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Lightbringer #2
Reaper
In a world abreath away from our own, Wendy is attempting to fill her mother's shoes and discovering that the prospect is far more difficult than she ever imagined. Learning that she is part of a powerful and ancient family of Reapers that her mother had forsaken is just the first surprise - Wendy soon discovers that the San Francisco Bay Never is filled with political powers and factions both previously unknown and completely mysterious to Wendy. Since both her mother and Piotr gone, Wendy must struggle to maneuver between the machinations of the dead and the dark intentions of her living Reaper family. Eventually betrayed and made sick unto death, the clock is ticking before Wendy will fall - she has only a matter of days to unravel the mysteries her mother left behind and to convince her wary family to accept her as one of their own.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 9, 2013
Reaper (Lightbringer #2) by K. D. McEntire follows Wendy as she attempts to save Eddie's life while navigating the politics of both her powerful Reaper family and the ghosts in the Never. Piotr continues his investigation into his past, knowing that he is one of the oldest ghosts in the Never, but ends up finding answers in an unexpected way when a strange wound threatens to end his existence. Wendy accepts her family's offer to train her, and while she does learn more about her familial history in the process, she also comes by her own life-threatening injury. Forget trying to save Eddie, and forget trying to save Piotr - in the end, Wendy must save herself!
K. D. McEntire doles out tidbits of information in this by-the-edge-of-your-seat paranormal fantasy, leading the reader galloping along after that carrot of intrigue until the rewarding resolution. Thanks in part due to Wendy's and Piotr's less naive perspectives, the reader is treated to a more colorful, complicated afterlife where Walkers aren't always mindless monsters and Reapers can be down right bad guys. And, Piotr! Get ready for the fan girl squeal! Piotr was such a good guy in book one, and it was mostly his strange not-alive status that sundered his relationship with Wendy at the end. In book two, Piotr learns more about his very distant origins as a Rider, and in his sickened state, we see a darker side of him that can't be completely written off as physical (metaphysical?) illness. He and Wendy are also privy to glimpses of disturbing, evil creatures who are drawn to Wendy as the Lightbringer. I greatly enjoyed book one, but these developments in Reaper have converted me into a true fan. One who squeals.
The dialogue especially struck a cord with me. Many of the characters suffer from altered mental and physical states throughout the book, and the way it affects their speech gives me shivers. I'd hate to be in a room with a delusional Piotr or on the phone with a dying Wendy. Eddie, too, gets a chance to show his true character when he helps Piotr despite his own weakened state. Others before him have chosen to become Walkers rather than risk fading to nothing, yet Eddie gives freely of himself. Wendy's family chip in their fair share of awesome dialogue, too, letting you see why Wendy has a hard time deciding who is for her and who is against her. For all she knows, her entire extended family is against her.
I was also happy to see Wendy learn from her mistakes in the first book. Wendy evaluates her situation in a more critical manner as she teachers herself not to take every thing at face value, and there's plenty of mystery in Reaper for her to drown in. First, she desperately needs information from her newly discovered family, yet she knows that some of them are two-faced. In fact, she learns that her mother had a good reason for teaching her so little about Reaping and her extended family (A+++ for having her hands tied before, you know, she went crazy). Second, even the ancient knowledge of her Reaper family, and the beliefs of the equally ancient Riders, aren't 100% accurate. What Wendy has learned from both groups simply does not explain every thing in the Never, and there are some pretty big and scary questions left over, including Piotr's past. Many of these problems remain mysteries at the end of the book, yet Wendy manages to learn enough to help save her own life and set her on a quest for knowledge in Reaper's sequel.
Reaper is exactly what a second book should be. Where Lightbringer introduces us to the world of the Never and Wendy's powers as the Lightbringer, Reaper hugs us like an old friend and then shoves us into the pool with a demented laugh, also like my friends. The demented laugh? Reaper has a cliff-hanger ending that will have you counting down the days until the sequel is released!
Speaking of which, if you want to buy K. D. McEntire's Lightbringer books, you can visit her website at kdmcentire.com You can also follow her on twitter @kdmcentire to hear more about her progress on the third installment.
K. D. McEntire doles out tidbits of information in this by-the-edge-of-your-seat paranormal fantasy, leading the reader galloping along after that carrot of intrigue until the rewarding resolution. Thanks in part due to Wendy's and Piotr's less naive perspectives, the reader is treated to a more colorful, complicated afterlife where Walkers aren't always mindless monsters and Reapers can be down right bad guys. And, Piotr! Get ready for the fan girl squeal! Piotr was such a good guy in book one, and it was mostly his strange not-alive status that sundered his relationship with Wendy at the end. In book two, Piotr learns more about his very distant origins as a Rider, and in his sickened state, we see a darker side of him that can't be completely written off as physical (metaphysical?) illness. He and Wendy are also privy to glimpses of disturbing, evil creatures who are drawn to Wendy as the Lightbringer. I greatly enjoyed book one, but these developments in Reaper have converted me into a true fan. One who squeals.
The dialogue especially struck a cord with me. Many of the characters suffer from altered mental and physical states throughout the book, and the way it affects their speech gives me shivers. I'd hate to be in a room with a delusional Piotr or on the phone with a dying Wendy. Eddie, too, gets a chance to show his true character when he helps Piotr despite his own weakened state. Others before him have chosen to become Walkers rather than risk fading to nothing, yet Eddie gives freely of himself. Wendy's family chip in their fair share of awesome dialogue, too, letting you see why Wendy has a hard time deciding who is for her and who is against her. For all she knows, her entire extended family is against her.
I was also happy to see Wendy learn from her mistakes in the first book. Wendy evaluates her situation in a more critical manner as she teachers herself not to take every thing at face value, and there's plenty of mystery in Reaper for her to drown in. First, she desperately needs information from her newly discovered family, yet she knows that some of them are two-faced. In fact, she learns that her mother had a good reason for teaching her so little about Reaping and her extended family (A+++ for having her hands tied before, you know, she went crazy). Second, even the ancient knowledge of her Reaper family, and the beliefs of the equally ancient Riders, aren't 100% accurate. What Wendy has learned from both groups simply does not explain every thing in the Never, and there are some pretty big and scary questions left over, including Piotr's past. Many of these problems remain mysteries at the end of the book, yet Wendy manages to learn enough to help save her own life and set her on a quest for knowledge in Reaper's sequel.
Reaper is exactly what a second book should be. Where Lightbringer introduces us to the world of the Never and Wendy's powers as the Lightbringer, Reaper hugs us like an old friend and then shoves us into the pool with a demented laugh, also like my friends. The demented laugh? Reaper has a cliff-hanger ending that will have you counting down the days until the sequel is released!
Speaking of which, if you want to buy K. D. McEntire's Lightbringer books, you can visit her website at kdmcentire.com You can also follow her on twitter @kdmcentire to hear more about her progress on the third installment.
May 28, 2012
4.5/5 stars!
Oh wow. "Lightbringer" fans, prepare yourself - McEntire really brings it in this second installment of the series. New truths will be exposed, more Walkers will try to eat you, and we may just lose one of our heroes at the end. She also set up a hell of a cliffhanger to lead us into book 3. If you thought the first book was intense, this one will eat you alive. And you'll love every moment of it.
So, you'd think that with the demise of the White Lady at the end of book one that things would get better in the Never. Right? Yeah. Uh. No. Those Spirit Webs? They're still around, and they're eating everyone. The Riders have disbanded, Wendy and Piotr are split up, Piotr's having identity issues (serious ones), Eddie's spirit cord still can't be found, and Wendy's family is now hunting her down for being a natural - or, in other words, such an amazing Lightbringer that she has the potential to kill or humiliate everyone else.
Great family you have there, Wendy.
This book's pace is fast and furious and really is a good rounding out of the world in general. We find more out about the Never - specifically, more about the Council (only referred to passingly in book one, they play a huge part in the Never now that the Riders have disbanded and the Lost are ridiculously rare) - and how much control has been given over to them now that the White Lady is gone, as well as their past and their history with Wendy and her family. The start, however, is pretty slow, but once you hit somewhere around chapter three, things really take off. For that slow start, I took off a few points.
