Books, Boots and Bakeries

Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for City of Darkness and the Underworld Gods series.

Karina Halle’s City of Darkness, the third book in her Underworld Gods series, pulls you deeper into the dark, mesmerizing Finnish underworld, where Hanna’s life is now worlds away from the peaceful existence she once knew. The stark contrast between her present life in Tuonen’s realm and the life she left behind in Finland only intensifies her journey, and this book amplifies the stakes in the most gripping way.

Hanna and Tuonen’s relationship is still such a rollercoaster. There’s a lot of tension between them, and every decision they make feels really important. As Hanna faces danger in the underworld with Tuonen by her side, things get even more complicated. Their connection keeps growing, and it feels so real—especially in those steamy moments that are impossible to ignore.

What makes this series even more fun for me are the little moments that make me realise that Karina Halle and I are around the same age—references to Moana, Teletubbies, Levi’s jeans, Jason Momoa. The coffee references in particular remind me of my many Gilmore Girl re-watches, and keeps this book feeling like a cozy blanket, or even just like one of those comfy house sweaters you can wear without a bra—familiar and comforting, yet still a perfect fit in this dark and intense world. It’s these personal touches that make the story feel even more connected, and I love how Halle’s writing has that relatable vibe.

The world-building continues to captivate, with Halle painting vivid pictures of Finland’s stark beauty and Tuonen’s perilous underworld. I’ll get to Finland one day.

If you haven’t started the Underworld Gods series yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in. City of Darkness ramps up the tension and sets the stage for the series’ explosive conclusion—one that promises to be as thrilling and emotional as ever.