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Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Orphans is the first book in The Saturni series by A.V. Parks, a dark fantasy set in a world where ancient spirits and supernatural beings influence human affairs in profound and often terrifying ways. The story follows Nina Lamb, a teenage girl with amnesia enrolled at the mysterious Daedalus School after surviving a catastrophic flood in New Orleans. As Nina struggles to fit into her new environment, she uncovers a web of secrets involving Skin Eaters—humans possessed by powerful spirits called Saturni—and learns that she may have extraordinary, even magical, abilities. She also begins to suspect that her presence at the school is no coincidence, especially when she starts experiencing telepathic connections and visions linked to a prophecy foretelling chaos and change. As she delves deeper into the school's secrets, Nina is caught between forces seeking to control her emerging powers, which might hold the key to salvation or destruction. The choices she makes can make or break the fabric of society.
I expect good fantasy to be imaginative, and the world-building to be exceptionally stunning, and A.V. Parks delivers just that. The setting is a dark, gothic version of New Orleans, with its historic architecture, shadowy corridors, and secretive, overgrown gardens. The school blends the old and the mysterious—an ancient mansion turned into a fortress of esoteric knowledge and forbidden practices. I loved the characterization, particularly the enigmatic Professor Danvers, who seems to hide a sorrowful past and possesses telepathic abilities, standing out as a standout character for me. Alastaire is a witty and gender-fluid Skin Eater who provides insight into their culture, and the sinister Sister Aquilina is a character from the past connected to a dark prophecy. I enjoyed how the author writes about the nature of power, the conflict between materialism and spirituality, and magic. Orphans is a conflict-driven urban fantasy with unforgettable characters, exquisite writing, and impeccable worldbuilding.
