If you’re a fan of atmospheric YA fantasy with lush prose and a bit of melancholy, this book might be right up your alley, but you have to be patient with its slower pace.
Where The Dark Stands Still isn’t necessarily an action-packed read. The first few chapters may feel a bit slow, and although it’s not a long book at just over 300 pages, it feels longer than it is. That said, once you commit to the journey, the lyrical and descriptive writing really pulls you in.
While this book is in the YA category, it doesn’t shy away from darker themes. There’s no explicit content (expect fade-to-black intimacy and no real spice) but the emotional depth and the characters’ inner struggles give the story more weight than your typical young adult romance.
The heart of this book lies in its romantic storyline and character relationships, which are tender and emotionally resonant. I absolutely loved how the connection between the main characters developed over time; it felt natural, earned, and deeply moving. While there is a “fated” element (a trope that’s becoming a bit tired for me), the emotional payoff was still worth it.
The author masterfully evokes the feeling of an old fantasy classic complete with enchanted forests, ancient magic, and a lingering sense of sorrow. The bittersweet yet hopeful ending left me with tears in my eyes and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
While the slow pacing may deter some readers, if you’re in the mood for a romantic, fairytale-esque fantasy with gorgeous prose and emotional depth, Where the Dark Stands Still delivers, it’s a hauntingly beautiful tale perfect for fans of Naomi Novik.