[Rachel’s Review]: There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool

There Will Come a Darkness (The Age of Darkness, #1)
by Katy Rose Pool
Series: The Age of Darkness #1
Pages: 496
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Release Date: September 3rd 2019
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC, eBook
Goodreads

The Age of Darkness approaches.Five lives stand in its way.Who will stop it... or unleash it?

For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations―until the day, one hundred years ago, when the Prophets disappeared.

All they left behind was one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world’s salvation . . . or the cause of its destruction. As chaos takes hold, five souls are set on a collision course:
A prince exiled from his kingdom.A ruthless killer known as the Pale Hand.A once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heart. A reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyone.And a dying girl on the verge of giving up.
One of them―or all of them―could break the world. Will they be savior or destroyer?

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Holy squad goals Batman, what the heck did I just read? This book was AMAZING with a unique magic system and a fantastic cast of characters. Honestly wish I could give it more than 5 stars. It’s like the author looked at all of us and was like:

Ephyra, Beru, Anton, Jude and Hassan are all such complex characters with fear and wants and needs so visceral I felt like I was right there beside them the whole time. This book has magic, mayhem, refugees looking to take back their stolen city, people running from the past and characters doing bad things that they feel are completely justified. The magic system was so interesting in this book and I thought it was fascinating how the powers really just enhanced their own senses and could be used for good or as a powerful weapon. My favorite character was a boy who has spent his whole life running from his own powers to the point where he can’t even tell between right and wrong.

I also really loved the relationship between Ephyra and Beru. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely gets dark but Ephyra loves her sister with all her heart, going so far as to become the Pale Hand, a notorious and mysterious murderer in order to save her sister’s life.

Also the ships!! There was so much chemistry between all of the characters to the point where you just wanted to shout at them to kiss already. I sure as heck shouted at this book. Several times. Loudly and obnoxiously.

I 100% recommend this book to everyone, but especially those who love fantasy. Oftentimes fantasies can fall into the trap of being repetitive or vague, not really bringing anything new to the genre but this book was a wild ride from start to finish. The world was unique, the characters compelling and the twists felt believable and earned. Get to your retailer of choice and pick this one up! You’re sure to enjoy it.