The daughter of the night.
Daughter of the night is a novel by the Spanish author specialized in fantasy literature, Laura Gallego. The book presents a reflection on love as a motivating power of practically unlimited scope (for both good and bad). Likewise, the title borders the boundaries of “socially acceptable” behavior in a rural context.
As in most of the works of the Valencian writer, Daughter of the night has a female figure as the protagonist. Which, maintains a theme of vindictive dyes referring to the role of women in society, the importance of instilling ethical values during the growth of a person and respect for natural environments.
About the author
Laura Gallego is one of the most prominent Spanish-speaking authors in the subgenre of fantasy literature during the last two decades. His ability to elaborate universes taken from the imagination has left a significant contribution to Spanish letters.. In addition, he has a style that allows him to tackle any topic head-on, no matter how controversial.
Gallego was born in Cuart de Poblet, a municipality within the Valencian Community, in 1977. She has a degree in Hispanic Philology, a career that he studied with the aim of dedicating himself to teaching literature. Although thanks to his prolific and above all successful work, until now he has not dedicated himself to a profession other than writing.
Fantasy lover
Gallego defines herself as a lover of fantasy. It is the genre that most likes to write and read. No wonder his favorite book is La historia sin fin by Michael Ende. He also declares himself a fan of Tolkien, George RR Martin and Paulo Coelho. His favorite character is Sherlock Holmes.
Despite having been born a few years earlier, she is a “typical Millennial”. Video game lover (final Fantasy y Warcraft top its ranking). She is also said to be very addicted to cinema, (Mulan y The pirates of the caribbean first order). Likewise, Gallego points out among his favorites the comics (manga) Ranma ½, Death Note y Alita, battle angel.
Laura Gallego and fantastic literature today
The last three decades have seen a major upturn in youth literature. Since JK Rowling broke sales standards and records with the universe of Harry Potter, the world's most popular (new) magician, teens and young adults have become avid readers.
Laura Gallego.
If this British writer and others like Stephanie Mayer, Suzanne Collins or John Green have any merit, it is to have brought books closer to the masses of school and university ages. Groups that stopped reading just out of obligation. At the same time, those who were already used to carrying a book under their arms were no longer seen as atypical cases or potential nerds.
Sales vs Quality: the eternal debate
Of course, the discussion now revolves around the quality of this "literature." It is not an exaggeration to affirm that many of these texts possess "dubious" narrative qualities., to say the least. There are even cases where film adaptations were better —The Saga Twilight, for example— which, is saying enough.
Daughter of the night, A teenage paranormal romance?
You can buy the book here: Daughter of the night
With the context described in the preceding paragraphs, most of the Readers whose literary preferences are not obvious towards fantasy or "youthful" stories will feel some distrust. This is a natural question, since Laura Gallego has specialized in fantastic literature for children and young people.
So if a vampire enters the plot, it probably falls under the category of "adolescent paranormal romance." Starred by porcelain bloodsuckers similar to those created by Mayer. Or something even less credible, like the endless saga of Cassandra Clare, Shadowhunters. Fortunately Daughter of the night it is neither one thing nor the other.
Analysis of the daughter of the night
Characters
Buckskin
He is the main character, She is a very beautiful girl whose infatuation transformed her life forever. He shows a lot of courage and consistency in his decisions, especially those related to his love and loyalty to a sick and helpless man.
Max the cop
A local civil servant of calm temper. He is very attracted to Isabelle but prefers to hide his true emotions. During the course of events, he seems a man a bit lacking in initiative, but in the outcome he shows his great worth and, above all, a lot of common sense.
Jerome
He is a young man very concerned about what his friends think of him.That is why he does everything in his power to demonstrate his courage and recklessness. Of course, deep down he is terrified by the mysteries hidden in the most feared house in town.
Mijail
He is Isabelle's deaf-mute "squire." Through her figure, the author plays a little with the possible prejudices of the readers because it presents it a bit sinister at first. But deep down, he is an extremely faithful being, with a noble heart and very selfless.
An original and predictable book at the same time, is it possible?
Phrase by Laura Gallego.
Gallego has the merit of escaping from the typical clichés of this type of narrative. It moves away from the typical tale of the helpless girl preyed upon by a feeling of forbidden attraction towards a being that, although he is not a villain, he is not “a god's bread” either. However, other elements do not change, as the plot moves thanks to the wishes of a scrawny girl not too bright.
Part of the originality of Daughter of the night is at the point chosen by the author to begin narrating the events. When the protagonist (very young) does what she should not and therefore must bear the consequences. Of course, how could it be otherwise: everything was for love. Although - worth clarifying - when he fell in love, his "better half" had no fangs.
Entertaining and nothing more
But a start away from the platitudes was not enough for the story to escape unscathed from a world widely known to the public. In fact, the most careless reader will be able to guess the underlying conflict midway through the book. Although it is not a "teenage romance", there is a love story pitted against the impossible.
In any case, this is not an impediment to maintaining interest in reading until the end. Because It may be predictable, but the frenetic pace created by the author does not leave much room for thought. And beyond some slightly forced plot twists, the integrity of the story remains intact.
A weekend book
Daughter of the night It is a very well written novel, with a clean and fluid style. Along with a dynamic and uncomplicated story of language, emanating emotions in bulk. Thanks to a plot developed in just over 150 pages, adorned with some illustrations. Together, these characteristics make it an ideal text to enjoy in passing.
Therefore, its reading is perfect to escape the routine and stimulate the imagination. Another look at the universe of bloodsucking demons; beings that since Bram Stoker's Dracula have not been able to completely quench their thirst for blood. Daughter of the night It is a masterpiece, but it does not take place in Forks.