Midtown: The Forsaken Virus of the Black Realm by Isaak Uriarte and Karsten De Bolt is a riveting dark fantasy blended with technothriller elements. The story unfolds in Midtown. Dr. Elias Kade and his Task Force escort are on a mission to Ashenfell, a deserted suburb of Midtown, to retrieve mineral-rich crystals for a clandestine project. When the expedition returns with the crystals to the Task Force Headquarters, a disastrous quake rattles Midtown. In the aftermath of the quake, a monstrous creature emerges. Calling itself The Virus, the creature seeks to conquer Midtown. The Task Force, led by Director Laura Sinclair, a teenage girl, Nikki, who has supernatural abilities, and their allies, stand up to protect Midtown. But will they win against The Virus?

Midtown by Isaak Uriarte and Karsten De Bolt is a rare book that did everything perfectly with a mesmerizing cover, intriguing chapter titles, and characters to both love and hate. The twisty, well-paced, and well-told story kept me turning the pages. I liked how the authors wove jaw-dropping fantasy with a fascinating technothriller. The magical combats were cinematically spectacular and would make a breathtaking film. I also appreciated the touching parent-child bonds and how the story portrayed friendship, devotion, perseverance, and bravery. But what made this story stand out for me was Midtown’s socio-political environment, relatable to modern military conflicts. The open ending left me wishing for more, and I look forward to reading the sequel. This immersive novel will appeal to adult fans of thought-provoking dark fantasy.

Midtown: The Forsaken Virus of the Black Realm by Isaak Uriarte and Karsten De Bolt is an intense, intriguing tale set in a dystopian world ravaged by chaos, corruption, and supernatural forces. Nikki Sinclair has hidden her extraordinary gifts for years, haunted and protected by her mother’s secrets and her father’s mysterious disappearance. When a malevolent force from the Black Realm appears, Nikki discovers her powers may be humanity’s last hope. Dr. Elias Kade is a scientist involved in a dangerous project with interdimensional portals and mysterious crystals, which unleash a malevolent entity known as the Virus. As the virus spreads its influence, transforming soldiers into monstrous beings and threatening to tear reality apart, Nikki, her Task Force mother, and other allies face battles across dark alleyways, secret labs, and ancient temples. Can Nikki embrace her true identity and save her world?

While Nikki and her mom are intriguing and fully drawn characters, I was particularly interested in the clever development of villains like Dr. Elias Kade. The moment you meet him in the story, his descent into darkness and madness creates the tragic dimension that makes this story hard to put down. The Virus itself is a terrifying symbol of upheaval and destruction. The worldbuilding is immersive, blending a post-apocalyptic urban landscape with supernatural realms and advanced technology. Ruined cities, subterranean caves, and interdimensional gateways create a vivid backdrop that enhances the story’s tension and stakes. Isaak Uriarte and Karsten De Bolt's story captivated me because of the danger, secrets, and magic. Midtown will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and memorable characters.