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Paths into Darkness and Light: Beacon of Hope, Episode I
Beacon of Episode I
2024 Reader’s Choice 5-star Finalist
2025 Reader's Favorite Illustration Award for Fiction
2025 Reader's Favorite 5-star Review Recipient
Meet Dr Tricia Carling, a brilliant scientist and contented loner who is satisfied immersing herself in her work and taking life one day at a time. That all changes suddenly one day when an accident imbues her with unusual abilities and sets her on a reluctant journey of self-discovery. When the activities of a terrorist organization begin to look like something larger and more sinister, Tricia is forced to not only learn the full extent of her new capabilities but to reassess her role in the world and how far she is willing to go to save humanity itself.
Complete with full color illustrations, this opening installment of the Beacon of Hope series is a compelling and engaging story that features a journey of personal discovery and growth for Tricia, as she strives to understand her newfound powers and abilities, explores how they impact her life and career, and learns to use them in her quest to make a positive difference for humanity while avoiding the darker pitfalls and temptations of suddenly becoming superhuman. Tricia's story encourages us to strive to be the best versions of ourselves and to help others do the same.
This second edition of Paths into Darkness and Light, first published in June 2024, is now followed by Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow, Episode 2 of Beacon of Hope.
Illustrations are in color only on devices that support color display.
2024 Reader’s Choice 5-star Finalist
2025 Reader's Favorite Illustration Award for Fiction
2025 Reader's Favorite 5-star Review Recipient
Meet Dr Tricia Carling, a brilliant scientist and contented loner who is satisfied immersing herself in her work and taking life one day at a time. That all changes suddenly one day when an accident imbues her with unusual abilities and sets her on a reluctant journey of self-discovery. When the activities of a terrorist organization begin to look like something larger and more sinister, Tricia is forced to not only learn the full extent of her new capabilities but to reassess her role in the world and how far she is willing to go to save humanity itself.
Complete with full color illustrations, this opening installment of the Beacon of Hope series is a compelling and engaging story that features a journey of personal discovery and growth for Tricia, as she strives to understand her newfound powers and abilities, explores how they impact her life and career, and learns to use them in her quest to make a positive difference for humanity while avoiding the darker pitfalls and temptations of suddenly becoming superhuman. Tricia's story encourages us to strive to be the best versions of ourselves and to help others do the same.
This second edition of Paths into Darkness and Light, first published in June 2024, is now followed by Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow, Episode 2 of Beacon of Hope.
Illustrations are in color only on devices that support color display.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Jeffrey Hallett
3 books2 followersJEFF HALLETT is originally from upstate New York and has been an enthusiastic follower of the science fiction, superhero, and fantasy genres since early childhood, reading literature and comics, watching shows and movies, and attending conventions whenever possible. After a short time in Wisconsin, Jeff has settled in Northern California where his career has focused on high-technology product development and, more recently, consulting on organizational and team transformation. In his writing and his work, Jeff draws inspiration from the human condition and how we all can help each other embrace our strengths, learn from life’s opportunities, and become the best versions of ourselves. Jeff also enjoys music, do-it-yourself projects, and experiencing outdoors through hiking, diving, and other activities; he considers watching the sun rise from the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and watching humpback whales feed off the coast of Antarctica to be some of his personal defining moments.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 29, 2025
A refreshing take on the superhero origin story that comes from the perspective of a normal person, who has to figure out how to do this on their own.
I loved the main character - her mix of brains, drive, and strength resulted in someone I genuinely wanted to root for, both as a super hero and as a person. She felt very real to me. Extra points for her being a good leader in a STEM field position.
I also enjoyed the different threads interwoven throughout. The main focus is on Tricia figuring out her powers and navigating how her powers will change her life (classic origin story), but I also enjoyed the sub-plot with the bad guys and with the other facets of Tricia’s life. It took a bit for all the threads to get set up, but once they were, it was fun to see how they played out. I flew through the final 150 pages - really looking forward to a next one!
I loved the main character - her mix of brains, drive, and strength resulted in someone I genuinely wanted to root for, both as a super hero and as a person. She felt very real to me. Extra points for her being a good leader in a STEM field position.
I also enjoyed the different threads interwoven throughout. The main focus is on Tricia figuring out her powers and navigating how her powers will change her life (classic origin story), but I also enjoyed the sub-plot with the bad guys and with the other facets of Tricia’s life. It took a bit for all the threads to get set up, but once they were, it was fun to see how they played out. I flew through the final 150 pages - really looking forward to a next one!
June 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Advanced copy recipient. I really enjoyed this one - as someone who isn't a prolific reader of superhero stories, I thought this was a surprisingly well-researched origin story of a scientist who comes away from a lab accident with the classic existential crisis of who they should be with this new-found power. Watching Dr. Tricia Carling grow into her capabilities while surrounded by other bright women was a refreshing story - one I enjoyed enough to continue the series with Episode II.
Advanced copy recipient. I really enjoyed this one - as someone who isn't a prolific reader of superhero stories, I thought this was a surprisingly well-researched origin story of a scientist who comes away from a lab accident with the classic existential crisis of who they should be with this new-found power. Watching Dr. Tricia Carling grow into her capabilities while surrounded by other bright women was a refreshing story - one I enjoyed enough to continue the series with Episode II.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews