Risingshadow
Speculative Fiction Books
  • About
    • Home
    • Articles
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Staff Members
    • Newsletter
    • Finnish (FI)
  • Books
    • New Releases
    • Coming Soon
    • Books of the Year
    • Bookshelves Activity
    • Recently Added
    • Advanced Search
    • Reviews / Comments
    • Genres and Tags
    • * Submit Book
  • Community
    • Discussions
    • - Recent Messages
    • - Recent Topics
    • - Hot Topics
    • - Popular Topics
    • - Search
    • CHALLENGES
    • - Reading Challenge
    • - Book Trivia Quiz
  • Home
  • Books
  • TJ Klune
  • Tales from Verania
  • The Lightning-Struck Heart

The Lightning-Struck Heart

Tales from Verania #1 / 6
by TJ Klune
The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales from Verania #1) by TJ Klune
Unrated

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City Of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King's Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam’s fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle — Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can't control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan's boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

FantasyEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy
Release date: July 2015

Book Order
Amazon
Kindle
Audible
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon Europe

Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves

Readers also enjoyed

Free the Darkness (King's Dark Tidings #1)
★ 9.38 / 16
The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
★ 9.18 / 182
The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings)
★ 9.12 / 168
Malice (The Faithful and the Fallen #1)
★ 9.08 / 12
The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive #1)
★ 8.98 / 71
The Heroes (World of the First Law)
★ 8.94 / 30
The Will of the Many (The Hierarchy #1)
★ 8.90 / 11

Join the Discussion
You can post as a guest or sign in for more features.
Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!
TJ Klune

TJ Klune

TJ Klune doesn’t just write stories—he creates worlds where love is limitless, found in the most unexpected places, and fiercely protected. Known for his whimsical yet heartfelt storytelling, Klune’s books span genres with a refreshing blend of fantasy, humor, and raw emotion. Whether he's crafting fantastical creatures, exploring personal identity, or diving into the depths of human connection, his work resonates with readers who crave both joy and depth.

Born in the Pacific Northwest, Klune grew up surrounded by nature, often drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and the quieter moments that accompanied them. His early love for reading and storytelling grew from his experiences in a small town, where the richness of imagination was often the gateway to an escape. From there, his path as a writer was forged, shaped by a passion for creating stories where characters could break free from the constraints of reality and embrace who they truly are.

Read more ...

Klune’s writing is often described as both uplifting and inclusive, with an emphasis on finding light even in the darkest times. His breakout hit, The House in the Cerulean Sea, offered readers a gentle reminder that found families, acceptance, and belonging can change the world—one magical step at a time. His other works, including The Extraordinaries and Wolfsong, continue to explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the magic within us all.

What sets Klune apart is his unique ability to balance fantastical elements with the deeply human experiences of love, loss, and hope. His characters are imperfect, messy, and often on a quest to find their place in a world that doesn’t always make sense. But in the end, it’s their resilience, their hearts, and their connections that create the true magic of his stories.

Klune’s books have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, earning accolades for their authenticity and ability to make readers feel both seen and uplifted. He has become a voice for LGBTQ+ representation in fantasy, where love is not only accepted but celebrated for its diversity and strength. His writing brings both lightness and depth, proving that even the most fantastical journeys can lead to the most profound realizations about who we are and who we choose to be.

In a world where the boundaries of genre often blur, TJ Klune stands as a beacon of heart, hope, and a reminder that no one ever truly walks alone.

Tales from Verania

In the world of Tales from Verania, magic is as unpredictable as the characters who wield it, and love isn’t just a theme—it’s the force that drives the heart of every story. In this enchanting series, TJ Klune invites readers to step into a vibrant world full of danger, humor, and magic where loyalty and love are tested in the most unexpected ways. With a delightful blend of fantastical adventures, heartfelt moments, and quirky characters, Tales from Verania offers readers a fresh take on classic fantasy tropes, all wrapped in Klune’s signature warmth and wit.

Read more ...

At the heart of the series is the story of Sam, an unlikely hero caught in the midst of a world that’s far bigger and more complex than he ever imagined. Aided by a ragtag group of allies—including a snarky wizard, a fearless warrior, and a lovable dragon—Sam’s journey takes him through battles, betrayals, and personal revelations that reveal just how powerful love, friendship, and acceptance can truly be. Each book delves deeper into this fantastical world, unraveling rich layers of magic, myth, and heartfelt emotion.

Verania is a land brimming with magical creatures, political intrigue, and an undercurrent of tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. But it’s the relationships between the characters—both romantic and platonic—that give the series its true depth. Whether it’s the fierce bonds of friendship, the stirring romance that grows between unlikely partners, or the acceptance of identities in a world that often feels rigid and unforgiving, Tales from Verania is as much about the heart as it is about the world-saving quests.

Klune’s storytelling is a perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, capturing the complexities of growing up, finding one’s place in the world, and discovering the strength to stand tall in the face of overwhelming odds. His exploration of LGBTQ+ themes within the context of fantasy feels effortless, woven seamlessly into the very fabric of the narrative. Love is not a side note, but the very core of the adventure, elevating the stakes and adding a layer of emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.

As the series progresses, the stakes grow higher, and the magic more intense, but Tales from Verania never loses its heart. With a mix of adventure, romance, and humor, it’s a journey through a world where the impossible becomes possible, and where the bonds we forge can change the very fabric of reality itself. A delightful escape for fans of fantasy, humor, and characters who feel like old friends, this series will leave readers laughing, crying, and desperately wanting more.


Tales from Verania consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales from Verania #1)
Unrated
A Destiny of Dragons (Tales from Verania #2)
Unrated
The Consumption of Magic (Tales from Verania #3)
Unrated
A Wish Upon the Stars (Tales from Verania #4)
Unrated
Fairytales From Verania (Tales from Verania #4.5)
Unrated
The Damning Stone (Tales from Verania #5)
Unrated
Tales from Verania Book 6 (Tales from Verania #6)
⧗ 9.86 / 14


^ Top
Follow Us: Newsletter | Facebook | X | Mastodon | RSS
Hosted by Planeetta Internet Oy
© 1996 - 2026 Risingshadow. All rights reserved.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Privacy Policy