A Deliciously Dark Academia Debut
In the shadowy halls of arcane academia, where blood ties and vampire politics intertwine, Tigest Girma’s “Immortal Dark” sinks its fangs deep into readers’ imaginations. This gothic fantasy plunges us into a world where power thrums beneath the surface of an elite university, and one young woman’s quest for vengeance threatens to unravel an ancient society. With echoes of Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House” and Holly Black’s “The Cruel Prince,” Girma crafts a tale as intoxicating as vampire venom and as sharp as a silver blade.
Welcome to Uxlay University: Where Knowledge is Power and Blood is Currency
At the heart of “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma lies Uxlay University, a centuries-old institution where human “actis” and their vampire “dranaics” study side-by-side. But this is no ordinary school – it’s a crucible where the boundaries between predator and prey blur, and where ancient bloodlines vie for dominance. Girma’s world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a labyrinth of secret societies, arcane rituals, and deadly power plays.
The novel’s premise is deliciously complex: human families gain power through forming bonds with vampire companions, creating a symbiotic relationship that’s as fascinating as it is fraught with danger. It’s a system ripe for exploitation, and Girma doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker implications of this arrangement.
Kidan Adane: A Heroine Forged in Fire
Our guide through this treacherous landscape is Kidan Adane, a young woman with a traumatic past and a burning desire for revenge. Orphaned and separated from her sister June, Kidan is convinced that Susenyos Sagad—the vampire bound to her family—is responsible for June’s disappearance. Her journey to infiltrate Uxlay and uncover the truth drives the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
Kidan is a complex and often frustrating protagonist. Her single-minded focus on vengeance often blinds her to the nuances of the world around her, and her tendency to lash out at potential allies can be infuriating. Yet it’s precisely these flaws that make her feel achingly real. Girma has crafted a heroine who’s far from perfect, grappling with her own violent impulses and the weight of her past actions.
A Dance of Desire and Destruction
At the core of “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma is the electric, push-pull relationship between Kidan and Susenyos. Their dynamic crackles with tension from the moment they meet, a volatile mixture of attraction and suspicion that threatens to consume them both. Girma excels at building this slow-burn romance, infusing it with equal parts passion and danger.
Susenyos is a captivating antihero, his motives shrouded in mystery and his past hinting at centuries of violence and regret. The gradual reveal of his true nature—and the way it forces Kidan to confront her own prejudices—is one of the novel’s strongest elements. Their scenes together are charged with a palpable intensity that will leave readers breathless.
A Cast of Shadows
While Kidan and Susenyos dominate much of the narrative, Girma populates Uxlay with a diverse and intriguing cast of supporting characters. Standouts include:
- Slen Qaros: A enigmatic fellow student with her own dark secrets
- Yusef Umil: An aspiring artist grappling with his family’s troubled legacy
- GK: A mysterious “Mot Zebeya” (a member of a secretive religious order) who becomes an unlikely ally
- Iniko and Taj: Susenyos’s vampire friends, whose loyalty adds depth to his character
Each of these characters brings a unique perspective to the story, and their interactions with Kidan help to flesh out the complex social dynamics of Uxlay.
Unraveling the Mystery
As Kidan delves deeper into the secrets of Uxlay, she uncovers a web of conspiracies that stretch back centuries. Girma skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, from the machinations of the shadowy “13th” organization to the dark history of the Adane family. The pacing is relentless, with each revelation leading to new questions and raising the stakes ever higher.
The novel’s central mystery—the fate of Kidan’s sister June—remains tantalizingly out of reach for much of the story. Girma teases out clues and red herrings with expert precision, keeping readers guessing until the very end. While some plot twists are more predictable than others, the overall arc of the story is satisfyingly unpredictable.
A Study in Moral Ambiguity
One of the most compelling aspects of “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma is its exploration of morality in a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred beyond recognition. Kidan’s own actions often skirt the edge of villainy, forcing readers to question their allegiance to her. The novel doesn’t offer easy answers, instead challenging us to grapple with the complexities of power, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.
The Dark Academia Aesthetic
Girma fully embraces the dark academia aesthetic, painting Uxlay in rich, gothic tones. From the towering spires of the university to the hidden chambers where ancient rituals take place, every setting is vividly realized. The author’s prose is lush and evocative, bringing this shadowy world to life with sensual detail.
Standout Scenes:
- The tense, sexually charged encounters between Kidan and Susenyos in the Bath of Arowa
- The brutal violence of Cossia Day, where vampire nature is unleashed
- Kidan’s harrowing experiences in the “observatory” room, confronting her own demons
Critiques and Considerations
While “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma is an impressive debut, it’s not without its flaws:
- The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag
- The sheer amount of world-building information can be overwhelming, occasionally slowing the narrative
- Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, leaving room for expansion in future installments
- The romantic elements may be too prominent for readers seeking a purely plot-driven fantasy
A Promise of More to Come
“Immortal Dark” is the first book in a planned trilogy by Tigest Girma, and it sets up a wealth of potential storylines for future installments. While the novel reaches a satisfying climax, many questions remain unanswered, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Kidan’s journey.
Verdict: A Bloody Good Time
Tigest Girma’s debut novel is a thrilling addition to the dark academia subgenre, blending vampire lore, political intrigue, and forbidden romance into a heady cocktail of dark delights. While it may not be for the faint of heart—the violence can be graphic and the themes are decidedly mature—”Immortal Dark” offers richly rewarding reading for those who dare to step into its shadows.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of dark academia settings (think “The Secret History” or “A Deadly Education”)
- Readers who enjoy morally complex characters and antiheroes
- Those who like their romance with a hefty dose of danger and angst
- Anyone intrigued by fresh takes on vampire mythology
- Fantasy lovers seeking a more adult, politically-charged world
Content Warnings
“Immortal Dark” contains scenes of violence, blood drinking, sexual content, and discussions of past trauma. It’s best suited for mature readers.
Final Thoughts
Tigest Girma announces herself as a bold new voice in fantasy with “Immortal Dark.” This vampiric academia tale sinks its teeth into readers and doesn’t let go, leaving us thirsting for more. While it may tread familiar ground in some aspects, Girma’s unique vision and compelling characters make this a standout debut. As the first book in a trilogy, it sets a high bar for what’s to come. One thing’s for certain – the halls of Uxlay University hold many more secrets, and I, for one, can’t wait to uncover them.