Nothing is simply black or white in the high fantasy novel All or None. On one hand there is Royiora Daralkaen. Roy is a young boy filled with magic that he has no idea how to control. When two compassionate mages find Roy on the street, basically a starving orphan, they take him in to care for him and to hone his skills. On the other hand is Kalo Porla. Kalo is a Null, one able to nullify magic, training to be an assassin in a prestigious school. Enemies from birth, these two creatures from wildly different backgrounds prove that we can’t be told who to hate or who to love.
Aurora Thornton has a brilliant imagination and a terrific ability to paint an original fantasy world. Adventure and whimsy abound as two worldviews collide. Many themes are explored, foremost among them, inclusivity. The sexuality of the characters becomes a repetitive theme as they seek comfort and companionship, and search for their soulmates. The end result is a true coming of age story spun with a mythical flair.
All or None is a stunning tale filled with all the magical forces and trues heroes. Anyone interested in LGBT fiction should give consideration to Aurora Thornton.
