• The Light Who Shines

  • Bluebell Kildare Series, Book 1
  • By: Lilo Abernathy
  • Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett
  • Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (422 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Light Who Shines  By  cover art

The Light Who Shines

By: Lilo Abernathy
Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $24.95

Buy for $24.95

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

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

What listeners say about The Light Who Shines

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    170
  • 4 Stars
    135
  • 3 Stars
    75
  • 2 Stars
    27
  • 1 Stars
    15
Performance
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    174
  • 4 Stars
    120
  • 3 Stars
    71
  • 2 Stars
    20
  • 1 Stars
    13
Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    169
  • 4 Stars
    114
  • 3 Stars
    67
  • 2 Stars
    30
  • 1 Stars
    14

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely love this book!

When I read a good book I usually imagine the characters voices in my head and this book was no exception. It was amazing to listen this audiobook and hear that the voices sounded pretty much the same I had imagined. This was actually the second audiobook I have ever listened and I had so much fun while listening this. I laughed so much in some parts and almost cried in few parts. So I could say that Elizabeth Klett did amazing job with all the different voices and accents.

I just love the story and all the characters. And I think Lilo has made most amazing job with her first book. And I'm still trying to patiently wait the second book :)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Love this book!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Light Who Shines to be better than the print version?



First off, I should say that this Audibles version of "The Light Who Shines" is my third copy. I first bought it in paper back, & read through it in a short time. I then bought the Kindle version through the app on my phone, both to support the author, & to have a more 'travel friendly' option. I bought the whispersync audible a day or two after it came out, then killed the rest of my data for the month downloading it (Wi-Fi wasn't cooperating, & I really wanted to listen). I love this books, it sucks you in from beginning to end, without reprieve. The writing has an easy flow, & the story has lots of twists and turns. I'm a fan of character driven writing, & the characters here are fantastic. Maude is my absolute favorite (I wish she were my neighbor) Blue is relatable & realistic. Jack is more than just 'eye candy.' & of course, one must love Varge the wolf, & wonder what the rest if his story is. Father O'Brennen is also a favorite. He is exactly what a Christian should be (whether or not you are one). The bad guys are easy to hate (perhaps too easy?). This book will be on my shelf forever, & I can't wait to see where the author takes the characters next (there is definitely more story to tell).

As for the Lilo Abernathy herself, I can't say enough good things about her. She's a very hard worker, promoting her work tirelessly with humble enthusiasm. She really cares about her readers (& listeners, as the case may be). She takes criticism with grace, just as well as the praise (you given your heart & soul to the public, & you're bound to get both). Definitely follow her in Twitter & Facebook!

As for the narration, I was blown away. Ms. Klett has so many voices inside of her, & each character gets one so unique, that you can tell who's speaking, without 'said so & so' following the dialogue. I hope she will be used throughout the rest of the series.

Note: "The Light Who Shines" is a book for adults. There is both language & sensuality, as well as graphic violent descriptions, so I would recommend headphones if children are present.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Review by E.B. Hood

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Firstly I would like to thank the author for a copy of her book for an honest review. Yes, I would and I have. I have a full book review on my you tube channel E.B. Hood.

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

I really like the magical dog. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you want a more, check out my full review on my you tube channel E.B. Hood.

What about Elizabeth Klett’s performance did you like?

Elizabeth Klett does a wonderful job narrating. She has a wonderful range of different voices and accents, along with great pacing and emotional feedback. No monotone voice here. She does a bang up job reading the men as well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, but I don't wish to spoil it.

Any additional comments?

The only problem I came across is that the chapters didn’t match with the recording. My device would say Chapter 55, but it was really Chapter 53. This is a small technical issue and in no way interfered with my enjoyment of the story. Trust when I say, “This is a great read and wonderful audio!”

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

I liked it but...

I liked this book. I didn't love it. But I'm gonna cut a girl some slack. This is a GREAT debut novel. I think, as she grows as a writer, I will really enjoy her books. So, I loved the story and the world she created. Awesome. It was the little things that got to me. If you are prone to eye rolling when listening to some books - watch out. Here are some of the things that bothered me. While I like my vampires bad*ss (and not sparkly), in this book they were a little too bad*ss in parts. For example, they can run 2 blocks in a second. That's not running, that's teleporting. Just a little too much for me. I also felt like the book could have benefitted from a little more subtlety and inference. Many things were spelled out to clearly - like emotions or motivations. I think readers/listeners connects better with a character if they are not hand fed everything. I like to take cues from context, speech and tone to understand underlying emotions or currents running through a book. The author was a little heavy handed with the prejudice and other emotional topics, telling us what conclusions to come to instead of painting us a picture that leads us there. I think this is something that will improve as the writer matures. I am looking forward to it because the world is great. One last small thing that is personal to me, the main character says 'holy smokes' a lot. Now, I do not need my characters to curse. But holy smokes? Really? And she says it a lot. Not my favorite. Others may not mind, but it drove me nuts.

About the narrator. I know a lot of people liked the narrator. I did not. I thought her female voice for Blue was ok, and I like the priest's voice, but I hated her voice for Jack. You could clearly tell it was a female voice pretending to be a man's voice. I've listened to over 200 audiobooks and while this narrator was no where close to the worst, I just didn't care for some aspects of her narration. It was not bad enough to stop me from listening.

Varg, of course, is awesome. He's her wolf familiar.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

Oh man this is a great book! Totally loved it and can't wait for the next one. Lilo Abernathy did a great job writing it and Elizabeth Klett did a great job narrating it. It's a wonderful story and the characters are interesting. I'm adding Lilo Abernathy to my favorite Author list.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • JQ
  • 01-20-17

Sorry to say but I was not as enamored as others..

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Well I really wanted to enjoy it more, but sadly I disliked it a lot. Clearly I am in the minority so I think a lot of people would and do, enjoy this book/series.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Bluebell especially bugged me so I would get rid of her. Of course then the story would be completely different and we wouldn't be having this conversation.It bothers me that she is so naive. Almost like she didn't grow up in an orphanage where she was bullied and is living in a supernatural world where much of the human population hates her. She seems meek and less like a detective and more like she should be braiding a unicorn mane and singing lullabys to birds all day. I mean she was almost raped, and practically whipped to death and she acts like it was no big deal. Considering she's an empath I would expect more realistic emotions from her. She's also kind of an egotist. She pats herself on the back quite a bit in my opinion. There is a lot of martyring going on with her and Jack and it gets pretty old pretty fast especially the brooding male bullshit and the "She's too good for me therefore...." No one is perfect dude, get over yourself.I think this book would have benefited more from a third person point of view rather
than coming from the first person of two people, it was distracting. The book uses a lot of "nonsense filler" to
overly describe scenes and emotions and internal thoughts, and is over 70 chapters long and it's completely unnessary.
Varg can stay though; love Varg!

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

No I haven't. I didn't have a problem with the narration. I thought she did a great job. I only had a problem with the dialogue, which is clipped and overly formal. The conversations just didn't feel like normal one's.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, some annoyance. There was defnetly an eyeroll or two.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful