A Certain Slant of Light

Sahle is transported to another realm on the night of her twentieth birthday in order to become Queen. This new world, the Alterealm, is nothing like the suburban life she’s led. Everything she knows is suddenly irrelevant, and even the people she thought were her parents are not what they seem.

In this foreign land, Sahle must quickly learn all there is to know about the Alterealm, the magical abilities she supposedly possesses, and her own destiny as a prophesied peacemaker. The problem: she doesn’t have any magic, she is woefully unprepared to be Queen, and one particular Lord seems hellbent on destroying her reign before it can even begin.

As family secrets are revealed and threats to her kingdom mount, Sahle struggles to reconcile who she is with the Queen she must become. The fate of a nation depends on it. Set before a backdrop of a reimagined colonial Africa, A Certain Slant of Light is at once a commentary on history’s impact on the present day, and a consideration of how free will collides with fate.

Reviews for A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT

"C.P. Du Toit's A Certain Slant of Light is a refreshing and imaginative addition to the fantasy romance genre. With rich characterization and detailed world-building that blends African and European influences, the story of Sahle—a reluctant queen grappling with destiny and self-discovery—offers a compelling mix of adventure, magic, and political intrigue. As Sahle’s journey progresses, the novel's vibrant setting, historical echoes, and themes of identity, power, and legacy make it a thought-provoking and engaging read." —Erin Britton, Seattle Book Review

A classic coming-of-age quest for personal and cultural identity, patterned with the desires of youth and encased in a fresh & vivid fantasy landscape…. Fans of fantasy, Sarah J. Maas, and new adult romance novels with a little spice will definitely find something to love in these pages.”—Audrey Davis, Independent Book Review

Author C.P. Du Toit has a natural knack for drama and tension that elicits a whirlwind of romantic emotions. I felt a profound empathy for Sahle as she grappled with the sudden upheaval in her life and the immense responsibility thrust upon her, and this is enhanced with a fantastic narrative focus on every crucial emotive moment. The narrative deftly combined elements of fantasy with the rich cultural tapestry of a reimagined Africa, creating a unique and vivid setting that captivated my imagination, filled with lavish, atmospheric language and cinematic vistas that enhanced the mood of each scene. Sahle's struggle with her identity and destiny is well paced to unfold with realistic drama, and it highlights the universal human experience of seeking purpose amidst chaos with poignant speech and thought presentation. The tension between free will and fate, woven throughout the story, prompted introspection about my own life's path. The book left me contemplating the intricate interplay of history, culture, and individual destiny long after I turned the last page. Overall, I would certainly recommend A Certain Slant of Light to fans of romantic dramas.—K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite Reviews