Cinders of Yesterday: Legacy of Shadows #1

Jen Karner’s debut novel introduces Dani, a sharp-tongued monster hunter driven by revenge after the rogue Necromancer Spectre killed her partner. Seeking a weapon capable of ending Spectre permanently, she travels to Dawson, Maryland. Her path crosses with Emilie Lockgrove, a book lover who believes herself powerless and normal. Ten years prior, Emilie survived a fire that claimed her mother’s life. She returns home expecting to find peace but instead discovers latent magical abilities and buried family secrets. The narrative intertwines their separate quests for closure. Dani hunts for vengeance while Emilie searches for identity. Their paths converge in a town hiding more than enchanting residents. A necromancer seeks their deaths, raising the stakes for both women. Each must confront her past to survive. The story blends supernatural elements with sapphic romance. It draws on traditions of mediumship and monster hunting. Karner structures the plot around these dual perspectives. The book suits readers who enjoy paranormal fantasy with emotional depth. Those seeking lighthearted escapism may find the tone too heavy. The narrative does not offer easy answers. It ends with characters facing uncertain futures rather than triumphant victories.