What do you think?
Rate this book
The Half-Light Chronicles #1.5
The Light That Saves: A Companion Novella
She plundered his ship, and he fell in love...
When Pirate Redwood plunders Captain Moss' ship to entertain her crew, she discovers he's already stolen her most valued an ancient cutlass. She takes it back, but it's only one of four relics they're both determined to find. Friendly competition turns deadly when a third sailor joins the hunt, and Redwood is forced to decide which treasure to go the relics she's vowed to protect or the man who's stolen her heart. This story is a companion novella to Blood of the Stars, the first book in The Half-Light Chronicles, and the story is referenced in chapter twenty-six of the full novel.
When Pirate Redwood plunders Captain Moss' ship to entertain her crew, she discovers he's already stolen her most valued an ancient cutlass. She takes it back, but it's only one of four relics they're both determined to find. Friendly competition turns deadly when a third sailor joins the hunt, and Redwood is forced to decide which treasure to go the relics she's vowed to protect or the man who's stolen her heart. This story is a companion novella to Blood of the Stars, the first book in The Half-Light Chronicles, and the story is referenced in chapter twenty-six of the full novel.
- GenresFantasy
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
4 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Karyne Norton
15 books189 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2025
The Light That Saves expands on a story mentioned in Chapter 26 of Blood in the Stars, which follows Orra in a past life centuries prior. Back then, she was the pirate Redwood, searching for the starbridges to allow her to cross the magical barriers between the continents erected many years earlier. When she encounters a captain with the cutlass starbridge, she's wrapped up in a situation that changes the lives of her crew. I have to say that even though the word and page count are right on the cusp of a novel (more like a novella), it's gripping and intriguing with the weight of a full novel with all the emotional resonance I've grown to love from Karyne Norton. I enjoyed Redwood's relationships with everyone she encounters and how all the characters were fleshed out and real. I felt sad when I had to say goodbye to certain characters and was rooting for nearly all of them. And yes, Redwood learns a valuable lesson in all of this, which was good. The fast pacing and exploring and adventure kept me engaged and glued into the story, awaiting what would come next. The world building was also great, exploring another point in the history of the world. I do recommend reading Blood of the Stars first, but you can go into this book first as it mostly serves as a prequel. Karyne Norton narrates the novel herself, and she does a great job keeping me intrigued throughout. This is a great addition to The Half-Light Chronicles and the epic Fantasy feel.
July 30, 2024
I loved this story, which read like a full novel as opposed to a novella, but at just under 150 pages, this novella was the length of some novels. What is so exceptionally impressive about this author is the ease with which she snags my attention, in every book of hers, it's as though I have leaded boots (or derriere...) and I cannot move until I'm finished. I'm finally released at the end of the book but with a yearning deep inside me, a chasm that needs filling.... with another Karyne Norton read! So magical are her words, so engrossing is her tale, so sublime is her storytelling, always compelling, always unique, always taking me out of reality and plonking me firmly in her impressive world.
Unique immediately, Orra recounts the story of a moment in her life as a pirate. There's something about a cat and mouse chase on the open seas that is very exciting, at least to me it is. Ms Norton's descriptive prose was so vivid I found myself wanting to wipe the spray off my face. Yeah, THAT realistic! But I digress.... Captain Redwood, aka Orra, is trying to stay ahead of Captain Moss ever since she and her crew pillaged HIS ship. Before you think "bad girl" she's on a serious mission to recover certain items, which incidentally, the king covets too, for different reasons, his are not for honourable reasons. She robs Moss, then saves him from a mutual foe, then things get real messy. I adore Orra, her tough girl aura hides her secrets, hides her compassion, hides who she is.
What delightful characters! Captain Moss comes across as an impregnable grouch, and he's far from that! He's first and foremost beholden to the king, indentured actually, not cool! But he IS! He was making my heart all flittery fluttery so it's no wonder Orra felt the same magnetism I did, but, lucky her, she got to actually be in his presence. Oops.... I forgot, once again, that these are fictional characters. I DID mention that the author steers me, taking full control of the rudder, I'm swaying whichever way she turns it. And boy were there twists! The mystery, the secrets, the characters held back, revealing only what the author wants me to see, when she wants me to see it. Golly, it's like a tap that leaks, one drop at a time and I'm surprised to see a full basin without even being aware. So superb is her craft, her storytelling, unbelievably amazing!
