What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lumen Caligo: Fallen
~ "Fallen is extraordinary, an instant rival to the big hitters of modern fantasy fiction."~ Emily Maynard, Readers' Favorites
There are three types of people in the world. Those with white wings. Those with black wings. And those with none. Every 350 years a 4th is born called the Lumen Caligo. One side of his wings there is white. On the other side, there is black.
Throughout time, the Lumen Caligo acted as a peacekeeper for all the nations, leading them to times of peace, prosperity, and power... Then, the Lumen Caligo of the 1600s mysteriously vanished at the brink of war between the nations. His last letter was something called "The Isolation Order". It requested that the nations return to their lands of origin. Fearing the destruction that could unfold and respecting the title of The Lumen Caligo, the nations returned to their lands and vowed to remain isolated from the rest of the world until the Lumen Caligo returned...
On a sunset beach in California, a man sits in solitude... Not knowing the role he will play for the changing and shaping of the world...This is where our story begins.
There are three types of people in the world. Those with white wings. Those with black wings. And those with none. Every 350 years a 4th is born called the Lumen Caligo. One side of his wings there is white. On the other side, there is black.
Throughout time, the Lumen Caligo acted as a peacekeeper for all the nations, leading them to times of peace, prosperity, and power... Then, the Lumen Caligo of the 1600s mysteriously vanished at the brink of war between the nations. His last letter was something called "The Isolation Order". It requested that the nations return to their lands of origin. Fearing the destruction that could unfold and respecting the title of The Lumen Caligo, the nations returned to their lands and vowed to remain isolated from the rest of the world until the Lumen Caligo returned...
On a sunset beach in California, a man sits in solitude... Not knowing the role he will play for the changing and shaping of the world...This is where our story begins.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
4 people are currently reading
2350 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 13, 2025
In a Nutshell: An indie middle-grade/teen fantasy about some unusual beings living on earth. This book has an outstanding concept, but the writing choices needed a lot of rethinking. The approach would have perhaps suited 1924 better than 2024. This is the first of a planned series, but I am unsure if I want to continue with it. This is an outlier review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
✔️ The introduction: So interesting that I could feel my anticipation for the book rise. If you want a taste of this intro, read the GR blurb; it reveals only this opening statement and nothing else.
✔️ The concept of the plot. Beings with white wings, black wings, and a special one with dual coloured wings; the special being having the role of a peacekeeper between nations; the disappearance of this “peacekeeper” 650 years ago without any trace… There’s so much creativity in this idea!
✔️ Mrs. Arlene Palermo [Not sure of the spelling; disadvantage of having only the audiobook] – Martin’s landlady and confidante. Easily the best character of the book as she feels more human than robotic.
✔️ Cyrus’s new schoolmate from Hawaii [Not at all sure of her name. Is it Auliyee? Oliyi?] – a wonderful character. She isn’t portrayed as a typical girl sidekick but is outspoken and clever. Loved her spunky attitude and her banter with Cyrus!
✔️ The fantastical worldbuilding – a nice combination of worldly elements and otherworldly characters.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚠️ Martin is an interesting character. His overly formal manner of speaking makes sense considering his... ahem... true nature. But some of his decisions are shocking and highly questionable. I did like his character at the start, but once the reveals came out, I found it tough to continue viewing him in the same spirit. Cyrus is a typical middle-grader in many ways, and yet he isn’t typical. His initial chapters are fabulous as he is shown as a standard teen with standard teen tantrums and attitudes. But once the story changes track, I couldn’t connect to his personality as it seemed so different from his earlier avatar. For both these characters, who are the most important duo in the story, I would have appreciated a more consistent development.
⚠️ The rapport between Martin and Cyrus is outstanding and contains enough heartwarming moments, but this often belies the fact that it is also very one-sided, with Martin being subtly dominating and no one else questioning his authority.
⚠️ While the start is not that fantastical, the story is still interesting enough. Once the fantasy starts making an appearance, the story goes a mixed way, with some part of it being appealing and some being farfetched and a lot being unexplained.
⚠️ The pacing is quite slow, but as this is planned as a long series, it might be that this book served only one purpose – of establishing a background to the core events.
⚠️ The ending is interesting but also a major cliffhanger. With this being planned as a seven-book series, and one book due to release every year, there’s a long wait to the finish line.
Bookish Nays:
❌ To be honest, I didn't know that there would be a wheelchair-bound character as the main protagonist of this story. I usually avoid fantasy novels with such characters because inevitably, most such books turn to a superhero-kind of narrative where the character breaks free of the wheelchair to perform miraculous tasks. It's terribly ableist. When the book began, I hoped that it would steer clear of this backward-minded attitude, but it didn’t.
❌ As much as the plot was innovative, the content was equally regressive. Body shaming, ableism, fat shaming, gender stereotyping, racial stereotyping, racism and white supremacy, white saviour approach, abusive parenting masked as concern and love... every possible outdated mode of thinking is present in the book. Merely having the content wouldn’t have made the book reprehensible as such content sometimes depicts an antagonist’s thinking. But all of this content is normalised in the narrative and no character even bats an eyelid at the negative remarks – that’s tough to forgive, all the more as this is marked as a middle-grade/teen fantasy. These tropes might have been ignored if the book had been written even two decades ago. But with so much awareness in recent times, it's important to ensure that printed content is respectful of all religions and ethnicities and genders and body shapes/sizes and so on.
❌ It’s not just the tropes, but even the writing in general is outmoded and limited. Every character is first judged by appearance. I wish there had not been so much needless stress on a person's cultural heritage or physical prowess or even looks. There’s only so many times a character can be called “exotic” just because of their ethnic background. One sentence that truly annoyed me was “Buddha will be jealous of that belly, for sure.” The pot-bellied “Laughing Buddha” (who is based on a historical Chinese monk named Budai) is NOT the same as “Buddha”, who is Gautama Buddha, the Indian prince who provided the principles of Buddhism. There’s no excuse for poor research.
❌ The writing is a little repetitive, and at times, there are even contradictions in the characters’ statements. The dialogues in the conversations seem a bit artificial at times. I am not sure if this is due to the nature of the “people”, but I didn’t enjoy the overly theatrical style.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at a little more than 8 hours, is narrated by Caleb Bow. He is quite good, though some of his voices go overboard. He even voices sound effects such as thudding and creaking. While his performance is overall decent, he seems to have committed spoonerisms a couple of times. I mean, there’s no way "Fit hit the shan" and "The mother had to tattoo her head's child" can be correct lines, right? The first could still be a creative way of getting out of a vulgar usage. The second makes no sense whatsoever in that word order.
All in all, while the story did provide some good moments, my experience was overshadowed by the slowness of the plot, the excessive focus on appearance, and the outdated thinking.
Despite the fact that there is great potential in the book, I wouldn’t like to recommend it without all the red flags being eliminated. Some of the issues would have passed muster in an adult fantasy, but in a book meant for middle-graders and teens, there’s no way such content can be acceptable.
1.5 stars, rounding up mainly as it is an indie venture and the potential concept is still good. Let’s hope the writing choices improve as the series goes ahead.
Please note that mine is an outlier review. So do read the other opinions before you make up your mind.
My thanks to Colibri PVP for providing the ALC of “The Lumen Caligo: Fallen” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
California. When Martin Weatherford finds a baby left at his doorstep, he's not much surprised to see whose baby it is and who left it. With the help of his landlady Mrs. Palermo, Martin raises little Cyrus.
Currently eleven, Cyrus is wheelchair-bound because of some paralysing disease. He knows that he's adopted, that he is way above his age level in intelligence, and also that he doesn't have long to live. But soon, he discovers that whatever he thought he knew is inaccurate, and he actually knows zilch about the things that matter.
The story comes to us mostly in Cyrus's third person perspective.
Bookish Yays:
✔️ The introduction: So interesting that I could feel my anticipation for the book rise. If you want a taste of this intro, read the GR blurb; it reveals only this opening statement and nothing else.
✔️ The concept of the plot. Beings with white wings, black wings, and a special one with dual coloured wings; the special being having the role of a peacekeeper between nations; the disappearance of this “peacekeeper” 650 years ago without any trace… There’s so much creativity in this idea!
✔️ Mrs. Arlene Palermo [Not sure of the spelling; disadvantage of having only the audiobook] – Martin’s landlady and confidante. Easily the best character of the book as she feels more human than robotic.
✔️ Cyrus’s new schoolmate from Hawaii [Not at all sure of her name. Is it Auliyee? Oliyi?] – a wonderful character. She isn’t portrayed as a typical girl sidekick but is outspoken and clever. Loved her spunky attitude and her banter with Cyrus!
✔️ The fantastical worldbuilding – a nice combination of worldly elements and otherworldly characters.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚠️ Martin is an interesting character. His overly formal manner of speaking makes sense considering his... ahem... true nature. But some of his decisions are shocking and highly questionable. I did like his character at the start, but once the reveals came out, I found it tough to continue viewing him in the same spirit. Cyrus is a typical middle-grader in many ways, and yet he isn’t typical. His initial chapters are fabulous as he is shown as a standard teen with standard teen tantrums and attitudes. But once the story changes track, I couldn’t connect to his personality as it seemed so different from his earlier avatar. For both these characters, who are the most important duo in the story, I would have appreciated a more consistent development.
⚠️ The rapport between Martin and Cyrus is outstanding and contains enough heartwarming moments, but this often belies the fact that it is also very one-sided, with Martin being subtly dominating and no one else questioning his authority.
⚠️ While the start is not that fantastical, the story is still interesting enough. Once the fantasy starts making an appearance, the story goes a mixed way, with some part of it being appealing and some being farfetched and a lot being unexplained.
⚠️ The pacing is quite slow, but as this is planned as a long series, it might be that this book served only one purpose – of establishing a background to the core events.
⚠️ The ending is interesting but also a major cliffhanger. With this being planned as a seven-book series, and one book due to release every year, there’s a long wait to the finish line.
Bookish Nays:
❌ To be honest, I didn't know that there would be a wheelchair-bound character as the main protagonist of this story. I usually avoid fantasy novels with such characters because inevitably, most such books turn to a superhero-kind of narrative where the character breaks free of the wheelchair to perform miraculous tasks. It's terribly ableist. When the book began, I hoped that it would steer clear of this backward-minded attitude, but it didn’t.
❌ As much as the plot was innovative, the content was equally regressive. Body shaming, ableism, fat shaming, gender stereotyping, racial stereotyping, racism and white supremacy, white saviour approach, abusive parenting masked as concern and love... every possible outdated mode of thinking is present in the book. Merely having the content wouldn’t have made the book reprehensible as such content sometimes depicts an antagonist’s thinking. But all of this content is normalised in the narrative and no character even bats an eyelid at the negative remarks – that’s tough to forgive, all the more as this is marked as a middle-grade/teen fantasy. These tropes might have been ignored if the book had been written even two decades ago. But with so much awareness in recent times, it's important to ensure that printed content is respectful of all religions and ethnicities and genders and body shapes/sizes and so on.
❌ It’s not just the tropes, but even the writing in general is outmoded and limited. Every character is first judged by appearance. I wish there had not been so much needless stress on a person's cultural heritage or physical prowess or even looks. There’s only so many times a character can be called “exotic” just because of their ethnic background. One sentence that truly annoyed me was “Buddha will be jealous of that belly, for sure.” The pot-bellied “Laughing Buddha” (who is based on a historical Chinese monk named Budai) is NOT the same as “Buddha”, who is Gautama Buddha, the Indian prince who provided the principles of Buddhism. There’s no excuse for poor research.
❌ The writing is a little repetitive, and at times, there are even contradictions in the characters’ statements. The dialogues in the conversations seem a bit artificial at times. I am not sure if this is due to the nature of the “people”, but I didn’t enjoy the overly theatrical style.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at a little more than 8 hours, is narrated by Caleb Bow. He is quite good, though some of his voices go overboard. He even voices sound effects such as thudding and creaking. While his performance is overall decent, he seems to have committed spoonerisms a couple of times. I mean, there’s no way "Fit hit the shan" and "The mother had to tattoo her head's child" can be correct lines, right? The first could still be a creative way of getting out of a vulgar usage. The second makes no sense whatsoever in that word order.
All in all, while the story did provide some good moments, my experience was overshadowed by the slowness of the plot, the excessive focus on appearance, and the outdated thinking.
Despite the fact that there is great potential in the book, I wouldn’t like to recommend it without all the red flags being eliminated. Some of the issues would have passed muster in an adult fantasy, but in a book meant for middle-graders and teens, there’s no way such content can be acceptable.
1.5 stars, rounding up mainly as it is an indie venture and the potential concept is still good. Let’s hope the writing choices improve as the series goes ahead.
Please note that mine is an outlier review. So do read the other opinions before you make up your mind.
My thanks to Colibri PVP for providing the ALC of “The Lumen Caligo: Fallen” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 2, 2025
1st of the 7 book series, I hope this book catches your fancy. I promise to write diligently and get the second one out this next summer. May your light illuminate the darkness.
November 1, 2023
This book wasn’t something I would normally read, but I’m so glad I did! The humor, the setting, and the character building was so well done. It was so easy for me to immerse myself in the story and connect with the characters it was amazing. I’m gonna be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book!
November 24, 2023
I don’t even know where to begin. I really loved this book. I haven’t read a in hand paper book in ages and this one has me now wanting all of the books in paper form. The author developed the characters with unexpected twists that have me anticipating the next books wondering what will happen next. Thank you so much Mr Cobb for sharing this wonderful story that has been in your head.
June 3, 2025
*4.5
Thank you so much to Voracious Readers Only and the author for the free e-copy 🫶!
"May your light illuminate the darkness...May the darkness never overshadow your light."
🪶🪽🕯️🪶🪽🕯️🕯️🪽🪶🕯️🪽🪶
I have a lot to say about Fallen...
To provide a bit of background, this book takes place in a version of our world where four types of people reside: the white-winged Lumens, the black-winged Caligos, the wingless Terrams, and, every 350 years, a Lumen Caligo with black and white wings. The Lumen Caligo is essentially a peacekeeper between the nations and a master of both light and darkness. In a time of war, the previous Lumen Caligo vanished after declaring an Isolation Order, which required everyone to return to their lands of origin and isolate from the rest of the world until further instructions. Our main character is 11-year-old Cyrus, who lives a relatively normal life with his guardian Martin, albeit paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He suddenly finds out that he is the new Lumen Caligo, and he has missed out on a WHOLE lot of lore 😅😅. Together with his friends Auli'i and Kimo, he ventures to the Lumen capitol Aeolia and finds himself thrust into quite a messy situation.
So my experience reading this book went a little something like this:
First 40%: I LOVE THIS.
The majority of the middle of the book: Hmm, I don't know how to feel...
Last 30-ish%: Yeah I still love this!
I'll talk about my main issue in a minute, but first, let me talk about what I loved!
Fallen reminds me of the kinds of fantasies I used to read as a kid. It's got loveable characters, interesting worldbuilding that is still easy enough to understand, and so much potential overall. This is the first book in a planned 7-book series, and I can't even begin to imagine where the author could take this story. The ending alone made me so excited for what's to come in the second book, and I already purchased it 😂. This was such a fun story to read and these characters have become such a comfort to me already! It's a clean book that is appropriate for both younger and older audiences!
I loved the concept of different kinds of wings, and am interested to hopefully find learn more about the people and politics of this world in future books. The majority of Fallen was basically an introduction to everything, which was helpful for my pea brain but also slightly dull at some points. THE LAST COUPLE CHAPTERS THOUGH...ohh my word were they suspenseful. I actually didn't know if the author had it in him to write such scenes 😂!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to get into the next one! However, I do have a few issues...
I believe it's important to write honest reviews, ESPECIALLY if you've been given a book for free. I don't usually discuss this type of thing in my reviews, but I think it's important to mention.
There were several comments and scenarios that were just...distasteful and unnecessary, in my opinion. Things regarding women, people of color, etc. I'll list a few below, but just know that while this didn't necessarily sour my opinions of the story itself, it did unfortunately prevent me from giving this book a five-star rating.
- Multiple uses of the word "exotic" when describing Auli'i (who is Hawaiian).
- A character mispronounces Auli'i and Kimo's last name, Fualautoalasi, as "Foa-meow-colonoscopy." I know this is meant to be a joke, but...
- The trope of a disabled character magically becoming cured is present in this book.
- Kimo randomly asks if male Lumens are stronger than female Lumens, to which he is told that yes, they are physically and biologically stronger. While I don't disagree with the fact that males are biologically stronger than females, this seemed unnecessary to add to the book.
- I could be wrong, but it seemed to me that all of the Lumens, who are considered masters of light and who are prominently featured in this book, are white, whereas all Caligos and Terrams are people of color. This is just odd to me.
Those are the examples that stick out to me, but there are definitely others. Do with that what you will, and if that's enough to sway you from reading this book, totally valid. I'm just mentioning these because these are things that seem completely unnecessary and honestly, outdated. It is 2025 and while I'm not an advocate for forcing diversity on everything and being scrupulously politically correct, I do think writers should be more intentional in how they incorporate disabled people and people of color into their stories. This is all I'm going to say because I'm white and able-bodied but I felt I couldn't write a glowing review of Fallen without mentioning these things.
Thank you so much to Voracious Readers Only and the author for the free e-copy 🫶!
"May your light illuminate the darkness...May the darkness never overshadow your light."
🪶🪽🕯️🪶🪽🕯️🕯️🪽🪶🕯️🪽🪶
I have a lot to say about Fallen...
To provide a bit of background, this book takes place in a version of our world where four types of people reside: the white-winged Lumens, the black-winged Caligos, the wingless Terrams, and, every 350 years, a Lumen Caligo with black and white wings. The Lumen Caligo is essentially a peacekeeper between the nations and a master of both light and darkness. In a time of war, the previous Lumen Caligo vanished after declaring an Isolation Order, which required everyone to return to their lands of origin and isolate from the rest of the world until further instructions. Our main character is 11-year-old Cyrus, who lives a relatively normal life with his guardian Martin, albeit paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He suddenly finds out that he is the new Lumen Caligo, and he has missed out on a WHOLE lot of lore 😅😅. Together with his friends Auli'i and Kimo, he ventures to the Lumen capitol Aeolia and finds himself thrust into quite a messy situation.
So my experience reading this book went a little something like this:
First 40%: I LOVE THIS.
The majority of the middle of the book: Hmm, I don't know how to feel...
Last 30-ish%: Yeah I still love this!
I'll talk about my main issue in a minute, but first, let me talk about what I loved!
Fallen reminds me of the kinds of fantasies I used to read as a kid. It's got loveable characters, interesting worldbuilding that is still easy enough to understand, and so much potential overall. This is the first book in a planned 7-book series, and I can't even begin to imagine where the author could take this story. The ending alone made me so excited for what's to come in the second book, and I already purchased it 😂. This was such a fun story to read and these characters have become such a comfort to me already! It's a clean book that is appropriate for both younger and older audiences!
I loved the concept of different kinds of wings, and am interested to hopefully find learn more about the people and politics of this world in future books. The majority of Fallen was basically an introduction to everything, which was helpful for my pea brain but also slightly dull at some points. THE LAST COUPLE CHAPTERS THOUGH...ohh my word were they suspenseful. I actually didn't know if the author had it in him to write such scenes 😂!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to get into the next one! However, I do have a few issues...
I believe it's important to write honest reviews, ESPECIALLY if you've been given a book for free. I don't usually discuss this type of thing in my reviews, but I think it's important to mention.
There were several comments and scenarios that were just...distasteful and unnecessary, in my opinion. Things regarding women, people of color, etc. I'll list a few below, but just know that while this didn't necessarily sour my opinions of the story itself, it did unfortunately prevent me from giving this book a five-star rating.
- Multiple uses of the word "exotic" when describing Auli'i (who is Hawaiian).
- A character mispronounces Auli'i and Kimo's last name, Fualautoalasi, as "Foa-meow-colonoscopy." I know this is meant to be a joke, but...
- The trope of a disabled character magically becoming cured is present in this book.
- Kimo randomly asks if male Lumens are stronger than female Lumens, to which he is told that yes, they are physically and biologically stronger. While I don't disagree with the fact that males are biologically stronger than females, this seemed unnecessary to add to the book.
- I could be wrong, but it seemed to me that all of the Lumens, who are considered masters of light and who are prominently featured in this book, are white, whereas all Caligos and Terrams are people of color. This is just odd to me.
Those are the examples that stick out to me, but there are definitely others. Do with that what you will, and if that's enough to sway you from reading this book, totally valid. I'm just mentioning these because these are things that seem completely unnecessary and honestly, outdated. It is 2025 and while I'm not an advocate for forcing diversity on everything and being scrupulously politically correct, I do think writers should be more intentional in how they incorporate disabled people and people of color into their stories. This is all I'm going to say because I'm white and able-bodied but I felt I couldn't write a glowing review of Fallen without mentioning these things.
November 5, 2023
I won this book on Goodreads and I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Cyrus in this beautiful book. I read it in a day. It was so wonderful and so much fun and the world is so beautiful. This book has world and character building that lets you see and feel everything that is happening and its so inviting and totally immerses you right into their world. Its perfect for any age as well. I am excited that this is just the beginning to even more books in a series. I'm hooked and can't wait til the next releases and eagerly awaiting to read what will happen next for Cyrus, Kimo, Auli'i, Martian and all who have been introduced in this series. What a wonderful experience it was reading this story.
July 8, 2023
I did not know what this book was going to be about when I read it. But I can say that this book surprised me in a good way. I enjoyed reading about the familiar places the characters visit both on Oahu and Hawaii. I read the book on Kindle in one day. Looking forward to the next book in the series. This was a fun and easy read great for adults and youth!
May 15, 2025
REVIEW OF LUMEN CALIGO BY LAWRENCE C COBB
Book One- "Fallen"
The premise (Book Blurb):
There are three types of people in the world. Those with white wings. Those with black wings. And those with none. Every 350 years a 4th is born called the Lumen Caligo. One side of his wings there is white. On the other side, there is black. Throughout time, the Lumen Caligo acted as a peacekeeper for all the nations, leading them to times of peace, prosperity, and power… Then, the Lumen Caligo of the 1600s mysteriously vanished at the brink of war between the nations. His last letter was called “The Isolation Order". It requested that the nations return to their lands of origin. Fearing the destruction that could unfold and respecting the title of The Lumen Caligo, the nations returned to their lands and vowed to remain isolated from the rest of the world until the Lumen Caligo returned... A Lumen Caligo could lift the ban and create peace, partnership and encourage modernization.
On a sunset beach in California, a man sits in solitude... Not knowing the role he will play in the changing and shaping of the world…
This book has an outstanding concept!
This is where our story begins. Martin Weatherford's calmness was soon disturbed by a wailing infant left on his doorstep. An attached note said, “Grant him some of the light that has been placed inside you…He is everything you have grown up knowing.” Here begins the first mystery: How did they find me? Even I didn't now where I would end up.. Is this really "her" child?
The Characters:
Martin is entrusted with becoming baby Cyrus’ guardian. The rapport between Martin and Cyrus is caring and loving. Since Cyrus has been paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for most of his 11 years, his care is not only physical; Martin shapes Cyrus' outlook by instilling other valuable characteristics. He teaches Cyrus that manners, courtesy, sincerity and gratitude are all true signs of intelligence. Taught not to feel sorry for himself, by using humor and staying busy; he appears to have adopted basic "young-teen" attitudes and interests, despite having intelligence past his years. Cyrus is a typical middle-grader in many ways- yet he isn’t typical at all. Everything changes dramatically when he unexpectedly discovers that he possesses wings and can walk. This opens the door to a new realm of possibilities and adventures.
Other characters:
Martin himself is an interesting character, described as very eloquent in his manner. The care he gives to the growth of an 11yr old orphaned boy bound to a wheelchair is a treat to read. Of course he realises that he is in fact temporary caregiver to the future centre of the universe.
Martin's landlord and friend, Ms. Palermo, an aging orthopedic surgeon, is also instrumental in his physical and emotional upbringing.
Cyrus’ social interactions were fairly minimal until he met twins Auli’i and Kimo who provided friendship and security.
Soon Cyrus’ destiny would be unmasked and secrets revealed.
As he embarks on this transformative journey, he is not alone. His friends play a crucial role in guiding him through the maze of self-discovery.
Together, they set out to help him uncover his true identity, locate his long-lost mother, and ultimately embrace his destiny as the new Lumen Caligo.
My Overall impression:
Lawrence C. Cobb draws you in with the opening paragraph. I absolutely loved this book! It is quite an unusual story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the telling. It was interesting from start to finish, with no slow or confusing parts. I myself have had pre-teen sons, and I can relate to the accuracy of how Cyrus felt in school. Teens are teens--- in THIS world.
The themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story beautifully.
All the characters came alive for me, and the fantastic worldbuilding – a nice combination of worldly elements and otherworldly characters make it a true pleasure to go on this journey! I only hate to wait for the next installment! In his recent newsletter, the author said book 2, Inception, is almost ready to release!! It is set to be a seven-part series, which I'm not usually a big fan of, however these books are just the right size and move along nicely. These are the first two parts of the story:
Book 1 - Fallen- gave you a solid understanding of the contemporary world and where our hero, Cyrus, fits in it.
Book 2 - Inception - throws you through the strands of time without giving you a chance to put your seat belt on.
I am MOST grateful to Mr. Cobb for personally providing me with physical book. I'm starting to have trouble with reading on screens, so I sent him a note asking if a book was possible. (Its worth a try-- ) He responded directly and immediately sent one. This is my honest review regardless of that!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to absorb this story directly, without the theatrical performances of an audiobook. If I could, I would give it a 10* rating, because this is the rare book that can be enjoyed by any age.
I CAN'T WAIT for book 2 to be in my hands! I can definitely see this story expand to great lengths as more books are written.
PS: Lawrence recently revealed he has set up a mystery:
At the end of EVERY book in the Lumen Caligo series, he has provided a single clue for us to figure out! He invites us post them on social media sites.... Let's see who can figure it out first!! : - )
Book One- "Fallen"
The premise (Book Blurb):
There are three types of people in the world. Those with white wings. Those with black wings. And those with none. Every 350 years a 4th is born called the Lumen Caligo. One side of his wings there is white. On the other side, there is black. Throughout time, the Lumen Caligo acted as a peacekeeper for all the nations, leading them to times of peace, prosperity, and power… Then, the Lumen Caligo of the 1600s mysteriously vanished at the brink of war between the nations. His last letter was called “The Isolation Order". It requested that the nations return to their lands of origin. Fearing the destruction that could unfold and respecting the title of The Lumen Caligo, the nations returned to their lands and vowed to remain isolated from the rest of the world until the Lumen Caligo returned... A Lumen Caligo could lift the ban and create peace, partnership and encourage modernization.
On a sunset beach in California, a man sits in solitude... Not knowing the role he will play in the changing and shaping of the world…
This book has an outstanding concept!
This is where our story begins. Martin Weatherford's calmness was soon disturbed by a wailing infant left on his doorstep. An attached note said, “Grant him some of the light that has been placed inside you…He is everything you have grown up knowing.” Here begins the first mystery: How did they find me? Even I didn't now where I would end up.. Is this really "her" child?
The Characters:
Martin is entrusted with becoming baby Cyrus’ guardian. The rapport between Martin and Cyrus is caring and loving. Since Cyrus has been paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for most of his 11 years, his care is not only physical; Martin shapes Cyrus' outlook by instilling other valuable characteristics. He teaches Cyrus that manners, courtesy, sincerity and gratitude are all true signs of intelligence. Taught not to feel sorry for himself, by using humor and staying busy; he appears to have adopted basic "young-teen" attitudes and interests, despite having intelligence past his years. Cyrus is a typical middle-grader in many ways- yet he isn’t typical at all. Everything changes dramatically when he unexpectedly discovers that he possesses wings and can walk. This opens the door to a new realm of possibilities and adventures.
Other characters:
Martin himself is an interesting character, described as very eloquent in his manner. The care he gives to the growth of an 11yr old orphaned boy bound to a wheelchair is a treat to read. Of course he realises that he is in fact temporary caregiver to the future centre of the universe.
Martin's landlord and friend, Ms. Palermo, an aging orthopedic surgeon, is also instrumental in his physical and emotional upbringing.
Cyrus’ social interactions were fairly minimal until he met twins Auli’i and Kimo who provided friendship and security.
Soon Cyrus’ destiny would be unmasked and secrets revealed.
As he embarks on this transformative journey, he is not alone. His friends play a crucial role in guiding him through the maze of self-discovery.
Together, they set out to help him uncover his true identity, locate his long-lost mother, and ultimately embrace his destiny as the new Lumen Caligo.
My Overall impression:
Lawrence C. Cobb draws you in with the opening paragraph. I absolutely loved this book! It is quite an unusual story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the telling. It was interesting from start to finish, with no slow or confusing parts. I myself have had pre-teen sons, and I can relate to the accuracy of how Cyrus felt in school. Teens are teens--- in THIS world.
The themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story beautifully.
All the characters came alive for me, and the fantastic worldbuilding – a nice combination of worldly elements and otherworldly characters make it a true pleasure to go on this journey! I only hate to wait for the next installment! In his recent newsletter, the author said book 2, Inception, is almost ready to release!! It is set to be a seven-part series, which I'm not usually a big fan of, however these books are just the right size and move along nicely. These are the first two parts of the story:
Book 1 - Fallen- gave you a solid understanding of the contemporary world and where our hero, Cyrus, fits in it.
Book 2 - Inception - throws you through the strands of time without giving you a chance to put your seat belt on.
I am MOST grateful to Mr. Cobb for personally providing me with physical book. I'm starting to have trouble with reading on screens, so I sent him a note asking if a book was possible. (Its worth a try-- ) He responded directly and immediately sent one. This is my honest review regardless of that!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to absorb this story directly, without the theatrical performances of an audiobook. If I could, I would give it a 10* rating, because this is the rare book that can be enjoyed by any age.
I CAN'T WAIT for book 2 to be in my hands! I can definitely see this story expand to great lengths as more books are written.
PS: Lawrence recently revealed he has set up a mystery:
At the end of EVERY book in the Lumen Caligo series, he has provided a single clue for us to figure out! He invites us post them on social media sites.... Let's see who can figure it out first!! : - )
July 8, 2025
Thank you to Lawrence Cobb and Voracious Readers Only for a complimentary copy of The Lumen Caligo: Fallen (Kindle Edition) for an honest review. I am a bit delayed in writing this review and I want to say WOW. What a truly unique world(s) and I loved all the characters. I enjoyed the friendships, the protectiveness, the banter, care of each other and sacrifices of the main and side characters. I loved Martian (his ways), Lady Marcella (her love) and Captain Ori (protectiveness). Ms P (her stories per se) was a great support. This book left me wanting the next books in this series. I would say it is more YA Fantasy and I was ok with that. More than ok. It was a great read in between many of my Romantasy and RomCom books. I have become invested in the story. There was a moment towards the end where my heart saddened - a lot. That alone spurs my desire to read the rest of the series. I found this to be a fun adventure into a wonderful world of intrigue, wonder, family, and maybe some betrayal. Great first book in the series Mr. Cobb and thank you again!
Some of my favorite quotes:
* Common courtesy is not so common, Cyrus. Don't be a commoner," he would say.
* At the end of the day, Cyrus saw with his own eyes how saying thank you with true sincerity filled peoples hearts.
* Yep. It also means something else. 'Alo' means 'face to face' or 'to share,' whereas 'ha' means 'the breath of life.' Aloha. It was, and still is, used in tandem with our traditional greeting where we embrace, put our heads together and inhale and then exhale deeply. We share our breath of life.
* What people want to be called is political correctness. What people are is just a fact.
* May your light illuminate the darkness before you.
Some of my favorite quotes:
* Common courtesy is not so common, Cyrus. Don't be a commoner," he would say.
* At the end of the day, Cyrus saw with his own eyes how saying thank you with true sincerity filled peoples hearts.
* Yep. It also means something else. 'Alo' means 'face to face' or 'to share,' whereas 'ha' means 'the breath of life.' Aloha. It was, and still is, used in tandem with our traditional greeting where we embrace, put our heads together and inhale and then exhale deeply. We share our breath of life.
* What people want to be called is political correctness. What people are is just a fact.
* May your light illuminate the darkness before you.
November 21, 2023
I had the good fortune to meet this wonderful young author at the Miami Book Fair in November 2023. This book is the first in a series that I plan to follow, with the second planned for June of 2024. The story follows Cyrus, a being known as the Lumen Caligo, who, we learn is a peacekeeper for the nations. There are usually only 3 types of people: those with white wings, those with black wings, and those with no wings. Every 350 years there is a single person born who is the fourth kind whose wings are white on one side and black on the other side. Cyrus is very young when he discovers that he is the new Lumen Caligo. Strangely enough he discovers that he has a pair of wings on his back that he has never known he had! Through a series of adventures, he goes to the Bermuda Triangle with two close friends, and meets his mother for the first time in a floating city. I will not ruin the ending of this first part of the series, but it is exciting, exhilarating, and thrilling to read. I'm sure you will enjoy this story as much as I did.
July 21, 2024
This story pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me engrossed chapter after chapter. Initially Cyrus, an 11 year old boy who lives in San Diego and believes he suffers from a terrible disease leaving him a paraplegic, knows nothing of his history or the history of his caregiver. But soon his life changes in crazy, unbelievable ways! Leaving him with so very much to learn about himself and the past!
This story comes with outstanding world building, rich and exciting characters, and heartwarming storylines that keep the reader engaged for hours on end! And the ending was such a cliffhanger that I am itching for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This story comes with outstanding world building, rich and exciting characters, and heartwarming storylines that keep the reader engaged for hours on end! And the ending was such a cliffhanger that I am itching for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 19, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
This book is The Last Airbender sprinkled with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson! YA isn’t my go to genre as an adult, but I did enjoy this book and the story. It has good humor, cool/ engaging concepts, and a good cast of characters. I personally think there were a couple of character motives that were a little cliché but again, that’s just me. It didn’t take away from the experience. I can definitely see this story expand to great lengths as more books are written!
I don’t know how I feel about Covid being far enough in the past that it’s making its way into stories written in the present! Feels weird 😂
I received a copy from Voracious Readers only and my review is my own personal review.
This book is The Last Airbender sprinkled with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson! YA isn’t my go to genre as an adult, but I did enjoy this book and the story. It has good humor, cool/ engaging concepts, and a good cast of characters. I personally think there were a couple of character motives that were a little cliché but again, that’s just me. It didn’t take away from the experience. I can definitely see this story expand to great lengths as more books are written!
I don’t know how I feel about Covid being far enough in the past that it’s making its way into stories written in the present! Feels weird 😂
I received a copy from Voracious Readers only and my review is my own personal review.
June 23, 2024
'Fallen' by Lawrence C. Cobb draws you in with it's opening paragraph. I found myself immersed in the story, seamlessly growing with it's characters, until the climax of the ending. As a 'first book in a series' this story bodes well, as a fervent need to find the next book and read on, griped me. Cyrus's story is one of growth on a level that surpasses others I have read, growth of an 11yr old orphaned boy bound to a wheelchair, finally realising that he is in fact, the centre of the universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
The author has built a world within our world that is truly different. Your questions are answered sparingly to keep your interest. Most characters are likable, but some keep you wondering if they can be trusted. Although probably written for a younger audience, I did enjoy the book and recommend it.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
This book was received from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
May 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel. It had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end. I enjoyed the story and the mix of characters. I highly recommend it.
❤️ Thank you to Various readers only and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
❤️ Thank you to Various readers only and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
April 19, 2025
This was a really fun middle grade fantasy read. It followed the main character Cyrus, an 11 year old who found out he was more than human, and his best friends and his guardian on an adventure to find out more about who he is as well as to find his mother. It was very entertaining. There are still a lot of unanswered questions so I will have to continue the series to find out more!
July 26, 2024
“May your light illuminate the darkness. May the darkness never overshadow your light.”
“Lumen Caligo: Fallen” written by Lawrence C Cobb is a great fantasy novel. The story follows Cyrus, a young boy on his journey of a life changing experience. His true identity has been hidden from him his whole life but now his guardian has no choice but to reveal the truth. Now here is a quick history lesson for when you enter this world, there are Lumens: beings with white wings. Caligos: beings with black wings. Tarams: beings with no wings. Every three hundred and fifty years a Lumen Caligo is born. This being is a peacekeeper between all of society. However, the last Lumen Caligo disappeared right after putting “the isolation order” in place, so everyone obeys until the next Lumen Caligo is found. No technology newer than the sixteen hundreds, no leaving their territory, etcetera.
Lawrence put a lot of time and attention into all the details and factors that went into this novel and as the book progresses everything comes together quite nicely; it captures the readers attention right away. Though there were a number of details that weren’t necessary, and extremely inappropriate… Such as an older man calling the children exotic, like excuse me! Then there was a number of racist comments, and drugging is heavily involved, as well as child abuse, and domestic violence is also largely implied. I do really enjoy the plot of this novel and look forward to reading more of this series, but I do hope the author puts more consideration into certain things such as the racism, lack of diversity, and inappropriate comments being accepted by all characters as if it were normal. As of right now I recommend the series I’m just hoping that the author changes some of the above-mentioned things. Overall the writing is great and it’s a great story.
Lastly I’d like to say thank you to booksirens and the author for providing me with a free e-arc of this book in return for an honest review.
“Lumen Caligo: Fallen” written by Lawrence C Cobb is a great fantasy novel. The story follows Cyrus, a young boy on his journey of a life changing experience. His true identity has been hidden from him his whole life but now his guardian has no choice but to reveal the truth. Now here is a quick history lesson for when you enter this world, there are Lumens: beings with white wings. Caligos: beings with black wings. Tarams: beings with no wings. Every three hundred and fifty years a Lumen Caligo is born. This being is a peacekeeper between all of society. However, the last Lumen Caligo disappeared right after putting “the isolation order” in place, so everyone obeys until the next Lumen Caligo is found. No technology newer than the sixteen hundreds, no leaving their territory, etcetera.
Lawrence put a lot of time and attention into all the details and factors that went into this novel and as the book progresses everything comes together quite nicely; it captures the readers attention right away. Though there were a number of details that weren’t necessary, and extremely inappropriate… Such as an older man calling the children exotic, like excuse me! Then there was a number of racist comments, and drugging is heavily involved, as well as child abuse, and domestic violence is also largely implied. I do really enjoy the plot of this novel and look forward to reading more of this series, but I do hope the author puts more consideration into certain things such as the racism, lack of diversity, and inappropriate comments being accepted by all characters as if it were normal. As of right now I recommend the series I’m just hoping that the author changes some of the above-mentioned things. Overall the writing is great and it’s a great story.
Lastly I’d like to say thank you to booksirens and the author for providing me with a free e-arc of this book in return for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
Avatar the Last Airbender meets the Book of Mormon (the religious text not the musical). The concept of this book is interesting and I can tell the author put a lot of thought into the little details. That’s where the productive thinking stops. There is a lot of racism, a decent amount of ableism, and a good old white savior.
- age gap start of relationship between a 12 yo male and 14 yo female. But it’s okay because they’re both going to be starting high school and he is so mature for his age.
- the 12 yo child is wheelchair bound for his whole life but surprise his father figure who adopted him did that to hide the fact that he actually has *gasp* wings!
- the 12 yo is not technically white, very ambiguous brown child
- 14 yo and her family are all from Hawaii where they are the warriors for the angel people (half of whom are explicitly white)
- 14 yo gets called exotic, twice. And is described as having a “fierce expression”
- there is a Mexican boy described in the text who’s only purpose is to be an instigator and bully to the 12 yo and bring him and the love interest closer together. The bully’s race was not necessary whatsoever in the text
- the adoptive father, who besides committing so many illegal parenting techniques on his ward, is a perfect person who always knows what to do and is always right and is so kind and (you catch my drift). He is also white. And comes in multiple times as being “perfect”. And he also feels like an author self-insert.
The author needs to pull this book and rethink the rest of his seven books before publishing again. It is 2024. Don’t be fucking racist.
- age gap start of relationship between a 12 yo male and 14 yo female. But it’s okay because they’re both going to be starting high school and he is so mature for his age.
- the 12 yo child is wheelchair bound for his whole life but surprise his father figure who adopted him did that to hide the fact that he actually has *gasp* wings!
- the 12 yo is not technically white, very ambiguous brown child
- 14 yo and her family are all from Hawaii where they are the warriors for the angel people (half of whom are explicitly white)
- 14 yo gets called exotic, twice. And is described as having a “fierce expression”
- there is a Mexican boy described in the text who’s only purpose is to be an instigator and bully to the 12 yo and bring him and the love interest closer together. The bully’s race was not necessary whatsoever in the text
- the adoptive father, who besides committing so many illegal parenting techniques on his ward, is a perfect person who always knows what to do and is always right and is so kind and (you catch my drift). He is also white. And comes in multiple times as being “perfect”. And he also feels like an author self-insert.
The author needs to pull this book and rethink the rest of his seven books before publishing again. It is 2024. Don’t be fucking racist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
This story feels like a warm hug and a cup of hot chocolate while you star gaze. It felt so nostalgic and had the feeling Percy Jackson gives me after reading. It gave me such a feeling of peace. It is such an easy read. Its not too heavy and it just keeps you intriqued. No hard thinking or trying to solve the case in details. Just simple, smoothe and fresh.
The only thing I did wish was some of the details were a little more fleshed out and the lumens were dove more into as far as the community goes. Other than that it was a fantastic read.
I thank the author for their lovely gift to read early.
The only thing I did wish was some of the details were a little more fleshed out and the lumens were dove more into as far as the community goes. Other than that it was a fantastic read.
I thank the author for their lovely gift to read early.
November 11, 2024
This audiobook fantasy is perfect for teens and up. The main, and many of the other, characters are young. I didn’t know what to expect, but found this audiobook entertaining. This is book one of a series. It was a mystery journey, with some questions answered and by the end lots of new questions posed. Nice plot and some humour. The start is a little slow, but by the end the pace and excitement have reached full pace. Thank you to Colibri PVP and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
October 9, 2024
Great family read
My teenage boys and I read this book and really enjoyed it. I love reading books with my kids. This book is chock-full of fantasy and adventure and held their attention. I also appreciate that some real places and states were mentioned in the book. I highly recommend it!
My teenage boys and I read this book and really enjoyed it. I love reading books with my kids. This book is chock-full of fantasy and adventure and held their attention. I also appreciate that some real places and states were mentioned in the book. I highly recommend it!
January 4, 2024
Lumen Caligo: Fallen is a beautiful book with lots of twists and turns. Thank you, Lawrence C. Cobb for creating such an interesting world for readers to dive into! I can’t wait to read the next book!
October 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this enchanting fantasy adventure with great character development, relationships, and world building. It would be suitable for most ages. Many things were left unresolved. It was an intriguing book.
November 20, 2024
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you.
Sad. Exciting. Great characters.
Cyrus thought he was an orphan and disabled then his world changed.
A great story with a cliff hanger ending......cannot wait for the next book
Sad. Exciting. Great characters.
Cyrus thought he was an orphan and disabled then his world changed.
A great story with a cliff hanger ending......cannot wait for the next book
February 23, 2025
I love Cyrus! What a wonderful character and his journey is unfolded so wonderfully that you want to know more about him. Martin and Ms P are great too! The story line will keep you turning pages to see what happens. This is beautifully written!
May 9, 2025
Absolutely magnificent! This story had my imagination rolling. Please give this book a read you will not regret it!
September 1, 2025
"He shuttered at the thought."
Likewise, I shutter at continuing to read this book (not going to continue past 50 pages). Some grammar mistakes that I read may have been fixed since the first publication, I found this book on sale for $2 at my local library. In retrospect, I wish I had saved that for something else. Good video games go on sale for less than that, and that being that I bought the hardcover version of Lumen Caligo.
This book suffers from three main problems. First, there is no editor listed in the copyright section and it shows. Grammar mistakes are common and should have been caught, considering the price of this book normally. Archway Publishing, who first published this book and sold it hardcover for about $40, should be ashamed of having released a book in that state. Second, the book is boring and the author put very little thought into any of his concepts (less than I did reviewing them). Third, the story betrays its interesting ideas.
For example, on the topic of boring, When we are first introduced to Cyrus we see that he is about to give a speech at his middle school. For some reason, it came as a plot twist that Cyrus was in a wheelchair because the wheelchair is not mentioned until the end of the scene. I assumed, in fact, that Cyrus was standing on stage the whole time because the author frequently forgets to describe scenes. Despite the fact that this is our introduction to the main character, we don't even hear Cyrus's speech. He has no opportunity to express his personality or his beliefs and attitude. All we get is his thoughts and other people talking about him, which is less interesting and passive.
Really, to show how the author underdevelops all of his ideas and didn't think about them, I could pick any of his concepts. For example, that the Lumen worshipers forego all new technology since 1700. If so, why is Auli'i able to ride in a car or use a pencil to write? How is her mother able to cook with a stove top or drive? How have the worshipers survived for 300 years without access to vaccines? These are unexplained. The author thinks only of the most obvious ramifications of his concepts, like the Lumen worshipers being unable to fly in planes, but thinks of or shows nothing else.
Or, how about the revelation that Cyrus is the lumen caligo and that he had skin grafts wrapping over his real wings. There was no foreshadowing or indication that this was the case. Putting aside the horror of having his father permanently drugging him and performing body horror, there's never mentioned details about how Cyrus has bulges around his stomach or lacks a belly button or any other hint towards the truth about his wings. Likewise for Martin, we never see him beforehand put on a vest or hints that he's hiding something around his back. It's also never explained why Martin never just gave Cyrus his own vest to hide his wings, instead of drugging and mutilating his only son for over a decade.
Also, the few interesting ideas of this story were betrayed. I knew ahead of time that Cyrus would leave his wheelchair, because the cinematic trailer shows him becoming the Lumen Caligo. Still, I thought it was interesting that the book dared to have a disabled, wheelchair bound protagonist and one of his best friends be a native Hawaiian girl. This book laughs at both these identities. The girl, a 14-year-old, is referred to as exotic in her first description. Then the wheelchair protagonist gets actual wings and leaves his wheelchair, while the Hawaiian girl is revealed to have been part of a made-up nonsense lumen worshiping cult, instead of an actual Hawaiian.
This story has been compared to Avatar the Last Airbender, rightfully so. When I first read the book's description, I assumed it would be a knock off of that story. It would take an entire book to compare these two stories and sew all the ways that Cobb felt sort of replicating all the charm and thought of Avatar.
Imagine a version of avatar, Where Toph starts blind but then gets magically healed two episodes after her introduction. Where Zuko was abused and mutilated for his father for his entire life, but then Ozai is portrayed as loving and caring. Where there is no thought or exploration of how bending changes technology or the world, instead portraying a carbon copy of Asia but with nothing interesting or thoughtful added.
That hypothetical, worse version of Avatar is this book If you thought you liked this story, just go watch Avatar the Last Airbender instead. You will get a story that respects your time, your intelligence, and your imagination.
Now, I'm stuck with a paper book that I don't want and can't give away (because I would rather gift better books). Never thrown a story into the recycling bin yet, but that is my best bet. Maybe I should have pirated this book...
Likewise, I shutter at continuing to read this book (not going to continue past 50 pages). Some grammar mistakes that I read may have been fixed since the first publication, I found this book on sale for $2 at my local library. In retrospect, I wish I had saved that for something else. Good video games go on sale for less than that, and that being that I bought the hardcover version of Lumen Caligo.
This book suffers from three main problems. First, there is no editor listed in the copyright section and it shows. Grammar mistakes are common and should have been caught, considering the price of this book normally. Archway Publishing, who first published this book and sold it hardcover for about $40, should be ashamed of having released a book in that state. Second, the book is boring and the author put very little thought into any of his concepts (less than I did reviewing them). Third, the story betrays its interesting ideas.
For example, on the topic of boring, When we are first introduced to Cyrus we see that he is about to give a speech at his middle school. For some reason, it came as a plot twist that Cyrus was in a wheelchair because the wheelchair is not mentioned until the end of the scene. I assumed, in fact, that Cyrus was standing on stage the whole time because the author frequently forgets to describe scenes. Despite the fact that this is our introduction to the main character, we don't even hear Cyrus's speech. He has no opportunity to express his personality or his beliefs and attitude. All we get is his thoughts and other people talking about him, which is less interesting and passive.
Really, to show how the author underdevelops all of his ideas and didn't think about them, I could pick any of his concepts. For example, that the Lumen worshipers forego all new technology since 1700. If so, why is Auli'i able to ride in a car or use a pencil to write? How is her mother able to cook with a stove top or drive? How have the worshipers survived for 300 years without access to vaccines? These are unexplained. The author thinks only of the most obvious ramifications of his concepts, like the Lumen worshipers being unable to fly in planes, but thinks of or shows nothing else.
Or, how about the revelation that Cyrus is the lumen caligo and that he had skin grafts wrapping over his real wings. There was no foreshadowing or indication that this was the case. Putting aside the horror of having his father permanently drugging him and performing body horror, there's never mentioned details about how Cyrus has bulges around his stomach or lacks a belly button or any other hint towards the truth about his wings. Likewise for Martin, we never see him beforehand put on a vest or hints that he's hiding something around his back. It's also never explained why Martin never just gave Cyrus his own vest to hide his wings, instead of drugging and mutilating his only son for over a decade.
Also, the few interesting ideas of this story were betrayed. I knew ahead of time that Cyrus would leave his wheelchair, because the cinematic trailer shows him becoming the Lumen Caligo. Still, I thought it was interesting that the book dared to have a disabled, wheelchair bound protagonist and one of his best friends be a native Hawaiian girl. This book laughs at both these identities. The girl, a 14-year-old, is referred to as exotic in her first description. Then the wheelchair protagonist gets actual wings and leaves his wheelchair, while the Hawaiian girl is revealed to have been part of a made-up nonsense lumen worshiping cult, instead of an actual Hawaiian.
This story has been compared to Avatar the Last Airbender, rightfully so. When I first read the book's description, I assumed it would be a knock off of that story. It would take an entire book to compare these two stories and sew all the ways that Cobb felt sort of replicating all the charm and thought of Avatar.
Imagine a version of avatar, Where Toph starts blind but then gets magically healed two episodes after her introduction. Where Zuko was abused and mutilated for his father for his entire life, but then Ozai is portrayed as loving and caring. Where there is no thought or exploration of how bending changes technology or the world, instead portraying a carbon copy of Asia but with nothing interesting or thoughtful added.
That hypothetical, worse version of Avatar is this book If you thought you liked this story, just go watch Avatar the Last Airbender instead. You will get a story that respects your time, your intelligence, and your imagination.
Now, I'm stuck with a paper book that I don't want and can't give away (because I would rather gift better books). Never thrown a story into the recycling bin yet, but that is my best bet. Maybe I should have pirated this book...
July 1, 2024
“...in the cracks of history, there were whispers of another…one who always led mankind into a time of prosperity, technological advances and extreme growth…an intermediary…the Lumen Caligo…one born every 350 years…A balancer for those who dwell in darkness and those who are blinded by the light.”
The makeup of society was mainly “The Civilized” who were cell phone users, movie viewers, mall rats, and vacation seekers. Living in and around the islands of Bermuda were three nations under an “Isolation Order”. Warring nations, fearing destruction, were sequestered on their respective islands where they continued to follow ancient, ancestral ways. No modern technology existed. A Lumen Caligo could lift the ban and create peace, partnership and encourage modernization.
Who were the island dwellers? Lumens were white winged individuals who embraced the light. Masters of navigation, the Caligos, had black wings and enjoyed the darkness. The Terrrams, wingless, were a seafaring lot. What made the Lumen Caligo unique was a set of wings that were white on one side and black on the other. When would the Lumen Caligo arrive and take his rightful place as leader of all nations?
Martin Weatherford admired the sunset at Imperial Beach, California while keeping a low profile. His quietude was disturbed by a wailing infant left on his doorstep. An attached note said, “Grant him some of the light that has been placed inside you…He is everything you have grown up knowing.” Martin would become Cyrus’ guardian. Wheelchair bound for all of his eleven years, Cyrus’ social interactions were at a minimum until he met twins Auli’i and Kimo who provided friendship and security. Soon Cyrus’ destiny would be unmasked and secrets revealed.
The Lumen Caligo is a delightful YA fantasy, mystery and adventure. In this character driven novel, the reader will cheer for Cyrus and his significant others. Author Lawrence C. Cobb has released The Lumen Caligo: Fallen, the first book in a seven book series. Fallen ends with a jaw dropping cliffhanger. Hopefully Book Two will soon be on the horizon. I can’t wait!
Thank you Lawrence C. Cobb and Book Sirens for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The makeup of society was mainly “The Civilized” who were cell phone users, movie viewers, mall rats, and vacation seekers. Living in and around the islands of Bermuda were three nations under an “Isolation Order”. Warring nations, fearing destruction, were sequestered on their respective islands where they continued to follow ancient, ancestral ways. No modern technology existed. A Lumen Caligo could lift the ban and create peace, partnership and encourage modernization.
Who were the island dwellers? Lumens were white winged individuals who embraced the light. Masters of navigation, the Caligos, had black wings and enjoyed the darkness. The Terrrams, wingless, were a seafaring lot. What made the Lumen Caligo unique was a set of wings that were white on one side and black on the other. When would the Lumen Caligo arrive and take his rightful place as leader of all nations?
Martin Weatherford admired the sunset at Imperial Beach, California while keeping a low profile. His quietude was disturbed by a wailing infant left on his doorstep. An attached note said, “Grant him some of the light that has been placed inside you…He is everything you have grown up knowing.” Martin would become Cyrus’ guardian. Wheelchair bound for all of his eleven years, Cyrus’ social interactions were at a minimum until he met twins Auli’i and Kimo who provided friendship and security. Soon Cyrus’ destiny would be unmasked and secrets revealed.
The Lumen Caligo is a delightful YA fantasy, mystery and adventure. In this character driven novel, the reader will cheer for Cyrus and his significant others. Author Lawrence C. Cobb has released The Lumen Caligo: Fallen, the first book in a seven book series. Fallen ends with a jaw dropping cliffhanger. Hopefully Book Two will soon be on the horizon. I can’t wait!
Thank you Lawrence C. Cobb and Book Sirens for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2024
From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by this book! The narrator can pull you into the story, keeping you engaged and invested until the very last line. The Lumen Caligo is one of the most unique novels I have ever read. It centers around a young boy named Sirus, who is an ordinary child and an angel concealed from the world.
Challenges have marked Sirus’s life; he has been paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for much of his adolescence. This limitation has shaped his experiences and perspective. However, everything changes dramatically when he unexpectedly discovers that he possesses wings and can walk. This newfound ability opens the door to a new realm of possibilities and adventures for Sirus.
As he embarks on this transformative journey, he is not alone. His friends play a crucial role in guiding him through the maze of self-discovery. Together, they set out to help him uncover his true identity, locate his long-lost mother, and ultimately embrace his destiny as the Lumen Caligo. This title suggests he is destined for greatness beyond what he ever imagined.
Lawrence C. Cobb has crafted a beautifully written and profoundly touching novel that explores the powers of angels and their influence on our lives. The themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story, enriching the reader's experience. I hope this book marks the beginning of a series, as I am eager to delve deeper into Sirus's world and witness his continued growth. I can hardly wait for the next installment to be released!
I am genuinely thankful to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this advance copy (ARC).
Challenges have marked Sirus’s life; he has been paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for much of his adolescence. This limitation has shaped his experiences and perspective. However, everything changes dramatically when he unexpectedly discovers that he possesses wings and can walk. This newfound ability opens the door to a new realm of possibilities and adventures for Sirus.
As he embarks on this transformative journey, he is not alone. His friends play a crucial role in guiding him through the maze of self-discovery. Together, they set out to help him uncover his true identity, locate his long-lost mother, and ultimately embrace his destiny as the Lumen Caligo. This title suggests he is destined for greatness beyond what he ever imagined.
Lawrence C. Cobb has crafted a beautifully written and profoundly touching novel that explores the powers of angels and their influence on our lives. The themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story, enriching the reader's experience. I hope this book marks the beginning of a series, as I am eager to delve deeper into Sirus's world and witness his continued growth. I can hardly wait for the next installment to be released!
I am genuinely thankful to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this advance copy (ARC).
January 16, 2025
Immediately after reading the first page of this book, my initial reaction was: “hey, this reminds me of Avatar: The Last Airbender.” And that’s a good thing — the reluctant hero trope has always been one of my favourites. The modern setting of this book gave me Percy Jackson vibes, from mentioning COVID to actually mentioning the aforementioned Avatar series I initially compared it to.
This author’s strength is world building. The descriptions were always vivid and pull you in. The banter between Cyrus, Kimo, and Auli’i is enjoyable and fun. Martin’s dialogue comes off as quite formal and stiff but even he has good rapport with Cyrus.
There were quite a few grammatical errors and typos that pulled me out of the book for a moment but I’m sure these will get a second and third pass over during the editing process. I liked the addition of handwritten notes but for accessibility reasons I would recommend something more legible down the road.
I was hoping this first book would keep going with the sort of found family trope that I enjoyed through the first two thirds but the last act had some good twists and an interesting cliffhanger.
The main issue I have with this book is the “disabled character cured by magic” trope. Well, it turns out Cyrus wasn’t even disabled at all — which strips away any representation that may have been there. Cyrus has to learn how to walk and use his wings after being a wheelchair user, after being sedated by his guardian to keep him safe.
Overall this is an interesting YA series with strong worldbuilding and interesting minor characters, but I don’t think I will be following the series.
Many thanks to VRO for the ARC.
This author’s strength is world building. The descriptions were always vivid and pull you in. The banter between Cyrus, Kimo, and Auli’i is enjoyable and fun. Martin’s dialogue comes off as quite formal and stiff but even he has good rapport with Cyrus.
There were quite a few grammatical errors and typos that pulled me out of the book for a moment but I’m sure these will get a second and third pass over during the editing process. I liked the addition of handwritten notes but for accessibility reasons I would recommend something more legible down the road.
I was hoping this first book would keep going with the sort of found family trope that I enjoyed through the first two thirds but the last act had some good twists and an interesting cliffhanger.
The main issue I have with this book is the “disabled character cured by magic” trope. Well, it turns out Cyrus wasn’t even disabled at all — which strips away any representation that may have been there. Cyrus has to learn how to walk and use his wings after being a wheelchair user, after being sedated by his guardian to keep him safe.
Overall this is an interesting YA series with strong worldbuilding and interesting minor characters, but I don’t think I will be following the series.
Many thanks to VRO for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews