M.J. Ryder is an author and academic based in Lancaster (UK). He has a PhD in English Literature, and passion for all things science fiction and fantasy. His website is www.mjryder.net. 

Phae is a girl unlike any other. Her father is the most powerful mage in the realm, and her mother is a member of the Lintari – a small, secretive band of warriors bound to the earth as its sworn guardians. With such powerful blood inside her, growing up was never going to be easy.

But when her powers bring about catastrophe and the death of her tutor, Phae finally decides she’s had enough. With her unstable magic threatening to bring about even more danger to those she loves, Phae flees her home on the Magical Isle to seek sanctuary on the mainland. Only there does she realise her problems have barely just begun…

The Darkest Hour

The trawler rocked gently as cold winds buffeted it from the east. Though a passenger craft by trade, its rooms were instead filled with provisions  crates of aid sent from the mainland to provide what meagre support they could for the residents of the ancient 'Isle. Aside from the small crew, the forlorn trawler carried only three passengers: two of whom stood out on deck, huddled together for warmth, lost in their own bleak thoughts.


Though he was without sight, Aaron stared out into the distance, out into the impenetrable dark that marked the boundaries of his world. 


Beside him, Lena stirred. "What makes you say that?"


Chapter 34