Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
* Instant New York Times Bestseller * Indie Bestseller * In this stunning new fantasy novel from international bestselling author C. S. Pacat, heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war are reborn and begin to draw new battle lines. This epic fantasy with high-stakes romance will sit perfectly on shelves next to beloved fantasy novels like the Infernal Devices series, the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and the Red Queen series. Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother. Then an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, who have sworn to protect humanity if the Dark King ever returns. Will is thrust into a world of magic, where he starts training for a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark. As London is threatened and old enmities are awakened, Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the fate that destroyed their world from returning to destroy his own. Like V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic and Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove, Dark Rise is more than just high intrigue fantasy—it’s fast-paced, action-packed, and completely surprising. Readers will love exploring the rich setting of nineteenth-century London. This thrilling story of friendship, deception, loyalty, and betrayal is sure to find a passionate audience of readers.
Is Dark Rise: A Thrilling YA Fantasy of Destiny, Magic, and Betrayal in Nineteenth-Century London appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Parents should know this book contains fantasy violence and battle sequences as heroes fight against the return of an ancient Dark King. The story involves the death of the protagonist's mother and themes of betrayal and deception.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death of parent, violence, and betrayal (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will love the fast-paced action, magical training sequences, and twists as Will discovers his destiny and fights alongside legendary heroes in Victorian London.