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The ShadowLight Saga #0.5
The Light Keepers
Librarian's note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B0080RDG0G.
From the #1 Bestselling Norse Fantasy Author, comes The Light Keepers, a prequel to the ShadowLight Saga Isolated because of what she is--because of the power she holds inside--Astrid longs for contact with another human being. Her well-intentioned mother locks her away from society in order to protect her from an evil that seeks to use Astrid's abilities for his own means. But the resulting loneliness drives Astrid deeper into the shadowwalk--a power she is forbidden to use, a magic that lands her directly into the arms of the Shadow. This short prequel to the ShadowLight Saga offers a revealing glimpse into the history of the beautiful and mysterious warrior maiden known as Swan, called Astrid in this prequel. It takes place a few moons before Bonded begins and is a self-contained novelette of approximately 10,000 words. PRAISE FOR THE LIGHT KEEPERS You've never seen dark versus light like this before! Matthews expertly twists good and bad until the lines are blurred and your heart is racing. Astrid (Swan) is such an amazing heroine - she's so tough, yet emotionally rich. Since Astrid can't speak, I loved how Matthews weaved in her internal thoughts throughout the action - it gave me an extra layer of insight to her cool personality. I loved her!
From the #1 Bestselling Norse Fantasy Author, comes The Light Keepers, a prequel to the ShadowLight Saga Isolated because of what she is--because of the power she holds inside--Astrid longs for contact with another human being. Her well-intentioned mother locks her away from society in order to protect her from an evil that seeks to use Astrid's abilities for his own means. But the resulting loneliness drives Astrid deeper into the shadowwalk--a power she is forbidden to use, a magic that lands her directly into the arms of the Shadow. This short prequel to the ShadowLight Saga offers a revealing glimpse into the history of the beautiful and mysterious warrior maiden known as Swan, called Astrid in this prequel. It takes place a few moons before Bonded begins and is a self-contained novelette of approximately 10,000 words. PRAISE FOR THE LIGHT KEEPERS You've never seen dark versus light like this before! Matthews expertly twists good and bad until the lines are blurred and your heart is racing. Astrid (Swan) is such an amazing heroine - she's so tough, yet emotionally rich. Since Astrid can't speak, I loved how Matthews weaved in her internal thoughts throughout the action - it gave me an extra layer of insight to her cool personality. I loved her!
87 pages, ebook
First published May 5, 2012
268 people are currently reading
1754 people want to read
About the author
Mande Matthews
19 books91 followersMande Matthews is the author of the ShadowLight Saga. Her debut novel is "Bonded" - book one of the ya epic fantasy trilogy. A free prequel to the ShadowLight Saga, entitled "The LightKeepers" is now available for free at most online retailers.
While attending a performing arts college for writing and arranging, Mande discovered Joseph Cambell's Masks of God series. Her desire to understand humanity through myth and legend mingled with her love of fantasy fiction, birthing her life-long quest to create original new worlds for readers.
A hermit at heart, Mande recedes into the realms of imagination where she occasionally surfaces to face the real world aided by her minions: a husband who plays the dog drum (the belly of their border collie), and a menagerie of furred, feathered and mostly magical friends.
While attending a performing arts college for writing and arranging, Mande discovered Joseph Cambell's Masks of God series. Her desire to understand humanity through myth and legend mingled with her love of fantasy fiction, birthing her life-long quest to create original new worlds for readers.
A hermit at heart, Mande recedes into the realms of imagination where she occasionally surfaces to face the real world aided by her minions: a husband who plays the dog drum (the belly of their border collie), and a menagerie of furred, feathered and mostly magical friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 16, 2013
Described as a prequel to ‘ShadowLight’, this short introduction to a fantasy world came to me as a free download for my iPad via Kindle. A prequel is designed to tempt a reader into trying the book or series of books that follow it, of course.
This is a story set in the dark and cold of Scandinavia, with references to some of the myths of that part of the world. The characters are intriguing and compelling, which is always a good start for me: I love character-driven fiction. Straight away, I was curious to know what happened to them. There are, of course, elements of the story that remain unexplained, but these didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment. Instead, they leant mystery and layers of fascination to the story, making me want to know more.
The events, and conflicts, both internal and between characters, drive the story at a good pace. The language is clear and well-chosen, matching the environment in which the tale takes place. There’s clearly an element of magic, though this is never referred to as such, in the text. Some hidden and unexplained power, at war with another, darker power that is introduced skilfully, drives the actions of the characters.
So much fantasy makes stars and heroes of male protagonists, that it’s refreshing to read a story in which the true heroes female. Here we are introduced to strong women, albeit under the protection of an alpha male. But the women have their own strengths and idiosyncrasies that allow them to be depicted as independent and brave; qualities that lead the reader to want to know more about them and to follow them through the story.
I said at the beginning of this short review that the purpose of a prequel is to persuade the reader to read the book or books following it. Did this one do that? Absolutely. I will read this series in the future. Not immediately, because my ‘to read’ list is too long to be added to at present. But this is a fantasy I shall come back to; of that I have no doubt. Recommended.
This is a story set in the dark and cold of Scandinavia, with references to some of the myths of that part of the world. The characters are intriguing and compelling, which is always a good start for me: I love character-driven fiction. Straight away, I was curious to know what happened to them. There are, of course, elements of the story that remain unexplained, but these didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment. Instead, they leant mystery and layers of fascination to the story, making me want to know more.
The events, and conflicts, both internal and between characters, drive the story at a good pace. The language is clear and well-chosen, matching the environment in which the tale takes place. There’s clearly an element of magic, though this is never referred to as such, in the text. Some hidden and unexplained power, at war with another, darker power that is introduced skilfully, drives the actions of the characters.
So much fantasy makes stars and heroes of male protagonists, that it’s refreshing to read a story in which the true heroes female. Here we are introduced to strong women, albeit under the protection of an alpha male. But the women have their own strengths and idiosyncrasies that allow them to be depicted as independent and brave; qualities that lead the reader to want to know more about them and to follow them through the story.
I said at the beginning of this short review that the purpose of a prequel is to persuade the reader to read the book or books following it. Did this one do that? Absolutely. I will read this series in the future. Not immediately, because my ‘to read’ list is too long to be added to at present. But this is a fantasy I shall come back to; of that I have no doubt. Recommended.
October 31, 2013
Book Review: The Light Keepers: A Prequel To The Shadow Light Saga By: Mande Matthews
”The Light Keepers: A Prequel To The Shadow Light Sage” lets the readers get to know Astrid, the mysterious main character of the saga. This prequel is a mystical adventurous fantasy tale of a powerful lonely girl named, Astrid. She is trying to figure herself out. A point comes up in her life where she has no choice but to let bravery become her.
This book is a wonderful teaser for the ”The Light Keepers” saga to come. Gets the reader ready to indulge their reading craving for a great adventure fantasy book. I truly enjoy the creative storytelling. Mande, the author at the end of the prequel gives us a few excerpts of Book one. The excerpts introduce more characters and leaves the readers wanting more. I look forward to reading the complete saga. This saga is another series I would like to see turned into a series of movies.
To get your free copy click here: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Keepers-F...
Written by: Jesenia Sanabia
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poetic...
”The Light Keepers: A Prequel To The Shadow Light Sage” lets the readers get to know Astrid, the mysterious main character of the saga. This prequel is a mystical adventurous fantasy tale of a powerful lonely girl named, Astrid. She is trying to figure herself out. A point comes up in her life where she has no choice but to let bravery become her.
This book is a wonderful teaser for the ”The Light Keepers” saga to come. Gets the reader ready to indulge their reading craving for a great adventure fantasy book. I truly enjoy the creative storytelling. Mande, the author at the end of the prequel gives us a few excerpts of Book one. The excerpts introduce more characters and leaves the readers wanting more. I look forward to reading the complete saga. This saga is another series I would like to see turned into a series of movies.
To get your free copy click here: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Keepers-F...
Written by: Jesenia Sanabia
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poetic...
June 26, 2017
The Light Keepers was a very intriguing read the has my interest piqued to read the series. This was just a prequel so it made for a quick read. Astrid has been trying to find her voice all her life so she can sing to the Mother to get the power of light to protect from the Shadows. It was a little confusing at first, but a few answers were given, and I am sure it will all come together with the next book. This one teased of romance to come and maybe even a sort of triangle. It will be interesting to see what happens there. Look forward to future books by this author.
October 22, 2013
It was a fun and quick novella, that got me started into the series. I immediately bought the first book, after a few free chapters contained here, which I guess made it a very efficient novella at that! :)
Fun and quick, kind of mysterious. The main character, Astrid, can't find her voice. There is lots of magic and inner torture. A battle between her inner light and inner darkness. I'm looking forward to this first book!
Fun and quick, kind of mysterious. The main character, Astrid, can't find her voice. There is lots of magic and inner torture. A battle between her inner light and inner darkness. I'm looking forward to this first book!
October 12, 2013
I luv how she found her mate but I'm still sry for him and his bros sis emma but I but I tink they will find her in d next book and she will also learn how to sing
July 11, 2020
Loved it !!!!!!
This is the first book I've read by Mande Matthews and as soon as I finish this review I am going to go buy the next book in this series .
First off is the amazing cover WOW does not do it justice , as soon as I saw this cover I knew I had to check it out and before I finished reading the blurb I was getting it .
Now the story and let me tell you it is fantastic . The main characters are fleshed out perfectly and you can't help but be instantly drawn to them . And the world building is excellent .
I'm not the best reviewer in the world but all I think I need to say is this book is fantastic and I could not out put it down .
So do yourself a favor and pick up this book and like me you will not be disappointed . Stop reading this and go get it and be prepared to start your next unputdownable series .
This is the first book I've read by Mande Matthews and as soon as I finish this review I am going to go buy the next book in this series .
First off is the amazing cover WOW does not do it justice , as soon as I saw this cover I knew I had to check it out and before I finished reading the blurb I was getting it .
Now the story and let me tell you it is fantastic . The main characters are fleshed out perfectly and you can't help but be instantly drawn to them . And the world building is excellent .
I'm not the best reviewer in the world but all I think I need to say is this book is fantastic and I could not out put it down .
So do yourself a favor and pick up this book and like me you will not be disappointed . Stop reading this and go get it and be prepared to start your next unputdownable series .
June 11, 2013
The Light Keepers is a short story proceeding Mande Matthews' ShadowLight Saga. Calling it a short story may be an exaggeration, though; I'd say it's more of a teaser. The story ends before a full plot can develop. Instead, this prequel sets the stage for the saga by introducing the world and providing history on a principal character. It does its job, though. I was intrigued enough to be indignant when it ended.
Matthews spins the tale as if we are already familiar with her world and yet does not leave the reader confused. She introduces unfamiliar concepts but provides enough information in the next paragraphs to explain them. Similarly, most questions brought up in the text are answered. The ones that are not will most likely be answered in the saga. The overall quality of her writing is above average, but not impressive, and here's why:
Hiccups occur with characterization. Astrid is not as deep as I would hope for a protagonist. I know that she is lonely, but I don't feel it. Isla, Astrid's mother, is also flat because there is not much interaction between mother and daughter. Balin, Isla's warrior, is the easiest to understand. He lives for one purpose: to love and protect Isla, which extends to protecting Astrid.
I also reviewed this book on my blog.
Matthews spins the tale as if we are already familiar with her world and yet does not leave the reader confused. She introduces unfamiliar concepts but provides enough information in the next paragraphs to explain them. Similarly, most questions brought up in the text are answered. The ones that are not will most likely be answered in the saga. The overall quality of her writing is above average, but not impressive, and here's why:
Hiccups occur with characterization. Astrid is not as deep as I would hope for a protagonist. I know that she is lonely, but I don't feel it. Isla, Astrid's mother, is also flat because there is not much interaction between mother and daughter. Balin, Isla's warrior, is the easiest to understand. He lives for one purpose: to love and protect Isla, which extends to protecting Astrid.
I also reviewed this book on my blog.
January 15, 2013
Beautiful, really.
It´s refreshing to read something different.
The only thing is that I´m Nordic and I feel protective about our cultural heritage and therefore I´m a bit disturbed that this is used that way. Don´t get me wrong, I appreciate that people find nordic mythology interesting but it still hurts to see it in such a.. fictional way. It has nothing to do with just this book, but with all books that use mythology as their main focus. I guess I´m never going to be completely okay with it.
I don´t have any complaints considering the characters, story or the writing
Well done.
It´s refreshing to read something different.
The only thing is that I´m Nordic and I feel protective about our cultural heritage and therefore I´m a bit disturbed that this is used that way. Don´t get me wrong, I appreciate that people find nordic mythology interesting but it still hurts to see it in such a.. fictional way. It has nothing to do with just this book, but with all books that use mythology as their main focus. I guess I´m never going to be completely okay with it.
I don´t have any complaints considering the characters, story or the writing
Well done.
March 2, 2013
This was a free book, a prelude to the series and with nothing to lose, I started to read. I enjoy reading about Norse mythology and the concept of this story interested me. Whilst being a short story, it gives you just enough to let you gauge the intricate world building the author has envisioned. I liked the idea of Astrid and her struggle to survive so I purchased the first book in the series.
June 23, 2013
The only reason this is not a 5 * is due to the extreme short prequel.
The story had me hooked but then I found that it is done!
I can see this being a true epic fantasy from the prequel.
It is expertly written and edited and I am sure to add the series to my tbr list!
t
WaAr
The story had me hooked but then I found that it is done!
I can see this being a true epic fantasy from the prequel.
It is expertly written and edited and I am sure to add the series to my tbr list!
t
WaAr
September 13, 2013
I liked it; it felt like it ended rather quickly (But I'm assuming it carries on in the first book Bonded) so I will more than likely grab that book and carry on.
Very nicely written; kept me gripped the entire time.
Very nicely written; kept me gripped the entire time.
March 27, 2015
I liked this free story and 8 chapter preview enough to buy the first book for my Kindle. I like books about quests and girls with swords and this has both. Some of the descriptive passages are a bit wordy and lengthy, overall I like this novella.
October 3, 2012
A great intro of characters and plot. I look forward to the series!
February 23, 2013
Wow...breezed right through this...has me hooked...now looking for the series. Just enough of the story to tantalize and leave you wanting more.
October 17, 2013
Great story.
July 13, 2015
Another YA fantasy that I couldn't get into. Nordic gods and the like.
October 16, 2024
This novella was an interesting introduction for me to the ShadowLight Saga.
'The Light Keepers' by Mande Matthews brings us to the ShadowLight Saga for a preview of Astrid. Taken away from all civilization and hidden in the cold of the North is Astrid living with her mother and a man intent on protecting them. Eventually her mother grows sick and tells Astrid that the time of hiding is over and that she must make her way to 'The Mother' and fulfill her destiny.
spoilers
this was a good prequel in that it sets up a lot of questions and answer nearly nothing, it makes you feel for Astrid right away, you get nothing but confusion about Hallard and his life but both together you now want to know how exactly they are connected, who really are they and what's going on with the shadows. It was a good like novella to peak my interest and make me want to check out the first book of the series.
I've added book one to my ever growing TBR and hopefully one day I'll get to it.
'The Light Keepers' by Mande Matthews brings us to the ShadowLight Saga for a preview of Astrid. Taken away from all civilization and hidden in the cold of the North is Astrid living with her mother and a man intent on protecting them. Eventually her mother grows sick and tells Astrid that the time of hiding is over and that she must make her way to 'The Mother' and fulfill her destiny.
spoilers
this was a good prequel in that it sets up a lot of questions and answer nearly nothing, it makes you feel for Astrid right away, you get nothing but confusion about Hallard and his life but both together you now want to know how exactly they are connected, who really are they and what's going on with the shadows. It was a good like novella to peak my interest and make me want to check out the first book of the series.
I've added book one to my ever growing TBR and hopefully one day I'll get to it.
March 5, 2025
Mixed Feelings
3.5
There are some really interesting concepts in this prequel. The story and plot appeal more than the characters for me. The main character feels too selfish and immature, though I'm aware she is a young woman and has reason to be sulky. I felt that there was great emphasis on her being able to sing yet she is proclaimed from the outset to be mute. I find it hard to believe that a mother would push her daughter to do something when she is disabled. Fate of the world or no. Perhaps i just wasn't in the right place to read this right now. The language was also clunky. Sometimes the writing flowed and was very elegant. At other times it was as if none of the words wanted to work together and some felt out of place.
I would consider reading more, because i liked the plot. I'm just not sure if i can settle into the writing style and get on with the protagonist.
3.5
There are some really interesting concepts in this prequel. The story and plot appeal more than the characters for me. The main character feels too selfish and immature, though I'm aware she is a young woman and has reason to be sulky. I felt that there was great emphasis on her being able to sing yet she is proclaimed from the outset to be mute. I find it hard to believe that a mother would push her daughter to do something when she is disabled. Fate of the world or no. Perhaps i just wasn't in the right place to read this right now. The language was also clunky. Sometimes the writing flowed and was very elegant. At other times it was as if none of the words wanted to work together and some felt out of place.
I would consider reading more, because i liked the plot. I'm just not sure if i can settle into the writing style and get on with the protagonist.
July 3, 2017
I was surprised at how much I liked this little novella. I really enjoyed reading it and I want to go on to the next book but I can’t.
I love the silver and white cover, it’s so pleasing to look at and really catches the eye. This book is a little teaser to get the readers yammering for the first book of the series.
The descriptions probably could have used some work, I couldn’t really see the characters in my head like I like too but, while simple, the writing still captivated me.
It was both action packed and slow, the pace kept the short story rolling and the plot was a good idea to tease us with.
I’m sure that any questions I have would be answered in the rest of the series. One would be, does she ever speak? If she didn’t, that would make for a unique female protagonist that I’ve not seen before, or at least remember reading about.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
I love the silver and white cover, it’s so pleasing to look at and really catches the eye. This book is a little teaser to get the readers yammering for the first book of the series.
The descriptions probably could have used some work, I couldn’t really see the characters in my head like I like too but, while simple, the writing still captivated me.
It was both action packed and slow, the pace kept the short story rolling and the plot was a good idea to tease us with.
I’m sure that any questions I have would be answered in the rest of the series. One would be, does she ever speak? If she didn’t, that would make for a unique female protagonist that I’ve not seen before, or at least remember reading about.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
February 4, 2019
Shadows
Not quite sure what to make of this. There is so much going on. It's a really mini prequel that peaks your curiosity but leaves you with thousands of questions.
The book begins w Astrid and her growing expertise w a sword but hee constant struggle to ward. She continuously gets sucked into the Shadow despite warnings from her mother until her unwilligness to do what's necessary gets them into trouble.
You then stumble upon Hallard. Duty bound bit searching for more. He finally gets that in the most unusual of ways. Leaving him to question everything.
Questions a plenty this novella had. How is the Shadow a person? How did it come to be? Why must it be warded against? What is the connection btwn Hallard and Astrid? I could go on and on. 🤔
Not quite sure what to make of this. There is so much going on. It's a really mini prequel that peaks your curiosity but leaves you with thousands of questions.
The book begins w Astrid and her growing expertise w a sword but hee constant struggle to ward. She continuously gets sucked into the Shadow despite warnings from her mother until her unwilligness to do what's necessary gets them into trouble.
You then stumble upon Hallard. Duty bound bit searching for more. He finally gets that in the most unusual of ways. Leaving him to question everything.
Questions a plenty this novella had. How is the Shadow a person? How did it come to be? Why must it be warded against? What is the connection btwn Hallard and Astrid? I could go on and on. 🤔
December 16, 2019
The power of the Mother is all around but only certain powerful individuals can harness her power and receive both her blessings and protection. The only problem when it comes to young Astrid is that she has no voice. Not that she has not heard the voice of the mother but she does not have the power to speak outside of the Shadow-walk where her guardian has made her vow never to go without warding herself. Can she stay away from the dark Shadows and get to the Motherland or will the Shadow's charm prove too much?
This is an interesting prequel to a story that I am sure is going to be spell binding. I hope that I get the chance to read it but it may take a while as I have a very long to be read list.
This is an interesting prequel to a story that I am sure is going to be spell binding. I hope that I get the chance to read it but it may take a while as I have a very long to be read list.
November 14, 2017
The Light Keepers is a short prequel novella, giving some insight into the characters of Astrid, her mother, guardian, possible enemy, and possible destiny match.
Whilst not giving away too much, it does give you a quick taster into what the next book, Bonded, may offer. What isn't clear is the world set up - what is the Shadowwalk? Why is it evil? Why did Astrid's mother become ill the further from home she got? Why can't Astrid speak? These answers I presume will be in the full length novel, the first eight chapters of which you get at the end of this book.
An intriguing start to a series that has definitely tweaked my curiosity.
Whilst not giving away too much, it does give you a quick taster into what the next book, Bonded, may offer. What isn't clear is the world set up - what is the Shadowwalk? Why is it evil? Why did Astrid's mother become ill the further from home she got? Why can't Astrid speak? These answers I presume will be in the full length novel, the first eight chapters of which you get at the end of this book.
An intriguing start to a series that has definitely tweaked my curiosity.
February 4, 2018
What a teaser!
This one very good short story and teaser. You definitely got my attention.
Though a classic fantasy, it does have elements of a "party" in RPG like DragonLance and Forgotten Realms novels. In fact, I am confident to say at this point that this series ranks in the same greatness as DL & FR.
So, on to reading the rest of it!
This one very good short story and teaser. You definitely got my attention.
Though a classic fantasy, it does have elements of a "party" in RPG like DragonLance and Forgotten Realms novels. In fact, I am confident to say at this point that this series ranks in the same greatness as DL & FR.
So, on to reading the rest of it!
August 18, 2017
A little odd - like Vikings meets the elven from LOTR - and a little confusing, but good nonetheless. Good enough to warrant reading the next book. (If for no other reason than to try to make sense of whatever I just read.)
August 11, 2017
I can't complain about the price since it was free. The entire story could have been wrapped up in a few sentences and I don't feel as if I understand Astrid, AKA Swan, any better than before I read this.
July 7, 2018
Interesting
An interesting and frustrating story with well developed and likeable characters. I probably need to read the first book to get a better idea of the direction and focus of the tale.
An interesting and frustrating story with well developed and likeable characters. I probably need to read the first book to get a better idea of the direction and focus of the tale.
June 26, 2025
Astrid has a power she has been forbidden to use by her mother and step father. However her longing for contact with others has let those who want to capture her for her powers onto her trail.
A short story and enjoyable read. A prequel to the series ShadowLight Saga.
A short story and enjoyable read. A prequel to the series ShadowLight Saga.
January 6, 2026
A good way of exploring choice and nature and how both can clash.
This was a good quick read that reminded me very much of Frostborn, which I did like. I think that this was a good way of exploring choice and nature and how both can clash.
This was a good quick read that reminded me very much of Frostborn, which I did like. I think that this was a good way of exploring choice and nature and how both can clash.
December 27, 2016
Wonderful! I went into this doubtful, but finished it hungering to find out what happens next! Can't wait to read the first book.
January 7, 2018
Well written, though short. Perfect prequel short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews