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Dark is the Night #2.5
A Shimmer in the Night
Benjamin Prichard has spent much of his life feeling like an outsider. Growing up, his odd behaviour and visions of ghosts left him isolated, not to mention being the child of an immigrant mother and an absent father. Benjamin walks the line between not being Chinese enough for one community, and not English enough for the other.
Whisperwood School for Boys changes everything. More specifically, Preston Alexander does. Drawn into a close circle of friends for the first time, Benjamin finally feels as though he’s found somewhere he belongs. But life is never simple; his feelings for Preston are hardly platonic, and Benjamin doesn’t need one more reason to stand out—which means the option of pursuing those feelings is off the table.
But after graduation, when tragedy flips his world upside-down, Benjamin will need to decide which path he wants to chase: the one his mother always wanted for him, or the one that follows the boy he loves.
Whisperwood School for Boys changes everything. More specifically, Preston Alexander does. Drawn into a close circle of friends for the first time, Benjamin finally feels as though he’s found somewhere he belongs. But life is never simple; his feelings for Preston are hardly platonic, and Benjamin doesn’t need one more reason to stand out—which means the option of pursuing those feelings is off the table.
But after graduation, when tragedy flips his world upside-down, Benjamin will need to decide which path he wants to chase: the one his mother always wanted for him, or the one that follows the boy he loves.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Kelley York
23 books604 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
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November 2, 2025
Hello, my love, I heard a kiss from you / Red magic satin playing near, too / All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine / Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind (Strawberry Letter 23 – Brothers Johnson).
Hey, what the heck? This was supposed to be a Halloween read, and yet here I am sitting and tearing up something fierce over the indomitable spirit of queer love! They're going to try despite the stigma of the time period, isn't that powerful!? Look, I know I haven’t really been good about reading horror books for the spookiest season, but you know how it is... reading's hard! What I have been doing is going through all the horror movies (even the stinkers) that Tubi and HBO Max have to offer, and I’ve come to the conclusion that… I don’t think I find ghost stories all that scary. Sure, I’ll lose my shit at literally any jump scare a paranormal flick could throw at me, but remember that I also jump at the loud noises I accidentally make when I drop something, so that’s hardly a high bar to clear. Besides, the stuff I really find scary is either the quasi realistic stuff like The Strangers, Eden Lake, or Hush, where it’s a story you could kind of, almost, imagine yourself in, or the super out there psychological horror like Twilight Zone or the Smile movies. I still liked The Conjuring, but that doesn’t mean it’s keeping me up at night! Well, that’s not true, because all the overly sentimental religious speak and casual mention of a higher power did actually did give me the creeps more than once. Like, is this a horror movie or a family gathering? Badum tsss! And I’m not even trying to be that manly man who’s trying to act real tough against the big bad horror movie in order to protect his masculinity, but I’m really not lying when I tell you that I fell asleep while watching The Nun. The Nun!? More like "two people walking around a boring forest for two hours where nothing happens ever ASMR," bazinga! No but really, that movie was super snooze inducing, and that means something substantial because any bravado coming from me while watching a horror movie is completely accidental, like when I'm chomping on chips too loudly that I somehow miss the jump scare and seem totally unfazed. Anyway, like I was saying, ghost tales just don’t do much for me unfortunately, and I kind of wish that they did because they're so popular and it's hard to find a horror flick that doesn't deal in the supernatural in some way. I wish that I could be like the cool kids, 'cause the cool kids they seem to fit in. I mean, why do you think characters in stories always need so much extra help from the atmosphere where they’re all sitting around a camp fire in the dark and the vibe is already freaky!? It’s because they’re the kinds of stories that need a lot of more seasoning in order for the audience to get a full course meal. In other words... I ain't 'fraid of no ghost.
And yes, I'm well aware that I’m literally talking like the first guy to get killed in a horror movie, but I’m just saying that while paranormal stories are great for metaphors about grief or moving on from a loved one or fear about the unknown; they don’t do much in the way of giving me the heebie-jeebies. But that doesn't mean I don't like them, and that’s where the Dark is Night books enter the picture, because I consider them to be some the best out there, and I’m not just talking about “for a paranormal book,” but rather just the best of the best of all time, the GOAT, if you will. Oh yeah, I should probably talk about the story, huh? After the recent passing of his Chinese mother (that’s important to the story, I’m not just listing her race for no reason, otherwise I'd have already said this review is written by a Chinese reader), Benji is given an ultimatum by his Tywin Lannister-esque father who tells him that he’ll either take the job offered to him by a family friend and marry a woman he doesn’t know, or be disowned altogether. Now, that kind of job security might sound pretty cool on a base level, but the only problem is that Benji is in love with his bestie and longtime roommate from when they schooled at Whisperwood, Preston, and given the off chance that the lovable oaf might feel the same, Benji is more than willing to give up the surety of the future in exchange for one full of happiness with the man of his dreams. Okay, that’s about it, I loved this when I first read it, I love it EVEN MORE NOW! Sorry for yelling, but I’m just super excited because it’s not every day when you find a story that transcends genre to the point where you can read it any time of the day, any time of the year. It's not a Halloween read, it's an "all-the-time" kind of thing. So yeah, when I first read A Shimmer in the Night, I just thought it was a fun extension to the mainline story, but now after reading book three, the book that features Benji and Preston proper, I was surprised at how important this short story actually was to the main narrative. Like, to the point where I almost felt like required reading in order to understand the full context. Well, you can go into The Wrath of Wolves and still have a great time, but A Shimmer in the Night has such a great hook leading into book three that it made me the same kind of hyped that people get over superhero movies. You know that one video where somebody took the audio of people screaming in the theater during Avengers: Endgame and put it over the scene where Bob Odenkirk shows up in Little Women? Yeah well, that's me, but for real.
“I did not need any more assistance making a fool of myself.”
The thing is, whenever a side story is released in a universe with a grander narrative, they almost never actually move the needle too far so that the mainline canon doesn’t get tarnished by a mere side story, but the real test of a author’s skill is whether or not they can write a companion piece that not only enriches what came before and what will come after, but also serve as its own completely satisfying narrative in its own right. That’s my way of saying that A Shimmer in the Night is a spectacular story in its own right, and it masterfully introduces two new main characters with Benji and Preston while also widening the larger narrative without making things feel like a convoluted mess in the same vein of the MCU. So look, Benji and Preston have always been my favorite couple from this series over even James and… William(?)… simply because I can’t get enough of the sensitive boy looked after by a sweetheart popular guy trope. I know I’m always talking shit about tropes, but you know what? That one can say. I think it’s probably obvious that I romance Alex in Stardew Valley every time, so me falling for Preston’s “jock with a heart” persona from the first page he showed up was a given. Besides, I can’t deny that I relate to Benji so much it actually hurt to read his side of the story. In fact, having this be entirely narrated by him had me going "yup, I know that's right" at literally every couple of sentences. "It's personal, myself and I, we got some straightening out to do" and all that. Just the way that Benji often falls back on the comfortable rather than seeking his own happiness due to his constant reliance on protection from Preston is informed by his racial background. The fact that he's often been cast in a diminutive light (with even his nickname adding to this) is very common with how Asian Americans are commonly treated well into adulthood, and seeing Asians infantilized to the point of pet-hood is a very real thing. So, I loved how the character development (from the third book mostly) had both Benji growing out of resting on his laurels and Preston learning how to see Benji as a man he could love in his own right rather than a princess in the castle that he has to save all by himself. Did I mention that Benji's great? His insecurities and strengths work as both being an incredibly powerful narrative tool and also just being relatable to any reader... but especially this reader. The way Benji learns how to survive without ever losing pride in his Chinese heritage is something I personally had to deal with back in the day.
I specifically remember in Middle School how a lot of the other Asians in my class would go out of their way to degrade themselves by making “Asian jokes” to non-Asian folks in order to fit in easier, and while you can argue that they had to do so to survive the harsh landscape of school bullies or whatever, all I remember thinking at the time was that they were fucking traitors. Well, actually I still think that, and I know I should have more empathy for them at this point, but just thinking about my brethren debasing their culture, my culture, by making a jester out of themselves in order to get a couple laughs still makes my blood boil. And these are the people that almost always tried to "reclaim" their Asian heritage way later in high school or whatever where they started making being Asian their whole personality... and I'm sorry, but you're too late, my guy, people don't forget! Never forgive, never forget, that's what I always say. Look, I know should be over this by now, be more charitable and blah blah blah, but remember, I'm the guy who dies first in the horror movie, so I have to be an asshole! Anyway, grudges and petty angers aren't what this story is about, because despite always being made to feel like an outsider due to his racial background (and to a lesser extent, his sexuality), Benji still has a deep love and confidence for who he is. Never once is he ashamed to come from where he came from, and I think that’s a beautiful way to write a story featuring a mixed race main character. I always ready myself to flinch at the violent flash-backs of that bit in Eleanor & Park where Rainbow Rowell has the Asian dude who's named Park for some reason do a Kung Fu kick to save her self-insert whenever there’s an Asian in a story, so finding a story like A Shimmer in the Night that’s not only empathetic, but also accurate, is like a dream to me. This is a wonderful series! And sure, every character speaks like they're in The Outsiders, all calling each other “honey” and “dear” and whatnot, but I really do think that adds to the charm. They’re books that wear their heart on a sleeve, and that kind of genuine authenticity isn’t anything to scoff at. Besides, if nothing else, these books are always just so much fun because they let us peak into a fantasy world where there are men who are in touch with their emotions. Can you imagine? And not to end this like the final paragraph of Looking for Alaska, but woah, it's so beautiful over there.
In the garden, I see, west purple shower bells and tea / Orange birds and river cousins dressed in green / Pretty music, I hear, so happy and loud / Blue flowers echo from a cherry cloud.
Hey, what the heck? This was supposed to be a Halloween read, and yet here I am sitting and tearing up something fierce over the indomitable spirit of queer love! They're going to try despite the stigma of the time period, isn't that powerful!? Look, I know I haven’t really been good about reading horror books for the spookiest season, but you know how it is... reading's hard! What I have been doing is going through all the horror movies (even the stinkers) that Tubi and HBO Max have to offer, and I’ve come to the conclusion that… I don’t think I find ghost stories all that scary. Sure, I’ll lose my shit at literally any jump scare a paranormal flick could throw at me, but remember that I also jump at the loud noises I accidentally make when I drop something, so that’s hardly a high bar to clear. Besides, the stuff I really find scary is either the quasi realistic stuff like The Strangers, Eden Lake, or Hush, where it’s a story you could kind of, almost, imagine yourself in, or the super out there psychological horror like Twilight Zone or the Smile movies. I still liked The Conjuring, but that doesn’t mean it’s keeping me up at night! Well, that’s not true, because all the overly sentimental religious speak and casual mention of a higher power did actually did give me the creeps more than once. Like, is this a horror movie or a family gathering? Badum tsss! And I’m not even trying to be that manly man who’s trying to act real tough against the big bad horror movie in order to protect his masculinity, but I’m really not lying when I tell you that I fell asleep while watching The Nun. The Nun!? More like "two people walking around a boring forest for two hours where nothing happens ever ASMR," bazinga! No but really, that movie was super snooze inducing, and that means something substantial because any bravado coming from me while watching a horror movie is completely accidental, like when I'm chomping on chips too loudly that I somehow miss the jump scare and seem totally unfazed. Anyway, like I was saying, ghost tales just don’t do much for me unfortunately, and I kind of wish that they did because they're so popular and it's hard to find a horror flick that doesn't deal in the supernatural in some way. I wish that I could be like the cool kids, 'cause the cool kids they seem to fit in. I mean, why do you think characters in stories always need so much extra help from the atmosphere where they’re all sitting around a camp fire in the dark and the vibe is already freaky!? It’s because they’re the kinds of stories that need a lot of more seasoning in order for the audience to get a full course meal. In other words... I ain't 'fraid of no ghost.
And yes, I'm well aware that I’m literally talking like the first guy to get killed in a horror movie, but I’m just saying that while paranormal stories are great for metaphors about grief or moving on from a loved one or fear about the unknown; they don’t do much in the way of giving me the heebie-jeebies. But that doesn't mean I don't like them, and that’s where the Dark is Night books enter the picture, because I consider them to be some the best out there, and I’m not just talking about “for a paranormal book,” but rather just the best of the best of all time, the GOAT, if you will. Oh yeah, I should probably talk about the story, huh? After the recent passing of his Chinese mother (that’s important to the story, I’m not just listing her race for no reason, otherwise I'd have already said this review is written by a Chinese reader), Benji is given an ultimatum by his Tywin Lannister-esque father who tells him that he’ll either take the job offered to him by a family friend and marry a woman he doesn’t know, or be disowned altogether. Now, that kind of job security might sound pretty cool on a base level, but the only problem is that Benji is in love with his bestie and longtime roommate from when they schooled at Whisperwood, Preston, and given the off chance that the lovable oaf might feel the same, Benji is more than willing to give up the surety of the future in exchange for one full of happiness with the man of his dreams. Okay, that’s about it, I loved this when I first read it, I love it EVEN MORE NOW! Sorry for yelling, but I’m just super excited because it’s not every day when you find a story that transcends genre to the point where you can read it any time of the day, any time of the year. It's not a Halloween read, it's an "all-the-time" kind of thing. So yeah, when I first read A Shimmer in the Night, I just thought it was a fun extension to the mainline story, but now after reading book three, the book that features Benji and Preston proper, I was surprised at how important this short story actually was to the main narrative. Like, to the point where I almost felt like required reading in order to understand the full context. Well, you can go into The Wrath of Wolves and still have a great time, but A Shimmer in the Night has such a great hook leading into book three that it made me the same kind of hyped that people get over superhero movies. You know that one video where somebody took the audio of people screaming in the theater during Avengers: Endgame and put it over the scene where Bob Odenkirk shows up in Little Women? Yeah well, that's me, but for real.
“I did not need any more assistance making a fool of myself.”
The thing is, whenever a side story is released in a universe with a grander narrative, they almost never actually move the needle too far so that the mainline canon doesn’t get tarnished by a mere side story, but the real test of a author’s skill is whether or not they can write a companion piece that not only enriches what came before and what will come after, but also serve as its own completely satisfying narrative in its own right. That’s my way of saying that A Shimmer in the Night is a spectacular story in its own right, and it masterfully introduces two new main characters with Benji and Preston while also widening the larger narrative without making things feel like a convoluted mess in the same vein of the MCU. So look, Benji and Preston have always been my favorite couple from this series over even James and… William(?)… simply because I can’t get enough of the sensitive boy looked after by a sweetheart popular guy trope. I know I’m always talking shit about tropes, but you know what? That one can say. I think it’s probably obvious that I romance Alex in Stardew Valley every time, so me falling for Preston’s “jock with a heart” persona from the first page he showed up was a given. Besides, I can’t deny that I relate to Benji so much it actually hurt to read his side of the story. In fact, having this be entirely narrated by him had me going "yup, I know that's right" at literally every couple of sentences. "It's personal, myself and I, we got some straightening out to do" and all that. Just the way that Benji often falls back on the comfortable rather than seeking his own happiness due to his constant reliance on protection from Preston is informed by his racial background. The fact that he's often been cast in a diminutive light (with even his nickname adding to this) is very common with how Asian Americans are commonly treated well into adulthood, and seeing Asians infantilized to the point of pet-hood is a very real thing. So, I loved how the character development (from the third book mostly) had both Benji growing out of resting on his laurels and Preston learning how to see Benji as a man he could love in his own right rather than a princess in the castle that he has to save all by himself. Did I mention that Benji's great? His insecurities and strengths work as both being an incredibly powerful narrative tool and also just being relatable to any reader... but especially this reader. The way Benji learns how to survive without ever losing pride in his Chinese heritage is something I personally had to deal with back in the day.
I specifically remember in Middle School how a lot of the other Asians in my class would go out of their way to degrade themselves by making “Asian jokes” to non-Asian folks in order to fit in easier, and while you can argue that they had to do so to survive the harsh landscape of school bullies or whatever, all I remember thinking at the time was that they were fucking traitors. Well, actually I still think that, and I know I should have more empathy for them at this point, but just thinking about my brethren debasing their culture, my culture, by making a jester out of themselves in order to get a couple laughs still makes my blood boil. And these are the people that almost always tried to "reclaim" their Asian heritage way later in high school or whatever where they started making being Asian their whole personality... and I'm sorry, but you're too late, my guy, people don't forget! Never forgive, never forget, that's what I always say. Look, I know should be over this by now, be more charitable and blah blah blah, but remember, I'm the guy who dies first in the horror movie, so I have to be an asshole! Anyway, grudges and petty angers aren't what this story is about, because despite always being made to feel like an outsider due to his racial background (and to a lesser extent, his sexuality), Benji still has a deep love and confidence for who he is. Never once is he ashamed to come from where he came from, and I think that’s a beautiful way to write a story featuring a mixed race main character. I always ready myself to flinch at the violent flash-backs of that bit in Eleanor & Park where Rainbow Rowell has the Asian dude who's named Park for some reason do a Kung Fu kick to save her self-insert whenever there’s an Asian in a story, so finding a story like A Shimmer in the Night that’s not only empathetic, but also accurate, is like a dream to me. This is a wonderful series! And sure, every character speaks like they're in The Outsiders, all calling each other “honey” and “dear” and whatnot, but I really do think that adds to the charm. They’re books that wear their heart on a sleeve, and that kind of genuine authenticity isn’t anything to scoff at. Besides, if nothing else, these books are always just so much fun because they let us peak into a fantasy world where there are men who are in touch with their emotions. Can you imagine? And not to end this like the final paragraph of Looking for Alaska, but woah, it's so beautiful over there.
In the garden, I see, west purple shower bells and tea / Orange birds and river cousins dressed in green / Pretty music, I hear, so happy and loud / Blue flowers echo from a cherry cloud.
May 5, 2023
✰ 4.5 stars ✰
“Never in all my years have I been so desperate to reach out and touch him.”
Transitional story it may be, but I ADORED A Shimmer in the Night. I can't even find the words to express how beautifully it was written, how in such limited words, we are offered SO MUCH! The glimpses into Benji's and Preston's friendship, Benji's family life and how much he's suffered for his ethnicity, their POVs on the events of the earlier books, their own feelings - O-M-G - THE PINING!!! THE YEARNING! 🫠🫠
The gorgeously written prose, I am IN LOVE with Kelley and Rowan's style of...it's like a melodious rhythm of words that flows directly into your heart, that makes you feel the intensity of the want and hesitancy of tipping over the precarious foothold that Benji and Preston's friendship has. 🥺 And as always, the opening lines that wins over my heart - that defines the entirety of feelings that the future story will entail.
“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.” – Oscar Wilde
I have such a soft sport for these soft boys - I never knew how much this series would grow on me - how much my heart aches for not only their own inner conflicts for the war of feelings waging in their heart, but their own personal familial troubles. ❤️🩹 Benji's mother has just passed away and for him to face the monstrosity of his father - the cruelty in which he dismisses his Chinese heritage - the complete disregard for his own future - promising off in hand of marriage for the sake of business liaisons - Benji was so torn, so broken over the grief and the onslaught of troubles that he was immediately afflicted with, so reaching out to Preston for help was only second nature to him.
“I can sleep wherever you want me to.”
In my room. In my bed. I want him as close to me as I can manage. “I want you to be wherever you are most comfortable, Preston.”
“Which is wherever you want me.”
The beauty of their strong bond - the familiarity and ease at which they moved around each other - the subtle intimacy of their lingering touches - tenderly raw with their unspoken glances I AM WEAK! I'm sorry - I'm just a sucker for pining WRITTEN WELL - that leaps off the pages - I will gush the heck out of it! 🩷🩷 Benji and Preston were so precious and so completely enamored with each other - their pining and desire for each other - the ache for something more was so very palpable - in their actions - in their words.
“See? Insufferable.”
“I think you adore me.” He laughed and reached for my hands. I allowed myself to be caught because, really, any excuse to let him touch me was a good one.
“Do I?”
“One hundred and ten percent.”
Lord, those smiles of his made me a complete wreck. I swallowed hard.
“What makes you so certain?”
“Because you’d not put up with me otherwise.”
He had me there. Entirely out of reflex and without thought, I pulled one of my hands free from his and lifted it, fingers ghosting against his cheek.
Rather than draw back or startle at the touch, Preston’s smile softened into something less playful and more curious, almost appraising. The intimacy of that expression made it difficult to breathe.”
And how the authors masterfully weaved it into Benji's own troubles, how he reached out to Preston in his time of need - for comfort, for support, for warmth, for just feeling his own worth. My heart gobbled up every minutia glimpse we were offered of his harboring crush for his best friend. 😟😟 I am a hopeless romantic at heart - I know all there is about unrequited love - the hesitancy of not knowing if feelings are reciprocated - afraid to change the status of the friendship they hold so dear. And here, in less than 100 pages - Benji's love for Preston was real - and if only, he could realize that it was returned in kind... ♥️
“We were at a stalemate, neither of us willing to ask the other to sacrifice.
So my answer, as it so often did, came out vague and noncommittal. “I want you to do what makes you happiest, Preston.”
His hand fell away from my arm, and he exhaled heavily enough that it was almost a sigh. “I know, Benji. I know.”
And my ABSOLUTE favorite - this one small phrase alone...
“Without anyone to hold my heart…”
😥😥😥😥
I loved that these short stories fill in so many missing glimpses into their past lives - to revisit Whisperwood and fill in the blanks - to see their first meeting - to love Oliver again - to feel the sadness at his death - to see James and William through their eyes - yes, I will talk about them, because James is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend, the wonderful protagonist - one of my book boyfriends for this year. So, just to see how much their relationship is viewed from Benji and Preston's eyes - that they, too, want something as meaningful, as precious, full of purpose and want of care to be for someone - would I NOT mention it?? 🩵🩵🩵🩵
“You’re too sweet to me.”
“I feel I’m honest, not sweet. I believe that’s why you, Frances, and Spencer were so drawn to one another. You share that trait.”
Preston laughs. “Recklessness?”
I give him a pointed look. “Spencer has you all beat with the ‘reckless’ attribute.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
“God, please, no.” I chuckle and fish the house key from my pocket. “I prefer you safe and sound and not in harm’s way.”
“You don’t think I share his natural skill at keeping out of actual trouble?”
“His ‘natural skill’ at keeping out of trouble is named William Esher.”
🥰🥰🥰
And as much as this is short reprieve is about Benji and Preston's last steps before they step forward into the unknown future together with their lingering affection, it is also about Benji finding out who he is and what his place in the world is after his mother passes away. So much of his life was sheltered and guided by his mother's hand to make his decisions for him - so for him, to not only grieve for her, but also to understand that he is allowed now to make his own choices that suited him best - that was the growth he needed from his time away from Preston that would propel him to make the next step in his life.
To either follow his mother's wishes or follow his heart, when he realizes that it could be one and the same... 🤍 That final moment at his mother's grave just tore at my heart - the ache of just seeing her again will forever haunt him - literally and figuratively - and how it was captured in the few words simply grabbed my heart.
“I’m sorry for that. I suppose…I hadn’t any idea of what to say. Or if there was a purpose to it. Rather unfortunate that I’ve spent all my life seeing ghosts, and yet I can’t seem to see you.”
Another stellar read - this impeccable soft and lovely writing style, almost poetic to the touch, has gripped my heart and soul - these four boys traveling from their student days at Whisperwood into manhood - their loves and their aches - their feelings and their troubles - I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading this wonderful series. 🥹🥹🥹
“Never in all my years have I been so desperate to reach out and touch him.”
Transitional story it may be, but I ADORED A Shimmer in the Night. I can't even find the words to express how beautifully it was written, how in such limited words, we are offered SO MUCH! The glimpses into Benji's and Preston's friendship, Benji's family life and how much he's suffered for his ethnicity, their POVs on the events of the earlier books, their own feelings - O-M-G - THE PINING!!! THE YEARNING! 🫠🫠
The gorgeously written prose, I am IN LOVE with Kelley and Rowan's style of...it's like a melodious rhythm of words that flows directly into your heart, that makes you feel the intensity of the want and hesitancy of tipping over the precarious foothold that Benji and Preston's friendship has. 🥺 And as always, the opening lines that wins over my heart - that defines the entirety of feelings that the future story will entail.
“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.” – Oscar Wilde
I have such a soft sport for these soft boys - I never knew how much this series would grow on me - how much my heart aches for not only their own inner conflicts for the war of feelings waging in their heart, but their own personal familial troubles. ❤️🩹 Benji's mother has just passed away and for him to face the monstrosity of his father - the cruelty in which he dismisses his Chinese heritage - the complete disregard for his own future - promising off in hand of marriage for the sake of business liaisons - Benji was so torn, so broken over the grief and the onslaught of troubles that he was immediately afflicted with, so reaching out to Preston for help was only second nature to him.
“I can sleep wherever you want me to.”
In my room. In my bed. I want him as close to me as I can manage. “I want you to be wherever you are most comfortable, Preston.”
“Which is wherever you want me.”
The beauty of their strong bond - the familiarity and ease at which they moved around each other - the subtle intimacy of their lingering touches - tenderly raw with their unspoken glances I AM WEAK! I'm sorry - I'm just a sucker for pining WRITTEN WELL - that leaps off the pages - I will gush the heck out of it! 🩷🩷 Benji and Preston were so precious and so completely enamored with each other - their pining and desire for each other - the ache for something more was so very palpable - in their actions - in their words.
“See? Insufferable.”
“I think you adore me.” He laughed and reached for my hands. I allowed myself to be caught because, really, any excuse to let him touch me was a good one.
“Do I?”
“One hundred and ten percent.”
Lord, those smiles of his made me a complete wreck. I swallowed hard.
“What makes you so certain?”
“Because you’d not put up with me otherwise.”
He had me there. Entirely out of reflex and without thought, I pulled one of my hands free from his and lifted it, fingers ghosting against his cheek.
Rather than draw back or startle at the touch, Preston’s smile softened into something less playful and more curious, almost appraising. The intimacy of that expression made it difficult to breathe.”
And how the authors masterfully weaved it into Benji's own troubles, how he reached out to Preston in his time of need - for comfort, for support, for warmth, for just feeling his own worth. My heart gobbled up every minutia glimpse we were offered of his harboring crush for his best friend. 😟😟 I am a hopeless romantic at heart - I know all there is about unrequited love - the hesitancy of not knowing if feelings are reciprocated - afraid to change the status of the friendship they hold so dear. And here, in less than 100 pages - Benji's love for Preston was real - and if only, he could realize that it was returned in kind... ♥️
“We were at a stalemate, neither of us willing to ask the other to sacrifice.
So my answer, as it so often did, came out vague and noncommittal. “I want you to do what makes you happiest, Preston.”
His hand fell away from my arm, and he exhaled heavily enough that it was almost a sigh. “I know, Benji. I know.”
And my ABSOLUTE favorite - this one small phrase alone...
“Without anyone to hold my heart…”
😥😥😥😥
I loved that these short stories fill in so many missing glimpses into their past lives - to revisit Whisperwood and fill in the blanks - to see their first meeting - to love Oliver again - to feel the sadness at his death - to see James and William through their eyes - yes, I will talk about them, because James is the epitome of the perfect boyfriend, the wonderful protagonist - one of my book boyfriends for this year. So, just to see how much their relationship is viewed from Benji and Preston's eyes - that they, too, want something as meaningful, as precious, full of purpose and want of care to be for someone - would I NOT mention it?? 🩵🩵🩵🩵
“You’re too sweet to me.”
“I feel I’m honest, not sweet. I believe that’s why you, Frances, and Spencer were so drawn to one another. You share that trait.”
Preston laughs. “Recklessness?”
I give him a pointed look. “Spencer has you all beat with the ‘reckless’ attribute.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
“God, please, no.” I chuckle and fish the house key from my pocket. “I prefer you safe and sound and not in harm’s way.”
“You don’t think I share his natural skill at keeping out of actual trouble?”
“His ‘natural skill’ at keeping out of trouble is named William Esher.”
🥰🥰🥰
And as much as this is short reprieve is about Benji and Preston's last steps before they step forward into the unknown future together with their lingering affection, it is also about Benji finding out who he is and what his place in the world is after his mother passes away. So much of his life was sheltered and guided by his mother's hand to make his decisions for him - so for him, to not only grieve for her, but also to understand that he is allowed now to make his own choices that suited him best - that was the growth he needed from his time away from Preston that would propel him to make the next step in his life.
To either follow his mother's wishes or follow his heart, when he realizes that it could be one and the same... 🤍 That final moment at his mother's grave just tore at my heart - the ache of just seeing her again will forever haunt him - literally and figuratively - and how it was captured in the few words simply grabbed my heart.
“I’m sorry for that. I suppose…I hadn’t any idea of what to say. Or if there was a purpose to it. Rather unfortunate that I’ve spent all my life seeing ghosts, and yet I can’t seem to see you.”
Another stellar read - this impeccable soft and lovely writing style, almost poetic to the touch, has gripped my heart and soul - these four boys traveling from their student days at Whisperwood into manhood - their loves and their aches - their feelings and their troubles - I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading this wonderful series. 🥹🥹🥹
March 24, 2025
Incredibly lovely novella about Benjamin and his struggles with finding his place in the world after graduating Whisperwood, when his mother, the only support system he's had, passed away.
I really loved getting to know Benji and I can't wait to get to his and Preston's story. They're so damn sweet together and I want more 😍
I really loved getting to know Benji and I can't wait to get to his and Preston's story. They're so damn sweet together and I want more 😍
August 20, 2023
2.75 stars
January 24, 2019
Benjamin Prichard and Preston Alexander played a significant role at Whisperwood School for Boys, as friends of James Spencer and William Esher and allies in their investigation of the murder of a fellow friend and student, not to mention being integral to their surviving the malevolence that pervaded the hallowed halls of the school—both a human and an incorporeal evil. As the tease at the end of A Hymn in the Silence, book two in the Dark Is the Night series, in which James and William found themselves in a fight for their lives, and for each other, it was revealed there would be a change of scenery for Preston while James and William take some much-needed and well-deserved time off from their nightmare inducing investigative duties. The fact that Preston is sore-hearted as he sits at his Aunt Eleanor’s table is evident to one and all. The reason he is hurting is further explored in this short novel, and it is every bit as touching as I anticipated his and Benjamin’s story would be, based on that single scene alone. But, if there is any one takeaway from my experience with this writing duo, it is to never attempt to predict where they will take me. They have conveyed an emotional and gripping story in A Shimmer in the Night, and it is, not surprisingly, lyrical and altogether beautiful.
A Shimmer in the Night is best read as a transition book. It’s the narrative that threads ever more connective tissue between what had happened during, and at the end of, Year Three at Whisperwood, it discloses how close Benji and Preston have become over the years, and it also gives readers the full scope of the events which led to Preston agreeing to deliver a mysterious—most probably sinister—package to America on behalf of his Aunt Eleanor’s client. Allowing Preston to bait the hook at the end of Hymn and then allowing Benji’s capable voice and gentle hands to reel me into their story was a masterstroke of the old bait-and-switch. Preston is everything stalwart and adoring and wonderful, but Benji’s backstory is, inarguably, more interesting by miles, the emotional quotient much higher than for Preston, and I quickly recognized that there is little more poignant than watching two people in love longing for what they believe they can’t have, and denying themselves of each other out of fear and what they each assume is in the other’s best interest.
Benji being bicultural leaves him straddling a no man’s land between two diametrically opposed worlds. He is neither Chinese nor English, he is both and yet is not accepted as either. But perhaps the greater sin, according to his own father, is that Benjamin dares to exist at all. He is little more to Franklin Hale than an unfortunate consequence of a nearly two decades affair with Liu Yang, Benji’s beloved mother, and I am so grateful to York and Altwood for offering this novella as a setup to the next book in the series. Benji is a character who has already lost so much, and could lose again, but he also has so much to gain as he makes what is sure to be his first life-altering decision, and I can say without hesitation that I already love that he and Preston are taking on a more significant role in the series.
Fair warning here, if you tend to be a completionist, prepare to set that aside for now, as A Shimmer in the Night ends at the perfect tease for the beginning of Preston and Benji’s journey. The prevailing paranormal aspects of the series are also more muted in this novella, apart from knowing that Benji can see ghosts, as the story is meant to focus on character revelations and give readers the setup for his and Preston’s future involvement in the series arc. The bittersweetness that pervades their every interaction, and the entirety of their relationship, is the promise that there will be much to love as their story takes center stage in the series.
A Shimmer in the Night is best read as a transition book. It’s the narrative that threads ever more connective tissue between what had happened during, and at the end of, Year Three at Whisperwood, it discloses how close Benji and Preston have become over the years, and it also gives readers the full scope of the events which led to Preston agreeing to deliver a mysterious—most probably sinister—package to America on behalf of his Aunt Eleanor’s client. Allowing Preston to bait the hook at the end of Hymn and then allowing Benji’s capable voice and gentle hands to reel me into their story was a masterstroke of the old bait-and-switch. Preston is everything stalwart and adoring and wonderful, but Benji’s backstory is, inarguably, more interesting by miles, the emotional quotient much higher than for Preston, and I quickly recognized that there is little more poignant than watching two people in love longing for what they believe they can’t have, and denying themselves of each other out of fear and what they each assume is in the other’s best interest.
Benji being bicultural leaves him straddling a no man’s land between two diametrically opposed worlds. He is neither Chinese nor English, he is both and yet is not accepted as either. But perhaps the greater sin, according to his own father, is that Benjamin dares to exist at all. He is little more to Franklin Hale than an unfortunate consequence of a nearly two decades affair with Liu Yang, Benji’s beloved mother, and I am so grateful to York and Altwood for offering this novella as a setup to the next book in the series. Benji is a character who has already lost so much, and could lose again, but he also has so much to gain as he makes what is sure to be his first life-altering decision, and I can say without hesitation that I already love that he and Preston are taking on a more significant role in the series.
Fair warning here, if you tend to be a completionist, prepare to set that aside for now, as A Shimmer in the Night ends at the perfect tease for the beginning of Preston and Benji’s journey. The prevailing paranormal aspects of the series are also more muted in this novella, apart from knowing that Benji can see ghosts, as the story is meant to focus on character revelations and give readers the setup for his and Preston’s future involvement in the series arc. The bittersweetness that pervades their every interaction, and the entirety of their relationship, is the promise that there will be much to love as their story takes center stage in the series.
December 22, 2020
This little novella wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I still came to love it and Benji (almost) as much as I do James, William, and the first two books.
I will admit, it took a little while to adjust to reading something in this series that didn’t follow James or William — I think it’s safe to say that they’ve become my main boys — but as the plot progressed, simple as it was, I found myself appreciating Benji more and more. I also like, as mentioned in the author’s note at the end of the book, that each book thus far has been a different personal struggle for every boy it has followed. Admittedly, I don’t think I would’ve thought twice about Benji’s heritage and ethnicity, so this little story, set in a time in which racism was very much rampant, was a nice touch while also managing to match the tone of the rest of the series.
Though the plot wasn’t as packed as the first two books — which was expected, as it’s a much shorter novella — I loved the way the story managed to transition so smoothly from Benji in Whisperwood to Benji post-Whisperwood. York and Altwood managed those transitions extremely smoothly, which I think is impressive because some books I’ve read in the past definitely have some rough time jumps. And, I really appreciate that James and William weren’t totally isolated by being the only boys at their 19th century all-boys boarding school who found attraction in other boys. Both authors do an incredible job in handling different sexualities so casually, while also writing it in a way that is realistic to the set time period.
Of all book series’ I’ve ever read — both traditional and indie alike — I think the ‘Dark is the Night’ series does one of the best jobs in being totally engaging across ALL of its books, and not just the first one, because I usually prefer standalones for the reason that, sometimes, books in a series pale in comparison to the first book. But, this series is definitely not lagging in any of the action or emotional attachment.
(Edited To Add: If there is one bit of criticism I have for this book, it would be that, sometimes, Benji switching back and forth between referring to a person as their first name or their last name got a little confusing. It wasn’t too bad, but since a lot of the characters have last names that could also be first names (ex: Preston Alexander), it took a moment to figure out who was who. )
Overall, I found myself loving this little novella and the different POV more than I thought I would, and I definitely recommend it to any loyal followers of this series! (And if you haven’t read the first two books yet... what, exactly, are you doing with your life?)
I will admit, it took a little while to adjust to reading something in this series that didn’t follow James or William — I think it’s safe to say that they’ve become my main boys — but as the plot progressed, simple as it was, I found myself appreciating Benji more and more. I also like, as mentioned in the author’s note at the end of the book, that each book thus far has been a different personal struggle for every boy it has followed. Admittedly, I don’t think I would’ve thought twice about Benji’s heritage and ethnicity, so this little story, set in a time in which racism was very much rampant, was a nice touch while also managing to match the tone of the rest of the series.
Though the plot wasn’t as packed as the first two books — which was expected, as it’s a much shorter novella — I loved the way the story managed to transition so smoothly from Benji in Whisperwood to Benji post-Whisperwood. York and Altwood managed those transitions extremely smoothly, which I think is impressive because some books I’ve read in the past definitely have some rough time jumps. And, I really appreciate that James and William weren’t totally isolated by being the only boys at their 19th century all-boys boarding school who found attraction in other boys. Both authors do an incredible job in handling different sexualities so casually, while also writing it in a way that is realistic to the set time period.
Of all book series’ I’ve ever read — both traditional and indie alike — I think the ‘Dark is the Night’ series does one of the best jobs in being totally engaging across ALL of its books, and not just the first one, because I usually prefer standalones for the reason that, sometimes, books in a series pale in comparison to the first book. But, this series is definitely not lagging in any of the action or emotional attachment.
(Edited To Add: If there is one bit of criticism I have for this book, it would be that, sometimes, Benji switching back and forth between referring to a person as their first name or their last name got a little confusing. It wasn’t too bad, but since a lot of the characters have last names that could also be first names (ex: Preston Alexander), it took a moment to figure out who was who. )
Overall, I found myself loving this little novella and the different POV more than I thought I would, and I definitely recommend it to any loyal followers of this series! (And if you haven’t read the first two books yet... what, exactly, are you doing with your life?)
April 17, 2021
Another charming installment in the Dark is the Night series.
I came to really care for the protagonist, Benjamin. And while William is still my favorite character of the series (thus far), Benji is definitely a very close second. Also a super minor detail that I liked was the fact that he's vegetarian and how it was accepted among his friends without him having to explain himself or ever be subjected to jokes or ridicule (at least from that).
His love interest, Preston, struck me as fairly bland, but I'm hoping we'll get to know him better in book 3, where he, along with Benji, will be a narrator.
Since this novella is dual-timeline and shows us slightly different angles of some of the events of book 1, along with what I assume is mostly the timeline of book 2, some of the events at Whisperwood were not as engaging and it seemed as though their inclusion didn't add much to the story overall, other than showing the gradual development of Benji's and Preston's relationship. I did enjoy the scene where William put the bully in his place in the fabulous William Esher manner. Otherwise, I was much more interested in the other timeline and Benji's current predicament.
All in all, it was very enjoyable and I'm excited to pick up book 3!
I came to really care for the protagonist, Benjamin. And while William is still my favorite character of the series (thus far), Benji is definitely a very close second. Also a super minor detail that I liked was the fact that he's vegetarian and how it was accepted among his friends without him having to explain himself or ever be subjected to jokes or ridicule (at least from that).
His love interest, Preston, struck me as fairly bland, but I'm hoping we'll get to know him better in book 3, where he, along with Benji, will be a narrator.
Since this novella is dual-timeline and shows us slightly different angles of some of the events of book 1, along with what I assume is mostly the timeline of book 2, some of the events at Whisperwood were not as engaging and it seemed as though their inclusion didn't add much to the story overall, other than showing the gradual development of Benji's and Preston's relationship. I did enjoy the scene where William put the bully in his place in the fabulous William Esher manner. Otherwise, I was much more interested in the other timeline and Benji's current predicament.
All in all, it was very enjoyable and I'm excited to pick up book 3!
February 12, 2023
I’m glad we got to see more of Benji, and I can’t wait to meet him again in the third book.
November 28, 2020
At first I was like: Hm, I'd rather have a novella about those two teachers that clearly had something going on...
Then I was like: Wait. Best friends? Possibly mutual unrequieted love angst? Sign me up!
Afterwards I was like: Damn, give me more of Preston and Benji!
Long story short: I didn't know I wanted this till I had it in my hands and started reading. I didn't know I needed this till I arrived at the last page and craved more - and luckily there is!
I loved reading Benji's story and how he tries to live up to his mother's dreams and expectations despite knowing in his heart that it's not what HE truly wants. Meanwhile he also struggles with not fitting in anywhere due to being mixed race and his feelings for his best friend.
Damn, is Preston the only one of these boys who does not have some tragic backstory (for now)?
This novella also dives a little bit into their life at Whisperwood before and while the mystery from the first book was going on and yes, everything about a certain death still makes me cry.
Then I was like: Wait. Best friends? Possibly mutual unrequieted love angst? Sign me up!
Afterwards I was like: Damn, give me more of Preston and Benji!
Long story short: I didn't know I wanted this till I had it in my hands and started reading. I didn't know I needed this till I arrived at the last page and craved more - and luckily there is!
I loved reading Benji's story and how he tries to live up to his mother's dreams and expectations despite knowing in his heart that it's not what HE truly wants. Meanwhile he also struggles with not fitting in anywhere due to being mixed race and his feelings for his best friend.
Damn, is Preston the only one of these boys who does not have some tragic backstory (for now)?
This novella also dives a little bit into their life at Whisperwood before and while the mystery from the first book was going on and yes, everything about a certain death still makes me cry.
January 3, 2019
Ms. York and Ms. Rowan sure know how to pack a punch in a short amount of time! The writing, like always, is so beautiful and the story just grabbed a hold of me and wouldn't let go.
This novella was so emotional, my heart hurt for Benjamin and all he was going through. I was so happy he had Preston, but that was such a double-edged sword for them, considering the time period!
I loved how we got to go back in time to Whisperwood, to see how their friendship began.
I really cannot wait to see what is to come for Benji and Preston, this was just a taste of what I'm sure will be another wonderful story in the Dark is the Night world-I don't think I will ever get enough of this series!
July 15, 2019
“Because you’re... You’re you. I trust you more than I trust anyone else.”
I love knowing more about Benji and Preston in this novella. I love how the story went back and forth between the present, his childhood and the times at Whisperwoods. I feel so much for Benji and would kill for him. He is so precious and I can kind of relate to him the most out of the boys in this series. The writing is still beautiful and I love where the story is going. Preston seems like such a sunshine so I can’t wait to have more of him and Benji in the next one!
I love knowing more about Benji and Preston in this novella. I love how the story went back and forth between the present, his childhood and the times at Whisperwoods. I feel so much for Benji and would kill for him. He is so precious and I can kind of relate to him the most out of the boys in this series. The writing is still beautiful and I love where the story is going. Preston seems like such a sunshine so I can’t wait to have more of him and Benji in the next one!
March 27, 2020
I think I like Preston and Benjamin more than I like James and William. Their relationship just seems more authentic to me and it kills me. This one had less action and less ghosts in it, but it was more about the development and the connections between the characters, so that’s understandable. It was quick and short and functions well as a sort of transition novel between the second book and the third book. I love Benjamin and I can’t wait to read a whole book about him and Preston.
August 22, 2020
3.5
I loved this look into Benji’s life both during Whisperwood and after. It was fascinating to see how his friendship with Preston evolved and my heart broke both for the glimpses of Frances we see before everything happens, and for the fact that PRESTON AND BENJI ARE CLEARLY IN LOVE BUT BOTH SO OBLIVIOUS TO EACH OTHER!!
Though I’m excited to see what happens in Wrath of Wolves.
I loved this look into Benji’s life both during Whisperwood and after. It was fascinating to see how his friendship with Preston evolved and my heart broke both for the glimpses of Frances we see before everything happens, and for the fact that PRESTON AND BENJI ARE CLEARLY IN LOVE BUT BOTH SO OBLIVIOUS TO EACH OTHER!!
Though I’m excited to see what happens in Wrath of Wolves.
July 17, 2023
Short, but very good, actually. Apparently, I'm quite invested in this series as I seem unable to stop reading about James, William, Preston, and Benjamin. While this was about Benjamin's, I quite liked to see more of him.
Also, will I ever be able to cope with what happened to Oscar?
Also, will I ever be able to cope with what happened to Oscar?
January 16, 2019
Don't tell my boss' but I read it during work. I started during the lunch break and I found myself unable to set it down.
Benji has officially won my heart over from James (sorry James).
Benji has officially won my heart over from James (sorry James).
April 3, 2019
LOVE! I love, love, love Benji. <3 <3 <3 I can't wait for Benji and Preston's book! #gimme
January 2, 2019
Ooooh, new fun characters to follow and obsess over! This is shaping up to be a very interesting series. Each instalment tackles a different social issue of the Victorian era - which, of course, carry over strongly into the present. I look forward to continuing.
January 14, 2019
Good! I really like this look into Benjamin (and Preston). SAD, though. Almost all of it was super sad. Huff! But I'm definitely ready for book three, whenever that's coming!!
January 3, 2019
Ok, good news. This is just a transition book to Preston and Benji having a full book. It was short and I was worried when no love connection was made. I really enjoy this series! I cannot wait for their full story.
January 24, 2019
NOOOOOOO come on that was more like the start of a book, you can't just leave it there
November 21, 2019
My favorite of the series so far! I can’t wait to read the continuation of Benjamin and Preston’s story in The Wrath of Wolves when it comes out.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
January 1, 2019
A Shimmer in the Light brings us more of Benji and Preston, two friends of the MC’s from A Light Amongst Shadows, and I loved returning to that world. The Dark is the Night series is quickly starting to become one of my favorite YA series, the ones I love to re-read again and again.
I’ve never before come across such a wonderful combination of crime/mystery, humor, romance and nerve-wrecking bumps in the night. I so admire the authors’ skill in bringing us stories full of eerie ghostly apparitions on the one hand and surprising emotional depth on the other. The writing is a delight to read, both evocative and fluent, the pacing excellent. I love the attention to historical details, and how subtly the authors weave them into the story.
Benjamin's struggle feels so real, he finds himself in a very difficult position, both with regards to financial security as well as the dangers he faces as a gay man in Victorian England, to say nothing of his mixed heritage and illegitimacy. I think it’s great that he struggles so with what the right thing to do is. It adds a nice touch of realism, and really shows how strong his feelings are. It wouldn't have been very believable if he’d just gone and risked everything without a thought for all the possible consequences. Everything Preston and Benji feel for each other is touched upon so delicately and subtly, they are so careful not to speak out loud what they both know exists between them. Loved that.
This was a wonderful way to get to know these boys better and gain more insight into how the events of A Light Amongst Shadows affected them. Some of the flashbacks we get nearly broke my heart.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I’ve never before come across such a wonderful combination of crime/mystery, humor, romance and nerve-wrecking bumps in the night. I so admire the authors’ skill in bringing us stories full of eerie ghostly apparitions on the one hand and surprising emotional depth on the other. The writing is a delight to read, both evocative and fluent, the pacing excellent. I love the attention to historical details, and how subtly the authors weave them into the story.
Benjamin's struggle feels so real, he finds himself in a very difficult position, both with regards to financial security as well as the dangers he faces as a gay man in Victorian England, to say nothing of his mixed heritage and illegitimacy. I think it’s great that he struggles so with what the right thing to do is. It adds a nice touch of realism, and really shows how strong his feelings are. It wouldn't have been very believable if he’d just gone and risked everything without a thought for all the possible consequences. Everything Preston and Benji feel for each other is touched upon so delicately and subtly, they are so careful not to speak out loud what they both know exists between them. Loved that.
This was a wonderful way to get to know these boys better and gain more insight into how the events of A Light Amongst Shadows affected them. Some of the flashbacks we get nearly broke my heart.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
October 2, 2021
4.5 stars - This is a very short book, more like a teaser for a complete story.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. Benji is the first mixed race Asian in the West (and also queer!) main character I've ever read, which being my own background, is incredibly special to me.
I loved Benji's relationship with his Chinese mom and I wish we got to see more of it (and her).
One minor complaint: at one point, something is said to be "written in Mandarin" which is not really a thing. Chinese characters are shared by multiple Chinese languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, etc, and generally you would say "written in Chinese." "Standard" Chinese, which is based on Beijing Mandarin, has a corresponding official writing system that differs from, for example, written vernacular Cantonese in modern times, but for general purposes in that time period you would've said "written in Chinese."
One more nitpick about the Mandarin. Why does every Chinese person in this story speak Mandarin? It's a little strange considering most Chinese migrants of that time period were, or were associated with, Cantonese seamen. It would've been nice to have some Cantonese rep, but it is what it is.
I overall really enjoyed this book, so don't let the complaining diminish from that. The backbone of this story - Benji finding his place in English and Chinese culture, and struggling with his relationship with Preston, were beautifully, compassionately, genuinely written. I am looking forward to reading the next books very much!
This is my favorite book in the series so far. Benji is the first mixed race Asian in the West (and also queer!) main character I've ever read, which being my own background, is incredibly special to me.
I loved Benji's relationship with his Chinese mom and I wish we got to see more of it (and her).
One minor complaint: at one point, something is said to be "written in Mandarin" which is not really a thing. Chinese characters are shared by multiple Chinese languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, etc, and generally you would say "written in Chinese." "Standard" Chinese, which is based on Beijing Mandarin, has a corresponding official writing system that differs from, for example, written vernacular Cantonese in modern times, but for general purposes in that time period you would've said "written in Chinese."
One more nitpick about the Mandarin. Why does every Chinese person in this story speak Mandarin? It's a little strange considering most Chinese migrants of that time period were, or were associated with, Cantonese seamen. It would've been nice to have some Cantonese rep, but it is what it is.
I overall really enjoyed this book, so don't let the complaining diminish from that. The backbone of this story - Benji finding his place in English and Chinese culture, and struggling with his relationship with Preston, were beautifully, compassionately, genuinely written. I am looking forward to reading the next books very much!
October 22, 2024
“I think you adore me.” He laughed and reached for my hands. I allowed myself to be caught because, really, any excuse to let him touch me was a good one.
“Do I?”
“One hundred and ten percent.”
[...] Entirely out of reflex and without thought, I pulled one of my hands free from his and lifted it, fingers ghosting against his cheek. Rather than draw back or startle at the touch, Preston’s smile softened into something less playful and more curious, almost appraising. The intimacy of that expression made it difficult to breathe
Oh, how I adored this novella. It's short, but it took me a couple of days to read because I kept crying and being overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and sadness of it.
A Shimmer in the Night is told from Benjamin's POV and revolves around grief and longing. The story alternates between the present and the past, giving us glimpses of Benjamin and Preston's first meeting, their grief over what happened in A Light Amongst Shadows, and the longing that filled their lives at Whisperwood and beyond.
Their intimacy and little touches, combined with beautifully written quotes expressing their longing, reminded me of Natasha Pulley's writing, and that is the highest praise I can offer. This is how much I loved this little book.
This novella serves as a prelude to the last book in the series (at least until a new one comes out), and I truly can’t wait to see Benjamin and Preston finally take that step toward their happiness together ♥
November 10, 2020
Not sure why the author made this a 2.5 rather than just the 3rd book in the series, since it's just about as long and is a different story. This is from both Preston and Benji's POVs detailing what they've been up to since leaving Whisperwood - while James and William have been doing their ghost hunting - as well as giving a lot of information about Benji's background and family life.
It takes place both during their time at Whisperwood, and shows how they ultimately met as well as their friendship with Oscar, as well as the subsequent months where Benji's mother has died and he meets his father for the first time. We learn of Benji's Chinese background (in the first book it's noted by James that he has "some Asian descent" but I found it unclear if that could mean Indian or east Asian in the 1800s vernacular) and of his mother and father's relationship. We also learn that both Preston and Benji have feelings past friendship for one another which also wasn't clear from the first book.
I find both Preston and Benji much more interesting with better developed voice than William so I enjoyed this much more than the 2nd book in the series and even a bit more then the 1st, which adds to why I find it odd this is considered more a novella in the series than a book in it's own right. I look forward to the next book which takes Preston and Benji overseas and more involved with the spiritual world Preston's aunt and their friends are already immersed in.
It takes place both during their time at Whisperwood, and shows how they ultimately met as well as their friendship with Oscar, as well as the subsequent months where Benji's mother has died and he meets his father for the first time. We learn of Benji's Chinese background (in the first book it's noted by James that he has "some Asian descent" but I found it unclear if that could mean Indian or east Asian in the 1800s vernacular) and of his mother and father's relationship. We also learn that both Preston and Benji have feelings past friendship for one another which also wasn't clear from the first book.
I find both Preston and Benji much more interesting with better developed voice than William so I enjoyed this much more than the 2nd book in the series and even a bit more then the 1st, which adds to why I find it odd this is considered more a novella in the series than a book in it's own right. I look forward to the next book which takes Preston and Benji overseas and more involved with the spiritual world Preston's aunt and their friends are already immersed in.
March 7, 2022
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Stars Hollow Vibes -- February Wrap Up || 9 books!
I was pretty curious on whether these authors could make me fall in love with a couple like I did James and William, but wow, they did it, and there’s hardly anything even coupley about them!
While we met both Preston and Benji in the first book, we didn’t get to see nearly enough of them for me to really be invested, but this little novella did it! I appreciated that we stayed in only the one person’s POV for this read, but the alternating timelines did allow me to better know Benji as a character and understand his reliance on Preston. I also enjoyed seeing this time period from the perspective of someone who isn’t white and isn’t from a well-off family.
I swear, if the slow-burn continues in the next book.... oh wee, I’m in for a time. There’s such a strong connection between Preston and Benji, but given the time period and the fear of rejection, there’s still so much keeping them apart. But Benji ain’t gonna let distance be one of those things!!
Stars Hollow Vibes -- February Wrap Up || 9 books!
I was pretty curious on whether these authors could make me fall in love with a couple like I did James and William, but wow, they did it, and there’s hardly anything even coupley about them!
While we met both Preston and Benji in the first book, we didn’t get to see nearly enough of them for me to really be invested, but this little novella did it! I appreciated that we stayed in only the one person’s POV for this read, but the alternating timelines did allow me to better know Benji as a character and understand his reliance on Preston. I also enjoyed seeing this time period from the perspective of someone who isn’t white and isn’t from a well-off family.
I swear, if the slow-burn continues in the next book.... oh wee, I’m in for a time. There’s such a strong connection between Preston and Benji, but given the time period and the fear of rejection, there’s still so much keeping them apart. But Benji ain’t gonna let distance be one of those things!!
April 21, 2019
I loved finding out more about Benji and Preston from A Light Amongst Shadows. Seeing Benji's backstory and experiencing how deep his feelings were for Preston was a gift.
The story goes between that backstory - his own childhood as well as times at Whisperwoods - along with the present. Benji finds out that his mother has died, turning his world upside down, especially with the entry of his absent, rich father, who I might say is an ass. Preston wants and tries to help, but plans of his father's curtail all that. Benji is left to find the courage to do the right thing for himself.
The story goes between that backstory - his own childhood as well as times at Whisperwoods - along with the present. Benji finds out that his mother has died, turning his world upside down, especially with the entry of his absent, rich father, who I might say is an ass. Preston wants and tries to help, but plans of his father's curtail all that. Benji is left to find the courage to do the right thing for himself.
June 14, 2021
I absolutely adore Benji and Preston.
A Shimmer in the Night is a transition novella between the second and third book of the Dark is the Night series. It's an introspection on the characters Benjamin Prichard and Preston Alexander, whom we've encountered in the first book.
I always wish for expansions on side characters and I'm more than thrilled to have gotten this look at how the events of the first book also impacted other characters. Moreover, I love the way some questions about Oscar were answered here.
The touches on discrimination both racial and sexuality-based are very important especially with the time period and I'd love to see how the third book expands on it.
I'm excited for the third book! I would have read this series in 2 days, but honestly, I don't regret it. It's gorgeous.
A Shimmer in the Night is a transition novella between the second and third book of the Dark is the Night series. It's an introspection on the characters Benjamin Prichard and Preston Alexander, whom we've encountered in the first book.
I always wish for expansions on side characters and I'm more than thrilled to have gotten this look at how the events of the first book also impacted other characters. Moreover, I love the way some questions about Oscar were answered here.
The touches on discrimination both racial and sexuality-based are very important especially with the time period and I'd love to see how the third book expands on it.
I'm excited for the third book! I would have read this series in 2 days, but honestly, I don't regret it. It's gorgeous.
November 21, 2019
I love this while series for the way characters facing difficult paranormal and societal problems find strength and courage with the support of those they love. Benji faces his precarious position as a mixed race product of a rich man's indiscretions in this time period with the added problems of being gay and--psychic?--able to see ghosts? This story did it for me from start to finish. A great read.
January 15, 2019
Fills in some of the blanks from A Light Amongst Shadows and gives a tantalizing glimpse of a potential relationship between Benjamin and Preston, but ultimately it raises more questions than it answers, and ends with nothing resolved.
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