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Lightbinder #1
Lightbinder
Warriors are forged, not born.
Seventeen-year-old Kaleth never wanted to be a fighter. Too thin, too weak, and too afraid, he could never fit in at Lightbinder Academy where the kingdom’s elite warriors are molded. But when his family ends up with an impossible debt, he makes the only choice he signing his life away to the brutal school.
Thrown into a demanding world of deadly trials, arrogant rivals, and impossible expectations, he is outmatched at every turn. The only thing that can save him is whispers of a long-lost magic.
As Kaleth struggles to stay alive, a threat to the academy itself grows. Initiates are dying, and trust grows fleeting. The line between ally and enemy blurs as a clash looms.
Can Kaleth overcome his weakness to save his family and friends while everyone else wants him dead?
Lightbinder is book one of a new young-adult fantasy epic that will immerse you into a dangerous world of elite warrior training. With rich characters and a driving plot, this easy-to-read series will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Seventeen-year-old Kaleth never wanted to be a fighter. Too thin, too weak, and too afraid, he could never fit in at Lightbinder Academy where the kingdom’s elite warriors are molded. But when his family ends up with an impossible debt, he makes the only choice he signing his life away to the brutal school.
Thrown into a demanding world of deadly trials, arrogant rivals, and impossible expectations, he is outmatched at every turn. The only thing that can save him is whispers of a long-lost magic.
As Kaleth struggles to stay alive, a threat to the academy itself grows. Initiates are dying, and trust grows fleeting. The line between ally and enemy blurs as a clash looms.
Can Kaleth overcome his weakness to save his family and friends while everyone else wants him dead?
Lightbinder is book one of a new young-adult fantasy epic that will immerse you into a dangerous world of elite warrior training. With rich characters and a driving plot, this easy-to-read series will keep you on the edge of your seat!
558 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
43 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Michael Webb
10 books152 followersMichael Webb is a fantasy author who lives in Georgia, northwest of Atlanta. A graduate of Berry College, he is married and has a son. He began writing on a whim in 2019 and fell in love with it. In addition to finishing The Shadow Knights Trilogy, he plans to write additional books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
554 pp
Academy stories are one of my guilty pleasures, one of the few ways I like my YA these days.
This one upheld the very best parts of those books. Action, thrills, tests with life-or-death consequences, close friendships, enemies for little reason, people with questionable motives, and a plot that leads you to guess at things outside of where it’s actually pointing. Subterfuge in plain sight. Well done.
The plot is doubled, as we take a look at rivals from academies of opposing nations— all facing the same sort of challenges. My only complaint was that their environments mirrored a bit too closely, including instructors that seemed to hate them for no discernible reason. That quibble aside, and it was only a quibble, separate circumstances take the hate in various ways.
Often, I find these all-or-nothing situations to be flimsy characterizations, like the moustachioed villain in stage plays. While there were the occasional flashes of it, the more we also got to know the protagonists through their actions, the better their actions suited them.
Which is not to say they were paper-thin. The characters, heroes, villains, side characters, stand-ins … all seem motivated properly, some come aIive under the pen, only to die ignomiously a couple of chapters later, but they all serve to move the story.
The world-building, right from the first paragraph, held me spellbound. You can feel the father’s love high on that mountain, and taste the crashing squalor of those streets where they live. Webb effortlessly inserts nuggets that keep the visual working, even in he midst of frightening action.
Well done, cannot recommend it highly enough.
I’ve just discovered a new favourite author and series.
554 pp
Academy stories are one of my guilty pleasures, one of the few ways I like my YA these days.
This one upheld the very best parts of those books. Action, thrills, tests with life-or-death consequences, close friendships, enemies for little reason, people with questionable motives, and a plot that leads you to guess at things outside of where it’s actually pointing. Subterfuge in plain sight. Well done.
The plot is doubled, as we take a look at rivals from academies of opposing nations— all facing the same sort of challenges. My only complaint was that their environments mirrored a bit too closely, including instructors that seemed to hate them for no discernible reason. That quibble aside, and it was only a quibble, separate circumstances take the hate in various ways.
Often, I find these all-or-nothing situations to be flimsy characterizations, like the moustachioed villain in stage plays. While there were the occasional flashes of it, the more we also got to know the protagonists through their actions, the better their actions suited them.
Which is not to say they were paper-thin. The characters, heroes, villains, side characters, stand-ins … all seem motivated properly, some come aIive under the pen, only to die ignomiously a couple of chapters later, but they all serve to move the story.
The world-building, right from the first paragraph, held me spellbound. You can feel the father’s love high on that mountain, and taste the crashing squalor of those streets where they live. Webb effortlessly inserts nuggets that keep the visual working, even in he midst of frightening action.
Well done, cannot recommend it highly enough.
I’ve just discovered a new favourite author and series.
October 19, 2025
This was such an absolutely amazing story! Impossible to put down from start to finish! Dark times balanced perfectly with happy little moments, an absolutely epic journey, and absolutely wonderful ending!! I look forward to the next book so much!
October 12, 2025
After a series of unfortunate events, Kaleth decides to join the hardest military course. But he never trained for any of it. He was supposed to work with his brain.
On the other side of the border Felyra does the exact same. Training for a war they dont even know who started it. Only that they want to be the best in their class.
Wow this book was thick! But really good. The war school vibe times 2. Because of the dual pov's. The writing was very good! Good pace. And the tension also made that you wanted to continue to read. But the book was so long in the end it started to bother me a bit. The book gets ⭐⭐⭐💫 from me. And im looking forward to book 2.
On the other side of the border Felyra does the exact same. Training for a war they dont even know who started it. Only that they want to be the best in their class.
Wow this book was thick! But really good. The war school vibe times 2. Because of the dual pov's. The writing was very good! Good pace. And the tension also made that you wanted to continue to read. But the book was so long in the end it started to bother me a bit. The book gets ⭐⭐⭐💫 from me. And im looking forward to book 2.
October 25, 2025
Somewhere, somehow I came across this book in my ‘never ending quest’ to find new authors that align with my type of books, and was honored to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader’s Copy) of this book. OMGosh - I was blown away and HOOKED after just reading Chapter 1!!! As one of the other reviewers mentioned, I TOO love Academy series fantasy books, and this one did NOT disappoint!!! Immediately I was hooked on the story, the characters and the ups and downs that Kaleth endured. Call me weird, but I look for books that have a great story, and not one filled with endless romance - and this book fit that bill! This is a story that young and old alike will love, and actually it is a book that I can recommend to my grandchildren. You see I’m 66 years young, and just a lover of a ‘good story’. The author, Michael Webb, has an amazing ability to transport you to where the story takes place to where you can see exactly what the characters see, feel, encounter and experience thru words! It is like watching a movie in your mind while reading! Very, very few authors can transport a reader like this, and Michael has that ability. There is a potential love interest - but it is beyond complicated…………..
The world building, character development, emotions, fear, hatred, school challenges and mystery are all in this book. Yes, it is a commitment to read, as it is lengthy, but that is needed as there is so much going on. I was so sad when I finished the book as I long to know what is going to happen next!!! I absolutely loved the 2 POV’s in the story, and you can’t help but cheer both of them on, as both have to overcome struggles from all angles to gain the success and the respect that each of them deserve. I found myself cheering them on, and hating the villains. And the ending was a complete blindside for me, which made me love the book even more!!! It is so very rare for me to beyond so engrossed in the characters - and the development of the entire story is beyond captivating!!!!
If you are looking for a great start to a fantastic fantasy series, and one you can share with fellow readers of all ages, then this is a series for you. I can’t remember the last time that I felt this way about a book, as I really felt like the author had transported me to the locations in the book, like I said, it was like reading a book but watching the movie at the same time!!! Very few authors can do that. The reader will be cheering on the hero’s and hating the villains. I could feel every emotion that the characters experienced along the way - including their emotional and physical pains. Michael’s ability to ‘paint a picture’ is priceless!!!
I’m getting ready to reread this book with one of my grandchildren, and so excited to hear her thoughts on the book and be able to discuss the book with her. You just can’t go wrong with this first book in the series - as it was so worth my time, and I think you will agree!!! I’m so excited to find a series that I can recommend to my grandkids, yet one I will reread many times. As a semi-retired, older mom and grandmother - this book totally BLEW ME AWAY!!!
What are you waiting for, get your copy today and you will see what I mean!!!! Be ready to stay up late and get up early, as this book is very hard to put down!!!!
The world building, character development, emotions, fear, hatred, school challenges and mystery are all in this book. Yes, it is a commitment to read, as it is lengthy, but that is needed as there is so much going on. I was so sad when I finished the book as I long to know what is going to happen next!!! I absolutely loved the 2 POV’s in the story, and you can’t help but cheer both of them on, as both have to overcome struggles from all angles to gain the success and the respect that each of them deserve. I found myself cheering them on, and hating the villains. And the ending was a complete blindside for me, which made me love the book even more!!! It is so very rare for me to beyond so engrossed in the characters - and the development of the entire story is beyond captivating!!!!
If you are looking for a great start to a fantastic fantasy series, and one you can share with fellow readers of all ages, then this is a series for you. I can’t remember the last time that I felt this way about a book, as I really felt like the author had transported me to the locations in the book, like I said, it was like reading a book but watching the movie at the same time!!! Very few authors can do that. The reader will be cheering on the hero’s and hating the villains. I could feel every emotion that the characters experienced along the way - including their emotional and physical pains. Michael’s ability to ‘paint a picture’ is priceless!!!
I’m getting ready to reread this book with one of my grandchildren, and so excited to hear her thoughts on the book and be able to discuss the book with her. You just can’t go wrong with this first book in the series - as it was so worth my time, and I think you will agree!!! I’m so excited to find a series that I can recommend to my grandkids, yet one I will reread many times. As a semi-retired, older mom and grandmother - this book totally BLEW ME AWAY!!!
What are you waiting for, get your copy today and you will see what I mean!!!! Be ready to stay up late and get up early, as this book is very hard to put down!!!!
October 31, 2025
Hi! Well, to start, wow, I haven't read a good and well-written fantasy plot without the cliché MCs in a long time. I really loved Lightbinder, so without further ado, let's start with the highlights of the book.
--
I enjoyed the descriptive narrative; since the world-building is complex, the extra descriptions helped at getting the fuller pictures of chapters or main plot moments. Also, the flow of the storyline was intricate since we get different POVs and a diverse style of characters to empathize with.
Also, I liked Kaleth's small moments of growth; it gives the story a much more realistic approach to his flaws and strengths, considering the fantasy world-building. .
--
The context of the academy was very interesting, since it was a mix between the style of Basgiath military division of ranks, Hogwarts sorting or organization by skill, and the Atlas Six, academic expertise or proficiency.
I love the academy-centered world-building and the way it makes bigger the mystery surrounding Kaleth's abilities, since he seemed very confident in his knowledge; somehow that makes unknown for the reader what his growth as a character may be, so it keeps you hooked on the storyline.
--
I liked the new approach to the MMC; he's smart and has a strategic perspective on survival. He's not necessarily "strong" or a "fighter" at first, but I love the strength he showed with his perseverant attitude and the drive to do the best for his family and not himself.
Some characters follow a typical line of character growth, but, Kaleth simply evolves for survival. I think that helped me empathize with him.
I loved the quote, "Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s action while in the presence of fear.", because when this quote is introduced to the story, it didn’t seem like we could relate it to what we were feeling or reading through the MCs narrative and that our MC was doomed by his choices, but, instead of getting anxious about Kaleth, it actually made me curious about his future development, so the quote could be seen by the readers as a wink to Kaleth's character development.
--
I liked how Kaleth didn’t confuse being brave for being reckless; some of the usual MMC are considered brave for acting reckless, so it's a nice touch to distinguish between those two characteristics and how both may change the MCs course in the book's plot.
--
Now, the romance dynamic that could describe the MCs interactions is very Divine Rivals, so I loved it. I don't enjoy the excess of romance in a fantasy book with a plot surrounding war and military, but this was handled very smartly and delicately so their dynamic wouldn't overwhelm the main plot, but it could also be a vital part of the storyline.
--
Thank you, Michael Webb. I really loved reading Kaleth's story and being part of the advanced copy readers; I can't wait for what's next.
--
Now that I've finished the book, I'm going to let you in on this rule for buying books: I read every book before buying it to ensure I like the story I'm getting and don't feel cheated by the summary on the back of the book or the reviews, so after this amazing reading, I think I'm going to need to make space for one more book on my bookshelf.
--
I enjoyed the descriptive narrative; since the world-building is complex, the extra descriptions helped at getting the fuller pictures of chapters or main plot moments. Also, the flow of the storyline was intricate since we get different POVs and a diverse style of characters to empathize with.
Also, I liked Kaleth's small moments of growth; it gives the story a much more realistic approach to his flaws and strengths, considering the fantasy world-building. .
--
The context of the academy was very interesting, since it was a mix between the style of Basgiath military division of ranks, Hogwarts sorting or organization by skill, and the Atlas Six, academic expertise or proficiency.
I love the academy-centered world-building and the way it makes bigger the mystery surrounding Kaleth's abilities, since he seemed very confident in his knowledge; somehow that makes unknown for the reader what his growth as a character may be, so it keeps you hooked on the storyline.
--
I liked the new approach to the MMC; he's smart and has a strategic perspective on survival. He's not necessarily "strong" or a "fighter" at first, but I love the strength he showed with his perseverant attitude and the drive to do the best for his family and not himself.
Some characters follow a typical line of character growth, but, Kaleth simply evolves for survival. I think that helped me empathize with him.
I loved the quote, "Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s action while in the presence of fear.", because when this quote is introduced to the story, it didn’t seem like we could relate it to what we were feeling or reading through the MCs narrative and that our MC was doomed by his choices, but, instead of getting anxious about Kaleth, it actually made me curious about his future development, so the quote could be seen by the readers as a wink to Kaleth's character development.
--
I liked how Kaleth didn’t confuse being brave for being reckless; some of the usual MMC are considered brave for acting reckless, so it's a nice touch to distinguish between those two characteristics and how both may change the MCs course in the book's plot.
--
Now, the romance dynamic that could describe the MCs interactions is very Divine Rivals, so I loved it. I don't enjoy the excess of romance in a fantasy book with a plot surrounding war and military, but this was handled very smartly and delicately so their dynamic wouldn't overwhelm the main plot, but it could also be a vital part of the storyline.
--
Thank you, Michael Webb. I really loved reading Kaleth's story and being part of the advanced copy readers; I can't wait for what's next.
--
Now that I've finished the book, I'm going to let you in on this rule for buying books: I read every book before buying it to ensure I like the story I'm getting and don't feel cheated by the summary on the back of the book or the reviews, so after this amazing reading, I think I'm going to need to make space for one more book on my bookshelf.
September 15, 2025
I love! Love! LOve! LOVe! LOVED! This book! Like loved it! LOVED IT! Like…I’ve read quite a few books and series this year and it has easily become one of my top 10 reads of the year!
Kaleth isn’t known for his brawn. He’s definitely more of a bookish kind of guy. But with bullies, debts, and devastating circumstances Kaleth’s world is shaken and he is suddenly thrust into an academy filled with brutal training that will push him to the edge, deadly challenges, and forced to make sacrifices and dig deep within himself to use all of his abilities to accomplish the impossible.
Honestly…there is nothing I did not love about this book! And that’s a very rare thing. But in this case, I LOVED EVERY WORD! SENTENCE! PARAGRAPH! And PAGE! Webb wrote them absolutely perfectly!
This book was everything the beginning to an epic fantasy should be! It made me laugh and cry! Hope and Despair! And finish in wonder and desperate for the next book in the series (Write faster Mr. Webb! WRITE FASTER! I need that sequel…like…yesterday!)
This book had unique and interesting magic and world building that we got to explore and discover along with the characters. Secrets, for us as the readers, and the charaters to uncover and reveal. This was such a fantasic epic fantasy world and I enjoyed unraveling all of it’s mysteries (okay…im sure not all of them…but the ones Webb decided to reveal)!
Then there are the characters…oh THE CHARACTERS …so So SO many amazing characters! There are characters that stole my heart the moment they were written onto the page and characters that made me want to see them tortured in bloody and painful ways! Characters that were loyal and steadfast and just all around wonderful (I’m looking at you Kaleth, Felyra, and Jovi)! And characters that made my blood boil and my soul shutter just to later turn around and make me appreciate them for their hidden struggles. There were heroes and villains and every single one of them was unique and intriguing, well fleshed out, and begged me to get to know them more.
Then we have the Challenges! THE CHALLENGES WERE AWESOME! Both deadly and devastating Webb really put these characters through the wringer. Seriously! They were top notch! Well thought out! And intriguing! Even when it felt like Webb had went in a more obvious direction he would through a wrench in the cog and throw all the characters, and myself, for a loop. It was FANTASTIC! And I relished every!single!one!
However…my favorite aspect of this story was the romance! I absolutely was not expecting any romance in this book. I fully anticipated an epic story filled with magic and mayhem and battles and death but Romance? Never even considered it. And then Webb and wrote in a PERFECTLY EXECUTED will they won’t they, enemies (kinda) to lovers, throw it all to the wind and gotta fight for each other romance and I was in Literary Heaven! So thanks for that Mr. Webb! It made this book go from Great Epic Fantasy to Completely Epic Epic Fantasy!
And now I realize that I have been blathering on about this book for…like almost an hour…and so so so sooooo many paragraphs. So let me finish this review up with one of my favorite quotes…
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s action while in the presence of fear. You choose to do something dangerous, knowing the possible outcome is worth the risk. A dangerous action without fear isn’t bravery. It’s ignorance.”
Kaleth isn’t known for his brawn. He’s definitely more of a bookish kind of guy. But with bullies, debts, and devastating circumstances Kaleth’s world is shaken and he is suddenly thrust into an academy filled with brutal training that will push him to the edge, deadly challenges, and forced to make sacrifices and dig deep within himself to use all of his abilities to accomplish the impossible.
Honestly…there is nothing I did not love about this book! And that’s a very rare thing. But in this case, I LOVED EVERY WORD! SENTENCE! PARAGRAPH! And PAGE! Webb wrote them absolutely perfectly!
This book was everything the beginning to an epic fantasy should be! It made me laugh and cry! Hope and Despair! And finish in wonder and desperate for the next book in the series (Write faster Mr. Webb! WRITE FASTER! I need that sequel…like…yesterday!)
This book had unique and interesting magic and world building that we got to explore and discover along with the characters. Secrets, for us as the readers, and the charaters to uncover and reveal. This was such a fantasic epic fantasy world and I enjoyed unraveling all of it’s mysteries (okay…im sure not all of them…but the ones Webb decided to reveal)!
Then there are the characters…oh THE CHARACTERS …so So SO many amazing characters! There are characters that stole my heart the moment they were written onto the page and characters that made me want to see them tortured in bloody and painful ways! Characters that were loyal and steadfast and just all around wonderful (I’m looking at you Kaleth, Felyra, and Jovi)! And characters that made my blood boil and my soul shutter just to later turn around and make me appreciate them for their hidden struggles. There were heroes and villains and every single one of them was unique and intriguing, well fleshed out, and begged me to get to know them more.
Then we have the Challenges! THE CHALLENGES WERE AWESOME! Both deadly and devastating Webb really put these characters through the wringer. Seriously! They were top notch! Well thought out! And intriguing! Even when it felt like Webb had went in a more obvious direction he would through a wrench in the cog and throw all the characters, and myself, for a loop. It was FANTASTIC! And I relished every!single!one!
However…my favorite aspect of this story was the romance! I absolutely was not expecting any romance in this book. I fully anticipated an epic story filled with magic and mayhem and battles and death but Romance? Never even considered it. And then Webb and wrote in a PERFECTLY EXECUTED will they won’t they, enemies (kinda) to lovers, throw it all to the wind and gotta fight for each other romance and I was in Literary Heaven! So thanks for that Mr. Webb! It made this book go from Great Epic Fantasy to Completely Epic Epic Fantasy!
And now I realize that I have been blathering on about this book for…like almost an hour…and so so so sooooo many paragraphs. So let me finish this review up with one of my favorite quotes…
“Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. It’s action while in the presence of fear. You choose to do something dangerous, knowing the possible outcome is worth the risk. A dangerous action without fear isn’t bravery. It’s ignorance.”
November 14, 2025
For the most part, I enjoyed this interesting read about a young man who is forced to enter the Lightbinder academy in order to make good on a debt that cost his father's life and has put his mother and sister in grave danger. I particularly enjoyed the excellent twist on the antagonist and rival to this story whose actions actually incite all the issues. That is unusual and really stood out for me. I honestly wanted Kaleth to confront Rayd on one of this antagonists rage-fuelled sulks to point out how Kaleth wouldn't even be competing with Rayd for a position as a Lightbinder if Rayd hadn't made some really stupid choices early on in the story--ones that gave Kaleth no other choice than to truly compete with Rayd for one of the limited spots as lightbinder.
The magic system is really fascinating and I enjoyed Kaleth's background as a sage that allowed him to draw on vast knowledge during the course of the story and really made the way the author imparted information quite interesting. Often Kaleth knew things his classmates didn't, which added a fun element to the "teaching" dimension of the book.
I'm also really impressed at how this author brings out different ways people are bullied and the varying reasons for such behaviour in people. There was enough nuance to make this aspect of the story quite interesting because the author didn't judge the bullies but rather allows the reader to form their own judgements, which I appreciate.
Unfortunately, the decision to bring in a second main character well into the first third of the book did not work for me. I tried and tried to connect with Feylira but simply couldn't. Usually I like her type of character and so it was really hard for me to get through the fact I didn't enjoy her chapters and often found myself skimming because I wanted to get through whatever quagmire of horrors her chapter came with so I could get back to the other character. By the end of the story, I was quite sad about it because I know that if the story had been structured differently to weigh Kaleth and Feylira equally as main characters I would have probably LOVED this story and would have in all likelihood read it twice as fast.
As it is, this is a good start to what promises to be an intriguing series, but didn't quite hit right for me. 3,5 stars.
The magic system is really fascinating and I enjoyed Kaleth's background as a sage that allowed him to draw on vast knowledge during the course of the story and really made the way the author imparted information quite interesting. Often Kaleth knew things his classmates didn't, which added a fun element to the "teaching" dimension of the book.
I'm also really impressed at how this author brings out different ways people are bullied and the varying reasons for such behaviour in people. There was enough nuance to make this aspect of the story quite interesting because the author didn't judge the bullies but rather allows the reader to form their own judgements, which I appreciate.
Unfortunately, the decision to bring in a second main character well into the first third of the book did not work for me. I tried and tried to connect with Feylira but simply couldn't. Usually I like her type of character and so it was really hard for me to get through the fact I didn't enjoy her chapters and often found myself skimming because I wanted to get through whatever quagmire of horrors her chapter came with so I could get back to the other character. By the end of the story, I was quite sad about it because I know that if the story had been structured differently to weigh Kaleth and Feylira equally as main characters I would have probably LOVED this story and would have in all likelihood read it twice as fast.
As it is, this is a good start to what promises to be an intriguing series, but didn't quite hit right for me. 3,5 stars.
November 17, 2025
I came across this book quite by accident. I've never heard of the author prior and was quite surprised to see he also has a myriad of other books. Which I will probably be checking out as well after this one!
I thought this book, which is the first in a new series, was written really well. We're introduced to the main character and his family to find they have really come across hard times. There's a sense of duty and loyalty to family which I really loved. Everyone pitches in to the best of their abilities and they don't complain. They do whatever is necessary to make the family unit run as one and be successful.
A series of unfortunate events finds our main character thrust into a really precarious predicament where he now is the soul responsibility for his family. The journey that he goes in is incredible and I loved the way that we see him grow as a young man. The way he never waivers from his sense of loyalty to his family and doing everything he possibly can to save them is heroic. Not only that, but he is a literal hero. And to top it all off, we get a love interest that once he finds out who she really is, throws a wrench into his personal life.
I loved the way that we see respect is earned and not given. There are many small lessons that have been thrown into this story that have a grander meaning than just lessons for our characters. There are things in here that we can all take away from this story. Perseverance. Loyalty. Trust in your abilities.
Overall, I really felt this was a strong showing by the author. I really enjoy his writing style and the introduction of 2 characters that come from similar backgrounds, live similar lives, but are warring for two different factions. It's a great setup to what I hope is a fantastic series and I will be most definitely following along for book #2!
I thought this book, which is the first in a new series, was written really well. We're introduced to the main character and his family to find they have really come across hard times. There's a sense of duty and loyalty to family which I really loved. Everyone pitches in to the best of their abilities and they don't complain. They do whatever is necessary to make the family unit run as one and be successful.
A series of unfortunate events finds our main character thrust into a really precarious predicament where he now is the soul responsibility for his family. The journey that he goes in is incredible and I loved the way that we see him grow as a young man. The way he never waivers from his sense of loyalty to his family and doing everything he possibly can to save them is heroic. Not only that, but he is a literal hero. And to top it all off, we get a love interest that once he finds out who she really is, throws a wrench into his personal life.
I loved the way that we see respect is earned and not given. There are many small lessons that have been thrown into this story that have a grander meaning than just lessons for our characters. There are things in here that we can all take away from this story. Perseverance. Loyalty. Trust in your abilities.
Overall, I really felt this was a strong showing by the author. I really enjoy his writing style and the introduction of 2 characters that come from similar backgrounds, live similar lives, but are warring for two different factions. It's a great setup to what I hope is a fantastic series and I will be most definitely following along for book #2!
November 13, 2025
Lightbinder by Michael Webb
As Kaleth struggles to stay alive, a threat to the academy itself grows...
WHOA, this book is AMAZING!!!!!!! Definitely one of my top reads this year (and I've read well over a hundred). Loved the academy setting, Kaleth's hero's journey, and the mystery! Kaleth is an awesome character to root for and although this book is 500+ pages I was just flying through it. Great pacing and never a dull moment. Gave me classic fantasy vibes as well as some Brandon Sanderson vibes (his older books, not the newer ones). Great magic system, can't wait to find out more in book 2! Romance (no spice) is just a subplot which I found quite refreshing. The characters are 17 so it's YA but the action and tone didn't seem just for YA if you know what I mean. Highly, highly reccomend!
5 ⭐
Book 1 in the Lightbinder series
Favorite character: Felyra (MFC)
Favorite part: the mystery
Favorite quote: "No one tries as hard as you.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Some of them don’t have to try.”
“And that will only get them so far. Eventually, they’ll get to something difficult. If they’re not used to putting in effort, they’ll find themselves unable to overcome it."
As Kaleth struggles to stay alive, a threat to the academy itself grows...
WHOA, this book is AMAZING!!!!!!! Definitely one of my top reads this year (and I've read well over a hundred). Loved the academy setting, Kaleth's hero's journey, and the mystery! Kaleth is an awesome character to root for and although this book is 500+ pages I was just flying through it. Great pacing and never a dull moment. Gave me classic fantasy vibes as well as some Brandon Sanderson vibes (his older books, not the newer ones). Great magic system, can't wait to find out more in book 2! Romance (no spice) is just a subplot which I found quite refreshing. The characters are 17 so it's YA but the action and tone didn't seem just for YA if you know what I mean. Highly, highly reccomend!
5 ⭐
Book 1 in the Lightbinder series
Favorite character: Felyra (MFC)
Favorite part: the mystery
Favorite quote: "No one tries as hard as you.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Some of them don’t have to try.”
“And that will only get them so far. Eventually, they’ll get to something difficult. If they’re not used to putting in effort, they’ll find themselves unable to overcome it."
October 26, 2025
This novel is all about taking the less traveled, more difficult path in order to make sacrifices to protect those you love. It’s a vivid example of stretching beyond your comfort zone and dealing with challenging situations. Kayleth, a most unlikely hero is thrust into an impossible situation and Felyra is an equally unlikely heroine who overcomes much to be the best she can be. Their two very different worlds are layered and vividly described, and then intersected in interesting and unexpected ways.
I particularly liked how the story was woven between these two major characters. We got to see two different truths from their two very different perspectives.This has all the exciting twists and turns that we have all come to expect in a Michael Webb novel. A great read!
October 28, 2025
This is a gritty, emotionally charged coming-of-age fantasy about Kaleth, a seventeen-year-old who’s too thin, too timid, and utterly unprepared for the brutal world of Lightbinder Academy. Forced to enroll to repay his family’s impossible debt, Kaleth is thrust into a gauntlet of deadly trials, elite rivals, and ancient secrets. As initiates begin to die and trust erodes, Kaleth must uncover a long-lost magic and confront the academy’s hidden dangers. With the line between ally and enemy blurring, survival demands more than strength—it demands transformation.
September 12, 2025
This was an excellent book. It’s a coming-of-age story for a likable protagonist. This is what young adult fantasy books are made of. There were some plot devices used, especially early in the book, that stretched my suspension of disbelief. Nonetheless, I measure a book by how much it makes me want to continue reading all the way to the end. This book made me go from cover to cover. I’m eager to read the sequel.
October 7, 2025
Loved all the Shadow Knights books from this author but have to say I love this new series even more. Great characters, lots of action and intrigue. Wont go into any detail that will spoil it for you but to say I couldn’t put it down and the minute I read the last page I was hungry for more. Can highly recommend.
November 6, 2025
Amazing! Loved every second of it!
Great plot and character progression. Wasn’t sure about the dual POV Niall but actually it really worked. Believable romance. Twists and turns that weren’t overly predictable and leave you wanting more.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
Great plot and character progression. Wasn’t sure about the dual POV Niall but actually it really worked. Believable romance. Twists and turns that weren’t overly predictable and leave you wanting more.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 13, 2025
Light binder in an amazing adventure
This is just amazing! The story makes you want to be part of this world. You can't stop reading until the end. But you don't want it to end. There is so much more to see as these people grow and make choices that will effect their future. So now we wait for the next part of the story..
This is just amazing! The story makes you want to be part of this world. You can't stop reading until the end. But you don't want it to end. There is so much more to see as these people grow and make choices that will effect their future. So now we wait for the next part of the story..
December 10, 2025
Wow!
At first, I didn't like something nebulous about what I was reading. I thought about returning it. That would have been a humongous mistake! Then I couldn't stop reading. I was sucked in by the characters, the plot, and the innumerable possibilities. This is really, really good!
At first, I didn't like something nebulous about what I was reading. I thought about returning it. That would have been a humongous mistake! Then I couldn't stop reading. I was sucked in by the characters, the plot, and the innumerable possibilities. This is really, really good!
December 11, 2025
A Good Back and Forth
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the story was told primarily from two different characters, giving you unique perspectives shaped by the distinct worlds they each grew up in. It added depth and made the world feel rich and layered. I’m excited to see where the series goes in the next installment. Highly recommend giving this one a read!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the story was told primarily from two different characters, giving you unique perspectives shaped by the distinct worlds they each grew up in. It added depth and made the world feel rich and layered. I’m excited to see where the series goes in the next installment. Highly recommend giving this one a read!
October 24, 2025
Webb's new series is his best yet! The characters are nuanced; the story is fascinating; and the world is creative. The book is hard to put down and kept me up way too late several nights in a row. I can't wait for the 2nd Lightbinder book to see what happens next!
October 24, 2025
Michael Webb's best book to date (which is saying something)! Two strong main characters to root for and plenty of great storylines and mysteries to keep the pages turning. If you liked Shadow Knights, you will love Lightbinder.
October 28, 2025
A thrilling book from a master storyteller. A book that will keep you reading well into the night as you just can not put it down. I can not wait for the sequel.
January 10, 2026
good story. Looking forward the the completion.
October 30, 2025
WOW! An incredible captivating book by Michael Webb. It's like two different character's stories, but also the same. Both Kaleth and Felyra had kind of the same background growing up but in fueding countries. It does all tie together. The characters are very well developed and engaging. There is action, adventure, twists and turns and surprises you don't see coming. Michael's brilliant dual world building weaves beautifully throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! I can't wait to read the next one!
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