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A Sinister Radiance
After too many years locked away in a church-controlled thaumaturge, Kai has taken advantage of the chaos wrought by the caster rebellion to escape to the shadowed city of Falkirk. Starting a new life at thirty-one would be challenge enough, but being identified as a magic caster could get him killed. Then there’s his estranged family, less-than-spectacular love life, and the disturbing secrets Falkirk hides under its facade of staid respectability to contend with, before a human monster from his past surfaces…
All that pales before the threat Kai inadvertently discovers thanks to a missing friend and a spur-of-the-moment lie. It’s madly dangerous to keep up the act, but his curiosity overrides the sensible part of his mind that’s screaming you could still walk away . Soon he's involved in a secretive cult practicing forbidden magic that may have deadly consequences for Falkirk and beyond. Then an atrocity forces him to make a decision－stick to his determination to remain uninvolved in the rebellion, or join a plot that will take him deep within the stronghold of the church that wants him and his kind dead.
All that pales before the threat Kai inadvertently discovers thanks to a missing friend and a spur-of-the-moment lie. It’s madly dangerous to keep up the act, but his curiosity overrides the sensible part of his mind that’s screaming you could still walk away . Soon he's involved in a secretive cult practicing forbidden magic that may have deadly consequences for Falkirk and beyond. Then an atrocity forces him to make a decision－stick to his determination to remain uninvolved in the rebellion, or join a plot that will take him deep within the stronghold of the church that wants him and his kind dead.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2024
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About the author
Andrew Berac
2 books2 followersAndrew Berac writes dark(ish) fantasy with sides of humor, mystery, and the occasional Lovecraftian horror (tentacles optional). When not doing coffee-fueled bookish things, you can find him stealthing through video games or disappearing down rabbit holes.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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July 24, 2024Disclaimer: Can't rate 'cos I edited.
All I'll say is if you're a fan of games such as Dragon Age, and you also have a penchant for cosmic horror, you'll be in a dark, happy place with this fantasy novel. This is a slowly unfolding story with noir elements, some wonderful dialogue, but also some pretty intense stuff. Also, one of my favourite things I've worked on the past while.
All I'll say is if you're a fan of games such as Dragon Age, and you also have a penchant for cosmic horror, you'll be in a dark, happy place with this fantasy novel. This is a slowly unfolding story with noir elements, some wonderful dialogue, but also some pretty intense stuff. Also, one of my favourite things I've worked on the past while.
October 15, 2024
Andrew Berac's debut novel is a fantastic read; told in the first person by Kai, a thirty-something spellcaster who just wants a normal life, Berac creates a well-realized world populated by interesting characters and sinister plots lurking below the surface. A Sinister Radiance is a story of monsters and men, and Kai's journey to navigate which is which.
Kai is a refreshing narrator. He is witty and clever, but also prone to fits of pique and boredom, making him well-rounded and feel more real. His efforts to navigate "normal" against the backdrop of his "friendliest unfriendly city" help create the world of Berac's series. Through Kai we meet a cast of interesting and enjoyable characters, some of whom we (and Kai) can even trust.
Through this cast of characters, Berac's talent with dialogue truly shines. Conversations are snappy and engaging, and always fun to read. Berac has also crafted an interesting plot that keeps the pages turning. This book clearly sets up for a sequel, but stands well on its own. I fully enjoyed A Sinister Radiance; fans of The Kingkiller Chronicles will appreciate the first-person narration in a well-realized fantasy setting, while those looking for something that balances plot and character driven will enjoy this as well.
While I'm sure Kai himself would prefer to just settle in with a cup of coffee and a schlocky adventure novel, I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
Kai is a refreshing narrator. He is witty and clever, but also prone to fits of pique and boredom, making him well-rounded and feel more real. His efforts to navigate "normal" against the backdrop of his "friendliest unfriendly city" help create the world of Berac's series. Through Kai we meet a cast of interesting and enjoyable characters, some of whom we (and Kai) can even trust.
Through this cast of characters, Berac's talent with dialogue truly shines. Conversations are snappy and engaging, and always fun to read. Berac has also crafted an interesting plot that keeps the pages turning. This book clearly sets up for a sequel, but stands well on its own. I fully enjoyed A Sinister Radiance; fans of The Kingkiller Chronicles will appreciate the first-person narration in a well-realized fantasy setting, while those looking for something that balances plot and character driven will enjoy this as well.
While I'm sure Kai himself would prefer to just settle in with a cup of coffee and a schlocky adventure novel, I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
May 7, 2025
I am familiar with the author's other work though I hope that won't bias my opinion too much.
A Sinister Radiance is an enjoyable fantasy novel though takes a few chapters to get moving. Andrew's slightly sarcastic and cynical voice is what sets him apart from others in the genre. It is similar in tone to Neil Gaiman's fantasy books. The descriptions and character's thoughts always get a few chuckles from me. Too bad Gaiman is now shrouded in controversy.
The world building, while having similarities to other works, still have details that are different that keep it interesting. Notably how elves are described and portrayed. The characters are memorable and likeable. Besides the main character my favourite was Oliver by far. He was so wholesome. The family connections are excellent too. Relatable without them being completely toxic or absent which is a nice change.
The tension escalated as the story progressed, to the point where I audibly gasped at one particular detail. The fight scenes were well done.
I am looking forward to the next book. The main detail that lets the book down in my view is the cover. It tells us who the main character is but doesn't make it super clear on the genre, and I think it would make it easy for others to pass it by. Which is a shame because it was a great read.
4/5
A Sinister Radiance is an enjoyable fantasy novel though takes a few chapters to get moving. Andrew's slightly sarcastic and cynical voice is what sets him apart from others in the genre. It is similar in tone to Neil Gaiman's fantasy books. The descriptions and character's thoughts always get a few chuckles from me. Too bad Gaiman is now shrouded in controversy.
The world building, while having similarities to other works, still have details that are different that keep it interesting. Notably how elves are described and portrayed. The characters are memorable and likeable. Besides the main character my favourite was Oliver by far. He was so wholesome. The family connections are excellent too. Relatable without them being completely toxic or absent which is a nice change.
The tension escalated as the story progressed, to the point where I audibly gasped at one particular detail. The fight scenes were well done.
I am looking forward to the next book. The main detail that lets the book down in my view is the cover. It tells us who the main character is but doesn't make it super clear on the genre, and I think it would make it easy for others to pass it by. Which is a shame because it was a great read.
4/5
January 9, 2025
Dark gaslamp fantasy for introverts or "how I finally met a relatable protagonist"
If you're looking for a tale of a young, dashing, and cunning, yet poor, hero and his party of misfits that fight for a better future and find their one true love along the way, this one is not for you.
But if you happen to enjoy:
- dark fantasy with a Lovecraftian edge,
- witty, well-written dialogue,
- coffee (and maybe the occasional beer),
- queer representation,
- reptilian elves,
- staying inside with a good book rather than engaging in social interactions,
- a protagonist who feels relatable, acts like a sensible (yet snarky) person most of the time,
and rocks a goth-inspired look,
...this book might be right up your alley. I personally found it a highly refreshing, even relaxing take on the genre. Just don't be fooled if the pacing seems slower in the first part—murder, mayhem, and monsters are part of the package. Looking forward to the next books in the series!
If you're looking for a tale of a young, dashing, and cunning, yet poor, hero and his party of misfits that fight for a better future and find their one true love along the way, this one is not for you.
But if you happen to enjoy:
- dark fantasy with a Lovecraftian edge,
- witty, well-written dialogue,
- coffee (and maybe the occasional beer),
- queer representation,
- reptilian elves,
- staying inside with a good book rather than engaging in social interactions,
- a protagonist who feels relatable, acts like a sensible (yet snarky) person most of the time,
and rocks a goth-inspired look,
...this book might be right up your alley. I personally found it a highly refreshing, even relaxing take on the genre. Just don't be fooled if the pacing seems slower in the first part—murder, mayhem, and monsters are part of the package. Looking forward to the next books in the series!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews