I should start this
review by stipulating that 'Darkness Comes This Way' is a little left of
centre from my typical reading. As a result I wasn't sure what to expect from
this vampire/supernatural novel. Safe to say I was pleasantly
surprised. The characters are dominated by their emotions, every action
has a consequence, and the action scenes read like they are lifted from a big
budget choreographed kung-fu flick - yep, they're that good.
One of the
core strengths to 'Darkness Comes This Way' is the emphasis on a
family dynamic separated by violence and mistrust which slowly forms as the
characters define themselves by their actions. Zarah
shows more heart and compassion than most vampire protagonists I've read
while still dishing out gore with grace. She's a misplaced individual searching
for the truth while trying to maintain some semblance of who she should be.
Going Rogue and back to Guardian will do that. This
could almost be deemed as a coming of age tale of love, loss and quest for a the
truth which could derail all she knows.
Whitfield blends
Humans, Guardians, Rogues, Fallen Angels, and something altogether different
into a melting pot of suspense, action and tense scenes which left me on the
edge of my seat. Never knowing how a Guardian/Rogue encounter will end,
or how the Zarah/Draven dynamic plays out adds a little spice to each
chapter.
Violence, cruelty,
ambitions of domination - the parallels from real world to vampiric fiction are
easily defined. Whitfield does a good job at making this tale of fiction read
plausible in real life by subtlety linking a likeness to the world we
live in. This touch and a revelation later in the book regarding the purpose of
the Rogues are highlights of 'Darkness Comes This Way'.
Overall, this an
easily readable and enjoyable form of escapism, one where a reader will be able
to suspend his/her belief long enough to become enthralled in the world
Whitfield has created and the fantasy-like characters that inhibit it. 4
stars.
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