Darkening Song
by Delphine Seddon
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Pub Date Apr 20 2026 | Archive Date Feb 28 2026
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Description
"Beautiful, gripping, heartbreaking." John Niven, author of Kill Your Friends & O Brother
"Rarely does a debut novel shatter your heart like this." Dave Bayley, Glass Animals
"Dark, beautiful and razor-sharp." Bexy Cameron, author of Cult Following
DAISY JONES & THE SIX meets EUPHORIA (HBO) and fiercely feminist, DARKENING SONG follows the story of two young women; a teen star from Manchester failed by the music industry which made her an idol and her ambitious manager, forced to make an impossible choice between friendship and power.
TO BE ADAPTED INTO A MAJOR TV SERIES
Eva is 18 years old and interning at a record label when she discovers 16 year old Alora online. Never before has she heard a voice like Alora's, and when it's clear there isn't anyone at the label interested in hearing this phenomenal talent, Eva takes matters into her own hands and offers to be Alora's manager without knowing the first thing about artist management or what's about to happen to both of them.
It turns out Eva's instincts were right...Alora is catapulted into the spotlight of major superstardom, and as the two young women navigate the whirling vortex of fame - the parties, the paparazzi, the power - they form a close bond.
But when Alora's dark and mysterious past begins to infiltrate her present, and Eva's ambition and success blind her to the obvious signs that her client is in trouble, their lives unravel with disastrous consequences.
DARKENING SONG is a story about friendship and betrayal. It's a love story and a story about trauma. But more than anything, it's a story about hope and about how dreams can come true in ways we least expect.
About the author: Delphine Seddon writes female driven contemporary fiction and poetry. For the past 20 years, she has worked in the music business. DARKENING SONG is her debut novel.
A Note From the Publisher
CONTENT WARNINGS: substance abuse, anxiety, sexual assault and an off-page suicide attempt. DARKENING SONG is classified as an adult book but has crossover appeal to an older YA/new adult reader.
Advance Praise
"A bewitching, beautiful story of fame, power, and human vulnerability in the modern age. Rarely does a debut novel shatter your heart like this." Dave Bayley, Glass Animals
"Darkening Song is a taut and haunting look at modern stardom. Ferociously written and moving." Isabel Banta, author of Honey
"Dark, beautiful, and razor-sharp.” Bexy Cameron, author of Cult Following
"Beautiful, gripping and heartbreaking in places. I loved this novel." John Niven, author of Kill Your Friends & O Brother
"A steely look at the chaos and the decadence of the music industry. " Rachel Dawson, author of Neon Roses
"Beautifully illustrates the universal intricacies of love, loss, ambition and the pursuit of dreams." Honor Teideman, Reprezent Radio DJ
“Absolutely stunning. I tore through this one in only a few sittings, what a beautiful story. Reminiscent of a David Lynch film in the best way possible.” 5 Star Reader Review
“Darkening Song is a mesmerising, unsettling, and surprisingly hopeful exploration of what it means to be seen—and what it costs.” 5 Star Reader Review
“Darkening Song is a haunting, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the last page. The characters are flawed and deeply alive, and their choices echo with meaning. This is the kind of book that invites you to slow down, to feel, and to think. If you’re drawn to moody, introspective fiction with gorgeous writing and emotional depth, Darkening Song is well worth your time.” 5 Star Reader Review
Average rating from 5 members
Featured Reviews
Victoria H, Reviewer
LOVED this (thanks NetGallery for the advance copy!)
The chapters were a really good length so I could pick it up, read a bit, put it down, get on with life, and then dive straight back in without having to re-read three pages to remember what was going on.
I really liked the story being told from two different perspectives. Kept me hooked.
The music industry side of it was so interesting. Was great peeking behind the metaphorical curtain. It didn’t just give the fame and glamour. It showed the pressure, the egos and the cracks in the shiny surface....... not just for the main characters - the people they met along the way had their own darker edges and history. It made it feel much more real.
The ending was good and satisfying. Closed the book feeling happy with how it all landed (tho worried about Eva.......what is SHE going to do now...!?).
Would absolutely read this author again. In fact, I’d quite like the next one immediately please.
Reviewer 1916156
Eva, an intern at a record label, discovers 16-year-old Alora and propels her to fame, changing their lives forever. I wasn’t always into music fiction, but this book had me hooked. I loved the alternating perspectives and the contrast between Eva and Alora’s lives. Despite their similar ages, they faced different struggles. Alora’s journey highlighted the darker side of fame, misogyny, and the exploitation of artists. Even when struggling, the pressure to produce remains, and consent becomes a complex issue.
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