The Color of Light

By: Helen Maryles Shankman

Narrated by: Simon Slater, Jennifer Ikeda

At the American Academy of Classical Art, popular opinion has it that the school's handsome and mysterious founder, Raphael Sinclair, is a vampire. It is a rumor Rafe does nothing to dispel.

Scholarship student Tessa Moss has long dreamed of the chance to study at Rafe's Academy. But she is floundering amidst the ups and downs of a relationship with egotistical art star Lucian Swain.

Then, one of Tessa's sketches catches Rafe's attention: a drawing of a young woman in 1930s clothing who is covering the eyes of a child. The suitcase at her feet says Wizotsky. Sofia Wizotsky, the love of Rafe's life, was lost during the Holocaust. Or was she? Rafe suspects Tessa may be the key to discovering what really happened.

As Rafe finds excuses to interact with Tessa, they quickly discover they cannot deny their growing attraction to one another. It is an attraction forbidden by the Academy Board and disapproved of by anyone familiar with Rafe's playboy reputation and Tessa's softhearted innocence. But what if fate has other plans for Tessa and Rafe? What if they break all rules to succumb to a passion that defies history?

©2013 Helen Maryles Shankman (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Good listening, but a bit too long

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

I have not read the print version, but both narrators did a great job and it was very entertaining.

What other book might you compare The Color of Light to and why?

There are a lot of books about vampire love stories and a lot of books about the holocaust, but I do not any other book combining both topics.

Which character – as performed by Simon Slater and Jennifer Ikeda – was your favorite?

I loved Simon Slater's performance of Raphael, but I also liked a lot all of Jennifer Ikeda's narration.

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

I do not want to give any spoilers, but the last three hours of the narration were especially moving.

Any additional comments?

It was a very interesting listen, but in my opinion a bit too long. I knew Jennifer Ikeda from the All Souls trilogy and she was perfect as always, but Simon Slater has been a great discovery and I would love to listen to other books narrated by him.

A Much Better Love Story Than Twilight

What did you love best about The Color of Light?

The emotions. The love and artistry are made so real you feel them right along with the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Color of Light?

The ending. I cried. Real tears. Two hours. I rewound and listened to it again and again. I was left heart broken, but I loved it.

Which character – as performed by Simon Slater and Jennifer Ikeda – was your favorite?

Raphe, I loved him.

Any additional comments?

The story is beautifully written, the history involved is amazingly accurate and what it portrays is breathtakingly real. Told in several parts each is key to the over all story. You walk away from it having felt very real and very honest love in this story.

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a long book that I unexpectedly was not eager to finish it osince there was no sequel. Jennifer Ikeda’s narration is always so musical and sincere. Simon Slater did a great job narrating, I would have preferred to have his voice like Ikeda did it in the rest of the book. A great read!

Well Read But Not My Cup of Tea

I have listened to Jennifer Ikeda's reading of the All Souls trilogy three times, so I thought I would enjoy this story. I guess I am just not a vampire story fan. Spoiler alert ... at least it had a happy ending.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

A must listen!!! What a beautiful blend of history and fantasy. I was swept away by the authors flowing colorful descriptions of the characters and their surroundings. I was taken back in time with my heart on the edge of breaking as I learned more and more of the truth from Raphael Sinclair. I cant wait to see if there will be another book.