Mannigan - A Speck of Light

by L. Ross Coulter

‘In a world gripped by the Vitruvian Elite, a young rebel discovers that the greatest battle between the darkness and the light is in himself.’

Born from the ashes of the old world, the great cities of humanity's new hope are beacons of light. Yet freed from the depths of a cruel prison, Will Manning is left with nothing but rage.Seeking revenge against the tyrannical rule of the Vitruvian elite with the help of a shadowy group called Legion, he sets about to light the spark to bring them to their knees. But from the palace of the mad queen in the Sea of Sand to the Weeping City of Sorrow in the mountains of Mourne, the truth is not what it seems. And as salvation collides with chaos, justice may be no more than a wishful dream.

Delving into the tumultuous vision of humanity's near future, L. Ross Coulter's provocative new novel ignites a journey through the interplay of pervasive technology, spirituality, and the myriad social challenges confronting today's youth. Inquisitively, it probes the seemingly impossible essence of hope amid the chaos of the world, all while questioning where and how the adults of tomorrow will fit in.

Science Fiction & FantasyYoung Adult/New AdultRecommended reading 13 and up- 2023, Loose Screw Press

Genres: Fiction

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland, L. Ross Coulter moved to the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada in his younger years to pursue a career in construction, where he got married and started a family.

Having spent over a decade there honing his skills in the built environment, his passion for creating and building extended beyond the physical world, as he found another outlet for his creativity – writing.

A wordsmith at heart, now he spends his days weaving tales and sharing insights through his writings, captivating readers with his unique perspective on life and the world around him. His literary endeavors have added a new dimension to his already illustrious career, showcasing a profound ability to navigate both the technical and creative realms.

Whether constructing the physical foundations of a building or constructing the imaginative landscapes within his writing, in a picturesque twist of fate, he now calls the serene Irish countryside home. Nestled among rolling hills and verdant landscapes, he shares this idyllic setting with his lovely wife and daughter, and a delightful array of animals that have become part of their extended family. And inspired by the greats such as C.S. Lewis, J.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, John Bunyan, Arthur C. Clarke, A.W. Tozer and the greatest book ever written, he works with the hope to bring others to come to know that life is more than what mere mortal eyes can see.

Reviews

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart Pounding Dystopian

Set in the distant future, Earth has turned into a type of Mad Max dystopian world. Will, with the help of some unusual tech is given an unusual power where he cannot die. Whatever is thrown his way he instantly heals. With this power, Will and his friend Abby must cross the wastelands of Earth to find someone who can help them in their fight against the mysterious Kol. But things immediately go south when their transport is shot down and Will must use his power to survive scabs, crazy queens, and rogue wrath. This is a fast paced wonderfully written story with imaginative descriptions of a world gone to hell. The use of presence tense throughout was a little unusual at first but I grew to love it and it added to the fast beat of the story. A truly wonderful read.

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a good sign when I have a hard time picking favorite quotes from a book because I’ve highlighted so many lovely, meaningful passages that picking just a few is near impossible.

As a dystopian, fantasy future, the author has built a gorgeous, horrifying world. I can see it vividly, even if I got a little confused at some points because there were so many people, races, and activities going on. But the extensive worldbuilding, done without any information dumps, is exceptionally graceful. Alongside the literary language, this is an extremely well written book.

Will is one of those loveable, reluctant “chosen ones” that frequently populate fantasy books. He basically was forced into the position, completly against his will. But since his alternative was rotting in prison for his parents’ sins, might as well try to save the world, right?

The catalysts, the action, and the magic system/technological advancements in this book are imaginative and interesting. They’re also a little terrifying, edging into black magic territory. All of the different factions are just a little morally grey, making it unclear who the bad guys and good guys are. And in the end, I’m not sure we’ll every really know. And that might be part of the point.

I really enjoyed Will’s character, as well as the doctor we meet early in the book. Abby and Katyana didn’t quite grow on me as much, but they were both quite practical voices, which made them very useful and good for the story. I loved Tom and his little family. The host reminded me of Cesar from Hunger Games. And the Queen was as terrifying as she was beautiful.

Like so many fantasy or sci-fi books, this book had some social commentary hidden – or not so hidden – within the pages. At times, it felt a little preachy, but for the most part it was hidden well into the narrative. You can tell that the author is a big scifi and fantasy fan because I could elements and inspiration from so many different popular and obscure works.

If you enjoy action-packed sci-fi/fantasy and dystopian futures, featuring young, “chosen one” type protagonists, you’ll love this one.

Content Warnings: War, Dystopian Future, Child Abuse, Prison, Child Abandonment, Gladiator Fighting, Corrupt Government Leaders, Medical Trauma, Pregnancy, Allusions to Abortion, Allusions to Suicide, Racism/Xenophobia, Violence, Death, Fear, Loss of Loved Ones

[Charlotte (thepennotthesword) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the story and the array of characters. The sci-fi elements were really interesting, with a high-level of world building and vivid descriptions of place and imagery. This book is incredibly well-written, and the premise is definitely intriguing, with biblical references and imagery providing a refreshing twist on the classic sci-fi plot.
Will, the main character, displays resurrection powers, and the Children and the book that those of Sorrow follow to justify their actions are symbolic of religions similar to Christianity. This made for a very interesting novel.

However, I feel personally that this story fell a little short. The present tense writing was a struggle for me, as it felt clunky and made the pace seem very uneven. As this book is heavily seated within world building and plot, as opposed to being mainly character driven in my opinion, this choice of present tense made me struggle to really immerse myself within the book.

As well as this, the end was incredibly abrupt and in my opinion, this book felt half-finished. The first half of the book is heavy on the world-building and setting up the story. So by about 3/4 of the way through, I kept feeling as though it was against the clock. And the end felt incredibly open-ended. I hope that we get a book 2, but this open-end may have been a decision made by the author to leave the reader the opportunity to decide what Will’s future will hold, how the rest of the pieces will fall into play and whether Will’s journey is far from over. However I need more!

Overall, the book had an interesting premise and I would be definitely keen to continue reading more about Will and his mission. For lovers of sci-fi featuring a high tech world, readers will not be disappointed.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mannigan by - A Speck of Light by L. Ross Coulter.
In a world gripped by the Vitruvian Elite, a young rebel discovers that the greatest battle between the darkness and the light is in himself.’ Wake from your colorless sleep! Born from the ashes of the old world, the great cities of humanity's new hope are beacons of light. Yet freed from the depths of a cruel prison, Will Manning is left with nothing but rage. Seeking revenge against the tyrannical rule of the Vitruvian elite with the help of a shadowy group called Legion, he sets about to light the spark to bring them to their knees. But from the palace of the mad queen in the Sea of Sand to the Weeping City of Sorrow in the mountains of Mourne, the truth is not what it seems.
Wow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written. Vast world build up. I loved the Weeping City of Sorrow and the Sea of Sand with the Mad Queen's Palace and desolation. I could picture it in my mind. I loved Will. He was my favourite character. Abby I loved her. She was lovely. I did like Hannah. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover photo of the book is simple yet very intriguing. I just knew that I had to read it. I had to know the story inside and I am glad that I did.

In a world where swords clash and machines whirr, Will Manning must choose his fate. Will he succumb to his rage and unleash his hidden power, or will he embrace his compassion and become a beacon of hope? Mannigan – A Speck of Light is a thrilling fantasy adventure that draws inspiration from Tolkien’s epic tales. Coulter’s rich language and vivid characters will immerse you in a story of courage, sacrifice, and destiny. If you love classic fantasy with a twist, you will enjoy this book.

The writing skills of the author are flawless and I was engaged throughout the book without getting bored. It has been a perfect read for me while drinking coffee. Through the captivating writing style I could visualise the whole plot unfolding in front of my eyes. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I will definitely recommend it. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it as much as I did.

[E.G. Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like dystopian novels quite a bit, especially when they’re post-apocalyptic Earth, simply because I enjoy seeing how an author takes the world we know and makes it something unfamiliar. I was, as such, intrigued when approached to read Mannigan - A Speck of Light. Mostly, though, the book left me confused.
The book follows Will (no last name until 2/3ds of the way through the book, at which point it’s meaningless). He lives in a post nuclear war/ice age society where a few pockets of civilisation have been scraped out. At the start of the book, he is in prison (I think) for an unspecified charge, released, dying, then recruited by a group called Legion to be their saviour. He is gifted with the ability to heal and fight and agrees to help fulfil their manifest. Which is…something unspecified. Maybe helping people, but I’m not sure which people, and I’m not sure why. Will then goes on a journey to Devestation, a town outside the utopian boundaries, and there are various other groups, people, fights, and such that get in the way of him fulfilling his goal.
Honestly, I think the plot was intriguing, except I had no idea why any of this was happening. The book uses the style of worldbuilding that throws a reader into the deep end and lets them figure things out as they go. Which is perfectly fine, except that there are some severely important details left out that would clarify the book. Such as who Legion is and what they want, who the Kol/Malleus are and what they want, what exactly Will is trying to achieve, etc. The entire rest of the book becomes rather pointless without this information because the reader doesn’t know why Will is doing what he’s doing.
I also have read many books where the main character gains the ability to heal from basically anything (I’ve actually written a whole series like that). It can work really well, but it can also be a bit problematic because the stakes for the character cannot be physical. In this case, a lot of the situations Will enters in order to achieve his goal are physical, and they just don’t have any fear or punch to me because I knew he would heal and therefore didn’t care about his injuries. There were instances where Will had to deal with more metaphysical/emotional situations, but those felt incomplete because of the missing information as to why he was doing what he did.
I think the scenes with the Children of Light were the best of the book, because at least there, the motivations and interactions were very clear.
The prose for this book is grammatically correct, and I found very few spelling errors at all. However, the primary sentence structure, used for about 95% of the book, is an inverted form from the standard English sentence. For example, here is a sentence taken from the beginning of the book: “Down the stairs, and stretching on his tippy toes to reach the latch, he opened the door to them.”
It is not quite passive voice, but it very much is contrary to the expected subject + verb + object form. The majority of sentences in the book follow this form, where the dependent/subordinate clause is always first and then the independent clause appears. Often, the independent clause is unrelated to the subordinating clause, which makes for a very confusing reading experience. Linguistically, the book reads as passive voice even though the majority of the sentences aren’t passive. For this reason alone, I nearly DNF’d the book at 20%.
I will say that this book is obviously well thought out. The various cities and cultures are quite in depth and unique, and the world itself appears to be complex. I just wish that there weren’t so much missing information as to character motivations.
Overall, I think that Mannigan - A Speck of Light has the potential to be a very good book, but in execution the missing information and the inverted sentence structure made it a confusing book to read and left me unsatisfied. A fair book.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will has just been released from incarceration after a very long time. While he was there, most of his organs had been harvested, and the doctors have told him that he has very little time left. He is bitter and angry with the world, for when his wife was judged not worth the cost of fighting her cancer, she was left to suffer and die. After that, things fell apart for him and left him with nothing save his anger and bitterness toward the world. That was what had led to his becoming incarcerated in a modern facility, where those who survive long enough to be released rarely live more than a week or two beyond their release, usually dying alone and in a great deal of pain. But the doctor who oversees his final days, believes that he can offer him a chance for something more. A life that won’t end, as a part of a group called Legion.

I received a review copy of this book, and when I began reading this story, I thought it was primarily a dystopian novel, though it also seems to be a bit of a story about humanity. But it does also paint a very bleak future for mankind. Will was a very angry and bitter man, and achieving an inability to die or be killed doesn't seem to change that throughout the book. While he does still possess some kindness, especially towards those who are also suffering for various reasons, he still wants his revenge on those in charge who had allowed his wife to be declared not worth saving, and who had used his body to save others who were deemed worthy without his permission while incarcerated.

I must warn readers that this book does contain a great deal of violence. It paints a very dark picture of the future, and while I don’t want to spoil the ending, from what I can see, the only real sign of hope for the world comes at the end of the book, and even in that moment, I am uncertain as to whether it truly is a hopeful ending, or not. And that possibility, I find a bit of a depressing thought, because either possibility is equally possible in my mind. But it is clearly something meant for readers to decide for themselves.

It was interesting, but I’m not entirely sure if anyone actually grew or changed in any positive way or not. I don’t know what we were supposed to learn from what Will went through, though I have a few ideas. I believe that perhaps this book was trying to teach a lesson about what the future may hold that comes with an implied warning about repeating the mistakes others have made rather than learning from them.. And honestly I think that for me, not being able to decide whether the ending was meant to be positive or negative is what disturbs me the most. I’m not sure if that was the point of the story, but this one just didn’t resonate with me for some reason, though it has stuck with me. (There is more that I would like to say about the ending, but I am trying to avoid spoilers for those who decide to read this book for themselves. As I said, it does make you think about quite a few things.)

If you’re looking for a book that will truly make you think about the ending, then you will likely enjoy this one. It may paint a somewhat bleak picture for the future, but it also does seem to show that despite everything, hope always survives. For despite all the bad things that happen to quite a few people, most of them still manage to be kind and have hope, even Will.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mannigan – A Speck of Light” by L. Ross Coulter is a gripping narrative set in a dystopian future where the remnants of humanity cling to the hope of a brighter tomorrow amidst the ruins of civilization. Coulter’s novel is a thrilling addition to the science fiction and fantasy genre, blending elements of technology, spirituality, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness into a compelling tale of rebellion and redemption. The protagonist, Will Manning, emerges from the depths of a desolate prison fueled by a deep-seated rage against the Vitruvian Elite’s tyrannical regime. Joining forces with the enigmatic Legion, Will embarks on a quest for vengeance, traversing the dystopian landscapes from the palace of the mad queen in the Sea of Sand to the haunting Weeping City of Sorrow. Yet, as Will ventures deeper into the heart of darkness, he confronts unsettling truths that challenge his perceptions of justice, salvation, and the very essence of hope.

Coulter masterfully explores the complex interplay between technology and humanity in this near-future vision, raising poignant questions about society’s reliance on digital advancements and the potential consequences of such dependence. The novel’s speculative lens also focuses on the spiritual and moral dilemmas faced by today’s youth, navigating the treacherous waters of a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

The narrative’s pacing is relentless, propelled forward by Coulter’s skillful use of present tense, which lends an immediacy and intensity to Will’s journey. This stylistic choice may initially surprise readers, but it ultimately enhances the story’s dynamism, immersing them fully in the action-packed odyssey through dystopian wastelands.

Will’s unique ability to heal from any injury introduces an intriguing dynamic to the story, offering both a literal and metaphorical exploration of resilience and the human capacity for survival. His partnership with Abby adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of united purpose in the face of insurmountable odds.

Coulter’s world-building is vivid and imaginative, painting a stark picture of a planet ravaged by conflict and decay. The descriptions of the dystopian settings are both haunting and beautiful, serving as a backdrop to the high-stakes adventure that unfolds. The novel’s exploration of the conflict between the oppressive Vitruvian Elite and the rebel forces is not just a battle for control but a profound meditation on the nature of power, freedom, and the indomitable spirit of hope.

“Mannigan – A Speck of Light” is a testament to Coulter’s prowess as a storyteller, weaving a rich tapestry of characters, settings, and themes into a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Recommended for readers aged 13 and up, this novel is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the genre while delivering a riveting tale of adventure, resilience, and the enduring fight for light in a world consumed by darkness. Coulter’s novel is not just a journey across a dystopian Earth; it is a deep dive into the heart of what it means to be human in the face of despair and the unquenchable thirst for a speck of light in the darkest of times.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mannigan - A Speck of Light, author L. Ross Coulter invites readers into a richly imagined science fiction universe, intricately crafted and brimming with both technological marvels and spiritual depth. Set against the backdrop of the oppressive Vitruvian Empire, the narrative follows the emergence of a fledgling resistance movement poised on the cusp of revolution. William Manning is central to this brewing conflict, a man grappling with personal loss yet perceived as the beacon of hope in these dark times.

Manning's journey is not just one of external rebellion but also an internal quest for redemption and purpose. Coulter adeptly weaves a tale where Manning's personal struggles mirror the larger fight against tyranny. His character is skillfully developed, supported by a diverse cast of rebels who add layers of complexity and humanity to the story. The interactions among these characters are organic and dynamic, driving the narrative with a blend of action, suspense, and relatable dialogue. Coulter's world-building is a standout aspect of the novel. He constructs a vivid, immersive world filled with mysterious cities and perilous landscapes that serve as more than just a setting; they are integral to the story's progression. The gradual revelation of this world parallels the unfolding plot, ensuring that readers become more deeply engaged as the story advances. The blend of futuristic technology and a dystopian setting creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story's tension and intrigue. The pacing of the story is another of its strengths. Coulter maintains a brisk tempo, infused with action and suspense, that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. New characters are introduced strategically, each adding to the story's momentum and enriching the narrative tapestry. The dialogue is effective in grounding the story in a sense of realism, even amidst the chaos of battle and the fantastical elements of the setting.

L. Ross Coulter's Mannigan - A Speck of Light is a compelling science fiction narrative that offers a fresh perspective on oppression, hope, and destiny themes. While the initial world-building requires some acclimatization, the journey is rewarding, leaving readers longing to explore more of Coulter's richly imagined universe. This novel is a testament to the power of science fiction to reflect our own world, drawing readers into a story that resonates with both its darkness and its light.

[E.M. Swift-Hook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science fantasy is a powerful genre. It has the capacity for Tolkienesque grandeur combined with the intellectual punch of science fiction. Star Wars pulled it off well. Here we have places with lavishly grandiose names like the Weeping City of Sorrow and people flying about in cool military planes in a sci-fi dystopia.

As a science fantasy, this book works. That is if either you really enjoy Biblical allusion or are simply not aware of the incredible amount that is packed in chapter after chapter. This is basically a science fantasy attempt to emulate what C.S. Lewis did with Narnia and the degree to which you enjoy it will depend upon whether you are keen on reading such messianic-based stories or find them insupportable. The hero of the piece, Will Manning, is effectively a Jesus figure in a future where the Bible is revered by those fighting the bad guys, but has been lost.

The language use, imagery and writing style is superb and that really is a huge saving grace which lifts this book immensely.

For me, the overly heavy religious overtones being pushed at every opportunity made this very a tough gig. A lighter touch on that score would have carried it better, in my opinion. I particularly disliked the way it implies that people can't be decent people without being religious (specifically Christian), something even some highly religious people I know would take issue with. In addition, the fact that for some inexplicable reason the author chose the present tense to write it in, made a tough gig pretty impossible to get into. Present tense just about works in a book when you have a lot of dialogue, but for a story based so much on narrative, it is clunky and forever breaking a reader's immersion.

I really struggled with starrage for this book because so much of what I dislike about it another reader might well see as a good point. For me, it is probably a three star read if that, but that would be to imply it was badly written. It's not. So I settled on 3.5.

If you enjoy Christian fiction, science fantasy and present tense writing, this book should be topping your TBR pile.

[Eric Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will is a Christ figure who yearns to fight for justice, even as he is shown that his violent purpose is futile in a world already filled to the brim by man's evil. He experiences both resurrection and temptation whenever his power manifests and we are left to witness that the only good is accomplished by self sacrifice and acts of kindness. We see he is influenced by seeing this in the followers of the now lost bible. It informs a couple of major decisions, but he steps right back on the same path of violence and becomes a sort of endless martyr, capable of inhuman suffering.
The prose is florid, lending itself to a dark fairytale tone that is this book's greatest virtue. The author's renderings dominate the pace more than the narrative, never failing to deliver a lovely portrait of even the ugliest things. The present tense fights against this, though, pushing immediacy while the language insists, enjoyably, on taking its time. For me, present tense is a little exhausting for anything longer than a blurb, review, or maybe a quirky short story. If this is true, Coulter has written a good novel with one hand tied behind his back. It's hard to put down and the characters engrossing, even as each one is left behind too soon. It is left to the reader to decide what Will's suffering and final resurrection will bring.

[Emm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via L. Ross Coulter .

In a world gripped by the Vitruvian Elite, Will, a young rebel, discovers the greatest battle between darkness and light is within himself. Will he succumb to rage, or will he embrace his compassion? This is a thrilling fantasy adventure that draws you in from the first sentence.

I've never read a Christian science fiction book before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I ended up really enjoying this. The book is well written with an entrancing story line, with well written characters. My favourite characters were probably Will and Abby. The world building is phenomenal, it's full on superb descriptions. I truly felt like I was in the story, watching it in real life.

My only complaint is that the story didn't feel finished. Coulter spent all this time building beautiful scenes but the ending seemed rather abrupt. So if you're into Christian and/or science fiction, this book is for you.

Thank you, L. Ross Coulter for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I didn't know what to expect, but, what I got was so good. I haven't read much science fiction. but when I do read it I end up really enjoying it, so maybe that needs to change.

The book is well written with a compelling story line, a high level of world building and well developed characters. I really liked Will and found myself invested in him right from the very start. At one point I was ready to pledge allegiance to him to fight by his side forever.
The world building is fantastic and the bookis full of rich imagery and vivid descriptions, I genuinely felt like a bystander looking out at the world over the edge of my kindle. It was that visceral to me, and, with places like the Weeping City of Sorrow and the Sea of Sand with the Mad Queen's Palace, who wouldn't want to visit.

This book reminded me of Star wars meets Alice in Wonderland - I mean that in the best way possible - and I was totally there for it. I can't wait to read more by the author

[Gene Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Manning is an angry young man with what could be a grand destiny ahead of him, but he has to decide if violence or selflessness is the path of victory. There's a feel of Tolkien-era fantasy in Mannigan - A Speck of Light, with baroque prose, diverse personalities, and a strong moral core to the story. The world feels like a blend of sword and sandals and steampunk, and Coulter's prose brings a lot of life to the fantasy. Younger readers and fans of traditional fantasy will have fun.

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Will Manning seeking revenge against the tyrannical Vitruvian elite. With the help of a group called Legion, he starts a rebellion in the cities that emerged from the ruins of the old world. The story follows his journey, which raises questions about humanity's future and examines technology's impact on society.

This story is not only easy to read and well-written, but it is also exciting, entertaining, and action-packed. It's a tale that spans across multiple genres, appealing to readers of all ages.

[Whittney Corum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coulter creates a world controlled by technology. It also has a parallel to the stories of people being punished for believing in god.
A good book for those who like disoptian worlds