Review of Truth and Light
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Nancy004
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Review of Truth and Light
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Truth and Light" by Elizabeth Avery.]
In Elizabeth Avery's trilogy, Truth and Light, the world is not as we know it. Set against the stunning backdrop of the island of Heimaey, this magical, coming-of-age fantasy introduces us to powerful hominid species that once walked the Earth alongside humans. The Denisovans, broader and bulkier; the Naledi, with their gifts of seeing into the past and future; and the Floresiensis, small yet wizardly powerful, were all thought to be extinct. But they have survived, living in hiding, still wary of the humans who once sought to annihilate them. As humans edge closer to discovering their existence, the stage is set for an epic battle for identity, protection, and the right to exist. Will these extraordinary beings defend themselves against cruel humans once more? Find out in this captivating saga of magic, mystery, and survival.
River is still grieving the loss of her grandmother, her last living relative, when she learns she has inherited a house from her late grandmother on Heimaey Island, an Icelandic haven she never knew about. Seeking a fresh start, she moves to the island and soon befriends Lottie, a delightful bakery owner, and finds herself falling for Lottie’s mysterious grandson, Henrik. As River adjusts to her new life, she can't shake the feeling that there's something different about the island's inhabitants. She soon discovers a hidden world where humans aren't the only hominids—and learns that she might not be entirely human herself. This epic tale follows River as she uncovers a world she never imagined and discovers her true identity.
One of the standout qualities of the story is the compelling character of River. Her kindness, strength, and desire for belonging make her instantly relatable and easy to root for. I particularly enjoyed the journey of River and Henrik's children, Amaya and Jon, as they came to terms with and explored their powers. The vivid portrayal of Heimaey Island adds another layer of beauty to the story, especially in its role as a secluded home for the Denisovans. Avery's meticulous world-building of the different hominid species and their histories is commendable; she delves into their powers, weaknesses, and backgrounds, enriching the narrative. Additionally, the book is well-edited, with only minor grammatical errors that don't distract from the overall reading experience.
While Truth and Light excels in character development, particularly with River, her children, and Lottie, Henrik's character feels somewhat underdeveloped. Unlike the other characters who shine brightly, Henrik seems to merely exist without much depth. There's a missed opportunity here, as his potential feels overshadowed by his wife and children. However, despite this drawback, there's little else to criticize about the book.
The book deserves a solid 5 out of 5 star rating for its captivating storytelling, rich character development, and immersive world-building. The sinuous portrayal of River's journey, along with the beautifully depicted dynamics of her relationships, keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The author's attention to detail in crafting the diverse hominid species and their histories adds layers to the plot, making the story feel both fantastical and grounded. Despite a minor flaw in Henrik's character development, the overall quality of the book, including its polished editing, makes it a standout fantasy read.
I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales. With its engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and stunning setting, this trilogy offers a magical escape into a world filled with wonder and adventure. Whether you're drawn to stories of self-discovery, supernatural powers, or intricate world-building, this book has something for everyone.
******
Truth and Light
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Elizabeth Avery's trilogy, Truth and Light, the world is not as we know it. Set against the stunning backdrop of the island of Heimaey, this magical, coming-of-age fantasy introduces us to powerful hominid species that once walked the Earth alongside humans. The Denisovans, broader and bulkier; the Naledi, with their gifts of seeing into the past and future; and the Floresiensis, small yet wizardly powerful, were all thought to be extinct. But they have survived, living in hiding, still wary of the humans who once sought to annihilate them. As humans edge closer to discovering their existence, the stage is set for an epic battle for identity, protection, and the right to exist. Will these extraordinary beings defend themselves against cruel humans once more? Find out in this captivating saga of magic, mystery, and survival.
River is still grieving the loss of her grandmother, her last living relative, when she learns she has inherited a house from her late grandmother on Heimaey Island, an Icelandic haven she never knew about. Seeking a fresh start, she moves to the island and soon befriends Lottie, a delightful bakery owner, and finds herself falling for Lottie’s mysterious grandson, Henrik. As River adjusts to her new life, she can't shake the feeling that there's something different about the island's inhabitants. She soon discovers a hidden world where humans aren't the only hominids—and learns that she might not be entirely human herself. This epic tale follows River as she uncovers a world she never imagined and discovers her true identity.
One of the standout qualities of the story is the compelling character of River. Her kindness, strength, and desire for belonging make her instantly relatable and easy to root for. I particularly enjoyed the journey of River and Henrik's children, Amaya and Jon, as they came to terms with and explored their powers. The vivid portrayal of Heimaey Island adds another layer of beauty to the story, especially in its role as a secluded home for the Denisovans. Avery's meticulous world-building of the different hominid species and their histories is commendable; she delves into their powers, weaknesses, and backgrounds, enriching the narrative. Additionally, the book is well-edited, with only minor grammatical errors that don't distract from the overall reading experience.
While Truth and Light excels in character development, particularly with River, her children, and Lottie, Henrik's character feels somewhat underdeveloped. Unlike the other characters who shine brightly, Henrik seems to merely exist without much depth. There's a missed opportunity here, as his potential feels overshadowed by his wife and children. However, despite this drawback, there's little else to criticize about the book.
The book deserves a solid 5 out of 5 star rating for its captivating storytelling, rich character development, and immersive world-building. The sinuous portrayal of River's journey, along with the beautifully depicted dynamics of her relationships, keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The author's attention to detail in crafting the diverse hominid species and their histories adds layers to the plot, making the story feel both fantastical and grounded. Despite a minor flaw in Henrik's character development, the overall quality of the book, including its polished editing, makes it a standout fantasy read.
I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales. With its engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and stunning setting, this trilogy offers a magical escape into a world filled with wonder and adventure. Whether you're drawn to stories of self-discovery, supernatural powers, or intricate world-building, this book has something for everyone.
******
Truth and Light
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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NetMassimo
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It's interesting to see a fantasy series based on real ancient hominids whose genes are still in modern humans through interbreedings, at least with the Denisovans. All of that is used to create a magical world full of wonder and aventures. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao 
Massimo
Massimo
Latest Review: Chloe The Clone by William E. Mason
