Darker by Four

De: June CL Tan

Narrado por: Emily Woo Zeller

A UK #1 Sunday Times Bestseller!

The Shadowhunter Chronicles meets Chinese diaspora folklore in Darker by Four, the first in an epic contemporary fantasy duology from Jade Fire Gold author June Tan.

A vengeful girl. A hollow boy. A missing god.

Rui has one goal in mind—honing her magic to avenge her mother’s death.

Yiran is the black sheep of an illustrious family. The world would be at his feet—had he been born with magic.

Nikai is a Reaper, serving the Fourth King of Hell. When his master disappears, the underworld begins to crumble…and the human world will be next if the King is not found.

When an accident causes Rui’s power to transfer to Yiran, everything turns upside down. Without her magic, Rui has no tool for vengeance. With it, Yiran finally feels like he belongs. That is, until Rui discovers she might hold the key to the missing death god and strikes a dangerous bargain with another King.

As darkness takes over, three paths intersect in the shadows. And three lives bound by fate must rise against destiny before the barrier between worlds falls and all Hell breaks loose—literally.

Perfect for fans of This Savage Song and Only a Monster, Darker by Four will pull listeners into a world of love, desperation, and revenge—a world where every deal has a catch, no secret stays buried, and no one is exactly who they say they are.

©2024 June CL Tan (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Riveting- I feel heard

"Darker by Four" by June Tan is a well-crafted fantasy novel that examines intriguing cultural dynamics not often explored in the genre. Tan does an excellent job weaving in authentic Chinese words, phrases, and traditions that add depth and nuance to the story.

The novel's central concept - the coexistence and conflict between Exorcists, Revenants, and Gods - is a compelling one that sets it apart from similar fantasy works. Tan deftly explores the power dynamics and tensions between these factions, making for an engrossing and unique narrative.

However, the male characters in the book prove to be a point of frustration. They come across as entitled, privileged, and selfish, which detracts somewhat from the overall reading experience. The pacing of the novel is also uneven, with the first half weighted heavily towards setup and background, while the second half moves at a brisker pace.

Despite these minor issues, "Darker by Four" is a well-written and culturally rich fantasy that offers readers something fresh and thought-provoking. Tan's skilled handling of the fantastical elements and her keen eye for cultural detail make this a recommended read for fans of the genre.