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The Light Thief
THE SUN IS DEAD.
Humanity has moved deep underground.
The Lightbringers have reinvented electricity.
Their presence offers reassurance.
But some believe it's safer in the shadows.
Humanity has moved deep underground.
The Lightbringers have reinvented electricity.
Their presence offers reassurance.
But some believe it's safer in the shadows.
Aniya Lyons has never forgiven the Lightbringers for the abduction of her brother. She’s overjoyed when he escapes and returns three years later, but he comes bearing a dark secret. Before he can share it with her, the Lightbringers steal him away again and murder their parents. Aniya is devastated, and she knows that she’s next.
So Aniya plunges into the dark tunnels of the Web, where savages and mutated beasts lie in wait. She despairs that there is no safe place to hide, that she will be running for the rest of her life. But there is a glimmer of hope. If she can make it to the Lightbringers’ Hub before they hunt her down, she may be able to sneak in and rescue her brother.
But the closer Aniya gets to the Hub, the closer she gets to discovering the horrible truth that led to the destruction of her family. The dark secret the Lightbringers would do anything to protect. And if she chooses to use this secret against them, it may carry unimaginable consequences and a great cost that Aniya may never be ready to pay.
"I just love it. He does an amazing job keeping track of his characters without it being overwhelming. The story is good and I think very creative. If you enjoyed Divergent, The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, etc., it's that quality. Just don't want it to end!"
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2019
69 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 29, 2020
What did I like about this book? The story was believable, yet unique in its setting and circumstances. The events and characters who drove the story forward were also fully fleshed-out and I was able to connect with everything on an emotional level, which kept me very invested in the adventure. And the action throughout each scene kept me on the edge of my seat in the three sittings that I spent locked in my room gobbling up this book. Not literally, of course. But the story was so good that if I could literally eat it, I totally would. There were so many delightful twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing on where the story would go, and even after having finished the book a few months ago, it's still fresh on my mind and I can remember every detail. Truly well-written stories sear themselves into your memory, and that's what The Light Thief did.
What did I not like about this book? The fact that it ended. But now a sequel is out, so I'm happy.
In short, everyone should read this book and keep up with the entire series. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes another twist and surprises you, but then you go back and discover that the plot was subtly leading up to that twist anyway, and it's amazing. David Webb is an awesome writer, and you should join his audience and support him while binge-reading his books.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go burn ink as incense and meditate on perfecting my writing...
What did I not like about this book? The fact that it ended. But now a sequel is out, so I'm happy.
In short, everyone should read this book and keep up with the entire series. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes another twist and surprises you, but then you go back and discover that the plot was subtly leading up to that twist anyway, and it's amazing. David Webb is an awesome writer, and you should join his audience and support him while binge-reading his books.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go burn ink as incense and meditate on perfecting my writing...
March 19, 2020
The Light Thief rides along an intriguing underground premise. I'd recommend it to any scifi/dystopian fans looking for giant moles and radioactive tunnels. I wish Webb had allowed the reader more time with side characters (Roland, the rebel leader's daughter, etc.) before pulling them away. The action kept me turning pages for a while, but I prefer a cup of tea I can sit down and let steep for a good while rather than one with a quick, strong punch :P
It's a cool book, just not my style. (:
It's a cool book, just not my style. (:
February 8, 2021
This is book one of The Light Thief series and the main character is eighteen year old Aniya Lyons, who is being pushed to choose her future husband from a small pool of five men, picked for her by the government. She has tried going on dates with a few of them so far, but none have been much of a choice in her eyes. She would rather stay on her own, than be forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, but she only has a few months left of her choosing year, and has no option in not complying. The book is set in an underworld, due to the damage done to the surface, where everyone lives under the control of the Lightbringers, who govern the underground world of the Web as it is called. They brought light back to the masses, apart from the odd day when the power goes out and people get a day off their work. Aniya’s older brother William was sent away to be part of relocative servitude or as it’s called the Citizen Tax, some three years ago, never to be seen again. When the power goes out again, Aniya enjoys her day off and visits the local, but is distracted when a young man runs in calling for Gareth, the landlord. Someone has been shot by the Lightbringers and collapsed out the back. When he is pulled into the pubs back room, it seems to be an undernourished old man, but it is actually her brother William, who looks like he has aged about forty years in just three years!
Gareth and the other man, who is called Roland, help bring him back to her parent’s shack, where they can hide him in a secret underground hideaway room. It seems William was responsible for the lights going out and staying out, then escaping and returning to their home sector. But this unfortunately brings the Lightbringers to their small home the very next day, wanting to know where he is and what he has told them. The Operative in charge of his recovery, kills both of his parents, even after he gives himself up, and taking him prisoner again. The next day she is told to follow her normal routine and to stay away from her home if a certain signal was shown in the window. She gets back and runs in, finding her parents dead and her brother missing. The young man Roland, trying to keep her safe, is linked with Gareth, one of the people involved in the former Uprising, as were here parents. He tries to get her to safety, but she wanted to get back to her parents and brother, but the Silvers (the Silver Guard) got there before she could. Now they are looking for her and anyone else William may have talked to. The only way out of the sector is through the caves, but the entrance is by the railway tracks and by the time they make it there, it is surrounded by Silvers.
Aniya’s life is in danger and she has to avoid the Operative, the government’s own assassin, who goes above and beyond his actual orders, to shoot first and hope to kill those he is after. Her friend Nicolas and Roland try to get into the station, to go through along the tracks, but they are too late. Security is high and they have to wait for nightfall, but even then they struggle to avoid all the Silvers and Nicolas ends up being caught. Aniya has to follow Roland into the caves and meets the original leader of the Uprising, named The Scrouge or Salvador, and have to convince him and his aggressive daughter Tamisra. William had already asked Salvador for help after escaping the first time, but was refused. But three of his men agreed to help him without Salvador knowing, due to William’s inside man, but they were killed and only William made it back, although shot three times in the back. She wants to rescue her brother from the Silvers and finding out he is on his way back to the Citadel or Hub, she and Roland have a difficult journey through the tunnels to make it to the Hub undiscovered. Someone she thought of as a friend, turns up as one of the Silvers and gets ahold of her and takes her prisoner!
She is now going to be put under the same conditions her brother had been held for the last three years, after the Operative finishes interrogating her and Roland. Fortunately, after about a week as part of the dark secret, the Lightbringers have hidden from all citizens, she is released from her chamber by the inside man. He as a huge request for her to carry out, which will ultimately lead to her death. Only she or her brother can do it, due to the chamber being keyed to their DNA. This is what all those selected for servitude, are used for and it quickly kills most, using their very life force to power a secret the Lightbringers cannot afford to have revealed. But it seems some on both sides are not who they pretend to be and they already knew of this secret. The light has gone out and has been out for longer than it has for years. Will it ever come back? What her brother has done, could have unimaginable consequences for everyone and a much harder life if no light returns. Life is already hard for most citizens in this world, in all sectors and even those in the caves. Lots going on and the ending just leaves you wondering who is really behind everything and who is on which side, as lots of secrets are partly revealed. It still leaves you with lots of questions about the initial rebel Uprising, who is playing on what side and what the consequences are going to be. What will be next is unclear, but somehow, Aniya, her brother and Nicolas are key to the future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Gareth and the other man, who is called Roland, help bring him back to her parent’s shack, where they can hide him in a secret underground hideaway room. It seems William was responsible for the lights going out and staying out, then escaping and returning to their home sector. But this unfortunately brings the Lightbringers to their small home the very next day, wanting to know where he is and what he has told them. The Operative in charge of his recovery, kills both of his parents, even after he gives himself up, and taking him prisoner again. The next day she is told to follow her normal routine and to stay away from her home if a certain signal was shown in the window. She gets back and runs in, finding her parents dead and her brother missing. The young man Roland, trying to keep her safe, is linked with Gareth, one of the people involved in the former Uprising, as were here parents. He tries to get her to safety, but she wanted to get back to her parents and brother, but the Silvers (the Silver Guard) got there before she could. Now they are looking for her and anyone else William may have talked to. The only way out of the sector is through the caves, but the entrance is by the railway tracks and by the time they make it there, it is surrounded by Silvers.
Aniya’s life is in danger and she has to avoid the Operative, the government’s own assassin, who goes above and beyond his actual orders, to shoot first and hope to kill those he is after. Her friend Nicolas and Roland try to get into the station, to go through along the tracks, but they are too late. Security is high and they have to wait for nightfall, but even then they struggle to avoid all the Silvers and Nicolas ends up being caught. Aniya has to follow Roland into the caves and meets the original leader of the Uprising, named The Scrouge or Salvador, and have to convince him and his aggressive daughter Tamisra. William had already asked Salvador for help after escaping the first time, but was refused. But three of his men agreed to help him without Salvador knowing, due to William’s inside man, but they were killed and only William made it back, although shot three times in the back. She wants to rescue her brother from the Silvers and finding out he is on his way back to the Citadel or Hub, she and Roland have a difficult journey through the tunnels to make it to the Hub undiscovered. Someone she thought of as a friend, turns up as one of the Silvers and gets ahold of her and takes her prisoner!
She is now going to be put under the same conditions her brother had been held for the last three years, after the Operative finishes interrogating her and Roland. Fortunately, after about a week as part of the dark secret, the Lightbringers have hidden from all citizens, she is released from her chamber by the inside man. He as a huge request for her to carry out, which will ultimately lead to her death. Only she or her brother can do it, due to the chamber being keyed to their DNA. This is what all those selected for servitude, are used for and it quickly kills most, using their very life force to power a secret the Lightbringers cannot afford to have revealed. But it seems some on both sides are not who they pretend to be and they already knew of this secret. The light has gone out and has been out for longer than it has for years. Will it ever come back? What her brother has done, could have unimaginable consequences for everyone and a much harder life if no light returns. Life is already hard for most citizens in this world, in all sectors and even those in the caves. Lots going on and the ending just leaves you wondering who is really behind everything and who is on which side, as lots of secrets are partly revealed. It still leaves you with lots of questions about the initial rebel Uprising, who is playing on what side and what the consequences are going to be. What will be next is unclear, but somehow, Aniya, her brother and Nicolas are key to the future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 17, 2021
4.5 stars.
I don't normally read dystopian, but I enjoyed this book. Even though the beginning was a little slow and ambiguous, once it picked up speed, it exceeded my expectations. This story really keeps you guessing about who's on the good side and what choices the characters should make. Excellent worldbuilding, decent character development, and an intriguing premise round out this book's strong points.
A few aspects of the story I disliked (such as gore and suggestive themes), but they're to be expected in a book geared toward older readers. They weren't enough to make me put down the book, fortunately.
Aniya Lyons, the main character, is relatable enough for readers to become invested in her story.
Roland was my favorite. I couldn't really tell you why.
I didn't mind Tamisra. She has some odd quirks, but they make her interesting.
Nicholas...well. Let's say my opinion of him was all over the place throughout the book. To say where he stands with me now would be a spoiler. :P
The ending left me gobsmacked and eager to read the next book. There seems to be a lot more to this underground world than first meets the eye. All in all, The Light Thief is a good read for people who enjoy dystopian and sci-fi.
If that hasn't convinced you, I have but two final words: mole riders.
I don't normally read dystopian, but I enjoyed this book. Even though the beginning was a little slow and ambiguous, once it picked up speed, it exceeded my expectations. This story really keeps you guessing about who's on the good side and what choices the characters should make. Excellent worldbuilding, decent character development, and an intriguing premise round out this book's strong points.
A few aspects of the story I disliked (such as gore and suggestive themes), but they're to be expected in a book geared toward older readers. They weren't enough to make me put down the book, fortunately.
Aniya Lyons, the main character, is relatable enough for readers to become invested in her story.
Roland was my favorite. I couldn't really tell you why.
I didn't mind Tamisra. She has some odd quirks, but they make her interesting.
Nicholas...well. Let's say my opinion of him was all over the place throughout the book. To say where he stands with me now would be a spoiler. :P
The ending left me gobsmacked and eager to read the next book. There seems to be a lot more to this underground world than first meets the eye. All in all, The Light Thief is a good read for people who enjoy dystopian and sci-fi.
If that hasn't convinced you, I have but two final words: mole riders.
August 13, 2020
The first half of the book I give a three star review. The second half gets four stars. Personally, this book was hard for me to get into. The writer drops the reader into this world without giving a whole lot of context up front. For the first several chapters, I was constantly thinking, What are these people talking about? What does this term mean in this fictional world?
The second half of the book was more enjoyable. By that point, I understood enough to really have a better picture of the characters and the world they’re in. I will say Aniya, the main character, wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time connecting with her, but the side characters were fantastic. They kept me reading. All in all, an interesting read, especially if you’re a fan of science fiction.
The second half of the book was more enjoyable. By that point, I understood enough to really have a better picture of the characters and the world they’re in. I will say Aniya, the main character, wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time connecting with her, but the side characters were fantastic. They kept me reading. All in all, an interesting read, especially if you’re a fan of science fiction.
January 26, 2021
Aniya Lyons has never forgiven the Lightbringers for the abduction of her brother. He somehow escapes three years later, but before he can tell her the dark secret he brought with him, he is abducted yet again and their parents are killed. Aniya must run to escape a similar fate.
The author does an excellent job drawing the reader into the story. Our emotions are all over the place, anger, fear, sorrow… hope? This is an exciting fast-paced page-turner that moves the reader through at a breakneck speed toward something we haven’t had time to formulate in our minds! Yes, it does leave you breathless at times. Grab your copy and begin the adventure right here. The journey will give you plenty to think about.
The author does an excellent job drawing the reader into the story. Our emotions are all over the place, anger, fear, sorrow… hope? This is an exciting fast-paced page-turner that moves the reader through at a breakneck speed toward something we haven’t had time to formulate in our minds! Yes, it does leave you breathless at times. Grab your copy and begin the adventure right here. The journey will give you plenty to think about.
November 21, 2022
Many times I threw this book to one side, planning to abandon it. Many times I rolled my eyes at the inanity of the writing. Today I do these these things for the last time. Aniya is the most irritating, annoying, dislikeable person I've ever met as a main character. Halfway through the book I realized this is (or should be billed as) a "teen read". The language structure is all there. The characters are undeveloped because, after all, they're just teens (all the adults seem to get offed). I don't often abandon books without a pang of regret, but, quite honestly, my reading sessions turned into afternoon naps. Definitely not a book for me, and no regrets.
July 20, 2020
This book was amazing! The plot was fast-paced and drew me in every time I picked it up. The last few chapters were so unique and crazy good. David did an amazing job with his first book and I can't wait to continue with the series!
September 8, 2020
This was a good start to what looks like an intriguing series. I was drawn into the story and kept hooked all the way through. The writing is a bit choppy but it does the job. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
December 25, 2019
The book's premise is a poorly conceived idea. Good luck to the 3 people who purchase it.
December 14, 2022
Great read all the way through! The intensity never let up and kept me super interested. Highly recommend this book.
December 10, 2019
Underground dystopia in a world where power is about more than keeping the lights on.
Aniya Lyons, a teen girl on the cusp of a government-orchestrated arranged marriage is thrust into a hidden underworld in a world underground. Humanity lives deep in the crust of the Earth and owes its existence to the Lightbringers who provide light and something like the sky and all the energy that powers the little cities connected by train tunnels. When her Lightbringer-conscripted brother unexpectedly returns to their home in one of the outermost settlements, familiarly referred to as the Hole, her world comes crashing down. The murder of her parents and her brother's abduction open Aniya's eyes to the dirty under workings of those who claim to work for the good of the people. Her only desires are to rescue her brother and survive, but she's become a cog in a machine set to change their world. She and two friends get split up on a chase through the underground world to the Hub to save her brother and stop the powers that be from killing anyone else in their pursuit to cover up the cracks in their armor.
I enjoyed this book. I got to read it early with an ARC, and I'm glad I did, so I also bought a copy. This is not a book for younger kids, but it's definitely for older teens and above. The book has several deaths, including the descriptive murder of the main character's parents as well as a few other tragic deaths. The world building is interesting and there are some great questions left open in the end that makes me think this underground world Aniya lives in isn't the only one that exists, and maybe there's something 'up there' that is fed by the power of the people below. I got a City of Ember vibe while reading The Light Thief. If you like ya dystopian science fiction with giant moles, chases, and an ambiguously evil ruling body that may or may not be the actual bad guys, you'll like this book. It's the first in the series, so definitely look for more.
Aniya Lyons, a teen girl on the cusp of a government-orchestrated arranged marriage is thrust into a hidden underworld in a world underground. Humanity lives deep in the crust of the Earth and owes its existence to the Lightbringers who provide light and something like the sky and all the energy that powers the little cities connected by train tunnels. When her Lightbringer-conscripted brother unexpectedly returns to their home in one of the outermost settlements, familiarly referred to as the Hole, her world comes crashing down. The murder of her parents and her brother's abduction open Aniya's eyes to the dirty under workings of those who claim to work for the good of the people. Her only desires are to rescue her brother and survive, but she's become a cog in a machine set to change their world. She and two friends get split up on a chase through the underground world to the Hub to save her brother and stop the powers that be from killing anyone else in their pursuit to cover up the cracks in their armor.
I enjoyed this book. I got to read it early with an ARC, and I'm glad I did, so I also bought a copy. This is not a book for younger kids, but it's definitely for older teens and above. The book has several deaths, including the descriptive murder of the main character's parents as well as a few other tragic deaths. The world building is interesting and there are some great questions left open in the end that makes me think this underground world Aniya lives in isn't the only one that exists, and maybe there's something 'up there' that is fed by the power of the people below. I got a City of Ember vibe while reading The Light Thief. If you like ya dystopian science fiction with giant moles, chases, and an ambiguously evil ruling body that may or may not be the actual bad guys, you'll like this book. It's the first in the series, so definitely look for more.
January 13, 2020
Are you looking for a book with an original setting alongside a unique and thrilling plot? This is a must-read novel!
We follow Aniya on her quest to find her brother, William, who has mysteriously escaped and brought darkness to the entire Web. This is a harrowing tale that is full of suspense, action, and even a little romance. I appreciate the smidge of romance that does not overpower the novel. This book brings all these elements together in perfect harmony to create a sci-fi novel that keeps you intrigued and guessing what will happen with every turn of the page. There are shocks that keep your mind reeling. There are times of desperation where you are literally biting your nails in anxiety for the characters.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the plot unpredictable yet believable. He introduces the characters very well and builds on these characters and their backgrounds throughout. This dystopian style novel sits alongside The Hunger Games and others to become one of my favorite novels.
Overall, a great story! I love the world and the characters that the author crafted and introduced. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series to see what happens next!
We follow Aniya on her quest to find her brother, William, who has mysteriously escaped and brought darkness to the entire Web. This is a harrowing tale that is full of suspense, action, and even a little romance. I appreciate the smidge of romance that does not overpower the novel. This book brings all these elements together in perfect harmony to create a sci-fi novel that keeps you intrigued and guessing what will happen with every turn of the page. There are shocks that keep your mind reeling. There are times of desperation where you are literally biting your nails in anxiety for the characters.
The author does a fantastic job of keeping the plot unpredictable yet believable. He introduces the characters very well and builds on these characters and their backgrounds throughout. This dystopian style novel sits alongside The Hunger Games and others to become one of my favorite novels.
Overall, a great story! I love the world and the characters that the author crafted and introduced. I can’t wait for the next installment of the series to see what happens next!
January 9, 2020
Wow!!! All I can say is that this book elevated my expectations towards dystopian novels. I came in thinking this might be a shallow remake of The Hunger Games or something. Turns out the book possesses an intriguing narrative that is hard to put down. Very deep and thoughtful to the characters and the role they possess😀. I am looking forward to book 2 of the series and I commend the author for making a unique and appealing storyline to follow🙂
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews