Child of Darkness (Gemini)
by V.C. Andrews
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Book Summary Information
Author: V.C. AndrewsEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-03-01
ISBN: 0743493850
Number of pages: 416
Publisher: Pocket Star
Book Reviews of Child of Darkness (Gemini)
Book Review: "Child of Darkness" lacks luster
Summary: 1 Stars
"Child of Darkness," the third book in V. C. Andrews' "Gemini" series, combines good writing and an exciting plot - in a completely unoriginal way. "Child of Darkness" does exactly what Andrews has done before, and that doesn't do anything for the readers.
"Child of Darkness" picks up years after the conclusion of the second book, "Black Cat" and readers rejoin the character Baby Celeste at age 16. After spending more than half her life in orphanages, Celeste Atwell is chosen by Wade and Ami Emerson - a wealthy young couple. Chosen, Celeste is told, to attend a private high school, receive gifts and attention, bring "youth and excitement" to their home, and be a friend to Ami - who seems to look at Celeste as sort of a project.
Living in a large house with more than she ever could have imagined, Celeste is amazed at how her life changes. She is quickly learning how to drive an expensive car, going to the best restaurants, receiving attention from a boy at school, and being taught about clothes and cosmetics by Ami.
What's too good to be true often is, however, as Celeste soon sees. Wealthy adolescent classmates can be snobby and cruel, Ami can seem more of a wild teenager than a married woman at times, and Wade's father - Basil, owner of the family business that supplies their wealth - has his own set of eccentricities.
Where "Black Cat" was flawed with too many supernatural elements, "Child of Darkness" keeps it believable by only hinting around that aspect - mostly dealing with Mrs. Cukor, the Emersons' superstitious maid.
The flaws in "Child of Darkness," however, are much less forgivable. This book is predictable from beginning to end. Readers who are familiar with other Andrews books will likely feel as though they've already read this one because the storyline is so similar to her other novels.
The writing is good, but that's because ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman (Andrews died in 1985) has had a lot of practice with this story - the names and places are just different. For readers unfamiliar with Andrews' work and reading through the "Gemini" series first, this book is a great read - but only for them, and only if they've already suffered through "Black Cat."
Recycling is great - but not for stories.
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