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The Darkling was published by Orion (1997), McElderry (1998) and in Danish by Carlsen (1998), under the title Skyggen Masker.
Many years ago Edmund Century was responsible for the death of his beautiful young bride, Eurydice. Perhaps it was murder. Now he is on his deathbed and his chance meeting with 15-year-old Petra, who reminds him of Eurydice, unleashes a whole chain of terrifying supernatural events...
"Petra's attempts to defeat the Darkling/Mr. Century build to a gloriously gothic climax in the burnt-out Temple of Pythagoras at Century Hall. This debut novel is compulsively readable, and although there is an overabundance of plot strands, Petra emerges as a resourceful, determined heroine with a self-deprecating sense of humor that is a welcome counterbalance to the moody, atmospheric setting." (The Horn Book)
"Strong characterizations and a satisfying end help this British first novel, which should appeal to gothic fantasy fans" (Booklist)
"Butler creates a likable heroine and fine, atmospheric prose to draw readers along" (Kirkus Reviews)
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