The Lightbringer: Through the Elder Stone

by Dael Sassoon

Jason never asked to become a Lightbringer. All he wanted was to take photos, but sometimes life has bigger plans. The legendary Flare now rushes through his veins, and he is given the chance to save an enchanted world from the ominous grasp of a tyrant-Emperor Darkstrom. Before he can go back home, Jason must embrace his new identity and learn how to control his newfound powers. The path is riddled with enemies, trickery and strange dreams, but also faithful companions. Will he be able to come to terms with his new destiny, or will the journey get the better of him?

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2021

About the author

Dael is a researcher working on past environmental changes in Europe and in the tropics. During his spare time, Dael is a writer, artist, photographer, bass-slapper and world-traveller, exploring diverse environments, from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the frozen terrains of Iceland. Much of what Dael writes is inspired by nature and travel, due to his background in geography and conservation, but he's also drawn to the myths and legends of ancient cultures. Through his words, Dael evokes a sense of enchantment and escapism as he invites the reader to travel with him to mysterious lands full of unexpected challenges, inhabited by eccentric people and at the persistent threat of powerful enemies.

Reviews

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. While I did find some parts of it predictable, the author truly has an art of story telling. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars.

The whole story line was quite interesting with the whole idea of a quest/journey but it did show many new developments to be predictable. It could just be me that found them predictable but they did not stop me from wanting to finish the book.

There was character development throughout the story showing people getting to grips with who they really are.

This could be the starting of a new fantasy author that could, one day, join the greats of this genre.
I look forward to the next book by this author and hope that this is not just a one hit wonder kind of author.

[Guillem Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might be a bit biased cause my good friend wrote it but Dael creates an exciting new world from the ground up, deeply entrenched in Norse mythology. It doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. It’s a simple, yet well narrated story for all the ages, and an easy read while still retaining complexity in the world building and all the creatures and characters that inhabit it. While the story can be a bit predictable at times, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of it.

[Demelda Penkitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason never asked to become a Lightbringer. All he wanted was to take photos, but sometimes life has bigger plans. The legendary Flare now rushes through his veins, and he is given the chance to save an enchanted world from the ominous grasp of a tyrant—Emperor Darkstrom. Before he can go back home, Jason must embrace his new identity and learn how to control his newfound powers. The path is riddled with enemies, trickery and strange dreams, but also faithful companions. Will he be able to come to terms with his new destiny, or will the journey get the better of him?

This is a great coming of age story built on the age old story of dark vs light interspersed with the shades of grey between. Although for me I did find the story a little predictable in parts it didn't spoil the reading.

Jason’s story is set in a world inspired by the Old Norse myths but with a unique spin yet still rich in references to myths of ancient cultures. Its a well written book with deep immersive world building.

Hope to see more from this author soon as I feel he can only go from strength to strength.

Thank you Dael Sassoon for this gifted copy.

[Kate Forth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful debut

In the spirit of David Eddings, The Lightbringer is a coming of age story built in the age old story of dark vs light - though it never ignores the shades of grey.

Jason’s story is set in a wonderfully thought out world inspired by the Old Norse myths but with a unique spin. Wonderfully written, with a deep and immersive world built slowly against the collision of two worlds, I can only hope that I get to meet Jason and his friends again!

[Hannah Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually someone who would pick up a fantasy novel, but The Lightbringer has been a delightful read! The characters are compelling and the author has crafted a rich and vivid world into which I fell into as easily as Jason does. I especially love the dynamic between Jason and Alamor, as well as the tongue-in-cheek references to Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and World of Warcraft. While designed to be a young adult fantasy book, The Lighbrighter is perfect for both young adults and those who are young at heart.