The Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks

Epic Fantasy! This is a series that needs to be read in order. Here they are: The Black Prism, The Blinding Knife, The Broken Eye, The Blood Mirror, The Burning White.

This series is complex, but I’ll try to give a brief explanation. In this world, magic is based on colors. Drafters can convert light into a matter called luxin. The luxin takes on different forms depending on the color drafted. The more you draft, the faster you die. Magic is tightly controlled by a corrupt Chromeria, the ruling body of the Seven Satrapies. Drafters are trained at the Chromeria. Each Satarapy has a representative on the high council, the Spectrum. (How am I doing? See why you need to read the book?!)

You follow many POVs. Two of the main characters are Kip and Gavin. They are both very witty and have an interesting relationship (you’ll see). Kip, a coming-of-age character, lacks self-esteem and lives with his addict mom. He is suddenly thrust into the main events of the kingdom when he is almost killed. Gavin is the Prism. He is the high priest and emperor and he knows his days are numbered.

NOTE: In the back of the book, you will find a character list and a glossary. Not the book for you if you don’t enjoy complex world building and a complicated magic system.