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Dauntless Path #3
A Darkness at the Door
I've been cursed, betrayed, and sold into slavery – but the truth I carry can't be allowed to die.
Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress.
Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself.
A Kirkus Reviews pick for Best Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year (2022).
Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress.
Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself.
A Kirkus Reviews pick for Best Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year (2022).
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
76 people are currently reading
3483 people want to read
About the author
Intisar Khanani
18 books2,500 followersIntisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
November 4, 2022
My ship was sunk well and good in this book, and I'm still giving it five stars.
Because I had lots of fun nonetheless, and in the end I think the romance worked the way Intisar decided to write it. There was more chemistry between that pairing than what I'd have initially preferred, so after this little mournful salute, I'll add that the endgame pairing worked better, much better. Rae didn't compromise on her morals in spite of her choice of man, and there was a redemptive storyline meshed in with the romance that I found well done, too.
I think the aspect I loved the most is that Rae's disability is represented fairly and accurately here. It's not here as a token for representation's sake, nor is it depicted fantastically, overlooking the challenges and discrimination that having a disability entails. Rae isn't magically cured, isn't magically rid of her clubfoot, and for all that "A Darkness at the Door" is a fast-paced adventure story with persecution and evasion sequences, dizzyingly so in parts, she manages to keep up with able-bodied sidekicks and partners without stretching credibility. For example, there's a chase scene through cobblestone streets by night, and she suffers from not being able to run normally and has to essentially use Bren as a crutch. She's not made to be a burden, and she's not made to be a badass for whom her clubfoot is no biggie; it's fair and it's believable.
Although the story concludes in this volume with all the different threads neatly tied up, I think there's potential for revisiting the characters in a future story set in this world, similar to how we saw again Alyrra and Kestrin from "Thorn." The kidnapping of boys and girls for the slave trade, the Circle of Mages' abusive rules on apprentices and secret magical Talents, Bren and his thieves, have been solved satisfactorily here, so I don't mean these overarching plotlines, but more like small little side details such as Niya training with the Fae, what Winterfrost's backstory might be, seeing more of Rae playing her flute and finding more children, things like that which can turn up again in future stories.
In sum, it's been a pleasure to read this conclusion to the saga. I'll miss Rae very much, she's been to date Intisar's best creation as a character, in my humble opinion, so enterprising, so feisty, so persistent, so not self-pitying, so relatable; hence my not-so-subtle pleadings in her direction for more someday.
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK & the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Because I had lots of fun nonetheless, and in the end I think the romance worked the way Intisar decided to write it. There was more chemistry between that pairing than what I'd have initially preferred, so after this little mournful salute, I'll add that the endgame pairing worked better, much better. Rae didn't compromise on her morals in spite of her choice of man, and there was a redemptive storyline meshed in with the romance that I found well done, too.
I think the aspect I loved the most is that Rae's disability is represented fairly and accurately here. It's not here as a token for representation's sake, nor is it depicted fantastically, overlooking the challenges and discrimination that having a disability entails. Rae isn't magically cured, isn't magically rid of her clubfoot, and for all that "A Darkness at the Door" is a fast-paced adventure story with persecution and evasion sequences, dizzyingly so in parts, she manages to keep up with able-bodied sidekicks and partners without stretching credibility. For example, there's a chase scene through cobblestone streets by night, and she suffers from not being able to run normally and has to essentially use Bren as a crutch. She's not made to be a burden, and she's not made to be a badass for whom her clubfoot is no biggie; it's fair and it's believable.
Although the story concludes in this volume with all the different threads neatly tied up, I think there's potential for revisiting the characters in a future story set in this world, similar to how we saw again Alyrra and Kestrin from "Thorn." The kidnapping of boys and girls for the slave trade, the Circle of Mages' abusive rules on apprentices and secret magical Talents, Bren and his thieves, have been solved satisfactorily here, so I don't mean these overarching plotlines, but more like small little side details such as Niya training with the Fae, what Winterfrost's backstory might be, seeing more of Rae playing her flute and finding more children, things like that which can turn up again in future stories.
In sum, it's been a pleasure to read this conclusion to the saga. I'll miss Rae very much, she's been to date Intisar's best creation as a character, in my humble opinion, so enterprising, so feisty, so persistent, so not self-pitying, so relatable; hence my not-so-subtle pleadings in her direction for more someday.
Thank you to Bonnier Books UK & the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
The way I regularly check on this book's publication status despite being subscribed to the author's mailing list...🌚
Ahem so I preordered it and now I’m waiting with all the patience I don’t actually have 😔. Can’t the release date come any sooner?
Look what I’m reading 🙈
I finished it 🥹💕💕 I made it last two whole days, too 😎😎😎 (a record I’m proud of, btw ☺️)
After all this I should probably write a proper review and everything, but can I just say this was the best book I’ve read this year and be done? 🙈🙈🙈
And for once for a book series I loved, the finale was everything I wanted and more. I mean, I didn’t realize just how satisfying it would be to hear Bren being called a goat. Goats are 👌🏻✨✨.
Ahem so I preordered it and now I’m waiting with all the patience I don’t actually have 😔. Can’t the release date come any sooner?
Look what I’m reading 🙈
I finished it 🥹💕💕 I made it last two whole days, too 😎😎😎 (a record I’m proud of, btw ☺️)
After all this I should probably write a proper review and everything, but can I just say this was the best book I’ve read this year and be done? 🙈🙈🙈
And for once for a book series I loved, the finale was everything I wanted and more. I mean, I didn’t realize just how satisfying it would be to hear Bren being called a goat. Goats are 👌🏻✨✨.
July 9, 2022
Review: THANK YOU Netgalley for the ARC and THANK YOU Intisar, for fighting so hard for your fierce badass of a heroine to be able to continue her story.
Satisfying ending, but at the same time I'm still left wanting more stories from the world and more visits with these characters.
Awesome!
I need this book. I needed it last year when I finished the ARC of "Theft of Sunlight". I don't want to wait. *sobs*
Satisfying ending, but at the same time I'm still left wanting more stories from the world and more visits with these characters.
Awesome!
I need this book. I needed it last year when I finished the ARC of "Theft of Sunlight". I don't want to wait. *sobs*
July 21, 2022
Read this in beta twice now. Once as an arc. Reading my final ebook today. I could read this book a million times and it still wouldn't be enough.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a massive fan of Thorn and The Theft of Sunlight. I adore Intisar and her writing and so you can probably imagine my excitement when I was taken on as a beta reader for the finale of this series. Even from that very first version I read, I knew this book was an epic conclusion to a powerful series.
Rae and Bren and everyone in this book have my entire heart. I lost track of how many times I put my book down to squeal because I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR. The romance was so well written, it's secondary to the plot and Rae sets up her boundaries so well, I was applauding. Rae is so strong, and her development over this journey was perfectly captured. Bren's growth as well! I adore them both immensely and will gladly take extra chapters of just fluff if Intisar ever decides to write them.
There's not much I can say without getting into spoilers but if you're a fan of this series, this is the ending we DESERVE. This book is fast paced, intense, a whirlwind of action, betrayal, love, and strength, and a continuation of Rae's strive for justice.
Intisar's motto for her writing is "strong girls and diverse worlds". Her books DELIVER on that promise and then some. I love, love, LOVE this series and I really do hope you pick it up.
I received beta copies and an ARC of this book from the author. This review is based on the ARC.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am a massive fan of Thorn and The Theft of Sunlight. I adore Intisar and her writing and so you can probably imagine my excitement when I was taken on as a beta reader for the finale of this series. Even from that very first version I read, I knew this book was an epic conclusion to a powerful series.
Rae and Bren and everyone in this book have my entire heart. I lost track of how many times I put my book down to squeal because I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR. The romance was so well written, it's secondary to the plot and Rae sets up her boundaries so well, I was applauding. Rae is so strong, and her development over this journey was perfectly captured. Bren's growth as well! I adore them both immensely and will gladly take extra chapters of just fluff if Intisar ever decides to write them.
There's not much I can say without getting into spoilers but if you're a fan of this series, this is the ending we DESERVE. This book is fast paced, intense, a whirlwind of action, betrayal, love, and strength, and a continuation of Rae's strive for justice.
Intisar's motto for her writing is "strong girls and diverse worlds". Her books DELIVER on that promise and then some. I love, love, LOVE this series and I really do hope you pick it up.
I received beta copies and an ARC of this book from the author. This review is based on the ARC.
July 29, 2023
I'm such a bad book godmother; it's taken me about a year to get around to reading the finished edition of this book! And it was SO GOOD. Rae's story, begun in THE THEFT OF SUNLIGHT, wraps up with adventure, excitement, and lots of terrible consequences for terrible people.
As always with Intisar's books, this is a cut above - in with all the excitement and fun there's an incredible amount of maturity and carefulness of a sort I can only aspire to. This is most evident in Intisar's handling of disability and trauma, two areas I have no personal experience of, but which I have been trying to learn a little bit about. I will never cease to be in awe of how deftly and gently (to my inexperienced eye) Intisar handles these subjects. One day I hope to be able to do as good a job.
But the sensitive handling of difficult subjects isn't the only reason to love this book. It still has fun, excitement, and TROPES. This time through, I was going feral for the romantic subplot. Look, if you've ever wanted to see Lawful Good fall like a ton of bricks for Chaotic Good, if the notion of Farm Girl Discovers Crush Is Gangster appeals, if you ever want to read a romance where people get thrown off ships with weights attached to their feet in lieu of flowers and chocolate, you have come to the right place. I notice that I am credited in the Acknowledgements for helping Intisar to get the romance working, but this is all her. I only suggested having one person thrown off the ship.
-
read in beta, so I can't say much except that parts of this story made me shriek aloud
As always with Intisar's books, this is a cut above - in with all the excitement and fun there's an incredible amount of maturity and carefulness of a sort I can only aspire to. This is most evident in Intisar's handling of disability and trauma, two areas I have no personal experience of, but which I have been trying to learn a little bit about. I will never cease to be in awe of how deftly and gently (to my inexperienced eye) Intisar handles these subjects. One day I hope to be able to do as good a job.
But the sensitive handling of difficult subjects isn't the only reason to love this book. It still has fun, excitement, and TROPES. This time through, I was going feral for the romantic subplot. Look, if you've ever wanted to see Lawful Good fall like a ton of bricks for Chaotic Good, if the notion of Farm Girl Discovers Crush Is Gangster appeals, if you ever want to read a romance where people get thrown off ships with weights attached to their feet in lieu of flowers and chocolate, you have come to the right place. I notice that I am credited in the Acknowledgements for helping Intisar to get the romance working, but this is all her. I only suggested having one person thrown off the ship.
-
read in beta, so I can't say much except that parts of this story made me shriek aloud
August 23, 2024
“I don’t think you’ve ever gotten lost,” he says meditatively. “You just find a new way.”
So What’s It About?
Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress.
Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself.
What I Thought
I have been a fan of Intisar Khanani ever since I stumbled upon an indie release paperback of Thorn, and Rae’s duology has been just as enjoyable as her other works. I would say the common denominator characteristics of Intisar’s stories are fiercely-principled girls and explorations of justice; both are present in spades in A Darkness at the Door.
Rae is a character with true and deep integrity, and it is such a pleasure to read about her determination not only to do the right thing but also to really understand what the right thing to do is in the first place. She’s a force to be reckoned with in this book especially (something that other characters enjoy teasing her about!), and I loved seeing her fight to prevail in the face of adversity and forge her way through the darkness of her circumstances for the sake of a very worthy cause. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, it is also very apparent that Intisar cares a great deal about and has put a lot of work into writing a multi-dimensional, thoughtful depiction of Rae’s physical disability. There is a lot to be said for the relationship that Rae develops with her body by the end of her story - gratitude for all it does for her, acknowledgment of instead of shame for its limits, and recognition that it deserves to be cared for instead of punished.
The exploration of justice in this book is timely, given that Rae and her friends have to confront the efficacy of civil justice when it is deeply tied to a country’s corrupt, powerful institutions that actually hurt the people they should be protecting. It’s cathartic that I am often not the biggest fan of stories about oppression that involve magic as a metaphor, but this book's approach worked well for me.
The romance here is also very sweet. Bren and Rae have such a fun dynamic, especially when it comes to Bren’s mischievous sense of humor and unabashed glee about Rae’s penchant for bold and risky plans:
“Bren looks almost dreamy as he says “... I bet you’ll be worth a full hundred [reward money] before we reach Tarinon.”
The conflict in their relationship is neither needless or overbearing, which can often be the case in YA fantasy - it’s grounded in the differences in their moral principles and Rae’s sense of self-respect/refusal to settle for less than she truly wants in a partner. They challenge each other and grow as characters because of their relationship.
The ending manages to conclude each plot line in a satisfying way, and I truly loved a couple of Rae’s decisions at the end of the book, specifically those of It was a beautiful ending to a great duology, and I’m 100% on board for whatever Khanani writes next.
This book releases on July 21 and I got a copy early for backing its Kickstarter. For those of you who enjoyed it or any of Intisar Khanani's works, definitely consider backing her Patreon!
So What’s It About?
Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress.
Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself.
What I Thought
I have been a fan of Intisar Khanani ever since I stumbled upon an indie release paperback of Thorn, and Rae’s duology has been just as enjoyable as her other works. I would say the common denominator characteristics of Intisar’s stories are fiercely-principled girls and explorations of justice; both are present in spades in A Darkness at the Door.
Rae is a character with true and deep integrity, and it is such a pleasure to read about her determination not only to do the right thing but also to really understand what the right thing to do is in the first place. She’s a force to be reckoned with in this book especially (something that other characters enjoy teasing her about!), and I loved seeing her fight to prevail in the face of adversity and forge her way through the darkness of her circumstances for the sake of a very worthy cause. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, it is also very apparent that Intisar cares a great deal about and has put a lot of work into writing a multi-dimensional, thoughtful depiction of Rae’s physical disability. There is a lot to be said for the relationship that Rae develops with her body by the end of her story - gratitude for all it does for her, acknowledgment of instead of shame for its limits, and recognition that it deserves to be cared for instead of punished.
The exploration of justice in this book is timely, given that Rae and her friends have to confront the efficacy of civil justice when it is deeply tied to a country’s corrupt, powerful institutions that actually hurt the people they should be protecting. It’s cathartic that I am often not the biggest fan of stories about oppression that involve magic as a metaphor, but this book's approach worked well for me.
The romance here is also very sweet. Bren and Rae have such a fun dynamic, especially when it comes to Bren’s mischievous sense of humor and unabashed glee about Rae’s penchant for bold and risky plans:
“Bren looks almost dreamy as he says “... I bet you’ll be worth a full hundred [reward money] before we reach Tarinon.”
The conflict in their relationship is neither needless or overbearing, which can often be the case in YA fantasy - it’s grounded in the differences in their moral principles and Rae’s sense of self-respect/refusal to settle for less than she truly wants in a partner. They challenge each other and grow as characters because of their relationship.
The ending manages to conclude each plot line in a satisfying way, and I truly loved a couple of Rae’s decisions at the end of the book, specifically those of It was a beautiful ending to a great duology, and I’m 100% on board for whatever Khanani writes next.
This book releases on July 21 and I got a copy early for backing its Kickstarter. For those of you who enjoyed it or any of Intisar Khanani's works, definitely consider backing her Patreon!
August 20, 2022
I usually don’t rate books before they’re published/before I read them but I’m rating this 5 stars because WHY would people put a 1 star rating for something that’s not even published yet??? I loved the first 2 books in this series and I can’t wait for the third!
UPDATE - review after finally reading it!
I loved this book so much! Definitely Intisar's best novel so far. The pacing was excellent; as with Intisar's other novels, there's just the right balance of slow, quiet, reflective scenes with fast-paced action and heart-racing dialogue. The pace definitely picks up in the second half of the book for those of you who like faster paces.
And the characters. What can I say? I love them all. Lirika reminds me of Aqisa from Daevabad. Artemis is such a sweetheart. I love that we get to see more of Mama and Niya and Alyrra and Kestrin. Rae is amazing as always, tough and confident and straightforward and no-nonsense and big sister/mom friend vibes and I love her. And I LOVE that through her, we get a very noble message that is often undermined or even contradicted in most mainstream novels: that she would not involve herself in a romantic relationship unless she knew it would be a long-term commitment--marriage--and that anything less is not worth it for her heart. Preach!
And, yes, yes, if you're reading this review having already read Theft of Sunlight, then I know you're really waiting to hear about Bren. He's wonderful. More in the spoiler section below!
There were some TINY TINY TINY flaws - like a few threads in the plot that felt a bit loose, as though they should've led somewhere but didn't. and there's also the issue with Rae's contradictory beliefs about one law/king's law being the only right path to justice, but then she herself not even holding herself to it. AND I would've liked it if Rae were at least a bit more flawed so we could see how the events of the story changed her? She definitely did change a lot but she didn't really GROW besides . How did her worldview change? Her personality? Her confidence? She was always very confidence to begin with so I'm not fully satisfied with as one of the two biggest changes for her.)
BUT despite all that (and they're really quite small issues I have with them, none of them took away from the pleasure of reading the book) I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
In conclusion, this is one of my best 2022 reads so far. Every page kept me both on edge and filled me with so much comfort. It is just the perfect balance of adventure, action, romance, fantasy, and morals/valuable messages. I love the characters so much and I'm sure they'll stay with me for a long time. I hope we see them sometime soon. Intisar Khanani is definitely one of my instant-buy authors!!!!
UPDATE - review after finally reading it!
I loved this book so much! Definitely Intisar's best novel so far. The pacing was excellent; as with Intisar's other novels, there's just the right balance of slow, quiet, reflective scenes with fast-paced action and heart-racing dialogue. The pace definitely picks up in the second half of the book for those of you who like faster paces.
And the characters. What can I say? I love them all. Lirika reminds me of Aqisa from Daevabad. Artemis is such a sweetheart. I love that we get to see more of Mama and Niya and Alyrra and Kestrin. Rae is amazing as always, tough and confident and straightforward and no-nonsense and big sister/mom friend vibes and I love her. And I LOVE that through her, we get a very noble message that is often undermined or even contradicted in most mainstream novels: that she would not involve herself in a romantic relationship unless she knew it would be a long-term commitment--marriage--and that anything less is not worth it for her heart. Preach!
And, yes, yes, if you're reading this review having already read Theft of Sunlight, then I know you're really waiting to hear about Bren. He's wonderful. More in the spoiler section below!
There were some TINY TINY TINY flaws - like a few threads in the plot that felt a bit loose, as though they should've led somewhere but didn't. and there's also the issue with Rae's contradictory beliefs about one law/king's law being the only right path to justice, but then she herself not even holding herself to it. AND I would've liked it if Rae were at least a bit more flawed so we could see how the events of the story changed her? She definitely did change a lot but she didn't really GROW besides . How did her worldview change? Her personality? Her confidence? She was always very confidence to begin with so I'm not fully satisfied with as one of the two biggest changes for her.)
BUT despite all that (and they're really quite small issues I have with them, none of them took away from the pleasure of reading the book) I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
In conclusion, this is one of my best 2022 reads so far. Every page kept me both on edge and filled me with so much comfort. It is just the perfect balance of adventure, action, romance, fantasy, and morals/valuable messages. I love the characters so much and I'm sure they'll stay with me for a long time. I hope we see them sometime soon. Intisar Khanani is definitely one of my instant-buy authors!!!!
July 21, 2022
I loved this SO MUCH. What a fabulous sequel to The Theft of Sunlight. Fans of this series will be so satisfied with this conclusion. Rae is a bad@ss and the romance is everything I wanted and the conflict resolution can me picking my jaw up off the ground. I'm honestly having a hard time writing semi-coherent thoughts out because I'd just rather fangirl shriek about how THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!! A Darkness at the Door is a heart-pounding, riveting conclusion to Rae's quest to take down the snatchers.
Other reasons to read this: a Very Cool New Character, slow burn, friends-to-lovers, hurt x comfort, themes of justice, mercy vs. revenge, family- the one you're born into that shapes you (good and bad ex), the kind that you'll do anything for, and the kind you choose, also sisterhood, hidden identity, thief rivalry, magic, court intrigue and corruption, fighting until you have nothing left and then some, a HEA that literally had me in tears.
01.22: Read in beta so all I'll say for now is I LOVED IT. So grateful.
CW: human trafficking and child abuse, memory loss, violence
Other reasons to read this: a Very Cool New Character, slow burn, friends-to-lovers, hurt x comfort, themes of justice, mercy vs. revenge, family- the one you're born into that shapes you (good and bad ex), the kind that you'll do anything for, and the kind you choose, also sisterhood, hidden identity, thief rivalry, magic, court intrigue and corruption, fighting until you have nothing left and then some, a HEA that literally had me in tears.
01.22: Read in beta so all I'll say for now is I LOVED IT. So grateful.
CW: human trafficking and child abuse, memory loss, violence
May 24, 2022
Damn, this book is what I call a great finale. I almost regret reading it so soon because now I'm finished with the series. Seriously, it has so much depth that I don't know where to start with this review.
I'm impressed by the character development. Despite her qualities as a hero, Rae discovers that she has to do bad things to survive and save the day. She has grown into this brave, stubborn survivor who won't stop until the evil that corrupts the kingdom is no more. It pleases me to see a disabled POC accomplish so much! She has learnt to love her body and to use it to her advantage. I love her straightforwardness too: she knows what she wants and asks the necessary questions (especially as to her relationship with Bren). She has standards and won't take scraps. Bren is also experiencing changes. I mean, he's still the guy we love but he learns to be more than a thief lord.
The slow-burn romance is everything. I love Rae and Bren SO MUCH. It's sweet, cute and pure. My heart was palpitating when they were sharing stories about their pasts. Bren is always supportive of Rae and her decisions. It sometimes borders on worship, the way he is living for Rae's plans and accomplishments. Also, . He never comments on Rae's disability, and it never makes her lesser to his eyes. It's very important.
If the found family aspect with the gang is heartwarming, it's nice to see Rae beloved by her own family.
By the end of the book, you see how much work was put into it. With the way previous scenes and dialogues lead to the understanding of some choices and plot resolutions. I'm happy with how the author wraps up the story: there are no plot holes.
I love everything about it!
I'm impressed by the character development. Despite her qualities as a hero, Rae discovers that she has to do bad things to survive and save the day. She has grown into this brave, stubborn survivor who won't stop until the evil that corrupts the kingdom is no more. It pleases me to see a disabled POC accomplish so much! She has learnt to love her body and to use it to her advantage. I love her straightforwardness too: she knows what she wants and asks the necessary questions (especially as to her relationship with Bren). She has standards and won't take scraps. Bren is also experiencing changes. I mean, he's still the guy we love but he learns to be more than a thief lord.
The slow-burn romance is everything. I love Rae and Bren SO MUCH. It's sweet, cute and pure. My heart was palpitating when they were sharing stories about their pasts. Bren is always supportive of Rae and her decisions. It sometimes borders on worship, the way he is living for Rae's plans and accomplishments. Also, . He never comments on Rae's disability, and it never makes her lesser to his eyes. It's very important.
If the found family aspect with the gang is heartwarming, it's nice to see Rae beloved by her own family.
By the end of the book, you see how much work was put into it. With the way previous scenes and dialogues lead to the understanding of some choices and plot resolutions. I'm happy with how the author wraps up the story: there are no plot holes.
I love everything about it!
October 18, 2022
4.5 stars
An action packed and thrilling conclusion to the Dauntless Path series, that continues on from the shocking cliffhanger ending of The Thief of Sunlight that had me on the edge of my seat.
After managing to uncover the slavery ring responsible for the kingdom’s missing children, only Rae truly knows how deep the corruption goes. Imprisoned on a slave ship for what she’s learnt, Rae now faces the consequences of a terrifying life debt and the dangerous magic instrumental in her escape.
Now, to free her kingdom from the growing darkness, Rae will need every ally she can find including charismatic Bren, the thief who may just have stolen her heart. But Bren has dark secrets of his own and the curse that’s been circling Rae might just find its way into her mind.
For though the truth can save the kingdom, it might just destroy Rae in the process…
After that jaw droppingly tense cliffhanger in The Thief of Sunlight I was on the edge of my seat desperate to find out what happens next. Fortunately—with thanks to Hot Key Books—I was able to find out just that and can reveal that it didn’t disappoint!
Intisar Khanani’s breathtakingly intriguing fantasy was an absolute pleasure to read through. The world building like her previous works was utterly magical and bursting with vividly lush imagery.
Rae was definitely my favourite character, she’s a strong, determined and resilient young woman who overcomes her own physical limitations and is willing to risk her own life to dismantle the corrupt and unjust system which has allowed people (mostly children) to be sold into slavery.
I also really liked her love interest, the roguishly charming thief Bren and loved how their friendship develops. Rae’s been burned when it comes to trusting people previously, especially given the competitiveness of the royal court but it was really great to see Rae learning to trust Bren, inspite of his chosen occupation.
It’s a clean romance so there’s no explicit content but I was genuinely surprised by how much emotion and longing Intisar Khanani managed to evoke in to every scene Rae and Bren shared & was rooting for them every step of the way.
I enjoyed getting to see old favourites characters from Thorn again (Alyrra, Kestrin especially) as well as some newer characters such as Lirika who I really enjoyed getting to know.
I do have to warn that, as it does deal with darker subject material there are scenes that show or allude to violence, death, kidnapping, trafficking, slavery, child abuse, ableism, torture, murder and gore.
Overall, a breathtakingly adventurous fantasy that fans of immersive world building and charming, heist style intrigue definitely need to check out.
Also, a massive thank you to Eleanor Rose and Hot Key Books for this fantastic finished copy.
An action packed and thrilling conclusion to the Dauntless Path series, that continues on from the shocking cliffhanger ending of The Thief of Sunlight that had me on the edge of my seat.
After managing to uncover the slavery ring responsible for the kingdom’s missing children, only Rae truly knows how deep the corruption goes. Imprisoned on a slave ship for what she’s learnt, Rae now faces the consequences of a terrifying life debt and the dangerous magic instrumental in her escape.
Now, to free her kingdom from the growing darkness, Rae will need every ally she can find including charismatic Bren, the thief who may just have stolen her heart. But Bren has dark secrets of his own and the curse that’s been circling Rae might just find its way into her mind.
For though the truth can save the kingdom, it might just destroy Rae in the process…
After that jaw droppingly tense cliffhanger in The Thief of Sunlight I was on the edge of my seat desperate to find out what happens next. Fortunately—with thanks to Hot Key Books—I was able to find out just that and can reveal that it didn’t disappoint!
Intisar Khanani’s breathtakingly intriguing fantasy was an absolute pleasure to read through. The world building like her previous works was utterly magical and bursting with vividly lush imagery.
Rae was definitely my favourite character, she’s a strong, determined and resilient young woman who overcomes her own physical limitations and is willing to risk her own life to dismantle the corrupt and unjust system which has allowed people (mostly children) to be sold into slavery.
I also really liked her love interest, the roguishly charming thief Bren and loved how their friendship develops. Rae’s been burned when it comes to trusting people previously, especially given the competitiveness of the royal court but it was really great to see Rae learning to trust Bren, inspite of his chosen occupation.
It’s a clean romance so there’s no explicit content but I was genuinely surprised by how much emotion and longing Intisar Khanani managed to evoke in to every scene Rae and Bren shared & was rooting for them every step of the way.
I enjoyed getting to see old favourites characters from Thorn again (Alyrra, Kestrin especially) as well as some newer characters such as Lirika who I really enjoyed getting to know.
I do have to warn that, as it does deal with darker subject material there are scenes that show or allude to violence, death, kidnapping, trafficking, slavery, child abuse, ableism, torture, murder and gore.
Overall, a breathtakingly adventurous fantasy that fans of immersive world building and charming, heist style intrigue definitely need to check out.
Also, a massive thank you to Eleanor Rose and Hot Key Books for this fantastic finished copy.
December 20, 2021
Y'all aren't ready. This book is harrowing, intense, and deeply satisfying. It's gonna knock your socks off.
August 16, 2022
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
During these dark times in my country—when evil powerful people seem to be winning more battles than good people—reading "A Darkness at the Door" was a comforting and empowering experience.
We need more brave, determined, and compassionate humans like Rae in this world. Although I did not always agree with her decisions and methods, I consider her one of the most inspiring heroines I have encountered. I will not remember Rae just because she's a POC and PWD heroine—I will remember her because she had the vision and resolve to do the "impossible". She could have opted for a peaceful and happy life with her loving family, but instead, she chose the dangerous path and fought for the victims of injustice, even when the odds were against her. What's more, Rae's moral compass was admirably consistent. Like Bren, I was both frustrated and amazed by Rae's insistence to always do the honorable thing.
Speaking of Bren, I wish that lovable rogue with a heart of gold had POV chapters. I wouldn't have minded reading a much longer novel to get inside his cunning mind. For me, he's the most relatable character in this book—a realist in the chaotic good alignment.
Alyrra and Kestrin were sweet and adorable. It's obvious that those two had gotten to know and understand each other well since the first book . I need to see more cute and uplifting moments with the prince and princess. Can we please have a novella?
I was elated that Niya played a more important role in this finale! Like her older sister, Niya's a badass. She has the potential to be a wonderful heroine, too.
In conclusion, if you haven't read this series yet, please give Alyrra and Rae a chance to convince you that we are not helpless in this endless battle against evil—we hold the power to "start somewhere and keep going".
During these dark times in my country—when evil powerful people seem to be winning more battles than good people—reading "A Darkness at the Door" was a comforting and empowering experience.
“Damn it, Rae. You cannot save the whole world. You can’t fix every injustice.”
“She can certainly try to fight the injustices she’s chosen. That’s her decision, not yours.”
We need more brave, determined, and compassionate humans like Rae in this world. Although I did not always agree with her decisions and methods, I consider her one of the most inspiring heroines I have encountered. I will not remember Rae just because she's a POC and PWD heroine—I will remember her because she had the vision and resolve to do the "impossible". She could have opted for a peaceful and happy life with her loving family, but instead, she chose the dangerous path and fought for the victims of injustice, even when the odds were against her. What's more, Rae's moral compass was admirably consistent. Like Bren, I was both frustrated and amazed by Rae's insistence to always do the honorable thing.
Speaking of Bren, I wish that lovable rogue with a heart of gold had POV chapters. I wouldn't have minded reading a much longer novel to get inside his cunning mind. For me, he's the most relatable character in this book—a realist in the chaotic good alignment.
Alyrra and Kestrin were sweet and adorable. It's obvious that those two had gotten to know and understand each other well since the first book . I need to see more cute and uplifting moments with the prince and princess. Can we please have a novella?
I was elated that Niya played a more important role in this finale! Like her older sister, Niya's a badass. She has the potential to be a wonderful heroine, too.
In conclusion, if you haven't read this series yet, please give Alyrra and Rae a chance to convince you that we are not helpless in this endless battle against evil—we hold the power to "start somewhere and keep going".
August 24, 2022
Intisar Khanani is a mage, I call it. How else could you explain the trails that her stories leave after you read them? Characters are supposed to be fictional, beings made by concoction of words on blank pages. They are not supposed to feel this real. But here we are.
A Darkness at the Door swept me off my feet, right where Theft of Sunlight left me last year. The story follows Rae after what happened at the ending of the second book and I have no way to specify this without spoiling the first book. All I can say is that it was worth the cliffhanger.
CHARACTERS:
Rae was every bit as feisty and brave as she was before she became Alyrra's attendant. Even after everything that happened aimed to traumatise and change her, she was still the Rae we all love. Rae who never does anything in halves, who puts heart in everything that she does. Rae who would never compromise her morals and never makes a move without a plan though her determination always comes first before her senses. That is Rae for you.
Bren, our favourite gentleman-thief, also returns in this book. He is undeniably Rae's best ally and every scene of him with Rae makes me scream.
It was the stark chemistry between them that does it for me, always skirting around the boundaries but never crossing them. His respect for Rae bolted my standards high by a few turns. The scenes when he tries to win over Rae's family? Immaculate.
The little friendships and interactions between the other characters was also so refreshing. You look this way or that way, it doesn't matter, everyone is just wholesome.
PLOT AND WORLDBUILDING:
The plot about the snatching and the Circle of mages' hold of the kingdom continues in this book. We get to be put face-to-face with the stakes of challenging an impossibly stable syndicate. All the secrets we learn with Rae and Bren was so delicious and handed to us in a way that make readers want more. Every little detail matters in the end and it was so incredibly clever.
I don't always get emotional in reviewing books but I am so proud of Intisar for publishing this book and I hope to read more from her. She remains a huge inspiration for me as a Muslim fantasy author.
<333
A Darkness at the Door swept me off my feet, right where Theft of Sunlight left me last year. The story follows Rae after what happened at the ending of the second book and I have no way to specify this without spoiling the first book. All I can say is that it was worth the cliffhanger.
CHARACTERS:
Rae was every bit as feisty and brave as she was before she became Alyrra's attendant. Even after everything that happened aimed to traumatise and change her, she was still the Rae we all love. Rae who never does anything in halves, who puts heart in everything that she does. Rae who would never compromise her morals and never makes a move without a plan though her determination always comes first before her senses. That is Rae for you.
Bren, our favourite gentleman-thief, also returns in this book. He is undeniably Rae's best ally and every scene of him with Rae makes me scream.
It was the stark chemistry between them that does it for me, always skirting around the boundaries but never crossing them. His respect for Rae bolted my standards high by a few turns. The scenes when he tries to win over Rae's family? Immaculate.
The little friendships and interactions between the other characters was also so refreshing. You look this way or that way, it doesn't matter, everyone is just wholesome.
PLOT AND WORLDBUILDING:
The plot about the snatching and the Circle of mages' hold of the kingdom continues in this book. We get to be put face-to-face with the stakes of challenging an impossibly stable syndicate. All the secrets we learn with Rae and Bren was so delicious and handed to us in a way that make readers want more. Every little detail matters in the end and it was so incredibly clever.
I don't always get emotional in reviewing books but I am so proud of Intisar for publishing this book and I hope to read more from her. She remains a huge inspiration for me as a Muslim fantasy author.
<333
July 29, 2022
Wow. Just…wow! This book is a brilliant conclusion to The Dauntless Path series, and I loved every action-packed, suspenseful minute of it.
The character development and growth, especially with Rae, are so well done. She goes through so much, and she learns a ton about herself, society, justice, and more. She’s such a badass, and she doesn’t even realize it! Strong, smart, and resilient, Rae seems even more determined when she learns about and becomes a victim of human trafficking. Rae fights not just for herself but for the other victims too. She has a lot of integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong, yet as she breaks her own moral code, she realizes what must be done to get justice in a corrupt and ineffective system.
I really love the disability rep too. Rae has some physical struggles and often feels limited in what she does, but she begins to see her worth and refuses to be defined by her disability. Her growth as she learns to love her body is phenomenal, and there are many powerful moments where she begins to see her value. I think the influence of her new found family, and especially her growing relationship with Bren, has a lot to do with her growing confidence and her feelings of self-worth and importance.
The romance between Rae and Bren is slow-building loveliness. This pair is so different in their life choices, morals, and views on justice and society, yet they both learn so much from each other. Rae and Bren face many obstacles, but their feelings for each other, their amazing banter and conversations, and their undeniable chemistry are wonderful. I also really like the found family Rae becomes a part of. It feels like Rae finds a sense of belonging with them, and their times together show respective admirations and respect. Above all, they all like each other and enjoy each other’s company. They make a great team and are a wonderful support to each other.
There’s so much more I love about the story. The plot is layered, action-packed, and suspenseful, especially as Rae uncovers a mysterious and nefarious plot that, if exposed, threatens to change everything. Plus, there’s a ton of political and social intrigue, the world-building is immersive and vivid, the themes are powerful and thought-provoking, and the writing is masterful. I actually binged all three books in two days. I just couldn’t put it down!
I love Khanani’s writing style! The use of dialogue, description, and figurative language, the symbolism and inclusion of tropes I love – it’s fantastic! It’s the kind of storytelling that brings the characters and world and plot to life in such a vivid way that you don’t want the story to end. And I like that, though there is a satisfying conclusion to the story, there are definitely possibilities for spin-offs or a continuation. That could be wishful thinking on my part, but I would love to revisit this world and these amazing characters!!
Later in the year, I plan on putting together a list of my favorite fantasy series, and this one will be at the top of the list. It’s a phenomenal read and one I won’t soon forget. Thanks so much to MTMC Tours and the publishers for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The character development and growth, especially with Rae, are so well done. She goes through so much, and she learns a ton about herself, society, justice, and more. She’s such a badass, and she doesn’t even realize it! Strong, smart, and resilient, Rae seems even more determined when she learns about and becomes a victim of human trafficking. Rae fights not just for herself but for the other victims too. She has a lot of integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong, yet as she breaks her own moral code, she realizes what must be done to get justice in a corrupt and ineffective system.
I really love the disability rep too. Rae has some physical struggles and often feels limited in what she does, but she begins to see her worth and refuses to be defined by her disability. Her growth as she learns to love her body is phenomenal, and there are many powerful moments where she begins to see her value. I think the influence of her new found family, and especially her growing relationship with Bren, has a lot to do with her growing confidence and her feelings of self-worth and importance.
The romance between Rae and Bren is slow-building loveliness. This pair is so different in their life choices, morals, and views on justice and society, yet they both learn so much from each other. Rae and Bren face many obstacles, but their feelings for each other, their amazing banter and conversations, and their undeniable chemistry are wonderful. I also really like the found family Rae becomes a part of. It feels like Rae finds a sense of belonging with them, and their times together show respective admirations and respect. Above all, they all like each other and enjoy each other’s company. They make a great team and are a wonderful support to each other.
There’s so much more I love about the story. The plot is layered, action-packed, and suspenseful, especially as Rae uncovers a mysterious and nefarious plot that, if exposed, threatens to change everything. Plus, there’s a ton of political and social intrigue, the world-building is immersive and vivid, the themes are powerful and thought-provoking, and the writing is masterful. I actually binged all three books in two days. I just couldn’t put it down!
I love Khanani’s writing style! The use of dialogue, description, and figurative language, the symbolism and inclusion of tropes I love – it’s fantastic! It’s the kind of storytelling that brings the characters and world and plot to life in such a vivid way that you don’t want the story to end. And I like that, though there is a satisfying conclusion to the story, there are definitely possibilities for spin-offs or a continuation. That could be wishful thinking on my part, but I would love to revisit this world and these amazing characters!!
Later in the year, I plan on putting together a list of my favorite fantasy series, and this one will be at the top of the list. It’s a phenomenal read and one I won’t soon forget. Thanks so much to MTMC Tours and the publishers for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
June 7, 2022
I was fortunate enough to beta read this book and friends... it is SO good. I'm not even sure how to talk about it properly. Take all of Rae's determination and grit from Theft, take all of the political machinations, gang posturing, human trafficking, and government corruption, take the hints of romance and growing friendships... and then turn it ALL up to eleven.
Khanani's ability to weave beautiful prose, epic adventure, vivid settings, subtle magic, fleshed out characters, and intense societal issues into a single tapestry is awe inspiring, and a Darkness at the Door is her finest work yet.
Khanani's ability to weave beautiful prose, epic adventure, vivid settings, subtle magic, fleshed out characters, and intense societal issues into a single tapestry is awe inspiring, and a Darkness at the Door is her finest work yet.
May 31, 2022
I have been absolutely wrecked with a book hangover since I finished The Theft of Sunlight, so I really needed this book. And it did not fail deliver.
This series reminds me a bit of Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen, with an amazing heroine tempered like a blade through her trials, coming out stronger.
There are brutal moments in this story, so it is not for the faint of heart, but there are sweet moments as well, friendship and sisterhood and romance.
Also, kudos to the author for being added to my Goodreads shelf of "authors who do horses right". I hope to read even horsier books from her in the future.
Highly recommend all 3 books in The Dauntless Path series (definitely read in order.)
This series reminds me a bit of Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen, with an amazing heroine tempered like a blade through her trials, coming out stronger.
There are brutal moments in this story, so it is not for the faint of heart, but there are sweet moments as well, friendship and sisterhood and romance.
Also, kudos to the author for being added to my Goodreads shelf of "authors who do horses right". I hope to read even horsier books from her in the future.
Highly recommend all 3 books in The Dauntless Path series (definitely read in order.)
March 24, 2024
Thanks to Mrs. Khanani for allowing me to be an ARC reader for A Darkness at the Door. I read the book through cover to cover on my first read, as I was too excited to see how she brought Rae and Bren's story to a conclusion to stop and take notes. (My anticipation was greatly rewarded!) Then I went back to Theft of Sunlight, read it through, and then jumped right from the cliff-hanger at the end of "Theft" into "Darkness." So satisfying to read the 2 books back to back!
I know early reviews are meant to excite folks for a book's release, so in order to not bog my review down in details, I will give my overall impression here, then hide the details/spoilers in a spoiler alert.
So, overall impression? I loved it!💜 The character arc, the dialogue, the tight plot, the realistic outcome set in a fantasy world (no easy answers/resolutions), the grappling with difficult philosophical choices, the commitment of family one to another, the clean, yet intense romance (although it gets a little awkward at one point at the end—see behind spoiler for details), and even the fact that Rae seeks out her mother's advice and clearly respects her parents spoke to me. Positive family relationships and values are a solid underpinning of this book. A wonderful addition to the sometimes unseemly world of YA novels! Keep them coming, Mrs. Khanani!
But do not be deceived. Just because it is clean, does not mean it does not belong in the Young Adult genre, which, amazingly, according to what I have read in a few sources, starts at 12! Due to some disturbing content plus some controversial decisions Rae (and Bren) make(s), which you may or may not agree with, I would recommend this book for mature teens who are thoughtful about what they read and don’t just take protagonists’ decisions at face value as if they were the only option. (See spoiler for examples.)
🚨🚨🚨Now for the spoilery details.🚨🚨🚨
Super long! Super detailed! If you stuck with me for all of that, you’re amazing! (Or you’re just really bored and had nothing else to do.) I hope you love the book, as I did.
I know early reviews are meant to excite folks for a book's release, so in order to not bog my review down in details, I will give my overall impression here, then hide the details/spoilers in a spoiler alert.
So, overall impression? I loved it!💜 The character arc, the dialogue, the tight plot, the realistic outcome set in a fantasy world (no easy answers/resolutions), the grappling with difficult philosophical choices, the commitment of family one to another, the clean, yet intense romance (although it gets a little awkward at one point at the end—see behind spoiler for details), and even the fact that Rae seeks out her mother's advice and clearly respects her parents spoke to me. Positive family relationships and values are a solid underpinning of this book. A wonderful addition to the sometimes unseemly world of YA novels! Keep them coming, Mrs. Khanani!
But do not be deceived. Just because it is clean, does not mean it does not belong in the Young Adult genre, which, amazingly, according to what I have read in a few sources, starts at 12! Due to some disturbing content plus some controversial decisions Rae (and Bren) make(s), which you may or may not agree with, I would recommend this book for mature teens who are thoughtful about what they read and don’t just take protagonists’ decisions at face value as if they were the only option. (See spoiler for examples.)
🚨🚨🚨Now for the spoilery details.🚨🚨🚨
Super long! Super detailed! If you stuck with me for all of that, you’re amazing! (Or you’re just really bored and had nothing else to do.) I hope you love the book, as I did.
December 24, 2022
By far my favorite series of the year! I love the depth, growth, and resilience of Khanani's main characters, plus she tackles themes I don't normally see in fantasy and handles them so well.
March 13, 2023
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bonnier Books/Hot Key and Intisar Khanani for giving me access to an eARC for review!
Thorn and Theft of Sunlight mean so much to me as books, so as soon as I saw I got approved for DatD, I jumped on the chance to pick it up. As always, Khanani has delivered what she set out to do - writing strong, fierce young women into diverse worlds.
I love Rae as a character - she never backs down, but she also acknowledges the limits of her body without lamenting it. I really enjoyed her relationship with Bren for this reason too - he's always looking out for her without it being overbearing or intrusive, and I think they're a really good match for each other. I also liked though that you got to see Rae being a baddie on her own without his help for a lot of this book, especially as it would have been easier for her to lean on him to accomplish her mission.
DatD explores some incredibly important themes like justice, corruption, reparation and slavery, which makes this book a bit darker than the first two (in my opinion) but leads to some really interesting discussions and conundrums for Rae. I also liked how they never really solved the issue of justice (because it is a big issue to solve) but instead are working towards something better.
I'm sad to see the series ending, but I am so incredibly glad it found its way into my life and I cannot wait to read more from Khanani in the future!
CW: slavery, threatened sexual assault, violence/murder, attempted hanging, implied torture
Thorn and Theft of Sunlight mean so much to me as books, so as soon as I saw I got approved for DatD, I jumped on the chance to pick it up. As always, Khanani has delivered what she set out to do - writing strong, fierce young women into diverse worlds.
I love Rae as a character - she never backs down, but she also acknowledges the limits of her body without lamenting it. I really enjoyed her relationship with Bren for this reason too - he's always looking out for her without it being overbearing or intrusive, and I think they're a really good match for each other. I also liked though that you got to see Rae being a baddie on her own without his help for a lot of this book, especially as it would have been easier for her to lean on him to accomplish her mission.
DatD explores some incredibly important themes like justice, corruption, reparation and slavery, which makes this book a bit darker than the first two (in my opinion) but leads to some really interesting discussions and conundrums for Rae. I also liked how they never really solved the issue of justice (because it is a big issue to solve) but instead are working towards something better.
I'm sad to see the series ending, but I am so incredibly glad it found its way into my life and I cannot wait to read more from Khanani in the future!
CW: slavery, threatened sexual assault, violence/murder, attempted hanging, implied torture
February 12, 2023
Me patiently waiting for July 2022 🧍🏽♀️
This book took me so long to read, and not because it was boring, but because I didn't want it to end. Once again Intisar Khanani swept me away in this book transporting me to a new world with a fierce and brave female lead who won't let anything stop her. Not to mention, the romance in this book was immaculate, the RaexBren content in this book got me screaming into my pillows at 3 am. Truly divine, 5 stars!
