To be honest, this book snagged my attention purely from the striking/pretty cover as I was walking past the YA section at my local library. It sounded intriguing, so I packed it in my bag with about twenty pounds of other books that caught my eye similarly.

I was really intrigued especially by the worldbuilding, though I was left curious about some of the history and things - I am hoping that since this book has a sequel, I will find some of the further information I expected/wanted in that book. At first I was rather disappointed, because I was unaware there was a sequel . . . and even knowing there is, I would still have rather a little more of an ending, even with leading into the next book.

However I still enjoyed the story, and Keara managed to balance between sympathy and irritation for me - I find first-person narratives very tricky to read oftentimes, yet never was I tempted to put down this book. Keara's feelings towards Caw were her strongest driving trait and also the strongest draw of her - and her confusion, hesitance, and her ultimate surprise towards the end were all perfectly understandable and well-represented.

Some of the novel's twists legitimately surprised me pretty strongly, and again, I was left curious about further information in characters' pasts, or the religion of Keara's world, or the history of the country she lives in. (I also think this set-up is really . . . well, it's quite a dystopia, even if it isn't expressly shown in that specific light. Keara's world is creepily terrifying under the surface, even if often she doesn't realise it, as that is just 'how things are'.) I'd also love to hear more from Caw himself (through Keara's perspective, of course) going forwards, which I'm hopeful will happen with the slant of the ending of this book and the implications of what to expect in the next one. ( )

The world of this story drew me in quickly, and I didn't want to put it down. But the ending felt insanely abrupt. True, I didn't realize this was the first in a series, but even if I had I think it would have felt rushed. I imagine I'll read the next book, but I wish this first story could have been more complete just on its own. ( )

12-year-old Keara runs away rather than sacrifice Caw, the darkbeast she has been bound to all her life. She joins a performing troupe of Travelers but is soon pursued by the Inquisitors who are to punish her. Will she escape the Inquisitors and what will become of her beloved Caw? Be sure to check out all the books in this series!

I received this book from Early Reviewers. I've always been fan of Mindy Klasky's works and this fulfilled my expectations for a YA novel. It was an easy read with an interesting concept in the dark beasts. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )

Synopsis: Keara is almost 12 years old. On the day she turns that age she is to kill her dark beast, Caw, and take her place with the adults. The only hang-up is that she loves Caw and can't kill him. This leads her to leave her home and family, hiding with a group of performers who also have secrets. As she tries to make her own way she finds that she needs the help and friendship of people around her. She has now become a 'Darker'; one of a group of people who refuse to sacrifice their dark beast.
Review: It's an interesting concept that this 'dark beast' is the personification of a conscience. ( )