Darkside by Tom Becker

Jonathan Starling likes being invisible. It allows him to sneak off whenever he wants, usually without getting caught. But when his home is attacked and a strange trio start pursuing him, Jonathan finds he’s not as invisible as he’d like to be. There are some people—or things—extremely sinister hunting through London for Jonathan, connecting far back into his family’s past with secrets he never knew existed. It all leads back to Darkside, a dangerous place for otherworldy creatures like vampires and werewolves, a place of Jonathan’s heritage and where he must find refuge with his sick father’s old friend. But is coming to Darkside really any safer than the London Jonathan already knows?

Fast-paced and full of danger and excitement, Darkside is an enthralling read. The story is mostly plot-driven, but that isn’t a bad thing since Becker creates action exceedingly well. There is something so thrilling about Darkside, partially because of its sinister atmosphere and inhabitants and partially because it’s hidden nearly in plain sight in the middle of London. I love how Becker expertly sets the coexistence of Darkside and Lightside, or the world as Jonathan used to know it; it open up realms of possibilities for trouble. As with many action novels, the characters could’ve been better developed; in fact, with the descriptiveness of Becker’s writing, I’m surprised Jonathan and the other characters didn’t feel more real because despite Jonathan’s central role, the most that can be understood about him is his sheer determination. Also, I would’ve appreciated learning more of Jonathan’s and Darkside’s histories since disappointingly little was revealed. Still, I found Darkside a highly entertaining read and one with lots of potential for a sequel.

This action-filled story will be enjoyed by fans of Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer and Foundling by D.M. Cornish. I look forward to reading Darkside’s sequel, Lifeblood.

Rating: 4.0

Review copy from publisher Scholastic