Adam is a chemistry student and martial artist, active in his local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. But none of that prepares him to be the savior of a faraway land locked in perpetual dusk.
In a world of shape-shifters, necromancy, and religious politics, Adam is fated to slay the golden dragon, Khalivibra, and defeat its mind-controlling sorcery to help Princess Esmeralda of Aergon retake her city. Tradition dictates he’ll rule by her side—but Adam is much more interested in Duin, a warrior who changes to beast form in the light of the sun… or fire.
Adam hopes he and Duin might end up together when their ordeal ends. But first, the reluctant hero, the spell-casting heir to the throne, the beast-shifting object of Adam’s desire, a six-legged cave lizard, and any allies they can gather must do the impossible… and live to celebrate their victory.
Bear with me here. I had trouble writing this review because this story is complicated and intricate and a lot happens, so I was wracking my brain as to how to entice a reader as to what they needed to know to make an informed decision.
First, pretty much all the points go toward the very detailed, rich world building steeped in legend and lore, that never once felt contrived or felt like being lectured at.
This starts off with Adam, a young man living his life in present day Australia, who suddenly finds himself somehow transported to an unknown realm of hostile danger. Adam soon meets up with a princess traveling with her small entourage. She’s on a quest to find a lost mythological weapon needed to slay an evil dragon who’s perpetuated a longstanding curse forcing the world into “twitterlight” - a time where neither the sun nor the moon are present, a constant state that’s not light nor dark.
Here, humanity has been starkly divided. On one side is where the princess is from, whose people were forced underground to avoid the terrible rule of the dragon. The others are “cursed” shapeshifters and banished to live above amongst the uncompromising wild of the surface. Both groups wish to live in harmony but can old prejudices and current cultural roadblocks be overcome in order to defeat a common foe??
For a chance at returning back to Earth, Adam agrees to help the princess find this powerful weapon. Along for the ride is also Duin, a shapeshifter who’s grudgingly brought on board for his knowledge of the aboveground dangers that lurk in every corner.
One can imagine the many trials and fearsome creatures that these characters face, all of which were tense and action filled. In and amongst trying to accomplish the impossible while desperately trying to stay alive, Adam slowly falls for the endearing resourceful Duin.
Overall, I was entertained and impressed with the smart writing. I admit, stories about contemporary reality colliding with fantastical realms in other dimensions aren't typically my thing, but I was continuously pleasantly surprised with the plot and the sweet (with some steam) romance that was delivered here. This ends with a good conclusion but obviously sets up some other threads. I look forward to more stories to come!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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