When I grabbed this book from the library, I didn't know that it was a spin off from another series. I haven't read the other series, so I can't say how they compare, but I enjoyed this book despite lacking whatever background I missed.
Riley has died and is now learning about life in the Here & Now (author's idea of afterlife, kind of reminded me of how JK Rowling represents the afterlife). She is assigned to go back to earth to collect a soul that has refused to cross over.
This book features beautiful descriptions- not so much description that I got bored, but enough that it was easy to picture the setting in my mind. The story is good, but it could be better. I thought that the book was too short- maybe I have just read too many long books lately, but I like for there to be a well-developed storyline. This book seemed like a dream, where you get a blurred view of the whole picture. I'd love for there to be more exploration of the Here & Now. This book does have a sequel, which will come out in March of 2011.
I give this book 3 stars- I don't think that I will pick up the sequel, and I just don't think that it was in depth enough for me to really get into it. The cover is certainly beautiful, so if you are intrigued, give it a shot. The book is short and thought provoking about death and the afterlife.
The reason it's short is probably because it's intended for younger readers. The other series it was spun off from (The Immortals) is about Riley's older sister, Ever. I'm not a fan of the original series (the plots are really weak), so I haven't bothered picking up Radiance. Plus, I couldn't stand Riley in the original series. I hope she's not as annoying in this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Thanks for the honest review. It's a real shame you didn't like this book better. I haven't read it yet but I've heard pretty good things. I can understand how short books are hard to get in to though. Once you finally catch up, the book is over.
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