A thousand years ago the Darkness came—a terrible time of violence, fear, and social collapse when technology ran rampant.

• GOLD MEDAL: Feathered Quill Book Award – 2016 – Science Fiction/Fantasy
• WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award – Summer 2015 – Best Science Fiction
• WINNER: Awesome Indies Seal of Excellence

“But what are we without dreams?”

The vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with “temple magic,” and by eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything.

Childhood friends, Orah, Nathaniel, and Thomas have always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for more from life but unwilling to challenge the rigid status quo. When they’re cast into the prisons of Temple City, they discover a terrible secret that launches the three on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in jeopardy, for a truth from the past awaits that threatens the foundation of the Temple. If they reveal that truth, they might once again release the potential of their people.

Yet they would also incur the Temple’s wrath, as it is written: “If there comes among you a prophet saying, ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the Light.”

“The plot unfolds easily, swiftly, and never lets the readers’ attention wane… After reading this one, it will be a real hardship to have to wait to see what happens next.” ~ Feathered Quill Book Awards

“A tightly executed first fantasy installment that champions the exploratory spirit.” ~ Kirkus Reviews