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Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton
Lilian Wrath thought returning to the Seekers of Inner Light would mean routine assignments and quiet redemption.
Instead, she’s given Aurelia Bault.
Young, untested, and dangerously curious, Aurelia is meant to be an apprentice—someone to ease into the hunt. But their first case together ends with more than just a demon. Its destruction leaves behind something embers of corrupted magic spreading outward toward the nearby town of Silverton.
Now both are pulled into consequences neither fully understands. As mentor and apprentice navigate the dying town, the source of the embers begins to reveal itself beneath the ruins. Survival will depend on more than skill.
Enjoy this short novel, the first in a coming series!
Instead, she’s given Aurelia Bault.
Young, untested, and dangerously curious, Aurelia is meant to be an apprentice—someone to ease into the hunt. But their first case together ends with more than just a demon. Its destruction leaves behind something embers of corrupted magic spreading outward toward the nearby town of Silverton.
Now both are pulled into consequences neither fully understands. As mentor and apprentice navigate the dying town, the source of the embers begins to reveal itself beneath the ruins. Survival will depend on more than skill.
Enjoy this short novel, the first in a coming series!
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 18, 2026
Lilian Wrath already knows exactly what she is, and that's what sold me on this one. She's tired, sharp-tongued, dragging old trauma around like a coat she can't take off, and somehow that made her so much easier to root for than another chosen-one teenager discovering her powers for the first time.
What stuck with me most wasn't the demon fights or the troll chaos in the landfill (though that sequence genuinely had me holding my phone closer to my face). It was how much I picked up about mentorship without the book ever sitting me down and explaining it. Watching Lilian train Aurelia, I kept catching myself nodding along like I was the one being taught. The line that's lodged in my brain now: control isn't about holding back, it's about holding through.
I also didn't expect to come away with such a clear sense of restraint as a kind of skill. Every time Lilian could have gone nuclear on a threat, the narrative made a point of showing the cost of that choice instead, the cleanup, the collateral damage, the way power without discipline just creates a bigger mess later. It's rare for an urban fantasy to treat de-escalation as the harder, more interesting move, but Matthew Patrick does exactly that, and it makes the eventual moments of unleashed power land so much harder.
The humor caught me off guard too. I went in expecting grimdark and got a surprising amount of dry, deadpan wit woven through even the tense scenes, the kind that sneaks up on you mid-sentence. It never undercuts the stakes, it just makes Lilian feel like a real, exhausted person rather than a stoic archetype.
What I'm walking away with isn't really plot details, it's a handful of small philosophies I didn't expect a fantasy novel to hand me: that fear and exhilaration are companions, not opposites, that the things we discard (literally, in this book) don't just disappear, they fester, and that the best protectors are the ones who remember what it felt like to be the thing needing protection.
What stuck with me most wasn't the demon fights or the troll chaos in the landfill (though that sequence genuinely had me holding my phone closer to my face). It was how much I picked up about mentorship without the book ever sitting me down and explaining it. Watching Lilian train Aurelia, I kept catching myself nodding along like I was the one being taught. The line that's lodged in my brain now: control isn't about holding back, it's about holding through.
I also didn't expect to come away with such a clear sense of restraint as a kind of skill. Every time Lilian could have gone nuclear on a threat, the narrative made a point of showing the cost of that choice instead, the cleanup, the collateral damage, the way power without discipline just creates a bigger mess later. It's rare for an urban fantasy to treat de-escalation as the harder, more interesting move, but Matthew Patrick does exactly that, and it makes the eventual moments of unleashed power land so much harder.
The humor caught me off guard too. I went in expecting grimdark and got a surprising amount of dry, deadpan wit woven through even the tense scenes, the kind that sneaks up on you mid-sentence. It never undercuts the stakes, it just makes Lilian feel like a real, exhausted person rather than a stoic archetype.
What I'm walking away with isn't really plot details, it's a handful of small philosophies I didn't expect a fantasy novel to hand me: that fear and exhilaration are companions, not opposites, that the things we discard (literally, in this book) don't just disappear, they fester, and that the best protectors are the ones who remember what it felt like to be the thing needing protection.
May 3, 2026
I’m rating this a four, but I did really enjoy it. I liked the writing style, the magic system, and the monsters were cool as well. For the right reader, I can see this being a five.
There’s a stretch at the start where he’s mostly just walking around with an umbrella and thinking to himself. It feels like it could have been mixed in more as the story gets going. For some reason I found it a bit amusing, just a guy walking around with an umbrella thinking to himself.
Where it stands out more is in the ideas behind the magic. It leans into emotion and memory rather than just abilities, and some of the entities, especially the Regret and the Heap, give it a bit more depth than a typical “hunt the monster” story.
I’m guessing this will be a favourite bit for most people, but I really liked the Regret magic. It doesn’t act like a normal creature and changes how the encounter plays out, which made it stand out more than the usual fights. Lilian is another highlight. She’s controlled, experienced, and has a dry, slightly detached voice that carries the story well, and the dynamic with Aurelia is interesting early on.
The prose is clear and easy to read. I sometimes struggle with prose, and I found this very easy to follow. The author strikes a good balance between dialogue and description, though at times it feels like it could lean a bit more into how the space actually feels to be in, or just build the scene a little more. But that’s only a small nitpick.
It still feels like a fairly standard fantasy setup, with a magic organisation, a mentor and apprentice, and a situation that’s clearly worse than expected. It’s easy to follow and settles into things well, even if it takes a little while to fully lock into the main story.
There’s a stretch at the start where he’s mostly just walking around with an umbrella and thinking to himself. It feels like it could have been mixed in more as the story gets going. For some reason I found it a bit amusing, just a guy walking around with an umbrella thinking to himself.
Where it stands out more is in the ideas behind the magic. It leans into emotion and memory rather than just abilities, and some of the entities, especially the Regret and the Heap, give it a bit more depth than a typical “hunt the monster” story.
I’m guessing this will be a favourite bit for most people, but I really liked the Regret magic. It doesn’t act like a normal creature and changes how the encounter plays out, which made it stand out more than the usual fights. Lilian is another highlight. She’s controlled, experienced, and has a dry, slightly detached voice that carries the story well, and the dynamic with Aurelia is interesting early on.
The prose is clear and easy to read. I sometimes struggle with prose, and I found this very easy to follow. The author strikes a good balance between dialogue and description, though at times it feels like it could lean a bit more into how the space actually feels to be in, or just build the scene a little more. But that’s only a small nitpick.
It still feels like a fairly standard fantasy setup, with a magic organisation, a mentor and apprentice, and a situation that’s clearly worse than expected. It’s easy to follow and settles into things well, even if it takes a little while to fully lock into the main story.
May 19, 2026
A Good, Action-Filled Fantasy Story
Emberstorm Shadows Over Silverton is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy story that should entertain fans of the genre.
The story mostly revolves around Lillian and her interactions with Aurelia and Vivian. Together, they keep on overcoming the challenges they face against the demons, trolls, blinded beasts, and ogres. The Author has done well in narrating the action-packed scenes involving all these characters in the story.
The world-building with these characters seemed satisfactory. However, I wished to know more about the Silverton. In the end, the author does give a glimpse of the town, but should have brought the place to life in the story.
The presence of Magpie, a feathery bird, adds to the story's interest and should entice the young audience. However, the story can be read even by adults as the writer has combined the romance between the characters along with the fantasy elements in it.
The characters, Lillian, Aurelia, Vivian, her daughter Kaida, Adan, and Delirius are well developed and play important roles throughout the story. Because almost every scene in the book contains all of these characters, the reader will not have any difficulty remembering and connecting with them.
The writing style is creative and lucid. It conforms to the literary style and should entice the fantasy readers well.
Even though the fantasy genre is not my forte, I enjoyed reading the way the author has narrated the action scenes and the way characters are developed in it. I recommend it to the readers of the genre who might get hooked on the book on a weekend over a couple of cups of coffee!
Emberstorm Shadows Over Silverton is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy story that should entertain fans of the genre.
The story mostly revolves around Lillian and her interactions with Aurelia and Vivian. Together, they keep on overcoming the challenges they face against the demons, trolls, blinded beasts, and ogres. The Author has done well in narrating the action-packed scenes involving all these characters in the story.
The world-building with these characters seemed satisfactory. However, I wished to know more about the Silverton. In the end, the author does give a glimpse of the town, but should have brought the place to life in the story.
The presence of Magpie, a feathery bird, adds to the story's interest and should entice the young audience. However, the story can be read even by adults as the writer has combined the romance between the characters along with the fantasy elements in it.
The characters, Lillian, Aurelia, Vivian, her daughter Kaida, Adan, and Delirius are well developed and play important roles throughout the story. Because almost every scene in the book contains all of these characters, the reader will not have any difficulty remembering and connecting with them.
The writing style is creative and lucid. It conforms to the literary style and should entice the fantasy readers well.
Even though the fantasy genre is not my forte, I enjoyed reading the way the author has narrated the action scenes and the way characters are developed in it. I recommend it to the readers of the genre who might get hooked on the book on a weekend over a couple of cups of coffee!
May 12, 2026
This was a really good read, especially if you like darker fantasy with a bit of mystery mixed in. The story pulled me in pretty quickly.
The story follows Lilian, who thinks she’s stepping back into something familiar, but instead gets paired with Aurelia, who is basically the opposite of “easy first assignment.” I actually liked their dynamic a lot. Lilian feels more experienced and a little guarded, while Aurelia is curious and a bit unpredictable, which makes things interesting right from the start.
The plot moves at a nice pace. It’s not super long, but it doesn’t feel rushed either. The whole situation with the corrupted magic and what’s spreading through Silverton adds a creepy, tense vibe that keeps you wanting to know what’s really going on. There were definitely moments where things felt a little darker than I expected, which I liked.
One thing I appreciated was that the story didn’t try to over-explain everything. It trusts the reader to keep up, which made it feel more immersive. At the same time, I never felt totally lost.
One thing I wasn’t expecting and I am sure that is my fault for not reading the description better, was Lilian developing feelings for another woman. That’s just a personal preference for me, especially since I sometimes pass books along to my granddaughter, and it’s not something I really wanted her being introduced to in this kind of story. It didn’t take away from the book, it is just not for me.
Overall, this was a solid start to a series. It’s got strong characters, a cool magic system, and just enough mystery to hook you
The story follows Lilian, who thinks she’s stepping back into something familiar, but instead gets paired with Aurelia, who is basically the opposite of “easy first assignment.” I actually liked their dynamic a lot. Lilian feels more experienced and a little guarded, while Aurelia is curious and a bit unpredictable, which makes things interesting right from the start.
The plot moves at a nice pace. It’s not super long, but it doesn’t feel rushed either. The whole situation with the corrupted magic and what’s spreading through Silverton adds a creepy, tense vibe that keeps you wanting to know what’s really going on. There were definitely moments where things felt a little darker than I expected, which I liked.
One thing I appreciated was that the story didn’t try to over-explain everything. It trusts the reader to keep up, which made it feel more immersive. At the same time, I never felt totally lost.
One thing I wasn’t expecting and I am sure that is my fault for not reading the description better, was Lilian developing feelings for another woman. That’s just a personal preference for me, especially since I sometimes pass books along to my granddaughter, and it’s not something I really wanted her being introduced to in this kind of story. It didn’t take away from the book, it is just not for me.
Overall, this was a solid start to a series. It’s got strong characters, a cool magic system, and just enough mystery to hook you
July 2, 2026
Settle in for a fast-paced ride right from the get-go. The author wastes no time getting into the story. From Chapter One’s opening scene, Matthew Patrick takes you on a journey with amazing twists and turns. Lilian is assigned as a mentor to a new employee named Aurelia. Their first task teaches the new recruit about maintaining control and taking measured steps with magic. But one success leads to unexpected outcomes, and the team soon realizes they’ve unleashed a bigger problem in the small town of Silverton. Eventually, Lilian, Aurelia, and another mage named Adan must battle forces that threaten the town and them as they try to protect its citizens. Of note is a heartfelt connection Lilian develops with Vivian, a divorced woman in Silverton. Although the team tries to keep Vivian and her teenage daughter out of danger, their unique qualities pull them into the battle against evil forces. I loved the story and its characters. Matthew Patrick has a gifted pen (keyboard). Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Anger only sinks you, Steven. Calm lets you ride, even guide, the tide."
"I amused myself at the snack aisle, amazed by the array of poisons people would stuff in their bodies if the packages were colorful enough."
"Regret… doubt… fear. These can twist themselves into a prison stronger than any bars."
Thanks for the awesome read! I’ll be picking up your other novels!
"Anger only sinks you, Steven. Calm lets you ride, even guide, the tide."
"I amused myself at the snack aisle, amazed by the array of poisons people would stuff in their bodies if the packages were colorful enough."
"Regret… doubt… fear. These can twist themselves into a prison stronger than any bars."
Thanks for the awesome read! I’ll be picking up your other novels!
July 5, 2026
I really enjoyed Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton. I’m always drawn to stories where an ordinary town starts to feel like it has something strange hiding just out of sight, and Silverton gave me exactly that feeling.
Lilian Wrath was a fun lead to follow because she came across as capable, sharp, and experienced without feeling perfect. I liked watching her handle the strange problems around town, especially once Aurelia became part of the story. Their back-and-forth added personality, while Vivian and Kaida helped give the book a more emotional side.
Some of the details really stuck with me. The Seekers of the Inner Light gave the world an interesting structure, and the supernatural threats around Silverton kept things moving in unexpected directions. The landfill demon was especially memorable, and Magpie added a nice touch of charm.
What worked best for me was the feeling that Silverton had a hidden life of its own. There was danger, humor, weird magic, and enough character moments to keep me invested beyond the action. By the end, I felt like I had stepped into a larger world, and I would definitely read more stories set there.
This does not read like the other reviews you showed me. It has specific examples from the book, but the voice, rhythm, and phrasing are different.
Lilian Wrath was a fun lead to follow because she came across as capable, sharp, and experienced without feeling perfect. I liked watching her handle the strange problems around town, especially once Aurelia became part of the story. Their back-and-forth added personality, while Vivian and Kaida helped give the book a more emotional side.
Some of the details really stuck with me. The Seekers of the Inner Light gave the world an interesting structure, and the supernatural threats around Silverton kept things moving in unexpected directions. The landfill demon was especially memorable, and Magpie added a nice touch of charm.
What worked best for me was the feeling that Silverton had a hidden life of its own. There was danger, humor, weird magic, and enough character moments to keep me invested beyond the action. By the end, I felt like I had stepped into a larger world, and I would definitely read more stories set there.
This does not read like the other reviews you showed me. It has specific examples from the book, but the voice, rhythm, and phrasing are different.
May 1, 2026
Wow!
Review for “Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton” by Matthew Patrick. Loved this action packed book. For perspective: This is the first magic academy book I’ve ever read, so I am unfamiliar with the genre. The book description was so intriguing, I just had to read it. The book is described as being for young adults, but I think adults of any age who enjoy action or adventure stories would love this book. (It’s not about little kids. It’s about adults with adult relationships.) The characters and the action spring vividly to life off the pages. The characters are so well drawn, you forget you are reading a book, they are so real and relatable. I’m kind of in awe over how well written the interplay was between the characters. I loved the interaction between Lilian and her new love interest, her daughter and her apprentice. The relationships between Lilian and her boss and co-workers made me laugh. The plot was flawlessly, magically woven. The bad guys are creative, fresh and varied. It was super fun to vanquish trolls and demons. The writing is very fine, exceptionally well done. I really appreciated the compassionate undertone of the entire story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Go read this book!
Review for “Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton” by Matthew Patrick. Loved this action packed book. For perspective: This is the first magic academy book I’ve ever read, so I am unfamiliar with the genre. The book description was so intriguing, I just had to read it. The book is described as being for young adults, but I think adults of any age who enjoy action or adventure stories would love this book. (It’s not about little kids. It’s about adults with adult relationships.) The characters and the action spring vividly to life off the pages. The characters are so well drawn, you forget you are reading a book, they are so real and relatable. I’m kind of in awe over how well written the interplay was between the characters. I loved the interaction between Lilian and her new love interest, her daughter and her apprentice. The relationships between Lilian and her boss and co-workers made me laugh. The plot was flawlessly, magically woven. The bad guys are creative, fresh and varied. It was super fun to vanquish trolls and demons. The writing is very fine, exceptionally well done. I really appreciated the compassionate undertone of the entire story. I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Go read this book!
May 20, 2026
This story wastes no time pulling you in. From the very first chapter the pacing takes off and keeps moving, making it very hard to put down once the adventure begins. What stood out most to me though were the characters themselves. They are written with enough depth, personality, and emotion that they genuinely come to life on the page. As the story unfolds, you can’t help but connect with them in different ways or imagine yourself in their place facing the same choices, fears, and challenges.
For readers who love fantasy, magic, action, and immersive world building, there is a lot here to enjoy. But what really elevates this beyond a standard young adult fantasy for me are the emotional layers woven throughout the story. The struggles the characters face, the lessons they learn, the relationships they build, and the personal growth happening alongside the action all give the book much more substance and heart.
Even though it’s marketed toward ages 14–17, I’m an adult woman and still found myself fully invested in the story and characters. In my opinion, this is one of those fantasy books that can easily appeal to both teen and adult readers alike because the themes and emotional journeys feel universal. A very engaging and adventurous read overall.
For readers who love fantasy, magic, action, and immersive world building, there is a lot here to enjoy. But what really elevates this beyond a standard young adult fantasy for me are the emotional layers woven throughout the story. The struggles the characters face, the lessons they learn, the relationships they build, and the personal growth happening alongside the action all give the book much more substance and heart.
Even though it’s marketed toward ages 14–17, I’m an adult woman and still found myself fully invested in the story and characters. In my opinion, this is one of those fantasy books that can easily appeal to both teen and adult readers alike because the themes and emotional journeys feel universal. A very engaging and adventurous read overall.
April 28, 2026
“Sometimes you have to go big or go home”
This slow‑burn fantasy thriller showcases small‑town mystery along with rising supernatural danger. In Silverton everyone knows each other like most small towns. It feels familiar and quietly uncanny and no one is prepared for what’s waking beneath their feet. There are strange lights in the woods, whispers, and a creeping sense of dread that denote that the town’s past is far more dangerous than the residents realise.
The characters are well‑drawn, especially Seeker Lillian and Apprentice Aurelia who turn out to be a powerful duo each with their personal struggles while having to manage the growing threat. The relationships feel inauthentic with emotional depth. As the “Emberstorm” phenomenon intensifies, the story shifts from mystery to full‑on survival, and the easygoing pacing tightens in tow.
The intriguing worldbuilding includes the magic of elemental forces and old Silverton lore. A ghost being carried around and then talking is eerie as hell! The story unfolds gradually, starting off somewhat slowly but picking up pace as it progresses.
This slow‑burn fantasy thriller showcases small‑town mystery along with rising supernatural danger. In Silverton everyone knows each other like most small towns. It feels familiar and quietly uncanny and no one is prepared for what’s waking beneath their feet. There are strange lights in the woods, whispers, and a creeping sense of dread that denote that the town’s past is far more dangerous than the residents realise.
The characters are well‑drawn, especially Seeker Lillian and Apprentice Aurelia who turn out to be a powerful duo each with their personal struggles while having to manage the growing threat. The relationships feel inauthentic with emotional depth. As the “Emberstorm” phenomenon intensifies, the story shifts from mystery to full‑on survival, and the easygoing pacing tightens in tow.
The intriguing worldbuilding includes the magic of elemental forces and old Silverton lore. A ghost being carried around and then talking is eerie as hell! The story unfolds gradually, starting off somewhat slowly but picking up pace as it progresses.
April 24, 2026
Seeker Lilian and her new partner, Aurelia…
…Confront supernatural menaces in the too-quiet town of Silverton, including a landfill demon and his show-off son, infernal clowns, and a magic-devouring ogre. Along the way, Lilian is seduced by the latent magician Vivian, who comes with a magically talented though untrained daughter. Lilian and her allies confront the demons in one intense battle after another, building to a dramatic confrontation.
I found the characters detailed and sympathetic, if impulsive. The ‘spice level’ was mere flirting. I found it nothing short of miraculous that the magical battles did not attract the attention of every mundane cop in the city…along with the local news media, especially as keeping the magical world secret was part of the Seeker’s job description.
I enjoyed ‘Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton’ despite the noted issues. While connected to a larger series, the story stands quite well on its own. Recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy and magical Action Adventure stories.
…Confront supernatural menaces in the too-quiet town of Silverton, including a landfill demon and his show-off son, infernal clowns, and a magic-devouring ogre. Along the way, Lilian is seduced by the latent magician Vivian, who comes with a magically talented though untrained daughter. Lilian and her allies confront the demons in one intense battle after another, building to a dramatic confrontation.
I found the characters detailed and sympathetic, if impulsive. The ‘spice level’ was mere flirting. I found it nothing short of miraculous that the magical battles did not attract the attention of every mundane cop in the city…along with the local news media, especially as keeping the magical world secret was part of the Seeker’s job description.
I enjoyed ‘Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton’ despite the noted issues. While connected to a larger series, the story stands quite well on its own. Recommended for fans of Urban Fantasy and magical Action Adventure stories.
May 23, 2026
One of the mages’ jobs is to protect civilians from demons, trolls, and other hostile entities and to keep the existence of magic a secret.
Lilian Wrath and her apprentice, Aurelia, are tasked with investigating vandalism in Silverton, and their hunt for trolls leads them to a dangerous adversary: an energy-feeding demon.
At times, reading this book was rather confusing, like watching a random episode of an unfamiliar TV series. On the one hand, I was overwhelmed by the descriptions; on the other, it seemed like I lacked information about characters’ pasts to empathize with them.
Yet, the book contains a great deal of imaginative magic, such as a whole box of witch-rolls, each with a unique flavor, that can significantly boost magical abilities when smoked.
Also, there are interesting locations, a range of corrupted creatures with varying motivations, visual battles between mages and monsters, and a romantic subplot.
A good choice for those souls who would like to know how magic works in the author’s world.
Lilian Wrath and her apprentice, Aurelia, are tasked with investigating vandalism in Silverton, and their hunt for trolls leads them to a dangerous adversary: an energy-feeding demon.
At times, reading this book was rather confusing, like watching a random episode of an unfamiliar TV series. On the one hand, I was overwhelmed by the descriptions; on the other, it seemed like I lacked information about characters’ pasts to empathize with them.
Yet, the book contains a great deal of imaginative magic, such as a whole box of witch-rolls, each with a unique flavor, that can significantly boost magical abilities when smoked.
Also, there are interesting locations, a range of corrupted creatures with varying motivations, visual battles between mages and monsters, and a romantic subplot.
A good choice for those souls who would like to know how magic works in the author’s world.
June 29, 2026
When your boss gives you an apprentice how bad could things be? Oh and then tells you that you have to take some time off, then the adventure truly begins. I love how the story was set up to be a relaxing vacation for the main character but turns into another adventure with a love interest. I typically stick with female authors but the author did a great job with his female lead characters. You really got a feel for their personalities and who they were. The romantic relationships really showed this.
I really enjoyed the world. There was magic, demons, mages, and so much more. I was taken to another world I could get lost in and then be rescued in. The world was a little dark which I usually don’t tend to but it was done so well I didn’t mind.
The book was adventure filled with lots of well written fight scenes. I can often get lost in fight scenes in fantasy novels because the world is different but the author did a really good job guiding you through the process of it.
Overall a great book to get lost in.
I really enjoyed the world. There was magic, demons, mages, and so much more. I was taken to another world I could get lost in and then be rescued in. The world was a little dark which I usually don’t tend to but it was done so well I didn’t mind.
The book was adventure filled with lots of well written fight scenes. I can often get lost in fight scenes in fantasy novels because the world is different but the author did a really good job guiding you through the process of it.
Overall a great book to get lost in.
September 1, 2026
On reading the opening pages of ‘Emberton, Shadows over Silverton’ one is immediately thrown into a world of violence and confusion as our heroine, seeker Lilian Wrath pits her powers against evil forces. Perhaps it is because I am unused to this genre, that I felt totally confused. Normal conventions of a story are totally disregarded. There is little or no background given; or description of characters and their inner feelings I was left floundering, trying to figure out what was going on as magic portals open up, bolts of lightning stun and sparks fly. I am minded of the story of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes. Do we nod and smile as if we really do understand what is going on? I confess that I remain confused. Sentences like the following don’t really help: “That was the Ordo Venatorum(emblem.) in miniature: the hunt, the vigilance, the containment. Destruction was easy enough. The control needed for true protection? Those were the marks of the true Hunter. A Venator, if you were feeling formal.” All fine words, but what, exactly, do they mean?
May 15, 2026
This story takes place within the same universe as The Academy for Awaken Souls Trilogy but instead the story being told by the boisterous Regina Vale, in this novella we follow Lillian Wrath as she works for the Seekers of Inner Light as a kind of magical realm firefighter. We are also introduced to her apprentice Aurelia who is enthusiastic but untrained. I have to confess that having read the original trilogy I wasn’t convinced by the attempt to age this story up for older readers. I don’t think this story will appeal to 14-17 year olds and to me the writing style still felt decidedly juvenile with some scenes of flirting and more romantic suggestion thrown in. I guess this is challenge when you write a world that’s pitched at one age group attempting to age it up is always going to be difficult. Personally I preferred the original trilogy and I would recommend you start with that if this is of interest to you.
June 23, 2026
“Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton” by Matthew Patrick tells the imaginative and engaging tale of Lilian Wrath, a member of the Seekers of the Inner Light. The group performs a vital public service: they rid the world of errant ghost and monsters. When we meet her, she is entering a house which contains strange and other-worldly creatures that an inexperienced young mage has summoned. She guides him in how to send them back, and the young man eventually is sent to a school where he will learn how to control his powers. Lilian, however, is forced to quarantine for several days after the incident and receives a mild admonishment from her boss for entering the house alone and without prior authorization. This story is a fine choice for fans of fantasy with a bit of romance.
July 21, 2026
Enjoyable Fantasy
Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton is an enjoyable fantasy story that has plenty of mystery and magical action. The story follows Lilian and her new partner Aurelia as they protect civilians and investigate supernatural corruption in Silverton.
The world building is good with an imaginative magic system and the main characters are likeable, three dimensional and sympathetic. Overall, I would definitely recommend it for fans of the genre, or even fans of action-adventure stories looking with some cool, dark magic.
Emberstorm: Shadows Over Silverton is an enjoyable fantasy story that has plenty of mystery and magical action. The story follows Lilian and her new partner Aurelia as they protect civilians and investigate supernatural corruption in Silverton.
The world building is good with an imaginative magic system and the main characters are likeable, three dimensional and sympathetic. Overall, I would definitely recommend it for fans of the genre, or even fans of action-adventure stories looking with some cool, dark magic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews