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The Half-Light Chronicles #0.5
The Light That Takes
It's been fourteen years since Gaeren saw Aeliana disappear, but he still searches every port for his childhood friend. When the latest clue points to lands across the barrier, where people are no longer supposed to exist, Gaeren is forced to relive the painful memories of losing Aeliana in order to discover if she's still within his reach.
The Light That Takes is a prequel short story in The Half-Light Chronicles. The first book in the series launched on Kickstarter September 2023 and comes to retailers March 2024.
The Light That Takes is a prequel short story in The Half-Light Chronicles. The first book in the series launched on Kickstarter September 2023 and comes to retailers March 2024.
39 pages, Audiobook
Published October 2, 2023
About the author
Karyne Norton
16 books195 followersWant a FREE short story from Karyne Norton?
Grab the prequel to her fantasy series, The Half-Light Chronicles, here: https://BookHip.com/BNBMKQG
Or grab a standalone sci-fi time travel novella here: https://BookHip.com/RMHZCDJ
Karyne Norton hasn’t found the key to time travel, immortality, or infinite lives, so she’s taking a break from nursing and photography to focus on raising four human beings while writing epic fantasy and science fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, which is why she’s also the host of the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast, where she reads a new short story every week from a variety of fantasy authors. Blood of the Stars, the first book in the Half-Light Chronicles, is her debut fantasy novel and The Things We Can Change is her debut sci-fi time travel thriller.
On reviews: I usually give 4-5 stars to every book I finish because a) I don't have time to finish books unless I'm loving them b) even books that have content or themes I disagree with can positively impact me c) stars don't mean a ton to readers, but they mean a lot to the authors. If you want more detailed impressions on books I'm reading, come find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/karynenorton/) or head over to my website and sign up for my newsletter: https://karynenorton.com
Grab the prequel to her fantasy series, The Half-Light Chronicles, here: https://BookHip.com/BNBMKQG
Or grab a standalone sci-fi time travel novella here: https://BookHip.com/RMHZCDJ
Karyne Norton hasn’t found the key to time travel, immortality, or infinite lives, so she’s taking a break from nursing and photography to focus on raising four human beings while writing epic fantasy and science fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, which is why she’s also the host of the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast, where she reads a new short story every week from a variety of fantasy authors. Blood of the Stars, the first book in the Half-Light Chronicles, is her debut fantasy novel and The Things We Can Change is her debut sci-fi time travel thriller.
On reviews: I usually give 4-5 stars to every book I finish because a) I don't have time to finish books unless I'm loving them b) even books that have content or themes I disagree with can positively impact me c) stars don't mean a ton to readers, but they mean a lot to the authors. If you want more detailed impressions on books I'm reading, come find me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/karynenorton/) or head over to my website and sign up for my newsletter: https://karynenorton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 29, 2023
An interesting set-up for the world of the Half-Light Chronicles. But what really struck me was the sweet brotherly relationship between Gaeren and Aeliana.
This story does exactly what it is supposed to do - build anticipation in the reader for the up-coming book 1 in the series. And from where I sit, it has done that job well.
This story does exactly what it is supposed to do - build anticipation in the reader for the up-coming book 1 in the series. And from where I sit, it has done that job well.
November 29, 2024
While I read Blood of the Stars first, The Light That Takes is a prequel story that introduces the world of The Half-Light Chronicles as well as set up some essential groundwork for Blood of the Stars. We follow Gaeren as he’s searching for his Daisy on another sailing tour instead of his princely duties. After another failure, but discovering essential knowledge for his future quests, we delve into a flashback of him with Daisy, their sibling-like relationship, and what happened to her. And the tension was really well done in that part. While the incident is mentioned in Blood of the Stars, it’s covered more in depth here. The prose was gripping and the pacing was good and I quite enjoyed it. The narration by Paeter Frandsen was well done and immersed me in the story. I highly recommend reading this first before starting the main series.
