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Jewel of Life #7
Shattered Light
The Tree is Dead and the dead walk for all to see. The Evil One’s fortress has pierced through the veil, releasing his Void. No longer cut off from the living, his jagged fortress now stabs the dark skies of all Teraeniel from the slopes of Mount Cyngol, as the beasts of the Void are liberated—monsters that haven’t been seen since the Elder Days. Ramiel has made his threat clear, declaring all creation as his enemy and he will do whatever it takes to eradicate it.
Knowing the elves can’t fight the Evil One alone, Devlyn and Ellendren must bring all creation together to fight for their survival. Even as they strengthen their alliances, they discover that not everyone is willing to oppose the Evil One, not without a cost. That cost could jeopardize their efforts in uniting the world in purpose and be their undoing. But hope is not lost. The Void might have drowned out the Light, but Light can still be found by those who know where to look. Even as the world bands together to face their common foe, will their efforts be enough?
Swords and axes can’t defeat the Evil One, and the Guardians of Light must discover how to kill an incorporeal being. Aware of the prophecy, they look to Devlyn Lorenthien, expecting him to do the right thing. But can he make that ultimate sacrifice? How much is he willing to give to save the world? Is his death the only thing that can free the world from the Evil One and the Void?
Knowing the elves can’t fight the Evil One alone, Devlyn and Ellendren must bring all creation together to fight for their survival. Even as they strengthen their alliances, they discover that not everyone is willing to oppose the Evil One, not without a cost. That cost could jeopardize their efforts in uniting the world in purpose and be their undoing. But hope is not lost. The Void might have drowned out the Light, but Light can still be found by those who know where to look. Even as the world bands together to face their common foe, will their efforts be enough?
Swords and axes can’t defeat the Evil One, and the Guardians of Light must discover how to kill an incorporeal being. Aware of the prophecy, they look to Devlyn Lorenthien, expecting him to do the right thing. But can he make that ultimate sacrifice? How much is he willing to give to save the world? Is his death the only thing that can free the world from the Evil One and the Void?
452 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Ryan D. Gebhart
8 books43 followersRyan D Gebhart first started writing the Jewel of Life series in 2012 in Philadelphia, PA, shortly after concluding his undergraduate studies in philosophy. This unexpected passion evolved over the years and has remained a constant companion through his career changes, from a Capuchin Friar, to a Claims Processor, and finally in his current endeavor as an Architectural Graduate Student in Washington, DC. Ryan D Gebhart is originally from Wilmington, DE.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 15, 2025
My stellar year in sci-fi/fantasy continues with 'Shattered Light,' the seventh and final book in Ryan Gebhart's long-running Jewel of Life series.
Contrary to part 6, which I found to be methodical - almost slow - in its deliberate pacing, 'Shattered Light' feels like nonstop action from start to finish. It's clear from the first chapter that Gebhart is on the homestretch, racing toward a finish line that is both epic in scale and intimate in emotion.
Gebhart's strengths are on full display in this novel - this is a rich world brimming with lore and history that you can feel on every page. I made the comparison in my last review that the Jewel of Life series exhibits a Tolkien quality, eschewing popular grimdark aesthetic for a tale filled with righteous heroes facing tough circumstances, the glory of fighting for the cause, and the optimism of a brighter future.
While the saga's resolution requires a sacrifice that could easily be ominous in nature, such is our faith in the protagonists, that it cannot help but radiate hope - a refreshing take during a time when hope, in many regards, is in short supply.
After finishing this gem of an indie fantasy series, I can't wait to see where Ryan Gebhart goes next.
Contrary to part 6, which I found to be methodical - almost slow - in its deliberate pacing, 'Shattered Light' feels like nonstop action from start to finish. It's clear from the first chapter that Gebhart is on the homestretch, racing toward a finish line that is both epic in scale and intimate in emotion.
Gebhart's strengths are on full display in this novel - this is a rich world brimming with lore and history that you can feel on every page. I made the comparison in my last review that the Jewel of Life series exhibits a Tolkien quality, eschewing popular grimdark aesthetic for a tale filled with righteous heroes facing tough circumstances, the glory of fighting for the cause, and the optimism of a brighter future.
While the saga's resolution requires a sacrifice that could easily be ominous in nature, such is our faith in the protagonists, that it cannot help but radiate hope - a refreshing take during a time when hope, in many regards, is in short supply.
After finishing this gem of an indie fantasy series, I can't wait to see where Ryan Gebhart goes next.
Displaying 1 of 1 review