Review: Darkly - Marisha Pessl

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Review: Darkly - Marisha Pessl - November 2024

Some book covers and premises have a magnetic pull—and Darkly by Marisha Pessl was one of those for me. This YA thriller blends the eerie charm of a Willy Wonka-esque world with the tension of a deadly board game adventure, crafting a story as unique as its premise.

Imagine if Willy Wonka wasn’t a chocolatier but a masterful board game designer, crafting intricately dark games that were as captivating as they were dangerous. Nearly 40 years ago, Louisana Veda was at the peak of her fame, creating stunning, handcrafted games that gained her worldwide acclaim. But her story ended abruptly when she died at just 39 years old. Her games skyrocketed in value, and then the trail went cold—until now.

An ad appears, inviting seven lucky interns to work at the Louisana Veda Foundation in London. Thousands apply, but it’s Arcadia Gannon—a girl with nothing but her determination—who gets an unexpected spot. She finds herself on a remote island with six other interns, tasked with an unusual and dangerous mission: find Louisana Veda’s final, missing game, Valkyrie, which was shrouded in mystery after its disappearance decades ago.

What follows is a pulse-pounding quest as the team unravels family secrets, faces dark magic, and plays a high-stakes game where losing could mean vanishing—just as one previous player, George, already has. The story carries echoes of Jumanji with its immersive board game angle, laced with the gothic whimsy of A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Darkly is a thrilling dive into a world of puzzles, peril, and intrigue. If you enjoy tales filled with dark magic, hidden truths, shocking twists, and a touch of nostalgia for board games, this book is a must-read. Grab your copy of Marisha Pessl's latest release today and prepare for an adventure like no other.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4g3NTNl







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