A mystical epic chronicles the adventures of a vampire warrior set for battle.

This first volume in mother-daughter team Katie and Debra Keller’s fantasy series is headlined by a resilient warrior princess who comes of age in the magical island realm of Fanticlear. The island is populated by two opposing factions of immortal vampires with flying and invisibility traits: the Kihnalta (compassionate), who have ruled the area for five centuries, and the Fiantes (fierce), who surrendered the region after the Clash War but remain poised to eventually reclaim their territory, now shared with mortals. The story opens with a hopelessly barren Queen Jennifer and Prince Liam, who appeal to the wise sister-goddesses to bless them with a child soon. A baby christened Princess Skyler Victoria Connellan arrives by carriage. As Skyler matures, she becomes obsessed with becoming a soldier and suffers frightful nightmares and visions about an army of torch-wielding warriors led by a Fiante poised to overthrow the monarch. Skyler secretly trains with local soldiers in the woods and soon develops true fighting skills, including their unique mind-reading talents. But she angrily separates from her family once she realizes the queen mother has orchestrated an arranged marriage to a wealthy Fiante prince. The Kellers impressively expand the story through intricate plotting and a colorful cavalcade of detailed characters, incorporating themes of revenge, family loyalty, romance, destiny, and Fanticlear island pride. Along the way, there are dragons, talking trees, glowing fairies, and large, yellow-eyed trolls to keep readers bewitched as the finale arrives, pitting Fanticlear’s heiress and her assembled mystical army of oddities against a legion of Fiante soldiers in a territorial war for the enchanted island. All the best elements of fairy tales and epic battles are here, complete with an opening map of the Fanticlear territories. The authors have forged a creative tale replete with brisk pacing, uniquely distinctive creatures, medieval vernacular, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Once Skyler’s thrilling journey to defend Fanticlear (and herself) begins, readers will be glued to the page and remain eager for the next installment.

A fantasy certain to please genre fans and readers seeking a new approach to vampires.