The Black Prism (Lightbringer #1) by Brent Weeks

It’s fantasy with magic and guns

This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. There’s so many things I love about the book.

First is the magic system. Chromaturgy is one of the coolest magic systems ever created. I like the way it uses light and colours. It’s very unlike your typical epic fantasy magic system. It’s well-detailed and a lot more rational than most magic systems. It’s tough to say which magic system is the better of Chromaturgy and Allomancy/Feruchemy. But I think Chromaturgy just edges out Allomancy a little.

Secondly, I like the characters. Kip is real. A hero with flaws. Just like Joe Abercrombie’s protagonists e.g Logen Ninefingers. The best heroes are the flawed ones, I always say. Not the perfect untouchables. Gavin or more correctly Dazen is well developed. Karris, Liv, and Corvan are also great.

Thirdly, the plot building. It involves the intricacies of plenty of twists and turns. Plenty of suspense. Twists that involve the main character turning out not to be who I initially supposed. It’s the kind of twist that happens when the good guy turns bad. Here, it serves to make the good guy even better. Albeit with flaws. Superb!

Fourthly, I love the setting. Not your typical epic fantasy setting as what you have in the Wheel of Time or Sword of Truth. But more of a post-Hundred Years’ War setting. It’s fantasy with magic and guns, the first of its kind I’ve ever encountered.

All in all, it’s a brilliant piece. I’m starting the second book in the series immediately!