The Dark Friars

Keepers of the Crossing
Book One
Release date: 5 November 2024
For Seventeen-year-old Liam O’Connor, nightmares become reality when he dreams of a fellow student's murder. Eager to uncover the truth, Liam and his friends investigate, revealing hidden secrets about his identity. Targeted by the menacing Dark Friars, Liam is saved by the enigmatic Tariq, who introduces him to a supernatural world where good and evil battle in the shadows. Can Liam juggle college, family, friendships, and desires while bearing the heavy responsibilities of his newfound destiny? Against the picturesque cathedral city of Sarumbourne, the looming threat of the Dark Friars intensifies, and Liam's normal life shatters amid the chaos.

Indieverse Awards 2025 nominee
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Book of the Year
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Best YA Novel
Reviews
Full reviews can be found on Goodreads.
"Hamshaw has created a world I want to dive right into and that I'll never feel ready to come back up for air from"
"A new contender in
Modern Fantasy has emerged"
Goodreads Review
"a fresh and exciting debut novel that somehow manages to deliver heaps of nostalgia too."
Goodreads Review
Goodreads Review
"From the dynamic characters and their chemistry to the fictional town of Sarumbourne - which feels like a character in itself - the mystery, the humour, and even the stunning cover art, everything about this book is perfectly executed."
"Enjoyable, thrilling, with a little bit of humour and romance! And most excitingly, it's queer! I can't wait to see what Ryan Hamshaw does next with the series!"
"So good! Scratched
all my 90s teen
show itches!"
Goodreads Review
Goodreads Review
Goodreads Review