Forget-Me-Not: The Gathering Dark

The Gathering Dark
Release Date: June 7th 2012
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Indigo
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
RRP: $22.99
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Cover:
GORGEOUS. I can't stop staring at the cover. It looks even more gorgeous in real life! The gold swirls is so pretty and Alina's dark blue kefta is perfect! I think I prefer the UK/AUS cover more than the US one!

Story:

"You and I are going to change the world."

Dear world, meet my newest favourite YA novel of the year, The Gathering Dark.

Even after finishing this book, I still get tingles reading the quote from the back cover of the book.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Alina," he said. "You and I are going to change the world."

The Gathering Dark is unlike any other novels I've read before. It's a beautiful and wonderful addition to the world of YA. Leigh Bardugo's writing is simply put: enchanting. When I first read the first page, it felt like I stepped into a world of fairytale. But this world is not just a simple world where evil and good is clearly defined. This world is a clash between the darkness and the light.

Once upon a time, The Black Heretic created the Shadow Fold. And that was the beginning to an end.

The concept of the book is truly well-written and unique. Imagine people with different powers called Grisha. Now, imagine a girl who can summon light from within her called the Sun Summoner. Then, imagine a guy who can summon darkness called The Darkling. This is the world of Ravka and Alina is about to change the destiny of this world. What I thought was particularly wonderful about this book was Bardugo's combination of darkness and light. A symbolism of good and evil which can work together towards a greater good, or towards greater evil.

I have so much love for this book. It hooked me from the first page and didn't let go until the very last page. I am already desperate for the sequel because I want to live in this world forever.

Characters:

There was once an orphan girl and boy who have lived their whole lives together. Their destiny changed the moment the girl was discovered to be more than just who she was.

This is Alina's story. I love reading from Alina's perspective. I really connected with her and I understood what she was going through. When she was discovered to be a Grisha, she was separated from her childhood friend, Mal. I feel sad for Alina and I cannot imagine how it must be like for her when she was brought to the "Little Palace" to live a life as a Grisha and train herself to use her powers. She also found herself attracted to The Darkling although she can't forget Mal, her childhood friend.

Onto the boys! I am in love with The Darkling. It's safe to say I'm Team Darkling. Even though I find most people love Mal, I love Darkling more. There is something about him I can't forget and I always kept looking for him when I read the book, always awaiting for beautiful scenes between him and Alina. I love his words and how fascinating he was. But Mal was amazing too. I didn't quite liked him in the beginning but towards the end of the book, I fell for him. He truly cared for Alina and was willing to do anything for her, just like what a true best friend would do. The characters are absolutely well-written!

Overall:

Once upon a time, a Sun Summoner was discovered. With or without The Darkling, she will change the world.

The Gathering Dark is my newest favourite YA novel of 2012. Set in the wicked world of Ravka, Leigh Bardugo has crafted an enchanting story of darkness and light with brilliant characters. A step into the world of The Gathering Dark was like a step into a fairytale story. Truly magical.