Darkfell

His is a life of books and peace... Until a dying warrior's touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood. For years, Thom Darkfell has used his cartography skills to advise Lomair's king of the country's shifting borders. A valued academic, Thom is excluded from the military drafts until whispers of dark abominations and mass casualties reach the king's ears. The resulting conscription thrusts Thom into Lomair's losing army. A realist, Thom ignores the wild myths circling through the ranks-until a monster's jaws snap through the folds of reality and crush a man before Thom's eyes. With his dying breath, the Realm Walker passes an impossible task to Thom. Hours later, the visions begin. The Creator, a deity Thom knows only from rituals spoken over meals and graves, appears to him while a girl with starlight in her blood calls from beyond the veil. Armed with a cryptic map, a biscuit-loving tutor, and the brawn of his best friend, Thom sets out to find the star daughter and lock the barrier to bind the dark realm of Zakar. If he fails, it will be the end of all. 2025 Christy Award Winning Novel for Debut Fiction 2025 Christy Award Finalist for Speculative Fiction 2026 Selah Award Winner for Speculative Fiction 2026 Selah Award Winner for First Novel 2026 Carol Award Finalist for Speculative Fiction 2026 Realm Award Finalist for Reader's Choice