BRIGHTER THAN NINE

Rui, Zizi, and Yiran explore their past lives and entwined fates and the unraveling motives of their friends and families in the conclusion to this Asian folklore–inspired duology.

A strong recollection of the events of Darker by Four (2024) will ease readers into this fast-paced sequel. The carefully interwoven plot toggles among multiple viewpoints: Rui dreams of the underworld’s Fourth King and his lover, a woman named Lei Ying; Zizi is left imprisoned in the Obsidian Cavern in the underworld while Kings and Gods hope he remembers his identity in order to stabilize the mortal and celestial realms; and Yiran, who has isolated himself from loved ones, is desperate to recover his magic (he even contemplates working with Hybrid Revenants, humanoid monsters that feed off humans’ life force). While the three struggle, conflict escalates between Hybrids and Exorcists. The murders the Hybrids carry out are getting stranger, and there seems to be a mole within the Guild. As Yiran’s involvement with Hybrids deepens, unsavory truths around his father’s death and his grandfather’s tampering with Yiran’s spiritual powers emerge. The trio’s complex situations converge in a compelling showdown with plenty of twists. A few lingering questions remain, but the story is entertaining enough to keep readers turning pages. Tan has woven an intricate, deftly layered dark fantasy, skillfully balancing plot twists, character arcs, and themes and allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in an alluring world.

Thrilling, unpredictable, and brimming with action.