Grasp of Erebus is the first book of The Devan Prodigy series by Sebastian Dax. It begins with a premonition by John, the main character’s father, and within the very first chapters there is an uncanny similarity to what is about to unfold in Tom’s own life. Tom and his mother never imagined that his nightmares were anything more than horrible visions of violence caused by some unknown ailment. But as Tom’s empathic capabilities continue to expand dramatically, even he isn’t entirely sure what to make of his experiences and everything seems to be pushing him towards services offered by The Clinic. As Tom makes his way through the workings of the Shadow Cult and its members, one thing is certain: he is both a gift and a curse to Shadow Creatures and they intend to harvest Tom for his power.

Author Sebastian Dax’s character development is a highlight of this thrilling novel. I really enjoyed the slow evolution of each character and the deep lore that is methodically laid out. I was fascinated by the way fear of the unknown is explored in the story and the interesting ways it manifests on the page.

Although the first third of the book feels a bit frantic and is a blend of the conscious and unconscious mind, it adds as a complex layer to this story that is ultimately intriguing. This places the reader into the same panic Tom is experiencing by being unable to control these out-of-body travels.

Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters throughout this dark fantasy novel. They are all easy to keep track of as they are all given a distinct feel. Ben was the much-needed bridge between the chaos; his function as the seed for unravelling the truth was pivotal in the success of this novel. I think the progression and understanding of Tom’s prime empath powers would not have flowed as effortlessly and would have lacked structure in the storyline without his presence.

This is a riveting occult horror story that consistently builds tension and conveys a sense of fear in a way that feels more intriguing than terrifying. I was enthralled by the nightmarish mystery at the heart of this story. Readers who enjoy dark tales with imaginative supernatural worlds and well conceived lore will find Grasp of Erebus a stimulating novel and a fantastic start to a series.

Pages: 641 | ASIN: B09QY1C69Y