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The Light of Darkness #0.5
Righteous Dawn
Demons ravage the town of Valera. The attacks are becoming ever more frequent, and the town militia can no longer hold them at bay. As panic reaches the highest appointed members of the Valerian Clergy, the young neophyte Jaxon Moore cannot stay idle any longer.
Their only salvation lies in Father Hampton’s aid, a renowned, demon-slaying priest with powers of the Light. The only problem is no one knows where to find him.
Jaxon sets off on a dangerous journey, not even knowing what Father Hampton looks like or where he’s supposedly found.
Is the Goddess to answer his prayers, or will his clergy be forever lost to the Darkness?
The Prime Series contains subjects and scenes that depict violence, torture, consequences of prolonged sexual abuse, emotional scars and suffering, as well as mature language and steamy scenes. It is therefore intended for a mature audience.
Their only salvation lies in Father Hampton’s aid, a renowned, demon-slaying priest with powers of the Light. The only problem is no one knows where to find him.
Jaxon sets off on a dangerous journey, not even knowing what Father Hampton looks like or where he’s supposedly found.
Is the Goddess to answer his prayers, or will his clergy be forever lost to the Darkness?
The Prime Series contains subjects and scenes that depict violence, torture, consequences of prolonged sexual abuse, emotional scars and suffering, as well as mature language and steamy scenes. It is therefore intended for a mature audience.
31 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Catrin Russell
17 books92 followersCatrin Russell writes character-driven Epic Romantic Fantasy with dark undertones and spice. With a weakness for all things morally grey, she crafts immersive sword and sorcery adventures featuring enemies-to-lovers romances and characters who rise against their adversaries only to fall for one another.
Living in northern Sweden, Catrin draws inspiration from the rugged, beautiful landscape that surrounds her. When not writing, she spends time with her grumpy but loving husband and three adorable kids, finding joy in books, art, and peaceful woodland walks beneath the midnight sun.
As a dog owner and animal lover, Catrin often weaves animal companions into her stories. Her background as a nurse influences her approach to health and healing within her worlds. Her writing is infused with humour that, depending on who you ask, is witty, cheeky, and always on point.
Subscribe to Catrin’s newsletter for all the latest releases and exclusive FREE content at https://catrinrussell.com/books/freeb...!
Living in northern Sweden, Catrin draws inspiration from the rugged, beautiful landscape that surrounds her. When not writing, she spends time with her grumpy but loving husband and three adorable kids, finding joy in books, art, and peaceful woodland walks beneath the midnight sun.
As a dog owner and animal lover, Catrin often weaves animal companions into her stories. Her background as a nurse influences her approach to health and healing within her worlds. Her writing is infused with humour that, depending on who you ask, is witty, cheeky, and always on point.
Subscribe to Catrin’s newsletter for all the latest releases and exclusive FREE content at https://catrinrussell.com/books/freeb...!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 22, 2020
5 well deserved stars
As a big fan of the Prime Series, I was eager to read this short prequel, especially since it deals with the origin of the Priesthood and one of its main characters.
Righteous Dawn introduces the reader to the Prime Universe with a little glimpse at the faith and the powers coming alongside it, as well as the protagonists: The Clergy and the Demons, on opposing sides.
The Valerian Clergy is about to be attacked by demons and their only salvation lies with a renowned demon-slaying priest with powers of the Light - Father Hampton. His powers are formidable and may be the only thing that could put an end to the demons’ attack. The problem is, no one knows where to find him.
Jaxon Moore, a young neophyte, cannot sit idle and wait for the demons to run the Clergy over. Spurred by his love for the Clergy, as well as by something else, that he cannot quite figure out, he sets off on a dangerous journey, determined to find the famous demon-slaying priest and convince him to help.
The only things Jaxon can rely on are his faith in the Goddess and a stubborn horse. But when his prayers seem to go unanswered, hope slowly dies and the horse sets his mind to go only in a certain direction, what will Jaxon do?
For readers of the Prime Series, this prequel is a wonderful addition due to the extra insight it provides, both into Ekelon’s rise to leadership, as well as the origins of the Priests’ powers.
For new readers, this short story is a little sample of what’s to come. An epic story of good versus evil where nothing is quite as it seems. A dark world, where faith clashes with reason, dedication blends in with obsession and appearances are never quite as they seem. Honor, ethics, righteousness, justice and morality, they are all beautifully brought into focus within the Prime Series and challenged on the background of a sweeping war with demonkind.
And Righteous Dawn will show you how it all starts.
Written in a wonderful and elegant prose, perfect for a medieval high fantasy, this prequel, as well the entire series, will appeal to all fans of dark high fantasy who enjoy a good bloody tale of revenge and obsession, love, hope and redemption!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
As a big fan of the Prime Series, I was eager to read this short prequel, especially since it deals with the origin of the Priesthood and one of its main characters.
Righteous Dawn introduces the reader to the Prime Universe with a little glimpse at the faith and the powers coming alongside it, as well as the protagonists: The Clergy and the Demons, on opposing sides.
The Valerian Clergy is about to be attacked by demons and their only salvation lies with a renowned demon-slaying priest with powers of the Light - Father Hampton. His powers are formidable and may be the only thing that could put an end to the demons’ attack. The problem is, no one knows where to find him.
Jaxon Moore, a young neophyte, cannot sit idle and wait for the demons to run the Clergy over. Spurred by his love for the Clergy, as well as by something else, that he cannot quite figure out, he sets off on a dangerous journey, determined to find the famous demon-slaying priest and convince him to help.
The only things Jaxon can rely on are his faith in the Goddess and a stubborn horse. But when his prayers seem to go unanswered, hope slowly dies and the horse sets his mind to go only in a certain direction, what will Jaxon do?
For readers of the Prime Series, this prequel is a wonderful addition due to the extra insight it provides, both into Ekelon’s rise to leadership, as well as the origins of the Priests’ powers.
For new readers, this short story is a little sample of what’s to come. An epic story of good versus evil where nothing is quite as it seems. A dark world, where faith clashes with reason, dedication blends in with obsession and appearances are never quite as they seem. Honor, ethics, righteousness, justice and morality, they are all beautifully brought into focus within the Prime Series and challenged on the background of a sweeping war with demonkind.
And Righteous Dawn will show you how it all starts.
Written in a wonderful and elegant prose, perfect for a medieval high fantasy, this prequel, as well the entire series, will appeal to all fans of dark high fantasy who enjoy a good bloody tale of revenge and obsession, love, hope and redemption!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
June 9, 2021
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
What a little gem of a short story! I was recommended this due to another ARC read since I am a lover of fantasy, and this flower was not disappointed ❀
A quick, well-written short story with just the right amount of description, and a bunch of lovable characters. With an intriguing magic system and exciting action scenes to boot, I will definitely be looking into this series going forward.
ARC copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What a little gem of a short story! I was recommended this due to another ARC read since I am a lover of fantasy, and this flower was not disappointed ❀
A quick, well-written short story with just the right amount of description, and a bunch of lovable characters. With an intriguing magic system and exciting action scenes to boot, I will definitely be looking into this series going forward.
ARC copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
This prequel for the Prime Series is an absolute jewel! Jaxon Moore, a neophyte in the Valerian Clergy, strikes out to find Father Hampton, a demon-slaying priest, before their home is overrun by marauding demons. Jaxon will discover his own strength - and power - in this superb prequel. It takes a truly gifted writer to create a new world and transport you there in a shorter format, but Catrin Russell uses vivid prose to guide us through a story of good versus evil. Her brilliant writing will place you directly in the battle! And when you're left craving more, gobble up The Power of Conviction! It's Catrin's first novel in the Prime Series, and it is shining star!
I received this ARC for an honest review.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
May 3, 2020
This little short story prequel is the literary equivalent to one of those flashy fishing lures. It quickly catches your eye and before you know it, its hooks are sunk in and you’re now coming along for the ride; like it or not. After reeling you in and catching you off guard with that really good bait, the author throws you back in the water when the story ends. Only now you have a taste for the bait and you didn’t die, so next time you see that lure in the water you’re going for it. At least I know I am. Bring on book 1. I’m ready for the main course.
January 14, 2021
This heartbreaking story made me gasp several times. It provides some really sad insight in to Ekelons backstory, and it does so in a very well written manner
April 22, 2020
Since I have previously read the two first books of the Prime Series, I could not avoid reading this when I saw that ARCs were available!
I love the way this short story doesn't spoil anything at all from the series, but still really makes me want to read more! It draws me into the world of the Prime series and I just can't wait for more books to be released!
I loved Jaxon in his simplicity, uncomplicated, but still strong character. I love his devotion and faith in the Goddess.
I think there is a good balance with description and action that keeps you on your toes and I binge read this after starting it. On his journey to find Father Hampton, I found myself surprised with the many twists and turns in this story, considering how short it is.
So all in all, a fantastic read which I highly recommend, no matter if you have read any of the books in the series or not!
I love the way this short story doesn't spoil anything at all from the series, but still really makes me want to read more! It draws me into the world of the Prime series and I just can't wait for more books to be released!
I loved Jaxon in his simplicity, uncomplicated, but still strong character. I love his devotion and faith in the Goddess.
I think there is a good balance with description and action that keeps you on your toes and I binge read this after starting it. On his journey to find Father Hampton, I found myself surprised with the many twists and turns in this story, considering how short it is.
So all in all, a fantastic read which I highly recommend, no matter if you have read any of the books in the series or not!
April 26, 2020
Righteous Dawn is a delightful treat to read. Having completed The Power of Conviction (The Prime Series Book 1), It is great to get a bit of insight to the origins of events which lead to what is happening within the current series. Although it does not fully delve into the history of everything you may be curious about, it supplies a nice mini vacation getaway before continuing onto the second book of the series. I can only assume that as the series continue to develop, I expect added content that will offers a deeper look into this amazing world that Catrin has introduced us all to.
June 26, 2020
Catrin Russell gives us the awesome and exciting demon-slaying prequel to her Prime series in Righteous Dawn! As his town is becoming overrun with demons, young Jaxon Moore sets out on a journey to find the one man who can save them. Often prequels can feel like incomplete or unnecessary stories, but Russell’s addition is no such thing. Righteous Dawn adds some really deep layers to the Prime mythos and the story felt like a great standalone! Definitely check this one out if you’re in the mood for some demon slaying fantasy!
April 25, 2020
I recieved an Arc for my honest review!
First off I adore Catrins writing style! She has a way of describing the scene in a way I could see if I closed my eyes.
Getting this prequel and now knowing a little of how the priesthood came to be really makes me want to know more!
Seeing how Ekelon was when he was younger both answers and raises questions, which has gotten me all excited for book 2!!
First off I adore Catrins writing style! She has a way of describing the scene in a way I could see if I closed my eyes.
Getting this prequel and now knowing a little of how the priesthood came to be really makes me want to know more!
Seeing how Ekelon was when he was younger both answers and raises questions, which has gotten me all excited for book 2!!
May 26, 2020
I was given this little gem of a book for free and decided I wanted to give it a little shout out. This is a prequel to Catrin Russell's 'The Prime' series and it works a treat setting the scene and presenting this new world to the reader. I adored main-character Jaxon's bravery and drive. I think he's going to be an interesting character to follow as he grows. Definitely worth a read.
July 2, 2021
A fine little short story from Catrin Russell's Light of Darkness series, a hoard of demons is days aways from attacking a settlement called Valera, the Valerian Clergy have no idea how stop them, with the metion of Father Hampton, the only one that can save them, a young neophyte called Jaxon, takes upon himself to find him, lots of action for such small story, I can't wait to check out the series, highly recommended...😁💙
October 15, 2020
Light VS Dark at its Finest
I had forgotten how much I enjoy high fantasy, a million thanks for reminding me, Catrin. That being said, this is the shortest story I have reviewed, only 4 chapters! But they are absolute perfection. Righteous Dawn has great characters, a plot that keeps you biting your nails the whole way, quick pace, funny instances, gory moments in which the action is sublime and even character growth for such short tale. It made me feel like I was playing one of the medieval fantasy rpg videogames I love so much! Plus, it left me with a craving to know more about the so-called demons. Are they so evil like the humans think they are? What drove the bears to attack? Mmm, those are questions for the other installments.
This series has so much promise and I can't wait to read the rest.
I had forgotten how much I enjoy high fantasy, a million thanks for reminding me, Catrin. That being said, this is the shortest story I have reviewed, only 4 chapters! But they are absolute perfection. Righteous Dawn has great characters, a plot that keeps you biting your nails the whole way, quick pace, funny instances, gory moments in which the action is sublime and even character growth for such short tale. It made me feel like I was playing one of the medieval fantasy rpg videogames I love so much! Plus, it left me with a craving to know more about the so-called demons. Are they so evil like the humans think they are? What drove the bears to attack? Mmm, those are questions for the other installments.
This series has so much promise and I can't wait to read the rest.
July 24, 2020
Righteous Dawn served it's point being a prequel of 'The Prime Series' by leaving the readers curious as well as fully engrossed in the end.
Young neophyte Jaxon Moore taking off in a heedless journey in search of Father Hampton who is the only one who can save the Valera clergy from being completely ravaged by demons.
Father Hampton is the kind of character who is well known but also with a lot of mystery which is also the reason the readers might want to read the series so that they can get to the bottom of the reason why Father Hampton is that reserved.
Also the writing style of author is the one that makes readers really indulge and feel everything going on in the novels. Each word was choosen beautifully.
Thank you to authour for giving me the review copy in exchange of an honest review.
Young neophyte Jaxon Moore taking off in a heedless journey in search of Father Hampton who is the only one who can save the Valera clergy from being completely ravaged by demons.
Father Hampton is the kind of character who is well known but also with a lot of mystery which is also the reason the readers might want to read the series so that they can get to the bottom of the reason why Father Hampton is that reserved.
Also the writing style of author is the one that makes readers really indulge and feel everything going on in the novels. Each word was choosen beautifully.
Thank you to authour for giving me the review copy in exchange of an honest review.
July 28, 2020
I'm hooked! I want to find out what adventures await Jaxon and Ekelon. The short novella sets the groundwork for the series and I will definitely be checking it out. The settings are beautifully described and I felt like I was right in the middle of the action; the workings of a great author.
July 19, 2020
This prequel is basically an origin to events in the Prime series. This is a page turner and exciting. As demons ravage the countryside, young acolyte, Jason Moore, is on a quest to find father Hampton, the famous priest who is a demon slayer. The story is well written and entertaining. It is packed with intriguing information including battles with demons. I particularly liked the ending and I am now needing to read the series.!
April 21, 2020
Currently reading ‘The Power of Conviction’, the first book of the PRIME series, I jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on an ARC copy of this prequel. I wasn’t disappointed!
Introducing a reader to the PRIME universe, Catrin Russell perfectly manages the feat to draw you into her world, introducing Clergy protagonists and Demon antagonists without spoiling the storyline unravelling in book one. On the contrary, if I hadn’t already started, I would have bought the first book for sure after reading this prequel.
If you love epic good against evil, this series is perfect for you. Deserved 5 Stars!
Introducing a reader to the PRIME universe, Catrin Russell perfectly manages the feat to draw you into her world, introducing Clergy protagonists and Demon antagonists without spoiling the storyline unravelling in book one. On the contrary, if I hadn’t already started, I would have bought the first book for sure after reading this prequel.
If you love epic good against evil, this series is perfect for you. Deserved 5 Stars!
July 15, 2020
This was a short, fast paced adventure that was a perfect introduction to the world. An acolyte goes in search of a powerful priest of the Light to help his clergy fight the demons and Darkness. I enjoyed the characters and world building and look forward to reading more of the series.
Read
June 14, 2020A prequel to the Prime Series but a decent story in its own right.
Catrin introduces some unique elements of worldbuilding that include a religious order with spiritual powers and demons that take the form of animals.
Otherwise the story is fairly gentle/traditional fantasy and I would assume this series would appeal to those who enjoy supernatural fantasy creatures.
Catrin introduces some unique elements of worldbuilding that include a religious order with spiritual powers and demons that take the form of animals.
Otherwise the story is fairly gentle/traditional fantasy and I would assume this series would appeal to those who enjoy supernatural fantasy creatures.
July 30, 2020
A perfect teaser for the main series without spoilers. Love it!!
August 4, 2021
RIGHTEOUS DAWN by Catrin Russell is the first prequel to THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series, the other one being THE REDEEMED. I don’t read high fantasy very often but after I read FORGED BY BLOOD, the prequel to the A KINGDOM SCARRED series, I was hooked!
As with the previous book I read, I read this one out loud to myself as well. As always when I relax and read a book, I sat in my favourite reading armchair with a hot tea, a candle burning by my side, and read this wonderful short, fast-paced story. And what an exciting story it was!
The first prequel to the series is set forty years prior to the start of the series and gives background information about the situation the characters find themselves in in the main series. This one starts with a young man, the neophyte of a priesthood who sets out to find the one man who can defend the clergy’s village from Bear demons who regularly attack humans in this region. However, finding this man who seems to be more of a myth than a real person, proves to be a challenging task and young Jaxon has to overcome many obstacles to during his adventure.
I fell in love with Jaxon from the start. The young man is brave and not afraid to do what he can to save the priesthood he belongs to, as well as the other humans living under the protection of the clergy, and acts of his own volition. He has confidence, is intelligent and dedicated.
The world Russell builds is sketched out bit by bit, more being added as the story progresses, which is a great way of easing the reader into her fantasy world without info-dumping and overwhelming the reader from the start. Personally, I find this an especially good way of proceeding with fantasy stories where the entire world is created by the author’s imagination, other than with contemporary fiction with real-life locations, people and cultures. As a Goddess coach, I loved that the people in THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series worship a benevolent Goddess that otherwise has some similarities with Christianity, including churches being the buildings where the Goddess is worshipped. It makes for an interesting and fascinating mix of the familiar and new twists, which I greatly enjoyed.
Another highlight that stood out to me was that Father Hampton, an older priest in possession of great powers, had given up hope that he would find anyone whom he could teach in the art of The Light. The mature man is wise and powerful, yet he also knows, how important it is to pass his knowledge and skills on. After years of searching for a single person he could teach, he has become jaded which doesn’t stop him, however, from hurrying to the rescue.
QUOTE: Ekelon heaved out a breath. “It is hard to explain, son. Believe me, I have tried to pass my knowledge on to others, but I am yet to be successful. As it happens, I suspect it is not Her powers flowing through me but my own. It is like a spiritual wildfire, released amidst my complete faith and trust in the Goddess.”
This also brings up the topic of magic, or spiritual powers, as they are called here. And although this series has magical creatures like demons and priests who have the talent of The Light, the characters do not use it all the time. It is not a universal go-to tool for every situation in life. Rather, the magic as it is defined by Russell is a part of a natural order that is not overshadowing nature but part of it. It is part of the story but it doesn’t dominate it and is not used overly much for shortcuts in the storyline. It is also linked to self-knowledge and the study of natural laws and can therefore not be conveniently abused by any dumbwit.
I like this very clever way of weaving magic into the story enchanting and unobtrusive. It has its moments but so have many events and people throughout the story. The magic is confined and specific and no snake oil cure-all. I cannot wait to discover more in the next books.
To tell you more would be to spoiler the book. However, be assured that there are many gems to be found, adventures to be had and pieces of information dropped that will have relevance in the following books of the series.
As with the previous book I read, I read this one out loud to myself as well. As always when I relax and read a book, I sat in my favourite reading armchair with a hot tea, a candle burning by my side, and read this wonderful short, fast-paced story. And what an exciting story it was!
The first prequel to the series is set forty years prior to the start of the series and gives background information about the situation the characters find themselves in in the main series. This one starts with a young man, the neophyte of a priesthood who sets out to find the one man who can defend the clergy’s village from Bear demons who regularly attack humans in this region. However, finding this man who seems to be more of a myth than a real person, proves to be a challenging task and young Jaxon has to overcome many obstacles to during his adventure.
I fell in love with Jaxon from the start. The young man is brave and not afraid to do what he can to save the priesthood he belongs to, as well as the other humans living under the protection of the clergy, and acts of his own volition. He has confidence, is intelligent and dedicated.
The world Russell builds is sketched out bit by bit, more being added as the story progresses, which is a great way of easing the reader into her fantasy world without info-dumping and overwhelming the reader from the start. Personally, I find this an especially good way of proceeding with fantasy stories where the entire world is created by the author’s imagination, other than with contemporary fiction with real-life locations, people and cultures. As a Goddess coach, I loved that the people in THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series worship a benevolent Goddess that otherwise has some similarities with Christianity, including churches being the buildings where the Goddess is worshipped. It makes for an interesting and fascinating mix of the familiar and new twists, which I greatly enjoyed.
Another highlight that stood out to me was that Father Hampton, an older priest in possession of great powers, had given up hope that he would find anyone whom he could teach in the art of The Light. The mature man is wise and powerful, yet he also knows, how important it is to pass his knowledge and skills on. After years of searching for a single person he could teach, he has become jaded which doesn’t stop him, however, from hurrying to the rescue.
QUOTE: Ekelon heaved out a breath. “It is hard to explain, son. Believe me, I have tried to pass my knowledge on to others, but I am yet to be successful. As it happens, I suspect it is not Her powers flowing through me but my own. It is like a spiritual wildfire, released amidst my complete faith and trust in the Goddess.”
This also brings up the topic of magic, or spiritual powers, as they are called here. And although this series has magical creatures like demons and priests who have the talent of The Light, the characters do not use it all the time. It is not a universal go-to tool for every situation in life. Rather, the magic as it is defined by Russell is a part of a natural order that is not overshadowing nature but part of it. It is part of the story but it doesn’t dominate it and is not used overly much for shortcuts in the storyline. It is also linked to self-knowledge and the study of natural laws and can therefore not be conveniently abused by any dumbwit.
I like this very clever way of weaving magic into the story enchanting and unobtrusive. It has its moments but so have many events and people throughout the story. The magic is confined and specific and no snake oil cure-all. I cannot wait to discover more in the next books.
To tell you more would be to spoiler the book. However, be assured that there are many gems to be found, adventures to be had and pieces of information dropped that will have relevance in the following books of the series.
September 27, 2020
Hooked... Demons are exherting their powers over people. Ekelon is sought-after by a young Jaxon to help stop the demons over running his village and clergy.
I cant wait to read the first full book in tge serries
I cant wait to read the first full book in tge serries
Read
December 26, 2020The ebook version of this short story is available for FREE if you sign up to my newsletter! Please use the following link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cplna8r4n0
September 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this little story, the detail and the way it ends makes you want more. And more you shall have! Highly recommend!
April 26, 2020
Righteous Dawn (The Prequel to the “Prime” series) by Catrin Russell is a short story which leads us on a harrowing adventure as we follow a young man named Jaxon who is in search for the mysterious Father Hampton, a holy man who Jaxon needs to save his township of Valeria from an impending demon attack. Wild stuff I tells ya. My favourite part of this story was the concept of the demons, which are the counterparts of animals – bears in the case of those attacking Valeria – instead of more traditional demons. There were other interesting world building elements to this story that I was curious to know more about, but that is what the rest of the series is for.
I’ve never read a prequel prior to reading a series before, and I wonder if I would have felt a bit differently about this book if I had read the series first. I felt as though I wanted answers to questions that other readers perhaps already had heading into this. That being said, it was still a well written story that describes a dark, perilous and imaginative world.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve never read a prequel prior to reading a series before, and I wonder if I would have felt a bit differently about this book if I had read the series first. I felt as though I wanted answers to questions that other readers perhaps already had heading into this. That being said, it was still a well written story that describes a dark, perilous and imaginative world.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
What a delightful novella! Having already read books 1 to 4 of the series, I was interested to see how this novella fits in and it definitely does, perfectly! It gives insight into Ekelon, prior to his becoming obsessed by demons. It shows his compassion and conviction, and his total faith in the Goddess. After an imminent attack by demons, Jaxon sets off to find the elusive Ekelon to help thwart an attack on his parish. It describes beautifully how the priesthood was formed. It didn't feel like a filler inner, it felt like a complete story. Catrin's writing style is superb, she always manages to capture ones attention from the start and spin a believable tale, even though it's pure fiction, one feels as though one is actually living through it with the characters! A truly amazing ability
January 25, 2021
A nice edition to the Light of Darkness series, this introduces a little background into Ekelon, the high priest of the series.
Quick and easy read that could be read either before or after reading book 1.
Quick and easy read that could be read either before or after reading book 1.
September 30, 2022
RIGHTEOUS DAWN by Catrin Russell is the first prequel to THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series, the other one being THE REDEEMED. I don’t read high fantasy very often but after I read FORGED BY BLOOD, the prequel to the A KINGDOM SCARRED series, I was hooked!
As with the previous book I read, I read this one out loud to myself as well. As always when I relax and read a book, I sat in my favourite reading armchair with a hot tea, a candle burning by my side, and read this wonderful short, fast-paced story. And what an exciting story it was!
The first prequel to the series is set forty years prior to the start of the series and gives background information about the situation the characters find themselves in in the main series. This one starts with a young man, the neophyte of a priesthood who sets out to find the one man who can defend the clergy’s village from Bear demons who regularly attack humans in this region. However, finding this man who seems to be more of a myth than a real person, proves to be a challenging task and young Jaxon has to overcome many obstacles to during his adventure.
I fell in love with Jaxon from the start. The young man is brave and not afraid to do what he can to save the priesthood he belongs to, as well as the other humans living under the protection of the clergy, and acts of his own volition. He has confidence, is intelligent and dedicated.
The world Russell builds is sketched out bit by bit, more being added as the story progresses, which is a great way of easing the reader into her fantasy world without info-dumping and overwhelming the reader from the start. Personally, I find this an especially good way of proceeding with fantasy stories where the entire world is created by the author’s imagination, other than with contemporary fiction with real-life locations, people and cultures. As a Goddess coach, I loved that the people in THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series worship a benevolent Goddess that otherwise has some similarities with Christianity, including churches being the buildings where the Goddess is worshipped. It makes for an interesting and fascinating mix of the familiar and new twists, which I greatly enjoyed.
Another highlight that stood out to me was that Father Hampton, an older priest in possession of great powers, had given up hope that he would find anyone whom he could teach in the art of The Light. The mature man is wise and powerful, yet he also knows, how important it is to pass his knowledge and skills on. After years of searching for a single person he could teach, he has become jaded which doesn’t stop him, however, from hurrying to the rescue.
QUOTE: Ekelon heaved out a breath. “It is hard to explain, son. Believe me, I have tried to pass my knowledge on to others, but I am yet to be successful. As it happens, I suspect it is not Her powers flowing through me but my own. It is like a spiritual wildfire, released amidst my complete faith and trust in the Goddess.”
This also brings up the topic of magic, or spiritual powers, as they are called here. And although this series has magical creatures like demons and priests who have the talent of The Light, the characters do not use it all the time. It is not a universal go-to tool for every situation in life. Rather, the magic as it is defined by Russell is a part of a natural order that is not overshadowing nature but part of it. It is part of the story but it doesn’t dominate it and is not used overly much for shortcuts in the storyline. It is also linked to self-knowledge and the study of natural laws and can therefore not be conveniently abused by any dumbwit.
I like this very clever way of weaving magic into the story enchanting and unobtrusive. It has its moments but so have many events and people throughout the story. The magic is confined and specific and no snake oil cure-all. I cannot wait to discover more in the next books.
To tell you more would be to spoiler the book. However, be assured that there are many gems to be found, adventures to be had and pieces of information dropped that will have relevance in the following books of the series.
As with the previous book I read, I read this one out loud to myself as well. As always when I relax and read a book, I sat in my favourite reading armchair with a hot tea, a candle burning by my side, and read this wonderful short, fast-paced story. And what an exciting story it was!
The first prequel to the series is set forty years prior to the start of the series and gives background information about the situation the characters find themselves in in the main series. This one starts with a young man, the neophyte of a priesthood who sets out to find the one man who can defend the clergy’s village from Bear demons who regularly attack humans in this region. However, finding this man who seems to be more of a myth than a real person, proves to be a challenging task and young Jaxon has to overcome many obstacles to during his adventure.
I fell in love with Jaxon from the start. The young man is brave and not afraid to do what he can to save the priesthood he belongs to, as well as the other humans living under the protection of the clergy, and acts of his own volition. He has confidence, is intelligent and dedicated.
The world Russell builds is sketched out bit by bit, more being added as the story progresses, which is a great way of easing the reader into her fantasy world without info-dumping and overwhelming the reader from the start. Personally, I find this an especially good way of proceeding with fantasy stories where the entire world is created by the author’s imagination, other than with contemporary fiction with real-life locations, people and cultures. As a Goddess coach, I loved that the people in THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS series worship a benevolent Goddess that otherwise has some similarities with Christianity, including churches being the buildings where the Goddess is worshipped. It makes for an interesting and fascinating mix of the familiar and new twists, which I greatly enjoyed.
Another highlight that stood out to me was that Father Hampton, an older priest in possession of great powers, had given up hope that he would find anyone whom he could teach in the art of The Light. The mature man is wise and powerful, yet he also knows, how important it is to pass his knowledge and skills on. After years of searching for a single person he could teach, he has become jaded which doesn’t stop him, however, from hurrying to the rescue.
QUOTE: Ekelon heaved out a breath. “It is hard to explain, son. Believe me, I have tried to pass my knowledge on to others, but I am yet to be successful. As it happens, I suspect it is not Her powers flowing through me but my own. It is like a spiritual wildfire, released amidst my complete faith and trust in the Goddess.”
This also brings up the topic of magic, or spiritual powers, as they are called here. And although this series has magical creatures like demons and priests who have the talent of The Light, the characters do not use it all the time. It is not a universal go-to tool for every situation in life. Rather, the magic as it is defined by Russell is a part of a natural order that is not overshadowing nature but part of it. It is part of the story but it doesn’t dominate it and is not used overly much for shortcuts in the storyline. It is also linked to self-knowledge and the study of natural laws and can therefore not be conveniently abused by any dumbwit.
I like this very clever way of weaving magic into the story enchanting and unobtrusive. It has its moments but so have many events and people throughout the story. The magic is confined and specific and no snake oil cure-all. I cannot wait to discover more in the next books.
To tell you more would be to spoiler the book. However, be assured that there are many gems to be found, adventures to be had and pieces of information dropped that will have relevance in the following books of the series.
July 14, 2022
Diversity: 0?
If I'm not mistaken there was no diversity in this, and to tell the truth I did not care. Everything about this felt natural and not awkward as most religious heavy things tend to be for me.
There's a character in this that to me gets such a fitting ending that I do not want to see them come back. In my eyes they deserve a happy ending and the way this ends gives them that.
The magic system is interesting, it reminds me a lot of Charmed which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Bioware or Activision needs to higher Catrin Russell everything about how she writes so far feels like it would be an epic video game title with a trilogy.
If I'm not mistaken there was no diversity in this, and to tell the truth I did not care. Everything about this felt natural and not awkward as most religious heavy things tend to be for me.
There's a character in this that to me gets such a fitting ending that I do not want to see them come back. In my eyes they deserve a happy ending and the way this ends gives them that.
The magic system is interesting, it reminds me a lot of Charmed which is probably why I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Bioware or Activision needs to higher Catrin Russell everything about how she writes so far feels like it would be an epic video game title with a trilogy.
June 27, 2022
Righteous Dawn by Catrin Russell is a well-written prequel that gives us a glimpse into Father Hampton's life before he forms the priesthood. When the story begins, he is a bit of a mystery, but young Jaxon is determined to find him. He is their only hope against the demons ravaging the town of Valera. I love the horse in the story. I don't want to give anything away, so you'll have to read it to find out. The prequel is available for free if you join the author's newsletter. My review is voluntary.
January 4, 2025
"Righteous Dawn" by Catrin Russell is a prequel to the series "The Light of Darkess." This one gives you glimpses of the terror and danger of Russell's demon-filled world and could be a gentle introduction for a new reader. It goes back to the beginning of things and introduces you to key characters. That said, this one is a bit shorter and doesn't give you as much personal connection to the characters as Russell's other work. Know that you'll get deeper characterization in future books, so lots to look forward to!
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