Wednesday 16 November 2011

Radiance by Alyson Noel


Pages - 178
Published by Macmillan's Childrens Books in 2010

Most people think that death is the end. 
The end of life- of good times-the end of, well, pretty much everything. 
But those people are wrong.
Dead wrong.
And I should know. I died almost a year ago.

Goodreads Summary
Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

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If heaven is real, then I sure hope it is like this! Alyson Noel makes it sound so idyllic,especially the part about being able to have exactly what I want just by thinking about it. Wouldn't that be lovely?

For those of you who may not  have realised this book is a spin off from the Immortals series which featured Ever, Riley's older sister. Riley has died in a car accident alongside her parents and her beloved dog Buttercup. This book gives an idyllic look at what we might get up to in heaven, if we ever get there.  I was so glad that Riley got to keep her dog with her, as in my version of Heaven all our animals would come back to us, so I was pleased that Alyson Noel seemed to have similar views. 

Riley is given a job in heaven as a Soul Catcher, which involves her coming back down to Earth to help troubled souls finally pass over. Her first assignment finds her at a castle where the Radiant boy is scaring the wits out of everyone who stays in the Blue Room. Riley, a sassy twelve year old, takes on the Radiant Boy and won't give up until her assignment is completed. I really liked Riley, although it scared me how mature she was for her age and I worried that her voice didn't always fit her age, but then  I found myself looking at my eleven year old girls and fearing the worst for the forthcoming year!

This is a short delightful read that can definitely be read in an evening. An ideal book for a reluctant reader who has shown a spark of interest in the paranormal world.  A fun lighthearted look at death and the afterlife.  

11 comments:

  1. Sounds like a sweet read, Viv. Thanks for the lovely review. I have this, well the Norwegian edition any way, at home from the library. So if I can clear my schedule for one evening I'm going to read it:)

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  2. It does sound like it would grab a reluctant reader!

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  3. Mari - I hope to read the next one soon too.

    Mary - most definitely.

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  4. My friends daughter loved the Immortal series so I shall be sure to mention this to her, thanks for the review Vivienne.

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  5. I listened to this one on audio, a few months ago. Was really well narrated. Nice review :)

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  6. Petty Witter - no worries. I hope she likes it though she may find it a bit young for her after the Immortal series. I see this one as a starting point.

    Teddyree - Thank you.

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  7. I've not heard of this, it sounds like an interesting read.

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  8. Oooh, I like the sound of this one! Smashing review!

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  9. Jenni - have you heard of the Immortals series?

    Suko - thank you!

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  10. I just can't bring myself to read these. I really really didn't like the first book in the Immortals series and it's put me off ever since.

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  11. Hi Viv, I like the fonts in this post much better. I had trouble focusing in the last two posts but they're still manageable. Another great book, this one!

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Hiya, thanks for stopping by, it is always nice to hear what you have to say, so do leave a comment if you have time.