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Children of Dusk
Seven years ago, an accidental fire left Timothy Hansen horribly scarred. Now, at fourteen, Tim wants nothing more than to get through high school and be left alone. But when a bullying incident triggers his latent magical abilities, he finds himself recruited into the Children of Dusk—people born with the ability to Weave the five elements together to create myriad magical effects. Unfortunately, there are other Weavers in the world, and Tim's awakening has caught the attention of someone very dangerous. Now he and his new friends are in a race against time, for this hidden world of magic might hold the key to restoring his broken family—or could shatter it for good.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
About the author
James C. Struck
2 books32 followersJames is an author and musician who writes urban and steampunk fantasy, philosophy, poetry, and every kind of music under the sun. He holds a BA in Music Composition from Columbia College Chicago and is active in community theater. James is happily married with three grown children and lives in the Illinois Valley area.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Children of Dusk grabbed my attention pretty quickly. It is one of those stories where you sit down to read a few pages and suddenly realize you are far deeper than you planned to be. The tone is fast and engaging, but it also carries weight, especially as it digs into themes of trauma, grief, and how those things shape who we become.
Tim is a strong coming of age lead and easy to stay invested in. Watching him navigate a world that keeps shifting under his feet felt genuine, especially as his past and his parents history slowly come into focus. I appreciated how the story handles his emotional growth alongside his magical awakening. He is not just learning power, he is learning how to survive himself. The glimpses into his parents’ story added depth without overwhelming the main narrative.
The pacing is quick and full of momentum. Every time it felt like the story might settle, another reveal or twist pushed things forward again. Some moments could have lingered a little longer emotionally, but the constant sense of discovery kept me turning pages. It is the kind of book that thrives on curiosity and surprise, and it uses both effectively.
The worldbuilding is intriguing. The magic system stands out as one of the strongest elements, feeling fresh while still being easy to grasp. There is clearly more beneath the surface, and the book does a good job of setting up future exploration without overloading the reader. It feels like a world that will grow alongside Tim as the series continues.
Overall, Children of Dusk is a fast paced and thoughtful YA fantasy that balances action with emotional depth. It is a quick read, but one that still leaves an impression. If you enjoy magic, layered twists, and coming of age stories that do not shy away from heavier themes, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Tim is a strong coming of age lead and easy to stay invested in. Watching him navigate a world that keeps shifting under his feet felt genuine, especially as his past and his parents history slowly come into focus. I appreciated how the story handles his emotional growth alongside his magical awakening. He is not just learning power, he is learning how to survive himself. The glimpses into his parents’ story added depth without overwhelming the main narrative.
The pacing is quick and full of momentum. Every time it felt like the story might settle, another reveal or twist pushed things forward again. Some moments could have lingered a little longer emotionally, but the constant sense of discovery kept me turning pages. It is the kind of book that thrives on curiosity and surprise, and it uses both effectively.
The worldbuilding is intriguing. The magic system stands out as one of the strongest elements, feeling fresh while still being easy to grasp. There is clearly more beneath the surface, and the book does a good job of setting up future exploration without overloading the reader. It feels like a world that will grow alongside Tim as the series continues.
Overall, Children of Dusk is a fast paced and thoughtful YA fantasy that balances action with emotional depth. It is a quick read, but one that still leaves an impression. If you enjoy magic, layered twists, and coming of age stories that do not shy away from heavier themes, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
December 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This story started out slow then it picked up and drew me in!! This is a coming of age YA Fantasy. Tim is isolated who suffered from trauma and left emotionally scarred. This was a great story that was left on a cliffhanger and now I want more!!
