Review: Dark World: Genesis by A.R. Kingston

Tradition, magic, fear and a sinister plot to tear a kingdom apart collide in Dark World: Genesis by author A.R. Kingston, the first book of the Dark World Saga. Blending elements of classic fantasy with recognizable themes that feel starkly poignant in today’s divided times, this is a compelling start to an expansive new series.

In a kingdom once ravaged by war, leaders now rule with iron fists, forbidding pure-blood mages from mixing with any of the “grays,” ensuring that the magical bloodlines remain untainted. Alexandra Hamilton is the defiant young princess of Manevia, sequestered in her room like a prisoner, due to her insatiable curiosity about the world outside the castle walls, where her father’s watchful eyes cannot reach.

Unbeknownst to her familial captors, she has been using her magic to escape into the freedom and anonymity of the common folk for years. On one particular nighttime venture to meet up with her long-time lover, Richard, she finds herself in an isolated establishment run by Jay, a mage-hating barkeep who loves his solitude. Little does she know that her life is about to change forever.

Despite being from distinctly opposite worlds, their magnetic attraction soon plunges them into the heart of a conspiracy that could take down the entire realm. With political struggles being equally matched by Alex’s own struggles of the heart, this is an engaging and suspenseful read, offering a well-penned tangle of fantasy and romance.

Kingston does a remarkable job of making certain characters all too easy to hate – such as Quinton and Dalton – and others impossible not to love, like Jay. However, some are kept on a tenuous knife’s edge, leaving their loyalties and true colors somewhat opaque. This is a long and complex tale, so this type of narrative uncertainty is intriguing and multilayered, rather than relying on stark divisions between good and evil. Similarly, the laws of magic aren’t immediately made clear, and readers’ understanding of the “rules” continues to expand throughout the novel. This can be a common stumble in fantasy literature, but Kingston is not inconsistent, merely patient in her revelations.

What is most impressive and original is this romantic fantasy is truly reflective of current social issues. Outdated gender roles, misogyny, and cruel patriarchal figures give the book an immediate relevance to a modern audience, but such underlying messaging isn’t done in a heavy-handed way. They are essential elements of the plot, subtly woven into the narrative, yet unmistakeable.

Although the book is undoubtedly creative, there are grammatical errors throughout, including spelling errors and tense inconsistencies – a level of sloppiness that is both distracting and undercuts the obvious storytelling skill of the author. In terms of the plot itself, it is somewhat predictable in its larger arc, but the details of the story are clever and well told. The descriptive language is often vivid and original, and balances well with realistic dialogue between these meticulously developed characters.

Although there are some stumbling moments in the prose, Kingston has created a solid foundation for what should be an impressive and immersive saga.