There are a TON of Big Reveals in this one, as well as multiple Big Bads. You thought the White Lady was bad last book? Dear reader, please prepare yourself and hold onto your hat whilst McEntire pretty much smashes all of your expectations and dashes your dreams of Piotr and Wendy getting a happy ending (well, at least in this volume of the series - maybe they'll get a happily ever after in book 3?) and takes you on an unforgettable ride. And you know what? I love that she took such a risk and did that. She really, really, REALLY tortures her darlings here and the payoff is huge and absolutely wonderful. The new batch of characters that is Wendy's maternal female side of the family is terrifyingly great, and what she undergoes is horribly awesome. We also get more about Piotr's past and why he has such memory problems. Even if this series seems to be largely plot-driven, McEntire has created some wonderful characters you won't soon forget - both good guys and bad guys both.
And then the book is over before you know it, leaving you on a teetering cliffhanger that was masterfully done. I really can't wait for book three now. We get an expanding of the world and characters and generally, no middle book syndrome whatsoever. Absolutely middle book syndrome free. And that is a very happy thing.
So if you liked the first book, you really MUST read this one. It's made my best of 2012 list, and for good reason. "Reaper" is out from Pyr/Prometheus Books on August 24th, 2012 in North America. Be sure to check it out then!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
Oh wow. "Lightbringer" fans, prepare yourself - McEntire really brings it in this second installment of the series. New truths will be exposed, more Walkers will try to eat you, and we may just lose one of our heroes at the end. She also set up a hell of a cliffhanger to lead us into book 3. If you thought the first book was intense, this one will eat you alive. And you'll love every moment of it.
So, you'd think that with the demise of the White Lady at the end of book one that things would get better in the Never. Right? Yeah. Uh. No. Those Spirit Webs? They're still around, and they're eating everyone. The Riders have disbanded, Wendy and Piotr are split up, Piotr's having identity issues (serious ones), Eddie's spirit cord still can't be found, and Wendy's family is now hunting her down for being a natural - or, in other words, such an amazing Lightbringer that she has the potential to kill or humiliate everyone else.
Great family you have there, Wendy.
This book's pace is fast and furious and really is a good rounding out of the world in general. We find more out about the Never - specifically, more about the Council (only referred to passingly in book one, they play a huge part in the Never now that the Riders have disbanded and the Lost are ridiculously rare) - and how much control has been given over to them now that the White Lady is gone, as well as their past and their history with Wendy and her family. The start, however, is pretty slow, but once you hit somewhere around chapter three, things really take off. For that slow start, I took off a few points.
There are a TON of Big Reveals in this one, as well as multiple Big Bads. You thought the White Lady was bad last book? Dear reader, please prepare yourself and hold onto your hat whilst McEntire pretty much smashes all of your expectations and dashes your dreams of Piotr and Wendy getting a happy ending (well, at least in this volume of the series - maybe they'll get a happily ever after in book 3?) and takes you on an unforgettable ride. And you know what? I love that she took such a risk and did that. She really, really, REALLY tortures her darlings here and the payoff is huge and absolutely wonderful. The new batch of characters that is Wendy's maternal female side of the family is terrifyingly great, and what she undergoes is horribly awesome. We also get more about Piotr's past and why he has such memory problems. Even if this series seems to be largely plot-driven, McEntire has created some wonderful characters you won't soon forget - both good guys and bad guys both.
And then the book is over before you know it, leaving you on a teetering cliffhanger that was masterfully done. I really can't wait for book three now. We get an expanding of the world and characters and generally, no middle book syndrome whatsoever. Absolutely middle book syndrome free. And that is a very happy thing.
So if you liked the first book, you really MUST read this one. It's made my best of 2012 list, and for good reason. "Reaper" is out from Pyr/Prometheus Books on August 24th, 2012 in North America. Be sure to check it out then!
(posted to goodreads, shelfari, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
October 18, 2012
This is the second book in the Lightbringer series, the first being aptly named, Lightbringer. This is a series that I strongly advise NOT to read out of order. First, it picks up where the last left off and second because the world is a bit complicated you would become lost in the never and I'm not sure you'd find your way out. Now, don't let that scare you. By reading in order the complex world becomes much easier to understand. In other words, it is just so twisty you cannot jump in the middle to untangle this web. However, by starting at the beginning, you have a map in which to follow.
We were left with some holes in the information we sought in the last book and this book does provide some answers. You have to go through some twists and turns to get to those answers, but much greater understanding about Piotr and Wendy's mother Mary are given. However, that sigh of relief is hard to get and frustration on wanting that information does tend to get to you, but even so you are entertained by the adventure getting there. Unfortunately, not all answers are given that are sought. That brings me to my biggest complaint about this book...
Cliffie warning! Yep, this one has a big cliffie. One in which you know that our heros will get out of but not know how. You are also left with a thirst for more knowledge which is not fully quenched. Still, I have to say that this book is a necessity in this series and should not be missed. All the important information you were able to gather goes a long way in understanding the world as well as the adventure.
Now, I'm sure I may have scared a few of you who do not like complex novels. Seriously, if started in order it isn't as complex as it seems at times. The book does flow and the engaging characters keep you interested and invested in the adventure. I give this book 3 1/2 stars (I deduct 1/2 star for the cliffie) and I do recommend it to the older YA crowd and those that really like a dark twisty world. I am really enjoying this adventure in the alternate world of Peter Pan.
We were left with some holes in the information we sought in the last book and this book does provide some answers. You have to go through some twists and turns to get to those answers, but much greater understanding about Piotr and Wendy's mother Mary are given. However, that sigh of relief is hard to get and frustration on wanting that information does tend to get to you, but even so you are entertained by the adventure getting there. Unfortunately, not all answers are given that are sought. That brings me to my biggest complaint about this book...
Cliffie warning! Yep, this one has a big cliffie. One in which you know that our heros will get out of but not know how. You are also left with a thirst for more knowledge which is not fully quenched. Still, I have to say that this book is a necessity in this series and should not be missed. All the important information you were able to gather goes a long way in understanding the world as well as the adventure.
Now, I'm sure I may have scared a few of you who do not like complex novels. Seriously, if started in order it isn't as complex as it seems at times. The book does flow and the engaging characters keep you interested and invested in the adventure. I give this book 3 1/2 stars (I deduct 1/2 star for the cliffie) and I do recommend it to the older YA crowd and those that really like a dark twisty world. I am really enjoying this adventure in the alternate world of Peter Pan.
July 14, 2012
Reaper is a fascinating and touching story built in a rich, layered world where the stakes are bigger than life or death. Constructed of the familiar elements of teen love triangles and the struggle of good vs. evil, the story never feels like just the next iteration of stock YA urban fantasy.
Wendy is the Lightbringer, a Reaper, born with the power to see into the Never, the world beyond death; a world that is as complicated and dangerous as that of the living. There are the innocent and those that protect them, soul-eating zombies, mob bosses, and ruthless, power-tripping agents of the Light.
As the second book in the trilogy, Reaper picks up the story of Wendy and Piotr after they’ve already fallen in love and saved the world of the dead. But like most things, it doesn’t stay saved very long. Separated by their individual search for answers to their past, Wendy and Piotr soon learn that they’re dealing with a lot more than heartbreak and a little personal sleuthing. Wendy discovers she’s part of a vast, multi-generational family of Reapers that she never knew existed, and who would happily make sure she doesn’t exist much longer. Piotr goes searching for the story of a past he can no longer remember, and finds answers a lot bigger and more dangerous than he planned for, including his link to those who are trying to kill Wendy.
In their attempts to save each other, Wendy and Piotr are each dealt a death (or death-death) blow that will have you up late at night to see if they’re going to find some way out of the seemingly hopeless situation. The cliffhanger ending won’t tell you who survives or how, but the revelations, particularly Piotr’s, as the story in Reaper climaxes, are satisfying in a way that will tide you over until the next installment.
K.D. McEntire’s writing is smart, sharp, and utterly engaging. Reaper will take you on a thrilling trip back into the Never, where death is only the beginning.
Wendy is the Lightbringer, a Reaper, born with the power to see into the Never, the world beyond death; a world that is as complicated and dangerous as that of the living. There are the innocent and those that protect them, soul-eating zombies, mob bosses, and ruthless, power-tripping agents of the Light.
As the second book in the trilogy, Reaper picks up the story of Wendy and Piotr after they’ve already fallen in love and saved the world of the dead. But like most things, it doesn’t stay saved very long. Separated by their individual search for answers to their past, Wendy and Piotr soon learn that they’re dealing with a lot more than heartbreak and a little personal sleuthing. Wendy discovers she’s part of a vast, multi-generational family of Reapers that she never knew existed, and who would happily make sure she doesn’t exist much longer. Piotr goes searching for the story of a past he can no longer remember, and finds answers a lot bigger and more dangerous than he planned for, including his link to those who are trying to kill Wendy.
In their attempts to save each other, Wendy and Piotr are each dealt a death (or death-death) blow that will have you up late at night to see if they’re going to find some way out of the seemingly hopeless situation. The cliffhanger ending won’t tell you who survives or how, but the revelations, particularly Piotr’s, as the story in Reaper climaxes, are satisfying in a way that will tide you over until the next installment.
K.D. McEntire’s writing is smart, sharp, and utterly engaging. Reaper will take you on a thrilling trip back into the Never, where death is only the beginning.
January 16, 2016
This series can get a little confusing because there are different kinds of ghost, but it’s pretty good otherwise. It’s a unique Reaper series. I love most of the characters, but I don’t care for Piotr. He can’t remember his past, and I’m not sure how to say his name. Peter? Pee-tree? And his dialogue is kind of boring. I only have room in my heart for one Russian male lover interest. Dimka from VA!!! <3 …Wendy’s funny and awesome, a lot like Ellie from Angelfire. I wish Piotr was more like Will. Elle’s flapper talk may annoy some people, but I think it’s funny. I had no idea all those phrases came from the 20’s. And Eddie! The Jewish guy-friend, who’s in a coma and out of his body. He’s so funny. Way better than Piotr. Then there’s Jon and Chel, the bro and sis of Wendy. I knew they weren’t just normal!
I think it was awesome to find out more about the reaper. There’s new characters that knew Wendy’s mom. Jane and Emma. The let her borrow a book, offer to train her even though she’s a natural. You’ll find out later if you read it.
I recommend this book series if you like the Angelfire series (Courtney Allison Moulton) or any Reaper paranormal romance books, like Once Dead, Twice Shy or Soul Screamers.
The plot was just great until the end….
OH MY GOD WHAT A HORRIBLE CLIFF HANGER!!!! NOOO!!!!! LIIIIVVVEEEE!!!!!!!!
Cover Art Review: I know the guy on the cover is supposed to be Piotr, with a spirit web, he looks like a middle-aged, Asian zombie, not a late teen/early 20’s Russian hottie. The hands look really weird and sick. I know it’s a painting, but it’s just odd.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
I think it was awesome to find out more about the reaper. There’s new characters that knew Wendy’s mom. Jane and Emma. The let her borrow a book, offer to train her even though she’s a natural. You’ll find out later if you read it.
I recommend this book series if you like the Angelfire series (Courtney Allison Moulton) or any Reaper paranormal romance books, like Once Dead, Twice Shy or Soul Screamers.
The plot was just great until the end….
OH MY GOD WHAT A HORRIBLE CLIFF HANGER!!!! NOOO!!!!! LIIIIVVVEEEE!!!!!!!!
Cover Art Review: I know the guy on the cover is supposed to be Piotr, with a spirit web, he looks like a middle-aged, Asian zombie, not a late teen/early 20’s Russian hottie. The hands look really weird and sick. I know it’s a painting, but it’s just odd.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
August 24, 2012
Triple Wow! Reaper is the sequel to Lightbringer, a book my teenage daughter introduced me to a couple months ago. If you’ve not read the first book you may want to hold off on reading this review and instead go buy the book. Right now. Seriously.
Lightbringer introduces us to Wendy, Piotr and his gang of Lost children. Sound familiar? K.D. McEntire’s modern day Peter Pan reveals a world just beyond our own where spirits and monsters dwell until they go into the light. I loved Lightbringer most for its originality.
In Reaper, McEntire, takes the game to a whole new level. Gone are the kid gloves. The world her characters knew is changing and now everyone is in danger. There were so many OMG moments in this book, from backstory reveals to betrayals and discoveries. You think you have a grasp on a character or relationship and then BAM, the story evolves right before your eyes. It’s refreshing to read a book that doesn’t give up all its secrets from the start.
When I asked my daughter what she thought of Reaper, this was her response: “I need the next book. NOW!” Yep. That about sums it up for me too.
Lightbringer introduces us to Wendy, Piotr and his gang of Lost children. Sound familiar? K.D. McEntire’s modern day Peter Pan reveals a world just beyond our own where spirits and monsters dwell until they go into the light. I loved Lightbringer most for its originality.
In Reaper, McEntire, takes the game to a whole new level. Gone are the kid gloves. The world her characters knew is changing and now everyone is in danger. There were so many OMG moments in this book, from backstory reveals to betrayals and discoveries. You think you have a grasp on a character or relationship and then BAM, the story evolves right before your eyes. It’s refreshing to read a book that doesn’t give up all its secrets from the start.
When I asked my daughter what she thought of Reaper, this was her response: “I need the next book. NOW!” Yep. That about sums it up for me too.
August 22, 2012
I have one quibble with "Reaper" and I want to get it out in the open before I talk about the good parts. What is up with Elle's speech? I know it's hard to write flapper-slang but the author got a little crazy with it in just one chapter. Everywhere else Elle's slang is easy to follow but there's this one spot early on where I had to frown and shake my head to get past Elle's dialogue.
BUT beyond that, I loved "Reaper" a lot! It picks up where "Lightbringer" left off and just barrels full speed ahead. Walkers! Ghosts! Reapers! Even more unexpected gore! (I was ready for it this time though and the dark and gritty scenes are always well placed.)
You find out about Wendy's family and a lot of the motivations for previously mentioned characters (from the first book) are learned. The author still expects you to actually read the book and doesn't feed you the story like you're a puppy, which is great, and if you're reading closely (or a second time through) you can even see where the story might go for a third book!
Fair warning though, this book has a "Empire Strikes Back" kind of feeling in the end. It's just dark enough to bring you back for more.
BUT beyond that, I loved "Reaper" a lot! It picks up where "Lightbringer" left off and just barrels full speed ahead. Walkers! Ghosts! Reapers! Even more unexpected gore! (I was ready for it this time though and the dark and gritty scenes are always well placed.)
You find out about Wendy's family and a lot of the motivations for previously mentioned characters (from the first book) are learned. The author still expects you to actually read the book and doesn't feed you the story like you're a puppy, which is great, and if you're reading closely (or a second time through) you can even see where the story might go for a third book!
Fair warning though, this book has a "Empire Strikes Back" kind of feeling in the end. It's just dark enough to bring you back for more.
November 20, 2012
Reaper is a step above and ahead of Lightbringer. McEntire has grown immensely between her two books and while Lightbringer showed immense potential, Reaper lives up to that potential. Though there are some minor issues with characterization and plotting, Reaper is sure to please. It’s a strong second installment in a young adult series that I have enjoyed immensely so far, and I’m not saying that lightly, as I usually don’t mix with YA well. McEntire has not only proved that she has a promising career as a complex, layered, and talented author, but that she also has the ability to redefine the young adult genre.
Read my full review here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2012/11/...
Read my full review here:
http://www.bookwormblues.net/2012/11/...
February 17, 2013
I hadn't intended to continue with this series. That said, the end was good and I'm interested in reading the next book to see where it goes. However, the rest of the book felt slow and didn't flow well.
did-not-finish
August 18, 2012As much as I enjoyed LIGHTBRINGER, I gave up after a few chapters of REAPER. I like Piotr's Russian-studded speech, but as soon as Elle and Lily showed up with their relentless, dated dialog, I couldn't keep going.
Read
August 10, 2012:( I was unable to finish this book. Not because of bad writing, but because the world building and character development is so highly pre defined by the first book, I was extremely lost by having not read it and that is all on me.
January 29, 2014
I could not finish this book. I got to page 170 and I was still so confused. I also could not get over Pietr's speech style. It was ANNOYING and I could not get past that. I spent 2 days trying to get through it and I finally admitted defeat. It was really pretty awful
February 10, 2013
Strange story, but I keep wanting to finish it. I might finish soon. Not too excited about it though :(
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews