The Teen Advisory Board on why you need to read Immortal Dark

The Readings Teen Advisory Board were lucky enough to receive early copies of Immortal Dark, the first book in Tigest Girma's new young adult fantasy trilogy, and they have amazing things to say about it!

Immortal Dark is officially launching today, so read the reviews below and grab your copy now.


'Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma is a new and highly-anticipated YA dark academia fantasy novel. The main protagonist, Kidan Adane, grew up far from the arcane society she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. Kidan is convinced that Susenyos Sagad, the vampire bound to her family, kidnapped her sister, June. To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University and survive living with Susenyos.

Kidan navigates her path through a ruthless world of vampires and murder, risking her soul against threats that are centuries old. Girma weaves together an irresistible story of vampires, Ethiopian mythology, mystery, murder, found family and enemies to lovers, making her debut novel perfect for those who loved The Cruel Prince, who prefer a story where the morally-grey villain gets the girl, and who want a mastermind of a heroine.

This novel has a seductive and enchanting writing style that keeps you hooked from the beginning and leaves you never wanting to put the book down. It's changed my entire perspective on romance-fantasy novels as I found myself enraptured with every line and every detail, leaving me wanting book two as soon as possible!'

– Alicia Vu

'If you are looking for a new enemy-to-lovers book to read over the school holidays, Immortal Dark should be at the top of your list! I could hardly put this book down while reading it, each new piece of information and plot twist kept me stuck in place. Plus, they're vampires.'

– Alex Becker

'What is there to say. From the opening of the novel to the very last sentence, nothing occupies your mind other than what will happen next. As a reader of a variety of genres, I’ve never found fantasy, much less vampires, a topic I truly enjoyed. But then, I read this book. Maybe it’s the world building or perhaps the events that occur throughout the text that had me physically reacting – as in having to close the book and go take a walk.

It is extremely evident that Tigest worked on this for years, every concept and event is so well thought out and intricately designed. I mean, how often do you read a book that invents and integrates a new language of its own?

And finally, as a person of colour, reading a text with a cast of completely dark-skinned characters gave me immense pride. For their features to be described so accurately and beautifully was truly amazing.

If it’s not clear yet, do yourself a favour and read it! The world that awaits is one of its own kind.'

Likitha Kujala

'I particularly enjoyed the rich development of the characters in Immortal Dark, both of them as individuals and how they fitted into the society and the fantasy world that Tigest Girma created. The way that she describes Uxlay University makes the reader feel like they are standing in the halls themself. I recommend that everyone reads it!'

– Saskia de Leeuw Kyle


🎟️Immortal Dark is being launched at Readings Emporium on Sept 16. Book here to come along!


 Read review
Cover image for Immortal Dark (Immortal Dark Trilogy, Book 1)

Immortal Dark (Immortal Dark Trilogy, Book 1)

Tigest Girma

In stock at 9 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 9 shops