Review Detail

Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy. A unique magic system based on locks and paths, with a marriage of convenience plotline? This is an instant read that more people need to be picking up.

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk is a YA fantasy novel that is perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan. Elia Tallis’s key conjuring abilities, when used with her father’s magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant. Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he’ll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings’ futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife. Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she’s growing to love.

First off, I must commend Hawk for not only writing a book with a unique magic system AND a marriage of convenience plot line. But she kept it all tightly wound in one book, instead of spreading it out amongst two or three. Though I wouldn't exactly say no to this becoming a duology. Regardless, I really loved Hawk's usage of a magic systems based on locks and her amazing creatures. I absolutely loved Trys and want to read anything and everything about him.

The only qualm I had about this book, was that there wasn't much breathing room for character development. At times it felt like instant-love, or general lack of actually getting to know and talk to people. Also I just wasn't the biggest fan of the dual plotlines, as I'm one that tends to stick to one point of view and stay with it.

Overall, this is a unique book perfect for anyone looking for both a spooky yet whimsical read.