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The Light: Who Do You Become When The World Falls Away?
A blinding flash… then darkness.
Four college students are stranded on a country highway in the middle of a November night.
No phones. No car. No lights.
Helpless and hundreds of miles from home, they put their lives in the hands of handsome Jonah Page and his flinty sister, East, strangers who somehow know Bria better than she knows herself. The secrets of Bria’s past provide them with the means to survive the extremes of Mother Nature, and the even more frightening extremes of human nature.
Quietly suspenseful, The Light explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape the person we present to the world, and what happens to that person when the world falls away.
The Light is Book One in this fast-paced, Christian series that will leave you wondering who would I become if the world fell away?
Four college students are stranded on a country highway in the middle of a November night.
No phones. No car. No lights.
Helpless and hundreds of miles from home, they put their lives in the hands of handsome Jonah Page and his flinty sister, East, strangers who somehow know Bria better than she knows herself. The secrets of Bria’s past provide them with the means to survive the extremes of Mother Nature, and the even more frightening extremes of human nature.
Quietly suspenseful, The Light explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape the person we present to the world, and what happens to that person when the world falls away.
The Light is Book One in this fast-paced, Christian series that will leave you wondering who would I become if the world fell away?
280 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2021
694 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Brown
12 books71 followersDr. Jacqueline Brown is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with women and girls who have experienced trauma and entanglement with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. She is consistently amazed at the beauty, hope, and resilience of the women and girls with whom she has had the privilege of working, and she is incredibly humbled and grateful to each of them for allowing her to be part of their lives. She strives to bring that same hope, resilience, and beauty into the characters she creates and the stories they tell. Jacqueline lives in Florida with her husband, their two sons, and two furry pound puppies, Roxy and Bella. Please visit her at Jacqueline-Brown.com to find out more about her writing and to be notified of new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 4, 2021
3.5 Stars!!
A blinding flash … then darkness.
Bria Ford and her three closest friends are stranded on a country highway in the middle of the night. No phones. No car. No lights. Helpless and hundreds of miles from home, they put their lives in the hands of Jonah Page and his sister, East, strangers who somehow know Bria better than she knows herself. As the group bonds to adapt to a new, yet old, way of life, the secrets of Bria’s past provide them with the means to survive the extremes of Nature, and the even more extremes of human nature. The Light explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape the person we present to the world, and what happens to that person when the world falls away.
First off- don’t let my rating keep you away. It was a great start to a series with just a few hiccups that could be worked out. I actually really enjoyed it.
The story had some holes and that’s ok, with a long series I expect a few here and there. The pacing was great and keeps you flipping the pages. I think I just got a little confused at first and kept waiting for answers , that I’m assuming now that I am done, will come later. There was also a lot of information and characters to keep up with. So I probably should have read it slower or something.
Most of the characters are very likable and I look forward to getting to know them better in the next books. There were so many twists and turns I was not expecting. I have a feeling the next book is going to be even better than the first, so I am definitely going to keep going.
October 13, 2024
ENGLISH: A postapocaliptic novel, describing what would happen to a rural U.S. society after an atomic attack, when the state of technology would suddenly go back 200 years. But I think the effect of an EMP is exaggerated. Many electric/electronic implements would stop working, but all of them? (100%). I think, for instance, that many diesel electric generators would survive, if they weren't working at the time of "the light." And they should be generally available in an area where homes were separated by kilometers. But let's accept the premise, because otherwise there's no plot of the novel.
I found the style excessively explanatory and repetitive, with too many adjectives. The feelings of the characters are directly explained to the reader, rather than being shown through their actions.
ESPAÑOL: Novela postapocalíptica sobre lo que ocurriría en la sociedad estadounidense rural después de un ataque atómico, cuando el estado de la tecnología retrocediera súbitamente 200 años. Pero creo que se exagera el efecto de un pulso electromagnético. Muchos aparatos eléctricos o electrónicos dejarían de funcionar, pero ¿todos, el 100%? Creo, por ejemplo, que muchos generadores eléctricos diésel sobrevivirían, si no estuvieran funcionando en el momento de "la luz". Y deberían existir en abundancia en una zona en que las casas estaban separadas por kilómetros. Pero aceptemos la premisa, porque de lo contrario la novela no tendría argumento.
Encontré el estilo excesivamente explicativo y repetitivo, con demasiados adjetivos. Los sentimientos de los personajes se explican directamente al lector, en lugar de mostrarse a través de sus acciones.
I found the style excessively explanatory and repetitive, with too many adjectives. The feelings of the characters are directly explained to the reader, rather than being shown through their actions.
ESPAÑOL: Novela postapocalíptica sobre lo que ocurriría en la sociedad estadounidense rural después de un ataque atómico, cuando el estado de la tecnología retrocediera súbitamente 200 años. Pero creo que se exagera el efecto de un pulso electromagnético. Muchos aparatos eléctricos o electrónicos dejarían de funcionar, pero ¿todos, el 100%? Creo, por ejemplo, que muchos generadores eléctricos diésel sobrevivirían, si no estuvieran funcionando en el momento de "la luz". Y deberían existir en abundancia en una zona en que las casas estaban separadas por kilómetros. Pero aceptemos la premisa, porque de lo contrario la novela no tendría argumento.
Encontré el estilo excesivamente explicativo y repetitivo, con demasiados adjetivos. Los sentimientos de los personajes se explican directamente al lector, en lugar de mostrarse a través de sus acciones.
November 22, 2019
The Light is a bit different from the previous Christian dystopian series that I've read in that the reader never learns what forces are behind the inciting moment - an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) that wipes out all the gizmos and gadgets, plunging life back into the early 19th century. Maybe that comes in later books in the series; this book is about the characters.
Bria, we learn, is a hurt and broken young woman, punishing herself by remaining in an abusive relationship. She and her three friends are stranded on the highway in North Carolina when the EMP hits. As luck (or God) would have it, they meet up with a brother and sister (Jonah and Eden) heading to their nearby home.
When they arrive at Jonah and Eden's homestead, they are welcomed by a warm and loving family with some revelations that will rock Bria's entire world well beyond the changes the EMP has wrought. As they learn to survive in a drastically different world, they remain ever-wary of their threatening neighbor, Mick.
Faith - or lack of it - plays an interesting role in the story as Bria is an atheist and her friends are nominal Christians, at best, while the family they're adopted into is unabashedly Catholic. Jonah is a seminary student and his older brother is a priest.
Some incidents stretched my ability to suspend disbelief regarding both the family's utter isolation, history, and entanglements, but, again, this story is definitely character over plot.
The Light ends with hearts broken open and a new way of life forged. I'm interested in seeing what the second book in the series brings.
Bria, we learn, is a hurt and broken young woman, punishing herself by remaining in an abusive relationship. She and her three friends are stranded on the highway in North Carolina when the EMP hits. As luck (or God) would have it, they meet up with a brother and sister (Jonah and Eden) heading to their nearby home.
When they arrive at Jonah and Eden's homestead, they are welcomed by a warm and loving family with some revelations that will rock Bria's entire world well beyond the changes the EMP has wrought. As they learn to survive in a drastically different world, they remain ever-wary of their threatening neighbor, Mick.
Faith - or lack of it - plays an interesting role in the story as Bria is an atheist and her friends are nominal Christians, at best, while the family they're adopted into is unabashedly Catholic. Jonah is a seminary student and his older brother is a priest.
Some incidents stretched my ability to suspend disbelief regarding both the family's utter isolation, history, and entanglements, but, again, this story is definitely character over plot.
The Light ends with hearts broken open and a new way of life forged. I'm interested in seeing what the second book in the series brings.
July 9, 2016
The title says it all: who do you become when the world falls away?
If I can read a book in one day and not be able to put it down it deserves this rating. I couldn't stop reading I had to know what was next.
Jacqueline has made one wonder what they would do if placed in the situation these people were put in. Could you survive. Also, it makes the statement that "love conquers all" ring true.
Seriously can't wait for book two after an ending like this.
If I can read a book in one day and not be able to put it down it deserves this rating. I couldn't stop reading I had to know what was next.
Jacqueline has made one wonder what they would do if placed in the situation these people were put in. Could you survive. Also, it makes the statement that "love conquers all" ring true.
Seriously can't wait for book two after an ending like this.
February 2, 2018
One of my goals for 2018 is to discover/read more indie authors. While dystopian is not usually my preferred genre, Jacqueline Brown's "The Light" was not a bad place to start.
The premise of all electronics and technology being suddenly and irrevocably removed from the world was appealing to me (I don't know if this is a common plot point in dystopian literature, but if it is I guess I should quit avoiding it). Brown's focus is very restrained, centering around one small group of survivors in a rural setting. She didn't quite capitalize on the senses of isolation and anxiety, but I still really love that she chose this approach.
For such a character centric story, I did wish that the secondary cast had been fleshed out a bit more. It also seemed as if they accept their new world too quickly. The beginning, in general, felt a bit rushed. I'd have preferred more time to get to know the characters... more foundation for the ensuing drama. Not to sound overly negative. I don't think it's a terrible insult when the worst thing you have to say about a book is that you wish there'd been more of it.
For a "religious" book (Christian/Catholic), I'd categorize it as imperfect but above-average. It does manage to avoid some of the pitfalls that so often plague this classification. There was some moralizing, I guess, but it wasn't too off-putting, and the characters didn't come off as sicky-sweet Bible-thumpers. (Do note: this is the assessment of a lifelong Christian who might herself be considered a sicky-sweet Bible-thumper by those on the opposite end of the spectrum.)
