The Chosen One: A Soldier of Light Novel - Book One

by Ashley Leblanc

When an evil king discovers a mysterious black sword hidden in a cave, it releases a dark and mysterious power on one side of the world and a light power on the other. The dark power enables the king to succeed where before he consistently failed, and he begins to assemble a powerful army.

Meanwhile, the light power enters a baby boy born to the king and queen of the recently united Seven Kingdoms. Ari, a gifted healer and friend to the queen, recognizes what has happened immediately and has the boy sent away for his own safety. Living in obscurity for over two decades, the boy, now a man, is finally summoned to fulfill his destiny as the chosen one who will save the Seven Kingdoms from the terrible power unleashed by the black sword.

Before that can happen, however, not only must he accept his destiny, he must also learn how to manipulate “ladinya,” the essence from which all things are made. With the forces of evil seeking to thwart his training at every turn, it is only a matter of time before he must stand and face the darkness, before it cover the world completely.

162 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[Timothy Welter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Fantasy at Its Finest: A Masterpiece of Destiny and Power

As an avid reader of high fantasy, I was utterly captivated by this novel, which weaves a tapestry of ancient prophecies, moral dichotomies, and heroic journeys with unparalleled skill. The narrative begins with the discovery of a enigmatic black sword that unleashes dual forces, darkness empowering an tyrannical king to amass an unstoppable army, and light infusing a newborn prince of the Seven Kingdoms. This setup masterfully establishes a world on the brink of catastrophe, where the balance between shadow and illumination dictates the fate of civilizations.

The protagonist's arc, from an obscure existence to embracing his role as the chosen one, is rendered with profound depth and emotional resonance. Guided by the wise healer Ari, he must master "ladinya," the primordial essence underlying all creation, amid relentless adversarial forces. The author's prose is elegant and immersive, painting vivid landscapes and intricate magical systems that feel both innovative and timeless. Themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil are explored with nuance, avoiding clichés while delivering poignant insights into human (and fantastical) nature.

What elevates this book to five-star excellence is its pacing: suspenseful training sequences interspersed with high-stakes confrontations build inexorably toward a climactic showdown. The characters are richly developed, from the villainous king's cunning ambition to the hero's internal conflicts, fostering genuine investment in their outcomes. This is a triumph of storytelling that rivals the greats of the genre, leaving readers eager for potential sequels. I wholeheartedly recommend it to enthusiasts of epic tales, prepare to be enthralled.

[Sherry Partington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Hannah!!! I cannot begin to describe how good I found this book. I read it far faster than I wanted to but had to keep going since I needed to know what happened next.
I found it to be fast-paced, maybe a bit too fast in some spots but it kept me engaged the whole time.

I will be honest in saying that I personally know the author and her natural healing and holistic practice. She brought all of that knowledge and molded it into a novel that does her justice. She created characters who capture your interest and have you wanting so much more.
For me personally, I love knowing the back stories of characters. I did find myself wishing for more in that area but that is my personal preference.

If you love fantasy/magical books, this one should definitely be on your radar. Saying that because I believed the story. Knowing the author actually didn't matter once I started reading.
The story is what held me captive. 👏👏🩷🩷💚💚
Kudos Ashley. It is amazing!

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me serious classic fantasy vibes while still feeling fresh. The way Ashley Leblanc built the Seven Kingdoms and wove in the idea of light and dark powers was absolutely mesmerizing. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head with every page. The pacing kept me hooked, and the “ladinya” concept is such a unique twist. Definitely a must-read for fantasy lovers.

[Leonie Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was drawn into this world. The idea of a hidden black sword unleashing chaos and a chosen one destined to stop it was so well written. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

[Adams Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning was a bit slow for me while the world was being set up, but once the hero began his training with ladinya, I couldn’t put it down. The writing style is clean, and the story kept me curious about what’s next. A solid start to the series

[Peace John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I love—magic, destiny, and a hero’s journey that kept me hooked. The battle between light and darkness felt larger than life, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

[John Lyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel has a timeless fantasy feel while still offering fresh ideas. The training sequences and struggle to master ladinya kept me fully invested.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent “chosen one” story that doesn’t rely on clichés alone. The emotional weight of destiny and sacrifice adds real depth to the narrative.

[Phillip V · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy destiny-driven fantasy with deep lore, this book delivers. The idea of ladinya as the essence of all things adds a unique layer to the magic system.

[Wilson Marry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-paced and immersive. The author does a great job building tension as darkness spreads and the forces of evil close in.

[Sonia Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong debut novel that sets the stage for an epic series. The ending left me eager to continue the journey.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like old-school epic fantasy with a fresh twist. The Seven Kingdoms setting is immersive, and the concept of light and dark powers being unleashed simultaneously is brilliant.

[Isiaq Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic first installment! The Seven Kingdoms feel alive, and the stakes are clear from the very beginning. I especially enjoyed the healer Ari’s role in shaping the hero’s fate.

[Isiaq Kehinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent start to a fantasy series. The chosen one trope is familiar, but the execution is thoughtful and emotionally grounded. Ari the healer was a standout character for me.

[Adex Pro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the duality of light and dark power in this book. It’s clear a lot of thought went into the lore and magic system.

[Crypto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling fantasy with heart. Watching the main character grow from obscurity into his role as the chosen one is incredibly rewarding.

[Abiodun Korede · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels like the start of something big. The world-building is detailed without being overwhelming, and the story flows smoothly.

[John D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of a power that splits into darkness and light is fascinating. It adds tension and balance to the story that kept me turning pages.

[David John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy stories about destiny, ancient powers, and epic battles between good and evil, this book is a must-read.

[Abiodun Korede · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel captures the spirit of classic fantasy adventures while still feeling modern. A great start to a new series.

[John Marry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how the hero struggles to accept his destiny instead of embracing it instantly. It makes the story more believable and emotional.

[PATRICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in and didn’t let go. The blend of magic, prophecy, and character growth works extremely well.

[Gbadamosi Adeyinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and promising first book. The foundations are solid, the stakes are high, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is clear and engaging, making it easy to visualize the world and its characters. A very enjoyable read.

[Cranky · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the adventure I went on reading this. so visual.

[Humilis Memoriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging use of high fantasy and world building to introduce profound concepts of healing and contemplative practice.

[Barley Seaborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping fantasy tale weaves a classic good-vs-evil narrative with a refreshing twist. When a dark sword unleashes opposing forces across the world, fate rests in the hands of a hidden heir destined to restore balance. With rich lore, intriguing magic (like the essence “ladinya”), and a high-stakes journey of self-discovery, the story offers a compelling setup for an epic saga. A perfect read for fans of destiny-driven heroes, ancient powers, and kingdoms on the brink. Short but powerful — this summary promises a story worth diving into.