Lightless

by K.T. Ivanrest

Prince Fulsa’s light is fading.

Struck by a mysterious illness, Fulsa watches helplessly as the aura which marks him as a prince seeps slowly from his skin. His only comfort is his best friend, Phaios, a lightless slave who also represents everything Fulsa stands to lose.

When his illness takes a turn for the worse, Fulsa seizes on a last, desperate chance: a celestial chariot race with the power to restore his light—or swallow him in scorching starfire.

But a darker secret lies behind the race, and when his quest endangers Phaios as well, Fulsa fears he may be racing for more than just his light.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories

55 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2018

About the author

K.T. Ivanrest wanted to be a cat or a horse when she grew up, but after failing to metamorphose into either, she began writing stories about them instead. Soon the horses became unicorns and the cats sprouted wings, and once the dragons and their riders arrived, there was no turning back. When not writing, she can be found sewing, editing, bookbinding, and drinking bubble tea.

She has a PhD in Classical Studies, which will come in handy when aliens finally make contact and it turns out they speak Latin.

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(Author account only; I don't post reviews.)

Reviews

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to second the person this story was dedicated too.

This would make an epic novel.

However, even as a short story it is very good. Fulsa's growth was extremely touching and loved how he changed by the end. I definitely wanted to let out a little bit of a "Hurrah!" by the end.

The horses (and the race) by far was my favorite part. You really feel what is at stake and just how beautiful these powerful creatures are. I loved the little twist that was thrown in there too.

A great story that encouraged me to use my voice to not make excuses, but think of others and not be "lightless" in my friendships. ;)

[Katelyn Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story has such a unique concept—a people divided into classes based on how much their skin glows, and what happens when a prince’s light begins to fade. Add to that luminescent winged horses that run in a celestial chariot race, and you have Lightless! It was so well written and visually stunning (in my head, obviously, but you know), that the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, came down to a little vagueness over the plot twist. I look forward to reading more by Ivanrest!

[Claire Banschbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh! This was such a cool concept and I totally loved it! Celestial chariot races, light horses, awesome male characters, so much going on in every conversation. Loved iiit! I adored the author's writing style and her characters. I love following her on social media and seeing her updates for her books and I'm definitely already a fan, and this book just kind of solidified that for me. :)

I just wish it was longer and we had more of this world and characters. I would love to go on an adventure with Fulsa and Phaios!

Highly recommended!

[Mykel Giese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters! The world! The imagery! 😍😍😍 Can’t get enough of this story! I love the pictures of stars and brightly lit skies that K.T painted through her prose.

[E.B. Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super imaginative, short read! I really loved the concept behind it and watching Fulsa's desperation to be normal and accepted again, turn into something else. He has placed his value so completely on the glow in his skin that his world is shattered when it begins to fade, but at the end he realizes there are things more important and he sacrifices his chance to regain his light in order to do what he believes is right.

I'm not sure if it is just a stylistic difference, but there were several times I just could not figure out what was happening and had to re-read paragraphs. This happened especially around the climax and twist, and there are still some things I really am not sure about. For instance, at the beginning when Fulsa is watching them practice for the race it sounds like they are flying through the sky like stars, but then later the author implies that going off the edge of the island is like dying. I couldn't quite figure out if the chariots actually fly or just roll on the ground?

There were just a few too many questions and confusing moments for me. But I still enjoyed the story!

[M.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

There only one problem with this short story: It ought to be a novel. It’s such a fun concept—a prince of light who has lost his radiance—with flying horses, chariots, and starfire. The visuals are stunning, the worldbuilding is intriguing, and the characters are great, despite how short the story is.

More, please!

[Katherine M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical short story about a prince who discovers how to measure his own worth.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This was such a beautiful story, and the only complaint is that it is too short! The prose is just spectacular and the characters are compelling. Well done!!

[Julia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous

This was a beautiful short story filled with so much truth.
K.T. Ivanrest is a master writer whose words drop magic and her pen, stardust.

[Michelle Bruhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and exciting short story. The world and characters sucked me in quickly—I'd love to see more in this world!

[Anna Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly original, touching, beautiful, and all around amazing. I loved it. And yes, can we have a full novel around this??

[Jon Nikrich]

Short, imaginative and action-packed.
It's dedicated to Laura, who keep asking the author when the story will turn into a novel.
If that novel ever happens, I'd be happy to read it.