Received e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am not entirely a fan of science fiction and have found the classics Star Wars and Star Trek very tedious. I have a preference for the movies, much to my shame and the continued reproach of the literary spirit.
Generally speaking, the technology and the interactions with otherworldly species just fly over my head. However, reading Lightblade was different. While I cannot place the time it is set in relation to our current time frame, it is entirely 'earthy' in its interactions and even manages to include bits and pieces of culture in it - a nice urban fantasy.
I have always wondered which would come first - the total destruction of the earth as predicted by earth's conservationists or the partial machination of human beings at the current progression rates of technology. In this read, the dependence on some rock to perform certain functions that require only part of the brain to work was jarring.
The organic development of Jyosh and the skills progression is indicative of a well-thought-out plot, especially how training can be completed in a Tel'aran'rhoid-like place. *snicker*
Although I protest how all the other major characters managed to be related to him, I guess that's the way of destiny. I also wondered whether his parents would just as well appear as the plot was already twisting so hard.
The existential questions Jyosh asks himself are so relatable because, at some point in my life, I have asked the same questions. Not aloud, of course. Who wants to risk being made a pariah or sent to arkham 🤣🤣🤣
I loved the book. I'm sure other readers would too!
