The Darktouched

The Darktouched by Dave Haywood is a book of magic in itself as the book is split into 3 sections. Section one can be read in two different ways. It is made up of a cycle of 3 POV changes, the author recommends you read all of POV 1, then POV 2 and then POV 3. However it is laid out as a repeating cycle of POV 1, POV 2, POV 3, POV 1, POV 2, POVE 3 etc. Due to reading it on kindle, I read it as it's laid out as it isn't easy to switch chapters.  The book has only been formated on kindle into 3 parts, rather than the individual chapters. If it was changed to the chapters then it would be much easier to read the way it is recommended. As it stands I do believe the kindle version lacks accessibility required to get the real experience the author wants. Hopefully this will be updated in the future. However,  I do believe that having different ways to read a book  adds to longevity, you can reread the book and get an entirely different experience, based on your choice. 

The imagery and descriptions of characters are incredible, so much detail is given allowing you to really picture small details of everyone you're reading about. It really adds a whimsical affect to reading, you feel like you're part of an enchanted world. It almost sends you back to your childhood imagination. It has all the makings of an epic fantasy, however with its call back to human life as we know it and the story line about the fallout shelters etc, it doesn't quite hit that mark for me and instead I would call this a blend of fantasy with sci-fi elements. 

The three POVs offered to us are 3 separate characters on the ‘good side' who face danger from dark beings and mysterious night ones. These characters must come together, with the help of allies and friends, to chase the darkness away whilst united as one. Naturally the first thing this reminds me of is The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings as there are strong fellowship vibes throughout. Haywood includes a lot of side characters who all have their own agendas and are individual moving pieces within the story. The first two sections of this book offer heavy lore building and understanding of the world's politics as it were. I half expected there to be a parliament of owls pun in there somewhere, but Haywood luckily doesn't stoop to my level of humour. 

Part three pulled me in instantly, it's where the real magic of Haywoods writing comes to life. We start with the ‘will they won't they' yearning between two characters. But betrayals and reveals come in thick and fast. There are gut wrenching, life changing twists that left me gasping with shock. It's almost like Haywood is rewarding us for the heavy toll part two took as we read and understood the intricacies of this world.

The Darktouched is a really interesting take on a dystopian world crossed with the nostalgic fantasy feel. For the first two thirds I was not sure it fit 100% for me, I understand that the set up of the world, the characters and the danger element were important, but my personal preference is for that to take up a shorter amount of the book than it did. However, reading part three was an experience of its own, I was on the edge of my seat in parts and in tears at others. I now cannot wait to read the next book in the series and hope that now we've had such a big set up, the pacing of the next book will be more palatable.