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what_ella_reads's review
4.0
My rating:4 out of 5 stars
I heard "Brand of Light," raved about even before it was released, so I had high expectations when I finally picked it up last week.
I now see why it is so hyped!
It is a unique, action packed sci-fi story, with a great cast of characters.
My attention was captured from the get go, as I tried to figure out the 3 mystery plots that involve the 3 main characters and as I tried to guess how they all connected to each other. Some of my guesses came true, but many of them did not! The ending revelations were particularly surprising.
Besides the exciting plot, I think the characters are the strongest part of this book. The cast of characters are well rounded and fleshed out.
I really liked the 3 main characters Tigo, Kersei, and Marco, as well as side characters like Teeli. I am anxious to see what direction their stories take over the next 3 books!
While the mystery and characters are strong, this book does have one major weakness- info dumping. The first half of this book has A LOT of info dumping and it left me feeling overwhelmed and confused (I say this as someone who appreciates complex fantasy and sci-fi, i.e. Sanderson and Tolkien). I understand that this world and its lore is very complex, but I do wish the author has chosen to do more showing and less telling when it came to informing the reader about things we need to know.
Another weakness this book has is content (Note this is a personal stance. I know not everyone will agree). SPOILERS AHEAD. This book is quite violent when it comes to sexual violence. Kersei is almost sexually assaulted twice (the first account is kinda detailed whereas the other one is very breif).
There is also quite a bit of innuendo. People talk about sleeping with prostitutes, characters think certain characters have had sex with each other, and characters having feelings of passion when they kiss each other.
I overall did enjoy "Brand of Light," but I do hope the issues it has won't be present in the rest of the series.
I heard "Brand of Light," raved about even before it was released, so I had high expectations when I finally picked it up last week.
I now see why it is so hyped!
It is a unique, action packed sci-fi story, with a great cast of characters.
My attention was captured from the get go, as I tried to figure out the 3 mystery plots that involve the 3 main characters and as I tried to guess how they all connected to each other. Some of my guesses came true, but many of them did not! The ending revelations were particularly surprising.
Besides the exciting plot, I think the characters are the strongest part of this book. The cast of characters are well rounded and fleshed out.
I really liked the 3 main characters Tigo, Kersei, and Marco, as well as side characters like Teeli. I am anxious to see what direction their stories take over the next 3 books!
While the mystery and characters are strong, this book does have one major weakness- info dumping. The first half of this book has A LOT of info dumping and it left me feeling overwhelmed and confused (I say this as someone who appreciates complex fantasy and sci-fi, i.e. Sanderson and Tolkien). I understand that this world and its lore is very complex, but I do wish the author has chosen to do more showing and less telling when it came to informing the reader about things we need to know.
Another weakness this book has is content (Note this is a personal stance. I know not everyone will agree). SPOILERS AHEAD. This book is quite violent when it comes to sexual violence. Kersei is almost sexually assaulted twice (the first account is kinda detailed whereas the other one is very breif).
There is also quite a bit of innuendo. People talk about sleeping with prostitutes, characters think certain characters have had sex with each other, and characters having feelings of passion when they kiss each other.
I overall did enjoy "Brand of Light," but I do hope the issues it has won't be present in the rest of the series.
gloriaclover's review
5.0
I haven't reread a book in a long time. But I'd read this one on Kindle the first time I read it and I bought the book later with the second installment so ... just as good as the first time. Enjoyed the characters, the relationships, the world. Bad guys were pretty terrifying.
annaaugustineauthor's review
5.0
There's a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the band on her arm.
Terrain Space Coalition has brought tech to every planet of the quadrant, except for Drosero. But the TSC has plans for the little backward planet, whether they want it or not.
An explosion has left Kersi Dragoumis spinning. She wakes in a derelict shuttle, ignorant of the tech around her, alone, and hurt. The brand she's had since childhood burns, but that pain is nothing to the pain of hearing her family is dead, and the TSC think she's the murderer.
Marco Dusan is a hunter, and one of the best. Called by a holy order to deliever Kersi to their temple, he begins to realize that maybe theres more to to this Decree - and the maiden - then he first thought.
•
•
•
I've never read much scifi. I love Star Wars, think Star Trek is interesting, but reading it? Yeah, not so much.
Ronie has changed my mind on that now!
This book, I devoured it in three days. While the beginning is a little confusing, jumping between characters and trying to keep the strange names and place clear, once you find the rhythm there is no stopping!
Her characters are real, raw, and honest about their mistakes. I can wait for the second book to find out what happens to Tigo, Kersi, Marco, and the rest of their friends!
•
•
•
Five stars!
Ages 16 and up!
Terrain Space Coalition has brought tech to every planet of the quadrant, except for Drosero. But the TSC has plans for the little backward planet, whether they want it or not.
An explosion has left Kersi Dragoumis spinning. She wakes in a derelict shuttle, ignorant of the tech around her, alone, and hurt. The brand she's had since childhood burns, but that pain is nothing to the pain of hearing her family is dead, and the TSC think she's the murderer.
Marco Dusan is a hunter, and one of the best. Called by a holy order to deliever Kersi to their temple, he begins to realize that maybe theres more to to this Decree - and the maiden - then he first thought.
•
•
•
I've never read much scifi. I love Star Wars, think Star Trek is interesting, but reading it? Yeah, not so much.
Ronie has changed my mind on that now!
This book, I devoured it in three days. While the beginning is a little confusing, jumping between characters and trying to keep the strange names and place clear, once you find the rhythm there is no stopping!
Her characters are real, raw, and honest about their mistakes. I can wait for the second book to find out what happens to Tigo, Kersi, Marco, and the rest of their friends!
•
•
•
Five stars!
Ages 16 and up!
storiedadventures's review
5.0
I could not set this book down! This is one of my new favorite books. It was EPIC. It has been awhile since I read sci-fi and I'm so glad I did now!
I loved the dichotomy of space and spaceships then traveling to a land that is like the middle ages.
Kersei is the type of heroine I'd want to be! She wants to be a warrior and she trains like one. But when she wakes up on a spaceship, she is terrified. It's how she handles her fear that gets me. She works through it and never gives up.
Marco. Swoon! He's the broody alpha male. He's a hunter and a rule follower and just amazing. He's got secrets. ;)
Tigo is so interesting! NOT a rule follower but just someone fighting for the good things. I feel so bad for him though!
EXCUSE ME THAT ENDING. NOT OKAY. OUCH.
I can't wait to start the next book! I hear they get even crazier!
I loved the dichotomy of space and spaceships then traveling to a land that is like the middle ages.
Kersei is the type of heroine I'd want to be! She wants to be a warrior and she trains like one. But when she wakes up on a spaceship, she is terrified. It's how she handles her fear that gets me. She works through it and never gives up.
Marco. Swoon! He's the broody alpha male. He's a hunter and a rule follower and just amazing. He's got secrets. ;)
Tigo is so interesting! NOT a rule follower but just someone fighting for the good things. I feel so bad for him though!
EXCUSE ME THAT ENDING. NOT OKAY. OUCH.
I can't wait to start the next book! I hear they get even crazier!
michellembruhn's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
How do you review a book when it's really good but you're furious with it? Gah, that ending!!! Like, I'm excited to start book 2 and find out what happens next, but if you're someone who wants everything wrapped up at the end of a book and for characters to be...happy? At least semi-happy? Then this might not be the book for you. It hurt me.
But Michelle, why do you want to read the next book, then?
Because I need more Kersei. And more Marco (even though I'm mad at him right now). Because there is an enemy alien race we've only caught glimpses of that seems really threatening and there are dumb people wanting to negotiate with them (guys, they're obviously the bad guys I don't care that they're offering high-tech advancements! Don't give them an inch!). Because the political changes near the end intrigue me. I could go on. It took me a while to get into, but this is a great book. Just, guard your heart at the ending. 💔
Content warnings:
- torture
- attempted sexual assault
- marital rape (off-screen)
My Ranting At The Characters Over The Ending (With Spoilers Galore), Because I Need To Get It Out Of My System (seriously, do not read this if you haven't read the book yet):
How. Dare. You. Darius! I don't care that she's your bound. I don't care that you've "loved" her all your life. Kersei is traumatized and not in love with you and I don't care that you're married, you have no right to force yourself on her! If you loved her, you would give her time. But no, you're just a sick and twisted and awful person I really want Marco (or Kersei. That would be lovely) to kill now. Better, I want the enemy aliens you've allied yourself with to use you as one of their wormhole creators so that you know how it feels to be used and abused by someone who was your friend. It's not gonna happen, but a woman can dream. Go rot.
