City of Day
Nightfall Series, Book 1
By day, Astera is a bustling port city with shops, markets, shipyards, and people going about their day-to-day lives. But every night when the sun sets, the people of Astera board ships and abandon their home to dark, murderous ghosts — The Vaim.
Thislen lost his father to the vengeful spirits years ago and has barely survived on the streets as a common thief since. He dreams of escaping the dark truths of the island for good, but a family secret keeps him tied to the island and the oppressive Ruling Council. When he finds he is not the only one avoiding the entitled and sadistic gaze of Astera’s nobility, Thislen plans to help the gentle healer Mila leave everything behind to save them both - him from secrets and her from an unwanted marriage.
However, Lord Soren Bestant, head of the Ruling Council and spurned suitor, won’t let them go so easily. Caught and sentenced to a night on the island and the mercy of the Vaim, Thislen’s only hope is to reveal his family’s secret to save them, or die. But Mila’s family has a secret of its own, as does the Ruling Council.
The Vaim are not what they seem — and the fate of the kingdom hangs on the truth.
Here's what our readers say
”From the jump we are introduced to the horrific ghosts of Astera, a malevolent presence that will keep you watching the horizon over the characters' shoulders for sunset. Against the backdrop of this otherwise normal-seeming city, a sinister plot plays out against protagonist Mia Orimir, into which is dropped fellow main character Thislen. Their friendship is their primary tool against the true villains of Astera, who employ an arsenal of much less esoteric weaponry.”
- George P.
”I love this book! It was such a unique world and I couldn't stop thinking about it. As soon as I finished the story I was ready for the sequel!
The tone is very reminiscent of Howl's Moving Castle, both the book and the movie, and Stardust.
October K Santerelli jumped onto my must-buy list with this.”
- Stina
”This was a gripping read, I was immediately hooked with the fast paced and chilling introduction to the world and its secrets. Mysteries are unveiled in a way to keep you guessing what will come out next.
Excellent I could not recommend this enough!!”
- Sughpah
”October Santerelli’s City of Day throws you directly into the action from page one, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final page. The story’s twists and turns are as numerous as the alleyways of Astera, the characters as multi-faceted as the factions of the city.”
- Chelsea