The author does an excellent job of building tension, both internal and external, while keeping it all very subtle. This makes a refreshing reading experience for those who don't like being bonked over the head with all kinds of teen angst and crazy epic drama. "The Light" is a page-turner, but it kept me interested by investing me in the characters and their lives, not through cheap hooks and empty action.
Bottom Line: This was a 3.5 star read for me. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it and plan to investigate the next book in this series.
The premise of all electronics and technology being suddenly and irrevocably removed from the world was appealing to me (I don't know if this is a common plot point in dystopian literature, but if it is I guess I should quit avoiding it). Brown's focus is very restrained, centering around one small group of survivors in a rural setting. She didn't quite capitalize on the senses of isolation and anxiety, but I still really love that she chose this approach.
For such a character centric story, I did wish that the secondary cast had been fleshed out a bit more. It also seemed as if they accept their new world too quickly. The beginning, in general, felt a bit rushed. I'd have preferred more time to get to know the characters... more foundation for the ensuing drama. Not to sound overly negative. I don't think it's a terrible insult when the worst thing you have to say about a book is that you wish there'd been more of it.
For a "religious" book (Christian/Catholic), I'd categorize it as imperfect but above-average. It does manage to avoid some of the pitfalls that so often plague this classification. There was some moralizing, I guess, but it wasn't too off-putting, and the characters didn't come off as sicky-sweet Bible-thumpers. (Do note: this is the assessment of a lifelong Christian who might herself be considered a sicky-sweet Bible-thumper by those on the opposite end of the spectrum.)
The author does an excellent job of building tension, both internal and external, while keeping it all very subtle. This makes a refreshing reading experience for those who don't like being bonked over the head with all kinds of teen angst and crazy epic drama. "The Light" is a page-turner, but it kept me interested by investing me in the characters and their lives, not through cheap hooks and empty action.
Bottom Line: This was a 3.5 star read for me. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it and plan to investigate the next book in this series.
March 7, 2022
If I to choose a favorite very specific subgenre, it would be post-apocalyptic EMP survival books, preferably Christian fiction. This was a fabulous first in this series, and the cliffhanger makes me want to dive into book two immediately, despite it being almost 1AM.
Bria is on her way to a Thanksgiving Break trip with her friends Sara, Blaise and Joshua. While en route, a bright flash signals an EMP attack on America. By the grace of God, they encounter Jonah and East Page, who are on their way home after their car died in the same area. Bria and her friends are welcomed by the Page family, with who Bria shares an unexpected connection. The faith element (Catholic, which is something not frequently in Christian fiction) is well balanced and shown as an integral part of the Page family's life without overshadowing the story. I also appreciated how the author deals with so many characters in a way that doesn't become muddled.
Editing to add that I would not consider this a YA book, because despite the characters being 18/19, there is some more adult content in terms of violence and sexual assault discussed.
Bria is on her way to a Thanksgiving Break trip with her friends Sara, Blaise and Joshua. While en route, a bright flash signals an EMP attack on America. By the grace of God, they encounter Jonah and East Page, who are on their way home after their car died in the same area. Bria and her friends are welcomed by the Page family, with who Bria shares an unexpected connection. The faith element (Catholic, which is something not frequently in Christian fiction) is well balanced and shown as an integral part of the Page family's life without overshadowing the story. I also appreciated how the author deals with so many characters in a way that doesn't become muddled.
Editing to add that I would not consider this a YA book, because despite the characters being 18/19, there is some more adult content in terms of violence and sexual assault discussed.
January 11, 2019
I liked the apocalyptic concept of this book, and the climax was exciting. However, I found much of the writing to be really cheesy, and I was annoyed that some things were very obvious yet as readers we were supposed to be intrigued by the mystery and not figure it out (such as what Mick had done to make the Page family so angry, what Bria's past big sin was, and the feelings that Jonah and Bria had). The sentence fragments throughout the book also drove me nuts! I would have liked to see more of the dystopian side of things from a community/global perspective too. Maybe we see more of that in subsequent books?
September 14, 2016
Loved this book. The writing pulled you in and you became invested in this family. And she leaves you open and wanting more with the ending. There are unanswered questions and the next storyline is developing. Ready for the 2nd book.
January 18, 2020
Wow what a book. I am hooked. The world as we once knew it is gone. I highly recommend. It’s a futuristic book but I loved it even though it’s not my usual genre. If you’re looking for something to read try it. You won’t be disappointed. Plus it’s a kindle unlimited book if you have that.
November 16, 2022
Intriguing story with touching characters. I would like to read more in this series.
April 16, 2025
"The Light" was an okay read, but I was more than a little disappointed because it wasn't at all what I thought it would be when I picked it up on Kindle Unlimited. It is categorized as Christian Science Fiction/Action & Adventure Romance/Dystopian Fiction. Since dystopian fiction is a genre I enjoy, I looked forward to this book because not only was it dystopian, but it was told from a Christian perspective. I value books that are free of profanity and sexual themes, so I was grateful that this book was appropriately clean.
The story opens with a flash of light that destroys cars and all electronics, sending them back into a world without the technology of which we've all grown accustomed. Presumably, 'the light' was an EMP attack, but the book ends without any explanation as to what happened, who did it, and why. The characters jumped to the assumption that it was an EMP, but they made no efforts to FIND OUT the who, what, and why, or to see if anyone but them had survived. There were no real struggles of figuring out how to suddenly survive 'in the wild' without modern conveniences, other than one short scene where they quickly figured out how to use a washing machine drum as an oven to cook food.
In reality, if something like this were to happen, I think we all know there would be mass chaos and hysteria, and no one would be safe from rioting and looting and worse, yet the book didn't delve into the impact on the world around them. We never saw the chaos of suddenly being plunged into a dystopian world. We're told there was a shortage of food and that everyone lost weight, but we didn't get to experience the characters' fear of having no food and scurrying around trying to survive. They just seemed to somehow always have enough meat around to meet their needs and keep them from starving to death. None of the characters ever went hunting or foraging for food, other than cleaning out the garden to save what they had from the approaching winter.
Sadly, there was no action and adventure or real dystopia in the entire book. It was basically a family drama of the family relocating from one location to another, and a romance between the boy and girl teenager characters. I would loved to have seen the author build some world-building into the story to give the readers even a small introductory glimpse into how the world around them coped with an attack of such a magnitude. Basically, the entire book was one family, in their own bubble, ensconced in their own drama. It was like no one but them existed.
I will end this review by stating, I realize this is the first in a series of books, so perhaps the future books will eventually get into the action and adventure and dystopia that one would expect from from this genre of book, but we never got even a glimmer of action or excitement or fear or real dystopia in book one. Unfortunately, I feel like this book was miscategorized.
To me as a reader, this 'action and adventure dystopia' book was such an agonizingly slow burn that I'm not sure it has enticed me to move on to the next book. I want to get into the actual action/adventure/dystopia, not tag along in book two with 300 more pages of bland family drama and teenage romance.
Since I enjoy supporting Christian authors, I may read book two at some point just to see if it becomes what it's genre suggests.
For readers who enjoy family drama and romance rather than actual action and adventure, you might enjoy this book as quick and easy read. Also, for Catholic readers, the characters in the book are Catholic, so it might be fun for you to see your religion represented.
The story opens with a flash of light that destroys cars and all electronics, sending them back into a world without the technology of which we've all grown accustomed. Presumably, 'the light' was an EMP attack, but the book ends without any explanation as to what happened, who did it, and why. The characters jumped to the assumption that it was an EMP, but they made no efforts to FIND OUT the who, what, and why, or to see if anyone but them had survived. There were no real struggles of figuring out how to suddenly survive 'in the wild' without modern conveniences, other than one short scene where they quickly figured out how to use a washing machine drum as an oven to cook food.
In reality, if something like this were to happen, I think we all know there would be mass chaos and hysteria, and no one would be safe from rioting and looting and worse, yet the book didn't delve into the impact on the world around them. We never saw the chaos of suddenly being plunged into a dystopian world. We're told there was a shortage of food and that everyone lost weight, but we didn't get to experience the characters' fear of having no food and scurrying around trying to survive. They just seemed to somehow always have enough meat around to meet their needs and keep them from starving to death. None of the characters ever went hunting or foraging for food, other than cleaning out the garden to save what they had from the approaching winter.
Sadly, there was no action and adventure or real dystopia in the entire book. It was basically a family drama of the family relocating from one location to another, and a romance between the boy and girl teenager characters. I would loved to have seen the author build some world-building into the story to give the readers even a small introductory glimpse into how the world around them coped with an attack of such a magnitude. Basically, the entire book was one family, in their own bubble, ensconced in their own drama. It was like no one but them existed.
I will end this review by stating, I realize this is the first in a series of books, so perhaps the future books will eventually get into the action and adventure and dystopia that one would expect from from this genre of book, but we never got even a glimmer of action or excitement or fear or real dystopia in book one. Unfortunately, I feel like this book was miscategorized.
To me as a reader, this 'action and adventure dystopia' book was such an agonizingly slow burn that I'm not sure it has enticed me to move on to the next book. I want to get into the actual action/adventure/dystopia, not tag along in book two with 300 more pages of bland family drama and teenage romance.
