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Awakening the Lightforged #4
The Last Knight
A dying world. A grieving widow. Only the Last Knight can save them all.
When the Deathknight assassinates the Remnant's leaders and murders her husband, Estingai has no time for grief. She must unite the factions of the resistance and pull together what's left of her family.
But the factions resist her, and she has yet to find the spy that betrayed them. Can Estingai find the strength to become The Last Knight and save those who want her dead?
Even if she manages that, can she make good on her husband's plan to get them off their dying world?
One problem at a time.
The Last Knight is a companion novel to the Post-Apocalyptic Epic Fantasy Awakening the Lightforged.
If you like immersive, magical worlds, family drama, compelling characters, and kick-ass warrior women, then you’ll love this addition to Spencer Russell Smith’s debut series.
When the Deathknight assassinates the Remnant's leaders and murders her husband, Estingai has no time for grief. She must unite the factions of the resistance and pull together what's left of her family.
But the factions resist her, and she has yet to find the spy that betrayed them. Can Estingai find the strength to become The Last Knight and save those who want her dead?
Even if she manages that, can she make good on her husband's plan to get them off their dying world?
One problem at a time.
The Last Knight is a companion novel to the Post-Apocalyptic Epic Fantasy Awakening the Lightforged.
If you like immersive, magical worlds, family drama, compelling characters, and kick-ass warrior women, then you’ll love this addition to Spencer Russell Smith’s debut series.
314 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
46 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2024
I went into this book completely blind, more or less. All I knew was that this is a prequel to a published sci-fi trilogy centred around a recently widowed warrior.
It took me a little bit to get a handle on the world-building, especially the names of the characters. This world does not have your average Johns and Janes and instead, our main trio of characters comprises Estingai, Uuchantuu and Koruuksi, and their (and their peoples') struggle to survive in a dying world.
There is also a power/magic-like system in this world, focused on biogems that each creature on this world is born with and that store light/power from the auroras present in the world. Each biogem provides a different kind of power to its user and the powers themselves are also dependent on whether the user is Samjati or Natari – one of the two main races who inhabit the planet. This system reminded me strongly of the magic system in Mistborn in many ways. And since I read that series just recently, then I felt like that actually helped me understand this world a lot faster. I do definitely recommend checking out the glossary and author's notes though.
But back to the book and the story itself, which revolves mainly around the aforementioned trio who all belong to a rebel faction, which is resisting the God King's empire that has taken over the planet and its resources. To survive, the rebels need to steal resources and attempt to stay united across factions. Alas, tensions are rising and after a mission goes terribly, it becomes clear that the God King has spies among the rebels. The story then unfolds around how the rebels try to recover from the blowback of the failed mission as well as how Estingai, Uuchantuu and Koruuksi all work through their personal insecurities and grief. There's everything from small, intimate scenes to large, epic action-packed heists.
Definitely something for the sci-fi fans out there, though at the time of writing this, I don't quite know whether it would be better to start with the prequel and then move on to the main trilogy or vice versa.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions stated here are my own.
It took me a little bit to get a handle on the world-building, especially the names of the characters. This world does not have your average Johns and Janes and instead, our main trio of characters comprises Estingai, Uuchantuu and Koruuksi, and their (and their peoples') struggle to survive in a dying world.
There is also a power/magic-like system in this world, focused on biogems that each creature on this world is born with and that store light/power from the auroras present in the world. Each biogem provides a different kind of power to its user and the powers themselves are also dependent on whether the user is Samjati or Natari – one of the two main races who inhabit the planet. This system reminded me strongly of the magic system in Mistborn in many ways. And since I read that series just recently, then I felt like that actually helped me understand this world a lot faster. I do definitely recommend checking out the glossary and author's notes though.
But back to the book and the story itself, which revolves mainly around the aforementioned trio who all belong to a rebel faction, which is resisting the God King's empire that has taken over the planet and its resources. To survive, the rebels need to steal resources and attempt to stay united across factions. Alas, tensions are rising and after a mission goes terribly, it becomes clear that the God King has spies among the rebels. The story then unfolds around how the rebels try to recover from the blowback of the failed mission as well as how Estingai, Uuchantuu and Koruuksi all work through their personal insecurities and grief. There's everything from small, intimate scenes to large, epic action-packed heists.
Definitely something for the sci-fi fans out there, though at the time of writing this, I don't quite know whether it would be better to start with the prequel and then move on to the main trilogy or vice versa.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions stated here are my own.
December 20, 2025
3.5 stars
The author kindly sent me a copy of the first book in this series, so since there was a prequel, I wanted to read it first.
I was impressed with the level of thought Smith took in crafting this world and magic system. It was so interesting! I loved learning about how the biogems and Aurora magic system works. It made for some exciting action and battle scenes. I look forward to exploring more of this in the rest of the series.
My main criticism of the book, though, is that it felt like most of the world-building elements were reserved for the glossary at the back of the book. I wished they had been more organically interwoven into the novel itself. Flipping back and forth didn't leave me feeling immersed in the story. If I had read the glossary before beginning the story, it would have been too much to take in, and if I had waited until the end, the story would have been much more confusing and I wouldn't have cared as much.
In a way I almost wish there had been a prequel of this prequel where we would've had time to get to know the characters better so the tragic events of this novel would have hit harder. So much of this novel focused on Estingai's grief and the trauma she experienced right before this novel starts, but we didn't get to see that relationship, and we barely know Estingai, so it makes it more difficult to connect with her or want to spend so much time watching her attempt to get her life back together.
Now that I'm a bit more established with the world, I'm hoping to enjoy Throne of Darkness, the official first book in this series, even more.
The author kindly sent me a copy of the first book in this series, so since there was a prequel, I wanted to read it first.
I was impressed with the level of thought Smith took in crafting this world and magic system. It was so interesting! I loved learning about how the biogems and Aurora magic system works. It made for some exciting action and battle scenes. I look forward to exploring more of this in the rest of the series.
My main criticism of the book, though, is that it felt like most of the world-building elements were reserved for the glossary at the back of the book. I wished they had been more organically interwoven into the novel itself. Flipping back and forth didn't leave me feeling immersed in the story. If I had read the glossary before beginning the story, it would have been too much to take in, and if I had waited until the end, the story would have been much more confusing and I wouldn't have cared as much.
In a way I almost wish there had been a prequel of this prequel where we would've had time to get to know the characters better so the tragic events of this novel would have hit harder. So much of this novel focused on Estingai's grief and the trauma she experienced right before this novel starts, but we didn't get to see that relationship, and we barely know Estingai, so it makes it more difficult to connect with her or want to spend so much time watching her attempt to get her life back together.
Now that I'm a bit more established with the world, I'm hoping to enjoy Throne of Darkness, the official first book in this series, even more.
June 10, 2023
I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars if Im being honest. I decided to read this after I read Throne of Darkness & man oh man, Im so glad I did. It immediately picks up from where the prologue ended in the first book. Once again Ill try to get through this with no spoilers.
All on their own missions with the same purpose, find the spy, bring the factions together & save Efruumanis people. This book follows Estingai, Uuchantuu & Koruuksi. I was already in love with Estingai so this book put me in tears at one point, and then adding Uuchantuu & Koruuksi, I couldnt help by cry happy tears. The character development that took place for the 3 of them is/was beautiful. The action scenes are those to live for, keeping me at the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Estingai, after losing her husband, loses herself. Throughout the story she faces multiple strains & seems to forget her purpose.
Uuchantuu doubts herself, even though neither Estingai or Koruuksi do. Joined at the hip its not suprising how much faith Koruuksi has in her.
Koruuksi is, well, Koruuksi (youll understand once you read the book). On the outside he appears very sure of almost every move he makes. But Uuchantuu knows him better than that, as well as Estinagi.
From their 3 different perspectives throughout the book, these characters learned who they are as a team but more importantly who they are individually. The doubt amongst themselves they hold inside, the trials & tribulations that got them to where they are with the Remnant, the sacrifices, the future of Efruumanis people. Everything that has happened so far has brought each of these characters the strength they need as individuals, as a team & above all else a family.
I literally cannot wait to start Sanctuary, especially where the epilogue left off. Im very very intrigued to continue to see the different perspectives of those of the Redeemed & the Remnant & how it will all come together.
All on their own missions with the same purpose, find the spy, bring the factions together & save Efruumanis people. This book follows Estingai, Uuchantuu & Koruuksi. I was already in love with Estingai so this book put me in tears at one point, and then adding Uuchantuu & Koruuksi, I couldnt help by cry happy tears. The character development that took place for the 3 of them is/was beautiful. The action scenes are those to live for, keeping me at the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Estingai, after losing her husband, loses herself. Throughout the story she faces multiple strains & seems to forget her purpose.
Uuchantuu doubts herself, even though neither Estingai or Koruuksi do. Joined at the hip its not suprising how much faith Koruuksi has in her.
Koruuksi is, well, Koruuksi (youll understand once you read the book). On the outside he appears very sure of almost every move he makes. But Uuchantuu knows him better than that, as well as Estinagi.
From their 3 different perspectives throughout the book, these characters learned who they are as a team but more importantly who they are individually. The doubt amongst themselves they hold inside, the trials & tribulations that got them to where they are with the Remnant, the sacrifices, the future of Efruumanis people. Everything that has happened so far has brought each of these characters the strength they need as individuals, as a team & above all else a family.
I literally cannot wait to start Sanctuary, especially where the epilogue left off. Im very very intrigued to continue to see the different perspectives of those of the Redeemed & the Remnant & how it will all come together.
September 16, 2024
First I want to thank the author for providing me an early copy of his audiobook. The audiobook will be released on 10/15/2024. I really enjoy it when the author narrates their own book because I get a good sense how the author intended for it to be read. It’s a simple production but I think Spencer did an excellent job. This review is voluntarily given and are of my personal opinions.
The Last Knight fits towards the beginning of the author’s Awakening the Lightforged trilogy. It’s what happens between the Prologue and Chapter One in the first book, Throne of Darkness.
I fell in love with Estingai in this book. She is overcoming the assassination of her husband, family conflicts, a dying world, an evil force trying to gain power and yet she’s fighting to save everyone.
The author has created a fantastical science fiction trilogy with strong female characters. some of their names are hard to pronounce and you may have some questions on how the world works but the author has put a glossary at the end of book one that I highly suggest you review to make your reading experience even better.
The Last Knight fits towards the beginning of the author’s Awakening the Lightforged trilogy. It’s what happens between the Prologue and Chapter One in the first book, Throne of Darkness.
I fell in love with Estingai in this book. She is overcoming the assassination of her husband, family conflicts, a dying world, an evil force trying to gain power and yet she’s fighting to save everyone.
The author has created a fantastical science fiction trilogy with strong female characters. some of their names are hard to pronounce and you may have some questions on how the world works but the author has put a glossary at the end of book one that I highly suggest you review to make your reading experience even better.
May 2, 2025
The Last Knight is the prequel novel to Awakening the
Lightforged, a sci-fi fantasy series. Which i think will fit many people. And it did not disappoint. Spencer did such a great job with his character with their different types of struggles and
trauma that feels really real and hits deep. The story was
fantastic to read through from the start and never felt like i
was missing anything.
What I did struggle with a lot, was some of the characters names, being a bit too long and hard to pronounce. So, at some point, i had to go over to the audio book so I could enjoy the story without trying too hard to get past the characters names. For that said, it was an amazing story that i did not want to miss out on because of my brain being on the slower side of the names.
So here i can also be able to review the audiobook for you audio lovers. And it was great! Spencer has narrated itself, which i think is so cool. And his voice. No annoying breathing stops in here, and it's so nice and calming voice and I also think he captured the female characters very good.
I would recommend this book for physical readers and audiobook people. And if you are like me and struggle with names, definitely go with the audiobook.
Lightforged, a sci-fi fantasy series. Which i think will fit many people. And it did not disappoint. Spencer did such a great job with his character with their different types of struggles and
trauma that feels really real and hits deep. The story was
fantastic to read through from the start and never felt like i
was missing anything.
What I did struggle with a lot, was some of the characters names, being a bit too long and hard to pronounce. So, at some point, i had to go over to the audio book so I could enjoy the story without trying too hard to get past the characters names. For that said, it was an amazing story that i did not want to miss out on because of my brain being on the slower side of the names.
So here i can also be able to review the audiobook for you audio lovers. And it was great! Spencer has narrated itself, which i think is so cool. And his voice. No annoying breathing stops in here, and it's so nice and calming voice and I also think he captured the female characters very good.
I would recommend this book for physical readers and audiobook people. And if you are like me and struggle with names, definitely go with the audiobook.
January 22, 2025
The world is very interesting and I quite enjoyed it but it was very hard to get into the story for me
May 8, 2023
No spoilers spoilers free
As I kept on reading it, my tears can't stop from falling😭😭 this book has my heart💕💕💕💕 best book ever. Infinite rate💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 I'll be rereading this endlessly. Thank you so very much my beloved friend for making such a beautiful masterpiece. Beautifully written and very well detailed story😍🤩💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
As I kept on reading it, my tears can't stop from falling😭😭 this book has my heart💕💕💕💕 best book ever. Infinite rate💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 I'll be rereading this endlessly. Thank you so very much my beloved friend for making such a beautiful masterpiece. Beautifully written and very well detailed story😍🤩💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
April 26, 2023
If you have started this volume, you already know what kind of world and characters the amazing Spencer Russell Smith has created. You also know that everyone important is deeply in trouble, right now. “Conflicted” is too tame a word for the psychological state of the central characters. This volume is about pain and suffering and loss, and about how you dig in deep enough to get beyond the worst in order to help those who remain.
Personally, I think it is a heroic book and thank the author for sharing this exceptional story with us.
Go read it now. Well, read Throne of Darkness first!
It’s a good read!
Personally, I think it is a heroic book and thank the author for sharing this exceptional story with us.
Go read it now. Well, read Throne of Darkness first!
It’s a good read!
May 15, 2025
The Last Knight by Spencer Russell Smith is a prequel to his awakening the lightforged trilogy. The author was super awesome and sent me this book to read and I appreciate it!
The world this story happens in is Efruumani. A world that was destroyed and left with a light side and a dark side.
The book is fantasy sci-fi and it follows three main characters Estingai, Uuchantuu, and Koruuksi. They are in a rebel group fighting the Imaia. The book starts out where Estingai’s husband and other rebel leaders are assassinated. While dealing with grief these characters must find the strength they need to help get the rebellion back on track and continue to fight the oppressive Imaia.
I thought this book was a fun read. I liked the magic system of auroramancy. It reminded me a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s allomancy but with gems and colors.
I wish the book went into a little bit more detail of why the rebels are fighting against the Imaia. With there being three other books those might go into more detail about why the sides are pinned against each others.
The Last Knight ended with questions to be answered in the others books and I can’t wait to see where this story goes. Overall I give this book a 3.5 ⭐️
The world this story happens in is Efruumani. A world that was destroyed and left with a light side and a dark side.
The book is fantasy sci-fi and it follows three main characters Estingai, Uuchantuu, and Koruuksi. They are in a rebel group fighting the Imaia. The book starts out where Estingai’s husband and other rebel leaders are assassinated. While dealing with grief these characters must find the strength they need to help get the rebellion back on track and continue to fight the oppressive Imaia.
I thought this book was a fun read. I liked the magic system of auroramancy. It reminded me a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s allomancy but with gems and colors.
I wish the book went into a little bit more detail of why the rebels are fighting against the Imaia. With there being three other books those might go into more detail about why the sides are pinned against each others.
The Last Knight ended with questions to be answered in the others books and I can’t wait to see where this story goes. Overall I give this book a 3.5 ⭐️
February 17, 2025
I went into The Last Knight completely blind. I hadn't read any of Smith's other works, and so to begin with I felt a little overwhelmed by the names, characters, locations, and events. But after a couple chapters, once the ball starts rolling, I found myself hooked. Estingai was a standout, a relatable and intriguing character to read about. Her struggles with grief and fear were captivating at times. The action is quick and vicious, always my favourite kind, and the worldbuilding, for the most part, was concise was engaging. I felt fascinated by its political tension and the mental desperation experienced by the characters in a world that feels like it's all falling apart. While my only criticism was getting a little lost to begin with, and that I wanted a bit more context at times in regards to worldbuilding, overall I really enjoyed The Last Knight for its kickass protagonist, haunting atmosphere and pervasive sense of dread.
November 15, 2024
I thought this was a book with a lot of potential. I appreciated a lot of the nods to other authors whether or not it was intentional but if felt very similar (in a good way) to many authors I love.
The Last Knight is a story of finding out how much pressure you can take and seeing if you’ll rise or fall to the challenge. I really enjoyed going into the mind of our main character and finding out how they deal with pressure!
The ending of the book left me with questions that I will need answers for!
Overall I’d recommend this book!
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the side characters were not as memorable, so whenever they got referenced, I tended to forget them and their role in the story. That was one of the only parts I didn’t like.
Thank you Spencer for a fun, exciting, and familiar story!
The Last Knight is a story of finding out how much pressure you can take and seeing if you’ll rise or fall to the challenge. I really enjoyed going into the mind of our main character and finding out how they deal with pressure!
The ending of the book left me with questions that I will need answers for!
Overall I’d recommend this book!
The only thing I didn’t like was some of the side characters were not as memorable, so whenever they got referenced, I tended to forget them and their role in the story. That was one of the only parts I didn’t like.
Thank you Spencer for a fun, exciting, and familiar story!
September 16, 2024
This book was engaging and exciting from the very first chapter. You are introduced to a variety of well-developed characters who each have their own motivations and goals. Mr. Smith also does a terrific job of depicting grief and trauma responses. He is a masterful storyteller and I cannot wait to experience more of his books.
September 18, 2024
I am so glad I got the chance to listen to the audiobook of this story. The narrator, who happens to also be the author, did such an amazing job. The way he used voices and emotion in his voice helped me to immerse myself even more into the story.
August 19, 2024
Perfect! Every chapter made me fall in love with the characters, and their conflict felt so real I genuinely feared for their safety. I'm looking forward to reading Awakening The Lightforged now!
July 14, 2023
I received a free copy of this book. I am providing an honest review.
Reading order:
I wanted to first provide my personal recommendation for the best order to read this series. I would recommend reading the prologue of Throne of Darkness, then reading the entirety of The Last Knight. After finishing The Last Knight, I would revisit Throne of Darkness and complete the book. Then, I would recommend reading Shattering before finishing the series with Sanctuary.
The basics:
Estagni and Svemakuu gather the last five remaining rebel factions on Efruumani. Svemakuu proposes a plan to join the remaining five factions into a group known as the Remnant. With their increased strength and additional resources, the Remnant can steal an Imaia ship to flee the slowing dying Efruumani and find a new home among the stars. After Svemakuu is murdered by Othaashle, Estagni is left to grieve the loss of her husband, create the Remnant, and rescue her people.
My thoughts:
The Last Knight bridges the seven years between the prologue and first chapter of Throne of Darkness. I felt personally felt it was necessary to fully understand Throne of Darkness. Estagni is one of the most important characters in the series (if not the most important, so it was very helpful to understand her backstory, the root of her anger and grief, and her underlying motivations. The Last Knight made me love Estagni even more than I already did. In addition, since this book focuses almost entirely on the Remnant, it really helps to clarify any questions regarding Efruumani’s ongoing civil war. Chronologically, after finishing this book, the reader is brought to the first chapter of Throne of Darkness. That’s why I recommend the alternative reading order above.
I would recommend The Last Knight to anyone that plans to read the entire series and to any fantasy / sci-fi lover.
Reading order:
I wanted to first provide my personal recommendation for the best order to read this series. I would recommend reading the prologue of Throne of Darkness, then reading the entirety of The Last Knight. After finishing The Last Knight, I would revisit Throne of Darkness and complete the book. Then, I would recommend reading Shattering before finishing the series with Sanctuary.
The basics:
Estagni and Svemakuu gather the last five remaining rebel factions on Efruumani. Svemakuu proposes a plan to join the remaining five factions into a group known as the Remnant. With their increased strength and additional resources, the Remnant can steal an Imaia ship to flee the slowing dying Efruumani and find a new home among the stars. After Svemakuu is murdered by Othaashle, Estagni is left to grieve the loss of her husband, create the Remnant, and rescue her people.
My thoughts:
The Last Knight bridges the seven years between the prologue and first chapter of Throne of Darkness. I felt personally felt it was necessary to fully understand Throne of Darkness. Estagni is one of the most important characters in the series (if not the most important, so it was very helpful to understand her backstory, the root of her anger and grief, and her underlying motivations. The Last Knight made me love Estagni even more than I already did. In addition, since this book focuses almost entirely on the Remnant, it really helps to clarify any questions regarding Efruumani’s ongoing civil war. Chronologically, after finishing this book, the reader is brought to the first chapter of Throne of Darkness. That’s why I recommend the alternative reading order above.
I would recommend The Last Knight to anyone that plans to read the entire series and to any fantasy / sci-fi lover.
April 26, 2023
‘I’m not afraid of rats hiding in caves’
Dehumanizing the “other” makes murder easier on the psyche.
This book (for me) delves into leadership and all that it entails. We learn how Estingai’s grief affects her in multiple ways – attention, decision-making, mood, self-confidence, etc. And those around her notice as well. There’s a lot of pressure to be a leader and some people aren’t so forgiving of situation-appropriate flaws.
As a group, transparency to the masses is also addressed. How much do leaders “owe” the people when making grand decisions that affect us all?
Another aspect of leadership is the task of enrolling various factions with different perspectives and agendas to work together for a common cause. Yeah, good luck with that!
Don’t miss the author’s resources:
Notes on Pronunciation, a couple of robust color maps, Matsanga’s Compiled Journal Entries, lyrics to the Remnant Anthem, and a Glossary (Gemcrests; the Auroras & Lightlessness; Auroraborn, Fireborn, Iceborn, & Genetics; Origins of the Powers & Legends; Individual Abilities Basic Mechanics; Substances of Interest; The Redeemed’).
The series continues with ‘Throne of Darkness’, ‘Sanctuary’, and ‘The Shattering’.
Dehumanizing the “other” makes murder easier on the psyche.
This book (for me) delves into leadership and all that it entails. We learn how Estingai’s grief affects her in multiple ways – attention, decision-making, mood, self-confidence, etc. And those around her notice as well. There’s a lot of pressure to be a leader and some people aren’t so forgiving of situation-appropriate flaws.
As a group, transparency to the masses is also addressed. How much do leaders “owe” the people when making grand decisions that affect us all?
Another aspect of leadership is the task of enrolling various factions with different perspectives and agendas to work together for a common cause. Yeah, good luck with that!
Don’t miss the author’s resources:
Notes on Pronunciation, a couple of robust color maps, Matsanga’s Compiled Journal Entries, lyrics to the Remnant Anthem, and a Glossary (Gemcrests; the Auroras & Lightlessness; Auroraborn, Fireborn, Iceborn, & Genetics; Origins of the Powers & Legends; Individual Abilities Basic Mechanics; Substances of Interest; The Redeemed’).
The series continues with ‘Throne of Darkness’, ‘Sanctuary’, and ‘The Shattering’.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews