Araelyn: A world of Naeisus novella

by Thomas Anthony Lay

“When two become one, the cycle begins.” –The Merchant.

The Marusi have their ruler. The Wolven, their pack leader. But Humanity? Broken, divided, and crushed beneath The Shield, leaderless and fragmented.

In the shadows of this tormented existence, two siblings, bound by blood and tempered by pain, make a silent vow to free their people from a life of fear. Areth and Araelyn, survivors of a shattered and abusive home, wield the greatest threat against their an unyielding resolve to fight back.

Delve into the origin story of Areth, the first King of Man, as he struggles to prove his worth and forge a throne to unite his people. Yet, it is his sister, Araelyn—the true architect of his rise—who manoeuvres from the darkness, ensuring her brother ascends to power... no matter the cost.

Genres: Fantasy

243 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Thomas is a vibrant video game veteran, astronomy aficionado, and author of the World of Naeisus. Born in 1992 and growing up in the UK with an Italian family, Thomas is filled with the drive and ambition to transform his wild imagination into lore-rich stories that captivate readers.

Thomas attributes his passion and drive to the parenting from his father who sadly passed away in 2007 from pancreatic cancer. This life-changing event at a young age led to a shift that saw Thomas take the reins of his future to make his father proud.

The Age of Reckoning: Volume I won Finalist in the Fiction: Fantasy category of the 2020 International Book Awards despite it being Thomas’ debut novel. His immersive, fast-paced writing style is sure to fill your imagination with a rich universe that you truly feel invested in.

Reviews

[Benjamin Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to be given an ARC of Araelyn (A World of Naeisus Novella) and when I use the word privilege, I mean it. It was an utter privilege to read this.

From the moment Areth and Araelyn are introduced, you care about them and Lay achieves this so successfully. I found myself caring for Araelyn as much as her brother Areth did and wanting them to succeed.

I found myself audibly gasping at many moments as well - I will refrain from spoilers. BUT THEY ARE EPIC!!!

Lay's trademark of not caring for his readers feelings on a character is very prominent in Araelyn still. Warning for future readers, don't ever fall in love with a character, they will be taken from you. BUT, in saying that Lay does it so epically and wonderfully.

Lay is one of those once in a lifetime writers whose fantasy world is rich and full of lore and wonder. I marvel at the breadth and vastness, and constantly amazed at his brain. I have to ask...Are Kytlings just chocobos?

Thank you Tom for allowing me to read this special novella.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this.

As a novella, this was always going to be a quick read. However, it was even quicker because from the off I was really invested in the characters.

There are so many great things in this prequel to The Age of Reckoning (TAOR), set in early Naeisus where the race of man was not united.

Firstly, if you’ve read TAOR, there are some great Easter eggs in Araelyn. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll pick up on these references and theorise over what they mean INCLUDING, theories on the *future* of Naeisus post-TAOR 👀

Secondly, there are some great themes in this short book - the bond between siblings, the light that can be found in the dark, resilience and strength through trauma.

I feel like what Thomas Lay achieves in his writing in Araelyn is to make you care immediately. You care about these young children. You worry about their wellbeing. You want to make sure they’re okay. You feel protective over them. And boy, did I.

This was such a great read and I am hopeful that there will be more instalments of the world of Naeisus, and I hope more and more people enter this world so that we can all share and discuss our theories.

[Denise Domonkos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing!

I started the story and it wasn‘t until I finished that I put it down! The story is full of emotion and suspense with references to the age of reckoning that will make you wonder.

Dont miss out on the experience of letting a book lead you into a world of its own.

[S. Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Araelyn is the second work of Lay’s that I have read, and I wasn’t disappointed. His ability to grab your attention within the first few pages and hold it throughout is what I admire about his writing style. He crafts an immersive world, painting vivid pictures that surround you as you read, and you feel every word.

As a shorter novel, Lay made every word count. Although I adore many “long-winded” fantasy authors, there is a power in being able to elicit no less emotion in 40k words compared to other fantasy novels that do the same but take 200+k words. As this isn’t always the norm for fantasy, it is a beautiful thing to me, it’s a refreshing change of pace. As I read, I began to compare Lay’s work, based on his commitment to the storyline and not being afraid to go there, to that of George R.R. Martin. Neither are afraid to make it hurt, and although you sit there screaming in your head, I loved every second of it. It’s what makes a dynamic story and shows the dedication of the author to deliver.

A shorter story also needs to maintain flow and pacing, and Lay didn’t disappoint. Never once bored, I read this novel in about six hours. I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know how it ended, I was craving answers and if he was trying to hook me for any future projects of his within this beautiful fantasy world he created, then he succeeded. I highly recommend Araelyn, and if you’re looking to dive deeper into his world, check out his first novel The Age of Reckoning. Lay is now one of my instant-buy authors.

[N.J. Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC of this wonderful novella!

Araelyn is a fantastic addition to Thomas Anthony Lay's world of Naesius, instead choosing to hone in a specific part of the world instead of the world at large. In a short word count, Lay conveys complex familial relationships that are never exactly as they seem - there's always something deeper to be found. Every character is complex and has their own motivations for their actions. You'll spend equal times smiling and frowning, and at some moments feel like your heart's been run over by an SUV.

No prior knowledge of Lay's other works is required, though sharp eyes may spot a few references.

[Laura Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this novella as a Goodreads giveaway, and what a ride for a shorter story! The plot is immediately engaging and sets up a compelling world. I would be interested in reading more of the story. (Check the content warning)

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might have enjoyed this book more if I had read other books in the series. It was fine but nothing fantastic. I will give the other books in the series a read and come back to change the rating if warranted.

[Shara Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just simply, I loved it.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯

[Sanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this, I just couldn't stop. This book is SO good!
Read it, you won't regret.

[Megan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When two become one” 🥺🫨😩😩😩 okay stopppppp!!! So this pulled at my heartstrings right there at the end! Not just at the end but that got me!!
I really loved how this book progressed. I did know it was a shorter read before I started so I didn’t expect much but honestly it was so much more then I could have expected. The characters, the growth, the plot, and the action! I really liked this book! I would read this one again and I’ll be recommending this to everyone I know!