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Summary and Reviews of Empire of Light by David Czuchlewski

Empire of Light by David Czuchlewski

Empire of Light

by David Czuchlewski
  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Sep 1, 2003, 236 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Mar 2005, 240 pages
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About This Book

Book Summary

Matt's ex-girlfriend is caught up in a cult. Trapped in the murky uncertainty of good and evil where even his own feelings are suspect, Matt must race to find her, and to uncover the true nature and power of the Empire of Light.

Matt Kelly is shocked when his ex-girlfriend Anna Barrett joins a shadowy organization known as Imperium Luminis--and disappears. As Matt researches Imperium Luminis, he finds himself both strangely attracted to the group's aspirations, and suspicious about their intentions. But when he begins to uncover some questionable practices, and becomes convinced that Imperium Luminis is actually a cult, Matt decides to persuade Anna that she has been deceived--even going so far as to pretend to join Imperium Luminis himself. But how can one pretend to join? Trapped in this murky uncertainty of good and evil, where truth twists into lies, where even his own feelings are suspect, Matt must race to find Anna, and to uncover the true nature, and the true power, of the Empire of Light.

CHAPTER ONE

WHEN I RECEIVED word that Anna Damiani Barrett was officially lost--lost, that is, for the first time--I was home for dinner with my parents. It was toward the end of the meal, my father already pushed back slightly from the table so that his large, tired body could unfurl in a slouch, my mother stacking plates and prodding the remains of the roast with the serving fork.

I drained the last of my beer and watched my father reach for his yellow legal pad. He ran his hand through his thick gray hair and considered the pad, on which he recorded, in the order of their occurring to him, matters that he needed to discuss with us. This was the phase of dinner in which plans were made, consensus reached. Anna had often remarked on the military atmosphere of the proceedings.

"He might as well have unfolded a map of Normandy on the table," Anna said to me once. "Your father is still the perfect soldier."

In many ways, she was right. My father maintained a humorless...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
  1. Critique Matt's relationship with Anna. Though Matt comes across as the stronger and more independent of the two for much of the story, his need for Anna is evident. Which of the two seems to rely on their relationship more?

  2. When Anna leaves Matt's apartment after staying there for the night, Matt realizes that he is more than just lonely. "Sitting in my messy apartment, awash in the television's purple light, I knew for sure that something was missing--certainly Anna, but also something larger that her presence and renewed absence had simply alerted me to." Matt continues to allude to something being missing throughout the novel. What is missing from Matt's life?

  3. From the start of Anna's involvement with ...
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Reviews

Media Reviews

Library Journal
...a compelling, mystical mystery in which conspiracies intertwine like double helices...highly recommended.

Booklist - Brendan Dowling
Part psychological thriller and part meditation on the nature of faith, this smartly written novel should attract the interest of readers.

Kirkus Reviews
A major speed bump in an otherwise promising career. Is this actually Czuchlewski's first novel? It's tempting to think so.

Publishers Weekly
Czuchlewski is still a writer to watch, but this sophomore effort, with its winding narrative and passable prose, will likely disappoint fans of his debut.

Author Blurb Harriet Klausner
... a powerful, compelling and illuminating tale about real people searching for answers in an indifferent, at times, dangerous world.

Reader Reviews

Witch_book

I'm sure u'll enjoy reading this book.
The plot is excellent with artistic description.
that's really compelling.
Norman Ershler

I love David Czuchlewski's first book, The Muse Asylum, and looked forward to reading Empire of Light with much anticipation. Although interesting and readable, overall and in the end, it was disappointing and unsatisfying. For me to say exactly why...   Read More

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Read-Alikes

Read-Alikes Full readalike results are for members only

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Who Said...

At times, our own light goes out, and is rekindled by a spark from another person.

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