A surge in popularity of the dark and grimdark subgenres has recently saturated the fantasy market with stories bearing an emphasis of injustice, power dynamics and grey characters, sometimes crossing the boundary between a heartfelt analysis of the sociopolitical struggles of our times and the fetishization of violence. In this context, the duology “I discendenti” by Valentina Pinzuti offers an interesting alternative imbued with feminine sensibility, encouraging a sense of community.
The first volume, “Di cenere e ombra”, sees Mis, an orphaned thief, and Liam, an ex-soldier turned illegal boxer, crossing their paths while eluding the attention of a dangerous crime boss. But forming an alliance isn’t easy when coming from opposite social backgrounds: he, heir to the rulers of the country, and she, an ashling persecuted for her magical powers. The relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a corrupted and polarized city, affecting the lives of many other interesting characters and thus exploring a variety of human experiences along the way.
“Sono quello che ti ha trovata svenuta in mezzo a una strada a due isolati dal Lupo. Sei qui perché mi sembrava un’opzione migliore che lasciarti lì così in piena notte.”
“Perché lo avresti fatto?”
“Perché sono una persona decente?”
“Nessuno qui è una persona decente.”
One of the merits of the story is its in-depth psychological analysis, equally strong for female and male characters, heroes and villains, with the representation of realistic emotional conflicts. Set in a finely developed secondary world with an obscure magical system, the plot is permeated by a sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of life’s injustices, the fear of losing moral identity by engaging and taking a stance, and, in general, the collective anxieties that so accurately describe our generation and the dynamics of a late-stage capitalist society. How could we possibly be the best version of ourselves when everything around us is tainted?
Fuori dalle finestre, Eidinn giaceva raggomitolata sotto una notte di plenilunio, indifferente alla sua sorte, troppo presa, come sempre, dalle sue stesse miserie.
Violence, exploitation, racism and the power of the almighty dollar: a rollercoaster through chaos and doom. At times disturbing, the level of injustice shown through the eyes of the different characters has a clear purpose. It awakens strong and contrasting emotions in the reader, disgusting to the point of subversion. Finally, in the second volume of the duology, “Di spiriti e polvere”, a flowery but tasteful prose kindles a spark of hope for the future that is not to be found in nostalgia, but in trasformation: a crack in a pre-established equilibrium, holding space for a new sense of community. The author manages to raise their voice and foster coexistence and inclusion. A message that we believe to be fundamental, now more than ever. It’s up on us to do the rest!
Da che aveva memoria, la paura era stata lì. E sarebbe sempre rimasta parte di lei. Ma sapeva adesso cos’era che poteva lenirla, l’unico modo per poterla tenere a bada: era quel calore che scivolava tra le crepe, le teneva insieme e impediva di spaccarsi.
A few words are worth spent on the genesis of the project: winner of the GeMS national literary contest “IoScrittore”, it was published by TEA in a paperback edition. The book cover, illustrated by renowned Italian artist Paolo Barbieri, further demonstrates the commitment of the publishing house to enter the market with a high profile yet accessible product, encouraging others to once again invest in the fantasy genre after years of disinterest.
In conclusion, “Di Cenere e Ombra” is an engaging read that manages to portray violence and injustice while respecting boundaries and caring deeply for the reader’s experience, thus conveying profound and positive messages.
Title: Di Cenere e Ombra
Author: Valentina Pinzuti
ISBN code: 9788850261802
Publisher: TEA
What you will find in this book:
Morally grey characters
A finely developed secondary world
Feminine sensibility