Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
A young girl comes of age as the first of a new species of human, a near-god, and is forced into the role of a reluctant Second Coming of Christ. The outside world explodes with violent reaction and her inner world implodes with personal betrayals. Eva Connard is the first of the Nova sapiens species. Novas can manipulate both psychic and physical energies. On the cusp of developing supernatural skills, she is aided by Joshua O'Donnell, her older half-brother, an almost-Nova, a warrior sworn to protect his baby sister. But neither Eva's evolving skills nor her brother are protective of the emotional vulnerabilities of a young girl. This is quickly discerned by Robert Blake, a brilliant and charismatic televangelist with a carefully concealed moral deficit. He invades Eva's affections to turn the incipient power of the Novas to his own ends. Terrible choices confront Eva's need to save evolving humanity.
Splintered Light: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
A dark exploration of a young woman's manipulation by a charismatic religious figure who exploits her emerging supernatural abilities. Contains emotional abuse, betrayal, religious manipulation themes, and violent conflicts around her messianic role.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include emotional abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers will appreciate the complex exploration of power, faith, and the burden of being chosen for greatness against one's will.