Aren's mother saves children. But not just any children. She saves mayjen, those capable of harnessing an arcane power called majik. For twenty years, majik has ravaged the city of Valrue, driving away nature and leaving the city trapped in the heart of the Deadlands. With starvation threatening and tensions climbing, the people of Valrue are turning on each other.
Like her mother, Aren longs to be a heroine, but her over-protective family have other plans. Condemned to a shallow existence by their coddling, Aren hungers for purpose beyond the mansion walls. When a mistake almost sees her crushed to death at a political rally, Aren jumps at the chance to team up with her grudging saviour. Fearless in ignorance, she dives into the underbelly of Valrue, risking a fate worse than death for a chance at meaning.
A story of perseverance through overwhelming adversity, The Dark Side of Happiness marks the beginning of Aren's journey to find salvation in the most wretched of worlds.
One month ago, Sid Bha went to the KahnenKeep to appeal for the release of Mama Hidel and her women from the dungeons. He never came back.
Aren Bha, Sid's daughter, is done waiting. With Drax by her side, brimming with majikal power, Aren is determined to bring her father home. But she has learned a thing or two since her last attempt at being a heroine, and she knows there is every chance this could go wrong. Badly wrong.
But she is going to do it anyway.
The tumultuous second installment of the New Adult fantasy series, All the Shadows of Death continues Aren's story of mounting political tension, mystery, and danger. It is time to unleash the majik.
ADULT ONLY CONTENT.
Violence, sex, swearing, suicide, addiction, and abuse.
(Maps and other such things)
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
Hi there, book lover!
I'm an indie author, and I'm excited to share my New Adult fantasy series, Valrue, with the world. The Dark Side of Happiness (Book One) was published in January 2024, and if you are reading this on or after the 7th October 2024, All the Shadows of Death (Book Two) has also been released! If you are not already eager to give the Valrue series a try, I hope that at some point I can convince you. It's good, I promise you.
Here's a little about me: I was born in Australia, but grew up in New Zealand, which is where I call home. I started writing Valrue over the COVID lockdowns to stop myself going crazy. It was supposed to be a hobby, but the story and the characters got away from me, and Valrue quickly became not one book, but four.
I wrote Valrue for die-hard adult fantasy fans and for people who want to give fantasy a go. It's woven with all the things I love: epic world building, a robust magic system, morally-grey characters, and political intrigue. I couldn't help but include a romantic sub-plot, for readers who like crushing on their characters, and sword-fghts, for action lovers.
At the time I write this, I have almost finished writing Book Three. I am a 'pantser' writer (I come up with ideas as I go), so I'll see where my characters take me. Aren and Jin in particular never behave themselves, so if I'm honest with you, I don't really know how it's all going to end. However it happens, I hope you come along for the ride. Message me on social media if you have questions. When I'm not lost in the streets of Valrue, I'll be sure to reply. Thanks, Coley Taylor xx
At the time I write this, I have almost finished writing Book Three. I am a 'pantser' writer (I come up with ideas as I go), so I'll see where my characters take me. Aren and Jin in particular never behave themselves, so if I'm honest with you, I don't really know how it's all going to end. However it happens, I hope you come along for the ride. Message me on social media if you have questions. When I'm not lost in the streets of Valrue, I'll be sure to reply. Thanks, Coley Taylor xx