What do you think?
Rate this book
A Conduit of Light #1
A Conduit of Light
Twenty-year-old Ash’Arah is forced from her home as payment for the cure that healed her city. She will train to become a conduit, wielding magic for the good of the isle in Felgren Forest, led by the very man who took her. She refuses to go quietly, however, taking every opportunity to show Baron Heimlen that she does not intend to stay, no matter how powerful her magic appears to be. But when a closely guarded secret is revealed, she cannot deny her role as the forest’s savior any longer, nor her newly ignited passion for Heimlen’s successor, Baron Revich.
Karus is a woman who wanders the forest in an endless string of days until she discovers a stone embedded in a fallen tree. Holding it, memories of her past awaken, and she is forced to confront what her heart has tried to hide and the secrets withheld from her.
And as the fate of the forest falls into question, these women must face the truth of who they are, who they are destined to become, and who they love before they are consumed by the weight of what they have been chosen to bear.
Karus is a woman who wanders the forest in an endless string of days until she discovers a stone embedded in a fallen tree. Holding it, memories of her past awaken, and she is forced to confront what her heart has tried to hide and the secrets withheld from her.
And as the fate of the forest falls into question, these women must face the truth of who they are, who they are destined to become, and who they love before they are consumed by the weight of what they have been chosen to bear.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
338 people are currently reading
2449 people want to read
About the author
Chelsey Ann Tompkins
6 books107 followersChelsey Ann Tompkins writes romance in a fantasy setting with some good twists and spice along the way. Though she grew up in a small town in the desert, she found her true home near Seattle where she loves to read on the rainiest days with a good cup of coffee. She lives with her husband and two wildly imaginative children.
Find her on Instagram @chelseyanntompkins
Find her on Instagram @chelseyanntompkins
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 27, 2024
4.75⭐
2.5🌶️
This was The Cursed Book Club's pick for February and it did not disappoint. No seriously this book isn't cursed at least not for us. I loved every minute of creating wild and not so wild theories with the girlies.
This book just blew me away page after page as I read more of the story and started to see the truth. This book has a few different point of views but the main focus are on Ash'Arah and Karus. Ash'Arah was given to Baron Heimlen to be trained as a conduit as payment for his cure of a disease that killed thousands. This isn't something that normally happens, taken to be trained without consent and most certainly not taken from where she lived. She is bound and determined to prove that she doesn't belong there even going as far as trying to suppress how great her power is. And then we have Karus who seems to be going through some serious memory loss and has kind of been doing the same thing everyday while the people around her just continue to hope that she will get her memory back.
I loved so much about this book from learning about how incredible the library is to the sweet babies that they rode around on and cared for. Lumens. This story was just full of so much wonder.
The thing that really snatched my delicious pickles was the time jumps in the later section of the book. I started to get a little bit confused and had a little brain whiplash trying to center myself on where I was. I would have loved something in the chapter header to indicated if we were recalling something from the past or if we were in the present. Literally my only issue with this book. Outside of that I just adored it.
2.5🌶️
This was The Cursed Book Club's pick for February and it did not disappoint. No seriously this book isn't cursed at least not for us. I loved every minute of creating wild and not so wild theories with the girlies.
This book just blew me away page after page as I read more of the story and started to see the truth. This book has a few different point of views but the main focus are on Ash'Arah and Karus. Ash'Arah was given to Baron Heimlen to be trained as a conduit as payment for his cure of a disease that killed thousands. This isn't something that normally happens, taken to be trained without consent and most certainly not taken from where she lived. She is bound and determined to prove that she doesn't belong there even going as far as trying to suppress how great her power is. And then we have Karus who seems to be going through some serious memory loss and has kind of been doing the same thing everyday while the people around her just continue to hope that she will get her memory back.
I loved so much about this book from learning about how incredible the library is to the sweet babies that they rode around on and cared for. Lumens. This story was just full of so much wonder.
The thing that really snatched my delicious pickles was the time jumps in the later section of the book. I started to get a little bit confused and had a little brain whiplash trying to center myself on where I was. I would have loved something in the chapter header to indicated if we were recalling something from the past or if we were in the present. Literally my only issue with this book. Outside of that I just adored it.
September 15, 2023
The character development of our FMC and Baron Revich had me pulled in. But all the magical elements + fate playing a hand.. woven so well. I did not feel like it jumped around, I also just really loved the fact that our story revolves around powerful women who must make decisions in their different situations.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
December 21, 2023
3.5/5
So i did enjoy this book. The magic system was intressting to read.
Its doesnt really have any action, spice or fighting wise. Its more soft and dreamy.
There are creaters called lumen in the book, they appear almost at the beginning of the book, but it only on page 76 that it gets explained what they look like or what they are.
on page 98 it came to me that the story is actually written in 2 different times.
I loved te growth of the characters.
So i did enjoy this book. The magic system was intressting to read.
Its doesnt really have any action, spice or fighting wise. Its more soft and dreamy.
There are creaters called lumen in the book, they appear almost at the beginning of the book, but it only on page 76 that it gets explained what they look like or what they are.
on page 98 it came to me that the story is actually written in 2 different times.
I loved te growth of the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
4.5⭐️
1.5🌶️
A Conduit of Light was definitely an amazing read, particularly since it was the February 2024 pick for The Cursed Book. I have been eyeing this book since it released due to the stunning cover and the concept of someone being used as payment for the cure to heal the city. It was pitched as a romantic fantasy with multiple secrets to unveil and I believe the story did just that.
The world building was the shining star of this book, I felt Felgren come to life before my eyes, swapping between Ash'Arah's and Karus' POVs. The story begins with Ash'Arah being given to the Baron of Felgren to train as a conduit and learn to control power magic. Her kingdom gave her as payment to cure the disease that plagued the kingdom, even afflicting the Queen's son and heir. As she begins her training and learning more about her new life Ash'Arah (Ash) attempts to show everyone that she does not belong, even so much as to sabotage her own progress.
The other main POV, Karus, has lost her memories and is just surviving every day trying to find a piece of herself again. The character growth for Karus is truly lovely to see and I was so excited to see how things intersect later on in the story.
The plot itself was a bit loosely held together by the characters themselves. A Conduit of Light was most definitely held together by the characters and their interactions. The budding relationship between Rev and Ash truly was so cute. I usually prefer a slow burn, but there was pure passion and intensity between them. Some spice, not a ton compared to the plot. Rev truly cares about his woman and is torn between his duty and his love - I loved that aspect of his character.
My primary complaint is the time-jumps that I couldn't quite get my mind wrapped around later in the book. It felt like whiplash trying to piece together different chapters and how they all fit together.
65% vibes, 35% plot
Character Growth
Multiple POV & timelines
Magic library
Intense romance - mmc is book boyfriend material
Definitely excited for the sequel to come out in 2024.
----
Initial thoughts. 4-4.5⭐️
My small brain got really confused with the timeline, but I really enjoyed the charm and characters.
Read with the Cursed Book Club pals and it was fun to get theories each week.
Decent character development, Rev is pretty cool. Minor characters are ok I guess. Sylva was the star imo
1.5🌶️
A Conduit of Light was definitely an amazing read, particularly since it was the February 2024 pick for The Cursed Book. I have been eyeing this book since it released due to the stunning cover and the concept of someone being used as payment for the cure to heal the city. It was pitched as a romantic fantasy with multiple secrets to unveil and I believe the story did just that.
The world building was the shining star of this book, I felt Felgren come to life before my eyes, swapping between Ash'Arah's and Karus' POVs. The story begins with Ash'Arah being given to the Baron of Felgren to train as a conduit and learn to control power magic. Her kingdom gave her as payment to cure the disease that plagued the kingdom, even afflicting the Queen's son and heir. As she begins her training and learning more about her new life Ash'Arah (Ash) attempts to show everyone that she does not belong, even so much as to sabotage her own progress.
The other main POV, Karus, has lost her memories and is just surviving every day trying to find a piece of herself again. The character growth for Karus is truly lovely to see and I was so excited to see how things intersect later on in the story.
The plot itself was a bit loosely held together by the characters themselves. A Conduit of Light was most definitely held together by the characters and their interactions. The budding relationship between Rev and Ash truly was so cute. I usually prefer a slow burn, but there was pure passion and intensity between them. Some spice, not a ton compared to the plot. Rev truly cares about his woman and is torn between his duty and his love - I loved that aspect of his character.
My primary complaint is the time-jumps that I couldn't quite get my mind wrapped around later in the book. It felt like whiplash trying to piece together different chapters and how they all fit together.
65% vibes, 35% plot
Character Growth
Multiple POV & timelines
Magic library
Intense romance - mmc is book boyfriend material
Definitely excited for the sequel to come out in 2024.
----
Initial thoughts. 4-4.5⭐️
My small brain got really confused with the timeline, but I really enjoyed the charm and characters.
Read with the Cursed Book Club pals and it was fun to get theories each week.
Decent character development, Rev is pretty cool. Minor characters are ok I guess. Sylva was the star imo
February 29, 2024
DNF @27%
The writing was awkward and hard to read.
Everything was just weirdly worded and didn't make sense .
"I watched him leave, thankful for his lack of presence..."
"She rose and followed her feet down to the central garden..."
"And with that irrating wink she rolled her eyes at before..."
That's just a few examples, but this is how the book was written.
The dialogue was also awkward and didn't flow.
Those were my main issues. There was more. I really tried to get into it. When I realized I wasn't invested in any character or relationship, nor cared what happened, I decided I was finished.
The writing was awkward and hard to read.
Everything was just weirdly worded and didn't make sense .
"I watched him leave, thankful for his lack of presence..."
"She rose and followed her feet down to the central garden..."
"And with that irrating wink she rolled her eyes at before..."
That's just a few examples, but this is how the book was written.
The dialogue was also awkward and didn't flow.
Those were my main issues. There was more. I really tried to get into it. When I realized I wasn't invested in any character or relationship, nor cared what happened, I decided I was finished.
October 15, 2023
Review for A conduit of light - five star read
“A heart for a heart, remember? That´s what you promised me. You said that I could have it. I am your stain, the part of you that lingers.” – Chapter 50
Thank you to Chelsey Ann Tompkins for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release day!!!
This book has blown me away. It was such a different read from what I normally read but in a good way! I loved it and even though it took me quite some time to finish it, I was with this book form start to finish. I was fascinated by the story and it´s beauty. It´s such a unique concept, I truly loved it.
“A vast open space welcomed her as she gazed in awe down the steps at the enormous courtyard below. The tops of the birch grove swayed slightly in a subtle, harmonious dance. The glow of the sun came from the gold-leaded windows atop of a dome shape which enclosed Viridis entirely. “ – Chapter 8
The twists had me screaming and crying and the realisation hit at the right moment. There was no point in the book where I knew what was about to happen or felt bored!! There was always the right amount of things happening to keep track off.
Once I was near the end I wasn´t ready to finish it. Not because I didn´t want to find out what would happen or something like that, no! I just didn´t want to say goodbye to all the characters and have this incredible story end. It was such a rollercoaster to read it and I again -I loved every second.
“Kiss me,[] take what I give to you, and don´t forget what I have done” – Chapter 46
The world building was incredible and I could picture so much of the story. It played out in my head from the moment the book started to the moment I finished it. Amazing!!!
“Her entire life she had lived without a single soul she could express her deepest thoughts to – the ones that made her question who she was and extent of her shadow. For how could a soul be understood when it was not your own? How could anyone ever comprehend the words her soul would speak when it was language only she seemed able to understand?” – Chapter 16
This book is for everyone who really needs a good complex-fantasy book with great characters to love (and hate of course). There are some spicy scenes so be aware of that. [Personally I don´t like spicy scenes, so that was the only “no” for me. But my fault for reading a book with spice in it :) ]
“A heart for a heart, remember? That´s what you promised me. You said that I could have it. I am your stain, the part of you that lingers.” – Chapter 50
Thank you to Chelsey Ann Tompkins for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release day!!!
This book has blown me away. It was such a different read from what I normally read but in a good way! I loved it and even though it took me quite some time to finish it, I was with this book form start to finish. I was fascinated by the story and it´s beauty. It´s such a unique concept, I truly loved it.
“A vast open space welcomed her as she gazed in awe down the steps at the enormous courtyard below. The tops of the birch grove swayed slightly in a subtle, harmonious dance. The glow of the sun came from the gold-leaded windows atop of a dome shape which enclosed Viridis entirely. “ – Chapter 8
The twists had me screaming and crying and the realisation hit at the right moment. There was no point in the book where I knew what was about to happen or felt bored!! There was always the right amount of things happening to keep track off.
Once I was near the end I wasn´t ready to finish it. Not because I didn´t want to find out what would happen or something like that, no! I just didn´t want to say goodbye to all the characters and have this incredible story end. It was such a rollercoaster to read it and I again -I loved every second.
“Kiss me,[] take what I give to you, and don´t forget what I have done” – Chapter 46
The world building was incredible and I could picture so much of the story. It played out in my head from the moment the book started to the moment I finished it. Amazing!!!
“Her entire life she had lived without a single soul she could express her deepest thoughts to – the ones that made her question who she was and extent of her shadow. For how could a soul be understood when it was not your own? How could anyone ever comprehend the words her soul would speak when it was language only she seemed able to understand?” – Chapter 16
This book is for everyone who really needs a good complex-fantasy book with great characters to love (and hate of course). There are some spicy scenes so be aware of that. [Personally I don´t like spicy scenes, so that was the only “no” for me. But my fault for reading a book with spice in it :) ]
September 19, 2023
The love story is beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved being able to see in the different perspectives from the various characters. The magic system in A Conduit of Light is intoxicating! It makes you want to run through a forest making flowers grow.
There are twist and turns in this book you may not see coming but the ride is wonderful regardless! If you take anything from this review it’s to give this book a chance, you will NOT regret it. A Conduit of Light deserves all the attention!
There are twist and turns in this book you may not see coming but the ride is wonderful regardless! If you take anything from this review it’s to give this book a chance, you will NOT regret it. A Conduit of Light deserves all the attention!
September 16, 2023
While I usually don't enjoy multiple pov books, I looked forward to each new perspective that this book offered. The development of the FMC really drew me into the book and kept me coming back for more. I cannot wait to see the route the author takes for this world.
September 19, 2023
How do I put into words about a book so beautiful that my heart literally cannot take it? Stepping into the world of Felgren and all its magic will have you page turning so fast. The romance will not only make you swoon it’ll make you blush too, which to me is the most perfect type of romance. And when this Author tell you there’s twist they weren’t lying. Now that I’m finished reading I wish I could experience it for the first time all over again. Truly a beautiful book I cannot wait for the next. Ahhhhh
October 16, 2023
This book had twists that I didn't see coming! I love that it kept me guessing. The characters were wonderful, and I enjoyed the different POVs. I love that it is written in a way that you know there will be a second book, but it ties up nicely and doesn't leave you with too many unanswered questions. I cannot wait for book 2!
October 7, 2023
This book was a solid 10/10. The world building, the characters, the storyline are crafted in elegant detail. Truly a ‘just one more chapter’ book that was so hard to put down. I also love the inclusion of a map at the beginning, I find it to be a fundamental part of a well crafted fantasy story. I only have one question, please dear GOD tell me we’re getting a second book?! Definitely an author on my watch list!
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy I received
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy I received
October 19, 2023
HUGE thank you to the author for allowing me access to an ARC copy.
WOW!!! I would have NEVER guessed, if I hadn't already known, that this was Chelsey Ann Tompkins' debut novel. I was absolutely blown away by the story telling, the characters, the writing.. The time jumps and perspective changes were done so flawlessly.
I've been in a bit of a slump as far as fantasy novels go, I felt like every book I read really didn't scratch that itch, it just wasn't what I was looking for. THIS WAS IT!
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I desperately want a print copy, and plan to revisit this story often. I'll be following Chelsey very closely for future projects.
I absolutely devoured this book, and I can honestly say it may have been my favorite read of the year!
WOW!!! I would have NEVER guessed, if I hadn't already known, that this was Chelsey Ann Tompkins' debut novel. I was absolutely blown away by the story telling, the characters, the writing.. The time jumps and perspective changes were done so flawlessly.
I've been in a bit of a slump as far as fantasy novels go, I felt like every book I read really didn't scratch that itch, it just wasn't what I was looking for. THIS WAS IT!
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I desperately want a print copy, and plan to revisit this story often. I'll be following Chelsey very closely for future projects.
I absolutely devoured this book, and I can honestly say it may have been my favorite read of the year!
September 28, 2023
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m blown away! Seriously, wow! This is author Chelsey Tompkins’ debut novel?! I would’ve never guessed. I had to check my sources to confirm because this does not read like a first novel. This reads like a more experienced writer, to me.
You know those books where you have to flip back to the beginning and reread those little breadcrumbs? I had to do that several times. It all comes together in the end- well, there’s a CLIFFHANGER of course, but there is a point to all the little clues she leaves.
Character development is pretty good for the FMC, she grows and learns to use her magic more, although I would’ve liked to learn more on her history and see her grow a bit more. There’s a reason we don’t see a ton of change in her but I don’t want to spoil anything, for anyone planning to read this book. Our MMC doesn’t have a ton of development, I imagine that’ll come in book 2. Side characters I very much enjoyed, and they were not difficult to remember or follow.
World building was good, sometimes I wished there was a bit more of it? Some scenes were very easy to picture, and others were not as much, however this is not necessarily a negative thing. Sometimes it’s better to get on with the story!
The plot was very interesting and I’m very curious to see where it leads. This was such a fun read. I don’t know if I was just tired or what but I didn’t see the biggest plot twist of them all until it was revealed!
Spice- there was some, not a lot, not very explicit, written beautifully. I’d say it was about a 2.5/5 for spice.
Multiple POVs! Sometimes I hate this. Sometimes I love it. I loved it in this case, and it was definitely required for the story.
The magic system is unique. It’s always refreshing to read something different. Though I would love to read more about how she uses her powers and how the magic works. I’m still not 100% clear on channelers vs conduits.
Overall I LOVED this book. For a first novel it’s EXCELLENT! I cannot wait to read book 2.
All opinions are my own. I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I’m blown away! Seriously, wow! This is author Chelsey Tompkins’ debut novel?! I would’ve never guessed. I had to check my sources to confirm because this does not read like a first novel. This reads like a more experienced writer, to me.
You know those books where you have to flip back to the beginning and reread those little breadcrumbs? I had to do that several times. It all comes together in the end- well, there’s a CLIFFHANGER of course, but there is a point to all the little clues she leaves.
Character development is pretty good for the FMC, she grows and learns to use her magic more, although I would’ve liked to learn more on her history and see her grow a bit more. There’s a reason we don’t see a ton of change in her but I don’t want to spoil anything, for anyone planning to read this book. Our MMC doesn’t have a ton of development, I imagine that’ll come in book 2. Side characters I very much enjoyed, and they were not difficult to remember or follow.
World building was good, sometimes I wished there was a bit more of it? Some scenes were very easy to picture, and others were not as much, however this is not necessarily a negative thing. Sometimes it’s better to get on with the story!
The plot was very interesting and I’m very curious to see where it leads. This was such a fun read. I don’t know if I was just tired or what but I didn’t see the biggest plot twist of them all until it was revealed!
Spice- there was some, not a lot, not very explicit, written beautifully. I’d say it was about a 2.5/5 for spice.
Multiple POVs! Sometimes I hate this. Sometimes I love it. I loved it in this case, and it was definitely required for the story.
The magic system is unique. It’s always refreshing to read something different. Though I would love to read more about how she uses her powers and how the magic works. I’m still not 100% clear on channelers vs conduits.
Overall I LOVED this book. For a first novel it’s EXCELLENT! I cannot wait to read book 2.
All opinions are my own. I received this arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2024
✨Conduit of Light✨
Oh, I just so enjoyed this beginning book of Chelsey’s Conduit of Light trilogy! I was immediately drawn in and enthralled the entire time. It focuses on a dual timeline, which if you know that ahead of time, I think it helps the unique structure of the story flow SO WELL. I read complaints about that and I think that Chelsey did wonderfully well with this. It created intrigue and an angsty heart. I love stories that have sneaky bits like this that’ll result in plot twists I know you’ll LOVE.
In COL, we follow the POVs of Ash, a young woman who has been bartered to the Baron for the cure of her kingdom; Karus, a woman struggling to regain memories and discover her purpose at the Baron’s fortress; and lastly, Rev, the Baron in Training and our energetic cinnamon roll MMC. Our main focus being on Ash initially, Chelsey groundwork shows us that she has been bought and brought in to train and help cure a blight upon the woods. But as she trains, Ash learns that the Baron and the forest have secrets. And these secrets are life altering… and death claiming.
I thought Chelsey did such a fantastic job working us through this storyline, falling in love with these characters, and smacking us in the face with the revelations. Rev is one of the sweetest and most thoughtful MMCs ever. He knew from day one observing our FMC that his destiny was to love her and I love how true to his heart he was. I think he was my favorite character. However, our “villains” who have the ability to be a hero in their story were so dynamic that I loved how ambiguous it all was! So, they are a close second!
Tropes you may find in COL are multi 3rd person POV, he falls first and way harder, dual timelines, medium emotion focused spice, chosen one, cinnamon roll MMC, found family, elemental magic, plot twists, banter, and a thrilling end!
COL is out now! Now, I head straight in to book 2!
Oh, I just so enjoyed this beginning book of Chelsey’s Conduit of Light trilogy! I was immediately drawn in and enthralled the entire time. It focuses on a dual timeline, which if you know that ahead of time, I think it helps the unique structure of the story flow SO WELL. I read complaints about that and I think that Chelsey did wonderfully well with this. It created intrigue and an angsty heart. I love stories that have sneaky bits like this that’ll result in plot twists I know you’ll LOVE.
In COL, we follow the POVs of Ash, a young woman who has been bartered to the Baron for the cure of her kingdom; Karus, a woman struggling to regain memories and discover her purpose at the Baron’s fortress; and lastly, Rev, the Baron in Training and our energetic cinnamon roll MMC. Our main focus being on Ash initially, Chelsey groundwork shows us that she has been bought and brought in to train and help cure a blight upon the woods. But as she trains, Ash learns that the Baron and the forest have secrets. And these secrets are life altering… and death claiming.
I thought Chelsey did such a fantastic job working us through this storyline, falling in love with these characters, and smacking us in the face with the revelations. Rev is one of the sweetest and most thoughtful MMCs ever. He knew from day one observing our FMC that his destiny was to love her and I love how true to his heart he was. I think he was my favorite character. However, our “villains” who have the ability to be a hero in their story were so dynamic that I loved how ambiguous it all was! So, they are a close second!
Tropes you may find in COL are multi 3rd person POV, he falls first and way harder, dual timelines, medium emotion focused spice, chosen one, cinnamon roll MMC, found family, elemental magic, plot twists, banter, and a thrilling end!
COL is out now! Now, I head straight in to book 2!
January 6, 2024
Wow.
This book is one where you get so wrapped up in the story, like the pain, the joy, the romance & the unimaginable heartache is your own.
Chelsey's prose is beautiful. It paints this fantasy world shrouded in dark mystery, loneliness, joy, magic, healing, and the TWISTS and TURNS, my god. They had me reading as fast as I could! The ending was so fantastic and I cannot wait for book 2!!
Anytime I thought I knew what was going on, a new secret was unveiled and I am SHOOK!
This was truly unique but if I had to compare to other stories to convince you to pick this up, I'd say it's this perfect blend of the Secret Garden, Pan's labrynth, and Lakesedge (by Lyndall Clipstone).
Some tropes:
✨He falls first
✨Forced Proximity
✨The chosen one
✨Light vs Dark
✨Fairy's & Magic
✨Enchanted library
✨Magical forest
✨Golden retriever MMC
✨Feisty FMC
✨Mental health rep
GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!
This book is one where you get so wrapped up in the story, like the pain, the joy, the romance & the unimaginable heartache is your own.
Chelsey's prose is beautiful. It paints this fantasy world shrouded in dark mystery, loneliness, joy, magic, healing, and the TWISTS and TURNS, my god. They had me reading as fast as I could! The ending was so fantastic and I cannot wait for book 2!!
Anytime I thought I knew what was going on, a new secret was unveiled and I am SHOOK!
This was truly unique but if I had to compare to other stories to convince you to pick this up, I'd say it's this perfect blend of the Secret Garden, Pan's labrynth, and Lakesedge (by Lyndall Clipstone).
Some tropes:
✨He falls first
✨Forced Proximity
✨The chosen one
✨Light vs Dark
✨Fairy's & Magic
✨Enchanted library
✨Magical forest
✨Golden retriever MMC
✨Feisty FMC
✨Mental health rep
GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!
May 20, 2024
Coming in at 368 pages, “A Conduit Of Light '' follows Ash, as she's forced from her home as a form of payment for a cure that healed her city. She’s to train to become a conduit, wielding magic for the good of the isle in Felgren Forest, led by the very man who took her.
I was really drawn in by the cover, it’s stunning, and stayed for the lore! As the story progresses, we’re met with two extremely powerful women with hard struggles and choices to make and face. Not only that, but it’s multiple POVs & timelines, which I will forever think add an interesting element to any book. The romance was juicy (imo). Overall, loved the book!
I was really drawn in by the cover, it’s stunning, and stayed for the lore! As the story progresses, we’re met with two extremely powerful women with hard struggles and choices to make and face. Not only that, but it’s multiple POVs & timelines, which I will forever think add an interesting element to any book. The romance was juicy (imo). Overall, loved the book!
January 3, 2024
i’m hooked. thank you.
the book left me filled with warmth and love and hope. the story is simple yet it worked for me. i’m glad that the book was my first read of the year.
i’d love the main character to have more control over her actions, and more will to control it, too. and i’d love Revwinked less, for the love of me. he winks all the time and i’m annoyed 😭
the book left me filled with warmth and love and hope. the story is simple yet it worked for me. i’m glad that the book was my first read of the year.
i’d love the main character to have more control over her actions, and more will to control it, too. and i’d love Revwinked less, for the love of me. he winks all the time and i’m annoyed 😭
September 25, 2023
I normally don’t like books with multiple povs, but this book! WOW. I didn’t have trouble following along. And the magic of Felgren. Holy smokes. My heart was pounding. A twist. Phssttt when’s the next one coming out that’s all I have to say. Love it!
November 18, 2023
What a beautiful and romantic fantasy. I loved the magic and the relationship between the women. Every romance scene was wonderfully well-written and the details were full of tension and love. Had such a lovely time reading this. Excited for the next book!
July 4, 2024
The romance might be a bit insta love but tbh with the world building and premise it was also perfect 😭
full review pending
full review pending
December 31, 2023
Conduit of Light
Tompkin’s debut is impressive and her passion for detail is evident in the pages of Conduit of Light. There is elegance and rhythm to her writing. Each character and piece of the setting is developed and finely tuned. If you love romantic fantasy, you will love this novel.
Tompkin’s debut is impressive and her passion for detail is evident in the pages of Conduit of Light. There is elegance and rhythm to her writing. Each character and piece of the setting is developed and finely tuned. If you love romantic fantasy, you will love this novel.
June 14, 2024
Boring and predictable. It didnt hold my attention. I really wanted to love it. The idea was there but the execution was lacking
June 10, 2024
2.5 ☆
Everything felt really underdeveloped and honestly the story never really went anywhere
Everything felt really underdeveloped and honestly the story never really went anywhere
May 27, 2024
I loved the main couple in this book! I got really attached to them, really quickly. The plot twists with the amnesia and the time jumps were done really well! They had me flipping back to re-read chapters and second-guessing the ending before I even got to it.
My one problem was that I kept misreading the word "Blightress" as "Blightness" so I was really confused as to why they kept talking about the disease in the woods like it was a person. I also was a bit confused about the magic system and how it works, what with the conduits and what makes being the Baron so special.
My one problem was that I kept misreading the word "Blightress" as "Blightness" so I was really confused as to why they kept talking about the disease in the woods like it was a person. I also was a bit confused about the magic system and how it works, what with the conduits and what makes being the Baron so special.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
Amazing book! The characters were brought to life with vivid descriptions . The weaving of relationships between main and support characters was brilliant. The setting was presented with clarity yet brought the suspense and anticipation that kept me not wanting to put the book down. Eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story.
October 31, 2023
I would rate this book a 4.75/5 star read! The first few chapters were a little slow, and there were a few places where I was confused with the timeline of events. But it was overall still very well written! After the first few initial chapters, I was pulled in and didn't want to put the book down! I loved the romance and spice. The magic system was wonderfully written and not difficult to understand. The characters were relatable. I loved the setting for the book! All in all, this book is definitely worth reading and I would absolutely recommend it! It does end on a huge cliffhanger though! Looking forward to hopefully a book two!!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
September 18, 2025
This book is multi POV: not only between multiple narrators, but third person POV vs first person POV which is very fascinating. I think this might be the first book I’ve read like this. It’s 100% needed and so incredibly well done, especially with the character titles of each chapter as everything falls together. This might be my favorite aspect of the book, which sounds weird but I think you’ll understand why if you end up reading this book.
Chelsey Ann Thompkins’s storytelling was SO well done. Paying close attention to Chelsey’s writing, you can predict some twists and turns as the story unfolds, but everything is woven together so perfectly that it was exciting to see my predictions come to fruition!
This book was so beautiful and heartbreaking. This is a story about magic, about overcoming obstacles, and about love.
Synopsis:
Channelers are individuals who can have magical abilities/promise. Many channelers hope to train as a Conduit: individuals who produce magic for specific purposes (medicine, for example). Due to the Black Fever infecting Hyrithia, a deal was struck with the Baron of Felgren: he would cast a spell to cure all of the Black Fever and Hyrithia would provide a channeler to train as a conduit - something Hyrithia had not allowed for hundreds of years. This is how we see Ash arrive at Felgren, whose forest requires her help.
We also meet Karus, who has lost her memories and quickly regains them after finding a peculiar stone in a tree in Felgren’s forest. She is forced to confront what her mind has tried to protect her from remembering while facing the reality of the world around her.
Chelsey Ann Thompkins’s storytelling was SO well done. Paying close attention to Chelsey’s writing, you can predict some twists and turns as the story unfolds, but everything is woven together so perfectly that it was exciting to see my predictions come to fruition!
This book was so beautiful and heartbreaking. This is a story about magic, about overcoming obstacles, and about love.
Synopsis:
Channelers are individuals who can have magical abilities/promise. Many channelers hope to train as a Conduit: individuals who produce magic for specific purposes (medicine, for example). Due to the Black Fever infecting Hyrithia, a deal was struck with the Baron of Felgren: he would cast a spell to cure all of the Black Fever and Hyrithia would provide a channeler to train as a conduit - something Hyrithia had not allowed for hundreds of years. This is how we see Ash arrive at Felgren, whose forest requires her help.
We also meet Karus, who has lost her memories and quickly regains them after finding a peculiar stone in a tree in Felgren’s forest. She is forced to confront what her mind has tried to protect her from remembering while facing the reality of the world around her.
August 15, 2024
Romantasy at its finest.
Ash'Arah is forced to train to become a conduit, if she manages to pass the tests, as payment for the cure that healed her city and saved the Crown Prince. Angry, resentful, and determined to return home as soon as possible, she conceals her magical gifts in an attempt to appear weak and useless. She is neither. Baron Revich, the newly appointed successor, sees straight through her ploy and she can't deny the draw she feels toward him.
Karus is adrift, lost. She wanders the forest with her fairy friend day by day, not sure what she's looking for or what her purpose is. And then the memories begin to return...
I read this in a single day because I had to know what happened! I loved the two main characters and how their stories eventually wove together. Brilliantly well done. The plot begins simply with the goal of "find the magical answer to save everyone," but the layers of deception, history, and magic system make the story complex and nuanced. There is friendship, romance, passion, and heartbreak. I connected with our leads, their friends, and the love interest immediately. It felt like we were old friends from the start. There is forest magic, academia elements, and curses. I immediately downloaded book 2!!
Perfect for fans of Daughter of No Worlds, One Dark Window, SJM books, or The Bridge Kingdom!
Ash'Arah is forced to train to become a conduit, if she manages to pass the tests, as payment for the cure that healed her city and saved the Crown Prince. Angry, resentful, and determined to return home as soon as possible, she conceals her magical gifts in an attempt to appear weak and useless. She is neither. Baron Revich, the newly appointed successor, sees straight through her ploy and she can't deny the draw she feels toward him.
Karus is adrift, lost. She wanders the forest with her fairy friend day by day, not sure what she's looking for or what her purpose is. And then the memories begin to return...
I read this in a single day because I had to know what happened! I loved the two main characters and how their stories eventually wove together. Brilliantly well done. The plot begins simply with the goal of "find the magical answer to save everyone," but the layers of deception, history, and magic system make the story complex and nuanced. There is friendship, romance, passion, and heartbreak. I connected with our leads, their friends, and the love interest immediately. It felt like we were old friends from the start. There is forest magic, academia elements, and curses. I immediately downloaded book 2!!
Perfect for fans of Daughter of No Worlds, One Dark Window, SJM books, or The Bridge Kingdom!
May 15, 2024
It was a very very slow start for me. It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book did it get interesting. The character development felt slow but the relationships built fast. Dialogue was meh. It is an interesting concept, I did guess the twists and turns, but it was decent. The last part of the book finally picked up and I finished it. Maybe not quite my cup of tea.
May 13, 2024
stunningly boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews