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The Backlight
Zaide McKinley was born into power, but the control his father holds over him is suffocating. Designed to oppose the most wanted power wielder alive, lightning courses through his veins while a legacy of destruction hangs over his head-making him the governments greatest weapon and most dangerous liability. When Zaide finally steps out of the shadows and aligns with numerous groups who oppose the essence of his bloodline, he must decide whether to become the force that frees the people or the storm that destroys them all. Gael Adler was once a soldier, loyal to his country and protecting the lives of millions, but now he’s nothing more than a tool in the hands of a corrupt regime. Controlled by the president’s telepathic grip, Gael is forced to carry out brutal acts he can’t escape or forget. Yet deep down, he fights back, driven by the memory of the woman he loves and the man he used to be. In a world where freedom is a distant memory, Gael must break the chains confining him-or lose himself to the smothering darkness forever.
One bound by blood and the other imprisoned by control, both are ready to rise.
The war has begun.
One bound by blood and the other imprisoned by control, both are ready to rise.
The war has begun.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Asher D. Payne
4 books71 followersAsher D. Payne has been writing since she can remember, desiring nothing more than putting her imagination on paper for others to enjoy. She has a passion for storytelling that compels readers and makes them feel seen, heard, and understood while implementing every twist and turn along the way. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she strives to bring relationships into her books that stray from the stereotypes displayed in other forms of media. Her step toward her writing career has been a big challenge in overcoming her neurodivergence and other traumas experienced through online bullying. She is determined to make her community safe, inclusive, and accepting of all, as she feels everyone deserves to have a voice in this world. When she isn't engrossed in writing, she enjoys reading from her endless TBR list, playing with her pitbull, hitting the gym, refining her self-defense skills, snowboarding, or healing others through the art of massage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 27, 2025
4 stars ⭐️
Might have Spoilers for books 1 and 2, The Illumination and The Abyss
The Backlight by Asher D. Payne is the third book in The New World Series and is a dark emotional character driven continuation that deepens the series’ exploration of identity, of control and of rebellion.
With Zaide McKinley at its center, this book blends political tension with slow burn romance in a story that’s brutal and intimate. Gael Adler’s POV brings psychological torment to the mix and it destroyed me.
Plot:
Zaide, born into a legacy of destruction, embodies the conflict between inherited duty and moral awakening. His arc is about a painful dismantling of loyalty built on fear. In contrast, Gael’s narrative is one of psychological imprisonment, a soldier stripped of autonomy and forced to act against his conscience under mind control.
The pacing is steady throughout the book: the first half establishes the mental and the emotional stakes, and then the intensity increases as alliances start to form. The final chapters carry such an energy that feels both tragic and triumphant, perfectly executed by Asher with the “hope born from ruin” (or “hope destroyed by ruin” at the end there 🤐) That ending?? Amazingly crafted!
Characters:
Asher’s strength really lies in writing emotionally complex and morally conflicted characters who are both victims and agents of the system.
Zaide McKinley is such a compelling character: his internal battle - his father’s oppressive expectations and his own growing conscience - contributes to the emotional part of the book. His rebellion feels earned, grounded in pain, in fear and in hope.
Gael Adler brings such a tragic perspective. Controlled mentally, he becomes the embodiment of what it means to lose autonomy while being forced to commit acts that erode his soul. Asher’s portrayal of Gael’s psychological struggle - his attempts to reclaim fragments of control and of love - feels so deeply human.
Aiden and Xanden are good characters, yet not fully explored to me.
Themes:
Through Zaide and Gael, Asher examines the many forms of imprisonment: political, psychological, emotional, and hereditary.
The cycle of power and oppression is explored by Zaide’s struggle to break free from his father’s manipulation and the association to his father by last name and blood.
In a regime built on fear and blind obedience, genuine love is portrayed as the most dangerous act imaginable, as it will be used against them.
Identity and autonomy is explored by both characters (Zaide and Gael), because of the forces that control them.
Lastly, the morality of survival is explored by the acts of defiance that come with costs consequences, emphasising the sacrifice for the rebellion, for a better future.
Overall, The Backlight is a strong, emotionally complex continuation.
One thing that is especially notable to me is how Asher builds continuity across the series: references to past events and characters feel natural, which creates a sense of the ongoing rebellion rather than separated narrative.
This book’s strength lies in its psychological depth and emotional hits. This is a book about rebellion of course, but it’s not only that, it’s a book about learning to own your scars and finding beauty and tenderness amid pain.
The Illumination lit the spark of rebellion, The Abyss fanned the flames, then The Backlight is where the fire burns brightest - not because it destroys, but because it reveals a lot, it brings secrets to light.
Might have Spoilers for books 1 and 2, The Illumination and The Abyss
The Backlight by Asher D. Payne is the third book in The New World Series and is a dark emotional character driven continuation that deepens the series’ exploration of identity, of control and of rebellion.
With Zaide McKinley at its center, this book blends political tension with slow burn romance in a story that’s brutal and intimate. Gael Adler’s POV brings psychological torment to the mix and it destroyed me.
Plot:
Zaide, born into a legacy of destruction, embodies the conflict between inherited duty and moral awakening. His arc is about a painful dismantling of loyalty built on fear. In contrast, Gael’s narrative is one of psychological imprisonment, a soldier stripped of autonomy and forced to act against his conscience under mind control.
The pacing is steady throughout the book: the first half establishes the mental and the emotional stakes, and then the intensity increases as alliances start to form. The final chapters carry such an energy that feels both tragic and triumphant, perfectly executed by Asher with the “hope born from ruin” (or “hope destroyed by ruin” at the end there 🤐) That ending?? Amazingly crafted!
Characters:
Asher’s strength really lies in writing emotionally complex and morally conflicted characters who are both victims and agents of the system.
Zaide McKinley is such a compelling character: his internal battle - his father’s oppressive expectations and his own growing conscience - contributes to the emotional part of the book. His rebellion feels earned, grounded in pain, in fear and in hope.
Gael Adler brings such a tragic perspective. Controlled mentally, he becomes the embodiment of what it means to lose autonomy while being forced to commit acts that erode his soul. Asher’s portrayal of Gael’s psychological struggle - his attempts to reclaim fragments of control and of love - feels so deeply human.
Aiden and Xanden are good characters, yet not fully explored to me.
Themes:
Through Zaide and Gael, Asher examines the many forms of imprisonment: political, psychological, emotional, and hereditary.
The cycle of power and oppression is explored by Zaide’s struggle to break free from his father’s manipulation and the association to his father by last name and blood.
In a regime built on fear and blind obedience, genuine love is portrayed as the most dangerous act imaginable, as it will be used against them.
Identity and autonomy is explored by both characters (Zaide and Gael), because of the forces that control them.
Lastly, the morality of survival is explored by the acts of defiance that come with costs consequences, emphasising the sacrifice for the rebellion, for a better future.
Overall, The Backlight is a strong, emotionally complex continuation.
One thing that is especially notable to me is how Asher builds continuity across the series: references to past events and characters feel natural, which creates a sense of the ongoing rebellion rather than separated narrative.
This book’s strength lies in its psychological depth and emotional hits. This is a book about rebellion of course, but it’s not only that, it’s a book about learning to own your scars and finding beauty and tenderness amid pain.
The Illumination lit the spark of rebellion, The Abyss fanned the flames, then The Backlight is where the fire burns brightest - not because it destroys, but because it reveals a lot, it brings secrets to light.
September 17, 2025
At this point, I shouldn’t even have to convince you to continue reading this series. Every single book uncovers more about the characters and their backgrounds and it’s so easy to gobble it up. The writing pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re just THERE alongside these characters and you never want to leave them.
The amount of tears I’ve shed within these three books is astounding. Now, if you know me, you know that I AM a cry baby, but it does take a lot for a book to make me cry and have actual tears running down my face. Asher’s books do that to me continuously. Within almost every chapter.
Going into this with the knowledge we learned in book two made it absolutely DEVASTATING to read half of this book.😭 The relationships between these characters are so bone deep, I felt myself getting lost in them and I loved every second of it.
I have not had a series grip me this deeply in YEARS and I never ever want to leave this world. This is THE BEST and most beautifully written dystopian world I have ever read. Argue with a wall, because I won’t hear otherwise.
THAT LAST CHAPTER?? Holy. Shit. When I tell ya’ll I knewwwww 🤭 That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. If you take ANY of my recommendations seriously, let it be this series. It deserves so much hype and I am so lucky that I get to witness it coming to life.
The amount of tears I’ve shed within these three books is astounding. Now, if you know me, you know that I AM a cry baby, but it does take a lot for a book to make me cry and have actual tears running down my face. Asher’s books do that to me continuously. Within almost every chapter.
Going into this with the knowledge we learned in book two made it absolutely DEVASTATING to read half of this book.😭 The relationships between these characters are so bone deep, I felt myself getting lost in them and I loved every second of it.
I have not had a series grip me this deeply in YEARS and I never ever want to leave this world. This is THE BEST and most beautifully written dystopian world I have ever read. Argue with a wall, because I won’t hear otherwise.
THAT LAST CHAPTER?? Holy. Shit. When I tell ya’ll I knewwwww 🤭 That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. If you take ANY of my recommendations seriously, let it be this series. It deserves so much hype and I am so lucky that I get to witness it coming to life.
October 27, 2025
It is absolutely mind-blowing how Asher can capture so much emotion and depth with words. The characters in this series aren’t like characters at all; they’re people I know deeply, people I feel for, people I connect with, and can’t stop thinking about.
The whole story is seductive and riveting. The plot twists are as much addictive as they are infuriating (in the best ways!). Going deeper into the backstories of each character gives clear insight to their mentality and motivations - leaving me blindsided in most cases.
The emotional thrill ride is non-stop and I love every second of it.
The wait for book 4 is excruciating!
The whole story is seductive and riveting. The plot twists are as much addictive as they are infuriating (in the best ways!). Going deeper into the backstories of each character gives clear insight to their mentality and motivations - leaving me blindsided in most cases.
The emotional thrill ride is non-stop and I love every second of it.
The wait for book 4 is excruciating!
November 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐ Backlight by Asher D Payne ⠀
⠀
"Trust no one" is all I'm sure of now!⠀
⠀
This series keeps surprising me! ⠀
⠀⠀
The final twists were expertly woven - with some expected and some that I definatly didnt see coming!!⠀
⠀
This book is the another backstory that I didn't know I needed! ⠀
⠀
My previous theories were plausible, but I'm still in the dark about most things, cant wait for book 4! ⠀
⠀
"Trust no one" is all I'm sure of now!⠀
⠀
This series keeps surprising me! ⠀
⠀⠀
The final twists were expertly woven - with some expected and some that I definatly didnt see coming!!⠀
⠀
This book is the another backstory that I didn't know I needed! ⠀
⠀
My previous theories were plausible, but I'm still in the dark about most things, cant wait for book 4! ⠀
November 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rip out my soul right outta my 🍑 & Asher handed it back with zero apology🤣
I honestly don’t even know how to function after finishing this book. Asher D Payne somehow manages—yet again—to take a world that’s already dark, twisted, & emotionally charged & drags me even deeper into its abyss(cough cough go read book 2😏) in the most addictive way possible.
Book three gives us the backstories I didn’t know I needed. Zaide, Aiden, & Gael step into the spotlight this time, each one unraveling in ways that made me understand them on a personal platform, I hurt for them, & fall for them over & over again. The emotional layers? Brutal. The moral dilemmas? Sharper than the 🔪 I should have seen coming. The world building? Even more sinister with every truth revealed about the government’s grip on humanity.
Gael forgive me bb cause I absolutely love you. Saying you should have died in that fire is me now getting burned with how much i actually love you.
Zaide & Aiden’s is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read. Their love is forbidden, fragile, & fought for with a ferocity that left me breathless. Every moment between them feels stolen, dangerous, & so so so so damn precious. I love them so much.
&&&&&&& the smut? Listen. The heat, the dominance, the tension—every scene DELIVERS & has me wanting more & more. Like *tucks hair behind ear* respectfully ADD ME TO THE NEXT SCENE 🤪😌
The plot twists remain unhinged in the best possible way. The stakes keep climbing, the alliances keep shifting, & Asher continues to toy with my brain cells as if I have more to spare. I swear she wrote this book with the sole intent of emotionally waterboarding me & honestly love every second of it.
JUST GIVE ME MOREEEEE 🤭
I honestly don’t even know how to function after finishing this book. Asher D Payne somehow manages—yet again—to take a world that’s already dark, twisted, & emotionally charged & drags me even deeper into its abyss(cough cough go read book 2😏) in the most addictive way possible.
Book three gives us the backstories I didn’t know I needed. Zaide, Aiden, & Gael step into the spotlight this time, each one unraveling in ways that made me understand them on a personal platform, I hurt for them, & fall for them over & over again. The emotional layers? Brutal. The moral dilemmas? Sharper than the 🔪 I should have seen coming. The world building? Even more sinister with every truth revealed about the government’s grip on humanity.
Gael forgive me bb cause I absolutely love you. Saying you should have died in that fire is me now getting burned with how much i actually love you.
Zaide & Aiden’s is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read. Their love is forbidden, fragile, & fought for with a ferocity that left me breathless. Every moment between them feels stolen, dangerous, & so so so so damn precious. I love them so much.
&&&&&&& the smut? Listen. The heat, the dominance, the tension—every scene DELIVERS & has me wanting more & more. Like *tucks hair behind ear* respectfully ADD ME TO THE NEXT SCENE 🤪😌
The plot twists remain unhinged in the best possible way. The stakes keep climbing, the alliances keep shifting, & Asher continues to toy with my brain cells as if I have more to spare. I swear she wrote this book with the sole intent of emotionally waterboarding me & honestly love every second of it.
JUST GIVE ME MOREEEEE 🤭
September 18, 2025
I just want to crawl inside this series to live with these amazing, damaged, strong, resilient, flawed, and multifaceted characters. I mean, in all honesty, I'd likely die first bc I cannot fight. Maybe I'd have a cool power. But anyways, I digress.
We get to see in-depth backstories of Zaide, Aiden, and Gael which give us a completely new light in which to view their actions and struggles.
The internal and external struggle that Zaide goes through with his father, coupled with his feelings for Aiden, creates a heartbreaking backdrop to the events they are both fighting through with the Rebels, Scavengers, and other powers that exist to snuff them out of existence. Asher has once again given us a unique, frequently heart-wrenching juxtaposition: Zaide and Aiden fighting for their ability to love and be with each other, while not only protecting themselves but also all those they care for around them, while battling against deadly hatred from family and the remaining government enemies who want nothing more than to see them suffer for merely existing.
And Gael... Gael, I am so sorry I hated you. I am sorry for all the bad things I yelled about you in the previous 2 books. You poor, damaged, beautiful soul. You are a fighter. I know you don't think you are. But we believe in you.
Soooo- yeah. I can keep talking for hours. But I don't think GR gives us that much space.
TLDR: 5⭐️, beautiful love, emotional damage, CH, MM, evil government, power-weilders, found family... JUST READ IT!
We get to see in-depth backstories of Zaide, Aiden, and Gael which give us a completely new light in which to view their actions and struggles.
The internal and external struggle that Zaide goes through with his father, coupled with his feelings for Aiden, creates a heartbreaking backdrop to the events they are both fighting through with the Rebels, Scavengers, and other powers that exist to snuff them out of existence. Asher has once again given us a unique, frequently heart-wrenching juxtaposition: Zaide and Aiden fighting for their ability to love and be with each other, while not only protecting themselves but also all those they care for around them, while battling against deadly hatred from family and the remaining government enemies who want nothing more than to see them suffer for merely existing.
