Those We See in the Dark

THOSE WE SEE IN THE DARK is the first book in my adult fantasy series. It has been described as An Ember in the Ashes meets Six of Crows (Inej’s Version) with a dollop of Assassin’s Creed.

In this story you will find myths & mysteries, betrayal, strong sister relationships, a romance subplot, and Cold War-esque tensions between kingdoms.

I’m currently in the editing process and am aiming to publish it late spring 2025.

  • Draft 1: complete

    Alpha Edits: 98% complete

    Beta Edits: soon

    Line Edits: March 2025

  • I’ve worked with some incredible artists throughout this project! Please check out their work here:

    • Forest scene: Emily

    • Desert scene: Salma

    • Cover design: ~ soon ~

    • Map: ~ soon ~

  • While this story is centred on healing, forgiveness, and finding hope when all seems lost, this is not a YA book. It is suitable for ages 17+ due to the following:

    • Character death: parental (off page), others (on page)

    • Violence: fight scenes, torture

    • Child abuse: briefly mentioned/alluded to

    • PTSD/trauma

    I have done my best to tackle each of these with care, however only you know your limits. Stay safe, and happy reading!

Meet the Main Characters

Eoghan Kavanaugh

Age: 27 | Occupation: Crown Prince of Nahonaugh

Hobbies: boxing, watching the sunrise in the gardens

Favourite Drink: iced black tea, lightly sweetened

You’re pelted with an egg. Do you catch it or get yolked? Yolked, unfortunately.

How likely are you to hide under the bed during a storm? Not likely. They’re quite calming. Sometimes I’ll go outside to watch.

Anaís Dí Sona

Age: 24 | Occupation: Anadali Amadé (commander of Dundíor’s special forces)

Hobbies: napping, annoying her younger sister Simone

Favourite Drink: water

You’re pelted with an egg. Do you catch it or get yolked? Catch the egg and yolk whoever threw it.

How likely are you to hide under the bed during a storm? That’s classified.

Welcome to Nythmaar

  • Photo by Anja Polic on Unsplash

    Dundíor

    Located by the Kotipa Sea on the east coast of Nythmaar, Dundíor is a high desert kingdom known for its temperamental climate and rugged landscape.

    Travel is ill advised due to the militant state dictated by King Timun. However if you ask nicely, Anaís (the commander of the special forces)…isn’t likely to grant favours. Unless you’re her sister. Sorry.

  • Photo by Robin Rakkeby

    Nahonaugh

    Though utterly landlocked save for a strip of land in the north, the kingdom of Nahonaugh is anything but dry. Lakes dot the countryside between mountains, as do copious amounts of flowers.

    Be sure to visit during Fheile Earrach - the spring festival. This year marks Prince Eoghan’s ascension as king! Do watch out for assassins. Especially if Anaís has mysteriously disappeared.

  • Photo by Massimiliano Morosinotto on Unsplash

    Freydlan

    Bordered by the brooding Fikjør Sea to the west and the perpetually snow-capped Nymyan Mountains to the east, the kingdom of Freydlan is every bit harrowing as she is beautiful.

    Don’t let that fool you! Freydlanians are known for their hospitality, as well as attention to detail in their craftsmanship. It’s well worth the arduous journey just to visit the markets.

  • Photo by Robin Rakkeby

    Kiivjachim

    Consuming the southern regions of Nythmaar, very little is known about the kingdom of Kiivjachim - if it can even be considered a kingdom. Today, uncharted wilderness may be a more apt descriptor.

    Centuries ago, Tāpepe Takakou na Uul (translated from the Old Language as the Unknown Jungles of Uul) thrived. Now, who knows! But if the rumours are true, those who enter are never seen again.

What Beta Readers Are Saying

“AHHHH just love all of this. So much.”

— Beta Reader

“Robin you are making me LAUGH while I am Trying to Nap the Baby! HOW DARE.”

— Beta Reader

“HOLY SHIT THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS!?!?!?

Ah. Ok. There's still a little more. Wheew.”

— Beta Reader