Blurb and First Chapter

First off, let’s check out the blurb so you know what you’re getting into.

LGBTQ literary fantasy gains a gritty edge in this character-driven thriller, where poetry is a weapon and every verse requires blood.

Cerie Korviridi has trained for over a decade to achieve the greatest torture: having her fingernails torn out as a pledge to the goddess Poesy. With this sacrifice, she gains High Poetry, a form of literature magic. The feminine spiritual force is the very reason that her country, Breme, has never been overtaken by their enemies, a hostile force beyond the mountains.

This ritual was meant to be a sacred moment, a time when she could reflect on the magic of poetry. Instead, she’s drawn into a race against time when her elder brother, the calculating cavalryman Uileac Korviridi, arrives with devastating news.

“Orrinir was captured by the Sinans. I need Cerie’s help.”

Accomplished infantryman Orrinir Relickim is known for two things: his powerful swordsmanship and deep devotion to his husband Uileac. Political intrigue has always been beyond his purview; he does his work and goes home. But international conflicts dig their claws into him when the Sinans break an ancient code against hostage-taking. Dragged into a sacred cave with his best friend and six hostile warriors, he must pray his husband will find him. Or try to fight his way out.

What begins as a simple rescue mission spirals out of control until it challenges the very foundations of Bremish society – and the family ties between all three. Complex loyalties shatter the simple idea of “good vs. evil,” while uncaring institutions use Uileac, Orrinir, and Cerie as political pawns.

Romance is rebellion. Love is pain. And beyond it all, poetry has the power to make miracles or take a human life.

In Absent All Light, the fifth book in the main Eirenic Verses series, readers finally see Cerie come into her own as a sharp-tongued, pragmatic protagonist. An emotionally complex, established queer relationship offers a refreshing spin on the romantasy genre, but with the visceral intensity of military thrillers.

This literary fantasy story, underpinned by an established relationship and sibling bonds, is perfect for those who love The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske.

If you want a sneak peak at the book to see what it sounds like, you can check out the first chapter that I shared at the end of April.

Preorders on Most Platforms

Though the book is coming out on June 23, I’m opening preorders now so that my reviewers have all platforms available to them. This is also so those who don’t have the time or energy to review can still know they’ll have the book waiting for them come June.

You can preorder at any of these fine locales:

• Amazon
• Bookshop.org
• Smashwords
• Apple
• Fable
• Rakuten Kobo
• Tolino
• Vivlio

More platforms are coming soon, so if you don’t see your preferred site, check the Books2Read link in a few days.

It will also eventually be available on OverDrive if you would like to request it from your local library. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads bookshelf as well!

Booksprout Review Campaign

For those who would like early access (and to help me out so so much), the campaign is now available on Booksprout. Simply sign up for an account, click this link, and join the campaign.

You’ll get a download in your preferred format, a little note to warn you about what’s in the book, and links to all available review platforms.

Because I am a cheapskate, I only have 25 slots available, so sign up fast!

Some important notes for Booksprout campaigns:

• Please do not use AI to write your review. This can get me in big trouble.

• Booksprout does not automatically port your review to other platforms; you will leave a review on Booksprout and then another one on whatever platforms you choose. It’s set to Goodreads but you can use any of the links once they become available.

• Remember to add the disclaimer Booksprout gives you so that platforms know this is a genuine review from a campaign.

• If you didn’t like the book, be honest. I won’t be offended. But try to give reasons you did not like it. Negative reviews also help by warning other readers who may also not like it. You’re helping the community.

Thank you so much to everyone who chooses to preorder or review. Your support is worth its weight in gold, and I am immensely grateful. Be sure to tell your friends if you think they might be interested, too!