What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Illumination
When an eerie voice interrupts Christian’s ordinary life, the familiar scene of the Fall Valley Boarding School crumbles into uncertainty. Soon this boy’s worries are shifted from the troubles of his past to the terrifying disturbances that haunt him at every turn. In a matter of days, the menacing voices and shadowy shapes become the least of his troubles.
Christian decides that he must face his foes or live forever in fear. In doing so, a mysterious force drags him into a strange and unfamiliar land where the unnatural terrors are somehow perfectly catered to torment him.
It isn’t long before Christian is discovered by the inhabitants of this new realm. A peculiar but seemingly trustworthy fellow leads him to safety and introduces him to an ancient kingdom that has been lost for ages.
Christian may think himself a victim of circumstance, but he soon discovers that he has been chosen to determine the fate of an ancient people. The task may seem impossible, but if Christian does not succeed, hundreds of lives may be lost . . . and billions cursed forever.
The terrors are relentless, the secrets are endless, and the expectations that are thrown upon this thirteen-year-old boy are almost overwhelming. The past may have stolen his hope for the future, but Christian must decide if he has the courage to abandon his doubts and seize the path to a truly unfathomable destiny.
Christian decides that he must face his foes or live forever in fear. In doing so, a mysterious force drags him into a strange and unfamiliar land where the unnatural terrors are somehow perfectly catered to torment him.
It isn’t long before Christian is discovered by the inhabitants of this new realm. A peculiar but seemingly trustworthy fellow leads him to safety and introduces him to an ancient kingdom that has been lost for ages.
Christian may think himself a victim of circumstance, but he soon discovers that he has been chosen to determine the fate of an ancient people. The task may seem impossible, but if Christian does not succeed, hundreds of lives may be lost . . . and billions cursed forever.
The terrors are relentless, the secrets are endless, and the expectations that are thrown upon this thirteen-year-old boy are almost overwhelming. The past may have stolen his hope for the future, but Christian must decide if he has the courage to abandon his doubts and seize the path to a truly unfathomable destiny.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2016
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Dunford
5 books11 followersYou can purchase Lost Illumination and Dormant Souls on Amazon (paperback/hardback) or download an ebook for just $3.99 here: https://www.nightingalepublishingllc....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 30, 2018
I read a free pdf copy of 'Lost Illumination' as I am about to beta read the sequel. I really like K C Dunford's writing style. The story is a middle grade/ya fantasy adventure and reminds me of a mix of Narnia, the Medoran Chronicles, and Harry Potter. That ending is not what I expected - I now want to find out what happens in book 2!!!
July 25, 2018
There's not many things better than finding a Young Adult book that you know will make kids more open to reading. This is one of those. Wow, I loved everything about this one! This is technically a young adult book, but I'm going to say anyone from 12 and up will enjoy it.
Christian is our hero. He's a young boy away at boarding school. Things have happened in his life, leaving him alone. But I loved the way the author wrote his character, leaving the reader to discover all about him as the story goes along, instead of all up front. I liked the way Christian was able to grow throughout the book. When he finds himself alone in a strange place he was scared. He doesn't think he's brave or that there's a lot he can do. But as the story goes along, he gains more confidence in his abilities and he's able to overcome his fears.
There are some other characters in this one. Gafford and Ardella to name just a couple. But you don't see anything through their point of view. I liked the way that this leaves them with their own secrets that the reader doesn't know.
The plot of this one is full of scary creatures, great adventures and danger around every turn. I loved the way the plot kept me interested. I wanted to find out what would happen to Christian and his friends.
Any reader who loves fantasy books will love this one!
Christian is our hero. He's a young boy away at boarding school. Things have happened in his life, leaving him alone. But I loved the way the author wrote his character, leaving the reader to discover all about him as the story goes along, instead of all up front. I liked the way Christian was able to grow throughout the book. When he finds himself alone in a strange place he was scared. He doesn't think he's brave or that there's a lot he can do. But as the story goes along, he gains more confidence in his abilities and he's able to overcome his fears.
There are some other characters in this one. Gafford and Ardella to name just a couple. But you don't see anything through their point of view. I liked the way that this leaves them with their own secrets that the reader doesn't know.
The plot of this one is full of scary creatures, great adventures and danger around every turn. I loved the way the plot kept me interested. I wanted to find out what would happen to Christian and his friends.
Any reader who loves fantasy books will love this one!
June 2, 2018
I was sent this book to read and review before Beta reading the sequel. To be honest I found this book difficult to get into at first, but once he was out of Fall Valley it picked up a lot more. I felt the story has a lot of potential; I love the bare bones of it. However, I felt it was very confusing to follow. The action scenes happened too abruptly and it was difficult to decipher how much time had actually passed. There were a few times that they had decided to rest, but then something would happen and they'd have to keep moving, but the way it was described I couldn't tell if things were all happening in the same night/day or if it was finally the next day and they had been attacked again.
There are a lot of flashbacks that are weirdly placed or just not properly transitioned that really threw me off while I was reading. Eventually, they are answered at the end of the book, there were enough hints around them to draw your own conclusion which I appreciated. As a reader I like the validation of guessing the foreshadowing correctly. The only thing that seemed unclear was whether or not his father was abusive towards Christian. There were a few times that alluded to this, but we never got confirmation that this was the case.
I felt the scene with the Skathe trying to make a deal with Christian was very derivative of the Mirror of Erised in Harry Potter.
There are also a lot of unanswered questions, but I just watched K.C. Dunford's IG story about this and she said there are a lot of things that will be answered in the third and final book, so I think that open ended-ness is on purpose.
Lastly, I found the relationship between Christian and Ardella to be unsettling. He's a 13 year old boy and she's 17 (technically hundreds of years old--an Edward Cullen situation, almost). Christian's voice and actions were much older than that of a 13 year old; one could argue that his dark past could make up for some of this, but his character could pass as 16 or 17 and then there wouldn't have to be a weird uncomfortable age gap. Which I understand isn't going to be too big of a deal based on how this book ended, but still the foundation for a love between a 13 year old and a 17 year old is disturbing.
Overall, I love the concept and the story. The basis for the books is intriguing. I appreciate Gafford's character a lot. It is frustrating that he hardly explains anything to Christian, but eventually things do get answered. I feel like Gafford is almost a Hagrid like character to add some comic relief, but also vital to the operation at hand. I think it's amazing whenever anyone writes in the fantasy genre. They have to create their own world with creatures and made up places all on their own and then bring it to life for the reader. I think Dunford did an amazing job at creating her world and exposing us to it's dangers and the levels with in it. That is no easy task. I'm about to dive into the sequel for my Beta Read. I've heard readers get a better look at some of the other characters that were not as prevalent in the first book. I'm excited to see how things develop and where Christian ends up in five years time.
There are a lot of flashbacks that are weirdly placed or just not properly transitioned that really threw me off while I was reading. Eventually, they are answered at the end of the book, there were enough hints around them to draw your own conclusion which I appreciated. As a reader I like the validation of guessing the foreshadowing correctly. The only thing that seemed unclear was whether or not his father was abusive towards Christian. There were a few times that alluded to this, but we never got confirmation that this was the case.
I felt the scene with the Skathe trying to make a deal with Christian was very derivative of the Mirror of Erised in Harry Potter.
There are also a lot of unanswered questions, but I just watched K.C. Dunford's IG story about this and she said there are a lot of things that will be answered in the third and final book, so I think that open ended-ness is on purpose.
Lastly, I found the relationship between Christian and Ardella to be unsettling. He's a 13 year old boy and she's 17 (technically hundreds of years old--an Edward Cullen situation, almost). Christian's voice and actions were much older than that of a 13 year old; one could argue that his dark past could make up for some of this, but his character could pass as 16 or 17 and then there wouldn't have to be a weird uncomfortable age gap. Which I understand isn't going to be too big of a deal based on how this book ended, but still the foundation for a love between a 13 year old and a 17 year old is disturbing.
Overall, I love the concept and the story. The basis for the books is intriguing. I appreciate Gafford's character a lot. It is frustrating that he hardly explains anything to Christian, but eventually things do get answered. I feel like Gafford is almost a Hagrid like character to add some comic relief, but also vital to the operation at hand. I think it's amazing whenever anyone writes in the fantasy genre. They have to create their own world with creatures and made up places all on their own and then bring it to life for the reader. I think Dunford did an amazing job at creating her world and exposing us to it's dangers and the levels with in it. That is no easy task. I'm about to dive into the sequel for my Beta Read. I've heard readers get a better look at some of the other characters that were not as prevalent in the first book. I'm excited to see how things develop and where Christian ends up in five years time.
April 10, 2021
I love the writing style and imagery of this book. I love how it gets in to the main plot very quickly. That's not everyone's thing, but I don't like a slow burn and I liked that we got right in to the story, while also getting bits and pieces of Christian's past. By the end of the book, I had a better understanding of what he's been through and the trauma he's had to overcome.
I think this is an excellent transitional book from middle grade to young adult fantasy. I would recommend for 13 years and older.
I think this is an excellent transitional book from middle grade to young adult fantasy. I would recommend for 13 years and older.
September 1, 2018
K.C. Dunford has a vivid imagination and has created a world unlike any I've encountered before!
May 2, 2018
I can honestly say I never would have picked up this book up on my own. After hearing a recommendation i decided to read it and i, glad i did. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Ardella. I am especially excited for the next book because this one hinted at a future romance which will a great twist for these books!
The one thing that I found to be a negative was that the climax came so late in the book. Yes, it is #1 in a trilogy but the buildup and introductions were a little too long for me.
The one thing that I found to be a negative was that the climax came so late in the book. Yes, it is #1 in a trilogy but the buildup and introductions were a little too long for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2018
I didn’t really know what to expect with this book, but I am really glad I gave it a try. I was mostly previewing it for my daughter and I am happy to say that I think it is written very well and the story will be gripping enough without being too scary or violent for her. Becca Scott did a very good job narrating here. The voices were great and the inflection was pretty spot on. Now I need to get the sequel to see how this ends.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
April 13, 2017
Just finished this book by @kcdunfordbooks today and Wow this was not what i was expecting when I started reading it. The twists the turns the romance the magic the evil Skathes, tragedy, spookiness, man-eating trees there is so much here that can appeal to people of all ages; there is even verse at certain people may enjoy. The only other book that I could compare it to at the current moment would be the Legends of Orkney series by @alaneadamsbooks though with a younger main character who was a orphan bookworm at boarding school. He was so goofy at times but ultimately made the story more enjoyable with the other characters. I would give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐-🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 1/2 to 5 stars because it had all these elements and was done well however left a lot of questions and a tad bit instalove but I guess that's what sequels are for 😁 so overall I recommend this book for all ages for a fun-filled spooky fantasy read!!!
August 19, 2016
Incredible debut book from K.C. Dunford. I am very particular about writing styles and this author is very talented. The feelings of and responses from the characters to their situations were very familiar to things I've felt, and it's refreshing to know what they are going through, even though it takes place in an entirely different world. I loved the new world in the book, and some of the evil forces and creatures were truly creepy. The main thing that bothered me about the book was the love interest, but it gets better in the end. Overall, very fun and easy read and I'm excited to continue on in Christian's adventure--especially because --**SPOILER ALERT**--he will be older in the next book.
May 9, 2016
I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story. The plot is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. It is very imaginative and exciting and the story is fresh and original. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy this book.
March 15, 2016
Great Read
I enjoyed reading this book, I'm always looking for a good fantasy story, and am excited to find out what happens to Christian and the kingdom of Mirralantic.
I enjoyed reading this book, I'm always looking for a good fantasy story, and am excited to find out what happens to Christian and the kingdom of Mirralantic.
May 20, 2018
I am a beta reader for KC Dunford and thus was able to read this book for free. Overall, it was a great and unique story! I liked many things about it and was most intrigued in the last few chapters of the book.
However, in the beginning, when Christian was in Fall Valley, it was very hard to understand or get into the story. As the book continued and I was able to learn more of Christian’s past I was much more interested. I also found some of the flashbacks to be confusingly placed. They seemed to pop at random times which seemed to also happen with some of the attack scenes.
On the other hand, I enjoyed how the author set up the Mirallantic universe and how Christian found a friend in Ardella and Gafford. The character development for all three people was nicely placed into the story and I loved watching Christian sort of grow up a little in the story.
One thing about Ardella and Christian’s relationship that I found a bit awkward and forced was the love connection. I feel the book would have been much better if they were pictured as great friends rather than being in love, or rather Christian being in love with her. At first the small crush that Christian has is great and cute but in the final chapter I think it went a bit far in saying he was in love with her. In my opinion it would have been great to have just a friendship between the two and have it blossom into something much more in the second book.
Other than those two main critiques I found this to be a great read! It’s perfect for middle school aged or young adult aged readers. It’s excited and packed with lots of adventure as well as mystery, character development, and a unique plot line. I’m really looking forward to diving into book two and seeing where Christian is at in his life 5 years later. I hope to get some of my questions answered in the following books and am excited to see where the story leads me!
However, in the beginning, when Christian was in Fall Valley, it was very hard to understand or get into the story. As the book continued and I was able to learn more of Christian’s past I was much more interested. I also found some of the flashbacks to be confusingly placed. They seemed to pop at random times which seemed to also happen with some of the attack scenes.
On the other hand, I enjoyed how the author set up the Mirallantic universe and how Christian found a friend in Ardella and Gafford. The character development for all three people was nicely placed into the story and I loved watching Christian sort of grow up a little in the story.
One thing about Ardella and Christian’s relationship that I found a bit awkward and forced was the love connection. I feel the book would have been much better if they were pictured as great friends rather than being in love, or rather Christian being in love with her. At first the small crush that Christian has is great and cute but in the final chapter I think it went a bit far in saying he was in love with her. In my opinion it would have been great to have just a friendship between the two and have it blossom into something much more in the second book.
Other than those two main critiques I found this to be a great read! It’s perfect for middle school aged or young adult aged readers. It’s excited and packed with lots of adventure as well as mystery, character development, and a unique plot line. I’m really looking forward to diving into book two and seeing where Christian is at in his life 5 years later. I hope to get some of my questions answered in the following books and am excited to see where the story leads me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When I saw this book and read the synopsis, I thought that this could be a very interesting book. What illumination was lost? How can Christian help?
And then I started listening. I took the book forever to get to a place where I felt like the story had really begun. To a point where if I hadn’t agreed to review the book I would have put it away. And then when the story got underway there was still very little steam to propel me forward and push me to get to its conclusion. I had to force myself to keep listening to the end, just hoping that it would be worth it.
What irked me the most, was the way that the author tried to create tension. There is nothing wrong with having tension for a little while by not giving information. It becomes problematic, however, when it is the sole means of tension building. When the information was finally given, I didn’t get a sense of new tension. Because it was, again just about missing information.
And then the way that everyone kept information from Christian simply because they were not the ones who were supposed to tell him. It just got really annoying.
And then the way that it was introduced in the book that it was only book 1, felt like I had just read an almost meaningless prologue.
I know for sure that I will not come back for book 2.
When I saw this book and read the synopsis, I thought that this could be a very interesting book. What illumination was lost? How can Christian help?
And then I started listening. I took the book forever to get to a place where I felt like the story had really begun. To a point where if I hadn’t agreed to review the book I would have put it away. And then when the story got underway there was still very little steam to propel me forward and push me to get to its conclusion. I had to force myself to keep listening to the end, just hoping that it would be worth it.
What irked me the most, was the way that the author tried to create tension. There is nothing wrong with having tension for a little while by not giving information. It becomes problematic, however, when it is the sole means of tension building. When the information was finally given, I didn’t get a sense of new tension. Because it was, again just about missing information.
And then the way that everyone kept information from Christian simply because they were not the ones who were supposed to tell him. It just got really annoying.
And then the way that it was introduced in the book that it was only book 1, felt like I had just read an almost meaningless prologue.
I know for sure that I will not come back for book 2.
October 6, 2025
Lost Illumination by K.C. Dunford is a darkly imaginative coming-of-age fantasy that fuses psychological tension with epic adventure. Through Christian’s eyes a boy haunted by eerie voices and shadowy figures readers are drawn into a realm where the line between fear and destiny blurs with every step.
What begins as a chilling mystery in the halls of Fall Valley Boarding School spirals into a vast, otherworldly struggle for survival. Christian’s journey from terrified boy to reluctant hero is both deeply human and mythically grand, a meditation on courage, fate, and the heavy cost of hope. Dunford masterfully balances haunting atmosphere with a sense of wonder, crafting a world where ancient kingdoms and personal demons coexist.
With its blend of psychological horror, fantasy lore, and emotional depth, Lost Illumination stands out as an immersive tale for readers who love stories like The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with the dark intrigue of Coraline or His Dark Materials.
What begins as a chilling mystery in the halls of Fall Valley Boarding School spirals into a vast, otherworldly struggle for survival. Christian’s journey from terrified boy to reluctant hero is both deeply human and mythically grand, a meditation on courage, fate, and the heavy cost of hope. Dunford masterfully balances haunting atmosphere with a sense of wonder, crafting a world where ancient kingdoms and personal demons coexist.
With its blend of psychological horror, fantasy lore, and emotional depth, Lost Illumination stands out as an immersive tale for readers who love stories like The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with the dark intrigue of Coraline or His Dark Materials.
August 17, 2018
This was a good read! YA fantasy type book. I like the way the story of Christian, his adventures, and people he meets along the way develops. The beginning was a little slow but it got better as the book went on! Age wise for this book I’d say 12-13 and up.
November 1, 2018
"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
I really liked this book. After reading the synopsis, I knew I was getting a story that did seem kind of familiar. The author's execution of the story set it apart from those other stories, though. Following Christian as he traverses through a strange and dangerous world, I was taken into a journey along side with him and his traveling companions; on a journey that is most unique and unlike others.
Performance of the Audiobook was OK - they were good, but could seriously benefit from a pop filter. She almost blew out my car stereo with any loud P-word. :)
I loved the story-arc and the development of the plot, plus the addition of enough backstory to understand just the right amount to keep us going. I am very eager to see what happens next.
Character development was very good for Christian, and good for other characters. The Christian development is dark and twisted, he is no marysue!
I cant really find much I didnt like about this book, save for the reader's voice of Christian.. which isnt on the author. :)
Overrall, 4.5 stars, would recommend to others. I am stil waiting to hear back from the author to know when book 2 is coming out!
I really liked this book. After reading the synopsis, I knew I was getting a story that did seem kind of familiar. The author's execution of the story set it apart from those other stories, though. Following Christian as he traverses through a strange and dangerous world, I was taken into a journey along side with him and his traveling companions; on a journey that is most unique and unlike others.
Performance of the Audiobook was OK - they were good, but could seriously benefit from a pop filter. She almost blew out my car stereo with any loud P-word. :)
I loved the story-arc and the development of the plot, plus the addition of enough backstory to understand just the right amount to keep us going. I am very eager to see what happens next.
Character development was very good for Christian, and good for other characters. The Christian development is dark and twisted, he is no marysue!
I cant really find much I didnt like about this book, save for the reader's voice of Christian.. which isnt on the author. :)
Overrall, 4.5 stars, would recommend to others. I am stil waiting to hear back from the author to know when book 2 is coming out!
April 22, 2016
I really enjoyed and liked this book. Christian's story is very unique, he is a very unique and different character. It was a roller coaster of emotions for me because I wanted just to keep reading and know more but at the same time I did not want the book to end. Loved how intriguing and the mystery element on it. Like I said I just wanted to keep reading and see what was going to happen next. The Author does a great job in presenting the characters, the story, very clear what is going on, just the right pace for me and, loved how we get to know Christian, how real he felt to me and absolutely loved the writing style.
April 18, 2016
This is not my usual genre however i found the book very intriguing and mysterious and that sucked me in pretty quickly. If you like fantasy and suspense then give this book a read. I'm curious to find out what happens to Christian in the books sequel.
Read
October 20, 2017Meh, llevaba siglos leyéndolo hasta que finalmente lo dejé tirado! Me lo gané por Instagram en un sorteo que hizo su autora pero siento decir que la historia para nada captó mi atención, no calificación, sorry.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews