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Cover of THE GLOOMLANDS CHRONICLES
4.86

Based on 21 Goodreads ratings

THE GLOOMLANDS CHRONICLES

by melodic fae, amusing chatty trees, and tiny, whimsical house trolls. The author balances fantastical elements with relatable ordinary life as the characters grapple with issues of identity, disharmony, and long\u002Dharbored family secrets while journeying toward self\u002Ddiscovery. The pacing could be improved by trimming some of the dialogue and day\u002Dto\u002Dday minutiae, but the novel’s diverse cast, fascinating folklore, and beautifully descriptive prose enrich the tale. (“Her long violet hair, adorned with colorful wildflower petals, cascaded down her back, and she wore an opal gown that shimmered like moonlight against her dark skin,” Rininger writes of a fae.) This imaginative debut will capture the heart and imagination of any adventure\u002Dloving middle\u002Dgrade reader."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9788776351

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

In a world where magic has been outlawed and the sun is a fading memory, this fantasy novel plunges readers into the Gloomlands—a realm of perpetual twilight where ancient spells linger in the shadow...

Our Review

In a world where magic has been outlawed and the sun is a fading memory, this fantasy novel plunges readers into the Gloomlands—a realm of perpetual twilight where ancient spells linger in the shadows and rebellion simmers just beneath the surface. The narrative follows a young protagonist who discovers a forbidden power that could either restore light to their world or plunge it into eternal darkness, creating a high-stakes adventure that explores themes of authority, freedom, and the cost of power. With its intricate world-building and morally complex characters, this story masterfully blends elements of dark fantasy with coming-of-age struggles that will resonate deeply with young adult readers seeking substance in their speculative fiction.

What sets this fantasy apart is its refusal to simplify the conflict between magic and order into clear-cut good versus evil, instead presenting a society where both control and chaos carry devastating consequences. Teen readers navigating their own questions about authority and identity will find rich material in the protagonist's journey toward self-discovery amid systemic oppression. The atmospheric prose creates a palpable sense of place that makes the Gloomlands feel both terrifying and wondrous, ensuring the story lingers in the imagination long after the final page.

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