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Pathlighter #1
Pathlighter
James is convinced that the gods have cursed him, left to fend for himself in a squalid city-state in the clutches of a corrupt theocracy. As a lamplighter, James serves the palace by illuminating the streets each night with a flame from the gods' temple. Despite his disdain for the gods, he feels a connection with the flame, and a surprising yet small amount of control over its brightness.
For him, a quiet life weathering the desert was all he had to look forward to. That is, until others appear. From distant corners of the world, each has connective power to the gods, and each a past of great consequence. A soldier, an idealist, a hero, and a monster.
Each squabbles according to their own desires, but cannot afford to exist alone any longer. Ancient devils and horrors beyond time have come to reclaim the world from the gods, but the forms they take and power they wield are anything but understood.
The debut epic fantasy novel of author Rob Leigh, Pathlighter depicts a world struggling to grapple with the consequences of an unknown past and uncaring gods, featuring nuanced characters and a story of self-realization, found family, betrayal, and hope.
For him, a quiet life weathering the desert was all he had to look forward to. That is, until others appear. From distant corners of the world, each has connective power to the gods, and each a past of great consequence. A soldier, an idealist, a hero, and a monster.
Each squabbles according to their own desires, but cannot afford to exist alone any longer. Ancient devils and horrors beyond time have come to reclaim the world from the gods, but the forms they take and power they wield are anything but understood.
The debut epic fantasy novel of author Rob Leigh, Pathlighter depicts a world struggling to grapple with the consequences of an unknown past and uncaring gods, featuring nuanced characters and a story of self-realization, found family, betrayal, and hope.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2023
22 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 18, 2023
Review originally on
JamReads
Pathlighter is the initial book of the eponymous epic fantasy trilogy, written by Rob Leigh, a debut with an interesting world-building and plenty of memorable scenes. A really ambitious novel, with characters whose past will end marking their actions and a complex mythology that gives an extra layer of depth to the world.
James is convinced about being cursed by the gods, left in a decadent city; however, he serves as a lamplighter for the palace, illuminating the streets with the flame of the gods. All until a day he starts manifesting a connection with the flame, a slight amount of control; and that's not all, because chaos is unleashed over the city, with creatures returning from the myths that were deemed as just that, mythological.
With this explosive start (Rob almost doesn't let you catch a breath), all is set to start knowing our group of heroes, all from different origins, but sharing the connection with different gods; James aspired to have a simple life in the desert, but all is shattered to ashes, having to take the responsibility he didn't ask for.
With these characters, Leigh manages to create a really spectacular story, mixing themes such as grief, lost and found family with the tension of having to combat against demons while not knowing if you can trust on those in your side. The world's background is introduced slowly, in fragments that help alleviate the tension at some points, while gathering more understanding of what is happening.
I think there's a bit much exposition at some points, slowing the pace more than I would have liked; but if you like extensive world-building, this is a plus. Despite this small pet peeve, I think the balance between the different elements of the novel is quite good.
Pathlighter is a great debut novel, an epic story that will leave you craving for me; Rob Leigh has nailed his objective. Can't wait to read the second book of the Pathlighter trilogy.
Pathlighter is the initial book of the eponymous epic fantasy trilogy, written by Rob Leigh, a debut with an interesting world-building and plenty of memorable scenes. A really ambitious novel, with characters whose past will end marking their actions and a complex mythology that gives an extra layer of depth to the world.
James is convinced about being cursed by the gods, left in a decadent city; however, he serves as a lamplighter for the palace, illuminating the streets with the flame of the gods. All until a day he starts manifesting a connection with the flame, a slight amount of control; and that's not all, because chaos is unleashed over the city, with creatures returning from the myths that were deemed as just that, mythological.
With this explosive start (Rob almost doesn't let you catch a breath), all is set to start knowing our group of heroes, all from different origins, but sharing the connection with different gods; James aspired to have a simple life in the desert, but all is shattered to ashes, having to take the responsibility he didn't ask for.
With these characters, Leigh manages to create a really spectacular story, mixing themes such as grief, lost and found family with the tension of having to combat against demons while not knowing if you can trust on those in your side. The world's background is introduced slowly, in fragments that help alleviate the tension at some points, while gathering more understanding of what is happening.
I think there's a bit much exposition at some points, slowing the pace more than I would have liked; but if you like extensive world-building, this is a plus. Despite this small pet peeve, I think the balance between the different elements of the novel is quite good.
Pathlighter is a great debut novel, an epic story that will leave you craving for me; Rob Leigh has nailed his objective. Can't wait to read the second book of the Pathlighter trilogy.
July 11, 2024
The old myths persist of a dire time. Where great evil was confronted & vanquished. The darkness…resurfaces.
The light of flames begins to flicker.
Elemental magic, immortal beings & chosen protectors! Lots of energy, uniqueness & action. Great debut!
The light of flames begins to flicker.
Elemental magic, immortal beings & chosen protectors! Lots of energy, uniqueness & action. Great debut!
November 28, 2023
When I came across “Pathlighter” by Rob Leigh on Instagram and that Felix Ortiz did his cover art, I knew the time Rob put in to do things right with his debut novel. That is when I reached out to him and I am so glad I did.
I had no idea what to expect when I dove “head-first” into “Pathlighter”, which I love. Rob Leigh gives his readers a great history lesson in the world of Iarus, steeped in religious fortitude and how he resents those involved.
There are themes of loss, tragedy, betrayal, and family. I found myself getting lost in the story of James and what he endures, not only personally, but through his friends and journeymen, alike. The devil-like creatures are horrifying as well as the Charodon, which you’ll learn about when you read. The Gods are unwilling, the world full of consequences of a past to be discovered, and a captivating story that will be hard to put down. I am so thrilled for Rob Leigh, not only as an up-and-coming author, but for you all the discover his talent as I have.
If you enjoy deities, mythology, and religion in your books, here is a must-read for you.
I had no idea what to expect when I dove “head-first” into “Pathlighter”, which I love. Rob Leigh gives his readers a great history lesson in the world of Iarus, steeped in religious fortitude and how he resents those involved.
There are themes of loss, tragedy, betrayal, and family. I found myself getting lost in the story of James and what he endures, not only personally, but through his friends and journeymen, alike. The devil-like creatures are horrifying as well as the Charodon, which you’ll learn about when you read. The Gods are unwilling, the world full of consequences of a past to be discovered, and a captivating story that will be hard to put down. I am so thrilled for Rob Leigh, not only as an up-and-coming author, but for you all the discover his talent as I have.
If you enjoy deities, mythology, and religion in your books, here is a must-read for you.
April 11, 2024
Exceptional debut!
The character arcs in this book are amazing, each one intermingling with the other whilst still keeping a sense of individuality. Hints at the world's history are tossed in, just the right amount to show the sheer size of the world without clogging you down with information, and it leaves you wanting to learn more. Action scenes are melded together seamlessly, and the switches in POV keep everything flowing and full of anticipation. Great read, highly recommend!
The character arcs in this book are amazing, each one intermingling with the other whilst still keeping a sense of individuality. Hints at the world's history are tossed in, just the right amount to show the sheer size of the world without clogging you down with information, and it leaves you wanting to learn more. Action scenes are melded together seamlessly, and the switches in POV keep everything flowing and full of anticipation. Great read, highly recommend!
December 29, 2024
Flame on!
May 30, 2025
It's action packed from the start, with awesome enemies and powers trough the gods. Almost like an more mature version of Percy Jackson. Danger in every corner, old friendship that is far by fixed. You mostly follow James with some very nicly switching with some of the side characters now and then.
I think Rob did a excellent job with the characters and their motives and actions that is brought to the surface. Because of present and future struggel from someone that feels betrayed and someone that is just dumped into the middle of things and feels being lied to, just feels so real.
I'm also gonna be honest that this book was not for me. Don't mistake me, it is a awesome book. But I just wasn't able to connect with it. And I'm not sure if it is because of the characters or not. Because wanted to love them, be invested in their struggles, feel sorry for them, and be excited for their journey. But I found I just couldn't, and I really hoped I was gonna. Because this is a awesome story filled with actions, trust issus, awesome enemies everywhere, and a fantastic magic system.
This is still a book that I would recommend to everyone that loves fantasy, especially them who loves action packed one.
Rating this one I give it a 4 star because I don't feel it deserves any less only because I didn't vibe with it, because it's a fantastic book which deserves alot of love.
I think Rob did a excellent job with the characters and their motives and actions that is brought to the surface. Because of present and future struggel from someone that feels betrayed and someone that is just dumped into the middle of things and feels being lied to, just feels so real.
I'm also gonna be honest that this book was not for me. Don't mistake me, it is a awesome book. But I just wasn't able to connect with it. And I'm not sure if it is because of the characters or not. Because wanted to love them, be invested in their struggles, feel sorry for them, and be excited for their journey. But I found I just couldn't, and I really hoped I was gonna. Because this is a awesome story filled with actions, trust issus, awesome enemies everywhere, and a fantastic magic system.
This is still a book that I would recommend to everyone that loves fantasy, especially them who loves action packed one.
Rating this one I give it a 4 star because I don't feel it deserves any less only because I didn't vibe with it, because it's a fantastic book which deserves alot of love.
November 19, 2023
This is a heart-pumping, breakneck paced adventure fantasy with a classic heroic feel to it. Rob’s prose is simple, effective, and staggeringly punchy at times, and the characters here have depth as well as interesting backstories that actually impact and drive the plot forward. A page turner that really leaves you hanging for more at the end. Indie fantasy once again proves its place amongst the greats, and I’m excited to see where Rob takes this series!
March 9, 2024
This is a great debut from a Break-ins author! You don't want to miss this one.
CAWPILE REVIEW
** I recently altered some of the tenants and how I break them down. The score with the key phrase plus the further breakdown is now included. Scores are now out of 86 instead of 70. :) **
Characters: 8/10 The characters are really good!
It's not often that I come across a multi-POV book where I like all the characters, but I especially love Roy & Rhaiga.
- third person
- multi-POV
Atmosphere: 8/10 The setting/mood worked
Writing Style: 15/18**
breakdown
- storytelling: 8/10 Very good storytelling
- grammar: 3/4 Some grammatical errors
- formatting: 4/4 No formatting issues
Plot: 7/10 Not unique but enjoyable
Don't see this as negative! Plot is one I always feel compelled to explain further because I am a character-driven reader, and I read primarily fantasy, so plots do start mirroring each other -- this is natural. Pathlighter may not have a super original storyline, but it's ABSOLUTELY ENJOYABLE, and I am invested in this story.
Intrigue: 11/14**
breakdown
- overall: 8/10 I want to read more from this author/series
- re-readability: 3/4 Would Re-Read
Logic: 13/14**
breakdown
- plot logic: 9/10 I understand the plot and want more
- character logic: 4/4 Characters made sense
Excitement: 9/10 Have told friends about this
Total Score: 71/86
Rating: 4
CAWPILE REVIEW
** I recently altered some of the tenants and how I break them down. The score with the key phrase plus the further breakdown is now included. Scores are now out of 86 instead of 70. :) **
Characters: 8/10 The characters are really good!
It's not often that I come across a multi-POV book where I like all the characters, but I especially love Roy & Rhaiga.
- third person
- multi-POV
Atmosphere: 8/10 The setting/mood worked
Writing Style: 15/18**
breakdown
- storytelling: 8/10 Very good storytelling
- grammar: 3/4 Some grammatical errors
- formatting: 4/4 No formatting issues
Plot: 7/10 Not unique but enjoyable
Don't see this as negative! Plot is one I always feel compelled to explain further because I am a character-driven reader, and I read primarily fantasy, so plots do start mirroring each other -- this is natural. Pathlighter may not have a super original storyline, but it's ABSOLUTELY ENJOYABLE, and I am invested in this story.
Intrigue: 11/14**
breakdown
- overall: 8/10 I want to read more from this author/series
- re-readability: 3/4 Would Re-Read
Logic: 13/14**
breakdown
- plot logic: 9/10 I understand the plot and want more
- character logic: 4/4 Characters made sense
Excitement: 9/10 Have told friends about this
Total Score: 71/86
Rating: 4
February 21, 2025
4.5/5
Man, what a wild ride! This is an action-packed fantasy filled with characters discovering their true potential as their world crumbles. I was amazed at how immersive the action was. Leigh does an amazing job of detailing the action in combat to make you feel like you're in a FPS style game. We're constantly moving forward and encountering these immense obstacles that require the characters to evolve or die. A solid first entry to a series and I can't wait to see what the rest of the books bring to the table!
Man, what a wild ride! This is an action-packed fantasy filled with characters discovering their true potential as their world crumbles. I was amazed at how immersive the action was. Leigh does an amazing job of detailing the action in combat to make you feel like you're in a FPS style game. We're constantly moving forward and encountering these immense obstacles that require the characters to evolve or die. A solid first entry to a series and I can't wait to see what the rest of the books bring to the table!
Read
January 19, 2026Review coming soon!
April 23, 2025
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
Full video review of this book and many more on my Booktube Channel BOOKSWITHABEL
Burned by Power
Leigh's world is fascinating. The concept of distant, perhaps even absent, gods, and the rise of other entities vying for control, creates a compelling backdrop. The magic system, with its inherent costs and limitations, adds a layer of realism to the fantastical elements. I was particularly intrigued by the protagonist, a young man burdened by the power to control fire, a gift he neither desires nor understands. His conflicted relationship with this power, and the deity supposedly behind it, offered a promising character arc.
Into The Deep End
The initial premise – a reluctant hero drawn into a rebellion against conquering forces – is familiar, yet Pathlighter quickly reveals its complexity. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, including not only the core group of protagonists. This multi-faceted approach allows for a broader understanding of the conflict and the motivations of all involved. The protagonists, already a tight-knit group, have a rich history, adding depth to their interactions and creating a sense of genuine camaraderie. However, this also meant I was thrown into the deep end, trying to grasp the nuances of their relationships while simultaneously navigating a complex world and magic system.
Breathless Action
Pathlighter's action sequences are undeniably impressive. Leigh's writing vividly portrays the bombastic battles, creating cinematic set pieces that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each fight carries weight, impacting the characters and propelling the story forward. This isn't just mindless action; it's action with consequences. However, and this is where my personal preferences come into play, the sheer relentlessness of the action became overwhelming. From almost the very first page, the intensity is cranked up to eleven and rarely lets up.
The Pacing Puzzle
As a reader who appreciates slower character development and a more gradual build-up to the explosive moments, I found Pathlighter's pacing to be a significant challenge. The constant barrage of action left me feeling breathless, and, at times, even dulled my senses. I longed for more moments of quiet reflection, more time to truly connect with the characters before they were thrown into the next epic battle. It felt like I was experiencing the climax of a Sanderson novel multiple times throughout the book. While the action itself was well-written and meaningful, the lack of breathing room between these intense sequences diminished their impact.
A Promising Future
Despite my issues with the pacing, I recognize the strengths of Pathlighter. The world-building is intricate, the characters are compelling, and the action, when I could catch my breath, is truly thrilling. I appreciate the emotional core of each fight and the way they contribute to the overall narrative. I suspect that readers who thrive on fast-paced, action-packed stories will absolutely love this book. For me, it was a bit too much, too soon, but I absolutely understand the overall appeal of it.
However, I'm hopeful that the later books in the series will offer a more balanced approach, allowing the characters and the story to breathe and develop alongside the action. I'm invested enough in this world and these characters to see where their journey takes them next.
As debuts go, Pathlighter is a pretty solid effort. Rob Leigh has crafted a compelling world with intriguing lore and a unique magic system. While the pacing may be a challenge for some, the bombastic action sequences and the complex, well-developed characters offer a strong foundation for the series. It's clear that Leigh has poured heart and soul into this project, and the potential for even greater things in subsequent books is evident. This is a debut that genre fans should definitely keep an eye on.
Full video review of this book and many more on my Booktube Channel BOOKSWITHABEL
Burned by Power
Leigh's world is fascinating. The concept of distant, perhaps even absent, gods, and the rise of other entities vying for control, creates a compelling backdrop. The magic system, with its inherent costs and limitations, adds a layer of realism to the fantastical elements. I was particularly intrigued by the protagonist, a young man burdened by the power to control fire, a gift he neither desires nor understands. His conflicted relationship with this power, and the deity supposedly behind it, offered a promising character arc.
Into The Deep End
The initial premise – a reluctant hero drawn into a rebellion against conquering forces – is familiar, yet Pathlighter quickly reveals its complexity. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, including not only the core group of protagonists. This multi-faceted approach allows for a broader understanding of the conflict and the motivations of all involved. The protagonists, already a tight-knit group, have a rich history, adding depth to their interactions and creating a sense of genuine camaraderie. However, this also meant I was thrown into the deep end, trying to grasp the nuances of their relationships while simultaneously navigating a complex world and magic system.
Breathless Action
Pathlighter's action sequences are undeniably impressive. Leigh's writing vividly portrays the bombastic battles, creating cinematic set pieces that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each fight carries weight, impacting the characters and propelling the story forward. This isn't just mindless action; it's action with consequences. However, and this is where my personal preferences come into play, the sheer relentlessness of the action became overwhelming. From almost the very first page, the intensity is cranked up to eleven and rarely lets up.
The Pacing Puzzle
As a reader who appreciates slower character development and a more gradual build-up to the explosive moments, I found Pathlighter's pacing to be a significant challenge. The constant barrage of action left me feeling breathless, and, at times, even dulled my senses. I longed for more moments of quiet reflection, more time to truly connect with the characters before they were thrown into the next epic battle. It felt like I was experiencing the climax of a Sanderson novel multiple times throughout the book. While the action itself was well-written and meaningful, the lack of breathing room between these intense sequences diminished their impact.
A Promising Future
Despite my issues with the pacing, I recognize the strengths of Pathlighter. The world-building is intricate, the characters are compelling, and the action, when I could catch my breath, is truly thrilling. I appreciate the emotional core of each fight and the way they contribute to the overall narrative. I suspect that readers who thrive on fast-paced, action-packed stories will absolutely love this book. For me, it was a bit too much, too soon, but I absolutely understand the overall appeal of it.
However, I'm hopeful that the later books in the series will offer a more balanced approach, allowing the characters and the story to breathe and develop alongside the action. I'm invested enough in this world and these characters to see where their journey takes them next.
As debuts go, Pathlighter is a pretty solid effort. Rob Leigh has crafted a compelling world with intriguing lore and a unique magic system. While the pacing may be a challenge for some, the bombastic action sequences and the complex, well-developed characters offer a strong foundation for the series. It's clear that Leigh has poured heart and soul into this project, and the potential for even greater things in subsequent books is evident. This is a debut that genre fans should definitely keep an eye on.
August 24, 2024
My mother in law is friends with the author's mom and she knows I'm a huge epic fantasy and sci Fi nerd. No one brings me fantasy or sci fi anymore because I've read it all.
Congrats to Rob Leigh for writing an original story in these times!
The 60s through 90s were the best times for epic fantasy, IMO, and everything written after that is always a bit of a mish mash of fan favorites like LOTR, Wheel of Time, etc.
Speaking as a well read fantasy snob, I thought he did a great job keeping his story and characters original. I was not picking up 'shades of the greats in his book' which is what I see with so many young fantasy writers do these days.
Good book. Great storytelling! Congrats!
Congrats to Rob Leigh for writing an original story in these times!
The 60s through 90s were the best times for epic fantasy, IMO, and everything written after that is always a bit of a mish mash of fan favorites like LOTR, Wheel of Time, etc.
Speaking as a well read fantasy snob, I thought he did a great job keeping his story and characters original. I was not picking up 'shades of the greats in his book' which is what I see with so many young fantasy writers do these days.
Good book. Great storytelling! Congrats!
July 9, 2025
review to come
June 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as well as the characters. I don’t care for the growing relationship between Roy and Ariel. I don’t need romance in every book I read. I can’t wait for the next!
January 14, 2024
Pathlighter started off well enough, and it has potential. However, it reads like a first or second draft that still needs more polishing before it's ready to be final. There is too much telling and not enough showing, as well as inserting unnecessary/too many descriptions (lots of things were "expertly crafted" or "expertly made"). I felt like I was reading a brick wall of adjectives and adverbs at times. Less is more to get your point across, and the reader's imagination can fill in a lot of the blanks. When I'm not given that chance, I tend to zone out.
Some examples:
"all of them looked as if they'd been in a fight, or several" when the group goes to board a ship after we read a battle scene. Unnecessary; we know this info because we just read the action. I would rather be shown the sailors' reactions to their appearances, or see dialogue tags pointing it out.
"Leonard and Ariel must not have updated him that there would be more passengers" after the ship's captain voiced his aversion to accepting more passengers on his ship. Again, this was unnecessary telling, since we were shown how displeased the captain was. This occurs throughout and is the main reason I say this reads like a much rougher draft than something ready to be published.
The characters were okay, but as the story progressed I found myself searching for reasons to feel compelled by them. They were written as if they were supposed to be close to one another, but I never actually FELT that they were. My favorites were Roy and Ariel when they were NOT together, and Rhaiga. Rhaiga was the most compelling and could be a great villain in the future. Some of my favorite quotes:
"Drown me, you worm." -Roy
"The world is one big nest of swords all trying to find their way into your heart." -Roy
"I will fling you so high that you will die of old age before you hit the ground." -Ariel
My last major observation is that there are lots of weird POV switches. By that I mean that they happen when they should not. A chapter would start off from one character's POV and then randomly change to another's at some later point with no warning. While this has been pulled off by other authors in the past with books like Dune, it was jarring and confusing here. There were plenty of other confusing bits and pieces that I noted while reading, but to list them all here would be nitpicky. Suffice it to say that this story would be more enjoyable after being reworked under the guidance of a more critical eye. I understand that the point of self-publishing and indie authoring is that you don't pay for an agent and editor, etc, but I have read other self-published books that have much more polish.
In conclusion, I am a huge supporter of people pursuing their dreams to write and publish a book. That is why I purchased this one, and so my criticism comes from a place of loving honesty. It takes a lot of drive and discipline to undertake these kinds of projects!
Some examples:
"all of them looked as if they'd been in a fight, or several" when the group goes to board a ship after we read a battle scene. Unnecessary; we know this info because we just read the action. I would rather be shown the sailors' reactions to their appearances, or see dialogue tags pointing it out.
"Leonard and Ariel must not have updated him that there would be more passengers" after the ship's captain voiced his aversion to accepting more passengers on his ship. Again, this was unnecessary telling, since we were shown how displeased the captain was. This occurs throughout and is the main reason I say this reads like a much rougher draft than something ready to be published.
The characters were okay, but as the story progressed I found myself searching for reasons to feel compelled by them. They were written as if they were supposed to be close to one another, but I never actually FELT that they were. My favorites were Roy and Ariel when they were NOT together, and Rhaiga. Rhaiga was the most compelling and could be a great villain in the future. Some of my favorite quotes:
"Drown me, you worm." -Roy
"The world is one big nest of swords all trying to find their way into your heart." -Roy
"I will fling you so high that you will die of old age before you hit the ground." -Ariel
My last major observation is that there are lots of weird POV switches. By that I mean that they happen when they should not. A chapter would start off from one character's POV and then randomly change to another's at some later point with no warning. While this has been pulled off by other authors in the past with books like Dune, it was jarring and confusing here. There were plenty of other confusing bits and pieces that I noted while reading, but to list them all here would be nitpicky. Suffice it to say that this story would be more enjoyable after being reworked under the guidance of a more critical eye. I understand that the point of self-publishing and indie authoring is that you don't pay for an agent and editor, etc, but I have read other self-published books that have much more polish.
In conclusion, I am a huge supporter of people pursuing their dreams to write and publish a book. That is why I purchased this one, and so my criticism comes from a place of loving honesty. It takes a lot of drive and discipline to undertake these kinds of projects!
June 28, 2024
General Review:
Pathlighter is a high-fantasy adventure following a cast of elementally empowered individuals written by Rob Leigh, another member of the Break-Ins (See my review of The Rest to the Gods by Joshua Walker for another Break-Ins author).
It is a pretty solid book, reminiscent of Percy Jackson with the relationship between the main characters and the gods and their powers. James in particular has kinda the same attitude as Percy of “take care of your dang kids” in terms of his hatred for the gods and the temple.
A couple of things I would have rewritten (angry/furious red is used a little too much) and I would zone out on occasion, but when I reread things it would make sense. I get having his own swearing system with a different swear based on each of the gods, but it feels kind of off at times. But not bad enough to really take points off, just a warning.
Chapters feel a little long at times, they have the content to fill them, but some of them could have been broken up into multiple chapters. I get it though. As a newer author myself, one of the scariest things is breaking up chapters because there’s a voice inside that screams longer chapters make you a better writer. I don’t think Leigh has that fear, because there was a good amount of variation in length of chapters (as a whole), but a few of the longer chapters had sections in them that could have been made chapters.
Characters:
James kind of annoys me because he is so anti-religion but it makes sense in world. The things he says just sound like a shallow hatred of religion (for good reason in the universe, but the hatred feels cringey at times). Also his perspective of withholding truth as counting as a lie annoyed me. Should the truth be told? Yes. Have they had a chance to divulge that information while it is relevant? Perhaps. Did they necessarily lead him to think something completely otherwise by their omission? No. James just felt whiny in that regard.
Roy and Ariel are my favorite heroes and despite the attempt to make me hate Leonard, I thought he was fine. His motivations made sense. Samira is a solid failed leader.
I like Vayne and Charodon as villains, too. I like their infiltration of the Chosen (Main characters). Some other review mentioned Rhaiga as their favorite villain, I disagree (that reviewer was also critical of the writing style, but I’ll get to that). I think all the villains are pretty solid.
One of the strongest things Leigh did with the characters was make them memorable. There was a time I had to step away from the book kinda early on (of no fault of his, I just got way too busy), and I was able to come back and have no problems diving right back in without needing a refresher or a summary.
Characters are pretty interesting, but can be annoying at times (which is kinda real). 8.5/10
Plot:
The plot is pretty long and detailed but also simple, which is a good thing. The Chosen must gather together and find a way to defeat the Alderaye while navigating challenges both natural and unnatural. It is action packed, which is good, but I think I would have liked for the characters to have an actual breather so they can bond properly. I think their bond is realistic (spending that much time together, you’re going to start bonding whether you like it or not. Many small things between the characters).
I like that the plan is unclear and then the character who may have had a plan kinda vanishes in an all-hope is lost moment.
It is a decent, straightforward plot. I’d say about 9/10
Writing:
I admit, this is one of the weaker points. I felt like it was hard to track some things some times. And as I mentioned above, tropey (angry red) adjective usage; however, the other reviewer made it sound worse than it is. Some of what the other reviewer noted as redundant I disagree with because sometimes… I am dense and stupid. It clarified intentions or source. Could it be done better? Probably. Could I have done much better? Eh, sometimes.
Leigh is talented in world-building. There are tons of different cultures, but he talks about them kind of on the nose at times which just feels a little awkward.
Other than those things it is hard to articulate more about it. Leigh is a solid writer (better than my book, I can promise you that), but was just a little repetitive/dry sometimes and that stands out by the nature of what we as people notice. Even as an optimist, I know I notice bad more often than good, but in reflection, I think about how far apart those “bad” things were.
I’d also like to note that Leigh, whether intentionally or not, does something that I adore from Tolkien’s writing style. He uses alliterative verse (not as often as Tolkien) but it is clear Leigh chose his adjectives carefully to match either a character (a water character crashing like a tidal wave) or a word (skillfully smithed).
All in all, I’d give the writing a 8/10
Final rating: 8.5/10
Good job, Leigh. I know you have more in the works, I look forward to the sequel. Roy and Charodon are cute together. Or maybe that’s Ariel. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Either way is fine with me.
Pathlighter is a high-fantasy adventure following a cast of elementally empowered individuals written by Rob Leigh, another member of the Break-Ins (See my review of The Rest to the Gods by Joshua Walker for another Break-Ins author).
It is a pretty solid book, reminiscent of Percy Jackson with the relationship between the main characters and the gods and their powers. James in particular has kinda the same attitude as Percy of “take care of your dang kids” in terms of his hatred for the gods and the temple.
A couple of things I would have rewritten (angry/furious red is used a little too much) and I would zone out on occasion, but when I reread things it would make sense. I get having his own swearing system with a different swear based on each of the gods, but it feels kind of off at times. But not bad enough to really take points off, just a warning.
Chapters feel a little long at times, they have the content to fill them, but some of them could have been broken up into multiple chapters. I get it though. As a newer author myself, one of the scariest things is breaking up chapters because there’s a voice inside that screams longer chapters make you a better writer. I don’t think Leigh has that fear, because there was a good amount of variation in length of chapters (as a whole), but a few of the longer chapters had sections in them that could have been made chapters.
Characters:
James kind of annoys me because he is so anti-religion but it makes sense in world. The things he says just sound like a shallow hatred of religion (for good reason in the universe, but the hatred feels cringey at times). Also his perspective of withholding truth as counting as a lie annoyed me. Should the truth be told? Yes. Have they had a chance to divulge that information while it is relevant? Perhaps. Did they necessarily lead him to think something completely otherwise by their omission? No. James just felt whiny in that regard.
Roy and Ariel are my favorite heroes and despite the attempt to make me hate Leonard, I thought he was fine. His motivations made sense. Samira is a solid failed leader.
I like Vayne and Charodon as villains, too. I like their infiltration of the Chosen (Main characters). Some other review mentioned Rhaiga as their favorite villain, I disagree (that reviewer was also critical of the writing style, but I’ll get to that). I think all the villains are pretty solid.
One of the strongest things Leigh did with the characters was make them memorable. There was a time I had to step away from the book kinda early on (of no fault of his, I just got way too busy), and I was able to come back and have no problems diving right back in without needing a refresher or a summary.
Characters are pretty interesting, but can be annoying at times (which is kinda real). 8.5/10
Plot:
The plot is pretty long and detailed but also simple, which is a good thing. The Chosen must gather together and find a way to defeat the Alderaye while navigating challenges both natural and unnatural. It is action packed, which is good, but I think I would have liked for the characters to have an actual breather so they can bond properly. I think their bond is realistic (spending that much time together, you’re going to start bonding whether you like it or not. Many small things between the characters).
I like that the plan is unclear and then the character who may have had a plan kinda vanishes in an all-hope is lost moment.
It is a decent, straightforward plot. I’d say about 9/10
Writing:
I admit, this is one of the weaker points. I felt like it was hard to track some things some times. And as I mentioned above, tropey (angry red) adjective usage; however, the other reviewer made it sound worse than it is. Some of what the other reviewer noted as redundant I disagree with because sometimes… I am dense and stupid. It clarified intentions or source. Could it be done better? Probably. Could I have done much better? Eh, sometimes.
Leigh is talented in world-building. There are tons of different cultures, but he talks about them kind of on the nose at times which just feels a little awkward.
Other than those things it is hard to articulate more about it. Leigh is a solid writer (better than my book, I can promise you that), but was just a little repetitive/dry sometimes and that stands out by the nature of what we as people notice. Even as an optimist, I know I notice bad more often than good, but in reflection, I think about how far apart those “bad” things were.
I’d also like to note that Leigh, whether intentionally or not, does something that I adore from Tolkien’s writing style. He uses alliterative verse (not as often as Tolkien) but it is clear Leigh chose his adjectives carefully to match either a character (a water character crashing like a tidal wave) or a word (skillfully smithed).
All in all, I’d give the writing a 8/10
Final rating: 8.5/10
Good job, Leigh. I know you have more in the works, I look forward to the sequel. Roy and Charodon are cute together. Or maybe that’s Ariel. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Either way is fine with me.
January 12, 2025
AN ENTERTAINING DEBUT NOVEL, WITH SOME ISSUES.
(I personally rate this at a 3.5, but considering its positives, I’m rating it at 4 stars anywhere I’m unable to rate with half stars.)
Pathlighter by Rob Leigh was a good read. Let me start there. And I think the way I want to discuss it is by making a ‘criticism sandwich.’ Start with good, talk about the bad, and then end with more good.
So. This book felt like a blend of Avatar the Last Airbender, the Wheel of Time and the lightest dash of Stormlight Archive (I’m looking at you, made-up in universe curse words.) The villains reminded me quite a bit of the Forsaken in WoT, while the magic system and the Chosen idea are very reminiscent of Airbender. All in all, it was a super interesting combination in a great world along some classic-feeling story threads in the central plot.
Which is a good segue into the negative.
This book felt like it was trying to do too much within a single novel. I only saw the world that I enjoyed quickly, passing through areas that could have been the setting for a whole novel on their own in a single section of the book. It’s the same with the story itself. The multi-part structure in Fantasy works well, but when each part feels like it should have been split into its own book instead of crammed into one - when this IS the start of a new series! - it hurt the narrative flow and kept me from being able to connect with the events and characters the way that I should have.
Simply put, a lot of the high stakes situations that take place in parts two and three and even a bit in part one felt unearned. They felt like things that should have been happening toward the end of a book, and then in a second or third book in a series. Like I said, it was enjoyable! But I would have enjoyed it more if Pathlighter had been split into three separate novels rather than three parts of a single novel.
That said, there IS a lot to love in this book - especially the author’s obvious care and passion for the genre. You can feel some of his inspiration in his writing, but only in the best ways! The book is very reminiscent of classic Fantasy, while also pulling on some of the relational and personality strengths of YA without diving fully into that particular subgenre.
And considering that this is Rob’s debut novel, it can only be expected that his writing ability will continue to grow!
So. I finish this novel with a a positive impression and an excitement to see what’s next in Book Two, while also having an awareness of its flaws and accepting them. While the issues were noticeable, they were never at a level that would ruin a book for me.
Hopefully, you’ll give Pathlighter a read, because it was definitely a good time! I know for a fact that fans of the other works I compared it to - Airbender, Wheel of Time, etc. - will absolutely find things to love here.
(I personally rate this at a 3.5, but considering its positives, I’m rating it at 4 stars anywhere I’m unable to rate with half stars.)
Pathlighter by Rob Leigh was a good read. Let me start there. And I think the way I want to discuss it is by making a ‘criticism sandwich.’ Start with good, talk about the bad, and then end with more good.
So. This book felt like a blend of Avatar the Last Airbender, the Wheel of Time and the lightest dash of Stormlight Archive (I’m looking at you, made-up in universe curse words.) The villains reminded me quite a bit of the Forsaken in WoT, while the magic system and the Chosen idea are very reminiscent of Airbender. All in all, it was a super interesting combination in a great world along some classic-feeling story threads in the central plot.
Which is a good segue into the negative.
This book felt like it was trying to do too much within a single novel. I only saw the world that I enjoyed quickly, passing through areas that could have been the setting for a whole novel on their own in a single section of the book. It’s the same with the story itself. The multi-part structure in Fantasy works well, but when each part feels like it should have been split into its own book instead of crammed into one - when this IS the start of a new series! - it hurt the narrative flow and kept me from being able to connect with the events and characters the way that I should have.
Simply put, a lot of the high stakes situations that take place in parts two and three and even a bit in part one felt unearned. They felt like things that should have been happening toward the end of a book, and then in a second or third book in a series. Like I said, it was enjoyable! But I would have enjoyed it more if Pathlighter had been split into three separate novels rather than three parts of a single novel.
That said, there IS a lot to love in this book - especially the author’s obvious care and passion for the genre. You can feel some of his inspiration in his writing, but only in the best ways! The book is very reminiscent of classic Fantasy, while also pulling on some of the relational and personality strengths of YA without diving fully into that particular subgenre.
And considering that this is Rob’s debut novel, it can only be expected that his writing ability will continue to grow!
So. I finish this novel with a a positive impression and an excitement to see what’s next in Book Two, while also having an awareness of its flaws and accepting them. While the issues were noticeable, they were never at a level that would ruin a book for me.
Hopefully, you’ll give Pathlighter a read, because it was definitely a good time! I know for a fact that fans of the other works I compared it to - Airbender, Wheel of Time, etc. - will absolutely find things to love here.
May 30, 2024
Elemental fantasy meets ancient Greek mythology? Sign me up!
This was an epic debut novel by Rob Leigh. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect at the start. James, the main protagonist, seemed a bitter and angry character, leaving me worried about the tone of the overall story. I’m not much of a fan of dark and hopeless books along the grimdark realm. But alas, by the end, the arc did not weigh the book down for me and eventually evolved into a more hopeful theme.
My favorite part of the story was the mix of fast-paced action and beautiful character-driven plot points. You could say that there are five main protagonists, each with their own unique background and feel, as well as fantastic progressions as events unfold. I find it’s not easy to perform that type of quality character work when the action dictates the plot, so well done to Rob on that end.
The ending was a phenomenal climax to the whole story. I found myself unable to break away from the pages when the battle between heroes and god-like villains came to a head. It was a satisfying conclusion that has me eagerly awaiting book two.
If you like the blend of a medieval fantasy world dripped with elemental magic and an age-old war between flawed heroes and god-like villains, then you must read this book.
This was an epic debut novel by Rob Leigh. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect at the start. James, the main protagonist, seemed a bitter and angry character, leaving me worried about the tone of the overall story. I’m not much of a fan of dark and hopeless books along the grimdark realm. But alas, by the end, the arc did not weigh the book down for me and eventually evolved into a more hopeful theme.
My favorite part of the story was the mix of fast-paced action and beautiful character-driven plot points. You could say that there are five main protagonists, each with their own unique background and feel, as well as fantastic progressions as events unfold. I find it’s not easy to perform that type of quality character work when the action dictates the plot, so well done to Rob on that end.
The ending was a phenomenal climax to the whole story. I found myself unable to break away from the pages when the battle between heroes and god-like villains came to a head. It was a satisfying conclusion that has me eagerly awaiting book two.
If you like the blend of a medieval fantasy world dripped with elemental magic and an age-old war between flawed heroes and god-like villains, then you must read this book.
August 7, 2024
I wanted to support a local author (Omaha, NE) and I have no regrets about that. However, my 3 star rating is given simply because the book was okay, nothing less and nothing more, at least for my tastes. As much as someone can hate when a book has too slow of a start, this was almost jarring in the opposite direction due to the immediate plot starting with little to no background of the main character. I also found it not believable that James suddenly can wield his power so accurately and easily when he didn’t even know he had power less than two weeks prior. I will say, I got more interested later on in the book, but overall it was not a book that I “just couldn’t put down”.
January 14, 2025
Action-packed, gods choosing warriors, ancient demons, inter-party drama, cool beasties, this book has it all.
Definitely for fans of Ancient Greek style stories where the gods choose their 'chosen' warriors to combat ancient evils.
The magic system is really neat as the Chosen essentially utilize their lifeforce or the concept to their detriment (ie, the water dude can end up drowning if he uses too much water magic or lightning lady got burnt by lightning). It also made for good sources of tension between the team members.
There is so much action in this story, so fans of fight scenes, you'll get your fix!
And it has a King Felix cover, can never go wrong with that!
Definitely for fans of Ancient Greek style stories where the gods choose their 'chosen' warriors to combat ancient evils.
The magic system is really neat as the Chosen essentially utilize their lifeforce or the concept to their detriment (ie, the water dude can end up drowning if he uses too much water magic or lightning lady got burnt by lightning). It also made for good sources of tension between the team members.
There is so much action in this story, so fans of fight scenes, you'll get your fix!
And it has a King Felix cover, can never go wrong with that!
December 31, 2024
Really good! I had a great time with this book. It did take a little while for me to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. I would say the beginning was a little rocky for me, but it picked up a lot in the middle and the end was just awesome. Rob Leigh is a talented writer (which I already knew from reading his novella, Tales of a Death Metal Bard), and I can tell he’s got something even better in store for book two!
September 6, 2025
The worldbuilding in Pathlighter was a real treat to experience. For a debut novel, it delivers far more than I expected. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and I especially enjoyed the blend of interesting character dynamics, epic battles, and themes of personal growth and exploration. On top of that, the book takes a thoughtful look at how religion shapes people and cultures. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy in the vein of Percy Jackson or Mistborn.
August 16, 2024
Some good ideas suffering from a writing that still needs some improvement.
Action-packed but often feels like it was written to seem cool rather than to serve the plot.
A too-perfect protagonist that quickly gets on the nerves.
Action-packed but often feels like it was written to seem cool rather than to serve the plot.
A too-perfect protagonist that quickly gets on the nerves.
March 9, 2025
Action packed from cover to cover with beautiful world building deep lore and a ragtag crew of interesting characters. Full review to come.
August 8, 2025
Updated with a more thorough review.
A cover and title that immediately invoked what I love about fantasy. Heroic individuals backdropped by the fantastical.
The premise, “James is convinced that the gods have cursed him, left to fend for himself in a squalid city-state in the clutches of a corrupt theocracy…” and start intrigued me immediately, and the novel started strong. This had an ensemble cast, including POVs from the villains, a mysterious group known as “The Elders,” and most, if not all, of the characters were likeable and distinct. Part of the distinction came from the characters having colloquial phrases, and while I appreciated the attempt, when it seemed that only the fire-manipulator and stone-manipulator used terms like scorching or crushing, it took away from the suspension of disbelief, as they didn’t seem to have much reason, faith or otherwise, for substituting expletives in such a way.
There were also a few plot conveniences that felt like they could have used a more tender touch, but overall, this was a fresh novel that used the tropes of gods and “elemental” magic rather well. A world that felt fleshed out and believable for the most part.
The Elders I mentioned earlier were by far the most interesting aspect, and seeing how they interacted with the main characters was quite nice. Forever foreboding and constantly keeping me, as a reader, wondering what the next step for them would be. Anytime they showed up on page and our cast of heroes was in the vicinity, I expected death to follow, but it’s clear not everything about these Elders is as they seem, and Rob did a great job balancing that.
By the midpoint, I was starting to wonder what the overall stakes/plot was on a larger scale, as other than Elders=bad, Chosen=good (No it’s not nearly as cut and dry as that, there is some clear nuance and throughout the novel it was teased that the chosen are, in fact, fallible) there was a sort of listlessness with the direction. Plenty of character drama for those who love a strong character-driven story (It’s me, I’m guilty), but in some places it verged more on melodrama than actual tension.
If tension is caused by a misunderstanding generated by a lack of communication, it will typically not hold my interest. Some of that happened here, but the author did a solid enough job tying it all back together and having at least a baseline reason for lack of trust.
By the end, I feel like the course was corrected and strongly set up the sequel while resolving some of the smaller-scale character drama.
Genuinely, I think this was one heck of an ambitious debut, and I can happily say I enjoyed it, as I don’t tend to finish works I don’t enjoy. To my knowledge, the sequel is underway, and I’m excited to see what Rob cooks up in the future.
A cover and title that immediately invoked what I love about fantasy. Heroic individuals backdropped by the fantastical.
The premise, “James is convinced that the gods have cursed him, left to fend for himself in a squalid city-state in the clutches of a corrupt theocracy…” and start intrigued me immediately, and the novel started strong. This had an ensemble cast, including POVs from the villains, a mysterious group known as “The Elders,” and most, if not all, of the characters were likeable and distinct. Part of the distinction came from the characters having colloquial phrases, and while I appreciated the attempt, when it seemed that only the fire-manipulator and stone-manipulator used terms like scorching or crushing, it took away from the suspension of disbelief, as they didn’t seem to have much reason, faith or otherwise, for substituting expletives in such a way.
There were also a few plot conveniences that felt like they could have used a more tender touch, but overall, this was a fresh novel that used the tropes of gods and “elemental” magic rather well. A world that felt fleshed out and believable for the most part.
The Elders I mentioned earlier were by far the most interesting aspect, and seeing how they interacted with the main characters was quite nice. Forever foreboding and constantly keeping me, as a reader, wondering what the next step for them would be. Anytime they showed up on page and our cast of heroes was in the vicinity, I expected death to follow, but it’s clear not everything about these Elders is as they seem, and Rob did a great job balancing that.
By the midpoint, I was starting to wonder what the overall stakes/plot was on a larger scale, as other than Elders=bad, Chosen=good (No it’s not nearly as cut and dry as that, there is some clear nuance and throughout the novel it was teased that the chosen are, in fact, fallible) there was a sort of listlessness with the direction. Plenty of character drama for those who love a strong character-driven story (It’s me, I’m guilty), but in some places it verged more on melodrama than actual tension.
If tension is caused by a misunderstanding generated by a lack of communication, it will typically not hold my interest. Some of that happened here, but the author did a solid enough job tying it all back together and having at least a baseline reason for lack of trust.
By the end, I feel like the course was corrected and strongly set up the sequel while resolving some of the smaller-scale character drama.
Genuinely, I think this was one heck of an ambitious debut, and I can happily say I enjoyed it, as I don’t tend to finish works I don’t enjoy. To my knowledge, the sequel is underway, and I’m excited to see what Rob cooks up in the future.
April 7, 2024
As debut novels go, this was so good!
It had a great cast of characters and it was packed full of break neck action from the start. As someone who loves her fast paced action, this had it in spades!
I loved how James grew as a character, from being hell bent on one thing at the start, to something different by the time you get to the end of the book. I can't wait to see what Book 2 brings for not just him, but the friends he made along the way.
I thought Rob did an excellent job with the world building.
I would definitely recommend this book!
It had a great cast of characters and it was packed full of break neck action from the start. As someone who loves her fast paced action, this had it in spades!
I loved how James grew as a character, from being hell bent on one thing at the start, to something different by the time you get to the end of the book. I can't wait to see what Book 2 brings for not just him, but the friends he made along the way.
I thought Rob did an excellent job with the world building.
I would definitely recommend this book!
October 27, 2025
An Indie debut worth checking out! A series with an interesting premise and enjoyable characters with have cool powers that come at a cost. Prose was good and writing style was neat and consise.
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