Lanterns of the Lost

by Rixi Hazelwood

Forgiveness should not require forgetting.

Dennira is the last living pathmaster and guardian of the Shores of Separation. Having cast aside her ancient duty and magic decades ago, her sole purpose now is keeping the lanterns alight in memory of her lost kin. Her life is peaceful until Kyra washes up on her beach. Young, human and brimming with endless curiosity, Kyra has been sent to ask the pathmaster a single question. The problem is she doesn’t have much time to ask it, and Dennira isn’t willing to listen.

With no way back to her own world and her soul hanging in the balance, Kyra must figure out how to get home somehow before she becomes a permanent part of the Shores. The question Kyra must pose will challenge Dennira down to the core of her being. The time has come for the pathmaster to decide whether she can bring herself to help a member of the species that all-but ended her own.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

Writer of fantasy/magical realism novels and novellas, based in West Sussex, UK! I Love to read, play FFXIV, journal, and of course have a huge passion for writing.

A little goal of mine (set in 2022) is to have 5 books published by the time I'm 35 - so March 2026 - let's see how I get on :D three down, two to go, and many many more ideas waiting in the wings!

All my works are available on Amazon in paperback and Ebook formats and are free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I needed in this moment. Enjoyment level: 5 stars. Sentiment: 5 stars. I was hooked and invested not only because of the storyline and the round characters, but also because of the writing style. I intend to return and write a full review at some point. But for now, I wanted to share my excitement and state that this is definitely in my top ten books of 2022!

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the war and genocide of her people, Dennira is the last pathmaster. Since then, she hasn't allowed anyone to set foot on what was once an island full of peace and moving on. But when Kyra washes up on the beach with no memories, Dennira decides she's tired of killing. Kyra, a curious teenager, knows she's been sent to the island on a mission, but even if she can remember what it is, persuading the prickly Dennira to go along with her seems like an impossible task. Yet if Dennira can't get over her hatred and prejudice and Kyra can't learn patience and empathy, the link between their worlds may be severed forever.

While there was certainly some heart-thumping action at the end, this book primarily focuses on character growth. It might not be fast-paced, but it's certainly atmospheric. There's so much clear description, making it easy to visualize each character and the lantern-lit island where everything takes place. As someone who typically prefers fast-paced middle grade adventures, I found this one a bit slow and dark, but I can't deny that it moved me with its beautiful language and thoughtful conclusion.

[Débora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Could not put this down. Beautiful writing.