Of Light and Nightmares: The Ashes of Magic Trilogy, Volume I (An Urban Fantasy Series)
Adult; Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror; (Market)
When the monsters find you, the nightmare begins.
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Heir to her late parents’ fortune, Emmeline is happy to continue their philanthropic work for the rest of her days. But a rare public appearance sends her crashing into a world of monsters and magic.
Emmeline learns that she’s one of two humans who can see those marked to become a nainthe — guardians between the human world and the violent realm of demon-like monsters, the raizour. The guardians have spent decades searching for her — for without her, they are doomed to extinction, and the monsters will devastate Earth.
As Emmeline hones her newfound abilities, other dark and powerful enemies emerge, stacking the odds against her and the guardians.
And her time is running out—because the monsters have astonishing intelligence and a thirst for blood, and they are ready to execute their chaos.
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 8.75 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The text brims with fantasy, including demon-like creatures, magic, and human protectors—though the introduction of those supernatural elements happens abruptly and without adequate buildup. The narrative is lengthy, but Harper keeps the plot moving quickly and skillfully balances character-driven moments with action.
Prose: Harper writes with ease, crafting natural dialogue and intense battles between the story’s characters and otherworldly beings.
Originality: This is so much more than just an immersive fantasy: Harper treats neurodivergence with sensitivity while bringing it gently to the forefront of many interactions between the characters, making this novel strikingly original.
Character/Execution: The characters are solid and likable, particularly Matthew, who plays a steady, engaging role throughout. Emmeline, initially fearful that she has no deeper purpose in her life, blossoms into her own once her secret powers are discovered, gifting her a tailored way to help humankind
Date Submitted: August 22, 2023
