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Beyond the Mistline
The path to vengeance is paved with metal...
The Valley is ringed by mountains and brimming with deadly mist. Liners, like Kayta, make a living scavenging magical metals which grow on the forest floor. These metals have various uses—light, heat, weaving new fabrics, and forging new wires for the ancient ziplines, which they use to traverse the Valley. All of this is done under the watchful eyes of the Kralls, the family which rules the Valley with an iron fist. Kayta likes the Kralls and their system of governance, which elevates her position greatly.
When the Kralls are overthrown and murdered in a Liner revolution, Kayta’s entire world is thrown into disarray.
Betrayed by her friends, believed dead, Kayta goes into hiding below the mists, with the help of the mysterious Mistfolk. However, as Kayta begins to exact her revenge against those who betrayed her, she begins to realise that her life as a Liner may not have been as straightforward as she once believed, and secrets long buried below the mists may need to emerge.
The Valley is ringed by mountains and brimming with deadly mist. Liners, like Kayta, make a living scavenging magical metals which grow on the forest floor. These metals have various uses—light, heat, weaving new fabrics, and forging new wires for the ancient ziplines, which they use to traverse the Valley. All of this is done under the watchful eyes of the Kralls, the family which rules the Valley with an iron fist. Kayta likes the Kralls and their system of governance, which elevates her position greatly.
When the Kralls are overthrown and murdered in a Liner revolution, Kayta’s entire world is thrown into disarray.
Betrayed by her friends, believed dead, Kayta goes into hiding below the mists, with the help of the mysterious Mistfolk. However, as Kayta begins to exact her revenge against those who betrayed her, she begins to realise that her life as a Liner may not have been as straightforward as she once believed, and secrets long buried below the mists may need to emerge.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Lincoln Law
11 books12 followersLincoln Law began writing books at the age of 13 after a writing task for English class got out of hand.
In the intervening years, he has written no less than 25 novels.
He graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and History, and a Bachelor of Communication (Media Production). He now lives in Melbourne.
His debut foray into self-publishing is his novel, A Crown of Blood (released April 11, 2022), which was shortlisted in 2017 for Hardie Grant Egmont’s Ampersand Prize.
In the intervening years, he has written no less than 25 novels.
He graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and History, and a Bachelor of Communication (Media Production). He now lives in Melbourne.
His debut foray into self-publishing is his novel, A Crown of Blood (released April 11, 2022), which was shortlisted in 2017 for Hardie Grant Egmont’s Ampersand Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 1, 2025
I’m biased because I wrote this book, but if you enjoy action-packed adventures, complex magic systems, stories about revenge and secrets, and carnivorous companions, you’ll be set for a wild ride.
April 26, 2025
"Beyond the Mistline" by Lincoln Law is a ferocious, action-packed journey into an awesome and terrifying world. Full of creatures, poisonous mists, corrupt authority, and a divided civilization, this will be a story readers won't forget.
I liked the unique setting because it’s so different from the kinds of fantasy worlds that get read about in mainstream publishing. How the characters move around is fascinating because it sounds a lot like zip-lining, which I imagine is a lot of fun (as long as you’re not afraid of heights). Even the idea of a Mistline is so intriguing, especially how the characters view it. Some see it as dangerous because breathing it in is deadly, and their technology can only help them survive the mists for so long. Yet, others see it as an obstacle for whatever lies beyond it, which most believe is another civilization. While some want to try and find a way to survive the mists to discover what is beyond them, the royal King and Queen forbid anyone from attempting it.
This sets up a lot of tension and potential for things to go wrong, and they do. Katya is loyal to the King and Queen and tries to prevent an uprising against them as a rebellion grows. For this, she quickly becomes one of my favourite characters. She’s fierce and unafraid to jump right into a fight—especially because she knows she’ll come out on top. Yeah, so she’s a little cocky but the events in the story make her compelling to follow since she ends up questioning a lot about the life she thought she knew and the kind of future she wants for herself. Compared to the other characters, it’s fair to say she undergoes the most change due to the circumstances she finds herself in.
Other than the fact that the book's last third becomes predictable as some information was revealed too early and perhaps not so subtly, this was a fantastic read. From the unique world-building to the non-stop action, this was a fast and fun read. Those who like fantasy will want to give this one a read! “Beyond the Mistline” is expected to be published on May 1st, 2025.
Thank you to BookSirens, Broken Antler Press, and Lincoln Law for the opportunity to read this e-arc and share my honest opinion in this review.
I liked the unique setting because it’s so different from the kinds of fantasy worlds that get read about in mainstream publishing. How the characters move around is fascinating because it sounds a lot like zip-lining, which I imagine is a lot of fun (as long as you’re not afraid of heights). Even the idea of a Mistline is so intriguing, especially how the characters view it. Some see it as dangerous because breathing it in is deadly, and their technology can only help them survive the mists for so long. Yet, others see it as an obstacle for whatever lies beyond it, which most believe is another civilization. While some want to try and find a way to survive the mists to discover what is beyond them, the royal King and Queen forbid anyone from attempting it.
This sets up a lot of tension and potential for things to go wrong, and they do. Katya is loyal to the King and Queen and tries to prevent an uprising against them as a rebellion grows. For this, she quickly becomes one of my favourite characters. She’s fierce and unafraid to jump right into a fight—especially because she knows she’ll come out on top. Yeah, so she’s a little cocky but the events in the story make her compelling to follow since she ends up questioning a lot about the life she thought she knew and the kind of future she wants for herself. Compared to the other characters, it’s fair to say she undergoes the most change due to the circumstances she finds herself in.
Other than the fact that the book's last third becomes predictable as some information was revealed too early and perhaps not so subtly, this was a fantastic read. From the unique world-building to the non-stop action, this was a fast and fun read. Those who like fantasy will want to give this one a read! “Beyond the Mistline” is expected to be published on May 1st, 2025.
Thank you to BookSirens, Broken Antler Press, and Lincoln Law for the opportunity to read this e-arc and share my honest opinion in this review.
April 29, 2025
The valley floor is covered in a deadly, magical mist, so humans have been forced to use ziplines to traverse their home and collect precious magical metals. The Kralls are the ruling family, and Katya works for them, rooting out rebellions and finding metals. But when a rebellion is actually successful and Katya is betrayed, she finds herself thrown to the forest floor. Who she meets and what she learns will change the entire course of her life.
There were a few things the author did well. The setting and premise was fascinating. I loved the use of the ziplines and the environmental factors, as well as the creative responses to overcoming those environmental factors. I liked the idea of having a protagonist on the "wrong" side of a rebellion, as that's not seen often, but it wasn't utilized well.
Unfortunately, there were way more things that didn't work for me. The characters didn't really go beyond development needed for the plot and felt flat, and I couldn't connect to any of them. There was zero character growth with the protagonist. I hoped she was going to move beyond the "I was totally on the right side of the oppressors because I got everything I needed" but she didn't really. When someone said "I didn't kill anyone, I just gave the order" and our protagonist had the audacity to proclaim "THAT'S THE SAME THING!" despite her literally sending 10 people (at least one of whom was a child) to their executions for seditious meetings. Now this could be misconstrued as character growth, but since she spent zero time even considering that maybe she had been wrong at some point in her life, it's just not. Anyhow, enough of that. Things were also just so simply solved and convenient that there was zero tension even with what were supposed to be more serious moments. The writing was also simplistic and had a decidedly modern feel, especially in the dialogue, which just didn't work for me.
All of that being said, I could see this being an okay read for younger YA readers who are just starting off in fantasy. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own
There were a few things the author did well. The setting and premise was fascinating. I loved the use of the ziplines and the environmental factors, as well as the creative responses to overcoming those environmental factors. I liked the idea of having a protagonist on the "wrong" side of a rebellion, as that's not seen often, but it wasn't utilized well.
Unfortunately, there were way more things that didn't work for me. The characters didn't really go beyond development needed for the plot and felt flat, and I couldn't connect to any of them. There was zero character growth with the protagonist. I hoped she was going to move beyond the "I was totally on the right side of the oppressors because I got everything I needed" but she didn't really. When someone said "I didn't kill anyone, I just gave the order" and our protagonist had the audacity to proclaim "THAT'S THE SAME THING!" despite her literally sending 10 people (at least one of whom was a child) to their executions for seditious meetings. Now this could be misconstrued as character growth, but since she spent zero time even considering that maybe she had been wrong at some point in her life, it's just not. Anyhow, enough of that. Things were also just so simply solved and convenient that there was zero tension even with what were supposed to be more serious moments. The writing was also simplistic and had a decidedly modern feel, especially in the dialogue, which just didn't work for me.
All of that being said, I could see this being an okay read for younger YA readers who are just starting off in fantasy. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own
March 28, 2025
ARC reader.
Rating it a 2.5 stars.
I didn't feel much of a connection to this book. The first several chapters were confusing, and I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. The words "towers, liners, and mist" are used repetitively throughout this book. I really liked the idea of the book, but I felt like it was lacking so much plot. I guessed the major "plot twist," not even halfway through the book. Honestly, the only reason I finished it was because of the wirecat, Scarlet, and Hayne... They were the only interesting characters, in my opinion. I think the author could have included more battles and more death of characters. Unfortunately, it's just lacking that "wow" factor for me. This book could be a decent beginner fantasy for YA readers.
Things I liked:
The Wireblades/ weapons
The Wirecat Scarlet
The general idea of different ores and their different magical/ scientific properties
The one scene when someone's hand gets chopped off
Things I didn't like:
The FMC and how she reacts to literally everything in the story. She's naive and ignorant when she could have been a badass
Rating it a 2.5 stars.
I didn't feel much of a connection to this book. The first several chapters were confusing, and I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again. The words "towers, liners, and mist" are used repetitively throughout this book. I really liked the idea of the book, but I felt like it was lacking so much plot. I guessed the major "plot twist," not even halfway through the book. Honestly, the only reason I finished it was because of the wirecat, Scarlet, and Hayne... They were the only interesting characters, in my opinion. I think the author could have included more battles and more death of characters. Unfortunately, it's just lacking that "wow" factor for me. This book could be a decent beginner fantasy for YA readers.
Things I liked:
The Wireblades/ weapons
The Wirecat Scarlet
The general idea of different ores and their different magical/ scientific properties
The one scene when someone's hand gets chopped off
Things I didn't like:
The FMC and how she reacts to literally everything in the story. She's naive and ignorant when she could have been a badass
April 27, 2025
Beyond the Mistline contains an excellent story, built in a unique, yet constrained world consisting of two communities - essentially tree and ground dwellers.
Lead character Kayta does seem a little bit like the "chosen one" trope when beginning, but as the story unfolds it moves away from that a little. She is the pivotal character, but there is less a sense of "can do no wrong" as the plot at large develops and she begins to question both some of her choices and the world at large.
The world-building is distinct, with the magic system feeling much more like a science; and technology playing a larger part than the usual fantasy fare. To me, some supporting characters felt a bit generic and might have benefitted from a little more development, especially some of the mist people. However, being that there is a reasonably large cast in what is a stand-alone book, with many not introduced until about half-way through, this is understandable.
I appreciated how Law was able to immediately convey a sense of freedom and exhilaration when Kayta is zip-lining, and then being able to change that to a sense of jeopardy and danger when she is abandoned in the mist.
Many thanks to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read an advance copy on which this review is based.
Lead character Kayta does seem a little bit like the "chosen one" trope when beginning, but as the story unfolds it moves away from that a little. She is the pivotal character, but there is less a sense of "can do no wrong" as the plot at large develops and she begins to question both some of her choices and the world at large.
The world-building is distinct, with the magic system feeling much more like a science; and technology playing a larger part than the usual fantasy fare. To me, some supporting characters felt a bit generic and might have benefitted from a little more development, especially some of the mist people. However, being that there is a reasonably large cast in what is a stand-alone book, with many not introduced until about half-way through, this is understandable.
I appreciated how Law was able to immediately convey a sense of freedom and exhilaration when Kayta is zip-lining, and then being able to change that to a sense of jeopardy and danger when she is abandoned in the mist.
Many thanks to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read an advance copy on which this review is based.
May 2, 2025
The Mistline . . .
The Valley is ringed by mountains and covered with deadly mist. There are many dangerous creatures to be avoided. And there is curiosity about what may lie beyond the mistline. Is it good or bad? Dangerous or benign? Is it a challenge to overcome, or something to be feared? Kayta is a Liner and tries to do the right thing. But when the ruling Kralls are murdered, it throws everyone into chaos and no one knows who to trust anymore. Not knowing who to trust even among those she thought of as friends, Kayta uses the mists to hide her. What will she find out? Has she chosen the wrong direction? What works for her is that she is not afraid to examine something new or question preconceived notions. And she is willing to fight for her survival.
The Valley is ringed by mountains and covered with deadly mist. There are many dangerous creatures to be avoided. And there is curiosity about what may lie beyond the mistline. Is it good or bad? Dangerous or benign? Is it a challenge to overcome, or something to be feared? Kayta is a Liner and tries to do the right thing. But when the ruling Kralls are murdered, it throws everyone into chaos and no one knows who to trust anymore. Not knowing who to trust even among those she thought of as friends, Kayta uses the mists to hide her. What will she find out? Has she chosen the wrong direction? What works for her is that she is not afraid to examine something new or question preconceived notions. And she is willing to fight for her survival.
May 1, 2025
I'm not sure what to say and not say as I feel like it would be too easy to give things away. Kayta is smart, creative, and fun. She pushes boundaries, questions things, and is an explorer. All the characters are well developed, and you can imagine the world as you read. Friendships are lost, friendships are made, heartache had and happiness found. It's also a reminder that sometimes when you think you loose yourself you find yourself. There are twists and turns in this book, and a new outlook than most books I've read, and a writing style I haven't read much before. I read so many books that this was a really nice change of pace.
March 24, 2025
There was a lot of interesting world-building, with two types of people ignorant of the other (for the most part). The central themes include how power corrupts, the bounds of friendship, and learning to survive in a hostile environment. The last third of the book moved quickly, and some things wrapped up conveniently. The main character had a lot of authority and autonomy from the king, and yet she seemed quite immature in many ways. It wasn't obvious if she was an adult or a young woman coming of age.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2025
Beyond the Mistline is a fabulous new series by Lincoln Law. I thought this book was wonderful. In my opinion, I felt that this story was both SiFi and fantasy. Kayta is such a great main character. It is interesting that there are people that live above the "mist" and they can't live below the mist. I think that one reason I enjoyed this story is that the author wrote a book that is so interesting and I kept turning the pages to read what was going to happen next. Love is mixed with betrayal and the outcome is surprising. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 9, 2025
If a book keeps me up well after midnight multiple nights in a row just to see what happens next I know it’s a winner.
From the author of the Deimachy Trilogy indeed! The world building of The Valley reminds me of A Crown of Blood - rapid, intriguing, and a good smattering of imagination.
While the pacing and character development changes throughout the book in a way that felt somewhat jarring, when you imagine things from Kayta’s perspective (yes - she is stubborn and rigid - but also young enough to be malleable in a fast changing world), it becomes more and more believable.
From the author of the Deimachy Trilogy indeed! The world building of The Valley reminds me of A Crown of Blood - rapid, intriguing, and a good smattering of imagination.
While the pacing and character development changes throughout the book in a way that felt somewhat jarring, when you imagine things from Kayta’s perspective (yes - she is stubborn and rigid - but also young enough to be malleable in a fast changing world), it becomes more and more believable.
April 22, 2025
Really good book, full of life and lore and fully fleshed out characters.
This is a world of coups, betrayals, revenge and a quest for the truth. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued as to what really went on, picking up the pace as it builds to the dramatic end scene.
Very glad to have been able to read this one.
I got a copy of this from BookSirens and this is my honest review
This is a world of coups, betrayals, revenge and a quest for the truth. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you intrigued as to what really went on, picking up the pace as it builds to the dramatic end scene.
Very glad to have been able to read this one.
I got a copy of this from BookSirens and this is my honest review
May 2, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this early for Lincoln. While I personally know the author, my views, thoughts, and opinions are completely my own. Trust me, Lincoln knows I don’t hold back 😂
“It’s the revolution and you’re on the wrong side.”
What I loved about Beyond The Mistline compared to his young adult series (The Deimachy Trilogy, which you should also totally read) is how Law has managed to explore complex themes of power, class struggle and elitism, systematic “racism”, intolerance, and oppression in a standalone novel.
We are given a character who has her entire world view flipped on her head and is left to flounder in the doctrine that has been the rhetoric of her life, and the reality that not everything is as black and white as she’s led to believe. Kayta is growing, learning, and adapting as the reader is, and although her early stubbornness, pride, and almost wilful ignorance is a point of “oh my god, wake up already and stop drinking the Kool-Aid!”, her character growth is done justice.
The magic system was unique and honestly a little terrifying at points (orange ore, jade ore, and black ore got me like 👀). The world of The Valley, the different metal grounds and Towers, the zip lines, and below the Mists was incredibly fascinating and the blend of fantastical elements such as dinosaurs, was a nice touch. Oh also, we get one of THE MOST iconic animal companions (sorry Vulpo) in Scarlet the Wirecat. I will defend that kitty-lizard to my dying breath. Scarlet’s growth is also done well in the same vein of Saphira slowly growing into her size in the book Eragon as opposed to movie Saphira suddenly becoming “big” via Magic. And as I have been infamously quoted, I do indeed want to know if I can “pet that dawg”.
My only real criticism would be that The Valley Queen is built up to be this kind of big bad but then their demise comes suddenly, without much of an opportunity to explore the character further, much less the power dynamics and the intricacies of their plan for the revolution. However, in saying that as well, Law artfully leans into the phrase “remember who the real enemy is” and although perhaps a little predictable, the twist of the story is nevertheless exciting and entertaining.
One of Law’s strengths is in the relationships between his characters and that is once more evident in Beyond The Mistline. Kayta and Hayne. Kayta and Scarlet. Kayta and Jada (also, love a sapphic relationship). Digby and Kamil. Jada and her motley crew. And even the animosity between Hilda and Kayta. All of these are written strongly. You can feel and read this history between the lines with these characters.
I’m sad that this is only a standalone but I feel that if we spent too much time in this world in a series, some of the messaging wouldn’t be as well written as it is now.
Thank you always Lincoln for letting me read through your work and for putting your imagination to page.
“It’s the revolution and you’re on the wrong side.”
What I loved about Beyond The Mistline compared to his young adult series (The Deimachy Trilogy, which you should also totally read) is how Law has managed to explore complex themes of power, class struggle and elitism, systematic “racism”, intolerance, and oppression in a standalone novel.
We are given a character who has her entire world view flipped on her head and is left to flounder in the doctrine that has been the rhetoric of her life, and the reality that not everything is as black and white as she’s led to believe. Kayta is growing, learning, and adapting as the reader is, and although her early stubbornness, pride, and almost wilful ignorance is a point of “oh my god, wake up already and stop drinking the Kool-Aid!”, her character growth is done justice.
The magic system was unique and honestly a little terrifying at points (orange ore, jade ore, and black ore got me like 👀). The world of The Valley, the different metal grounds and Towers, the zip lines, and below the Mists was incredibly fascinating and the blend of fantastical elements such as dinosaurs, was a nice touch. Oh also, we get one of THE MOST iconic animal companions (sorry Vulpo) in Scarlet the Wirecat. I will defend that kitty-lizard to my dying breath. Scarlet’s growth is also done well in the same vein of Saphira slowly growing into her size in the book Eragon as opposed to movie Saphira suddenly becoming “big” via Magic. And as I have been infamously quoted, I do indeed want to know if I can “pet that dawg”.
My only real criticism would be that The Valley Queen is built up to be this kind of big bad but then their demise comes suddenly, without much of an opportunity to explore the character further, much less the power dynamics and the intricacies of their plan for the revolution. However, in saying that as well, Law artfully leans into the phrase “remember who the real enemy is” and although perhaps a little predictable, the twist of the story is nevertheless exciting and entertaining.
One of Law’s strengths is in the relationships between his characters and that is once more evident in Beyond The Mistline. Kayta and Hayne. Kayta and Scarlet. Kayta and Jada (also, love a sapphic relationship). Digby and Kamil. Jada and her motley crew. And even the animosity between Hilda and Kayta. All of these are written strongly. You can feel and read this history between the lines with these characters.
I’m sad that this is only a standalone but I feel that if we spent too much time in this world in a series, some of the messaging wouldn’t be as well written as it is now.
Thank you always Lincoln for letting me read through your work and for putting your imagination to page.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews