Rise of the Darklings is probably one of my favorite reads so far for 2011. The combination of quick paced adventures, folklore and fairy creatures, and unique in detail characters make this a thrilling read. 
 The whole story was incredibly fast-paced which made it hard to put the book down. This could've been due to the short chapters but a part of it could've been due to the quick plot movement that the author us uses. There is never too much time spent on one idea. But don't be fooled because each plot element is detailed enough that you have a rounded idea of what is happening and a detailed character. 
 There are parts of the book that really had me feeling for all the characters involved. Some of the characters that I really enjoyed included Emily who is detailed and three-dimensional as well as Spring heeled Jack and the little pixie who added a little bit of humor to the story. 
 The book was also incredibly detailed for Victorian era London and really allowed both young readers and older readers to get the feeling of what it would've been like living in this Victorian era London. 
 It should be warned that this book does and the cliffhanger and going into the second book. I personally can't wait for the second book to come out.