A Play of Shadow

About the book

In A Turn of Light, Julie E. Czerneda, a seasoned science fiction author, steps into the realm of fantasy with the introduction of Marrowdell. This pastoral valley is home to a small pioneer community of refugees, abundant fields of grain, mysterious house toads, and Jenn Nalynn, the miller's daughter. Jenn Nalynn - born of the turn.

Despite dreaming of exploring beyond the sheltered valley as she grew older, Jenn faces the harsh reality that conventional means of leaving Marrowdell are not an option for her.

When Bannan Larmensu, the truthseer who captured Jenn's heart, discovers that his brother-in-law has vanished in Channen, the capital of the enigmatic realm of Mellynne, a series of events unfold. Bannan experiences concern for his sister, who may have gone searching for her husband, leaving their sons in his care.

Barred by law from departing Marrowdell to aid his sister in Mellynne, Bannan seems trapped in this world. However, as a turn-born individual, Jenn possesses the ability to access the mystical Verge and bring Bannan along. Their journey may lead them to Mellynne, if they can survive the dangers.

The Verge is untamed and perilous, brimming with peculiar magic. Dragons bellow, kruar lie in wait, and not all turn-born beings who oversee the realm are amiable towards Jenn Nalynn. Nevertheless, Jenn is determined to proceed, with assistance from their companions Wisp and Scourge - and the mystical house toads.

Unbeknownst to them, Channen teems with Verge-derived sorcery, posing a threat even to a turn-born individual's safety.