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Where Darkness Cannot Follow
She’s the kingdom’s only hope, but can he keep her alive?
Marked by the Bronze Crescent said to corrupt one's soul, eighteen-year-old Ezro Valorian is among the few able to fight the vicious netherbeasts ravaging Paran'dan. But when the family he's suffered to protect betrays him for his treasonous beliefs, Ezro loses everything he's risked his soul for.
Desperate for purpose, he pursues a lost traveler, hoping to rescue her from the dangerous beasts in the desert. However, when he finds her, he learns she's more than a traveler. She's Vaeryn Seraphine, a descendant of their kingdom's slain protector, and she's seeking her family's divine power so she can restore the order of the Luminors and save the kingdom. But to reach this hidden power, Vaeryn must traverse a perilous canyon, and without the Bronze Crescent, she is defenseless against the beasts therein.
Ezro offers his aid, and the two begin the dangerous quest. But is one man enough to face a canyon of monsters?
Marked by the Bronze Crescent said to corrupt one's soul, eighteen-year-old Ezro Valorian is among the few able to fight the vicious netherbeasts ravaging Paran'dan. But when the family he's suffered to protect betrays him for his treasonous beliefs, Ezro loses everything he's risked his soul for.
Desperate for purpose, he pursues a lost traveler, hoping to rescue her from the dangerous beasts in the desert. However, when he finds her, he learns she's more than a traveler. She's Vaeryn Seraphine, a descendant of their kingdom's slain protector, and she's seeking her family's divine power so she can restore the order of the Luminors and save the kingdom. But to reach this hidden power, Vaeryn must traverse a perilous canyon, and without the Bronze Crescent, she is defenseless against the beasts therein.
Ezro offers his aid, and the two begin the dangerous quest. But is one man enough to face a canyon of monsters?
238 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 19, 2025
2.5/3 stars, personally (others would probably enjoy it more than me) ⭐️ Christian Fiction - YA Fantasy (with magic)
About this book:
“She’s the kingdom’s only hope, but can he keep her alive?
Marked by the Bronze Crescent said to corrupt one's soul, eighteen-year-old Ezro Valorian is among the few able to fight the vicious netherbeasts ravaging Paran'dan. But when the family he's suffered to protect betrays him for his treasonous beliefs, Ezro loses everything he's risked his soul for.
Desperate for purpose, he pursues a lost traveler, hoping to rescue her from the dangerous beasts in the desert. However, when he finds her, he learns she's more than a traveler. She's Vaeryn Seraphine, a descendant of their kingdom's slain protector, and she's seeking her family's divine power so she can restore the order of the Luminors and save the kingdom. But to reach this hidden power, Vaeryn must traverse a perilous canyon, and without the Bronze Crescent, she is defenseless against the beasts therein.
Ezro offers his aid, and the two begin the dangerous quest. But is one man enough to face a canyon of monsters?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Luminors” trilogy.
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is possibly referenced (about laying one’s life down for another being the surest sign of love); A quote by St. Francis of Assisi at the beginning; The God-like character of this world is called the “Illuminant”, his people are called the “Faithful”, and his anointed rulers are the “Illuminarchs”; “Raphós” is the spirit of the Illuminant and appears as a bird when Vaeryn or other Luminors need him (but Vaeryn has a couple moments of being upset because she feels like the spirit has forgotten her due to the lack of aid; *Spoiler* ); It’s said that the Illuminant spoke to the hearts of several men and women with strong faiths to find the first Illuminarch; “The Book of Illuminance” is the book of the Illuminant; Prayers to, thanking, & praising the Illuminant; Reading The Book of Illuminance; Talks about the Illuminant, him choosing Illuminarchs, & anointing his people; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to the Illuminant; Vaeryn comes from the line of the last Illuminarch and is on a journey to find the portal to the sacred realm where Illuminarchs are anointed in “the Light of the Luminors”; Vaeryn tells Ezro about a family tradition of telling one’s burdens to a tree and feeling relieved when it looses it’s leaves (which is symbolizing surrendering one’s burdens to the Illuminant); Ezro doesn’t think that the Illuminant will answer his prayer due to the mark on his wrist; *Major Spoilers* ; Mentions of the Illuminant & his will; Mentions of “The Book of Illuminance” & reading it; Mentions of prayers & praying (to the Illuminant); Mentions of “Etherium” (a holy realm) & portals to it and other places; Mentions of the Illuminant’s people (“Luminors”) being anointed by the Illuminarchs; Mentions of those who believe in the Illuminant being hanged for their faith; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Ezro thinks that “all hell” will be upon him and Vaeryn soon during their journey; The current queen is from “the netherworld”, called a “netherwitch”, is known to have a wicked personality, & expects others to worship her like a goddess (going as far as requiring people to honor statues of her in ceremonies); Some believe her to be a former helper of the Illuminant; There is a necromancer (which wears a deer skull) who traps spirits of those he has killed to do his fighting (he also has ghost-like coyotes; up semi-detailed); Normal weapons do not work against the necromancer or his spirits and require either the Illuminant’s light or nethermagic to defeat; Ezro is able to fight against the spirits and kill them, releasing the necromancer’s hold on them; *Spoilers* ; The guards for the queen and country are “marked” with a tattoo that includes a drop of magic from the netherworld so they can use certain weapons and tools to defeat the “netherbeasts” (monsters); Ezro uses the magic of the tattoo to ride a “terraglider” (motorcycle-like vehicle) & infuses he magic into his weapons to fight against the necromancer and his spirits; The tattoos usually make the wearer mean, but Ezro explains it only builds on the darkness inside of someone and increases an impulse to act on it (Ezro fights against the “wicked” thoughts that come from it; Vaeryn remembers a friend being angry with her which he said was because of the mark); Mentions of netherwitches, “witchlords” (which are the strongest rulers of the netherworld), one being trapped by a Luminor in a prison of pure light, & their powers that include physiological and psychological ones (such as reading minds and searching memories); Mentions of the necromancer & how he has trapped spirits of the people he has killed to fight for him (also called ghosts); Mentions of “nethermagic” (dark magic); Mentions of the “netherbeasts” (monsters) & how they are attracted to those who believe in the Illuminant (it’s believed that until all of the Faithful are wiped out, the beasts will continue to come from the netherworld); Mentions of evil & being tempted to do evil to others (in revenge); A couple mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of a threat to send someone to “the Elysium” (implying killing the person).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a form of ‘shut up’, and six forms of ‘stupid’; Other in-world/fictional phrases or curses are said: a ‘noble’, a ‘stars be dimmed’, two ‘graces know’, three forms of ‘how/who/what in the lands’, four ‘stars know’s, five ‘stars’, and eleven ‘graces’; Some eye rolling; Some lies & lying (due to safety concerns and Vaeryn asks Illuminant for forgiveness; Ezro wonders if lying counts when it is to protect someone else and thinks about his mother who lied to protect him years prior); Killing and Fighting (against people, spirits, monsters, & the necromancer), Knocking others out, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (semi-detailed); Seeing killings, fights, someone being stabbed, someone being choked, blood/bleeding, & passing out (semi-detailed); Monster-like beasts are seen on-page & fought, attacked, & killed (up to semi-detailed); Vaeryn recalls seeing the bloody death of a close friend & feels major guilt over his death (semi-detailed); Ezro thinks he is going to die & accept the possibility (due to possibly entering a sacred place with netherworld magic in his blood); Ezro’s grandfather hits & threatens him (barely-above-not-detailed); Ezro has the thought of how easy it would be to inflict pain back on his grandfather for all the beatings and treating him like a slave, but doesn’t do it because he knows he would be arrested for it; Many mentions of monsters & the monsters killing and attacking people; Mentions of deaths, bodies, & grief (including Ezro for his mother & Vaeryn for a close friend which she feels guilt over); Mentions of the possibility of deaths (including suicide, drowning, and hangings) & dying; Mentions of executions (hangings) & arrests (of those who believe in the Illuminant); Mentions of slaves & masters; Mentions of thieves/bandits & stealing (including Vaeryn stealing something from her father); Mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, poison, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & taverns; Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of tattoos; A few mentions of a man being crippled from a wolf attack; A few mentions of hunting; A mention of a wife who ran away from her husband;
*Note: Ezro’s father and grandfather mistreat and abuse him (such as Ezro thinking that his father doesn’t want him and talks to him as if he’s “a waste of space”, Ezro wanting to stick weapons through them instead of making the weapons, Ezro feeling like a slave and not a family member, his grandfather throwing stuff at him, & Ezro recalls his grandfathers beatings that left scars (all up to semi-detailed); Mentions of Ezro’s grandfather’s hateful words and violent outbursts); Ezro has negative thoughts about himself and being worthless to others; Vaeryn recalls snapping at her mother (because she didn’t like what her mother was saying) & feels guilt over it.
