Book Review: Turning Darkness into Light by Marie Brennan
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Turning Darkness into Light by Marie Brennan
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor (August 20, 2019)
Length: 416 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
It was heartbreaking for me when the original Memoirs of Lady Trent series, even knowing all good things must come to an end. And so, when I found out that Marie Brennan would be returning to the world with Turning Darkness into Light, to say I was thrilled is an understatement. And that’s not all; I was even more excited when I learned that the new book would follow Audrey Camherst, the granddaughter of Isabella the Lady Trent, who has followed in the footsteps of her famous grandmother into the field of Draconean studies.
However, presented in a series of letters, journal entries, articles, and study notes, the novel offers quite a change from Memoirs of Lady Trent beyond just the change in protagonist. Also, while Turning Darkness into Light is a standalone and can be read without any prerequisites, be aware that this book contains MASSIVE spoilers for the previous series. You have been warned!
The story opens as Lord Gleinheigh, an avid collector of antiquities but a third-rate scholar, capitulates to demands for a suitable translator to decipher his collection of ancient clay tablets believed to hold the secrets of the Draconean civilization. Naturally, given her distinguished academic family as well as her own achievements in linguistics, Audrey Camhurst was one of the first names to come to mind. Her appointment would also have the added benefit of not being a threat to the insufferable and blustering Lord Gleinheigh, who won’t trust any of his male peers. But as it turns out, Gleinheigh is even more paranoid and protective of his treasures than anyone thought, sending his niece Cora to spy and report on Audrey’s findings, under the pretense of being her assistant.
Meanwhile, believing that no translation would be proper or complete without the presence of an actual Draconean on the team, Audrey recruits her friend Kudshayn, a fellow archaeologist to help her with the project. Together, they begin to painstakingly piece together the story of the ancient tablets, revealing a breathtaking creation myth about the four dragon siblings who hatched from a single egg. But even as their work is taking place, a conspiracy is brewing behind the scenes, unknown to our protagonists. With anti-Draconean sentiment is still rampant in the society, there are certain factions who don’t wish for Audrey and her team to succeed, and they are willing to go to great lengths to sabotage their work.
Let me first say I was very impressed with the way Brennan was able to convey so much information in epistolary format, to say nothing of the incredible story she was able to tell. She has managed to expand upon the world of Memoirs of Lady Trent and more, and it’s safe to say fans of the series who wanted more about the mysterious Draconean civilization will be very happy with this novel. For me, one of the main highlights was the as the draconic mythology, as well as the character of Kudshayn who provided readers with so much new insight into his people’s history, culture, and way of life—right down to the unique ways Draconeans communicate. It is no wonder they are so misunderstood in the society, leading to clashes in public opinion.
If I have one criticism though, it would be the limitations of the novel’s structure. That said, I know how tough it is to write an epistolary novel. As much as I loved what Brennan has done here, because so much of the story is conveyed in the form of letters, I missed the immediacy of the narrative. Granted, this is considered a fantasy of manners, so to be sure there is an air of formality to the prose. This did make Audrey’s voice sound a little stiff (compared to the Memoirs of Lady Trent in which Isabella’s attitude was that of an accomplished old woman who was beyond giving a fig what readers thought of her anymore) and made it a little harder to connect with the characters.
Still, I have to say I really enjoyed Turning Darkness into Light. Like the previous series, I believe it will appeal greatly to readers who love science and the simple pleasures of discovery and learning. It was a joy to follow the story, especially at the beginning, when my attention was fully captivated by the mystery of the tablets and wondering what ancient secrets they might reveal.
All in all, Marie Brennan has written another winner, building upon the brilliance of her Lady Trent series. Once more, she has changed the way we think about dragons with her unique perspective on these fantastical creatures, greatly expanding on her world-building, making this fan very happy.
The BiblioSanctum 
I really enjoyed this one too. I had a couple of small issues but overall I had a great time and loved the style. `I think the author has managed to really capture that style of writing that you see in so many classics with a gentle mystery at the core. Plus, who am I kidding, I’m a sucker for the epistolary style of telling a story. I read this was a standalone book but I would definitely read more of Audrey’s adventures if MB thinks to return.
Lynn 😀
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I agree! I was ultimately glad that she decided to try something different with this, it separates Audrey/Turning Darkness into Light from Isabella/the Lady Trent series, making the book its own thing.
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I just got a surprise copy of this book, which surprised me because I haven’t read the Lady Trent series at all! I may attempt it anyway, although I’m not sure I can take on anything else right now since my TBR is literally killing me!
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I had an eARC of this from NetGalley, but I got a surprise hardcover in the mail as well, so that made my day 😀
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Good to hear. I liked this, although I too struggled with the epistolary format. Good to know the Memoirs of Lady Trent are not the same format, and even happier to hear they’ve got the attitude an accomplished old woman who doesn’t give a fig. 🙂
I was on the fence about whether I still wanted to read the Memoirs after this, but I think you’ve swayed me back. Thanks.
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Yeah, the epistolary format can be difficult if it is not to your tastes. I love it, personally, but not all authors can pull it off!
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I still have to read a lukewarm review of this series! 🙂
And the author must be a very skilled one, indeed, if she can move to different characters from the main narrative thread and still maintain the same kind of reader involvement as in the previous books. I need to start the series one of these days – after all… DRAGONS! 😉
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I’ve seen mixed reviews for the first couple of books, but I think the general consensus is that the later books get better, and I agree with that assessment. The Lady Trent books are definitely worth your time, and this one as well 🙂
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Great review! I also got an arc for this one, now I’m even more excited to back it up 🙂
I didn’t know it was written in letters, I already think that is an interesting format!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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I hope you enjoy it! And the format was something of a surprise to me as well 😀
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OMG…I forgot I ave a review copy of this one!
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Better dive in quick! 😀
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Really curious about Brennan’s world building. Awesome review!
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Thanks! And I do love this world, I’m glad she expanded on it.
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Cool that she was able to mostly make this work in the epistolary format. I love that cover. The different colored dragons… I still need to read the Lady Trent books, glad to see this universe is getting more worldbuilding.
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It’s epistolary, AND written in a classical historical style – so double kudos to Marie Brennan for pulling that off! 😀
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Great review, glad you had fun with this one. I actually loved the structure of this one, had a lot of fun with it. I definitely get your point about how it can be limiting, but I kind of liked the way the various documents only showed part of the story and we had to put things together a bit. Maybe I just like puzzles, hah. 🙂
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Yeah, it’s one of the downsides of the epistolary format, but I thought she did a great job finding ways around those limitations! 😀
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I have just got hold of this one and am really looking forward to it – especially after reading your lovely review:))
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Awesome! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
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I have a couple of Netgalley arcs to get through first – then will be tucking into this one:))
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Squeeee! Getting more and more excited to read this now both you and Lynn have said it’s awesome! *bobbing up and down in chair with glee* 😀
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Sweet, I hope you get a chance to read it soon, I can’t wait to hear what you think!
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