Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Ever read a book that has you in such a mental tizzy that although it’s been weeks since you’ve read it, you can’t stop thinking about it? Well, that’s Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma, for me. My reading journey wasn’t completely perfect though. My interest and intrigue went through some peaks and valleys, especially at the start. But was it worth it? You’ll have to continue reading to find out. Let’s jump in!
This read is just … wow. Every bit and part of that word. Going into this, I knew three things:
The story had vampires
It was dark academia
It was Blackity Black
Mind you, I skimmed over the premise before downloading an ALC (advanced listener copy) for it—special thanks to Libro.fm—but by the time I started reading it, these were still the only things at the top of my mind. Which might not have been the best thing. By the end of the first chapter I felt so lost, that I ended up going back and rereading the synopsis before continuing on to the next chapter.
But let me let you in on a little secret. That wasn’t the only time.
To put it frankly, a few elements of the story had me in a constant state of confusion. I can’t tell you how many times I’d reach the end of one chapter, only to go back a few pages to re-read certain scenes, sections, or even the full chapter again because I felt like I missed something. Shoot halfway through the book I ended up going back and rereading the prologue. Now normally this would aggravate me and I would more than likely end up putting it down. Surprisingly though, this just made me love Immortal Dark even more.
I wasn’t all that invested in Kidan and Susenyos in the beginning. In fact, I wasn’t invested in any of the characters at all. Well, that’s not entirely true. I was invested in Kidan’s love for her sister, June, and their bond.
What grabbed my attention and kept me grounded for the first hundred pages of the story was the world-building. Initially, I was consumed by the intricacies of Uxlay University. Its laws, the magic system/relationship between Dranaics–vampires, and Actis– human families in Uxlay, and how they interacted with one another. The university reignited an interest that I don’t often share or use as much while reading, my political science degree.
Uxlay University felt more like an autonomous nation-state with universal laws, a class system of sorts, an authoritarian-style figure head, and an “armed” force (the Sicions) to back it all, rather than a school. There are bureaucratic and aristocratic elements involving family names, their houses and how they gain and retain power, as well. And it fascinated me. Is this why folks enjoy dark academia so much?
I’ve come to understand that dark academia and I, at least so far, have a like/dislike relationship. Where I often more than not, dislike the sub genre rather than like it. Yet it is also one I constantly want to read anyway.
Then there were the philosophical and thematic questions discussed and showcased.
“Is morality influenced or innate?” - Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark
Good versus evil and morality are common themes/topics and possible plot devices in literature. By that I mean, for every protagonist there is usually an antagonist. However, I enjoyed Girma showcasing how complex these topics are. And that was best seen through the decision-making and development of the main and side characters.
In fact, the more we dove into Kidan and Susenyos’ past, and how it contributes to their present, the more invested in them I became.
For Kidan (human), her love for her sister and her strong worldviews both shape and direct how she maneuvers and interacts with fellow Acti’s and Dranaics. Younger Kim would have fully related to Kidan, especially as she grapples with some of her convictions.
With Susenyos’ (vampire) however, I was mostly intrigued by the way characters viewed him. He for all intents and purposes was the personification of evil for most of the story. But I desperately wanted to know why and whether it was true. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of morally grey characters. So I think I just wanted to find his “saving grace” of sorts.
Then there’s the romance or in this case romantic elements. The chemistry between the two was rife with the tension and the anger one would hope to find when reading an enemies to lovers story. However, it wasn’t as palpable as I’d want. Don’t get me wrong, I loved seeing when those lines blurred, and it got a bit steamy. But I think I was more preoccupied with the aforementioned themes rather than this trope.
Then there was House Adane, who for all intents and purposes is a sentient being with magic abilities. The house plays an integral role in Susenyos’ and Kidan’s character development, their relationship to one another, and more. I will admit that she is a fickle beast that I’m still trying to fully understand and figure out but I’m also completely invested in.
There are still things about Immortal Dark that confuses me. Overall though, I truly enjoyed it. It is quite easily one of my top books of the year and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us. Because that cliff hanger ending? Sinister work.
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