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This Boundary Will Not Bind Us
“We are all the same,” chants the mob in the Village Square. Aera is not the same but doesn’t know why. In the walled-off commune of Ynas, she is protected from the dangers outside yet feels imprisoned. Knowledge is closely guarded, and passion is tabooed.
Haunted by nightmares in alien tongues, Aera senses she is destined for more than drudgery in Ynas. She finds solace in a powerful mentor who teaches her forbidden music and ancient martial arts. Aera’s defiance attracts the young prodigy Cyrrus, who is determined to rule the planet of Oreni. While others fall prey to his influence, Aera penetrates his many veils and joins him in unraveling hidden cultures, forbidden languages and altered history. Through primeval pathways and arcane relics, they enter a shared dreamscape of duplicitous characters from distant lands revealing a secret that could destroy their world.
This Boundary Will Not Bind Us is the first installment in the Night Gem series. It begins when Aera is a child, and follows her path through the mystical twists of an unknown destiny. More than a simple story, Erica Xenne invites readers into her multi-layered universe of complex characters and celestial forces engaged in a deadly opera.
Haunted by nightmares in alien tongues, Aera senses she is destined for more than drudgery in Ynas. She finds solace in a powerful mentor who teaches her forbidden music and ancient martial arts. Aera’s defiance attracts the young prodigy Cyrrus, who is determined to rule the planet of Oreni. While others fall prey to his influence, Aera penetrates his many veils and joins him in unraveling hidden cultures, forbidden languages and altered history. Through primeval pathways and arcane relics, they enter a shared dreamscape of duplicitous characters from distant lands revealing a secret that could destroy their world.
This Boundary Will Not Bind Us is the first installment in the Night Gem series. It begins when Aera is a child, and follows her path through the mystical twists of an unknown destiny. More than a simple story, Erica Xenne invites readers into her multi-layered universe of complex characters and celestial forces engaged in a deadly opera.
- GenresFantasy
787 pages, Unknown Binding
Published February 21, 2022
6 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Erica Xenne
2 books8 followersMusic was Erica’s first language; a mirror reflecting her soul. As the rhythm unfolds, it unravels her heart and unleashes her dreams.
Sadly, Erica lost her singing voice to a tragic illness. Exiled from her passion, she was left craving catharsis. Song after song, story after story, photo after photo, visions of Erosia came to life. It became clear that Erica is more than a musician. She is a vessel through which passion emerges. Through her whisper, she led her band, Erosian Exile – but as her vocal cords deteriorated, writing became her new voice. Her fantasy series, Night Gem, reveals the origins of Erosia.
Regardless of the medium, Erica works tirelessly to master the skills that enable her to lose herself in the creative process. She strives to express something so primal that it’s universal. To awaken the animal within is to bring Erosia to Earth.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EricaXenne/
Sadly, Erica lost her singing voice to a tragic illness. Exiled from her passion, she was left craving catharsis. Song after song, story after story, photo after photo, visions of Erosia came to life. It became clear that Erica is more than a musician. She is a vessel through which passion emerges. Through her whisper, she led her band, Erosian Exile – but as her vocal cords deteriorated, writing became her new voice. Her fantasy series, Night Gem, reveals the origins of Erosia.
Regardless of the medium, Erica works tirelessly to master the skills that enable her to lose herself in the creative process. She strives to express something so primal that it’s universal. To awaken the animal within is to bring Erosia to Earth.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EricaXenne/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 12, 2022
This is one of my favorite books. The author does an amazing job with characters and character development throughout the book. People who like a very character driven novel should love this book. People who are looking for an immediately fast paced novel might get put off at first because the book starts off slow with getting the background and characters set up. However, once it gets going it's really hard to put down if you love books with a lot of exploration/figuring out secrets and uncovering hidden magic, which were the best parts of the book for me personally.
May 31, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This book has taken me an AGE to finish because of exams, but it is honesty so so good. It’s one of those novels that you just get stuck into, so capturing and intricate that I couldn’t take my eyes off it (until I had to study lol) . It was such a nice little escape with such deep and lovable characters such as Area.
I love her so much. It’s palpable that the author poured their heart into these characters and into this book, from the dialogue and backstory to the small detailing on the chapter pages, it’s stunning.
There was a lot of information to consume in the middle, I was having a hard time processing all of it but otherwise this book was so good. The author created an atmosphere unmatched by many, one of mystery and intrigue and personality. I love it!!
This book has taken me an AGE to finish because of exams, but it is honesty so so good. It’s one of those novels that you just get stuck into, so capturing and intricate that I couldn’t take my eyes off it (until I had to study lol) . It was such a nice little escape with such deep and lovable characters such as Area.
I love her so much. It’s palpable that the author poured their heart into these characters and into this book, from the dialogue and backstory to the small detailing on the chapter pages, it’s stunning.
There was a lot of information to consume in the middle, I was having a hard time processing all of it but otherwise this book was so good. The author created an atmosphere unmatched by many, one of mystery and intrigue and personality. I love it!!
May 31, 2023
I cannot describe my feelings towards this novel, I was deaply attached to the story and the main character Area. I loved how she developed from a scared little girl into a confident truth seeker. In a fantasy commune of Ynas, children are placed in groups by their ages, and they are taught the essentials in order to become slaves.
Area is just a child hunted by nightmares, she was bullied by other children. She was feeling scared and alone. But that changed when she met Vaya. Vaya taught her music in which she found her passion, she taught her skills to control her fears.
Then she met Cyrus a boy in her age group who became her friend. Getting friend with him helped her learn new skills and languages, she could understand her dreams and wanted to learn more about Cyrus, herself, and Ynas.
They explored hidden places and found all sort of things and most importantly the orb. The orb was a door to enter a world of stars, where people appears like lights changing colors, and some were using the secret space to communicate secrets. The more Area entered the Orb the more passionate and enchanted she became, and the more danger it was.
Then Area lost her friend Cyrus, she was miserable and life after him was unbearable, as danger hunted her she knew now its her time to leave Ynas to find the truth.
The characters were amazing and felt so real, the using of symbols in the book was very clever, also the written songs very beautiful and enchanting. Also the philosophy the novel portray and debates were very interesting to read and impressive. Reading this novel felt like I was sucked into another world which was a great experience.
The novel ended with so many unanswered questions and I cannot wait to read what will happen next to Area and Cyrus fate.
Area is just a child hunted by nightmares, she was bullied by other children. She was feeling scared and alone. But that changed when she met Vaya. Vaya taught her music in which she found her passion, she taught her skills to control her fears.
Then she met Cyrus a boy in her age group who became her friend. Getting friend with him helped her learn new skills and languages, she could understand her dreams and wanted to learn more about Cyrus, herself, and Ynas.
They explored hidden places and found all sort of things and most importantly the orb. The orb was a door to enter a world of stars, where people appears like lights changing colors, and some were using the secret space to communicate secrets. The more Area entered the Orb the more passionate and enchanted she became, and the more danger it was.
Then Area lost her friend Cyrus, she was miserable and life after him was unbearable, as danger hunted her she knew now its her time to leave Ynas to find the truth.
The characters were amazing and felt so real, the using of symbols in the book was very clever, also the written songs very beautiful and enchanting. Also the philosophy the novel portray and debates were very interesting to read and impressive. Reading this novel felt like I was sucked into another world which was a great experience.
The novel ended with so many unanswered questions and I cannot wait to read what will happen next to Area and Cyrus fate.
May 19, 2023
This was quite a long read, so it is not something that I would recommend if you are looking for a quick read, something to read in one sitting. However, if you prefer to read a little at a time, or enjoy books in the epic fantasy genre, then it is something that I would recommend.
I felt that the author created a unique universe for the reader, and brought it to life, which is something that I find important when reading the fantasy genre. If you enjoy young adult fantasy novels and have a bit of time to spare, this might be up your street.
I felt that the author created a unique universe for the reader, and brought it to life, which is something that I find important when reading the fantasy genre. If you enjoy young adult fantasy novels and have a bit of time to spare, this might be up your street.
January 3, 2023
Enthralling
I devoured this book. Inside its pages, I discovered an unexpectedly immersive world with refreshingly original themes coupled with a mysteriously captivating plot containing ideas I found philosophical and intellectually nourishing. I have not experienced this much depth, character, and world-building since Robert Jordan (Wheel of time series). One can only hope work on a sequel is already underway.
I devoured this book. Inside its pages, I discovered an unexpectedly immersive world with refreshingly original themes coupled with a mysteriously captivating plot containing ideas I found philosophical and intellectually nourishing. I have not experienced this much depth, character, and world-building since Robert Jordan (Wheel of time series). One can only hope work on a sequel is already underway.
January 31, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5. I loved the main character, Aera and her journey. Erica drops the reader into a complex world full of intrigue. There is so much to the story that to say anything more would give something away. I could see this being a miniseries. I am looking forward to the next book and hope it won't take years before it is written and released.
March 28, 2022
This debut novel was a wonderful surprise. Exquisite prose, intricate world building, and characters that truly captured my interest, and made me feel deeply. I look forward to reading the rest in the trilogy down the road. An excellent debut!!
July 12, 2022
I LOVE this book. The characters are amazing. The story is gripping. The philosophy in Night Gem is deep and incredible.
This is a keeper on my bookshelf.
This is a keeper on my bookshelf.
July 12, 2022
I LOVE this book. The characters are amazing. The story is gripping. The philosophy in Night Gem is deep and incredible.
This is a keeper on my bookshelf.
This is a keeper on my bookshelf.
July 29, 2023
The Night Gem by Erica Xenne starts off in a very engrossing manner. The art of simple storytelling has been lost in today’s world where authors are often trying to interweave massive plots with dozens of characters together. But following Aera’s life, through the commune has been intriguing, to say the least.
In many ways, I feel like the author is drawing from her own feelings or experiences. Or as Cyrrus would say, she’s emoting. And frankly, that’s part of the charm. Aera feels very relatable from the way she looks at Cyrrus, seeing through his flaws, being utterly irritated by him to falling in love with him. She sees him for what he is, and so does he, although that might be due to more than just his understanding of her.
Reading about the two growing up together as they discover themselves, as they discover what they like and what they want to do kept me engrossed through the book.
When I was about 50% in, I checked the book’s description on Amazon. And lo and behold, the author has a rich music history, but due to some circumstances she had to quit music and took up writing. And weaved music through her writing.
Now I know I said I loved the linear approach to the storyline and reading about Aera, Cyrrus, and Vaye got me hooked. The suspense was of course, to discover more about this world of theirs. Because as Readers, we only know what we read - and that is everything from Aera’s perspective.
The distinction between the male and the female characters - Cyrrus and Aera - in their approach to the same mysteries, and in general, Cyrrus also maintaining an aura of mystery is really what draws you to the book. It’s really exciting to see how Aera approaches Cyrrus because he helped awaken something inside her - a feeling of strength, confidence, and appreciation.
But Cyrrus himself isn’t really perfect as we realize when Aera gets to know him better. I love the fact that the author regularly uses feminine giggles to describe Cyrrus’ laughter - it just reminds you that they are children after all.
Quite often, books when portraying characters with magical abilities and beyond-human capabilities forget the real age and the emotional aspect of the characters. And somewhere in the middle of these books, you end up thinking of the characters as some grande powerful entity. But in reality, they are not that old and sometimes just young teenagers like in this book.
Erica Xenne does not let you forget that Cyrrus and Aera are teenagers. And the love they have for each other - is also very teenagery (yes I made up that word). Because even though you get irritated by the other, you also realize why you like that person and that is a theme throughout the book.
I don’t want to spoil too much - obviously - but the book ends in a way that I did not expect. And of course, it leaves you wanting for more - to know more about the characters and especially the world in which they live in.
In many ways, I feel like the author is drawing from her own feelings or experiences. Or as Cyrrus would say, she’s emoting. And frankly, that’s part of the charm. Aera feels very relatable from the way she looks at Cyrrus, seeing through his flaws, being utterly irritated by him to falling in love with him. She sees him for what he is, and so does he, although that might be due to more than just his understanding of her.
Reading about the two growing up together as they discover themselves, as they discover what they like and what they want to do kept me engrossed through the book.
When I was about 50% in, I checked the book’s description on Amazon. And lo and behold, the author has a rich music history, but due to some circumstances she had to quit music and took up writing. And weaved music through her writing.
Now I know I said I loved the linear approach to the storyline and reading about Aera, Cyrrus, and Vaye got me hooked. The suspense was of course, to discover more about this world of theirs. Because as Readers, we only know what we read - and that is everything from Aera’s perspective.
The distinction between the male and the female characters - Cyrrus and Aera - in their approach to the same mysteries, and in general, Cyrrus also maintaining an aura of mystery is really what draws you to the book. It’s really exciting to see how Aera approaches Cyrrus because he helped awaken something inside her - a feeling of strength, confidence, and appreciation.
But Cyrrus himself isn’t really perfect as we realize when Aera gets to know him better. I love the fact that the author regularly uses feminine giggles to describe Cyrrus’ laughter - it just reminds you that they are children after all.
Quite often, books when portraying characters with magical abilities and beyond-human capabilities forget the real age and the emotional aspect of the characters. And somewhere in the middle of these books, you end up thinking of the characters as some grande powerful entity. But in reality, they are not that old and sometimes just young teenagers like in this book.
Erica Xenne does not let you forget that Cyrrus and Aera are teenagers. And the love they have for each other - is also very teenagery (yes I made up that word). Because even though you get irritated by the other, you also realize why you like that person and that is a theme throughout the book.
I don’t want to spoil too much - obviously - but the book ends in a way that I did not expect. And of course, it leaves you wanting for more - to know more about the characters and especially the world in which they live in.
July 2, 2023
The book introduces you to an entirely new world. You learn about its characters, its history and find yourself together with Aera, locked in some kind of dystopian samsara, learning about the world. The book starts out good, but as you slowly process the world and learn about its intricacies, the story envelops you. As the story goes along the characters are transformed by their experiences, the knowledge they gain access to and as a reader you experience this transformation right along with them. I was utterly absorbed, and having read the book has only left me wanting to see and discover more of this rich and complex world.
This might be a fantasy novel, but the characters and the world feel real, raw and alive. You see their flaws and feel their pain, but also feel great joy when they achieve their successes. The pacing is slow, especially initially, but it is necessary to be able to convey such a detailed and rich world (with even entire languages of its own). As the story progresses, stakes run higher, the pace quickens and more drops and drops of knowledge let you place the events of the story in a bigger context. Take your time reading this book and embark on a journey like no other.
This might be a fantasy novel, but the characters and the world feel real, raw and alive. You see their flaws and feel their pain, but also feel great joy when they achieve their successes. The pacing is slow, especially initially, but it is necessary to be able to convey such a detailed and rich world (with even entire languages of its own). As the story progresses, stakes run higher, the pace quickens and more drops and drops of knowledge let you place the events of the story in a bigger context. Take your time reading this book and embark on a journey like no other.
March 29, 2023
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of the things I love most about a book is when you can tell how much an author poured their heart into their characters. This book definitely does that.
Aera is a character that really grows and develops as a person during the progression of the story. Cyrrus is one of those characters where you switch from liking him to hating him and back again. And Vaye, my personal favorite, is a mysterious motherly figure that will take root in your heart if you let her.
The world building of the dystopian society of Ynas was good and we learn so much about hidden languages and societies. The author put so much work into building all of this. However, I wish some of this information would have waited for the next book as I found myself getting out of the story a bit just to try to remember everything I was learning. There was a bit too much information in the middle.
But, I really liked the book overall and praise the author for this debut novel.
One of the things I love most about a book is when you can tell how much an author poured their heart into their characters. This book definitely does that.
Aera is a character that really grows and develops as a person during the progression of the story. Cyrrus is one of those characters where you switch from liking him to hating him and back again. And Vaye, my personal favorite, is a mysterious motherly figure that will take root in your heart if you let her.
The world building of the dystopian society of Ynas was good and we learn so much about hidden languages and societies. The author put so much work into building all of this. However, I wish some of this information would have waited for the next book as I found myself getting out of the story a bit just to try to remember everything I was learning. There was a bit too much information in the middle.
But, I really liked the book overall and praise the author for this debut novel.
March 1, 2024
I started reading this book with great hope because of the art work and I was not disappointed. I loved very page of it. The book starts off introducing us to Aera, a character that is will developed and has a problem with the other kids in the village. The reason is because she is considered to be different than the others. As a child she is told to act like the other children, but she has a mind of her of her own. She has friends named Vaye, and Samie and they learn to communicate with music and being different is a gift to cherish. The author has a great imagination and it show in the writing of this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone who like fantasy stories. I just started to reread it because it is that great. I gave it a five out five because I want to read more of her work. I can not wait to read book two. Good luck on your endeavors
Thank you for listening.
Tracy.
Thank you for listening.
Tracy.
March 16, 2023
It took a while to read the book, due to the lenght of the story but it was
really worth to take the time for reading.
A key role in this story is for the great characters. I got the idea I really
knew them and that was very nice!
So don't be put off by the beginning and the length of the book, but
continue reading and you'll discover a wonderful story. The author did
a fantastic job.
Of course for Night Gem, I give a 5 star rating and I hope to read more
books like this.
really worth to take the time for reading.
A key role in this story is for the great characters. I got the idea I really
knew them and that was very nice!
So don't be put off by the beginning and the length of the book, but
continue reading and you'll discover a wonderful story. The author did
a fantastic job.
Of course for Night Gem, I give a 5 star rating and I hope to read more
books like this.
May 18, 2025
This book has been such a pleasure to read. It reminded me of the Fantasy books that originally ignited my passion for this genre in my youth.
I adored learning about the world through the eyes of the main character and seeing her growth and evolution. I found her to be extremely credible and relatable. The world building and linguistic attention are fantastic.
I want to send a huge thank you to the author for sharing this story with us. I await the next book with bated breath!
I adored learning about the world through the eyes of the main character and seeing her growth and evolution. I found her to be extremely credible and relatable. The world building and linguistic attention are fantastic.
I want to send a huge thank you to the author for sharing this story with us. I await the next book with bated breath!
May 15, 2023
It was a good read, I was just a bit confused with so much information at the same time, but I liked to see the main character growing up and understanding more about her surroundings and maybe her power? Maybe we will have details in the second book!
March 11, 2024
This book grabbed my attention right from the beginning. The author used rich language and descriptions to keep readers engaged. It was easy to fall in love with Aera's character throughout the story. I look forward to reading more from Erica Xenne in the future!
September 5, 2024
This is a book worthy of sitting among the greats of high fantasy. The heart, soul, and sheer amount of work that clearly went into the crafting of this work of art is amazing. Poignant, raw, human, hardly an opportunity for deeper meanings overlooked. Read it. Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.
June 1, 2025
Simply stated, this is a must read for anyone who loves fantasy and sees the connections to reality. If you want to be inspired to see your own soul through the stories of lives that feel not so distant at all, this is the one for you.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews