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Spectral #1
Spectral: The Complete First Book
Fans of Persona 5 and Blue Exorcist will love Spectral!
Sometimes your darkest moment can forge your greatest superpower.
When Luna wakes to her room engulfed in flames, she knows it’s happened again–a haunting she can no longer ignore.
For as long as she can remember, she’s been controlled by a domineering Spectre, forced to commit acts of violence that threaten her and everyone around her.
Determined to seize control of her life, Luna teams up with Hiro, a generations-old man who promises not only answers, but a method to rid herself of this malicious entity. But to do so, Luna must enter an unfamiliar and unsettling world buried within the futuristic, neon-laden streets of Los Angeles, destroying other Spectres and building her own superhuman abilities along the way.
Between government agents hell-bent on capturing her and a myriad of Spectral threats, it’ll take every ounce of Luna’s being to reclaim the life that’s been taken from her.
Will she finally be able to rid herself of this mysterious entity that's been haunting her entire existence, or will she lose a piece of herself along the way?
Sometimes your darkest moment can forge your greatest superpower.
When Luna wakes to her room engulfed in flames, she knows it’s happened again–a haunting she can no longer ignore.
For as long as she can remember, she’s been controlled by a domineering Spectre, forced to commit acts of violence that threaten her and everyone around her.
Determined to seize control of her life, Luna teams up with Hiro, a generations-old man who promises not only answers, but a method to rid herself of this malicious entity. But to do so, Luna must enter an unfamiliar and unsettling world buried within the futuristic, neon-laden streets of Los Angeles, destroying other Spectres and building her own superhuman abilities along the way.
Between government agents hell-bent on capturing her and a myriad of Spectral threats, it’ll take every ounce of Luna’s being to reclaim the life that’s been taken from her.
Will she finally be able to rid herself of this mysterious entity that's been haunting her entire existence, or will she lose a piece of herself along the way?
- GenresFantasy
540 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2024
32 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cerna
14 books22 followersA.J. CERNA is an author, film-lover, gamer, and all-around story junkie. Like any healthy kid, he grew up imbibing fantasy novels, anime, manga, and movies, and realized at a young age that writing stories was the best way one could spend their time. Eventually, he found his way into film school, where he got his degree in screenwriting. In his time in Hollywood, he pitched animated series around town and worked in the anime dubbing industry in various capacities. He also ran the film site LRM Online as editor-in-chief for several years, which allowed him to write about the stories he loves when he wasn’t writing stories himself.
His series consist of Djinn Tamer (Arc One finished), Champions of MythRune (Finished), The Mage War Chronicles (Ongoing), and now, Spectral (Ongoing).
When not reading or writing, he can be found hiking, podcasting, gaming, or checking out the latest craft beer breweries.
His series consist of Djinn Tamer (Arc One finished), Champions of MythRune (Finished), The Mage War Chronicles (Ongoing), and now, Spectral (Ongoing).
When not reading or writing, he can be found hiking, podcasting, gaming, or checking out the latest craft beer breweries.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2024
What an interesting book. This is definitely different than what I am used to reading, but this was good and I enjoyed it very much. This is an omnibus of episodes originally published separately, and comes with some really cool anime illustrations. Very nice looking book.
As for the content, it’s fast paced, entertaining, and unique. The writing was good, characters were well developed, considering there were quite a few in this big book, and the world building of the different mirages really well done.
Overall, I enjoyed this different reading experience. It’s good try something new, you never know what you’ll discover! Totally recommend for those who’d like to try an anime/manga inspired book with more words and less pictures, or those who are new to the world of anime/manga and just want to get their toes wet. Cool concept!
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As for the content, it’s fast paced, entertaining, and unique. The writing was good, characters were well developed, considering there were quite a few in this big book, and the world building of the different mirages really well done.
Overall, I enjoyed this different reading experience. It’s good try something new, you never know what you’ll discover! Totally recommend for those who’d like to try an anime/manga inspired book with more words and less pictures, or those who are new to the world of anime/manga and just want to get their toes wet. Cool concept!
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2024
If you’ve ever wanted to read an anime type book, but was unsure about picking up a manga, then this is for you!
June 15, 2024
**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE AUTHOR. THIS HAS NOT IMPACTED MY REVIEW IN ANYWAY.**
NO MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS ARE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW.
(potential trope/trigger mentions)
Well, this was a slightly different reading experience. One that was actually quite pleasant. It was like reading a manga novel and playing a pokemon? video game all wrapped up in a joyous and mysterious story. (I cannot read manga for the life of me so I am happy this book exists with those elements but in a form I am familiar with). If you like the Michael Vey series, the chronicles of Nick, and Percy Jackson, this novel also follows in their footsteps in some of the grander schemes and themes. This novel is technically split up into like...12 'episodes', and each 'episode' contains a short story that helps move the overarching story. That being said, you cannot skjp any of the episodes. if you do, you might be hella confused. I thought the episodes blended together pretty well. However, there was just a bit of disconnect on a few aspects.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing. It reminded me of both Richard Paul Evans and Rick Riordans style, adding humor and sass deep within the tone of the book through the main character. I really liked the main character, Luna, perspective on how she sees the world around her. It is reflected in how she narrates most of the story. There is humor and wit and sarcasm for days. But, the story also touches upon some darker elements to the human condition. There is death, there is murder, there is allude to SA, poverty, drug use. I like how the author is not afraid to showcase these aspects in the story and how they have impacted the MC. I also liked the touch of horror and suspense woven into some of the shorter scenes. It felt like I was watching one of those horror movie scenes were the music gets frightening and the screen darkens and you know something is going to happen but unsure what.
The author does a good job at blending the elements of normal and paranormal. Additionally, the way the MC deals with these new developments is quite rational and irrational, because there is a dual side to everything. I did like Luna. RIght off the bat, she is someone you want to root for. She has had a tough time at life and you just want to wrap her up and tell her everything will be okay. You want her to find love and happiness and all that jazz. Instead, she winds up in this strange netherworld push and pull with enemies and politics and ghosts and spirits, etc. But she handles herself as well as anyone. SHe does meet some people along the way. THis is where the author could have done a better job at building connections. Although Luna interacts with others, there just...it feels dull and flat. Like the other characters are just side pieces in a bigger game of chess. THe only one that seemed to have any semblance was Hiro. And most of that personality came from his bird. Although I appreciated the other characters, I wish there was more build up and connections with them so I cared whether or not they lived or died.
All in all, i thought this was a delightful novel and it was a good different from my usual adventures. It releases in the beginning of July so check it out when you get the chance. Remember, this is all my own opinion. See you all next time.
NO MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS ARE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW.
(potential trope/trigger mentions)
Well, this was a slightly different reading experience. One that was actually quite pleasant. It was like reading a manga novel and playing a pokemon? video game all wrapped up in a joyous and mysterious story. (I cannot read manga for the life of me so I am happy this book exists with those elements but in a form I am familiar with). If you like the Michael Vey series, the chronicles of Nick, and Percy Jackson, this novel also follows in their footsteps in some of the grander schemes and themes. This novel is technically split up into like...12 'episodes', and each 'episode' contains a short story that helps move the overarching story. That being said, you cannot skjp any of the episodes. if you do, you might be hella confused. I thought the episodes blended together pretty well. However, there was just a bit of disconnect on a few aspects.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing. It reminded me of both Richard Paul Evans and Rick Riordans style, adding humor and sass deep within the tone of the book through the main character. I really liked the main character, Luna, perspective on how she sees the world around her. It is reflected in how she narrates most of the story. There is humor and wit and sarcasm for days. But, the story also touches upon some darker elements to the human condition. There is death, there is murder, there is allude to SA, poverty, drug use. I like how the author is not afraid to showcase these aspects in the story and how they have impacted the MC. I also liked the touch of horror and suspense woven into some of the shorter scenes. It felt like I was watching one of those horror movie scenes were the music gets frightening and the screen darkens and you know something is going to happen but unsure what.
The author does a good job at blending the elements of normal and paranormal. Additionally, the way the MC deals with these new developments is quite rational and irrational, because there is a dual side to everything. I did like Luna. RIght off the bat, she is someone you want to root for. She has had a tough time at life and you just want to wrap her up and tell her everything will be okay. You want her to find love and happiness and all that jazz. Instead, she winds up in this strange netherworld push and pull with enemies and politics and ghosts and spirits, etc. But she handles herself as well as anyone. SHe does meet some people along the way. THis is where the author could have done a better job at building connections. Although Luna interacts with others, there just...it feels dull and flat. Like the other characters are just side pieces in a bigger game of chess. THe only one that seemed to have any semblance was Hiro. And most of that personality came from his bird. Although I appreciated the other characters, I wish there was more build up and connections with them so I cared whether or not they lived or died.
All in all, i thought this was a delightful novel and it was a good different from my usual adventures. It releases in the beginning of July so check it out when you get the chance. Remember, this is all my own opinion. See you all next time.
June 8, 2025
Spectral is a coming-of-age tale wrapped in with some mystery in a dystopian setting. 16-year-old Luna Guerrera seeks to uncover the mystery behind countless inexplicable events that have plagued her past on the unwelcoming streets of futuristic Los Angeles. While on her quest, Luna learns about her family, abilities, and uncovers some dark truths about her past along the way.
The story is an excellent telling set in a futuristic society of an undetermined date. At times, the sci-fi elements diminish the overall storytelling. By introducing several different pieces of jargon at once, the novel suffers with an overload of exposition at the turn of the first act. Readers will find themselves unable to easily distinguish a "Mirage" from a "Medium" or a Spectre from a Spectral Companion. These difficulties are temporary and fade with deeper familiarity into the novel, but is noteworthy for any reader who is not the average sci-fi enthusiast.
All in all, Spectral is an excellent telling of personal growth, reconciled pasts, and inexplicable abilities. Many of the themes and plot points resemble that of Divergent, while also maintaining a secret society element that contains such story elements away from the general public. The world-building is well thought-through, and there were no shortcuts taken to establish the conditions upon which the story is set. Best of all, Cerna leaves the door open for further stories of Guerrera to be told. Perhaps we won't have to wait long for the sequel.
The story is an excellent telling set in a futuristic society of an undetermined date. At times, the sci-fi elements diminish the overall storytelling. By introducing several different pieces of jargon at once, the novel suffers with an overload of exposition at the turn of the first act. Readers will find themselves unable to easily distinguish a "Mirage" from a "Medium" or a Spectre from a Spectral Companion. These difficulties are temporary and fade with deeper familiarity into the novel, but is noteworthy for any reader who is not the average sci-fi enthusiast.
All in all, Spectral is an excellent telling of personal growth, reconciled pasts, and inexplicable abilities. Many of the themes and plot points resemble that of Divergent, while also maintaining a secret society element that contains such story elements away from the general public. The world-building is well thought-through, and there were no shortcuts taken to establish the conditions upon which the story is set. Best of all, Cerna leaves the door open for further stories of Guerrera to be told. Perhaps we won't have to wait long for the sequel.
October 27, 2025
Spectral follows Luna, a girl fighting to figure out what’s going on in her life as she flees from yet another unexplainable fire—one of the many that burned her various homes over the years. When she uncovers a mysterious phenomenon she teams up with an aging fighter named Hiro and starts her long journey towards the normal life she’s always wanted. But is that what she will achieve?
I’d rate this a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a really interesting read that has excellent characters and quite the intricate system at play in the form of spirits, powers, and battles. I like the shorter and easy to read chapters / episodes and I honestly couldn’t put this down a lot of the times I opened it. Certainly would recommend to any sci-fi / fantasy readers.
I’d rate this a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a really interesting read that has excellent characters and quite the intricate system at play in the form of spirits, powers, and battles. I like the shorter and easy to read chapters / episodes and I honestly couldn’t put this down a lot of the times I opened it. Certainly would recommend to any sci-fi / fantasy readers.
November 11, 2025
This was a very intriguing book, offering a new perspective on magic and the paranormal realm of spirits, ghosts, and specters. Luna finds herself drawn into a mystical paranormal experience that she once thought was just a traumatic response triggered by overwhelming events. Instead, she discovers that her past traumas catapult her into the powerful role of a Medium with the ability to interact with these spirits. She discovers a path to uncovering her past and learning where everything went wrong in her life. There are several story twists that keep the reader engaged, making this a fun and unusual read.
December 6, 2024
So I will be updating this as I read each episode.
Episode 1: I was hooked from the start! This episode is full of action. I love the world building that the author has added into the story. I can't wait to read more!
Episode 2: I really enjoyed this episode, and I can't wait to read more about this new character. This episode made me laugh and gasp in anticipation. It was also interesting to see more about the MFC and where she came from.
Episode 3: So, I know these are more than likely supposed to be like a 'show,' but I was confused when I started reading this chapter as there were new characters that kind of made no sense. Maybe Chapter 3 of this episode would have been the best area to talk about this point in the story or the side character introducing it.
Epidsode 4: I'm still not a fan of the intro to new stories/areas. It may just be a personal preference though. I absolutely loved this episode though, especially when she has to go back a second time and the specter/spirit remembers her. I'm really loving the direction this story is going so far!
Episode 5: I'm so excited that we get to look into more of the life of Vero and not just looking at Hiro and Luna solving mysteries. I'm glad you went into more depth about her and about her background and how she became a part of the government group. I can definitely see how this story is like Persona, and not just the specters/other worlds.
Episode 6: Halfway through! I'm excited to learn more about "Mom" (name omitted) and how she plays a part in Luna's story. I can't wait to see how she played a part in Luna's life and where she came from. This episode has intrigued me the most, especially since it follows a serial killer!
Episode 7: Where do I start?! I loved this episode and could not put the book down at all! We are starting to find out more about her past and what happened to certain people. I loved how Estrella took over for Luna when trying to Spectral Sync, I think it helped delve more into her own personality as a Spectre.
Episode 1: I was hooked from the start! This episode is full of action. I love the world building that the author has added into the story. I can't wait to read more!
Episode 2: I really enjoyed this episode, and I can't wait to read more about this new character. This episode made me laugh and gasp in anticipation. It was also interesting to see more about the MFC and where she came from.
Episode 3: So, I know these are more than likely supposed to be like a 'show,' but I was confused when I started reading this chapter as there were new characters that kind of made no sense. Maybe Chapter 3 of this episode would have been the best area to talk about this point in the story or the side character introducing it.
Epidsode 4: I'm still not a fan of the intro to new stories/areas. It may just be a personal preference though. I absolutely loved this episode though, especially when she has to go back a second time and the specter/spirit remembers her. I'm really loving the direction this story is going so far!
Episode 5: I'm so excited that we get to look into more of the life of Vero and not just looking at Hiro and Luna solving mysteries. I'm glad you went into more depth about her and about her background and how she became a part of the government group. I can definitely see how this story is like Persona, and not just the specters/other worlds.
Episode 6: Halfway through! I'm excited to learn more about "Mom" (name omitted) and how she plays a part in Luna's story. I can't wait to see how she played a part in Luna's life and where she came from. This episode has intrigued me the most, especially since it follows a serial killer!
Episode 7: Where do I start?! I loved this episode and could not put the book down at all! We are starting to find out more about her past and what happened to certain people. I loved how Estrella took over for Luna when trying to Spectral Sync, I think it helped delve more into her own personality as a Spectre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews