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

It was over  the demons were gone. An eerie silence fell upon the city. No one knew what to do. Some of the survivors broke down and wept while others embraced companions, or offered up a silent prayer for the departed. 


At some point during the battle he had lost sight of Lukas and they'd been separated. Though his mind was clouded he was sure he remembered seeing his friend wade into the thickest fighting, throwing himself mercilessly at the demon creatures during what they felt would surely be their final moments on the earth.


Suddenly Edwin's eyes widened. As he started to sift through his memories, one image in particular stuck in his mind. 


Edwin's heart started to race. He searched round desperately but couldn't recognise his friend's face amidst the countless bodies that filled the city streets. Just then a faint voice reached his ears.


Chapter 50: Epilogue