C. N. Lesley launches sci-fi thriller Shadow Over Avalon

C. N. Lesley’s Shadow Over Avalon opens the Shadow Saga with a dual-timeline story about a genetically engineered protagonist, a submerged city, and a rebellion against AI-driven control. The book sets up a larger series, with the next installment already in the pipeline.

Why it matters: - Shadow Over Avalon adds to the growing market for science fiction that mixes adventure, mystery, horror, and dystopian conflict. - The story centers on questions of identity, free will, and survival in a world shaped by genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. - The book also launches a larger series, giving readers a new entry point into the Shadow Saga.

What happened: - Author C. N. Lesley released Shadow Over Avalon (Shadow Saga Book 1), a science fiction adventure built around two timelines. - The novel follows Arthur, a genetically engineered young man who escapes becoming the chosen vessel of a dangerous entity trapped inside a computer that controls life support for a submerged city. - Arthur is pulled between the submerged city and surface-dwelling rebels fighting ruthless Inhuman overlords. - A creator who helped shape Arthur’s existence continues to monitor his every move.

The details: - Arthur faces multiple threats at once and must figure out who is controlling events around him. - A near-death encounter leaves another character dependent on the will to survive in a dramatically changed reality. - The story gradually reveals how past events shape the future, and humanity’s survival becomes part of the stakes. - The novel uses a dual-timeline structure that lets new information change how earlier events read. - Lesley said the book began with a vivid dream that grew into a larger story and then into a series. - The author designed the narrative so readers may find new connections when revisiting the book. - The novel is aimed at readers who enjoy science fiction with horror, romance, mystery, and dystopian elements. - The setting includes a submerged city, a surface rebellion, an engineered protagonist, and several competing antagonists. - The first chapter of Sword of Shadows appears at the end of Shadow Over Avalon as a preview of the next book.

Between the lines: - The dual timeline is doing more than adding structure; it is designed to turn the book into a puzzle where later revelations reframe earlier scenes. - The premise leans on classic science fiction themes, but the story also appears built around personal vulnerability rather than only large-scale worldbuilding. - Lesley is positioning the Shadow Saga as a continuing franchise, not a standalone release.

What's next: - Sword of Shadows, the second Shadow Saga installment, is expected soon in Kindle format. - A paperback edition of Sword of Shadows is planned to follow. - The sequel will introduce a hidden sword of sky metal that can be wielded by only one master as a dying city faces a growing threat. - More information is available at the author’s website and through the book trailer. - The book is available at Amazon.