Sky Light Rises

Whisperers Book Two

Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
465 Pages
Reviewed on 09/14/2022
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Author Biography

As an award-winning author, Christian counselor, spiritual director, and professor of counseling, I use my experience and professional insight into human motivations and personalities to develop complex characters and explore difficult psychological topics in-depth. My writings include fiction, nonfiction, professional counseling books, and children’s books.

My books range from imaginings of other worlds and futuristic societies to profound explorations of deep theological concepts. They offer new perspectives, challenge in-depth self-examination, and encourage a fearless embrace of life’s joys and sorrows. I take you to other worlds and other times. I tackle difficult questions. I face genuine suffering and rejoice in God’s redemption. After you finish my books, I hope you find yourself enlivened and enriched, with a newfound desire to experience God to the fullest.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Sky Light Rises is a work of fiction in the Christian science fiction and fantasy subgenre, and it is the second novel in the Whisperers book trilogy. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Donna E. Lane. In this second installment of the absolutely thrilling series about world-ending destructive powers, we see a planet engulfed in a dark lord’s tyrannical rule. But the survivors of darkness and disaster are still determined to find their way back to a world of light, and they now have a whole new quest to open the portal to the First World and put a stop to darkness once and for all.

It is in this second novel that we see the Christian themes of the work coming to the fore in a more prominent way and actually becoming key to the plot mechanics as opposed to being part of the general world-building, and I enjoyed this subtle development immensely. Author Donna E. Lane has crafted a fantastic family read in this way so that all generations can enjoy it, with different plot strands that weave together to create a powerful overall struggle that you really feel the characters going through. The trials draw familiar parallels with those from Biblical and mythological tales, and the message of hope, faith, and survival stands tall even in the darkest of times. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Sky Light Rises and the series so far to fantasy readers seeking a Christian-themed that seeks to uplift and inspire but never to preach.

Stephanie Chapman

Donna E. Lane continues the story of The Whisperers with her second book, Sky Light Rises. The sun does not rise and casts the world into darkness. Amadah and Aleshanee are dead, causing the Jacinthi and Jasperi clans into a disagreement about what they should do. They decide to head to the Beryli’s land, where it may be free from toxins. Fala negotiates with Malia’s group to allow the Saphiri and mixed clans to live on their lands. Kindred arrives and resurrects Amadah and Aleshanee. She advises the clan members never to be alone and to prepare for war. Meanwhile, Skia Skotos has chosen Ogima as a vessel, and intends to continue his attempt to be the supreme leader of the planet. Leenha plots her attack, so she can take Kilichi as a slave.

Donna E. Lane’s Sky Light Rises is enchanting. It overjoyed me that Fala survived despite being targeted by Skia Skotos. There was a lot of focus on how much conflict was building between the Jacinthi and Jasperi. The clans’ past separation displays perfectly how the Beryli clan is possessive of their land. Likewise, Ogima seems to be an odd choice for a vessel for Skia Skotos, especially since he has lost his mind. The ominous message that Kindred leaves for the group increases the tension and suspense in this high-conflict story. The characters are struggling for survival, adapting to each other’s traditions, and exposure to the influence of the Dark Whispers. I could imagine every change in the mentality of Nikani, and I was on edge with the impending threat they could face. I recommend Sky Light Rises to avid readers of fantasy stories with well-developed characters facing a multitude of adversaries.

Liz Konkel

Sky Light Rises by Donna E. Lane is the second book in the Whisperers series. The survivors from the twelve clans face the consequences after a meteor wipes out everything they know. They soon begin to separate while struggling to adapt to their new circumstances and survive against hostile forces. Their only chance is if they can successfully reunite with the First World but their path is filled with many obstacles that will push them to choose between love and self while battling against the dark forces of Skia whose plans have hit a snag to destroy the Second World. Can the survivors gain entry into the First World before Skia's dark forces or will his plans succeed to see the Second World crumble?

The story weaves between various characters from different clans once isolated from each other with their societies and cultures. Various romantic entanglements are carefully woven throughout the different clan dynamics such as Nikani and his unrequited feelings for Amadah, the bond between Misa and Kilchi, and Yahto and Keme vying for Malia's attention. These dynamics also make clever use of the fantasy background that Donna E. Lane explores. Strong Christian elements are included, primarily through the lessons the characters learn such as maintaining faith even in the impossible, and through the Whisperers who reference the Music (which represents joy and redemption), how love never fails, and love. Balancing out the survivors' stories of redemption and faith are the dark forces of Skia who has sinister plans to conquer and destroy. Underneath the exploration of darkness are other themes such as facing temptation as Skia is luring and manipulating others into helping him such as Ogima who faces this very plight. The sky light rising is a moment in the book that is poignant and represents the heart of the story, which is hope. The writing is character-driven, maintaining a strong emotional exploration for each character with lovely scenic details woven throughout. Sky Light Rises continues to explore the journeys of these characters as they face survival, obstacles, faith, choices, and love on a quest to the First World.