Lonely orphan Alina discovers a power that could be the key to saving her kingdom. But can she trust the seductive, powerful Darkling? And what about Mal, the childhood best friend she can't quite forget? Irresistible. Epic. This is glorious sweeping fantasy and the romance to end all romances.

This book really hooked me, I read it for hours on end just letting the magical story come to life in my mind, it was incredible and I LOVED IT!... The Gathering Dark is a very unique book which will leave you wanting more... it is one of the best books I've ever read. Read, Write and Read Some More 20120228 Overall, I loved everything about this book, with there being some seriously unexpected plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I could hardly put this book down, and am thoroughly looking forward to reading the following books in the trilogy. My only slight complaint is that the book was too short, I wanted more to read! (5 stars) BOOK CHICK CITY 20120519 I can use one word to describe this book and that is "powerful" powerful because its original. Powerful because its eye catching. Powerful because it makes you feel all the emotions that are mentioned in the English dictionary, And powerful because Its made me have a whole new out look and something to look forward to in the future of YA. DARKREADERS 20120519 ...brilliantly written and truly spellbinding. MIGMAG 20120517 The world building is slow, subtle and full. You get a really good idea of the court, and the way the magical society works. It's impossible to place exactly in time and location, but I still really enjoyed it. DEATH, BOOKS AND TEA 20120512 There is so much to love about this book... Leigh Bardugo knows her stuff. The pacing is superb, the climax is faultless, and the immaculate blend of fantasy, action and romance really did make this book 'unputdownable'. REALM OF FICTION 20120412 A New York Times bestseller, it's like The Hunger Games meets Potter meets Twilight meets Lord Of The Rings meets Game Of Thrones; basically epic magical fantasy but completely for grown-ups. STYLIST 20130313

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Yale University. She indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls and costuming in her other life as a make-up artist in Hollywood, and can occasionally be heard singing with her band, Captain Automatic. Visit Leigh's website at leighbardugo.wordpress.com