Shadow's Ember

“It’s true. You were built from villains, but…”

Maker raised a solemn finger into the air.

“That doesn’t have to stop you from being heroes. One day, you will twist the Darkness’ own powers back on itself and conquer it once for all.”


Tirak is a simple cybri. Sure, sure, he can sculpt the currents of fire itself—as long as someone stronger isn’t already conducting them—and, like all cybrii, he’s supposed to save the world. But ever since the day it was stolen from him, all Tirak’s wanted from life is to enjoy a quiet corner of his people’s island surrounded by family. But when his adopted sister gets beaten up and exiled from the city they grew up in, Tirak finds himself dragged along on a quest to beg their Maker for redemption that might just decide the fate of their island. They hold opposing powers of fire and ice, but the two siblings will have to learn to work together and become something more if they want to succeed. An ancient darkness is coming to strangle them all, and only Tirak and Kaleek stand in its way.

The Island’s fate is in their hands as they miscommunicate their way through a bungled Hero’s Journey. Kaleek keeps talking about going out in a blaze of glory, but all Tirak knows is he will do everything he can to not lose his last remaining connection to family.

Nathan is a long-time resident of Virgina who now lives near Fredericksburg, where he works as a computer scientist for the US Navy. Nathan is a lifetime enthusiast for any and all constructive hobbies, whether that’s cooking or designing function-based 3D prints. His biggest joys include reading, games, game development, and spending time with his Lord and Creator. His love for thoughtful, interactive stories that put the final strings into the audience’s hands guides his approach as an author.