Immortal Dark was one of the books I asked for Christmas. It took me a couple months to read. Not because it was difficult per say but I’m used to reading more graphic novels. However I have been trying to push myself to read longer pieces of fiction. Once I got pulled into the book though this world tugged me in and kept me interested.
The main take with Immortal Dark is about exploring a different perspective. What if the mythology surrounding vampires and vampirism was based on African mythology instead of European? If one takes a chance with Tigest Grima’s vision of alternate mythology. They are richly rewarded by a complex story that explores love, sacrifice and the meaning of evil.
Synopsis
Kidan Adane is an orphaned heiress. She grew up far from the shadowy society of vampires she was born into. In that dark world human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. Kidan is a unique person, she’s obsessively protective of those she loves. She is also nihilistic and will do anything she can to save her loved ones. Her willingness to go to extremes is evident. This is shown when her sister June is kidnapped.
After an her own investigation Kidan begins to believe that a vampire named Susenyos Sagad is responsible for her disappearance. Susenyos is bound to Kidan’s bloodline and she thinks that makes him a likely suspect. To investigate Susenyos further she must enter into the elite Uxlay university.
The mysterious world follows its own rules. One of which being that students must study to inherit their family fortunes and select vampire companions. Kidan is stuck studying arcane philosophy. She is working with four very different fellow students. She is also trying to survive living with Susenyos. All this is in hopes of finding her sister.
Susenyos is doing everything he can to drive her away. However Kidan’s own dark and violent nature is tempted by Susenyos’ wicked ways. She tries to keep her eyes on the goal of finding her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.
After a murder that reminds her of her sister’s disappearance shakes the campus. Kidan slowly slides into the school’s dark and ruthless underworld. She is willing to risk her own soul to solve a centuries old mystery. Things shift for Kidan when she learns that June might be a part of this mystery. Kidan must bring the powers that shape Uxlay to their knees and contend with her own dark nature if she wants to find the answers she seeks
Review
This was definitely one of my favorite books of the year so far. I love the way it explored the theme of darkness within oneself. And how your inner darkness changes how you relate to others. Kidan was most certainly a morally gray character. She had her own set of morals which don’t really correspond with the standard ideas of ‘good’ and ‘evil’. She is willing to get her hands dirty to help the people she cares about. Kidan still cares about her own heart and soul and how her action effect them. But her own wellness comes in a far second place to the people she loves.
I especially liked to interaction between Kidan and her study group. They all highlighted different elements that came up at Uxlay. Each person in the group was very well established personality wise and had a rich backstory. I think my favorite though was Slen, as she seemed to understand Kidan the best out of the whole group.
In addition, I enjoyed the enemies to lovers vibes between Susenyos and Kidan. They really started off as mortal enemies, but grew organically to be fond of one another. Susenyos helps Kidan accept her own inner darkness. He also helps her find her inner strength and shifts her away from the mindset of being a victim. In the process of doing that he gives her more tools to take control of her life.
I can say that the plot had me guessing right to the end. I love the idea behind the Nefarsi, and who they were eventually revealed to be. The ending of the book made me gasp and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Amazon: Immortal Dark
Do you enjoy books about vampires? What is your favorite book on this topic. Please let me know in the comments.
About the Author
Tigest Girma is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Immortal Dark. After graduating with a Bachelor of Education, she splits her time between writing and teaching. Passionate about exploring East African characters and myths, her work weaves Black stories with the dark and fantastical. In her free time, she can be found rewatching her comfort shows where the villain gets the girl. Originally from Ethiopia, she is now based in Melbourne, Australia. She invites you to visit her on tiktok: tigestgirma
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