Phalathlan and Oster have fallen and they've turned their attention towards Morton where the surviving forces seem powerless to stop them.
Refusing to run any more, Ben and Carl devise a plan that is both brilliant and insane. Hoping that one man can help them, they set off on an ocean voyage that will take Ben back to where he started.
Their future will hinge on the answer to one question. Is the enemy of your enemy, your friend, or your enemy?
A fan of writing since he could first hold a crayon, R Jackson-Lawrence has had a tortuous path before reaching this point in his life. In between working in a supermarket, care home and hospital, and having a family, it took nearly twenty years for his first book to be finished.
The first three books in the Benjamin Knight series are now available, as well as the eight book series PUPS (the Adventures of a 3rd Grade Werewolf) aimed at younger readers.
The first in his next series (X-Calibur) has just been released, titled The Return.
I’m not sure how, but R. Jackson-Lawrence has done it, again! Rich details, fast-paced action, and heroes to love! New Light, book three in the fantasy series, Chronicle of Benjamin Knight takes off out of the gate and rounds that last pole to the finish in hyper drive! Benjamin has gone from a young boy, lost in another world to a young warrior determined to stand up to Alexander’s formidable army and the evil General Boshtok.
On a mission to unite the fractured tribes of the wastelands, Benjamin vows to bring North and South together in a combined effort to route and decimate Alexander and Boshtok. Will he succeed in or will he play right into Alexander’s hands? City after city is falling; few are left with the strength or will to fight. There is one hope that remains, and it all seems to fall on Benjamin’s shoulders. In the battle between good and evil, heroes may fall, but their sense of purpose and willingness to die for freedom may galvanize the inner strength required. Benjamin and his group divide in order to gain allies and weaken the enemy, but will it be enough? Is it better to die for a cause then to live under oppression?
R. Jackson-Lawrence casts out each sub-plot in a different direction only to reel them back in at the end with a stellar finish! His writing is full of excitement and high-level tension as we watch each character take their place, make their stand and play their part. Benjamin has grown up; he has become a driving force that leads the wastelands and even young love blooms, throughout the chaos, giving a feeling of hope for the future. This is an amazing tale, gripping, sweet and sad at times, but never once did the author falter in telling a story filled with breathtaking imagination and creativity. Great writing, great fantasy and great characters make this series ageless.
I received this copy from R. Jackson-Lawrence in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Chronicle of Benjamin Knight - Book 3 Publication Date: March 16, 2014 Publisher: RJL Books ISBN-10: 1910256153 Genre: YA Science Fiction/Fantasy Print Length: 371 pages Available from: Amazon
Benjamin Knight and his crew are at it again in “New Light” (The Chronicle of Benjamin Knight #3).
This 361-page Star Wars-esque (sans the Stars) read has Benjamin Knight, Safran, Carl, and others trying to help Safran and her family reclaim their home.
The prologue begins this read with 2 brothers, Anwin and Darwin of the Thackary Tribe. These boys remind me of Orion Pax and Megatronus (Anwin the oldest, and Darwin being the younger of the two).
Certain events occurred to where they had to fend for themselves, and at the same time found sanctuary within another tribe who took them in with open arms. Somewhere in there (and IT IS explained), Anwin came into a “gift” and learned how to utilize said gift to have certain events unfold.
Last that we remembered, things looked pretty grim for our friends from the previous 2 books:
Prison did not suit our heroes as they rally alongside those who are eager and willing to fight while trying to prove their innocence due to being accused of a heinous crime, as well as being thrown in the middle of a war. Things start to turn around for them as they figure out a way to prove their innocence and dethrone the true guilty party.
Meanwhile, Alexander is living up to expectation as the Liege of Lieges (good or bad, depends on who you ask and what you read; I AM NOT spoiling this one for you!), swaying the populous as he continues his actions and deeds. He is also looking for someone that is holding his attention a great deal.
“New Light” is a hefty read for those who are happy with a good lengthy book. As with its predecessors, several Pop Culture references are in “New Light” (Transformers, Star Wars, Final Fantasy, Indiana Jones, and more).
Mr. Jackson-Lawrence has kept an eye on his editing and proofing in this book, and it has served him very well. As long as his eyes are steady and focused in this aspect (and retains those who have assisted him, if he did seek assistance in this department), his reads will be all the more enjoyable.
Robert Jackson-Lawrence published ANOTHER enthralling read in “New Light” (The Chronicle of Benjamin Knight #3). I am very proud to have read all three books, and even more proud that they are a part of my Library of Great Reads!
Plain and simple - the book was phenomenal! Lawrence has created such a rich world filled with cities, characters, and armies that are both engaging and fun to read about. Knightfall was good, Darkest Before Dawn was better, but New Light is best by far!
Benjamin Knight really evolves throughout the first three books, and finally in New Light he takes a stand against the might of Alexander and his army. With his friends Carl and Safran (two of my favorite characters in the books), Ben sets out to unite the tribes of the wastelands.
Every single character, main and supporting, has their time in the spotlight. Deacon, Catrina, and their allies are trapped inside Maleton, but they make the most of their time by disrupting the order and ruling of Alexander.
Matthew, Arian, and Lord Marcus face the mighty army of Alexander, led by the cruel General Boshtok. Their only hope lies in the city of Morton, who is led by the delusional Baron George. Only by convincing him to march his armies and meet with the tribes to the north can they outmatch the invaders.
Characters rise and fall, sacrifices are made, and the end is bitter sweet. New Light is a fantastic book and it closes out the Alexander Saga wonderfully. If you pay close attention, you may read a small bit that teases the next adventure for Ben and his friends! If you enjoy fantasy stories, do yourself a favor and get this book. If you haven't read Knightfall or Darkest Before Dawn, then you've got some catching up to do, and the time will be well worth it!