The Psion of Darkness

The Starsea Cycle #7

by Kyle West

After countless trials, Lucian has collected multiple Orbs, and has almost proven himself to be the true Chosen of the Manifold. Only one person stands in his Xara Mallis, the Psion of Darkness.

Lucian is not ready to face her. With each Orb he gains, the Shadow that follows him grows ever stronger. Lucian can't risk it becoming fully formed. He puts his quest for the Orbs on hold and sets his sights on the Mako Academy, hoping the masters there can teach him how to defeat Xara Mallis while preventing the inevitable Joining.

While Lucian is seeking answers, the Psion of Darkness is making her own play. And unlike Lucian, she has no qualms about using the dark powers of the Shadow Lord. She has not given up the title of Chosen and intends to fight to the death for it.

Only Lucian can contest her. But this will require rising above his own self-doubt, and defeating the phantom force haunting him...

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

330 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2022

About the author

I'm Kyle West, author of the Wasteland Chronicles, Xenoworld Saga, Starsea Cycle, and more. I try to write books with lots of action and crazy twists to keep you turning the pages. Every book of mine can be categorized as "science fantasy," blending elements from both genres.

Reviews

[Rene Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

*spoilers ahead*

Again, a fast paced edition in the Starsea series and I must admit that it really invites you to keep reading. It’s a different setting and Lucian has new challenges to overcome. However this book is not very original and has strong Star Wars vibes, including Master Yoda and battling with your biggest nightmare in a cave. Also Lucian has now ultimate powers, holding all the orbs, can create any magic and even change time. That’s rather convenient and makes the outcome of all battles predictable. None of the heroes ever dies and even my favorite Serah gets fully healed. Wondering what that means for the remaining 3 books. But still 3 stars as I could not stop reading 😅

[Oreofe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I REALLLYYY like about this series is that when a threat is made, the threat is real. A lot of authors will make a big problem to draw in the readers, then either shrink the problem later on or come up with a stupid solution that doesn't involve the character growing as much as they could. Kyle west does not do this. His threats are such that the character are just barely able to solve them, no easy fixes, but not so difficult it's impossible. And I think that concept is exemplified the most in this book. Zahra is the more experienced of the two mages (her vs Lucien) so it makes sense that with two orbs she can give him a real run for his money when he has 6. His troubles have made him stronger, but experience is one hell of an advantage, that is why it took his friends giving him support, plus a superior number of orbs plus the light spear to fight on an equal and just barely higher footing. He defeated Zahra, and in the end had she not seen the light and abandoned the darkness Lucien mightve still lost. The buildup to him getting the light spear and succeeding at the cave is just such a beautiful way to bring about the win in this book since he already won once and now he's stronger than he was then he can win again.

Phenomenal writing. I truly wish u could give more than 5 stars.

[Biana]

*I review with words, not with stars*

I had 3 books I reserved at the library come available at the same time. I had the 4th in a series on my shelf. I was starting something new, something highly recommended. But I put them all aside and delved into another odyssey from Kyle West.

Lucian and his motley crew of psionic outcasts continue seeking the Orbs that will, supposedly, bring peace and understanding to the universe. Okay, maybe not that cliche. His noble vanguard for justice moves thru the universe, trailing rumors and suggestions, and hints all in an effort to meet the best of the best instructors.

Of course there are speed bumps along the way. Pirates, slaves, reputations being ruined in the news. And more magic. More and more magic.

The loss of Lucian's mother in the first book seemed like a cheap narrative ploy. And her return seemed like another flash of less than brilliant fiction. But having her around helps me, as a devoted reader, see the changes that Lucian has made. This journey has happened so fast, everything is always moving, and there isn't time to go back and check in. Of course, space travel takes ages (or does it?) and training takes place then. Having a character who fits right into this tightly connected group and yet knows none of the particulars... well, it's perspective.

I'm ready for the next installment!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Lucian finds the Orb of Dynamism, they end up on the planet of Zion, home to the Believers. Only two orbs are left: the two that Xara has. And time is running out for the League, as the pirates and Believers join in for their own selfish reasons against the Swarmer’s onslaught.

Very complicated explanations of how the time/space orb works in conjunction with the other orbs, along with numerous philosophical discussions. And without the map, I’d have had a hard time keeping up with where everybody is.

Question: What were Lucian’s friends doing when Lucian was training? Were they cleaning and repairing the temple? They should also be training.

Fave scenes: Khalin’s ship, going back in time, Lucian healing Serah, and Lucian’s method of getting through the Summer Palace gate.

[Josh Kearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the audiobook version on pre-order since it was announced and man, it did not disappoint. Kyle West once again brought the action and seamless integration of magic and science that I've grown accustomed to in this series. I enjoyed the elaboration and exploration of the Mako Academy and it's sorcery, as well as Lucien's expanding powers as the true Chosen, all the while trying to reconcile his responsibilities with the challenges of just being an adult male in their 20s and trying to find themselves.

[Daniel]

It took me 18 months in this “later shelf” to realize I just don’t care anymore. This series was supposed to be, I think, five books. I could imagine a stretch to seven. Now it’s a ten. I don’t care for the cash grab. I’d rather the original storyline be completed and then have other books set in the same universe if desired.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, I love this series.

[Torfinn Ingolfsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Jayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was awesome! There was action, and the story really grew. I really liked this book.

[Don Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.