Cadence: First Steps on the Path of Light by D.G. Loermans is an unusual crime novel following Darius Cade, a notorious killer now feeling the weight of age. He has been and is still being pursued by bounty hunters. Feeling he cannot save himself from those who want him dead, he chooses a path tattooists offer using his natural abilities — to integrate their ink with a fragment of the Earthdawn deity, binding the tattoo to the power of the deity. The inking becomes something more sinister than what he had expected. Instead of simply enhancing his abilities, he is bound to a powerful being with much control over him. Will Darius find the freedom to make any choice by himself, or is he condemned to function together with the powerful being? What are its intentions?

D.G. Loermans’ Cadence ingeniously examines choices, consequences, religious fanaticism, and freedom. The writing is excellent; the short sentences and vivid descriptions make reading the story enjoyable. The writing is filled with exciting details, expertly crafted suspense, and unforgettable characters that combine to make this a certified page-turner. The internal conflict is handled with unique skill and intelligence. Darius is a man who is presented as being torn apart by the mix of his blood and the inking. Readers will want to discover what happens to him as the narrative progresses. Loermans cleverly marries propulsive action scenes and noir grit, taking the story in an unexpected direction. This novel features twists that readers won’t anticipate and a steady conflict that moves the narrative forward.

Cadence: First Steps on the Path of Light by D.G. Loermans melds science fiction and supernatural elements to deliver a unique read. Darius Cade is a wanted mercenary who feels he is running out of time. He doesn’t have the speed of youth that enabled him to evade bounty hunters. A killer is stalking the night and leaving numerous bodies in its wake. Darius may be the perfect person to solve the murders. Desperate to reclaim his former glory, he turns to the dark art of tattooing, seeking to tap into the divine power of the Earthdawn deity. But as the ink takes hold, Darius is bound to an evil force threatening to consume him. With a bounty on his head, Darius must navigate a deadly cat-and-mouse game while dealing with an evil entity with a sinister agenda. Can Darius uncover the truth behind the string of gruesome murders and free himself from a power that gains control over him as time passes?

D.G. Loermans’ novel stands out in its originality. The author builds realism into the narrative by creating a familiar setting. Yet, the narrative transports readers into a world where unusual powers operate and a religious order controls the characters' minds. Character development is impeccable, and readers will enjoy following Cade, a character with scars. His backstory is skillfully woven, and it gives depth to his personality. The author has successfully created a character who seems unbeatable yet is genuinely flawed. He can’t stop thinking about his end. His choice to be inked with a fragment of the Earthdawn deity is the premise of a suspenseful tale that keeps readers guessing as to what will happen next. Cadence is a deftly plotted narrative with excellent writing and terrific descriptions.