Since I enjoy supporting Christian authors, I may read book two at some point just to see if it becomes what it's genre suggests.
For readers who enjoy family drama and romance rather than actual action and adventure, you might enjoy this book as quick and easy read. Also, for Catholic readers, the characters in the book are Catholic, so it might be fun for you to see your religion represented.
June 21, 2017
Jacqueline Brown's The Light was a unique sort of book, definitely one that I wanted to keep reading. When I started reading it, I wasn't sure what kind of book it would be or where it was going, but it drew me in. There were mysterious circumstances, suspense, action, and romance. It's about young friends who find themselves stranded when the unthinkable happens. It's about a good family who pulls itself together to survive in harsh conditions and allows the strangers to join them. There were many authentic details of how things would have been done in the time prior to the advent of electricity. The characters struggle with their flaws and learn to forgive themselves. It is a good story with more to be revealed in the next books in the series. I highly recommend this one.
(I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.)
(I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.)
January 22, 2017
I don't read too many books of this genre but this book was highly recommended to me. I have to say that the book is very well written and the characters are well developed.
The story line of the book had me constantly questioning what choices I would make myself in the same scenario. As Bria and the other characters face disasters and struggles in the days after the EMP you begin to see how some will do anything to ensure the safety and survival of their family.
The author Jacqueline Brown did have me questions Who I would become when the world falls away. I can't wait for book two to be released to see what has happen to Bria and Jonah.
The story line of the book had me constantly questioning what choices I would make myself in the same scenario. As Bria and the other characters face disasters and struggles in the days after the EMP you begin to see how some will do anything to ensure the safety and survival of their family.
The author Jacqueline Brown did have me questions Who I would become when the world falls away. I can't wait for book two to be released to see what has happen to Bria and Jonah.
February 3, 2022
Nope. Nope. Nope. Everything about this book repulses me. The plot is sloppy and isn't at all consistent. The characters are laid out in a way that just doesn't make sense. The writing. Oh god the writing. It's awkward and blocky and so so difficult to read. The pro-life themes I HATED. It was awful awful awful. So bad. It was absolute shit and I will never ever mention this book to anyone besides telling them to NEVER read it. I'm not sure what I expected from a virtually nonexistent book (its so difficult to find anything on this book on the internet) in a virtually nonexistent genre (i mean, dystopian christian? what ever is that). 👎👎
0.5 stars, if that
0.5 stars, if that
August 20, 2019
The Light
What a great book. Jacqueline Brown transports you into the lives of her characters. The Light takes readers into a world of tragedy, love, searching and excitement as they follow the journey of Bria and her friends. This book has you walk through a world where darkness comes and the characters search for the light in their lives and souls to win control. The ending has me waiting for the next book to come out.
What a great book. Jacqueline Brown transports you into the lives of her characters. The Light takes readers into a world of tragedy, love, searching and excitement as they follow the journey of Bria and her friends. This book has you walk through a world where darkness comes and the characters search for the light in their lives and souls to win control. The ending has me waiting for the next book to come out.
January 31, 2020
I gave this book four stars because it is everything I love in a fictional book and more, but it’s not the best written. The writing is somewhat amateur and the plot is fairly simple. But again, it has everything I love - adventure, suspense, romance, family, and a happy ending. Even better is that it ties in the Catholic Faith throughout. It was so refreshing to read a fictional book that still incorporates Catholicism!
I would’ve given it 4.5 stars if that was an option.
I would’ve given it 4.5 stars if that was an option.
July 12, 2024
Poorly written silliness
I read hundreds of books every year and this is probably really close to the worst one I have read. I got about 75 per cent of the way through it before I just could not read anymore. Not only is it silly, but there are so many factual mistakes in the book. The author did not do very well in researching a lot of things she wrote about......I will NOT read any more of this series. Probably will not read anything else by this author.
I read hundreds of books every year and this is probably really close to the worst one I have read. I got about 75 per cent of the way through it before I just could not read anymore. Not only is it silly, but there are so many factual mistakes in the book. The author did not do very well in researching a lot of things she wrote about......I will NOT read any more of this series. Probably will not read anything else by this author.
July 19, 2016
This book totally memorized me from the first page AND it only got better! I fell in love with the story, invested in the characters, and began reflecting on my life/mistakes. It forces you to think about forgiveness - of others and yourself. Faith is questioned and explored in a thought-provoking way. Highly recommend! Can't wait to read the next in the series. Very talented, new author!
July 25, 2016
This is a very good read. It draws you in and you feel you are there in the action. I couldn't wait till I
had time to pick it up again and get to the next chapter. It makes you realize what we take for granted
living in our world that hasn't fallen apart. I catch myself wondering what the characters may be doing now. Can't wait till her new book comes out.
had time to pick it up again and get to the next chapter. It makes you realize what we take for granted
living in our world that hasn't fallen apart. I catch myself wondering what the characters may be doing now. Can't wait till her new book comes out.
