The Dark Song

After a painful breakup, Emilia retreats to a secluded forest cabin to recover. There she meets Nick, a captivating violinist whose music seems to stir something ancient in the landscape around her. As their connection deepens, Emilia is drawn into a dangerous, dreamlike world shaped by the legend of the Nix — a seductive and deadly water spirit from Scandinavian folklore.

What begins as a search for healing soon becomes a descent into obsession, desire, and something far darker.

With lyrical prose and an atmosphere steeped in nature and Nordic myth, The Dark Song explores the thin line between healing and destruction, love and possession. Rundqvist’s writing is sensual and immersive, conjuring a world where emotional realism meets the supernatural. The result is a slow-burning, psychologically layered novel with strong crossover appeal for readers of gothic romance, folk horror, and literary fantasy.

Stina Rundqvist draws deeply on her Nordic roots to craft a story that feels both timeless and contemporary, intimate and uncanny. Rich in sensuality and myth, The Dark Song explores the fine line between love and danger, healing and haunting.

Original title: Näcken

Published by: Seraf Förlag, September 2024

Reader reviews:

"This is genuinely an unsettling book where Nordic folklore intertwines with murder and twisted love in a modern setting. The language is beautifully written, and the world built within the story is both thrilling and captivating. I really connected with Emilia, who felt so real, and I quickly raced through the story."

"Dark, intense, mysterious, hair-raising, and fascinating, The Dark Song feels innovative and unique despite featuring mythical beings like the Näcken and Sirens. The urban fantasy setting adds a modern, real-world edge that makes the story even scarier. The main characters are layered, complex, and mysterious, and the romance is among the darkest I’ve read."

"The Dark Song is a beautifully written debut where folklore becomes reality in a dark story filled with mythical creatures, violin music, and blood. The plot is spine-chilling, dark, and mysterious, with an atmosphere that immerses the reader completely. Rundqvist’s language is rich, and the characters are deeply layered, making this one of the best books I’ve read this year."

Bibliography:

Näcken, Seraf Förlag (2024)

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