In the shadowy realm where vampires and humans coexist in an uneasy truce, Tigest Girma’s debut novel “Immortal Dark” emerges as a captivating exploration of power, legacy, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With echoes of Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House” and Holly Black’s “The Cruel Prince,” Girma crafts a world both familiar and startlingly new, where the pursuit of immortality comes at a terrible price.
A Deadly Legacy Unfolds
Kidan Adane, our fierce and flawed protagonist, is thrust into the arcane world of Uxlay University – a place where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. Driven by the disappearance of her sister June, Kidan must navigate this treacherous landscape while living alongside Susenyos Sagad, the very vampire she suspects of kidnapping June.
Girma’s prose crackles with tension, check out this Letter to the Immortals:
“I think I was born to die. Everything I do feels pointless or, worse, hurts those around me. Even the thoughts I believe are good just end up craving blood. There’s something inside me that doesn’t belong. Something solid and sharp-edged that wants out. It wants to destroy and break the world and rearrange it, shatter it entirely just to please me. The more I fight this hunger, the more I lose. It’s taking over my body, my mind, and my heart. I can’t stand it. I want quiet and peace. I need to end it myself before it wins. Please, tell me how to stand it all.”
This haunting confession sets the tone for Kidan’s journey, one marked by violence, self-loathing, and an insidious attraction to the darkness she claims to despise.
A World of Shadows and Secrets
Uxlay University: Where Knowledge Meets Nightmares
Girma’s worldbuilding is meticulous and mesmerizing. Uxlay University is no ordinary campus; it’s a place where:
- Ancient houses vie for power and influence
- The laws of physics bend to accommodate vampire abilities
- Dark secrets lurk behind every ornate facade
The author’s attention to detail brings this world to vivid life. From the opulent Acti Gala to the forbidden Southern Sost Buildings, each setting pulsates with danger and dark allure.
Blood and Betrayal: The Politics of Immortality
At the heart of “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma lies a complex political system where vampire-human partnerships determine the fate of noble houses. Girma introduces us to:
- The Twelve Houses of Uxlay, each with their own agenda
- The mysterious 13th, a shadowy organization threatening the status quo
- The Nefrasi, an enigmatic group operating beyond Uxlay’s borders
This intricate web of alliances and enmities keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Characters Who Blur the Line Between Hero and Villain
Kidan Adane: A Damaged Soul Seeking Redemption
Our protagonist is far from a typical heroine. Kidan’s past trauma and violent tendencies make her a complicated figure to root for. Yet, it’s her raw vulnerability and fierce loyalty that ultimately endear her to readers. Girma doesn’t shy away from Kidan’s darker impulses, crafting a character who is:
- Haunted by her past actions
- Desperate to save her sister at any cost
- Drawn to the very darkness she claims to despise
Susenyos Sagad: The Charismatic Monster
As Kidan’s foil and potential love interest, Susenyos is a masterclass in moral ambiguity. Girma paints him as:
- Ruthlessly powerful, yet bound by ancient laws
- Capable of great cruelty and unexpected tenderness
- A living embodiment of the seductive pull of immortality
The electrifying tension between Kidan and Susenyos drives much of the novel’s emotional core.
A Cast of Broken Souls
The supporting characters are equally compelling:
- Slen Qaros: The ice-cold strategist hiding a painful past
- Yusef Umil: An artist grappling with a legacy of violence
- GK: The enigmatic Mot Zebeya with unwavering faith
Each character adds depth to the narrative, their own struggles mirroring and complicating Kidan’s journey.
Themes That Haunt and Challenge
The Nature of Evil: Are Monsters Born or Made?
Girma doesn’t offer easy answers when it comes to morality. Throughout “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma, characters grapple with:
- The weight of their past actions
- The fine line between justice and revenge
- The possibility of redemption for even the darkest souls
Power and Its Costs
The pursuit of power – both personal and political – drives much of the conflict in the novel. Girma explores:
- The allure of immortality and its terrible price
- The corrupting influence of unchecked authority
- The strength found in chosen families and genuine connection
Identity and Belonging
At its core, “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma is a story about finding one’s place in a world that seems determined to reject you. Kidan’s struggle to reconcile her violent nature with her desire for connection is deeply relatable, even in this fantastical setting.
A Writing Style That Enthralls and Unsettles
Girma’s prose is a potent mix of lush description and raw emotional honesty. She excels at:
- Creating an atmosphere of creeping dread
- Crafting dialogue that crackles with tension and subtext
- Balancing moments of visceral violence with unexpected tenderness
The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading long into the night.
In the Company of Darkness: Comparisons and Context
“Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma stands proudly alongside other recent dark academia fantasies like:
- Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House”
- V.E. Schwab’s “A Darker Shade of Magic” series
- Olivie Blake’s “The Atlas Six”
Girma’s unique take on vampire lore and her unflinching exploration of morally gray characters help this debut stand out in a crowded field.
A Few Stumbling Blocks in the Shadows
While “Immortal Dark” is a strong debut, there are a few areas where it occasionally falters:
- The complex political machinations can sometimes feel overwhelming
- A few plot twists strain credulity, even within the fantasy setting
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags
These minor issues, however, do little to detract from the overall impact of the novel.
The Verdict: A Darkly Seductive Start to a Promising Trilogy
“Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma is a bold, bloody, and brilliant debut that will leave readers hungry for more. Tigest Girma has crafted a world of shadows and secrets that lingers long after the final page. With its morally complex characters, intricate plot, and haunting exploration of power and redemption, this novel marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in fantasy.
For fans of:
- Dark academia settings
- Morally ambiguous characters
- Vampire lore with a fresh twist
- Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romances
“Immortal Dark” is the first installment in a planned trilogy by Tigest Girma, and it sets the stage for what promises to be an epic and engrossing saga. Girma leaves us with tantalizing questions and a desperate need to know what happens next.