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Bringer Trilogy #1
Bringer of Light
For generations, the kingdom of Arten has stood alone against the ancient dark mage Mercer, a man no longer bound by time. But when King Wern is kidnapped, Queen Arin will risk everything to get him back.
Lynden Trenadin is chosen to join the ranks of the elite Queen's Champions both for her prowess as a warrior and her remarkable resemblance to the queen. She has spent her life battling at Arten's borders, but now she must defend the queen with her life as they journey to their enemy's castle. When the tide of battle goes against them, Lynden unleashes a magical power she didn't know she possessed. Even though she saved hundreds of warriors, Lynden is forced to flee in shame for her use of forbidden magic.
Now on the run, Lynden must raise a rebellion to free her country from the tyranny of the enemy she thought she'd destroyed. A band of loyalists and an enclave of ancient mages aid her in her efforts, but with a dark mage bent on her destruction, Lynden must discover a way to harness her new magic before it is too late.
Lynden Trenadin is chosen to join the ranks of the elite Queen's Champions both for her prowess as a warrior and her remarkable resemblance to the queen. She has spent her life battling at Arten's borders, but now she must defend the queen with her life as they journey to their enemy's castle. When the tide of battle goes against them, Lynden unleashes a magical power she didn't know she possessed. Even though she saved hundreds of warriors, Lynden is forced to flee in shame for her use of forbidden magic.
Now on the run, Lynden must raise a rebellion to free her country from the tyranny of the enemy she thought she'd destroyed. A band of loyalists and an enclave of ancient mages aid her in her efforts, but with a dark mage bent on her destruction, Lynden must discover a way to harness her new magic before it is too late.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2014
About the author
J.R. Boles
10 books60 followersJR Boles is the bestselling author of the Shadow Knight, Singer’s Call, and the Bringer Trilogy. She was born and raised in Kansas City, where she now lives with her husband, fearless daughters, and two rescue pups. JR is a coffee-obsessed voracious reader.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 10, 2015
Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review:'Bringer of Light,' An Epic Fantasy by J. R. Boles.
Stories of magic delegate the phenomena to either evil (dark magic) or good magic. In times of war often the two are pitted in an effort to cleanse the realm and renew life and liberty.
In Bringer of Light by J. R. Boles, we are introduced to a story of such proportions. The Kingdom of Arten has outlawed magic and has fought for generations against the dark sorcerer, Mercer. With his depth of ability he has surpassed the realm of aging and lives on through time. He has raised armies and fought against Arten in the past, only to be beaten back and unable to claim his prize. With magic in the Kingdom waning he is preparing for the perfect circumstance to once again attempt his claim. It is time to move forward for who can stop him now with magic hidden or gone forever from the kingdom.
His plan is diabolical, he will take King Wern through foul means, and then use his best student to subvert his mind through whatever means are needed. Yet Wern’s Queen Arin will do whatever it takes to get him back.
Her own elite guardians are up to the task and it is here that she pins her hope. Champion Lynden Trenadin is chosen as leader for her service has been fierce. Her training and battling at the borders has prepared her for some of what is to come, and she must defend the Queen with her life as they make their way for rescue. But that rescue is against magic and without their own mage; they are putting great risk on their abilities to bring home their King.
As battle goes against them, Lynden finds a power of light within that she had no inkling of, unleashing it in fury and saving most of those who have come to collect for their Queen. The King is saved but at what cost?
Now Lynden who has used forbidden magic must run for her life or be put to death for using a magic she was not even aware of. The danger for Arten is not over, and the Queen is in even more peril, for Mercer has completed his control of the King. The subversion is subtle but nonetheless lethal and the Queen and the entire nation are in danger. Lynden and her friends must raise their own army in rebellion as they race to rescue their Queen and home. Can she find a way to use her power to help save her Kingdom, and yet not forfeit her life?
This is a book of contradictions that all weave and tie into an extraordinary tale of mystery, magic, defiance and war. The characters are created with an eye to realism, for those who follow the dark or sneaky and relentless, and those who follow the light are Strong, open and dauntless. While magic is forbidden the Queen has become a likable character by turning her head as Lynden escapes, for while she cannot condone a forbidden magic, she is only alive because of it. There is also romance and beauty, along with treachery and anger, holding you enthralled in the Kingdom of Arten.
If you enjoy epic tales of magic and romance, battle and bravery you will find this work an amazing beginning to a series. The strands of contradictions are mysterious and you find yourself wanting to know more.
Stories of magic delegate the phenomena to either evil (dark magic) or good magic. In times of war often the two are pitted in an effort to cleanse the realm and renew life and liberty.
In Bringer of Light by J. R. Boles, we are introduced to a story of such proportions. The Kingdom of Arten has outlawed magic and has fought for generations against the dark sorcerer, Mercer. With his depth of ability he has surpassed the realm of aging and lives on through time. He has raised armies and fought against Arten in the past, only to be beaten back and unable to claim his prize. With magic in the Kingdom waning he is preparing for the perfect circumstance to once again attempt his claim. It is time to move forward for who can stop him now with magic hidden or gone forever from the kingdom.
His plan is diabolical, he will take King Wern through foul means, and then use his best student to subvert his mind through whatever means are needed. Yet Wern’s Queen Arin will do whatever it takes to get him back.
Her own elite guardians are up to the task and it is here that she pins her hope. Champion Lynden Trenadin is chosen as leader for her service has been fierce. Her training and battling at the borders has prepared her for some of what is to come, and she must defend the Queen with her life as they make their way for rescue. But that rescue is against magic and without their own mage; they are putting great risk on their abilities to bring home their King.
As battle goes against them, Lynden finds a power of light within that she had no inkling of, unleashing it in fury and saving most of those who have come to collect for their Queen. The King is saved but at what cost?
Now Lynden who has used forbidden magic must run for her life or be put to death for using a magic she was not even aware of. The danger for Arten is not over, and the Queen is in even more peril, for Mercer has completed his control of the King. The subversion is subtle but nonetheless lethal and the Queen and the entire nation are in danger. Lynden and her friends must raise their own army in rebellion as they race to rescue their Queen and home. Can she find a way to use her power to help save her Kingdom, and yet not forfeit her life?
This is a book of contradictions that all weave and tie into an extraordinary tale of mystery, magic, defiance and war. The characters are created with an eye to realism, for those who follow the dark or sneaky and relentless, and those who follow the light are Strong, open and dauntless. While magic is forbidden the Queen has become a likable character by turning her head as Lynden escapes, for while she cannot condone a forbidden magic, she is only alive because of it. There is also romance and beauty, along with treachery and anger, holding you enthralled in the Kingdom of Arten.
If you enjoy epic tales of magic and romance, battle and bravery you will find this work an amazing beginning to a series. The strands of contradictions are mysterious and you find yourself wanting to know more.
February 2, 2015
This is an epic fantasy for readers who appreciate gripping, well crafted and intelligent writing. J.R. Boles has has created a vividly imagined world and a tale that deserves to be read carefully and savoured. Tidbits of information are subtly and cleverly woven into the storyline as it progresses, causing the characters and plot to become more realistic and fascinating.
Chosen for her resemblance to the queen and her warrior skills, Lynden Trenadin is one of 13 champions of Queen Arin who rules the Kingdom of Arten. Lynden is a great female character - strong, fearless and ready to die in battle to protect her queen and people from the maniacal Mercer and his deranged offsider, mage Jazmin. After Lynden traverses the House of the Damned and battles the Naki, her true nature is exposed and she becomes an outcast, along with Seren, the healer and Roan, a former sword master of the king but now a wanderer. Two love interests also emerge and Lynden is undecided, which keeps you guessing and makes for a compelling side story to the main action.
In a world where magic is outlawed, it soon finds its way into the story, along with mages, prophecies, dreams and the mysterious Tikbali. Themes of loyalty, honour, courage and injustice run powerfully though this tale. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster as you are plunged into stirring battles and complex relationships.
If you want to lose yourself in an exciting fantasy infused with power and life, this is the trilogy.
Chosen for her resemblance to the queen and her warrior skills, Lynden Trenadin is one of 13 champions of Queen Arin who rules the Kingdom of Arten. Lynden is a great female character - strong, fearless and ready to die in battle to protect her queen and people from the maniacal Mercer and his deranged offsider, mage Jazmin. After Lynden traverses the House of the Damned and battles the Naki, her true nature is exposed and she becomes an outcast, along with Seren, the healer and Roan, a former sword master of the king but now a wanderer. Two love interests also emerge and Lynden is undecided, which keeps you guessing and makes for a compelling side story to the main action.
In a world where magic is outlawed, it soon finds its way into the story, along with mages, prophecies, dreams and the mysterious Tikbali. Themes of loyalty, honour, courage and injustice run powerfully though this tale. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster as you are plunged into stirring battles and complex relationships.
If you want to lose yourself in an exciting fantasy infused with power and life, this is the trilogy.
November 23, 2014
Years ago, I read several SciFi books penned by Orson Scott Card. Although not my preferred genrè, and the Ender series is completely different than Bringer of Light, I was immediately struck by amazing world-building. Card's ability to suspend your beliefs and immerse you into another environment is riveting. This is also the case with J. R. Boles. The cinematic descriptions in Bringer of Light are enchanting and lovely prose.
Regarding characters, dewey-eyed submissives are not allowed in the female leads in Bringer of Light, thank you very much! But, and this is a great aspect of this story, the author doesn’t have an in-your-face feminist attitude in any character. Most of the women are strong, capable, and in the world built by Boles assume no less. However, the lead is beautifully vulnerable, when appropriate for the story. Just great character development.
Stephen King is a believer that writing consists of three major elements: narration, description and dialogue. (On Writing published around 2007?) Bringer of Light has all that, to a degree unexpected from a new author.
Evil, death, fierce loyalty, love, a torture scene that will make you cringe, a conquering goodness, much, much more … and most fun of all … magic! Bringer of Light is a page-turner you will find difficult to put down. If you start reading in the evening, be prepared to stay up too late … I did. Enjoyed!!
Regarding characters, dewey-eyed submissives are not allowed in the female leads in Bringer of Light, thank you very much! But, and this is a great aspect of this story, the author doesn’t have an in-your-face feminist attitude in any character. Most of the women are strong, capable, and in the world built by Boles assume no less. However, the lead is beautifully vulnerable, when appropriate for the story. Just great character development.
Stephen King is a believer that writing consists of three major elements: narration, description and dialogue. (On Writing published around 2007?) Bringer of Light has all that, to a degree unexpected from a new author.
Evil, death, fierce loyalty, love, a torture scene that will make you cringe, a conquering goodness, much, much more … and most fun of all … magic! Bringer of Light is a page-turner you will find difficult to put down. If you start reading in the evening, be prepared to stay up too late … I did. Enjoyed!!
November 17, 2014
I'm an avid reader, however, I normally shy away from the fantasy genre. I enjoy a good world building as much as anyone, but there's a difference between world building and a level of complexity that makes your reading pace like molasses. Bringer of Light is definitely not molasses. The pacing was perfect and kept the pages turning. The characters are engaging and the kingdom of Arten is a place I plan on returning to visit!
The story is a self contained narrative that left just enough hanging threads to keep interest for book two. The elements of the quest for Lynden to find herself, the mission to save Arten, and the romantic entanglements that come along with both are well balanced and artfully woven together. I also love strong female characters, so I'm enjoying the journeys of Lynden and Seren. However, I would love to learn more about the previous generation. Lynden's parents, Jonathan's mother and Seren's father are all characters whom I would like to see explored (maybe in a prequel?!). Hopefully in books two and three some of the secondary characters will be fleshed out more so we can find out more about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Arten and can't wait to return!
The story is a self contained narrative that left just enough hanging threads to keep interest for book two. The elements of the quest for Lynden to find herself, the mission to save Arten, and the romantic entanglements that come along with both are well balanced and artfully woven together. I also love strong female characters, so I'm enjoying the journeys of Lynden and Seren. However, I would love to learn more about the previous generation. Lynden's parents, Jonathan's mother and Seren's father are all characters whom I would like to see explored (maybe in a prequel?!). Hopefully in books two and three some of the secondary characters will be fleshed out more so we can find out more about them.
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Arten and can't wait to return!
November 5, 2014
This book was an amazing read with fast paced action and an amazing sense of wit. I enjoyed the pace and character development without the drawn out detail. The author focused on the important stuff, no hair blowing in the wind crap. Can't wait for book 2.
February 3, 2017
This is the first of an epic fantasy trilogy. Don't expect to find the usual cast of male leads in this one. Here, the women tend to run the country. Some of them are as talented with magic as with a sword. The story is complex, engaging and full of surprises. Can hardly wait to read the third book.
December 17, 2022
I had a really hard time getting into this book. The idea was better than the execution.
I like Lynden as a character but not one character was fleshed out enough to feel strongly about then either way. They all felt unfinished.
I also felt the love triangle, can you call it that if there is no chemistry between any of the characters? Was completely unnecessary and I think it cheapened Lynden as a character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like Lynden as a character but not one character was fleshed out enough to feel strongly about then either way. They all felt unfinished.
I also felt the love triangle, can you call it that if there is no chemistry between any of the characters? Was completely unnecessary and I think it cheapened Lynden as a character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2015
A fantasy that captures the many elements expected of the genre.
Bringer of the light weaves a tale of a world full of magic. Magic that has been forbidden for fear of it's mis-use. But of course there is one who uses this to his advantage.
We follow Lynden, a Queens Champion, a loyal subject and a feirce warrior.
Discovering her unwanted gift of magic during an epic battle to save the king, Lynden instantly becomes an outcast. Feared and regected by those she saved Lynden is forced to flee, hoping to not only save her own life but to continue to fight for her queen behind the scenes for the battle is far from over.
This is a story of strength. A tale of finding ones self and accepting what you discover. Lynden encounters love, loyalty and mysteries as she journeys to learn how to control and use her new found magic.
I loved the characters in Bringers of the light. From Lynden's fellow champion sisters, to the Queen, to the two men she must eventually choose between. Jonathon is a strong character in himself.
I wish there had been more inner dialogue so I could understand how Lynden was feeling and processing all her new situations. Especially when it came to how she felt during the developing romances and the discovery of her magic.
I also wish there had been more history woven in, we get hints but it is written as if we should simply know the information, I had to put aside many questions as I read because they never seemed to get answered.
Aside from those points though, the author does a fantastic job in painting a world worth saving. She populates it with vibrant people, and constructs a plausable and interesting society.
When creating an entire world it is difficult to give every detail and the why's of them, but the writing in Bringer of the Light does not distract from the story as it draws you in to experience it to it's fullest.
Well done! Looking forward to following these characters into the next two books in the trilogy!
Bringer of the light weaves a tale of a world full of magic. Magic that has been forbidden for fear of it's mis-use. But of course there is one who uses this to his advantage.
We follow Lynden, a Queens Champion, a loyal subject and a feirce warrior.
Discovering her unwanted gift of magic during an epic battle to save the king, Lynden instantly becomes an outcast. Feared and regected by those she saved Lynden is forced to flee, hoping to not only save her own life but to continue to fight for her queen behind the scenes for the battle is far from over.
This is a story of strength. A tale of finding ones self and accepting what you discover. Lynden encounters love, loyalty and mysteries as she journeys to learn how to control and use her new found magic.
I loved the characters in Bringers of the light. From Lynden's fellow champion sisters, to the Queen, to the two men she must eventually choose between. Jonathon is a strong character in himself.
I wish there had been more inner dialogue so I could understand how Lynden was feeling and processing all her new situations. Especially when it came to how she felt during the developing romances and the discovery of her magic.
I also wish there had been more history woven in, we get hints but it is written as if we should simply know the information, I had to put aside many questions as I read because they never seemed to get answered.
Aside from those points though, the author does a fantastic job in painting a world worth saving. She populates it with vibrant people, and constructs a plausable and interesting society.
When creating an entire world it is difficult to give every detail and the why's of them, but the writing in Bringer of the Light does not distract from the story as it draws you in to experience it to it's fullest.
Well done! Looking forward to following these characters into the next two books in the trilogy!
April 13, 2015
I love love loved this book! It gripped me right from the beginning and didn't let go.
The world is full of magic but the kingdom of Arten forbids it, leaving them vulnerable when the time comes to fight Mercer, a dark mage. How do you fight dark magic when you have purged your lands of good magic?
The plot that unfolds is intricate and compelling, with interesting lands and well developed characters. I felt like I could really connect with the main character, Lynden, and that is not always the case in fantasy novels. She is fierce and vulnerable at the same time. I like that. The friends that surround her are brave and loyal, I really liked every one of them.
The descriptions occasionally got too long but I was able to overlook that because the story was so good. I didn't like the ending but that has nothing to do with quality, only that I fell in love with one of the characters in the love triangle and she chose the other one. Haha, oh well. I'll be waiting anxiously to see what happens to all of them in the next book!
The world is full of magic but the kingdom of Arten forbids it, leaving them vulnerable when the time comes to fight Mercer, a dark mage. How do you fight dark magic when you have purged your lands of good magic?
The plot that unfolds is intricate and compelling, with interesting lands and well developed characters. I felt like I could really connect with the main character, Lynden, and that is not always the case in fantasy novels. She is fierce and vulnerable at the same time. I like that. The friends that surround her are brave and loyal, I really liked every one of them.
The descriptions occasionally got too long but I was able to overlook that because the story was so good. I didn't like the ending but that has nothing to do with quality, only that I fell in love with one of the characters in the love triangle and she chose the other one. Haha, oh well. I'll be waiting anxiously to see what happens to all of them in the next book!
March 2, 2016
I really love this fantasy action story with strong female characters! I like fantasy books, but sometimes I find the world building a bit 'exhausting' - however, this was not the case with this story. It is told as though you have been there all along, in this world, and things are introduced in a very natural and organic way. While the main female protagonist, Lynden, is certainly great to follow, I found that I fell in love with some of the side characters and that might be because their words and descriptions were intriguing but brief, and left me wanting to know more about them. Most interesting to me was how the magic in this world worked and where that was leading to. There were some surprises, so it is not a 'got it figured out' type of story. Looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommend for a fantasy reader that likes action and strong female characters, and the writing is 'clean' enough for teens. Great work, J.R. Boles!
May 26, 2015
Bringer of Light was a great read, I enjoyed the plot and character developments. Lynden is a strong female lead and it was great watching her come into her own as she discovered her magic and led the charge against the enemy. Magic, love, intrigue and mystery are all encompassed in this novel to make for an entertaining read that was definitely enjoyable! I look forward to reading the next installment.
April 16, 2015
I loved this book! I love books full of action and adventure, and this one did not disappoint. I am so happy I read this book, it was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to the second installment to find out what other surprises author J.R. Boles has written. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, action, and a little mystery.
August 14, 2016
Katniss and her Champions go to The Death Star and 'take out' Darth Vader. She exhibits some Dark Side skills so she is imprisoned. She escapes and goes to Hogwarts for Jedi training.
Some physical relationships (kissing). Battle violence which is usually healed quickly. Much travel.
Some physical relationships (kissing). Battle violence which is usually healed quickly. Much travel.
November 10, 2014
Review to come.
January 5, 2015
A medieval story full with royal intrigues, magic and battle for power that will keep you reading till the very end.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews