The Breaking of Time Explores Power, Identity, and Family Secrets

The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth is the first book in a new series by bestselling author J.J. Hebert. The supernatural thriller blends urban fantasy with family drama centered around Daniel Ward, a normal suburban father, or so he seems. Daniel has a secret that is hiding beneath the veneer of his carefully constructed, very ordinary life. When he has to save his son’s life, Daniel calls upon the powerful magic he has kept a secret for centuries.

Known for his cinematic writing, strong worldbuilding, and character development, Hebert’s The Breaking of Time is an exciting start to a new series.

A Bestselling Genre Author

Hebert is an established author in multiple genres and has landed on multiple bestseller lists. He has also won literary awards for his writing. In 2025, he released two books, The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth and The Hands-On Author. 

In his writing, Hebert blends speculative fiction concepts with human-scale stakes and excels at focusing on the consequences of actions. He also concentrates on bringing realism to his characters, creating them with emotional depth. 

In The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of Arvynth, that approach serves the story of Daniel and his high-stakes struggle against dangerous forces.

Speculative Fiction Rooted in Personal Cost

Hebert’s Daniel Ward is a centuries-old, powerful sorcerer who keeps his true identity and magical abilities a secret. His carefully cultivated life as an accountant who lives in the suburbs is disrupted when the life of his son is threatened, and he freezes time to save him. Though Daniel saves his son, his secret is revealed.

Daniel’s use of magic to intervene in his son’s fate draws the attention of the Arvynth, an ancient order of sorcerers, who descend on his peaceful life to inflict their wrath on him and those he loves. There is a great metaphysical cost for what Daniel has done because he did it out of love, not ambition. 

“Every rescue leaves a mark,” the story says.

Daniel’s mundane life collides with his former one as he battles the ancient Arvynth and has to deal with the aftermath of his wife and children finding out the truth about him. The story also delves into the clash of Daniel’s identities: one as a protective, loving father and the other as an immortal sorcerer. 

The Arvynth are more than just villains, but a major controlling force of magic, and Daniel has a long-standing conflict with them. Daniel’s personal story grounds the spectacle of the supernatural and cosmic elements. Though his story starts in a familiar domestic setting, it slowly expands to reveal a more complex world that draws the reader in. 

Recognition Beyond the Page

Readers who enjoy contemporary urban fantasy stories about families dealing with supernatural threats have embraced Hebert’s writing, landing his novel on several bestseller lists. Online reviewers often take note of his tight pacing, emotional realism, and character-driven conflict. 

The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of Arvynth lays a solid foundation for a much larger story and is a strong series opener.