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Light and Shadow #1
Tenebrism
A couple of jerkoff friends daring him to kiss a statue in a graveyard are the least of Alan's problems. Because now the statue is alive. And now there are two of them. And that's only the beginning.
online fiction
First published November 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2012
I am completely in love with this series. I hate to admit it, but at first I thought the basic premise of Tenebrism sounded kinda cliche: Regular college kid (Alan) kisses a stone statue on a dare, only to have the statue come to life before his eyes. Turns out, statue guy (Keyd) is actually a warrior from another world whose people are engaged in an epic battle of "light" vs. "dark" which is about to spill over onto Earth. Been there, done that, right? WRONG! There is nothing cliched about this story at all. Actually, I found it to be quite original, not to mention totally engaging.
First, I just have to say that I found this entire series to be exceedingly well-written. The overall plot is obviously very well planned out, with excellent pacing and appropriate explanations and revelations at just the right times. I was never bored, never overly frustrated or disappointed, while at the same time, still able to feel that edge of excited anticipation throughout. The story has both fantasy and sci-fi elements, and the accompanying world-building is also pretty fantastic, unfolding and integrating very naturally as the story progresses. So no big info dumps, no ridiculous nonsensical explanations; in fact, I found the details and explanations regarding Keyd, his people, and their powers, to actually be very rational, complete, and believable.
The characters themselves are also well-described and well-rounded, and they actually behave and develop over time like you would expect in reality. There are also a number of secondary characters who are quite enjoyable and really help add variety and depth to the overall story, rather than just take up meaningless space. The entire series is told from Alan's POV, and as a narrator, he's pretty great. He just tells his story with a nice sense of humor, and with no overly excessive internal angsting or boring landscape details or other crap like that.
Of course, the romance between Alan and Keyd was also a big highlight for me. Neither of these men have ever been in a relationship with another man before, so for that reason, among others, their own romance is extremely (and believably) slow-moving. Their hesitations and fears are all very realistic, they both make mistakes along the way, and change isn't instantaneous by any means -- all of which really help to add credibility to the entire situation.
You know, I've found that some fantasy stories can be a little too ambitious for their own good -- that it's easy enough to have lots of characters, lots of intrigues, basically just lots going on, and it's also pretty easy to drop the ball and tell a story like this without the necessary details or explanations to back it all up, thus leaving the reader disappointed or confused or unfulfilled in the end. And sadly, that's the kind of story I've been seeing a lot of recently. Which is exactly why the "Light and Shadow" series has been such an overwhelming delight to read. I know that Alyn Drasil isn't going to disappoint me here. She's got a plan, and it's a good one, and her first 3 stories are proof of that. I just can't wait to see what happens in the end.
Highly recommended, rated 4.5/5.
UPDATE (3/29/12): I don't know when the new cover art showed up, but A+++. Seriously. Good job.
First, I just have to say that I found this entire series to be exceedingly well-written. The overall plot is obviously very well planned out, with excellent pacing and appropriate explanations and revelations at just the right times. I was never bored, never overly frustrated or disappointed, while at the same time, still able to feel that edge of excited anticipation throughout. The story has both fantasy and sci-fi elements, and the accompanying world-building is also pretty fantastic, unfolding and integrating very naturally as the story progresses. So no big info dumps, no ridiculous nonsensical explanations; in fact, I found the details and explanations regarding Keyd, his people, and their powers, to actually be very rational, complete, and believable.
The characters themselves are also well-described and well-rounded, and they actually behave and develop over time like you would expect in reality. There are also a number of secondary characters who are quite enjoyable and really help add variety and depth to the overall story, rather than just take up meaningless space. The entire series is told from Alan's POV, and as a narrator, he's pretty great. He just tells his story with a nice sense of humor, and with no overly excessive internal angsting or boring landscape details or other crap like that.
Of course, the romance between Alan and Keyd was also a big highlight for me. Neither of these men have ever been in a relationship with another man before, so for that reason, among others, their own romance is extremely (and believably) slow-moving. Their hesitations and fears are all very realistic, they both make mistakes along the way, and change isn't instantaneous by any means -- all of which really help to add credibility to the entire situation.
You know, I've found that some fantasy stories can be a little too ambitious for their own good -- that it's easy enough to have lots of characters, lots of intrigues, basically just lots going on, and it's also pretty easy to drop the ball and tell a story like this without the necessary details or explanations to back it all up, thus leaving the reader disappointed or confused or unfulfilled in the end. And sadly, that's the kind of story I've been seeing a lot of recently. Which is exactly why the "Light and Shadow" series has been such an overwhelming delight to read. I know that Alyn Drasil isn't going to disappoint me here. She's got a plan, and it's a good one, and her first 3 stories are proof of that. I just can't wait to see what happens in the end.
Highly recommended, rated 4.5/5.
UPDATE (3/29/12): I don't know when the new cover art showed up, but A+++. Seriously. Good job.
December 21, 2013
I love what I'm reading so far (chapter 4.III) - but it sadly looks like I started too late.
From what I can see around the different pages, it appears that the author took down the original Light and Shadow book 1, and is now editing it, posting the chapters one by one as he finishes them. Can anyone confirm or correct this? Or do anyone know where I can find the whole book?
As I said, I really like what I'm reading and I want to read more, but I don't want to ruin everything and go to book 2, without having read more than the first 4 chapters of book 1.
From what I can see around the different pages, it appears that the author took down the original Light and Shadow book 1, and is now editing it, posting the chapters one by one as he finishes them. Can anyone confirm or correct this? Or do anyone know where I can find the whole book?
As I said, I really like what I'm reading and I want to read more, but I don't want to ruin everything and go to book 2, without having read more than the first 4 chapters of book 1.
November 5, 2010
This was a nice read. I didn't think fantasy and m/m novels could work so well together.
Aspects I didn't like: The author definitely needs a Beta reader. The mistakes and slip ups are not major to distract you completely from the plot but they can get a bit annoying. Another thing that was a bit unpleasant was the fact she did not pay attention to how she described the scene. She would start with one description, only to picture it differently in mid-action. And having to read it twice only to realise I had two instances of descriptions is not my thing.
Things I did like: The magic elements used in the story. Until the romantic side actually started, I didn't even miss it for the simple reason that I was too engrossed in the fantasy world and explanations the author provided. Some were very imaginative and I enjoyed reading about them (especially about the dilemma between white and black magic).
Looking forward to reading the second novella.
P.S.: I was really sad when Keyd tore his right wing :(
Aspects I didn't like: The author definitely needs a Beta reader. The mistakes and slip ups are not major to distract you completely from the plot but they can get a bit annoying. Another thing that was a bit unpleasant was the fact she did not pay attention to how she described the scene. She would start with one description, only to picture it differently in mid-action. And having to read it twice only to realise I had two instances of descriptions is not my thing.
Things I did like: The magic elements used in the story. Until the romantic side actually started, I didn't even miss it for the simple reason that I was too engrossed in the fantasy world and explanations the author provided. Some were very imaginative and I enjoyed reading about them (especially about the dilemma between white and black magic).
Looking forward to reading the second novella.
P.S.: I was really sad when Keyd tore his right wing :(
February 26, 2016
All 12 chapters are now available for this book.
So. Well. The story is told from Alan's pov. The voice is so strong, definitely the strength of the story. Totally in character and really pulls you in. The main reason I didn't rate it higher was the gross lack of forward motion. The story, premise, and characters are strong. There was just a lot of space in which nothing was going on. The action scene at the plaza didn't really continue then into the story. It happened, and it was over. A lot went on and they never discussed it. It no longer had any significance to the story.
The romance is very, very muted and mild. It's more of a foreshadowing of a romance.
So. Well. The story is told from Alan's pov. The voice is so strong, definitely the strength of the story. Totally in character and really pulls you in. The main reason I didn't rate it higher was the gross lack of forward motion. The story, premise, and characters are strong. There was just a lot of space in which nothing was going on. The action scene at the plaza didn't really continue then into the story. It happened, and it was over. A lot went on and they never discussed it. It no longer had any significance to the story.
The romance is very, very muted and mild. It's more of a foreshadowing of a romance.
December 3, 2013
Rage Quit! I only made it to chapter six because it's been on chapter six of "rewrites" for six months, it's taking longer to be updated than George R. R. Martin takes to write his crappy books (baa zing!). Also, the plot, as it were, is so ridiculous and unnecessarily convoluted I can't be bothered to care about it. Aliens from an alternate dimension who use magic and were trapped as stone statues for an indeterminate amount of time. And that's not even half of the insanity, there's just too much going on. Pass. Thanks.
June 29, 2021
DNF at chapter 3
I honestly don't know why I started this book at all. I'm not into fanfiction stories that arent fully baked and then you can't even continue reading the next book in the series ( cause it's not complete and also can't be found anywhere except at Patreon ).
This book didn't hook me badly enough to try and overcome those inconvenience
so I'm cutting it short.
it goes into my "maybe to read" shelf ... ill come back to it in the future if the circumstances change
I honestly don't know why I started this book at all. I'm not into fanfiction stories that arent fully baked and then you can't even continue reading the next book in the series ( cause it's not complete and also can't be found anywhere except at Patreon ).
This book didn't hook me badly enough to try and overcome those inconvenience
so I'm cutting it short.
it goes into my "maybe to read" shelf ... ill come back to it in the future if the circumstances change
May 21, 2017
This story is a free story you can read on FictionPress. I came across the re-write by accident and I couldn't be happier with what I read.
Alan is a young adult who is out having fun with friends when a simple kiss brings a statue to life. Fast forward a bit, and he has two aliens walking around his house and they don't have boundaries - walking around naked, showering together etc.
The book is a coming of age novel where Alan realises his own power - quite literally - and his own feelings towards people of the same sex.
What I really loved about this book was that this is the first time I've read something so realistic. I'm sick of YA books having a character who suddenly has to fight in a war or have magical powers they use to defend themselves and they sit there going, "My life was so much easier before." Not in this book! Truax adds some realism when Alan starts having panic attacks and PTSD from what is happening.
The fact that Alan's gay is weaved into the story so well. When he realises, he's pretty much like, "Oh," rather than acting like it's a huge discovery which is really great. We don't really think of Alan's sexuality until he begins thinking about it and that's when we realise he hasn't been showing much interest towards anyone and we figure out why. It's not an explicit book so I'd recommend this to anyone who is trying lgbt+ books for the first time!
The added humour to the story just makes the story just that little bit better and the mystery around some of the characters that isn't explained in this novel that will travel into the next - cough Law cough - means that I will happily continue reading to find out these secrets!
Alan is a young adult who is out having fun with friends when a simple kiss brings a statue to life. Fast forward a bit, and he has two aliens walking around his house and they don't have boundaries - walking around naked, showering together etc.
The book is a coming of age novel where Alan realises his own power - quite literally - and his own feelings towards people of the same sex.
What I really loved about this book was that this is the first time I've read something so realistic. I'm sick of YA books having a character who suddenly has to fight in a war or have magical powers they use to defend themselves and they sit there going, "My life was so much easier before." Not in this book! Truax adds some realism when Alan starts having panic attacks and PTSD from what is happening.
The fact that Alan's gay is weaved into the story so well. When he realises, he's pretty much like, "Oh," rather than acting like it's a huge discovery which is really great. We don't really think of Alan's sexuality until he begins thinking about it and that's when we realise he hasn't been showing much interest towards anyone and we figure out why. It's not an explicit book so I'd recommend this to anyone who is trying lgbt+ books for the first time!
The added humour to the story just makes the story just that little bit better and the mystery around some of the characters that isn't explained in this novel that will travel into the next - cough Law cough - means that I will happily continue reading to find out these secrets!
March 21, 2011
I really loved this book, it was different from the norm, very unique.
It's about Alan and Keyd, which isn't his full name but what they call him.
In the book Alan, reverses a spell that had been set on Keyd, that turned him into a statue, believing he was just imagining it though he goes home, drunk. And when he wake the "statue" or Keyd is there telling him to come with him back to the graveyard to wake up another of his kind.
Now that isn't a very good outline of the story but I did try to put in some of the major starting points.
I found it slightly funny, and very intriguing, I hope to start on the next very soon!!
It's about Alan and Keyd, which isn't his full name but what they call him.
In the book Alan, reverses a spell that had been set on Keyd, that turned him into a statue, believing he was just imagining it though he goes home, drunk. And when he wake the "statue" or Keyd is there telling him to come with him back to the graveyard to wake up another of his kind.
Now that isn't a very good outline of the story but I did try to put in some of the major starting points.
I found it slightly funny, and very intriguing, I hope to start on the next very soon!!
October 18, 2012
Ok, this book started over so awesome, I just couldn't believe that I've found such a great story on happenstance (and free!!!!)
I devoured the first 3 chapters and then....WTF?! I was nearly dumbfoundet, I searched and searched for the "missing" chapters, there had to be more stuff!
But I realized later that this was it, there were 3 chapters, which I loved a lot and I had to start the second book.
Ok, that's my only point of criticism ( the sudden, unsatisfying ending) cause the story itself, the writing-style, the characters....I really adore all of it! It's excellent and I enjoyed every single word of this book!
Thank you very much, dear author!
I devoured the first 3 chapters and then....WTF?! I was nearly dumbfoundet, I searched and searched for the "missing" chapters, there had to be more stuff!
But I realized later that this was it, there were 3 chapters, which I loved a lot and I had to start the second book.
Ok, that's my only point of criticism ( the sudden, unsatisfying ending) cause the story itself, the writing-style, the characters....I really adore all of it! It's excellent and I enjoyed every single word of this book!
Thank you very much, dear author!
June 1, 2013
I'm writing this after reading all four books. Be warned the 1st and the 4th are not complete. The first is in a rewrite as of this date, so it ends sort of weirdly and there is obviously stuff missing when you start the 2nd. That said, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th are still worth reading. I really enjoyed the relationship and adventures of the MC and all the supporting characters. I gave 5 stars to the other books, only 4 here b/c it wasn't finished. The author is still around and writing and making updates to the 4th, so there is hope that it will be finished. Fingers crossed!!
July 20, 2014
I read the original online and it was very good so I can only hope the current rewriting effort by the author will make the plot tighter and eradicate the distracting typos etc. The characters are engaging and the menacing baddies suitably malevolent. The slow dance of attraction between Alan (human) and Keyd (otherworld) was nicely done and inserted between the 'action' sequences. I look forward to reading the sequel since book 1 ended on such a cliffhanger. 3 and half stars.
dnf
May 22, 2016DNF @43%
Secondary characters are great; main character is very whiny and weak to the point where I don't care what happens to him. If he doesn't want to do get involved, then do away with him early on and let us encounter a better protagonist. I'd have kept reading in that case, but the constant complaining and general reluctance to accept anything outside of his tiny realm of existence frustrated me. No thanks.
Secondary characters are great; main character is very whiny and weak to the point where I don't care what happens to him. If he doesn't want to do get involved, then do away with him early on and let us encounter a better protagonist. I'd have kept reading in that case, but the constant complaining and general reluctance to accept anything outside of his tiny realm of existence frustrated me. No thanks.
Want to read
October 18, 2013I want to read this book so bad it makes my head hurt.
I really wish the author would hurry up and finish the rewrites because I am FEENING for this story! I miss these characters. I've finished all the other installments, now I really need this one! I've had my eye on this story for nearly two years and nothing is happening, eek!!!!!
I really wish the author would hurry up and finish the rewrites because I am FEENING for this story! I miss these characters. I've finished all the other installments, now I really need this one! I've had my eye on this story for nearly two years and nothing is happening, eek!!!!!
May 6, 2011
I wasn't so sure about the story when I first started reading but it got addictive pretty quick and I fell in love with the story and the characters. It's nice to read something different and fairly new plot-wise. I would have paid to read this! Can't wait to start on the next one.
November 6, 2014
Okay, So I found this by wandering book sites and I am now in love with Keyd! Like a huge fan! This is short but so good and I was so ready for the next installment the moment I finished this story! I am most definitely going to follow this story until the end!
~Lisa
~Lisa
December 7, 2011
Definitely one of the "Stories good enough to be published".
The author should hurry up in revising it and start getting to be known by the wider audience of this genre :). She really deserves it!
The author should hurry up in revising it and start getting to be known by the wider audience of this genre :). She really deserves it!
May 27, 2011
Ok, it's a good fantasy book. Not a lot of romance though. I mean it builds but doesn't really go anywhere until the end where they confess.
d-n-f
December 10, 2014Waiting for new chapters. I think the author should have let the unrevised chapters up, until the edited version is complete.
Want to read
November 11, 2012Where can I find this book?? There are only 3 chapters, but it seems like there are supposed to be more, can anyone please tell me where to find them?
May 20, 2013
This was really slow burn......too slow for me, so I had to stop reading....
May 1, 2013
I remember reading this years ago; how I liked the world the author built.
September 3, 2013
Interesting characters & story. I'm looking forward to #2.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews