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Beyond Life
In another world, just beyond the one we can see, hear and touch, lies a realm dominated by beings of energy. There, the Shade and Aduro have been at war for centuries, influencing the positive and negative emotions of the living, to gain power for their respective sides. When Aidan Matheson is thrust into their world by circumstances beyond his control, he becomes an unwilling pawn in the ethereal chess game of good and evil. It will be up to his guardians, Asmodeus and Azriel, to ensure Aidan is trained with the skills necessary to survive in their realm until he finds a way to return to those who love him back in the world of the living.
250 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2018
About the author
Victoria Helmink
4 books6 followersI discovered my love for reading at an early age. I grew up reading amazing series such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, His Dark Material trilogy, and more. To this day, bookstores remain one of my favourite places. You never know what worlds you can discover and what adventures you will go on.
It wasn’t until the age of thirteen that I finally started writing my own stories. I was immediately enthralled with creating new worlds and bringing characters to life. I have always loved young adult fantasy, so it is no surprise that it is my chosen genre. Most of my inspiration has come from characters in my dreams. An entire story can spawn from a brief dream. While writing, I enjoy listening to music or sitting at a local coffee shop (although I don’t always get much writing done due to being distracted by people watching).
When not writing, I enjoy reading, volunteering, hiking with my dog Sadie, playing the piano, photography, and watching the antics of my cat, Athena.
It wasn’t until the age of thirteen that I finally started writing my own stories. I was immediately enthralled with creating new worlds and bringing characters to life. I have always loved young adult fantasy, so it is no surprise that it is my chosen genre. Most of my inspiration has come from characters in my dreams. An entire story can spawn from a brief dream. While writing, I enjoy listening to music or sitting at a local coffee shop (although I don’t always get much writing done due to being distracted by people watching).
When not writing, I enjoy reading, volunteering, hiking with my dog Sadie, playing the piano, photography, and watching the antics of my cat, Athena.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 29, 2023
Awesome book! Met the author for a signing of this book and they were the sweetest!
August 7, 2026
Beyond Life is an imaginative blend of fantasy, supernatural adventure, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Victoria Helmink creates a fascinating world that exists just beyond human perception, where powerful beings of energy wage an invisible war that shapes the emotions and choices of the living.
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the concept. The idea that unseen forces influence our emotions adds an intriguing layer to the story, while Aidan's unexpected journey into this hidden realm provides both excitement and emotional depth. Watching him transform from an ordinary young man into someone forced to adapt and survive made him an easy character to root for.Beyond Life is an imaginative blend of fantasy, supernatural adventure, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Victoria Helmink creates a fascinating world that exists just beyond human perception, where powerful beings of energy wage an invisible war that shapes the emotions and choices of the living.
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the concept. The idea that unseen forces influence our emotions adds an intriguing layer to the story, while Aidan's unexpected journey into this hidden realm provides both excitement and emotional depth. Watching him transform from an ordinary young man into someone forced to adapt and survive made him an easy character to root for.
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the concept. The idea that unseen forces influence our emotions adds an intriguing layer to the story, while Aidan's unexpected journey into this hidden realm provides both excitement and emotional depth. Watching him transform from an ordinary young man into someone forced to adapt and survive made him an easy character to root for.Beyond Life is an imaginative blend of fantasy, supernatural adventure, and the timeless battle between light and darkness. Victoria Helmink creates a fascinating world that exists just beyond human perception, where powerful beings of energy wage an invisible war that shapes the emotions and choices of the living.
What I enjoyed most was the originality of the concept. The idea that unseen forces influence our emotions adds an intriguing layer to the story, while Aidan's unexpected journey into this hidden realm provides both excitement and emotional depth. Watching him transform from an ordinary young man into someone forced to adapt and survive made him an easy character to root for.
August 7, 2026
Beyond Life
Victoria Helmink
4.89
9 ratings4 reviews
In another world, just beyond the one we can see, hear and touch, lies a realm dominated by beings of energy. There, the Shade and Aduro have been at war for centuries, influencing the positive and negative emotions of the living, to gain power for their respective sides. When Aidan Matheson is thrust into their world by circumstances beyond his control, he becomes an unwilling pawn in the ethereal chess game of good and evil. It will be up to his guardians, Asmodeus and Azriel, to ensure Aidan is trained with the skills necessary to survive in their realm until he finds a way to return to those who love him back in the world of the living.
250 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2018
Book details & editions
Victoria Helmink
4.89
9 ratings4 reviews
In another world, just beyond the one we can see, hear and touch, lies a realm dominated by beings of energy. There, the Shade and Aduro have been at war for centuries, influencing the positive and negative emotions of the living, to gain power for their respective sides. When Aidan Matheson is thrust into their world by circumstances beyond his control, he becomes an unwilling pawn in the ethereal chess game of good and evil. It will be up to his guardians, Asmodeus and Azriel, to ensure Aidan is trained with the skills necessary to survive in their realm until he finds a way to return to those who love him back in the world of the living.
250 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2018
Book details & editions
September 18, 2026
Beyond Life is a fascinating fantasy with a concept that really stands out. I enjoyed the idea of a hidden realm inhabited by beings of energy and the way human emotions become connected to the conflict between the Shade and Aduro. Aidan’s unexpected journey into this unfamiliar world gives the story a strong sense of mystery, while his desire to return to the people he loves adds an emotional layer to the adventure. The supernatural worldbuilding and the mentor-apprentice dynamic with Asmodeus and Azriel make this a particularly interesting read for fantasy lovers. Definitely a book worth discovering if you enjoy stories that take you beyond the world we know.
July 22, 2026
Beyond Life is a beautifully written and emotionally captivating story that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Victoria Helmink has a wonderful ability to create relatable characters and weave together themes of love, hope, and resilience with genuine heart. The storytelling is immersive, thoughtful, and filled with moments that inspire reflection. A truly memorable read that I would gladly recommend to anyone looking for a meaningful and uplifting book.
January 27, 2019
A great book for young adults. An interesting perspective on a state between life and after life.
The plot has twists and turns. The characters develop and grow as the story unfolds. The author has a mature treatment of her high school aged characters. Did not want to put it down !
The plot has twists and turns. The characters develop and grow as the story unfolds. The author has a mature treatment of her high school aged characters. Did not want to put it down !
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews