Burn the Dark: Malus Domestica #1

Written by S.A. Hunt

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets Stranger Things in award-winning author S. A. Hunt’s Burn the Dark, first in the Malus Domestica horror action-adventure series about a punk YouTuber on a mission to bring down witches, one vid at a time.

Robin is a YouTube celebrity gone-viral with her intensely-realistic witch hunter series. But even her millions of followers don't know the truth: her series isn’t fiction.

Her ultimate goal is to seek revenge against the coven of witches who wronged her mother long ago. Returning home to the rural town of Blackfield, Robin meets friends new and old on her quest for justice. But then, a mysterious threat known as the Red Lord interferes with her plans….

“Brilliant!” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Jan 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781250264268

S.A. Hunt

S. A. HUNT (she/her) is the author of the Malus Domestica horror-action series from Tor Books, which begins with Burn the Dark. In 2014, she won Reddit's /r/Fantasy "Independent Novel of the Year" Stabby Award for her Outlaw King fantasy gunslinger series. She is an Afghanistan veteran (OEF 2010), a coffee enthusiast, a fervent bicyclist, and she currently lives in Petoskey, Michigan.

Reviews for Burn the Dark

[Susan Terendy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm really glad this is the first book in a series because I want more! I absolutely loved the characters, especially Joel, Wayne, Pete, and all the kids. I was reminded of Stranger Things. I forsee the kids saving the town and I am here for it. The main character Robin is a pretty awesome heroine. She kicks ass but isn't perfect and makes quite a few mistakes which just makes her more likable. This was a wild ride and had a few parts that were pretty scary. It was dark while also having some humour. As a cat lady I was a little concerned to see other reviews referencing graphic violence to cats but it turned out not to be an issue for me. In my mind they were spirit cats and not real cats so it wasn't disturbing. If a cat crawls out of someone's throat it isn't a real cat, it is something "other." This is a violent and gory book in general and there is without a doubt plenty to be disturbed about. I found it to be creepy supernatural fun and I can't wait for the sequel!

The narration was excellent. I do have to warn that there is a lot of groaning and deep growling which is disconcerting. I did end up adjusting the volume a few times but it wasn't a big deal.