January 22, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had all elements of a great thought provoking story. The characters came alive and the intrigue kept you wanting more. Kudos to Jacqueline Brown.
I am counting the days till the next book in the series comes out.
I am counting the days till the next book in the series comes out.
July 12, 2016
What an awesome book. A friend suggested this book to me and I am not an avid reader but this book kept me engaged. I can't wait till the next book comes out.
September 6, 2016
The characters were so well developed that I found myself missing them when I couldn't be reading. A very thought provoking story. Can't wait for the next book!
February 8, 2017
Great!
This was an excellent book! I could not put it down! Very captivating. I can't wait for more from this author!
This was an excellent book! I could not put it down! Very captivating. I can't wait for more from this author!
July 12, 2025
I can't even put into words how much I love this book!!!!!
July 14, 2025
This book, and series, was amazing. Jacqueline Brown is a phenomenal writer - everything element of her writing was on point. While this could be considered science fiction (and might have been when written in 2016), this book very much felt like contemporary, realistic fiction. I don't know how many times in the past few months I've heard mention of Iran sending an EMP to explode over the U.S. Needless to say, in current times, the plot of this book didn't feel as much like science fiction as it did a very realistic possibility.
This would be a great book and series for lovers of The Hunger Games and Divergent. It definitely has a similar dystopian feel, while also weaving in strong themes of human nature, loss, survival, and fighting for justice.
This is a strong Christian book, with emphasis on Catholicism. I am not Catholic, but I didn't find the Catholic practices heavy handed or too in your face - the emphasis was definitely on a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Forgiveness and redemption were strong Christian themes as well. I think even secular readers would enjoy these books.
The characters in the story become lovable very quickly, and I so enjoyed the time the main characters spent with Jonah's family and building the "homestead". I won't say much about the other books in this series, but the characters continued to develop, and you continued to love them throughout the series. Some books are a good read, while others immerse your mind so fully and deeply into the story so much that you can't tear yourself away...this was one of those books (as were the others in the series). The books are somewhat short, so the action does move pretty quickly. There were a few times that things happened pretty quickly, where I wished we had lingered there a bit longer, but considering the pace of all five books, the action and plot had to continue. I highly recommend this series! Be prepared...if you read the first book, you'll likely be reading the 5th a few days later! I appreciated that these were included on Kindle Unlimited, but I will definitely be purchasing the whole set to reread in the future.
***Trigger warning*** For anyone sensitive to the topics of rape, abortion, death, family loss, and violence, this book may not be for you. While the author keeps the storylines or rape and abortion very PG, they are present. Some of the violence gets mildly graphic and includes injuries, shooting, other forms of killing, and descriptions of death, bodies, and decay. I'm highly sensitive to violence, but didn't find this book over the top or too dark and anxiety producing.
This would be a great book and series for lovers of The Hunger Games and Divergent. It definitely has a similar dystopian feel, while also weaving in strong themes of human nature, loss, survival, and fighting for justice.
This is a strong Christian book, with emphasis on Catholicism. I am not Catholic, but I didn't find the Catholic practices heavy handed or too in your face - the emphasis was definitely on a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Forgiveness and redemption were strong Christian themes as well. I think even secular readers would enjoy these books.
The characters in the story become lovable very quickly, and I so enjoyed the time the main characters spent with Jonah's family and building the "homestead". I won't say much about the other books in this series, but the characters continued to develop, and you continued to love them throughout the series. Some books are a good read, while others immerse your mind so fully and deeply into the story so much that you can't tear yourself away...this was one of those books (as were the others in the series). The books are somewhat short, so the action does move pretty quickly. There were a few times that things happened pretty quickly, where I wished we had lingered there a bit longer, but considering the pace of all five books, the action and plot had to continue. I highly recommend this series! Be prepared...if you read the first book, you'll likely be reading the 5th a few days later! I appreciated that these were included on Kindle Unlimited, but I will definitely be purchasing the whole set to reread in the future.
***Trigger warning*** For anyone sensitive to the topics of rape, abortion, death, family loss, and violence, this book may not be for you. While the author keeps the storylines or rape and abortion very PG, they are present. Some of the violence gets mildly graphic and includes injuries, shooting, other forms of killing, and descriptions of death, bodies, and decay. I'm highly sensitive to violence, but didn't find this book over the top or too dark and anxiety producing.
March 19, 2023
This is an end of the world, apocalypse story and I quiet like this genre even though they often scary and sometimes feel too close to our current times for comfort. This however, was a disappointment. I think it could have been so much more. It is more focused on the individual relationships of the various people than it is on the end of the world. It almost seemed as if the end of the world wasn't that important to them.
