And I Darken: The Complete Trilogy

The Conqueror's Saga #1-3

by Kiersten White

Claim the throne. Demand the crown. Rule the world.

This collection contains all 3 novels of the AND I DARKEN trilogy: And I Darken, Now I Rise, and Bright We Burn.

AND I DARKEN: No one expects a princess to be brutal, and Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. Then they meet Mehmed, a true friend but heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

NOW I RISE: Lada Dracul has no allies. No crown. All she has is what she's always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares cross her. But Lada needs the support of her diplomatic younger brother, Radu. As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies?

BRIGHT WE BURN: Lada's rule of absolute justice has created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won't rest until everyone knows that her country's borders are inviolable. Only by destroying everything that came before--including her relationships--can Lada truly build the country she wants.

Genres: Fantasy

1079 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2018

About the author

Kiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books for readers of all ages, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, Star Wars: Padawan, Hide, Mister Magic, and Lucy Undying. She also has a very large tortoise named Kimberly, which isn't relevant, but she wanted you to know.

Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com.

Reviews

[Chela Aufderheide · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series in 3 days because I honestly could not put it down. The story is honestly gripping and it's been a while since I've read YA!

First: what worked for me. The Vlad the Impaler-as-a-woman premise is brilliant and what attracted me to the books in the first place. I thought Lada and Radu were wonderfully drawn characters and I loved the contrast between them - which just got more pronounced as we had contrasting settings for them too. Radu's chapters and his Relatable Human Feelings sustained me through the messy grit of Lada's. I was wondering where this book would fall for me between "so dark and edgy I cannot go on" and "fluffy YA" and personally the violence felt real and horrifying and worked really well without making the book unreadable. It felt like an unflinching portrayal.

Radu is my fave and I love him. It was a joy and... also a torture watching him grow over the course of the series. I am so proud. I adore him. I would die for him.

Special mention goes to the extras surrounding Lada's plot & team - I thought we got a great sense of their characters despite there being quite a few of them to keep track of. I loved them.

NOW SPOILERS BECAUSE I HAVE SOME COMPLAINTS.

I mostly liked how Mehmed was shown here. I even more or less liked the Lada/Mehmed romance - I thought some parts were really fraught with tension, and I can see them having this passionate...yet awful.... connection because of their similarities.

But anyone who, like me, picks up this book because of the slightest, most distant prior acquaintance with the idea of historical Dracula knows something about Mehmed's relationship with Radu (the Beautiful). I'm going to be honest with you: before I started this book, all I remembered from the wikis of bygone days were that one impalement picnic woodcut (you know the one) and that Radu and Mehmed II had been lovers.

I don't know how accurate that last one is, and it's possible that (as in the book) this was invented to make Mehmed look bad. Maybe the author is deeper in the lore than I am and feels confident the story was invented. Either way, instead, in the books, we get Radu in love with Mehmed (for most of the series, at least) - but Mehmed never returns that love (even if he proves himself willing to manipulate it... asshole). The first book I felt honestly betrayed when Lada effectively stole Radu's historical man (as they grow up, I was certain Mehmed and Radu were going to end up together, the perfect expression of Radu finding love and making a home within the empire's dominion while Lada continues hungering for freedom/power/blood, right until suddenly Lada and Mehmed are making out). This is not even touching the rivers of tears shed over Radu's years of sad, sweet, impossible pining (as a queer girl I think we've all been there). I would still recommend the books, but if you get excited seeing Radu's name the way I did, you're going to need some prior warning about what to expect to avoid feeling shocked and betrayed.

I admit there's something poignant about Radu hearing these rumors scornfully calling him Radu the Handsome & Mehmed's favorite, when he wishes they were true. At least, this development in the second book did make me laugh hysterically as something broke in my chest... As Mehmed became more overtly manipulative (there's even a moment later which could ALMOST be interpreted as him offering Radu something More out of nothing but shrewd calculation, though it's ?? so ?? immediately overlooked and subtle I was left wondering if it really happened?), I changed my mind on the OG Radu/Mehmed relationship. So please listen to my one, very easy fix to make this book satisfying: I was happy to see Radu get a new, real love interest. I'd even accept that Mehmed and Lada share an intense connection that is far different than anything Mehmed could share with Radu, who he doesn't care as much for. What bothered me most was honestly that the impediment to Mehmed and Radu having any sort of romantic relationship (however exploitative) was simply supposed to be that Mehmed was straight and not interested in that way (1. this for one of the few historical figures we have reason to suppose was queer?! 2. this when even Lada, despite telling Radu crushingly that Mehmed can never be interested in him, wonders many times if he's taken 'her' place in Mehmed's affections/bed? 3. this when a number of YA indications in Mehmed's scenes with Radu (you know, dilating eyes, the like) suggest he's interested?)
SO: Why not have Mehmed use Radu like Lada uses Bogdan? There were already parallels between the two. Or why not have Radu move on, as he does, but Mehmed realize he's losing him and concretely offer or try to take more? And in that case, it would be all the more meaningful that Radu's heart has turned away from this jerk (I'm sorry, "great man"), now that he actually has or is being offered everything he'd ever longed for - but he sees it for what it is, something that will never make him happy/anything but miserable. In fact, it never could have.

A lot of people have been touting this series as perfect queer representation, and I see where they're coming from - I loved Radu, who's at least as much of a protagonist as Lada, and I was honestly charmed by his marriage to Nazira, who specifically sought him out because she's a lesbian (her "maid" Fatima is actually her wife). Unfortunately, aside from being bitter about straight Mehmed, I felt like these characters (with the exception of Radu, whose point of view is really well fleshed-out) often felt kind of shallow - they were good people who hardly ever made mistakes, and that was about it. I wish the author had taken more time to develop Nazira, Fatima, and Cyprian as characters in the story. Nearly every side character in Lada's plot, on the other hand (and there are MANY) feel consistently real. There are hints at Fatima's backstory, but I would have loved to get more of a sense of those two characters' depth and was consistently left lacking, which is strange since Nazira is active in many, many scenes and I often liked her! Cyprian felt the most real of the three, but even there I wished more time had been spent on his relationship with Radu when they reunite in the third book.

The ending of the series left me with a lot of mixed feelings. I wished we got to see Lada's death (or just the ending) through her eyes. Her absence in the last few chapters was strangely disappointing for a book where she had commanded so much of the action. It felt hollow without her. I wanted to really see what she was doing in Wallachia and how well (or not) Radu's method had worked. Along the same lines, I loved Radu being the one to bring her down, and I did like him choosing a third option, as it were, and choosing to be selfish, but I also was a little disappointed that we didn't see him have to either eliminate Lada or actually rule as vaivode, when that was what had been built up to. Lada's change from pre- to post-defeat was also kind of startling.

Lada having to carry Mehmed's (I repeat, Mehmed's) kid to term even when she didn't want it (I guess for Nazira but..) = Bad. Lada would find a way to abort that kid - it's alternate history too which means she would DEFINITELY find a way to get some contraceptives on hand. And Radu raising their kid (who apparently is just a mini Lada but in a happy and supportive home)... I know very well I am not as selfless as our Radu because that just struck me as so awkward... Awkward... Could it at least have been Bogdan's kid? I would have liked that better. Lada never wanted to be a mother and giving her that role so that we could sort of have reincarnation Lada to remember her by felt cheap.

Hot take: I also wished Mehmed had NOT been there in the very ending, or that if he was, it was portrayed more as an accidental reunion with Radu. One of the problems with this book for me is honestly how many times things seem to have been taken past the point of no return but then the main 3's relationship is still pretty much intact when the dust clears. Lines were crossed! The third book shows change, but the ending almost makes it seem like nothing changed. I think the series might have been better off ending when Radu leaves Wallachia to Lada and she's about to head off in a different direction, instead of years later.

I also longed for Radu to meet with their mother in an attempt to secure alliances as Lada had earlier but sadly no. It would have been a great bookend and a way to bring her back into the story - she would have responded to Radu's kindness and sympathy and could have actually done something in the story. As it stands now, she's just the victim of horrific things who gets (understandably but absolutely undeservedly) scorn heaped on her from her daughter when she tries to prioritize herself and feel safe after being traumatized (which is after all not that different from what Radu does in the end when he chooses his family...)

Overall this was a great read and I'll definitely be looking at it again. At least it forced me to write a goodreads review after years of 0 presence on this site.

[Gift Obimma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could cry, nah let me stop l'm already crying. It's been a while since a book has gotten me this worked up. And for that I'll give it 4 stars.

I hate hate hate Mehmed, that **** **** really got in between the two siblings and ruined their relationship.
And don't get me started with how he wanted Lada at his side for his own selfish reasons and didn’t take into account what she wanted, that ** played also with her brother Radu's feeling, cause he knew he had feelings for him.

Radu is one ***** **. The way he chose Mehmed over his sister was so disappointing, I wish I could say that was his downfall, but the man eventually lived a good life. He may have been the least ill-intentioned among the three, but I blame him for giving up on his sister. He swore Lada was evil spirited, but her actions were out of love (she just had a hard time showing it). Lada was set for failure from the start, I'm glad she left a deadly mark on the world.

I love Bogdan, like real real ** bad. That man's loyalty was like no other. He got it from his mother, W moms btw, she really had all the faith and admiration for Lada. When Radu killed him I knew there was no bright future ahead for Lada. I also admire all the characters that showed Lada loyalty for the most part. Though her acts were heartless, it was truly necessary in her attempt to rule.

The war and battle was rooted in the battles of religions, also known as the Crusades. I won't lie, I do think one side was more preferable than the other, the better of the sister religions, so I'II give Radu that one lil thing cause he ate by being on that side, it sucks that it was the side that Mehmed was on as well. Cause he too ate that one lil thing.
Technically his sister was on neither side, it was giving satanist, demon, or her favorite label, a Dragon lol.

The end irked me, because Radu stripped Lada of everything and tried to comfort her?!?! Don’t piss me off. And the fact that Radu ended up with everything, he didn’t deserve Theodora but I do know that Lada wouldn’t have been a good mother unless she had Oana by her side. It also shouldn’t have been Mehmed’s baby, it should’ve been Bogdan, but I digress.

[Cheryl Kage · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST BOOK EVER!!!

Ok, maybe not ever but to say I loved it feels like a terrible understatement. It was beautifully raw and dark and amazing. There were so many twists and turns that I literally gave up trying to get ahead and just enjoyed the ride. This was my favorite of the three books but that's not saying much because I loved them all so much.

[Harley Raine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have spent the better part of a week reading this and if anyone asked me a single question about the characters, the plot, the overall storyline...I wouldn't be able to answer

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY loved this trilogy. I’ve always been a bit obsessed with Vlad Dracul and reimagining him as a woman was a fierce read. Vlad is in the group of vicious leaders that horrify and impress me (Vlad, Genghis, Caesar, Lady Bathory, etc). I went to his castle once and this book made me want to go back.

You cared very much about the characters immediately. The relationships were well developed. The Lada, Mehmed, Radu triangle was so compelling. I loved the contrast and switching between Radu and Lada’s voice and point of view. It made me want to investigate the history. There were some real insightful gems. Lada’s perspective of a woman wanting to lead in a man’s world. Her internal vulnerability and tenderness contrasted with her ferocity. Radu and his sweetness, his emotions, his pain. Mehmed between them. Loving them and wanting it all. The family Radu built around him. The love he inspired in everyone, even Lada. Ugh. I’m gushing. But this was an incredible series. Would definitely read again.

[Desicat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most important thing to know that this is not a feminist retelling. It's about three people in toxic relationships in varying levels of toxicity.
It's beautiful and heartbreaking and no one is "good"

[Christine Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic romp that will break your heart. The story of Lada Dracul prince of Wallachia and the choices she makes.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantaron, Hija de las tinieblas fue mi primer libro, el primero que empecé a leer por gusto y terminé de leer por gusto. Me encanta el carácter de Ladislava y que Radu sea todo lo contrario.

[Yvette Verwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic!

[Olga-Bonhilda Skalicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that I could not put down. Each character's story is so compelling. I can't wait to read this again!

[moss da boss · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book was wonderful middle one was mediocre but the last one was alright. It made up for its mediocrity pitifully but the ending was decent. Not as gruesome as it should’ve.

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* for the whole series overall, reviews found on individual books

[Gabi]

3.5*

[Shiler Nyaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

❕BOOK REVIEW❕
⭐️ Rating - 5 stars

✨”And i darken trilogy” by Kiersten White✨

This amazing historical fiction trilogy reimagines Vlad the Impaler's story as a woman named Lada Dracul. The trilogy is known for its strong female protagonist, complicated political drama, and detailed historical background.

1. And I Darken:\ The first book introduces us to Lada, a fierce and determined young woman who dreams of conquering the Ottoman Empire. Her relationship with her brother Radu is complex, filled with both love and rivalry. The book also explores Lada's interactions with Mehmed, the young prince of the Ottoman Empire, adding a layer of romance and tension to the story.

2. Now I Rise:\ In the second book, Lada and Radu's paths separate as they seek their personal goals. Lada continues her quest for power, while Radu is drawn to the Ottoman court and the mysterious Sultan.

3. Brighter Than the Sun:\ The last book brings the trilogy to a dramatic finish. Lada and Radu must face their pasts and make difficult decisions about their future. The book is filled with action, romance, and political chaos, with a satisfying and emotional ending.

The trilogy explores themes of power, family, loyalty, and identity. The series is a gripping and emotional journey through the life of Lada Dracul and her quest for power and revenge.

[Becky Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I have ever read. Well written and beautiful, Kiersten White deserves praise.