Sexual Content- A border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Flutters, & Nearness (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Ezro and Vaeryn almost share a room at an inn (which Ezro thinks he will be sleeping on the floor), but get a second room instead; Ezro has to loosen Vaeryn’s clothes when she’s ill, but she wakes up to do it herself; Mentions of a controlling and unhealthy relationship; Mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; Very light love, possibly falling in love, & the emotions.
-Ezro, age 18
-Vaeryn
1st person P.O.V. switches between them (Epilogue in another’s)
252 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
This book was a bit of a wild card for me. All I really knew about it going in was that it was Christian YA Fantasy, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Personally, I ended up liking some parts and not enjoying other parts.
For the beginning part of the book, I was pretty confused different details, like the setting and what time period this book was supposed to be set in. At times it felt historical or medieval because of the guards and blacksmith mentions, but the mentions of a “terraglider”—which uses the magic of the world to work—confused me. I think there could have been a hundred more pages to build and explain the world more. It took me a while to get into this book because of this, but I kept reading to see if I would enjoy it more. Eventually I hit my stride and was able to just go along with the plot.
While I liked some of the faith content elements, I did find it odd that their “The Book of Illuminance” would have their past rulers’ pictures in it. That was needed for the plot, of course, because of Vaeryn but actual Bibles don’t have that, so some of the faith content wasn’t a perfect match to actual Christianity and other parts were more of a representation of Christianity—though Jesus or a version of His name is never said. I think I would have preferred one or the other rather than I mix of the two, but that’s a personal preference.
I wasn’t sure about the romance part of this story because I can’t say I connected with the main characters for the first half of the book, but by the end, I liked how it was going and Ezro’s sweetness towards Vaeryn.
I don’t really have any major content notes to share for this book, but there is definitely the theme of Light vs Dark, Good vs Evil throughout the story and world. I’m leery about anything that has to do with witches or necromancers, so I was very hesitant about continuing this book once those entered into the plot. It’s definitely shown as evil, which I appreciated, but also didn’t love reading about. You could almost say there was a spiritual warfare element to the book because of that.
Overall, this book was very different than I thought it would be, but I did like the ending and what all happened. There’s also not a big cliffhanger either, so that was a nice surprise since this is book one in a trilogy. I think this book may have been a miss for me, but other readers who are more adventurous in their fantasy reading or like spiritual warfare elements would probably enjoy it much more.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“She’s the kingdom’s only hope, but can he keep her alive?
Marked by the Bronze Crescent said to corrupt one's soul, eighteen-year-old Ezro Valorian is among the few able to fight the vicious netherbeasts ravaging Paran'dan. But when the family he's suffered to protect betrays him for his treasonous beliefs, Ezro loses everything he's risked his soul for.
Desperate for purpose, he pursues a lost traveler, hoping to rescue her from the dangerous beasts in the desert. However, when he finds her, he learns she's more than a traveler. She's Vaeryn Seraphine, a descendant of their kingdom's slain protector, and she's seeking her family's divine power so she can restore the order of the Luminors and save the kingdom. But to reach this hidden power, Vaeryn must traverse a perilous canyon, and without the Bronze Crescent, she is defenseless against the beasts therein.
Ezro offers his aid, and the two begin the dangerous quest. But is one man enough to face a canyon of monsters?”
Series: Book #1 in “The Luminors” trilogy.
