📖 Overview
The Power of Dark launches a supernatural series set in the atmospheric coastal town of Whitby, Yorkshire. Cherry Cerise, the last of the Whitby Witches, must protect the town from an approaching supernatural storm. Two skeptical teenagers, Lil and Verne, become entangled in events beyond their understanding.
The story centers on an ancient conflict between magician Melchior Pyke, a young witch named Scaur Annie, and the sinister Mister Dark. The evil forces that once threatened Whitby have returned, putting the entire town at risk. Cherry Cerise must convince two non-believers to help her confront these supernatural threats.
The Power of Dark blends Yorkshire folklore with contemporary fantasy, creating a tale of magic, friendship, and courage. The novel explores themes of belief versus skepticism, and the power of trust in the face of darkness.
👀 Reviews
Readers report The Power of Dark starts strong but loses momentum in later chapters. Many note the atmospheric descriptions of Whitby and appreciate how local folklore and history integrate into the story.
Liked:
- Gothic horror elements and creepy scenes
- Detailed portrayal of Whitby setting
- Mix of modern and historical storylines
- Character development of Verne and Lil
Disliked:
- Confusing plot twists in final third
- Some found the pacing uneven
- Several readers wanted more resolution
- A few felt the young characters' dialogue wasn't authentic
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (187 ratings)
Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (31 reviews)
Sample review: "The Whitby atmosphere and folklore are fantastic, but the story gets muddled near the end. Still enjoyed the spooky elements." - Goodreads reviewer
Several readers mentioned planning to continue the series despite issues with the first book's ending.
📚 Similar books
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Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud Three young ghost hunters tackle dangerous hauntings in an alternate London where only children can see and fight the supernatural entities that plague the city.
The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis Two orphaned children discover a community of witches in Whitby and become involved in protecting the town from ancient seafaring spirits.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper An eleven-year-old boy learns he is part of an ancient society of magical beings who must protect the world from rising dark forces in the English countryside.
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling A farm boy in a medieval-inspired world discovers his connection to an ancient lineage of shapeshifters and must fight against dark forces threatening the kingdom.
Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud Three young ghost hunters tackle dangerous hauntings in an alternate London where only children can see and fight the supernatural entities that plague the city.
The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis Two orphaned children discover a community of witches in Whitby and become involved in protecting the town from ancient seafaring spirits.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper An eleven-year-old boy learns he is part of an ancient society of magical beings who must protect the world from rising dark forces in the English countryside.
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling A farm boy in a medieval-inspired world discovers his connection to an ancient lineage of shapeshifters and must fight against dark forces threatening the kingdom.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦇 Whitby was the landing site of Dracula in Bram Stoker's classic novel, making it a perfect setting for supernatural stories.
🏛️ The real Whitby Abbey ruins, featured prominently in the book's setting, date back to the 7th century and inspired the Gothic architecture movement.
✍️ Robin Jarvis began his career as a model-maker for television and film before becoming a successful author of young adult dark fantasy novels.
⚓ The port town of Whitby has a rich history of witch trials and smuggling, which influenced many of the supernatural elements in the story.
🌊 The "Nimius" artifact in the book draws inspiration from the jet stone, a fossilized wood that Whitby is famous for and was historically believed to have magical properties.