Review of A Darkness Below by Jo Cassidy
A.E. Jackson Review Score: 2 / 5 Ravens
How was this review scored?
Jo Cassidy delivers a sequel to her freshman novel Willow Marsh, and it feels like a darker version of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Ghost Whisperer TV series mixed with a touch of Sabrina the Teenage Witch - the updated Netflix variation.
The sexual tension is palpable and a bit unbelievable at times as the teen protagonist finds ways to work alongside a pack of unruly brothers whom she loathes. There are things the main character observes and thinks - even about her enemies - which are hard to swallow, even with a healthy suspension of disbelief.
The sequel to Jo Cassidy’s Willow Marsh is a gripping supernatural thriller filled with bizarre secrets, ferocious monsters, and haunting moments. Willow Marsh seems like a sleepy town… but something dark lurks in the water.
Town legend says that hundreds of years ago all the children of Willow Marsh drowned in Birch Lake to feed a hungry Demon. When the lake boils, fireflies travel in massive herds, a giant creature roams the city, and children start to go missing, teenage Tessa and her friends believe the demon is back.
Tessa holds the keys to stopping it. The problem is, there’s only one way to reach The Gray, the demon’s world beneath the lake. To drown in the depths of Birch Lake’s waters.
At times, I felt quite lost in this story. The author kept referencing events, which happened in the first book Willow Marsh. Not having read the original tale, I was left to assume quite a bit about the characters and the circumstances which led to current events. This story is not as self-contained as it could be, and it relies on a reader having knowledge obtained in the first book.
Still, through the many problems thrown at the characters as they wrestle to realize what’s really happening in Willow Marsh, the progression is entertaining. Tessa and her friends must solve minor matters to move forward and face bigger problems. Each successive danger, once overcome, equips the reader with more information and the protagonist with more power to defeat the looming threat.
Jo Cassidy does a fine job balancing multiple subplots which help with character development and conveys that elusive back story. Without getting lost in the weeds of side journeys, the author manages to raise the stakes with each subplot - well done.
There is quite a bit of teen angst and confused emotions mixed with heightened sexual tension throughout the story. Overall, the book did not hold my attention well. Then again, I realize that I am not the target audience. Would my teenage daughter enjoy this novel? Perhaps. Would I allow her to read it? Perhaps not. While Monster Ivy Publishing releases fiction with a Christian worldview, I think this one would be too edgy for my daughter.
The book’s length is acceptable, but there is a lot of exposition and observation by the main character. The use of experiential sensation and internal thought would have delivered much richer storytelling and deeper character development for readers.
Overall, the novel is a good setup for another book about Tessa Isaacson. I don’t know if Jo Cassidy will return to Willow Marsh, but I am certain fans of the series would enjoy the installment.
Monster Ivy Publishing produces “Edgy, Clean” fiction with a Christian worldview for kids, teens, and adults. Monster Ivy began with two sisters who craved books with taboo storylines, grittier subjects, or darker tones that still clung to ideals of hope, faith, redemption, and even some discussions of God. They decided to create their own publishing house, one that pushed bold boundaries while venturing into the light.
Today Monster Ivy has grown to include more authors, but maintains the ideals of the original founders: creating "Edgy, Clean" fiction for our audience to enjoy. The stories may have some warm and fuzzy elements, but they also include ax-wielding sirens, magical storm clouds, teen superspies, and reformed prostitutes.
Jo Cassidy writes Young Adult thrillers. She loves all things creepy - Bates Motel, Stranger Things, Criminal Minds, and Prodigal Son are a few of her favorite shows. Jo’s thrillers consist of paranormal, psychological, and contemporary themes. She lives in Utah with her husband and their crazy cats.
Read more from Jo Cassidy at https://authorjocassidy.com and connect with Monster Ivy Publishing on social media at Facebook(@monsterivypublishing), and Twitter(@MonsterIvybooks).