A Darkness at the Door

A fairytale that goes beyond happily-ever-after, exploring the will and vigilance needed to achieve justice and equity … A fulfilling addition to a fantastical series. * Kirkus starred review *
A firecracker of a finale that left my heart racing yet completely satisfied * SA Chakraborty, author of City of Brass *
Full of action, magic and intrigue, setting up a story that is complex and exciting … Following an admirable heroine as she fights nefarious forces, the diverse fantasy novel A Darkness at the Door is full of adventure and fun. * Foreword starred review *

After that jaw droppingly tense cliffhanger in The Thief of Sunlight I was on the edge of my seat desperate to find out what happens next. Fortunately-with thanks to Hot Key Books-I was able to find out just that and can reveal that it didn’t disappoint!


Intisar Khanani’s breathtakingly intriguing fantasy was an absolute pleasure to read through. The world building like her previous works was utterly magical and bursting with vividly lush imagery.


Rae was definitely my favourite character, she’s a strong, determined and resilient young woman who overcomes her own physical limitations and is willing to risk her own life to dismantle the corrupt and unjust system which has allowed people (mostly children) to be sold into slavery.


I also really liked her love interest, the roguishly charming thief Bren and loved how their friendship develops. Rae’s been burned when it comes to trusting people previously, especially given the competitiveness of the royal court but it was really great to see Rae learning to trust Bren, inspite of his chosen occupation.


It’s a clean romance so there’s no explicit content but I was genuinely surprised by how much emotion and longing Intisar Khanani managed to evoke in to every scene Rae and Bren shared & was rooting for them every step of the way.


I enjoyed getting to see some of my favourite characters from Thorn again (Alyrra and Kestrin especially) as well as some newer characters such as Lirika who I really enjoyed getting to know.


I do have to warn that, as it does deal with darker subject material there are scenes that show or allude to violence, death, kidnapping, trafficking, slavery, child abuse, ableism, torture, murder and gore.

Overall, a breathtakingly adventurous fantasy that fans of immersive world building and charming, heist style intrigue definitely need to check out.

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveller. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health.

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