The Seekers by Colin O’Neill follows two Belfast sisters, Róise and Caití, whose search for their missing friend leads them into the realm of Collin Dubh. What begins as a desperate attempt to find Isla turns into an encounter with the remnants of an old kingdom ruled by Anrud, a fallen queen whose dark magic has warped time and life itself. The sisters navigate alliances among secret tribes, fae courts, and underwater kingdoms. They discover their connection to the land’s legends as Seekers, with a destiny that demands they slay Anrud. It will take determination, courage, and Claíomh Solas, the Sword of Light, guarded by the Faerie Queen Asrai, the only weapon capable of destroying Anrud. The sisters must find the sword to end the darkness at the heart of Collin Dubh.

The Seekers: Only The Sword Of Light Can End The Darkness by Colin O’Neill is a wonderfully imaginative fantasy that follows the traditional hero's journey of being forced into a secret world and a mission that they desperately do not want, caught between fear and duty, with the backstory made clear as the sisters stand before Queen Kiki. The narrative moves smoothly between emotions, from the quiet blessing of the sisters to the cataclysm of Anrud’s spreading power. I love the settings and symbolism, like Faerie roots that shine with light, carvings of the Bean Sidhe, and the lost sword Claíomh Solas, all of which give the mythology shape and strength. Throughout, the author builds a fully-realized realm where every test leads to the next, and the meeting of fate explodes brilliantly. Very highly recommended.

The Seekers: Only The Sword of Light Can End the Darkness by Colin O’Neill is a captivating fantasy that delivers a tale of adventure, magic, and grit. It follows the journey of two Irish sisters, Róise and Caití, who discover an ancient and mysterious book in their local library. The book, titled “Collin Dubh,” triggers visions and memories of a long-forgotten, malevolent kingdom called Collin Dubh, ruled by an evil witch named Anrud. First, the behavior of the book when Caití reads the title is strange: “At the moment she uttered those fateful words, the book began to crumble. She clutched at it in panic, but it was no use.” As the sisters delve deeper into its secrets, they encounter supernatural creatures and dark forces that threaten their reality. The girls must confront their fears, decipher ancient prophecies, and forge unlikely alliances to escape the grasp of the witch and return to their world. But first, they must find the only weapon that can destroy the invincible Anrud, or their world and their lives will end.

The Seekers is set mainly in West Belfast, blending the familiar urban landscape with mystical, enchanted realms hidden within the city's ancient history. It was fascinating to explore this world. The characters, especially Róise and Caití, are elaborately written and relatable; Róise is confident and courageous, while Caití is clever and compassionate. The conflict revolves around the girls’ struggle to survive the sinister pursuits of Anrud, who seeks to regain her lost power by capturing their innocence and goodness. The setting shifts from the lively city streets to dark, overgrown forests and magical lakes, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense and wonder. There is so much that I loved in Colin O’Neill’s work. The magic had me spellbound, and the descriptive prose and dialogue brought the story to life. This is an exciting read for fans of fantasy.