Lightfall

DEBUT One thousand years ago, the three immortal species of the Everlands island—mages, vampires, and werewolves—became self-aware and organized into societies. One hundred years ago, the mysterious Grays conquered the center of the island. Now, crammed into their one remaining city, vampire survivors are rocked with the murder of the ruler’s youngest son. Brilliant servant Sam is determined to earn her freedom through exploiting this power vacuum—until she and her allies discover that it’s part of a much larger mystery that might involve the whole continent. Crocker’s debut is a fantasy mystery that balances both of these genres. Small mysteries of character are revealed just as deliberately as the political plotting within cities and across species. Class stratification is represented through access to better animal blood, and the differences in lifespans this creates lets Crocker explore generational power in naturalistic ways. Mythical positioning of humans as extinct immortal-killers and romantic hints towards a Sherlock-inspired mage cultist add further interest.