Sworn in Twilight: A Witch Urban Fantasy

The Lunar Order Chronicles #3

by S.F. Henne, Tara Davis

The city forged her powers. Returning home will spell her destruction.

As the veil thins, shadows flood Arkirith’s streets, driving Nyssa and the Lunar Order to its breaking point. With the summer solstice looming, she must leave her friends behind and face the witches who shunned her—while concealing the forbidden lunar magic that would see her destroyed.

One mistake could shatter everything. The Inquisitor who’s hunted her since childhood is determined to expose her. And now he wields a tainted moon-forged dagger—capable of cutting through magic and tearing the veil apart.

Torn between her duty and hiding her power, Nyssa must choose: protect herself—or risk everything for the realm.

When the solstice ends, and the truth will strike—and no secret can escape its reckoning.

Sworn in Twilight is Book 3 in The Lunar Order Chronicles—perfect for readers of Heather G Harris and Lindsay Buroker.

If you love strong heroines, found family, and slow-burn romance, grab a copy today!

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2025

About the author

Fantasy author who loves all things fantasy and sci-fi. Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Sarah swapped beaches for the ski slopes of Whistler, B.C and started her adventure. Now residing in Washington State with her husband, daughter and lab Luna, she embarked on the next part of her story: telling the tales that have been rattling around her head for years. With a love for strong female characters and found family, she always strives to create stories filled with hope and empowerment.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and things are getting serious. Poor Nyssa must go back to her hometown and ask the council for help as a representative for a couple of organizations. I loved seeing her family, and especially all of the secrets that came out to her from them. Whew, that’s a confusing sentence, but I don’t want to spoil anything for readers. I had a great time reading this book, and while some threads were wrapped up, there are still a few dangling that I can’t wait to find out about. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from Booksprout.

Nyssa has joined the Lunar Order and now they seek what is destroying the protective ruins across the city. The inquisitor Thaddeaus has been seen around the city and when he tries to do a spell on Nyssa to strip her magic, she shows him that she isnt weak and her magic isnt dangerous. There is more going on than anyone knows. Attacks have been happening and now Nyssas family knows about her magic. Nyssa has been kept in the dark for too long about her magic and she learns the truth from her mother and the Matron of their coven. Being at home in witch territory for solstice isnt where Nyssa wants to be but she is petititioning the Witch Counci to help obtain the lunar relic that Thaddeaus has taken. Nyssa doesnt want to out her magic as it has always been seen as dirty and not magic. The sun vs the moon is what Nyssa deals with on a daily basis but things have come to light that will help the realm from the demonspawn from coming thru the veil...but will it be too late?

[Amanda Burkhardt]

Sworn in Twilight by SF Henne delivers a powerful continuation to The Lunar Order Chronicles, diving deep into Nyssa’s fight for survival, self-acceptance, and the weight of the forbidden magic she carries. This third installment is an emotional rollercoaster, packed with high-stakes action, intricate worldbuilding, and a heroine who is both fierce and vulnerable.

Nyssa is at a crossroads as the veil between worlds weakens, and the shadows of Arkirith flood the streets. With the Summer Solstice approaching, her powers—lunar magic that could destroy her—must be kept hidden, all while she’s forced to confront the witches who once rejected her. Her past, embodied by the relentless Inquisitor, is catching up to her, and he wields a dangerous, tainted moon-forged dagger that could tear apart everything she holds dear.

The tension is palpable as Nyssa is torn between protecting herself and risking everything to save the realm. Every decision feels like it could be her last, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The introduction of the moon-forged dagger adds an intense, almost haunting element to the plot, and it’s clear that nothing will be the same once the solstice ends.

What truly sets Sworn in Twilight apart is its emotional depth. Nyssa isn’t just fighting external forces—she’s grappling with her identity, her fears, and the ever-looming question of whether her power is a gift or a curse. This internal battle adds layers to the character, making her struggles both relatable and tragic.

The found family dynamic remains one of the highlights of this series. The Lunar Order continues to offer Nyssa a sense of belonging, and while the characters are all flawed in their own ways, their loyalty to each other is unshakable. This bond gives the book a sense of heart amidst the chaos, and readers will be rooting for Nyssa’s allies just as much as for her.

As for romance, Sworn in Twilight doesn’t overwhelm the plot with love interests. The slow-burn element works well here, allowing Nyssa’s emotional journey and the looming danger to take center stage, while still keeping readers invested in her relationships.

In conclusion, Sworn in Twilight is a gripping, heart-pounding installment that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter. With its rich worldbuilding, emotionally complex characters, and unrelenting tension, this book is perfect for fans of strong heroines, high-stakes fantasy, and slow-burn romance.

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt so good to step back into The Lunar Order Chronicles with Sworn in Twilight. From the opening pages, I was pulled right back into Nyssa’s world and reminded why this series hooked me. This one is a little quieter than earlier installments, but in a way that works, especially if you enjoy character driven fantasy that lets emotions take center stage.

Nyssa continues to be such a compelling and easy character to root for. Her struggles with belonging, control, and confidence are front and center, and they feel incredibly real. As a talented alchemist who has always felt like she did not quite fit within her family and clan, watching her wrestle with her magic and her place in the world was one of my favorite parts of this book. The side characters remain strong and memorable, adding tension and support in equal measure, and there are definitely a few lingering questions about certain players that have me very curious about what is still to come.

The pacing is more measured this time around. The story starts right in the middle of danger, then slows down to give space for reflection, and some important emotional impact. While there is less constant action throughout, the final third ramps things up nicely and delivers moments that feel earned because of the groundwork laid earlier.

The worldbuilding continues to grow in smart, subtle ways. We get more hints of witch politics, alliances, and larger power structures at play, which adds depth without bogging the story down. The magic system remains both easy to follow and layered, revealing more complexity as Nyssa’s understanding of herself and her abilities deepens.

Overall, Sworn in Twilight is a strong, emotionally focused installment that trades nonstop action for character growth and tension that simmers under the surface. It answered some questions, raised several more, and left me eager to see how everything will come together in the next book.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa has made the decision to join the Lunar Order and is training and making a decision on what part of the order she wants to work in while preparing for her family to arrive to take her back to Myrite for the Solstice Festival. But then Thaddeus shows up with an ancient Lunar artifact threatening not only Nyssa, but to open the veil as well. Trying to draw him away from Arkirith, she travels home with her team to try to draw him out again.
Nyssa has changed a lot in 6 months. With her family coming, she is realizing just how much. She is worried they will think differently of her after finding out about her magic. Facing demons she can do, her family - maybe not. But she has her friends/new family with her for support as navigates the family issue. she’s also forced to deal with Thaddeus and all of the witches who shunned her growing up when she gets home. She makes a lot of realizations when she is in Myrite about herself and who she is as well.
This book definitely starts off with Nyssa right in the middle of the action. The team is snow dealing with demon spawn and someone trying to open the veil for them. There is a little more in depth with Nyssa and her emotions in this book than fighting bad guys. There is still some of that, esp towards the end, but this book really dives into what Nyssa is thinking and her struggles. It’s a good set up for when she deals with the Council. It also makes her family’s reactions all the better since she is unsure what to expect. One storyline is closed, but there is still more to come from another villain and I still have questions about Thaddeus after this! I hope they’re answered in the next book!

[M Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Lunar Order Chronicles and the author has written an arc of amazing growth for Nyssa, finishing one storyline for her but tantalising me with hints of a positive and challenging future.

I can't help but find Nyssa to be an appealing and empathetic character. I loved following her growth in confidence (which can still be shaky, but in a relatable way) and improved magical abilities.

Nyssa and Danika's familiar bond is lovely. Their relationship has been crafted with care to show the devotion the two share, while still giving safe ground for sisterly jibes and little pushes. Danika did seem to have a smaller role in this book but I can feel something going on with her so that is an intriguing lead-in to the next book.

Tobin, Nyssa's brother, was a surprise stand out for me. He has substantial on-page presence and shows strong brotherly devotion. I hope we see more of him.

S.F. Henne has always included found family in her writing, showing the support that comes from finding a new, safe place for a heart. I felt that had been amped up in this book, with more people added to Nyssa's close circle. It really adds warmth and a sense of security with that safe space - " '...whatever happens, we’ll be there. You won’t face it alone.' ".

This is an appealing addition to the series and a fun read.

•○●○• •○●○• •○●○• •○●○• •○●○•

"Somewhere beyond the horizon, I knew the next challenge waited, but I would meet it with my friends at my side."

[Tales with Atticus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM IN RUINS

From the start, this book places Nyssa under immense pressure. The veil is thinning, demonspawn are still a threat, and the summer solstice forces her to return home to the witches who shunned her, ALL WHILE hiding forbidden lunar magic that could see her destroyed. The tension is personal, rooted in family, identity, and fear of rejection.

I LOVED that this book centered Nyssa's internal struggle. There is still action, danger, and high-stakes conflict, but the story spends more time inside her head with her doubts, her growth, and the weight of choices she can’t avoid anymore. Facing enemies is one thing; facing her family and her past is another entirely, and that emotional conflict drives the story forward in a really compelling way.

The found family dynamic continues to shine here. Nyssa’s relationships feel solid and supportive, especially as she navigates returning home and confronting the witches who once defined her worth. Watching her reconcile who she was with who she is becoming felt meaningful and well developed.

This book also expands the world through hints of witch politics, alliances, and larger power structures, which adds depth without overwhelming the narrative.

Absolutely obsessed with this series, you need to read it immediately.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrill to get back into this series! Nyssa is such a likeable character, she left a mark on me from book 1. She is a character I want to overcome whatever hurdles she's facing, she is a character I rooted for right from the beginning. She is a character that won't let go of me. This author impressed me with her captivating plot and characters, the magic system which is both complex and easy. What isn't easy is to feel one belonged, to feel one contributed, to feel strong. That was Nyssa. A talented alchemist, she always felt the odd one out amongst her family and clan, her magic uncontrollable, erratic. But the truth was far more intricate.

Nyssa is special, she both solar and lunar power, a .... condition... that shouldn't be possible. The 2 powers vying for control made all her magic uncontrollable. Joining the Lunar Order, she finally feels she belongs, she finally has a handle on her magic, sort of, and she finally is learning control, learning to fight. A much better place than she was. Where she isn't better, is the.... strange situation she finds herself in with Kaelan. He's is soooo different, so changed, so unemotional, It's making Nyssa emotionally distraught. And that ain't the only thing she's anxious, she's going back to the place she couldn't wait to leave, the place she was belittled and ridiculed, the place she used to call home. She feels everything to her core, even with these words, she still holds on to hope, "Hope was dangerous. When it shattered, it cut far too deep."

Oh heck, Kaelan really knows how to extract all the "awww's" and make me want to smother him in hugs, a hurt soul, rejected, abandoned by those who should have cared. And Nyssa, facing her biggest challenge, no, not fighting the demonspawn, not even fighting to save herself or others, her biggest fear is confronting her family, admitting what she really is. My heart clenched and unclenched so many times I was surprised it was still beating. And then Thaddeus entered the fray, Thaddeus who REALLY has it in for Nyssa, Thaddeus who is an Inquisitor, who's the vilest of the vile. So, demonspawn are pounding away around her, Thaddeus is pounding at her, and as much as she "holds her own, held her own", what she learn next floors her. Utterly! What a massive revelation! But she's no longer alone, as Yira said, “You are strong, Nyssa, but you are not alone. We are with you.” She has her biological family, she has the Order who are her new family and she has her friends who are her found family, and most importantly, the love, loyalty and bond of her familiar, Danika, who I love to smithereens! And it is her growth, in herself, of character, of strength, of acknowledgment and acceptance that the author crafted expertly. Nyssa's confrontation with Aelia shows that more than any other scene and flip if I didn't want to yell, "yes girl!" at Nyssa, as a new Nyssa emerges, more powerful, more dedicated, more, hells, more everything! That scene was so explosive, like OMG twisty and powerful, It's my favourite of the entire book! A warmth settling over me as though I'd been basked in both sunshine and moonlight. Mind spin awesome!

The author carted me off on a journey I lapped up, loving all the characters and the way the plot unfolded, mesmerised by the events taking place, astounded by the twists and riveted by the storytelling. This book was "quieter" in physical action, revving up big time in the final third of the book, but oh so much louder in emotional action. There was more introspection, reflection and realisations, as powerful as any physical action. This author expertly ties my knickers in knots, propelling and compelling me to soak it all in, and, yes, it's just past 1am, but I couldn't, for the life of me, put this book down until the very last page. Now I need to know what happens next, I need to see how the author will pull it all together, I need to experience more of this awesome world.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start off, the author has included a short description of what has happened in the previous books, greatly apprectiated.
As Nyssa and her team are fighting the demonspawn that are coming through the broken veil, she is also preparing to go home for the solstice. After being attacked again by the Inquisitor, Thadeus, Nyssa’s magic is becoming known by all.
Now a member of the Lunar Order, she is given the job to offer a meeting with the witches for a possible alliance between them and a couple of other magical groups.
Her trip home is full of tension, how will her family react now her magic has manifested, how will the other witches react, how will her team be welcomed and more.
This book has Nyssa’s growth with her power, her relationships with her family, more interactions with Kaelin, and a bit about the general overall politics within the witch community.
There is action, suspense, surprises, great characters and interactions, a slow romance with a bit of humour in places – not a lot, this is a more serious book.
It is not a real quick, easy read but it is very good.
I’m looking forward to more in this series.

[Mariva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to return to Nyssa & friends!
This third book was closer to the first pace-wise, I found it action-packed but with more cozy vibes. Despite the terrible things happening, I always felt like it'd end up well.
There was also more space for character interactions, which I missed a bit in book 2. It was nice to see how things between Nyssa and Kaelan developed, though my favourite was her relation with Nathaniel, it had a few really nice moments to it.
It took me a bit to get into the book, I found Nyssa's inner dialogue a little repetitive. Things started going for me when they went to Myrithe, which was a nice change of settings as well as pace. Very nice to learn more about Nyssa's family, as well.
And one thing I'll never stop praising: the main "mission" this book is about wraps up by the end of it (as all the other books so far), which in my opinion is far more satisfactory (and difficult to pull off) than a cliffhanger.
Looking forward to what comes next! I get a "Harry Potter hunting the horcrux" vibe 🤩

[Megan Gahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down and finished it in one day. The things I didn’t like so much in the last two all seemed to have worked themselves out in this one! I love that Nyssa found her confidence and was able to rely on her friends ( I really struggled with how much she refused to ask them for help in book 1 + 2 and the constant negative self-talk)

The relationship and support she has with her brother and parents is heartwarming and seeing this develop over the book was a joy. The pacing was perfect as far as I’m concerned and it had such a good balance of action and slower moments. Nyssa’s relationship with Kaelan also kept me hooked, I’ve been dying for them to finally admit they like eachother since book one!

I wish we got a little more insight into Nathanial in this book as I think he’s such an interesting character but I guess that’s just more to look forward to!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it! Thank you so much for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this!

[Susan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this engaging continuation of Nyssa’s journey, the young alchemist finds herself facing new challenges that test both her loyalty and her heart. After everything she has endured since arriving in Arkirith, Nyssa’s path is far from complete. She must fulfill her pledge to the Order, confront her parents with long-hidden truths, and navigate her growing feelings for Kaelan.

Before any of that, however, Nyssa is called home for Soulstis, where she also plans to petition the council—an encounter that promises tension, revelations, and potentially dangerous consequences.

Blending witchy worldbuilding with a classic battle of good versus evil, this installment delivers a satisfying mix of magic, family conflict, and a touch of romance. It’s a heartfelt, mystical story that deepens the stakes while keeping readers invested in Nyssa’s growth and the unfolding mysteries around her.

[ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

And she does it yet again, another banger leaving me searching for more. And the growing of the romance plot in this story is so beautiful. This is a true contrast of light and dark and how close they really are. I love the way these stories are written and will be waiting impatiently for the next one to come out. The world and the FMC remind of me the early 2000s fantasy and those are my favorite.

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following S.F. Henne’s Lunar Order Chronicles with growing excitement, and Sworn in Twilight absolutely delivers the kind of momentum, magic and emotional stakes that this series promised. With her signature mix of urban fantasy grit, witchcraft, and found family loyalty, Henne brings her protagonist back into the blend of action and heart in a fresh way.

I’m already looking forward to what Henne dreams up next.

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic. I’m absolutely hooked. I love that book one two and three so I don’t have to stop reading and get a different book. I can just read all the way through to book 3. I just gotta hope and pray that there’s a book for cause it’s full of twist turns and action and adventure and in my opinion, it’s pretty fast paced.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyssa is finally standing up for herself. She's gaining confidence in her powers now that they aren't chaotic. It's my favorite book of the three. I absolutely adore Danika! I recommend the series for fans of urban fantasy.

Thank you for the early copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooo why is it over! Epic ending… and you do not really see it coming. This was utterly unforgiving for my brain. I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I had to know what was going to happen. Sleep… what was sleep… well done.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book yet! Storyline had a mix of good conclusions and left room for another book! Had more action than the first two and made it harder to put down finished it in three days!

[Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS STORY!!! The Author descriptions are so detailed it brings the WHOLE story to life! THE ENDING!! AHH!!

[Audrey Cienki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sworn in Twilight: A Witch Urban Fantasy by S.F. Henne is a well written and engaging urban fantasy.
Have you ever felt a bit out of step with your classmates or colleagues? If so, you can definitely empathize with Nyssa Thornheart’s situation. She was born with a wild and unpredictable magic that would concern the other witches if they found out.
By this book, Nyssa has become more comfortable with her magic, but now must choose between risking herself to protect her world or protect herself.
Great story!

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in S. F. Henna's Lunar Order Chronicles is incredibly captivating. I could not put this book down. I just kept turning the pages to see what happened next. Filled with action, adventure, adversity, twists and turns, magic and surprises you don't see coming. The MFC Nyssa character has grown so much already, but I can also see room for more growth in future books. Henna's world building is brilliantly vivid, magical and otherworldly! I love this story and can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend reading this book and series!