Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
The hotly anticipated second book in Ryan Cahill's break out debut series, The Bound and The Broken. Heroes will rise. Nations will fall. Behind the towering walls of Belduar, Calen Bryer and his companions stand in defense of the city and its new king. In over a thousand years, Belduar has never fallen. It has stood as a bastion of hope. But the Lorian empire are at its walls once more, and the Dragonguard are coming. In the North, with Faenir by her side, Calen's sister Ella arrives at the port of Antiquar. She holds no fear of the unknown. She will see this through, no matter what - or who - gets in her way. Meanwhile, at the embassy of the Circle of Magii in Al'Nasla, Rist Havel hones his newfound powers in preparation for the trials. Unbeknownst to Rist, he is being watched, measured, and judged. He was not taken into the Circle by chance. There is greatness in him. But great men can do terrible things. As Lorian forces land on southern shores and Aeson Virandr's letters of rebellion find their way to the right hands, only the Knights of Achyron see the true danger. The danger that stirs in the darkness. The coming shadow will not stop. It will consume all in its path. It wants for nothing but blood and fire.
Is Of Darkness and Light appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This epic fantasy features large-scale warfare, siege battles, and significant violence with consequences. Strong language is likely present; no sexual content is indicated. Best for mature teens and adults who enjoy grimdark-adjacent fantasy.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, mass death, and war (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love sprawling epic fantasy with dragons, magical powers, siege warfare, and multiple character storylines will be hooked.