"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."
If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew.
Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers.
Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.
Review 4*
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is a wonderful paranormal romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed it!
Cecelia Walker is a character that really got under my skin. I wanted to like her - in fact I did in the beginning - but as the story unfolded I found myself being annoyed by her. I think it was her whiny "why me" attitude that got me in the end. This doesn't normally happen to me, its usually the other way around. I found myself rolling my eyes and hoping that the bad guys would "steal her light" and get it over with. However, this is my opinion and other readers may not have such uncharitable thoughts about the main protagonist. Maybe if I had read it on a different day I would have had a different reaction. Who knows?
So, you're wondering why the four stars: This is because I really did enjoy the story. I enjoyed meeting the various characters who came alive on the page and was quickly drawn into the story, which is told through CeeCee's eyes. Though this book has a darker theme than the author's YA/Teen Ruby Blue series, it has the warmth and humour that is the signature writing style of the author. I loved meeting CeeCee's friend Elliot who, though she is only in a few scenes, has an amazing energy that jumped off the page. I also liked meeting Aaron, I will not say much about him as I don't want to give spoilers and Cash made my heart skitter.
This story is full of shadows and suspense, which kept me hooked. The mystery of the shadowy figures and their sudden appearance in CeeCee's life sent shivers up my spine. When something is later revealed, it clarified a suspicion I had about them. However, I will not say anything more in case I accidentally give a spoiler. There are a few twists I didn't see coming and danger from a fallen angel bent on stealing CeeCee's light. Zacharael is a brooding presence for the most part and only makes an appearance later in the book, but his evil intent pervades the story from the beginning.
I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I struggled with my unusual dislike of CeeCee, though felt happy at how the story wrapped up. Whether this is a stand-alone or the start of a new series, time will tell. However, if there is another book I will definitely consider reading it.
Julie Cassar is one of my favourite authors, and I will read any of her books in the future. Her characters are very lifelike and virtually leap off the page. I also love her fast paced writing style, which seems to flow effortlessly from scene to scene. I am in awe of her talent.
Although there are scenes of a sexual nature, they are not explicit and fade out, so if you are looking for something a little more racy, this book may not be for you. However, I highly recommend this book if you love new adult paranormal romances. - Lynn Worton