Venture into the haunting world of Surreality, where young hunters battle supernatural phantoms in a post-apocalyptic wasteland! Caighlan Smith’s gripping young adult fantasy series blends heart-pounding adventure with coming-of-age drama, pulling readers into a landscape teeming with ghosts, crimson hellcats, and secrets that could save—or doom—humanity. With its unique mix of supernatural thrills and richly drawn characters, Surreality is a hidden gem for fans of dystopian fantasy.
From the desolate cities to the eerie Hallow Hour when phantoms strike, this series follows a band of courageous teens navigating a world on the brink. Whether you’re drawn to tales of survival or mysteries wrapped in supernatural mystique, Surreality promises an unforgettable ride.
How Surreality Began
Caighlan Smith, a Newfoundland native born in 1994, penned the first Surreality novel, Hallow Hour, during her final year of high school. Inspired by her love for video games, Greek mythology, and supernatural lore, Smith crafted a world where humanity’s survival hinges on skilled hunters. Her passion for storytelling, honed through years of weaving tales in the scenic St. Philip’s, shines through in the series’ vivid imagery and dynamic characters. By age 19, Smith had signed with a publisher, marking the start of a remarkable career in young adult fantasy.
The Heart of Surreality
The Surreality series kicks off with Hallow Hour (2013), where sibling hunters Mid and Kanta confront a mysterious family led by the fiery Tai, who holds the key to destroying phantoms. This debut sets the tone with its fast-paced action and eerie setting. Subsequent books, while less documented, continue the group’s quest across a plagued landscape, unraveling the origins of the phantoms and the secrets of their world. The series is believed to span four installments, each building on the last’s stakes.
Smith’s world is a post-apocalyptic masterpiece, blending desolate urban ruins with supernatural threats like ghosts and monstrous hellcats. Themes of resilience, trust, and sacrifice weave through the narrative, as young characters grapple with their roles in a fractured society. The series’ video game-inspired pacing and vivid supernatural elements make it a standout, offering a fresh take on dystopian fantasy with a focus on character-driven storytelling.
Unlike typical YA tropes, Surreality emphasizes flawed, complex characters over romance, drawing readers into their moral dilemmas and personal growth. The interplay between hunters and orphans, shrouded in supernatural mystique, adds layers of intrigue, making each book a puzzle to unravel.
Why Surreality Resonates
Surreality’s niche status hasn’t dimmed its appeal for fans of young adult fantasy. Its blend of post-apocalyptic survival and supernatural horror taps into the zeitgeist of dystopian fiction, echoing the likes of The Hunger Games but with a darker, more mystical edge. Smith’s ability to craft a believable world where teens wield both weapons and wisdom has earned praise for its immersive quality and emotional depth.
The series’ impact lies in its celebration of resilience and hope amidst chaos, resonating with readers who crave stories of unlikely heroes. As a lesser-known work, Surreality holds a special allure for those seeking undiscovered treasures in YA literature, offering a thrilling escape into a world where every choice could change the future.
- Publication Start: 2013 (Hallow Hour)
- Books: Approximately 4 in the series
- Author: Caighlan Smith, a Newfoundland-based fantasy writer
Ready to explore a world where phantoms lurk and heroes rise? Grab Hallow Hour and dive into Surreality’s thrilling dystopian adventure today!