The Dark Solstice by N.L. Willcome is book one in a series called An Empyrian Odyssey. I liked it. The writing is a little foreboding, some might even say dark, but it is good writing, with an incredible attention to detail. I think this level of detail is necessary when a writer is building a world that he or she wants readers to understand, immerse themselves in, and enjoy. N.L. Willcome accomplished those things in The Dark Solstice. This is a desert world and it was easy to see how this impacts the humans that live in it. I got a good feeling for the society involved, mostly in references to the heroine’s mother, who is the epitome of an aristocratic woman. This is an exceptional introduction to a series because it lays out the world so well. In the books that follow it will be easy for the reader to just dive in and enjoy.

All of the elements of a good novel are present in The Dark Solstice. First and foremost, I appreciated the good writing. I also appreciated the detail given to the society and how that society has been shaped by the desert, and its violent past. I liked the way N.L. Willcome portrayed characters. I especially liked the relationship between Tasmin and her father. The relationship between mother, father, and daughter is classic, but comes across as fresh in this different culture. The plot is good, and moves at an unhurried pace. Love complicates things, but it usually does. I hope to read more about this world, and these characters in the books to follow.

The Dark Solstice by Nikki Leigh Willcome is the story of two people who meet by chance and fight to remain together against all odds. Tamsin Urbane left the comfort of her home and moved to the dry, desert city of Empyria. She and her family moved there together, but when an unfortunate accident occurs, Tamsin is now alone and stranded in the dunes with no help in sight. Fearing that she will die of thirst and heat, she is ready to give up. However, help comes in the form of a stranger who can help her survive. Her savior is Haven, a hunter who is sent to confront the people of Empyria about the dam they have built in the river.

He was expecting to go in, do his job, and go back to his peaceful existence with his tribe. He was not expecting to feel this way about the beautiful Tamsin. She is strong, silent and ready to fight any battle. He did not want the complication, never needed it. But the heart wants what it wants and there is no stopping the connection between them. As blows come at them from all sides, these two lost souls stick together to weather the storm.

I liked the connection between Tamsin and Haven. This was not instant love and Haven was not cruel to Tamsin (as is the norm with current novels). Their relationship gradually built and blossomed. Haven was strong and resilient, but the real star of the novel for me was Tamsin. She had character, her development was gradual, and she blossomed right in front of my eyes into a fierce woman who was ready to battle it all and come out victorious. I really enjoyed her progress! I loved this book.

Typically I struggle finding a novel that is unpredictable and captivating and "The Dark Solstice" was hands down a remarkable suprise and had me up late eager to know what would happen next. N. Willcome is an incredibly talented writer with rich characters and unique storyline. She captivated this reader and I am so excited to see what she has in store for the remainder of the trilogy!

So I am not typically a reader of fantasy, but this book just may change that! I LOVED how easy it was to transport myself to another world and witness the story unfold as if I was a fly on the wall. The characters are developed extremely well, their cultures are well thought out and uniquely rich, and the author’s style of writing is beyond enchanting. I had to reread several lines throughout the book so I could savor them just a little longer like a glass of fine wine. The storyline has me sucked in as well! Altogether it’s a perfect read. I am excited to dive into the next book but not the most patient person so I’m bracing myself for having to wait for the final book to be released!