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The Last Light of Edgewood
For Ezvin and Oren, life in Edgewood had always been simple. The Realm of the Royal Gardens had only known centuries of unbroken peace.
But as Ezvin is chosen to be the apprentice to the mysterious and reclusive Keeper of the Light, the shadows begin to appear. Things in Edgewood are not as they seem.
In the darkness, there is a growing threat - an evil that threatens to tear apart Ezvin and Oren, and ultimately the whole town. And Ezvin is about to learn that being the Keeper of the Light could be a deadly profession.
But as Ezvin is chosen to be the apprentice to the mysterious and reclusive Keeper of the Light, the shadows begin to appear. Things in Edgewood are not as they seem.
In the darkness, there is a growing threat - an evil that threatens to tear apart Ezvin and Oren, and ultimately the whole town. And Ezvin is about to learn that being the Keeper of the Light could be a deadly profession.
- GenresFantasy
287 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2025
8 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 17, 2025
Great storytelling!!
Amazing book that reminds me of the whimsy of childhood adventure and feels like the comfort of Christmas stories (it’s probably the story’s snowy weather). The Last Light of Edgewood reminded me for the first time in a long time that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy every word on the page. Great magic, awesome plot and pacing, and well-written characters.
Amazing book that reminds me of the whimsy of childhood adventure and feels like the comfort of Christmas stories (it’s probably the story’s snowy weather). The Last Light of Edgewood reminded me for the first time in a long time that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy every word on the page. Great magic, awesome plot and pacing, and well-written characters.
November 9, 2025
This is such a deligthful debut from Luke Boswell. It has so much about fantasy books that I like: its got some great POV characters, a really fun story, familiar tropes, worldbuilding that feels simple enough to understand, and I just breezed through it in a day. I do have a few issues with it, but overall this is a really well done book!
To start with, the book has a simplicity to the writing style and the world-building that I really enjoyed. It starts with a worldbuilding chapter (which made me a bit apprehensive, but after that the rest of the book really just tells the story of Ezvin and Oren. You might be forgiven if in the first 75 pages you forget that this is a fantasy novel, as it almost feels as if it could have occured in our world at some point in our past. The first 75 pages of the book are fairly slow, and we really get to know not only Ezvin and Oren, but we get to see Ezvin's new role at the Lighthouse in Edgewood, and we also get to know the Lighthouose Keeper, Wyndel Stringfellow (who is delightfully written and was my favorite character to read-personally I pictured Philip Baker Hall in my head).
The story really picks up in chapter 10 (about 60 pages in), and I thought it continued well from then. The story is very simple and straightforward, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Because of its simplicity, it really reminds me of classic fantasy books. But because of the ages of our protagnoists (11 for Oren and 15 for Ezvin), it really made it feel like a middle grade (possibly YA, but more likely middle grade) "Boys Adventure Novel" that one might find with Raconteur Press now.
I do have a few issues with the book. I really think it's missing a hook at the beginning to jumpstart the story before we go into the "Cozy" portion of the story. I think perhaps a prologue with some action, setting the stage without revealing too much would have helped the book tremendously.
Also the final climax of the book happens late in the final chapter, and so there isn't much of a denoumont (granted, this is book 1 of a series, but still could have used more space between).
Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book, and thought that it was a delightful read throughout. It's a book that I as an adult really enjoyed, but is wholly appropriate that I could give it to my 9 year old nephew if I wanted to. For a debut, this is most excellent, and I cannot wait to read more books from Luke Boswell. I'll give this book a 8.5 out of 10!
To start with, the book has a simplicity to the writing style and the world-building that I really enjoyed. It starts with a worldbuilding chapter (which made me a bit apprehensive, but after that the rest of the book really just tells the story of Ezvin and Oren. You might be forgiven if in the first 75 pages you forget that this is a fantasy novel, as it almost feels as if it could have occured in our world at some point in our past. The first 75 pages of the book are fairly slow, and we really get to know not only Ezvin and Oren, but we get to see Ezvin's new role at the Lighthouse in Edgewood, and we also get to know the Lighthouose Keeper, Wyndel Stringfellow (who is delightfully written and was my favorite character to read-personally I pictured Philip Baker Hall in my head).
The story really picks up in chapter 10 (about 60 pages in), and I thought it continued well from then. The story is very simple and straightforward, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Because of its simplicity, it really reminds me of classic fantasy books. But because of the ages of our protagnoists (11 for Oren and 15 for Ezvin), it really made it feel like a middle grade (possibly YA, but more likely middle grade) "Boys Adventure Novel" that one might find with Raconteur Press now.
I do have a few issues with the book. I really think it's missing a hook at the beginning to jumpstart the story before we go into the "Cozy" portion of the story. I think perhaps a prologue with some action, setting the stage without revealing too much would have helped the book tremendously.
Also the final climax of the book happens late in the final chapter, and so there isn't much of a denoumont (granted, this is book 1 of a series, but still could have used more space between).
Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book, and thought that it was a delightful read throughout. It's a book that I as an adult really enjoyed, but is wholly appropriate that I could give it to my 9 year old nephew if I wanted to. For a debut, this is most excellent, and I cannot wait to read more books from Luke Boswell. I'll give this book a 8.5 out of 10!
August 24, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. Definitely very Tolkien inspired, it was a nice cozy fantasy read that felt close to YA fantasy novels. It was paced really well, good character development, good dialogue. It added enough world building to know there’s more to come without feeling like you’re overwhelmed with things that don’t matter. To me it felt a little predictable, in the sense that I understand the classic hero’s journey it’s trying to be. I don’t mean that in a bad way either, sometimes it’s good to lock in with a story that feels new yet familiar in a nostalgic way.
I look forward to the next installment!
4/5
I look forward to the next installment!
4/5
August 19, 2025
Luke Boswell’s debut is unabashedly influenced by Tolkien and Lewis, and nails the whimsical tone with serious themes!
This reads like a high middle-grade or YA fantasy, and even has a cozy feeling (think Narnia) throughout. Built upon themes of light and darkness, and the potential for all men to find each in themselves, The Last Light of Edgewood both leans on those who came before, and approaches the story with a fresh world and plot.
While there were moments where Boswell’s inexperience as a writer came through, the pacing, tone, and intent was extremely consistent. This reads very quickly, without sacrificing world-building (though it is a small world) and character work.
For fans of coming-of-age, lighthearted fantasy akin to Narnia and Harry Potter, Luke has created an intriguing and exciting new world that I will be continuing in as soon as the next book arrives!
This reads like a high middle-grade or YA fantasy, and even has a cozy feeling (think Narnia) throughout. Built upon themes of light and darkness, and the potential for all men to find each in themselves, The Last Light of Edgewood both leans on those who came before, and approaches the story with a fresh world and plot.
While there were moments where Boswell’s inexperience as a writer came through, the pacing, tone, and intent was extremely consistent. This reads very quickly, without sacrificing world-building (though it is a small world) and character work.
For fans of coming-of-age, lighthearted fantasy akin to Narnia and Harry Potter, Luke has created an intriguing and exciting new world that I will be continuing in as soon as the next book arrives!
August 24, 2025
The last light of edgewood is an enjoyable and engaging read, with lovable characters and an immersive world! Can't wait to see where Boswell takes the story with the next book.
July 25, 2025
So excited for this one! Will update once I finish!
August 8, 2025
Great story, left me eager for more but thankful that many of the plot points were cleared up. The pacing was great and I’m glad the characters were so human. Looking forward to another next book in the series!
August 18, 2025
I have read this book 3 times now and it gets better with every read! Great plot and love the storytelling. Can’t wait for book 2.
September 4, 2025
Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 4⭐️
Total Average: 4.5 (rounded up)⭐️
Setting: 5⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 5⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 4⭐️
Total Average: 4.5 (rounded up)⭐️
December 9, 2025
Amazing debut. I cannot wait for book 2
If you like Mentors who are gruff but ready to teach. If you like coming of age. This high middle-grade debut is for you. Luke did a great job of weaving emotion into this quick read.
If you like Mentors who are gruff but ready to teach. If you like coming of age. This high middle-grade debut is for you. Luke did a great job of weaving emotion into this quick read.
October 20, 2025
Basic fantasy for beginners
On my YouTube channel, I exclusively review self-published and indie fantasy books. The Last Light of Edgewood is written more for younger audiences, so I had a harder time connecting with it. This is a big reason why it ended up with an overall score of 6.2/10 on my INDIE ranking scale. My full review can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hjpz76imf8Q?si=Bocby...
Here is a brief overview of my breakdown:
Immersion (worldbuilding): 6/10 - The worldbuilidng was somewhat generic and simple. We touched on a few unique aspects with the lighthouses and the evil forces and rituals, but the rest was very familiar. It was grounded and believable, it just wasn't really anything new for me.
Names (characters): 7/10 - The story mostly follows two orphan boys who consider each other brothers. Ezvin, the older brother, is aging out of the orphanage and is assigned to apprentice with the old, mysterious lightkeeper. Oren, the younger brother, is much more mischievous and ends up discovering an ancient evil as a result of his shenanigans. Overall, the characters were likable, they just didn't feel very realistic. Some of their choices and motivations just didn't seem to make sense.
Da Magic (& creatures): 6.5/10 - We don't see a ton of the magic, but I did think the herons and other dark creatures were interesting. I also thought the mechanics and history of the lighthouse was unique. There is some lore behind the magic and creatures, but it just feels somewhat basic and we don't really ever see much of the mechanics of the magic.
Infrastructure (plot, pacing, prose, etc.): 6/10 - I didn't love the opening omniscient info-dump chapter. I also felt like there was a lot of repetition and exposition throughout the story. Maybe that's needed for younger audiences, but it often took me out of the reading experience. The pacing was a little slow, but the overall plot made sense and was interesting. Still very straightforward, but not bad.
Enjoyment: 5.5/10 - I don't think I'm the right target audience for this one. It feels more appropriate for younger readers or perhaps people who are new to fantasy. It has a good foundation of fantasy, I just didn't really connect with the world or characters.
If you like books like Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill, then this might be a book that is written in a similar style, though with a bit lower stakes and scale.
On my YouTube channel, I exclusively review self-published and indie fantasy books. The Last Light of Edgewood is written more for younger audiences, so I had a harder time connecting with it. This is a big reason why it ended up with an overall score of 6.2/10 on my INDIE ranking scale. My full review can be seen here: https://youtu.be/hjpz76imf8Q?si=Bocby...
Here is a brief overview of my breakdown:
Immersion (worldbuilding): 6/10 - The worldbuilidng was somewhat generic and simple. We touched on a few unique aspects with the lighthouses and the evil forces and rituals, but the rest was very familiar. It was grounded and believable, it just wasn't really anything new for me.
Names (characters): 7/10 - The story mostly follows two orphan boys who consider each other brothers. Ezvin, the older brother, is aging out of the orphanage and is assigned to apprentice with the old, mysterious lightkeeper. Oren, the younger brother, is much more mischievous and ends up discovering an ancient evil as a result of his shenanigans. Overall, the characters were likable, they just didn't feel very realistic. Some of their choices and motivations just didn't seem to make sense.
Da Magic (& creatures): 6.5/10 - We don't see a ton of the magic, but I did think the herons and other dark creatures were interesting. I also thought the mechanics and history of the lighthouse was unique. There is some lore behind the magic and creatures, but it just feels somewhat basic and we don't really ever see much of the mechanics of the magic.
Infrastructure (plot, pacing, prose, etc.): 6/10 - I didn't love the opening omniscient info-dump chapter. I also felt like there was a lot of repetition and exposition throughout the story. Maybe that's needed for younger audiences, but it often took me out of the reading experience. The pacing was a little slow, but the overall plot made sense and was interesting. Still very straightforward, but not bad.
Enjoyment: 5.5/10 - I don't think I'm the right target audience for this one. It feels more appropriate for younger readers or perhaps people who are new to fantasy. It has a good foundation of fantasy, I just didn't really connect with the world or characters.
If you like books like Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill, then this might be a book that is written in a similar style, though with a bit lower stakes and scale.
December 9, 2025
Great intro fantasy.
This middle grade fantasy is perfect for any wanting to take a step into a fantasy world but who isn't ready for deep dives. Luke Boswell does a great job of simple world building that doesn't go so far beyond easy imagination.
The Last Light of Edgewood was emotional, and adventurous. The relationship between youth and the trust they give to adults.
From the Fallen to dark Hallows ready to snuff out the future, this adventure will have you flipping the pages to see what happens next.
It seems like there is so much more to this world and this story, and I hope that I get to read what happens next soon.
This middle grade fantasy is perfect for any wanting to take a step into a fantasy world but who isn't ready for deep dives. Luke Boswell does a great job of simple world building that doesn't go so far beyond easy imagination.
The Last Light of Edgewood was emotional, and adventurous. The relationship between youth and the trust they give to adults.
From the Fallen to dark Hallows ready to snuff out the future, this adventure will have you flipping the pages to see what happens next.
It seems like there is so much more to this world and this story, and I hope that I get to read what happens next soon.
August 8, 2025
Very enjoyable read! The book has a good pace and great story development. The content was tame enough that it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Similar to the works of Tolkien or Lewis. Looking forward to reading more in the future!
July 26, 2025
Alright, so I may be biased since I did write the book -- but I would certainly give this one 5 stars.
November 5, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! Luke is doing a great job creating a new world with themes we all long for.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews