Book #1 from the series: Helm's Curse

The Light Beneath

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About

Viridis Island: an island cursed with endless rain by an ominous sailor in 1947. An island where secrets run so deep that it seems impossible for them to ever be fully unburied. An island where time itself can't be trusted.

Duncan Ray has just moved to Viridis Island, a mysterious town that is the subject of many strange rumors. Its residents believe that it is cursed, and the rain that never stops pouring over the island seems to be proof enough. While Duncan is eager to be involved in a mystery like in the books he loves, he quickly learns that this small island town might harbor some even more sinister secrets, and some of the residents are desperate to keep him from uncovering them.

Meanwhile, Rowan Hasson deals with the loss of her family after a mysterious fire burns down their home. She is haunted by the idea that the island's curse might have played a part. Now she must learn the secrets of Viridis Island while trying to decide if the island is even truly cursed or not.

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Praise for this book

In The Light Beneath, October Grae crafts a haunting tale set on Viridis Island, a place steeped in perpetual rain and whispered legends of curses. Duncan Ray, a newcomer drawn to mysteries akin to those in his beloved books, finds himself entangled in the island’s enigmatic past and its wary inhabitants.

The narrative gets more interesting between Duncan’s exploration and Rowan Hasson’s poignant journey of loss and discovery. Rowan, grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that claimed her family, becomes consumed by the island’s secrets and the possibility of a sinister curse lurking within its shadows. The author masterfully builds suspense, layering clues and revelations that keep readers guessing until the final pages. The exploration of folklore and superstition adds depth, blurring the lines between reality and myth and enhancing the eerie atmosphere that permeates the story.

One of the best parts of the book is its character development. Duncan and Rowan are compelling protagonists, each driven by their own quests for truth and redemption. Their journeys intertwine seamlessly, leading to a climactic confrontation that challenges their perceptions and forces them to confront the darkness within themselves and the island.

Overall, this is a gripping exploration of secrets, loss, and the potent allure of the unknown. October Grae’s debut novel marks her as a promising voice in contemporary fiction, offering a tale that lingers long after the final chapter. Fans of atmospheric mysteries will be captivated by the haunting landscapes and haunting characters of Viridis Island. I found no negative aspects in the book. Also, the book is professionally edited with no spelling or grammar errors.

I would rate this book five out of five stars for giving such an adventurous tale. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric storytelling, intricate mysteries, and a touch of the supernatural blended seamlessly into a compelling narrative.

Such a great book!!! It reminded me of the game Oxen free, based on vibes alone. I love the mystery behind it all, and I love how different kinds of grief is portrayed with each of the characters and what they’re all independently going through. This book left me with so many questions in the best way possible, and I eagerly await the sequel.

This was so compelling and so well written! The mystery was constantly keeping me on edge just wondering what was going to happen. And although not every mystery is wrapped up, I'm excited to see how they develop in the book 2! I enjoyed the characters a lot, and I appreciated how they all contributed something important to the story. They had their own personalities and backgrounds that made them memorable.

My only small problem is I had trouble understanding why the characters wanted to solve this mystery so badly if there were so many consequences for doing so. I would be too scared to continue unraveling it if there was someone trying to kill me for digging into it! So their motivations were confusing at times.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this. I would recommend to check it out! Big thanks to the author for sending me a copy.💖