Beyond Fate is a supernatural fantasy set in the fictional nation of Daor and the Barrenlands. It includes elements depicting violence, torture, public humiliation, psychological distress, (off page) death of loved ones including children, grief, ghosts, necromancy, monstrous creatures, life-threatening situations, self-sacrifice, betrayal, forced separation from family, genocide, class divide, persecution, power dynamics, and manipulation.

Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please be aware.

Series: The Opals of Daor Trilogy/ Book one
Genres: Supernatural fantasy / Dystopian elements
Age Range: YA 16+
ISBN: Coming soon

GROUPS & CREATURES

Aetherians (ay-THIR-ee-ans) – Humans with the ability to manipulate all forms of energy, both physical and spiritual.

The Salach (SAH-lach) – A race of dark, soulless creatures created through corrupted Aetherian magic. The word salach means “dirty” or “unclean” in Irish, implying corruption or moral impurity.

The Nuckelavee (NUCK-leh-VEE) – A skinned, half-human, half-horse-like creature controlled by Balor. Based on the Celtic mythological beast associated with decay, and destruction.

Moonbanes – Giant black wolf-like creatures originally from Torvith. Kept as Balor’s mounts, they move at unnatural speed under moonlight and are used to transport prisoners to the Craw.

Skivarr – A rat-like creature that infests the slums of Daor.

NOTABLE CHARACTERS

Zara Evelyn - Our protagonist.Born in the Oibri slums and working in the Saothar mines, Zara has always possessed the forbidden ability to see the dead.

Hatch - Zara’s younger brother, hidden from the world because he was never meant to exist.

Addam - Zara’s closest friend and fellow worker in the Saothar mines.

Kole Lo’an - Known as “The Angel of Death,” Kole transports exiled prisoners beyond the Wall to the Craw.

Emperor Balor (BAH-lor) - The tyrannical ruler of Daor, governing with fear and absolute control. Inspired by the destructive king from Irish mythology who sought to defy fate itself.

Elder Moros (MOR-oss) - second in command to Emperor Balor and lead Elder of the Oibri.

Kira - An Aetherian descendant from Torvith, one of the original Five Kingdoms. Burdened with a destiny tied to Balor’s downfall.

Liam - Kira’s shadow brother, sworn to protect her since birth.

Fomharach (FOM-hah-rach) - The original king of Daor before the war. His name is inspired by the Fomorians of Irish mythology, ancient beings associated with chaos and destruction.

Abhartach (AV-ar-takh) - Leader of the Salach. His name comes from Irish folklore and is associated with one of the earliest vampire-like revenant figures in Celtic myth.

Queen Orla - Queen of Elyia before the war. Each Queen is Inspired by The Morrígan from Irish mythology, a powerful figure often associated with fate, war, death, and prophecy. In Celtic legend, the Morrígan is sometimes depicted as a trio of connected personas rather than a single being.

Queen Morrigan – Former queen of Torvith before the war. Inspired by The Morrígan from Irish mythology, associated with fate, war, death, and prophecy. In Celtic legend, the Morrígan is sometimes depicted as a trio of connected personas rather than a single being.

Queen Awnya - Queen of Ryneth before the war. Each Queen is Inspired by The Morrígan from Irish mythology, a powerful figure often associated with fate, war, death, and prophecy. In Celtic legend, the Morrígan is sometimes depicted as a trio of connected personas rather than a single being.

King Cian - King of Ithar before the war and lover to Queen Morrigan.

Purity Dominion – Daor's black-armoured military force, commanded by Balor.

Shadowman – The shadowy figure Zara first encounters in her nightmares before seeing him in the waking world.

LOCATIONS

Daor (DAY-OR) - A walled nation ruled by Emperor Balor. A wall separates Daor from the unknown Barrenlands beyond. The word daor comes from Irish, meaning “bound” or “enslaved.”

The Barrenlands - A desolate wasteland beyond the Wall, scarred by a devastating war two centuries earlier.

Oibri (OH-bree) - The slum district of Daor, named after the workers who inhabit it. Derived from the Irish word oibrí, meaning “worker” or “labourer.”

Saothar(SAY-ther) - The vast mining network beneath Daor where Zara and Addam work. Its tunnels stretch beneath the city and beyond the Wall. The word saothar comes from Irish, meaning “labour,” “toil,” or “hard work.”

Valmara (val-MAR-ah) – The wealthy heart of Daor, home to trade, and the elite. Emperor Balor’s tower rises above the city’s protected centre.

Whispering Woods - The only woodland within Daor, steeped in supernatural myth.

The Clearing - A public platform within the Oibri slums where cleansings and punishments are carried out.

The Craw - A brutal prison camp hidden deep within the Barrenlands, where the exiled are sent to disappear.

Torvith (TOR-vith) – One of the original Five Kingdoms. Home of Kira and Liam

Ithar (EYE-thar) – One of the original Five Kingdoms.

Ryneth (RIN-eth) – One of the original Five Kingdoms.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dochar Rod – The weapon used by the Purity Dominion, fitted with an electric coil at its heart, resembling a cattle prod. Dochar comes from the Irish word meaning harm or damage

Brannlaith – The ancient sword that once belonged to Queen Orla and is now wielded by Abhartach.

Contributor/ Contribution – A worker/work. Each citizen of Daor is assigned a role at age five determining how they will work in society.