A student of medieval history finds her academic knowledge terrifyingly inadequate when she is drawn into a real battle against an encroaching darkness. Gil Patterson, accustomed to the grim realities of the Middle Ages through her studies, begins experiencing vivid dreams of a besieged kingdom facing annihilation. These nightmares become terrifyingly real when a wizard appears, revealing that the forces of evil she witnesses are not mere figments of her imagination but a genuine threat. Tasked with protecting an infant prince by hiding him in her own world, Gil is thrust into a conflict far more dangerous than any historical account could prepare her for.

As the first book in Barbara Hambly's Darwath Trilogy, 'The Time of the Dark' is recognized as a classic of the fantasy genre. Reviewers and readers often highlight the richness of the world-building and the compelling nature of its characters, particularly the protagonist Gil Patterson. The novel is praised for its high stakes and the immersive quality of its narrative, which blends historical scholarship with epic fantasy elements. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport readers into a vividly realized world facing a profound threat.