H.L. Dawson's Blog

👘 Looking for a new high-stakes Romantasy, or even a new book boyfriend? 🌸



🌸Paperback here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQ6BWH8Z🌸

Emika and the Sekai no Kami no Kokoro, the first in an epic trilogy, is currently available to read on Kindle Unlimited – for a limited time!



This series has been in my mind and heart for years and is great for fans of anime like Inuyasha or Noragami, and for those of us who love Japanese culture. Emika, a Reitsumeyoke (a killer of tainted gods called sugami), learns divine secrets, suffers celestial deception, and develops a fragile bond with her cursed childhood friend, Mu. Expect rich world-building in a pre-Sengoku Japan-inspired universe, where humans fight gods!

I've been doing my best to promote it, too, so if you happen to see my promo photos or videos floating around online, I'd be honoured if you'd bless them with a like – or, even better, share to spread the word. Your support means everything!

🏯A gigantic, huge thank you to everybody who's read, reviewed, or supported me. You guys make this journey possible, and I'm forever thankful. ⛩️

Enjoy the read, and let's take this divine journey together!

– H.L. Dawson

✨I'm thrilled to share that Emika and the Sekai no Kami no Kokoro has just been released in paperback!✨



https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQ6BWH8Z

You can now have Emika's adventure in your own hands, read through its pages where you like to read, and even put notes in the margins (if you're that type of person - it's yours to do with as you wish now that you've purchased it!). No matter if you're coming back to the book or reading it for the first time, I hope that the printed edition will carry you even deeper into Emika's world: where gods whisper through the wind, emotions define reality, and one girl's courage can change everything.

To each and every one of you who has taken the time to read Emika's tale to date - however you have shared it, with a friend, through a review, or simply cosied up with it on an evening in — thank you. Thank you so much . Writing is an isolating activity, and stories do not exist unless they are read.

I also want to give a huge thank you to the Discord community for their beautiful fan art of Emika. ✨ It is such a wonderful gift. It reminds me that Emika lives in your mind, too. I've posted it on the wall above my desk so I can see it every day!



Thanks again for supporting me. Whether you're Team Paperback, Team Ebook, or Team Audiobook ( coming soon??) - I'm just so grateful that you're here.

H.L Dawson.

P.S. If you've already finished reading it - please leave a Goodreads or your preferred retailer review. Reviews are what bring in new readers to Emika's world, and I thank each and every one of you!

#EmikaAndTheSekaiNoKamiNoKokoro #Romantasy #NewPaperback #FantasyNovel #IndieAuthor #FanArtLove #Fantasy #Mythology #JapaneseMythology #NowInPaperback #ThankYouReaders #BookRelease #MustReadFantasy

Late at night, after long days of staring at a screen until my eyes burn, I’ve pictured the end of Mizu’s story a hundred times, but never with the weight it carries now.



So here it is: Book Three is underway. And with it, Mizu’s journey will come to an end.

The final chapter of her story is being written, and some stories don’t end with victory. They end with choice, and with sacrifice.

Mizu began as a survivor in a shipping container, eating rats and dreaming of oranges. She wasn’t chosen; she wasn’t special. She was just alive - barely. And angry , and tired. (like me, most days). But somewhere between the ruins and the deep water, between Mako’s cajoling and Fin’s steady warmth, between the lies of the Uppers and the ghosts of the ocean, she became something more.

She became ours. You’ve journeyed through the filth and the destruction, you’ve held your breath when she dived, and you’ve grieved with her. And soon, you’ll walk with her and ask yourself:

What does it cost to break a world that’s built on suffering, who gets to survive? And what happens to the ones who carry the weight of change?

In Depths beyond all Colour , the final book of the trilogy, Mizu navigates an evolving bond with Fin, Mako, and a body she no longer fully comprehends - its strange new powers both a gift and a mystery. She is changing. Not just from the choices, but from the blood in her veins - the legacy of her ancestors, the Sirhunue’s strength and instincts awakening in her bones.

Her skin shimmers in the dark, and her blood hums with forgotten frequencies. She hears the deep water calling as they swim north to the frozen Boba 9. And sometimes, in the silence, she wonders: Am I still human? Or am I becoming what they made me to be?

Dodging relentless dangers from the Reefclaw and Shadowdepth tribes and learning the truth of herself, she fights not just to survive but to end what began so long ago: to honour Umi’s sacrifice, to keep her promise to Fin and Mako, and to protect the people who followed her into the dark.

To destroy the Abyssal Eye, buried in the ocean’s deepest trench, where the light dies.

To all my friends and readers,



I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for your continued support and for the thoughtful feedback you’ve shared. Special thanks to my beta readers! Your honest, constructive insights have been instrumental in shaping the evolution of this story.

After careful consideration, Deeper than Black has been restructured into two distinct volumes: Deeper than Black and Darker than Blue. This decision allows for greater emotional depth, more natural pacing, and a fuller exploration of the journey at the heart of the series.



One of the most meaningful updates is the inclusion of Mizu’s internal first-person thoughts throughout both books. Responding to your desire to connect more deeply with her character, these reflections offer an intimate window into her mind, her fears, convictions, and the quiet moments that define her strength.

I’m also pleased to share that I’m now writing the third and final book in the trilogy. It’s a privilege to bring Mizu’s story to a powerful and heartfelt conclusion, and I’m dedicating every page to making it worthy of your investment.

This journey has always been a shared one. Thank you for walking it with me.

With heartfelt gratitude,
H. L.

Published today, the day before my wedding! Emika and the Sekai no Kami no Kokoro is book one of The Reitsumeyoke Scrolls.



For fans of anime Inuyasha and Noragami , and lovers of the poignant movie Hotarubi no Mori e with stunningly detailed chapter art. (Kudos if you can spot the chapter inspired by two Hazbin Hotel songs!)

In the mist-shrouded forest villages of a mythic realm drawn from the echoes of pre-Sengoku Japan, Emika - a Reitsumeyoke, or "dispeller of sugami" bears the sacred Reikyo talismans to slay the sugami: twisted gods warped by envy and ravenous for worship.

Yet when the voice of the mountain god falls silent and the protective wards begin to crumble, the sugami rise in fury, threatening to drown the land in divine wrath. Bound by duty and desperation, Emika is joined by her childhood friend Mu, a minor god shackled by curses and secrets.

Together, they enter a perilous game among the divine: a treacherous web of betrayal, forgotten truths, and celestial manipulation. As gods move mortals like pieces on a board, every choice Emika makes risks shattering the fragile balance between the sacred and the profane. This is a story of defiance against fate, of the sacrifices demanded by faith, love, and loyalty - and of the terrible price paid by those who dare to challenge the will of the gods.

#Fantasy #Romance #Young Adult #Mythology #Magic #Fiction #Paranormal
#FantasyRomance #Gods #Romantasy

Dear Amazing Readers,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for agreeing to dive into Deeper Than Black I’m beyond excited to hear your thoughts and reviews! Your support means the world to me, and I’m always here via inbox for any questions, constructive criticism, or just to chat about the story.

A special shoutout to those of you who’ve already gone above and beyond! Your insights, format suggestions, and encouragement have been a lifeline. As a first-time neurodivergent author, I struggle with certain aspects of the process, and your help has been invaluable. You know who you are, and I hope you’ll stick with me as I continue this journey and write more books.

For almost two decades, self-doubt and fear of rejection held me back from publishing. Yet, the positivity and love I’ve received from you has been overwhelming and unexpected. As I eagerly await your thoughts on Deeper Than Black , I’m thrilled to share that Darker Than Blue is already in progress, alongside seven other books I’m crafting.

Thank you for giving me the courage to share my stories. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Now - I'd like to give you a sneaky peek of what I've been working on next!

In the shadowed forest villages of a mythic world inspired by pre-Sengoku Japan, Emika, a Reitsumeyoke, wields sacred Reikyo talismans to slay Sugami - twisted gods fueled by envy and hunger for worship. But when the mountain god’s voice falls silent and protective wards falter, the Sugami’s wrath threatens to consume all.

Joined by Mu, a cursed minor god bound by secrets, Emika ventures into a divine game of betrayal and hidden truths to restore the mountain’s power. In a world where gods play mortals as pawns, every choice risks unraveling the fragile balance. This is a tale of defiance, the sacrifices of faith, love and loyalty, and the cost of challenging the divine.



If you'd like to be considered as an early reader for Deeper than Black or any of my other coming works, please don't hesitate to message me!

I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic day!

All artwork and written content are the exclusive copyrighted property of H. L. Dawson. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Welcome, readers, to the shadowed depths of Deeper Than Black, where steel sings with the ocean’s pulse and secrets hum in the dark.

Today, I'm thrilled to share exclusive new concept art that brings this haunting, vibrant world to life—a world where Mizu, a scavenger from a dying bubble city, finds herself in the underwater Ark, a refuge of steel and hope where humans and Sirhunue coexist. Let’s dive in and explore what lies beneath.



I sincerely hope these images spark your curiosity, drawing you deeper into a world where survival demands connection, and the past hums beneath the waves.



What do you think, which picture embodies the novel to you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates.

Hello, wonderful readers,

I’m over the moon to share that my debut novel, Deeper than Black, is officially out in the world! This feels like a dream, equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking, and I’m so excited to invite you into the story that’s been living rent-free in my heart.

Deeper than Black is a dark, romantic sci-fi fantasy primarily set in the eerie Boba 7, where the ominous Eye looms over a strange, vibrant world. It follows Mizu, a fierce woman reshaped by the Abyss’s mysterious power, and Fin, her captivating, three-hearted partner who’s all devotion and otherworldly charm. Together, they face danger, desire, and their own fears, forging a bond that’s as unbreakable as it is passionate. It’s a story of love, courage, and staking a claim on a future worth fighting for, wrapped in unfamiliar allure and intense emotions.

I hope you’ll love reading Deeper than Black as much as I loved writing it. Crafting Mizu and Fin’s journey was a joy, and I’m already sketching out new stories to share with you down the road. I can’t wait to keep exploring and bringing more worlds to life.

Getting this book out was a big emotional hurdle. I’ve always wrestled with finishing major projects that could shift my life - partly because the future’s a scary unknown, and partly because once my work is out there, it’s out there for good, no matter what anyone thinks. That fear of judgment used to hold me back, but I’m proud of Deeper than Black and publishing it feels like a quiet victory over those doubts.

To everyone who’s bought Deeper than Black or shown even a spark of interest thank you , truly. Your support means everything, and it’s what keeps me writing. Here’s to more stories, more dreams, and the courage to share them.

With all my heart,
H.L

(P.S tentaclessss!) 🌶🌶🌶