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Like Strength amid the Fading Light
Choose where you stand. Lie where you fall.
Naya Gavi has been a servant her whole life—she has no idea what it means to be a soldier. In the wake of a royal coup that has shaken the kingdom of Mendlewyn, she and her friends set themselves up to fight back against the Red Fang Movement, an oppressive regime bent on destroying the noble set. Once again adrift, all Naya can do is hope she can prove her worth as she stumbles through learning new and challenging skills.
Benjamin Lamar has lost sight of his motivation to rein in his temper after the events of the destruction in the capital, and his personal loss. Instead, he leans into the anger to mask his pain, and seeks his own way of moving forward, no matter the consequences.
With divisions in their own group, and danger around every bend, Naya, Benjamin, and their friends must rally a broken people behind Prince Fitzroy—the last remaining heir and the least qualified candidate for the throne. It’s up to them to retake the kingdom.
This is the second installment of The Gnareth Chronicles, a gripping Medieval fantasy trilogy in which the characters discover how far they are willing to go to fight for what they believe in.
Naya Gavi has been a servant her whole life—she has no idea what it means to be a soldier. In the wake of a royal coup that has shaken the kingdom of Mendlewyn, she and her friends set themselves up to fight back against the Red Fang Movement, an oppressive regime bent on destroying the noble set. Once again adrift, all Naya can do is hope she can prove her worth as she stumbles through learning new and challenging skills.
Benjamin Lamar has lost sight of his motivation to rein in his temper after the events of the destruction in the capital, and his personal loss. Instead, he leans into the anger to mask his pain, and seeks his own way of moving forward, no matter the consequences.
With divisions in their own group, and danger around every bend, Naya, Benjamin, and their friends must rally a broken people behind Prince Fitzroy—the last remaining heir and the least qualified candidate for the throne. It’s up to them to retake the kingdom.
This is the second installment of The Gnareth Chronicles, a gripping Medieval fantasy trilogy in which the characters discover how far they are willing to go to fight for what they believe in.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
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10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 1, 2025
Another great addition to this series. I love seeing the characters grow. I couldn't put it down!
November 24, 2024
Like Strength Amid The Fading Light weaves rich world-building with deeply personal journeys of growth and redemption. This engaging fantasy novel proves that you can explore very complex themes while remaining appropriate for readers of all ages.
This is book 2 in a trilogy, following Like Courage On A Starless Night.
This story follows Naya through her journey from a young, fearful librarian to a more brave, confident fighter, as she learns to defend herself and her friends/newfound family, as they recover after a coup in their kingdom. I particularly appreciate that the author doesn't create an undefeatable warrior from a shy fearful character. I appreciate that the character remains feminine, and still has fears, and that she's not the typical 'damsel in distress', or a tiny girl who takes down men who are twice her size... Rather, Naya is a librarian, which means she's intelligent, plus she has a photographic memory. And her weapon of choice is a sling, which is especially helpful with her petite size being a disadvantage, when the enemy is basically a well-trained army.... so a sling is historically and strategically an excellent weapon for a petite, brainy girl.
Benjamin's story is one of overcoming deep emotional trauma and learning to overcome his internal anger. There is a wonderful self-help element to the storyline that is subtle, as Benjamin processes his traumatic past and learns to deal with his emotions.
Creed is another very complex character, who really comes into play in this book... he was a bit of a 'dark horse' in book one, and we didn't get to see as much of him, so the reader really is getting to know him in book two... I have a feeling we'll get to know him even better in the next book... perhaps more of his back-story? I sure hope so!
Overall, the characters are authentic and relatable.
The world-building is exceptional, revealing its complexities naturally through character interactions, rather than with lengthy descriptions. Multiple plot twists kept me engaged (actually, a plot twist WITHIN a plot twist!)
What sets this book series apart from other fantasies, is the author's ability to maintain high stakes and emotional intensity, while remaining appropriate for readers of all ages. There's romance without spice. In addition, the inclusion of self-help elements in Benjamin's anger management journey adds valuable depth without disrupting the narrative flow.
This book is an absolute MUST READ for fantasy lovers of all ages... with is compelling storytelling, masterful world-building, well-drawn characters and thoughtful exploration of personal growth.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
This is book 2 in a trilogy, following Like Courage On A Starless Night.
This story follows Naya through her journey from a young, fearful librarian to a more brave, confident fighter, as she learns to defend herself and her friends/newfound family, as they recover after a coup in their kingdom. I particularly appreciate that the author doesn't create an undefeatable warrior from a shy fearful character. I appreciate that the character remains feminine, and still has fears, and that she's not the typical 'damsel in distress', or a tiny girl who takes down men who are twice her size... Rather, Naya is a librarian, which means she's intelligent, plus she has a photographic memory. And her weapon of choice is a sling, which is especially helpful with her petite size being a disadvantage, when the enemy is basically a well-trained army.... so a sling is historically and strategically an excellent weapon for a petite, brainy girl.
Benjamin's story is one of overcoming deep emotional trauma and learning to overcome his internal anger. There is a wonderful self-help element to the storyline that is subtle, as Benjamin processes his traumatic past and learns to deal with his emotions.
Creed is another very complex character, who really comes into play in this book... he was a bit of a 'dark horse' in book one, and we didn't get to see as much of him, so the reader really is getting to know him in book two... I have a feeling we'll get to know him even better in the next book... perhaps more of his back-story? I sure hope so!
Overall, the characters are authentic and relatable.
The world-building is exceptional, revealing its complexities naturally through character interactions, rather than with lengthy descriptions. Multiple plot twists kept me engaged (actually, a plot twist WITHIN a plot twist!)
What sets this book series apart from other fantasies, is the author's ability to maintain high stakes and emotional intensity, while remaining appropriate for readers of all ages. There's romance without spice. In addition, the inclusion of self-help elements in Benjamin's anger management journey adds valuable depth without disrupting the narrative flow.
This book is an absolute MUST READ for fantasy lovers of all ages... with is compelling storytelling, masterful world-building, well-drawn characters and thoughtful exploration of personal growth.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 1, 2025
Wow! This second book of the trilogy follows “Like Courage On A Starless Night”. The author has created a compelling world that is a fantasy with a medieval feel.
She has woven a complex narrative around evil that wants to dominate and create fear vs those that wish to oppose this oppression.
She has relationships of friendships and sweet romance. The characters are very well developed and relatable in that they have weaknesses that they strive to overcome as well as strengths.
The plot contains danger, battles, treachery and betrayal along with friends and loyalty.
What will happen in the last book? I cannot wait to find out!
She has woven a complex narrative around evil that wants to dominate and create fear vs those that wish to oppose this oppression.
She has relationships of friendships and sweet romance. The characters are very well developed and relatable in that they have weaknesses that they strive to overcome as well as strengths.
The plot contains danger, battles, treachery and betrayal along with friends and loyalty.
What will happen in the last book? I cannot wait to find out!
November 1, 2024
Way better than the first draft, not going to lie.
August 30, 2025
What an amazing continuation of the series! Love seeing the characters growing! Can’t wait for the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews