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Purity
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.
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
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 18, 2026
A heartfelt story that stays on your mind long after turning the final page. The author was able to write suffering that feels intimate rather than sensationalized, pulling you so deeply into the characters’ emotions that it becomes impossible to remain detached or simply an observer. This is not a story that simply tells you people are hurting; it makes you sit with that pain, hurt, examine it, and understand the many shapes and forms it can take.
There were passages I found myself rereading, not because they were complicated, but because they captured grief, loneliness, and resilience with so much clarity. The author was able to show that the most devastating moments are often the quietest ones, and he gives those moments room to breathe.
A book that lands emotionally, and powerfully with a few slow paced sections but an overall excellent read.
There were passages I found myself rereading, not because they were complicated, but because they captured grief, loneliness, and resilience with so much clarity. The author was able to show that the most devastating moments are often the quietest ones, and he gives those moments room to breathe.
A book that lands emotionally, and powerfully with a few slow paced sections but an overall excellent read.
June 5, 2026
With rich world-building, this book hooked me till the end. With a slow start, it slowly builds to a dark fantasy mixed with murder. Death, a hidden religious order, and vengeance drive Purity into the book it is. As pasts uncover This book should be turned into a series. I highly recommend this book.
March 26, 2026
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.
June 10, 2026
The voxbox in Eden
The ruined city at the centre of Luke Presneill's debut — carved into mountains, abandoned even by seabirds, haunted by the fanaticism that destroyed it — is the kind of setting that does genuine atmospheric work, and Purity earns its gothic credentials largely through the sustained weight of that place. The world Presneill has built around it is dense with invention. A glossary at the back confirms the scope of the worldbuilding investment, and coming to this as a debut, I was genuinely impressed by the coherence of Eden as a constructed world — rival empires, competing religious orders, and the particular texture of a civilisation that destroyed itself through belief. The three narrative threads, Jean-Chantelle- Cicero, interweave slowly enough that the full shape of the mystery takes time to resolve.
The prose is where PURITY asks the most of its reader. Presneill writes with a descriptive density that in the early chapters tips into overabundance — adjectives accumulate faster than they can be absorbed, and some of the fresher metaphors land in registers that feel tonal mismatches for the material. The later chapters pull back from this noticeably, and the writing steadies into something more controlled. These are minor issues that a second novel will likely address, and they sit alongside genuine strengths: the handling of faith as a force that transforms into fanaticism, the atmosphere of a city whose past is physically present in its ruins, and the slow accumulation of dread that characterises the best gothic fiction.
PURITY is a suggestive debut with enough imaginative substance to make the next instalment worth waiting for. Presneill has built a world that earns its darkness. A great read for dark fantasy enthusiasts!
The ruined city at the centre of Luke Presneill's debut — carved into mountains, abandoned even by seabirds, haunted by the fanaticism that destroyed it — is the kind of setting that does genuine atmospheric work, and Purity earns its gothic credentials largely through the sustained weight of that place. The world Presneill has built around it is dense with invention. A glossary at the back confirms the scope of the worldbuilding investment, and coming to this as a debut, I was genuinely impressed by the coherence of Eden as a constructed world — rival empires, competing religious orders, and the particular texture of a civilisation that destroyed itself through belief. The three narrative threads, Jean-Chantelle- Cicero, interweave slowly enough that the full shape of the mystery takes time to resolve.
The prose is where PURITY asks the most of its reader. Presneill writes with a descriptive density that in the early chapters tips into overabundance — adjectives accumulate faster than they can be absorbed, and some of the fresher metaphors land in registers that feel tonal mismatches for the material. The later chapters pull back from this noticeably, and the writing steadies into something more controlled. These are minor issues that a second novel will likely address, and they sit alongside genuine strengths: the handling of faith as a force that transforms into fanaticism, the atmosphere of a city whose past is physically present in its ruins, and the slow accumulation of dread that characterises the best gothic fiction.
PURITY is a suggestive debut with enough imaginative substance to make the next instalment worth waiting for. Presneill has built a world that earns its darkness. A great read for dark fantasy enthusiasts!
June 24, 2026
A comedian once said, ‘I’m paying all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order.’ This novel has some interesting aspects, but it is badly executed. The prologue begins at sea, but this seems to have no relevance to the story. Jean and Chantelle are the children of other characters, but I am reluctant to call them the protagonists as I’m not sure who that is. Our Purity appears to be a religious cult among other beliefs, but I’m not sure what they stand for. Amara was obviously meant to be part of a sacred sacrifice, but she engineered her own suicide. It would then be hard to call this a murder mystery when the person is not murdered, plus it is a quarter of the way through the book. There is a steampunk element with the prosthetics of Bernard and Damien, along with Abigail’s steam-powered wheelchair, which is interesting, but this just appears as a layer of difficulty rather than moving the story forward.
The narrative is also a little clunky and hard to follow in places. Although the following examples are easily fixed edits, they also imply an underlying lack of clarity.
p.16 “His wrists were already aching in his late teens.” I assume the writer is trying to convey a long-term weakness.
p.16-7 “As he was getting dressed, other doors in the flat were thrown open as his found family began making their way into the house.” Found family?
p.18 “Francis stood at the door, holding his bag in one hand as he nodded his head out on the planks to get them moving.”
Redundant repetition, p.23 ”Thank you, Mag,” Jean said, he said ..”
p.35 “Below, crows circled as the murder plotted its next move.”
p.37 “No,” Cicero said, turned pull the door open for Victor.”
p.69 “Victor tested the waters, only to find they were they weren’t boiling”
Generally, the characters and their relationships are interesting, but the story lacks a central focus to hold the narrative together. The description also poses a lot of questions that the story does not answer.
The narrative is also a little clunky and hard to follow in places. Although the following examples are easily fixed edits, they also imply an underlying lack of clarity.
p.16 “His wrists were already aching in his late teens.” I assume the writer is trying to convey a long-term weakness.
p.16-7 “As he was getting dressed, other doors in the flat were thrown open as his found family began making their way into the house.” Found family?
p.18 “Francis stood at the door, holding his bag in one hand as he nodded his head out on the planks to get them moving.”
Redundant repetition, p.23 ”Thank you, Mag,” Jean said, he said ..”
p.35 “Below, crows circled as the murder plotted its next move.”
p.37 “No,” Cicero said, turned pull the door open for Victor.”
p.69 “Victor tested the waters, only to find they were they weren’t boiling”
Generally, the characters and their relationships are interesting, but the story lacks a central focus to hold the narrative together. The description also poses a lot of questions that the story does not answer.
June 18, 2026
This Suspenseful Dark Fantasy Gives Adrenaline Rush
When Amara Rachat, the matron of the Cathedral of the Hidden Light, dies under suspicious circumstances, it kick-starts an investigation that opens a can of worms.
The culprit behind it confides that it was an accident that he capitalized on, while his accomplice calls it a “no speakeasy brawl gone wrong” and high-profile self-harm that requires careful handling before publicizing it.
And the key witness to the circumstances, Jean Rèa, “ever the problem-solving engineer” who had witnessed “more than death…had witnessed murder”, is also trying to understand why his mentor whom he looked up to is “at the centre of what seemed to be a cult.” He knows it's wrong and must do something about it, despite not knowing what or with who.
Enter Chantelle Bowman, a young girl mourning her murdered mother amid her absentee father who has been abandoning everything, including his old work, things they did together and abandoning her. Regardless, it's a shocker when a vicar-to-be confidante offers to take out her father if she continues hurting her. “You’re mad.” But Chantelle should have known better than to call her mad and defend her own manipulative father Cicero whom she doesn't know leads a cult, beneath ancient ruins, preparing for the coming promised day.
Following the death of Amara, a threat from within, “the sacrifice is dead” and they must therefore find a replacement quickly and nothing will hinder their quest for paradise. Thus, they must replace the lost sacrifice, even if it's from the crowd attending Amara's funeral or someone dear to Cicero, within one month before a rare, once-in-a-lifetime syzygical eclipse heralds The Promised Day.
When the man with the bloody knife, after stabbing Chantelle, stood before the cult
and proclaimed, “One is already found…,” I knew this was the book’s ultimate plot twist.
This suspenful dark fantasy gives its reader an adrenaline rush.
When Amara Rachat, the matron of the Cathedral of the Hidden Light, dies under suspicious circumstances, it kick-starts an investigation that opens a can of worms.
The culprit behind it confides that it was an accident that he capitalized on, while his accomplice calls it a “no speakeasy brawl gone wrong” and high-profile self-harm that requires careful handling before publicizing it.
And the key witness to the circumstances, Jean Rèa, “ever the problem-solving engineer” who had witnessed “more than death…had witnessed murder”, is also trying to understand why his mentor whom he looked up to is “at the centre of what seemed to be a cult.” He knows it's wrong and must do something about it, despite not knowing what or with who.
Enter Chantelle Bowman, a young girl mourning her murdered mother amid her absentee father who has been abandoning everything, including his old work, things they did together and abandoning her. Regardless, it's a shocker when a vicar-to-be confidante offers to take out her father if she continues hurting her. “You’re mad.” But Chantelle should have known better than to call her mad and defend her own manipulative father Cicero whom she doesn't know leads a cult, beneath ancient ruins, preparing for the coming promised day.
Following the death of Amara, a threat from within, “the sacrifice is dead” and they must therefore find a replacement quickly and nothing will hinder their quest for paradise. Thus, they must replace the lost sacrifice, even if it's from the crowd attending Amara's funeral or someone dear to Cicero, within one month before a rare, once-in-a-lifetime syzygical eclipse heralds The Promised Day.
When the man with the bloody knife, after stabbing Chantelle, stood before the cult
and proclaimed, “One is already found…,” I knew this was the book’s ultimate plot twist.
This suspenful dark fantasy gives its reader an adrenaline rush.
July 12, 2026
Luke Presneill's debut novel Purity introduces the first volume of a trilogy with a certain confidence that is in place. The city of Corbeauroch, the former capital of the country of Esperance, appears at the very beginning as a character, as it is doomed to live on the rocks above the sea, watching over the capital. It is hard to find words to describe this place, but Presneill manages to do it within the first few pages as an aging engineer peers at the city from an airship with his wife. It may not be much, but it is enough to set the tone for the rest of the book.
The prologue, which seems to be mainly character-driven, leads to the current events through a number of subplots that intertwine with the main one. Chantelle, the protagonist of the book, tries to come to terms with her mother's death. Her father Cicero, quietly at the centre of a religious order's growing power, hides this from everyone, including his daughter. Presneill focuses too much effort on writing about murders, faith, and revenge so that it takes real effort to follow the narrative and piece together what happened. It makes the book challenging to read but not in a bad sense. Purity is the kind of book that requires time and attention so that the reader does not get lost in overly long descriptive passages.
Those going to read it should be prepared to encounter some minor problems on the first few pages as Presneill tries to set the tone for the rest of the book. His descriptions are too detailed and full of comparisons for some events that require a straightforward statement. It introduces a world with its own set of rules, politics between religious organizations, and a number of antiheroes who are all too human to avoid making grievous mistakes. It takes time to figure out what Presneill is trying to say, but once it clicks, it is hard not to get drawn into the mystery of the story. People who enjoy gothic mysteries and gaslight fantasies will find enough source material to enjoy while waiting for the next installment, Corruption, to become available.
The prologue, which seems to be mainly character-driven, leads to the current events through a number of subplots that intertwine with the main one. Chantelle, the protagonist of the book, tries to come to terms with her mother's death. Her father Cicero, quietly at the centre of a religious order's growing power, hides this from everyone, including his daughter. Presneill focuses too much effort on writing about murders, faith, and revenge so that it takes real effort to follow the narrative and piece together what happened. It makes the book challenging to read but not in a bad sense. Purity is the kind of book that requires time and attention so that the reader does not get lost in overly long descriptive passages.
Those going to read it should be prepared to encounter some minor problems on the first few pages as Presneill tries to set the tone for the rest of the book. His descriptions are too detailed and full of comparisons for some events that require a straightforward statement. It introduces a world with its own set of rules, politics between religious organizations, and a number of antiheroes who are all too human to avoid making grievous mistakes. It takes time to figure out what Presneill is trying to say, but once it clicks, it is hard not to get drawn into the mystery of the story. People who enjoy gothic mysteries and gaslight fantasies will find enough source material to enjoy while waiting for the next installment, Corruption, to become available.
June 9, 2026
Luke Presneill's Purity is a dark gothic fantasy that rewards patient readers with an immersive and intricately crafted world. While the opening chapters move at a deliberate pace, focusing heavily on establishing the setting, characters, and underlying conflicts, that foundation ultimately proves essential to the larger story. Once the mystery begins to unfold, the careful attention to detail pays off in a meaningful way.
One of the novel's strongest elements is its atmospheric worldbuilding. Presneill blends gothic fantasy with subtle steampunk influences to create a setting that feels both unique and fully realized. The ruined city of Corbeauroch serves as more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, steeped in history, secrets, and the lingering consequences of fanaticism.
The plot layers mystery, tension, and intrigue through a compelling combination of murder, vengeance, and a hidden religious order operating in the shadows. As the story progresses, the interconnected lives of Jean, Chantelle, and Cicero reveal a larger narrative filled with uncertainty and mounting stakes. The author gradually peels back the world's secrets, keeping readers invested in uncovering the truth behind both the city and its inhabitants.
Presneill's writing style is distinctive and imaginative, lending the novel a voice that stands apart from many entries in the genre. Although the extensive setup may not immediately hook every reader, those willing to settle into the story will find a richly detailed world and a mystery worth unraveling.
Purity leaves plenty of room for future exploration, and its conclusion sparked a desire to spend more time with both these characters and the fascinating world they inhabit. Fans of gothic fantasy, layered mysteries, and immersive worldbuilding should find much to appreciate here.
One of the novel's strongest elements is its atmospheric worldbuilding. Presneill blends gothic fantasy with subtle steampunk influences to create a setting that feels both unique and fully realized. The ruined city of Corbeauroch serves as more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, steeped in history, secrets, and the lingering consequences of fanaticism.
The plot layers mystery, tension, and intrigue through a compelling combination of murder, vengeance, and a hidden religious order operating in the shadows. As the story progresses, the interconnected lives of Jean, Chantelle, and Cicero reveal a larger narrative filled with uncertainty and mounting stakes. The author gradually peels back the world's secrets, keeping readers invested in uncovering the truth behind both the city and its inhabitants.
Presneill's writing style is distinctive and imaginative, lending the novel a voice that stands apart from many entries in the genre. Although the extensive setup may not immediately hook every reader, those willing to settle into the story will find a richly detailed world and a mystery worth unraveling.
Purity leaves plenty of room for future exploration, and its conclusion sparked a desire to spend more time with both these characters and the fascinating world they inhabit. Fans of gothic fantasy, layered mysteries, and immersive worldbuilding should find much to appreciate here.
June 25, 2026
A Haunting Descent into Mystery and Belief
PURITY is one of those books that quietly pulls readers in before revealing just how big and unsettling its story really is. What begins as a murder mystery gradually unfolds into something much darker, blending religious fanaticism, grief, and long-buried secrets into an immersive gothic fantasy. I found myself completely absorbed by the mystery and eager to uncover what lay beneath the crumbling streets of Corbeauroch.
The setting is undoubtedly the star of the show. Corbeauroch feels ancient, eerie, and almost alive, its ruined streets and forgotten history creating an atmosphere thick with dread and intrigue. Jean and Chantelle make easy protagonists to root for, each carrying their own burdens while being drawn toward truths far larger than themselves. Their stories weave together beautifully, adding both emotional weight and plenty of suspense.
The worldbuilding is ambitious and packed with detail, and I loved how fully realized Eden felt. At times, the sheer amount of information and terminology can feel overwhelming, but it ultimately adds to the richness of the story rather than detracting from it. With its gothic atmosphere, layered mystery, and fascinating exploration of faith and fanaticism, PURITY is a fantastic debut that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with a healthy dose of intrigue and a cliffhanger that leaves them desperate for more.
PURITY is one of those books that quietly pulls readers in before revealing just how big and unsettling its story really is. What begins as a murder mystery gradually unfolds into something much darker, blending religious fanaticism, grief, and long-buried secrets into an immersive gothic fantasy. I found myself completely absorbed by the mystery and eager to uncover what lay beneath the crumbling streets of Corbeauroch.
The setting is undoubtedly the star of the show. Corbeauroch feels ancient, eerie, and almost alive, its ruined streets and forgotten history creating an atmosphere thick with dread and intrigue. Jean and Chantelle make easy protagonists to root for, each carrying their own burdens while being drawn toward truths far larger than themselves. Their stories weave together beautifully, adding both emotional weight and plenty of suspense.
The worldbuilding is ambitious and packed with detail, and I loved how fully realized Eden felt. At times, the sheer amount of information and terminology can feel overwhelming, but it ultimately adds to the richness of the story rather than detracting from it. With its gothic atmosphere, layered mystery, and fascinating exploration of faith and fanaticism, PURITY is a fantastic debut that will especially appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with a healthy dose of intrigue and a cliffhanger that leaves them desperate for more.
June 20, 2026
This book takes the reader on quite a ride. It is described as a “dark gothic fantasy,” but it is much, so much more, than that. The setting is incredible. Presneill creates this whole world in such vivid detail it is like you can almost feel the dirt under your feet. The crazy thing is that he comes up with so many new words to describe things that he has to have a glossary of terms in the back of the book to help the reader understand what is being discussed. The basic premise is that this religious lady is murdered and the investigation into her death leads to a much larger and more serious problem. The characters are interesting; Jean and Chantelle are very relatable. Her dad, Cicero, much less so. He’s involved in this fanatical religious order that is hell bent on changing the world, and the book ends with a cliffhanger that is absolutely maddening not knowing what happened. The thing that stood out to me is how the book looks at religious faith. When does belief become weaponized? There’s a fine line between religious inspiration and religious inquisition. I couldn’t help but think of Jim Jones, David Koresh, and other “religious” leaders who have led others to do things that are unspeakable. I can’t wait to see how the cliffhanger ends in the next book. Definite A+ grade here.
June 17, 2026
This book, PURITY, revolves around a regular guy, Jean, who is an engineer and wants to do something big in life. But, as they say, God has other plans, so his life changes completely. It is a gothic fantasy full of mystery, religious details, and detailed worldbuilding. What I liked most were the characters of the protagonist, Jean, and Chantelle, who is the heart of the novel. The story is set in Corbeauroch, which has its own rich history that is quite interesting to read about and learn more about. I was particularly interested in Jean's investigation, Chantelle's personal journey, Damien's detective work, and the religious themes.
There is much more in the book apart from the main theme of mystery, such as the themes of faith, grief, and the consequences of belief. I particularly connected with Jean, as he is a young guy working hard to feed his family.
The blend of gothic atmosphere and steampunk-inspired technology helped the world feel distinctive without overwhelming the story. The writer slowly builds the mystery and characters, allowing the reader to absorb them.
Overall, my rating is 4 stars.
Reason: Great atmospheric fantasy, mysteries, and stories that focus on character development as much as plot.
There is much more in the book apart from the main theme of mystery, such as the themes of faith, grief, and the consequences of belief. I particularly connected with Jean, as he is a young guy working hard to feed his family.
The blend of gothic atmosphere and steampunk-inspired technology helped the world feel distinctive without overwhelming the story. The writer slowly builds the mystery and characters, allowing the reader to absorb them.
Overall, my rating is 4 stars.
Reason: Great atmospheric fantasy, mysteries, and stories that focus on character development as much as plot.
June 22, 2026
Purity was one of those books that started as a mystery and slowly grew into something much bigger. What initially seems like an investigation into a strange murder quickly opens the door to secrets, religious fanaticism, hidden agendas, and a city whose dark past refuses to stay buried.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting. Corbeauroch feels haunting and alive despite being a ruin. The atmosphere is rich with detail, and I could easily picture the abandoned streets, ancient structures, and the lingering sense that something isn't quite right beneath the surface. The gothic tone works really well without feeling overdone.
I also enjoyed following Jean and Chantelle. They are dealing with very different problems, but both felt relatable and easy to root for. Jean's curiosity draws him deeper into the mystery, while Chantelle is struggling with grief and a father she barely recognizes anymore. Their stories gradually connect in ways that kept me turning pages.
The worldbuilding is ambitious, and there are a lot of details to take in, but it creates a setting that feels unique and fully realized. By the end, I was completely invested and more than a little frustrated by the cliffhanger because now I want to know what happens next.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting. Corbeauroch feels haunting and alive despite being a ruin. The atmosphere is rich with detail, and I could easily picture the abandoned streets, ancient structures, and the lingering sense that something isn't quite right beneath the surface. The gothic tone works really well without feeling overdone.
I also enjoyed following Jean and Chantelle. They are dealing with very different problems, but both felt relatable and easy to root for. Jean's curiosity draws him deeper into the mystery, while Chantelle is struggling with grief and a father she barely recognizes anymore. Their stories gradually connect in ways that kept me turning pages.
The worldbuilding is ambitious, and there are a lot of details to take in, but it creates a setting that feels unique and fully realized. By the end, I was completely invested and more than a little frustrated by the cliffhanger because now I want to know what happens next.
June 11, 2026
Luke Presneill's "Purity- The Saint of Suffering" is an immersive dark Gothic fantasy.
The story line is set on the planet Eden, where the followers of The Purist Faith are on a mission to change the whole world. The highlight of the plot is the main characters deliberation about the Purity, Divine benevolence, the humans free will making the reader reflect upon the real purpose of human life.
The plot is a great mixture of mystery, suspense, faith and beliefs. Characters are well crafted and layered. The whole book is divided into twenty eight chapters with intriguing titles. The glossary provided at the end helps to understand specific expressions better.
Narrative is impactful, smooth and crisp. The world building is vivid and well developed.
The storyline picks up pace from the very first page and keeps the reader pondering about what happens next.
The story line is set on the planet Eden, where the followers of The Purist Faith are on a mission to change the whole world. The highlight of the plot is the main characters deliberation about the Purity, Divine benevolence, the humans free will making the reader reflect upon the real purpose of human life.
The plot is a great mixture of mystery, suspense, faith and beliefs. Characters are well crafted and layered. The whole book is divided into twenty eight chapters with intriguing titles. The glossary provided at the end helps to understand specific expressions better.
Narrative is impactful, smooth and crisp. The world building is vivid and well developed.
The storyline picks up pace from the very first page and keeps the reader pondering about what happens next.
March 28, 2026
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.
June 19, 2026
Purity is one of those rare fantasy novels that completely pulls you into its world. The characters and the world all feel incredibly real, making it easy to become fully invested in the story from the very beginning.
The dark atmosphere, gripping mystery, and rich world-building kept me turning pages, and I found myself thinking about the book long after I finished it. Presneill has created something truly special here. It’s a world that feels alive and full of stories still waiting to be told.
I can't recommend Purity highly enough. I’m not usually a big fantasy reader but honestly, it deserves to be the start of a long-running series. I would happily return to this world again and again.
The dark atmosphere, gripping mystery, and rich world-building kept me turning pages, and I found myself thinking about the book long after I finished it. Presneill has created something truly special here. It’s a world that feels alive and full of stories still waiting to be told.
I can't recommend Purity highly enough. I’m not usually a big fantasy reader but honestly, it deserves to be the start of a long-running series. I would happily return to this world again and again.
July 3, 2026
A compelling fantasy
The novel offers a complex yet captivating mystery and fantasy where fanaticism rules and history shapes how people live. It has multiple intriguing layers that peel off slowly as the story progresses making more than a normal spectacle. It enriches the plot as the reader can also participate in unravelling the myriads of secrets and also together with the characters.
The exploration of power and belief is one of its biggest strengths and allows for the characters to grow into the story and make the narrative even more compelling. It lays the foundation for readers to question important themes highlighted in the story such as ideological influence and its consequences. These issues might seem simple in broader terms but they are vital issues running societies and the effects can both be positive or negative. Chantelle and Jean offer contrasting views on this and it helps build the plot and bring out the importance of reason and curiosity. This is a slow burning fantasy with a lot to uncover and makes it the perfect thought provoking read.
The novel offers a complex yet captivating mystery and fantasy where fanaticism rules and history shapes how people live. It has multiple intriguing layers that peel off slowly as the story progresses making more than a normal spectacle. It enriches the plot as the reader can also participate in unravelling the myriads of secrets and also together with the characters.
The exploration of power and belief is one of its biggest strengths and allows for the characters to grow into the story and make the narrative even more compelling. It lays the foundation for readers to question important themes highlighted in the story such as ideological influence and its consequences. These issues might seem simple in broader terms but they are vital issues running societies and the effects can both be positive or negative. Chantelle and Jean offer contrasting views on this and it helps build the plot and bring out the importance of reason and curiosity. This is a slow burning fantasy with a lot to uncover and makes it the perfect thought provoking read.
July 5, 2026
This fictional story is set in Corbeauroch, once a vibrant capital city of Esperance that is in ruins now. We get to meet Jean and Chantelle as they both try to navigate the different dynamics in their world. Jean finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery while Chantelle tries to go on with life while dealing with the death of her mother while trying to figure out her relationship with her father. Their work seems to be the only thing that gives them a sense of purpose.
Th author has created a storyline that is quite captivating by taking us from scene to scene, this helps the reader to keenly follow the story so as not to get lost in the midst of it all. Fantasy fiction lovers will definitely find this story quite intriguing and interesting.
Th author has created a storyline that is quite captivating by taking us from scene to scene, this helps the reader to keenly follow the story so as not to get lost in the midst of it all. Fantasy fiction lovers will definitely find this story quite intriguing and interesting.
June 10, 2026
PURITY was such a wonderful read. I picked it up earlier on in the week and could not put it down. Presneill had me gripped from the first page with this murder mystery set in this rich, vivid dark fantasy world.
I have to tip a hat to the world building because it’s what really makes the book. It is absolutely stunning and on par with some of the big fellas like Brandon Sanderson and V.E Schwab.
As a debut novel this certainly packed a punch and it does leave space for a sequel to follow, which makes readers hungry for more.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, murder and intrigue I would definitely recommend this book.
I have to tip a hat to the world building because it’s what really makes the book. It is absolutely stunning and on par with some of the big fellas like Brandon Sanderson and V.E Schwab.
As a debut novel this certainly packed a punch and it does leave space for a sequel to follow, which makes readers hungry for more.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, murder and intrigue I would definitely recommend this book.
June 4, 2026
I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I picked up this book. From the first page, Luke Presneill’s writing drew me in and kept me hooked until the end. PURITY (The Saint of Suffering Book 1) is an enjoyable book that is worth reading. The book’s strongest quality is its world-building. The setting is vivid and carefully designed, making it the perfect stage for a story of murder, secrets, and dark intrigue. The characters are fun to follow, and each makes the mystery more interesting. As more pieces fit together, the story becomes even more gripping.
June 4, 2026
This book was hands down the best. It is a fantasy themed novel that is so diverse, it’s literally never a dull moment In this book, as one family struggles with healing and grief of losing the mother and a wife, the daughter finds it hard to relate to the father who’s also going through a chain of his own challenges.
Jean on the other hand is going through the toughest times but still manages to be kind.
I found the story mind blowing, I’ve never come across something so diverse. It’s interesting to me how you can read so many books but each author is so unique.
Jean on the other hand is going through the toughest times but still manages to be kind.
I found the story mind blowing, I’ve never come across something so diverse. It’s interesting to me how you can read so many books but each author is so unique.
June 13, 2026
The world that Luke Presneill delivered in this book was complex and riveting, and the characters were diverse and struggling, just like you and I. The book was full of mystery... I am even still a little lost on some details but it created a setting that blew me away at times. There were some extremely dramatic parts in the story that were able to resolve in a very human way, with nothing really solved but a path cleared ahead.
There surely will be a sequel, as the story was left on a cliffhanger that has made me excited to start another journey with Jean and Chantelle.
There surely will be a sequel, as the story was left on a cliffhanger that has made me excited to start another journey with Jean and Chantelle.
June 25, 2026
Wow, this book was an amazing ride! Right from page one, I was pulled into this dark, thrilling fantasy that kept my heart racing. The story starts with the suspicious death of a respected religious leader, but what begins as a murder case soon grows into something much bigger. The deeper you go, the more the mystery turns into a wild mix of secret plots, shady groups, extreme beliefs, and old secrets finally coming out. I loved how the story took its time, dropping new clues bit by bit without hurrying. The slow build kept the tension high and made me eager to see what happened next.
July 3, 2026
Family conflict is what stood out for me in this book. Chantelle’s relationship with her father is affected after her mom dies. This makes her feel overwhelmed as she struggles to fix their relationship. She later discovers that her father is the leader of a cult this really made me empathize with her.
March 31, 2026
Not my usual choice of genre, however throughly enjoyed this debut novel , it’s left me wanting more.
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