The Light Who Shines

Bluebell Kildare Series, Book 1

De: Lilo Abernathy

Narrado por: Elizabeth Klett

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...

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.

So much potential

This book is better as audio then read. Acting is great, but she often gets tone wrong. Like question mark when its declaration or aggressive when it really shouldn't be.
You can enjoy it if you ignore some of the authors' choices. I felt little connection with main female lead. So bad that eight hours in I was still surprised to hear her called by name. Then thought oh yea

I didn't know it was that kind of book

Too much porn I had to skip over, i didnt know it was that kind of book

Mixed feeling, overall okay.

This was a fairly good book, but I found that my attention wandered some at first. Whether this was because of the narrator, the story, or me just having other things on my mind the story took me a bit to get into it. Also, the writing is a bit on the cheesy side, but it does get better the longer you listen. I do like the twist this author takes on how vampires are created. Although if holy water kills the night crawlers and vamps instantly, why then doesn’t everybody have some on them. I would be buying stock in water soakers and trekking to the closest church for a fill up. I also like the author’s version of a werewolf. I was not overly fond of the narrator, too much emphasis on her s’s and a bit on the monotoned side. The story does improve and I noticed the narrator less once I got interested in the story. Overall, I like the story, but not enough to buy the next one without a sale.

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 :)