ARC 5 Star Review: A Cold Legacy (Megan Shepherd)

Hardcover, 400 pages
Expected publication: January 27th 2015 by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins

ARC Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.
Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.
With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity. 

PRE-ORDER LINKS 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Indigo

Megan Shepherd was "born" into the book world, growing up in her parents' independent bookstore in Western North Carolina. She is the author of THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER trilogy (Balzer+Bray/2013), and THE CAGE trilogy (Balzer+Bray/2015). When Megan is not writing, she can usually be found horseback riding, day dreaming at coffee shops, or hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. She is represented by Josh Adams at Adams Literary.

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"What darkness began, 

only madness can end..."

This is one of my most favorite series ever. When I began the first book in the series, The Madman's Daughter,  I was immediately drawn into the dark, creepy world of Juliet Moreau. Her story fascinated and scared me at the same time. I am a huge fan of Young Adult and Horror and this series is a perfect mix of those two genres. 

The cover of A Cold Legacy is by far my most favorite in the series. The dark color scheme is the perfect blend of colors and matches the synopsis of the book perfectly. I love how Juliet looks so gorgeous set against the backdrop of the dark, brooding mansion. 

This epic, stunning, and phenomenal book starts out with Juliet, Montgomery, Lucy, and Balthazar running from Lucy's father and his men. Elizabeth has given them directions to a remote mansion in the Scottish moors that her family has kept through several generations. The mansion is well-hidden and is a perfect hide-out for Juliet and Montgomery. 

Once the group reaches the mansion they encounter the staff that lives and takes care of the mansion. Some of the staff are "mostly" normal while others seem to be very different. Juliet immediately feels as though something is not right and is determined to unravel the mysteries of this mansion and its tenants. 

"I hope for your sake--if you truly are the mistress's ward--you have as strong a constitution as she does, Miss Moreau..."

There are several new characters that enter the story at this part in the book and Megan Shepherd really knows how to write in a character where they grab you and dont let go. I found myself completely absorbed in the story and each of their lives. 

Balthazar is a character that just grabs my heart and won't let go. Each scene that he is in is just incredible and I usually find myself smiling. I love that he is so tender and yet so strong at the same time. He is so loyal and protective and by far one of my favorite characters in the book. 

"I gave him a smile, trying to look brave, but something about Balthazar always crumbled the walls around my heart. I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek."

A Cold Legacy is the perfect conclusion to an epic series of books. There are so many twists that you never see coming and I dont want to spoil it for those who have not started the series but let me tell you that if you want to be taken on an amazing, creepy, and surprise-filled journey then you need to pick up this series NOW!!!!! This series is one of those that will stay with me forever. Megan Shepherd created a entirely new YA Genre that is full of horror, suspense, and a breath-taking romance. The Madman's Daughter series is in a league of its own....Yes it is THAT good....

**The quotes from this book have been taken from an Advanced Reading Copy and are subject to change when the final book is printed. Please refer to the final, finished copy for exact quotes!**

**I want to say Thank You to Balzar & Bray/Harper Teen for the opportunity to review this book!!**