Purity

by Luke Presneill, David Haviland (Editor)

Corbeauroch was once the capital of the world, a thriving metropolis with access to all of Eden. Now, it is a ruin where even the seabirds fear to nest. Nothing more than a mountainous skeleton standing as a monument to the maelstrom which once brewed in the bowels of the city. Events of pure emotion and fanaticism once festered in every shadow, and gave birth to the destinies which would shape an entire world.

Broken by the death of her mother, Chantelle is forced to care for herself whilst her father falls into his own grief. Little does Chantelle know, that her father Cicero, is at the head of the cult. Formed in the depths of the mountain, and they are plotting something sinister. However, vengeance driven by hatred rarely results in the suffering of those responsible. As a peculiar murder is witnessed by a young engineering apprentice, Jean finds himself at the centre of a plot he cannot fully understand.

Come and see a uniquely vivid world come to life, as it fights the throes of dark mysteries at the core of its creation. A thrilling exploration of murder, mystery, and the people whose lives are affected by it all.

442 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Purity not quite knowing what to expect and it turned out to be a really enjoyable read. What stood out for me most was the atmosphere, there’s a constant sense that something bigger is going on beneath the surface and that feeling stays with you throughout. The world feels carefully put together with a strong focus on belief and how it shapes people and events, which gives the story a bit more depth than your typical fantasy. It doesn’t rush but it takes its time to draw you in and by the end youre fully invested in where things are heading. As a debut, it shows a lot of promise and it definitely feels like the start of a much larger story. I’ll be interested to see where the author takes you in the next book.

[Gill Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to give this new author a try and I’m really glad I did. This dark fantasy was an enjoyable read, with a world that feels rich and well imagined. It unfolds at a steady pace, but it draws you in with a storyline that brings together a murder and a dark mystery. You can tell the story is building towards something bigger and it’s clear there’s more to come with a sequel on the way. A strong debut that’s definitely worth your time.

[Michelle Presneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual choice of genre, however throughly enjoyed this debut novel , it’s left me wanting more.