Praise
“The Lustrous Dark is as lush and enchanting as it is raw and haunting. With rich mythology, lovable characters, and exquisite prose, Loretta Chefchaouni’s debut tackles themes of oppression and addiction with unflinching honesty and hope. A fiercely feminist tale about reclaiming one’s power.”
“At turns grim and whimsical, this is a fairytale of our times, filled with grisly dangers, feminist rage, and steadfast female friendship--and a lovely, gentle romance to wrap it all up. A story I will be thinking about for a long time to come.”
“Loretta Chefchaouni’s The Lustrous Dark is a powerful and ethereal fantasy debut based on lesser-known Moroccan folklore. Its beautifully rendered prose seeps into your very bones and stays there long after the last page. This must-read and gorgeous story offers an aching look into the hardships of daughter-mother relationships and the bonds that hold us together and tear us apart in a way that breaks your heart and slowly stitches it back together. Seeped in a unique and wondrous magic system in an often-horrific world ruled by a terrifying patriarchy that is often reminiscent of our own, it’ll leave young feminists ready to rise up and ready to be the heroes of their own stories. Shay is a compelling protagonist who I would follow anywhere.”
“A must-read for anyone who loves luscious, twisty, fairy tale-esque stories, especially the sort that come with a few thorns. Imaginative, adventurous, and elegant, but also not afraid to be bold and unflinching and when it comes to tackling mature elements like addiction and oppression, Loretta Chefchaouni’s The Lustrous Dark is a dazzling debut.”
“Lushly beautiful and wildly original, The Lustrous Dark explores faith, folklore, and feminine rage, brilliantly illuminating facets of girlhood and womanhood from self-sacrificing to monstrous, fearless to fallible. Readers will be rapt following Shay’s journey into deadly forests, heartbreaking betrayals, surprising friendships—and righteous anger. This one’s for the softhearted girls ready to find their fury and reclaim their power.”
“Chefchaouni's prose wraps around the reader like a dream, bringing to life the colours of the medina, the green of the forest, and the bleakness of Ard Al-Ghul. The Lustrous Dark will keep readers wanting more. Layered characters, a nuanced story, and glorious prose. I can't wait to see what Chefchaouni writes next.”
“Full of monsters and magic, the Lustrous Dark is a gripping, feminist scream of a book about the power of resistance, reclaiming power, and hope.”
“A vibrant, fresh, powerful voice in YA fantasy. Chefchaouni’s The Lustrous Dark thrums with revolution and urges readers to join its call.”