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Fallen Light
There are many legends in the the Chainless, the Regenerate, the Barbarians. The Lady. The Raven. The Whispering One.
They’re all coming for Mordinion.
They’re all coming for Mordinion.
370 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 31, 2016
I got this as a e-book from the authors website. It is my first book by this author. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I like the variety of characters in it. I hope to read more books by this author.
September 5, 2019
I liked the ending, but the first 3/4 of the book was a bit of a slog. The characters all felt like wooden cut outs, and character growth happened incredibly slowly and only after a lot of repetition. No one felt like a real person, or expressed any kind of feeling or emotion, which made me dislike all of them, when I felt anything at all for these fake characters.
I might try something else by the author, but if it starts the way this one did, there's no way I'm going to make it past the first chapter. 2.5 stars.
I might try something else by the author, but if it starts the way this one did, there's no way I'm going to make it past the first chapter. 2.5 stars.
July 5, 2016
Another lovely fantasy novel. I have read works by this author before so I knew what style of writing to expect when I agreed to provide a review. That being said, Sorensen’s style has not changed much since the last book I read but this story is definitely original and set apart from his other work.
Fallen Light feels old fashioned since it is definitely a sword and magic type of story. Even the narration feels like it’s from a different time period and it worked very well with the setting and pacing of the book.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Mordinion, whose name sounds more like a kingdom than a person. His journey is detailed, in a set of very crafty and descriptive words, as he finds himself in many obstacles, battles, and emotional upsets throughout the tale. The clutch of the story would be the magic and the fighting, which are all worded and written very well, but it is not the strongpoint. I’d say there is far more entertainment in the cast of strong characters and Mordinion’s growth than there is in the usage of magic and good old sword fighting.
I think I liked Mordinion beyond the general, he’s-the-main-character-so-I-have-to-like-him, I thought he was not always a realistic person but the kind of gritty strength demonstrated in his personality and actions made him someone who was easy to root for and make an emotional connection to. Mordinion lost people he liked and loved throughout the book; I found his reaction and display of emotion and strength to be some of the most page-turning points in the book. Maybe I’m a sucker for sad deaths but I don’t think it’s farfetched to say that Sorensen has a way with pulling on the heartstrings at the right moments.
Fallen Light isn’t too long for fantasy but it is wordy. That is not a complaint to say that it dragged on or had spots of boredom, but a way of highlighting the unique narration and style of writing adopted by this author. The detail and description is very vivid—especially when it comes to character descriptions. I could picture each cast member’s face as much as their personality. And the world-building and background information was relayed in a way that didn’t confuse me but provided somewhat of a sub-story to what was happening and why.
My only complaint would actually be the blurb for the story. I did enjoy the book from beginning to end but I don’t think I would have looked twice at the book if I had not been familiar with the author and knew that I’d be picking up a good read without hesitation. I only say this because I do think the book is good and that the cover is nice but the blurb is not on par with the enjoyment I had in reading the story. This has no effect on my rating, just a side note.
I would recommend this book to readers of all ages but especially fans of fantasy, magic, sword fighting, and Christian readers. If you’ve ever read anything by Sorensen, this will easily become your favorite of the bunch.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Fallen Light feels old fashioned since it is definitely a sword and magic type of story. Even the narration feels like it’s from a different time period and it worked very well with the setting and pacing of the book.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Mordinion, whose name sounds more like a kingdom than a person. His journey is detailed, in a set of very crafty and descriptive words, as he finds himself in many obstacles, battles, and emotional upsets throughout the tale. The clutch of the story would be the magic and the fighting, which are all worded and written very well, but it is not the strongpoint. I’d say there is far more entertainment in the cast of strong characters and Mordinion’s growth than there is in the usage of magic and good old sword fighting.
I think I liked Mordinion beyond the general, he’s-the-main-character-so-I-have-to-like-him, I thought he was not always a realistic person but the kind of gritty strength demonstrated in his personality and actions made him someone who was easy to root for and make an emotional connection to. Mordinion lost people he liked and loved throughout the book; I found his reaction and display of emotion and strength to be some of the most page-turning points in the book. Maybe I’m a sucker for sad deaths but I don’t think it’s farfetched to say that Sorensen has a way with pulling on the heartstrings at the right moments.
Fallen Light isn’t too long for fantasy but it is wordy. That is not a complaint to say that it dragged on or had spots of boredom, but a way of highlighting the unique narration and style of writing adopted by this author. The detail and description is very vivid—especially when it comes to character descriptions. I could picture each cast member’s face as much as their personality. And the world-building and background information was relayed in a way that didn’t confuse me but provided somewhat of a sub-story to what was happening and why.
My only complaint would actually be the blurb for the story. I did enjoy the book from beginning to end but I don’t think I would have looked twice at the book if I had not been familiar with the author and knew that I’d be picking up a good read without hesitation. I only say this because I do think the book is good and that the cover is nice but the blurb is not on par with the enjoyment I had in reading the story. This has no effect on my rating, just a side note.
I would recommend this book to readers of all ages but especially fans of fantasy, magic, sword fighting, and Christian readers. If you’ve ever read anything by Sorensen, this will easily become your favorite of the bunch.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
May 31, 2016
Mordinion's Long Struggle
Fallen Light is a sword and magic tale which chronicles Mordinion’s sojourn and travails as he travels physically across the Dominion, and emotionally and intellectually as he becomes a Watcher and learns of life and death. His commitment to his goal costs him dear; he loses loves, and friend after friend, but continually strives toward his goal.
The swords and magic are both key to the story, but they are not the story. The story is Mordinion’s life and journey growing up, and nothing else.
More would be spoilerish, so I’ll leave it at that.
Mr. Sorensen’s descriptions are excellent; full and lively without seeming to bog the reader down in detail. One example, though there are many: “She looked as though she had descended to reign over the twilight.”
While Mordinion is a character I rooted for, and cried for, he’s not one I liked, if that makes sense. But I admired him. The secondary characters were well-chosen and strong, strong enough to match Mordinion, even the ones who died.
For as many words as Fallen Light uses, I never had a sense of the story dragging or losing interest. Any time that could have been a risk, Sorensen inserts enough action, raises the stakes even higher and carries on.
A disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, which you are reading.
I read Fallen Light using iBooks on my Mac. There were a few typos which I passed back for correction, though none were so bad as to ruin the story for me. I glanced through the book in Kindle format on the Kindle app on my Mac and on my older Kindle. There were no formatting issues on any device or app, although to appreciate the cover art does require a color device.
Fallen Light is a well-written story which I can recommend to any reader seeking a good story, well told. I’ll be looking for more of Mr. Sorensen’s work.
Fallen Light is a sword and magic tale which chronicles Mordinion’s sojourn and travails as he travels physically across the Dominion, and emotionally and intellectually as he becomes a Watcher and learns of life and death. His commitment to his goal costs him dear; he loses loves, and friend after friend, but continually strives toward his goal.
The swords and magic are both key to the story, but they are not the story. The story is Mordinion’s life and journey growing up, and nothing else.
More would be spoilerish, so I’ll leave it at that.
Mr. Sorensen’s descriptions are excellent; full and lively without seeming to bog the reader down in detail. One example, though there are many: “She looked as though she had descended to reign over the twilight.”
While Mordinion is a character I rooted for, and cried for, he’s not one I liked, if that makes sense. But I admired him. The secondary characters were well-chosen and strong, strong enough to match Mordinion, even the ones who died.
For as many words as Fallen Light uses, I never had a sense of the story dragging or losing interest. Any time that could have been a risk, Sorensen inserts enough action, raises the stakes even higher and carries on.
A disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, which you are reading.
I read Fallen Light using iBooks on my Mac. There were a few typos which I passed back for correction, though none were so bad as to ruin the story for me. I glanced through the book in Kindle format on the Kindle app on my Mac and on my older Kindle. There were no formatting issues on any device or app, although to appreciate the cover art does require a color device.
Fallen Light is a well-written story which I can recommend to any reader seeking a good story, well told. I’ll be looking for more of Mr. Sorensen’s work.
May 31, 2016
[ I received this book free from the author requesting an honest review . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
"Do you like my sword? I am informed that weapons such as these are the second best method of destroying mortals.” “And the best way?” “Giving them what they want.”
This is a fantasy story about a young man named Mordinion, who we follow from his home towards chances no one could ever imagine. It is also a story about his childhood friend Ari, his fellow students Cirdemanil, Jathor, Rokan and Rael and their life at and beyond the Solstice of the Watchers. Mordinion and the others are tested, taught and tried within and outside of the Solstice until it is time to become Watchers....or not. As the legends and tales of this world begin to crumble, history overtakes their way of life and changes everyone's ideas on just who are the "bad guys" and who are the good, based upon choices and prophecy.
So, take a bit of Joseph Campbell/ George Lucas, add Homer's The Odyssey, Tolkien, CS Lewis and toss in a bit of Rumplestilskin and there you will find an amazing journey that is a very satisfying read. There is a little violence, but it doesn't drive any storyline. Sorenson's love of the written and spoken word shine, as does this book. I highly recommend it.
"Do you like my sword? I am informed that weapons such as these are the second best method of destroying mortals.” “And the best way?” “Giving them what they want.”
This is a fantasy story about a young man named Mordinion, who we follow from his home towards chances no one could ever imagine. It is also a story about his childhood friend Ari, his fellow students Cirdemanil, Jathor, Rokan and Rael and their life at and beyond the Solstice of the Watchers. Mordinion and the others are tested, taught and tried within and outside of the Solstice until it is time to become Watchers....or not. As the legends and tales of this world begin to crumble, history overtakes their way of life and changes everyone's ideas on just who are the "bad guys" and who are the good, based upon choices and prophecy.
So, take a bit of Joseph Campbell/ George Lucas, add Homer's The Odyssey, Tolkien, CS Lewis and toss in a bit of Rumplestilskin and there you will find an amazing journey that is a very satisfying read. There is a little violence, but it doesn't drive any storyline. Sorenson's love of the written and spoken word shine, as does this book. I highly recommend it.
May 30, 2016
This book has been hard for me to review. Not because it's not good, it totally is. But because the style of the writing isn't on my preference list.
We follow the adventure of Mor, right before the birthday symbolizing his manhoods beginning. He is an intricately written character with layers unpon layers. However Benjamin does a good job of showing them all to you.
I personally may not prefer this style of storytelling, but the story itself is fantastic. There are risings of relationships and the falls the follow, ditto with friendships. There are goodies and baddies, but the line is also very grey towards the second half of the book. And even though our hero is 'merely human' we can't tell great things will come for him. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.
I can honestly say that it reminds me of Robert J Cranes writing in some ways, and not in others. But for a reference is you enjoyed Mr. Crane's Sanctuary Series (which I absolutely did) you should enjoy this Epic Fantasy.
I'm rating this book on how much I enjoyed the story and trying not to allow my writing style bias intrude. So because the story was well written, edited and formatted. And, because the actual plot, and characters were all around very enjoyable I'm throwing out 4 big St. Sister Book Review Sparkle bombs :)!
We follow the adventure of Mor, right before the birthday symbolizing his manhoods beginning. He is an intricately written character with layers unpon layers. However Benjamin does a good job of showing them all to you.
I personally may not prefer this style of storytelling, but the story itself is fantastic. There are risings of relationships and the falls the follow, ditto with friendships. There are goodies and baddies, but the line is also very grey towards the second half of the book. And even though our hero is 'merely human' we can't tell great things will come for him. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.
I can honestly say that it reminds me of Robert J Cranes writing in some ways, and not in others. But for a reference is you enjoyed Mr. Crane's Sanctuary Series (which I absolutely did) you should enjoy this Epic Fantasy.
I'm rating this book on how much I enjoyed the story and trying not to allow my writing style bias intrude. So because the story was well written, edited and formatted. And, because the actual plot, and characters were all around very enjoyable I'm throwing out 4 big St. Sister Book Review Sparkle bombs :)!
June 3, 2016
I received this book free from the author, requesting an honest review in return. All opinions expressed below are mine alone.
Without giving away anything important, the story follows Mordinion as he becomes a man and figures out what to do with his life. Along the way he gains and loses love and friendship, experiences betrayal and “saves” the world.
As a protagonist, Mordinion is well written and intricate. While there is never any doubt as to whom the true hero of the novel is, the secondary characters are just as interesting and well written, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them and wanting to know more about them. Mr Sorensen has a knack for bringing the world and the characters to life through delightful descriptions that never come across as too much/exaggerated.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-paced. At no point did I find myself bored. As a matter of fact, it was difficult to stop reading once I started.
I highly recommend this book, and it’s a fantastic addition to any fantasy collection. I look forward to more works by the author.
Without giving away anything important, the story follows Mordinion as he becomes a man and figures out what to do with his life. Along the way he gains and loses love and friendship, experiences betrayal and “saves” the world.
As a protagonist, Mordinion is well written and intricate. While there is never any doubt as to whom the true hero of the novel is, the secondary characters are just as interesting and well written, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them and wanting to know more about them. Mr Sorensen has a knack for bringing the world and the characters to life through delightful descriptions that never come across as too much/exaggerated.
Overall, the story is interesting and well-paced. At no point did I find myself bored. As a matter of fact, it was difficult to stop reading once I started.
I highly recommend this book, and it’s a fantastic addition to any fantasy collection. I look forward to more works by the author.
June 1, 2016
Fallen Light is about Mordinion's journey and choices along the way, starting with the Watcher's.It starts him, not only on his chosen path, but a journey and adventure he could have never saw coming. He makes choices and friends that will make or break him.
Along the way we meet a few more interesting character's and allies, as Mordinion would refer to them, that make the story more interesting and believable. They bring laughs and heartache, and some even "balance" each other out.
Throughout you find yourself wondering which side is really evil and which side is really good.
The story is written in a way that is fluid and real, you can see these characters come alive in your mind and the world they exist in. I did not find it slow in pace or even stall at any point. I didn't even want to put it down to sleep. Again, love this author's work.
I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
Along the way we meet a few more interesting character's and allies, as Mordinion would refer to them, that make the story more interesting and believable. They bring laughs and heartache, and some even "balance" each other out.
Throughout you find yourself wondering which side is really evil and which side is really good.
The story is written in a way that is fluid and real, you can see these characters come alive in your mind and the world they exist in. I did not find it slow in pace or even stall at any point. I didn't even want to put it down to sleep. Again, love this author's work.
I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2016
Great book. Enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Sometimes it was difficult to follow the conversations but I'm not always the quickest study. There are some grammatical errors throughout but it's to be expected and they do not take away from the purpose of this story which was to entertain those that read it. There was a little bit of everything you coil hope for a story, battles, laughter, tears, love and hatred. But none was over done. I recommend this book to any that enjoy a good adventure.
June 1, 2016
When I got Fallen Light, I had a hard time putting the book down. It grabs you and sucks you into the world of the Dominion fully. You follow Mordinion as he becomes a man, and leaves home to find his purpose in life. There is love, loss, betrayal, and twists and turns a plenty.
I loved the book, and definitely recommend that anyone who loves fantasy read this. I would give it 6 stars if I could. One of my favorite books to date.
I loved the book, and definitely recommend that anyone who loves fantasy read this. I would give it 6 stars if I could. One of my favorite books to date.
April 21, 2017
A very detailed and in depth epic fantasy set in a world of magical beings, forests of hair and cities of crystal. Fallen light is about a young man named Mordinion who finds no regular trade within his small hometown calls to him. He finds his interest piqued when a stranger enters his town who is one of the Watch, those who protect the land from Barbarians outside the borders.
Mordinion goes with the stranger to take the tests that will lead to him becoming one of the Watchers. He proves to be a quick study and a skilled fighter with his chosen weapons, scythes. He makes a few friends, though none as close as Rael. Both men are deep thinkers, interested in literature and love to debate all things. Unfortunately, they love the same woman and Rael, after a mission takes him away for a few weeks and the woman turns to Mordinion for love, accidently causes her death and both mourn. Mordinion's grief leads only to one place, killing Rael as a way to pay for this crime. Rael even respects this decision but there are far more things going on in the world than this.
There are Ancient, near-forgotten beings, who need Mordinion's help, believing he is the only one who can stand against the villainous Whispering One, who poisons the minds of humans. The Lady who is pure desire and light and a mysterious Raven who can see the past, present, and future. They all stand between Mordinion and Rael on his path to revenge.
Mordinion, for me, started out as a very likable character though his emotions and thought processes boarded on cold and calculating. Almost like a robot, programmed to see clear paths despite consequence to others. When his eyes fall on the woman Rael has been courting for some time I applauded his self-control, but once Rael was out of sight he barely held back, choosing to give the woman the blame as she was more forward in her intentions. Despite the Watchers, I believed Mordinion to be a character of strength and self-control, but where the woman was concerned, it crumbled and he lost the closest friend he had ever had.
I, despite Rael's choice of revenge, felt far more sympathy and like for him. The Watchers had manipulated him, Mordinion had taken one he loved behind his back and so I felt his revenge was just. Though not the specific revenge he used which ended up hurting them both far more deeply. Rael and Ari worked, there was a depth to their love which made sense. They spoke a lot, Rael enjoyed her mind and humour and openness, whereas I felt Mordinion fell instantly at physical beauty.
The book takes you on a series of twists and turns that leave you unsure of your feelings for the characters and left me pretty shocked at the very end. But the mystical beings were unique, the editing was perfect. The pace of plot was nice and steady and I think overall it is a very good book and story. It will evoke every human emotion possible and leave you thinking on the basics of human behaviour.
A good book!
Mordinion goes with the stranger to take the tests that will lead to him becoming one of the Watchers. He proves to be a quick study and a skilled fighter with his chosen weapons, scythes. He makes a few friends, though none as close as Rael. Both men are deep thinkers, interested in literature and love to debate all things. Unfortunately, they love the same woman and Rael, after a mission takes him away for a few weeks and the woman turns to Mordinion for love, accidently causes her death and both mourn. Mordinion's grief leads only to one place, killing Rael as a way to pay for this crime. Rael even respects this decision but there are far more things going on in the world than this.
There are Ancient, near-forgotten beings, who need Mordinion's help, believing he is the only one who can stand against the villainous Whispering One, who poisons the minds of humans. The Lady who is pure desire and light and a mysterious Raven who can see the past, present, and future. They all stand between Mordinion and Rael on his path to revenge.
Mordinion, for me, started out as a very likable character though his emotions and thought processes boarded on cold and calculating. Almost like a robot, programmed to see clear paths despite consequence to others. When his eyes fall on the woman Rael has been courting for some time I applauded his self-control, but once Rael was out of sight he barely held back, choosing to give the woman the blame as she was more forward in her intentions. Despite the Watchers, I believed Mordinion to be a character of strength and self-control, but where the woman was concerned, it crumbled and he lost the closest friend he had ever had.
I, despite Rael's choice of revenge, felt far more sympathy and like for him. The Watchers had manipulated him, Mordinion had taken one he loved behind his back and so I felt his revenge was just. Though not the specific revenge he used which ended up hurting them both far more deeply. Rael and Ari worked, there was a depth to their love which made sense. They spoke a lot, Rael enjoyed her mind and humour and openness, whereas I felt Mordinion fell instantly at physical beauty.
The book takes you on a series of twists and turns that leave you unsure of your feelings for the characters and left me pretty shocked at the very end. But the mystical beings were unique, the editing was perfect. The pace of plot was nice and steady and I think overall it is a very good book and story. It will evoke every human emotion possible and leave you thinking on the basics of human behaviour.
A good book!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews