The Time of the Dark

Gil Patterson, a graduate student in California, experiences vivid dreams of a medieval world under siege by mysterious creatures called the Dark. These dreams connect her to Rudy Solis, a biker and artist, and to Ingold Inglorion, a wizard from this other realm. When the threat from Gil's dreams crosses into our world, she and Rudy are drawn into the parallel universe of Darwath. There they encounter a society on the brink of collapse, with its last survivors taking refuge in the ancient Keep of Dare. In this harsh new reality, Gil and Rudy must adapt to medieval life while helping the refugees defend against the Dark. Their presence intertwines with prophecies and ancient magic as they seek to understand the nature of their enemy. The novel explores themes of displacement and adaptation, asking what happens when people are torn from everything familiar and forced to find strength in an alien world. Through its parallel worlds structure, the book examines how different societies face extinction-level threats.

Readers highlight the detailed worldbuilding and realistic characters who react believably to being transported between dimensions. Many appreciate that the protagonists are flawed adults rather than chosen ones or destined heroes. Fans praise Hambly's descriptive writing of the Dark Ones (mysterious creatures that hunt humans) and her ability to create tension. Multiple reviews note the historical accuracy of medieval life and warfare. Common criticisms include a slow start, with some readers finding the first 50 pages difficult to get through. Others mention that the complex political dynamics can be hard to follow. A few reviews point out dated gender dynamics typical of 1980s fantasy. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (190+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (400+ ratings) Most frequent comparison in reviews is to Barbara Hambly's Darwath series, with readers noting this book sets up plot threads that pay off in later volumes.

The Dragon Waiting by John M. Ford A scholar from our world enters an alternate medieval Europe with magic, vampires, and political intrigue.

Black Trillium by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May, and Andre Norton Three princesses cross between worlds while fleeing dark forces that destroyed their kingdom.

The Riddlemaster of Hed by Patricia McKillip A prince leaves his simple life to solve ancient riddles in a land where magic binds the fate of kingdoms.

The Mirror of Her Dreams by Stephen R. Donaldson A woman from modern Earth travels through a mirror to a medieval world where she becomes entangled in magical warfare.

Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny A man discovers his true identity as a prince of a magical realm and must navigate between parallel worlds while facing his treacherous siblings.

🗡️ Barbara Hambly wrote The Time of the Dark while working as a teacher and model for figure drawing classes, drawing inspiration from her vivid nightmares. 🏰 The novel blends elements of both fantasy and horror, featuring interdimensional travel between modern California and a medieval world threatened by mysterious beings called the Dark. 📚 This book is the first in the Darwath trilogy, but Hambly later expanded the series with two additional novels after a 15-year gap. 🎨 The original 1982 cover art was created by Don Maitz, known for designing the Captain Morgan rum mascot and winning multiple Hugo Awards for his fantasy illustrations. 🌟 Hambly's expertise in medieval history and folklore (she holds a master's degree in medieval history) lends authenticity to the novel's depiction of medieval society and warfare.