This Dark Paradise

Gr 9 Up–For dark fantasy fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows comes a new romantic heist novel. Glamorist Lucia has five days to steal the source of Estaralla’s magic and finally settle her father’s debts, or her brother’s life is forfeit to the Silverhands gang. Using her magic and a series of clever cons, she gets herself assigned to a wealthy family as a tour guide for their trip to Estaralla—only to discover the magical island doesn’t live up to the stories everyone tells. The magic everyone covets comes with serious consequences that Lucia must grapple with. An insta-love romance with her client’s daughter gets complicated when her romantic past with island local Anthony reignites, creating a fun bisexual love triangle where Lucia is torn between a girl with secrets and the boy who already broke her heart. Luken’s Italian-coded fantasy world is rife with themes about power and secrets and the way they’re wielded for and against people. Heavy introspection makes for some lengthy exposition and slower pacing, but the well-developed characters lead to a satisfying ending. Ultimately, the heist takes a backseat to the mysteries of the island, but lush worldbuilding makes the tried-and-true fantasy elements feel unique, and the love triangle is well resolved.