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is possibly referenced (about laying one’s life down for another being the surest sign of love); A quote by St. Francis of Assisi at the beginning; The God-like character of this world is called the “Illuminant”, his people are called the “Faithful”, and his anointed rulers are the “Illuminarchs”; “Raphós” is the spirit of the Illuminant and appears as a bird when Vaeryn or other Luminors need him (but Vaeryn has a couple moments of being upset because she feels like the spirit has forgotten her due to the lack of aid; *Spoiler* ); It’s said that the Illuminant spoke to the hearts of several men and women with strong faiths to find the first Illuminarch; “The Book of Illuminance” is the book of the Illuminant; Prayers to, thanking, & praising the Illuminant; Reading The Book of Illuminance; Talks about the Illuminant, him choosing Illuminarchs, & anointing his people; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to the Illuminant; Vaeryn comes from the line of the last Illuminarch and is on a journey to find the portal to the sacred realm where Illuminarchs are anointed in “the Light of the Luminors”; Vaeryn tells Ezro about a family tradition of telling one’s burdens to a tree and feeling relieved when it looses it’s leaves (which is symbolizing surrendering one’s burdens to the Illuminant); Ezro doesn’t think that the Illuminant will answer his prayer due to the mark on his wrist; *Major Spoilers* ; Mentions of the Illuminant & his will; Mentions of “The Book of Illuminance” & reading it; Mentions of prayers & praying (to the Illuminant); Mentions of “Etherium” (a holy realm) & portals to it and other places; Mentions of the Illuminant’s people (“Luminors”) being anointed by the Illuminarchs; Mentions of those who believe in the Illuminant being hanged for their faith; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Ezro thinks that “all hell” will be upon him and Vaeryn soon during their journey; The current queen is from “the netherworld”, called a “netherwitch”, is known to have a wicked personality, & expects others to worship her like a goddess (going as far as requiring people to honor statues of her in ceremonies); Some believe her to be a former helper of the Illuminant; There is a necromancer (which wears a deer skull) who traps spirits of those he has killed to do his fighting (he also has ghost-like coyotes; up semi-detailed); Normal weapons do not work against the necromancer or his spirits and require either the Illuminant’s light or nethermagic to defeat; Ezro is able to fight against the spirits and kill them, releasing the necromancer’s hold on them; *Spoilers* ; The guards for the queen and country are “marked” with a tattoo that includes a drop of magic from the netherworld so they can use certain weapons and tools to defeat the “netherbeasts” (monsters); Ezro uses the magic of the tattoo to ride a “terraglider” (motorcycle-like vehicle) & infuses he magic into his weapons to fight against the necromancer and his spirits; The tattoos usually make the wearer mean, but Ezro explains it only builds on the darkness inside of someone and increases an impulse to act on it (Ezro fights against the “wicked” thoughts that come from it; Vaeryn remembers a friend being angry with her which he said was because of the mark); Mentions of netherwitches, “witchlords” (which are the strongest rulers of the netherworld), one being trapped by a Luminor in a prison of pure light, & their powers that include physiological and psychological ones (such as reading minds and searching memories); Mentions of the necromancer & how he has trapped spirits of the people he has killed to fight for him (also called ghosts); Mentions of “nethermagic” (dark magic); Mentions of the “netherbeasts” (monsters) & how they are attracted to those who believe in the Illuminant (it’s believed that until all of the Faithful are wiped out, the beasts will continue to come from the netherworld); Mentions of evil & being tempted to do evil to others (in revenge); A couple mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of a threat to send someone to “the Elysium” (implying killing the person).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a form of ‘shut up’, and six forms of ‘stupid’; Other in-world/fictional phrases or curses are said: a ‘noble’, a ‘stars be dimmed’, two ‘graces know’, three forms of ‘how/who/what in the lands’, four ‘stars know’s, five ‘stars’, and eleven ‘graces’; Some eye rolling; Some lies & lying (due to safety concerns and Vaeryn asks Illuminant for forgiveness; Ezro wonders if lying counts when it is to protect someone else and thinks about his mother who lied to protect him years prior); Killing and Fighting (against people, spirits, monsters, & the necromancer), Knocking others out, Pain, Injuries, Blood/Bleeding, & Passing out (semi-detailed); Seeing killings, fights, someone being stabbed, someone being choked, blood/bleeding, & passing out (semi-detailed); Monster-like beasts are seen on-page & fought, attacked, & killed (up to semi-detailed); Vaeryn recalls seeing the bloody death of a close friend & feels major guilt over his death (semi-detailed); Ezro thinks he is going to die & accept the possibility (due to possibly entering a sacred place with netherworld magic in his blood); Ezro’s grandfather hits & threatens him (barely-above-not-detailed); Ezro has the thought of how easy it would be to inflict pain back on his grandfather for all the beatings and treating him like a slave, but doesn’t do it because he knows he would be arrested for it; Many mentions of monsters & the monsters killing and attacking people; Mentions of deaths, bodies, & grief (including Ezro for his mother & Vaeryn for a close friend which she feels guilt over); Mentions of the possibility of deaths (including suicide, drowning, and hangings) & dying; Mentions of executions (hangings) & arrests (of those who believe in the Illuminant); Mentions of slaves & masters; Mentions of thieves/bandits & stealing (including Vaeryn stealing something from her father); Mentions of injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, poison, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & taverns; Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of tattoos; A few mentions of a man being crippled from a wolf attack; A few mentions of hunting; A mention of a wife who ran away from her husband;
*Note: Ezro’s father and grandfather mistreat and abuse him (such as Ezro thinking that his father doesn’t want him and talks to him as if he’s “a waste of space”, Ezro wanting to stick weapons through them instead of making the weapons, Ezro feeling like a slave and not a family member, his grandfather throwing stuff at him, & Ezro recalls his grandfathers beatings that left scars (all up to semi-detailed); Mentions of Ezro’s grandfather’s hateful words and violent outbursts); Ezro has negative thoughts about himself and being worthless to others; Vaeryn recalls snapping at her mother (because she didn’t like what her mother was saying) & feels guilt over it.
Sexual Content- A border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss; Remembering a kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Flutters, & Nearness (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring (barely-above-not-detailed); Ezro and Vaeryn almost share a room at an inn (which Ezro thinks he will be sleeping on the floor), but get a second room instead; Ezro has to loosen Vaeryn’s clothes when she’s ill, but she wakes up to do it herself; Mentions of a controlling and unhealthy relationship; Mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; Very light love, possibly falling in love, & the emotions.
-Ezro, age 18
-Vaeryn
1st person P.O.V. switches between them (Epilogue in another’s)
252 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
This book was a bit of a wild card for me. All I really knew about it going in was that it was Christian YA Fantasy, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Personally, I ended up liking some parts and not enjoying other parts.
For the beginning part of the book, I was pretty confused different details, like the setting and what time period this book was supposed to be set in. At times it felt historical or medieval because of the guards and blacksmith mentions, but the mentions of a “terraglider”—which uses the magic of the world to work—confused me. I think there could have been a hundred more pages to build and explain the world more. It took me a while to get into this book because of this, but I kept reading to see if I would enjoy it more. Eventually I hit my stride and was able to just go along with the plot.
While I liked some of the faith content elements, I did find it odd that their “The Book of Illuminance” would have their past rulers’ pictures in it. That was needed for the plot, of course, because of Vaeryn but actual Bibles don’t have that, so some of the faith content wasn’t a perfect match to actual Christianity and other parts were more of a representation of Christianity—though Jesus or a version of His name is never said. I think I would have preferred one or the other rather than I mix of the two, but that’s a personal preference.
I wasn’t sure about the romance part of this story because I can’t say I connected with the main characters for the first half of the book, but by the end, I liked how it was going and Ezro’s sweetness towards Vaeryn.
I don’t really have any major content notes to share for this book, but there is definitely the theme of Light vs Dark, Good vs Evil throughout the story and world. I’m leery about anything that has to do with witches or necromancers, so I was very hesitant about continuing this book once those entered into the plot. It’s definitely shown as evil, which I appreciated, but also didn’t love reading about. You could almost say there was a spiritual warfare element to the book because of that.
