Monday, October 25, 2010

Review- Radiance by Alyson Noel

Copyright 2010

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.

2 comments:

  1. 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!

    Thanks for the review!

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  2. 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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