At the birth of each child, they are examined by a priestess of Edara, goddess of light. If the child gives off light shortly after birth, they are taken away to one of the towers to spend their life maintaining the force field of light until they die. Aven and Le’Antra have just delivered their child when Masol, a priestess of Edara, visits them. Seeing the manifestation of light, she attempts to take the child from his parents but is thwarted by Aven. He takes the child in his arms and escapes from the city. At this point, the agents of the goddess pursue Aven into the dangerous forest of the outside world.
THE MANIFESTATION OF LIGHT is a well-plotted novel with characters that are both complex and believable. Unlike the typical “gods must be crazy” novels, the deities who wreak their havoc on the human population are powerful but they have innate vulnerabilities that give the humans a fighting chance. The character of Aven is driven by his desire to save his son and this tends to restrain any depth in character development. This leads to his character being somewhat wooden at times. Conversely, the characters of, Vitar and Masol, are well developed, showing their failings and developing the ability to feel empathy for each other. This empathy, when faced with the realities of the world outside of Valour’s walls leads to interior monologs where the meaning of freedom and religion are considered. There is a true metamorphosis in the characters as they search both their faith and their conscience for answers. The author’s Manichean contrasts between light and dark form an interesting backdrop to this search for truth. Despite the fact that these few humans must ultimately confront the gods, there are few “miracles” here and any success is based on human striving rather than superhuman powers.
THE MANIFESTATION OF LIGHT examines the concept of freedom versus safety with a powerful plot and complicated heroes and villains. Like all good Science Fiction/Fantasy, the reader is left to contemplate the future as well as their own present circumstances.
~ IndieReader