The Darkling, as you’ve never seen him before.
InDemon in the Wood(out today), Grishaverse fans will learn the villainous Darkling’s origin story.
The Darkling inShadow and Boneis full of disdain for humanity, as he outlives most people around him.
Christina Guerra; Roaring Brook Press
Bardugo wrote the prequel after she finished theShadow and Bonetrilogy in 2014.
“I realized I made this character fairly awful.
As a child, he is vulnerable, a far cry from the powerful figure fans know.
Roaring Brook Press
He is desperate for connection and belonging,” Bardugo says.
Accompanying Eryk on his journey is his mother, Lena, whoShadow and Bonefans know as Baghra.
In this story, she’s focused solely on her child’s survival.
In addition to the Darkling’s younger years,Demon in the Woodwill provide historical context for the Grishaverse.
“It’s not just a question of accompanying illustrations,” says Bardugo.
“We needed an artist who could find these moments of emotion, and she really does.”
Choosing to draw a close-up of a character’s face to let the story breathe.
And there’ll definitely be more source material on Bardugo’s end.
“There are definitely more places to visit.”
