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The Eye of the Moon
Light has strangled darkness. The sun god has slain the moon demon, and the Dominion of Light has been ushered in her absence. Anyone born with the demon’s magic is sent into exile on hellish, frozen islands to live in laborious penitence.
Makar has been in exile for forty years when he is suddenly visited by the dead demon herself. She bestows upon him the ability to manipulate his shadow to touch, feel, and kill. Shadow magic is an absolute evil, and the Dominion kills all Shadebinders. Makar could exploit it to free his people, but he may condemn their souls to damnation in the process.
On the mainland, Faina is a Dominion interrogator investigating the sudden manifestation of Shadebinding in non-magical citizens. This influx of demonic power threatens to throw the entire Dominion into chaos unless she can expose those who conspire to ignite civil war. Her Truthseeing magic allows her to detect lies and hidden darkness in others. She cannot allow the moon demon to reclaim power in the world. Long live the Dominion of Light!
Makar has been in exile for forty years when he is suddenly visited by the dead demon herself. She bestows upon him the ability to manipulate his shadow to touch, feel, and kill. Shadow magic is an absolute evil, and the Dominion kills all Shadebinders. Makar could exploit it to free his people, but he may condemn their souls to damnation in the process.
On the mainland, Faina is a Dominion interrogator investigating the sudden manifestation of Shadebinding in non-magical citizens. This influx of demonic power threatens to throw the entire Dominion into chaos unless she can expose those who conspire to ignite civil war. Her Truthseeing magic allows her to detect lies and hidden darkness in others. She cannot allow the moon demon to reclaim power in the world. Long live the Dominion of Light!
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 3, 2024
Bryce has talent for writing unique stories, and this one was no exception. We’ve all read books and seen movies about good v evil and light v dark, but never have I seen the battle represented in this way. There are two peoples in this book: Aretian’s with light power, and Tenebrian’s with dark power. Within these groups, there are three tiers to abilities that are different in males and females. Super cool! Also each group is a descendant of a different god/goddess that has blessed them with these powers.
The story has a dual POV told from Faina, a female Aretian, and Makar, a male Tenebrian. For the duration of the book, I was constantly on my toes because I felt I should be siding with the “light” powers but still found myself sympathetic to Makar’s struggles. Though I appreciate how both characters showed obvious (and realistically timed) development throughout the book. Ultimately, I was left feeling conflicted again by the end of the book (which is a good thing)!
The world building was easy to understand, and I didn’t feel like there were any holes in the writing. Additionally, there’s no over-explaining of the setting that makes it hard to read because I’m lost in too many unnecessary adjectives. Overall, I think this book is less political than his other work, Wyverns Plague, but it doesn’t take away from the story at all. Instead, this story contained more military strategy and an emphasis on explaining the light v dark powers. One of my highest praises is Bryce’s ability to explain the world/powers/character feelings/background more than once throughout the book BUT it doesn’t feel like reading the same things over and over. In other words, he slips in the key details in subtle ways that helped me retain the main plot points/information.
I felt hooked throughout and I look forward to the sequel, so I can see where these characters decide to go next. I hope Makar and Faina end up meeting too!
P.s. definitely reference the back of the book for more information on all the powers/abilities. There is also a map which is 10/10!
The story has a dual POV told from Faina, a female Aretian, and Makar, a male Tenebrian. For the duration of the book, I was constantly on my toes because I felt I should be siding with the “light” powers but still found myself sympathetic to Makar’s struggles. Though I appreciate how both characters showed obvious (and realistically timed) development throughout the book. Ultimately, I was left feeling conflicted again by the end of the book (which is a good thing)!
The world building was easy to understand, and I didn’t feel like there were any holes in the writing. Additionally, there’s no over-explaining of the setting that makes it hard to read because I’m lost in too many unnecessary adjectives. Overall, I think this book is less political than his other work, Wyverns Plague, but it doesn’t take away from the story at all. Instead, this story contained more military strategy and an emphasis on explaining the light v dark powers. One of my highest praises is Bryce’s ability to explain the world/powers/character feelings/background more than once throughout the book BUT it doesn’t feel like reading the same things over and over. In other words, he slips in the key details in subtle ways that helped me retain the main plot points/information.
I felt hooked throughout and I look forward to the sequel, so I can see where these characters decide to go next. I hope Makar and Faina end up meeting too!
P.s. definitely reference the back of the book for more information on all the powers/abilities. There is also a map which is 10/10!
August 25, 2024
The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1, by A.K. Bryce, is an excellent fantasy novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre. It is a fascinating story based on the theme of light versus dark or, if you prefer, good versus evil. While this theme has been around forever, this presentation is one that is quite different. Filled with plenty of action and very interesting characters, I am sure it will be loved by many.
In the small city of Gorovetrov in the Dominion of Light we meet Makar, a 10-year-old boy who is about to be tested, as all children are, to see if there is any dark magic in him. A long time ago the sun god defeated the moon god and now all children must be tested to see if they are safe or if they were born with the magic of the moon god, who everyone sees as a demon. Those who are found to have the dark magic are removed from the family’s home and sent to live in exile on frozen islands to suffer for the rest of their lives. When Makar is tested, he fails and is taken away from his family immediately.
As Makar tries to survive, we jump ahead 40 years when he receives a visit from the moon god in person. She gives Makar the power of shadow magic, the ability to use his own shadow to touch and even kill those around him. As he tries to understand this new power, which others consider the worst evil imaginable, his thoughts turn to saving others who are in his position. Back home in the Dominion, we are introduced to Faina, an investigator who is attempting to uncover the sudden growth of Shadebinding in townspeople who have no magical ability. Until she can figure out what is going on, and where all of this evil is actually coming from, no one will be safe from the war that is about to begin. With the moon demon attempting to take back her power through Makar and others, Faina might be the only one who can save the Dominion of Light.
While the plot of The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is excellent, it is the extremely well-developed characters that really make the story. While Makar is presented as the evil force in the book, the reader is able to relate to him and the question builds quickly as to whether it is true evil or if he is being used. Watching as he tries to accept this power and use it to save others like him presents him as a character we can come to understand and actually root for. On the other hand, there is Faina who believes that all Shadebinding is the most dangerous thing in this world and it must be destroyed immediately or the Dominion will not survive. As she moves forward in her investigation, we can see the conflict between what she has always believed and whether or not some of these people who are inflicted with the power are actually as bad as everyone thinks. All of the characters, including the secondary ones, are extremely appealing in one way or another and you cannot help but see both sides of the coin as you read.
With such an imaginative storyline and interesting characters, I believe that The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 will be a huge hit with fantasy readers. I loved it and highly recommend it. In addition, with the ending of the story, there is definitely a lot of room for more and I cannot wait to see what the author might do with a second book.
Quill says: So many fantasy novels out there seem to be the “same-old thing” at times but The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is one that takes the “same-old” theme and changes it into something very new and exciting. No reader can ask for more than that.
In the small city of Gorovetrov in the Dominion of Light we meet Makar, a 10-year-old boy who is about to be tested, as all children are, to see if there is any dark magic in him. A long time ago the sun god defeated the moon god and now all children must be tested to see if they are safe or if they were born with the magic of the moon god, who everyone sees as a demon. Those who are found to have the dark magic are removed from the family’s home and sent to live in exile on frozen islands to suffer for the rest of their lives. When Makar is tested, he fails and is taken away from his family immediately.
As Makar tries to survive, we jump ahead 40 years when he receives a visit from the moon god in person. She gives Makar the power of shadow magic, the ability to use his own shadow to touch and even kill those around him. As he tries to understand this new power, which others consider the worst evil imaginable, his thoughts turn to saving others who are in his position. Back home in the Dominion, we are introduced to Faina, an investigator who is attempting to uncover the sudden growth of Shadebinding in townspeople who have no magical ability. Until she can figure out what is going on, and where all of this evil is actually coming from, no one will be safe from the war that is about to begin. With the moon demon attempting to take back her power through Makar and others, Faina might be the only one who can save the Dominion of Light.
While the plot of The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is excellent, it is the extremely well-developed characters that really make the story. While Makar is presented as the evil force in the book, the reader is able to relate to him and the question builds quickly as to whether it is true evil or if he is being used. Watching as he tries to accept this power and use it to save others like him presents him as a character we can come to understand and actually root for. On the other hand, there is Faina who believes that all Shadebinding is the most dangerous thing in this world and it must be destroyed immediately or the Dominion will not survive. As she moves forward in her investigation, we can see the conflict between what she has always believed and whether or not some of these people who are inflicted with the power are actually as bad as everyone thinks. All of the characters, including the secondary ones, are extremely appealing in one way or another and you cannot help but see both sides of the coin as you read.
With such an imaginative storyline and interesting characters, I believe that The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 will be a huge hit with fantasy readers. I loved it and highly recommend it. In addition, with the ending of the story, there is definitely a lot of room for more and I cannot wait to see what the author might do with a second book.
Quill says: So many fantasy novels out there seem to be the “same-old thing” at times but The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is one that takes the “same-old” theme and changes it into something very new and exciting. No reader can ask for more than that.
September 5, 2024
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC.
In this riveting novel, the fight between light and darkness, good and evil takes on new dimensions, exploring themes of morality, redemption, fixing past mistakes and moving on to a better future. The story follows two protagonists, Makar and Faina, whose opposing paths converge in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse.
The breathtaking yet unforgiving description of the snowy lands is greatly done. Author A.K.Bryce really knows how to write and describe nature in a way that you can imagine right in front of your eyes and feel the chill creep up your spine right in the safety of your home.
Malakars journey and his exile to the harshlands where the sun rarely rises in the depth of winter will grip right on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath at each turn of a page waiting to see what happens next, where every opportunity is full of dangers and risks.
Pros:
Unique Spin on a Classic Theme: The battle between light and darkness takes a literal turn in this book using the concept of Dominion of Light and the exiled demonic magic of the moon. The world Bryce has built is fascinating, where the victory of the sun god has created a society that rigidly suppresses anything associated with the moon demon, an age old tale of history being written by the winners leading to the discrimination of the defeated and oppreseed. The push and pull between the Aretian (light) and Tenebrian (dark) powers provides a captivating tale that catches the reader’s attention.
Deeply Developed Characters: In one of the strongest points of the novel, the characters are deep and very fleshed out. Makar, being exiled, is presented as a deeply conflicted character who fights an internal battle to understand his new found power and use them for the purpose of good. While Faina, the Dominion interrogator, offers a counterbalance to Makar’s journey. Her unwavering belief in the righteousness of the Dominion is tested as she uncovers the truth behind the Shadebinding epidemic.
Well Maintained Pacing: Bryce’s storytelling is engaging and well-paced. The narrative shifts smoothly between intense action sequences and reflective moments that add emotional depth to the characters building a tension in the air that feels like it is about to snap at any moment.
Prose: Bryce’s writing is very immersive, drawing readers into the world of Tenebria with ease. The prose captures the stark contrast between the sunlit Dominion and the shadowed exile, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles making the world feel alive.
Cons:
Predictability : While the storyline is engaging, certain plot twists, especially those related to the origins of the Dominion’s power and the true nature of the moon demon, may be predictable for readers familiar with the genre. As a long term reader of fantasy I found the twist underwhelming althought the prose makes up for it.
Side Characters were unexplored: Although the main characters are well-developed, many side characters could benefit from more depth. Most of the time is spent with Malakar and Faina while leaving many of the interesting characters out of picture.
Conclusion
Despite some predictability and areas where further depth could be added, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. This book will be best enjoyed by readers who are new to this genre or reading as a whole so the plot feels fresh and the reader can grow along with the characters in the story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC.
In this riveting novel, the fight between light and darkness, good and evil takes on new dimensions, exploring themes of morality, redemption, fixing past mistakes and moving on to a better future. The story follows two protagonists, Makar and Faina, whose opposing paths converge in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse.
The breathtaking yet unforgiving description of the snowy lands is greatly done. Author A.K.Bryce really knows how to write and describe nature in a way that you can imagine right in front of your eyes and feel the chill creep up your spine right in the safety of your home.
Malakars journey and his exile to the harshlands where the sun rarely rises in the depth of winter will grip right on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath at each turn of a page waiting to see what happens next, where every opportunity is full of dangers and risks.
Pros:
Unique Spin on a Classic Theme: The battle between light and darkness takes a literal turn in this book using the concept of Dominion of Light and the exiled demonic magic of the moon. The world Bryce has built is fascinating, where the victory of the sun god has created a society that rigidly suppresses anything associated with the moon demon, an age old tale of history being written by the winners leading to the discrimination of the defeated and oppreseed. The push and pull between the Aretian (light) and Tenebrian (dark) powers provides a captivating tale that catches the reader’s attention.
Deeply Developed Characters: In one of the strongest points of the novel, the characters are deep and very fleshed out. Makar, being exiled, is presented as a deeply conflicted character who fights an internal battle to understand his new found power and use them for the purpose of good. While Faina, the Dominion interrogator, offers a counterbalance to Makar’s journey. Her unwavering belief in the righteousness of the Dominion is tested as she uncovers the truth behind the Shadebinding epidemic.
Well Maintained Pacing: Bryce’s storytelling is engaging and well-paced. The narrative shifts smoothly between intense action sequences and reflective moments that add emotional depth to the characters building a tension in the air that feels like it is about to snap at any moment.
Prose: Bryce’s writing is very immersive, drawing readers into the world of Tenebria with ease. The prose captures the stark contrast between the sunlit Dominion and the shadowed exile, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles making the world feel alive.
Cons:
Predictability : While the storyline is engaging, certain plot twists, especially those related to the origins of the Dominion’s power and the true nature of the moon demon, may be predictable for readers familiar with the genre. As a long term reader of fantasy I found the twist underwhelming althought the prose makes up for it.
Side Characters were unexplored: Although the main characters are well-developed, many side characters could benefit from more depth. Most of the time is spent with Malakar and Faina while leaving many of the interesting characters out of picture.
Conclusion
Despite some predictability and areas where further depth could be added, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. This book will be best enjoyed by readers who are new to this genre or reading as a whole so the plot feels fresh and the reader can grow along with the characters in the story.
October 26, 2024
Bryce's The Eye of the Moon is an enthralling fantasy that reimagines the classic battle of light versus darkness. Set in a richly imagined world where the sun god’s victory has led to the Dominion of Light, and the Moon Demon’s magic is exiled and feared, Bryce crafts a narrative that gripped me from the first page.
The story follows two central characters: Makar, an exile for over forty years, living on frozen islands as punishment for his demonic magic, and Faina, a loyal Dominion interrogator tasked with uncovering a surge of forbidden powers.
Bryce’s storytelling shines through vivid descriptions, especially when detailing the stark, snow-covered islands that make up Makar’s prison. The frozen landscape almost becomes a character itself, and Bryce’s evocative prose makes the chill palpable. This, paired with intense action sequences and the steady unraveling of secrets, creates a pace that kept me eagerly turning pages. Bryce cleverly plays with the theme of history being shaped by the victors, adding layers to the moral conflicts faced by the characters. The characters feel real, each with flaws and motivations that evolve as the story progresses. Readers will find themselves sympathizing with both sides of this ideological war. However, while Makar and Faina are well fleshed out, some of the secondary characters would benefit from further development. Several intriguing figures hover at the edges of the story, hinting at greater depth but remaining underexplored.
Though some plot twists may be familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, The Eye of the Moon succeeds in offering a fresh take on the light versus dark trope. Bryce’s immersive prose captures the harsh beauty of Tenebria, contrasting the warmth of the sun with the cold, forbidden touch of the moon.
The story follows two central characters: Makar, an exile for over forty years, living on frozen islands as punishment for his demonic magic, and Faina, a loyal Dominion interrogator tasked with uncovering a surge of forbidden powers.
Bryce’s storytelling shines through vivid descriptions, especially when detailing the stark, snow-covered islands that make up Makar’s prison. The frozen landscape almost becomes a character itself, and Bryce’s evocative prose makes the chill palpable. This, paired with intense action sequences and the steady unraveling of secrets, creates a pace that kept me eagerly turning pages. Bryce cleverly plays with the theme of history being shaped by the victors, adding layers to the moral conflicts faced by the characters. The characters feel real, each with flaws and motivations that evolve as the story progresses. Readers will find themselves sympathizing with both sides of this ideological war. However, while Makar and Faina are well fleshed out, some of the secondary characters would benefit from further development. Several intriguing figures hover at the edges of the story, hinting at greater depth but remaining underexplored.
Though some plot twists may be familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, The Eye of the Moon succeeds in offering a fresh take on the light versus dark trope. Bryce’s immersive prose captures the harsh beauty of Tenebria, contrasting the warmth of the sun with the cold, forbidden touch of the moon.
August 31, 2024
Bryce’s series opener in the Tenebria series plunges readers into a world where every shadow conceals a struggle for identity and survival. The sun god’s victory ushers in the Dominion, exiling demonic magic to frozen wastelands. Makar, after 40 years in exile, receives a deadly gift from the defeated demon. Dominion interrogator Faina must uncover a brewing conspiracy while maintaining fragile peace. As darkness stirs, can she save their world without being consumed by it?
Bryce’s prose is sharp and immersive, capturing a world where light and shadow mirror the characters’ struggles. He skillfully weaves in fantasy elements to elevate the tension, pushing Makar to face his doubts and the pressures of the Tenebrian Exam. He portrays Makar’s anxiety with authenticity. His interactions with Faina, the empathetic yet stern Truthseer, deepen the narrative, highlighting the delicate balance between compassion and perfection in a world that doesn’t tolerate failure.
The pacing is precise, blending intense action with reflective moments that allow the story’s emotional depth to shine. An enthralling start to an exciting new series.
Bryce’s prose is sharp and immersive, capturing a world where light and shadow mirror the characters’ struggles. He skillfully weaves in fantasy elements to elevate the tension, pushing Makar to face his doubts and the pressures of the Tenebrian Exam. He portrays Makar’s anxiety with authenticity. His interactions with Faina, the empathetic yet stern Truthseer, deepen the narrative, highlighting the delicate balance between compassion and perfection in a world that doesn’t tolerate failure.
The pacing is precise, blending intense action with reflective moments that allow the story’s emotional depth to shine. An enthralling start to an exciting new series.
August 31, 2024
Loved the book! The magic system was simple but well-written. There are two groups, Aretian and Tenebrian. Aretian, descendent blessed by Solgo’s power of the sun and Tenebrian, descendent blessed by Nochtem’s power of the moon. Each group has their strengths and weaknesses. Aretian's strength lies in light(day), while Tenebrian's strength is in the darkness(night).
Both main characters experience internal conflicts, questioning the morality of their actions. As Makar uses his new power as a Shadebinder, he asks himself whether it's evil power bestowed upon him or a blessing to save others. Meanwhile, Faina, a Dominion interrogator, uses her powers to expose Shadebinders. Yet, as she continues, she debates the necessity of cruelty and punishment towards Tenebrians.
Personally, I loved Faina.
I enjoyed reading this book so much I finished it in one day! I will be waiting for the next book in the series!
Both main characters experience internal conflicts, questioning the morality of their actions. As Makar uses his new power as a Shadebinder, he asks himself whether it's evil power bestowed upon him or a blessing to save others. Meanwhile, Faina, a Dominion interrogator, uses her powers to expose Shadebinders. Yet, as she continues, she debates the necessity of cruelty and punishment towards Tenebrians.
Personally, I loved Faina.
I enjoyed reading this book so much I finished it in one day! I will be waiting for the next book in the series!
December 21, 2025
The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria is a compelling fantasy that gains its power from moral tension rather than simple allegiance. By following two protagonists on opposing sides of a theocratic regime, A. K. Bryce creates a world where light is not synonymous with justice and darkness is not inherently evil. The dual perspectives deepen the stakes, allowing readers to understand both the cost of rebellion and the fear of collapse. Rich worldbuilding, thoughtful magic systems, and emotionally grounded characters make this a strong opening for readers who enjoy morally complex fantasy.
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