The Light of All That Falls: The Licanius Trilogy, Book 3

The Light of All that Falls is the beautiful, action packed conclusion to James Islington’s Licanius Trilogy. The narrative picks up roughly a year after the conclusion of An Echo of Things to Come and, while it pauses at a few points, doesn’t really let up until the final pages. This is fresh epic fantasy in the vein of the Wheel of Time. There is plenty for fans of complex world building to enjoy, as well as a deep magic system that plays a central role in the plot, political factions aplenty, and a cast of characters you love and care about.For me, the area where Islington truly excels in The Light of All that Falls—and, really, in the entire trilogy—is how he deals with themes of destiny, fate, and redemption. My observation is that these sorts of themes are often difficult to deal with in fantasy. Prophecy can become a crutch for a story. The idea of destiny or fate either cheapens decisions that characters make or reduces the tension in the story to unacceptably low levels. Yet Islington manages to meet these challenges head on, giving us a beautiful story that questions fate and free will and suggests that maybe the issue isn’t so much the decisions one makes but one’s motivations in making them. Is complete and total freedom to decide one’s actions a blessing or a curse? And, going along with this, in what ways is one responsible for one’s actions if the past and future are entirely immutable? What if the past can be wiped out, are the consequences of decisions then entirely meaningless? As the characters wrestle with these sorts of questions, it never feels like the story gets bogged down. Rather, this is the natural progression of the various character arcs. Topping it all off is a story of redemption done so well that I lack the words to fully express how well Islington succeeded at writing a believable redemption arc. It doesn’t cheapen what characters have done or what victims have experienced. There are consequences. But there is always the possibility of redemption, and that’s a feeling I believe it’s incredibly difficult to capture. Islington threads that needle masterfully. All of this is made possible because of a complex plot involving time travel in a way that I’ve never quite seen in fantasy before. It’s unique and engaging and makes complete sense given the world and magic that the author has created.The themes aren’t the only things to love about this novel. As I mentioned, there is a deep and multifaceted magic system in the world of the Licanius trilogy, and this final volume expands on and explains a number of elements that I was curious about given the previous two books. The plot itself is also quite complex, and I thought Islington did an excellent job of bringing all the various threads together in satisfying ways that felt natural without being overly predictable in this final volume. That’s something difficult to do when, because of time travel and prophecy, you literally already know what is going to happen in certain situations. Islington manages it with aplomb. I also continued to fall in love with these characters, and felt like almost every single character received enough narrative space to conclude their arcs well. Even the antagonists felt authentic and natural, like real people who very much believe they are right. Maybe the best way to say it is that all the various arcs were concluded in entirely satisfying ways.My criticisms are few. There were a couple characters that sort of show up near the end and I felt like we didn’t fully know what had been going on with them. There were one or two other places where I felt like perhaps Islington ran into some page count issues and just didn’t have the time to fully land the plane. Happily, we’re talking about only a couple of secondary or tertiary plot points there, so it didn’t impact my enjoyment negatively.The Light of All that Falls is complex, epic fantasy that deals wonderfully with ideas and themes in fresh ways. While feeling like a classic fantasy it does new and fresh things with old tropes and I enjoyed every moment of it. It will appeal most to fans of big, sprawling epics like Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn or Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time. I can’t wait to see what Islington gives us next!9.2/104.6/5 stars.5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing

James Islington managed to accomplish a very difficult task in The Light of All that Falls, managed to provide a satisfying end to the vast majority of the story lines he had opened in the prior two volumes of this trilogy. Most of the questions that readers have about the fate of the characters and the final outcome of the conflict are answered. He even gives a subtle answer to the central theological question of the book, "Does El (God) interact with the world at all?"Like much of the best epic fantasy, like that of Brian McClellan and Brandon Sanderson, Islington's series is very character driven. The internal conflicts of the characters are more important to the narrative than the external ones. This is not a series jam packed with "action," but it is a series jam packed with conflict. This book is a slow burn that asks the readers to engage with the philosophical content as much as the narrative content.This volume sees the characters of Wiir, Davian, and Asha complete their journey from teenage innocence to adulthood as they are presented with situations that require them to make very tough decisions. These decisions will determine the fate of the world, but more importantly reveal the morality of the characters.The final result of the story is predictable to those paying attention to the clues, and meets genre expectations, but HOW it is revealed is what really matters. It is vital that readers finish the Epilogue. It's emotional and revealing.Though Islington did manage to tie up most of the narrative loose ends, there was one arc that was largely abandoned. We learn little about the fate of Aelric and Dezia until late in the story. This was an intentional choice by the author, who plans on writing a separate book at some point in the future that will cover that story, and as disappointing as it was as a choice it was the right one. We find out enough about these characters' journey to make their part of the story make sense, but not so much that it would bog the book down. Because of this choice, it is possible that some will find their return a bit of a Deus ex Machina, but it isn't. All the information is in the narrative, we are just missing the point of view details. I hope we get those some day.Islington's fantasy is dense, but it is very rewarding. He has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy authors. His incorporation of C.S. Lewis-esque arguments about loss make the book an emotional experience that surpasses many other epic fantasy tales.

Wow what a series! i couldn't put any of the 3 books in the series down for long. These books are lengthy like The Lord of the Rings, and Wheel of Time. While similar to WOT also very different and like WOT it has some flaws. Nevertheless I recommend this series and this final book. Not perfect writing but great as a first series and final book. It's high fantasy and its very easy to become immersed in these books as if you also there. Flaws aren't that bad when the writing is so smooth and well done. Like WOT pacing is slow moving and can become confusing with so many characters etc. Also some things could use some clarity and more explanation.

I have loved all 3 books in this series. When reading a section of this book, I was brought to tears!! That’s how good the writing and characters in these books!! I highly recommend this series, and will be reading more of the author’s books.

I read the whole series this book had great twist and was a great way to conclude Fabian and tal Kamar’s story.

Terminei a leitura do capítulo final da trilogia Licanius. E que debut audacioso e maravilhoso. James Islington se tornou um dos meus autores de fantasia favoritos. Universo enorme, duas guerras ancestrais, viagens no tempo, personagens com vários nomes, e muita criatividade. Este terceiro volume retoma a excelente qualidade do primeiro livro, fechando a série em alta e com boas revelações, algumas bem surpreendentes. O livro tem 814 páginas, um calhamaço, mas você nem vai perceber o tamanho quando estiver devorando as páginas. Recomendo fortemente a leitura, com certeza está entre as melhores do ano. Vai agradar em cheio os leitores de Brandon Sanderson, inclusive o livro foi indicado no blog dele. Agora no aguardo do próximo livro de James Islington, The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1).

If you know you know...Who knows what we each hide behind better than our own distorted future reflections..? None.

Everyone who read this series told me that this series has one of the most satisfying conclusions. That The Light of All that falls is something different. And they were right. At the end of this series, I was at a loss for words. There were so many emotions running in my mind and heart. James Islington definitely knows how to punch in the gut and The Light of All that Falls was everything that I didn't know I wanted to read as a reader. Let me clarify something, I am not a Time Travel Fan. I never sought out books based on Time Travelling. Because I genuinely believe playing with time is fickle of thing. And it can get messy. But despite that, I LOVED THE LICANIOUS TRILOGY. I didn't know this book had time travel and every moment in this series was a present surprise for me.The Light of all that Falls has all of our characters scattered, doing their own tasks with one common goal on their mind- making sure that the Boundary doesn't fall and the Shammaeloth isn't unleashed. And slowly and inevitably as they make their way towards the finale, I cannot help but be impressed with every small- small detail. I mean I am in awe, writing a Time-travel story with such complexities and so much to work with- I have to say I cannot help but count myself as a Fan. I think, he has become an auto-buy author for me.! And the best part? His writing. Of course, it is a bit complex but it is simple. His writing isn't what at times is the flowery writing where you stop and admire the beauty of writing. His writing is simple, precise, on point and his choice of words. In short, simply amazing.“It’s not enough to fight for the right side. You have to figure out how to fight the right way, too. If winning is truly all that matters, then we’ve lost sight of what’s actually right and wrong in the first place.”Now, coming to two things that I am kinda a big sucker for and at the same time two things that aren't easy to write.Redemption ArcPlaying with Fates & DestiniesI was at a loss for words for the Redemption Arc that the Licanious Series showed. Especially the scenes in the finale book, The Light of All that Falls. There were stages where Caeden was at a loss of who he was as a person. Someone who would shiver even at the thought of someone accusing him of killing people. And then the reality hits him. He slowly realises who he is. Why did he does what he did and what is/was his plan. Everything that he thought he was doing for correct reasons to everything he started doing because he realised what the truth is. It is simply brilliant. I hope to be able to write a redemption arc as beautifully as Islington wrote for Caeden.I love the idea of destinies and Fates. And this question is something that I constantly ponder about. Is everything planned by the power? If everything is planned then why am I working so hard? If everything is already decided if fate is sealed- who am I? And while there are many things that I read, I don't think I have read something so interesting. As a person, I am still thinking about those questions. As a reader, conversations between Tal'Kamar, Raeleth and Davian have my heart.“Your choices, Tal. Always your choices. Influences don't get blame or credit”Talking about the plot of the story, the plot is complex. And I have to admit I didn't grasp a 100% of a couple of things but I think that is because of how quickly I read it. I am positive when I re-read this, they will be clear. This series is complex. It is heavy in world-building, heavy in character arcs- but so damn worth it. All the small-small problems that I had in the first book somehow got solved here. And that is a sign of how much even Islington grew as a writer. What is amazing is that there are so many relations to take care of and each of them had its own emotional depth. There were so many scenes with so many emotions hidden within them. I mean, seduce me with emotions."What happened?"He was greedy...He saw multiple connections and drew them all into himself."Not greedy...Loyal. Desperately, stupidly loyal. I have been frantic to know the truth, and he* knows it.(*Name removed.)I kept on mentioning how complex the plot and what is even more interesting is how complex and different the characters are too.  While the focus is primarily on Asha, Wirr, Caden and Davian- there are so many more characters that have left their print on my mind. And it isn't that they were just there to support our main characters. Each of them had a distinct personality and they managed to steal a spotlight for them too. Alaris and Taeris were my favourites.There are so many things that I want to talk about in detail about some amazing and mind-blowing scenes, about the magic systems, about the characters, the deaths, the circle of how things started and how things are. But it is so difficult to talk and yet stay in the zone where I don't spoil the experience for you. I'll be discussing some scenes in detail in the spoiler zone below.“Faithful people suffer and evil people prosper all the time [...]. Besides, if our actions are driven only by reward or punishment--eternal or otherwise--then they are motivated by greed and selfishness, not faith or love. That is where so many people go wrong, even those who say they believe [...]. They obey because the think it will make their *lives* better, rather than *themselves*. And that is very much the wrong reason.”The Light of all that Falls is full of continuous twists and turns and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There will be moments when you anticipate how things will turn up and you may be happy for a moment but then the twist will come and smack you. And as a reader, you will love and hate every second of that roller-coaster ride. I am convinced that I can trust James Islington as an author and am so excited to read what comes next.Have you added the Light of All that falls on your list yet?

So perfectly concluded, every piece of this masterfully built puzzle falls in to place. I worried that the plot would 'loosen up' as the complexity related to time travel built over the course of 3 novels. How refreshing to find an author that can deliver their crescendo at the end of a series. If an author needs inspiration on how to finish a series (I'm looking at you Rothfuss) then this is it.

This book is for me absolute 7 Stars!The First 2 books of this Trilogy we're already outstanding! An incredible interesting Fantasy World with a Superb History and awesome Charakters involved in this Fantasy Epos! And this final book is so incredible Heart breaking in my opinion that it is beyond words! I have read more than 250 (many of Them famous & Bestellung) Fantasy books & series but this Trilogy is at the very Top for me with LotR! A must read! A Fantasy Hear braking Heart breaking super Thriller Till the End with incredible likeable Charakters!200 % super Level what the author created with this Trilogy! I really Hope there will be many many more books of this awesome gifted fantasy author! 7 Stars for me!