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The Baneseeker Chronicles #1
Surrender
The young warrior-sorceress Lyna, has lost everything. Her friends, her family, her home. Everything she’s ever known or loved is gone.
Adrift and alone, she roams the world, looking for a place to belong while hunting and destroying every bane core she can find—objects of pure evil that leave nothing but madness and misery wherever they appear.
At the edge of civilization, Lyna comes to the isolated village of Tanasu, the home of her ancestors and perhaps her last chance at finding peace. It also harbors the deadliest, most potent bane core she’s ever faced.
Her task is Destroy the core. Free Tanasu. Find a new home.
But with each use of her power, her strange and innate ability to detect evil, more and more of Lyna is chipped away, leaving her weaker, brittler. And when she finds only death and a cursed land haunted by the spirits of her forebears, Lyna starts to question if there is any hope left in the world, and if her efforts are making any difference at all?
Now, Lyna must decide. Abandon her quest and leave the world to fend for itself? Or continue what has become a hopeless fight—at the risk of losing her soul.
Content
Surrender is part of The Baneseeker Chronicles, a dark fantasy series. It contain horror elements, as well as potentially triggering subject matter, such as mentions of abandonment, addiction, and suicide.
Adrift and alone, she roams the world, looking for a place to belong while hunting and destroying every bane core she can find—objects of pure evil that leave nothing but madness and misery wherever they appear.
At the edge of civilization, Lyna comes to the isolated village of Tanasu, the home of her ancestors and perhaps her last chance at finding peace. It also harbors the deadliest, most potent bane core she’s ever faced.
Her task is Destroy the core. Free Tanasu. Find a new home.
But with each use of her power, her strange and innate ability to detect evil, more and more of Lyna is chipped away, leaving her weaker, brittler. And when she finds only death and a cursed land haunted by the spirits of her forebears, Lyna starts to question if there is any hope left in the world, and if her efforts are making any difference at all?
Now, Lyna must decide. Abandon her quest and leave the world to fend for itself? Or continue what has become a hopeless fight—at the risk of losing her soul.
Content
Surrender is part of The Baneseeker Chronicles, a dark fantasy series. It contain horror elements, as well as potentially triggering subject matter, such as mentions of abandonment, addiction, and suicide.
- GenresFantasy
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Eston
12 books43 followersSTEVE C. ESTON has been a lover of the fantastical and the scientific since he was a young boy. He wrote his first story by hand while still in elementary school—a five-page story about a tiger-masked ninja fighting mythical monsters that included his own illustrations.
When not spending time with his family, Steve makes time for his numerous hobbies, which include reading (and hoarding) books, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, making puzzles, and playing hockey and tennis. He also loves to travel and developed an obsession with New Zealand after traveling there in 2015.
For information on current writing projects and for free short stories, head on over to:
www.SCEston.com
Newsletter: https://www.sceston.com/Newsletter
Facebook: @SteveCEston
Instagram: @SteveCEston
When not spending time with his family, Steve makes time for his numerous hobbies, which include reading (and hoarding) books, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, making puzzles, and playing hockey and tennis. He also loves to travel and developed an obsession with New Zealand after traveling there in 2015.
For information on current writing projects and for free short stories, head on over to:
www.SCEston.com
Newsletter: https://www.sceston.com/Newsletter
Facebook: @SteveCEston
Instagram: @SteveCEston
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 2, 2025
Surrender follows Lyna, a warrior-sorceress who’s lost everything and is barely hanging on. She’s driven by this desperate need to do something good, to destroy the bane cores that are poisoning the world but every time she uses her power, she loses a bit more of herself. That theme of sacrifice and slow self-erasure really stuck with me.
The atmosphere in this book is incredible. Grim, desolate, heavy with grief and memory. Tanasu he cursed village at the heart of the story feels like a character in its own right. There’s a haunted, almost post-apocalyptic weight to everything, and the writing captures that beautifully. There’s horror here, but it’s more existential than jump-scare. It crawls under your skin.
What kept this from being a full 5 stars for me were a few pacing dips some internal monologue dragged a little too long, and I wanted just a bit more development from the side characters. But honestly? The emotional arc makes up for it. Lyna’s battle isn’t just about evil in the world, it’s about whether she still believes she matters in it. And that question is handled with so much nuance and pain.
It’s not a comforting read. But it’s powerful, cathartic, and beautifully bleak. I closed the book feeling like I’d survived something with her. And I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.
The atmosphere in this book is incredible. Grim, desolate, heavy with grief and memory. Tanasu he cursed village at the heart of the story feels like a character in its own right. There’s a haunted, almost post-apocalyptic weight to everything, and the writing captures that beautifully. There’s horror here, but it’s more existential than jump-scare. It crawls under your skin.
What kept this from being a full 5 stars for me were a few pacing dips some internal monologue dragged a little too long, and I wanted just a bit more development from the side characters. But honestly? The emotional arc makes up for it. Lyna’s battle isn’t just about evil in the world, it’s about whether she still believes she matters in it. And that question is handled with so much nuance and pain.
It’s not a comforting read. But it’s powerful, cathartic, and beautifully bleak. I closed the book feeling like I’d survived something with her. And I’ll definitely be reading the next in the series.
February 14, 2025
What a great story!
It introduces an incredible character, very complex and relatable, and I cannot wait to see where her story will lead!
The book gives us a thoughtful view of the challenges of living in a world that can sometimes feel distant and uncaring. Eston’s writing is clear and impactful, mixing deep ideas with powerful emotional moments. His depiction of dependence is especially compelling. The story moves at just the right speed, building suspense slowly and keeping the reader interested all the way to the end.
It’s a book that stays with you even after you finish reading it, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deep and interesting story.
It introduces an incredible character, very complex and relatable, and I cannot wait to see where her story will lead!
The book gives us a thoughtful view of the challenges of living in a world that can sometimes feel distant and uncaring. Eston’s writing is clear and impactful, mixing deep ideas with powerful emotional moments. His depiction of dependence is especially compelling. The story moves at just the right speed, building suspense slowly and keeping the reader interested all the way to the end.
It’s a book that stays with you even after you finish reading it, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deep and interesting story.
January 7, 2025
I truly enjoyed this novel. I re-read the Conclave first and I'm glad I di. Surrender can stand on it's own but there are characters from the first book returning. great story. If you love fantasy, get yours.
December 15, 2025
Surrender was such an effortless, delightful read! Although I don't naturally gravitate towards fantasy, Eston has a unique talent for making the genre accessible and engaging.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment in The Baneseeker Chronicles.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next installment in The Baneseeker Chronicles.
February 6, 2025
Surrender, the first book in S.C. Eston's The Baneseeker Chronicles plunges the reader into a hauntingly atmospheric dark fantasy. The story follows Lyna, a troubled elf with the power to manipulate time, as she confronts her personal demons while navigating the cursed Territories of Sij. Lyna's journey, fueled by regret and self-doubt, intertwines with her mission to destroy a malevolent artifact known as a bane core. The narrative balances introspection with bursts of action, making it both a deeply personal and harrowing epic.
One of the strongest points is its vivid, almost oppressive atmosphere. From the moment Lyna steps into Tanasu, a decaying village on the edge of the cursed Territories, the tension is palpable. Eston's descriptions of Sij—with its dying trees, shadowy wraiths, and spectral lights—are chilling and immersive. I found myself gripping the book tightly during Lyna’s encounters with the ghostly apparitions, especially when she confronts the wraith’s eerie hunger for sacrifices. The writing here is evocative, almost cinematic, and it’s impossible not to feel as though you’re walking alongside Lyna through the gloom.
The novel does have a tendency to linger in Lyna’s inner turmoil, which I feel occasionally slows the pacing. Her frequent reflections on her painful past—including abandonment, addiction to her time-bending powers, and guilt over past sacrifices—are raw and impactful. Lyna herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s flawed, weary, and at times unlikable, which makes her relatable and refreshingly human (despite being an elf). Her interactions with others, such as the boy Danor, reveal glimpses of her buried compassion and add layers to her character. The bane core’s ominous presence adds external pressure to her internal struggles, creating a dynamic push and pull that keeps the reader engaged.
The book’s exploration of addiction—manifested through Lyna’s compulsive need to use her time-manipulating ability—is handled with sensitivity and depth. It’s rare to see such a nuanced depiction of dependence in fantasy. Lyna’s powers, which initially seem like a gift, are revealed to be a consuming burden. Her moments of relapse and the physical toll they take are written with brutal honesty.
Surrender leaves a lasting impression. Its grim tone and thought-provoking themes make it ideal for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate morally complex characters and richly detailed settings. Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski or R. A. Salvatore will feel at home here. While it’s not a light read—and the pacing might challenge those who prefer more action-driven narratives—the emotional depth and haunting atmosphere make it worthwhile. I’d recommend Surrender to anyone looking for a fantasy story that delves into the shadowy corners of the human (or elven) spirit.
One of the strongest points is its vivid, almost oppressive atmosphere. From the moment Lyna steps into Tanasu, a decaying village on the edge of the cursed Territories, the tension is palpable. Eston's descriptions of Sij—with its dying trees, shadowy wraiths, and spectral lights—are chilling and immersive. I found myself gripping the book tightly during Lyna’s encounters with the ghostly apparitions, especially when she confronts the wraith’s eerie hunger for sacrifices. The writing here is evocative, almost cinematic, and it’s impossible not to feel as though you’re walking alongside Lyna through the gloom.
The novel does have a tendency to linger in Lyna’s inner turmoil, which I feel occasionally slows the pacing. Her frequent reflections on her painful past—including abandonment, addiction to her time-bending powers, and guilt over past sacrifices—are raw and impactful. Lyna herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s flawed, weary, and at times unlikable, which makes her relatable and refreshingly human (despite being an elf). Her interactions with others, such as the boy Danor, reveal glimpses of her buried compassion and add layers to her character. The bane core’s ominous presence adds external pressure to her internal struggles, creating a dynamic push and pull that keeps the reader engaged.
The book’s exploration of addiction—manifested through Lyna’s compulsive need to use her time-manipulating ability—is handled with sensitivity and depth. It’s rare to see such a nuanced depiction of dependence in fantasy. Lyna’s powers, which initially seem like a gift, are revealed to be a consuming burden. Her moments of relapse and the physical toll they take are written with brutal honesty.
Surrender leaves a lasting impression. Its grim tone and thought-provoking themes make it ideal for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate morally complex characters and richly detailed settings. Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski or R. A. Salvatore will feel at home here. While it’s not a light read—and the pacing might challenge those who prefer more action-driven narratives—the emotional depth and haunting atmosphere make it worthwhile. I’d recommend Surrender to anyone looking for a fantasy story that delves into the shadowy corners of the human (or elven) spirit.
March 21, 2025
**ARC provided by Reedsy Discovery**
Lyna is an elf with a magical ability she does not want. It torments her and brings out emotions that are painful and difficult to master. She lost her family at a young age and was a slave. She was freed and found mentors in two humans, one who treated her as a daughter and one who trained her as a warrior. Now, she is on her way to find her native country and comes across the mentors she has been avoiding.
Surrender by S.C. Eston is a fantasy novel and the first in a series called the Baneseeker Chronicles. It flows as what I call a middle fantasy. It is a step up from sword and sorcery, but does not, or at least has not, built world like Tolkien and Martin. Instead, it lies comfortably between the two extremes.
This book, though, is a beginning, and I wish it had been longer. The plot is difficult to follow because you don’t quite get what Lyna is trying to do. The addition of her mentors adds to her backstory, giving her at least some dimension. The problem is that there is not enough time in the book to flesh out these mentors and their quest.
Further compressing the space in the book are extra chapters that give minor characters endings to their stories. These chapters do not show how these characters are important in the overall series arc, and in fact show that these characters have nothing to do with the main character again. These chapters were unnecessary, and the space could have been used to better prepare the reader for the next book in the series.
The overall writing is good. I stayed engaged with the book, reading it in just a couple of sessions. I did not find any grammar or spelling errors, and the plot followed a linear pattern.
I give this book three stars out of five. It’s a decent story, if short. Had the book been a bit longer and more space dedicated to really setting up the plot for the series, I would have awarded an extra star. I will probably read the next book in the series but won’t clamor for it on day one.
Lyna is an elf with a magical ability she does not want. It torments her and brings out emotions that are painful and difficult to master. She lost her family at a young age and was a slave. She was freed and found mentors in two humans, one who treated her as a daughter and one who trained her as a warrior. Now, she is on her way to find her native country and comes across the mentors she has been avoiding.
Surrender by S.C. Eston is a fantasy novel and the first in a series called the Baneseeker Chronicles. It flows as what I call a middle fantasy. It is a step up from sword and sorcery, but does not, or at least has not, built world like Tolkien and Martin. Instead, it lies comfortably between the two extremes.
This book, though, is a beginning, and I wish it had been longer. The plot is difficult to follow because you don’t quite get what Lyna is trying to do. The addition of her mentors adds to her backstory, giving her at least some dimension. The problem is that there is not enough time in the book to flesh out these mentors and their quest.
Further compressing the space in the book are extra chapters that give minor characters endings to their stories. These chapters do not show how these characters are important in the overall series arc, and in fact show that these characters have nothing to do with the main character again. These chapters were unnecessary, and the space could have been used to better prepare the reader for the next book in the series.
The overall writing is good. I stayed engaged with the book, reading it in just a couple of sessions. I did not find any grammar or spelling errors, and the plot followed a linear pattern.
I give this book three stars out of five. It’s a decent story, if short. Had the book been a bit longer and more space dedicated to really setting up the plot for the series, I would have awarded an extra star. I will probably read the next book in the series but won’t clamor for it on day one.
November 15, 2024
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVEW
5th November 2024
TITLE: Surrender, Book One of The Baneseeker Chronicles
AUTHOR: S. C. ESTON
Star Rating: 5
‘A dark, often gritty, fantasy novella with a strong, female protagonist to root for. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Dark stuff. Dark stuff indeed. But that’s okay; I know a lot of readers love this sort of thing – a dark, spooky setting (the town of Tanasu), a strong, determined, and rather broken protagonist (a young sorceress named Lyna) and, of course, a quest to destroy objects of pure evil which bring misery to all (the wicked bane core). Yes, for horror/fantasy fans, this novella has it all.
This is not the first story I have enjoyed by this writer. It was called The Stranger of Ul Darak, and, like this novella, it was epic fantasy too. I suspect he’s a Lord of the Rings fan; if I’m correct, it shows in his writing – vast, fantasy settings and lots of metaphorical darkness for readers to ponder over. And, I must say, I enjoyed every word of it. Being a novella, it’s not overly long, but it is a ‘grabber’, the author keeping the focus on Lyna, her almost hopeless battle, and her waning powers.
It's always fun to find a new set of books to enjoy. As this is ‘Book One’, I can only assume there’s going to be a Book Two and a Book Three – and who knows how many? But however many, it will be interesting to see how this story develops, and if he sticks with Lyna as the MC as, to be honest, she’s not in a good way at the end of the story. But I, for one, will be checking out the next installment and enveloping myself back into S C Eston’s chilling fantasy world.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVEW
5th November 2024
TITLE: Surrender, Book One of The Baneseeker Chronicles
AUTHOR: S. C. ESTON
Star Rating: 5
‘A dark, often gritty, fantasy novella with a strong, female protagonist to root for. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Dark stuff. Dark stuff indeed. But that’s okay; I know a lot of readers love this sort of thing – a dark, spooky setting (the town of Tanasu), a strong, determined, and rather broken protagonist (a young sorceress named Lyna) and, of course, a quest to destroy objects of pure evil which bring misery to all (the wicked bane core). Yes, for horror/fantasy fans, this novella has it all.
This is not the first story I have enjoyed by this writer. It was called The Stranger of Ul Darak, and, like this novella, it was epic fantasy too. I suspect he’s a Lord of the Rings fan; if I’m correct, it shows in his writing – vast, fantasy settings and lots of metaphorical darkness for readers to ponder over. And, I must say, I enjoyed every word of it. Being a novella, it’s not overly long, but it is a ‘grabber’, the author keeping the focus on Lyna, her almost hopeless battle, and her waning powers.
It's always fun to find a new set of books to enjoy. As this is ‘Book One’, I can only assume there’s going to be a Book Two and a Book Three – and who knows how many? But however many, it will be interesting to see how this story develops, and if he sticks with Lyna as the MC as, to be honest, she’s not in a good way at the end of the story. But I, for one, will be checking out the next installment and enveloping myself back into S C Eston’s chilling fantasy world.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
June 13, 2025
A Thoughtful, Beautifully Written Fantasy
Surrender by S. C. Eston is a quietly powerful and deeply reflective story that stayed with me long after I finished it. The writing is lyrical and immersive, with a calm, almost meditative quality that drew me in from the first page. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy with emotional depth, graceful prose, and a contemplative tone. It’s a gem that deserves to be discovered.
Surrender by S. C. Eston is a quietly powerful and deeply reflective story that stayed with me long after I finished it. The writing is lyrical and immersive, with a calm, almost meditative quality that drew me in from the first page. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy with emotional depth, graceful prose, and a contemplative tone. It’s a gem that deserves to be discovered.
September 9, 2025
"Surrender" by S. C. Eston was a very introspective story of a woman lost. Lyna controls time, but it's like an addiction eating away at her. Moreover, she's a warrior, seeking and destroying bane cores, sources of absolute evil. When she tries to go home, a nebulous concept lost to time, she finds more poison infecting the area and makes it her personal mission to help. This is a story of self-redemption more than anything, and of self-sacrifice for that which ones truly holds important.
I thought the story was fairly fast-paced, moving along with a close eye on Lyna and tidbits on other characters who helped provide more perspective. It was a nice, personal story with a satisfying end.
I thought the story was fairly fast-paced, moving along with a close eye on Lyna and tidbits on other characters who helped provide more perspective. It was a nice, personal story with a satisfying end.
March 23, 2025
I liked it but I found it was too short.
The world seemed expansive but too unclear. It felt very mysterious but more in a way with too many questions without any clear answers. I felt like it was not a first book but a second book or a prequel and not the first book which should introduce the world and its characters.
The characters were a bit flat and were not given a lot of characterizations. The flashbacks were great but too parse, more would have been great to understand more. We also have been told that Lyna lost her memories but there is nothing more about it. It feels like a convenient ploy for the author to explain her inner turmoils.
The interactions with the other characters felt also unnatural.
The relationship between Onthar, Argon and Lyna seems interesting but not very developed. I know it is only around 220 pages but why couldn't it be more to exploit the world and the characters more ?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world seemed expansive but too unclear. It felt very mysterious but more in a way with too many questions without any clear answers. I felt like it was not a first book but a second book or a prequel and not the first book which should introduce the world and its characters.
The characters were a bit flat and were not given a lot of characterizations. The flashbacks were great but too parse, more would have been great to understand more. We also have been told that Lyna lost her memories but there is nothing more about it. It feels like a convenient ploy for the author to explain her inner turmoils.
The interactions with the other characters felt also unnatural.
The relationship between Onthar, Argon and Lyna seems interesting but not very developed. I know it is only around 220 pages but why couldn't it be more to exploit the world and the characters more ?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews