When Legends Awake, Darkness Trembles...
In the pulsing heart of Seraphim City, twins Emilia and Clara Benning walk a path veiled in the shadows of myth. Raised on tales of their fierce Viking ancestors, they are unaware of the destiny awaiting them. As the modern world grinds on, unseeing, the sisters draw closer to a revelation that will ignite the ancient power slumbering within their blood.
The cruel blight of human trafficking festers in the city’s underbelly, claiming innocent lives in a relentless grip. It is a plague that yearns for a cure—a cure that only Emilia and Clara, human hosts to ancient deities Andarta and Eir - dare to provide. With the unwavering strength of the gods and the courage of warriors, they stand between the darkness and the light.
But the battle for justice demands a terrible price. In the chaos of a harrowing rescue, Clara is lost, and Emilia's grief ignites a fury that heralds her awakening. The true powers of Andarta flare to life, a beacon of rage and retribution. As Emilia becomes the embodiment of a legend, survival hinges on her ability to harness this newfound might and confront the demons that threaten to consume her.
In the midst of battle, Andarta, her steadfast sidekick Ty, and a legion of spectral Viking forebearers converge for an epic showdown. Together, they must dismantle a vile web spun by the most depraved of minds, their every move haunted by the chilling echoes of evil.
Can they break the chains of torment and rise triumphant? Or will Emilia's fury consume all that she has come to cherish? Will the echoes of ancient valor be enough to conquer the malice that lurks in humanity's depths? Seek the answers within the pages of Andarta, The Ascending Veil, Book 1, where the battle for souls is timeless, and the might of legends endures.
“Andarta is a grandiose coming-of-age story and origin tale that hinges on the strength, resilience, and underlying power of two young women on a journey of self-discovery and legendary greatness. Through imaginative storytelling and emotive circumstances, the authors…[craft] a heart-pounding saga...Fantasy fans who relish well-drawn characters with grave destinies will be eager for the next installment in the series.” (Source: Booklife)
“Leanne Staback and Sloane Kennedy flawlessly intertwine mythical elements and modern social issues in this riveting tale…this novel one of the most engaging, deeply emotional, and thought-provoking books to read this year…Trust me, it’s an outstanding journey you won’t want to miss. Overall, the character evolution, plot development, and character interactions are perfectly executed throughout this mesmerizing tale. I urge fantasy and Norse and Greek mythology fans to grab this captivating novel today.” (Source: Richard Prause for Readers’ Favorite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
(Andarta) “The Ascending Veil plunges readers into a vividly imagined world where ancient dieties, Vikings, and modern struggles collide…It’s a tale of bravery, resilience, and divine intervention set against both historical and fantastical backdrops…engaging and immersive…The blend of Norse mythology with human struggles is both unique and evocative, drawing me in immediately…glowing runes, ancient trees, and the mysterious dragon…is nothing short of cinematic." (Source: Literary Titan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
“Authors Leanne Staback and Sloane Kennedy have crafted a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of mythology, history, and modern issues…The vivid descriptions brought the world of Andarta to life, transporting readers right into the magic and danger…Andarta: The Ascending Veil is a thrilling adventure that explores the timeless themes of good versus evil and the power of human resilience. I enjoyed every moment of the story and highly recommend it.”(Source: Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
“Staback and Kennedy excel in creating rich characters in Emilia and Clara…A thoughtful fantasy novel…that spotlights the problem of human trafficking…” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“What truly makes this book unique is the addition of human trafficking, an unfortunately relevant issue in our society, blended within the fantasy storyline, including epic battles. I loved the main characters, Emilia and Clara, and all the amazing secondary characters woven into this incredibly emotional story. The worldbuilding is also descriptive and immersive, adding another layer to the overall reading experience. I highly recommend this book for fans of Norse mythology, urban fantasy, and dark storylines.” (Source: Michelle Godard Richer for BookInfluencers [Canada])
“Their nuanced approach to storytelling creates a rich tapestry that explores themes of justice, sacrifice, and personal transformation within an exciting fantasy…Vivid descriptions of exotic new places like Seraphim City reveal a complex urban landscape that feels both familiar and fantastical, with just the right amount of grit…The authors also masterfully balance intense action sequences with moments of deep introspection, ensuring readers remain deeply connected to the characters’ internal journeys…a compelling and thought-provoking read for fantasy fans.” (Source: K. C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
“The magic, the mythology, and the modern-day setting blend so well, and the sibling dynamic? It’s so raw and relatable, filled with tension and love! What made the story stand out for me is how it weaves in a very real-world issue: human trafficking. The way it touches on the topic is subtle but so powerful. I love how fantasy was able to make me think about real-world issues in a totally new way. And I love that the authors even set up a hotline (1-567-ANDARTA) connected to the Human Trafficking Hotline. That small detail gave the story so much more purpose. If you love stories that grab your imagination, while leaving you with something to think about, this is an absolute must read!” (Source: onemorechap on Instagram)
“Andarta is a fantastic start to this fantasy series. It began with multiple different storylines that seemed very different from each other. However, they all came together in an unconventional way.” (Source: Jill Jemmett for BookInfluencers (Canada) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
“Filled with emotions, filled with human connection, two strong girls (twin sisters), and topped up with love and magic, the book will live rent-free in your head for quite some time after having read it.” (Source: This.human.reads on Instagram)
“…this was a really amazing story! …I found myself turning the pages faster and faster to find out what happens. This is just book one in a new series, so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for book 2! I also can’t wait to check out the graphic novel releasing this summer!” (Source: Nissa_thebookworm for BookInfluencers)
“It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t put it down. This book is a must-read if you love mythology, urban fantasy, strong female protagonists, or just a gripping, emotionally charged story!” (Source: Theratherslowreader on Instagram [South Africa])