The Nixian Chronicles

The Awakening

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 07/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

C.S. Evermore writes epic dark fantasy with psychological depth and a philosophical edge.

Her debut series, The Nixian Chronicles, explores betrayal, indoctrination, and the cost of free will—where illusions are weaponized and nothing is what it seems.

But for her, this story was never just fiction.

It came from burnout. Collapse. From waking up one day and realizing the life she’d been living was someone else’s dream.

So she wrote a world where truth fights back—where silence has teeth, and obedience can shatter a soul. Where fantasy isn’t an escape, but a reckoning.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your worth, or the system that raised you—this isn’t just a book.

It’s the fire you carry back into your real life.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore follows Lyara Valen, the last Nixian descendant, as she escapes the Veiled Dominion’s deadly hunt led by High Inquisitor Malakar. Lyara’s awakening powers mark her as the Balance Keeper, destined to restore harmony between Light and Shadow. With her mother, Leora, and former Sentinel Riven Kael, she seeks ancient artifacts like the Heart of Nix and undergoes trials with the Luminous Order to master her unstable magic. Betrayed by Sarah Cain, who initially allies with Malakar, Lyara faces capture and near defeat when Malakar uses the Amulet of the Hollow Veil to drain her powers. A fierce battle ensues, forcing her to embark on a new quest with companions Kaelith and a messenger to recover a stolen orb vital to saving the Luminous Order’s magic and the world’s balance.

The Nixian Chronicles by C.S. Evermore features well-crafted prose that maintains clear focus and steady pacing throughout this exceptional novel. The writing skillfully portrays Lyara’s internal confrontation with a powerful shadow version of herself, along with the brilliant conflict involving the Veiled Dominion and Malakar’s dark machinations. Descriptions are precise and measured, leaning into key moments with beautifully coordinated and detailed action sequences. Dialogue effectively reveals character motives and relationships without unnecessary elaboration. The balance between scenes of magical intensity and quieter moments is maintained through concise, direct language. Overall, this is a strong story with a lot of directions that Evermore can take as a series, and I am looking forward to seeing where we go next. Very highly recommended.

Mary Clarke

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore is a well-written fantasy about Lyara Valen, a young woman who is pulled into a prophecy that requires her to be a Balance Keeper, meant to use the shadowflare, light, and shadow magic. It introduces a world ruled by Veiled Dominions, a ruthless regime that suppresses old magic, especially Nixian magic. One day, during a celestial storm, Lyara notices a surge of power in her body, which indicates her Nixian heritage. Malakar finds out about this and starts looking for Lyara, desperately to erase her bloodline. Lyara has to accept her destiny and teams up with her mother, Leora, Riven, and Sarah to stop Malakar's oppressive regime. They travel through dangerous places like the Ruins of Vash’Kar and the Shattered Spire. Lyara faces dark threats and betrayal, especially from Elyndra, who uses her power to break a curse on her people.

This was indeed a lovely read. I loved the scenes, actions, and history tied to the storyline; it felt as if I was listening to one of the old folktales from my childhood. One feature of The Nixian Chronicles I love is the twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, the author threw in a surprise that changed everything. The book left me curious and in suspense, with shocking revelations like Sarah and Elyndra's betrayal and the truth about the prophecy, which came out when I least expected it. Every chapter had its way of capturing my heart and keeping me glued to the pages. The writing is detailed and cinematic, and the battles were intense. I enjoyed seeing Lyara grow from a scared girl into a strong Nixian; her character is very relatable. I recommend The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore to readers who love exciting fantasy novels with strong characters, magic, and surprising plot twists.

Keana Sackett-Moomey

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore follows the journey of Lyara, a girl born of silence, pain, and a life-changing fate. Her existence hides a great, unspoken secret. She will one day be responsible for unmaking her world, rather than bringing salvation to its people. Her hidden lineage and repressed inner magic are activated when archaic powers shift. This transition draws Lyara into the spotlight of a prophecy that she is determined to uncover. Her adventure unfolds in the city of Eldoria, a kingdom steeped in sacred myths. Lyara’s awakening mirrors a world where safety is an illusion and no one is truly secure. As formidable forces begin to draw closer to Lyara, her unpredictable powers begin to escalate rapidly. One thing is for sure—she must decide between transforming into the weapon others fear or choosing her own path.

