The Dark Messengers is J.T. Tenera’s second book in the Erift’s Journeys series. A year has passed since Joseph Erift and his best friend Eric Castis had a taste of adventure that put them in harm’s way. College life offers plenty of promise, but it will have to take a backseat after they receive another invitation from Professor Benjamin Thessit. They witness a tense confrontation between the professor and his friend and rival Martin Kass, who claimed that something concerning their research had gone rogue and that Ben had stepped out of line. A new threat looms as an old adversary returns. As Professor Ben comes close to caving in when faced with increasing pressure, Joseph and Eric notice a series of events that don’t just happen by chance. The first day of their return teems with omens that will once again put them on a new path of adventure where fantasy and reality blur.

The Dark Messengers is equally as mysterious and exciting as the first installment in the series, and there is plenty of darkness as the title would suggest. It’s not predictable. Joseph's and Eric’s return to the island provides a good storyline and a setting that is fitting for the dangers they face, such as lurking shadows. J.T. Tenera develops his characters through dialogue and much is revealed about their personalities in the way that they respond to situations. This does not mean that they are merely reactive. The presence of Joseph and Eric largely drives the action. The last chapter of the book whets your appetite for the possibilities that will emerge in the next installment. For now, Joseph is willing to face whatever will come at them, and he will do so with his friends at his side. It’s an entertaining read.

The Dark Messengers by J.T. Tenera is the second book in the Erift’s Journeys series. Joseph and Eric have had quite an extraordinary year since discovering the existence of magic, thanks to Professor Ben who unlocked their dormant abilities. Their lives have settled down since being home though Joseph can’t seem to shake the mysterious entities that keep appearing before him. The magic and adventure they discover maintain a presence in their everyday lives but when Professor Ben requests their return, they find themselves on a plane to the Murean Islands. They quickly learn that the SIA has made threats against Professor Ben and with mysterious entities appearing, Joseph and Eric embark on a new adventure that brings them to the Mirror Palace. Joseph has anxiety about putting aside college plans but his best friend seems more interested in trying to find stardom online.

The use of magic is threaded naturally throughout the story with the two using spells in several instances. Tenera's details are subtle in crafting lovely visuals such as a replica exploding into a puff of smoke with a haunting cry, the color of the water brightening, and brittle plants stirring back to life in a garden. The use of different entities creates an otherworldly presence that easily encompasses Joseph’s life such as the shadow things surrounding him on his bike, an obscure being waiting for him in the garage, and him having to deal with a mushroom-like monstrosity. The story delves into Joseph’s struggle between these two paths. He’s drawn into this epic adventure but he feels pulled toward the idea of college and seeing what else is out there.

The friendship between Eric and Joseph is genuine and adds fun to their adventures with the two of them there to balance each other through their opposite views. While Joseph is struggling, Eric is finding excitement and potential for fame which serves as a humorous dynamic between them. The Murean Islands are the catalyst for their adventures as the location is where they got their magical abilities and discovered these amazing secrets. A fun coming-of-age adventure, J.T. Tenera's The Dark Messengers blends magic, epic quests, and mysterious entities into a humorous and charming read.