Darkborn - Review

Darkborn by Alison Sinclair. Roc Trade (May 5, 2009).

[Reviewed by Breia Brickey]

For the Darkborn, sunlight kills. For the Lightborn, darkness is fatal. Living under a centuries-old curse, the Darkborn and the Lightborn share the city of Minhorne, coexisting in an uneasy equilibrium but never interacting.

When Darkborn physician Balthasar Hearne finds a pregnant fugitive on his doorstep just before sunrise, he has no choice but to take her in. Tercelle Amberley’s betrothed is a powerful Darkborn nobleman, but her illicit lover came to her through the daytime. When she gives birth to twin boys, they can see, something unheard of among the Darkborn.

Two days after the birth men arrive in search of the children. Balthasar is saved only by the intervention of his Lightborn neighbor—and healed by the hands of his wife, Telmaine. Soon Balthasar finds himself drawn deeper into political intrigue and magical attacks as an enemy of both Darkborn and Lightborn appears in a new guise, while Telmaine must confront a power she can no longer keep sheathed in gloves-- a power she neither wants nor can control.

This was a very interesting story full of intrigue, action, and bravery from the average person. Although truth be told the characters in this gripping novel are anything but average. Magic mixed with science and medicine bring this wonderful tale to life. This story was beautifully descriptive and well written.This takes the idea of a conspiracy theory to a whole other level. Who do you trust when the lives of your entire world and way of living is at stake? I am highly anticipating the sequel to this amazing world of people.

Read chapter one of Darkborn

The story continues in the other two novels of the trilogy, Lightborn (due out May 2010), and Shadowborn (due out May 2011)

Reviewed by Breia Brickey for Patricia's Vampire Notes