Immortal Dark

Immortal Dark is a good and unique vampiric fantasy, but it does suffer from some debut novel scaries, which likely contributes to the mixed reviews. Girma is a new author, and her ability to weave complex interpersonal relationships between the characters feels underdeveloped. The story draws on both West and East African mythology, which is a refreshing and ambitious choice. However, it might have been more effective if she had approached it like a typical fantasy novel set in a fictional universe, allowing more time to unravel the rich lore surrounding the story.

One of the major issues is that the risqué scenes are a little too obscene to then not have smut, leaving the reader wanting more. If the author intended this to feel more YA, less detail and vivid lewdness leading up to ultimately nothing would have been a better approach. The novel's reliance on lesser-known African cultures, especially Ethiopian myths, presents a challenge. A glossary of terms and more definitions for the Amharic used would have greatly enhanced the reading experience. Despite these challenges, Immortal Dark offers a fresh take on vampires and stands out for its unique cultural backdrop. It's a solid debut with room for growth, but readers unfamiliar with Ethiopian mythology may find it hard to fully appreciate. Still, it's worth exploring for its originality and potential.