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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, in The Light Within the Shades by Chloe Morley, a young woman must risk succumbing to the dangerous allure of her own forbidden magic to survive a family betrayal and stand against the forces of tyranny.
In the world of contemporary fantasy, few stories capture the delicate balance between inner light and consuming darkness as effectively as The Light Within the Shades. Written by multi-disciplinary artist Chloe Morley, this sweeping romantasy introduces readers to a protagonist caught in a deadly game of bloodlines, forbidden magic, and the heavy price of survival.
A Legacy Revealed
The story follows Julia, a young woman who has spent her life unknowingly concealed from the world. Her existence is shattered when she uncovers the truth about the dormant power coursing through her blood—a secret so potent that her own kin would see her destroyed to claim it.
Faced with a life of perpetual hiding or embracing the dangerous truth of her heritage, Julia makes a pivotal choice. She commits to accessing her forbidden magic, vowing to stand against the tyrants currently orchestrating conflict across the land. However, this power, gifted by an absent goddess, acts as a double-edged sword. As Julia begins to wield her newfound abilities, she finds herself struggling to maintain control, often terrified by the intoxicating rush of power that follows each act of destruction.
The Thin Line Between Savior and Monster
The heart of the narrative lies in Julia’s internal struggle. While she aims to defend her world from gathering threats, the darkness inherent in her magic tempts her at every turn. As she navigates a landscape of shifting loyalties and ancient secrets, the ultimate question looms: can she successfully eradicate the forces threatening her, or will the very power she relies on transform her into the greatest monster of them all?
With its complex themes and high-stakes tension, The Light Within the Shades is a must-read for fans of Sarah A. Parker’s The Ballad of Falling Dragons and Keri Lake’s Anathema.
Chloe Morley
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I travel often for work and as I saw more of the world, the settings in my story became clearer. I took a lot of inspiration from the scenic landscapes of Norway, the volcanic caves of Lanzarote and the countless woods and forests I grew up walking through in the North of England. In essence, Anaylia became an amalgamation of the places I had been and the people I had met along the way.
–Chloe Morley
The imaginative world of The Light Within the Shades is the product of Chloe Morley’s diverse creative background. Born in Lancashire, UK, and currently based in Essex, Morley has lived in numerous locations, including Brighton, Cornwall, London, and Limpopo, South Africa.
Her transition from the stage to the page is rooted in a rich history of performance. A graduate of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire with a First Class BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre, Morley has built an extensive career working as a performer, writer, and director across the UK and internationally. This background in theater, combined with her lifelong passion for fantasy and magic, informs her approach to storytelling.
Morley frequently weaves the atmosphere and details of the many places she has visited into her world-building, creating immersive settings that feel both vibrant and grounded. Beyond her novels, her creative portfolio includes a variety of plays, poems, and monologues showcased at London scratch nights and throughout UK theatre festivals. For Morley, writing remains a profound joy, offering her a medium to share her love of magical realms with a growing audience.
Find more from Chloe Morley now:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4vAqIRx
Instagram: @chloe_belladonna
TikTok: @chloemorleyauthor
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