New Fiction from the author of ‘Special Topics in Calamity Physics’
Marisha Pessl made quite a splash in 2006 with the release of Special Topics on Calamity Physics, a novel of which Publishers Weekly said, ” Pessl’s stunning debut is an elaborate construction modeled after the syllabus of a college literature course—36 chapters are named after everything from Othello to Paradise Lost to The Big Sleep—that culminates with a final exam. ” I’ve read it multiple times, followed by Neverworld Wake and Night Film.
And now we have Darkly about a game-making empire.
Arcadia “Dia” Gannon has been obsessed with Louisiana Veda, the game designer whose obsessive creations and company, Darkly, have gained a cultlike following. Dia is shocked when she’s chosen for a highly-coveted internship, along with six other teenagers from around the world. Why her? Dia has never won anything in her life.
Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. The remaining games are priced like rare works of art, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction.
As Dia and her fellow interns delve into the heart of Darkly, they discover hidden symbols, buried clues, and a web of intrigue. Who are these other teens, and what secrets do they keep? Why were any of them really chosen? The answers lie within the twisted labyrinth of Darkly–a chilling and addictive read by Marisha Pessl.
This summer will be the most twisted Darkly game of all.
From Publishers Weekly
“Fearless and whip-smart Dia, as well as the rest of the intersectionally diverse cast, will have readers cheering them on from page one. Assorted letters, news stories, and other ephemera depicting the events add visual interest throughout.”
–Malcolm R. Campbell
Malcolm R. Campbell is the author of the four-novel Florida Folk Magic Series.