The gorgeous recount of Orra and Moss' adventures had my heart racing, had my heart melting, had my heart in a vice, like a stop and start game. There's so much more than just a high chase across the ocean, there's an element of mystery, there's danger, there are secrets closely guarded and the most alluring and appealing unlikely romance. As with all of Karyne's books, be prepared to be immobile until the very last word on the very last page.... This author captured me the first time when I read a short story by her, my mind was in awe of her and nothing has changed. Every book, short story or novella that I've been fortunate to read, confirm her excellence to me, in every aspect!
Unique immediately, Orra recounts the story of a moment in her life as a pirate. There's something about a cat and mouse chase on the open seas that is very exciting, at least to me it is. Ms Norton's descriptive prose was so vivid I found myself wanting to wipe the spray off my face. Yeah, THAT realistic! But I digress.... Captain Redwood, aka Orra, is trying to stay ahead of Captain Moss ever since she and her crew pillaged HIS ship. Before you think "bad girl" she's on a serious mission to recover certain items, which incidentally, the king covets too, for different reasons, his are not for honourable reasons. She robs Moss, then saves him from a mutual foe, then things get real messy. I adore Orra, her tough girl aura hides her secrets, hides her compassion, hides who she is.
What delightful characters! Captain Moss comes across as an impregnable grouch, and he's far from that! He's first and foremost beholden to the king, indentured actually, not cool! But he IS! He was making my heart all flittery fluttery so it's no wonder Orra felt the same magnetism I did, but, lucky her, she got to actually be in his presence. Oops.... I forgot, once again, that these are fictional characters. I DID mention that the author steers me, taking full control of the rudder, I'm swaying whichever way she turns it. And boy were there twists! The mystery, the secrets, the characters held back, revealing only what the author wants me to see, when she wants me to see it. Golly, it's like a tap that leaks, one drop at a time and I'm surprised to see a full basin without even being aware. So superb is her craft, her storytelling, unbelievably amazing!
The gorgeous recount of Orra and Moss' adventures had my heart racing, had my heart melting, had my heart in a vice, like a stop and start game. There's so much more than just a high chase across the ocean, there's an element of mystery, there's danger, there are secrets closely guarded and the most alluring and appealing unlikely romance. As with all of Karyne's books, be prepared to be immobile until the very last word on the very last page.... This author captured me the first time when I read a short story by her, my mind was in awe of her and nothing has changed. Every book, short story or novella that I've been fortunate to read, confirm her excellence to me, in every aspect!
August 8, 2024
This dear readers is one heart stopping, heartstring pulling, hugely epic story wrapped up in a small novella of a package! And Norton couldn’t have written it any better!
Pirate Captain Redwood has been searching for the Starbridges for a very long time…and she will continue to search for them for as long and for however many lifetimes it takes to find them all. So when she comes across one of the King’s ships and discovers the Captain has discovered the Cutlass she had hidden away she knows she has to get it back. But Captain Moss isn’t what she expected and their chance meeting will be the first step on a harrowing, deadly, emotional, and battle filled adventure where mysterious relics may not be the only thing Captain Moss steals from her.
Now don’t let the length of this story fool you! In it’s 145 pages Norton is able to cram in all the emotions! I laughed, I cried (in happiness and despair), I felt joy and heartache, and finally finished with a heartfelt sigh of utter contentment! It was completely epic! In every sense of the word! And I swear Norton must have used magic to fit so much in so few words!!! It is just completely wonderful!
My favorite part was, of course, the romantic aspect of the story! I absolutely love an epically crafted tale that perfwctly blends quests, battles, mystery, and romance and Norton accomplished it masterfully!
So yep…this little tale is emotional, epic perfection! And I highly recommend it to any and all readers who love a little adventure, a whole lot of scheming and danger, and the quintessential dose of romance.
Pirate Captain Redwood has been searching for the Starbridges for a very long time…and she will continue to search for them for as long and for however many lifetimes it takes to find them all. So when she comes across one of the King’s ships and discovers the Captain has discovered the Cutlass she had hidden away she knows she has to get it back. But Captain Moss isn’t what she expected and their chance meeting will be the first step on a harrowing, deadly, emotional, and battle filled adventure where mysterious relics may not be the only thing Captain Moss steals from her.
Now don’t let the length of this story fool you! In it’s 145 pages Norton is able to cram in all the emotions! I laughed, I cried (in happiness and despair), I felt joy and heartache, and finally finished with a heartfelt sigh of utter contentment! It was completely epic! In every sense of the word! And I swear Norton must have used magic to fit so much in so few words!!! It is just completely wonderful!
My favorite part was, of course, the romantic aspect of the story! I absolutely love an epically crafted tale that perfwctly blends quests, battles, mystery, and romance and Norton accomplished it masterfully!
So yep…this little tale is emotional, epic perfection! And I highly recommend it to any and all readers who love a little adventure, a whole lot of scheming and danger, and the quintessential dose of romance.
August 16, 2024
This is the first of the Half-Light books that I’ve read and I couldn’t say it any better than Ariel did in The Little Mermaid. “I want more…”
I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this, narrated by Karyne herself, and was drawn in from the first. She did a phenomenal job performing her own book, and I was immersed—sometimes a bit more than I would have preferred. (See violence section below.)
The Light that Saves is a beautiful story of love on so many levels and doing the right thing even when it hurts. While I would have known some terms better had I read Blood of the Stars first, I was still able to follow the plot well and it only whet my appetite for the novel and the other short stories and novellas out there. I will warn you that there is a HEA here, but it’s not a complete plot resolution because this story takes place as a prequel to Blood of the Stars. Additionally, while beautiful, it does have some sad parts.
Romance: clean. As comes with a HEA, you can expect some mild kissing, but I listened to it and wasn’t embarrassed—and I have a pretty low threshold for that. : )
Violence: you see some fighting, mostly good guys versus bad guys. Unfortunately, we see at least one death on screen. But more are seen after the fact and—while not overly descriptive—it wasn’t pleasant. If you let your kids watch The Patriot movie (2000) in school, they can safely read this.
I was able to listen to the audiobook version of this, narrated by Karyne herself, and was drawn in from the first. She did a phenomenal job performing her own book, and I was immersed—sometimes a bit more than I would have preferred. (See violence section below.)
The Light that Saves is a beautiful story of love on so many levels and doing the right thing even when it hurts. While I would have known some terms better had I read Blood of the Stars first, I was still able to follow the plot well and it only whet my appetite for the novel and the other short stories and novellas out there. I will warn you that there is a HEA here, but it’s not a complete plot resolution because this story takes place as a prequel to Blood of the Stars. Additionally, while beautiful, it does have some sad parts.
Romance: clean. As comes with a HEA, you can expect some mild kissing, but I listened to it and wasn’t embarrassed—and I have a pretty low threshold for that. : )
Violence: you see some fighting, mostly good guys versus bad guys. Unfortunately, we see at least one death on screen. But more are seen after the fact and—while not overly descriptive—it wasn’t pleasant. If you let your kids watch The Patriot movie (2000) in school, they can safely read this.
August 19, 2024
I received a free audiobook copy for review.
This novella is a companion story to the epic fantasy novel Blood of the Stars. I loved the idea of taking a legend that is referred to in the novel and telling that full story in a novella. The characters in Blood of the Stars wonder which version is true and this novella unfolds the full tale.
I am a sucker for a good pirate story and this one was so much fun! There is high seas action, endearing characters, romance, moral dilemmas, and heart. It was a very satisfying novella with a complete story that fits into the overall storyline.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by the author herself and she did a wonderful job. An easy voice to listen to and it still sounded great at my normal 2x listening speed.
The Light That Saves is available in audiobook or ebook and is included in Kindle Unlimited. You can find all the formats of it along with Blood of the Stars snd other related novellas in the series to buy directly on the author’s website.
Trigger/content warnings: no big warnings stood out to me, it felt pretty tame. Steam level is kissing.
This novella is a companion story to the epic fantasy novel Blood of the Stars. I loved the idea of taking a legend that is referred to in the novel and telling that full story in a novella. The characters in Blood of the Stars wonder which version is true and this novella unfolds the full tale.
I am a sucker for a good pirate story and this one was so much fun! There is high seas action, endearing characters, romance, moral dilemmas, and heart. It was a very satisfying novella with a complete story that fits into the overall storyline.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by the author herself and she did a wonderful job. An easy voice to listen to and it still sounded great at my normal 2x listening speed.
The Light That Saves is available in audiobook or ebook and is included in Kindle Unlimited. You can find all the formats of it along with Blood of the Stars snd other related novellas in the series to buy directly on the author’s website.
Trigger/content warnings: no big warnings stood out to me, it felt pretty tame. Steam level is kissing.
October 5, 2024
I received a copy of "The Light That Saves" as part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Competition (SFINCS).
The story follows Captain Redwood, a female pirate, as she travels the world in search of four magic relics and describes her romance with the navy officer Captain Moss.
The storyline is solid and well-thought of. The main character is well-developed and her conflicts feel real enough to get the reader engaged in her story. The romance between Redwood and Moss felt genuine.
I would like to have had more information about the magic system which seems to be quite unique and I felt that the actions scenes happened without much introduction. I actually had to go back on some because I did not understand how they started. I was also a bit confused about the role of some characters: were they villains or rebels? A touch of backstory might have been helpful to give the reader a better feel of the threat Redwood was facing.
Overall an enjoyable novella would good pace, great plot and complex worldbuilding. I would recommend it to the fans of the genre.
The story follows Captain Redwood, a female pirate, as she travels the world in search of four magic relics and describes her romance with the navy officer Captain Moss.
The storyline is solid and well-thought of. The main character is well-developed and her conflicts feel real enough to get the reader engaged in her story. The romance between Redwood and Moss felt genuine.
I would like to have had more information about the magic system which seems to be quite unique and I felt that the actions scenes happened without much introduction. I actually had to go back on some because I did not understand how they started. I was also a bit confused about the role of some characters: were they villains or rebels? A touch of backstory might have been helpful to give the reader a better feel of the threat Redwood was facing.
Overall an enjoyable novella would good pace, great plot and complex worldbuilding. I would recommend it to the fans of the genre.
August 4, 2024
This was a fun and quick romantic read between a ruthless pirate and a captain of the king. I loved seeing this legend or myth come to life and learn what REALLY happened between Lady Redwood and Captain Moss 😏
It may be a quick read, but you still feel the romantic tension between the two, and the adventure is wonderful. I always love a book set at sea!
Captain Moss being a cinnamon roll was unexpected, but a delight. He was good for Lady Redwood who was known for being a ruthless pirate. He seemed to smooth out her edges.
And of course the magic. I really enjoyed how the magic was used, especially since it was hidden, and subtly used(sort of) by those who could wield it, and added a sense of excitement in the story.
I truly enjoyed this magical adventurous romantic story and look forward to continuing this series!
I received a gifted e-copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It may be a quick read, but you still feel the romantic tension between the two, and the adventure is wonderful. I always love a book set at sea!
Captain Moss being a cinnamon roll was unexpected, but a delight. He was good for Lady Redwood who was known for being a ruthless pirate. He seemed to smooth out her edges.
And of course the magic. I really enjoyed how the magic was used, especially since it was hidden, and subtly used(sort of) by those who could wield it, and added a sense of excitement in the story.
I truly enjoyed this magical adventurous romantic story and look forward to continuing this series!
I received a gifted e-copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 27, 2024
It's official. Karyne Norton is one of my favorite fantasy authors.
"The Light That Saves" is a novella that can be read before or after the first full-length novel of The Half-Light Chronicles, "Blood of the Stars," but I recommend you read it after. This beautifully written treasure of a love story makes you cheer along with the crew as their captain falls hard for a swoon-worthy man. There is so much more to the fierce pirate captain Redwood than you would believe, and it makes me desperate for MORE history from Norton's world.
The Half-Light Chronicles are clean, high epic fantasy set in world with thoughtfully structured magic, intriguing characters, and a world somehow broken by a long-ago sin by the stars. This novella is just one piece of the puzzle, and I will devour the next installment. Write faster, Karyne.
"The Light That Saves" is a novella that can be read before or after the first full-length novel of The Half-Light Chronicles, "Blood of the Stars," but I recommend you read it after. This beautifully written treasure of a love story makes you cheer along with the crew as their captain falls hard for a swoon-worthy man. There is so much more to the fierce pirate captain Redwood than you would believe, and it makes me desperate for MORE history from Norton's world.
The Half-Light Chronicles are clean, high epic fantasy set in world with thoughtfully structured magic, intriguing characters, and a world somehow broken by a long-ago sin by the stars. This novella is just one piece of the puzzle, and I will devour the next installment. Write faster, Karyne.
August 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this. This novella felt like a full-length novel, and it was so good. The evocative writing, round characters, the sea setting, and the sweet romantic story were all wonderful. I loved every aspect of it.
I was surprised by how much I connected with Pirate Redwood, and I’m happy this story made me reevaluate her. I can’t wait to read more of this series, as I’m sure it will be great.
This book can be read as a standalone, but if you want to start the series, I recommend reading it after Blood of the Stars, as it references a chapter in that book and may contain spoilers.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was surprised by how much I connected with Pirate Redwood, and I’m happy this story made me reevaluate her. I can’t wait to read more of this series, as I’m sure it will be great.
This book can be read as a standalone, but if you want to start the series, I recommend reading it after Blood of the Stars, as it references a chapter in that book and may contain spoilers.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2025
Oh I love this spin-off from the main Half-Light Chronicles series. This novella offers some background on one of the side characters from the main series and while offering a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story also provides so much insight into the world, what's at stake, not to mention lots of cloak-and-dagger plot for fans of pirate stories.
While this can be read as a standalone, I'm really glad I finished Blood of the Stars first, because this novella builds on the information revealed in that first book in this series. I'm absolutely in love with all the intricacies of this series and can't wait to dive into Salt in the Seas.
If you love complex fantasy worlds with intriguing magic systems and fabulous high fantasy quests along with swoony romance subplots and a complex timeline spanning centuries, then you will definitely want to pick up this series.
While this can be read as a standalone, I'm really glad I finished Blood of the Stars first, because this novella builds on the information revealed in that first book in this series. I'm absolutely in love with all the intricacies of this series and can't wait to dive into Salt in the Seas.
If you love complex fantasy worlds with intriguing magic systems and fabulous high fantasy quests along with swoony romance subplots and a complex timeline spanning centuries, then you will definitely want to pick up this series.
July 30, 2024
Karyne Norton is an amazing story teller. The world she is weaving is so alluring, I want to hear more stories from it, get to know the characters better, explore the history, the present, and see how it changes in the future.
This is a story of the time Orra was Captain Redwood, a fearsome pirate, her love story with Captain Moss, and the important truths she learns.
Beautiful, well written story, amazing characters, and another gem in the Half Light Chronicles.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a story of the time Orra was Captain Redwood, a fearsome pirate, her love story with Captain Moss, and the important truths she learns.
Beautiful, well written story, amazing characters, and another gem in the Half Light Chronicles.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
There was SO MUCH story for this being a novella, but in true Karyne fashion, of course it's the length of some authors' full length books, so I guess it makes sense, haha Epic and amazing! I listened to the audio, which is narrated by the author, and it really brought the characters to life in the best way! This could be read as a standalone, but I feel like it would be best appreciated after reading book one in the series. Absolutely fantastic!!
November 11, 2024
A delightful novella (although it reads more like a satisfying short novel) that was a bit like Doctor Who meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Think a macguffin adventure with pirates and a character like the Doctor who has lived lifetimes while searching for something, interacting with people in each lifetime, doing their best to help those in need of help. So, a super fun Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-style romp through the seas filled with no-spice romance, twists and turns, and betrayal.
June 26, 2025
Oh wow!
I have not read a story like this in a long while. The tale of adventure with a bit of romance woven in. It seems this is the back story for a series. I am now excited to start the series and see what happens now. Amazing world building with incredible adventure. I came to love Moss and Redwood. What a swoony ending their story had. Clean, amazing story good for all ages.
I have not read a story like this in a long while. The tale of adventure with a bit of romance woven in. It seems this is the back story for a series. I am now excited to start the series and see what happens now. Amazing world building with incredible adventure. I came to love Moss and Redwood. What a swoony ending their story had. Clean, amazing story good for all ages.
August 16, 2024
Think a magical fantasy world + Doctor Who + pirates. Adventure and humor make this a quick read, and the questions it asks and the themes that emerge from the characters will stay with you after turning the last page.
For those who follow my reviews, I’d aim readership for upper/mature YA readers+.
For those who follow my reviews, I’d aim readership for upper/mature YA readers+.
March 26, 2025
This is my second book from Karyne Norton, and of course I bought the two that followed and pre-ordered the next one.
Fantasy at its best!
Clean, intelligent, interesting, no gore and endless battles
I was getting tired of these kind of stories although I loved the magic in these books…
J.A. Andrews is also a great fantasy writer, and Jeff Wheeler.
Fantasy at its best!
Clean, intelligent, interesting, no gore and endless battles
I was getting tired of these kind of stories although I loved the magic in these books…
J.A. Andrews is also a great fantasy writer, and Jeff Wheeler.
May 31, 2025
I loved this story and seeing more of the mysterious Orra. The beautifully woven tale of adventure, love and loss tying into the main story is amazing. At the end of the day this novella was a love story. I was moved by how deeply her crew trusted her. Over all an amazing read that should definitely be read between Blood of the Stars and Salt in the Seas.
October 4, 2025
I loved this! Stayed up way too late listening to it, but it was so good! Wish it had been longer, though, but there are so many great lessons and a powerful message in this small, but powerful, book. Karyne has an engaging writing style and a mesmerizing voice! I definitely need to read the main series!
August 3, 2024
Such a lovely story! Pirates, romance, redemption. It has it all.
October 2, 2024
Great addition to the series begun with 'Blood of the Stars'. Loved learning more about one of my favorite characters from Book 1 of the series.
February 22, 2026
an enjoyable short story
This was a cute story in between books 1 and 2. A nice ‘fairytale’-esque story for the world in the Blood of the Stars.
This was a cute story in between books 1 and 2. A nice ‘fairytale’-esque story for the world in the Blood of the Stars.
August 4, 2025
This novella tells the full story of Pirate Captain Redwood and Captain Moss, which was briefly outlined in The Blood of the Stars. This is a high seas adventure, and a love story. There are pirates, there are evil-doers, there are choices between duty and love. This book has it all, and is so well-written. I really enjoyed it. I recommend reading this novella between The Blood of the Stars and The Salt in the Seas, as it adds depth to the latter.
December 19, 2024
I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS)
The Light That Saves can be enjoyed as a standalone or read out of order from Norton’s main series, as noted in the author’s preface. Norton crafts an engaging tale featuring Pirate Redwood, a bold and fiery protagonist whose main aim is to lead her crew in pursuit of plunder.
On this particular adventure, Redwood’s spyglass targets a royal galleon under the command of Captain Moss. What follows is a story rich with magic, love, loss, and swashbuckling action, all interwoven into a thrilling treasure hunt for the mysterious starbridges. As Redwood and Moss clash in their race for the prize, the narrative captures the true spirit of pirate lore, with a dash of romance to sweeten the deal.
The prologue and epilogue were particularly fascinating, framing the story beautifully. Norton’s vivid world-building left me intrigued by the starbridges, and I’m eager to dive into the main series to uncover more about these captivating treasures!
The Light That Saves can be enjoyed as a standalone or read out of order from Norton’s main series, as noted in the author’s preface. Norton crafts an engaging tale featuring Pirate Redwood, a bold and fiery protagonist whose main aim is to lead her crew in pursuit of plunder.
On this particular adventure, Redwood’s spyglass targets a royal galleon under the command of Captain Moss. What follows is a story rich with magic, love, loss, and swashbuckling action, all interwoven into a thrilling treasure hunt for the mysterious starbridges. As Redwood and Moss clash in their race for the prize, the narrative captures the true spirit of pirate lore, with a dash of romance to sweeten the deal.
The prologue and epilogue were particularly fascinating, framing the story beautifully. Norton’s vivid world-building left me intrigued by the starbridges, and I’m eager to dive into the main series to uncover more about these captivating treasures!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews