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A review by aldoregan
And I Darken by Kiersten White
3.0
second read: june 14, 2019
3.5 stars
i really liked it but im not crazy abt it
first read: october 2, 2016
And I Darken is a story based on Vlad the Impaler. The difference being Vlad the Impaler is a girl. Our antiheroine is Lada, and this isn't really a story about Lada impaling people. It's like an origin story, how she becomes the Impaler.
I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. I've never read a historical fiction before (at least, I don't remember reading one), so reading something like And I Darken was very refreshing and different. I'd have to say that this was absolutely vicious. But I mean it in the best possible way. It has a dark vibe with characters whom you want to trust but cannot do so. A gripping tale about a brother and a sister, Radu and Lada, who have lived a life full of pain and struggles.
I love how the story starts off from the very beginning of their life. We get to see Lada and Radu grow up. I think that was a very wise way of beginning the story because it makes us understand their choices, their actions, their intentions better.
I love how each of the characters were far from lovable, even the protagonist, Lada. Except for Radu though, he's an exception.
Lada, despite being fierce and brutal, was one of my favorite characters. She despised being told to sit down and do what a woman does (back then they were unequally treated. They were only expected to marry and give their husband an heir). But Lada was so strong. She despised staying in the castle while soldiers were fighting. She despised being belittled by men. She is not a character we can easily love. Her decisions are also sometimes maddening but, in my opinion, it's what makes up her character. I know that behind all that solid armor shielding her heart, she has compassion especially for her brother, Radu.
Radu is the complete opposite of his sister. While he might seem utterly useless in the beginning, he grows to become someone we'd never thought of him to be. I love Radu so much. He is that precious little puppy you see on the road that you just want to take care of. Radu has won the title of my favorite character in this book.
Mehmed was someone I really wanted to trust, but I couldn't find myself to completely trust. I love how he isn't this cliche prince (or in this case, sultan) in shining armor who'll swoon us all. He has his own intentions. What those are, I have no idea. Still, I really like Mehmed's character.
The side-characters were absolutely great as well. Each one carries such a mystery within them that leaves me intrigued and again, dubious (just like how I am with Mehmed).
AND I learned a ton of things about the Ottoman Empire (which I had no idea about going into this book)! That was a huge bonus that we get from the book!
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read what goes down in the second installment!
3.5 stars
i really liked it but im not crazy abt it
first read: october 2, 2016
And I Darken is a story based on Vlad the Impaler. The difference being Vlad the Impaler is a girl. Our antiheroine is Lada, and this isn't really a story about Lada impaling people. It's like an origin story, how she becomes the Impaler.
I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. I've never read a historical fiction before (at least, I don't remember reading one), so reading something like And I Darken was very refreshing and different. I'd have to say that this was absolutely vicious. But I mean it in the best possible way. It has a dark vibe with characters whom you want to trust but cannot do so. A gripping tale about a brother and a sister, Radu and Lada, who have lived a life full of pain and struggles.
I love how the story starts off from the very beginning of their life. We get to see Lada and Radu grow up. I think that was a very wise way of beginning the story because it makes us understand their choices, their actions, their intentions better.
I love how each of the characters were far from lovable, even the protagonist, Lada. Except for Radu though, he's an exception.
Lada, despite being fierce and brutal, was one of my favorite characters. She despised being told to sit down and do what a woman does (back then they were unequally treated. They were only expected to marry and give their husband an heir). But Lada was so strong. She despised staying in the castle while soldiers were fighting. She despised being belittled by men. She is not a character we can easily love. Her decisions are also sometimes maddening but, in my opinion, it's what makes up her character. I know that behind all that solid armor shielding her heart, she has compassion especially for her brother, Radu.
Radu is the complete opposite of his sister. While he might seem utterly useless in the beginning, he grows to become someone we'd never thought of him to be. I love Radu so much. He is that precious little puppy you see on the road that you just want to take care of. Radu has won the title of my favorite character in this book.
Mehmed was someone I really wanted to trust, but I couldn't find myself to completely trust. I love how he isn't this cliche prince (or in this case, sultan) in shining armor who'll swoon us all. He has his own intentions. What those are, I have no idea. Still, I really like Mehmed's character.
The side-characters were absolutely great as well. Each one carries such a mystery within them that leaves me intrigued and again, dubious (just like how I am with Mehmed).
AND I learned a ton of things about the Ottoman Empire (which I had no idea about going into this book)! That was a huge bonus that we get from the book!
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read what goes down in the second installment!