Souls and Shadows: A Magical Academy Urban Fantasy Young Adult Adventure (The Tattered Souls series Book 1)
At six-foot-four, April Kane has always stood out. But her height isn’t her biggest secret.
April’s touch heals others, but it leaves her dangerously drained. When she’s recruited by Saguaro Academy, she expects labs and logic—not ancient spells and dangerous rituals. April is a skeptic failing Magic 101, yet she’s the only one who can feel the dark entity rising beneath the school’s floors. To save her city, she must master a power she doesn't believe in before the shadows swallow her whole.
Echoes and Embers: A Clean YA Magical Academy Urban Fantasy (The Tattered Souls series Book 2)
Magic doesn’t die—it echoes.
When haunted memories ignite at Saguaro Academy, April Kingsley’s soul-healing gift turns dangerous. The more she saves others, the stronger the fire inside her burns.
And this time, the shadows aren’t whispering—they’re calling her name.
If you loved Souls & Shadows, join more of Aoril's academy adventure in book two of The Tattered Souls Series—perfect for fans of Holly Black, Leigh Bardugo, and Cassandra Clare.
Urban Fantasy recommendations
Books I Recommend (in no particular order)
(Urban Fantasy & Magic with Heart)
I'm often asked what inspired my love of urban fantasy and magical worlds. These are books and series I’ve personally enjoyed, revisited, or admired, and often made me think, “What if…?”
If you like clean urban fantasy, magical academies, and stories with heart, I think you’ll enjoy these too.
Modern Magic & Urban Fantasy
The Hollows
by Kim Harrison
Witty, fast-paced urban fantasy with smart heroines, layered worldbuilding, and magic that feels both dangerous and delightful. A long-running favorite and a masterclass in urban fantasy done right.
Kate Daniels series
by Ilona Andrews
Rich mythology, strong characters, and a world where magic and technology collide. This series helped redefine modern urban fantasy and remains a standout for its depth and momentum.
Timeless Fantasy That Sparked Wonder
A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L'Engle
The book that first opened the door to fantasy for me as a young teenager. Strange, brave, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Proof that fantasy can be both imaginative and deeply meaningful.
Parasol Protectorate
by Gail Carriger
Quirky, witty, and delightfully original, blending urban fantasy with steampunk flair and unforgettable characters.
Why I loved this: it’s clever without being snarky, funny without being fluffy, and utterly charming.
A Note to Readers
These are books that shaped my imagination or kept me turning pages late into the night. I hope you discover something here that feels like magic finding you.
These recommendations reflect my personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to read and write. I’m an eclectic reader, by the way, so I also enjoy well written horse stories (because, well, they’re horses!), cozy mysteries, detective books (think Michael Connolly and Harry Bosch series), and the occasional romance (yes, I require a happily-ever-after in them).
If anyone asks, Genevieve McKay writes terrific horse books that I really enjoy (because, yes, I was born horse crazy and loved the Black Stallion series, My Friend Flicka series, and any other horse story I could get my hands on, such as those by Marguerite Henry.)
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Get your FREE copy!
Whispers and Wisps:
The Tattered Souls Series Prequel Novella
In this prequel to the Tattered Soul Series, uncover the hidden origins of April’s gift and the terrible price of forbidden knowledge.
If you love magical academies, hidden powers, and secrets that whisper long after the last page, you’ll be captivated by Whispers and Wisps.
Join my Sci-Fi/Fantasy mailing list
Want to know more? Sign up for my Sci-Fi/Fantasy Newsletter and get a free book!
Thank you for subscribing!
Have a great day!
