This was a really interesting read, and I always enjoy the way Ryan Kirk wrote this. It was a strong start to the Legend of Adani series and had a great fantasy element to it. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed how well the concept worked with the plot. It was written perfectly and I was glad I got to read this and left me wanting more.

First, let me say I'm happy I was approved for the ARC. Sadly this is a DNF for me. I love fantasy and a good slow-burn book. I was so bored. This book lacks much needed background information and worldbuilding at the start of the book. I was confused about why they were at war with these creatures or whatever they were. The prologue had an opportunity to go a little more in depth about what these things are or at least in the first chapter or two. It has potential but isn't for me.

Loved it! I've read some of Kirk's books before, but I don't think I've liked them as much as this one.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It is very character driven, based around a brother and sister duo. My favourite of the two is definitely the sister. Both have strong magical abilities but very little training in how to use it.

I loved the world building and magic system. There are creepy, mysterious monsters controlling gates to elsewhere who are intent on wiping out the humans and taking their magic.

Pacing was excellent. I couldn't put it down. It just flowed from one thing to the next. I read it in less than 24 hours.

I can't wait for the next.

As an avid Ryan Kirk fan, I have to say that this novel absolutely did *not* disappoint me. The world-building in this book is incredibly and tastefully done, and I felt immersed from the beginning until the very end. And there are DRAGONS! That are SENTIENT!

If you enjoy epic adventures with unique magic systems, characters with complex storylines and motives, and some incredibly thought-out lore, this book is for you. I plan on adding a copy to my shelf as soon as I'm able, and I'll be advising all of my friends to do the same. I definitely foresee this one being popular!

As always, all my thanks to both Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this ARC, and my congratulations to the author for such a great book!

At first, I thought this would be another solid adventure fantasy by the author. But it emerged as something far better than that, and so far it's my favourite read of 2024! In a world where most humans can wield a type of magical force known as adani, two siblings must set out in order to overcome the forces of the Debru, a sinister, supernatural race of shadow creatures. Dead circles of grass have emerged that threaten their world. Elian seeks to warn others of this sign, also seeking recognition as a warrior, while his sister, Samora, is more interested in using magical bindings for the healing and growth of their world. There's a gripping final third of the book, and as a wonderful addition we get sentient dragons inserted to the mix as well.

The world-building is detailed and deceptively understated. It's pleasing to see what the author can achieve without the bloat of other epic fantasy series. I have no hesitation in recommending this classy, enjoyable book and am definitely going to look out for the next in the series.

For a full review, see my blog post:
https://toomanyfantasybooks.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-born-of-light-and-shadow-by-ryan.html

For generations, brave warriors known as Adanists have fought to hold back a rising tide of mysterious invaders and shadowy monsters. Despite their heroic efforts, they are losing.But the night is always darkest before the dawn, and a new generation rises to fight the endless battle.Elian and Samora are siblings, adanists born and raised in a village that has rarely known the bitter taste of war. When they encounter an unfathomable weapon not far from their village, they’re forced to leave the comforting embrace of home to seek answers from the wandering clans of warriors that protect their land.Their quest will thrust them directly into the last desperate actions of a war that threatens to wipe their people from the land. Their enemies grow stronger as their heroes fall.So long as courage remains, hope lives.As the final chapters of the war’s story are written, the rise of two unlikely heroes begins. But have they arrived in time, or are they too late to save all that they love?

A fun and fast paced fantasy with lots of adventure. I really enjoyed the quest based missions in this and with characters that were both unique and relatable, the story kept me interested all the way through~

Wonderful start to a 1st book. Adani is quite unique magic born of the natural flow of the energy through all things. Only certain folks can truly tap into it.

Having lost their father and found an intriguing spot close to their village that draws the adani from his sister, Elani and her must find out from the wondering men who protect them from the dark beings, what is necessary.

Great story and I would surely like another book to review in this series