The Darkening by Sunya Mara

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Darkening by Sunya Mara Aaren Tucker Mara, Sunya The Darkening. Clarion, 2022 [400p] (The Darkening) Trade ed. ISBN 9780358561989 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780358494911 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 8-12 The daughter of failed revolutionaries, Vesper Vale lives in hiding with her Pa in the outermost ring of a city surrounded by an ever-encroaching Storm. It's the only life Vesper knows until she makes a brave but foolish mistake that leads to her father's capture. To save Pa, Vesper needs to get close to prince Dalca, the leader of the city's supposed protectors, known as the Wardana. Vesper befriends Izamal, a Wardana and fifth-ringer like herself, who helps her infiltrate Dalca's inner circle. The prince is more than he seems, however, and Vesper must decide if she can bring herself to trust him with her secrets—and her heart—if it means saving the entire city from the Storm. Like Jodi Meadows' Nightrender (BCCB 01/22), Mara's absorbing story paints a picture of an isolated realm surrounded by malevolent forces, and Vesper's narration is lovely and austere: "I feel thin, like a globe of blown glass; a fragile bit of shine stretched over a hollow center." Unfortunately, the excellent worldbuilding and beautiful prose are marred by uneven characterization and pacing. Seemingly significant plot points are rushed over, such as Vesper's introduction to the prince's inner circle, while other less relevant scenes, such as Pa fighting for his life in a public trial, are unnecessarily drawn out. Vesper inexplicably moves from altruistic to single-mindedly focused on her own agenda, and her romance with Dalca feels forced. Although flawed, this strongly imaginative debut may appeal to fans of Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes (BCCB 06/15) and though this story is complete, Mara leaves the door open for a sequel. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois