Review by angelo_vossen - The Only Light Left Burning

angelo_vossen 's review for:

The Only Light Left Burning by Erik J. Brown

4.75

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

"The Only Light Left Burning" by Erik J. Brown is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. The narrative is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has collapsed, and the few survivors struggle to find hope and meaning in the remnants of their existence.

The story follows the journey of several characters, mainly my from the first instalment beloved Jamison and Andrew, each dealing with their own grief and despair, yet united by a common goal: to rebuild and preserve what little light remains in their darkened world. The author masterfully weaves their stories together, creating a tapestry of human experiences that are both poignant and uplifting.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its richly developed characters. Each one is complex and multi-dimensional, with their own unique struggles and growth. The protagonists, in particular, are compelling figures whose inner journey from desolation to a rekindled sense of purpose is both believable and inspiring. I love how Brown manages to provide insight on each character‘s happy ending - including „minor“ characters like Rocky Horror, Cara, Amy and even Albie - all throughout different parts of the book as well as the epilogue.

The writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid (and sometimes very explicit) pictures of the desolate landscapes and the fragile beauty that persists amidst the ruins. The author's use of symbolism and imagery adds depth to the narrative, making it a profoundly moving read.

However, the pacing of the novel can be uneven at times, with certain sections dragging a bit before picking up again. Additionally, some readers might find the bleakness of the setting and the intensity of the characters' emotional struggles to be heavy.

One of my only two personal critiques would be that I would have loved a slightly extended chapter on Jamison‘s mission to Fort Caroline and his meet again with Rosewood. The other would be that after spending a lot of time at the beginning of the boom talking about Jamie‘s and Andrew‘s worries about their perfect first time together, if you know what I mean, I really would have liked to at least have some info on how it went down in the end.

Overall, "The Only Light Left Burning" is a powerful and emotionally sequel that offers a compelling look at the human condition in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the light that can be found even in the darkest of times.

Content Warnings