The Dark - Softcover

Curley, Marianne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747563276 ISBN 13: 9780747563273

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2003

Synopsis

A dark and compelling sequel to "The Named", Marianne Curley's new novel crackles with suspense and intrigue. Hell-bent on avenging the death of one of their best, the Order of Chaos gain the upper hand in their battle against the Guardians. As the Order's attempts to change history bear fruit, Ethan and Isabel notice subtle changes in their daily lives as an altered past impacts on the future. Before they can confront the Order, Ethan and Isabel, joined by Isabel's brother Matt, must risk everything to travel through a dark world and save Arkarian, without whom the future looks bleak. Told from the perspectives of Isabel and Arkarian, the edgy relationships and pacy narrative make for an unputdownable read.

About this title

About the Author

Marianne's debut novel Old Magic established her place as an exciting and original voice in the world of children's literature. The Dark is her third book with Bloomsbury. She lives in Australia with her family.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9-A sequel to The Named (Bloomsbury, 2002), with ample introductions to characters and plot developments from that book. Lathenia controls the forces of the dark while her brother, Lorian, fights with the Named, nine ordinary humans with extraordinary gifts, to stop her. In this book, Arkarian, one of the most powerful of the Named, has been abducted and imprisoned by Lathenia in the furthest reaches of the Underworld. Isabel and Ethan, ordinary high school students by day and Guardians of Time by night, decide to attempt a rescue, joined by Isabel's brother Matt, newly Named but still untested and untrained in any special gift. Meanwhile, various combinations of the Named carry out several missions, visiting medieval France to protect the child who will become Arkarian's mother, and ancient Rome to prevent injury to Octavius, future emperor. Plot action dominates this story, with awkward attempts to add romance to the tangled relationships among the main characters. The novel is poorly written, with sentence fragments and awkward constructions popping up throughout. There is an incongruous use of knees and fists by characters who can send energy bolts from their fingertips, but it does give Isabel ample practice in using her gift of healing power on all the broken bones and bleeding wounds. Ultimately, several loose ends are tied up, but new questions arise that will presumably be addressed in the next installment of this series. There is enough action and excitement here to keep nondiscriminating readers involved, but little else.
Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
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About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0747563276
• ISBN 13: 9780747563273
• Binding: Paperback