Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
I DNF’d at chapter 20, but not because this is a bad book! The world-building is beautiful, and I loved learning about the houses, their powers, and the vampire lore. Kidan is an angry, morally gray FMC who just wants answers about her kidnapped sister, June and I was rooting for her!
But mentally? Whew. 😭 She’s in such a dark headspace, and watching her repeatedly get herself into dangerous situations while refusing to back down was stressing me OUT. Meanwhile, she and Susenyos are having a whole “who can be more stubborn” competition.
I’d give it 3.5 stars. Just not the book I need right now. Maybe next time! 🤷🏾♀️
Reading "Immortal Dark" offers a vivid dive into a richly imagined world where vampire Houses wield unique powers, and complex characters navigate a dark, emotionally intense narrative. From my experience, the story’s strength lies in its detailed world-building and the multifaceted protagonist, Kidan, who grapples with anger and desperation in her quest for truth. The novel’s portrayal of emotional turmoil and stubbornness, especially between Kidan and Susenyos, adds a layer of realistic conflict many readers find compelling. What stands out is how the book doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes like mental strain and danger, which can be exhausting but also profoundly engaging. This makes it a novel that some readers might find emotionally heavy depending on the timing of their reading journey. Personally, I appreciated the creativity behind the vampire lore and the intricate power dynamics between the Houses, which enriched the fantasy setting. If you enjoy stories that mix intense emotional stakes with detailed fantasy worlds, "Immortal Dark" delivers on both fronts. However, the dark headspace of the protagonist may require mental preparedness as it can be quite draining to follow her relentless pursuit against all odds. Despite this, the stubborn competition and resilience shown by the main characters bring a compelling human element amidst the supernatural backdrop. Ultimately, "Immortal Dark" is a beautiful example of contemporary vampire fantasy blending moral complexity with thrilling world-building. For readers seeking immersive fantasy that challenges emotional endurance and offers a fresh take on vampire myths, this novel is worth exploring, just perhaps when you’re ready for its intense tone.