Oh goodness team. I tried, I tried to take this book slowly and read a bit at a time, but I really wasn’t given that option once I got into the thick of this remarkable novel.
Joanna, has one of the most striking voices I’ve read in awhile. DofW is a multilayered, complex, breath-catching novel that pulled me in from that first heartbreaking prologue.
Set amidst a rich world, full of histories, the story is placed amidst the backdrop reminiscent of the world wars. The tension between the countries spanning over two continents, is so political, so dynamic that you immediately are drawn into the intrigue. This is only intensified as we follow along with Athan, a pilot and the son of a northern general who led a recent revolution and still has sticky fingers, and Aurelia, Princess of one of the northern kingdoms ruled by her southern continent mother who seems to have ties to the insurgency going on in southern colonies.
The kicker? Aurelia’s mother may have been the cause of death for Athan’s father.
There is an incredible amount of material packed into this novel, and yet the pacing was beautiful. I do recommend looking at a map a time or two before you get too far in. This book has a distinct and realistic outlook on the messy complications of family, love, and revolution. Additionally, expect to be kept on your feet whenever Athan takes flight, those actionpacked sequences are stunning.
I loved Auriela and Athan, mostly because our spirited protagonists are deeply flawed as any 16 and 17 year old would be. Hot headed, and easily persuadable, with strong convictions to help what they can in the world. To me the true-to-life depiction of these teenagers, and how hard it is to navigate in a world of lies created by adults spoke to my heart. As did the slow burn romance that highlights the elation and difficulties of first love.
Dark of the West was one of my top anticipated reads of 2019, and I was left speechless from the rich and complex world building, political plots, and memorable characters that seemed to leave a whole in my chest when I was done. It’s out this Tuesday, and trust me you’ll want to have it in your hands.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joanna Hathaway, and Tor Teen for this lovely ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
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my way by Starlight 