“Tolin’s debut novel moves at an unhurried but effective pace, gradually introducing various members of the cast. Many are so well developed that when, for example, seemingly minor players suddenly reappear later in the story, their scenes have a tremendous impact. Many characters from the otherworldly realm are based on figures from mythology or folklore, such as a vicious boggart and the headless Dullahan. Readers will also recognize gnomes and a wizard who plays a crucial role in the narrative.” - Kirkus Reviews, Rating: “Get it”

“Tolin employs measured pacing as well, ensuring that the supernatural elements unravel naturally. Early chapters build with regular everyday routines that ground the characters and create a sense of normalcy. As chaos is allowed to build organically, this approach makes the eventual free fall that follows all the more gripping. Other than a slight lull in the middle sections, CANDLELIGHT is a remarkably assured dark fantasy thriller. With immersive world building and a steady narrative buildup, Tolin's debut skillfully carries its readers along. … Haunting and heartfelt, CANDLELIGHT by D.L. Tolin is a captivating tale of identity, loss, discovery, and courage.” - IndieReader, Rating: 4.8/5.0 (IndieReader Approved)

”Meticulously crafting every detail of this world and its inhabitants with patience and care, Tolin hooks readers with raw emotion and relatability, while stirring in delicious pieces of slow-brew dark fantasy. The prose is enrapturing, with descriptive language and savagely clever turns of phrase, coupled with masterful storytelling, which lures readers deeper into the tale with ease. … The literary lovechild of Labyrinth, Shakespeare, Stranger Things, and Arthurian legend, Candlelight is a potent piece of fantasy fiction, and a masterfully polished achievement.” - Self-Publishing Review, Rating: 4.5 stars/5

"[Tír na nÓg] is rendered beautiful despite its dangers, with elements of the setting existing in striking juxtaposition to the horrors enacted there. The related prose is decadent, attending to moments of joy and lush landscapes with the same detail that it applies to its unflinching scenes of torture and death. ... Candlelight is a propulsive fantasy novel in which people's senses of identity and reality adapt in the face of magical beings among them." - Foreword Clarion, Rating: 4 out of 5