Vesper is the daughter of an outlaw in a world plagued by an eternal storm. When her and her father's place of refuge is burned to the ground, and her father taken captive by the hateful "prince", Vesper will do anything to get her father back. She disguises herself with magic and becomes an apprentice (with the help of a like minded insider) and soon she is stalking the palace (1st ring) trying to find where they are keeping her father. As she works with the prince who stole her father away, she uncovers some buried truths that may change everything and be the answer to finally stopping the storm.

There is so much to love about this story. Creative and unique with excellent characters. I could not stop reading. I was so immersed in the world, and the story. I am really impressed. Only one slight problem... it ready like a first draft. It was sorely missing finesse and was clumsy and awkward at times, but even that did not stop me from enjoying this ingenious story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/133350838-rebekah?order=d&sort=date_read&view=reviews

Sunya Mara’s YA novel The Darkening introduces a world overshadowed by the storm, a destructive force alive with nightmare monsters that is swallowing the city one ring at a time. In the fourth ring, Vesper, the daughter of a fearless revolutionary, throws her life into disaster when she tries to save a mother and child from the stormbeasts. Now she must infiltrate the elite wardana and deceive a prince in order to save her father and, maybe, the city.

This novel offers a refreshing perspective within the landscape of YA fantasy: Sometimes, idealism is not enough to stave off disaster and save the day. Sometimes, it is not possible to save loved ones from themselves. Sometimes, there is no clean and easy path to do the right thing, and a curse can still be used for good. With the sense of encroaching menace that the reader feels from the first page and a cast of deeply flawed and complex characters, this novel feels rich and satisfying.

The Darkening is an easy novel to recommend to students who themselves have to struggle with the disasters that threaten their future, and who are considering their own roles and relationships in the fabric of their lives. The themes that are woven throughout the book demand careful consideration, even as the writing is frankly just enjoyable to read. Libraries, classrooms, and personal bookshelves would all benefit from a copy of The Darkening.

The city is ravaged by the Storm, which consumes the outer circles and curses those who touch it. Vesper lives with her father and Amma, caring for the storm-touched, until one day her father is arrested and she sets out to try and rescue him.

It's a really interesting concept, with seeking to defeat the Storm at the heart of it, but bits of it were a little too formulaic - prince with secret falls for new apprentice Vesper after about half an hour and only with his small group of friends and Vesper together can they defeat the Storm. I felt like I knew where it was going a lot of the time, and the most interesting characters didn't get enough page time. It was enjoyable enough but I felt not enough was quite explained so some of the Great King aspects towards the end felt a bit shoe-horned in to make it make sense. I'm not sure I'd be that bothered about reading a follow up to be honest.

This is a solid, interesting take on a magical world. The Vesper is interesting and a whole person. She kicks all the butts but still gets to have feelings. I really adore a YA protagonist who can ask for help and who doesn't cut herself off completely. Vesper has secrets and trust issues, sure, but they are rooted in the story instead of being a personality trait. The Storm itself is scary and threatening. It's enough of a threat to keep the story moving. The only knock on it is that the pending love story feels heavy handed. You know from go that there's going to be romantic tension, and it feels more like checking a YA box than an organic part of the story.

I very much wanted to love the idea of this book and I have to admit I was completely drawn in by that cover. Its beautiful in my opinion and I wanted so much to enjoy this book. It was an okay read. I think I was expecting more from it and it was just fine.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! Full disclosure: I do personally know Sunya, and I've been so excited to read this book ever since she announced it. From the vivid prose to the inventive lore and world-building, there's so much to love here! I was already drawn to the beautiful cover art before diving in, but I have an even greater appreciation for it after finishing the book. Vesper is such a realistic, nuanced protagonist, and her little moments of dry humor were so fun to read. I especially loved her relationship with her parents and the whole theme of discovering who you are outside of where you come from. After that ending, I can't wait to see where book two goes!

Overall it was an engaging read. The descriptive language in this book really allows you to experience some of the scenes.
The pace in the first part of the book was great but some holes started appearing once the protagonist started her apprenticeship. It continued falling apart when the main characters confront the antagonist as the metaphors being used didn't translate for me into the implied character growth. I also had some difficulty understanding the implicated motivations of some characters. Some areas of the story are lacking transitions and overall context that lessens the emotional impact of tense scenes due to confusion. Nothing in this story tickled me in a new way but it's a solid read alike recommendation for teens.

This is a hard one because for the majority I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however there was one section that I feel just ruined it! In between leaving the storm and the final trails the pace got lost. It feels as if a page were missing where we find out Vesper and her father will face the trails together. Also, though beautiful, the amount of detail given to each and every feeling a character had actually ended up being quite overwhelming and unclear at times. Especially Dalca's sudden shift at the end of the book, it felt as if there was no clear reason or turning point, he just suddenly changed for the sake of the plotline. This being said I did find the story gripping and original, it had all the ingredients you want in a fantasy YA. The characters were incredibly relatable and fully realised, although I wish there were more diverse characters in pivotal roles. Cas for example would have been a wonderful character to explore as non-binary. I would recommend as a library purchase and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.

The book had quite an interesting concept and was unique. Vesper’s inability to know much was a contrast to how she was able to get into the Prince’s business quite fast. I think there were times when transitions were needed in the story instead of abruptly changing course. Also, the descriptions in the storm were confusing. So while I liked the plot, this wasn’t my favorite. I thank Netgalley for the ARC and feel confident that editing will make this a little bit more smooth to read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

The Darkening is a YA Fantasy that follows Vesper, a girl who is trapped in a city that is terrorized by The Storm. I really enjoyed the very beginning. I felt like the first few pages were really strong, and I was excited at that point to continue reading. Unfortunately, it lost me after that. A lot of the story dragged for me and it was actually kind of difficult for me to finish this one. I did really enjoy the author's descriptions throughout the book. I thought the writing was vivid. Overall, this book fell a little flat for me, however I do think it would be good for younger readers who are getting into the fantasy genre.

I got this from Netgalley and these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book! Wasn't in my favorites but it was good. Vesper was an enjoyable protaganoist! It was a bit slow to get into but then it picks up and of course the ending leaves the reader needing to know what comes next! Looking forward to see what it next for Vesper!

A solid start to a new fantasy series. Heavy on abilities light on romance (although clearly laid a path for it to develop later on in the books). I think great for YA readers.

This is the first in a series but to me it read like it was from the middle of a series, with words like "ikonmancer" and Stormborn being used without explanation. I would have loved some background, even as a foreword for how the story began. Instead, the reader is swept into the story, and I found myself able to catch on pretty quickly.

Vesper Vale and her father live with Amma and her shelter for people who have been cursed. They care for people and try to avoid the dangerous Storm which hovers overhead. Vesper's father is skilled in his use of ikonomancers, which are creations he draws to conjure up objects or spells. Vesper has only learned rudimentary symbols, but one day she endangers everyone and forces her Pa to create an ikonomancer and risk being caught by the Regia (government). Her father is captured, and Vesper sets off to rescue him. She bands with the Prince of the Regia and other guards who have their own reasons for rescuing her father.

This story had so many interesting aspects, including mindfulness, resourcefulness, and STEAM aspects. It would be great to use as an accompaniment for learning 3D printing. I think this was an entertaining read, but wish there was more background given.

I think this is a good book to turn to for readalikes for YA fantasy books. To me, there wasn't anything super original in it, I wasn't surprised by anything (except for the lack of a love triangle, SUCH a bonus for me) so it isn't one I'll immediately turn to. Still, for readers who are looking for a fantasy, a spooky storm, and an interesting world, it'll be one I recommend secondarily! And I'm always glad to know about those.