Welcome to the godstone saga universe
Book one of the godstone saga
Gloom
Step into the shadowy world of Gloom, a riveting, dark fantasy adventure.
In Thornhill, a quiet village, Koonta's peaceful life is ripped apart by terrifying creatures known as the herdvaar-shee. At the same time, Sarielle, a curious scholar, steps out from her sheltered existence and into a dangerous journey that has the power to alter the course of history.
And in Haven, the city of light, a mystery unfolds as people start vanishing without a trace. Bound by fate, these characters face a world on the edge, fighting to keep the light alive amidst the growing darkness.
Gloom weaves a captivating narrative of courage against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of despair, where every shadow holds untold threats.
Seeds of the scholar
A Godstone Saga Novella
When Hegaze Galwell, a brilliant but unconventional scholar of the House of Knowledge, sets out to capture a herdvaar-shee—a creature feared for its brutal bloodlust and grotesque form—he knows the risks.
Meanwhile, Elion Sunavei, a seasoned teacher at the House, prepares for the arrival of this monstrous captive. Between his lectures on deontology and his steady guidance of students, Elion suspects little of the true danger lurking just out of sight. But as the House braces for the creature’s arrival, a fractured truth begins to emerge—one that binds Hegaze and Elion in ways they could never have foreseen.
Seeds of the Scholar reveals a world where primal horrors and human ambition intertwine. Fans of dark fantasy, horror, and mysteries will be enthralled by this chilling tale of knowledge, power, and the terrifying secrets that lie within.
About the author
What began as a tale of grimdark despair became a beacon of nobledark hope—Michael Nicol’s Gloom is proof that even the darkest stories can find light. Drawing inspiration from works like Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law, Michael embarked on crafting Gloom as a grimdark exploration. However, his unwavering belief in humanity’s potential steered the narrative towards nobledark, resulting in a story where, no matter how bleak the world becomes, there’s always a spark of hope, a reason to keep fighting.
Hailing from Windsor, California, Michael's passion for fantasy was sparked by a deep curiosity about the world around him. Whether it’s the psychology that drives his characters, the economic systems that underpin his worlds, or the simple joys of a mechanical watch, Michael loves dissecting how things work and applying this understanding to his storytelling. His approach to worldbuilding is methodical and layered, creating rich, immersive worlds that challenge and intrigue his readers.
Balancing a demanding career in IT, Michael spent years meticulously crafting Gloom, often stealing quiet moments late at night to bring his visions to life. Now, settled in Texas, he draws inspiration from the state’s expansive landscapes and vast skies. It's here, with his loving wife and two cats, that he ponders the mysteries of both the real world and the fantastical, always seeking new ways to blend them into his writing.