A masterfully crafted fantasy that captivates and lingers long after the last page.
Feature image credit: Sophie Haeder
Dohva: The Land Within by Sophie Haeder is an enthralling journey into a world of elemental magic, ancient mysteries, and the timeless battle between darkness and redemption. It is the first in a trilogy that promises great things.
This novel immerses readers in the secluded realm of Dohva, a land governed by elemental forces where souls are trapped in an endless cycle of rebirth by an ancient spell. At the heart of Dohva’s tale is Avala, a rebellious air sorceress driven by the haunting loss of her closest friend, a trauma that shapes her quest to confront the dark magic holding her world in the grip of despair.
Haeder’s portrayal of Dohva is both mesmerising and foreboding, giving the novel a deeply atmospheric quality. Dohva’s landscapes – enormous mountains, floating islands and atmospheres of multiple colours – are depicted in vivid, cinematic descriptions that bring the world to life. Haeder creates an elemental kingdom where nature feels alive with an unspoken history. Readers are drawn into this eerie beauty from the first page. Beneath Dohva’s exterior, an evil presence lingers in the form of a demon wielding dark magic, a threat that has dominated the land for generations.
The progagonist’s journey is both a quest for understanding and a mission of self-discovery. Haunted by the death of her friend, she is compelled to find answers in a world where the past is often shrouded in mystery. This vulnerability makes Avala a relatable, multi-dimensional main character. Her struggles to reconcile her grief with her desire for justice create an emotional depth that adds to the novel’s appeal.
Avala’s journey becomes entwined with three unexpected allies, each a distinct anti-hero dealing with personal conflicts, moral ambiguities, and the weight of past choices. Together, they form an alliance built on necessity rather than trust, bringing a dynamic interplay of personalities that keeps readers on edge. Each companion’s path to redemption is paved with unique trials and vulnerabilities, and their shifting relationships add tension and unexpected moments of camaraderie to the narrative. This uneasy bond is tested by the looming threat of dark magic, challenging them to confront their fears and the powerful force threatening to consume Dohva.
Haeder’s writing style is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Her prose, rich with detailed imagery, makes Dohva feel authentic and immersive, allowing readers to picture every rugged mountain pass, shadowed forest, and eerie cavern. Haeder captures the stark beauty of Dohva and her characters’ internal struggles with equal skill, bringing to life a world that feels both magical and intensely human. Her descriptions are so evocative that readers are drawn into the story from the beginning, feeling the suspense, the urgency, and the emotional stakes alongside the characters.
What sets Dohva: The Land Within apart is Haeder’s ability to weave a fantastical setting with profound emotional resonance. This is not simply a story of magic and heroism; it’s an exploration of grief, resilience, and the search for meaning in a world overshadowed by ancient forces. The characters’ struggles are relatable despite the fantastical elements, making the narrative thrilling and thought-provoking.
In Dohva: The Land Within, Haeder has crafted a world that feels timeless, a darkly beautiful tale that balances adventure with emotional depth. For fans of high fantasy, complex character arcs, and immersive settings, this novel is a journey worth embarking on — a story that lingers, leaving readers pondering the hidden powers of friendship, redemption, and courage. Haeder’s world of Dohva is one that readers will want to revisit, drawn by its mysteries and the unforgettable strength of its characters.
I can’t wait to get the next part of this story on my bookshelf.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Sophie Haeder
Released: November 2024
RRP: Hardback: $32.99, Paperback: $24.99, eBook: $3.99
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