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The Afterglow Trilogy #1
Beckoning Light
As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again.
Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she's going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she's completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.
Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it's up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. No matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses.
Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she's going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she's completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.
Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it's up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. No matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses.
268 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2011
About the author
Alyssa Rose Ivy
102 books2,481 followersAlyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than forty novels with over one million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in Alabama with her two children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 3, 2011
This is the story of two teenagers, a brother and sister (aged 18 and 16), who have come back to their childhood home to live with their uncle after spending some three years in Alaska. They are reasonably relaxed teens, which is nice to see for a change, with Charlotte being somewhat socially reserved and her brother Kevin being suitably protective. Their lives and world, however, are not quite as normal as it would seem, and the strange locked gate near the historic house they live in is just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond is another world of both beauty and magic and danger, and it will be up to Kevin to try to rescue his sister from what lay beyond.
The story is written in first person from the point of view of both the brother and sister, and I must admit I took me a little while to come to terms with this approach. I was always more comfortable when it was Charlotte's voice I must admit, but I think this is a personal preference. This was a bold move by the author, I think, where most would have taken the easier third person approach, but in the end it worked very well and led to great tension building toward the end of the novel.
This also had some of the great attributes I love about indie works in that the author didn't find the need to start with a dramatic fight or a train wreck. Instead the story built slowly and steadily, allowing the reader to really get to know the characters and develop their relationships. Another thing I really loved was something that is often neglected in these journeys to other worlds. When a girl finds herself in an ancient castle in an unknown world, it is nice that there is somebody there who can show he where the toilet is.
The story was well paced and easy to read and I really didn't put it down aside for the necessary food and other stops until it was finished. This has a nice straight forward but not overly simple plot, yet still there were more surprises than I was expecting. It is also nicely self contained, and yet leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series.
I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the next adventure of Charlotte and Kevin.
The story is written in first person from the point of view of both the brother and sister, and I must admit I took me a little while to come to terms with this approach. I was always more comfortable when it was Charlotte's voice I must admit, but I think this is a personal preference. This was a bold move by the author, I think, where most would have taken the easier third person approach, but in the end it worked very well and led to great tension building toward the end of the novel.
This also had some of the great attributes I love about indie works in that the author didn't find the need to start with a dramatic fight or a train wreck. Instead the story built slowly and steadily, allowing the reader to really get to know the characters and develop their relationships. Another thing I really loved was something that is often neglected in these journeys to other worlds. When a girl finds herself in an ancient castle in an unknown world, it is nice that there is somebody there who can show he where the toilet is.
The story was well paced and easy to read and I really didn't put it down aside for the necessary food and other stops until it was finished. This has a nice straight forward but not overly simple plot, yet still there were more surprises than I was expecting. It is also nicely self contained, and yet leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series.
I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the next adventure of Charlotte and Kevin.
September 28, 2011
I related to Charlotte from the very beginning. Her outlook on things reminded me a lot of how I was in high school making it very easy for me to live vicariously through her as I read the book. The relationship between Kevin and Charlotte portrayed siblings very realistically. You knew the two loved each other, but they were hilarious when they fought. Kevin was a classic big brother. He was both protective of her and oblivious to his best friend, Liam's, attraction to her. Liam was a constant presence in the story and a fast favorite for me. He is very close to the family. I feel like more will be coming from him in future books, and I'm excited to see what happens. Even though Charlotte falls in love with Calvin, I have hopes for Liam. Something tells me not to write him off just yet as far as Charlotte is concerned. I love the author's writing style and how she keeps you engrossed in her story. This book is a very fast paced and easy read. Beckoning Light made it easy to escape reality without realizing how many hours you've spent reading. Before you know it, it's three in the morning and you're wishing the second book was released so you could find out what happens next. It was a wonderful coming of age story full of innocence, love, and adventure.
Source: This book was sent to me from the author for review. The opinions are my own.
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Source: This book was sent to me from the author for review. The opinions are my own.
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
September 21, 2014
Beckoning Light, was a journey filled book. A book that took me into a whole new world and let me live there with the characters. I love a book that creates a whole new world and is so detailed that you can see it in your head. That is exactly what Alyssa Rose Ivy does with Beckoning Light.
I loved the characters of this amazing book. The wonderful author brings her characters to life for you with her words and those very words are the characters stepping stones to climb out of the pages and tell their story right before your eyes.
I could really relate to the main character Charlotte in so many ways. She doesn't see herself very clearly and doesn't understand the attention she gets when she moves back. She has an overprotective brother that still sees her as a little girl. Plus she isn't very social till she comes back to South Carolina. I love this character, she has no idea just how strong she really is until she has to be.
Another character I really loved was Liam. Liam is Charlotte's brothers best friend. A guy that Charlotte had a thing for. The thing is I got that Liam feels for Charlotte a whole lot more than he let on. I can't wait to read the next book to see if I'm right.
Actually, I'm dying to read the next book for way more reasons. I want to know if Kevin ends up with the girl he wants and is falling for. I'm dying to know so much more but I can't reveal right now!
I loved this story line of this book. The different world and the way to enter this different world caught my attention and wouldn't let go of it! While reading Beckoning Light, it was as if I stepped into that world with Charlotte. I love great books like this one!
If you haven't read this book its a must. Beckoning Light is now on my Top 2011 books!
I loved the characters of this amazing book. The wonderful author brings her characters to life for you with her words and those very words are the characters stepping stones to climb out of the pages and tell their story right before your eyes.
I could really relate to the main character Charlotte in so many ways. She doesn't see herself very clearly and doesn't understand the attention she gets when she moves back. She has an overprotective brother that still sees her as a little girl. Plus she isn't very social till she comes back to South Carolina. I love this character, she has no idea just how strong she really is until she has to be.
Another character I really loved was Liam. Liam is Charlotte's brothers best friend. A guy that Charlotte had a thing for. The thing is I got that Liam feels for Charlotte a whole lot more than he let on. I can't wait to read the next book to see if I'm right.
Actually, I'm dying to read the next book for way more reasons. I want to know if Kevin ends up with the girl he wants and is falling for. I'm dying to know so much more but I can't reveal right now!
I loved this story line of this book. The different world and the way to enter this different world caught my attention and wouldn't let go of it! While reading Beckoning Light, it was as if I stepped into that world with Charlotte. I love great books like this one!
If you haven't read this book its a must. Beckoning Light is now on my Top 2011 books!
May 17, 2012
Charlotte and her brother Kevin are returning to their hometown Charleston, after living in Alaska for three years. Charlotte is both nervous and excited to make new friends and see her brother's friend Liam again. Liam whom she kissed right before she moved. Charlotte feels like she is adjusting well, meets a new guy, James, and makes a few friends. Kevin is very protective of Charlotte. He is a sweet older brother and wants her to adjust well before he has to leave for college. I've never read a book where the two alternating POVs were brother and sister. I really enjoyed it. At times I thought Kevin was a little bit too much into Charlotte's business but I loved their sibling dynamic.
Charlotte begins to see a light beyond a gate she was never allowed to enter. She finds her mother's necklace that contains a key and enters the gate into another world. Immediately she knows she can't be in the same place because she went through the gate when it was night and now it's day. She falls immediately into love with Calvin and wants to keep going through the gate. I was immediately suspicious! LOL Don't walk into strange places no matter how magical they seem. Maybe you should ask your uncle about why your house has a magical gate? Curiosity and love get the better of Charlotte and the next time she enters, James is there. He tells her she will get all the answers she wants if she just follows him. Yup highly suspicious! When Kevin finds out Charlotte is missing, he immediately wants to go after her. Her uncle has some explaining to do about their family history and he, Liam and Kevin all venture in to rescue her.
I loved Kevin. He was such a brave brother to go through everything he did to try to rescue Charlotte.I liked James alright. He definitely had issues but they involved his evil father. He was still an entertaining character and I felt for him at times. Calvin was rather boring for me and I wasn't into the insta-love even though it was fully explained. In Charlotte's world she is of a high importance to the people. I won't get too into why as I don't want to ruin the fun unfolding the story but since she is important, she is assigned many guardians and a Gerard. A Gerard is someone with a deep connection that will be loyal and protect her to the end. I just didn't feel like it was a choice. I would prefer to see Charlotte choose someone like Liam. Yes, I loved Liam. He was such a good friend to both Kevin and Charlotte. When she was in trouble he immediately volunteered to rush into a world he just learned about to save her. I also really loved one of her other guardians, Henry. There were so many wonderful characters throughout the story.
There was really great world building. An entirely different world existed past that gate, with a history, different rules, politics, armies, magic and no electricity. It was all very interesting to read about. I love books where characters have a whole other life they never knew they were destined for. This series reminded me a little bit of one of my other favorite series, The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking. Charlotte is an extremely important person in this new world and she has to figure out if what they want her to do is the right thing. Should she keep living there or return home? Does she even have a choice? What will happen to all the people if she leaves? I am dying to know the answers myself so I immediately bought the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one.
---
"You really make me do things I normally would not, but am I right to assume that you do not mind?" he asked, smiling.
"Not in the slightest." I returned his smile.
"Charlotte, you are in Energo. We are a world not completely different than the world in which you were raised. The thing that makes us distinct is that we are the people of the Source."
"So, obviously you look like us, but are we going to run into weird creatures, like in Avatar or something?"
Charlotte begins to see a light beyond a gate she was never allowed to enter. She finds her mother's necklace that contains a key and enters the gate into another world. Immediately she knows she can't be in the same place because she went through the gate when it was night and now it's day. She falls immediately into love with Calvin and wants to keep going through the gate. I was immediately suspicious! LOL Don't walk into strange places no matter how magical they seem. Maybe you should ask your uncle about why your house has a magical gate? Curiosity and love get the better of Charlotte and the next time she enters, James is there. He tells her she will get all the answers she wants if she just follows him. Yup highly suspicious! When Kevin finds out Charlotte is missing, he immediately wants to go after her. Her uncle has some explaining to do about their family history and he, Liam and Kevin all venture in to rescue her.
I loved Kevin. He was such a brave brother to go through everything he did to try to rescue Charlotte.I liked James alright. He definitely had issues but they involved his evil father. He was still an entertaining character and I felt for him at times. Calvin was rather boring for me and I wasn't into the insta-love even though it was fully explained. In Charlotte's world she is of a high importance to the people. I won't get too into why as I don't want to ruin the fun unfolding the story but since she is important, she is assigned many guardians and a Gerard. A Gerard is someone with a deep connection that will be loyal and protect her to the end. I just didn't feel like it was a choice. I would prefer to see Charlotte choose someone like Liam. Yes, I loved Liam. He was such a good friend to both Kevin and Charlotte. When she was in trouble he immediately volunteered to rush into a world he just learned about to save her. I also really loved one of her other guardians, Henry. There were so many wonderful characters throughout the story.
There was really great world building. An entirely different world existed past that gate, with a history, different rules, politics, armies, magic and no electricity. It was all very interesting to read about. I love books where characters have a whole other life they never knew they were destined for. This series reminded me a little bit of one of my other favorite series, The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking. Charlotte is an extremely important person in this new world and she has to figure out if what they want her to do is the right thing. Should she keep living there or return home? Does she even have a choice? What will happen to all the people if she leaves? I am dying to know the answers myself so I immediately bought the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one.
---
"You really make me do things I normally would not, but am I right to assume that you do not mind?" he asked, smiling.
"Not in the slightest." I returned his smile.
"Charlotte, you are in Energo. We are a world not completely different than the world in which you were raised. The thing that makes us distinct is that we are the people of the Source."
"So, obviously you look like us, but are we going to run into weird creatures, like in Avatar or something?"
May 16, 2012
Charlotte and Kevin, her brother, move to South Carolina to live with their uncle. It's been three years since they left and althoug Kevin is okay with the situation Charlotte is not so happy about it.
First there's that akward last moment with Liam, Kevin bestfriend and Charlotte' secret crush, after she decided to kiss him and got basically rejected. Right?
And second because well, she is shy. Easy-going but shy and making friends would be a little difficult. The only thing she could do? Take it easy, watch and learn and then make friends.
But then everything changes when she remembers something: one of the rules she always respected was to never cross the old garden gate. Never. Until now. Now her curiosity is bigger than that old childhood fear... And so she does cross the gate and a whole new world appears before her eyes.
Alongside gorgeous Calvin, Charlotte discovers the truth about her inheritance. Now would she be able to cross back to her old wold? More important: Does she want to go back?
Without realizing it she is going to need all the help she can get to see her brother and her friends again.
Personal opinion:
This is on of those books that you can easily read in one day. The plot is not new but it is well written. And somehow, after reading the blurb, my mind connected it with The Secret Garden (one of my favorite books when I was a child); it must be the whole gate thing...
Anyway, as I was saying, I enjoyed the book a lot. The fact that the author decided to divide it between Charlotte and Kevin's POV was a clever and good decision.
Maybe, if you are not familiar with it can be a little bit confusing or you just might find yourself wanting to skip pages to continue. I really encourage you not to do it. The change of POV increases the intrigue and the rush of adrenaline.
The characters are really easy to relate to: Charlotte is shy but at the same time has this inner strong girl that comes to surface when she needs it most; Kevin is the usual brother that watches out for her even after they fight (and their fights are hilarious).
Then we have Liam, the one that somehow rejected Charlotte a few years ago but now has a crush on her (and a character I really want to see more in the next book). And finally Calvin towards whom I have mixed feelings... I know Charlotte likes him and he is very mysterious and cute but... oh, well, I'm not going to spoil anything, I suggest you just read it and then tell me your opinion about him.
Maybe you will find the beginning to be a little slow but don't worry too much about it, a good book needs a good foundation and Beckoning Light is a clear example.
First there's that akward last moment with Liam, Kevin bestfriend and Charlotte' secret crush, after she decided to kiss him and got basically rejected. Right?
And second because well, she is shy. Easy-going but shy and making friends would be a little difficult. The only thing she could do? Take it easy, watch and learn and then make friends.
But then everything changes when she remembers something: one of the rules she always respected was to never cross the old garden gate. Never. Until now. Now her curiosity is bigger than that old childhood fear... And so she does cross the gate and a whole new world appears before her eyes.
Alongside gorgeous Calvin, Charlotte discovers the truth about her inheritance. Now would she be able to cross back to her old wold? More important: Does she want to go back?
Without realizing it she is going to need all the help she can get to see her brother and her friends again.
Personal opinion:
This is on of those books that you can easily read in one day. The plot is not new but it is well written. And somehow, after reading the blurb, my mind connected it with The Secret Garden (one of my favorite books when I was a child); it must be the whole gate thing...
Anyway, as I was saying, I enjoyed the book a lot. The fact that the author decided to divide it between Charlotte and Kevin's POV was a clever and good decision.
Maybe, if you are not familiar with it can be a little bit confusing or you just might find yourself wanting to skip pages to continue. I really encourage you not to do it. The change of POV increases the intrigue and the rush of adrenaline.
The characters are really easy to relate to: Charlotte is shy but at the same time has this inner strong girl that comes to surface when she needs it most; Kevin is the usual brother that watches out for her even after they fight (and their fights are hilarious).
Then we have Liam, the one that somehow rejected Charlotte a few years ago but now has a crush on her (and a character I really want to see more in the next book). And finally Calvin towards whom I have mixed feelings... I know Charlotte likes him and he is very mysterious and cute but... oh, well, I'm not going to spoil anything, I suggest you just read it and then tell me your opinion about him.
Maybe you will find the beginning to be a little slow but don't worry too much about it, a good book needs a good foundation and Beckoning Light is a clear example.
November 5, 2011
Full, non-spoiler review courtesy at Book & Movie Dimension a Blog
Charlotte is the type of person that keeps to herself. This has led her to have no real social life in her life. Her older brother, Kevin, is going to college soon so he feels responsible for leaving her alone with a good life after he's gone.
Charlotte soon finds it easy to do so. At her new school she meets a handsome new classmate named , James , a boy that loves showering her with cryptic answers.
He reveals to her another world that is called "Energo". A place much more colorful than your regular Amazon rainforest with interesting looking animals as well as people.The most intriguing to her happens to be a boy who goes by the name of Calvin, she first meets there. While there Charlotte discovers she's a sort of leader for the inhabitants of this magical place. Charlotte is an Essence, a human vessel for magic that must be protected from a danger. This same danger wiped out her mother an Essence too. That danger proves to be closer than she believed. In the end, what lured her to Energo in the first place will prove to be her family's and her own undoing.
Beckoning Light switches from Charlotte's point of view to her brother's, Kevin effortlessly. Readers will be thoroughly more engaged because of it. Charlotte is the type of heroine that grows into something that will amaze. While Kevin lends more of a guy touch to the story while he learns new things he never before could've guessed.
This is the kind of book that impresses many readers on the first few pages. We are taken into the mind of all the characters which allows us to see and feel them. The romance is by far the most intriguing. I'm actually anxious to already begin reading Book 2. Just to be absolutely sure this is the first in a trilogy everyone. Beckoning Light is an exciting, new fantasy trilogy that will leave any book lover ferociously glad they started reading. I know I was!
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Recommend Ages: 15 and Up
Charlotte is the type of person that keeps to herself. This has led her to have no real social life in her life. Her older brother, Kevin, is going to college soon so he feels responsible for leaving her alone with a good life after he's gone.
Charlotte soon finds it easy to do so. At her new school she meets a handsome new classmate named , James , a boy that loves showering her with cryptic answers.
