Kamzin has always dreamed of being an explorer like her mother. She dreams of mapping out the wintry mountains, visiting the distant peaks of the Empire, and spying on the Emperor’s enemies. All she needs is a chance to prove her worth, and she knows she could become a great explorer — perhaps even earn the honor of being named one of the Emperor’s royal explorers — but it is a chance her father and her Sister don’t seem inclined to give her.  

It’s Kamzin’s older sister, Lusha, who is destined to become village elder and is allowed to travel to far-off places and cities with their father. It’s Kamzin’s job to stay home and become the next village shaman — a task she doesn’t seem to possess any skill or patience for.

When the mysterious explorer River Shara arrives in their small village looking for a guide to lead him to Raksha, the tallest and deadliest mountain in the Aryas, so he can retrieve an ancient rare talisman for the Emperor, Lusha is chosen for the task: Lusha, who would rather chart stars. Lusha, who would be better off staying in the safety of the village.

When Lusha takes off in the middle of the night with a rival explorer determined to best River and reach the mountain first, Kamzin knows this could be her only chance to prove she’s as capable as her sister — if not more — for the job. But as Kamzin and River follow after them, Kamzin begins to war within herself. Should she find Lusha before her sister is killed by one of the countless perils and monsters along the path? Or should she beat her sister to the summit?

Heather Fawcett writes a vivid tale detailing the harshness of a mountain bent on destroying Kamzin and her crew, as well as a climb full of skill, danger, and mystery. Kamzin’s world is a land steeped in magic — a dangerous magic — and it’s not just the avalanches and ice chasms that Kamzin should be wary of. 

Even the Darkest Stars features ghosts, shapeshifting witches, fire demons, and a mangy fox sidekick with as much attitude as the main character. (I want one.) All in all, a unique fantasy tale inspired by the Himalayas. The setting itself was pure magic and as breathtaking as the cover.

Rated: Mild. There is no language. Other than a couple of kissing scenes, there is no real sexual content. There are a scenes featuring violence and several references of blood. One scene in particular describes a character’s bone as poking through their skin which could be a bit unsettling for a younger reader.