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Tenebris: The Unholy Darkness
A new take on the story of creation -- it's everything you thought you knew... but nothing like it at all.
Sectoraus saw his entire race nearly perish, before a seemingly divine being descended with the first rains and saved his people. Thandrua was worshiped as the Life-Bringer from the moment he first became conscious. Together, the two must weather the chaos of a rapidly changing landscape and bring the Serpenoids to a new world, their promised land.
However, their paradise may not be what it seems, and these trials are just the beginning for Sectoraus, leader of the Serpenoids and Lord Thandrua, Lifegiver of the Serpenoids. As they build a new life for their people and develop a new culture, everything they know is thrown into question when a stranger appears among them. Now they must wrestle with the idea that they are not the only ones in their promised land as their world is changed once again.
Sectoraus saw his entire race nearly perish, before a seemingly divine being descended with the first rains and saved his people. Thandrua was worshiped as the Life-Bringer from the moment he first became conscious. Together, the two must weather the chaos of a rapidly changing landscape and bring the Serpenoids to a new world, their promised land.
However, their paradise may not be what it seems, and these trials are just the beginning for Sectoraus, leader of the Serpenoids and Lord Thandrua, Lifegiver of the Serpenoids. As they build a new life for their people and develop a new culture, everything they know is thrown into question when a stranger appears among them. Now they must wrestle with the idea that they are not the only ones in their promised land as their world is changed once again.
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2022
About the author
J.A. Barrios
2 books15 followersJ.A. Barrios is an award-winning author who's been telling stories since he could put pen to paper. When not writing, J.A. tells his stories through music in a duo, Cigar Etiquette. He finds inspiration from the cosmos where he seeks further truths about the human experience.
J.A. is also very passionate about mental heath, due to his own struggles and those of his loved ones, and hopes his words can reach others dealing with similar challenges.
J.A. is also very passionate about mental heath, due to his own struggles and those of his loved ones, and hopes his words can reach others dealing with similar challenges.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 15, 2022
J.A Barrios' Tenebris really grabbed me by the devil's horns. I felt there was an abundance of detail in his style to where I can envision being in this vast & unknown world, but definitely enough action that kept me wanting more with every chapter.
I can see this being the beginning of a thrilling series. After finishing, it felt like when I'm watching a Netflix series and you just know the next season is going to be fire. I am definitely a fan!
I can see this being the beginning of a thrilling series. After finishing, it felt like when I'm watching a Netflix series and you just know the next season is going to be fire. I am definitely a fan!
April 20, 2023
This book played with religious iconography in a way that was both familiar and unfamiliar entirely. I enjoyed the changing perspective of the book and the way it allowed you to see the world through the eyes of characters that didn’t know what they didn’t know until they encountered it. The world building in the last half of the book in particular really grabbed me. It set itself up well for a sequel, which will no doubt be just as compelling!
May 28, 2025
This was a book, for sure. I usually don't tackle long books, but I heard the sales pitch a few dozen times. I listened to the audiobook (seperate review for that aspect below.)
The world building was insane. I will preface it with the fact you need to press theough the first dozen chapters as the characters are established, the world comes together and everything starts becoming tangible. And then an unexpected arrival of a visitor from the sky/heavens appears.
From the moment the new person arrives, the world the Serpenoids knew begins to unravel. While their lives were simple, seeds of doubt and dismay begin to plant and take root about their beloved Lord Thandrua.
The second half of the book introduces several new characters, worlds, and ideas. Without spoiling anything, I think this has the potential to be a trilogy, and an epic one. Book 2 can't come out fast enough.
AUDIOBOOK: The narrators killed it. The different voices, especially the voice actor with enough bass in his voice as Thandrua to make James Earl Jones blush was talented. There were at least three voice actors I could hear throughout, each with their own talents. Hearing the pronnounciation of the names, species, and the world absolutely helps.
Anyone on the fence to check out the book: do it. If you like epic world building stories, with a vaguely primitive setting (bronze/silver age at best), this is it. What are you waiting for???
The world building was insane. I will preface it with the fact you need to press theough the first dozen chapters as the characters are established, the world comes together and everything starts becoming tangible. And then an unexpected arrival of a visitor from the sky/heavens appears.
From the moment the new person arrives, the world the Serpenoids knew begins to unravel. While their lives were simple, seeds of doubt and dismay begin to plant and take root about their beloved Lord Thandrua.
The second half of the book introduces several new characters, worlds, and ideas. Without spoiling anything, I think this has the potential to be a trilogy, and an epic one. Book 2 can't come out fast enough.
AUDIOBOOK: The narrators killed it. The different voices, especially the voice actor with enough bass in his voice as Thandrua to make James Earl Jones blush was talented. There were at least three voice actors I could hear throughout, each with their own talents. Hearing the pronnounciation of the names, species, and the world absolutely helps.
Anyone on the fence to check out the book: do it. If you like epic world building stories, with a vaguely primitive setting (bronze/silver age at best), this is it. What are you waiting for???
February 6, 2025
I hate the Bible ( former Jehovah’s Witness), but man do I love stories that take inspiration from the Bible, Christianity, and anything related to it. I also love new twists and spins on Lucifer, so these points alone make this book a banger for me. I love the character Sectoraus, seeing his compassion for other beings and morals develop throughout the book made me feel as though I was watching a teen grow up and truly see the world. I can’t wait to read the second book!
March 15, 2025
Happy to say I got a free copy of the audiobook of Temebris and from a production perspective I really liked the audiobook itself, it was very well put together and all 3 of the voice actors were all so good and I loved the sound effects.
Also the plot of the book itself was really cool too and it ended in such a good spot where it wraps up nice and well but def really leaves me wanting to know what happens next especially with the preview of the next book at the end.
Also the plot of the book itself was really cool too and it ended in such a good spot where it wraps up nice and well but def really leaves me wanting to know what happens next especially with the preview of the next book at the end.
July 26, 2023
The lore-building throughout this book is my favorite aspect - it's a slow burn at first as the reader is introduced to the world, then the adventure really takes off. Very captivating to see what elements of familiar mythology/ lore get included in this new take, and how those familiar pieces are warped and rearranged into this uniquely creative story
September 6, 2023
Tenebris The Unholy Darkness is such a fantastic book it's an awesome journey truly a fun ride it gets you in and keeps your attention and just when you think you know what's up boom things take an awesome turn things are not what they seem anyone who reads this book will fall in love with it it's so good I'm reading it again I highly recommend it!!💯
December 10, 2023
I really liked this otherworldly tale of serpents and lies. Lots of action. Had a hard time putting it down. Can't wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews