Dark Eternity

Dark Eternity by Nimueh Virago is a beautifully written but sometimes challenging dark fantasy that weaves together the unique pairing of a butterfly goddess and mothman. The poetic, whimsical prose is undeniably gorgeous, with many quotable passages that showcase the author's talent for poetic description.

The premise is refreshingly original, and the magical elements - particularly the butterfly goddess Sorra and her dynamic with Rowe - offer something new to the fantasy genre.

However, while beautiful, the ethereal writing style can obscure rather than enhances the story. The plot can be difficult to follow, requiring frequent re-reading of passages to understand what's happening.

While the world-building and magical elements are detailed and intriguing, the narrative flow sometimes gets lost in ornate language. This book will likely appeal to readers who prioritise atmospheric, poetic prose over straightforward storytelling.

Those who enjoy untangling complex narratives and don't mind working a bit harder to follow the plot will find a gem here. However, readers who prefer more direct storytelling may struggle to stay engaged.

I recommend this novel for fans of lush, lyrical fantasy who don't mind sacrificing some initial clarity for beautiful prose.