And I Darken

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

Part historical novel, part adventure story, White's book has intrigue, murder, romance, and a multi-knife wielding heroine who is so lethal she had this reviewer holding her breath during fight scenes and love scenes alike. Set during the 15th century Ottoman Empire, White uses the story of Vlad the Impaler, a real historical figure, to create Lada Dragwlya. She is the daughter of Vlad Dracul and, as a girl, she is supposed to be winsome and demure; she could not be any more the opposite. Cunning, cruel, intelligent, and not much to look at, she is willing to do the difficult thing to save her or her brother's life and to get control of her homeland Wallachia. The world-building is strong, the characters, though not always easy to like, have depth, and the story is gripping. This is the first book in a trilogy and should be a hit with teens who enjoy fast-paced, substantive stories.

Overall Book Score: very good