By: Ehlana F., Glen Burnie High School
And I Darken is the first book in the Conqueror's Saga by Kiersten White. It is a dark and twisted story about two characters who need to reclaim their birthright, only to find themselves stuck in a toxic love triangle. This book is so messed up in the best way. It's compelling and violent. It does take place in Transylvania, so the names are kind of hard to pronounce, but once you figure that out, then the book is great. Lada is an amazing and ruthless character whom I love so much. Just her character itself puts a new twist on the book.
If this were any other young adult royal fantasy, there is a good guy and then the ruthless ruler- This book is not like that. Vengeance, ruthlessness, violence, and darkness are all words that describe this book. Lada is the rightful ruler who is ruthless and the book explains her rise to power- the opposite of most YA royal fantasy books. I will say that the beginning is slow and it takes a few chapters to really understand what is happening, but once you keep reading, then things get much better. I do recommend this book- but it IS pretty dark so If you are not interested in dark and twisted fantasies, then don't read.