Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Empath | 2015 | S. Usher Evans | Buy |
Empath is a standalone portal fantasy novel by S. Usher Evans, published in 2015. A mysterious voice promises Lauren an escape from her real-world struggles, and she wakes up in a fantasy realm with the powers of an empath. She finds herself in a village full of interesting characters, including Cefin, a young man who fits the mold of a classic fantasy hero. But the village has been haunted for decades by the Anghenfil, a fire-breathing creature with a particular hunger for empaths.
The novel is rooted in the realities of dealing with depression and anxiety, drawing on the author’s own experiences. While the fantasy setting provides adventure and wonder, the emotional core of the story is about confronting mental health challenges rather than running from them. Content warnings include references to suicide and substance abuse.