Radiance by Alyson Noel

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Riley Bloom #1
Copyright: 2010
Format: Audiobook
Length: 3hrs 54mins or 183 pages
Book Source: Own Purchase

Synopsis: Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

Review:
A spin-off from the Immortals series, Radiance focuses on Riley Bloom (Ever's sister) and her adventures in the afterworld or the Here and Now. It's a quick, sweet read, authentically narrated by Kathleen McInerney who captures the voice of 12 year old Riley convincingly.

Readers follow Riley on her first assignment as a Soul Catcher, along with her guide, Bodhi and dog, Buttercup. The characters are likeable enough, (although my favourite is Buttercup which should tell you something) the plot is fairly light on detail but entertaining enough and there's a satisfying ending which makes a refreshing change from the cliffhangers of late.

I think middle grade readers will enjoy this cute, fun, fantasy series, it's definitely suited for the tween market with nothing offensive or inappropriate.

Next installments:

Shimmer released March 2011,

Dreamland due for release 13th Sept 2011 & Whisper 24th April 2012









Visit Alyson Noel's website to find out more about the series.