Book Review: Darkwing

I don't usually lavish praises like what you'll see below, but I wrote this as a positive review. That means I didn't write the paragraph containing what I dislike about it (which is suggested for reviews). Therefore, this book review is a little biased. Don't start thinking that Darkwing is better than Silverwing, because it's not. However, it's still a pretty good book. Oppel's bat series can be compared to Watership Down - in the sense I'd like try being a rabbit or bat for a day or two.

Fiction: Darkwing
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Historical, Animals
Rating: 3.25/5

Darkwing brings to life the hauntingly poignant memories of Kenneth Oppel’s previous works. As the fourth book describing the incredible tales of lifelike bats, it sets itself apart by bringing with it a sense of wonder and imagination equaling its predecessors. It is remarkable how the vivid adventures of the protagonist are not only able to capture the audience’s attention but also able to win over the hearts of minds of the readers. Darkwing is the rare type of novel that can be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of their inclinations.

65 million years ago, Dusk is a newborn bat in a world where only the strongest and fittest survive. Unfortunately, though he is born to a colony sheltered within the boundaries of an almost paradise, he has certain attributes that mark him as the outcast of his society. The fact that he can fly and see in the dark pits him against the conventional characteristics of his bat colony. However, when things begin to change and their perfect haven is not nearly so desirable anymore, Dusk is the only one with the power to save them. He is the only one who can lead his kind a step away from extinction.

Proven over and over again, Kenneth Oppel has the ability to bring to life fantastical characters that are easy to relate to. His refreshing take on a time so different from today is only a fraction of his achievement, for he should also be applauded for keeping the story fast-paced and appealing. Simply put - Darkwing transcends the borders of age and preference and establishes itself as a fiction worth reading and keeping.

- Annie