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DEPTHS OF VANALF
Set on Avskild—a magical island protected from a world crawling with monsters—the narrative follows a group of teens preparing to earn their powers and defend their home. At 18, every student at Castle Vrodrmust enter Vanalf, a mysterious, dangerous cave that either grants them the magical abilities necessary to become a “Grimnir” or doesn’t let them leave at all. Hallik, a natural leader and determined overachiever, refuses to wait another year to earn his magic and find out what happened to his missing father. When the island’s protective shield is breached by “draugr,” undead beings formed by evil and hate, the safety of everyone within its walls is threatened (“a corpse stood before them, sallow, water-logged skin hanging from its body, eyes pale white, shattered teeth protruding behind tight lips that barely existed”). Hallik and a motley group set out to restore the shield before the island is overwhelmed by the opportunistic monsters—but first, they must brave the depths of Vanalf. Hallik is a skilled, responsible, and driven protagonist motivated not only by duty to his land, but also by the desire to prove himself. He sets himself apart through his quiet leadership—serving water to tired students, keeping pace with the slowest runners, and refusing to let his ambition overshadow his loyalty. The novel’s first half focuses heavily on training, lessons, and worldbuilding, which sometimes makes the story’s length feel like a bit of a slog. The action doesn’t really pick up until later, which might test the patience of readers eager for the real danger to begin. Overall gripping and heartfelt, this first installment in Hunsaker’s series is rooted in the quiet power of those willing to lead before they’re asked to. Hallik’s journey is only beginning, but it’s already one worth following.
Set on Avskild—a magical island protected from a world crawling with monsters—the narrative follows a group of teens preparing to earn their powers and defend their home. At 18, every student at Castle Vrodrmust enter Vanalf, a mysterious, dangerous cave that either grants them the magical abilities necessary to become a “Grimnir” or doesn’t let them leave at all. Hallik, a natural leader and determined overachiever, refuses to wait another year to earn his magic and find out what happened to his missing father. When the island’s protective shield is breached by “draugr,” undead beings formed by evil and hate, the safety of everyone within its walls is threatened (“a corpse stood before them, sallow, water-logged skin hanging from its body, eyes pale white, shattered teeth protruding behind tight lips that barely existed”). Hallik and a motley group set out to restore the shield before the island is overwhelmed by the opportunistic monsters—but first, they must brave the depths of Vanalf. Hallik is a skilled, responsible, and driven protagonist motivated not only by duty to his land, but also by the desire to prove himself. He sets himself apart through his quiet leadership—serving water to tired students, keeping pace with the slowest runners, and refusing to let his ambition overshadow his loyalty. The novel’s first half focuses heavily on training, lessons, and worldbuilding, which sometimes makes the story’s length feel like a bit of a slog. The action doesn’t really pick up until later, which might test the patience of readers eager for the real danger to begin. Overall gripping and heartfelt, this first installment in Hunsaker’s series is rooted in the quiet power of those willing to lead before they’re asked to. Hallik’s journey is only beginning, but it’s already one worth following.
