Unique and interesting world building! Great characters with well-built romantic tension. I found the plot a little hard to follow at times, but the vibes were perfect.

DNF, unfortunately I just wasn’t able to get invested in this book. I do think it’s a me thing and that others should still give this one a shot.

DNF. I just can’t get into this one. I’ve spent the week trying, and I’m just not very interested in anything that’s going on, so I’d rather dnf than spend more time reading a book I’m not enjoying.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“This Dark Paradise: by Erin Luken is a captivating YA fantasy debut that invites readers into the enchanted yet perilous world of Estaralla. Lucia Arduini, living in the bleak tenements, dreams of the mystical island where fountains reveal deepest desires, feasts appear magically, and caverns allow whispers with the dead. But Lucia's journey to Estaralla is driven by desperation, not wonder. She must steal the source of the island's magic within five days to save her brother from a dangerous gang. As she navigates the island, Lucia finds herself caught between a boy who once broke her heart and a girl harboring a dark secret, discovering that Estaralla's enchantments hide deadly truths.

The story is set in an alternate fantasy world that feels distinctly inspired by Italy, lending it a rich cultural texture that enhances the story. The world-building is both simple and well-developed, particularly in its depiction of the illusionists and their unique magic system, although the complexity of the magic can be somewhat confusing once the story moves to the island. I just couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to trust the Vessels once they were described, though the imagery was well-done and vivid. I liked the give-and-take aspect of the magic as the consequences showed the true flaws of the magic system in the book.

Lucia Arduini is a compelling protagonist, driven by a sense of urgency and familial loyalty that makes her relatable and sympathetic. She never loses sight of her goal in saving her brother throughout the entire book. Her mission to steal the source of Estaralla’s magic keeps you engaged as Lucia navigates the island's many dangers. The plot itself is well-conceived, though some aspects, like getting on the boat, seem a bit too easy, contributing to the fast-paced nature of the plot. The description of the book made me think this would be more of a heist centered story, but the main focus is on uncovering the secrets of the island.

The book features a bisexual love triangle involving Lucia, a boy who once broke her heart, and a girl with a dark secret. There is an element of insta-love with Calista, which I did not really enjoy, especially since Lucia only got to become closer to Calista in just a few days and Calista was keeping secrets basically the entire time they knew each other. The resolution of the love triangle is clear and decisive, and it was made obvious who the victor would be in the love triangle.

Representation in “This Dark Paradise” is commendable, with bisexual and aromantic characters included. While the aromantic representation is implied rather than explicitly stated, it adds a layer of diversity to the cast. The book’s exploration of these identities is integrated naturally into the story, though I wanted more focus on the mystery rather than the romance in regards to the plot. The romantic pieces slowed down the pace a bit, and I just wasn’t as invested in those elements as I was in the mysteries of the island. The plot is filled with unexpected twists, particularly towards the end, and I enjoyed learning more about the island and the magic system. The fast pace of the story ensures that there is never a dull moment, though some problems faced by the characters could have been resolved more easily with better communication. Despite this, the ending wraps up the story nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion to Lucia’s journey.

Overall, “This Dark Paradise” by Erin Luken is a must-read for fans of YA fantasy. Its unique blend of magic, heist, and romance, set against the backdrop of an enchanting yet dangerous island, makes for a thrilling and immersive read. The well-developed world, compelling characters, and representation of diverse identities add depth to the story, making it a standout debut. I definitely can’t wait to read more from Luken.