Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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.


9 comments:

  1. I haven't read any Alyson Noel yet but I mean to get one soon. She is coming to the UK in the next couple of weeks and some of the UK bloggers will get to meet her.

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  2. I like that this book didn't actually end with cliffhanger. There are too much of those kind of book out there and while I understand the purpose of cliffhangers, I still prefer that the every book gives me some sort of closure towards the end.

    I never really try anything written by Alyson Noel but this one sure sounds like an interesting read!

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  3. nice review. Though I do think I would read her YA books before

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  4. The books have such pretty covers. Really good and informative review!

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  5. Great review. I am in love with the gorgeous covers. And it is nice to have no cliffhangers!

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  6. I agree with you..my Middle school readers have enjoyed this one!

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  7. Hi Sheree!

    I'm truly enjoying the adventures of Riley! It's more middle grade reading, but still awesomely done!

    Dottie :)

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  8. My granddaughter requested books from the Immortals for Christmas. It's nice to know about this spin-off series. Thanks for the review.

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  9. I don't usually read MG but this sounds pretty good. It's been sitting on my shelf for a while so maybe I'll give it a chance.

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