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Knights of Orion Citadel #1
Illusion of Safety
An innocent young woman, unjustly sentenced to endure a monstrous curse.
Three heroes, determined to set her free.
But powerful enemies battle against them . . .
. . . and time is running out.
When Emma Borello takes the life of an attacker in self-defense, his corrupt billionaire father will stop at nothing to exact his cruel revenge. Running for her life, Emma’s world becomes a lonely nomadic existence of cheap motels and endless miles of highway, constantly on the move to evade the relentless danger that stalks her. She yearns for safety and a family to love—a place to call home.
Cousins Ben and Chase Kincaid are hereditary Templar Knights, bound by oath and birthright to fight evil. When a mission goes awry and a courageous young woman comes out of nowhere to save the day, they’re shocked to discover that she’s as tangled up in the supernatural as they are.
Joining forces with the angel Ashriel, the three embark on a desperate quest to break Emma’s curse. Chase falls for the mysterious beauty, but will his wounds of the past—and her unique friendship with Ashriel—keep them apart?
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down to Emma’s heinous doom, but the brave knights don’t know every step they take to help her only tightens the noose around her neck!
Can they save her from a fate worse than death?
Three heroes, determined to set her free.
But powerful enemies battle against them . . .
. . . and time is running out.
When Emma Borello takes the life of an attacker in self-defense, his corrupt billionaire father will stop at nothing to exact his cruel revenge. Running for her life, Emma’s world becomes a lonely nomadic existence of cheap motels and endless miles of highway, constantly on the move to evade the relentless danger that stalks her. She yearns for safety and a family to love—a place to call home.
Cousins Ben and Chase Kincaid are hereditary Templar Knights, bound by oath and birthright to fight evil. When a mission goes awry and a courageous young woman comes out of nowhere to save the day, they’re shocked to discover that she’s as tangled up in the supernatural as they are.
Joining forces with the angel Ashriel, the three embark on a desperate quest to break Emma’s curse. Chase falls for the mysterious beauty, but will his wounds of the past—and her unique friendship with Ashriel—keep them apart?
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down to Emma’s heinous doom, but the brave knights don’t know every step they take to help her only tightens the noose around her neck!
Can they save her from a fate worse than death?
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2023
27 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 13, 2025
Loved this book!
This amazing novel is a kick-ass sci-fi adventure with advanced sci-fi technology, political elements, and character interactions that demonstrate quality writing. This book takes place in an interesting universe where the powerful Knights of Orion must deal with their power, and ultimately their loyalty, sense of morals, and ideas of the truth. O'Clair has showcased suspense, a sense of anticipation, plot twists, and thoughtful character development to pull the reader into a universe where safety is an illusion and the dangers abound (there are a lot!). Although the dialog is clever and reads with appropriate brevity, the pace of the novel suggests sharp and quick (unhurried) dialog for most chapters; it maintains a pace that provides enough time for characters to develop and thoroughly explore the arc of their development so as to keep the tension alive. Illusion of Safety is a fun read for fans of the genre (space opera) or just fast-paced, high-stakes, futuristic thrillers.
This amazing novel is a kick-ass sci-fi adventure with advanced sci-fi technology, political elements, and character interactions that demonstrate quality writing. This book takes place in an interesting universe where the powerful Knights of Orion must deal with their power, and ultimately their loyalty, sense of morals, and ideas of the truth. O'Clair has showcased suspense, a sense of anticipation, plot twists, and thoughtful character development to pull the reader into a universe where safety is an illusion and the dangers abound (there are a lot!). Although the dialog is clever and reads with appropriate brevity, the pace of the novel suggests sharp and quick (unhurried) dialog for most chapters; it maintains a pace that provides enough time for characters to develop and thoroughly explore the arc of their development so as to keep the tension alive. Illusion of Safety is a fun read for fans of the genre (space opera) or just fast-paced, high-stakes, futuristic thrillers.
August 7, 2025
This is like 60% supernatural (both the concept and the show) and 40% WhO WiLL EmMa ChOoSe? By 60% I was ready to give it 3 stars--maybe 2. Things only got worse from there.
This book is all over the place. Fortunately when the time shifts (10 years ago, 7 years ago, present day, etc.) it’s told to us at the beginning of a chapter.
10 years ago, Emma was 15, ready to emancipate herself and go to culinary school in France, when she witnessed her not-stepfather being murdered. In self-defense, she kills one of the men, ends up in a panic room, and testifying against another. Then she ends up with a curse from the father of the man she killed.
