Knights of the Borrowed Dark 3 Books by Dave Rudden - Ages 9-14 - Paperback Penguin

Knights of the Borrowed Dark is a thrilling trilogy of young adult fantasy novels by Irish author Dave Rudden. The series follows the adventures of an orphan boy named Denizen Hardwick, who discovers a hidden world of magical creatures and becomes embroiled in a battle between the forces of light and darkness. In the first book of the series, Knights of the Borrowed Dark, we meet Denizen, a 12-year-old orphan who has been raised in an institution for children without families. Denizen's life changes forever when a mysterious man named Grey arrives and informs him that he is actually part of an ancient order of knights tasked with protecting the world from monstrous creatures called Tenebrous. Denizen must leave behind the only life he has ever known and join Grey and his fellow knights in their battle against the forces of darkness. The world-building in Knights of the Borrowed Dark is exceptional, with Rudden creating a vivid and detailed universe that is both eerie and fantastical. The Tenebrous are particularly well-crafted, with their grotesque appearance and terrifying powers making them genuinely menacing antagonists. However, it is the characters that truly make this book stand out. Denizen is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist, while Grey is a fascinating and enigmatic figure who keeps readers guessing about his true motives. The Forever Court is the second book in the series and sees Denizen settling into his role as a knight and learning more about the history and mythology of the order. When a new threat emerges in the form of the Forever Court, a group of immortal beings who seek to control the fate of the world, Denizen and his allies must once again put their lives on the line to protect humanity. The Forever Court builds on the foundations laid in the first book, deepening the lore and mythology of the series while also introducing new and exciting elements. The Forever Court itself is a fascinating concept, and Rudden explores the idea of immortality and its potential consequences in an intriguing way. Once again, the characters are the highlight of the book, with Denizen continuing to grow and evolve as a protagonist and Grey revealing more of his complex backstory. In the final book of the series, The Endless King, Denizen and his fellow knights face their greatest challenge yet as they prepare for a final showdown with the Endless King, the leader of the Tenebrous and the ultimate enemy of the order. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, Denizen must confront his own inner demons and make a decision that will determine the fate of all humanity. The Endless King is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, bringing the various threads of the story together in a satisfying and emotionally resonant way. Rudden once again displays his mastery of world-building and character development, with the stakes raised to dizzying heights as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The book is full of thrilling action... ...