The Black Prism is the first book in the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. It is a
colorful, rich fantasy in a universe with a large amount of world-building and a creative magic system behind it.
By Harleen Bawa
There is so much detail that has brought the Seven Satrapies to life.
The Black Prism is the first book in the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. It is a
colorful, rich fantasy in a universe with a large amount of world-building and a creative magic system behind it. There is so much detail that has brought the Seven Satrapies to life.
I thought Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan were the only fantasy writers I knew that could create such intricate magic systems that revolve around things like a driving force of creation known as the One Power or allomancy. In contrast to writers like Sarah J Maas or J.K. Rowling, whose magic comes from species’ differences, or Terry Brooks or Terry Goodkind, with magic that comes from certain weapons, Brent Weeks’ system based on color and light can match anything that these renowned authors have put together–and that is something to be proud and aware of, because authors like Sanderson and Rowling have become as renowned as people like James Cameron and Tim Burton.
The magic system is known as “chromaturgy,” which is based on manipulating different colors of light on the spectrum, with the users being referred to as “drafters,” who can transform light into physical substances with their bodies. Chromaturgy is categorized into different categories and abilities based on the colors wielded by the user. It is straightforward and easy to understand, with a glossary and notation in the back so you can easily follow it. This balance is very well-done.
The main protagonist, Kip, has a low view of himself, believing himself to be fat and ordinary, but within him comes a great power that he has not come to terms with yet. It was great to see him grow as a character as he learns the extent of his abilities as a drafter. He still has a long way to grow, but the author indicates that Kip’s future will be interesting and dramatic. It is revealed that he is the bastard son of the Lord Prism, Gavin Guile, who is the most powerful magic user in the world. But Gavin’s role in the story is not as simple as it would seem. Following a devastating war between him and his brother Dazen, Gavin has a secret that could rip the world’s foundations apart if revealed. This secret is not one without consequences, and learning if and when it comes out is one of the main reasons I want to keep reading.
The plot is filled with action and adventure, stories and secrets, all because of one man’s secret identity–which made the story explosive and intense. Gavin’s brother Dazen, long thought to be dead, is alive and imprisoned, and he spends the entirety of the book looking to break free of his prison and get his revenge. He will want Gavin’s head for what his brother did to him, since he believes Gavin wronged him and imprisoned him and is out for his blood. So far, his character and his dynamics have been the most intriguing: we have only heard recounts of Dazen from other characters, who believe he is dead, and the rest has been shrouded in mystery. I am looking forward to learning more about his story and exactly what happened.
The idea of secrecy is entwined around the entire plot, as the characters ponder their past and see how it can impact their future. The tone is being set as troubling and powerful, but it is only getting started. Be aware, this plot can be very slow at times and it takes time to build up into the conclusion. There is much history and detail packed into this.
I loved Brent Weeks’ prose, which some critics had problems with, but I believe the descriptions of the colors and characters help the story to flow smoothly. The Black Prism was a strong opener, the first in a five-book series, and I think it will pick up in book two, The Blinding Knife.
