Plot Summary

And I Darken

Kiersten White
Guide cover placeholder

And I Darken

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

Book Brief

Kiersten White

And I Darken

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ottoman Empire • 15th Century

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

750L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

And I Darken by Kiersten White is an alternate history novel set in 15th-century Transylvania, following Lada Dragwyla, the fierce daughter of Vlad Dracul, and her brother Radu as they navigate political intrigue and personal turmoil within the Ottoman Empire. The story explores themes of power, identity, and survival amidst a backdrop of historical warfare, political maneuvering, and personal betrayal. Violence, complex family dynamics, and gender-based oppression are depicted.

Dark

Gritty

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.0

53,934 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kiersten White's And I Darken offers a gender-swapped retelling of Vlad the Impaler, winning praise for its strong, complex female protagonist and richly detailed setting. Critics note its ambitious scope and layered characters but mention a slow start and pacing issues. Overall, the novel is lauded for its gripping narrative and historical intrigue.

Who should read this

Who Should Read And I Darken?

Readers who enjoy gritty, historical reimaginings with strong, complex characters will love And I Darken. Fans of Game of Thrones and Graceling will appreciate its dark twist on the story of Vlad the Impaler, featuring a fierce female protagonist determined to forge her own destiny.

4.0

53,934 ratings

68%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ottoman Empire • 15th Century

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

750L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!