James Nicol crafts fantasy novels that echo the immersive, safe worlds he cherished in childhood, filled with characters undertaking brave and joyful adventures. His distinctive approach integrates magic as an inherent element of the narrative's reality, moving beyond hidden enchantments to explore the post-training lives of witches venturing into the world. Nicol's writing is fueled by a lifelong passion for stories and a desire to capture the wonder of discovery and heroism, translating his own imaginative childhood explorations into vibrant literary landscapes.
Arianwyn has fluffed her witch's assessment. Awarded the dull bronze disc of an apprentice - to the glee of her arch-rival, mean girl Gimma - she's sent to protect the remote, dreary town of Lull. But her new life is far from boring. Turns out Gimma is the pompous mayor's favourite niece - and worse, she opens a magical rift in the nearby forest. As Arianwyn struggles with her spells, a mysterious darkness begins to haunt her - and it's soon clear there's much more than her pride at stake ..