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Aether Guardian: The Mark of Shadows
Liberation. Loyalty. Light.
Enter the world of Aether Guardian with the first book of a stunning fantasy series. This tale of magic and danger is perfect for fans of John Flanagan, Christopher Paolini, and Joseph Delaney.
Her power could save the world—if it doesn’t destroy her first.
In the city of Erebus, young women are trained for ten years to become Sisters—elite warriors wielding Aether to protect humanity from the monstrous beasts that roam beyond the city walls. For Cecilia, it’s a chance to prove her worth. But when her Soul Stone awakens with a forbidden Aether, everything changes.
Branded a heretic. Distrusted by her team. Feared by the very institution that trained her.
Assigned to a squad that barely tolerates her presence, Cecilia must survive grueling missions, master a power no one understands, and unravel the truth behind the High Church’s hidden agendas. As beasts begin to breach the city’s defenses and ancient enemies stir in the shadows, Cecilia and her squad are thrust into a battle far beyond what they trained for.
The world doesn’t want her. But it just might need her.
Enter the world of Aether Guardian with the first book of a stunning fantasy series. This tale of magic and danger is perfect for fans of John Flanagan, Christopher Paolini, and Joseph Delaney.
Her power could save the world—if it doesn’t destroy her first.
In the city of Erebus, young women are trained for ten years to become Sisters—elite warriors wielding Aether to protect humanity from the monstrous beasts that roam beyond the city walls. For Cecilia, it’s a chance to prove her worth. But when her Soul Stone awakens with a forbidden Aether, everything changes.
Branded a heretic. Distrusted by her team. Feared by the very institution that trained her.
Assigned to a squad that barely tolerates her presence, Cecilia must survive grueling missions, master a power no one understands, and unravel the truth behind the High Church’s hidden agendas. As beasts begin to breach the city’s defenses and ancient enemies stir in the shadows, Cecilia and her squad are thrust into a battle far beyond what they trained for.
The world doesn’t want her. But it just might need her.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 18, 2026
Aether Guardian is a fantastic start to what is destined to become a beloved series.
The story-telling, the world-building, the sensory detail... all conspire to provide an immersive, fast-paced read.
Our Guardian, Cecilia (you're breakin' my heart!) is well-drawn, realistic, and powerful without knowing it. Her development is steady and sure, her doubts are human and real. Her first glimpses of the corruption that she is bound to serve plant seeds for the future of the series.
Her squad is led by a wise-woman, and includes two mean girls. But the disdain of her two squad-mates only serves to strengthen her resolve.
Highly recommended, and looking forward to the next installment!
The story-telling, the world-building, the sensory detail... all conspire to provide an immersive, fast-paced read.
Our Guardian, Cecilia (you're breakin' my heart!) is well-drawn, realistic, and powerful without knowing it. Her development is steady and sure, her doubts are human and real. Her first glimpses of the corruption that she is bound to serve plant seeds for the future of the series.
Her squad is led by a wise-woman, and includes two mean girls. But the disdain of her two squad-mates only serves to strengthen her resolve.
Highly recommended, and looking forward to the next installment!
November 9, 2025
I had the privilege of being able to read the ARC a few months ago. This was a good beginning to this fantasy world. I like a story that keeps me interested and wanting to come back for more. This book had enough mystery and intrigue to do that for me. And with this being this writer's first book I can only see the storyline coming together and getting better throughout the series. I look forward to more Aether Guardian!
January 7, 2026
A New and Exciting World
Aether Guardian is a very fun read! Following the main character, Cecelia, as she overcomes internal and external forces is engaging, especially as she strives to be her best when everyone around her wants to see her fail. This book does a great job of establishing the characters, setting, and stakes of the world, which I am excited to see grow in future books!
Aether Guardian is a very fun read! Following the main character, Cecelia, as she overcomes internal and external forces is engaging, especially as she strives to be her best when everyone around her wants to see her fail. This book does a great job of establishing the characters, setting, and stakes of the world, which I am excited to see grow in future books!
January 17, 2026
This book is really polished for an indie debut. I loved all of it. Great characters, immersive descriptions, excellent pacing. This author knows what he's doing! I can't wait to read another one! I left the story wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews