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The Dark Lady - Akala



Release Date: 22nd April 2021

Genre: Young Adult | Fiction | Historical Fiction


Who is Henry? An orphan, a theif, an outcast.  And a boy with extraordinary gifts. 

Living in a quasi-elizabethan London, Henry lives with his cousins Mary and Matthew in the slums after being abandoned by his Mother who could be anywhere. Haunted by the dreams of a mysterious dark lady, Henry has to navigate his newfound gifts, his power over words and language while still trying to navigate the racial and societal prejudices threatening to erase him. 

Henrys story started off as a slow-moving, leisuirely stroll through days long in the past, gaining momentum with every turned page until I was thrown into a new world. The narration was full of slang and shakespearean dialogue which may confuse some readers but only pulled me in deeper. 

I had high expectations opening up this book, Akala is a master wordsmith and I wasn't disappointed at his first foray into the written world. The Dark Lady was beautifully poetic and enchanting - each voice unique and spell-binding. 

I expected a full fantasy going on here but instead found a magical historical tale that was realistic and other-worldy at the same time.

This book may be for children on the cover (which is just stunning!) but this is definitely not just for teenagers - I can't wait to learn more about the world of The Dark Lady with Henry.


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Thank you to Akala and Hachette Childrens Group for an ARC in return for an honest review. 

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