This book took me so long to read, and not because it was boring, but because I didn't want it to end. Once again Intisar Khanani swept me away in this book transporting me to a new world with a fierce and brave female lead who won't let anything stop her. Not to mention, the romance in this book was immaculate, the RaexBren content in this book got me screaming into my pillows at 3 am. Truly divine, 5 stars!
July 20, 2022
Thank you NetGalley & Hot Key Books for the eARC! I'm just sorry I didn't think to look for the ARC sooner! This was probably my most anticipated 2022 release, so even a week before publication mattered :)
Thank you Initsar Khanani for writing this beautiful series. A Darkness at the Door was brilliant!
We pick up right were A Theft of Sunlight left us: with Rae snatched and imprisoned on a slaver ship. It's a pretty action-packed book, with unexpected rescues, dangerous threats and near misses. It's not all excitement, though. I think the author finds a great balance between making it realistic and not making it bleak. Slavery (especially of children) is a really serious topic, so getting that balance is not easy.
Rae continues to be amazing, love her so much! She is not perfect, but when it comes to standing up for what's right and protecting those who need it, she is fierce! Such a clever young lady. She's the sort of character I wish I could meet, definitely inspirational.
All the characters were great, really. I loved the sprinkling of romance. Even though in book one I was hoping for something else initially, I was 100% won over.
The only disappointment was (slightly spoilery) , but I'm hopeful that there will be more books in the Dauntless Path universe and I'm definitely reading them!
Thank you Initsar Khanani for writing this beautiful series. A Darkness at the Door was brilliant!
We pick up right were A Theft of Sunlight left us: with Rae snatched and imprisoned on a slaver ship. It's a pretty action-packed book, with unexpected rescues, dangerous threats and near misses. It's not all excitement, though. I think the author finds a great balance between making it realistic and not making it bleak. Slavery (especially of children) is a really serious topic, so getting that balance is not easy.
Rae continues to be amazing, love her so much! She is not perfect, but when it comes to standing up for what's right and protecting those who need it, she is fierce! Such a clever young lady. She's the sort of character I wish I could meet, definitely inspirational.
All the characters were great, really. I loved the sprinkling of romance. Even though in book one I was hoping for something else initially, I was 100% won over.
The only disappointment was (slightly spoilery) , but I'm hopeful that there will be more books in the Dauntless Path universe and I'm definitely reading them!
July 27, 2022
The Dauntless Path series has come to an end, leaving an immense ache in my heart. Intisar Khanani’s writing has always had the same effect on me, ever since I read Thorn years ago, then revisiting again with this last duology. Rae is hands down, one of my favorite heroines of all time. She’s brave and loyal, and her character is challenged so many times as she faces the corruption plaguing the Kingdom of Menaiya. Magic, court intrigue, beautiful characters (and some other terrible ones), disability rep, fae, curses, slow-burn romance that makes your heart FEEL, and a desperate quest to solve the slavers snatching kids from the kingdom, A Darkness at the Door is the heart-stopping conclusion to a series that does not shy away from the brutal truth.
Thanks to Intisar Khanani & MTMC Tours for the review copy. All thoughts are my own. Check out our
tour stop here where you can win Rae’s epic hoodie!
Thanks to Intisar Khanani & MTMC Tours for the review copy. All thoughts are my own. Check out our
tour stop here where you can win Rae’s epic hoodie!
March 13, 2023
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this book will stick with me for a long time. I adore the characters, and the lessons we learn with Rae throughout her journey are so poignant. The disability and neurodivergent representation was really meaningful to me, and to top it all off, the romance is SO adorably sweet. I almost stopped reading this series after Thorn, but I’m so glad I kept going! The series just got better with each book.
October 7, 2022
This series is criminally underappreciated and underhyped. It's by far one of the best YA's I've read, a great story with so many lovable characters. And the way IK weaves in representation and social commentary and makes it part of the story instead of 'here, I added smth just to say it's there'. Chef's kiss. I'm also really happy with this ending (as someone who finds it hard to ever be happy with an ending since it's... well the end).
Also, Artemian = <3 <3 My scarred, hurt, heroic man.
Also, Artemian = <3 <3 My scarred, hurt, heroic man.
May 20, 2022
Thank you SO much NetGalley for this eARC!
This book is just incredible. Intisar Khanani is a queen of character development, and I grew to love Rae even more than I did after Theft (which is saying a lot!).
A Darkness at the Door follows Rae after she was captured by the Snatchers at the end of The Theft of Sunlight. She manages to escape, but now knows how deep the corruption truly is to allow the level child trafficking that is happening throughout the kingdom. She has her allies, not the least of which is the thief Bren, but can she really do anything in the face of such power?
I. Adore. This. Book.
Rae is the perfect pirate queen and I would read about her forever. Her growth in learning to love and care for her body (rather than her pride) is beautiful. Her relationships- especially with Bren, but also Lirika and the children she encounters- add such an important dynamic to her character.
I honestly didn't know how things were going to play out for the majority of the book, and I loved every minute of it. What an excellent (hopefully not actual!!! Please give us more!!!!) end to the Dauntless Path books.
This book is just incredible. Intisar Khanani is a queen of character development, and I grew to love Rae even more than I did after Theft (which is saying a lot!).
A Darkness at the Door follows Rae after she was captured by the Snatchers at the end of The Theft of Sunlight. She manages to escape, but now knows how deep the corruption truly is to allow the level child trafficking that is happening throughout the kingdom. She has her allies, not the least of which is the thief Bren, but can she really do anything in the face of such power?
I. Adore. This. Book.
Rae is the perfect pirate queen and I would read about her forever. Her growth in learning to love and care for her body (rather than her pride) is beautiful. Her relationships- especially with Bren, but also Lirika and the children she encounters- add such an important dynamic to her character.
I honestly didn't know how things were going to play out for the majority of the book, and I loved every minute of it. What an excellent (hopefully not actual!!! Please give us more!!!!) end to the Dauntless Path books.
October 6, 2022
There are so many things I loved about the Dauntless Path series, particularly The Theft of Sunlight and A Darkness at the Door. It is full of emotional highs and lows, lovable characters (Bren!!!!), slow burn romance, action, mystery, and more. I love how a disabled POC girl fights against the corruption in her world and is able to make a difference. It's beautiful and empowering. An amazing ending to an amazing series. One of my favorite releases of 2022 and one of my favorite fantasy series ever.
July 26, 2022
The author is doing a kickstarter campaign to fund this book for North American audiences. Please if you can, check it out. The rewards are great and she is a fantastic author who deserves to have her story heard.
Ends May 13th, 2022.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Ends May 13th, 2022.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
March 24, 2024
Ok, so this is the weirdest thing, but there are 2 pages for my review on this book--this one, which was blank, and the page that actually has the review. Here is the link to the actual review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 16, 2022
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
CWs:
Not that it's something I keep track of, but I'm pretty sure Intisar Khanani is the only author to date where all the books I've read by them (in the same series, even) have received 5 stars.
Just...wow.
It's not an exaggeration to say that this author is one of my favourite authors, and this is some of the finest YA fantasy I've ever read. It does lean pretty dark, and could make for a good bridge book if you're looking to read a YA that's a bit more mature and could almost be adult.
I also think Rae has become one of my favourite characters ever. Her growth throughout these two books is just amazing. I love her passion and determination, and the way she will do anything for those she cares for or feels responsible for, but also the way she learned to love herself more, and trust herself, and let others help her instead of taking on the world on her own. Her character arc is chef's kiss. I will say that the first 20% or so worried me a bit, because Rae was making some really unwise decisions, but I'm going to write that off as acts fueled by delirium, and everything that she does later more than makes up for it.
There's not much I can say that won't spoil parts of the book, but I do want to touch upon the romance and the way the relationship between Rae and Bren develops. They were never going to be as good for me as Alyrra and Kestrin; as far as I am concerned, that is top tier romance, and I don't know if anything will ever knock them off their justifiably high pedestal for me. But Bren and Rae have their own sweetness to them. Khanani excels at slow builds, but also at realistic obstacles. Watching the two of them communicate clearly and often, and figure out what would or wouldn't work, was honestly one of the best parts of the book for me. I'm so used to being frustrated when it comes to the romance, because the conflict is often based on either miscommunication or a lack of communication, but the author deftly sidesteps that in favor of mature discussions, and I am here for it.
In general, one of the highlights in all three books, for me, has been the way the characters act, and how logical for their circumstances it all feels. Of course I had moments of frustration, where I wanted them to make a different choice, but I never felt they were being ridiculous for dramatic purposes. Even if I didn't always agree, I understood their motivations, so the frustration I felt was the healthy kind, and not the "I want to toss my expensive Kindle at the nearest wall" kind.
There's definite potential for more stories in this world, and I really hope the author will write another book that explores the fae, because so far they've been fascinating, and I'd love to see her spin on them. But I will buy and devour anything she writes at this point.
CWs:
Not that it's something I keep track of, but I'm pretty sure Intisar Khanani is the only author to date where all the books I've read by them (in the same series, even) have received 5 stars.
Just...wow.
It's not an exaggeration to say that this author is one of my favourite authors, and this is some of the finest YA fantasy I've ever read. It does lean pretty dark, and could make for a good bridge book if you're looking to read a YA that's a bit more mature and could almost be adult.
I also think Rae has become one of my favourite characters ever. Her growth throughout these two books is just amazing. I love her passion and determination, and the way she will do anything for those she cares for or feels responsible for, but also the way she learned to love herself more, and trust herself, and let others help her instead of taking on the world on her own. Her character arc is chef's kiss. I will say that the first 20% or so worried me a bit, because Rae was making some really unwise decisions, but I'm going to write that off as acts fueled by delirium, and everything that she does later more than makes up for it.
There's not much I can say that won't spoil parts of the book, but I do want to touch upon the romance and the way the relationship between Rae and Bren develops. They were never going to be as good for me as Alyrra and Kestrin; as far as I am concerned, that is top tier romance, and I don't know if anything will ever knock them off their justifiably high pedestal for me. But Bren and Rae have their own sweetness to them. Khanani excels at slow builds, but also at realistic obstacles. Watching the two of them communicate clearly and often, and figure out what would or wouldn't work, was honestly one of the best parts of the book for me. I'm so used to being frustrated when it comes to the romance, because the conflict is often based on either miscommunication or a lack of communication, but the author deftly sidesteps that in favor of mature discussions, and I am here for it.
In general, one of the highlights in all three books, for me, has been the way the characters act, and how logical for their circumstances it all feels. Of course I had moments of frustration, where I wanted them to make a different choice, but I never felt they were being ridiculous for dramatic purposes. Even if I didn't always agree, I understood their motivations, so the frustration I felt was the healthy kind, and not the "I want to toss my expensive Kindle at the nearest wall" kind.
There's definite potential for more stories in this world, and I really hope the author will write another book that explores the fae, because so far they've been fascinating, and I'd love to see her spin on them. But I will buy and devour anything she writes at this point.
July 7, 2022
F I N A L L Y!!!
I have been waiting for A Darkness At The Door ever since I read The Theft of Sunlight slightly more than a year and a half ago. And once again, I was not disappointed. Since this is book 2 of the duology, there will be spoilers for The Theft of Sunlight in this review.
A Darkness At The Door picks up right where The Theft of Sunlight ends, with Rae trapped on a slaver’s ship. She may have discovered that the Prince’s cousin is complicit in the kidnapping of children to be sold as slaves, but what good is this knowledge if she can’t escape? However, Rae finds enough strength to escape (she may or may not have made an unwilling deal with a powerful being in the process) and meets up with a rather dangerous friend, Bren, who may be able to help her.
I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to be familiar with, or at least remember the main plot points of The Theft of Sunlight before reading this. Most of the characters here have appeared in the first book, so you’ll want to be familiar with them before you continue on this journey.
In terms of pacing, I thought this book was generally good! The opening was exciting and though I felt the book slowed down a little too much at one point in the middle, during the respite from all the fighting at the start, the last third of the book was exciting and extremely gripping. I actually don’t think the middle section was that slow or very long, but my attention flagged a little because it was basically a journey between the two sections. Then again, maybe I’m just being picky because of how excellent the rest of the book is.
As always, Rae is an amazing person. I already liked her in the first book, but I really appreciated her character development here. Despite her club foot and losing a finger, she manages to find the energy to carry out her mission. I also liked that the book dealt with her physical disabilities realistically – Rae pushes herself, but when she pushes herself too much, it comes at a cost. She’s a badass but she’s a realistic one – she’s not going to be doing superhero stunts. This is also the book where Rae is forced to wrestle with some tough questions, namely: who should be judge, jury, and executioner? and Is the ‘thieve’s justice’ ever justified? I won’t spoil the book by sharing the answers but I appreciate how the book has Rae grapple with these questions.
There was also quite some romance in this book between Rae and Bren. It’s something that’s been developing since the first book and I really enjoyed their interactions. The way their relationship develops and how they learn to trust one another while fighting for Rae’s life is really the type of romance I like. Their romance developed very naturally and I actually really enjoyed reading it.
All in all, A Darkness At The Door is a fantastic ending to this duology. I love Rae and her friends, I love the world-building, and I love basically everything about this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from Netgalley but all my gushing about the book is from the heart
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
I have been waiting for A Darkness At The Door ever since I read The Theft of Sunlight slightly more than a year and a half ago. And once again, I was not disappointed. Since this is book 2 of the duology, there will be spoilers for The Theft of Sunlight in this review.
A Darkness At The Door picks up right where The Theft of Sunlight ends, with Rae trapped on a slaver’s ship. She may have discovered that the Prince’s cousin is complicit in the kidnapping of children to be sold as slaves, but what good is this knowledge if she can’t escape? However, Rae finds enough strength to escape (she may or may not have made an unwilling deal with a powerful being in the process) and meets up with a rather dangerous friend, Bren, who may be able to help her.
I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to be familiar with, or at least remember the main plot points of The Theft of Sunlight before reading this. Most of the characters here have appeared in the first book, so you’ll want to be familiar with them before you continue on this journey.
In terms of pacing, I thought this book was generally good! The opening was exciting and though I felt the book slowed down a little too much at one point in the middle, during the respite from all the fighting at the start, the last third of the book was exciting and extremely gripping. I actually don’t think the middle section was that slow or very long, but my attention flagged a little because it was basically a journey between the two sections. Then again, maybe I’m just being picky because of how excellent the rest of the book is.
As always, Rae is an amazing person. I already liked her in the first book, but I really appreciated her character development here. Despite her club foot and losing a finger, she manages to find the energy to carry out her mission. I also liked that the book dealt with her physical disabilities realistically – Rae pushes herself, but when she pushes herself too much, it comes at a cost. She’s a badass but she’s a realistic one – she’s not going to be doing superhero stunts. This is also the book where Rae is forced to wrestle with some tough questions, namely: who should be judge, jury, and executioner? and Is the ‘thieve’s justice’ ever justified? I won’t spoil the book by sharing the answers but I appreciate how the book has Rae grapple with these questions.
There was also quite some romance in this book between Rae and Bren. It’s something that’s been developing since the first book and I really enjoyed their interactions. The way their relationship develops and how they learn to trust one another while fighting for Rae’s life is really the type of romance I like. Their romance developed very naturally and I actually really enjoyed reading it.
All in all, A Darkness At The Door is a fantastic ending to this duology. I love Rae and her friends, I love the world-building, and I love basically everything about this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from Netgalley but all my gushing about the book is from the heart
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
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