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Dark Shores  By  cover art

Dark Shores

By: Danielle L. Jensen
Narrated by: Jeanette Illidge, Jeremy Arthur
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Publisher's summary

"Richly woven, evocative, and absolutely impossible to put down — I was hooked from the first lines! Dark Shores has everything I look for in a fantasy novel: fresh, unique settings, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and an unflinching boldness with the nuanced world-building. I loved every word." — Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Throne of Glass

The Celendor Empire has set its sights on conquering the far side of the world. And the secret to transporting its legions across the treacherous seas is held by seventeen-year-old Teriana.

Teriana has always been taught that east must never meet west, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, she breaks the rule. A decision Teriana comes to regret when her crew are imprisoned and she lands face-to-face with the Empire’s most ruthless—and secretive—commander, Marcus. To save her people, Teriana chooses to guide Marcus and his legions into a world of meddlesome gods and magic. But with dark forces rising on both sides of the seas, the consequences of her alliance with the enemy may be greater than she imagined . . . especially for her heart.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Teen

©2019 Danielle L. Jensen (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

What listeners say about Dark Shores

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I Had Fun

(More around 4.5)

**Slight Spoilers**

“Dark Shores” was a fun ride. Like the author pointed out on Goodreads, the marketing made this novel sound like it was going to be a swashbuckling pirate story, but it really isn’t that. It’s a story more about a world based on the Roman Empire and basically what happened to other nations and parts of the world that had the unfortunate happenstance to be acquainted with them. Teriana is part of a race of people who take it upon themselves to govern the ocean between Eastern Continents and Western Continents to uphold their 7 gods and goddesses wishes to keep the peace. But, you know, the Roman Empire side finds out about Teriana’s secret and wants to do the usual conquer thing.

I had fun listening to “Dark Shores” as an audiobook. There were two narrators, and I liked how each gave the story their own inflections. They were on par.

So, because I liked the story so much (Teriana was awesome, Marcus was nice and sad but trying to do better, and the side characters were memorable,) I can’t help but point out a few things that I would have liked to see or that interrupted my happy space.

I wasn’t much for Teriana’s mother. She seemed to be the “badass” mom, but the type of mom who would treat her child more like a student detached from her more than her actual flesh and blood. Obviously, she’s not a talk-it-through type of lady, and I just didn’t feel like she and Teriana had much of a connection.

I feel like Teriana is smart enough to know that Lily didn’t betray her. She knows that Cassius is a manipulative fart face, and she knows that her friend was someone she could share her deepest secrets with. There had to be some trust there, and I was hoping that Teriana would think of that at least in this novel. I’m also surprised that the reveal that Marcus “killed” Lily wasn’t brought up in the novel either. I really don’t like that it’s coming at some point. It will eventually happen, and there will be all sorts of drama and miscommunication.

Teriana also believed in Titus a little too quickly. Maybe she just wanted to have a reason to hate Marcus again, but she should have been able to know that was what was going on there. But despite all of this, I feel like Titus might actually be kind of nice? He wants to save Terianna, and he was disgusted with the criminals who were eventually sentenced to hang. Perhaps there is something more to do with him?

I do wish that the romance burned a little longer and came to a full culmination to the next book. I feel like leaving the declarations to the very end just…I dunno. It just fell a little short. I could have used a bit more platonic bickering. Actually, I feel like these two (Teriana and Marcus) would have been better as a strong, platonic friendship. Like a power friendship.

I also enjoyed the parts in the book the best when they were on the ocean and when the gods and goddesses showed themselves. It felt like the battle of Troy with immortals toying with mortals as they saw fit.

Anywhoozle, I overall really, really enjoyed “Dark Shores.” I plan on listening to the next book when it comes back.

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I wanted more!

DARK SHORES was a good read (or listen), however the story seemed to end abruptly with much of the plot hanging in the air. Even the romantic plot is left on a cliffhanger. I loved the characters and the struggle, but felt like the story was unfinished for as many chapters as there were.

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4 people found this helpful

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omg ...

So this book pulled me in and had the ups and downs. Marcus what a man. marcus is working bith ends trying to make sure people stay alive and also trying to make sure he keeps his men alive because one wrong move could kill either. but teriana and him are great. she hated his guts at first so would i. but she found to love him now i cant wait to figure out whats going to happen next. hurry up book 2

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3 people found this helpful

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Disappointed

Big disappointment from an author I like. Despite listening to the whole thing and really LOVING Bridge Kingdom, I just couldn’t get into this.

The world building was confusing not just because there was too much to keep track of, but mostly because it wasn’t explained well, especially at the beginning. Later on, so many new ideas are introduced it just feels both rushed and distracting from whatever the main plot is. Too many loose ends that got lost along the way.

Teriana’s personality is very juvenile, annoying, and whiney, and I just couldn’t relate to her. I find constant complaining hard to tolerate. Marcus was much more compelling. His backstory, motivations, and goals are well developed. Overall, he’s a great character. However, I couldn’t feel any chemistry between them and struggled to connect to their supposed “slow burn.” Could partially be the boundaries of YA approved content.

Overall this book, though creative, is very slow at times and rushed at others. The pacing felt wrong. Struggled to finish. Won’t continue this series.

Great narration.

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Marcus is a weasel

I think I have to bow out of this series because the main male character really bothers me. He has a history of being involved in the murder of a ton of innocent people, including children. His argument is "well my boss would kill me and my men if I dont".... so? I understand wanting to survive as much as possible, but if you are "the best" military guy at conquering and killing people, I dont think you can boohoo about your situation. And then your girl gets in trouble and THEN you are willing to risk your men for her. I cannot like a dude who puts the wellbeing of his buddies over children. I get you were raised this wqay, but you obviously have a concience about it and know its wrong. But he ends the book basically saying "i have done terrible stuff and I am going to do more terrible stuff in the future because I am here to win" and the girl is like "ok". Ummmm no! Have some honor and a likable personality and join the rebels. If your men are really super loyal to you, I bet a bunch would be willing to die in the name of fighting for the lives of innocent people. I just cant respect a character who is really a scaredy cat and that hypocritical. i think reading about a military leader who feels super guilty but murders a ton of innocent ppl in another book would be the creepy weasel character that nobody likes.

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Love Danielle L. Jenson

Listened to straight through. Love when Marcus realized what had saved him from the sea. Teriana attitude is a reminder of how woman should be. I can't wait to get my hands on book 2. Thank you Danielle for helping me escape my reality and helping me step into a fantasy world needed to help my imagination grow!

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Dark shores the female voice

The female narrator was very rigid and had little inflection throughout. Felt robotic and I never once forgot someone was reading it….

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This is my Roman Empire

I have recommended this book to so many friends but especially guys because of the Roman influence. I love the magic tied in and am ready to read the next book

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Epic fantasy adventure

I really enjoyed listening to this book. True to Jensen's style she creates compelling and complex characters within a unique world. I can't wait to see where this series goes.

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Excellent story

I have to be honest that I was expecting more romance, but the book isn't weaker because of it. The detail on the legions, the ships, the new environment, we're all really enjoyable. The main characters are compelling, and their connection is sweet.

I do miss Agrippa from book 1, but looks like he might show up for me again in a few books time!

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