Rating: 4 Stars
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Review: "Dark Road Home" is the exciting second novel in Elizabeth Ludwig's "Edge of Freedom" series. Ludwig takes readers back to the bustling streets of historic New York City and builds upon the plot of "No Safe Harbor." There are many characters and plot intricacies that continue from the first novel and are essential to following the continuing story. I definitely recommend reading the two novels in order. It has been several months since I read "No Safe Harbor," and I had some trouble recalling the motives of certain characters and the dynamics of several relationships (both good and bad).
An air of mystery and lurking danger wafts through the pages of "Dark Road Home" and creates an engaging plot. Most of the climatic action occurs near the end of the novel, but mysterious and threatening encounters add the right amount of suspense for my taste. Once again, Ludwig offers a well-rounded view of the plot, telling the story from the perspectives of the two main characters as well as one of the antagonists. She also incorporates tenderness and messages of faith to lighten the "dark road." Some of my favorite, more tender scenes of the novel occur at the Catholic Church's shelter where Ana and Eoghan find love, healing, and faith.
Just when a happy and peaceful ending seems imminent for Ana, Eoghan, Cara, and Rourke, Ludwig throws in a new twist that shows the danger that has been lurking since the beginning of the series is far from over. The conclusion of "Dark Road Home" gives the impression that the stakes are being raised and more lives will be on the line in book three.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
An air of mystery and lurking danger wafts through the pages of "Dark Road Home" and creates an engaging plot. Most of the climatic action occurs near the end of the novel, but mysterious and threatening encounters add the right amount of suspense for my taste. Once again, Ludwig offers a well-rounded view of the plot, telling the story from the perspectives of the two main characters as well as one of the antagonists. She also incorporates tenderness and messages of faith to lighten the "dark road." Some of my favorite, more tender scenes of the novel occur at the Catholic Church's shelter where Ana and Eoghan find love, healing, and faith.
Just when a happy and peaceful ending seems imminent for Ana, Eoghan, Cara, and Rourke, Ludwig throws in a new twist that shows the danger that has been lurking since the beginning of the series is far from over. The conclusion of "Dark Road Home" gives the impression that the stakes are being raised and more lives will be on the line in book three.
Summary from Bethany House: The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.
Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.
Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.