“Seven years ago, an accidental fire had left Timothy Hansen horribly scarred. Now, at fourteen, Tim wants nothing more than to get through high school and be left alone. But when a bullying incident triggers his latent magical abilities, he finds himself recruited into the Children of Dusk people born with the ability to Weave the five elements together to create myriad magical effects. Unfortunately, there are other Weavers in the world, and Tim has caught the attention of someone very dangerous. He and his new friends are in a race against time, for this hidden world of magic might hold the key to restoring his family or shatter it for good”
“Seven years ago, an accidental fire had left Timothy Hansen horribly scarred. Now, at fourteen, Tim wants nothing more than to get through high school and be left alone. But when a bullying incident triggers his latent magical abilities, he finds himself recruited into the Children of Dusk people born with the ability to Weave the five elements together to create myriad magical effects. Unfortunately, there are other Weavers in the world, and Tim has caught the attention of someone very dangerous. He and his new friends are in a race against time, for this hidden world of magic might hold the key to restoring his family or shatter it for good”
December 20, 2025
This is the kind of book that made me love reading in the first place. This coming of age YA fantasy novel is fast paced and very engaging. I was sucked in almost immediately. It’s a quick read that could realistically be read in one sitting, but the plot and world building don’t suffer for it. I loved the magic system - it was a very unique twist on elemental magic. I also love a good “all the stories are true” moment.
I received an eARC of this book and am leaving this feedback voluntarily. I highly recommend!
I received an eARC of this book and am leaving this feedback voluntarily. I highly recommend!
December 12, 2025
To James C. Struck, you’ve created a fan!
Y.a fantasy is what got me into reading at a young age, and as such will always hold a very special place in my heart.
That being said, this coming of age fantasy took me right back to my early teenage years, sequestering in my room and blocking out the outside world to join a teenage mmc as he learned the truth about his family, his heritage, and the world to which he truly belongs.
In the very beginning you meet our main character Tim, a bit of an outsider with a tragic past, just entering high school. You’re instantly feeling for him as you learn more about the trauma he has faced. You’re instantly rooting for him as unknown powers are unlocked and he teams up with other kindred spirits and fellow outsiders to unlock the mysteries surrounding him.
It is a bit of a head rush as he learns about his people, The children of the dusk, magic wielders who can wield all five elements (yes I said five!). There is no time for Tim to acclimate or take a breath and it is very much a trial by fire experience as Tim is plunged head first into warring factions and dangerous opposing forces, even as the real desire of his heart lies in piecing back together his fractured family.
As this is book one, it contains a lot of the backstory, but nonetheless it was fast paced and now that we’ve learned the basics of the magic system and the lurking dangers, I am eager to read book two and immerse myself even more into this intense and captivating world the author has created.
I consider the main character Tim a friend, and my heart and soul are rooting for him, mourning for the tragedies he has faced and is still to face, and eagerly anticipating the many secrets I know he is still to unlock about his magical abilities, his family, and the world he is from.
I would read another book by this author any time and encourage any reader young or old who desires a fantasy that will pull you in quick, and leave you struggling to come up for air, to dive right in!
Y.a fantasy is what got me into reading at a young age, and as such will always hold a very special place in my heart.
That being said, this coming of age fantasy took me right back to my early teenage years, sequestering in my room and blocking out the outside world to join a teenage mmc as he learned the truth about his family, his heritage, and the world to which he truly belongs.
In the very beginning you meet our main character Tim, a bit of an outsider with a tragic past, just entering high school. You’re instantly feeling for him as you learn more about the trauma he has faced. You’re instantly rooting for him as unknown powers are unlocked and he teams up with other kindred spirits and fellow outsiders to unlock the mysteries surrounding him.
It is a bit of a head rush as he learns about his people, The children of the dusk, magic wielders who can wield all five elements (yes I said five!). There is no time for Tim to acclimate or take a breath and it is very much a trial by fire experience as Tim is plunged head first into warring factions and dangerous opposing forces, even as the real desire of his heart lies in piecing back together his fractured family.
As this is book one, it contains a lot of the backstory, but nonetheless it was fast paced and now that we’ve learned the basics of the magic system and the lurking dangers, I am eager to read book two and immerse myself even more into this intense and captivating world the author has created.
I consider the main character Tim a friend, and my heart and soul are rooting for him, mourning for the tragedies he has faced and is still to face, and eagerly anticipating the many secrets I know he is still to unlock about his magical abilities, his family, and the world he is from.
I would read another book by this author any time and encourage any reader young or old who desires a fantasy that will pull you in quick, and leave you struggling to come up for air, to dive right in!
March 17, 2026
4.5/5.
Children of Dusk is about a boy named Tim, a freshman in high school, who is an outcast. When a bullying incident triggers his magical abilities, he is recruited into the Children of Dusk by fellow schoolmates twins Vee and Gideon. The Children of Dusk are a group of people who were born with the ability to weave the five elements together to create a myriad magic effects. As the story progress, Tim, unfortunately gets the attention of other weavers, especially, someone that no one would expect (at least, for me). A world full of magic might be the answers to the questions that he's had since his childhood when it came to the mental health of his father.
Thank you to James C. Struck for the opportunity to ARC read this book. I apologize that I wasn't able to get this book read in January. I had been behind schedule with my ARC reads. Overall, I did enjoy the read. It was a wonderful coming to age YA book. This wasn't my ideal genre, but the plot of the book gave me a chance. It did start off a bit slow, which is why I took away the .5, but when it picked up, I was glued to my kindle looking to see how Tim and co got out of the mess. It had twist and turns that I did not expect. I thought the cliffhanger was a good way to conclude the first book and leave anticipation for the next book. I did enjoy this read. I'm hoping to continue on with this journey and see how the fallout goes.
Children of Dusk is about a boy named Tim, a freshman in high school, who is an outcast. When a bullying incident triggers his magical abilities, he is recruited into the Children of Dusk by fellow schoolmates twins Vee and Gideon. The Children of Dusk are a group of people who were born with the ability to weave the five elements together to create a myriad magic effects. As the story progress, Tim, unfortunately gets the attention of other weavers, especially, someone that no one would expect (at least, for me). A world full of magic might be the answers to the questions that he's had since his childhood when it came to the mental health of his father.
Thank you to James C. Struck for the opportunity to ARC read this book. I apologize that I wasn't able to get this book read in January. I had been behind schedule with my ARC reads. Overall, I did enjoy the read. It was a wonderful coming to age YA book. This wasn't my ideal genre, but the plot of the book gave me a chance. It did start off a bit slow, which is why I took away the .5, but when it picked up, I was glued to my kindle looking to see how Tim and co got out of the mess. It had twist and turns that I did not expect. I thought the cliffhanger was a good way to conclude the first book and leave anticipation for the next book. I did enjoy this read. I'm hoping to continue on with this journey and see how the fallout goes.
November 18, 2025
I was completely hooked after the first several pages!
Children of Dusk is a faced pace, YA fantasy novel about the coming of age of the MMC, Tim, that also touches on themes about trauma and mental health and their impact on a person. Whenever I thought there couldn’t be any more surprises, another twist gets added that keeps you completely enthralled throughout the whole book. The third person point of view was exciting to read since is gave us just enough insight into the different situations happening in the background and also the backstory of Tim’s parents to help us understand the scope of what was going on without giving away too much and spoiling the storyline.
Perfect for any age, especially for those who enjoy reading about magic since this book has a super interesting magic system, and is a super quick read! I can’t wait to learn more about how the system works in the next book as Tim learns and grows into his powers.
Children of Dusk is a faced pace, YA fantasy novel about the coming of age of the MMC, Tim, that also touches on themes about trauma and mental health and their impact on a person. Whenever I thought there couldn’t be any more surprises, another twist gets added that keeps you completely enthralled throughout the whole book. The third person point of view was exciting to read since is gave us just enough insight into the different situations happening in the background and also the backstory of Tim’s parents to help us understand the scope of what was going on without giving away too much and spoiling the storyline.
Perfect for any age, especially for those who enjoy reading about magic since this book has a super interesting magic system, and is a super quick read! I can’t wait to learn more about how the system works in the next book as Tim learns and grows into his powers.
December 7, 2025
I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
The story started a bit slow, but really picked up and sucked me in by the middle. It is a YA fantasy novel about a coming of age story with a very unique magic system.
This story is about Tim a self isolated high schooler who has been through some Trauma that has left physical and emotional scars. Then he meets some new friends Vee and Gideon who show him a whole new world. I fell in love with these three characters and the found/chosen family aspect to be heartwarming. It was full of twists and turns and I loved the cliffhanger chapters.
This is a fast read with quick chapters, unique magic system, character growth, and lots of twists. I look forward to buying my trophy book and continuing the series.
Also Annika is my favorite!
The story started a bit slow, but really picked up and sucked me in by the middle. It is a YA fantasy novel about a coming of age story with a very unique magic system.
This story is about Tim a self isolated high schooler who has been through some Trauma that has left physical and emotional scars. Then he meets some new friends Vee and Gideon who show him a whole new world. I fell in love with these three characters and the found/chosen family aspect to be heartwarming. It was full of twists and turns and I loved the cliffhanger chapters.
This is a fast read with quick chapters, unique magic system, character growth, and lots of twists. I look forward to buying my trophy book and continuing the series.
Also Annika is my favorite!
November 16, 2025
ARCH READ**
4.5 ⭐️
Such a fun, cute, fast paced YA fantasy! A wonderful coming of age story about a 14 year old boy, who has had some trauma. Struck does a great job balancing serious topics like mental health and bullying with humor and heart warming moments. I laughed, I teared up and I could not put it down. (Seriously after about 67% I finished it in one sitting.) The world building and explanation of the magical system is superb with an ending that wrapped up the story while still leaving me excited for book two!
A very quick and easy read which is perfect for all ages. Found family, secret worlds, ban of misfits, sassy MMC, spunky and bold FMC… what more could you want??
4.5 ⭐️
Such a fun, cute, fast paced YA fantasy! A wonderful coming of age story about a 14 year old boy, who has had some trauma. Struck does a great job balancing serious topics like mental health and bullying with humor and heart warming moments. I laughed, I teared up and I could not put it down. (Seriously after about 67% I finished it in one sitting.) The world building and explanation of the magical system is superb with an ending that wrapped up the story while still leaving me excited for book two!
A very quick and easy read which is perfect for all ages. Found family, secret worlds, ban of misfits, sassy MMC, spunky and bold FMC… what more could you want??
November 17, 2025
While the story started at a slower pace, and it was definitely a little outside my usual reading comfort zone. Once I got to the middle, everything shifted—the twists started coming, and I absolutely couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a single day. I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t provide any spoilers.
The way the main character’s story unfolds, constantly twisting in directions you don’t expect, is so well written that I could practically see the powers he held. My only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger… and now I’m left wondering if there’s going to be a book two! I would definitely recommend adding, The Children of the Dusk”to your TBR!
The way the main character’s story unfolds, constantly twisting in directions you don’t expect, is so well written that I could practically see the powers he held. My only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger… and now I’m left wondering if there’s going to be a book two! I would definitely recommend adding, The Children of the Dusk”to your TBR!
November 21, 2025
Children of Dusk absolutely loved the story.The atmosphere is rich ,eerie and kind of dark in the best way, the characters are deeply emotional, and the twists kept catching me off guard. The writing is beautiful ,haunting, lyrical, and full of tension. I devoured this book and loved every moment of it.
I’m so grateful for the ARC, and I cannot wait to see what this author creates next!
This book was given to me as an ARC and I’m giving my voluntarily and honest opinion.
I’m so grateful for the ARC, and I cannot wait to see what this author creates next!
This book was given to me as an ARC and I’m giving my voluntarily and honest opinion.
November 15, 2025
This isn’t typically my genre, but I can honestly say this book broadened my horizons.
