REVIEW: #43 Scarlett & Crimson – DarqStarz Rising

Reading time: 3 – 4 minutes

TITLE: Scarlett & Crimson™ – DarqStarz Rising

Author: Allyson Black

Illustrator: Shane L. Johnson

ISBN: 1416958304

Pages: 112

Rating:

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

Scarlett and Crimson are expecting this week to be just like every other week at V. Price Memorial Middle School. But, to their surprise and delight, this Monday they learn that the new kid in town – Pepper White – just snubbed the Leetz (the clique of popular, know-it-all girls that rules the school) at lunch! They also discover that Pepper has some seriously DARQ potential. As if that wasn’t treat enough, the girls find out that the community recreation center is sponsoring a Battle of the Bands contest, and the top three bands from the whole district will compete live on Halloween night – the perfect opportunity to showcase their new, yet-to-be-named band! Tween girls will immediately take to Scarlett and Crimson in this first series installment as the girls launch their website, DarqSpace, partner up with Pepper to record an awesome demo, and show the Leetz that popularity doesn’t always win over the crowd. Learn more about the world of Darq at http://www.scarlettandcrimson.com.

Review:

I received the first two books in the Scarlett & Crimson series in the mail last week. On the surface, it (without a doubt) catches the eye with it’s matte finish and colorful pages. The pages are outlined in black, as if reading a comic. If you should closed the book and turn it sideways, it reads “DarqStarz”. Surely done to attract the age group it markets to, it even did so much more to attract a grown adult to the cover. I can sure appreciate the thought and design that went into this series, that is for sure.

Below the surface, DarqStarz is about two best friends, Crimson & Scarlett, who have no issues with being different. In fact, they embrace it like everyone should. The two creative and open minded pair idealize a concept called “The Darq” in which everyone is created equal and free to be themselves in a world where stereotypes and groups rain supreme. There is this high-class snobby group called The Leetz (who I always imagined was short for “Elite”) who have the best of everything, but still enjoy casting shadows on everyone below them. Judgemental and rude, Crimson & Scarlett are determined to put an end to their egos.

Determined to teach everyone about the importance of The Darq, the saavy duo decide to begin a band to spread the word. Fortunately for them, The Battle of the Bands is about to begin! In a rush to find the perfect band members, they settle on the one person they know The Leetz will want, too – cool kid Pepper White!

Scarlett & Crimson – DarqStarz Rising is an absolutely excellent series for young pre-teens (and teens alike) who love the edgy coolness of music and fashion, yet sends a positive message to our youth. Already a hit in the UK, I am looking forward to reading the remainder of the series and passing them down to my daughter when she’s old enough to read.

Disclaimer: Although this book series was given to me by the publisher/PR company, it in no way altered my opinion on the book.

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