Introduction
For this "Author Spotlight", I'm thrilled to introduce Yaga Ahn, a European indie author making her mark in the world of dark fantasy. Her debut novel, Echoes of Nethorveil, is the first installment in a series that promises thrilling adventures, complex characters, and a deep dive into the human experience. Balancing a corporate career with a lifelong passion for storytelling, Yaga Ahn brings a unique perspective to the genre.
From Childhood Stories to Debut Novel: Yaga Ahn's Writing Journey
Yaga Ahn's path to becoming an author is a testament to the enduring power of childhood dreams. While she always harboured a love for writing, even crafting short stories as a child, life initially took her in different directions. She explored various creative avenues, including arts and crafts, and eventually built a career in the corporate world. However, the desire to tell stories never truly faded. Yaga eventually found her way back to writing, drawing on her personal experiences and a fascination with folklore and mythology. The seed for her debut novel, Echoes of Nethorveil, was planted long ago, inspired in part by her own journey of processing grief and understanding her father's unfulfilled life. This deeply personal connection fuels her exploration of universal themes: the struggles, joys, and inherent darkness that shape the human experience.
Echoes of Nethorveil: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Supernatural Intrigue
Yaga Ahn's debut novel, Echoes of Nethorveil, throws readers headfirst into a world where folklore and reality collide. The story centres on Ciarán, who believes he's embarking on an ordinary business trip with his best friend. However, his trip takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself in a pub filled with supernatural beings, sipping a mysterious drink called "Shade's Kiss Mead." This encounter shatters Ciarán's perception of the world and sets him on a path of self-discovery that is as dangerous as it is intriguing.
As the blurb reveals, "Discovering who you are isn’t always a blessing. It can feel like a curse." Ciarán learns that witches, wraiths, druids, and other creatures of myth are real, and he is somehow connected to them. He must unravel his family history, navigate uneasy alliances and confront enemies that emerge from the shadows, all while grappling with the question of whether he truly wants to know the truth about himself and his destiny. Echoes of Nethorveil promises a thrilling blend of urban fantasy, dark fantasy, and folklore, with surprising twists and a rich tapestry of lore.
Beyond Nethorveil: Future Projects
Yaga Ahn is already hard at work on the second book in the Echoes of Nethorveil series, promising to continue Ciarán's journey and delve deeper into the lore and mysteries of her created world. While the title is currently under wraps, fans can expect a thrilling continuation of the story. In addition to the series, Yaga is also developing several standalone projects, showcasing her versatility and commitment to exploring different facets of the fantasy genre.
What Readers Are Saying About Echoes of Nethorveil:
Yaga Ahn's debut novel has been praised for its engaging characters, intriguing world-building, and blend of fantasy and folklore. Here's what readers are saying:
- "First off, the cover! Am I right? Simple and elegant, yet so intriguing! Then you dive in and you are greeted with a map?!? Oh you just know things are going to get interesting when you see a map! The story itself draws you in. You keep reading, carefully going over every line as the words help you learn more about Ciaran and unveil a whole world to you! I don’t want to spoil too much, but the journey you take with this book will leave you feeling deep emotions, slight frustration and an overwhelming urge to learn more about each character and place! You get sucked into to this book and then spat out wanting more. And so now all you can do is wait for the next installment and of course re-read this one to relive the magic! I’m no fantasy buff but this book made me want to dig deeper into the whole mystical book world! I can’t wait for the next book and/or whatever else this author may put out." - Samantha Butterfield, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "This was such an intriguing, fun read! The beginning sets up an inter generational tale and it felt like what watching the intro to Beauty and the Beast looks…this fantastical, stained glass story telling. Then it turns into this fascinating cozy-feeling, found family of misfits adventure that has threads of Korean and Irish mythology, with dashes from other cultures as well." - Kayla, 4 Stars, Goodreads
- "Where to begin!! I was intrigued with this book from the start, and then I was downright enthralled as it went on. It perfectly captures self discovery, family/friendship bonds, hints of romance, mystery, adventure & dark fantasy. Loved it. Loved the ending. Can’t wait for a sequel!!" - Christine Evans, 5 Stars, Goodreads
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Yaga Ahn's Echoes of Nethorveil. You can connect with her and follow her writing journey on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok. She’s also on Goodreads.
You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate link below:
This book is also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Conclusion
Yaga Ahn is a promising new voice in dark fantasy, blending personal experiences with rich folklore and mythology to create stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. Her debut novel, Echoes of Nethorveil, is a testament to her passion for storytelling and her ability to craft engaging characters and immersive worlds. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series and look forward to seeing what other literary adventures she has in store.
Thanks for reading!
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