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Light in the Gloaming (Light in the Gloaming #1) by J. B. Simmons - Review

Light in the Gloaming (Book One)

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Prince Andor of Valemidas has been exiled to the Gloaming by his once friend and now betrayer, Tryst. The Gloaming is an underground wasteland with no escape. Just as Andor is about to finally lose himself and all hope to the Gloaming, he meets a new man named Lucian and Lucian gives Andor what he needs to escape their twilight prison. As there are still people loyal to him, Andor works to take back the city against power hungry and tyrannical Tryst.

Excellent fantasy debut of J.B. Simmons with Light in the Gloaming! If you enjoy the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, you should definitely give J.B. Simmons a try. It's a classic story of good versus evil, but instead of the fantasy hook of magical creatures it explores the effects of power and ambition on human nature. Fantastic setting with very well-written characters. In fact, the depth of the characters is what really hooked me. As much as I enjoyed opposites Ravien and Lorien, in a way I did wish for a little more from Lorien. Ravien is a very interesting character; she definitely has more of a gray area than others in the story.

I also enjoyed the dystopian-esque Gloaming. I would have loved to have learned more about the Gloaming itself; I have so many questions about it and it's just such an awesome setting. It works as a great contrast to Valemidas above. Speaking to that, it is also very refreshing to take note of the themes of hope and redemption alongside the depressive Gloaming. These contrasts are also visible in the changes of perspective, especially between Andor and Tryst.

Great read! I hope to see more from this author - perhaps a sequel with that ending seeming to set the stage for one. Very recommended!

I received this through the Goodreads First Reads Program. Thank you so much!


I read this from December 2 - 6, 2013 and my review is also on Goodreads.

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