He reveals to her another world that is called "Energo". A place much more colorful than your regular Amazon rainforest with interesting looking animals as well as people.The most intriguing to her happens to be a boy who goes by the name of Calvin, she first meets there. While there Charlotte discovers she's a sort of leader for the inhabitants of this magical place. Charlotte is an Essence, a human vessel for magic that must be protected from a danger. This same danger wiped out her mother an Essence too. That danger proves to be closer than she believed. In the end, what lured her to Energo in the first place will prove to be her family's and her own undoing.
Beckoning Light switches from Charlotte's point of view to her brother's, Kevin effortlessly. Readers will be thoroughly more engaged because of it. Charlotte is the type of heroine that grows into something that will amaze. While Kevin lends more of a guy touch to the story while he learns new things he never before could've guessed.
This is the kind of book that impresses many readers on the first few pages. We are taken into the mind of all the characters which allows us to see and feel them. The romance is by far the most intriguing. I'm actually anxious to already begin reading Book 2. Just to be absolutely sure this is the first in a trilogy everyone. Beckoning Light is an exciting, new fantasy trilogy that will leave any book lover ferociously glad they started reading. I know I was!
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Recommend Ages: 15 and Up
November 8, 2011
Beckoning Light is the story of Charlotte and Kevin. After moving away from their childhood home three years earlier, Kevin and Charlotte moved back to live with their Uncle Monty. After living in Alaska, there is more for them to get use too, then just the climate change. There is a new school, and being back in home, they lived in, before their mother died. Charlotte is social awkward, and her brother Kevin does not really help by trying to push her out of her comfort zone.
The best feature of Beckoning Light is that the story is told from both Charlotte and Kevin's point of view. Each chapter clearly states who is narrating, making it simple to understand. I like this because sometimes Kevin looked like a jerk through Charlotte's point of view, but seeing it through Kevin's view allows you to understand his intentions better. This is also a great way to see what two different groups of people are doing at the same time.
I loved the whole story about the secret world, and I loved the way the author, Alyssa Rose Ivy, tells the story. It has many elements, from love, to war, and even some fight scenes. It is a beautiful written novel, and I loved the world, that author has developed. There were surprises all along the way that I did not see coming. I am excited to see what the next book in the Afterglow trilogy has to offer.
I really did not know what to expect when I started Beckoning Light. I was curious to see what type of world lay beyond the garden gate. I am excited I had the opportunity to review this book, and explore the amazing world she created. I think any fans of the Iron Fey would love this book.
**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
http://unabridgedbookshelf.blogpot.com
January 7, 2012
I was asked to review you this...but I truly did love this book. I'll post my formal review on here tomorrow as well as on my blog.
Wow! I was supposed to post my review on here eight weeks ago. :( Don't know how I didn't.
Here's part of my review: I read the synopsis for this novel and was really excited to read it and then I got swamped with book reviews I have to review for work and so it got lost in the shuffle.
What was I thinking? Please, somebody tell me why on earth I'd put such a beautifully written book off for so long.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. I loved Alyssa's style. She literally had me hooked form the very first page to the very last page. I couldn't stop reading. I simply had to finish this novel.
Charlotte and Kevin were narrators that I absolutely adored from the very beginning. I also loved the full cast of characters, Calvin, Monty, Liam, and various other characters that you'll meet within the novel. I simply loved the characters in this novel.
Lately, I've read a few books with endings that annoyed me. This novel left me feeling both satisfied and longing for more. I can't wait to see Alyssa's next novel Perilous Light in her Afterglow trilogy. Definitely one I'll be keeping my eye on.
For a more extended review, please visit this link.
Wow! I was supposed to post my review on here eight weeks ago. :( Don't know how I didn't.
Here's part of my review: I read the synopsis for this novel and was really excited to read it and then I got swamped with book reviews I have to review for work and so it got lost in the shuffle.
What was I thinking? Please, somebody tell me why on earth I'd put such a beautifully written book off for so long.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. I loved Alyssa's style. She literally had me hooked form the very first page to the very last page. I couldn't stop reading. I simply had to finish this novel.
Charlotte and Kevin were narrators that I absolutely adored from the very beginning. I also loved the full cast of characters, Calvin, Monty, Liam, and various other characters that you'll meet within the novel. I simply loved the characters in this novel.
Lately, I've read a few books with endings that annoyed me. This novel left me feeling both satisfied and longing for more. I can't wait to see Alyssa's next novel Perilous Light in her Afterglow trilogy. Definitely one I'll be keeping my eye on.
For a more extended review, please visit this link.
January 25, 2012
Charlotte is back in Charleston after being gone for 3 years; going to live at her family’s home with her older brother and uncle. One thing keeps bugging her…the gate in the backyard that she was forbidden to enter as a child. And once she enters she soon realizes why. Things are different behind the gate; it’s a whole other world. At first entering she meets Calvin and has an instant connection to him. All she knows is that he is all she has ever wanted and needed. But things are not what they seem in this new world. She learns some people only want to use her. Will her brother get to her in time to save her or will it all be too late?
Beckoning Light was well written story and I was intrigued from the very start. Would have read more the night I started it if hubby wouldn’t have demanded me turning the light off at 1am. I soon started it back up the next day with minimal breaks, eager to finish the book. I just loved the storyline and the wonderful characters. This book was a definite page turner for me.
I enjoyed the switching of POV’s between Charlotte and her brother Kevin, but would have loved to have had Liam’s POV. Liam is an absolute doll! I hope there will be more of him in book 2. I am sensing potential there with him and Charlotte. Give Beckoning Light a chance I can almost guarantee you will be smitten with it.
September 19, 2011
The Beckoning light is not only a great fantasy read, it is also an excellent coming of age story where the characters have to deal with many of the same challenges growing up that we all go through. Within the first few pages I had already become attached to Charlotte. She is just so real and it was very easy to relate to her. The interactions between the characters were very well written and made it seem like you were really there with them. The imagery used in this book was amazing and the detail helped to enhance the different settings described in this book so that I could almost smell the soft fragrance of flowers.
The Characterization was very well done bringing the characters to life in a way that is very rarely seen from self published authors. The story started a little slow, but quickly picked up pace drawing the reader in with each new development. It is nice to see a YA fantasy book given so much emotion and depth without using unnecessary slang or violence. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and imaginative new read!
The Characterization was very well done bringing the characters to life in a way that is very rarely seen from self published authors. The story started a little slow, but quickly picked up pace drawing the reader in with each new development. It is nice to see a YA fantasy book given so much emotion and depth without using unnecessary slang or violence. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and imaginative new read!
August 8, 2013
Don't really know if I should be giving this book a review seeing as I got a third of the way in and couldn't finish it. This could be due to the fact I've just finished The Crescent Chronicles by Ivy which i muse say were written brilliantly . Nevertheless, BL started of brilliantly but I felt like I couldn't quite latch myself to any of the characters. The two different POV's were a bit much as well as Kevin didn't really have much of a story compared to Charlotte.
(Okay there's a spoiler coming up, so you're warned! )
However this didn't bother me as much as Charlottes sudden lip smacking with Calvin. How did she manage to go from a really really shy girl who doesn't seem to keen on being at large parties or being with anyone to walking through a locked gate in her garden and making out with some random guy? I just felt that it was just too rushed and we didn't really get to know enough of Calvin before they became involved.
I really wish I could have carried on to the end, but I just couldn't suffer the sudden love interests.
(Okay there's a spoiler coming up, so you're warned! )
However this didn't bother me as much as Charlottes sudden lip smacking with Calvin. How did she manage to go from a really really shy girl who doesn't seem to keen on being at large parties or being with anyone to walking through a locked gate in her garden and making out with some random guy? I just felt that it was just too rushed and we didn't really get to know enough of Calvin before they became involved.
I really wish I could have carried on to the end, but I just couldn't suffer the sudden love interests.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2014
I don't understand how this book got such good ratings. Normally, I can at least finish the book, but at less than 30%, I stopped because I could seriously feel brain cells dying the further in I got. The writing was juvenile; nothing flowed and the sentence structure was choppy. By 30%, I should have felt SOMETHING for the characters and instead, I just felt annoyed that they were still breathing. Charlotte's interaction with the other characters wasn't that of someone who was shy - just someone who had apparently never interacted with any other person, ever. And her brother's attitude towards her was just straight up weird. He was protective when it wasn't really appropriate, and he pushed her in to social situations he knew would make her uncomfortable, which undermined the "protective" attitude he put forth. Her interactions with James made no sense, and when she met the fellow inside the gate, the whole thing just fell apart for me. I couldn't connect with them at all, so I stopped before I gagged myself any further on this book.
August 21, 2011
Beckoning Light is a great read with plenty of action, fantasy, and romance. It is a first person, dual narrative of a brother and sister that find another world through an old gate. Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, but with a YA twist. Primarily written for young adult audience, but fun for all ages. Great quality with near perfect editing and formating.
September 16, 2013
I really liked this book and characters up until Charlotte opened the gate. Then I really couldn't relate to Charlotte anymore and felt she walked into a poorly written version of Narnia. I really liked the Crescent Chronicles but this one wasn't for me.
August 28, 2016
This is the kind of book that ruins YA for me. The syntax.....ugh. I should have put it down. But, I kept wanting something to click.
It just never picked up for me. And a big part of that was how much telling the author did......if she had just pulled back a bit......
It just never picked up for me. And a big part of that was how much telling the author did......if she had just pulled back a bit......
June 17, 2021
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
intriguing journey through a gate...something more
Come to South Carolina a see just what Charlotte finds behind the gate in the garden. Come see what have her not sure she wants to go back through the gate to home and family. I found the world to be vivid and wonderous. I found that Charlotte and Kevin reminded me of stepping through the wardrobe in another tale. The tale had some interesting character. Charlotte and Kevin were no alone for long and they both found that something was just a bit different. They were finding that they were something more.
Charlotte finds it hard being back in Charleston after years away. Charlotte has much to learn about life and herself. She finds that she have even more to learn about the mother she loved so much. Charlotte can be categorized as young and very naive, shy, sheltered, and confused.
The dual narration from Heather and Dryw was entertaining both visually and emotionally. You were allowed to connect to characters and feel them through the words created by the author. The pitch, tone, and pacing were all key factors making this a listen to enjoy again.
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
intriguing journey through a gate...something more
Come to South Carolina a see just what Charlotte finds behind the gate in the garden. Come see what have her not sure she wants to go back through the gate to home and family. I found the world to be vivid and wonderous. I found that Charlotte and Kevin reminded me of stepping through the wardrobe in another tale. The tale had some interesting character. Charlotte and Kevin were no alone for long and they both found that something was just a bit different. They were finding that they were something more.
Charlotte finds it hard being back in Charleston after years away. Charlotte has much to learn about life and herself. She finds that she have even more to learn about the mother she loved so much. Charlotte can be categorized as young and very naive, shy, sheltered, and confused.
The dual narration from Heather and Dryw was entertaining both visually and emotionally. You were allowed to connect to characters and feel them through the words created by the author. The pitch, tone, and pacing were all key factors making this a listen to enjoy again.
March 22, 2012
After three years in Alaska, Charlotte Calloway and her older brother Kevin are moving back to their ancestral home in Charleston. As usual, Kevin is relaxed and ready for the adventure while Charlotte, ever the social recluse, is anxious and uncertain. You see, despite her brother’s best efforts and intentions Charlotte has never quite felt that she belongs anywhere. Things are about to change in Charlotte and Kevin’s world. And so, the real story begins . . . .
While Kevin begins to fall seamlessly back into life in Charleston with school, basketball, and friends, Charlotte struggles. Being back in Charleston brings back a flood of memories for Charlotte especially those related to her dead mother. Solace is found in the one place her mother loved beyond all others, the lush and verdant garden behind the family home. Growing up, Charlotte loved the garden as much as her mother but was always warned to never, ever go through the iron gate at the back of property. Mother’s warning had always been headed until one night Charlotte notices a bright light near the gate and in an instant Charlotte’s decision is made and her life is irrevocably changed forever.
Beyond the boundary of the gate is Energo, quite literally a whole new world that Charlotte neither understands nor completely believes. That is, until she meets Calvin, her one true mate and the man destined to walk by her side for all eternity. What?? Let’s add to this the fact that while in Energo Charlotte also discovers she is a very precious and powerful entity that is coveted by all. Holy cats! In a heartbeat, Charlotte goes from being a socially awkward teenager to finding her soul mate and discovering some immensely powerful (and nifty) new talents. Whew! No wonder her mother warned her never to go through that gate! For a short time, the secret of Calvin and Energo is all Charlotte’s and she is blissfully happy with this arrangement. And then she is kidnapped.
Well crap! From this moment on the family secrets begin to spill out all over the place and Charlotte’s safety and rescue becomes the ultimate priority for Kevin, his best friend Liam, and the kid’s uncle, Monty. The rescue party launches itself into Energo with the sole purpose of rescuing Charlotte. The problems? 1) How do you separate a young girl from her soul mate? 2) How do a handful of people breach the walls of a virtually impenetrable castle? and 3) What if Charlotte doesn’t want to leave? From the moment the rescuers enter Energo the story unfolds at a lightning pace. Action is mixed beautifully with background information, each major character really begins to develop, and the ride is worth it! Ivy’s writing style is smooth and easy, the plot flows, and the action and limited romance are absolutely appropriate.
The bottom line: this first part of the Afterglow Trilogy is a fantastic young adult read. The story is gripping, the characters are relatable, and the cliff hanger is tantalizing. I am certain I will be diving into book two, Perilous Light, at the earliest available moment!
While Kevin begins to fall seamlessly back into life in Charleston with school, basketball, and friends, Charlotte struggles. Being back in Charleston brings back a flood of memories for Charlotte especially those related to her dead mother. Solace is found in the one place her mother loved beyond all others, the lush and verdant garden behind the family home. Growing up, Charlotte loved the garden as much as her mother but was always warned to never, ever go through the iron gate at the back of property. Mother’s warning had always been headed until one night Charlotte notices a bright light near the gate and in an instant Charlotte’s decision is made and her life is irrevocably changed forever.
Beyond the boundary of the gate is Energo, quite literally a whole new world that Charlotte neither understands nor completely believes. That is, until she meets Calvin, her one true mate and the man destined to walk by her side for all eternity. What?? Let’s add to this the fact that while in Energo Charlotte also discovers she is a very precious and powerful entity that is coveted by all. Holy cats! In a heartbeat, Charlotte goes from being a socially awkward teenager to finding her soul mate and discovering some immensely powerful (and nifty) new talents. Whew! No wonder her mother warned her never to go through that gate! For a short time, the secret of Calvin and Energo is all Charlotte’s and she is blissfully happy with this arrangement. And then she is kidnapped.
Well crap! From this moment on the family secrets begin to spill out all over the place and Charlotte’s safety and rescue becomes the ultimate priority for Kevin, his best friend Liam, and the kid’s uncle, Monty. The rescue party launches itself into Energo with the sole purpose of rescuing Charlotte. The problems? 1) How do you separate a young girl from her soul mate? 2) How do a handful of people breach the walls of a virtually impenetrable castle? and 3) What if Charlotte doesn’t want to leave? From the moment the rescuers enter Energo the story unfolds at a lightning pace. Action is mixed beautifully with background information, each major character really begins to develop, and the ride is worth it! Ivy’s writing style is smooth and easy, the plot flows, and the action and limited romance are absolutely appropriate.
The bottom line: this first part of the Afterglow Trilogy is a fantastic young adult read. The story is gripping, the characters are relatable, and the cliff hanger is tantalizing. I am certain I will be diving into book two, Perilous Light, at the earliest available moment!
May 17, 2012
RATING : 4.25 BECKONING STARS!!
How much of a surprise read was this little gem? Well, yes, very much so.
I can ‘feel’ how much potential already without having read Perilous Light # 2, this trilogy has.
Charlotte and Kevin have come to live with Monty their uncle in Charleston. Back to the family home they once lived in with their mother. Dad’s in Alaska doing his thing, and mum is dead.
This story is told from Charlotte and Kevin’s POV’s , which I kinda liked.
There is a Forbidden Gate down at the end of their garden and like all things forbidden, where there is a will there is a way. Basic rule of being a teenager.
Liam is Kevin’s buddy and the guy Charlotte was crushing on when she was thirteen.....eeeppp!!...she even kissed him, much to a stunned Liam’s ...well...stunned..ness.
Oh, boy, now Charlotte has come back to Charleston pushing 16yrs old and she will be going to the same school as Liam. Now this is where you think...Charlotte and Liam sitting in a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G....well no!
Enter James.
James is this mysterious guy , always available, hanging about.....so food for thought.
The one thing I realised as I was reading was how Charlotte was surrounded by protective guys, Kevin ( bro) , Liam ( bro’s bff) , Monty ( uncle) and James ( mysterious dude?).
I love Liam he is fun, caring and witty. Kevin and Liam together are great characters.
Then, the story takes on a whole different direction, which I found gorgeous visually....but hang on a minute...I didn’t mention the other dude , Calvin. Now I am not one for insta love...but...this was more like one second, full blown , glow in the dark love.
So, here I am left thinking...awww...crap, is this going to be annoying? Well, no! Then there is this whole surprise package of a story that blossoms. We alternate from Kevin telling us his part in this story, back to Charlotte and this originally quiet, shy young girl ......fast forward many pages, to this young woman who is taking charge.
Charlotte is doing it her way....go sister!
Now I must admit I am kinda rooting for ‘the other guy’ , I currently have a problem with a certain somebody and I can’t help feeling judgemental about this somebody, even though it is all things true and the worlds are aligned and all that stuff. There is even ANOTHER somebody who has redeemed himself in my eyes who I like too.
But, ONE guy I would love Charlotte to be with.....I don't think there is much chance as the worlds are aligned and all that, love and bond stuff.
Cryptic , I know..hehe!!
Oh and Henry...he’s so sweet, I just want to hug him.
This book has a little ...oooo *gasp* ending that makes you want to pick up ‘Perilous Light’, ASAP!
How much of a surprise read was this little gem? Well, yes, very much so.
I can ‘feel’ how much potential already without having read Perilous Light # 2, this trilogy has.
Charlotte and Kevin have come to live with Monty their uncle in Charleston. Back to the family home they once lived in with their mother. Dad’s in Alaska doing his thing, and mum is dead.
This story is told from Charlotte and Kevin’s POV’s , which I kinda liked.
There is a Forbidden Gate down at the end of their garden and like all things forbidden, where there is a will there is a way. Basic rule of being a teenager.
Liam is Kevin’s buddy and the guy Charlotte was crushing on when she was thirteen.....eeeppp!!...she even kissed him, much to a stunned Liam’s ...well...stunned..ness.
Oh, boy, now Charlotte has come back to Charleston pushing 16yrs old and she will be going to the same school as Liam. Now this is where you think...Charlotte and Liam sitting in a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G....well no!
Enter James.
James is this mysterious guy , always available, hanging about.....so food for thought.
The one thing I realised as I was reading was how Charlotte was surrounded by protective guys, Kevin ( bro) , Liam ( bro’s bff) , Monty ( uncle) and James ( mysterious dude?).
I love Liam he is fun, caring and witty. Kevin and Liam together are great characters.
Then, the story takes on a whole different direction, which I found gorgeous visually....but hang on a minute...I didn’t mention the other dude , Calvin. Now I am not one for insta love...but...this was more like one second, full blown , glow in the dark love.
So, here I am left thinking...awww...crap, is this going to be annoying? Well, no! Then there is this whole surprise package of a story that blossoms. We alternate from Kevin telling us his part in this story, back to Charlotte and this originally quiet, shy young girl ......fast forward many pages, to this young woman who is taking charge.
Charlotte is doing it her way....go sister!
Now I must admit I am kinda rooting for ‘the other guy’ , I currently have a problem with a certain somebody and I can’t help feeling judgemental about this somebody, even though it is all things true and the worlds are aligned and all that stuff. There is even ANOTHER somebody who has redeemed himself in my eyes who I like too.
But, ONE guy I would love Charlotte to be with.....I don't think there is much chance as the worlds are aligned and all that, love and bond stuff.
Cryptic , I know..hehe!!
Oh and Henry...he’s so sweet, I just want to hug him.
This book has a little ...oooo *gasp* ending that makes you want to pick up ‘Perilous Light’, ASAP!
May 26, 2012
It’s Alice in Wonderland meets all the magic and midevilness of World of Warcraft. When I first read what Beckoning Light , the first novel in author Alyssa Rose Ivy’s trilogy, was about, I was so pumped and excited to begin reading. For those of you who are unaware of what the story is about, it’s about two siblings (one male, 18, and one female 16) who have moved back to their hometown after living in Alaska for three years since their mother’s death. But, whatever dark secrets that Charlotte and Kevin’s mother was keeping are dug up or…erm… opened up since I have forgotten to mention the Forbidden Gate. Yes the gate. The mysterious garden gate that has never been opened up, until now.
See, when I say (or type) it like that, you know that the story is going to be interesting. Think of the gate as the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland, okay? The novel started off at what I think is an interesting pace, mainly because author Alyssa Rose Ivy, quickly introduced us to the main characters and to the situations that have been taking place in their lives. After the first chapter, the novel switches perspectives, giving the reader a glimpse at the POV’s of the brother sister duo in the story.
I will admit that at first, the story was a bit slow, but aren’t most stories at first? Once James entered the story and started interfering in Kevin and Charlotte’s lives the realm fun began. Not only does James plan the idea that “hey, maybe there is something behind that gate, try to find the key” to Charlotte, but eventually Charlotte passes through the gate and meets Calvin. Oh Calvin, be still my heart you are such a gentlemen. Everything about Calvin was romantic. From the way he talked so medievally (which made me imagine him as a knight in shining armor) to revealing that he would be a part of Charlotte’s guard. Why does Charlotte have a guard, you might ask? Because she is an Essence and has abilities that only she can have or control.
The only problem that I had with the romantic Calvin is that, not only does he just start making out with Charlotte only hours after meeting her, but he becomes a bit obsessed and I mean obsessed when it comes to the lengths he goes to too keep Charlotte with him in Energo. I don’t want to say too much, but I did like that the secrets that Charlotte’s mother hid about herself are revealed and how throughout the novel Ivy managed to describe the relationship and bond between Charlotte and Kevin. Especially when Kevin goes into Energo to save Charlotte.
I would recommend this to fans of fantasy as well as readers who want a unique and original story. I know that once I passed through the garden gates with Charlotte, I never wanted to leave.
See, when I say (or type) it like that, you know that the story is going to be interesting. Think of the gate as the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland, okay? The novel started off at what I think is an interesting pace, mainly because author Alyssa Rose Ivy, quickly introduced us to the main characters and to the situations that have been taking place in their lives. After the first chapter, the novel switches perspectives, giving the reader a glimpse at the POV’s of the brother sister duo in the story.
I will admit that at first, the story was a bit slow, but aren’t most stories at first? Once James entered the story and started interfering in Kevin and Charlotte’s lives the realm fun began. Not only does James plan the idea that “hey, maybe there is something behind that gate, try to find the key” to Charlotte, but eventually Charlotte passes through the gate and meets Calvin. Oh Calvin, be still my heart you are such a gentlemen. Everything about Calvin was romantic. From the way he talked so medievally (which made me imagine him as a knight in shining armor) to revealing that he would be a part of Charlotte’s guard. Why does Charlotte have a guard, you might ask? Because she is an Essence and has abilities that only she can have or control.
The only problem that I had with the romantic Calvin is that, not only does he just start making out with Charlotte only hours after meeting her, but he becomes a bit obsessed and I mean obsessed when it comes to the lengths he goes to too keep Charlotte with him in Energo. I don’t want to say too much, but I did like that the secrets that Charlotte’s mother hid about herself are revealed and how throughout the novel Ivy managed to describe the relationship and bond between Charlotte and Kevin. Especially when Kevin goes into Energo to save Charlotte.
I would recommend this to fans of fantasy as well as readers who want a unique and original story. I know that once I passed through the garden gates with Charlotte, I never wanted to leave.
April 24, 2012
First Line: "We were flying over Canada when the panic set in. I felt a mild tightening in my chest as I thought about the plan that was taking me closer to the place so unimaginably full of memories that I couldn't quite process it."
Enchanting. That is the one word description for Beckoning Light. I started this book just in the morning the day before this tour, and finished it by the time I went to bed. I was completely overwhelmed by the world that Ivy has created. Such a great great story!
I simply loved the way that this was written. Sometimes a chapter is written in Charlotte's point of view, and sometimes it is written in her brother Kevin's. Either way, each chapter was an adventure! I mean, a whole new world beyond the gate in your back yard? What would you do?
Charlotte is confused and lost when she moves back to Charleston, but she slowly begins to start anew. She makes friends, meets a weird/creepy guy named James, and she even joins the school newspaper club. Not bad right?
But then the truth about her family comes out, and she is thrust into a world where people fight over her, and love and duty are her only choices.
Now, pause for a second. A big part of this story I feel is the poem that is quoted both before the book, and in it.
It is by Edgar Allen Poe, and goes like so.
"Was it not Fate, (whose name is also Sorrow,)
That bade me pause before that garden-gate,
To breathe the incense of those slumbering roses?
No footstep stirred: the hated world all slept,
Save only thee and me. (Oh, Heaven! - oh, God!
How my heart beats in coupling those two words!)
Save only thee and me. I paused - I looked -
And in an instant all things disappeared."
Amazing huh? I love poetry and have even written a bit myself *shines fingernails on her shirt like shes BA*
So yes, onto the rest of the review. I loved the world, Energo, where everything is so beautiful and amazing. I just want to learn so much more about it. When Liam and Kevin begin their training, I squeed! Yes I literally did. I love Liam and I think that Charlotte should forget Calvin and just be with him. I'm a little mixed about Calvin really. I usually am when it comes to boys.....
And after THAT ending, I will definitely be reading Perilous Light (I have to anyways because I'm doing a blog tour review for it on Friday, and a character interview!)
Oh, and before I forget, I'm doing a giveaway for Beckoning light, and to enter it, you have to open the gate and click here.
Enchanting. That is the one word description for Beckoning Light. I started this book just in the morning the day before this tour, and finished it by the time I went to bed. I was completely overwhelmed by the world that Ivy has created. Such a great great story!
I simply loved the way that this was written. Sometimes a chapter is written in Charlotte's point of view, and sometimes it is written in her brother Kevin's. Either way, each chapter was an adventure! I mean, a whole new world beyond the gate in your back yard? What would you do?
Charlotte is confused and lost when she moves back to Charleston, but she slowly begins to start anew. She makes friends, meets a weird/creepy guy named James, and she even joins the school newspaper club. Not bad right?
But then the truth about her family comes out, and she is thrust into a world where people fight over her, and love and duty are her only choices.
Now, pause for a second. A big part of this story I feel is the poem that is quoted both before the book, and in it.
It is by Edgar Allen Poe, and goes like so.
"Was it not Fate, (whose name is also Sorrow,)
That bade me pause before that garden-gate,
To breathe the incense of those slumbering roses?
No footstep stirred: the hated world all slept,
Save only thee and me. (Oh, Heaven! - oh, God!
How my heart beats in coupling those two words!)
Save only thee and me. I paused - I looked -
And in an instant all things disappeared."
Amazing huh? I love poetry and have even written a bit myself *shines fingernails on her shirt like shes BA*
So yes, onto the rest of the review. I loved the world, Energo, where everything is so beautiful and amazing. I just want to learn so much more about it. When Liam and Kevin begin their training, I squeed! Yes I literally did. I love Liam and I think that Charlotte should forget Calvin and just be with him. I'm a little mixed about Calvin really. I usually am when it comes to boys.....
And after THAT ending, I will definitely be reading Perilous Light (I have to anyways because I'm doing a blog tour review for it on Friday, and a character interview!)
Oh, and before I forget, I'm doing a giveaway for Beckoning light, and to enter it, you have to open the gate and click here.
October 4, 2011
I have to admit, when I received this book, I approached reading it with trepidation. From the synopsis, I could imagine it being a mish-mash somewhere between The Secret Garden and Narnia. And I have to admit, after being forced to read it an over-analyze it in school, I’ve never really liked The Secret Garden. However, you should never judge a book by it’s cover, and when I got around to reading this, I actually really enjoyed it.
The story follows Charlotte, a girl who has just moved back to her hometown of Charleston from Alaska, and is once again living in a house that has been in her family for years. She and her brother Kevin (the other main focus of the story) have moved in with their Uncle Monty (their dead Mother’s brother – this is important later) after their Father got relocated for research (he’s a Geologist).
Everything in Charlotte’s life is fairly normal – she attends a normal high school, meets guys and has friends – except for a locked gate that the bottom of her garden. Charlotte has noticed it before, but never as she is noticing it now, and is somehow drawn to it.
Beyond the gate is the world of Energo, where it turns out her Mother’s family line is the royal family, and produces The Essence – a female of great importance and power in Energo’s society. Charlotte finds herself on dangerous territory in Energo, and it’s left to Kevin and Monty to save her.
One thing I will comment on with this novel is how well it was written – especially for an independent release. I was really impressed with this, as I was with character development. The Charlotte you see at the end of the novel is very different from the Charlotte at the beginning of the book, however, she doesn’t snap-change – it’s very gradual and organic.
I also enjoyed the relationships between the characters in the novel. I want to know what’s actually going on with Charlotte and Liam, and what will happen with Charlotte and Calvin. I don’t even know which one of them I prefer right now if I’m honest!
I have to admit, I did feel like there were references to both The Secret Garden and Narnia within the book, but it wasn’t overpowering. I’m actually looking forward to the release of the second book in the series, Perilous Light which is due for release in 2012.
I’d recommend this as a good bargain read on Kindle, and as a good relaxing read. Definitely worth a look!
The story follows Charlotte, a girl who has just moved back to her hometown of Charleston from Alaska, and is once again living in a house that has been in her family for years. She and her brother Kevin (the other main focus of the story) have moved in with their Uncle Monty (their dead Mother’s brother – this is important later) after their Father got relocated for research (he’s a Geologist).
Everything in Charlotte’s life is fairly normal – she attends a normal high school, meets guys and has friends – except for a locked gate that the bottom of her garden. Charlotte has noticed it before, but never as she is noticing it now, and is somehow drawn to it.
Beyond the gate is the world of Energo, where it turns out her Mother’s family line is the royal family, and produces The Essence – a female of great importance and power in Energo’s society. Charlotte finds herself on dangerous territory in Energo, and it’s left to Kevin and Monty to save her.
One thing I will comment on with this novel is how well it was written – especially for an independent release. I was really impressed with this, as I was with character development. The Charlotte you see at the end of the novel is very different from the Charlotte at the beginning of the book, however, she doesn’t snap-change – it’s very gradual and organic.
I also enjoyed the relationships between the characters in the novel. I want to know what’s actually going on with Charlotte and Liam, and what will happen with Charlotte and Calvin. I don’t even know which one of them I prefer right now if I’m honest!
I have to admit, I did feel like there were references to both The Secret Garden and Narnia within the book, but it wasn’t overpowering. I’m actually looking forward to the release of the second book in the series, Perilous Light which is due for release in 2012.
I’d recommend this as a good bargain read on Kindle, and as a good relaxing read. Definitely worth a look!
April 27, 2012
Plot – I liked this plot. It was unique. Charlotte was kind of a fish out of water in the beginning but started to get pulled in to having a social life. Her brother wanted her to get out more but also didn’t want any boys taking to much notice in her either. (Never had one but sounds like a typical brother) I liked the go through the gate into a whole other world. The world building was good I could picture most of it in my head. However I did find it strange that there didn’t seem to be a town around her castle. I would have thought that people would have sought protection of the castle and moved around it since it would have had a better defense. The different animals & plants were great description without overloading you. It sounded like a typical medieval time setting. We are also left with a mystery as to who her other guardsman is at the end of the story.
Characters – I like Charlotte and Kevin they seem to have a typical brother/sister relationship. Liam and Monty are fun and also main characters in the story. The character I didn’t care for was Calvin the love interest. He started out as a strong character and wanted nothing but the best for Charlotte. I didn’t care the whole love at first sight a whole lot but I could go with it. However the part I did not like was once we found out who/what she was and Calvin became leader everything that I did like about him went out the window. He was no longer strong but weak and dependent on Blake (James’s father and past leader). He allows the guard and Blake to throw Charlotte in to the dungeon. He is constantly undermining her and going against her wishes. He threatens her family and chains one of her guard up for helping her. Come on you are supposed to love Charlotte and be unable to cause her harm.
POV – This story alternates from Charlotte and Kevin’s POV. I liked it in this story because it gives a different perspective one male and one female. Also when they are in two different places we get to see two separate stories that eventually tie in together.
All in all I give this book 4 stars. It was a fun read and I look forward to the second book in the trilogy. I hope Calvin shapes up in the next book.
Characters – I like Charlotte and Kevin they seem to have a typical brother/sister relationship. Liam and Monty are fun and also main characters in the story. The character I didn’t care for was Calvin the love interest. He started out as a strong character and wanted nothing but the best for Charlotte. I didn’t care the whole love at first sight a whole lot but I could go with it. However the part I did not like was once we found out who/what she was and Calvin became leader everything that I did like about him went out the window. He was no longer strong but weak and dependent on Blake (James’s father and past leader). He allows the guard and Blake to throw Charlotte in to the dungeon. He is constantly undermining her and going against her wishes. He threatens her family and chains one of her guard up for helping her. Come on you are supposed to love Charlotte and be unable to cause her harm.
POV – This story alternates from Charlotte and Kevin’s POV. I liked it in this story because it gives a different perspective one male and one female. Also when they are in two different places we get to see two separate stories that eventually tie in together.
All in all I give this book 4 stars. It was a fun read and I look forward to the second book in the trilogy. I hope Calvin shapes up in the next book.
November 27, 2011
I really liked this book. Fans of "Ethereal" by Addison Moore and Amanda Hocking devotees may really like "Beckoning Light." BL has a really unique story about a world inside a world. I haven't read anything quite like the premise of this novel and was pleased to read something fresh.
Charlotte finds herself shuttled to live with her Uncle in the south after her father is relocated to an arduous location far north of where they currently live in Alaska. Once there, she and her older brother Kevin (hunk-o-love, btw) quickly acclimate to their new surroundings. Where Kevin jumps right in and assimilates with the basketball team, Charlotte is more cautious in her relationships and proceeds accordingly. Charlotte as an MC is an interesting combination of shy and independent and I liked her "voice" in the narrative. I was not too keen on Kevin's voice in the narrative switch. He just didn't sound like he thought like a guy in his internal monologue, but plays the protective and concerned brother well, and I loved that Ivy chose to do the POV switch; it's "brave" and different and I like those things from a story teller. The first half of the book dealt with some back story and building the characters while they integrate into their new lives.
