Dark Moon, Shallow Sea - (Gods of Night and Day) by David R Slayton (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first in a new epic fantasy series from David R. Slayton--author of White Trash Warlock--Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is a powerful story of divine betrayal, ghosts, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of the Dark Souls series or Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.

When Phoebe, goddess of the moon, is killed by the knights of the sun god, Hyperion, all who follow her are branded heretics. With Phoebe gone, the souls of the dead are no longer ferried to the underworld, and instead linger on as shades who feast on the blood of the living.

Raef is a child of the night. He lives in the shadows, on scraps, eking out a meager existence as a thief. But when an ornate box is sequestered in the Temple of Hyperion, the chance of a big score proves too great to resist. What he finds within propels him on an odyssey across the sea and back again, altering the course of his life forever.

Seth is a knight of the sun. But unlike the others of his order, the fire of Hyperion only brings him pain. He believes he deserves this penance, exacted for his unknown origins. Tasked with recovering the contents of the box, Seth must also venture beyond the horizon if he's to learn the truth about himself.

In a dying world divided by the greed of those in power, Raef and Seth find their destinies intertwined--and learn they might have more in common than they ever imagined.

Review Quotes

"Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is as heartfelt as it is thrilling. A fantasy adventure rooted in compassion, the world-building and lore are exquisite, and the characters are so real it hurts in the best way. I wanted to hug Raef, and I wouldn't even be mad if he picked my pockets. I have waited my whole life for an epic fantasy like this."

-- "Shaun David Hutchinson, author of Before We Disappear"

"An epic ride. This is Slayton doing what he does best--building a complex yet compelling fantasy world, stirring in rich and layered characters that both steal and break your heart, and jettisoning you through a dark and twisting adventure that leaves you reeling and wanting more. I was riveted until the final pages."

-- "Mason Thomas, author of Lord Mouse and Mouse: Scoundrel at Large"

"David Slayton delivers a beautifully realized world, his signature relatable characters, and some great twists. Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is rife with skullduggery and magic, romance and heartbreak. Highly recommended!"

-- "Lynn Flewelling, author of the Nightrunner series and the Tamír Triad"

"A thrilling, atmospheric fantasy about one thief's desperation to do the Right Thing in a world where the moon has been vanquished and the dead linger. A twisty read, with surprises aplenty, and a lead who will pick your pockets and your heart. I look forward to more adventures with Raef and his friends."

-- "K. A. Doore, author of the Chronicles of Ghadid trilogy"

"David R. Slayton conquers his kingdom in the epic fantasy world with Dark Moon, Shallow Sea! Inventive, character-driven, and intensely exciting!"

-- "Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Cave 13 and Long Past Midnight"

"Immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a twisty plot. An excellent story!"

-- "Gail Z. Martin, author of the Chronicles of the Necromancer"

"Warning, clear your schedule because this is the fantasy novel you won't be able to put down. Breathtaking action, yearning so powerful that it hurts, and that David R. Slayton signature wit combine like a symphony to lift Dark Moon, Shallow Sea from the extraordinary to the divine."

-- "Barbara Ann Wright, Lambda Award-nominated and Rainbow Award-winning author"