Author: Giacomo Giammatteo
Website: http://nomistakespublishing.com/books/
Genres: Fantasy Scifi Mystery

Review: Light of Lights, Prequel Short Story

High drama on far-off worlds.

This prequel drops the reader into the middle of a centuries-long conflict between the Lights, the magic-wielding gentry of the seven worlds of the Nelstar System. The manor of Antar du Savarra, the Light of Lights, is under attack by his nemesis, Lukaan, and when the destruction is over, Antar vows vengeance on those who caused his family harm. When he is called by the Council of Lights to the Great Hall to stand trial for his part in the war, he knows he is walking into a trap and plans his revenge with his own unequalled abilities.

The story is richly told with strong overtones of European nobility. The magical abilities of the characters are quite unusual: splices as thin as a hair that respond to the thoughts of the wielder, light serpents, shifting through portals between worlds. Point of view jumps between characters, giving us multiple perspectives on the drama.

I enjoyed the colorful writing, but I didn’t find the characters as sympathetic as I would have liked. Vengeance is the primary motivation for the main characters. Wrongs are done on both sides of a conflict that apparently has even more backstory than we’re shown in this short work. It was nonetheless an enjoyable read and if you are intrigued by the wars of arrogant noble families, this series promises to give you a magical ride.