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The Path We Choose: The Ghost of Suncrest
A boy falls. A hero rises. A kingdom trembles.
You’ve read it before.
If you like your heroes clean and neat, close the book now.
Twelve-year-old Caleb lives in a world where a man’s worth is measured by his strength. In a village hollowed by famine, he is invisible—until a desperate attempt to feed his family ends at the bottom of a ravine.
Caleb Webber died that day.
The Crown gives him a new name and buries him in the palace shadows. There, he is sharpened into something useful. Something dangerous.
A weapon.
As a foreign conflict looms, he moves where danger lurks and secrets have a price. But ghosts have a way of haunting the living, and the kingdom now teeters on the edge of a war it cannot win.
He must decide what he truly the weapon he was built to be, or the boy who once swore to save his family.
Welcome to a life fought on two
the soil and the soul.
You’ve read it before.
If you like your heroes clean and neat, close the book now.
Twelve-year-old Caleb lives in a world where a man’s worth is measured by his strength. In a village hollowed by famine, he is invisible—until a desperate attempt to feed his family ends at the bottom of a ravine.
Caleb Webber died that day.
The Crown gives him a new name and buries him in the palace shadows. There, he is sharpened into something useful. Something dangerous.
A weapon.
As a foreign conflict looms, he moves where danger lurks and secrets have a price. But ghosts have a way of haunting the living, and the kingdom now teeters on the edge of a war it cannot win.
He must decide what he truly the weapon he was built to be, or the boy who once swore to save his family.
Welcome to a life fought on two
the soil and the soul.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
About the author
Vanessa Ferreira
1 bookVanessa Ferreira writes stories for the souls who find beauty in the shadows and strength in the unseen. With a heart for deep emotion and a penchant for the mysterious, she believes that even when the road behind is broken, the path forward is always ours to carve.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 10, 2026
Thank you to the author for sharing this book with me. I listened to the audiobook, and it did not disappoint. From the very beginning I was pulled in. The narrator tells the story in a way that completely grips you. This isn’t my usual genre, but it sounded interesting, and I’m really glad I read this one. Caleb’s story will have you rooting for him, and I ended up finishing it in a single day. It’s fast paced, intriguing, and so easy to get lost in.
May 10, 2026
*3.5⭐️
first of all, thank you so much to the sweet author for providing me with the book! I feel like if you want a short story about a boy trying to find his place in the world of unrest, this one might be for you. I liked it!
the mmc caleb was definitely a strong character. I loved following him as he grew older and seeing how he navigated the king's requests. however, I do feel like we didn't get to see enough of his family. I wish I could've seen more interactions between them.
the writing style was easy to understand and made it feel like I was flying through the story. I also really appreciated the pictures in each chapter. they were so atmospheric!
when it comes to the plot itself, I think I preferred the first half of the book, I didn't particularly care about the ending. the first half was intriguing, and I loved seeing caleb interact with other characters. the second half didn't really have that. the part about the war could've also been just a little more detailed, I felt like we wrapped it all up a bit too quickly.
with that being said, it still is a great book to pick up if you want something short and compelling.
first of all, thank you so much to the sweet author for providing me with the book! I feel like if you want a short story about a boy trying to find his place in the world of unrest, this one might be for you. I liked it!
the mmc caleb was definitely a strong character. I loved following him as he grew older and seeing how he navigated the king's requests. however, I do feel like we didn't get to see enough of his family. I wish I could've seen more interactions between them.
the writing style was easy to understand and made it feel like I was flying through the story. I also really appreciated the pictures in each chapter. they were so atmospheric!
when it comes to the plot itself, I think I preferred the first half of the book, I didn't particularly care about the ending. the first half was intriguing, and I loved seeing caleb interact with other characters. the second half didn't really have that. the part about the war could've also been just a little more detailed, I felt like we wrapped it all up a bit too quickly.
with that being said, it still is a great book to pick up if you want something short and compelling.
June 30, 2026
I received The Path We Choose after the author reached out and asked if I'd be interested in reading her debut novel. She described it as a grimdark fantasy that didn't pull its punches, and that immediately caught my attention.
She wasn't exaggerating.
The premise was enough to hook me, but it was the story and the characters that kept me invested. From the opening chapters, the atmosphere feels bleak and uneasy, and that tension rarely lets up. The pacing is excellent, with each chapter giving you another reason to keep turning the pages.
What surprised me most was how quickly I became attached to the characters. They feel like real people, and because of that, every success and loss carries genuine emotional weight. The relationships are just as compelling as the action, and they give the story its heart.
The world is harsh, the stakes are consistently high, and there was never a point where I felt the story dragged. Every chapter pushed the narrative forward while revealing a little more about the larger mystery unfolding behind the scenes.
The ending strikes a nice balance. It delivers a satisfying conclusion to this part of the story while naturally setting up the next installment without feeling like a cliffhanger for the sake of one.
For a debut novel, I came away genuinely impressed. If you enjoy grimdark fantasy with memorable characters, constant tension, and an emotionally driven story, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a chance.
I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes next, and book two has become one of my most anticipated upcoming reads.
She wasn't exaggerating.
The premise was enough to hook me, but it was the story and the characters that kept me invested. From the opening chapters, the atmosphere feels bleak and uneasy, and that tension rarely lets up. The pacing is excellent, with each chapter giving you another reason to keep turning the pages.
What surprised me most was how quickly I became attached to the characters. They feel like real people, and because of that, every success and loss carries genuine emotional weight. The relationships are just as compelling as the action, and they give the story its heart.
The world is harsh, the stakes are consistently high, and there was never a point where I felt the story dragged. Every chapter pushed the narrative forward while revealing a little more about the larger mystery unfolding behind the scenes.
The ending strikes a nice balance. It delivers a satisfying conclusion to this part of the story while naturally setting up the next installment without feeling like a cliffhanger for the sake of one.
For a debut novel, I came away genuinely impressed. If you enjoy grimdark fantasy with memorable characters, constant tension, and an emotionally driven story, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a chance.
I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series goes next, and book two has become one of my most anticipated upcoming reads.
May 17, 2026
Title: The Path We Choose: The Ghost of Suncrest
Author: Vanessa Ferreira
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.5 stars
This book follows a young man, Caleb, who got hurt while running away from his bullies. To save his family from living a harsh life and because of the love he has for his mother and siblings, he decided to be in the King’s service. However, that means that he has to be declared dead and cannot return to his previous life. Caleb was trained to be a ghost by his savior, and he grew up to be a lethal and useful asset to his king.
This fantasy book feels like a short story, and it is very fast-paced. I wish there were more character dynamics between the characters. His handler/trainer is supposedly his father figure, but I don’t feel it in the book. It could probably be because the story is fast-paced. I also don’t see much character growth in this book, but I noticed this is the first book in the series. Therefore, we might see more growth and self-discovery from Caleb. However, I truly enjoy the book since I do like the genre and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing where this character will go and how the series will grow. This is definitely a 3.5-stars read for me.
I'd also like to mention that the author approached me, and I received a copy from her. Thank you so much, Vanessa.
Author: Vanessa Ferreira
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.5 stars
This book follows a young man, Caleb, who got hurt while running away from his bullies. To save his family from living a harsh life and because of the love he has for his mother and siblings, he decided to be in the King’s service. However, that means that he has to be declared dead and cannot return to his previous life. Caleb was trained to be a ghost by his savior, and he grew up to be a lethal and useful asset to his king.
This fantasy book feels like a short story, and it is very fast-paced. I wish there were more character dynamics between the characters. His handler/trainer is supposedly his father figure, but I don’t feel it in the book. It could probably be because the story is fast-paced. I also don’t see much character growth in this book, but I noticed this is the first book in the series. Therefore, we might see more growth and self-discovery from Caleb. However, I truly enjoy the book since I do like the genre and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing where this character will go and how the series will grow. This is definitely a 3.5-stars read for me.
I'd also like to mention that the author approached me, and I received a copy from her. Thank you so much, Vanessa.
June 22, 2026
A dark and haunting descent into destiny, identity, and the cost of survival --
This story was full of intrigue and really kept me wondering what was going to happen throughout the book. Caleb is a very tragic character, who you root for at every moment, but who just can’t seem to catch a break. The book is full of poignant imagery and metaphors that kept me eagerly trying to unravel its secrets.
However, a lot of the paragraphs are one sentence which was great for enhancing the maximum impact of the lines but also could be exhausting. Even dialog was broken in places sentence by sentence or phrase by phrase so that each had its own line. It made it challenging at times to discern what was important and what wasn’t.
It was a good read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to reading more from Vanessa Ferreira.
This story was full of intrigue and really kept me wondering what was going to happen throughout the book. Caleb is a very tragic character, who you root for at every moment, but who just can’t seem to catch a break. The book is full of poignant imagery and metaphors that kept me eagerly trying to unravel its secrets.
However, a lot of the paragraphs are one sentence which was great for enhancing the maximum impact of the lines but also could be exhausting. Even dialog was broken in places sentence by sentence or phrase by phrase so that each had its own line. It made it challenging at times to discern what was important and what wasn’t.
It was a good read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to reading more from Vanessa Ferreira.
September 16, 2026
Review 📝 (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ⚠️)
I would like to start off by saying thank you to the author! She had reached out to me and provided a free digital copy of her book The Path We Choose: The Ghost of Suncrest, I am very grateful for the opportunity! This book felt like stepping into a story your parents told you at bedtime. I found myself getting lost in the story and being on edge every time Alastor (Caleb) came across a new challenge or struggle. The first portion of the book I found most interesting as you watch him become this ‘ghost’ for a semi corrupt empire and see his humanity be challenged. The Servant was also an interesting father figure character, I found the descriptions and photos provided in the story helped with visualization. However towards the middle/end of the book I was losing focus and wasn't as entertained until the very end when there is a big reveal. I would also say that the target audience may be more towards the YA/teen crowd, but still a fun read.
I would like to start off by saying thank you to the author! She had reached out to me and provided a free digital copy of her book The Path We Choose: The Ghost of Suncrest, I am very grateful for the opportunity! This book felt like stepping into a story your parents told you at bedtime. I found myself getting lost in the story and being on edge every time Alastor (Caleb) came across a new challenge or struggle. The first portion of the book I found most interesting as you watch him become this ‘ghost’ for a semi corrupt empire and see his humanity be challenged. The Servant was also an interesting father figure character, I found the descriptions and photos provided in the story helped with visualization. However towards the middle/end of the book I was losing focus and wasn't as entertained until the very end when there is a big reveal. I would also say that the target audience may be more towards the YA/teen crowd, but still a fun read.
May 28, 2026
“Survival is a debt you owe the version of yourself that refused to die. Don’t make a liar of him.”
This is not my normal genre but was recommended the book by the author, Vanessa.
The Path We Choose is a story about resilience and perseverance. We follow young Caleb as he leaves his old life behind for a new one: to become a weapon for The Crown, where he essentially becomes a ghost.
“There are things in this world that thrive in the dark.”
I enjoyed reading Caleb/Alastor’s story and was eager to find out where his path would take him. The novel is pretty fast-paced and there was always something happening. And there is a second and third book coming as well!
Thank you Vanessa for the recommendation:)
This is not my normal genre but was recommended the book by the author, Vanessa.
The Path We Choose is a story about resilience and perseverance. We follow young Caleb as he leaves his old life behind for a new one: to become a weapon for The Crown, where he essentially becomes a ghost.
“There are things in this world that thrive in the dark.”
I enjoyed reading Caleb/Alastor’s story and was eager to find out where his path would take him. The novel is pretty fast-paced and there was always something happening. And there is a second and third book coming as well!
Thank you Vanessa for the recommendation:)
July 15, 2026
Oh my giblets. Such a good read. It was full of emotion and adventure from the very beginning all the way till the end. Book one is definitely the start to a heart wrenching world of finding who you are at such a young age with everyone telling you one thing and believing in something else.
The writing style pulls you in and wraps you in the grime and blood that spills onto the pages as we follow this 12 year old boy into a life he shouldn’t have to live.
The first half of the book really pulls you in and shows you how Caleb is and how he’s changing from a scared little boy who wanted more to a young man who cares for others even when he doesn’t know them and loves to his fullest extent.
I can’t wait to see what Caleb does next and what Suncrest has in store for us.
The writing style pulls you in and wraps you in the grime and blood that spills onto the pages as we follow this 12 year old boy into a life he shouldn’t have to live.
The first half of the book really pulls you in and shows you how Caleb is and how he’s changing from a scared little boy who wanted more to a young man who cares for others even when he doesn’t know them and loves to his fullest extent.
I can’t wait to see what Caleb does next and what Suncrest has in store for us.
August 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for gifting me an audiobook copy!
I really, really enjoyed this one. I absolutely flew through it.
The only thing keeping this from being a full 5 stars for me was that I wanted more. I wish it had been a little longer because I felt like it lacked depth at times. Some of the relationships and emotional moments felt like they could have been explored further, and I would have loved to spend more time with his family in the beginning.
That said, I still had a great time with it. It's engaging, fast-paced, and kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you're looking for a book that's easy to get lost in and hard to put down, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an audiobook copy!
I really, really enjoyed this one. I absolutely flew through it.
The only thing keeping this from being a full 5 stars for me was that I wanted more. I wish it had been a little longer because I felt like it lacked depth at times. Some of the relationships and emotional moments felt like they could have been explored further, and I would have loved to spend more time with his family in the beginning.
That said, I still had a great time with it. It's engaging, fast-paced, and kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you're looking for a book that's easy to get lost in and hard to put down, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
August 29, 2026
ARC Review
“Survival is a debt you owe the version of yourself that refused to die. Don’t make a liar of him.”
This is a dark fantasy about a young boy named Caleb who’s life changes in the blink of an eye. Caleb is forced to grow up quickly and choose a path he never considered. He becomes a ghost in almost every sense of the word. A weapon. And this is the beginning of his story.
I enjoyed this book. It’s very different, but it draws you in. You quickly become invested in Caleb and his life.
The book is a quick, easy read. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to following Caleb’s story in the future. Overall, this was a 4-star read for me. Thank you @thepathwechoose.archive for the opportunity to read your book! I look forward to reading more of the story!
“Survival is a debt you owe the version of yourself that refused to die. Don’t make a liar of him.”
This is a dark fantasy about a young boy named Caleb who’s life changes in the blink of an eye. Caleb is forced to grow up quickly and choose a path he never considered. He becomes a ghost in almost every sense of the word. A weapon. And this is the beginning of his story.
I enjoyed this book. It’s very different, but it draws you in. You quickly become invested in Caleb and his life.
The book is a quick, easy read. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to following Caleb’s story in the future. Overall, this was a 4-star read for me. Thank you @thepathwechoose.archive for the opportunity to read your book! I look forward to reading more of the story!
September 8, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of the audiobook in exchange for a review!
This was a dark, atmospheric novella that was such a pleasure to listen to - Alexander Guy made the listening experience excellent.
The story feels like something that could be happening in the Middle Ages but is also something totally its own- I was instantly drawn in. The story follows Caleb, who we meet at age 12 when he's fleeing the wrath of his father and finds himself at the bottom of a canyon. Instead of dying, he finds himself reborn and reformed in the shape of an immortal warrior. We then follow Caleb as he is honed as a weapon and is used to conquer enemy forces.
I found that the only thing I didn't love was how short it was- I felt so invested and then it was over...but I know there are more coming next year, and I can't wait to listen to those when they are published!
This was a dark, atmospheric novella that was such a pleasure to listen to - Alexander Guy made the listening experience excellent.
The story feels like something that could be happening in the Middle Ages but is also something totally its own- I was instantly drawn in. The story follows Caleb, who we meet at age 12 when he's fleeing the wrath of his father and finds himself at the bottom of a canyon. Instead of dying, he finds himself reborn and reformed in the shape of an immortal warrior. We then follow Caleb as he is honed as a weapon and is used to conquer enemy forces.
I found that the only thing I didn't love was how short it was- I felt so invested and then it was over...but I know there are more coming next year, and I can't wait to listen to those when they are published!
April 28, 2026
This was such a great book that once I started reading I could not put down. The world was built so well that there never was a time you had to struggle to figure out what was happening and why the characters were doing what they did. Sometimes with books in this genre you will find it slows down to explain the what and whys, and this never did. Though the course of the book, you really go on the journey and it flows so well.
September 12, 2026
I impatiently waited to be able to get this audiobook. I had the ebook, but after hearing the sample, I had to have the audio. It did not disappoint. I haven't been gripped by a book in this way in a long time. There are usually areas of a book that feel slower, but not this one. I literally say at the edge of my bed, gripping my phone in my hand, while I followed along with the ebook.
I can't wait for the 2nd part
I can't wait for the 2nd part
September 15, 2026
We follow 12 year old Caleb in this coming of age dark fantasy, as he is given a second chance at life by the King of Suncrest. For this new life he has to leave everything he's ever known behind and become the Kings ghost.
This story was quite a surprise. The way it was written made it fast paced and enjoyable. The art inside also cought me by surprise. The only downside for me was that I wished it was a bit longer.
This story was quite a surprise. The way it was written made it fast paced and enjoyable. The art inside also cought me by surprise. The only downside for me was that I wished it was a bit longer.
June 2, 2026
This book is a dark fantasy about a boy who is saved from death but molded into a weapon by the crown. I enjoyed the character development in the book as well as the action. It is a short well written novel and very fast paced. There were also small illustrations throughout the book - I really loved this. It’s so rare to find that in adult novels and it was a wonderful surprise.
June 5, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly I really enjoyed this book! The artwork included is beautifully rendered. The story telling is simple and easy to read, making it feel easy to binge.
I do feel quite bad for our MMC who never seems to have any good turns, hopefully in the sequels he will.
The beginning is similar to the story of Fitz from the farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb but takes a much darker turn. Trigger warnings need to be heeded by those who find violence gruesome as it has some very graphic torture scenes.
The ending felt slightly rushed but then also alludes to a sequel.
Overall, if you enjoy a medieval fantasy with a strong MMC who grows stronger after enduring much pain you will enjoy this book!
Honestly I really enjoyed this book! The artwork included is beautifully rendered. The story telling is simple and easy to read, making it feel easy to binge.
I do feel quite bad for our MMC who never seems to have any good turns, hopefully in the sequels he will.
The beginning is similar to the story of Fitz from the farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb but takes a much darker turn. Trigger warnings need to be heeded by those who find violence gruesome as it has some very graphic torture scenes.
The ending felt slightly rushed but then also alludes to a sequel.
Overall, if you enjoy a medieval fantasy with a strong MMC who grows stronger after enduring much pain you will enjoy this book!
April 20, 2026
Review of advance copy received from the author.
The Paths We Choose is one of those quietly powerful books that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Vanessa Ferreira explores the delicate balance between fate and free will, weaving a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
I have to mention Caleb — I absolutely loved his character. Watching him be forced to become a “ghost” just to stay alive added such a haunting layer to his character and made his story even more gripping. There was something so genuine and grounding about him, and the way his journey unfolded added so much emotional weight to the story. He’s the kind of character that stays with you. After a near death experience and rescue by the mysterious 'Servant', Caleb is presented with a choice that means he has to bury Caleb and become a new person called Alastor. In return his family will receive gold for his 'death.'
The writing is beautifully introspective without feeling heavy, but it also knows when to pick up the pace — the epic fighting scenes in the final chapters completely caught me off guard in the best way. They added intensity and stakes that made it impossible to put the book down.
Overall this is a story about love, loss, growth, and ultimately, finding the courage to choose your own path — even when it’s uncertain. The ending was fantastic and I'm looking forward to following Alastor's story in the next book.
The Paths We Choose is one of those quietly powerful books that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Vanessa Ferreira explores the delicate balance between fate and free will, weaving a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
I have to mention Caleb — I absolutely loved his character. Watching him be forced to become a “ghost” just to stay alive added such a haunting layer to his character and made his story even more gripping. There was something so genuine and grounding about him, and the way his journey unfolded added so much emotional weight to the story. He’s the kind of character that stays with you. After a near death experience and rescue by the mysterious 'Servant', Caleb is presented with a choice that means he has to bury Caleb and become a new person called Alastor. In return his family will receive gold for his 'death.'
The writing is beautifully introspective without feeling heavy, but it also knows when to pick up the pace — the epic fighting scenes in the final chapters completely caught me off guard in the best way. They added intensity and stakes that made it impossible to put the book down.
Overall this is a story about love, loss, growth, and ultimately, finding the courage to choose your own path — even when it’s uncertain. The ending was fantastic and I'm looking forward to following Alastor's story in the next book.
May 30, 2026
Lovely, short and faced paced. Once I picked this up I did not want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews