Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan is a young adult fantasy novel centered on Nastasya, an immortal grappling with a centuries-long past. The book delves into her journey at River's Edge, a sanctuary for other immortals, where she seeks peace and forgiveness for her past "debauchery." The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the complex nature of identity, especially as Nastasya uncovers her family's magical history and confronts a dangerous ex-best-friend, Innocencio. The emotional arc involves Nastasya's internal struggle to reconcile her dark legacy with her desire for a new, peaceful existence. This book is specifically for teen readers who enjoy supernatural fantasy with a strong focus on character development and moral dilemmas. Parents might reach for this when their teen is exploring themes of past mistakes, forgiveness, and navigating complicated friendships. While the book hints at a dark past and dangerous relationships, it frames these within a journey of self-improvement. Younger teens (12-14) might find the "days of debauchery" concept abstract, while older teens (15-18) will likely appreciate the nuanced exploration of personal history and identity. Its focus on an immortal's long-term struggle with self-acceptance sets it apart from typical contemporary YA stories.