An epic fantasy saga with a believable teenage heroine at its heart.
A patch of impenetrable darkness known as the Shadow Fold divides the once-great nation of Ravka, created many years earlier by the Black Heretic. Alina, an insignificant mapmaker, discovers that she has a unique power, meaning that she becomes part of the kingdom’s magical elite – the Grisha. The leader of the Grisha, the powerful Darkling, believes her to be the key to solving the problem of the Shadow Fold. In order to fulfil her destiny she first needs to learn how to manage her power and decide who she can trust. Upon discovering her power she was forced to leave behind her childhood friend Mal, but as she settles into her new life she finds it hard to forget him. Will she see him again?
A stunning start to the trilogy, incredibly well thought out and written, The Gathering Dark would entice even those who may not normally enjoy fantasy. There’s romance, non-stop action and adventure and amazing characters and settings, lavishly described. Alina as the main protagonist will find sympathy with readers as someone who makes mistakes, is often confused and makes difficult choices but still comes across as a brave and plausible heroine.
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