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Adira and the Dark Horse (The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe)

Contributor(s): Marshall, Susan L (Author)

ISBN: 9780645404197

Publisher: Story Playscapes

Hardcover
$42.99
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Pub Date: May 12, 2026

Lexile Code: 0000

Features: Dust Cover

Target Age Group: NA to NA

Physical Info: 1.31" H x 9.00" L x 6.00" W ( 2.10 lbs) 434 pages

Series: An Adira Cazon Literary Mystery

Descriptions, Reviews, etc.

Description:

Adira and the Dark Horse, by award-winning and Amazon best-selling author, Susan Marshall, is suspenseful as both a slow burn and a fast paced, lyrical journey of Romantic spirit, courage, community and love in danger. A fusion of metaphysical mystery and small town romance, it is an atmospheric and gripping page turner in search of truth and justice.

In hiding from the dangerous dark horse in Redbank, Private Detective Adira Cazon's spirit is restless in memories of her origin, Mira: upheaving sand and heart; panic and sweat; traumatic tragedy and her missing mother, Maricelle's light in tallow. Somewhere in the present poetry of fallen red, green and gold; forest custodian, Jacquelyn's close connection with nature; as well as the weathered letters from Empress Celine of Mira, lies a deep dark truth.

As Redbank faces the threat of an illegal trade operation and Girl flees from persecution in Mira, Adira's own two worlds collide. On the run, Adira swears to protect Girl and soon discovers a much deeper connection to land, silk, a pleading people and the spirit of Girl's ancestor, Aisha, in danger and romantic love.

Under the constant constellation, Orion, Adira seeks refuge and remnant love. As the dark horse lures, her spirit is scarred by the estrangement of her husband Mitch. Has he betrayed her?

Adira is determined to outwit the dark horse ...

Story Playscapes is proud to present its Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse by Susan Marshall. This curated publication captures the beauty, existence and journey of the timeless Romantic Spirit in the person, the community, the mystery and love itself. It features the full, unabridged book and the addition of Susan's metaphysical poems: A Mosaic of Dawn's Eve and Evergold Dream. This edition is adorrned with a premium hardbound cover with dusk cover art; a dust jacket with dawn cover art and premium paper for a luxurious and bespoke addition to any bookshelf.

Brief description: Susan L. Marshall is an international bestselling Australian author, poet, theatre practitioner, illustrator of visual metaphysics and a literary architect. A multi-award recipient for business, education, civics and authorship, she works as an independent contemporary experimentalist, coining the framework of Soulful Formalism through her monumental essay: The Speculative Craft and her visionary essay: Fragmentique: Susan L. Marshall's Signature Technique. Her lyrical and mystical writing utilises metaphysical minimalism to channel fluid reality into relatable, minimalist sanctuaries. Literary Revolution and The Non-Linear Labyrinth: Susan revolutionised Contemporary Metaphysical literature, moving away from chaotic avant-gardism and over-emotionalism of traditional Romanticism. Favouring the introspective Late Romantic era as it transitioned into Impressionism and Minimalism, she reconstructs fragments and builds text like a multi-layered labyrinth. Guided by her speculative craft, these pathways enable readers to discover profound metaphysical truths and a sanctuary for the contemporary romantic spirit. The Painterly and Architectural Approach: Approaching the page dynamically, Susan's methodology is deeply painterly, layering ideas on a multi-dimensional canvas to create fluid harmony. Her architecture is renown for its active void: using gaps on the page to promote reader reflection. Her unique style is deeply informed by Ancient Greek studies, 17th century Metaphysical Poetry, Japanese Metaphysical Philosophy; also during her extensive travels throughout Europe, including: France, Italy, and Spain and her native Australia. Story Playscapes and Global Standing: Drawing a vast audience through early études, Marshall established Story Playscapes to pioneer the metaphysical genre. An internationally acclaimed bestseller and Top Story Award recipient at Vocal Media for Wild Love at Christmas Eve and Love's Arena, her publications are distributed across more than 210 countries, with bestsellers including: Bare Spirit, Wild Soul, Princess Zyra's Lost Storm and Adira and the Dark Horse. Theatre Playscapes: Susan established Theatre Playscapes, a theatrical style operating as a living architecture for the stage. Introduced in Fleur of Yesterday and preceded by All the Hope We Carry, this innovative style channels shifting contours to support the cognitive and energetic development and wellbeing of young adults through structured, intentional spaces.

Review Quotes:

"The Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse by Susan Marshall is bespoke and creatively unique. A true collector's edition, the combination of its design and story, allows one to escape into the rich, mysterious and romantic settings, missions and journeys, dusk or dawn, of tour de force, Private Detective Adira Cazon. A truly indulgent and immersive experience for the reader."

-Maggie Vasalla, Independent Reviewer.

"True to her literary finesse, Susan Marshall has masterfully connected the metaphysical world of Private Detective Adira Cazon with us here and now. The cover art of the new Romantic Spirit Collection: Dawn and Dusk Deluxe edition of Adira and the Dark Horse is not only breath-taking, it is also highly immersive. We can choose to 'inhabit' the atmospheres, energies and pace of the Romantic Spirit's journey, at dusk or dawn, while relishing the mystery and romance of the novel's story. The addition of Susan's stunning metaphysical poetry, makes the experience complete. Adira Cazon remains my favourite, most relatable private detective to date. A true collector's item, to be cherished.

-Hendrick Jorgensen, Independent Reviewer.

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