Title: And I Darken Author: Kristen White Rating: 4 stars Genre: YA Fantasy Publisher: Delacorte Press Publication Date: June 28th 2016 How Did I Get This Book: ARC from the publisher Format: ARC Paperback Why Did I Read This Book: it sounded badass, and the ARC cover was just to pretty and tempting for it's own good! Review Written By: Lisa Golding // City of YA Books |
Synopsis
Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.
But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.
Review
Our main character Lada is very much an anti princess, being vicious and unladylike while her brother is softer and more docile. Basically the stereotypes were reversed in a cliche we've seen a few times, but alas it was done well! This book comprises of politics, religion and self worth as just a few of the themes. The story line pulled me in and I devoured this book pretty darn quickly. I remember thinking at the time of reading that this book is so screwed up but in the best way possible.
Brutality is present throughout the whole book, and while trying to avoid spoilers I will say this book reminded me of Game of Thrones only it appealed even more to me, which I didn't really even know was possible. The book is written superbly - my only fault is that at times I got some characters names mixed up. Then again that may be due to me staying up until 4am reading this book, not the writing style...
While kick ass female characters are not a particularly new trend in YA books, Lada is possibly the first I have really seen as a hard, gritty character. She leaves the likes of Celaena Sardothien and Tris Prior in the dust!
Over all I would highly recommend this book! Kick ass female characters with a dark and interesting plot line.