Power resides in whoever gets their hands on shine, a magical oil that can power the world. Arlen Esco, heir of the monopoly in charge of shine, takes on his first expedition. He will discover unpleasant truths about the business run by his aloof father. Cassandra, daughter of the most wanted outlaw, also has to carry his father’s sins.

Disclaimer: This book is a participant in the Indie Ink Awards 2022 and I read it as a judge. My personal rating does not reflect its score for the contest.

This is the story of the Esco dynasty, born from one man’s sacrifice. And about a man that married into it and built a family.

It’s a tale of grief, and how the outside world continues even when one’s own universe crumbles down.

It’s told in three different POVs: A young man (Arlen) who’s presented with a red pill/blue pill decision; the coming of age of a girl (Cassandra) that lived lifetimes in her young years; and a dying girl (Ianthe) who’s leaving this world and taking Cassandra’s with it.

I found the prose in Ianthe’s chapters a little flowery for my taste, but they are short and sparse. If you like purple prose, you’ll love them, though.

I also had trouble with some of Cassandra’s chapters, especially from when she was younger. Her dialogue felt stilted and unlike how a 5yo speaks.

Arlen’s chapters were my favourites and the ones that drive the story forward as they take place closer to present events. In a short period, he discovers a lot about his life and experience powerful emotions for the first time.

The author created a fascinating world where the magic resource (shine) encompasses every field as it can heal, heat, conserve, and be a powerful drug. The beautiful description of the scenery made me crave an adaptation.

I was warned of Chorn’s books but it still managed to ambush me. If you’re planning to read one of her books, be ready to get your heart ripped out.