I discovered at the end that this is the first book in a series of 4 and therefore there was no real ending. You obviously have to purchase the next book to find out what happens next. I don't dislike books that are a part of a series but I like each book to be a standalone with a conclusive ending, with no need to read more unless you want to. I am not invested enough to do that with this series.
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A blinding flash … then darkness. Bria Ford and her three closest friends are stranded on a country highway in the middle of a November night. No phones. No car. No lights. Helpless and hundreds of miles from home, they put their lives in the hands of handsome Jonah Page and his flinty sister, East, strangers who somehow know Bria better than she knows herself. As the group bonds to adapt to a new, yet old, way of life, the secrets of Bria’s past provide them with the means to survive the extremes of Mother Nature, and the even more frightening extremes of human nature.
Quietly suspenseful, The Light explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape the person we present to the world, and what happens to that person when the world falls away.
I discovered at the end that this is the first book in a series of 4 and therefore there was no real ending. You obviously have to purchase the next book to find out what happens next. I don't dislike books that are a part of a series but I like each book to be a standalone with a conclusive ending, with no need to read more unless you want to. I am not invested enough to do that with this series.
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A blinding flash … then darkness. Bria Ford and her three closest friends are stranded on a country highway in the middle of a November night. No phones. No car. No lights. Helpless and hundreds of miles from home, they put their lives in the hands of handsome Jonah Page and his flinty sister, East, strangers who somehow know Bria better than she knows herself. As the group bonds to adapt to a new, yet old, way of life, the secrets of Bria’s past provide them with the means to survive the extremes of Mother Nature, and the even more frightening extremes of human nature.
Quietly suspenseful, The Light explores how the stories we tell ourselves shape the person we present to the world, and what happens to that person when the world falls away.
July 10, 2024
A catholic dystopian, so had to read it, when I came across it. But still unsure if I like it or not, as a lot of the plot didn’t make sense to me. Also, one thing that annoyed me, was the names of the characters. I know it sounds silly, but this really annoyed me. To many names were very similar, so often had to work out, who was who. Besides, this I didn’t like how it just focused on the family, not hearing about the chaos in the wider world, even when the family kept on talking about it.
Also, one of the siblings is a catholic priest, so why is he here, and not within a parish or a catholic community, we never hear about this. Wouldn’t he want to preach and assist others? Then this part of the plot, as why is this family, who is suppose to be catholic, yet ready for violence, with a neighbour who did something bad to the page family? Didn’t get this part of the story?
Yet, did love the narrative about Bria and finding about her past, which caused major emotional conflict with her throughout the story. Yet, felt her two friends Josh and Blaise had no value to the story, and didn’t really need to be written in.
Guess, I have to see how this story evolves throughout the overall series, but already know, Bria will marry Josh, but what will Trent appear? Will, Sara, Josh and Blaise met up with their families again.
Anyway, this book is a good one for teens, but late teens. As, there is some very strong themes in this novel, such as rape and abortion. Still, there are strong catholic themes throughout the book, that is lacking in many teen books today, such as how families and prayers, are needed in society.
Also, one of the siblings is a catholic priest, so why is he here, and not within a parish or a catholic community, we never hear about this. Wouldn’t he want to preach and assist others? Then this part of the plot, as why is this family, who is suppose to be catholic, yet ready for violence, with a neighbour who did something bad to the page family? Didn’t get this part of the story?
Yet, did love the narrative about Bria and finding about her past, which caused major emotional conflict with her throughout the story. Yet, felt her two friends Josh and Blaise had no value to the story, and didn’t really need to be written in.
Guess, I have to see how this story evolves throughout the overall series, but already know, Bria will marry Josh, but what will Trent appear? Will, Sara, Josh and Blaise met up with their families again.
Anyway, this book is a good one for teens, but late teens. As, there is some very strong themes in this novel, such as rape and abortion. Still, there are strong catholic themes throughout the book, that is lacking in many teen books today, such as how families and prayers, are needed in society.
July 22, 2018
Apocalyptic fiction at its best
An amazing first novel here for fans of apocalyptic fiction with rays of hope penetrating the gloom and doom. For fans of clean Christian (warning: this has Catholic Christian characters) that does not preach. The narrator is a twenty something with a past she regrets, and has been punishing herself by sticking with an abusive boyfriend who is out of the picture when the action begins. Bria has some vague memories of her early life with her mother and father as loving and devoted parents until her mother dies giving birth to her stillborn brother, and her father abruptly abandons both home and Catholic faith, moved to D.C., and raised to be an atheist. As she and friends set out on a holiday road trip, they experience the unthinkable -- the EMP attack that we are frequently warned is very possible -- and as they realize they are utterly stranded, they meet two strangers that lead them to a perilous chance at survival and, for Bria, the answers to questions she had never dared to ask. As a Christian who believes in Divine Providence at the back of many of our experiences we call coincidence, I have nothing but praise for the way Jacqueline Brown weaves her plotline. For those "nones" who are curious but cynical about people of faith, this book may or may not be for you, but I hope you will give it a chance and come to love these amazing and courageous characters.
An amazing first novel here for fans of apocalyptic fiction with rays of hope penetrating the gloom and doom. For fans of clean Christian (warning: this has Catholic Christian characters) that does not preach. The narrator is a twenty something with a past she regrets, and has been punishing herself by sticking with an abusive boyfriend who is out of the picture when the action begins. Bria has some vague memories of her early life with her mother and father as loving and devoted parents until her mother dies giving birth to her stillborn brother, and her father abruptly abandons both home and Catholic faith, moved to D.C., and raised to be an atheist. As she and friends set out on a holiday road trip, they experience the unthinkable -- the EMP attack that we are frequently warned is very possible -- and as they realize they are utterly stranded, they meet two strangers that lead them to a perilous chance at survival and, for Bria, the answers to questions she had never dared to ask. As a Christian who believes in Divine Providence at the back of many of our experiences we call coincidence, I have nothing but praise for the way Jacqueline Brown weaves her plotline. For those "nones" who are curious but cynical about people of faith, this book may or may not be for you, but I hope you will give it a chance and come to love these amazing and courageous characters.
November 3, 2019
The Light is a contemporary post-apocalyptic story about college student Bria and the life-altering events she encounters. As Bria and her friends are driving down a highway late at night, a flash of light changes everything. Immediately, the car stops working, the cell phones are useless, and everything electronic fails to work.
Stranded on this dark road, trying to figure out what they should do, Bria and her friends are approached by two people their own age. This duo, a brother and sister, invite the stranded travelers to join them on their long trek home. The characters soon learn that a massive EMP, electromagnetic pulse, has changed life as they know it. Not only does Bria have to deal with an unexpected future, but the events also cause her to reevaluate the past.
Think about a world with no electricity. No lights. No heat. No cars. No running water. All of that would mean, no grocery stores, no banks, no water supply. How would people survive? How would people react? How quickly would chaos turn to violence? This premise is quite frightening but makes a great backdrop for a novel.
Stranded on this dark road, trying to figure out what they should do, Bria and her friends are approached by two people their own age. This duo, a brother and sister, invite the stranded travelers to join them on their long trek home. The characters soon learn that a massive EMP, electromagnetic pulse, has changed life as they know it. Not only does Bria have to deal with an unexpected future, but the events also cause her to reevaluate the past.
Think about a world with no electricity. No lights. No heat. No cars. No running water. All of that would mean, no grocery stores, no banks, no water supply. How would people survive? How would people react? How quickly would chaos turn to violence? This premise is quite frightening but makes a great backdrop for a novel.
December 29, 2025
(hoopla) DNF at 50% It's not a terrible book... but it's not good either. A Catholic dystopian, that hints at "mysterious" sins - but that are completely obvious. The neighbor raped (or sexually assulted) East. Briella had an abortion. (I didn't read this - i just figured out the mystery).
It is so cool that Bri met up with her God-parents at a time God would want to help her .... But at first she had no memories of them, then suddenly recalls EVERYTHING about her past after bonding with a horse...?
I had a hard time getting into the story. Some of it made a lot of sense, like a "Post-EMP Guide for Dummies" - other parts made no sense at all. (Like her memory loss and sudden regain as well as her weird bond with the mare). Her father's immediate 180 after the loss of his wife and son. His faith wasn't very strong if he would turn his back on everything and everyone after a tragedy. Yet, it was his faith that encouraged his God-Son to become a Preist..? And why lie to your daughter about what happened? Again, makes no sense. I feel like the author was trying too hard to make the characters complex and interesting. And instead they're just weird and unrelatable.
It is so cool that Bri met up with her God-parents at a time God would want to help her .... But at first she had no memories of them, then suddenly recalls EVERYTHING about her past after bonding with a horse...?
I had a hard time getting into the story. Some of it made a lot of sense, like a "Post-EMP Guide for Dummies" - other parts made no sense at all. (Like her memory loss and sudden regain as well as her weird bond with the mare). Her father's immediate 180 after the loss of his wife and son. His faith wasn't very strong if he would turn his back on everything and everyone after a tragedy. Yet, it was his faith that encouraged his God-Son to become a Preist..? And why lie to your daughter about what happened? Again, makes no sense. I feel like the author was trying too hard to make the characters complex and interesting. And instead they're just weird and unrelatable.
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