And you, Marco. Yes, you—my favorite character up until the end of the book. Look, I understand you're confused. I understand that as the new king you have to be careful what you do. BUT YOU JUST(!) FOUND OUT THAT YOU'RE THE KING, AND YOU DIDN'T CARE ABOUT THIS PEOPLE AND THEIR CUSTOMS UNTIL NOW, SO WHY IN THE ANCIENT'S NAME ARE YOU LETTING DARIUS TAKE THE WOMAN YOU LOVE AWAY LIKE THAT?!?!?! Never mind that you are a trained hunter who could easily take down the punk. Never mind that you were going to give up your place in the brotherhood for Kersei just a chapter earlier! Now you wimp out? NOW?!? Well, I guess you still have your honor, huh? I guess that's good enough, huh? UGH!!! The only thing you have going for you right now is that Kersei herself isn't mad at you for what happened. In the immortal words of Relient K: You know I'll always love you, but right now I just don't like you.
Kersei, darling, I'm reading book 2 for you. Never lose your strength in the midst of the darkness. ❤️
But Michelle, why do you want to read the next book, then?
Because I need more Kersei. And more Marco (even though I'm mad at him right now). Because there is an enemy alien race we've only caught glimpses of that seems really threatening and there are dumb people wanting to negotiate with them (guys, they're obviously the bad guys I don't care that they're offering high-tech advancements! Don't give them an inch!). Because the political changes near the end intrigue me. I could go on. It took me a while to get into, but this is a great book. Just, guard your heart at the ending. 💔
Content warnings:
- torture
- attempted sexual assault
- marital rape (off-screen)
My Ranting At The Characters Over The Ending (With Spoilers Galore), Because I Need To Get It Out Of My System (seriously, do not read this if you haven't read the book yet):
And you, Marco. Yes, you—my favorite character up until the end of the book. Look, I understand you're confused. I understand that as the new king you have to be careful what you do. BUT YOU JUST(!) FOUND OUT THAT YOU'RE THE KING, AND YOU DIDN'T CARE ABOUT THIS PEOPLE AND THEIR CUSTOMS UNTIL NOW, SO WHY IN THE ANCIENT'S NAME ARE YOU LETTING DARIUS TAKE THE WOMAN YOU LOVE AWAY LIKE THAT?!?!?! Never mind that you are a trained hunter who could easily take down the punk. Never mind that you were going to give up your place in the brotherhood for Kersei just a chapter earlier! Now you wimp out? NOW?!? Well, I guess you still have your honor, huh? I guess that's good enough, huh? UGH!!! The only thing you have going for you right now is that Kersei herself isn't mad at you for what happened. In the immortal words of Relient K: You know I'll always love you, but right now I just don't like you.
Kersei, darling, I'm reading book 2 for you. Never lose your strength in the midst of the darkness. ❤️
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Sexual assault
bookwormkkj's review
5.0
Second time through still loved this book! I decided to try out the audio version and was not disappointed. Adam Gold does a fantastic job narrating the story and produces so many different voices for each character! The sound effects too are fantastic at pulling you into the story!
The first time I read this book I was instantly captivated by the broad cast of characters and the interconnecting storylines. I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I had the misfortune of finishing the book at work and so had to contain my many, many strong emotions until the drive home afterwards. A year later and 2nd read through and I’m still not over that ending.
The first time I read this book I was instantly captivated by the broad cast of characters and the interconnecting storylines. I couldn’t read the book fast enough. I had the misfortune of finishing the book at work and so had to contain my many, many strong emotions until the drive home afterwards. A year later and 2nd read through and I’m still not over that ending.
travelerswife4life's review
5.0
Oh, where do I even start?
This book was everything I hoped it would be plus so much more. I personally do not usually read sci-fi genre books because they (usually) take God out of the equation or put in a bunch of gods. When Ronie Kendig started advertising that she felt God calling her to write a sci-fi book I was intrigued to see what God had put on her heart for this genre. Even having little to no experience with this genre I believe Ronie Kendig hit a home run with this book.
The characters were very well laid out, they did not contradict themselves and were easy to get along with. The first few chapters Ronie Kendig showed us some great strengths and weaknesses in all her main characters. Technically, there are probably only two main characters, however, I would argue that there could technically be three main characters. I will let you decide on that. The characters interacted seamlessly together, and by the end of this book, I was captivated by the plights of the characters. The only character I would have liked to see more of was Kersei, I never saw her thoughts on the events that took place come through. However, this is only the first book
This book was everything I hoped it would be plus so much more. I personally do not usually read sci-fi genre books because they (usually) take God out of the equation or put in a bunch of gods. When Ronie Kendig started advertising that she felt God calling her to write a sci-fi book I was intrigued to see what God had put on her heart for this genre. Even having little to no experience with this genre I believe Ronie Kendig hit a home run with this book.
The characters were very well laid out, they did not contradict themselves and were easy to get along with. The first few chapters Ronie Kendig showed us some great strengths and weaknesses in all her main characters. Technically, there are probably only two main characters, however, I would argue that there could technically be three main characters. I will let you decide on that. The characters interacted seamlessly together, and by the end of this book, I was captivated by the plights of the characters. The only character I would have liked to see more of was Kersei, I never saw her thoughts on the events that took place come through. However, this is only the first book
bellesmoma2021's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The cover of Brand of Light drew me in like a moth to flame. It’s absolutely beautiful. Then the synopsis had me intrigued. I’m not a Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Space Opera reader, but I thought I would take a chance on something that’s a little different for me. I am really glad I took that chance. This book is out of this world (pun intended). Coming in at 450+ pages, Brand of Light is not for the faint of heart. This story is non-stop action the entire time. It stressed me out something fierce. This is definitely a read where I had to take breaks. There is violence, there is evil. There are a lot of fight sequences (these are cool and would look awesome on film!). And there are a lot of names and places. I probably highlighted more in this book than I’ve ever highlighted before trying to keep track of who is who, and what is what, and where is where. We’re talking about five different kinds of people, various planets with cultures completely different and unique from one another, an intricate religion that felt a little Catholic and a little pagan, three unique groups of military/skilled fighting men and women, and science and technology of various levels depending on which planet the characters are on in the moment. Kendig gets major props for world-building in this very intricate story. Atmosphere is huge in this novel. Each place is unlike any other place with a culture and way of living different than anything I’ve ever read. In this, Brand of Light reminds me of Star Wars. Kendig’s characters are exceptional. Kendig does a great job of having a seemingly clear good guy vs. bad guy line, but it gets crossed. The bad guys are who you think and then a few more are revealed and it’s gasp-worthy. The good guys are also who you think and then a few more switch sides and it’s super satisfying. What I appreciate the most in this book is the good guys’ fight against evil. Evil is as evil does. The villains in this book are BAD. I mean really creepy, ugly evil. But the good guys never give up. They want to so badly. They are so tired at some points in this story, but they never give up. They keep on fighting the GOOD fight. It’s quite inspirational. And it’s my favorite aspect of this intense novel.
There is SO much more to be said about Brand of Light, but I don’t want to accidentally spoil a single moment of this wild ride. I recommend this highly engaging story if you love well-written adventure/action stories, if you are a fan of amazing world-building, and/or if you enjoy Sci-Fi/Fantasy the likes of Star Wars.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on June 15, 2022, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
kimbereading's review
5.0
This book! Oh man. So good! It took me a chapter or so to get used to the terminology used to build the world, but the story sucked me in fast! The ending is a cliffhanger (which I normally hate, but I thought this one was done well) and I’m wishing December wasn’t so far away so I could read book 2 already! This is my first book by Ronie Kendig (crazy, I know!) but it definitely won’t be my last. Now to read all her other books to keep me busy until the next Droseran book releases!