And Gael... Gael, I am so sorry I hated you. I am sorry for all the bad things I yelled about you in the previous 2 books. You poor, damaged, beautiful soul. You are a fighter. I know you don't think you are. But we believe in you.
Soooo- yeah. I can keep talking for hours. But I don't think GR gives us that much space.
TLDR: 5⭐️, beautiful love, emotional damage, CH, MM, evil government, power-weilders, found family... JUST READ IT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
4⭐️ ┇ Bookstagram ┇ BookTok
Book 3 keeps the series' momentum going
with the back stories of Zaide, Aiden & Gael.
Gael—oh how I hated him in the first two books. But now? His utterly heartbreaking history means he must be protected at all costs!
Zaide & Aiden’s love? Everything! Reading it was so heartbreaking knowing what tragedy awaits them.
And though he only appeared in crumbs, Onxy's brief moments solidified my love for that man even further!
Also— that ending?? I did NOT see that coming! I really wanted that to be more satisfying! Radley? wtf!
‧₊˚✧𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽✧˚₊‧
➳❥ Dark Dystopian
➳❥ Supernatural Abilities
➳❥ Secrets & Betrayals
➳❥ Found Family
➳❥ Sacrifise & Survival
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼
“𝐑𝐮𝐧, 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝. 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞.”
“𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐇𝐢𝐦—𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐦.”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞.”
“𝐆𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐎𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬.”
“𝐎𝐡, 𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.”
“𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐝𝐬-𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧.”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥.”
October 30, 2025
The Backlight by Asher D Payne is book three in The New World series, and it shifts angles focusing on Zaide McKinley, Gael Adler, and Aiden in the period prior to the Eradication Rite.
The shift in time serves to piece together the puzzle of how unlikely alliances were formed, and how crucial choices were made from a new perspective.
Each character is caught up in the government’s twisted power play in very unique, yet different ways. Asher has a talent for writing character driven stories that can make you loathe a character then do a one eighty degree turn once she unveils their true purpose. It comes as no surprise that she had my heart in a vice grip discovering the emotional back-story of these characters.
The world feels darker and more ominous with the unveiling of how deeply the government has their claws in humanity. The moral stakes are higher and the internal conflicts feel heavy.
The romance is forbidden and comes with a high cost. Their world is a battlefield where moments of stolen intimacy must be cherished. Their connection serves as a light in the darkness of the dystopian madness they face daily.
If you are already invested in The New World series, this is a must read and offers a unique perspective of the world and characters we all know and love.
If you haven't stared The New World series, but you crave a Dystopian dark romance - this series does not disappoint.
The shift in time serves to piece together the puzzle of how unlikely alliances were formed, and how crucial choices were made from a new perspective.
Each character is caught up in the government’s twisted power play in very unique, yet different ways. Asher has a talent for writing character driven stories that can make you loathe a character then do a one eighty degree turn once she unveils their true purpose. It comes as no surprise that she had my heart in a vice grip discovering the emotional back-story of these characters.
The world feels darker and more ominous with the unveiling of how deeply the government has their claws in humanity. The moral stakes are higher and the internal conflicts feel heavy.
The romance is forbidden and comes with a high cost. Their world is a battlefield where moments of stolen intimacy must be cherished. Their connection serves as a light in the darkness of the dystopian madness they face daily.
If you are already invested in The New World series, this is a must read and offers a unique perspective of the world and characters we all know and love.
If you haven't stared The New World series, but you crave a Dystopian dark romance - this series does not disappoint.
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
It runs deeper than blood.
I am reeling from the ending of this book. I'm struggling to process the information that was just thrown at me. I feel like someone just threw a brick at me and laughed. Am I normally good at guessing twists? Yes, I usually am; however, the twists that Asher writes shock me every time without fail. I am never expecting them. Which means every twist feels like a gut punch every time. I think this whole book was a gut punch, and the goal was to rip my heart out. The way this book is written gives you so much amazing insight into the characters, but oh my god, it hurts so bad. I don't think I could ever find the correct words to describe how much I love this book. It is truly one of the most impactful series I have read in a long time, and it makes me feel so seen for so many different reasons.
Did I still love the book? Yes, 100% this is one of my favorite series of all time. Am I also absolutely devastated? Yes, yes, I am.
Anyway, please read the books. I promise you the heartbreak is worth it.
✵ Touch Her and ☠️
👁️Found Family
✵ Enemies to Lovers
👁️Forced Proximity
✵Secrets
👁️Slow Burn
✵Dystopian
I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.
It runs deeper than blood.
I am reeling from the ending of this book. I'm struggling to process the information that was just thrown at me. I feel like someone just threw a brick at me and laughed. Am I normally good at guessing twists? Yes, I usually am; however, the twists that Asher writes shock me every time without fail. I am never expecting them. Which means every twist feels like a gut punch every time. I think this whole book was a gut punch, and the goal was to rip my heart out. The way this book is written gives you so much amazing insight into the characters, but oh my god, it hurts so bad. I don't think I could ever find the correct words to describe how much I love this book. It is truly one of the most impactful series I have read in a long time, and it makes me feel so seen for so many different reasons.
Did I still love the book? Yes, 100% this is one of my favorite series of all time. Am I also absolutely devastated? Yes, yes, I am.
Anyway, please read the books. I promise you the heartbreak is worth it.
✵ Touch Her and ☠️
👁️Found Family
✵ Enemies to Lovers
👁️Forced Proximity
✵Secrets
👁️Slow Burn
✵Dystopian
September 29, 2025
The Backlight, book three in The New World Series takes us back to before the jaw dropping events at the end of book 2. In this book we follow a new group of players who will help shape the ending of this incredible story. In telling these chatacters’ stories we receive so many revelations and insight into this complicated world.
Details of connections past and present will come to light and as usual, nothing is as it seems. Filling in the blanks of what Gael, Zaide and Aiden were dealing with leading up to that pivotal moment, was so important to deliver context and clarification on their characters’ motivations. True to form the last chapter of this book will hit you out of nowhere and change everything you thought you knew all over again.
Reliving the days before the eradication rights through Zaide’s eyes knowing the outcome is gut wrenching. Villain, hero, or anywhere in between, no one is safe from the trauma of living through the fall and the life altering effects of the events that followed. The way Asher has chosen to tell this story is so impactful and really gives you a chance to connect with each and every character. Each time another player enters this brilliant menagerie, this story carves itself farther into my heart.
Details of connections past and present will come to light and as usual, nothing is as it seems. Filling in the blanks of what Gael, Zaide and Aiden were dealing with leading up to that pivotal moment, was so important to deliver context and clarification on their characters’ motivations. True to form the last chapter of this book will hit you out of nowhere and change everything you thought you knew all over again.
Reliving the days before the eradication rights through Zaide’s eyes knowing the outcome is gut wrenching. Villain, hero, or anywhere in between, no one is safe from the trauma of living through the fall and the life altering effects of the events that followed. The way Asher has chosen to tell this story is so impactful and really gives you a chance to connect with each and every character. Each time another player enters this brilliant menagerie, this story carves itself farther into my heart.
November 2, 2025
Thanks to Asher D Payne & Rattle The Stars PR for the eARC
The Backlight by Asher D Payne - Book 3 of The New World series
Asher has managed to do it yet again! This book weaves it's story between the timelines of book 1 & 2 and before The Fall, bring more detail to the relationships, which makes the event at the end of book 2 even more heart breaking 😭
It's great to see more into the characters of Zaide, Aiden, Xander & Gael. Also more characters being added to the mix with a couple of them recognisable from the previous books. Epic cliff hanger at the end as always!
As always it's difficult to say more without giving too much away, just go out there & read them if you love dystopian fiction, betrayals, twists & turns, constantly being switched around & the total heart break that I'm beginning to think Asher enjoys bringing to readers! 🤦♀️😂
I'm eagerly awaiting Book 4 The Unveiled, although it's been easier with the first two knowing the next book was sat waiting in my kindle 😂
Books 1–3 of The New World series—The Illumination, The Abyss, and The Backlight—are now available on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Stay tuned for upcoming news regarding Book 4 & 5 (the finale!) + a Novella
The Backlight by Asher D Payne - Book 3 of The New World series
Asher has managed to do it yet again! This book weaves it's story between the timelines of book 1 & 2 and before The Fall, bring more detail to the relationships, which makes the event at the end of book 2 even more heart breaking 😭
It's great to see more into the characters of Zaide, Aiden, Xander & Gael. Also more characters being added to the mix with a couple of them recognisable from the previous books. Epic cliff hanger at the end as always!
As always it's difficult to say more without giving too much away, just go out there & read them if you love dystopian fiction, betrayals, twists & turns, constantly being switched around & the total heart break that I'm beginning to think Asher enjoys bringing to readers! 🤦♀️😂
I'm eagerly awaiting Book 4 The Unveiled, although it's been easier with the first two knowing the next book was sat waiting in my kindle 😂
Books 1–3 of The New World series—The Illumination, The Abyss, and The Backlight—are now available on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Stay tuned for upcoming news regarding Book 4 & 5 (the finale!) + a Novella
October 21, 2025
Each book in this series digs deeper into the characters’ lives, revealing their backgrounds in such an immersive way. You really feel like you’re right there alongside them, and it’s hard to step away. Honestly, the tears I shed throughout these three books are unbelievable. The emotional connections are so intense that you can’t help but get wrapped up in their struggles and triumphs. It’s been a long time since I found a series that grips me like this, and trust me, this world is unforgettable.
As we dive into the characters’ pasts, especially Zaide, Aiden, and Gael, everything suddenly makes sense and adds layers to their choices. This book hit me hard, with twists I never saw coming that leave you gasping. The way the author explores themes of love amid chaos and trauma is nothing short of brilliant. The intense emotions, the rollercoaster of feelings you experience from anger to joy, are beautifully captured. Plus, the representation of anxiety and PTSD resonates deeply, making this series feel personal and real. I can’t wait for the next installment!
As we dive into the characters’ pasts, especially Zaide, Aiden, and Gael, everything suddenly makes sense and adds layers to their choices. This book hit me hard, with twists I never saw coming that leave you gasping. The way the author explores themes of love amid chaos and trauma is nothing short of brilliant. The intense emotions, the rollercoaster of feelings you experience from anger to joy, are beautifully captured. Plus, the representation of anxiety and PTSD resonates deeply, making this series feel personal and real. I can’t wait for the next installment!
