Allyson Black

DarqStarz Rising knows its audience. It has lots of elements to appeal to a younger readership-- thin, bobbleheaded characters, text inserted in "computer screen" and chat form, slang for a familiar sound to the text, full-color art blended in. What it doesn't have is a particularly unique message: be yourself. I have no objection to a book that tells kids that, but this one's not so subtle, and the "Darq" concept blends uneasily with "be yourself, define yourself." I also don't really think the book knocks down any social barriers (maybe the next one, the "to be continued," will); if anything, the snotty crowd is still very much the enemy, and that "anti-them" barrier really gets reinforced. They may not be pleasant, but they're portrayed as shallow, talentless, manipulative, and generally brainless. Not "Darq" material. Is it really right to show that only some people have the potential to define themselves?

Anyway, it's a decent read for kids, who will find the above-listed characteristics engrossing, and it's a little spin on the ususal. Not your typical novel, not manga. And the basic message, without analysis, is still a good one. I will say that the end (no spoilers here) is going to have a child clamboring for the next book, ASAP, so if you're ordering this one, go ahead and get the next.… (meer)