Within the first few pages I found myself thinking, “Wow, okay...I like this!” I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing. The pacing was spot on, the fantasy elements were handled in a grounded and believable way, and the characters were well developed.
The plot was excellent. I can usually predict where a story is headed, but this one was written so well that I truly had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m easily giving it 5 stars.
Within the first few pages I found myself thinking, “Wow, okay...I like this!” I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing. The pacing was spot on, the fantasy elements were handled in a grounded and believable way, and the characters were well developed.
The plot was excellent. I can usually predict where a story is headed, but this one was written so well that I truly had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m easily giving it 5 stars.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to James C. Struck for the ARC.
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It was such a fun and engaging read, and I truly enjoyed every moment. I can’t wait to continue the story and see where it goes next!
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It was such a fun and engaging read, and I truly enjoyed every moment. I can’t wait to continue the story and see where it goes next!
March 15, 2026
The characters were believable, the writing was exceptional . And the story was compelling that it made it a quick easy enjoyable read. I hope Struck keeps writing, I most certainly would like to read more.
November 14, 2025
Right from the start, the situation with Tim’s dad had me thinking this story was headed one way, and wow, was I wrong. The twist and overall direction of Children of Dusk completely surprised me in the best way. I loved the magic system and how it kept growing as the story went on.There are a few slower parts, but nothing that messes with the flow. By the end, you start to piece together the mystery around the parents, and James Struck handles it so well. I finished the last page already wishing book two was out.
November 25, 2025
This urban fanasty was really interesting. its not something I normally read as I love romance books but I enjoyed it very much. I related to the characters feelings of pain and being left on the outside of things. It was really a great little read.
December 3, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Children of Dusk by James C. Stuck. Children of Dusk is a captivating young adult novel following Tim and how he finds himself. James was able to write about real world issues high schoolers face while incorporating fantasy elements into the story. If you are looking for a young adult, found family, fantasy read, I would highly recommend giving this book a read.
December 2, 2025
I loved this story. I was hooked after the first couple of chapters. Vee was my favorite female character in the story. Such a rebel teenager but at the same time sweet and caring to the people she cares about and a total badass as well. Tim is on a journey in life starting high school and his life is going to change so fast in such a short period of time. The twist at the end I was not expecting but loved every second of it. The story definitely gives a different perspective on magic and other worlds being combined which I loved.
November 29, 2025
This book was amazing!!!! It had me gripped and waiting to see what happened next. I have already recommended it to several people. The pacing was perfect I loved the plot of the story.
November 19, 2025
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. I usually have a hard time connecting with teenage boy protagonists (I put down Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson twice for that exact reason), but this book completely pulled me in. The writing is so incredible.. the characters feel like actual people, awkwardness and all. The romance and flirting are intentionally cringy in that perfect teenage way that makes you wince and smile at the same time.
What really blew me away is how smartly it’s written. The author weaves in little societal jabs that are hilarious if you catch them, and he somehow translates his entire fantasy world into our modern day by reimagining historical events through the lens of his magic system. As a physics nerd, I nearly squealed when Feynman showed up.
The flashback scene broke me, the ending gutted me (“ugh” level emotional), and I absolutely loved that the mom turns out to be the baddest bitch of them all. This story was so funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly profound.
If you like character-driven fantasy with heart, humor, and emotional depth, Children of Dusk deserves a spot on your shelf.
What really blew me away is how smartly it’s written. The author weaves in little societal jabs that are hilarious if you catch them, and he somehow translates his entire fantasy world into our modern day by reimagining historical events through the lens of his magic system. As a physics nerd, I nearly squealed when Feynman showed up.
The flashback scene broke me, the ending gutted me (“ugh” level emotional), and I absolutely loved that the mom turns out to be the baddest bitch of them all. This story was so funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly profound.
If you like character-driven fantasy with heart, humor, and emotional depth, Children of Dusk deserves a spot on your shelf.
November 16, 2025
I was given an eARC of Children of Dusk by author James C. Struck, and I am leaving this review completely voluntarily.
This story had me hooked from page one. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen to Tim next—especially with the mystery surrounding his father. The plot moves quickly, pulling you deeper and deeper into Tim’s world, and the twist at the end? I absolutely did not see that coming, and it was such a satisfying surprise.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the unique magic system. It’s imaginative, engaging, and woven smoothly into the storyline without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. The world building is strong, and the characters—especially Tim—are easy to root for as everything begins to unravel around them. I’m genuinely excited to see what happens next for Tim and his friends.
This is the kind of book I could easily see teens, young adults, and even older readers enjoying. It’s fast-paced, mysterious, and filled with just enough magic to keep you turning pages long into the night.
This story had me hooked from page one. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know what would happen to Tim next—especially with the mystery surrounding his father. The plot moves quickly, pulling you deeper and deeper into Tim’s world, and the twist at the end? I absolutely did not see that coming, and it was such a satisfying surprise.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the unique magic system. It’s imaginative, engaging, and woven smoothly into the storyline without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. The world building is strong, and the characters—especially Tim—are easy to root for as everything begins to unravel around them. I’m genuinely excited to see what happens next for Tim and his friends.
This is the kind of book I could easily see teens, young adults, and even older readers enjoying. It’s fast-paced, mysterious, and filled with just enough magic to keep you turning pages long into the night.
December 15, 2025
I want to thank James C. Struck for the ARC.
I was a bit hesitant going into this book, as it is a little outside of what I typically read; however, I absolutely loved it and devoured it in a day. Our story follows Tim as he struggles with past trauma and is introduced into an unknown world. As he delves deeper into the unknown, secrets from his past begin to emerge, and Tim begins to learn the truth about those around him.
The magic system is unique, and the world-building is different from other books I have read. The world is described in a way that makes it easy to grasp, but also leaves the reader wanting to know more. As this is the first book, we are just at the tip of the iceberg, but after that ending, the world Tim is in is about to get a whole lot bigger.
This book is fast-paced, and I did not mind that at all. It also makes it easier to follow along with the story without being too blindsided by what is happening. I did not see the twists coming, thinking the book was going one way when it was going another.
I look forward to what is in store for Tim.
I was a bit hesitant going into this book, as it is a little outside of what I typically read; however, I absolutely loved it and devoured it in a day. Our story follows Tim as he struggles with past trauma and is introduced into an unknown world. As he delves deeper into the unknown, secrets from his past begin to emerge, and Tim begins to learn the truth about those around him.
The magic system is unique, and the world-building is different from other books I have read. The world is described in a way that makes it easy to grasp, but also leaves the reader wanting to know more. As this is the first book, we are just at the tip of the iceberg, but after that ending, the world Tim is in is about to get a whole lot bigger.
This book is fast-paced, and I did not mind that at all. It also makes it easier to follow along with the story without being too blindsided by what is happening. I did not see the twists coming, thinking the book was going one way when it was going another.
I look forward to what is in store for Tim.
November 18, 2025
A Masterclass in Pacing and Imagination
This YA fantasy offers an immediate and immersive experience, driven by exceptional pacing and a masterfully constructed plot. The narrative is tautly written, building suspense around the protagonist, Tim, and his complex past, leading to a genuinely unpredictable and satisfying climax. What elevates this novel is its unique and seamlessly integrated magic system, supported by strong world-building that never overwhelms. The author handles serious themes like trauma and mental health with maturity and heart, ensuring the character development is as rich as the fantasy setting. This is a compulsive, high-quality read that will resonate with a broad audience.
This YA fantasy offers an immediate and immersive experience, driven by exceptional pacing and a masterfully constructed plot. The narrative is tautly written, building suspense around the protagonist, Tim, and his complex past, leading to a genuinely unpredictable and satisfying climax. What elevates this novel is its unique and seamlessly integrated magic system, supported by strong world-building that never overwhelms. The author handles serious themes like trauma and mental health with maturity and heart, ensuring the character development is as rich as the fantasy setting. This is a compulsive, high-quality read that will resonate with a broad audience.
November 27, 2025
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Tim is just entering high school, he has spent most of his life as a loner and now has to deal with knowing his dad is never being realized from the mental hospital on top of starting a new school where he is immediately selected as the jocks new kid to bully.
His mom sets him up to meet with the school counselor which leads him to meeting his first true friends. Only to find out these friends awaken him to a world of elemental magic and all the dangers that come with it.
I really enjoyed the world building and major character plot reveals in this story. I read it all in one sitting I was that hooked to find out what happens next. Very excited to see where this series goes.
Tim is just entering high school, he has spent most of his life as a loner and now has to deal with knowing his dad is never being realized from the mental hospital on top of starting a new school where he is immediately selected as the jocks new kid to bully.
His mom sets him up to meet with the school counselor which leads him to meeting his first true friends. Only to find out these friends awaken him to a world of elemental magic and all the dangers that come with it.
I really enjoyed the world building and major character plot reveals in this story. I read it all in one sitting I was that hooked to find out what happens next. Very excited to see where this series goes.
November 27, 2025
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Tim is just entering high school, he has spent most of his life as a loner and now has to deal with knowing his dad is never being realized from the mental hospital on top of starting a new school where he is immediately selected as the jocks new kid to bully.
His mom sets him up to meet with the school counselor which leads him to meeting his first true friends. Only to find out these friends awaken him to a world of elemental magic and all the dangers that come with it.
I really enjoyed the world building and major character plot reveals in this story. I read it all in one sitting I was that hooked to find out what happens next. Very excited to see where this series goes.
Tim is just entering high school, he has spent most of his life as a loner and now has to deal with knowing his dad is never being realized from the mental hospital on top of starting a new school where he is immediately selected as the jocks new kid to bully.
His mom sets him up to meet with the school counselor which leads him to meeting his first true friends. Only to find out these friends awaken him to a world of elemental magic and all the dangers that come with it.
I really enjoyed the world building and major character plot reveals in this story. I read it all in one sitting I was that hooked to find out what happens next. Very excited to see where this series goes.
December 12, 2025
Children of Dusk is a fast-moving YA fantasy that packs a surprising emotional punch. Tim, still carrying the weight of past trauma and years of loneliness, enters high school already struggling with the reality that his father will never leave the mental hospital. Targeted by bullies from day one, he’s thrown a lifeline when the school counselor introduces him to the first real friends he’s ever had—friends who reveal a world of elemental magic and lurking danger. The twists are relentless, the world-building vivid, and Tim’s journey heartfelt and raw. I tore through it in one sitting. That cliffhanger? Devastating. I need more.
December 17, 2025
Thank you, James, for providing me with an ARC of Children of Dusk.
I was hooked by the second page! I am definitely buying the paperback because I just have to my own physical copy. I've recommended to a few friends that want to get into YA Fantasy as I feel this is a great story for someone wanting to get into the genre.
Again, grateful to James C. Struck for allowing me to read an advanced copy of your book. Looking forward to book two.
I was hooked by the second page! I am definitely buying the paperback because I just have to my own physical copy. I've recommended to a few friends that want to get into YA Fantasy as I feel this is a great story for someone wanting to get into the genre.
Again, grateful to James C. Struck for allowing me to read an advanced copy of your book. Looking forward to book two.
November 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and while it started off as a page turner, I quickly started to lose interest once I hit the halfway point and I didn’t understand the ending. I just don’t think that magical fantasies are for me.
December 16, 2025
Tim has not had an easy life. An accident leaves Tim with life long injuries that make Tim an outcast. A secret kept for over 10 years leads Tim into danger is he not prepared for. Acquaintances become enemies, and people Tim has know his entire life become strangers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm not usually a fan of third person pov, but for this story, it worked. It was a cute little coming of age story with some twist. Slower start, but once you get to about the middle, it starts to pick up its pace.
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