Review: Pathlighter by Rob Leigh

Blurb:

James is convinced that the gods have cursed him, left to fend for himself in a squalid city-state in the clutches of a corrupt theocracy. As a lamplighter, James serves the palace by illuminating the streets each night with a flame from the gods' temple. Despite his disdain for the gods, he feels a connection with the flame, and a surprising yet small amount of control over its brightness.

For him, a quiet life weathering the desert was all he had to look forward to. That is, until others appear. From distant corners of the world, each has connective power to the gods, and each a past of great consequence. A soldier, an idealist, a hero, and a monster.

Each squabbles according to their own desires, but cannot afford to exist alone any longer. Ancient devils and horrors beyond time have come to reclaim the world from the gods, but the forms they take and power they wield are anything but understood.

The debut epic fantasy novel of author Rob Leigh, Pathlighter depicts a world struggling to grapple with the consequences of an unknown past and uncaring gods, featuring nuanced characters and a story of self-realization, found family, betrayal, and hope.

Review:

As a reader of epic and adventure fantasy, I'm always on the lookout for worlds brimming with intricate lore, compelling characters, and, of course, a healthy dose of thrilling action. So I was eager to dive into Pathlighter. My expectations? A blend of deep world-building, a unique magic system, and characters I could root for, even amidst the chaos.

While Pathlighter delivered on many fronts, it also presented some challenges.

Burned by Power

Leigh's world is fascinating. The concept of distant, perhaps even absent, gods, and the rise of other entities vying for control, creates a compelling backdrop. The magic system, with its inherent costs and limitations, adds a layer of realism to the fantastical elements. I was particularly intrigued by the protagonist, a young man burdened by the power to control fire, a gift he neither desires nor understands. His conflicted relationship with this power, and the deity supposedly behind it, offered a promising character arc.

Into The Deep End

The initial premise – a reluctant hero drawn into a rebellion against conquering forces – is familiar, yet Pathlighter quickly reveals its complexity. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, including not only the core group of protagonists. This multi-faceted approach allows for a broader understanding of the conflict and the motivations of all involved. The protagonists, already a tight-knit group, have a rich history, adding depth to their interactions and creating a sense of genuine camaraderie. However, this also meant I was thrown into the deep end, trying to grasp the nuances of their relationships while simultaneously navigating a complex world and magic system.

Breathless Action

Pathlighter's action sequences are undeniably impressive. Leigh's writing vividly portrays the bombastic battles, creating cinematic set pieces that kept me on the edge of my seat. Each fight carries weight, impacting the characters and propelling the story forward. This isn't just mindless action; it's action with consequences. However, and this is where my personal preferences come into play, the sheer relentlessness of the action became overwhelming. From almost the very first page, the intensity is cranked up to eleven and rarely lets up.

The Pacing Puzzle

As a reader who appreciates slower character development and a more gradual build-up to the explosive moments, I found Pathlighter's pacing to be a significant challenge. The constant barrage of action left me feeling breathless, and, at times, even dulled my senses. I longed for more moments of quiet reflection, more time to truly connect with the characters before they were thrown into the next epic battle. It felt like I was experiencing the climax of a Sanderson novel multiple times throughout the book. While the action itself was well-written and meaningful, the lack of breathing room between these intense sequences diminished their impact.

A Promising Future

Despite my issues with the pacing, I recognize the strengths of Pathlighter. The world-building is intricate, the characters are compelling, and the action, when I could catch my breath, is truly thrilling. I appreciate the emotional core of each fight and the way they contribute to the overall narrative. I suspect that readers who thrive on fast-paced, action-packed stories will absolutely love this book. For me, it was a bit too much, too soon, but I absolutely understand the overall appeal of it.

However, I'm hopeful that the later books in the series will offer a more balanced approach, allowing the characters and the story to breathe and develop alongside the action. I'm invested enough in this world and these characters to see where their journey takes them next.

As debuts go, Pathlighter is a pretty solid effort. Rob Leigh has crafted a compelling world with intriguing lore and a unique magic system. While the pacing may be a challenge for some, the bombastic action sequences and the complex, well-developed characters offer a strong foundation for the series. It's clear that Leigh has poured heart and soul into this project, and the potential for even greater things in subsequent books is evident. This is a debut that genre fans should definitely keep an eye on.