November 4, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 / 5 stars (rounded up)
This series is fast becoming one of my absolute favourites. From the characters and their gut-wrenching backstories to the way Asher crafts every word - I’m completely obsessed.
Book 3, ‘The Backlight’, had me screaming, crying and (if I’m honest) absolutely raging. It’s not just about war - it’s about rebellion, survival, and the cost of finding who you really are.
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, this is me screaming at you to go do it now!! 🫠🔥
📚 Books 1–3 of ‘The New World’ series — ‘The Illumination’, ‘The Abyss’, and *The Backlight* — are available now on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Stay tuned for upcoming news about Books 4 & 5 (the finale!) + a novella 👀✨
#AsherDPayne #TheNewWorld #Dystopian #BookSeries #UnreliableNarrators #EnemiesToLovers #Supernatural #HiddenIdentities #LGBTQIA #MentalHealth #FoundFamily #BookReview #ARCReview #StreetTeam #Books #Bookstagram #Booktok #BookRecommendations #IndieAuthor #IndependentAuthor #RattleTheStarsPR
This series is fast becoming one of my absolute favourites. From the characters and their gut-wrenching backstories to the way Asher crafts every word - I’m completely obsessed.
Book 3, ‘The Backlight’, had me screaming, crying and (if I’m honest) absolutely raging. It’s not just about war - it’s about rebellion, survival, and the cost of finding who you really are.
If you haven’t picked up this series yet, this is me screaming at you to go do it now!! 🫠🔥
📚 Books 1–3 of ‘The New World’ series — ‘The Illumination’, ‘The Abyss’, and *The Backlight* — are available now on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Stay tuned for upcoming news about Books 4 & 5 (the finale!) + a novella 👀✨
#AsherDPayne #TheNewWorld #Dystopian #BookSeries #UnreliableNarrators #EnemiesToLovers #Supernatural #HiddenIdentities #LGBTQIA #MentalHealth #FoundFamily #BookReview #ARCReview #StreetTeam #Books #Bookstagram #Booktok #BookRecommendations #IndieAuthor #IndependentAuthor #RattleTheStarsPR
November 10, 2025
✨The Backlight Review✨
Rating:5⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
If you have been following along for the reviews of this series then you know the rollercoaster I've been on! This book was no exception. To fall in love with characters and then hate them, to hate them and then to love them. The way that I am attached to every character & side character in this series.
I have been really enjoying how thorough Asher is with her characters. There are so many books where there is little to no depth to any of the characters. However, that is not the case with the New World series.
I love the backstory of Zaide and Aiden. Everything unfolding in this story has me rethinking all I thought i knew. And the way we get a glimpse into the mind of a certain someone has me drowning in anticipation for the next book.
I didn't know unreliable narrators would be a favorite trope of mine, but it is now. 🫠
Please give me the next one already! Im dying to know what happens next!
Rating:5⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
If you have been following along for the reviews of this series then you know the rollercoaster I've been on! This book was no exception. To fall in love with characters and then hate them, to hate them and then to love them. The way that I am attached to every character & side character in this series.
I have been really enjoying how thorough Asher is with her characters. There are so many books where there is little to no depth to any of the characters. However, that is not the case with the New World series.
I love the backstory of Zaide and Aiden. Everything unfolding in this story has me rethinking all I thought i knew. And the way we get a glimpse into the mind of a certain someone has me drowning in anticipation for the next book.
I didn't know unreliable narrators would be a favorite trope of mine, but it is now. 🫠
Please give me the next one already! Im dying to know what happens next!
September 22, 2025
Payne does it again! My copy arrived and I devoured it with ease. Even though the third book was much smaller, it felt very pertinent and a key piece to the puzzle I feel we were all missing, while still revealing my that many secrets remain. It was amazing to learn about some of the characters we once hated as well as characters whose lives were ripped apart at the end of book two.
The prose again was perfection, the way Payne writes is such a breath of fresh air. Their ability to explain imagery, character motives, tie together plot, all while driving underlying intentions and progressing the story absolutely blows my mind. I am so attached to these characters it is not even funny (especially Owen… there is just something about that man 😩)
To say my perspective of a couple key players was changed would be an understatement. And that ending?!? WHAT!!!
Cannot WAIT for book four!
The prose again was perfection, the way Payne writes is such a breath of fresh air. Their ability to explain imagery, character motives, tie together plot, all while driving underlying intentions and progressing the story absolutely blows my mind. I am so attached to these characters it is not even funny (especially Owen… there is just something about that man 😩)
To say my perspective of a couple key players was changed would be an understatement. And that ending?!? WHAT!!!
Cannot WAIT for book four!
November 2, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
Smut? 🔥 Hot. The dominance? Spot on. I’m just saying… Asher, if you ever feel like adding a few extra pages of that, the smut goblin in me would not complain 😏
The backstories leading up to the events in The Abyss were chef’s kiss — exactly what I needed to really understand these characters on a deeper level (and also to remind me who I can and cannot emotionally trust… which apparently changes every book 😭).
Characters I hated? Yeah, I love them now. The emotional whiplash is real. The raw emotion in this one hit deep, and Asher’s writing once again had me feeling everything.
The plot twists? Still twisting. The game? Bigger than ever. And Asher? Still out here toying with my sanity in the best way possible.
Now I’m just mentally preparing myself for the inevitable heartbreak that’s waiting in book 4
Smut? 🔥 Hot. The dominance? Spot on. I’m just saying… Asher, if you ever feel like adding a few extra pages of that, the smut goblin in me would not complain 😏
The backstories leading up to the events in The Abyss were chef’s kiss — exactly what I needed to really understand these characters on a deeper level (and also to remind me who I can and cannot emotionally trust… which apparently changes every book 😭).
Characters I hated? Yeah, I love them now. The emotional whiplash is real. The raw emotion in this one hit deep, and Asher’s writing once again had me feeling everything.
The plot twists? Still twisting. The game? Bigger than ever. And Asher? Still out here toying with my sanity in the best way possible.
Now I’m just mentally preparing myself for the inevitable heartbreak that’s waiting in book 4
September 19, 2025
Asher’s writing never ceases to amaze me. The bonds that have been weaved through these characters is like a beautiful, tragic dance.
After reading The Abyss, this one hurts so good. The fact that we get to see more of Zaide and Aiden is just so sweet. Their love was just such a beautiful ride that I will NEVER be over. The lengths Aiden went to for Zaide … it’s just something my heart aches for.
And poor sweet Gael. This man. My GODS this man. Learning of the extent of his torture, the lengths of his suffering.. this man deserves the world. And I’m so sorry for hating him in book 1. Seeing him rekindle his love with Astrid and learn to function again as himself is so pure.
I’m just obsessed. This series has my heart and I’m never going to stop talking about it.
After reading The Abyss, this one hurts so good. The fact that we get to see more of Zaide and Aiden is just so sweet. Their love was just such a beautiful ride that I will NEVER be over. The lengths Aiden went to for Zaide … it’s just something my heart aches for.
And poor sweet Gael. This man. My GODS this man. Learning of the extent of his torture, the lengths of his suffering.. this man deserves the world. And I’m so sorry for hating him in book 1. Seeing him rekindle his love with Astrid and learn to function again as himself is so pure.
I’m just obsessed. This series has my heart and I’m never going to stop talking about it.
November 20, 2025
If Book 2 pulled me under, Book 3 drags me through the dark and spits me out changed.
The emotional stakes? Elevated. The betrayals? Sharp. The undercurrents of survival, identity, and purpose ripple across each page until you feel the tremor in your chest. This isn’t just about war or rebellion. It’s about what remains when the illusions burn away. Once again, Asher D. Payne builds her world again, but this time the light is reversed: we see what hides in the shadows, what thrives in chaos, what power demands and what it devours.
I read this book in the quiet of night, but the echo stayed into day. The Backlight doesn’t wait for you to be ready, it demands you peel back your world and face what comes next.
The emotional stakes? Elevated. The betrayals? Sharp. The undercurrents of survival, identity, and purpose ripple across each page until you feel the tremor in your chest. This isn’t just about war or rebellion. It’s about what remains when the illusions burn away. Once again, Asher D. Payne builds her world again, but this time the light is reversed: we see what hides in the shadows, what thrives in chaos, what power demands and what it devours.
I read this book in the quiet of night, but the echo stayed into day. The Backlight doesn’t wait for you to be ready, it demands you peel back your world and face what comes next.
October 22, 2025
Sometimes I don’t know if I wanna fight or hug Asher for this series. 🤣
I loved being able to read the in-depth backstories of Zaide, Aiden and Gael. It really gives you a new perspective of their characters. Asher has such a beautiful way of writing these stories. You feel all of the emotions the characters do. I know when starting an Asher Payne book, I need to have a box of tissues close. I struggle to put into words how incredible these books are without spoiling anything. I don’t know how many times I can scream into the universe that people need to read The New World Series. ♾️⭐️’s for this series always.
I loved being able to read the in-depth backstories of Zaide, Aiden and Gael. It really gives you a new perspective of their characters. Asher has such a beautiful way of writing these stories. You feel all of the emotions the characters do. I know when starting an Asher Payne book, I need to have a box of tissues close. I struggle to put into words how incredible these books are without spoiling anything. I don’t know how many times I can scream into the universe that people need to read The New World Series. ♾️⭐️’s for this series always.
December 8, 2025
This dystopian series has me in a chokehold. I don’t even know what to say, because these books have rendered me mostly speechless. I don’t believe in spoilers but I will say that the twist and turns continue to twist and turn. Truly, never in my life have I been so invested in a series that made me so upset. I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to-I have to know what happens to these characters! These new perspectives had me screaming AND crying as puzzle pieces started to fit together. I am equal parts desperate to see what happens next and terrified of what I’ll find out…
4 1/2 💜’s.
Closer to 5 than 4.
4 1/2 💜’s.
Closer to 5 than 4.
October 22, 2025
The third book in the series, and it definitely delivered.
Sorry for all the things I thought (and said) about you, Gael.
Astrid is still suspicious, but she really goes through it for these boys.
I absolutely flew through the last third of the book and was not ready for it to end.
My heart hurts for Onyx, knowing Astrid’s true intentions the entire time and still allowing it to happen broke me.
This installment had so much emotion and momentum. It left me desperate for more.
Sorry for all the things I thought (and said) about you, Gael.
Astrid is still suspicious, but she really goes through it for these boys.
I absolutely flew through the last third of the book and was not ready for it to end.
My heart hurts for Onyx, knowing Astrid’s true intentions the entire time and still allowing it to happen broke me.
This installment had so much emotion and momentum. It left me desperate for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
5✨ It took me a minute to process this book. In true Asher fashion it provides the back story for characters you’ve grown to love, hate, and miss from previous books. This one really resonated with my soul, and is my favorite in the series so far. In a series filled with lies, betrayal and secrets Aiden and Zaide were just love. It was gut wrenching, but beautiful to see the purity of their love for one another. A love letter that will stay with me forever.
October 23, 2025
ASHER WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT 😭
Poor baby Gael… I knew he was a good man. And Onyx—he might not see himself as a hero, but I disagree.
We finally get the depth behind Zaide, Aiden, and Gael. Knowing what happened in the prior books just had me so sad reading about them now
I just want to live inside this world with these damaged, incredible characters (even though, let’s be real, I’d probably die instantly 😂).
Five stars completely unforgettable and unforgivable
Poor baby Gael… I knew he was a good man. And Onyx—he might not see himself as a hero, but I disagree.
We finally get the depth behind Zaide, Aiden, and Gael. Knowing what happened in the prior books just had me so sad reading about them now
I just want to live inside this world with these damaged, incredible characters (even though, let’s be real, I’d probably die instantly 😂).
Five stars completely unforgettable and unforgivable
October 23, 2025
The Backlight by Asher D Payne! Get ready for a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read and a wild ride!
The third installment, The Backlight had me cursing the author, reading into the early hours and questioning everything. I devoured it! If you’re looking for character relationships that go above and beyond, a storyline with more twists and turns than a curly wurly and scenes that will stay with you past the page, this series is absolutely for you.
The third installment, The Backlight had me cursing the author, reading into the early hours and questioning everything. I devoured it! If you’re looking for character relationships that go above and beyond, a storyline with more twists and turns than a curly wurly and scenes that will stay with you past the page, this series is absolutely for you.
October 26, 2025
“Sing for me, my Prince." He breathed in my ear, keeping pace with his hips' forward and backward rock. "Because gods, you sound glorious." 🥵
Asher why do you insist on gutting us so?!?! 😭
After reading The Abyss and experiencing the loss that was absolutely gut wrenching, The Backlight had me in literal tears knowing how things ended up.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Everyone deserves so much out of life and I hope we get to see their happy ending soon.
Asher why do you insist on gutting us so?!?! 😭
After reading The Abyss and experiencing the loss that was absolutely gut wrenching, The Backlight had me in literal tears knowing how things ended up.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series. Everyone deserves so much out of life and I hope we get to see their happy ending soon.
September 20, 2025
This one was a nice read. Going into the backstories of some of the characters though yet again Asher has thrown me off of what I thought I knew and what I couldn’t even think of and just wanted to keep reading to find out. And once again, I am in complete shock and sitting there like huh? I can’t wait to find out how this all ties together but also scared.
September 21, 2025
When I say this books means the world to me I’m not exaggerating. The feelings I felt hit so close to my heart I couldn’t stop reading it. It was everything I needed and more. Gael and Zaide are my favorite boys of the series. Their emotions are so real to me. I cannot get enough of them.
November 3, 2025
The way this series is wrote is so unique! You follow the characters individually but continuing the plot/story a long the way… absolutely obsessed with the universe
November 5, 2025
I needed time to process this book because WHAT?! Asher WHY?! The secrets being uncovered and the connections between characters?!
At this point I’ve stopped believing my own mind. Every time I think I’ve figured something out here comes another plot twist or reveal!
I loved getting this backstory for Zaide and a deeper look at each of the groups fighting for power. The reveal about the fall and virus are still blowing my mind.
Honestly worried for my sanity with inevitable emotional damage coming from the rest of this series!
At this point I’ve stopped believing my own mind. Every time I think I’ve figured something out here comes another plot twist or reveal!
I loved getting this backstory for Zaide and a deeper look at each of the groups fighting for power. The reveal about the fall and virus are still blowing my mind.
Honestly worried for my sanity with inevitable emotional damage coming from the rest of this series!
October 21, 2025
The Backlight by Asher D. Payne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75 stars
The Backlight is a small but mighty powerhouse of shock and awe. The farther you get into The New World Series, the more you realize you know absolutely nothing! In book 2 you are introduced to Zane and this book makes you madly obsessed with him. Asher D. Payne again masterfully crafts a story line that backtracks from events already known to enlighten you on the inner thoughts, experiences, and turmoil of the characters. But don’t get comfortable, because again you are left slamming into a “truth” you never saw coming. You will be left wanting to go back through all three books to see how you “missed” all the signs!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.75 stars
The Backlight is a small but mighty powerhouse of shock and awe. The farther you get into The New World Series, the more you realize you know absolutely nothing! In book 2 you are introduced to Zane and this book makes you madly obsessed with him. Asher D. Payne again masterfully crafts a story line that backtracks from events already known to enlighten you on the inner thoughts, experiences, and turmoil of the characters. But don’t get comfortable, because again you are left slamming into a “truth” you never saw coming. You will be left wanting to go back through all three books to see how you “missed” all the signs!!
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