If you’re looking for a book that will have you question who the true villain of the story is until the very end, you’re absolutely going to want to put this next book on your list. This decadently dark story features some characters whose journeys are on a collision course of disaster, and it’s anyone’s guess what will happen in the next chapter, let alone the next page. Will’s character arc throughout this story is phenomenal, and will hook readers until the last page. One thing is certain, C.S. Pacat likes to make readers and their tender hearts bleed. I’d definitely add this to your TBR if you want dark fantasy with a smattering of romance and an infinite amount of angst.
Will is a sixteen-year-old dockboy who has found himself running for his life, armed with the growing knowledge of a long forgotten ancient world of light and dark. He’s saved by the Stewards, who want him to fight by his side after the death of his mother, to prevent the Dark King’s return. With London in danger, heroes and reborn villains alike will face off as the long-forgotten war begins anew. Will must stand with the light in order to save everything he knows from a miserable and terrible fate.
You could colour me intrigued when I read the summary of this book. Will is a fascinating character, and the thought of reborn villains was fascinating as well. I feel like the story is set up really well, but feels like a treasure map you only have a piece of. Every chapter uncovers a bit more of the London Will is a part of, as well as the Steward stronghold. The magic of this world is fascinating because it’s not all about inherent magical abilities, but relics as well. The worldbuilding is incredible, and I found myself hooked on wanting to explore every nook and cranny of this world with Will. Although it moves a little slower than many of the recent reads I’ve finished, it builds up a good pace and momentum that keeps you turning the page.
There are a few perspectives outside of Will’s own, and my favourite was definitely Violet’s. Whereas Will was already in dire straits and has a hard time with his new life and the information being thrown at him, Violet’s arc is one where a veil is lifted and there’s a newfound understanding of her position. The other character perspectives help round out the picture a bit more, especially in regard to the Dark King. Each perspective has a key role in what’s happening, but not every character is out to play their part as intended.
I’m not usually one to talk about tropes, but I always love when authors choose a trope and flip it on its head. That certainly happens in this book, and is done in such a way that I was legitimately on edge the entire time. Readers also get to explore predetermined fate and free will, as well as nature vs. nurture. There’s not a lot I can say here without spoilers, but, you will gasp, I guarantee it.
As many of you know, I love a good romance in a fantasy book. In Dark Rise, it’s pretty slow burn and so delightful. I feel like each scene is a delightful exploration of what could happen and draws you in such a way that some of the later parts of the book hurt to get to. The love interests are a little darker than some I’ve read, but still enjoyable.
This book does contain some darker themes and possible triggering subjects, Murder, torture, romantic coercion, and abuse are among some of the more prominent triggers, so approach with caution if you’re sensitive to these subjects. This list is not exhaustive, but are some of the ones that caught my eye.
Overall, I truly loved the start of this trilogy. Pacat is building a world that will keep you on your toes until the very end, and the characters could entice you on one page, and then stick a knife through your heart in the next. Towards the middle of the book the pacing did slow down, but picked back up again at the end. And honestly, that ending. Oof. I’m positive it’s setting up for something stellar in the next book. If Dark Rise sounds like something you want to read, then I highly encourage you to add it to your TBR.
Dark Rise is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up Dark Rise? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
In this stunning new fantasy novel from international bestselling author C. S. Pacat, heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war are reborn and begin to draw new battle lines. This epic fantasy with high-stakes romance will sit perfectly on shelves next to beloved fantasy novels like the Infernal Devices series, the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and the Red Queen series.
The ancient world of magic is no more. Its heroes are dead, its halls are ruins, and its great battles between Light and Dark are forgotten. Only the Stewards remember, and they keep their centuries-long vigil, sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns.
Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother. When an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark.
As London is threatened by the Dark King’s return, the reborn heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war begin to draw battle lines. But as the young descendants of Light and Dark step into their destined roles, old allegiances, old enmities and old flames are awakened. Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the fate that destroyed their world from returning to destroy his own.
