Lightborn

Sixty-eight years ago, the Brotherhood of Light came to power. Now, in 2091, Anya lives under the rule of the Lightborn. For years, these men have abused their power, changing the weather, and altering animals for their own entertainment.

But they’ve taken it too far. The world is dying because of their reckless use of magic. Though they try to hide it, these dark spots on the earth will soon seep out, leaving decay and destruction in their wake.

Anya has remained hidden, her power a great secret she holds close. But she knows about the decay and feels a responsibility to do something. When she is captured by the Brotherhood, she is left with no choice but to help them.

But her power is greater than they could ever imagine.

Will Anya find the help she needs in the future? Can she make it back in time to stop the inevitable?

Lightborn is the first in a trilogy, following the Lightborn and their attempt to hold power. Few are strong enough to make a stand, but they will make a difference, or die trying.

Praise for Lightborn:

Lightborn feels so relatable and timely, with its themes of climate apocalypse and displacement, epic rebellions led by public school teachers, and powerful selfish men who are trying to find a scapegoat for problems they’ve created. Wells impressively renders the Brothers into well-rounded characters with secrets and messy personal lives, showing how even the best of intentions can be destroyed by greed.

Wells deftly manages the multiple timelines that end up colliding along the course of the narrative. Even though the book ends on a stressful cliffhanger (this is the first work in a trilogy), there’s still a sense of hope.

As a first novel, this is exceptional and the narrative holds plenty of twists and turns, right to the last action-packed page.