that does not include Myla. I have to say that Inferno gives everyone a run for their money. Now that I am thinking about it there are quite a few characters that I want to see standalone books about: Obsidian and his boyfriend Jaime and their guardian/charge Happy, what a unique story that would be. Then there is another character who is on the loose who can be a bit of a practical joker, but once they calm down they could be a power house.

Oh and by the way, there is definitely more than one villain in this piece. (evil chuckle)

Bauer manages to blend really cute and funny family moments with heavy drama, battle, and snark. I think this is what I love best about this series. The fact that I got so excited that Myla and I both drink the same beverage for the reason was a normal connection except for the whole I’m not a Queen or a demon thing she has going for her. I simply adore her connection with Lincoln and how he respects Myla’s battle strategies. I just love when they fight together.

Let’s face it, y’all know I’m a fan of Myla’s and have a heavy crush on her. Bauer has created an amazing character that you root for and chuckle with. She’s the Queen you want to have your back. Walker picked the wrong person to just stand back and say goodbye to or did he know all along that she would try and save him? Guess you’ll have to read the book.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.