Overall, this book was very different than I thought it would be, but I did like the ending and what all happened. There’s also not a big cliffhanger either, so that was a nice surprise since this is book one in a trilogy. I think this book may have been a miss for me, but other readers who are more adventurous in their fantasy reading or like spiritual warfare elements would probably enjoy it much more.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
March 16, 2025
5 stars!!!! OH MY GOSH I’m probably being dramatic starting off the review like that but I loved this book soooo much! I read this book in one day and would’ve read it in one sitting if I hadn’t started it on the plane because when the flight landed, I had to stop reading even though I didn’t want to.
This is easily one of the best Christian YA Fantasies I’ve ever read. The faith elements in this story were so good!!! I’m not going to spoil it but there’s a scene at the end that were one of the main characters is praying to the God figure in the story, the Illuminant, one of the best fantasy scenes I’ve ever read. I also love how the characters prayed together.
But more than that, I absolutely loved the characters . Especially Ezro, he is one of the nicest, kindest, most caring and protective in the right way guys I have ever read about in a book. He is genuinely such a great human. I loved seeing someone that had had such a difficult past, but didn’t let that corrupt them. And yet still struggled through those times. He still struggled with the fact his family had betrayed him and being afraid that he was weak, but it hadn’t turned him into a bitter person. He was still genuine and noble. And his desire to help the good cause And his faith through everything he had been through is just incredible.
And Vaeryn, I loved her too. I loved her backstory and how that was added into the story and the past friend she had had and her working through that and Ezro helping her with that. It’s one of those things for me that has to be done right, a character working through a failed friendship, kind of thing and this was done so perfectly.
And the romance…..oh my gosh…… I love them so much!!!
The internal conflicts how that was resolved the guard and heir dynamic were both incredible. I loved how the pacing was like. We got so many heartfelt moments, but yet the action of fighting their way through the canyon and getting injured. It was the perfect balance.
The fight scenes in this book were really good. I often get confused during fight scenes, but these were descriptive enough that I knew where the characters were and I appreciated that they didn’t come out unscathed most of the time.
I also just loved the setting the world building the fantasy world, but this book was set in. It felt so developed and yet not overly complicated.
And that plot twist at the end was awesome. I don’t necessarily think I would say it was shocking but I really liked it.
And I am so so so excited for the next book!
OK, I will stop rambling now, but please go read this book !!!!
This is easily one of the best Christian YA Fantasies I’ve ever read. The faith elements in this story were so good!!! I’m not going to spoil it but there’s a scene at the end that were one of the main characters is praying to the God figure in the story, the Illuminant, one of the best fantasy scenes I’ve ever read. I also love how the characters prayed together.
But more than that, I absolutely loved the characters . Especially Ezro, he is one of the nicest, kindest, most caring and protective in the right way guys I have ever read about in a book. He is genuinely such a great human. I loved seeing someone that had had such a difficult past, but didn’t let that corrupt them. And yet still struggled through those times. He still struggled with the fact his family had betrayed him and being afraid that he was weak, but it hadn’t turned him into a bitter person. He was still genuine and noble. And his desire to help the good cause And his faith through everything he had been through is just incredible.
And Vaeryn, I loved her too. I loved her backstory and how that was added into the story and the past friend she had had and her working through that and Ezro helping her with that. It’s one of those things for me that has to be done right, a character working through a failed friendship, kind of thing and this was done so perfectly.
And the romance…..oh my gosh…… I love them so much!!!
The internal conflicts how that was resolved the guard and heir dynamic were both incredible. I loved how the pacing was like. We got so many heartfelt moments, but yet the action of fighting their way through the canyon and getting injured. It was the perfect balance.
The fight scenes in this book were really good. I often get confused during fight scenes, but these were descriptive enough that I knew where the characters were and I appreciated that they didn’t come out unscathed most of the time.
I also just loved the setting the world building the fantasy world, but this book was set in. It felt so developed and yet not overly complicated.
And that plot twist at the end was awesome. I don’t necessarily think I would say it was shocking but I really liked it.
And I am so so so excited for the next book!
OK, I will stop rambling now, but please go read this book !!!!
August 23, 2024
Wow! Just wow! This book was spectacular!
Ezro Valorian, a young man no one has ever seen anything in except for a means to an end is forced to take on the Bronze Crescent the mark that is supposed to corrupt one’s soul. But this same mark makes one able to fight the nether beasts that crawl the world at night ever since the Illuminarch’s fell a century before. He is determined to resist the evil no matter the cost but he has no hope until a young woman comes into the smithy one day.
Vaeryn Saraphine, one of the last descendants of the Illuminarchs after a century of darkness travels through the desert to find the canyon that holds the place all Luminors before her have travelled to the source of all light. But she has no way to defend herself from the netherbeasts that roam the darkness. Out of supplies she risks venturing into a city where she sees a young man who bears the Crescent and yet still bears the light.
Afterwards when Ezro finds Vaeryn he offers his aid to help her find the Light and drive away the darkness. But is faith enough? What can one man do against a kingdom of darkness?
************************
This book is simply wonderful. When I finished reading it I spent a bit just staring into space in the after effects of such a novel. This story paints such a beautiful picture that I cannot attempt to properly review. But I’ll try anyhow.
First of all and I know it’s just the surface but I absolutely LOVE the cover art and design within the entire book. If you want to judge a book by it’s cover then feel free to do so with this book! Ahem. Getting to the actual story…
The world and setting were wonderful. An arid landscape overrun by beasts and lurking with bandits. Just the setting for a fantasy adventure.
The characters were spot on. Ezro was splendid. His character was so real and relatable (and seeing his character art definitely didn’t hurt). Vaeryn was very well written as well. The other characters all played their part perfectly even if if was a wretched part to play indeed. The villainous blackness that a heart can sink to is such a sad and real thing as well as the effects that such people have on others. It drives home the power of words. They tell someone their worth. It only takes one person to tear someone down but it can also take one person to encourage someone and see their worth to prompt them on to greater things.
The biggest thing I took from this novel (aside from falling for the wonderful characters (or rather one character specifically. I absolutely love Ezro) No matter the depth of darkness it cannot extinguish the light. Every one of us must choose to be the light. Each of us can be the one to Illumine the ever darkening world around us. If only we go to the Source of all light and say, “Use me.”
~Content~
Language: none
Romance: forced proximity. One brief kiss.
Other: there’s fighting with bandits. Also there’s a necromancer, netherbeasts, and evil queen who are terrorizing the world that come from the underworld.
Ezro Valorian, a young man no one has ever seen anything in except for a means to an end is forced to take on the Bronze Crescent the mark that is supposed to corrupt one’s soul. But this same mark makes one able to fight the nether beasts that crawl the world at night ever since the Illuminarch’s fell a century before. He is determined to resist the evil no matter the cost but he has no hope until a young woman comes into the smithy one day.
Vaeryn Saraphine, one of the last descendants of the Illuminarchs after a century of darkness travels through the desert to find the canyon that holds the place all Luminors before her have travelled to the source of all light. But she has no way to defend herself from the netherbeasts that roam the darkness. Out of supplies she risks venturing into a city where she sees a young man who bears the Crescent and yet still bears the light.
Afterwards when Ezro finds Vaeryn he offers his aid to help her find the Light and drive away the darkness. But is faith enough? What can one man do against a kingdom of darkness?
************************
This book is simply wonderful. When I finished reading it I spent a bit just staring into space in the after effects of such a novel. This story paints such a beautiful picture that I cannot attempt to properly review. But I’ll try anyhow.
First of all and I know it’s just the surface but I absolutely LOVE the cover art and design within the entire book. If you want to judge a book by it’s cover then feel free to do so with this book! Ahem. Getting to the actual story…
The world and setting were wonderful. An arid landscape overrun by beasts and lurking with bandits. Just the setting for a fantasy adventure.
The characters were spot on. Ezro was splendid. His character was so real and relatable (and seeing his character art definitely didn’t hurt). Vaeryn was very well written as well. The other characters all played their part perfectly even if if was a wretched part to play indeed. The villainous blackness that a heart can sink to is such a sad and real thing as well as the effects that such people have on others. It drives home the power of words. They tell someone their worth. It only takes one person to tear someone down but it can also take one person to encourage someone and see their worth to prompt them on to greater things.
The biggest thing I took from this novel (aside from falling for the wonderful characters (or rather one character specifically. I absolutely love Ezro) No matter the depth of darkness it cannot extinguish the light. Every one of us must choose to be the light. Each of us can be the one to Illumine the ever darkening world around us. If only we go to the Source of all light and say, “Use me.”
~Content~
Language: none
Romance: forced proximity. One brief kiss.
Other: there’s fighting with bandits. Also there’s a necromancer, netherbeasts, and evil queen who are terrorizing the world that come from the underworld.
December 31, 2024
4.5 stars
I stumbled across A.M. Daylin's Instagram right before this book was released, and u was super intrigued but reluctant to pick it up due to the magic. A friend read the book and let me know that there was no spell casting and the magic was on the level of LotR and when Daylin ran a free ebook sale I snagged a copy to try...and I'm happy I did!
Characters:
First, I loved that it was mostly told from Ezro's POV! Guy POVs are my favorite. I'm a major tomboy, so often I relate more to the male characters.😂 The girls are usually too dramatic for me.
Ezro was the sweetest, and I loved him! His selflessness despite all that he'd been through, his trust in the Light no matter how dark it got...wow! I loved his whole arc! I almost cried, y'all!
Vaeryn was actually pretty relatable in her own ways. Her ambitions to take on the task she did were admirable. Her faith was more like my own...lol were no ...there but wavering at times, though, she constantly tried to sure it up.
Themes:
It doesn't matter where you came from or who you are... God can use you! Trusting God is harder than it seems but supremely rewarding! Everything works out according to his perfect plan.
Beautiful themes!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Slow and sweet, it was beautiful!
Magic:
There is magic, but no spell casting. The magic is mainly a Nethermark, which gives the Bronze Guard the ability to kill Netherbeast.
There's also mentions of Netherbeings such as Witchqueens and Witchlords... and a Necromancer, but they don't do any one page spell casting. The Necromancer imprison (from what I understand) the souls of creatures and people and uses them to fight for him...? I believe was the context to that. But none of it weirded me out too much.
Violence/Gore:
Fight scenes, mostly between netherbeast and the MCs, and they were awesome! I was so there for it! (Though if you've read my book Emberling, you'd know I love me some cool fantasy creatures)
There was also a fight between some bandits... but all handled well. Nothing overtly gory or violent.
Overall:
This was a really cool book with a twist ending, and I need book 2 like yesterday! I'm definitely interested enough to want to read Daylin's other series as well! The writing was beautiful, the pacing was nice, and the characters were just awesome!
Recommend for age 14+
I stumbled across A.M. Daylin's Instagram right before this book was released, and u was super intrigued but reluctant to pick it up due to the magic. A friend read the book and let me know that there was no spell casting and the magic was on the level of LotR and when Daylin ran a free ebook sale I snagged a copy to try...and I'm happy I did!
Characters:
First, I loved that it was mostly told from Ezro's POV! Guy POVs are my favorite. I'm a major tomboy, so often I relate more to the male characters.😂 The girls are usually too dramatic for me.
Ezro was the sweetest, and I loved him! His selflessness despite all that he'd been through, his trust in the Light no matter how dark it got...wow! I loved his whole arc! I almost cried, y'all!
Vaeryn was actually pretty relatable in her own ways. Her ambitions to take on the task she did were admirable. Her faith was more like my own...lol were no ...there but wavering at times, though, she constantly tried to sure it up.
Themes:
It doesn't matter where you came from or who you are... God can use you! Trusting God is harder than it seems but supremely rewarding! Everything works out according to his perfect plan.
Beautiful themes!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Slow and sweet, it was beautiful!
Magic:
There is magic, but no spell casting. The magic is mainly a Nethermark, which gives the Bronze Guard the ability to kill Netherbeast.
There's also mentions of Netherbeings such as Witchqueens and Witchlords... and a Necromancer, but they don't do any one page spell casting. The Necromancer imprison (from what I understand) the souls of creatures and people and uses them to fight for him...? I believe was the context to that. But none of it weirded me out too much.
Violence/Gore:
Fight scenes, mostly between netherbeast and the MCs, and they were awesome! I was so there for it! (Though if you've read my book Emberling, you'd know I love me some cool fantasy creatures)
There was also a fight between some bandits... but all handled well. Nothing overtly gory or violent.
Overall:
This was a really cool book with a twist ending, and I need book 2 like yesterday! I'm definitely interested enough to want to read Daylin's other series as well! The writing was beautiful, the pacing was nice, and the characters were just awesome!
Recommend for age 14+
June 21, 2024
Endorsement for Where Darkness Cannot Follow!
A. M. Daylin has created a heart-stopping story perfect for readers who want action without gore, angst without despair, and Christian themes without saccharine overtones. Effortlessly combining vivid world building, powerful themes, and complex characters who’ll grab your heart from page one, Where Darkness Cannot Follow delivers a message straight to readers’ hearts about their own worth and the power of being transformed by the Light. This is a story that has never failed to bring me to tears, and is guaranteed to be enjoyed over and over in the years to come!
*I received an advance review copy from the author, but am leaving this honest review under no obligation and of my own free will.*
A. M. Daylin has created a heart-stopping story perfect for readers who want action without gore, angst without despair, and Christian themes without saccharine overtones. Effortlessly combining vivid world building, powerful themes, and complex characters who’ll grab your heart from page one, Where Darkness Cannot Follow delivers a message straight to readers’ hearts about their own worth and the power of being transformed by the Light. This is a story that has never failed to bring me to tears, and is guaranteed to be enjoyed over and over in the years to come!