What really captured my attention about halfway through was a happen chance discovery made by Charlotte that forever changes her life. The book leaps up in interest and engagement at the point when she meets her love interest, Calvin. I love the way Ivy establishes the premise of their connection and Charlotte discovers her real origins. It's very creative and interesting. Fans of parallel worlds, fantasy, gifts of nature and medieval-toned works will really love "Beckoning Light." The sequel releases in 2012, "Perilous Light." Looking forward to it!
Charlotte finds herself shuttled to live with her Uncle in the south after her father is relocated to an arduous location far north of where they currently live in Alaska. Once there, she and her older brother Kevin (hunk-o-love, btw) quickly acclimate to their new surroundings. Where Kevin jumps right in and assimilates with the basketball team, Charlotte is more cautious in her relationships and proceeds accordingly. Charlotte as an MC is an interesting combination of shy and independent and I liked her "voice" in the narrative. I was not too keen on Kevin's voice in the narrative switch. He just didn't sound like he thought like a guy in his internal monologue, but plays the protective and concerned brother well, and I loved that Ivy chose to do the POV switch; it's "brave" and different and I like those things from a story teller. The first half of the book dealt with some back story and building the characters while they integrate into their new lives.
What really captured my attention about halfway through was a happen chance discovery made by Charlotte that forever changes her life. The book leaps up in interest and engagement at the point when she meets her love interest, Calvin. I love the way Ivy establishes the premise of their connection and Charlotte discovers her real origins. It's very creative and interesting. Fans of parallel worlds, fantasy, gifts of nature and medieval-toned works will really love "Beckoning Light." The sequel releases in 2012, "Perilous Light." Looking forward to it!
November 26, 2011
Check out my interview with Alyssa about Beckoning Light:
http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...
Beckoning Light is an epic adventure story. By the end of the first chapter I was completely hooked!
This novel sees siblings, Charlotte and Kevin, moving back to their childhood home in Charleston, where they discover a whole different world, literally! The story is told from both Kevin and Charlotte’s point of view. I was a bit unsure about the dual narrative at first but I completely grew to love both characters point of view.
Charlotte is a very relatable character. I loved how well she coped with being taken from the world she knew and just thrown head first into a totally different situation. She grows throughout the story and we see her change from being a quiet, shy fifteen year old into a confident and strong character.
I loved Kevin’s typical, protective big brother ways. The relationship between him and Charlotte was great and I found it really refreshing to get to read his point of view. I especially loved it when he was outraged by the fact that guys find his sister attractive!
I loved the relationship between Charlotte and Calvin – I just wished there was more of it! I found myself rooting more for Liam (the family friend) relationship wise simply because I felt like I knew more about him. It would be interesting to know more about Calvin and his background.
I need to mention Energo – I love the place! I adore novels with completely different worlds in them and I was totally sucked into Energo. I think it reminded me of Narnia in a way; it has the same magical feel to it. I can’t wait to re-enter Energo in the next book.
Beckoning Light is full of adventure, action and romance and I’m highly anticipating the sequel due out in spring next year!
http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...
Beckoning Light is an epic adventure story. By the end of the first chapter I was completely hooked!
This novel sees siblings, Charlotte and Kevin, moving back to their childhood home in Charleston, where they discover a whole different world, literally! The story is told from both Kevin and Charlotte’s point of view. I was a bit unsure about the dual narrative at first but I completely grew to love both characters point of view.
Charlotte is a very relatable character. I loved how well she coped with being taken from the world she knew and just thrown head first into a totally different situation. She grows throughout the story and we see her change from being a quiet, shy fifteen year old into a confident and strong character.
I loved Kevin’s typical, protective big brother ways. The relationship between him and Charlotte was great and I found it really refreshing to get to read his point of view. I especially loved it when he was outraged by the fact that guys find his sister attractive!
I loved the relationship between Charlotte and Calvin – I just wished there was more of it! I found myself rooting more for Liam (the family friend) relationship wise simply because I felt like I knew more about him. It would be interesting to know more about Calvin and his background.
I need to mention Energo – I love the place! I adore novels with completely different worlds in them and I was totally sucked into Energo. I think it reminded me of Narnia in a way; it has the same magical feel to it. I can’t wait to re-enter Energo in the next book.
Beckoning Light is full of adventure, action and romance and I’m highly anticipating the sequel due out in spring next year!
March 19, 2012
First in Alyssa Rose Ivy’s Afterglow trilogy, Beckoning Light evokes The Secret Garden, Narnia, and other young adult fantasies. Brother and sister Charlotte and Kevin follow a well-worn path of parentless teens when they return to South Carolina from Alaska. Their mother was lost in a car accident a while ago, and their father’s gone travelling. So the teens return home to their uncle just a few days before school begins.
The story’s told in first person through Kevin and Charlotte’s eyes. Different view-points on the same events and conversations create a pleasing sense of real-world teenagers. Kevin’s confident and over-protective, but his athletic skills mean other players might lose their place on school teams so he’s not over-popular. 15-year-old Charlotte’s quiet and shy but her friends have moved on and she struggles with loneliness and an excessive desire to please. Meanwhile there’s a glow at the bottom of the garden where Charlotte and Kevin’s mother used to stand. The locked gate beckons.
That Charlotte will find another world behind the gate is almost a given. The author creates a nicely imagined middle-ages civilization with magic and politics, devious plotters and honest helpers betrayed. The clash between good and evil becomes a question of choices and some surprising decisions are made.
The story’s clearly incomplete, and it’s intriguing enough to make me want to read more. I liked the switching view-points and I’m curious which of many love interests will finally get the girl. I guess I’m hoping Charlotte will learn to make better choices in her own life as the series progresses too, as her real-world sense of self-preservation is still running on Alaska time.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy from Enchanted book promotions in exchange for my honest review.
The story’s told in first person through Kevin and Charlotte’s eyes. Different view-points on the same events and conversations create a pleasing sense of real-world teenagers. Kevin’s confident and over-protective, but his athletic skills mean other players might lose their place on school teams so he’s not over-popular. 15-year-old Charlotte’s quiet and shy but her friends have moved on and she struggles with loneliness and an excessive desire to please. Meanwhile there’s a glow at the bottom of the garden where Charlotte and Kevin’s mother used to stand. The locked gate beckons.
That Charlotte will find another world behind the gate is almost a given. The author creates a nicely imagined middle-ages civilization with magic and politics, devious plotters and honest helpers betrayed. The clash between good and evil becomes a question of choices and some surprising decisions are made.
The story’s clearly incomplete, and it’s intriguing enough to make me want to read more. I liked the switching view-points and I’m curious which of many love interests will finally get the girl. I guess I’m hoping Charlotte will learn to make better choices in her own life as the series progresses too, as her real-world sense of self-preservation is still running on Alaska time.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy from Enchanted book promotions in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2015
Beckoning Light got me excited about reading again. I have been so busy lately, and the past few review books that I have picked up have been kind of eh for me. Not that they were bad, but they just didn't get me excited like truly awesome books do. I was in kind of a reading slump. But boy did that change when I picked up Beckoning Light. I knew when I was only 6 pages in, and I got super annoyed that my mom tried interrupted my reading with a silly question, that I was really going to love this book. From the moment I picked up Beckoning Light, I could not stop reading. I was hooked.
Charlotte is a girl after my own heart. Shy to the core, and such a good person. Those are the kind of people, and characters, that I like. Some people may find them a bit boring, but not me! Plus, she has some spunky in her. You can be a good person and still be sassy. :) There are a bunch of guys that like Charlotte, but I only had eyes for Liam. He is a loyal guy- my favorite kind.
James was funny in his own way. I appreciate how straight forward he is. He doesn't even try to play mind games, he just lays all his cards out on the table. In an obvious, yet sneaky way. I know that sounds strange but you will know what I mean after you meet him. And Calvin, well I just see him as weak. I like him and I think everything that surrounds him is fascinating but I am not completely sold on him yet.
I loved seeing how strong and confident Charlotte has become. She is a smart, level headed girl and I am totally rooting for her! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. I am so tempted to start reading book 2 right now, even though I have to be up early for work tomorrow morning. I'm also keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for some Liam/Charlotte action in the next book. This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
Charlotte is a girl after my own heart. Shy to the core, and such a good person. Those are the kind of people, and characters, that I like. Some people may find them a bit boring, but not me! Plus, she has some spunky in her. You can be a good person and still be sassy. :) There are a bunch of guys that like Charlotte, but I only had eyes for Liam. He is a loyal guy- my favorite kind.
James was funny in his own way. I appreciate how straight forward he is. He doesn't even try to play mind games, he just lays all his cards out on the table. In an obvious, yet sneaky way. I know that sounds strange but you will know what I mean after you meet him. And Calvin, well I just see him as weak. I like him and I think everything that surrounds him is fascinating but I am not completely sold on him yet.
I loved seeing how strong and confident Charlotte has become. She is a smart, level headed girl and I am totally rooting for her! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. I am so tempted to start reading book 2 right now, even though I have to be up early for work tomorrow morning. I'm also keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for some Liam/Charlotte action in the next book. This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year.
March 27, 2012
Beckoning Light book Review
Oh my, where to start. First, a brief apology that this is so late in posting. I have been having major computer issues with my computer randomly turning off and just got my new computer today and it too much longer than I anticipated getting it set up. But enough about me, let’s get to the good stuff.
“Beckoning Light” by Alyssa Rose Ivy was an engrossing read. I was drawn into the story almost immediately. At first I thought it was just going to be a sweet romance between a finally come of age girl and her older brother’s best friend and childhood crush. Boy was I wrong. It was so much more complex and intriguing that that.
Charlotte, one of the two main characters, is drawn to a gate in her garden. This creepy gate that was kept locked and forbidden her entire life; but she had seen lights in it before… or maybe it was just a dream. Then she can’t let it go and eventually finds a way in. It was kind of like a grown up “Secret Garden” with a dark side.
I was drawn to the character of Charlotte who was painfully shy and felt socially awkward, much as I did as a teen, so she was very likable as she tried hard to overcome her shyness because it hurt her brother.
Kevin, the other main character, was Charlotte’s older brother and his life revolved around basketball until his sister disappeared. The story is told back and forth between their two points of view.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes the idea of another world and a secret entrance to another world. It was a quick read for me as I was very involved in it.
Oh my, where to start. First, a brief apology that this is so late in posting. I have been having major computer issues with my computer randomly turning off and just got my new computer today and it too much longer than I anticipated getting it set up. But enough about me, let’s get to the good stuff.
“Beckoning Light” by Alyssa Rose Ivy was an engrossing read. I was drawn into the story almost immediately. At first I thought it was just going to be a sweet romance between a finally come of age girl and her older brother’s best friend and childhood crush. Boy was I wrong. It was so much more complex and intriguing that that.
Charlotte, one of the two main characters, is drawn to a gate in her garden. This creepy gate that was kept locked and forbidden her entire life; but she had seen lights in it before… or maybe it was just a dream. Then she can’t let it go and eventually finds a way in. It was kind of like a grown up “Secret Garden” with a dark side.
I was drawn to the character of Charlotte who was painfully shy and felt socially awkward, much as I did as a teen, so she was very likable as she tried hard to overcome her shyness because it hurt her brother.
Kevin, the other main character, was Charlotte’s older brother and his life revolved around basketball until his sister disappeared. The story is told back and forth between their two points of view.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes the idea of another world and a secret entrance to another world. It was a quick read for me as I was very involved in it.
October 27, 2017
I've read other books by Alyssa that I've loved, but I couldn't get into this one that much. It all felt strained, which really bummed me because I loved her other books. I wonder if this was one of her first works.
Pros
Sadly not too many. Again, was really disappointed ):
Cons
-The MC, Charlotte wasn't well developed. I felt zero connection to her. She just kind of existed throughout the whole book with a lot of smirks, eye rolls and not much of 'substance' to her. I really didn't care if she lived or died and that kind of sucks.
-The dialogue in this book was rather on the weak side. It felt mundane, repetitive and forced 90% of the time. Which sucks cuz I've laughed/loved/cried/hated, etc. with her other books.
-I just didn't connect with any of the characters. None. And that James dude was a creeper/douche from the beginning but not even good at it ... All he did was say everything with a smirk, push himself on her all the time and just ground my gears. That was annoying. Not surprising he's a dbag in the 'other world' too.
-The insta-attraction/love/lets get married to Calvin. Man I really wish authors would stop doing this. Ugh. So lame lol.
It gets 2 stars because Monty and Liam were 'okay' characters and the MC wasn't a total whiny bish (though she was dead as a doornail in every other way). I definitely recommend her OTHER books though. They are amazeballs.
Pros
Sadly not too many. Again, was really disappointed ):
Cons
-The MC, Charlotte wasn't well developed. I felt zero connection to her. She just kind of existed throughout the whole book with a lot of smirks, eye rolls and not much of 'substance' to her. I really didn't care if she lived or died and that kind of sucks.
-The dialogue in this book was rather on the weak side. It felt mundane, repetitive and forced 90% of the time. Which sucks cuz I've laughed/loved/cried/hated, etc. with her other books.
-I just didn't connect with any of the characters. None. And that James dude was a creeper/douche from the beginning but not even good at it ... All he did was say everything with a smirk, push himself on her all the time and just ground my gears. That was annoying. Not surprising he's a dbag in the 'other world' too.
-The insta-attraction/love/lets get married to Calvin. Man I really wish authors would stop doing this. Ugh. So lame lol.
It gets 2 stars because Monty and Liam were 'okay' characters and the MC wasn't a total whiny bish (though she was dead as a doornail in every other way). I definitely recommend her OTHER books though. They are amazeballs.
July 3, 2016
Charlotte and Kevin are returning to Charleston, SC after a three year hiatus in Alaska. Kevin is the confident, social older brother. Charlotte is the shy, quiet younger sister. They move into their family home with their uncle a few days before school starts.
When Charlotte returns to school she meets some unusual people and re-finds a gate that her mother (now deceased) has told her to stay away from.
Just to clarify - I don't, as a rule, enjoy reading YA or fantasy. But I figured I'd give it a try.
The story was well written and captivating. It drew me in and kept me returning to my kindle every time I had a second to spare. I finished in record time and now I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy. I won't spoil the book, but it isn't the typical YA that I've read in the past. While there is romance and fantasy involved it wasn't over the top with too many details. There were no sex scenes and all of the "other worldly" things that were mentioned were easy for me to picture and didn't confuse me or draw me away from the story, which in my opinion is the sign of a great author. It's a great fantasy novel, but it's also perfect for the fantasy skeptic like me.
Highly recommended for any age.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
When Charlotte returns to school she meets some unusual people and re-finds a gate that her mother (now deceased) has told her to stay away from.
Just to clarify - I don't, as a rule, enjoy reading YA or fantasy. But I figured I'd give it a try.
The story was well written and captivating. It drew me in and kept me returning to my kindle every time I had a second to spare. I finished in record time and now I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy. I won't spoil the book, but it isn't the typical YA that I've read in the past. While there is romance and fantasy involved it wasn't over the top with too many details. There were no sex scenes and all of the "other worldly" things that were mentioned were easy for me to picture and didn't confuse me or draw me away from the story, which in my opinion is the sign of a great author. It's a great fantasy novel, but it's also perfect for the fantasy skeptic like me.
Highly recommended for any age.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2012
A friend of a friend knows this author and wondered if I could read and review this book so I did.
Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy follows the perspectives of two siblings, Charlotte and Kevin, and their journey. The siblings moved back to Charleston from Alaska, and Charlotte remembers a locked door and finds a key in her mother's things. What follows is an adventure neither of them expected.
At first, I wasn't sure what I expected. I felt that the beginning was a little slow and fear that other people will put this one down. But the reason for this plotting is revealed later in the book; perhaps it should have been abbreviated a little. As Charlotte finds the door, the plot starts picking up and everything becomes very interesting. Alyssa Ivy has developed a very interesting new world, and group of characters. At first, it wasn't clear why there had to be two alternating first person narratives, but as the brother and sister have separate adventures, it becomes apparent that this is necessary. I love how Charlotte comes into her own and develops into a confident, powerful woman after being so shy and withdrawn.
Overall, I think this is a worthwhile, fun read with memorable characters, and I plan to pick up the next book to find out what happens next!
Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy follows the perspectives of two siblings, Charlotte and Kevin, and their journey. The siblings moved back to Charleston from Alaska, and Charlotte remembers a locked door and finds a key in her mother's things. What follows is an adventure neither of them expected.
At first, I wasn't sure what I expected. I felt that the beginning was a little slow and fear that other people will put this one down. But the reason for this plotting is revealed later in the book; perhaps it should have been abbreviated a little. As Charlotte finds the door, the plot starts picking up and everything becomes very interesting. Alyssa Ivy has developed a very interesting new world, and group of characters. At first, it wasn't clear why there had to be two alternating first person narratives, but as the brother and sister have separate adventures, it becomes apparent that this is necessary. I love how Charlotte comes into her own and develops into a confident, powerful woman after being so shy and withdrawn.
Overall, I think this is a worthwhile, fun read with memorable characters, and I plan to pick up the next book to find out what happens next!
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