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A review by livinliterary
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Immortal Dark is a decadent, Gothic tale that drips with dark magic, bloody politics, and twisted family secrets. Tigest Girma weaves a fascinating world where shadowy alliances and ruthless ambition fuel a story you can't ignore. At its heart is Kidan, a complex and compelling protagonist whose journey through Uxlay University is haunting and thrilling.
Kidan is a character I found myself both rooting for and fearing. She’s caring, but there’s a ruthless, even unhinged edge to her, which makes her development throughout the book both unpredictable and captivating. Watching her wrestle with her identity and her place in a dangerous world felt raw and real, and I loved how her perspective on both the world and herself shifted as the story unfolded.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Kidan and Susenyos is the highlight of this novel. I’ve never seen two characters despise each other more intensely, and their tension practically ignites off the page. Their relationship is built on genuine hatred, and Girma masterfully navigates the slow burn as their animosity grows into something more complex. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, this one feels like the real deal—none of the watered-down versions. The level of loathing and tension between these two characters kept me on the edge of my seat.
However, the beginning of the book is a bit slow, with the pacing struggling to gain momentum. But once it does, the plot takes off. The mix of dark academia, the secret society at Uxlay University, and the rising stakes in Kidan’s world all work to build a deep sense of unease and suspense. By the time the climax hit, I was completely hooked, unable to put the book down.
Girma leaves the reader hanging at the end with just enough intrigue to make you desperate for more, and I, for one, cannot wait for the second book. The potential of this story is immense, and with such rich world-building and complex characters, I’m excited to see where this series goes next. Immortal Dark is a thrilling, dark read that promises even more intense revelations and betrayals to come.