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A review by s_n_arly
Darkstalker by Tui T. Sutherland
5.0
A surprisingly good read. My thirteen year-old picked this as a family book club read.
Unlike most of the other first Wings of Fire (WoF) books, this one is not told from one perspective, but three points of view: Darkstalker, Clearsight, and Fathom. On one hand it's an interesting story that takes place 2000 years before the Dragonets of Destiny are born, giving us a look at the countries of Pyrrhia in another era and a chance to see what Nightwing culture was like before the tribe moved to the volcano. Once again, Tui has built a believable world in which to create the story of three very best friends (or one pair of soulmates and their mutual best friend).
On the other hand, it explores the concept of prognostication (or future sight) and how much an individual can direct another to a preferred destiny. It also explores magic and morality, and the overarching question of what makes someone evil or good? This does a good job demonstrating that making the right choices isn't always easy, and that what one person may do in an effort to do good, could ultimately be harmful and perceived as evil. The tragedy near the end is offset with some definitely hopeful energy.
I recommend reading the first five books in the WoF series before reading this.
While I shelve this as middle-grade, the violence level may be a bit much for some readers.
My recommendation for reading order of the Wings of Fire (WoF) series:
WoF #1-5
WoF Legends - Darkstalker
WoF #6-14
WoF Legends - Dragonslayer (this could be read after book #5, but that would spoil a sweet surprise present in book #14)
The WoF books follow a five book plot arc (with each book covering the growth arc of one character). If book 1 doesn't work for you, consider starting with book 6 or 11 to get invested in the world. Each book adds to the complexity of culture and history in the world, so you may miss a little if you skip books, but the overall plot and story will work.
Unlike most of the other first Wings of Fire (WoF) books, this one is not told from one perspective, but three points of view: Darkstalker, Clearsight, and Fathom. On one hand it's an interesting story that takes place 2000 years before the Dragonets of Destiny are born, giving us a look at the countries of Pyrrhia in another era and a chance to see what Nightwing culture was like before the tribe moved to the volcano. Once again, Tui has built a believable world in which to create the story of three very best friends (or one pair of soulmates and their mutual best friend).
On the other hand, it explores the concept of prognostication (or future sight) and how much an individual can direct another to a preferred destiny. It also explores magic and morality, and the overarching question of what makes someone evil or good? This does a good job demonstrating that making the right choices isn't always easy, and that what one person may do in an effort to do good, could ultimately be harmful and perceived as evil. The tragedy near the end is offset with some definitely hopeful energy.
I recommend reading the first five books in the WoF series before reading this.
While I shelve this as middle-grade, the violence level may be a bit much for some readers.
My recommendation for reading order of the Wings of Fire (WoF) series:
WoF #1-5
WoF Legends - Darkstalker
WoF #6-14
WoF Legends - Dragonslayer (this could be read after book #5, but that would spoil a sweet surprise present in book #14)
The WoF books follow a five book plot arc (with each book covering the growth arc of one character). If book 1 doesn't work for you, consider starting with book 6 or 11 to get invested in the world. Each book adds to the complexity of culture and history in the world, so you may miss a little if you skip books, but the overall plot and story will work.