Shadow Light: A Short Fairy Tale

by Sarah Delena White

Night lived in a tower at the end of the world.
Her name was Layla, and the world did not know her.

Day had no tower.
His name was Aeric, and the world held no refuge for him.

Yet with the evil Coroc and his army of shadowfiends terrorizing the lands, Layla and Aeric must work together to restore light and hope before all is lost.

Night and Day must unite to save all peoples from eternal, terrifying evil in this lyrical tale that combines the wonder of George MacDonald’s fairy tales with the beauty of Tolkien’s The Silmarillion.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Short Stories, Fairy Tales, Fiction

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2020

About the author

Sarah Delena White writes eclectic speculative fiction that reworks mythology with a fine balance of poetry and snark. She’s an experienced world traveler who loves to weave world folklore and ancient concepts into vibrant, original story worlds. When she’s not writing, she can be found making elegant designer bead jewelry and seeking to create the perfect latte.

Reviews

[H.S.J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely STUNNING short story! So akin to the poetic romances of Tolkien, McDonald, Lewis and some of the great fairy-tales. The prose painted visions of pure beauty. Yes, I think I must do art for this, yes, I must. A beautiful , encouraging message as well.

I would describe it as a perfect latte or a perfect tea...it is a short experience, but it warms your heart and leaves you with a wonderful taste afterwards.

Suitable for ALL ages.

[Bryn Shutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeously told tale of light, darkness and the power of hope. The potency of the message left me in tears while the beauty of the writing left me hungry for more. Highly recommend for lovers of Tolkien, Bunyan and Celtic lore.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/c5SXZ45WbWY

Sarah's writing is so beautiful! *happy cries*

This story was GORGEOUS! A stunning and unique fairy tale that had me internally sighing from how wonderfully descriptive it was as well as her incredible characters. Truly, I could go back and reread this fairy tale and appreciate everything about it all over again! <3

Shadow Light truly has the same flow and prose of fairy tales of old, but don't think one needs to be an avid fairy tale reader to appreciate this story. It is one of hope, love, and giving without expecting/demanding anything in return.

I genuinely enjoyed this lovely story and highly recommend it to readers who are looking for a read to encourage their heart.

[Sarah White]

COMING MARCH 31!!!

[Jameson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and lovely characters. And I really enjoyed the fairy tale/mythology feel of the story!

[D.T. Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, short fairytale about light overcoming darkness. I liked the classic fairytale styling. It doesn't always work well, but it definitely did for this.

[Ska Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo breve storia ha uno stile squisito, poetica ed evocativa come una fiaba dovrebbe essere.
Ho apprezzato moltissimo l’evoluzione dei personaggi, che è evidente anche solo nelle quaranta pagine di cui è composto questo libricino.
È una storia che non parla solo del conflitto di luce e tenebre, ma dei pregiudizi e del dolore che questi portano. Parla di fiducia, di amore e delle illusioni che creano. Ho adorato il contrasto tra i due protagonisti, presente non solo nel loro essere il sole e la luna, ma nell’ingenuità luminosa di uno e nella pesante consapevolezza dell’altra.
È una storia delicata che parla con forza.

L’unica cosa che ho sentito mancare sono le motivazioni dell’antagonista, mi sarete piaciuto comprendere il suo animo, ma posso capire che il focus della storia non fosse quello.


“These scars were given to me by those who once claimed to be my friends. I gave them the darkest of nights, that they might find peace and rest while the moon and stars kept watch. It was the only gift I could give them.”

[Claire Banschbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous fairy tale that feels familiar but is so completely new! Adored the love story between the sun and the moon, and the themes of hope and overcoming. I really enjoyed the other short story/novella I read by this author and this follows very much in the same vein of "classic" prose and lyrical writing, wonderful characters who you absolutely root for! Definitely recommend!

[Emily F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within the short span of 38 pages, I was swept away to a beautiful new world, my heart was broken, and my heart was put back together again. I was hooked all the way through, and I would recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy, especially fans of Gail Carson Levine! The symbolism was breathtaking, and I will always treasure Aeric and Layla in my heart.

[Laurie Lucking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, beautifully-written story that reads like a fable or classic fairy tale. Check out my full review here: http://www.landsuncharted.com/2020/04....

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was beautiful.

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of GK Chesterton and Patricia McKillip. A lyrical fairy tale.

[Kaylena Radcliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful fairy tale reminiscent of George MacDonald. Poetic and elegantly written.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely novella, the writing is so alluring and magical you can't help but be taken to a mystical place.

[H.L. Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful short in a classic fairy tale style. Fun to read. Quick but that's to be expected with a short story. Definitely feels complete.

[Hira Chaudhary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an interesting short story and I really enjoyed Aeric and Layla and how they found each other and how they fought against the darkness for the people who didn't always appreciate them or their efforts. I really enjoyed this and how short it was and how it still managed to capture Aeric and Layla's characters and their relationship.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting fantasy story. It read like a fairytale and was beautifully written.

Content:
Sexual: none
Violence: mild
Language: none