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Halcyon
The Crown abandoned the illusion of caring for its people long ago. Now, most cities in our Kingdom are divided into territories and controlled by violent clans. Aderyn is no different, except for one thing—The Venari—a clan that appears to be as ruthless as the others but is actually an organization fighting for the abused and forgotten.
My brother and I have been Venari members for years now, trying to do as much good as we can in a hopelessly dark world.
Turns out, even in chaos, you can fall into routine. So when people started disappearing at an unusual rate, we didn’t realize, initially, this wasn’t just another clan dispute. Some of the missing are powerful, wealthy, and well-connected—cases that usually fall outside our scope.
Then a Dark Guard appears in Aderyn—a sure sign that something far more dangerous is at play. Their only purpose is to investigate The Crown's most dangerous threats, and take care of them by any means necessary.
As we hunt for answers, we hear whispers of a mysterious woman in town, gathering forces to form a new clan. That leaves us with one burning question—are the disappearances connected, or are we battling two threats at once?
For so long, we’ve known exactly who we were fighting and why. But now, even with all my faith in the Venari, it’s clear—we’re up against something more dangerous than we’ve ever had to confront.
I just hope we’re strong enough to face what’s coming—before it’s too late.
My brother and I have been Venari members for years now, trying to do as much good as we can in a hopelessly dark world.
Turns out, even in chaos, you can fall into routine. So when people started disappearing at an unusual rate, we didn’t realize, initially, this wasn’t just another clan dispute. Some of the missing are powerful, wealthy, and well-connected—cases that usually fall outside our scope.
Then a Dark Guard appears in Aderyn—a sure sign that something far more dangerous is at play. Their only purpose is to investigate The Crown's most dangerous threats, and take care of them by any means necessary.
As we hunt for answers, we hear whispers of a mysterious woman in town, gathering forces to form a new clan. That leaves us with one burning question—are the disappearances connected, or are we battling two threats at once?
For so long, we’ve known exactly who we were fighting and why. But now, even with all my faith in the Venari, it’s clear—we’re up against something more dangerous than we’ve ever had to confront.
I just hope we’re strong enough to face what’s coming—before it’s too late.
619 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 15, 2025
Halcyon by Rachel Sura
Halcyon pulled me in right from the start and never let go. Rachel Sura has created a brutal yet beautifully layered world where loyalty, justice, and survival blur together in the shadows of a crumbling kingdom. I found myself completely immersed in Aderyn’s atmosphere, where violent clans rule, and the only flicker of hope lies in the hands of the Venari, a group that works from within the chaos to protect the forgotten.
What struck me most was the emotional depth behind the action. The narrator’s voice steady, grounded in purpose but full of quiet doubt, really brought the story to life. You feel the weariness that comes from fighting a war you’re never sure you’re winning. The bond between the siblings adds heart and weight to the mission, especially as the plot starts to twist and the stakes rise.
The sudden wave of disappearances and the arrival of the Dark Guard kick everything into high gear. I loved how the mystery unfolded nothing felt predictable. Each revelation added a new layer of tension, and the whispers of a mysterious new woman forming a rival clan? That had me flipping pages late into the night. It becomes clear that the enemy isn’t just external; it’s embedded in the very systems the Venari are trying to outmaneuver.
5/5 – A gripping, morally complex story full of rich characters, urgent stakes, and the kind of rebellion that makes you believe in fighting for the right cause, even when the odds are against you. Highly recommend for fans of dark fantasy with soul.
Halcyon pulled me in right from the start and never let go. Rachel Sura has created a brutal yet beautifully layered world where loyalty, justice, and survival blur together in the shadows of a crumbling kingdom. I found myself completely immersed in Aderyn’s atmosphere, where violent clans rule, and the only flicker of hope lies in the hands of the Venari, a group that works from within the chaos to protect the forgotten.
What struck me most was the emotional depth behind the action. The narrator’s voice steady, grounded in purpose but full of quiet doubt, really brought the story to life. You feel the weariness that comes from fighting a war you’re never sure you’re winning. The bond between the siblings adds heart and weight to the mission, especially as the plot starts to twist and the stakes rise.
The sudden wave of disappearances and the arrival of the Dark Guard kick everything into high gear. I loved how the mystery unfolded nothing felt predictable. Each revelation added a new layer of tension, and the whispers of a mysterious new woman forming a rival clan? That had me flipping pages late into the night. It becomes clear that the enemy isn’t just external; it’s embedded in the very systems the Venari are trying to outmaneuver.
5/5 – A gripping, morally complex story full of rich characters, urgent stakes, and the kind of rebellion that makes you believe in fighting for the right cause, even when the odds are against you. Highly recommend for fans of dark fantasy with soul.
April 18, 2025
I beta read this book, partially against my will because I generally read non-fiction. This was the first fantasy book I ever read--ever (and I read quite a bit)--and I can confidently say you will not be disappointed!
April 24, 2025
Excellent Read.
Well written, easy to get lost in story of magic and mystery. Strong FMC. Amazing banter, and lots of sarcasm and snark. I can't wait for the next book in The Venari series.
Well written, easy to get lost in story of magic and mystery. Strong FMC. Amazing banter, and lots of sarcasm and snark. I can't wait for the next book in The Venari series.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews