LiT: Part 1 - The Dark Ignites

LiT #1

by Maxwell F. Hurley

Without warning, the Dark is starting to tip the scale to rule over the humans. God needs to activate a new Lite Sentry. This chosen human is asked to battle the Infiltrators and Demons the Dark is sending to Earth. Osiah has a special insight to the Dark and is asked to train the newly activated Lite Sentry. Alexandria Johnson, who goes by Alex, is a 17-year old high school popular student who dresses in Goth attire. She has two best friends; a male classmate who is a recovering alcoholic and looks to completing an Ironman as a coping mechanism and another classmate whose mother left her as she lives with her abusive father. Alex accepts her new role in life to help maintain the balance between the Lite and the Dark. She grows from learning her role to actually understanding what is asked of her. Along the way she is introduced to a whole new world containing Angels, Demons, and others who are knowledgeable in this war.

314 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2021

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I was entranced from the very beginning. The characters are awesome and well developed. The plot is just amazing. This is for sure a series you just have to read!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that could seriously resonate with anyone who ever went to high school. Who honestly didn't get out of bed one morning when 17 and wonder if school wasn't a battle of good vs evil?

Alex gets to live this literally in this intense first part of a 3-book series. This book is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. The reader is left wondering if Alex can manage to survive the worldly and otherworldly challenges.

The cast of characters reflects a basic diorama of high school - the straight arrow, the goth, the athlete come loner. There are also the cool parents, the normal parents, and the insane.

The commute of Alex to school must be a long one. Not only does she pick up Mole but she needs to travel back in time to get Sara. It is unclear at the start what century Sara's father lives in. From his antiquated inanities, it appears he lives in the 1700s.

It bears repeating that just because someone is related to you by blood, there is no requirement to care or associate with them. Some alleged parents lose any 'rights' through unforgivable behavior. This is true in fiction and extremely truthful in life.

The book is a thrill ride that places the reader in the middle of the age-old battle. It is good vs evil and who will win is the ultimate question. The pace is fast, and the action is intense. There is humor to keep it lighter at times. This book simply whets the appetite of the reader for book 2. A superb start to a series.

Disclaimer: I bought a copy on Amazon CA.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Michelle (Chelle's Book Ramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm doing an over all review of the whole series.. Three books that I found were great in execution and story..
The Dark Ignites
Falling Lite
Pure Heart
It's a common tale.. the fight between Good and Evil, Dark Vs Light. however depending on how it is told it can feel refreshing, intriguing, addicting even.. that's the case with this series.

We have so many twists and turns, so many breadcrumbs along the way that will point you to a great conclusion... even if they can be misleading as well.. which keeps things interesting for us readers... Who doesn't love to be tricked from time to time (just when you think it will go one way it turns out you were wrong)

And then we have an amazingly realistic set of characters, who start out in high school... and guys this was like a trip down memory lane.. you instantly connect with them.. they are so real, not the greatest heroes but flawed kids that grow up along the way while facing their failures and successes against the dark.

We get to see their progression as characters as time passes on the series.. it doesn't get stagnant on one point but it evolves.. not just the story but the characters as well.. I loved that.

There's always this foreboding dark surrounding the story particularly on the last instalment -- it's like being trapped with no way out -- but it works.. When faced with impossible odds (real or imagined) we feel that way.

I really enjoyed this series and how it was presented throughout its 3 books, I think it manages to keep things interesting while giving us a decent conclusion which is a difficult task.

If you enjoy fantasy and thriller.. these books will deliver the right amount of both.. give them a try. 

[Pallavi Sareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing that I love about this book is the one thing that MOST YA novels lack. That is – flawed characters. When I talk about flaws, I don’t mean mild insecurity or jealousy or a home situation that makes a character relatable. I mean flaws that make you look at a person and see them as real. Flaws which make you hate them sometimes, but understand that nobody can be perfect. Lit is a great novel in the sense that the protagonist and her friends all have these complex characters that are given enough space in this book for a reader to get interested in them. They carry the story on their shoulders. And I don’t say this to undermine the writing.
Honestly, the plot is secondary. The twists and turns of the story and the fantastical world – the fight between the Good and Bad, Dark and Lite, it all is overshadowed by the strong personalities of the characters. It was Mole, Alex and Osiah that intrigued me while reading the book. And it was the good storytelling that kept me going. The fact that the plot twists were unpredictable is an added bonus. The snarky personality of Alex, the way she cares for her friends, it is all so fun to read. I really can’t wait to dig into part 2.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dark ignites is a fantasy action-adventure story written for the young adult audience. This is book one of its series and lays a foundation of a thrilling premise. Alex, the protagonist, is a young girl who is true to herself and means well. She seeks to find her role in life and what she is meant to be doing.
The characters really stand out in this novel. Normal young adult novels possess certain childish behavioral attributes that reflect throughout the storyline; however, you notice the diverse personalities that all sync and reflect one another with this book. The story also contains an educational message inside. It makes you ponder the reality of things, and how strong one can be.

The book ends by providing enough material to keep the reader satisfied and leaves enough wanting more. I look forward to reading the next book from this author.

I recommend this book to young adult readers and thriller fans.

[Gennifer Ulmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell Hurley introduces a fascinating world where the forces of Lite and Dark face on in his first novel. I fell in love with it from the beginning. The writing is amazing, able to grab and hold your attention and emotions hostage until it feels like you’re as breathless as the characters themselves.

The characters are complex and unique, and you can’t help but cheer and cry for them as they go through their wins and failures. Alex, the main protagonist, is hilarious and snarky, ready to fight to protect her friends and family, refusing to be shamed about how she looks or acts. Anne is a darling, looking out for others and always trying to be supportive and caring. Mole adds both levity and sincerity in equal parts to the story.

There is honestly so much that can be said for this novel, and I can’t wait to dig into the rest of the series.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lit is a fast paced and quickly engaging read. The character development is amazing for such a new author. You find yourself intertwined and enthralled with each character and the story line. This book is a refreshing take on the battle of evil vs good. Highly recommend.