Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Arturias "Artur" Sigurdsson lives a quiet, sheltered life in the village of Trivaden, content with the simple joys and the steadfast love of his parents, Ygrayne and Thelric. But when Thelric vanishes on a routine trip into Falkhearth-the great city of the Fjälland region-everything begins to unravel. His father's absence stirs unsettling questions, and a chance encounter with a sharp-tongued, captivating outsider named Lovisa reveals a truth long condemned to grief and subjugation. Ygrayne grapples with her increasingly inquisitive son and her need to protect him, seeking counsel from a close friend and a sworn servant to the folk of Skana-those who remember what the world once was. For Skana was not always broken. Once a land of vibrant culture, magic, and divine reverence, Skana fell but two centuries ago, when the Valeriaan Empire reclaimed power-an ancient clan whose ire and pride know no equal, declaring the throne of the Allfather is and always was rightfully theirs. In the aftermath of the war, Skana was stripped of her entire identity, her history, and the magic that once flowed freely in belief and mystery alike. Unbeknownst to them, an age-old power struggle is rekindling. As a prophecy whispers itself back into the world among hushed tongues, Artur finds himself unwittingly in its midst. He will have to decide whether he will be a boy shaped by grief, or rise to become what the whole of Skana desperately needs him to be.
Is Of Light and Darkness appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A young man discovers his true heritage and destiny in a conquered land stripped of its magic and culture. Contains war themes, implied violence, and the trauma of cultural subjugation, but handles these maturely without graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include cultural genocide, death of parent, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Artur's journey from sheltered village boy to prophesied hero as he uncovers secrets about his father's disappearance and his own role in restoring his people's lost magic.