Now, she meets cousins Ben (30) and Chase (25) and ends up dead–coming back to life because of a seraphim named Ashriel. Ben and Chase are in the Knights of Orion, a religious order descended from the Knights Templar, working against the Illuminati–especially since Lucifer is thought to be the leader of the Illuminati. The two can pray for Ash to help them and sometimes ask Michael the archangel for help, but Ash is more of the family protector.
I really liked the religious background, though I feel like Chase curses too much and is too heavily focused on sex. The worldbuilding was great, but I also feel like there was a surface-level amount of information given and we could do more. POVs swapped between Emma, Ben, and Chase, though also Ash and a few other characters.
The supernatural worldbuilding was cool too. Because it takes place in real life, but with the supernatural of werewolves, vampires, and wendigos in the background as good and fallen angels fight with humans in the physical realm.
It is odd that even though Ash has never seen anything like it before in all his millennia, he *knows* Emma and Chase are soul mates–not love mates (though of course that’s going to happen), but two halves of the same soul. It feels too much like Imprinting which I also didn’t like in the Twilight books. And it’s cool that Emma can see into the spiritual realm and can see beyond humanoid aspects angels present themselves as. But that on top of having dreamt about Chase for almost her entire life makes her feel a little too extraordinary. That is discounting the fact that she was cursed to have the dark supernatural constantly after her and not being able to die even fatal blows, to be scarred with awful ordeals from the past. A curse explaining things feels better IMO. Her having a completely eidetic memory like Winter from Star Wars explains some things. But her being able to command Templar magic without training? Being just super amazing in fighting (even with the memory)?
Things become extra weird when Ash also is attracted to her (primarily because he had her soul in him while they saved her body) and wants to have sex with her. Of course Chase does too. But I don’t like angel/human romance, and the way this is done is super weird. Chase gets super jealous of Ash and Emma thinks she was JuSt So UgLy that no wonder why Chase isn’t making a move on her. But she doesn’t really hint at him at she wants something? But she also just melts into Ash’s arms and wants his passionate embrace? It’s disturbing how much she thinks she’s ugly, how much she giggles, how much she wants both Ash and Chase. By 60% in, she became utterly annoying and I wanted to slap her.
This book is all over the place. Fortunately when the time shifts (10 years ago, 7 years ago, present day, etc.) it’s told to us at the beginning of a chapter.
10 years ago, Emma was 15, ready to emancipate herself and go to culinary school in France, when she witnessed her not-stepfather being murdered. In self-defense, she kills one of the men, ends up in a panic room, and testifying against another. Then she ends up with a curse from the father of the man she killed.
Now, she meets cousins Ben (30) and Chase (25) and ends up dead–coming back to life because of a seraphim named Ashriel. Ben and Chase are in the Knights of Orion, a religious order descended from the Knights Templar, working against the Illuminati–especially since Lucifer is thought to be the leader of the Illuminati. The two can pray for Ash to help them and sometimes ask Michael the archangel for help, but Ash is more of the family protector.
I really liked the religious background, though I feel like Chase curses too much and is too heavily focused on sex. The worldbuilding was great, but I also feel like there was a surface-level amount of information given and we could do more. POVs swapped between Emma, Ben, and Chase, though also Ash and a few other characters.
The supernatural worldbuilding was cool too. Because it takes place in real life, but with the supernatural of werewolves, vampires, and wendigos in the background as good and fallen angels fight with humans in the physical realm.
It is odd that even though Ash has never seen anything like it before in all his millennia, he *knows* Emma and Chase are soul mates–not love mates (though of course that’s going to happen), but two halves of the same soul. It feels too much like Imprinting which I also didn’t like in the Twilight books. And it’s cool that Emma can see into the spiritual realm and can see beyond humanoid aspects angels present themselves as. But that on top of having dreamt about Chase for almost her entire life makes her feel a little too extraordinary. That is discounting the fact that she was cursed to have the dark supernatural constantly after her and not being able to die even fatal blows, to be scarred with awful ordeals from the past. A curse explaining things feels better IMO. Her having a completely eidetic memory like Winter from Star Wars explains some things. But her being able to command Templar magic without training? Being just super amazing in fighting (even with the memory)?
Things become extra weird when Ash also is attracted to her (primarily because he had her soul in him while they saved her body) and wants to have sex with her. Of course Chase does too. But I don’t like angel/human romance, and the way this is done is super weird. Chase gets super jealous of Ash and Emma thinks she was JuSt So UgLy that no wonder why Chase isn’t making a move on her. But she doesn’t really hint at him at she wants something? But she also just melts into Ash’s arms and wants his passionate embrace? It’s disturbing how much she thinks she’s ugly, how much she giggles, how much she wants both Ash and Chase. By 60% in, she became utterly annoying and I wanted to slap her.
July 3, 2025
I found Illusion of Safety to be a whirlwind of a story. We follow Emma, a young woman whose world is turned upside down when she witnesses the murder of her stepfather. This event sets off a chain reaction, leading her to cross paths with Chase and Ben Kincaid, modern-day Templar Knights. They save her from a vampire ambush, and from there, the story accelerates. We learn that Emma is a magnet for all things monstrous due to a curse, and to complicate matters, she and Chase are soulmates, a rare and powerful connection. The story is a frantic race for survival, a quest to break the curse, and a battle against the forces of evil. It’s a story packed with action, supernatural beings, and a hint of romance.
I was completely hooked by the writing. Avalon O'Clair has a knack for creating a sense of urgency. The short, punchy sentences in the action sequences had my heart racing. The dialogue is snappy and modern, which makes the characters feel real and relatable. It’s clear that a lot of heart and soul went into crafting this novel.
The ideas in the book are a fun mix of old and new. The concept of Templar Knights in the 21st century, fighting ancient secret societies and supernatural creatures, is a popular one, but O'Clair manages to make it feel fresh. I was particularly drawn to the idea of soulmates, which added a layer of depth and emotion to the story. The connection between Emma and Chase felt palpable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. The curse that plagues Emma is a fascinating plot device, creating a constant sense of danger and forcing her to be strong and resilient. I was impressed by how the author wove together these different elements to create a story that is both exciting and emotionally engaging.
Illusion of Safety is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It’s a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with its fast-paced action, intriguing mythology, and a touch of romance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or action-packed adventures. If you’re a fan of stories with strong heroines, ancient conspiracies, and a healthy dose of the supernatural, then this is the book for you.
I was completely hooked by the writing. Avalon O'Clair has a knack for creating a sense of urgency. The short, punchy sentences in the action sequences had my heart racing. The dialogue is snappy and modern, which makes the characters feel real and relatable. It’s clear that a lot of heart and soul went into crafting this novel.
The ideas in the book are a fun mix of old and new. The concept of Templar Knights in the 21st century, fighting ancient secret societies and supernatural creatures, is a popular one, but O'Clair manages to make it feel fresh. I was particularly drawn to the idea of soulmates, which added a layer of depth and emotion to the story. The connection between Emma and Chase felt palpable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. The curse that plagues Emma is a fascinating plot device, creating a constant sense of danger and forcing her to be strong and resilient. I was impressed by how the author wove together these different elements to create a story that is both exciting and emotionally engaging.
Illusion of Safety is a thrilling ride from start to finish. It’s a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with its fast-paced action, intriguing mythology, and a touch of romance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or action-packed adventures. If you’re a fan of stories with strong heroines, ancient conspiracies, and a healthy dose of the supernatural, then this is the book for you.
August 14, 2025
‘An angel…you look like an undercover IRS agent’ – fantasy, romance and humor well blended
Maine author Avalon O’Clair opens her award-winning series Knights of Orion Citadel with Illusion of Safety – an urban fantasy series ‘where magic simmers and explodes and warrior hearts clash with destiny within a Medieval-style fortress secreted among the snow-capped Colorado Rockies.’ Avalon is an artist in word painting as the opening lines of this novel attest: ‘Thunder rumbled as Emma waved goodbye to the white Mercedes that dropped her off. She stood in the glow of a gas streetlamp as the happy family drove away, a trace of woodsmoke from someone’s fireplace drifting in the frosty air. When she could no longer see Heather waving back through the car’s rear window, she dropped her hand. And the forced smile.” Fine character development is established and this novel pours forth.
The author distills the plot well: ‘When Emma takes the life of an attacker in self-defense, his corrupt billionaire father will stop at nothing to exact his cruel revenge. Traumatized and alone, Emma must run for her life. Her world becomes a lonely, nomadic existence of cheap motels and endless miles of highway, constantly on the move to evade the relentless danger that stalks her. She yearns for safety and a family to love—a place to call home. Cousins Ben and Chase Kincaid are hereditary Templar Knights, bound by oath and birthright to fight evil. When a mission goes awry and a courageous young woman comes out of nowhere to save the day, they’re shocked to discover she’s as tangled up in the paranormal as they are. The valiant knights join forces with their guardian angel, Ashriel, and the three embark on a desperate quest to break Emma’s curse. Chase falls for the mysterious beauty, but will his wounds of the past—and her unique friendship with Ashriel—keep them apart? Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down to Emma’s heinous doom, but her protectors don’t know every step they take to help her only tightens the noose around her neck. Can they save her from a fate truly worse than death?’
This well-scribed novel introduces a cast of characters (and actions) that captivates attention, likely resulting in the impulse to continue this fine series. A delightful read!
Maine author Avalon O’Clair opens her award-winning series Knights of Orion Citadel with Illusion of Safety – an urban fantasy series ‘where magic simmers and explodes and warrior hearts clash with destiny within a Medieval-style fortress secreted among the snow-capped Colorado Rockies.’ Avalon is an artist in word painting as the opening lines of this novel attest: ‘Thunder rumbled as Emma waved goodbye to the white Mercedes that dropped her off. She stood in the glow of a gas streetlamp as the happy family drove away, a trace of woodsmoke from someone’s fireplace drifting in the frosty air. When she could no longer see Heather waving back through the car’s rear window, she dropped her hand. And the forced smile.” Fine character development is established and this novel pours forth.
The author distills the plot well: ‘When Emma takes the life of an attacker in self-defense, his corrupt billionaire father will stop at nothing to exact his cruel revenge. Traumatized and alone, Emma must run for her life. Her world becomes a lonely, nomadic existence of cheap motels and endless miles of highway, constantly on the move to evade the relentless danger that stalks her. She yearns for safety and a family to love—a place to call home. Cousins Ben and Chase Kincaid are hereditary Templar Knights, bound by oath and birthright to fight evil. When a mission goes awry and a courageous young woman comes out of nowhere to save the day, they’re shocked to discover she’s as tangled up in the paranormal as they are. The valiant knights join forces with their guardian angel, Ashriel, and the three embark on a desperate quest to break Emma’s curse. Chase falls for the mysterious beauty, but will his wounds of the past—and her unique friendship with Ashriel—keep them apart? Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down to Emma’s heinous doom, but her protectors don’t know every step they take to help her only tightens the noose around her neck. Can they save her from a fate truly worse than death?’
This well-scribed novel introduces a cast of characters (and actions) that captivates attention, likely resulting in the impulse to continue this fine series. A delightful read!
August 19, 2025
Emma is in trouble. When she kills someone in self-defense, it is just the opportunity her amoral billionaire father needs. Emma defied his wishes, and now he is doing everything in his power to see her pay for her actions. Help appears in the form of three unlikely heroes: Chase and Ben Kincaid, modern Templar Knights, and the mysterious Ashriel. The trio are determined to assist Emma in avoiding the doom that stalks her, but things get complicated quickly. Chase is starting to develop feelings for Emma, yet there are significant obstacles threatening to keep them apart. Can this quartet figure out a path forward that is satisfactory for all parties involved?
Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety, by Avalon O’Clair, is an urban fantasy novel. It bears some resemblance to the show True Blood and similar fare. Teen audiences will probably be the most interested in it, but fair warning: there is plenty of NSFW content, including some spicy dialogue, graphic violence, and sexual situations.
The premise, while sensationalistic, is well suited for this type of genre. Some of the tropes, such as characters dealing with curses and hereditary traits that tie other protagonists to ancient societies, will be instantly recognizable to aficionados of this sort of novel. However, O’Clair writes with enthusiasm and verve, and her cheekiness is quite sufficient to keep the material fresh.
The interplay between the well-developed characters, especially the four who form the core of the novel’s action, is strong. The reader quickly becomes attached to Emma, as well as to the brothers who work to free her from her predicament and the fascinating, enigmatic Ashriel. There is a decidedly modern feeling to the novel in terms of the dialogue choices, but there’s also classic elements that feel like they come right out of R.A. Salvatore.
While the ending is somewhat predictable, it stays largely open-ended, seemingly confirming that O’Clair envisions further installments in this world she has created. Those would be welcome, as there’s plenty of meat left on the bone for additional entries.
Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety, by Avalon O’Clair, is an urban fantasy novel. It bears some resemblance to the show True Blood and similar fare. Teen audiences will probably be the most interested in it, but fair warning: there is plenty of NSFW content, including some spicy dialogue, graphic violence, and sexual situations.
The premise, while sensationalistic, is well suited for this type of genre. Some of the tropes, such as characters dealing with curses and hereditary traits that tie other protagonists to ancient societies, will be instantly recognizable to aficionados of this sort of novel. However, O’Clair writes with enthusiasm and verve, and her cheekiness is quite sufficient to keep the material fresh.
The interplay between the well-developed characters, especially the four who form the core of the novel’s action, is strong. The reader quickly becomes attached to Emma, as well as to the brothers who work to free her from her predicament and the fascinating, enigmatic Ashriel. There is a decidedly modern feeling to the novel in terms of the dialogue choices, but there’s also classic elements that feel like they come right out of R.A. Salvatore.
While the ending is somewhat predictable, it stays largely open-ended, seemingly confirming that O’Clair envisions further installments in this world she has created. Those would be welcome, as there’s plenty of meat left on the bone for additional entries.
August 15, 2025
A captivating adventure
From the opening chapter, this urban fantasy pulls you into a world where danger, faith, and the supernatural collide. Avalon O’Clair delivers a story that blends gritty realism with high-stakes paranormal conflict, keeping the pages turning from start to finish.
Emma’s life is shattered after a deadly act of self-defense puts her in the crosshairs of a powerful and vengeful billionaire. Forced to keep moving to survive, her escape is not without purpose, she’s trying to stay ahead of danger while making sense of a mysterious curse that has marked her. Her path crosses with Chase and Ben Kincaid, Templar knight cousins with their own burdens, who take up her cause. Together with Ashriel, a guardian angel whose presence adds both strength and warmth, they find themselves drawn into a battle that is as much spiritual as it is physical.
This is far from a simple “damsel in distress” tale. Emma is not only a survivor but a quick-thinking and determined woman who pushes back against fear. The knights and Ashriel are more than just protectors, they’re complex characters wrestling with their own pasts, loyalties, and moral choices. The relationships between them carry emotional weight, and their shared mission deepens with every chapter.
O’Clair’s dialogue is sharp and believable, laced with humor that lands at just the right moments, and her descriptive style gives each setting a cinematic presence. Action scenes are tense and kinetic, while quieter moments allow space for themes of love, loss, vengeance, and redemption to breathe.
This is an action-packed ride with rich doses of mythology and paranormal intrigue, combining chivalry, mystery, emotional struggle, romance, and the darker edges of human nature. It doesn’t shy away from violence, raw emotion, or occasionally coarse exchanges, making it best suited for mature readers.
From the opening chapter, this urban fantasy pulls you into a world where danger, faith, and the supernatural collide. Avalon O’Clair delivers a story that blends gritty realism with high-stakes paranormal conflict, keeping the pages turning from start to finish.
Emma’s life is shattered after a deadly act of self-defense puts her in the crosshairs of a powerful and vengeful billionaire. Forced to keep moving to survive, her escape is not without purpose, she’s trying to stay ahead of danger while making sense of a mysterious curse that has marked her. Her path crosses with Chase and Ben Kincaid, Templar knight cousins with their own burdens, who take up her cause. Together with Ashriel, a guardian angel whose presence adds both strength and warmth, they find themselves drawn into a battle that is as much spiritual as it is physical.
This is far from a simple “damsel in distress” tale. Emma is not only a survivor but a quick-thinking and determined woman who pushes back against fear. The knights and Ashriel are more than just protectors, they’re complex characters wrestling with their own pasts, loyalties, and moral choices. The relationships between them carry emotional weight, and their shared mission deepens with every chapter.
O’Clair’s dialogue is sharp and believable, laced with humor that lands at just the right moments, and her descriptive style gives each setting a cinematic presence. Action scenes are tense and kinetic, while quieter moments allow space for themes of love, loss, vengeance, and redemption to breathe.
This is an action-packed ride with rich doses of mythology and paranormal intrigue, combining chivalry, mystery, emotional struggle, romance, and the darker edges of human nature. It doesn’t shy away from violence, raw emotion, or occasionally coarse exchanges, making it best suited for mature readers.
August 16, 2025
Great reading
This is a nonstop thrill ride that combines supernatural action, ancient knightly orders, and just enough romance to keep your heart racing. From the first chapter, the story catapults readers into danger, with Emma fleeing for her life after a deadly act of self-defense triggers the wrath of a powerful billionaire. What begins as a harrowing escape narrative quickly morphs into something larger, a sprawling battle between light and dark, anchored by Templar warriors and celestial forces.
O’Clair wastes no time building tension or tossing her characters into life-or-death scenarios. Every chapter feels like a new escalation: from demon attacks to cursed relics to psychic battles. Fantasy fans looking for dense lore and mythos will be pleased by the subtle worldbuilding, which draws on Templar legends, angelic lore, and dark magic without ever slowing down the momentum.
Characters like Chase and Ben Kincaid bring grit and a deep-rooted sense of honor to the narrative, while Ashriel’s presence adds a layer of cosmic intrigue. Chase’s growing affection for Emma is compelling, especially as he contends with his own trauma. The dynamic between Emma and Ashriel is also surprisingly complex, hinting at deeper tensions that will no doubt unfold in future installments.
The author knows how to stage a fight scene and deliver snappy dialogue without losing emotional impact. Despite the heavy themes, there’s levity and camaraderie that make the darkness bearable. Readers who enjoy series like The Mortal Instruments or Supernatural will find a lot to love here.
This is a nonstop thrill ride that combines supernatural action, ancient knightly orders, and just enough romance to keep your heart racing. From the first chapter, the story catapults readers into danger, with Emma fleeing for her life after a deadly act of self-defense triggers the wrath of a powerful billionaire. What begins as a harrowing escape narrative quickly morphs into something larger, a sprawling battle between light and dark, anchored by Templar warriors and celestial forces.
O’Clair wastes no time building tension or tossing her characters into life-or-death scenarios. Every chapter feels like a new escalation: from demon attacks to cursed relics to psychic battles. Fantasy fans looking for dense lore and mythos will be pleased by the subtle worldbuilding, which draws on Templar legends, angelic lore, and dark magic without ever slowing down the momentum.
Characters like Chase and Ben Kincaid bring grit and a deep-rooted sense of honor to the narrative, while Ashriel’s presence adds a layer of cosmic intrigue. Chase’s growing affection for Emma is compelling, especially as he contends with his own trauma. The dynamic between Emma and Ashriel is also surprisingly complex, hinting at deeper tensions that will no doubt unfold in future installments.
The author knows how to stage a fight scene and deliver snappy dialogue without losing emotional impact. Despite the heavy themes, there’s levity and camaraderie that make the darkness bearable. Readers who enjoy series like The Mortal Instruments or Supernatural will find a lot to love here.
August 15, 2025
A bold and compelling read
Avalon O’Clair’s debut novel bursts onto the scene with cinematic flair, immersing readers in a world where cursed heroines, Templar knights, and guardian angels cross paths in the shadows of modern life.
One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless weaving of fantastical elements into a grounded contemporary setting. The Templar cousins, Ben and Chase, are as layered and imperfect as they are heroic, while Ashriel, the guardian angel, adds both gravitas and an otherworldly warmth to the team dynamic. O’Clair’s worldbuilding is detailed without bogging down the pace, and the dialogue strikes a natural rhythm, sharp when it needs to be, and unexpectedly humorous in the right moments.
The narrative balances adrenaline-charged action sequences with quieter, emotionally intimate scenes, building stakes that are as much about the heart as the battlefield. Themes of loss, trauma, loyalty, and love run deep, and the portrayal of anxiety feels informed and empathetic rather than tokenistic.
This is a story unafraid to wade into the darker currents of both human and supernatural conflict. Graphic violence, vengeance, and emotional wounds make it best suited for mature readers, but they also enrich the story’s emotional payoff. With its well-earned accolades, carefully laid character arcs, and a final chapter that lands a tantalizing cliffhanger, Illusion of Safety sets a high bar for the trilogy to come.
Avalon O’Clair’s debut novel bursts onto the scene with cinematic flair, immersing readers in a world where cursed heroines, Templar knights, and guardian angels cross paths in the shadows of modern life.
One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless weaving of fantastical elements into a grounded contemporary setting. The Templar cousins, Ben and Chase, are as layered and imperfect as they are heroic, while Ashriel, the guardian angel, adds both gravitas and an otherworldly warmth to the team dynamic. O’Clair’s worldbuilding is detailed without bogging down the pace, and the dialogue strikes a natural rhythm, sharp when it needs to be, and unexpectedly humorous in the right moments.
The narrative balances adrenaline-charged action sequences with quieter, emotionally intimate scenes, building stakes that are as much about the heart as the battlefield. Themes of loss, trauma, loyalty, and love run deep, and the portrayal of anxiety feels informed and empathetic rather than tokenistic.
This is a story unafraid to wade into the darker currents of both human and supernatural conflict. Graphic violence, vengeance, and emotional wounds make it best suited for mature readers, but they also enrich the story’s emotional payoff. With its well-earned accolades, carefully laid character arcs, and a final chapter that lands a tantalizing cliffhanger, Illusion of Safety sets a high bar for the trilogy to come.
August 4, 2025
Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety is a high-stakes ride packed with gritty urban fantasy, emotional healing, and knightly drama.
Emma is a standout protagonist. She doesn’t get much of a break caught in a supernatural storm and running from more than just her past. Her emotional depth and vulnerability had me rooting for her like she was my battle-worn cousin. And the way her trauma and strength are explored is beautifully raw.
Then there’s Ashriel who is sexy, mysterious and angelic. The dynamic between him and Emma is a slow-burn tension-fest that kept me fully invested. And let’s not forget the Templar cousins, Chase and Marcus. Chase brings the broody sword-wielding vibes, and Marcus adds heart and gravitas to the team.
What I loved most was the writing itself, Avalon O’Clair weaves emotional depth with sharp pacing and just the right dose of sass and swordplay. The world feels rich without being overwhelming, and the stakes feel personal. It dives deep into themes of trust, trauma, and redemption, all with a paranormal twist.
If you’re into urban fantasy with emotional grit, layered characters, and demons with trust issues, this one’s a gem.
Emma is a standout protagonist. She doesn’t get much of a break caught in a supernatural storm and running from more than just her past. Her emotional depth and vulnerability had me rooting for her like she was my battle-worn cousin. And the way her trauma and strength are explored is beautifully raw.
Then there’s Ashriel who is sexy, mysterious and angelic. The dynamic between him and Emma is a slow-burn tension-fest that kept me fully invested. And let’s not forget the Templar cousins, Chase and Marcus. Chase brings the broody sword-wielding vibes, and Marcus adds heart and gravitas to the team.
What I loved most was the writing itself, Avalon O’Clair weaves emotional depth with sharp pacing and just the right dose of sass and swordplay. The world feels rich without being overwhelming, and the stakes feel personal. It dives deep into themes of trust, trauma, and redemption, all with a paranormal twist.
If you’re into urban fantasy with emotional grit, layered characters, and demons with trust issues, this one’s a gem.
August 13, 2025
Amazing book!
This book is truly surprising, not only because of the development of an amazing plot, full of fantasy, battles, magic, and confrontations for a purpose, but also because of the way the author presents and describes the characters. Each one has a well-defined personality and backstory, which makes the reader feel as if he/she has known them for a long time and as if he/she is part of the story himself/herself.
The pace of the book, with some parts more intense than others, turns reading it into a real adventure, making it impossible to stop for even a single second.
This is the first book of a new saga, and I’m very excited to read the rest, if this was just the first one, I can’t imagine what the rest of the story will bring.
This book is truly surprising, not only because of the development of an amazing plot, full of fantasy, battles, magic, and confrontations for a purpose, but also because of the way the author presents and describes the characters. Each one has a well-defined personality and backstory, which makes the reader feel as if he/she has known them for a long time and as if he/she is part of the story himself/herself.
The pace of the book, with some parts more intense than others, turns reading it into a real adventure, making it impossible to stop for even a single second.
This is the first book of a new saga, and I’m very excited to read the rest, if this was just the first one, I can’t imagine what the rest of the story will bring.
August 13, 2025
This first book was incredible and I found it impossible to put down. I was captivated by Emma's story right away since it was full of danger and loneliness. Ben, Chase, and the enigmatic Ashriel give the group courage and a unique bond, and Emma is both tough and fragile. The characters all seem so real. I was completely captivated by the blend of action, tension, and a sense of the strange.
As the tension grew I couldn't help but hope that they would lift the curse that is threatening Emma's life. In some parts, my heart raced, and in others, I felt a great deal of pity for the characters. By the end, I was really intrigued by the sequel, and I can't wait to get started on the second book!
As the tension grew I couldn't help but hope that they would lift the curse that is threatening Emma's life. In some parts, my heart raced, and in others, I felt a great deal of pity for the characters. By the end, I was really intrigued by the sequel, and I can't wait to get started on the second book!
August 14, 2025
"Knights of Orion Citadel: Illusion of Safety" by Avalon O'Clair was such an exciting and emotional read. Emma’s life is so unfair, she defended herself but ended up cursed and hunted by monsters. I really felt for her, and it made me think of moments in my life when I had to keep going even when everything felt against me.
The teamwork, even with so many differences between them, reminded me of times I had to work with people I didn’t know well but still needed to trust.
What I liked most was the romance and emotional depth. The connection between Emma and Chase felt real, but their past wounds and supernatural bonds made it complicated. It reminded me how trust and feelings can be hard to balance in real life.
The teamwork, even with so many differences between them, reminded me of times I had to work with people I didn’t know well but still needed to trust.
What I liked most was the romance and emotional depth. The connection between Emma and Chase felt real, but their past wounds and supernatural bonds made it complicated. It reminded me how trust and feelings can be hard to balance in real life.
August 14, 2025
An incredible book that had me connected from start to finish. I love books with female protagonists because seeing their strength and how they manage to overcome any problem is super empowering. This book has everything I like: action, intrigue, mystery, and romance, and that is why I simply couldn't put it down until I finished it on the same day. I really appreciate the author's narrative style and his ability to create a plot that is both well balanced and powerful, as well as characters who contribute a lot to the story and have very interesting and strong personalities. I highly recommend it. I loved the whole story in general, and I assure you that you will have an incredible time reading it.
August 12, 2025
This novel can be described as falling into several categories — urban fantasy, adventure and paranormal romance. It might be a good choice for you if you enjoy these types of books. However, Knights of Orion Citadel did not draw me into its story very quickly. I felt that the tale jumped around in a puzzling way and that the character development lacked depth. It would have been nice if the book had more lifelike dialogue. On the other hand, the author does manage to make the reader wonder what will happen next. Avalon O’Clair also has a gift for writing rich descriptions. It will be interesting to see how this author develops. I am giving the book a solid three out of five stars.
January 15, 2024
I will call this one 3.5. I loved the overall story plot. The characters were great. The whole thing reminded me of Supernatural, and I loved it. I’m removing stars strictly because I feel like the book was a little on the wordy side. There were plot lines that could have been completely left out, and the story would have still worked fine. I hate the cover art (sorry). I almost didn’t want to read this one because of it. The description is the only reason I did! I will definitely be reading the next book, because I have to find out what happens!!
February 7, 2024
An adventure
It was an entertaining story. It took a while for me to get into it. The writing isn't very smooth. I felt like I was one place and then jerked to something else. It confused me a bit. I didn't particularly like Chase's personality, he was very childish but I think he did right in the wrong way. It ends in somewhat a cliffhanger. There is so much going on and it was a surprising finale..
It was an entertaining story. It took a while for me to get into it. The writing isn't very smooth. I felt like I was one place and then jerked to something else. It confused me a bit. I didn't particularly like Chase's personality, he was very childish but I think he did right in the wrong way. It ends in somewhat a cliffhanger. There is so much going on and it was a surprising finale..
November 29, 2023
Wordy
YA, so not my scene, and ended up in my DNF.
The prose is very solid and wordy. But, of course the heroine is the best at everything she does to try and impress get unimpressionable father! And true to form, even though 2% of the human population has red hair, 75% of the romance based novels heroines do.
YA, so not my scene, and ended up in my DNF.
The prose is very solid and wordy. But, of course the heroine is the best at everything she does to try and impress get unimpressionable father! And true to form, even though 2% of the human population has red hair, 75% of the romance based novels heroines do.
January 10, 2024
This started off really good but the later part of the book almost feels like you've moved into the literary version of a movie montage. It almost seems like there were small snippets of story written already and someone just threw them together in approximate timeline order because they were quickly approaching a deadline. I'll read the next one.
April 19, 2024
DNF chapter 7 achieved. Religious angle and temple knights battle everything including ruthless capitalist mob hitman. Purchased this edition on December 5, 2023, from Amazon for free. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Have the free sequel but will not be reading it. The story is disjointed and the characters have strange empathy for random 'soul mates'.
August 15, 2025
This is urban fantasy for readers who crave adrenaline, danger, and a touch of the divine. The plot twists are genuinely unpredictable, the stakes feel crushingly real, and the ending leaves just enough unanswered to make you hungry for the next book in the series.
This read is proof that Avalon O’Clair is a fresh, exciting voice in the genre.
This read is proof that Avalon O’Clair is a fresh, exciting voice in the genre.
October 3, 2023
Wow, this is a very, very good first book. Full of surprises all the way through. The action never lets up from the start to a finish I didn’t see coming. Switches from one side to the other time and time again. Cannot wait for book two that’s for sure. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2025
fast paced and suspenseful
Great dialogue and well developed characters. I loved the different point of views. Twists and turns, but easy to follow with an ending that could lead to another book.
Great dialogue and well developed characters. I loved the different point of views. Twists and turns, but easy to follow with an ending that could lead to another book.
December 21, 2023
O’Clair has created in interesting world populated by powerful men, women, and supernatural beings of both good and evil persuasions. Many mythological beings in the book have familiar names such as Archangel Michael, and Hades. They have only vague resemblances to historical references to them. That aside, strap yourself in for a wild ride! I raced through the book in one sitting.
December 21, 2023
Such a good book. I raced through the end...I just had to know how it ended. Looking forward to the next book in January
January 9, 2024
A fantasy book for adults without being purely adult entertainment I like that the book still had a good story while still being a adult book
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