Review of New Light

Rayah Raouf · Post by **Rayah Raouf** » 19 Jun 2021, 12:38

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "New Light" by Scott A McDowell.]

4 out of 4 stars

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New Light is the first book in a series written by Scott A. McDowell. It is a fantasy book with elements of mild sci-fi and a lot of adventure. The events take place in a dystopian world where three races exist. The races consist of the humans, the Xerua, and the powerful Tyranelle. However, not everything is as it seems. There is also a short story that takes place before the main story. It helps give you a general idea of what to expect.

There are three POVs in the book: Isabel, Lans, and Saul. Isabel works in a bar and is related to one of the characters in the short story. She is infatuated with Lans even though he does not reciprocate her feelings. Lans doesn’t feel like he belongs and hates everybody. He is considered to be bloodthirsty and believes he is a monster. Saul is a paladin to The Light. He converses with his god in his mind and believes in the righteous path.

Lans is nearly killed after a battle occurs with the Unspeakables. He is saved by both Isabel, Judis, and a Tyranelle named Giddeon. Due to a vision seen by Giddeon and Saul, they set out on a journey to get answers. Throughout the journey, they come across Lans mother, weirdly shaped Unspeakables, and a reason to fight. The ultimate goal is for the humans and the Xerua to take over what the Tyranelle have taken from them.

The author does an incredible job when it comes to storytelling and providing background information. The author managed to explain all the races and the hierarchy of the races very clearly. I loved the short story at the beginning of the book. I thought it did a great job to lure me in. I enjoyed the authors writing and how he presented the characters. Lans was an extremely interesting character. I think he might be my favorite so far. I also liked the way the battles were written, and I was literally on the edge of my seat.

There was nothing I disliked about the content or the writing. I loved every single page of the book. However, it would have been great if there was a map. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints about the book. The book was also professionally edited as I hardly found any errors.

This is a start to a great trilogy, and I gladly give it 4 out of 4 stars. The end left me surprised, and I would very much like to know what happens next. I cannot wait to pick up the next book.

I would recommend New Light to those who enjoy fantasy books. I do believe it is on the heavy side when it comes to fantasy due to the different races. There is nothing explicit in terms of content, but there is profanity present and a few brutal scenes. I would recommend this to more mature readers; however, I believe older teenagers could also read this book if the plot interests them.

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New Light
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Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 21 Jun 2021, 02:41

This seems like my kind of book, and the surprising ending makes it even more appealing. Thank you for your catchy review!

Dzejn_Crvena · Post by **Dzejn_Crvena** » 21 Jun 2021, 03:27

Everything about this book is otherworldly.
I hope the author's description of the world is enough to help us imagine the setting without a map.
Thank you for your review.

Rayah Raouf · Post by **Rayah Raouf** » 21 Jun 2021, 03:36

Raluca_Mihaila wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 02:41 This seems like my kind of book, and the surprising ending makes it even more appealing. Thank you for your catchy review!

Oh gosh, I LOVED this book. The ending in particular has left me thinking about it for a few days now. Thank you!

Dzejn_Crvena wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 03:27 Everything about this book is otherworldly.
I hope the author's description of the world is enough to help us imagine the setting without a map.
Thank you for your review.

Thank you

The description is enough actually without the map. I just thought it would be a great extra touch. Nonetheless, its an incredible read

Mercy119 · Post by **Mercy119** » 21 Jun 2021, 03:46

I like that the author introduced new races like the Xura and Tyranelle. That is something I would like to read about. The characters also seem interesting and it's a plus that the author included their multiple POVs.

sharon titus · Post by **sharon titus** » 21 Jun 2021, 09:54

I am sucker for science fiction and fantasy. This book is sure my type. Nicely reviewed. Thank you for your hard work.

The frant1c reader · Post by **The frant1c reader** » 21 Jun 2021, 14:56

A dystopian trilogy! I need to read this one. Thank you for such a good review.

Mirriam N · Post by **Mirriam N** » 21 Jun 2021, 18:13

I would recommend New light book to book readers lovers, mostly to those who wanna know about different Races. The races consist of the humans, the Xerua, and the powerful Tyranelle. I know people would like to know about that, me included. Thank you for the Review.

Rayah Raouf · Post by **Rayah Raouf** » 22 Jun 2021, 04:19

Fireside119 wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 03:46 I like that the author introduced new races like the Xura and Tyranelle. That is something I would like to read about. The characters also seem interesting and it's a plus that the author included their multiple POVs.

Yes! I always love it when there are different races! I find it so interesting!

sharon titus wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 09:54 I am sucker for science fiction and fantasy. This book is sure my type. Nicely reviewed. Thank you for your hard work.

Same here! I love sci-fi and fantasy. Thank you for the kind words.

The frant1c reader wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 14:56 A dystopian trilogy! I need to read this one. Thank you for such a good review.

Hopefully you enjoy it! Thank you

Mirriam N wrote: ↑21 Jun 2021, 18:13 I would recommend New light book to book readers lovers, mostly to those who wanna know about different Races. The races consist of the humans, the Xerua, and the powerful Tyranelle. I know people would like to know about that, me included. Thank you for the Review.

Thank you

It is a very good read.

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 22 Jun 2021, 13:11

This is a beautiful review, thank you for sharing.

Jagiine · Post by **Jagiine** » 23 Jun 2021, 21:20

It seems like there was a lot going on in this short story. I like the elements you mentioned, so I'll add it to my list. Thanks for your review!

Rayah Raouf · Post by **Rayah Raouf** » 24 Jun 2021, 11:34

Mtibza eM wrote: ↑22 Jun 2021, 13:11 This is a beautiful review, thank you for sharing.

Thank you

Jagiine wrote: ↑23 Jun 2021, 21:20 It seems like there was a lot going on in this short story. I like the elements you mentioned, so I'll add it to my list. Thanks for your review!

Thank you! It is a fantastic read!