Reviews

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

alexalovesbooks's review

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4.0

Reviewed on Alexa Loves Books

What a novel! Though it started a bit slow for me, I ended up really enjoying Fractured Light.

The enticing combination of the paranormal combined with a teen's reality and a hint of romance was enough to spark my interest. And this book is definitely one of the releases I think everyone should look out for!

This book combines three things that I've always believed are elements of a great story: a strong mythology, well-defined characters and an interesting plot.

The mythology in the book mirrors many stories about good and evil, but I thought it was a very refreshing take on things. I don't think I've ever read a story quite like it. I like the whole concept of the Light and the powers it affords to those who wield it, which is something passed from one generation of females to the next. Then there are Guardians, who watch over Auras (those who bear the Light) and are basically humans with super physical abilities. Of course, we also have the Vykens, evil beings who's shadow and darkness are in complete contrast to the Light. Though we discovered a lot about the mythology in this novel, I have hope for a sequel with even more to learn!

Llona is an interesting character and one that I admire so much. As a Aura she is meant to be peaceful, gentle and humble, as has been impressed upon her many times by her mother and her Aunt Sophie. But Llona is different from the others - she's physical, defensive and a born fighter. During the course of the book, we learn a lot about her and start to understand her better. I have come to some conclusions of my own about why she is the way she is, but in order to not spoil anything, I'll just say read the book and you may see what I mean.

And Christian is now officially one of my favorite YA characters. I love his protective nature, and his relationship with Llona. He's swoon-worthy (as you'll see when you read the book) and smart and just an incredible character.

Other characters I loved are May, Matt and Jake. They're mostly secondary characters, but I think that they added a depth to the story that made all the difference. With them, we see Llona acting differently, which I came to appreciate.

The plot is well-written and engaging. Though I figured a few things out halfway in, I thought there was enough left to keep me intrigued and wondering... and now hoping for a sequel. There are so many questions I need answered, so I'm definitely hoping it happens!

This novel is an exciting, refreshing YA paranormal read and I can't wait to read more from this author.

hdbblog's review

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3.0

Going into Fractured Light, I really expected to be reading fantasy. I'm not sure if that was my own fault, or the synopsis, but the Aurans peaked my interest. I looked at this as something new and different in the fantasy realm. On the bright side, it was indeed something new. On the down side, this reads much more like a paranormal romance novel than anything else. That's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm just warning those of you who might be mistaken like I was. I'll save you the wondering.

At the beginning I'll admit that Fractured Light was a little tough for me to get into. Llona starts out as a tough character to enjoy. She's distant, coarse, and at times whiny. I understood why. Rachael McClellan builds up a good back story for her protagonist, and it's easy to see why Llona chooses to keep to herself. It doesn't make it any easier to like though. Add in the fact that the first few chapters felt shaky and kind of off, and I almost put this book down.

I'm happy to say I didn't though, because things really do improve about a third of the way through. Llona's attitude changes, the book picks up pace, and we meet more of the characters who are going to be a part of Llona's journey. At this point I honestly felt like I was reading a whole different book. Whereas the first few chapters were shaky and oddly paced at times, at this point in the book things really evened out. I found myself fully immersed for the first time, and I fell in love with Llona and her struggle to just exist.

Although some parts of the plot felt a little forced into place, I ultimately ended up liking Fractured Light. The climax of the book is just perfect, and the ending is wonderfully done. It leaves the book open for a next in the series and, in all honesty, now that I've read the whole book I'm ready for the next one. If you are a reader who enjoys a good mystery, this is a book that will peak your interest.

bookbriefs's review

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5.0

Fractured Light was such a joy to read. I have been on a pretty good book streak lately. I have enjoyed almost all of the books i've been reading for the past few weeks, and then I come across a book like Fractured Light and I'm like, "now this is a GREAT book". It makes me rethink those other books that I have been reading and liking that got 4 stars or so, because this one is just better. I loved the whole experience of reading Fractured Light. The world of Light just sucked me in, I was connected with all of the characters and I am super, duper excited to continue on in this series. There are books that you like, and then there are books that you love. I loved Fractured Light!

Llona is such a sweet girl. And that could be due to the light that she carries within her but I think it is more than that. I liked that Llona was sweet, but I LOVED her inner strength. I liked that she wasn't just like the other light out there (that we know of anyways). She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She is actually pretty fierce, and it was this spirit and determination in her that took her from a cool character to a great character.

Christian is nice and super serious when it comes to protecting Llona. I pretty much knew something was up with him right from the start, but they do keep you in the dark about what it is for a good part of the book. I liked slowly piecing the puzzle together as the plot unfolded. I thought the pacing was great. It wasn't too rushed or too slow in any parts. It just kind of floated along at a medium to brisk pace. I would have liked to see a little bit more romance in the book but a certain character was pretty stubborn when it came to love. I hope there is more of where the book left off in the next installment.

The world in Fractured Light is so interesting because it is pretty much our world but with some new creatures thrown in co-existing with us. I liked the descriptions of the lights, and the vykens and I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the next book. It seems like it will be action packed with "light" goodness! Fractured Light is a paranormal lovers perfect book!

rogiercaprino's review

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5.0

My thoughts

Cover: Like the cover a lot. Llona ‘s ability is shown. I love when publishers do that. But it is not how I imagined her though.

Book: This my 2nd book from cederfort I’ve read. I got to say there pretty dam good.[sorry 4 the curse word]. My 1st booktour was a success . I reviewed Seers. The review linky. I saw it on netgalley . I was intrigued . I made a freaking great decision.

Llona Reese, our leading lady. 17 yrs [if I remember correctly. Human but something special in side of her. She is a Aura, female individual who can bend manipulate lights in her veins, her dna ,her being . Aura’s are supposed to be gentle and comforting. Llona is that but more she is active, not a pushover and tries to be brave


The book begins at the start of her senior year at High Land High.
There she meets Christian Knight a new athlete at the school, our leading a male, friend and romantic interest. Y’all probably thinking cliché, red alert, red alert ,insta love!! Well you’re wrong. Yes there is romance but no insta love. Love emerges steadily and steadily in the book, their relationship.

Christian loves sport, but is not consumed by it and not a jerk. He ‘s kind, charming, a bit overprotective at times but you will soon learn why. I think girls need a real fictional male in their life. No effeminate edwardy boy.

Other characters
May, Matt and Adam are great friends and 2nd characters. You would be lucky to have such friends in real life

Yes. The parental figures were present. Jake Reece her 26 yr old uncle was a example. He was fun, a game freak/enthusiast and a role model.

Other than aura’s there where
Guardians: protectors of Aura’s. Male humans not as vulnerable as normal males.

Vykens: evil shadowy flesh like creatures, dark pools of eyes. 100% evil. They reminded me of local lore; Asemas, shadowy being with fiery burning eyes who drink blood like vamps do.

This is a 1st person narrative .Llona pov. The beginning was a bit slow, the first 50 pages I rated it almost a 4 at that point. But then page 194,195 arrived and it passed the 4, 45. The ending gave it a boast towards a 5 star rating. My love is different for this book , not like mythos academy or rapture but still love.

I am eagerly awaiting book 2. Man I have to wait till 2013.

Thank you netgalley and cedarfort in accepting my review request. This is a 100 % honest review

sorry if i offended any twi fan

heatherhy01's review

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4.0

I was immediately sucked into the storyline of this book! The idea of a light manipulator was a different concept and I was intrigued to learn more.

I loved the “who done it” aspect of the story while trying to figure out which character was the Vyken. I immediately thought it was one particular character but blew it off because I thought it had seemed too obvious. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised.

I have to swoon for a moment on these two sorry star-crossed lovers. Christian is very much the perfect boyfriend material and I totally understand why Llona felt like she was getting mixed signals. That is because he was definitely conflicted himself. I really do have hope for these two in the future!

There were some parts that seemed way too cheesy, but I really enjoyed the book anyway. Looking forward to the next one in the series, Fractured Truth, due out February 2013! UGH!!! We have to wait a whole year:( Not sure if I can do it but I will try my best:)

“When it comes to matters of the heart, rules don’t matter.”

*Thank you to Netgalley & Cedar Fort for the ARC copy of this book!




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