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The Empyrean Key
Paris is under attack.
Mysterious strikes around the city keep leaving landmarks destroyed, and no one is quite sure why or by whom, though a shape shifter may be involved.
But when Kale, a clueless tourist, inadvertently gets marked by an otherworldly crystal at one of the ruins, a secret, magical society steps in to try to save him, including an enigmatic light nymph Lily.
Mysterious strikes around the city keep leaving landmarks destroyed, and no one is quite sure why or by whom, though a shape shifter may be involved.
But when Kale, a clueless tourist, inadvertently gets marked by an otherworldly crystal at one of the ruins, a secret, magical society steps in to try to save him, including an enigmatic light nymph Lily.
268 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
A.M. Colwell
7 books20 followersAylia Monique (A. M.) Colwell is a French American writer. Her greatest passions in life are storytelling, animals, and traveling. In addition to novels, she writes - and illustrates - a web comic series called "Reasons My Friends Hate Me." She is working as an actor in Atlanta with her husband, the dogs they adopted, and the cats who adopted them.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 14, 2026
Honestly, I don't even know where to start with this one.
I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to apply for the ARC, but unfortunately, I don't think this book was really for me.
The beginning was quite confusing, and by the time I finally understood what was happening, we were already rushing through the plot. Before I knew it, we were at the end, and I was left feeling like I hadn't really gotten much out of the story.
That's pretty much all I got from this book, unfortunately.
That said, just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it won't be for someone else. So, if the premise catches your attention, definitely give it a try... you might enjoy it more than I did!
I thought the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to apply for the ARC, but unfortunately, I don't think this book was really for me.
The beginning was quite confusing, and by the time I finally understood what was happening, we were already rushing through the plot. Before I knew it, we were at the end, and I was left feeling like I hadn't really gotten much out of the story.
That's pretty much all I got from this book, unfortunately.
That said, just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it won't be for someone else. So, if the premise catches your attention, definitely give it a try... you might enjoy it more than I did!
October 25, 2026
The Empyrean Key by A.M. Colwell is a compelling story with great world building.
Kale takes leave from his college studies in the U.S. to attend school in Cambridge, England to get over a breakup with his girlfriend. While spending a few days on tour in Paris, he witnesses a chaotic explosion in the city. When he goes back to take pictures to post on social media and gain his ex-girlfriend’s sympathy, a sharp crystal injects itself into his body and sweeps under his skin, halting close to his heart. Doctors realize they can't risk surgically removing the glowing crystal or Kale could die.
L (Lily) struggles emotionally after having lost her sister Natalie. L is part of a secret group The White Mask Society comprises of Cleaners, Hunters, Guardians, and Trackers who coexist with humans across the world. Derived from a nymph mother, L saves Kale when the crystal inserts itself in the young man’s chest. L is suspended after checking out a cemetery site where she finds Kale, and she spends the rest of the book trying to learn about the mysterious explosions and the relationship of the strange crystal implanted in Kale. When the Divine Children capture Kale and use him as the key to reclaim their missing life, L risks everything to save Kale and close the portal to a dark world. She even discovers she has nymph powers she wasn’t aware of.
A. M. Colwell has an impressive ability to define her world building in this story. The settings are described well and easy to imagine. The narrative and dialogue flows so smoothly it’s amazing how each chapter draws you in deeper. I liked the relaxed banter between Kale and L; first friends and then maybe something more by the story’s end. All of the main characters are interesting, each one with different personalities. I like how Kale and L have to work through their own personal issues in the midst of their new-found conundrum. The pacing is good. One confusing part of the story is the portal and keeping track of so many different characters' names and groups: Deviants, Metamorphs, Haunts, Shapeshifters and also how the Metamorphs actually pretend to be L’s coworkers. I don’t read many fantasy books, so maybe others won’t notice it.
I felt the intense urgency throughout each action-packed chapter. This is a well-written story that will interest any reader, not just fantasy or sci-fi fans. I haven’t read Colwell’s other books, but this was a great starter into another intriguing author’s works.
Kale takes leave from his college studies in the U.S. to attend school in Cambridge, England to get over a breakup with his girlfriend. While spending a few days on tour in Paris, he witnesses a chaotic explosion in the city. When he goes back to take pictures to post on social media and gain his ex-girlfriend’s sympathy, a sharp crystal injects itself into his body and sweeps under his skin, halting close to his heart. Doctors realize they can't risk surgically removing the glowing crystal or Kale could die.
L (Lily) struggles emotionally after having lost her sister Natalie. L is part of a secret group The White Mask Society comprises of Cleaners, Hunters, Guardians, and Trackers who coexist with humans across the world. Derived from a nymph mother, L saves Kale when the crystal inserts itself in the young man’s chest. L is suspended after checking out a cemetery site where she finds Kale, and she spends the rest of the book trying to learn about the mysterious explosions and the relationship of the strange crystal implanted in Kale. When the Divine Children capture Kale and use him as the key to reclaim their missing life, L risks everything to save Kale and close the portal to a dark world. She even discovers she has nymph powers she wasn’t aware of.
A. M. Colwell has an impressive ability to define her world building in this story. The settings are described well and easy to imagine. The narrative and dialogue flows so smoothly it’s amazing how each chapter draws you in deeper. I liked the relaxed banter between Kale and L; first friends and then maybe something more by the story’s end. All of the main characters are interesting, each one with different personalities. I like how Kale and L have to work through their own personal issues in the midst of their new-found conundrum. The pacing is good. One confusing part of the story is the portal and keeping track of so many different characters' names and groups: Deviants, Metamorphs, Haunts, Shapeshifters and also how the Metamorphs actually pretend to be L’s coworkers. I don’t read many fantasy books, so maybe others won’t notice it.
I felt the intense urgency throughout each action-packed chapter. This is a well-written story that will interest any reader, not just fantasy or sci-fi fans. I haven’t read Colwell’s other books, but this was a great starter into another intriguing author’s works.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book, and was very excited to find another thrilling installment in the universe that brought us The White Mask Society and The Guardians.
While not a direct continuation, this parallel novel, set in magnificent Paris, more than holds its own alongside the others. Kale, an unsuspecting human, finds himself embroiled in the world of Deviants, nymphs, shapeshifters, and the terrifying Haunts. Through all the twists and turns, the mythology of this world becomes richer, along the way telling a gripping story of survival, grief, and healing.
If you're a fan of the aforementioned series, you'll love this book. And if you haven't read them yet, this can serve as a strong entry point.
While not a direct continuation, this parallel novel, set in magnificent Paris, more than holds its own alongside the others. Kale, an unsuspecting human, finds himself embroiled in the world of Deviants, nymphs, shapeshifters, and the terrifying Haunts. Through all the twists and turns, the mythology of this world becomes richer, along the way telling a gripping story of survival, grief, and healing.
If you're a fan of the aforementioned series, you'll love this book. And if you haven't read them yet, this can serve as a strong entry point.
Review of advance copy received from Author
NO SPOILER REVIEW: A.M. Colwell's Empyrean Key is a great parallel novel that expands the universe of The White Mask Society by taking us to the French WMS headquarters in Paris. The novel explores another corner of the same world, revealing how much larger the WMS network truly is and how their Guardians operate differently. Colwell's imaginative world-building, engaging characters, and steady pacing make the story compelling on its own, the ties to the broader universe reward readers who are already familiar with the series including some characters we’ve already met or heard of. Empyrean Key is enjoyable read for both the OG fans of AM Colwell’s work (like me) and readers looking for a fresh fantasy adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
American Kale, recently dumped and enjoying a retaliatory trip to Paris, stumbles onto the supernatural and is rescued by a professional Tracker called L. I haven't read Colwell's other novels set in this universe, but it wasn't a problem. The supernatural beings and powers are standard fare for urban fantasy, however, the story excels at giving a living and breathing image of the Parisian setting. The main characters have chemistry and the romance isn't overdone. It's refreshing to have antagonists that generally make intelligent decisions. The mysteries feel solved by them and the conflicts resolved by them rather than just being witnesses to events. Colwell's prose is comfortable, and the worldbuilding is handled with skill. Third person, past tense, without noticeable typos.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a lovely blend of science fiction and fantasy. A new breed of Deviants shows a bit more of the darker side of this magical world, and it was fun to have some legitimately scary beings in addition to the shape shifters and nymphs.
I loved the main characters. I didn’t want to love Kale at first but he really grew on me. I also love seeing MCs who win through intellect rather than brute strength. Light on romance but with the promise of more possibly, but this was a light and breezy read, well written, and generally a lot of fun.
I loved the main characters. I didn’t want to love Kale at first but he really grew on me. I also love seeing MCs who win through intellect rather than brute strength. Light on romance but with the promise of more possibly, but this was a light and breezy read, well written, and generally a lot of fun.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This new installment in the world of the White Mask Society melds sci fi much more alongside the fantasy than the others, bringing in fun ideas of wormholes and quantum entanglement. I don’t know, this book just worked for me. It was fun, the characters were fun, it was largely just a good time. Shorter than the rest, the stakes were high, the action was fast-paced, and the resolution was satisfying, while still leaving it open ended enough to continue if the author decides to.
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026Another great trip into the world of Deviants! The intertwining of Paris historical locations and the plot was reminiscent of Angels & Demons. Really enjoyed the main characters dynamic, not quite enemies to lovers but certainly a reluctant falling for each other. The tension was well timed and “grabbed” me in. Minor gore but otherwise a book for teens and beyond!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another epic adventure from Colwell! Fast-paced page turner. Loved the characters and the unique science fiction in this one. I couldn't put it down and was on the edge of my seat until the very end. Highly recommend if you like sci-fi adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s fun to explore more of this world!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews