Darkening Song - by Delphine Seddon (Hardcover)

About the Book

"For fans of DAISY JONES AND THE SIX, EUPHORIA, and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, DARKENING SONG is a gripping and haunting story about a friendship caught in the crossfire of fame and ambition. Eva is just 18 years old and interning at a record label when she discovers 16 year old Alora online. Never has she heard a voice like Alora's and when it's clear there isn't anyone at the label interested in hearing this phenomenal talent, Eva takes matters into her own hands. On a whim, Eva offers Alora representation as her manager without knowing the first thing about artist management or what's about to happen to both of them. And it turns out Eva was right... Alora is swiftly catapulted into the spotlight of major superstardom, and as the two navigate the whirling vortex of fame-the parties, the money, the paparazzi, and power-they form a deep bond, becoming found family for one another. But when Alora's dark and mysterious past begins to infiltrate her present and Eva's ambition and success blind her to the obvious signs that her client and, most importantly, her friend is in trouble, their lives unravel with disastrous consequences. DARKENING SONG is a fiercely feminist story about friendship and betrayal. It's a love story, and a story about growing up in an industry which sometimes disregards the needs of young girls and women in favour of self-interest. But more than anything, it's a story about redemption, and the ways that hopes and dreams can come true in ways we least expect"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

For fans of DAISY JONES AND THE SIX, EUPHORIA, and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, DARKENING SONG is a fiercely feminist debut about two young women; one a recording artist failed by the industry which made her an idol, and the other her ambitious manager, forced to make an impossible choice between friendship and power.

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Eva is just 18 years old and interning at a record label when she discovers 16 year old Alora online. Never has she heard a voice like Alora's and when it's clear there isn't anyone at the label interested in hearing this phenomenal talent, Eva takes matters into her own hands. On a whim, Eva offers Alora representation as her manager without knowing the first thing about artist management or what's about to happen to both of them.

And it turns out Eva was right... Alora is swiftly catapulted into the spotlight of major superstardom, and as the two navigate the whirling vortex of fame--the parties, the money, the paparazzi, and power--they form a deep bond, becoming found family for one another.

But when Alora's dark and mysterious past begins to infiltrate her present and Eva's ambition and success blind her to the obvious signs that her client and, most importantly, her friend is in trouble, their lives unravel with disastrous consequences.

DARKENING SONG is a story about friendship and betrayal. It's a love story, and a story about growing up in an industry which sometimes disregards the needs of young girls and women in favor of self-interest. But more than anything, it's a story about redemption, and the ways that hopes and dreams can come true in ways we least expect.

Review Quotes

"A bewitching, beautiful story of fame, power, and human vulnerability in the modern age. Rarely does a debut novel shatter your heart like this." - Dave Bayley, lead singer of Glass Animals

"Darkening Song is a taut and haunting look at modern stardom. Ferociously written and moving." - Isabel Banta, author of Honey

"A dark, beautiful, razor-sharp and propulsive read. With an insider's perspective on the music industry, this novel unveils its dangerous and at times tantalising toxicity while simultaneously celebrating a love affair with music." - Bexy Cameron, author of Cult Following

"Beautiful, gripping and heartbreaking. I loved this novel." - John Niven, author of Kill Your Friends & O Brother

"Darkening Song is a steely look at the chaos and the decadence of the music industry. I was inspired by the resilience of Seddon's women characters, and the powerful relationships between them. I love that Darkening Song simultaneously holds both a sincere and enduring love for music itself, and the harm the industry can cause." - Rachel Dawson, author of Neon Roses

"A compelling narrative delving into the dark truths of the entertainment industry, while beautifully illustrating the universal intricacies of love, loss, ambition and the pursuit of dreams." - Honor Teideman, Reprezent Radio DJ

About the Author

DELPHINE SEDDON writes feminist, female-driven new adult and adult contemporary fiction. Originally from Staffordshire, England, she now lives by the sea in rural West Wales. For the past 20 years, she has worked in the music industry. DARKENING SONG is her debut novel.

Connect with her on:
Website: delphineseddon.com
TikTok/Instagram: @delphineseddon
Substack: drivingblindlyintothemist.substack.com