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore is an unforgettable fantasy with a healthy dose of action and adventure. Evermore masterfully introduces us to a realm teetering between buried truths and a growing uprising. She crafts a provocative tale that is both intimate and epic in scope. This story features poetic prose and an exploration of truth masked in a foreboding prophecy. The worldbuilding is robust, filled with deep emotional stakes. Lyara is not your typical "chosen one" archetype; her supernatural powers are marked by vulnerability, and her character arc introduces psychological impact and nuances to the storyline. The pacing is relentless, giving readers moments of resonance, thought-provoking truths, and revelation. Dark fantasy fans will enjoy this bold and compelling read. I am already looking forward to future installments of the series.

Jefto Pierre

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore depicts the exciting adventure of Lyara Valen, a young woman shrouded in mystery and fashioned by a lifetime of secrets. Her tale unfolds in the realm of Nixia, a universe where harmony once dwelt. Concealed in the beautiful but enigmatic city of Eldoria, Lyara begins her journey as a wary survivor. She is oblivious to the fact that she possesses latent powers connected to forces far older than the world she thought she once knew. When an intense shift in the skies ignites her Shadowflare abilities, Lyara is plunged into a battle for control and self-identity. Soon enough, she is pursued by a powerful dominion that once decimated her fae kind. Eventually, her journey becomes intertwined with a legacy built on secrets, revolt, and a prophecy that could devastate lives rather than liberate them.

C.S. Evermore's The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening is an epic dark fantasy tale that intrigues as much as it entertains. The author has built an immersive and layered narrative that features a steady pace, compelling characters, and internal conflicts devised to spark the imagination of readers. Nixia isn't just your average fantasy backdrop. It is a dynamic world, flowing with culture, unique fae races, mystery, and history, all meant to grab your attention from the start. The intricate fantasy lore is both inviting and well-detailed. Lyara is a complex but bold heroine, while the male lead will effortlessly charm readers with his dangerous appeal. They grow from intriguing personalities to fully multi-dimensional individuals throughout the narrative. Their unpredictable character interaction flawlessly moves the plot forward. Overall, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers craving adventure, depth, and an adrenaline rush.

Jamie Michele

The Nixian Chronicles: The Awakening by C.S. Evermore follows Lyara Valen, a young woman unaware of her Nixian heritage, who discovers latent magical powers tied to an ancient prophecy. As the Veiled Dominion, led by High Inquisitor Malakar, hunts her relentlessly for the threat she represents, Lyara escapes and allies with Riven Kael, a former Dominion soldier turned rebel. Together, they journey to the ruins of Vash’Kar seeking the Heart of Nix, an artifact linked to her destiny. Throughout her quest, Lyara trains to control her powerful abilities, confronts betrayal, and battles Dominion forces aiming to eliminate her. Ultimately, she must decide how to wield her emerging powers to challenge the Dominion’s oppressive rule and protect those she loves, setting the stage for ongoing conflicts beyond Eldoria’s walls. “I am Lyara Valen. I am Nixian. I am the balance between shadow and light. And I have come to reclaim my city.”

The Nixian Chronicles by C.S. Evermore is a really well-written high sorcery novel that has absolutely fantastic world-building with incredible detail, like the depiction of Eldoria’s marble walls hiding a fraught history beneath its surface, and electric battle scenes. Lyara emerges as a remarkably strong female protagonist whose sense of agency and clear purpose define her as the leader that contemporary literature deserves. Evermore’s methodical unfolding reveals all we need to know with precision and intelligence, each development carefully laid out to enhance anticipation for future chapters. From the spectral guardian Elarion’s guidance to the mysterious Heart of Nix and Lyara’s awakening of Shadowflare, every element adds to an already expansive universe. With so many directions for the tale to advance, this work promises an exciting journey ahead, and I am eager to see where Lyara’s path and power will lead next. Very highly recommended.