March 16, 2024
A good Prequel
I'm curious to see where Karyne Norton takes this story. I like the hint of blood magic we see and the characters are interestinh. I'd like more clarity in the world building tho. After finishing this, the full length novel will definitely be on my tbr list. My hope is that the series gets Darker (Dark with a capital D). So many Fantasy books shy away from that. Overall a good start.
I'm curious to see where Karyne Norton takes this story. I like the hint of blood magic we see and the characters are interestinh. I'd like more clarity in the world building tho. After finishing this, the full length novel will definitely be on my tbr list. My hope is that the series gets Darker (Dark with a capital D). So many Fantasy books shy away from that. Overall a good start.
Read
October 13, 2023This is a beautiful, fun, and intriguing introduction to the larger story we’ll be getting in BLOOD OF THE STARS-like a fun-size candy bar that just makes you want more!
March 8, 2024
I had read this author's work in an anthology and boy did she impress! Which is why I was so excited to get stuck into more of her work! The intensity she manages to imbue using 'just' words, had me reeling with emotions! And goodness! This one had the same effect! And like the story in the anthology, it left a cavity in the pit of my stomach, it packed such a punch, I need MORE! Thankfully, this immensely talented author has graced us with just that! There IS more to come! There IS more of this story! But before I rush off to read it, I'll leave you with this:
Gaeren is a prince who is very uncomfortable with palace politics. He feels so differently from his almost feelingless parents and worst of all, he feels powerless to change anything. Whilst at sea, a near encounter with another ship, one which shouldn't have been where it was, unlocks a memory buried deep inside him. A memory of the year he spent with the high priestess, away from home, at the tender age of 8. A memory of a sweet little girl who he came to love with all his heart. A memory of her being ripped away as he stood helpless to come to her aid. But come on, he was only 8 and his magic was yet to kick in. Yet he searches for her wherever he can. This chance encounter, messes with his head, what he thought was a myth, that there ARE others besides them, is evident when je sees a human, for the very first time, through the barrier. And as the memories unlock, so too does his determination to find a way through, to find the little girl who captured his heart.
What a beautiful character Gaeren is! I did say the author had me reeling from the emotions she brings out, not only in Gaeren, but in me too. I could feel how honourable he is, I could feel how disappointed he was in court and his family, I could feel his anguish as Aeliana is taken, to where, he has no idea. All his very young 8 year old remembers is that his dear companion, Daisy, as he came to call her, is set to be used for her magic. With this new revelation, his resolve and determination is unleashed, he WILL find a way through the barrier, he WILL find his childhood friend! And I WILL be embarking on this journey with the utmost of excitement!
Gaeren is a prince who is very uncomfortable with palace politics. He feels so differently from his almost feelingless parents and worst of all, he feels powerless to change anything. Whilst at sea, a near encounter with another ship, one which shouldn't have been where it was, unlocks a memory buried deep inside him. A memory of the year he spent with the high priestess, away from home, at the tender age of 8. A memory of a sweet little girl who he came to love with all his heart. A memory of her being ripped away as he stood helpless to come to her aid. But come on, he was only 8 and his magic was yet to kick in. Yet he searches for her wherever he can. This chance encounter, messes with his head, what he thought was a myth, that there ARE others besides them, is evident when je sees a human, for the very first time, through the barrier. And as the memories unlock, so too does his determination to find a way through, to find the little girl who captured his heart.
What a beautiful character Gaeren is! I did say the author had me reeling from the emotions she brings out, not only in Gaeren, but in me too. I could feel how honourable he is, I could feel how disappointed he was in court and his family, I could feel his anguish as Aeliana is taken, to where, he has no idea. All his very young 8 year old remembers is that his dear companion, Daisy, as he came to call her, is set to be used for her magic. With this new revelation, his resolve and determination is unleashed, he WILL find a way through the barrier, he WILL find his childhood friend! And I WILL be embarking on this journey with the utmost of excitement!
December 22, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is a threat, and some child endangerment, as well as mention of someone being stabbed. And blood magic (blood on hands is all we see)
Sexual: None.
This was an engaging short read, an introduction to the series (which I haven't read) The Half-Light chronicles.
It is told from the perspective of a prince, who is also a magic wielder that has some sort of memory ability (he can see and give memory from and to others as far as I could tell). He's on a very secret, vital mission; to rescue someone he calls Daisy. He's been looking for her for years.
This was very well written and engaging. I was all kinds of curious about the world set up here, where the half-light people were descendants of stars? Sorta? Meteors? Unclear, but fascinating. They live within a barrier that separates them from other realms, including the human realm. They believe that the humans have died out without their magic.
The majority of this short is a flashback, detailing how the girl that the prince is looking for disappears. It was sweet, seeing his sibling love for the little girl, and his promise to find her again is pretty dang impressive (because it's a promise he made to himself and her, so no one knows and can hold him accountable).
I immediately went to find the main series after reading, and balked a little at the just shy of 700 pages first book. I admit it, anything over 450 pages starts to intimidate my brain. Which is just stupid really, because I go through twenty 300 page books in a month. But that's how my mind works. Go figure.
I'll put the series on my to-read, and we'll see if the mood strikes me at some point.
Profanity: None.
Violence: Mild. There is a threat, and some child endangerment, as well as mention of someone being stabbed. And blood magic (blood on hands is all we see)
Sexual: None.
This was an engaging short read, an introduction to the series (which I haven't read) The Half-Light chronicles.
It is told from the perspective of a prince, who is also a magic wielder that has some sort of memory ability (he can see and give memory from and to others as far as I could tell). He's on a very secret, vital mission; to rescue someone he calls Daisy. He's been looking for her for years.
This was very well written and engaging. I was all kinds of curious about the world set up here, where the half-light people were descendants of stars? Sorta? Meteors? Unclear, but fascinating. They live within a barrier that separates them from other realms, including the human realm. They believe that the humans have died out without their magic.
The majority of this short is a flashback, detailing how the girl that the prince is looking for disappears. It was sweet, seeing his sibling love for the little girl, and his promise to find her again is pretty dang impressive (because it's a promise he made to himself and her, so no one knows and can hold him accountable).
I immediately went to find the main series after reading, and balked a little at the just shy of 700 pages first book. I admit it, anything over 450 pages starts to intimidate my brain. Which is just stupid really, because I go through twenty 300 page books in a month. But that's how my mind works. Go figure.
I'll put the series on my to-read, and we'll see if the mood strikes me at some point.
January 4, 2026
The Light That Takes is such a lovely little prequel — the kind that makes you extra curious about what's coming next. I loved slipping into this world and feeling the weight of Gaeren's search for Aeliana after all those years. The writing pulled me in right away, and the look back into the past added a bittersweet layer that really worked.
I especially enjoyed seeing the bond between Gaeren and Daisy/Aeliana grow. It felt tender and authentic, and it made the emotional stakes land even harder. The mystery around the barrier and the idea of lands no one is supposed to cross had me completely hooked. There's just enough world-building to spark the imagination without slowing things down.
I'm not usually big on long stretches of sea travel, so I was relieved that it never overstayed its welcome here, and I'm hoping the main series explores much more beyond the ship. Overall, this was absolutely worth the read and a great tease for The Half-Light Chronicles. Now I just want to know what happens next!
I especially enjoyed seeing the bond between Gaeren and Daisy/Aeliana grow. It felt tender and authentic, and it made the emotional stakes land even harder. The mystery around the barrier and the idea of lands no one is supposed to cross had me completely hooked. There's just enough world-building to spark the imagination without slowing things down.
I'm not usually big on long stretches of sea travel, so I was relieved that it never overstayed its welcome here, and I'm hoping the main series explores much more beyond the ship. Overall, this was absolutely worth the read and a great tease for The Half-Light Chronicles. Now I just want to know what happens next!
November 2, 2023
This short story was a great intro into the Half-Light universe, it was a quick read yet I felt full emersed in this new setting. This lovely story whisks you away into this wonderful knew world where we follow Gaeren in his quest to find his childhood friend, Aeliana. These are the two protagonist in the full length novel and a way to dip our toes into this exciting new world. We get hints of this new world, its magic and lore, as well as see the relationship blossom between our two leads. I really enjoyed this short story and in such a short time I came to care for these two children caught up in the machination of others. Gaeren became more than just a determined teenager but we learn what is within his heart and how it guides him. I highly recommend this sweet and short read.
May 25, 2025
An intriguing glimpse into a rich, emotional world. The Light That Takes explores the weight of responsibility and devotion placed on a child—one that Gaeren carries well into adulthood, driven by a bond he made with a toddler. The emotional depth, paired with haunting memories and the mystery of a vanished friend, immediately draws you in.
It’s a short story, but it delivers a strong pull toward the larger narrative. Gaeren’s loyalty and determination make you root for him, and I’m eager to see how his journey unfolds in The Half-Light Chronicles. Will he find Aeliana? And can he rise to the challenges of both friendship and royalty?
It’s a short story, but it delivers a strong pull toward the larger narrative. Gaeren’s loyalty and determination make you root for him, and I’m eager to see how his journey unfolds in The Half-Light Chronicles. Will he find Aeliana? And can he rise to the challenges of both friendship and royalty?
April 15, 2023
An exciting entry to what is sure to be a sweeping and epic fantasy series. I got some vibes of Stardust by Neil Gaiman meets Bifrost bridges in Thor meets a fairytale with maybe a hint of Pirates (at least guys on ships with swords. How can you go wrong with that?!?) In this introductory story we meet our hero Gaeren who is searching for his childhood friend Daisy (and maybe a potential love interest???) With a unique magic system that seems to be based on starlight and a powerful heroine in trouble, this series is sure to entertain!
September 25, 2023
I struggle sometimes to find a fantasy series that ticks all my boxes, but this one just worked SO DANG WELL for me. The fantasy world has quite interesting and unique landscapes, customs, magic systems/abilities, and people groups/races. It definitely appears to be more of a soft magic system so far, but I could see the author structuring that a bit with the next installment. This is upper YA/NA, but it is completely clean as far as any sexual content so far. I'm so excited to see where this series goes, and I can't wait to see more from this author in the years to come.
February 25, 2024
This short story was a great introduction to the world of The Half-Light Chronicles. In just a few pages, it hooks the reader with intriguing mysteries, fascinating magic, and a vibrant main character.
Personally, I'm excited I got the arc of Blood of the Stars because I can't wait to see where the novel goes next!
Personally, I'm excited I got the arc of Blood of the Stars because I can't wait to see where the novel goes next!
October 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a cute short story in the Blood of the stars series! I loved the memory of how Gaeren and Aeliana met and the sweet protectiveness he felt towards her. I listened on audio and at less than an hour at regular speed (or just over 30 mins at my speed). It was a fantastic way to introduce myself to series before jumping into BotS. Important to note this is a bonus read and not required in order to read book 1!
This was such a cute short story in the Blood of the stars series! I loved the memory of how Gaeren and Aeliana met and the sweet protectiveness he felt towards her. I listened on audio and at less than an hour at regular speed (or just over 30 mins at my speed). It was a fantastic way to introduce myself to series before jumping into BotS. Important to note this is a bonus read and not required in order to read book 1!
May 14, 2026
There is something that lingers in the memories of Gaeren’s happier days — something he has never forgotten, yet does not allow himself to remember: Aeliana.
On a journey to fulfill his sister’s whims, he continues searching for her. But this time, the waters seem to have plans of their own: a coral barrier makes him witness, with his own eyes, something he once believed impossible — and it sparks new hope within him.
On a journey to fulfill his sister’s whims, he continues searching for her. But this time, the waters seem to have plans of their own: a coral barrier makes him witness, with his own eyes, something he once believed impossible — and it sparks new hope within him.
June 12, 2026
4.75 stars: Gaeren and Aeliana are main characters in the larger series, and we get more insight into their past here as well as Gaeren's motivation to find her in the present. I do not normally prefer audiobooks, but I think this narrator did such a good job bringing the experience to life! Getting to see this story makes the world in the larger series richer and the character relationships deeper. The ending especially was so gorgeous! I really enjoyed this read!
April 11, 2023
An enjoyable story set in a world I'm keen to explore. Gaeren, a half-light whose magic let's him work with memories, remembers a crucial incident from his childhood. That unlocked memory propels him into a quest for a starbridge and lost friend. Looking forward to finding out where that takes him in the next story.
December 17, 2023
This is the perfect prequel to Blood of the Stars. I happened to read it after the book but you could read it before or after. Short sweet and to the point of what needed to be conveyed. I’m definitely biased after reading the full novel first but I absolutely adore Gaeren and I will desperately await the second novel in the half light chronicles. Highly recommended
June 30, 2024
This short story is a great place to start learning about the world of the half-light chronicles. We are introduced to the main characters Gaeren and Aeliana, shown how they met and were snatched from one another and how the true search begins.
The writing is wonderful and I'm totally invested in seeing where this tale takes us.
Book 1 is 'Blood of the Stars'
The writing is wonderful and I'm totally invested in seeing where this tale takes us.
Book 1 is 'Blood of the Stars'
October 6, 2024
I've already read the first book in this series, but knowing what happened didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this prequel. Learning the story from the perspective of a young Gaeren really sets the scene for what follows. I highly recommend this story. Once you read it, you'll just have to keep going!
January 4, 2025
4.5 stars
I listened to the audiobook version - which is unusual for me since I'm very much a print book person. The narration was really good. Overall, it's a great teaser that leads into the first book of the Half-Light Chronicles, Blood of the Stars. Looking forward to reading (or even listening) to more of this series and more by this author, Karyne Norton!
I listened to the audiobook version - which is unusual for me since I'm very much a print book person. The narration was really good. Overall, it's a great teaser that leads into the first book of the Half-Light Chronicles, Blood of the Stars. Looking forward to reading (or even listening) to more of this series and more by this author, Karyne Norton!
June 8, 2026
This was a quick one hour listen to the prequel short story.
I'm hooked and can't wait to continue the series!
The prose was engaging and packed a lot of emotion into a little piece. Gaeren has such a big heart; his love for Aeliana is truly touching. I hope he doesn't lose his compassion as he grows up and faces his obstacles.
I'm hooked and can't wait to continue the series!
The prose was engaging and packed a lot of emotion into a little piece. Gaeren has such a big heart; his love for Aeliana is truly touching. I hope he doesn't lose his compassion as he grows up and faces his obstacles.
January 22, 2024
This was a reread in anticipation of book one's upcoming release, but I realized I never reviewed it after my initial read. This was such an intriguing prequel. The writing is great! I already feel invested in these characters, and I can't wait to read the series!
February 24, 2024
I don't know why, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It was a fun story, the narrator was a perfect choice. The book definitely served it's purpose, as I now need to know how the story continues. I look forward to reading more.
November 25, 2025
This is a very good prequel to the Half- Light series. I’m interested to see where this author takes the story. Gaeren and Aeliana (Daisy) are siblings and Gaeren has been searching for her for many years. The books following this prequel are most definitely on my TBR list.
August 12, 2023
This was totally immersive, sweet, and thrilling. Some of the scenes were so captivating, I think about them randomly throughout my day -- weeks later. Gotta get the full length novel next.
November 7, 2023
This is a nice introduction into the Half-Light world, an intriguing and unique world. I'm looking forward to following the stories.
April 23, 2024
Well written…. Waiting to read the other books!
June 8, 2024
3.5
Intrigued
Intrigued
September 14, 2024
It was so fun to dive into Gaeren’s past and learn a little more about his ties to Aeliana (aka Daisy) and the reasons that motivate him to find her.
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January 1, 2025
This book was really cute :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews