D. Kathleen McAteer's Daughter of the Dark Sun is a hauntingly evocative tale that delves deep into the realms of pain, obsession, and the inexorable pull of darkness. The novel's blurb sets the stage for a narrative that is both chilling and compelling, promising a journey into the depths of human emotion and the supernatural forces that shape destinies.

At the heart of the story is Apattar, a character whose life is marred by a curse from the Dark Goddess. Her existence is a testament to suffering, as she is trapped in a remote oasis, subjected to the cruel rituals of "purification" by her father and a society steeped in superstition. McAteer crafts Apattar with a deft hand, imbuing her with a complexity that makes her both pitiable and formidable. Her desire to make the world feel her pain is not just a quest for vengeance but a profound exploration of what it means to be unloved and misunderstood. The author skillfully portrays Apattar's transformation from a victim to a force of nature, driven by a singular purpose that is as terrifying as it is understandable.

Therat, the male protagonist, is equally compelling. His backstory is one of tragedy, having witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. This trauma manifests as dark voices in his head, creating a constant struggle between his will to live and his yearning for death. McAteer uses Therat's internal conflict to explore themes of madness and obsession, particularly through his fixation on Apattar. The raven-haired woman, cloaked in the Shadow-weave, becomes an embodiment of his darkest urges, a siren whose song threatens to lead him to ruin. The dynamic between Apattar and Therat is a dance of shadows, a complex interplay of desire and destruction that keeps the reader enthralled.

The novel's thematic exploration is rich and multifaceted. At its core, Daughter of the Dark Sun is a meditation on the nature of curses and the inevitability of fate. Apattar's role as the Maiden of Shadow and the Coming Reckoning positions her as a harbinger of doom, a character who is both feared and revered. McAteer uses this motif to examine the societal constructs of fear and superstition, questioning the ways in which communities respond to the unknown and the misunderstood. The narrative challenges readers to consider the fine line between myth and reality, and the power of belief in shaping destinies.

Moreover, the novel delves into the psychological aspects of its characters with remarkable depth. Apattar and Therat are not merely victims of their circumstances; they are active participants in their own narratives, grappling with their inner demons and the external forces that seek to control them. McAteer's portrayal of their psychological landscapes is both nuanced and empathetic, allowing readers to connect with their struggles on a visceral level.

In terms of literary style, McAteer's prose is both lyrical and haunting, perfectly capturing the eerie atmosphere of the story. Her descriptive prowess brings the remote oasis and its oppressive society to life, immersing readers in a world that is as beautiful as it is terrifying. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, allowing for a gradual build-up of tension that culminates in a climax that is both inevitable and shocking.

Comparatively, Daughter of the Dark Sun shares thematic similarities with works like Anne Rice's The Witching Hour and Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Like Rice, McAteer explores the intersection of the supernatural and the human psyche, while Gaiman's influence can be seen in the novel's exploration of myth and belief. However, McAteer carves out her own niche with a narrative that is distinctly her own, characterized by its focus on the personal and the intimate.

Overall, Daughter of the Dark Sun is a masterful exploration of darkness and redemption, a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. McAteer's ability to weave complex characters and intricate themes into a cohesive narrative is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. For readers who revel in tales of the supernatural, psychological depth, and the eternal struggle between light and dark, this novel is an absolute must-read.

In conclusion, D. Kathleen McAteer has crafted a novel that is both a chilling exploration of the human condition and a poignant commentary on the nature of curses and fate. Daughter of the Dark Sun is a testament to the power of storytelling, a narrative that challenges, captivates, and ultimately, transforms.