*I received an advance review copy from the author, but am leaving this honest review under no obligation and of my own free will.*
March 25, 2025
Loved, loved, loved! I’m a little bummed out because I know the author is focusing on her other series first (which I’m also ecstatic about). So, it may be awhile until the next book of this trilogy comes out.
Character building is so good. Relationship building was perfect! Action packed and described so well! I couldn’t put the book down. I definitely pushed back a lot of errands these past two days 🤣
Theological ideas throughout the entire book. So many good faith reminders subtlety dropped here and there.
I am a Daylin fan through and through!!
Character building is so good. Relationship building was perfect! Action packed and described so well! I couldn’t put the book down. I definitely pushed back a lot of errands these past two days 🤣
Theological ideas throughout the entire book. So many good faith reminders subtlety dropped here and there.
I am a Daylin fan through and through!!
April 20, 2025
OH. MY. WORD. Ezro is amazing. I love him <3 Oh my word. And Vaeryn is both feminine, and strong, and amazing. Oh goodness. It's such a simple but beautiful story. I loved many lines <3 Full review to come soon!
Mkay. This was one of the first books I read in 2025. And it is already one of my favorite reads of 2025. It was short, but the plot pulls no punches. It will leave you black and blue and glad of it XD
On the surface, the plot is fairly simple: get Vaeryn through a valley of monsters alive so she can become to the next Illuminarch. Simple, right?
Haha, no. Not at all. But it was the ENDING, guys, that threw me a plot twist that was Andrew Peterson level and I loved it so much. I didn't see it coming, but I should've, but it was unexpected, but it was so good lol.
I loved Vaeryn and Ezro together <3 Okay? Vaeryn is a very strong female character, but she's not annoying. Not at all. She is also feminine, and she knows when she's met her match, and she won't fight against that in pigheaded stubbornness lol. She's willing to take on the duty that her brother shirked and her father couldn't fulfill.
And Ezro?
Oh. Ezro.
He has literally been through so stinking much. And then, after all of that- And then he steps up and helps Vaeryn. He chooses to try and protect her. He has every right to turn bitter, but he is the furthest thing from it. Not that he doesn't struggle with his past- No, he does. But it is his past, his painful past, that makes him PERFECT for what he has to do with Vaeryn. Which is one of the themes of this book, btw.
And then, the way he shows Vaeryn that the way she was treated before isn't love. He knows it isn't, and he just gently but firmly tells her so. I just loved that argh-
So yeah, it was such a good read. There were so many quotable lines. I loved the themes. I really enjoyed Amber's vivid writing style that sucked me from the first page, literally. I'm scared for these characters. And this is one of my favorite reads of 2025.
Mkay. This was one of the first books I read in 2025. And it is already one of my favorite reads of 2025. It was short, but the plot pulls no punches. It will leave you black and blue and glad of it XD
On the surface, the plot is fairly simple: get Vaeryn through a valley of monsters alive so she can become to the next Illuminarch. Simple, right?
Haha, no. Not at all. But it was the ENDING, guys, that threw me a plot twist that was Andrew Peterson level and I loved it so much. I didn't see it coming, but I should've, but it was unexpected, but it was so good lol.
I loved Vaeryn and Ezro together <3 Okay? Vaeryn is a very strong female character, but she's not annoying. Not at all. She is also feminine, and she knows when she's met her match, and she won't fight against that in pigheaded stubbornness lol. She's willing to take on the duty that her brother shirked and her father couldn't fulfill.
And Ezro?
Oh. Ezro.
He has literally been through so stinking much. And then, after all of that- And then he steps up and helps Vaeryn. He chooses to try and protect her. He has every right to turn bitter, but he is the furthest thing from it. Not that he doesn't struggle with his past- No, he does. But it is his past, his painful past, that makes him PERFECT for what he has to do with Vaeryn. Which is one of the themes of this book, btw.
And then, the way he shows Vaeryn that the way she was treated before isn't love. He knows it isn't, and he just gently but firmly tells her so. I just loved that argh-
So yeah, it was such a good read. There were so many quotable lines. I loved the themes. I really enjoyed Amber's vivid writing style that sucked me from the first page, literally. I'm scared for these characters. And this is one of my favorite reads of 2025.
June 21, 2024
This book! My goodness I got lost in its world and didn’t want to leave!
The two MCs are perhaps one of my top favorites I’ve read in books. The way they struggled with being seen by others, discerning love versus control, and with the Light’s will was beautifully written! And the way other characters show what happens when the darkness gains too much of a foothold was written unlike any other book I’ve picked up. And without giving spoilers, I was relieved to find a book that portrays healing from trauma & grief with honesty but grace.
As for the setting; the magic, monster filled canyon, and cities throughout the desert were just as intriguing as the characters. And the legends tied to certain places and monsters were interesting to figure out along the way.
I will definitely be reading this book again and can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelves! Thank you to the author for a digital ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
The two MCs are perhaps one of my top favorites I’ve read in books. The way they struggled with being seen by others, discerning love versus control, and with the Light’s will was beautifully written! And the way other characters show what happens when the darkness gains too much of a foothold was written unlike any other book I’ve picked up. And without giving spoilers, I was relieved to find a book that portrays healing from trauma & grief with honesty but grace.
As for the setting; the magic, monster filled canyon, and cities throughout the desert were just as intriguing as the characters. And the legends tied to certain places and monsters were interesting to figure out along the way.
I will definitely be reading this book again and can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelves! Thank you to the author for a digital ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
June 4, 2024
A story of healing and discovering true identity, this is a spectacular debut by A. M. Daylin! Each page was so immersive and engaging, I felt like I could smell the desert air.
This is no walk-in-park cozy fantasy. This story deals with some heavy themes, an evil spirit world, and contrasts darkness and light, similar to what you might encounter in Lord of the Rings, but in a desert/canyon setting!
It is perfect for readers looking for hearty substance in their fantasy books and who are ready for a fast-paced epic adventure!
This is no walk-in-park cozy fantasy. This story deals with some heavy themes, an evil spirit world, and contrasts darkness and light, similar to what you might encounter in Lord of the Rings, but in a desert/canyon setting!
It is perfect for readers looking for hearty substance in their fantasy books and who are ready for a fast-paced epic adventure!
May 31, 2024
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a beautiful story of hope amidst desperate trials. A.M. Daylin has created very real characters that are easy to love and resonate with.
The prose is lovely; it flows well and she uses unique figures of speech that pain vivid word pictures.
If you are looking for a YA fantasy that teaches lessons about real life, this book is for you!
The prose is lovely; it flows well and she uses unique figures of speech that pain vivid word pictures.
If you are looking for a YA fantasy that teaches lessons about real life, this book is for you!
August 3, 2025
Such as great Christian fantasy! It took me a bit to get into it, but that is just how it goes with fantasies (for me). But then I couldn’t get enough! That plot twist?! I didn’t see it coming at all. Can’t wait for more!
June 1, 2024
I was expecting this book to be good, but it honestly exceeded all my expectations!
It takes place in a world where believers in the Illuminant are persecuted and netherbeasts roam the wilderness. It is in this world that we met Ezro, an insecure young man with a shady family and a traumatic history. Yet, within him lies a great strength to withstand the evil around him. Soon, Ezro meets Vaeryn, a girl from the northern realms with a sacred quest to bring goodness back to their world. Ezro joins Vaeryn on her quest, and together they venture into the netherbeast-infested canyons.
This book is full of perilous encounters with dark monsters that cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. Daylin doesn’t shy away from portraying the darkness of her world, while never losing the unwavering power of the light.
It also explores deeper themes that reflect Daylin’s Christian faith. She avoids the preachy writing that at times plagues Christian fiction, but skillfully weaves her faith into the fabric of her story.
Ezro and Vaeryn are both beautifully realised characters, written with complexity and heart. And there’s a sweet, clean romance that develops between them, too.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a YA book, suitable for a younger audience. But it’s also perfect for lovers of fantasy where light ultimately prevails over darkness.
It takes place in a world where believers in the Illuminant are persecuted and netherbeasts roam the wilderness. It is in this world that we met Ezro, an insecure young man with a shady family and a traumatic history. Yet, within him lies a great strength to withstand the evil around him. Soon, Ezro meets Vaeryn, a girl from the northern realms with a sacred quest to bring goodness back to their world. Ezro joins Vaeryn on her quest, and together they venture into the netherbeast-infested canyons.
This book is full of perilous encounters with dark monsters that cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. Daylin doesn’t shy away from portraying the darkness of her world, while never losing the unwavering power of the light.
It also explores deeper themes that reflect Daylin’s Christian faith. She avoids the preachy writing that at times plagues Christian fiction, but skillfully weaves her faith into the fabric of her story.
Ezro and Vaeryn are both beautifully realised characters, written with complexity and heart. And there’s a sweet, clean romance that develops between them, too.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a YA book, suitable for a younger audience. But it’s also perfect for lovers of fantasy where light ultimately prevails over darkness.
June 2, 2024
Pulse-pounding and emotionally resonant, Where Darkness Cannot Follow seized my attention from the first page and held it captive throughout. The allure of a character-driven narrative is undeniable, and A.M. Daylin masterfully doubles the impact with two exquisitely realized point-of-view characters. Ezro and Vaeryn are a dynamic pair—each moment of their inner conflict, their forged alliance in the treacherous Canyon, and their desperate battles against netherbeasts and other lethal entities, is crafted with precision and depth. Every thread of the narrative gripped me like I was thick in the tension with the characters.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a rich tapestry of raw emotion and harrowing adventure, pulsating with the lifeblood of its protagonists. The anticipation for the next chapter in Ezro and Vaeryn’s journey is at its peak—I want more of their story!
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a rich tapestry of raw emotion and harrowing adventure, pulsating with the lifeblood of its protagonists. The anticipation for the next chapter in Ezro and Vaeryn’s journey is at its peak—I want more of their story!
May 31, 2024
"If helping people is weakness, I don't want to know what strength is."
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is nothing short of an amazing adventure through a fantasy desert landscape. It is a beautiful story full of hope, redemption, self-worth, forgiveness, and healing.
I was whisked away and invested in this story from page one. I felt like I was walking beside Vaeryn and fighting scary monsters in the canyon with Ezro.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a must-read for those who love YA fantasy adventure stories with lots of heart, unique world-building, and lovable, deep characters.
This story hit me in all the feels in the best possible ways. I felt seen and identified with many of the main characters' struggles. WDCF is a page turner, and I am ready to read more stories from this caynon world.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is nothing short of an amazing adventure through a fantasy desert landscape. It is a beautiful story full of hope, redemption, self-worth, forgiveness, and healing.
I was whisked away and invested in this story from page one. I felt like I was walking beside Vaeryn and fighting scary monsters in the canyon with Ezro.
Where Darkness Cannot Follow is a must-read for those who love YA fantasy adventure stories with lots of heart, unique world-building, and lovable, deep characters.
This story hit me in all the feels in the best possible ways. I felt seen and identified with many of the main characters' struggles. WDCF is a page turner, and I am ready to read more stories from this caynon world.
May 31, 2024
This book... LOVED IT! Chilling, touching, thrilling, and with characters simply attaching (no, but actually. The plot was great but I would have read it even if it were only for the characters 😂). The themes are powerful and the character arcs beautiful. 100% would recommend WDCF, as well as any future book this author might release!
August 20, 2025
Okay this book was INCREDIBLY cool!! Honestly, it wasn't like anything I'd ever read before. A fantasy story set mostly in the desert, with the heir to the throne and her emotional support blacksmith/guard going to reclaim the throne from the evil magic usurper? Also there were what I can only call flying motorcycles.
The main two characters were amazing. I loved seeing their relationship grow, and the ways they challenged each other! Spoke identity over the other so that they could begin to heal from devastating wounds! Also there was a scene where he carried her to safety! They're so sweet and I love them, and the way they're really one of those couples that are perfectly suited in ways that guide them to healing! Very Percabeth of them.
Also I loved Raphos. He was super cool.
All in all, amazing book! A. M. Daylin truly NEVER fails to delight!
The main two characters were amazing. I loved seeing their relationship grow, and the ways they challenged each other! Spoke identity over the other so that they could begin to heal from devastating wounds! Also there was a scene where he carried her to safety! They're so sweet and I love them, and the way they're really one of those couples that are perfectly suited in ways that guide them to healing! Very Percabeth of them.
Also I loved Raphos. He was super cool.
All in all, amazing book! A. M. Daylin truly NEVER fails to delight!
August 20, 2024
A.M. Daylin has created a beautiful story, full of poetic imagery and messages that made me pause and really let them sink in. I couldn't read through this book quickly, as the writing is very rich and challenged my simple brain (haha), but I appreciated the forced slow-down. I loved the development of the characters, appreciated the pace at which their relationship unfolds, and was taken by surprise by the plot-twist at the end. I look forward to the continuation of this series, along with the author's other upcoming books!
August 5, 2024
This story was just the right blend of character driven fantasy adventure for me! I absolutely loved seeing Ezro and Vaeryn interact, growing closer to one another as they both slowly healed and encouraged one another in their search for the light. 🥺 Hints of the gospel layered into the plot and the characters’ arcs were also well done, and felt like such a natural part of the story. I’d recommend it to readers who love hurt-comfort, sweet selfless heroes, and hope found in the darkness.
August 14, 2025
This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE. The world building is absolutely INSANE, and I ADORED Ezro and Vaeryn, they were so great!!! I'm not sure I can express just how much I adored their development and just. The themes in this book in general. Absolutely INCREDIBLE. Also, that twist at the end? Did NOT see it coming, but BOY did I like it!!!!!!!!!!!
July 28, 2025
Enjoyed this read so much! cannot wait to share it with my teenagers. you cannot help but love these characters. cannot wait for the story to continue. AM Daylin's writing style is emotional and wonderfully paced. the ending had my feeling all the feels!
August 2, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness. All I'm gonna say is that Amber has so much talent. I devoured this book. It's fast paced, with lovable and relatable characters who, by the end, I would do anything for both of the MCs. Where Darkness Cannot Follow is an emotional journey of redemption and forgiving yourself. The ending had me gasping, crying and kicking my feet in excitement. It was an absolutely perfect last set of chapters that I really didn't see coming. I loved the storyline and characters and am now eagerly awaiting the next book! If you haven't added Where Darkness Cannot Follow to your TBR already.... You NEED to!!!
May 29, 2025
Another fantastic read by A.M. Daylin! This is a really impressive debut novel. I loved the setting and the magic system, but most of all the struggle between darkness and life and the characters fighting for what’s good. Ezro and Vaeryn were both very likable characters and I adored their dynamic together! I can’t wait to read the next one whenever it releases!
August 20, 2024
“Where the Light goes, the darkness cannot follow.” — Vaeryn, in “Where Darkness Cannot Follow”
"Where Darkness Cannot Follow" is a beautiful, emotional tapestry tightly woven with overcoming hardships and the pain that comes with it, perseverance, and a refreshing storyline filled with Christian themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Vaeryn and Ezro were incredibly relatable and likeable characters and were very well written.
The storyline flowed perfectly and the book was written amazingly well, it was so easy to get sucked in like I was actually experiencing everything alongside the characters. And the plot twist was completely unexpected but so perfect for the story and the characters. I CANNOT wait for book two!
"Where Darkness Cannot Follow" is a beautiful, emotional tapestry tightly woven with overcoming hardships and the pain that comes with it, perseverance, and a refreshing storyline filled with Christian themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Vaeryn and Ezro were incredibly relatable and likeable characters and were very well written.
The storyline flowed perfectly and the book was written amazingly well, it was so easy to get sucked in like I was actually experiencing everything alongside the characters. And the plot twist was completely unexpected but so perfect for the story and the characters. I CANNOT wait for book two!
Read
June 1, 2025This book came to me just at the right time. I really like how Vaeryn is portrayed, but Ezro is my favourite. Looking forward to the next one, whenever that may be. I plan to come back and edit this into a fuller review so hopefully I remember to do that. I'll give a rating when I've dead the rest of the trilogy but if they are like this one I'm thinking it will become a favourite.
July 8, 2025
A marvelous book…marvelous story…I really enjoyed this! The two points of view worked well, and I loved to see the development of the characters. A wonderful theme of God is woven throughout and makes it a delightful read. Looking forward to the next in the series!
My daughter participated in the author’s kickstarter and received the book…she gave it to me to read.
My daughter participated in the author’s kickstarter and received the book…she gave it to me to read.
June 18, 2025
Immersive storytelling and characters! The pacing was pretty good, the character backstories were compelling, and the canyon setting in general was cool to read. The fight scenes were well-written, I was rooting for the romance (the chemistry felt so natural), and I mostly understood the world-building, though I felt it got slightly trickier to follow by the end. Very unique world and plot!
I'm excited to see the next installment of the Luminors!
I'm excited to see the next installment of the Luminors!
September 9, 2025
Full review to come soon. But I will say now that this was a 6 out of 5 stars read for me, and easily my favorite book of 2025.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed Daylin's writing. She has unique perspectives and a way of describing things in a fresh way.
The main character, Ezro is well-rounded. He has a compelling backstory, loveable personality, and interesting character development. The plot has a decent drive. There are sci-fi elements, unique fantasy creatures, opposing religious systems, an evil queen, and so much family trauma. I mean...so much. It might make you feel better about your own family.
I wish there had been more backstory for Vaeryn. I didn't feel that there was a lot of information about her, but this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's still time to get to know her. There's not much about why there's a religious war in the country. Again, I'm hoping we'll learn more in the subsequent books.
This is labeled Christian Fantasy, but I disagree with this label. There is a religious system that is vital to the plot, but it is not explicitly Christian. Jesus is never mentioned. There is no reference to Christ. Even though this is the author's choice of label, I think anyone of any faith background or none at all would enjoy this story.
This was an interesting story with good characters, interesting world-building, and a compelling storyline. However, I wouldn't label this a Christian Fantasy.
The main character, Ezro is well-rounded. He has a compelling backstory, loveable personality, and interesting character development. The plot has a decent drive. There are sci-fi elements, unique fantasy creatures, opposing religious systems, an evil queen, and so much family trauma. I mean...so much. It might make you feel better about your own family.
I wish there had been more backstory for Vaeryn. I didn't feel that there was a lot of information about her, but this is the first book in a trilogy, so there's still time to get to know her. There's not much about why there's a religious war in the country. Again, I'm hoping we'll learn more in the subsequent books.
This is labeled Christian Fantasy, but I disagree with this label. There is a religious system that is vital to the plot, but it is not explicitly Christian. Jesus is never mentioned. There is no reference to Christ. Even though this is the author's choice of label, I think anyone of any faith background or none at all would enjoy this story.
This was an interesting story with good characters, interesting world-building, and a compelling storyline. However, I wouldn't label this a Christian Fantasy.
July 19, 2024
This is a new favourite.
I absolutely fell hopelessly in love with the MMC. The struggles were relatable and real, the characters had depth and the themes were touching and give cause for some thinking time.
If you like a tortured hero with a very strong conscience and a lack of self esteem, a feisty heroine who will learn to take help when she needs it, some epic fights, the chosen one trope flipped on its head, beautiful scenery, and moving moments of pain and despair and clinging to hope. This is it. Go and read this. You won't regret it.
Oh, and a touch of very sweet, slow burn, romance and humour. :) can't forget that.
Content warnings:
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence (also mention of domestic and emotional abuse), no gore
Sexual content: yes, kissing. No spice or steam or bedroom scenes.
* received a free copy from the author. This does not influence my rating or review.
I absolutely fell hopelessly in love with the MMC. The struggles were relatable and real, the characters had depth and the themes were touching and give cause for some thinking time.
If you like a tortured hero with a very strong conscience and a lack of self esteem, a feisty heroine who will learn to take help when she needs it, some epic fights, the chosen one trope flipped on its head, beautiful scenery, and moving moments of pain and despair and clinging to hope. This is it. Go and read this. You won't regret it.
Oh, and a touch of very sweet, slow burn, romance and humour. :) can't forget that.
Content warnings:
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: mild violence (also mention of domestic and emotional abuse), no gore
Sexual content: yes, kissing. No spice or steam or bedroom scenes.
* received a free copy from the author. This does not influence my rating or review.
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