Light Bringer

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout this book. Virginia must make sacrifices to protect Mars. Darrow and Sevro must make sacrifices to find a way to defeat the Core. Lysander is forced to make sacrifices to become a piece in a game Atlas has had in motion for a long time.

Rebuild

Finding a way to rebuild what has been broken. Armies, friendships, even entire civilizations.

Redemption

After years playing the role of the sword, Darrow finds himself finally realizing that it’s time to figure out a new path. After actions taken in the Rim in previous books, Darrow must rebuild trust with the people of the Rim and especially the Daughters of Athena to build a new following. Volga and the Obsidians are confronted with the consequences of their actions at the hands of a false leader.

Out of the Shadows

Through much of Dark Age and the beginning of Light Bringer, Darrow finds himself in an unfamiliar position in the cat-and-mouse game. He has to hide in order to survive, and many of his previous followers even believe he might be dead. In Light Bringer, Darrow finds his way back into the forefront and proves to those loyal to him that he is still alive and strong.

Carrying the Flame

Although Light Bringer introduces some new elements to Darrow as a character, others are simply rekindled. Darrow/The Reaper has always been a symbol of hope for the low Colors of the Rising. However, after events leading up to Light Bringer, the faith and hope are wavering. Darrow rekindles that hope in this book.

Lighting the Way for Others

Darrow has always thought of himself as the sword for the Rising. However, in order to survive, Darrow must start playing roles that he left to others like Dancer and Virginia. He must become a builder and a role model for others.

The Cost of the Light

This book explores how being the light or pursuing good comes at a cost. Lysander, in pursuit of what he believes is the ultimate good, is forced into making deals that seem to go against his previously held ethics. Darrow and the Rising see the weight of every decision they have made up to this point.

Friendship Rekindled

After about two full books where Darrow and Sevro have had a rocky friendship, we finally get to see them recover their bond. Cassius even notes how Darrow’s friendships are what made him realize which side he wanted to be on.

Hope as a Weapon

Throughout much of the book (and the series as a whole), Darrow has to sacrifice his own desires to be the symbol of hope that the Rising needs. Hope is also weaponized as a strategy by Atlas and the Core. One great example is the lies that have been told to the Obsidians about the necessity of their violence to build a home of their own.

Becoming the Myth

Darrow realizes that he has to strategically embrace his mythical status to win the hearts and respect of the Obsidians in particular. There are several scenes where he has to put on theatrics to command their attention and secure an audience.

Dawn After the Long Night

After the events of [[Book: Dark Age]], Light Bringer gives a sense of movement toward victory. Red God will have a lot of loose threads to tie up in order for the series to reach a satisfying conclusion.