Award-Winning Debut Novel
From Brick & Darkness
The most powerful wishes aren’t said with words.
Bax always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when a decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts.
The ring speaks to Bax in a dream, tempting him with a vision of a powerful djinn. Desperate to make his fantasies a reality, Bax unleashes a creature called Ifrit, but soon learns this djinn isn't what the ring led him to believe. Feeding off the depths of his subconscious, the sinister demon fulfills what he thinks Bax wants by manipulating, threatening, and murdering. With everyone he loves in danger and a trail of crimes pointing back at him, Bax must scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish Ifrit forever.
American Writing Awards - Best Young Adult (Fiction)
Chanticleer International Book Award - Best Fantasy
Readers Favorite - Best Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Book two in the djinn-verse coming soon!
From Ash & Darkness
Bax unleashed the magic. Now he must face the darkness.
After banishing the evil djinn, Bax’s life has returned to normal—almost. His guilt-fueled nightmares won’t relent until he musters the courage to return Ifrit’s artifact and finally lay the demon to rest. But nothing in the djinn-verse is ever easy.
Someone has summoned Ifrit back into the world, placing Bax at the center of the swirling dark wishes the djinn is fulfilling for his new master.
As Ifrit’s attacks grow deadlier, Bax and his friends must uncover the identity of Ifrit’s new master and convince them to banish the evil spirit. But with no high-powered lunar eclipse for another one hundred and fifty years, banishment might be impossible.
What People Are Saying
"Rising young adult author, J. L. Sullivan, combines mythology, theology,
and astronomy to create an invitingly fresh, nail-biting coming-of-age teen tale."
"Suspenseful and perfectly written, From Brick & Darkness was an outstanding story."
"A bold page-turner that interrogates the notion of winning one’s heart’s desire."
"A dark and sometimes twisted look at coming of age."
"In this beautiful and quirky YA debut with paranormal hints, J. L. Sullivan delivers a captivating tale centered on the complexities of having one’s wishes granted."
"Effortlessly inclusive and massively entertaining, From
Brick & Darkness wraps a childhood fairytale up in a slick modern package, offering readers of any age a most enjoyable escape."
"From Brick & Darkness will attract young adult fantasy readers who enjoy stories about magical opportunities gone awry, and impossible dreams that turn into nightmares."
"It is fast-paced, creative, and perceptive with a tightly woven plot that will have readers wanting more."
"J.L. Sullivan's book is both adventurous and chilling, with unexpected twists and turns throughout the story."
About the Author
J. L. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. His debut novel about a dark reimagining of an ancient myth won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release, with a sequel coming in 2025. He currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.
He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at contact@jlsullivan.net.
Recommendations by J. L. Sullivan
Here are a few of the young adult books I've enjoyed, and hope you do too.
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