Book cover of The Lightcasters

Book description

The launch of an outstanding debut fantasy series.

'A fresh, wild, gripping adventure.' Kieran Larwood, author of The Legend of Podkin One-Ear
'A thrilling, highly imaginative and action-packed fantasy.' Louie Stowell, author of Otherland and Loki
'Thrilling . . . a wonderful adventure.' L. D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds


Explore
Topics
Genres
When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Lightcasters as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Image of Catharina Steel
Catharina Steel
Author

I love a good mystery set in a fantasy world, and this book was certainly that.

I appreciated the concept of the shadow world with its shadow creatures called umbra. The umbra (Latin for "shadow") is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow, where the light source is completely blocked by the occluding body—and I love how Janelle plays on this concept with the umbra shadow animals—wild creatures on the Nightmare Plains.

I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Mia and her younger brother, why they are "the ones" who can free the "Reaper King," and why their parents have organized


From Catharina's list on delving into magic worlds for middle grade.

If you love The Lightcasters...

Membership Ad

Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to


Want books like The Lightcasters?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Lightcasters.

Book cover of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness Book cover of The Lightning Thief Book cover of The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill Book cover of Elementals: Ice Wolves Book cover of The Girl Who Drank the Moon Book cover of Kiki's Delivery Service Film Comic, Vol. 1

Browse books like The Lightcasters

Book cover of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
Book cover of The Lightning Thief
Book cover of The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Share my 3 favs
Membership Ad

📚 If you like The Lightcasters, you might also like...

Book cover of On the Horizon

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry,

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were


Book cover of Mamiachi & Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band

Mamiachi & Me by Jolene Gutiérrez,

Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.

Today, Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t


5 book lists we think you will like!