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Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway is unlike any fantasy I’ve read before. The book features espionage, forbidden romance, and aviation, which is such any amazing combination. I enjoyed both of the main characters, and the writing is impressive. I would definitely recommend this one as it is an original high fantasy.
Title: Dark of the West (Glass Alliance #1)Series: Glass Alliance #1
Author: Joanna Hathaway
Publisher: Tor Teen
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Rating:
Series Rating:
He was raised in revolution. She was raised in a palace. Can their love stop a war? Code Name Verity meets The Winner's Curse in Joanna Hathaway's Dark of the West, a breathtaking YA fantasy debut.
Aurelia Isendare is a princess of a small kingdom in the North, raised in privilege but shielded from politics as her brother prepares to step up to the throne. Halfway around the world, Athan Dakar, the youngest son of a ruthless general, is a fighter pilot longing for a life away from the front lines. When Athan’s mother is shot and killed, his father is convinced it’s the work of his old rival, the Queen of Etania—Aurelia’s mother. Determined to avenge his wife’s murder, he devises a plot to overthrow the Queen, a plot which sends Athan undercover to Etania to gain intel from her children.
Athan’s mission becomes complicated when he finds himself falling for the girl he’s been tasked with spying upon. Aurelia feels the same attraction, all the while desperately seeking to stop the war threatening to break between the Southern territory and the old Northern kingdoms that control it—a war in which Athan’s father is determined to play a role. As diplomatic ties manage to just barely hold, the two teens struggle to remain loyal to their families and each other as they learn that war is not as black and white as they’ve been raised to believe.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway
This book tells the story of a pilot and a princess torn apart by politics. Athan is the son of a powerful general, and Aurelia is the daughter of the enemy. The two fall in love despite being on the verge of war. I loved how high-stakes the story is and how it combines espionage, betrayal, and forbidden romance. The aviation aspects are also unique, and I enjoyed reading the action-packed dogfight scenes. I was very impressed by the originality of this one, and I would say it is the perfect read for fantasy fans.
❀ Interesting Characters
Both Aurelia and Athan are interesting characters, and both their narrations provide extra insight. Aurelia lives a life of privilege, however it becomes clear to the reader that she is more than just her title. Athan is essentially her opposite, and he grew up surrounded by war. He is pressured to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a fighter pilot. Although I enjoyed them both, I have to say Than intrigued me more. He seemed a little more original to me, and I felt like there was more action in his narrations.
❀ Complex and Well-Developed
One of the best parts of the book is the writing. The book is able to pull off that classic historical-fantasy-sounding tone with a more modern twist. Although it has some seemingly World War 2 inspired aspects (and actual love letters), some bits are more contemporary, and there were scenes that made me laugh which is not typical in fantasy novels. The world building is also complex, and the politics and alliances are developed.
❀ Political Fantasy
Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway is a unique political fantasy with interesting aspects such as espionage. The main characters are both likeable and the writing is vivid. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
About Joanna Hathaway
Joanna owes her love of books to her great-grandfather. His memoirs about life as a teenage soldier in the First World War inspired her, at a young age, to enter the complex and provocative realms of history—and she hasn’t left since. Born in Montréal, Canada, she grew up on the doorstep of New York City, then spent her teen years riding horses through the forests of Southwestern Ontario.
Her debut novel, DARK OF THE WEST (Tor Teen, 2018), is the first in a WWII-infused fantasy series of forbidden love and deadly revenge.
She is represented by Steven Salpeter of Curtis Brown Ltd.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I like the sound of this! Good review 😄
Thank you! 🙂
I have this book on my TBR list and I’m so glad you loved it! I really sounds like a unique read and I love forbidden romance! Can’t wait to check it out! Great review! 🙂
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…Two Can Keep a Secret By Karen M. McManus [Review]
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it! 🙂
An original high fantasy. Wow. That right there makes me want to read it! Thanks for sharing your review and I’ll be checking this out.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Teaser Tuesday #251 ~ Moses & Mac
I hope that you love it as much as I do! 🙂
I’ve seen this book everywhere lately. I’m not a big fan of fantasy, but my daughter is. Definitely need to check it out for her!
Dianna recently posted…The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson US #giveaway
It really is a popular title right now! Definitely worth a try if she loves fantasy. 🙂
I have seen this one around quite a bit lately. I haven’t really given it much notice before now. I am glad you liked it.
JennRenee recently posted…Review: Eve by Anna Carey
It is really popular right now, for sure! 🙂
I am looking forward to this book and love the idea that there is a blend of historical fiction and contemporary fiction. Sounds amazing.
Sue @ Crushingcinders recently posted…Adding to Your TBR – February 2019 (Part 1)
Yes! It really is a great mix. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. 🙂
I haven’t read either of the books this was compared to, so I that doesn’t have any baring on my opinion. The story itself sounds good, but political fantasy kind of scares me away a little. I will say that I LOVE the cover. It definitely draws my attention
If you do try it, I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
This sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for your review.
This sounds like a great book. My brother got me into espionage books and this sounds like it would be very interesting. I am glad you enjoyed it and I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Mary
Neato, nice review, definitely some nice spy work
Sounds like a wonderful book!