Book: Lightbringer by Evelyn Flood
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I took my time reading this one over the festive season as I wanted to savour it! I loved the mythology and how accessible it was; as much as I enjoy a fantasy, if the world building overtakes the plot I start to lose some of my engagement trying to keep track of everything. This was the perfect balance though as the war between the Lightbringers and Darkwielders as well as the history behind the conflict is integral to the motivations of so many characters.
Lyra was such an interesting character as despite being raised in isolation with one sole purpose, she still tries to do what is right even if it goes everything she has been taught and she knows she will be punished. Lyra's suffering largely happens before the beginning of the book but there are a couple of on page episodes that were tough to get through.
This has plenty of enemies to lovers tension, "who hurt you" moments, and one of my favourite microtropes, the insult that becomes the term of endearment. Swoony Kaelen was my favourite Kaelen! Darian was probably my favourite of the MMCs, he was a sweetheart but the tension between him and Kaelen was scorching! Definitely give it a go if you are looking for a story which will keep you hooked from the start, has plenty of twists and turns, and has a slow burn romance which works perfectly with the pacing of the story.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read