lifeinfiction 's review for:

Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway

4.0

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Intricate and full of political machinations, Dark of the West is a carefully crafted novel that’s as smart as it is intriguing. Hathaway’s writing sparkles with smooth dialogue, beautiful descriptions, and a diverse cast of characters who all have their fair share of secrets to keep and to use. At times, the various political plots and webs were a bit confusing to follow, but they never fail to advance the story or bolster the novel’s gritty aesthetic and atmosphere. Aurelia and Athan’s points of view balance and contrast one another beautifully, and it’s bittersweet to watch their relationship build and unfold as their hopes and struggles intertwine. Dark of the West is a fiery start to a new series about war, secrets, and hope for a better world. This is a must-read in every sense of the phrase.