Sciath

by J.A. Castelli

Deep below Big Ben's impressive visage a secret waits. Welcome to Sciath, a bustling supernatural world hidden far below the London streets. It's a society divided into departments filled to the brim with supernatural creatures. As his tenure comes to a close, the possibility of power brings out some people's darker intentions. Leaving the Architect unsure of his own safety within the haven he built. Kyra, the Architect's adopted daughter, finds her way from a lone security agent to a team leader through a secret mission. A mysterious abandoned house once held by the Imps during the great war awaits her varied team which includes her childhood star-crossed love, Nyles. Secrets are revealed that could throw their entire world into chaos, challenging history to reveal a new and current enemy. A catastrophic accident leaves Kyra to puzzle out the answers to a swirling vortex of questions before the power is passed into the wrong hands.

214 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Supernatural creatures, the kind found in fairy tales and horror tales alike are living below ground, safely hidden from the human world above. But are their lives so different? The society in Sciath has been a peaceful home to many over the years under the watchful and caring eye of the Architect, but he is growing old and it’s time to choose a new leader and step down. Many are qualified, many others see this as an opportunity to overtake this realm, but the Architect has already chosen his successor. Kyra, is a half-fae woman, tough warrior, a loner, preferring life on the outside to the confines of Sciath. When her adopted father, the Architect, needs her, she returns to his side, part protector, part loving daughter to the only father she has ever really known as he sends her on a mission to investigate a house above ground that holds dark and evil secrets. Is the house haunted by the spirits of those who have died there? Are they somehow killing or infecting members of her team? Could past supernatural enemies be holding these spirits captive, not allowing them to cross over to a peaceful eternity? Will she be able to stop them before Sciath falls into the wrong hands?

Sciath by J. A. Castelli is part urban fantasy, part ghost story and part intrigue as Kyra is hard-pressed to find a solution to the mysteries of the haunted house. The enemies are closing in and trust is a precious commodity, to be sure. Add a slight taste of romance, an insecure heroine who hides behind her tough as nails façade and spirits crying to be free, and you have an interesting tale, indeed!

J. A. Castelli gives rich details and background, fed slowly into the story as it moves along to an ending that screams for a sequel!

I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: November 1, 2013 (Paperback)
Publisher: Eternal Press (a division of Damnation Books LLC
ISBN-10: 1629290769 (Paperback)
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Rating: 3.5
Number of Pages: 311
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Available from:  Amazon

[Char Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honour to be a proofreader of this book. J.A. Castielli is incredibly talented. Can't wait for the movie & sequel :)

[Rose Montague · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some authors that can make you imagine a fantasy world. J.A.Castelli actually puts you there. With fantastic and detailed world building and superior character development you find yourself right in the mix of things. I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Michael Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent journey into a world populated by larger than life mythical creatures with the right balance of fantasy and adventure.

[Jack Hambly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castelli has built a complex, dynamic world with Sciath. While there are multiple characters, each is unique and three-dimensional. You will not confuse them with each other. The plot begins to move and fits within its continuity without getting derailed. It is a wonderful story which makes the reader eagerly anticipate Sceal.