Dark Rise (Dark Rise, 1)
This historical fantasy for readers 14 years and up starts with Will, a boy trying to earn a living working at the London docks at a time when sailing ships and swords were prevalent. Witnessing the branding of Tom, to signify his status as one of Lord Simon Crenshaw’s inner circle, Will is drawn into a Dark World. Simon Crenshaw’s Remnants are set against the Stewards, an older race of people defending the world against the return of the Dark King.
The world Will finds himself in is one of betrayal and revenge. A world where nothing and no one is as it seems. A world where disillusion and betrayal are routine, although the occasional surprise ally turns up. Beloved mothers turn out to be enemies, respected fathers are cruelly rejecting. Characters are androgynous and their stated loyalties are unreliable.
This is a novel full of battles and struggles. Loyalty is admired but seldom a reality, beauty is found but usually reveals evil. Trust is a very scarce commodity as sides split into factions. Tension abounds as Will, together with Violet, struggle for what they believe is good. As battle lines are drawn between light and dark, Will and his friends play a vital role in trying to prevent the return of the Dark King.
A high level of tension is maintained throughout. Even in descriptive passages, a sharp undercurrent of tension is evident. This enhances a complex storyline. If “tense” and “plot-driven” are terms you look for in descriptions of novels for young people, this book is for you.
