Brighter Than Nine - (Darker by Four) by June CL Tan (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Shadowhunter Chronicles meets Chinese diaspora folklore in this sequel to the #1 Sunday Times bestseller Darker by Four! The Shadowhunter Chronicles meets the Chinese underworld, drawing inspiration from diaspora folklore, in this epic, sweeping contemporary fantasy duology from Jade Fire Gold author June CL Tan.

Rui has her life back together--or so it seems. Hailed as a hero, she's finally on her way to becoming an important member of the Exorcist Guild. But she knows the Hybrid Revenants are still out there, and they're planning something big. Something evil.

Zizi is trapped in the underworld. As his mortal body deteriorates, he realizes he can access the Fourth King's memories, which may be the key to keeping the mortal realm safe. To save the girl he loves, he must defy fate--and escape Hell.

Yiran watches from the shadows, magicless once more. When he discovers a dark family secret that changes everything he thought he knew, his hunger for power tempts him toward a possible betrayal. And he must decide what he truly stands for--before it's too late.

As the consequences of the past wreak havoc on the present, three lives bound by the threads of fate must weave a new destiny for themselves--and the realms.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a spot on the shelves of any library with fantasy-loving teens." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "A darkly exhilarating ride rich with unraveling secrets and intrigue." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "This slick, stylish fantasy offers an exciting narrative, fascinating world-building, and characters that tug on the heartstrings." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "With a brilliant mix of Chinese mythology, action, humor, and slow-burn romance, Darker By Four is a thrilling contemporary fantasy that breathes new life to the fantasy genre. If you're ready for an epic journey into a world where dark secrets unfold and the line between monsters and humanity blurs, Darker By Four awaits you!" -- Aiden Thomas, NY Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys and The Sunbearer Trials

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "A thrilling urban fantasy set in an imaginative realm where the Chinese underworld crashes into a modern city. Darker By Four is an action-packed anime fever dream and I need the sequel now!" -- Judy I. Lin, #1 NYT bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "June CL Tan excels at writing tactile worlds and ensemble casts, and nowhere is this more evident than in Darker by Four. If you ever wanted a book that reads like a comfort anime that also isn't afraid to skewer you with angst and explosive fight sequences, then look no further." -- Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant To Find

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "You'll want to dive headfirst into Tan's world of bloodthirsty revenants and teen exorcists grappling with love, betrayal, and the relentless desire for revenge. With nods to dark fantasy anime and Chinese folklore, Darker By Four is the jaw-dropping start to a stunning new series." -- Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and XOXO

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "I adored this! Darker By Four is a rich and vividly drawn world of revenants, exorcists, death gods and stolen magic. Rui, Zizi, Yiran and Nikai will all be your new favorite characters in this thrilling new fantasy from June CL Tan." -- Vanessa Len, internationally bestselling author of Only a Monster and Never a Hero

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "A complete page-turner of a fantasy! Full of reapers and exorcists, family legacies and life-long grudges, readers will find it hard to decide who to root for. The full cast of beautifully dynamic characters with hidden pasts and dangerous secrets will keep you guessing until the end. Thrilling and Riveting!" -- Kat Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Wicked Fox and Once Upon a K-Prom

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: "Tan expertly weaves together a world of darkly dangerous fantasy with achingly real friendships and a simmering romance in Darker by Four. Those who gravitate toward mythological twists and pulse-pounding action will surely enjoy this jewel of a book." -- Sophie Kim, author of Last of the Talons

PRAISE FOR DARKER BY FOUR: Darker by Four is a fresh and fast-paced fantasy that grabs you by the throat. Both ruthless and tender, this book leads you through a perilous world of death while grounding you in raw emotions--the desire to prove ourselves, protect those we love, and seek our destiny. -- Kylie Lee Baker, author of The Keeper of Night