The Light Who Shines

Bluebell Kildare Series, Book 1

By: Lilo Abernathy

Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

When Supernatural Investigation Bureau agent Bluebell Kildare (a.k.a. Blue) arrives at the scene of the crime, it's obvious the grotesquely damaged body of the deceased teenage boy was caused by far more than a simple hit and run; and she vows to catch the killer. Using her innate sixth sense, Blue uncovers a powerful magical artifact nearby. She soon discovers it acts as a key to an ancient Grimoire that was instrumental in the creation of the Vampire breed and still holds the power to unravel the boundaries between Earth and the Plane of Fire.

Blue and her clever wolf Varg follow a trail that starts at the Cock and Bull Tap and leads all through the town of Crimson Hollow. Between being sidelined by a stalker who sticks to the shadows and chasing a suspect who vanishes in thin air, the case is getting complicated. If that isn't enough, Dark Vampire activity hits a record high, and hate crimes are increasing. However, it's Blue’s growing feelings for Jack Tanner, her sexy Daylight Vampire boss, that just might undo her.

While Blue searches for clues to nail the perpetrator, it seems someone else is conducting a search of their own. Who will find whom first?

Danger lurks in every corner, and Blue needs all her focus in this increasingly dangerous game or she risks ending up the next victim.

RATING: R; a few scenes contain graphic violence and explicit sex; recommended for 17+ years

PRIMARY GENRES: urban fantasy / paranormal romance / mystery (solid blend)

TENSE: first person present tense / dual perspectives

UNDERLYING THEME: There are some deeper aspects to this story as the characters begin to explore the nature of good and evil. The main societal conflict present in this world is prejudice and hate. It is in fact the primary underlying theme for the book as the author attempts to show its destructive nature.

©2014 Lilo Abernathy (P)2014 Lilo Abernathy

A good debut novel ... with some concerns

I picked up the kindle book on sale and purchased the audio book at a discount. Since the cost was fairly low and this is a debut novel, I'm giving it 4 stars although it was more of a 3.5 for me (I wish half stars were an option).

I think my main issue is in the narration. The main character "voice" was so flat and unemotional (even during horrific events) that it made it hard for me to care about the main character. That set a tone for the book that I think overshadowed the writing for me; hence the 4 star rating.

I would be willing to continue the series at a low price point (lower than the cost of a credit, certainly), but would hope that there will be a more impassioned performance to help me connect with the characters more.

Jury's Still Out

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It certainly moves along and keeps you interested so not a waste of time if you're listening while doing something else.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was a little annoyed and kind of rolling my eyes at the "romance".

Do you think The Light Who Shines needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Well, of course, there is so much more of the story that we need to learn and it is hinted at in this book.

Any additional comments?

I'm sorry, but the main male in this story is just a TEASE and she should absolutely move on to greener pastures. Also his "teenage angst" is not befitting a centuries old Vampire. He is incredibly annoying. I just felt like yelling at him to get over himself! (except I was at the Gym at the time and didn't think yelling out would be wise!)

Oh, it shines!

Where does The Light Who Shines rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Quality was superb! Best audiobook I've listened to yet.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything I could possibly want in a good audiobook was here--a riveting opening scene, interesting characters, great world building, romance, and magic. Loved it.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Klett – was your favorite?

The greatest thing about this audiobook was ALL of of the characters performed by Klett. I've read the book and listened to the audio, and she really nailed the voice, in my opinion.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were definitely parts where I laughed, but mostly I was just sad when it was over. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

a fantastic and magical journey

Where does The Light Who Shines rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's definitely one of the better audiobooks I've listened to without a monotone performance or poorly pronounced words. The narrator makes an attempt to use different accents and voices for the various characters throughout, many of which are spot on and amazing to hear.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Light Who Shines?

I greatly enjoyed the narratives for Jack and the transition from Blue to male characters.

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth Klett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

It's ok. The narrator had me zoning out...

What didn’t you like about Elizabeth Klett’s performance?

It was ok. I have no desire to continue with the series and the narrator had me zoning out a lot. I had no problem putting the book down and never rushed to continue to listen. Found it almost a chore to make myself finish to the end...

very good interesting story

If you could sum up The Light Who Shines in three words, what would they be?

enjoyable, interesting story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bluebell Kildare

Which scene was your favorite?

the appearance of the stray wolf

Any additional comments?

can not wait for next book!!

Stunning read!

Where does The Light Who Shines rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As it is my first audiobook, I found it a unique and novel way of "reading". I enjoyed the narrators voice and accents

What other book might you compare The Light Who Shines to and why?

Don't know

What about Elizabeth Klett’s performance did you like?

Her pace, tone, inflections, accent, and a very pleasant voice to listen to for long periods of time

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

First let me say that the book was awesome! I loved the characters, the side plots, the little twists and turns and red herrings. The start was a little slow, but the plot quickly picked up and kept me enthralled. I am so privileged to have read such a great debut novel and very sad that there is not another one to read immediately!!!

The characters are delightful, with interesting quirks and gifts, which makes me eager to discover more about each one and particularly find out who Blue really is. Why can't Jack be with her? I know this will become clearer over time, but I became so engrossed in their obvious love for each other, I just need to know more.

The prejudice in the book comes across quite strongly and is so reminiscent of some of the prejudices we face today, although albeit with race, religion etc. it reminds us of how we should be more accepting of others and not judge them until we truly know their hearts well enough to make such decisions. Unfortunately we are all so prone to judging people for the wrong reasons and this comes across so clearly, especially with Blue. I hope this changes the way some people think as it is such an important lesson to learn in life. The prejudice was subtle enough not to take over the entire book, but nonetheless there, and making one feel slightly angered as this kind woman was judged more on what she was than who she was. She is a great character, and so is Vargas. Who us he, where did he come from, why her? I look forward to the next one

Recommend

I loved this book.. I recommend it to those who love fantasybooks. I am waiting anxiously for the next one.

This needs work...

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. Luckily I did not use a credit on this! For me this wasn't worth even the sale price. This has potential. The author had some good ideas but the plot and dialogue need tightening and the length probably needs to be halved.

Would you recommend The Light Who Shines to your friends? Why or why not?

Sadly, no. This needs the help of an experienced editor. I found the dialogue often cliched, at times immature, stilted and plodding. This needs to be pared down to move at a better pace. There were a few redundancies and few minor bits of conflicting information, they can be overlooked and don't confuse or detract.

What does Elizabeth Klett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It seems as if she found it slow going too, the reading felt ponderous. If I'd had a print book I'd be skipping a lot.

Do you think The Light Who Shines needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I find I just can't finish this - a first for me. Apparently it's a cliff hanger, I just couldn't bear the idea of that on top of the excruciatingly slow pace. At 45 chapters in (of 72) I have definitely had enough!

Any additional comments?

Although this story left me very unsatisfied I find I'm still interested in the characters. With work the book could be great.

Interesting world but too much romance

The author creates a fascinating world and interesting characters but for me the romantic tension was not done in a way I enjoy. No doubt others will. The authors way of writing was a bit immature also. She tended to add "ness" to words in a way that just didn't seem right even if it was. Her use of "evilness" had me thinking about whether it was grammatically correct or not and losing track of the story. The main character is too young and naive for me also. The narrator did a fine job but had little quirks of her own. They didn't bother me much but others may get hung up on them. I am involved with the characters just enough to perhaps try the second book in the series at some point. I'd say the book is a light romantic urban fantasy that some will enjoy but not others.