Book Review: The Dark Mountain

Reviewed by Lauren Haytaka

Innocence is both a weapon and a weakness in this intricate, multifaceted fantasy.

This second installment in The Rise of Penumbra series takes readers from the otherworldly realm of the Stars to the shadowy depths of Adama. 

Here, the banished Star, Hosheh, has established his military headquarters within the Dark Mountain. With ambitions of revenge, Hosheh relies on General Kadmiel, his right hand, to carry out his will. Only Kadmiel finds himself torn between his Master and his feelings for Ranan, an innocent recruit. Is revenge the only way forward? 

Just like in The Valley of Stars, Katz excels at worldbuilding in The Dark Mountain. In Adama, life is raw and untamed, a stark contrast to the regimented and disciplined society of the Stars. The land is teeming with vibrant flora and fauna, presenting beauty and danger to its inhabitants. 

The Dark Mountain, with its labyrinthine tunnels and shadowy halls, reflects Hosheh’s complex and secretive nature. Within its walls, the Adamians—recruited from all walks of life, with a particular focus on criminals and the wrongly accused—form a diverse community bound together by the promise of a new beginning and a shared mission. While the Stars above are obsessed with order and light, Adama thrives on chaos and survival.

Caught between the two worlds is Kadmiel, who, like Asha in The Valley of Stars, is filled with curiosity about the forbidden. While Asha is obsessed with learning about Adama, Kadmiel is fascinated by the Stars, highlighting the misconceptions and marvels each society holds about the other. Despite Kadmiel’s reserved personality, he comes alive when uncovering new information, a passion that sometimes overshadows his relationship with Ranan. Unlike Asha, whose love for Yusra develops over time, Kadmiel’s relationship with Ranan is established from the start. Kadmiel’s growth as a character happens independently, often making Ranan seem flat in comparison. However, Katz has hinted that she will bring all four characters—Asha, Yusra, Kadmiel, and Ranan—equally into the forefront of the third novel. 

The most significant drawback of The Dark Mountain is the inconsistent portrayal of Hosheh. In The Valley of Stars, Hosheh is presented as an enigmatic figure—a brilliant Star without an equal who was cast out from society. His connection with Asha builds on his reputation, making him seem like a deadly and frightening antagonist. 

However, seen through Kadmiel’s eyes, Hosheh appears as a caricature of his former self, stomping on his cape when angry and delivering long-winded speeches that portray him as a childish mad scientist instead of a genuinely terrifying being. Yet, there are other tantalizing moments when Hosheh appears as commanding as his former portrayal in The Valley of Stars. 

Where The Dark Mountain excels over the first book is in its pacing. Katz demonstrates finer control over the narrative, skillfully weaving multiple storylines. Kadmiel’s fascination with the Stars, developing relationship with Ranan, and growing doubts about his Master are all intricately interlaced. He juggles overseeing dwindling recruits, strengthening alliances, and investigating the mysterious poisoning of select army members. Even as they intersect, each storyline is clear and engaging, and the pacing remains consistently strong throughout the novel.

In conclusion, The Dark Mountain propels Yona Katz’s The Rise of Penumbra series into darker and more intricate territory, broadening the universe from the Stars to the tumultuous world of Adama and deepening the narrative established in The Valley of Stars. The characters—Asha, Yusra, Kadmiel, and Ranan—each bring a unique perspective, as does Hosheh, with a thread of humanity connecting them all. Katz has crafted a narrative that promises a fascinating conclusion.

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