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The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern
Atop a seaside bluff, an ancient lighthouse named the Amethyst Lantern sweeps its violet light across the sea and around the bayside town of Glimmerbight. The citizens do not remember a time in which the Lantern was built. But tales abound of the Inn in its shadow. Long ago, the Inn played host to a wonderous twilight era of a time long passed before the sun’s harsh rays forced humanity to adapt to Night Living. Legend tells that the shuttered Inn still houses a mystic hermit who powers the Lantern, and who may have founded the town itself.
Gentian “Gen” Lightworth and her brother Jas are two teens who live at the edge of the woods beyond which the Inn and the Amethyst Lantern still stand. After their cousin, Mira Celestus, breaks the societal age code by attending the annual Glowworm Ball via magic, something awakens in the Inn. Two giant Luna moths carry an invitation from the Inn addressed to Gen alone, portending that something stirs at the base of the Amethyst Lantern after all. Gen and her friends seek to uncover the truth of the Inn and find that something strange is happening in all the land, that could threaten the pleasant town of Glimmerbight and force Night Living into a more sinister era of darkness, or even worse, to bake in the brilliance of a savage sun.
Gentian “Gen” Lightworth and her brother Jas are two teens who live at the edge of the woods beyond which the Inn and the Amethyst Lantern still stand. After their cousin, Mira Celestus, breaks the societal age code by attending the annual Glowworm Ball via magic, something awakens in the Inn. Two giant Luna moths carry an invitation from the Inn addressed to Gen alone, portending that something stirs at the base of the Amethyst Lantern after all. Gen and her friends seek to uncover the truth of the Inn and find that something strange is happening in all the land, that could threaten the pleasant town of Glimmerbight and force Night Living into a more sinister era of darkness, or even worse, to bake in the brilliance of a savage sun.
- GenresFiction
367 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
7 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
J. Dianne Dotson
9 books118 followersFollow me at Jendia Gammon. J. Dianne Dotson, who also writes as Jendia Gammon (Atacama, 2025, from Sley House Publishing; Doomflower, 2025, from Encyclopocalypse Publications), is the Nebula and BSFA finalist author of The Shadow Galaxy: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry (Trepidatio Publishing), the four-book space opera series The Questrison Saga© (Heliopause; Ephemeris; Accretion; and Luminiferous), and The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern (Android Press). She is also a science writer and artist.
Visit her website at www.jendiagammon.com
Visit her website at www.jendiagammon.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 12, 2023
J Dianne Dotson has crafted a magical world young readers can get lost in until dawn. THE INN AT THE AMETHYST LANTERN is a glittering, luminescent mystery adventure that reminds us that no matter how dark it gets, we are never truly alone.
September 16, 2024
I very much enjoyed J. Dianne Dotson’s space opera quadrilogy, The Questrison Saga, and so I’m at the point now where anything from this author is bound to pique my interest. The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern is a whimsical young adult lunarpunk adventure—a genre I have never read before, but I really dig the vibes. Think a civilisation that lives in dark forests or at night with plenty of bioluminescent plants and fungi. This is going to be a weird reference, but it really reminded me of the city of Ballonlea from the videogames, Pokemon Sword & Shield. But for all of that, it’s not a million miles away from The Questrison Saga. There’s still the fun, genre-defying intermingling of science/high technology with magic and mysticism present in both stories. So it felt like much more familiar territory than I was expecting.
I respect a book that brings on the atmosphere right from the start, and The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern absolutely delivers on that front. I enjoyed immersing myself in the setting which is full of beauty and wonderfully described. I enjoyed the strange and magical things mixed in with clearly advanced technology like service robots.
The plot itself was a fun adventure and though it started off a little on the slow side, by the time the gang was formed and starting off on their quest, I was hooked. Some repeated plot points pulled me out of it—Particularly going to the Inn, getting spooked, running home to get admonished by Gen’s parents, arguing they need to do it, and the parents relenting so they can do it again. That happens quite a few times throughout and it felt like it held back the progression of the story a little. But on the other hand given the young ages of the cast, and Gen’s insecurity, it’s believably something they would do.
I really enjoyed the characters. Gen is far more unsure of herself than I’ve seen before for a main character in one of these types of books, and at times I actually wondered whether she would be able to pull through and grow into her role. It was an interesting take. Mira and Gen’s brother were great supporting characters as well. The rest of the gang was varied and vibrant, with a set of somewhat brash and brutish twins that reminded me of the ones out of How to Train Your Dragon.
The worldbuilding was thoroughly fascinating, as we’re in a world untold (at first) ages into the far future exploring how humans have survived after a climate catastrophe by living at night. This has a genre-defying mix of sci-fi and fantasy to it, with high-technology and physics mingling with naturalistic magic. There’s not a great deal of explanation of how the climate was irreversibly changed, or why the sun is now extremely harmful, but enough is implied to get the picture, and that’s great. It also leaves it open to be further explored in later books.
Overall, a good, fun read. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for climate change sci-fantasy in the YA space, or just generally for a whimsical fantasy adventure. Looking forward to seeing where this goes next.
I respect a book that brings on the atmosphere right from the start, and The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern absolutely delivers on that front. I enjoyed immersing myself in the setting which is full of beauty and wonderfully described. I enjoyed the strange and magical things mixed in with clearly advanced technology like service robots.
The plot itself was a fun adventure and though it started off a little on the slow side, by the time the gang was formed and starting off on their quest, I was hooked. Some repeated plot points pulled me out of it—Particularly going to the Inn, getting spooked, running home to get admonished by Gen’s parents, arguing they need to do it, and the parents relenting so they can do it again. That happens quite a few times throughout and it felt like it held back the progression of the story a little. But on the other hand given the young ages of the cast, and Gen’s insecurity, it’s believably something they would do.
I really enjoyed the characters. Gen is far more unsure of herself than I’ve seen before for a main character in one of these types of books, and at times I actually wondered whether she would be able to pull through and grow into her role. It was an interesting take. Mira and Gen’s brother were great supporting characters as well. The rest of the gang was varied and vibrant, with a set of somewhat brash and brutish twins that reminded me of the ones out of How to Train Your Dragon.
The worldbuilding was thoroughly fascinating, as we’re in a world untold (at first) ages into the far future exploring how humans have survived after a climate catastrophe by living at night. This has a genre-defying mix of sci-fi and fantasy to it, with high-technology and physics mingling with naturalistic magic. There’s not a great deal of explanation of how the climate was irreversibly changed, or why the sun is now extremely harmful, but enough is implied to get the picture, and that’s great. It also leaves it open to be further explored in later books.
Overall, a good, fun read. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for climate change sci-fantasy in the YA space, or just generally for a whimsical fantasy adventure. Looking forward to seeing where this goes next.
July 16, 2023
I am a lucky early reader of J. Dianne Dotson’s books. From space opera to horror to young adult stories, she proves to be as versatile as she is talented. I am no young reader, but I felt like a teen again reading The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern. I could best relate to the character, Gen, as she is not the bold heroine, but she confronts her fears and finds her voice. Each of the other characters has their own journey that takes them out of their comfort zone and into unknown territory. A suspenseful read at any age.
October 28, 2023
When genre-mashes work, they really work. Such is the case with this Young Adult Lunarpunk coming-of-age sci-fi action-adventure. At first glance, that mix might seem ambitious, but from page one, it’s obvious that all these elements truly belong together. And that’s what makes this book feel just a little bit magic.
If you’ve ever wondered what The Goonies meets Pitch Black might look like, this is the book for you. And if you’ve never wondered that, then start wondering, because it’s awesome!
The first thing that leaps off the page is the level of worldbuilding on display. It’s phenomenal. There are so many details squeezed in to every chapter. The environment seeps out of the pages and into your soul. I fell in love with the world of Glimmerbright, and I could happily read an entire series set here. Just to give you a flavour of what to expect — sunlight is so fierce that humanity has spent centuries adapting to life in the dark. Moonlight, bioluminescence, and shadow are the ingredients that soak the atmosphere in rich purple hues. Whether it’s glowing mushrooms, giant owls, or a waxing moon, there’s always something to remind you of the world, and it’s utterly brilliant.
In terms of characters, the plot revolves around a ragtag group of teens who come together to stop a malevolent force that’s literally ripping the world apart. Focussing on so many characters could easily bloat the story, but each is unique enough to stand out, and after a few chapters of them being together, you’ll know each of them enough to keep track of who’s who, and you’ll have definitely found a favourite among them.
The protagonist is Gentian Lightworth, known as Gen, and she takes the role of the reluctant hero. Her crises of confidence throughout the book don’t feel forced, and young adults will find plenty to relate to and admire in her loyalty and courage despite her fish-out-of-wateryness.
This is the first time the author has deviated from adult fiction into the realm of YA, but she fully commits to it, and it really suits her style. The prose is clean. It reads very well. If you’re a fan of YA, you’ll find it hard to put down.
The final third is particularly strong, tying everything together in clever ways, and there’s a definite sense of completeness about the story being told. I love the folkish quality that pervades the sci-fi elements, making this feel more like a fairy tale than a science lesson. And I particularly enjoyed how thoroughly satisfying the back end of the book struck home.
The Inn At The Amethyst Lantern puts the YA in YAAAASSSSSS! From its sublime world-building to an eclectic cocktail of characters, you’re sure to find something here to light the darkest night.
If you’ve ever wondered what The Goonies meets Pitch Black might look like, this is the book for you. And if you’ve never wondered that, then start wondering, because it’s awesome!
The first thing that leaps off the page is the level of worldbuilding on display. It’s phenomenal. There are so many details squeezed in to every chapter. The environment seeps out of the pages and into your soul. I fell in love with the world of Glimmerbright, and I could happily read an entire series set here. Just to give you a flavour of what to expect — sunlight is so fierce that humanity has spent centuries adapting to life in the dark. Moonlight, bioluminescence, and shadow are the ingredients that soak the atmosphere in rich purple hues. Whether it’s glowing mushrooms, giant owls, or a waxing moon, there’s always something to remind you of the world, and it’s utterly brilliant.
In terms of characters, the plot revolves around a ragtag group of teens who come together to stop a malevolent force that’s literally ripping the world apart. Focussing on so many characters could easily bloat the story, but each is unique enough to stand out, and after a few chapters of them being together, you’ll know each of them enough to keep track of who’s who, and you’ll have definitely found a favourite among them.
The protagonist is Gentian Lightworth, known as Gen, and she takes the role of the reluctant hero. Her crises of confidence throughout the book don’t feel forced, and young adults will find plenty to relate to and admire in her loyalty and courage despite her fish-out-of-wateryness.
This is the first time the author has deviated from adult fiction into the realm of YA, but she fully commits to it, and it really suits her style. The prose is clean. It reads very well. If you’re a fan of YA, you’ll find it hard to put down.
The final third is particularly strong, tying everything together in clever ways, and there’s a definite sense of completeness about the story being told. I love the folkish quality that pervades the sci-fi elements, making this feel more like a fairy tale than a science lesson. And I particularly enjoyed how thoroughly satisfying the back end of the book struck home.
The Inn At The Amethyst Lantern puts the YA in YAAAASSSSSS! From its sublime world-building to an eclectic cocktail of characters, you’re sure to find something here to light the darkest night.
December 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to pick up a signed copy of Ms. Dotson's (Jendia Gammon) lunarpunk epic, and I am so glad I did. Her world building is so skillful and every detail so brilliantly written that I found myself wanting to live in this enchanting night-world alongside the MC's (Gen) friends and family. Luna moths delivering letters? Yes, please.
You won't luxuriate in the charms of life after dark for long, though. There's a thrilling adventure to be had, and it grabs you by the hand and runs you through terrifying scenario after terrifying scenario to an absolutely satisfying ending. Gen, despite her misgivings at being a leader, proves to be completely up to the challenges presented to her, while still experiencing highly relatable emotions--anxiety, worry, and grief--without letting anything threaten her resolve.
It's an ideal read for teens and anyone who wants to spend time in the company of an author whose imagination soars and whose writing inspires. I loved every minute with this book and in this world.
You won't luxuriate in the charms of life after dark for long, though. There's a thrilling adventure to be had, and it grabs you by the hand and runs you through terrifying scenario after terrifying scenario to an absolutely satisfying ending. Gen, despite her misgivings at being a leader, proves to be completely up to the challenges presented to her, while still experiencing highly relatable emotions--anxiety, worry, and grief--without letting anything threaten her resolve.
It's an ideal read for teens and anyone who wants to spend time in the company of an author whose imagination soars and whose writing inspires. I loved every minute with this book and in this world.
November 20, 2023
This book left me wanting a sequel right away! I really liked the lunar punk setting for this book. The author painted a vivid picture with attention to detail throughout the worldbuilding process. The color scheme and descriptions of flora and fauna helped create strong visuals in my mind while I was reading. While this book is aimed at a young adult audience, I felt I could relate to some of the themes, and I think a lot of folks often suffer the effects of imposter syndrome and feel like they aren't the right person for the job. There are sci-fi and fantasy elements, but I can see a plausible course of events based on the problems we face today. I definitely want to read more about this world and the people in it.
October 24, 2023
This book is a perfect example of why adults should read YA. Dotson's (A.K.A. Jendia Gammon) deft descriptive language, her use of color in the darkness, her world-building of how life is lived in the night, and her ability to create compelling characters all combine to make this an absolutely gorgeous literary journey. I was thoroughly enchanted from start to finish.
October 22, 2025
The author was very generous, in sending me a paperback copy to review. All views and opinions are my own.
-
First a bit of house keeping:
Those who are familiar with my reviews, and what I typically read, may be surprised to find me reading something this far outside the "Horror-sphere". Well gang, sometimes the old noggin needs a moment to refresh, a palette cleanser if you will. I had just come back from VoidCon, in Gettysburg PA, and the long hours on the road necessitated said brain reset. With that out of the way, let's rummage around for our key to enter the Inn at the Amethyst Lantern.
-
If I say J. Dianne Dotson 's "The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern" is infused with all the elements of story and adventure that many of us were drawn to in our youth, understand that I'm not just using colorful (or dare I say bioluminescent) language. If you're like myself, at least some of your youth was spent reading stories about coming of age youths uncovering secrets, solving great mysteries, encountering magic and/or technology beyond their imagination. If so, you're going to get a real kick out of this book. One very specific subgenre that I often gravitated to, were stories that take place on earth in a time and place far from now, with present civilization merely a thing of stories and myth. Once again, this was an old itch that this book scratched.
I first encountered J, Dianne Dotson, under her other pen name, Jendia Gamon, with her YA novel DOOMFLOWER. It struck me then, just how well she writes to the Gen A readers (being the current YA of note). This opinion was just strengthened upon reading this book. Gen and her cohorts in the village of Glimmerbright are just as complex, messy and full of wonder and hope, as kids are today.
Amethyst Lantern is rich with fantastic adventure, chilling mystery, and the perils and heights that befits a rite of passage story. The characters and world of Glimmerbright shine. I get that may sound corny, but Dotson truly has crafted a tale that lets the reader envision a twilight world full of light, exploding with color and rich in a well established history.
We seem to live in a moment, where all rests on a knifes edge. Amethyst Lantern imagines a world where things have changed, and when the generation that is coming up sees what the world can become, and is ready to do whatever it takes, to see that world be born. For those of us who come to this book out of some draw from our youth, it's a reminder that even thought it seems that those who seem cut from the worst cloth, who seem to wish every ill on the youth of today, future generations, and the world as whole..even though they are loud and command attention, remember that none of that makes their vision of the future a certainty.
Fans of fantasy RPGs, Fallout, The Giver, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, the works of Ursula K. LeGuin and Diana Paxon's Westria series will much to love and be surprised by.
As of this writing the next installment in this series has just dropped, and you'll certainly want to snag it, upon finishing this one.
-
First a bit of house keeping:
Those who are familiar with my reviews, and what I typically read, may be surprised to find me reading something this far outside the "Horror-sphere". Well gang, sometimes the old noggin needs a moment to refresh, a palette cleanser if you will. I had just come back from VoidCon, in Gettysburg PA, and the long hours on the road necessitated said brain reset. With that out of the way, let's rummage around for our key to enter the Inn at the Amethyst Lantern.
-
If I say J. Dianne Dotson 's "The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern" is infused with all the elements of story and adventure that many of us were drawn to in our youth, understand that I'm not just using colorful (or dare I say bioluminescent) language. If you're like myself, at least some of your youth was spent reading stories about coming of age youths uncovering secrets, solving great mysteries, encountering magic and/or technology beyond their imagination. If so, you're going to get a real kick out of this book. One very specific subgenre that I often gravitated to, were stories that take place on earth in a time and place far from now, with present civilization merely a thing of stories and myth. Once again, this was an old itch that this book scratched.
I first encountered J, Dianne Dotson, under her other pen name, Jendia Gamon, with her YA novel DOOMFLOWER. It struck me then, just how well she writes to the Gen A readers (being the current YA of note). This opinion was just strengthened upon reading this book. Gen and her cohorts in the village of Glimmerbright are just as complex, messy and full of wonder and hope, as kids are today.
Amethyst Lantern is rich with fantastic adventure, chilling mystery, and the perils and heights that befits a rite of passage story. The characters and world of Glimmerbright shine. I get that may sound corny, but Dotson truly has crafted a tale that lets the reader envision a twilight world full of light, exploding with color and rich in a well established history.
We seem to live in a moment, where all rests on a knifes edge. Amethyst Lantern imagines a world where things have changed, and when the generation that is coming up sees what the world can become, and is ready to do whatever it takes, to see that world be born. For those of us who come to this book out of some draw from our youth, it's a reminder that even thought it seems that those who seem cut from the worst cloth, who seem to wish every ill on the youth of today, future generations, and the world as whole..even though they are loud and command attention, remember that none of that makes their vision of the future a certainty.
Fans of fantasy RPGs, Fallout, The Giver, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, the works of Ursula K. LeGuin and Diana Paxon's Westria series will much to love and be surprised by.
As of this writing the next installment in this series has just dropped, and you'll certainly want to snag it, upon finishing this one.
October 20, 2025
A world much different from our own, where Gen and her friends experience unusual occurences and it all leads back to The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern. The questions are many, will they find any answers?
This is a well written and world developed YA story that appeals to readers of all ages. The story carries you along keeping you in both wonder and enthralled. It is a self contained and well develooed world of its own.
I highly recommend this book for readers ofnall ages. You will not see what is coming.
This is a well written and world developed YA story that appeals to readers of all ages. The story carries you along keeping you in both wonder and enthralled. It is a self contained and well develooed world of its own.
I highly recommend this book for readers ofnall ages. You will not see what is coming.
December 22, 2023
At first you will find this book, set in a nocturnal world, enchanting. The lunar life created by Dotson seems magical, with its light up grass and giant luna moths. When you then find out that all is not well, intrigue follows, as you journey into the Inn with Gen and her friends. This is followed by an intense conclusion - but I'm not giving away any spoilers.
The characters are brought to life vividly and introduced gradually throughout the book, their relationships develop well, but they are not all well-meaning people.
Overall this is a very creative an imaginative book. I love the concept of the newspaper, The Biolumen Pen, and the idea of the Amethyst Lantern illuminating Glimmerbight is quite charming.
The characters are brought to life vividly and introduced gradually throughout the book, their relationships develop well, but they are not all well-meaning people.
Overall this is a very creative an imaginative book. I love the concept of the newspaper, The Biolumen Pen, and the idea of the Amethyst Lantern illuminating Glimmerbight is quite charming.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews