The Lightworker: Rise of the Shadows

by Abbie Richey Butler

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah Weinberg]

The Lightworker: Rise of the Shadows elegantly captures the inner turmoil we encounter as we discover our purpose in life; the delicate dance of putting aside feelings of inadequacy all while marching toward our future with confidence and clarity. The protagonist is thrust into a situation where she must dial down her instincts to fit in, a powerful message to be yourself in a world that begs us to conform. This adventurous tale reminds us that having a gift can often make us feel like a burden, but we need to share it with others to maximize its value. Butler beautifully encapsulates important issues teens are facing today, like social dynamics, grief, and supernatural phenomena in a relatable way. A fast-paced story—you will be at the edge of your seat trying to predict the next scene. Don’t allow the age recommendation deter you; this novel resonates with readers of all ages.

[Lenae T.]

As a homeschool mom and someone who reads a lot of books across different genres, The Lightworker: Rise of the Shadows was a pleasant surprise that myself, my teen, and tween all enjoyed!

What I appreciated most was the balance between action, mystery, and character development as well as the real life attention to normal teen and tween behaviors and social situations. I think many readers—especially teens and young adults—will find characters they can connect with. Fans of fantasy adventures with strong character arcs and plenty of suspense will likely enjoy this book.

If you’re looking for a story that offers adventure, intriguing twists, and a world you’ll want to revisit, The Lightworker: Rise of the Shadows is well worth adding to your reading list. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next!

[Robert Rushworth]

As a veteran elementary school teacher and school librarian, I wholeheartedly recommend The Lightworker: Rise of the Shadows. The main character, Lucy, is well-written, with strengths and flaws that many young readers will identify with. The plot moves forward quickly and will keep kids engaged. The dark forces that Lucy must confront are just spooky enough to be exciting and intriguing.

A number of students at our school were fortunate enough to participate in a book club centered around this novel, and they all gave it high praise. We are looking forward to the sequel!

[Kate Rautenberg]

I read this aloud with my 9 year old and we both loved it!! It was hard to put it down each night and we definitely went beyond our two chapters a night rule because we just had to know what was going to happen to Lucy. We can't wait for book two!