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Night Creatures #3
Shine Light
Ixion. The island of ever-night.
If she had a choice, Naif wouldn’t go back. But her friends will die if she doesn’t find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.
First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy.
The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.
If she had a choice, Naif wouldn’t go back. But her friends will die if she doesn’t find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.
First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy.
The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.
229 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
1138 people want to read
About the author
Marianne de Pierres
37 books488 followersMarianne de Pierres is the award winning author of the acclaimed Parrish Plessis, Sentients of Orion and Peacemaker science fiction series.
Marianne is an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia. Her Night Creatures series, Burn Bright, Angel Arias and Shine Light has been very popular among young adult fiction readers.
Marianne is also the Davitt award-winning author of the Tara Sharp humourous crime series under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt.
Visit her websites at:
www.mariannedepierres.com
www.mariannedepierresbooksforchildren...
www.burnbright.com.au
www.glitterrose.wordpress.com
www.sentientsoforion.com
www.colonelthorn.home.blog
Marianne is an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia. Her Night Creatures series, Burn Bright, Angel Arias and Shine Light has been very popular among young adult fiction readers.
Marianne is also the Davitt award-winning author of the Tara Sharp humourous crime series under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt.
Visit her websites at:
www.mariannedepierres.com
www.mariannedepierresbooksforchildren...
www.burnbright.com.au
www.glitterrose.wordpress.com
www.sentientsoforion.com
www.colonelthorn.home.blog
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
April 19, 2015
'Ixion’s not a place for friends. They die or they leave. On Ixion you need allies.’
When you get a book, begin reading immediately, and devour it within a matter of hours, then that book must be juicy and gripping and excellent. Shine Light was one of those books. After reading Burn Bright and Angel Arias last year, all I wanted to do was find out how everything concluded – Naif’s conquest, the Ripers’ ruination, the night creatures’ survival… and Ixion’s illumination. I wanted to know more, experience more, discover more; and I sure did get more than I had hoped.
Shine Light was a fantastic final instalment in the Night Creatures series. If you had any questions or speculations from the previous two books then have no fear. Answers slowly come to light as we journey from Ruzalia’s airship to Danskoi, beginning to end. Have you ever wondered why Ixion was forever, eternally in darkness? Shine light, burn bright, and READ THIS BOOK, baby bats, because then you will learn why. Marianne de Pierres bleeds the pages of Shine Light with wonder, pleasure, knowledge… and most of all, hope for a brighter world.
In Shine Light Naif and those she befriended along the way in Burn Bright and Angel Arias return to Ixion to uncover the many secrets and mysteries that have been buried beneath the feet of its ignorant and carousing youth and veiled behind a sky of darkness. As Naif and crew learn about the truths of Ixion, so does the reader – truths continue to spring from the pages, like mice triggering traps for some wanted goodness they rarely ever come across. And once Naif and co. do, they use their new-found knowledge to bring good, hope, and light to Ixion.
This series has a splendid cast of characters; each character changes in ways we do not expect them to, especially in Shine Light. I loved the addition of Liam in Angel Arias, and to learn more about him and the person he is – or was – in Shine Light was great, as well as his relationship with Suki (Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!) and the overarching role he played/s in Ixion’s past, present and future. One character that changed considerably was Lenoir. Lenoir sacrificed a lot to help Naif and company achieve what they set out to do, even if it harmed him. After all, there is no good without sacrifice. And sacrifice he sure did. And Naif and Jarrod and Emilia… all the feels!
Shine Light was complete; the Night Creatures series is complete. However, when I reached the end of this book I was a bit surprised. Sure, I was surprised at everything that happened in the last thirty or so pages, but I was really surprised at how fast the final pages and climax was; it came and it went. I just wish there was more conflict, that it was drawn out, and that there was something… more. It concluded all too fast considering how much of the book focused on uncovering the truths and righting them. It ended great, just not the great I was expecting. But I still really, really enjoyed it! And the very end – I. Loved. It! I continue to wonder what happens next (I found it quite reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera, however that is just my interpretation). If there’s ever an opportunity to return to Ixion, I’ll be there with streamers in my hands and bells on my feet.
4.5 stars
When you get a book, begin reading immediately, and devour it within a matter of hours, then that book must be juicy and gripping and excellent. Shine Light was one of those books. After reading Burn Bright and Angel Arias last year, all I wanted to do was find out how everything concluded – Naif’s conquest, the Ripers’ ruination, the night creatures’ survival… and Ixion’s illumination. I wanted to know more, experience more, discover more; and I sure did get more than I had hoped.
Shine Light was a fantastic final instalment in the Night Creatures series. If you had any questions or speculations from the previous two books then have no fear. Answers slowly come to light as we journey from Ruzalia’s airship to Danskoi, beginning to end. Have you ever wondered why Ixion was forever, eternally in darkness? Shine light, burn bright, and READ THIS BOOK, baby bats, because then you will learn why. Marianne de Pierres bleeds the pages of Shine Light with wonder, pleasure, knowledge… and most of all, hope for a brighter world.
In Shine Light Naif and those she befriended along the way in Burn Bright and Angel Arias return to Ixion to uncover the many secrets and mysteries that have been buried beneath the feet of its ignorant and carousing youth and veiled behind a sky of darkness. As Naif and crew learn about the truths of Ixion, so does the reader – truths continue to spring from the pages, like mice triggering traps for some wanted goodness they rarely ever come across. And once Naif and co. do, they use their new-found knowledge to bring good, hope, and light to Ixion.
This series has a splendid cast of characters; each character changes in ways we do not expect them to, especially in Shine Light. I loved the addition of Liam in Angel Arias, and to learn more about him and the person he is – or was – in Shine Light was great, as well as his relationship with Suki (Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!) and the overarching role he played/s in Ixion’s past, present and future. One character that changed considerably was Lenoir. Lenoir sacrificed a lot to help Naif and company achieve what they set out to do, even if it harmed him. After all, there is no good without sacrifice. And sacrifice he sure did. And Naif and Jarrod and Emilia… all the feels!
Shine Light was complete; the Night Creatures series is complete. However, when I reached the end of this book I was a bit surprised. Sure, I was surprised at everything that happened in the last thirty or so pages, but I was really surprised at how fast the final pages and climax was; it came and it went. I just wish there was more conflict, that it was drawn out, and that there was something… more. It concluded all too fast considering how much of the book focused on uncovering the truths and righting them. It ended great, just not the great I was expecting. But I still really, really enjoyed it! And the very end – I. Loved. It! I continue to wonder what happens next (I found it quite reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera, however that is just my interpretation). If there’s ever an opportunity to return to Ixion, I’ll be there with streamers in my hands and bells on my feet.
4.5 stars
January 28, 2016
I was a bit disappointed by this. I really enjoyed the unique world, but mostly I kept coming back to this series because of Lenoir and I wanted to know what happened with the love triangle.
December 25, 2012
After my fascination with Burn Bright and disappointment with Angel Arias, I didn’t know what to expect from Shine Light. My major problem with Angel Arias was lack of answers. However, Shine Light delivers what it promised and that makes up for the lack of excitement this book had to offer.
Even though Shine Light begins straight from where the last book left off, the sense of urgency that should have gripped me was lacking and I found myself vaguely interested to find out how things would turn out. The initial chapters were like the initial warmth that a building fire gives you. I was hoping to be scorched by that blaze, but, the story didn’t quite reach that point. There were some revelations in the book that felt comical at best and hurriedly met out on a whole. I won’t say that it wasn’t a satisfying ending to the trilogy; however, I won’t say it was quite pleasing either.
To begin with, I felt that everything was rushed. Starting from Naif’s plans to get to the bottom of Ixion’s history to rescuing the young ones, it felt like being put on a fast-paced boat ride in one of the amusement parks where you don’t know which way to turn your head, knowing that you might miss out on certain things for sure. The other problem I had was the ease with which Naif’s plans turned to fruition. I kept hoping for something drastic to happen, something that would change the course of the story, and yeah, at one point it felt like my hopes wouldn’t drown after all..but of course that didn’t last for long. I got answers alright, but my expectations crashed and burned with how Naif got them.
Moving on, if you read the book, I’m sure you might agree on how convenient everything was for Naif. Don’t agree? Here, I have a list:
1) She got everything she wanted in books present in Ixion, which let me remind you, had been speculated to hold the answers to their problems.
2) She, conveniently, was missing when the evil Riper, Brand raided the League’s “secretive” lair.
3) She had Lenoir answer all her questions without even having to bat her eyelashes at him. Wasn’t so hard to know all Riper secrets, now was it?
4) The ease with which she had Rollo and Kero convinced, along with more than half of Ixion’s population had me suspecting Naif’s involvement in witchy tricks. Oh don’t give me the excuse of Rollo having a crush on her and don’t even remind me of that Jacob-Bella moment they had on that..errr…ship.
5) Lastly, let’s not forget how easy it was for Naif to find the Uther queen and convince the Uther population to do her bidding, or how every time she escaped getting mortally injured.The last scene doesn’t count, okay?
This almost brings me to the end of my review. If for a moment, I forget the lack of action or suspense or dread that this book had to offer, I really can’t ignore the anti-climactic ending. Remember how I talked about the start being a kindling fire? Well, by the time I finished this book, I realized that the fire had been doused even before it could reach its full potential. *sigh*
All in all, I truly believe this book could have been much better; be it in terms of writing style, plot execution, or as a fitting end to a trilogy. Also, certain things have been left for reader’s speculation in the end and I haven’t made up my mind on how I feel about it.. yet.
I think this book manages to get a 2.5 from me.Barely.
One thing that I still can’t wrap my head around:
And be warned, it is a major spoiler, so don’t peek.
Even though Shine Light begins straight from where the last book left off, the sense of urgency that should have gripped me was lacking and I found myself vaguely interested to find out how things would turn out. The initial chapters were like the initial warmth that a building fire gives you. I was hoping to be scorched by that blaze, but, the story didn’t quite reach that point. There were some revelations in the book that felt comical at best and hurriedly met out on a whole. I won’t say that it wasn’t a satisfying ending to the trilogy; however, I won’t say it was quite pleasing either.
To begin with, I felt that everything was rushed. Starting from Naif’s plans to get to the bottom of Ixion’s history to rescuing the young ones, it felt like being put on a fast-paced boat ride in one of the amusement parks where you don’t know which way to turn your head, knowing that you might miss out on certain things for sure. The other problem I had was the ease with which Naif’s plans turned to fruition. I kept hoping for something drastic to happen, something that would change the course of the story, and yeah, at one point it felt like my hopes wouldn’t drown after all..but of course that didn’t last for long. I got answers alright, but my expectations crashed and burned with how Naif got them.
Moving on, if you read the book, I’m sure you might agree on how convenient everything was for Naif. Don’t agree? Here, I have a list:
1) She got everything she wanted in books present in Ixion, which let me remind you, had been speculated to hold the answers to their problems.
2) She, conveniently, was missing when the evil Riper, Brand raided the League’s “secretive” lair.
3) She had Lenoir answer all her questions without even having to bat her eyelashes at him. Wasn’t so hard to know all Riper secrets, now was it?
4) The ease with which she had Rollo and Kero convinced, along with more than half of Ixion’s population had me suspecting Naif’s involvement in witchy tricks. Oh don’t give me the excuse of Rollo having a crush on her and don’t even remind me of that Jacob-Bella moment they had on that..errr…ship.
5) Lastly, let’s not forget how easy it was for Naif to find the Uther queen and convince the Uther population to do her bidding, or how every time she escaped getting mortally injured.
This almost brings me to the end of my review. If for a moment, I forget the lack of action or suspense or dread that this book had to offer, I really can’t ignore the anti-climactic ending. Remember how I talked about the start being a kindling fire? Well, by the time I finished this book, I realized that the fire had been doused even before it could reach its full potential. *sigh*
All in all, I truly believe this book could have been much better; be it in terms of writing style, plot execution, or as a fitting end to a trilogy. Also, certain things have been left for reader’s speculation in the end and I haven’t made up my mind on how I feel about it.. yet.
I think this book manages to get a 2.5 from me.
One thing that I still can’t wrap my head around:
And be warned, it is a major spoiler, so don’t peek.
November 25, 2012
This is a tense, fast-paced and satisfying conclusions to one of the most original YA series I’ve ever read.
There are answers to all the big questions, not to mention plenty of tension, action, and intrigue.
The ending is open enough for readers to form their own conclusions – or for Marianne to return to this world down the track (which, personally, I hope she does).
Burn Bright sets up the dark and dangerous world of party island Ixion, where all is not as it seems. The young people who flee to it from their oppressive societies revel in their new found freedom, but as Retra/Naif discovers, there’s a price for that freedom.
We learn more about the nature of that price – and the relationship between Ixion and Naif’s home of Grave – in Angel Arias, which ups the stakes and the tension.
In Shine Light, Naif returns to Ixion in the hope of saving her brother and her friends, and changing the dark world forever.
Even when she was still the uncertain Retra in Burn Bright, Naif was strong and determined. Now, she embraces her role as an unlikely leader – and the responsibilities that go with it.
I must confess, I missed Lenoir in Angel Arias, so was looking forward to meeting him again in Shine Bright. I wasn’t disappointed. (Yeah, okay, his reunion with Naif – as complicated and short as it was – was definitely a highlight.)
Their relationship continues to grow and change, just as the relationship between the island’s inhabitants – party-goers, Ripers, Night Creatures and uthers – shifts irrevocably.
There’s not just tension between the groups, but within them as well, with the Ripers fragmented and the humans still split between those willing to hear the truth and those intent on partying. And we learn more about the uthers and their relationship with the Ripers.
This all sets the scene for a highly-charged showdown between the rebelling humans and the seditious Ripers (with the terrifying Night Creatures swarming close by in the darkness).
Readers have discussed whether the Night Creatures series is paranormal, dystopian or science fiction, many settling on a combination of all three. I think it sits comfortably as science fiction, and it’s given a new taste for the genre.
I devoured the Night Creatures series. I loved the characters, the originality, the dark themes and the underlying message of the importance of taking responsibility for choices and having the courage to fight for what you believe.
More please.
There are answers to all the big questions, not to mention plenty of tension, action, and intrigue.
The ending is open enough for readers to form their own conclusions – or for Marianne to return to this world down the track (which, personally, I hope she does).
Burn Bright sets up the dark and dangerous world of party island Ixion, where all is not as it seems. The young people who flee to it from their oppressive societies revel in their new found freedom, but as Retra/Naif discovers, there’s a price for that freedom.
We learn more about the nature of that price – and the relationship between Ixion and Naif’s home of Grave – in Angel Arias, which ups the stakes and the tension.
In Shine Light, Naif returns to Ixion in the hope of saving her brother and her friends, and changing the dark world forever.
Even when she was still the uncertain Retra in Burn Bright, Naif was strong and determined. Now, she embraces her role as an unlikely leader – and the responsibilities that go with it.
I must confess, I missed Lenoir in Angel Arias, so was looking forward to meeting him again in Shine Bright. I wasn’t disappointed. (Yeah, okay, his reunion with Naif – as complicated and short as it was – was definitely a highlight.)
Their relationship continues to grow and change, just as the relationship between the island’s inhabitants – party-goers, Ripers, Night Creatures and uthers – shifts irrevocably.
There’s not just tension between the groups, but within them as well, with the Ripers fragmented and the humans still split between those willing to hear the truth and those intent on partying. And we learn more about the uthers and their relationship with the Ripers.
This all sets the scene for a highly-charged showdown between the rebelling humans and the seditious Ripers (with the terrifying Night Creatures swarming close by in the darkness).
Readers have discussed whether the Night Creatures series is paranormal, dystopian or science fiction, many settling on a combination of all three. I think it sits comfortably as science fiction, and it’s given a new taste for the genre.
I devoured the Night Creatures series. I loved the characters, the originality, the dark themes and the underlying message of the importance of taking responsibility for choices and having the courage to fight for what you believe.
More please.
January 7, 2016
Shine Light is very short – I knocked it over in a couple of hours – but packs a mighty punch that I’m reeling from! It’s a poignant and fitting conclusion to The Night Creatures series and admirably brings the adventure to a close.
The characters continue their growth and development throughout the book, and one of the most striking things that Naif’s recognition that despite her awakening in Ixion, there are limits to what she can and will do. She fights in her own way and although she admires Suki and Clash for being able to take life, realises she will never be able to do that herself. I think it’s a wonderful thing for Naif, because she retains aspects of Retra inside her, which is realistically how it should be. I was disappointed that Jarrold and Marcus didn’t appear throughout the story as much as I would have liked, but having spent all of Angel Arias with them, I was glad to have Suki and Rollo around a lot more throughout Shine Light.
The secrets of Ixion do indeed come to light in the book, with the science fiction elements hinted at in Burn Bright returning to the forefront. I loved it, it was original and different enough to be entertaining, and I enjoyed that at no point did Marianne de Pierres try to instil the Ripers and Night Creatures with too much humanity. They simply are, and we will never fully understand them.
I have enjoyed The Night Creatures series immensely and have loved the adventures I have shared with Naif. Disheartened as I am to let the gang go, I think Shine Light is the perfect conclusion to the story. I highly recommend the series to all fans of the weird and wonderful, and especially to young adult readers who are looking for something original and touching and brilliant.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
The characters continue their growth and development throughout the book, and one of the most striking things that Naif’s recognition that despite her awakening in Ixion, there are limits to what she can and will do. She fights in her own way and although she admires Suki and Clash for being able to take life, realises she will never be able to do that herself. I think it’s a wonderful thing for Naif, because she retains aspects of Retra inside her, which is realistically how it should be. I was disappointed that Jarrold and Marcus didn’t appear throughout the story as much as I would have liked, but having spent all of Angel Arias with them, I was glad to have Suki and Rollo around a lot more throughout Shine Light.
The secrets of Ixion do indeed come to light in the book, with the science fiction elements hinted at in Burn Bright returning to the forefront. I loved it, it was original and different enough to be entertaining, and I enjoyed that at no point did Marianne de Pierres try to instil the Ripers and Night Creatures with too much humanity. They simply are, and we will never fully understand them.
I have enjoyed The Night Creatures series immensely and have loved the adventures I have shared with Naif. Disheartened as I am to let the gang go, I think Shine Light is the perfect conclusion to the story. I highly recommend the series to all fans of the weird and wonderful, and especially to young adult readers who are looking for something original and touching and brilliant.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
October 18, 2012
Whoa. WHOA. No! i can't have finished the series! no no no!
^Mini rant over.
Hey y'all!
I got my ARC of Shine Light this morning, and managed to finish it in a day. (Thanks Marianne for sending me a copy!) :)
Characters:
Naif - wow, she changed so quickly! Naif had to grow up very fast, and try to make the right decision for everyone, not just herself. Even though it might be easier to give up - screw that, it WOULD be easier to give up - Naif continues to push forward to save everyone, even the people who have been horrible to her in the past.
Lenoir - We don't see much of him physically in Shine Light, but he is in the back of Naifs mind a fair bit. He is a great help to her, and stops at nothing to keep her safe.
All the characters had an important part throughout the series, and fulfilled what they were always meant to do - even if that meant a couple had to die.
Plotline:
There were a couple of times where things happened and I was like WHOA. Where did that come from?! The transition from Angel Arias to Shine Light was good, and nothing/no one felt out of place or un-needed. It was a great, smooth read that I seriously couldn't put down.
Overall:
This book was the perfect way to finish this trilogy - even though the ending KILLED me. Once again Marianne De Pierres has created something mysterious and magical.
Thank you so much Marianne and crew!
4.5 stars - just less than 5 stars because Shine Light could've been just a little bit longer and had a little more conflict, but it was still AWESOME!
^Mini rant over.
Hey y'all!
I got my ARC of Shine Light this morning, and managed to finish it in a day. (Thanks Marianne for sending me a copy!) :)
Characters:
Naif - wow, she changed so quickly! Naif had to grow up very fast, and try to make the right decision for everyone, not just herself. Even though it might be easier to give up - screw that, it WOULD be easier to give up - Naif continues to push forward to save everyone, even the people who have been horrible to her in the past.
Lenoir - We don't see much of him physically in Shine Light, but he is in the back of Naifs mind a fair bit. He is a great help to her, and stops at nothing to keep her safe.
All the characters had an important part throughout the series, and fulfilled what they were always meant to do - even if that meant a couple had to die.
Plotline:
There were a couple of times where things happened and I was like WHOA. Where did that come from?! The transition from Angel Arias to Shine Light was good, and nothing/no one felt out of place or un-needed. It was a great, smooth read that I seriously couldn't put down.
Overall:
This book was the perfect way to finish this trilogy - even though the ending KILLED me. Once again Marianne De Pierres has created something mysterious and magical.
Thank you so much Marianne and crew!
4.5 stars - just less than 5 stars because Shine Light could've been just a little bit longer and had a little more conflict, but it was still AWESOME!
September 12, 2013
I love this series, but this book gets one less star than the other two because it ends too abruptly. It needed one more chapter atleast or an epilogue. I wanted to know what happened next. What kind of society would they build? How would the surviving Ripers live on? Would Lenoir and Naif meet again? etc etc. There are just too many unanswered questions. I feel let down with this ending.
May 13, 2016
4.5 Stars.
I can even begin to describe how much I've adored this series. The finale was everything I'd hoped for... Apart from the final sentence. You kill me Ms de Pierres.
I can even begin to describe how much I've adored this series. The finale was everything I'd hoped for... Apart from the final sentence. You kill me Ms de Pierres.
October 25, 2012
A good end to an intriguing story. Enough tied up so that the story feels complete, but the world and its characters could easily be revisited.
The beginning is a bit mechanical, but after a few pages, the normal rhythm of other books in the series continues.
The beginning is a bit mechanical, but after a few pages, the normal rhythm of other books in the series continues.
Want to read
April 25, 2012...AGHHH
Aussie books america needs you ;;OAO;;
I was under the impression the 3rd book was called “burn bright” guess not
Man I haven’t even been able to get my hands on the 2nd yet *sad face*
Aussie books america needs you ;;OAO;;
I was under the impression the 3rd book was called “burn bright” guess not
Man I haven’t even been able to get my hands on the 2nd yet *sad face*
October 29, 2012
Amazing writing , naif comes into her own .This book the last in the series still has elements of suprise , twists and turns. Loves the ride highly reccomend this book such a satifying read .
April 9, 2013
Die deutsche Rezension findet ihr hier.
The review contains spoilers about the other books.
2.5
___________________________
Naif and her friends learned terrible things, and now their aim is clear: they need to get back to Ixion to fight against the Ripers in order to save everybody who is and was on Ixion. With Ruzalia’s help they get back to the island, but nothing has been won yet. First, they have to get to know what they can actually do against the Ripers, and for that they need every help they can get. Meanwhile, Naif is still attracted by Lenoir even though he is a Riper just like any other else.
My first thought after finishing “Shine Bright” was “meh”. Actually, there is not much more to say about it, but I will try to elaborate that thought further.
Generally, you can say that the world building and the explanations offered are very vague or even non-existent. That is kind of telling for the whole series if you ask me. I was not impressed by the first book – though many loved it – and the second one only frustrated me. The plot was unnecessarily stretched and even back then there was that nasty thought that it might have been better to combine book 2 and 3 because the content is not enough for two books. Unfortunately, that nasty thought is simply the truth.
The third book is not as frustrating as its predecessor, but there is not much happening as well. It is only not that prominent because “Shine Light” generally has fewer pages. Besides that it is plain boring.
You might expect some difficulties in a final instalment to increase the suspense. However, Marianne de Pierres seemed to think that her characters had to go through enough trouble and should be left alone. As a result, they start their business and before you know where you are, they are finished.
Absolutely nothing goes wrong. Naif has an idea and promptly they find out everything they need to know. Never mind others have tried similar things before – for a much longer time at that! – and never accomplished anything. It is not surprising then that the final hurdle is taken nearly trouble-free, is it?
Reading any of this was no fun at all. The plot may not have been predictable, but there were no highlights either – why you have to publish something like this instead of leaving it to be a daydream, I cannot understand.
To be honest, I do not know what else could be said about this book. What is left? The style is nice, but that can be said about many books. The characters did make some development, but is that enough? I have to admit that in “Shine Light” they were less annoying than in “Angel Arias”, but that is not really an achievement.
The third book in the “Night Creature” series is less frustrating than its predecessor but incredibly boring. It is not as if nothing is happening – the book uses the space it has well, and nothing has been stretched to fill some more pages –, there are just no problems. Everything works perfectly well for the characters, and you cannot possibly hope to create suspense with that. If the last two books would be only one, it might still be okay, but it does not deserve a recommendation the way it is.
The review contains spoilers about the other books.
2.5
___________________________
Naif and her friends learned terrible things, and now their aim is clear: they need to get back to Ixion to fight against the Ripers in order to save everybody who is and was on Ixion. With Ruzalia’s help they get back to the island, but nothing has been won yet. First, they have to get to know what they can actually do against the Ripers, and for that they need every help they can get. Meanwhile, Naif is still attracted by Lenoir even though he is a Riper just like any other else.
My first thought after finishing “Shine Bright” was “meh”. Actually, there is not much more to say about it, but I will try to elaborate that thought further.
Generally, you can say that the world building and the explanations offered are very vague or even non-existent. That is kind of telling for the whole series if you ask me. I was not impressed by the first book – though many loved it – and the second one only frustrated me. The plot was unnecessarily stretched and even back then there was that nasty thought that it might have been better to combine book 2 and 3 because the content is not enough for two books. Unfortunately, that nasty thought is simply the truth.
The third book is not as frustrating as its predecessor, but there is not much happening as well. It is only not that prominent because “Shine Light” generally has fewer pages. Besides that it is plain boring.
You might expect some difficulties in a final instalment to increase the suspense. However, Marianne de Pierres seemed to think that her characters had to go through enough trouble and should be left alone. As a result, they start their business and before you know where you are, they are finished.
Absolutely nothing goes wrong. Naif has an idea and promptly they find out everything they need to know. Never mind others have tried similar things before – for a much longer time at that! – and never accomplished anything. It is not surprising then that the final hurdle is taken nearly trouble-free, is it?
Reading any of this was no fun at all. The plot may not have been predictable, but there were no highlights either – why you have to publish something like this instead of leaving it to be a daydream, I cannot understand.
To be honest, I do not know what else could be said about this book. What is left? The style is nice, but that can be said about many books. The characters did make some development, but is that enough? I have to admit that in “Shine Light” they were less annoying than in “Angel Arias”, but that is not really an achievement.
The third book in the “Night Creature” series is less frustrating than its predecessor but incredibly boring. It is not as if nothing is happening – the book uses the space it has well, and nothing has been stretched to fill some more pages –, there are just no problems. Everything works perfectly well for the characters, and you cannot possibly hope to create suspense with that. If the last two books would be only one, it might still be okay, but it does not deserve a recommendation the way it is.
November 9, 2012
Shine Light, the final book in The Night Creatures trilogy, is an unforgettable conclusion to an original and thrilling series.
Now that Naif has learned the shocking reasons behind why young people are sent to the dark island of Ixion, she returns to expose the truth and try and liberate them from their oppressors. Her mission is urgent as the badges, which all folk are given upon entering Ixion and which control life or death, are failing. While Naif has had her badge rescinded, there’s her brother and others she cares for deeply who are at the whim of its force.
Urging all the different factions to unite and overthrow their enemy and embrace liberty, however, is no easy task. Sometimes, as Naif learns, the truth doesn’t set you free, it merely complicates everything. Nonetheless, loyal and gutsy, she determines to fight the Ripers, release those they’ve enslaved through drugs, hedonism and wanton selfishness, and shine light into the darkest recesses of Ixion and beyond.
At the heart of Naif’s deadly quest, is also a truth she must face: where does her loyalty really lie? With her fellow rebels and revellers or with the creature whom she loves so deeply, the enigmatic and sensual Lenoir?
Fast-paced and so beautifully and tautly written, this final instalment is a wild ride from start to finish. The elegance and economy of the prose means you’re plucked out of your own reality and deposited firmly in the middle of Ixion, among its toxic politics and unravelling social structures. Darkness becomes an even more powerful metaphor in this novel, representing as it does, not only ignorance and the abuse of power, but the evil that lurks about and within. Straying from the light is not only lethal in this book, it’s imbued with possibilities for deadly transformations and is offered as a temptation to which those who give up the battle succumb.
In many ways, the darkness and the Ripers signify a particular state of mind, whether drug-induced or not, and as such, function as representations of the blacker aspects of the soul, of young souls specifically. There’s a sense in which Ixion, and those who are brought there have, throughout the trilogy, been presented as being analogous to the angst-ridden teenage years: the desire to fit in, to be different and indifferent, to regard oneself as immortal. In this space, all the confused and driven psychology and emotional states of youth are realised, personified and become places and spaces as well – and it’s terrifying.
All the books have explored the various pressures of adolescence; how there are those who will stray from the “paths” – knowingly and unknowingly, willingly and unwillingly – and reap the consequences of their choices. But what the books also reveal is how those whom young people trust with their care can abuse that responsibility; exploit youthfulness for their own benefit and that realisation is the most disturbing of all – for everyone.
Through Naif, the young people of Ixion (and others) are given the opportunity to come into the light of their own power and choices and thus shine. But will they take it? Will Naif be able to resist Lenoir’s allure and the hold he has over her or will she succumb? Will Ixion surrender its terrible secret in time?
You’ll have to read this marvellous book to find out.
Now that Naif has learned the shocking reasons behind why young people are sent to the dark island of Ixion, she returns to expose the truth and try and liberate them from their oppressors. Her mission is urgent as the badges, which all folk are given upon entering Ixion and which control life or death, are failing. While Naif has had her badge rescinded, there’s her brother and others she cares for deeply who are at the whim of its force.
Urging all the different factions to unite and overthrow their enemy and embrace liberty, however, is no easy task. Sometimes, as Naif learns, the truth doesn’t set you free, it merely complicates everything. Nonetheless, loyal and gutsy, she determines to fight the Ripers, release those they’ve enslaved through drugs, hedonism and wanton selfishness, and shine light into the darkest recesses of Ixion and beyond.
At the heart of Naif’s deadly quest, is also a truth she must face: where does her loyalty really lie? With her fellow rebels and revellers or with the creature whom she loves so deeply, the enigmatic and sensual Lenoir?
Fast-paced and so beautifully and tautly written, this final instalment is a wild ride from start to finish. The elegance and economy of the prose means you’re plucked out of your own reality and deposited firmly in the middle of Ixion, among its toxic politics and unravelling social structures. Darkness becomes an even more powerful metaphor in this novel, representing as it does, not only ignorance and the abuse of power, but the evil that lurks about and within. Straying from the light is not only lethal in this book, it’s imbued with possibilities for deadly transformations and is offered as a temptation to which those who give up the battle succumb.
In many ways, the darkness and the Ripers signify a particular state of mind, whether drug-induced or not, and as such, function as representations of the blacker aspects of the soul, of young souls specifically. There’s a sense in which Ixion, and those who are brought there have, throughout the trilogy, been presented as being analogous to the angst-ridden teenage years: the desire to fit in, to be different and indifferent, to regard oneself as immortal. In this space, all the confused and driven psychology and emotional states of youth are realised, personified and become places and spaces as well – and it’s terrifying.
All the books have explored the various pressures of adolescence; how there are those who will stray from the “paths” – knowingly and unknowingly, willingly and unwillingly – and reap the consequences of their choices. But what the books also reveal is how those whom young people trust with their care can abuse that responsibility; exploit youthfulness for their own benefit and that realisation is the most disturbing of all – for everyone.
Through Naif, the young people of Ixion (and others) are given the opportunity to come into the light of their own power and choices and thus shine. But will they take it? Will Naif be able to resist Lenoir’s allure and the hold he has over her or will she succumb? Will Ixion surrender its terrible secret in time?
You’ll have to read this marvellous book to find out.
January 31, 2013
Can you say emotional rollercoster ride? If you can then that`s the only way I can think of to describe this book. It was heartbreaking, really, really heartbreaking.
At first I got irritated with Markes and Emilia and NAif`s obssesion with the both of them but when they got out of the picture it was one rollercoster ride. The conversation she has with Lenoir, the battle with the stray Ripper that kills the boys, Lenoir saving her and trusting his well-being in her hands, the two boys: Rollo and Kero, helping her, the sight of the dieing queen, Kero`s willingles to stay there, Naif`s refusal to kill the night creature, Lenoir and Naif`s last minutes together... I don`t have words to expres what this book had me feeling while reading it. It as at times to much or to less, not enough or more than I could handle. I loved every minute of it while in the same time dispising it with all my being. I couldn`t read it again, my heart wouldn`t make it even though I know how it ends and that may be the motive I can`t read it again even if I wanted. Lenoir and Naif`s last minutes are heartbreaking. Wich reminds me of the Phantom of The opera. Another book that had me ridding a emotional rollercoster when I was reading it.
Have you ever wondered why Ixion was forever, eternally in darkness? Shine light, burn bright, and read this book, baby bats, because only then you will learn why. The pages of Shine Light are full with wonder, pleasure, knowledge… and most of all, hope for a brighter world.
At first I got irritated with Markes and Emilia and NAif`s obssesion with the both of them but when they got out of the picture it was one rollercoster ride. The conversation she has with Lenoir, the battle with the stray Ripper that kills the boys, Lenoir saving her and trusting his well-being in her hands, the two boys: Rollo and Kero, helping her, the sight of the dieing queen, Kero`s willingles to stay there, Naif`s refusal to kill the night creature, Lenoir and Naif`s last minutes together... I don`t have words to expres what this book had me feeling while reading it. It as at times to much or to less, not enough or more than I could handle. I loved every minute of it while in the same time dispising it with all my being. I couldn`t read it again, my heart wouldn`t make it even though I know how it ends and that may be the motive I can`t read it again even if I wanted. Lenoir and Naif`s last minutes are heartbreaking. Wich reminds me of the Phantom of The opera. Another book that had me ridding a emotional rollercoster when I was reading it.
Have you ever wondered why Ixion was forever, eternally in darkness? Shine light, burn bright, and read this book, baby bats, because only then you will learn why. The pages of Shine Light are full with wonder, pleasure, knowledge… and most of all, hope for a brighter world.
January 20, 2013
Der finale Band der Night Creatures Trilogie hat mich wie schon sein Vorgänger Angel Arias zwar ganz gut unterhalten, aber nicht überwältigt oder so beglückt wie Burn Bright es einst geschafft hat. Die Geschichte verläuft einfach zu geradlinig, Naif und ihren Freunden fällt alles in den Schoß und gleichzeitig wirken die Touren, die sie unternehmen langweilig und überflüssig.
Der Einzige, der Spannung in die Geschichte bringt, ist Lenoir. Leider verschwindet er schnell wieder von der Bildfläche. Schade, wo er es doch ist, der gleichzeitig Attraktivität und Gefahr verströmt und Naif zum Stolpern bringt. Wenigstens sein letzter Auftritt war seiner würdig.
Die restlichen Charaktere waren leider eher einfach nur da. Viele hatten Potenzial: Suki, Charlonge und Liam wollte ich gern in mein Herz schließen, aber dafür waren sie eigentlich gar nicht präsent genug. Und Markes? Boah, so eine Trantüte! Was Naif an dem findet, verstehe ich bis heute nicht und ich bin froh, dass er ihr Interesse nicht erwidert.
Die ganze Backstory der Ripers fand ich super interessant, aber auch viel zu lasch ausgeführt. Man erfährt kurz wie sie nach Ixion gekommen sind bzw. wie Ixion entstanden ist,
Alles in allem eine problemlose Lektüre, die aber leider nie wieder zur Hochform des ersten Bands aufläuft.
Der Einzige, der Spannung in die Geschichte bringt, ist Lenoir. Leider verschwindet er schnell wieder von der Bildfläche. Schade, wo er es doch ist, der gleichzeitig Attraktivität und Gefahr verströmt und Naif zum Stolpern bringt. Wenigstens sein letzter Auftritt war seiner würdig.
Die restlichen Charaktere waren leider eher einfach nur da. Viele hatten Potenzial: Suki, Charlonge und Liam wollte ich gern in mein Herz schließen, aber dafür waren sie eigentlich gar nicht präsent genug. Und Markes? Boah, so eine Trantüte! Was Naif an dem findet, verstehe ich bis heute nicht und ich bin froh, dass er ihr Interesse nicht erwidert.
Die ganze Backstory der Ripers fand ich super interessant, aber auch viel zu lasch ausgeführt. Man erfährt kurz wie sie nach Ixion gekommen sind bzw. wie Ixion entstanden ist,
Alles in allem eine problemlose Lektüre, die aber leider nie wieder zur Hochform des ersten Bands aufläuft.
October 21, 2012
I started to read Burn Bright, the first in the Night Creatures trilogy, after enrolling in a workshop run by QWC and hosted MDP. I quickly read Burn Bright and Angel Arias and couldn’t wait for the final novel. Luckily for me, I won the Shine Light as a lucky door prize at the workshop, and started reading that night. (What a thrill to read the conclusion of a trilogy before it’s officially released.)
I thoroughly enjoyed the book (and the series) and it kept me guessing until the end. Shine Light resolves the secrets of the Uthers, the extent of the Elders' deception on Grave, eternal night and what the Ripers and night creatures are (and a few more things); but it also keeps a few secrets so that a sense of mystery remains. I am still pondering the ‘what ifs’ and ‘what nexts?’.
I admire Naif for staying true to who she is throughout the series. Even the personal tensions between Naif, Markes and Lenoir are resolved in a way that maintains her integrity.
I found the Night Creatures Trilogy surprising and original - I have become a MDP fan. I am now looking forward to reading the Sentients of Orion, Parrish Plessis and the Tara Sharp series (Tara Sharp under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt).
P.S. I will always stay in the light, and never, ever stray from the path!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book (and the series) and it kept me guessing until the end. Shine Light resolves the secrets of the Uthers, the extent of the Elders' deception on Grave, eternal night and what the Ripers and night creatures are (and a few more things); but it also keeps a few secrets so that a sense of mystery remains. I am still pondering the ‘what ifs’ and ‘what nexts?’.
I admire Naif for staying true to who she is throughout the series. Even the personal tensions between Naif, Markes and Lenoir are resolved in a way that maintains her integrity.
I found the Night Creatures Trilogy surprising and original - I have become a MDP fan. I am now looking forward to reading the Sentients of Orion, Parrish Plessis and the Tara Sharp series (Tara Sharp under the pseudonym Marianne Delacourt).
P.S. I will always stay in the light, and never, ever stray from the path!
December 14, 2012
It was a nice enough read, although seeing as it ended I'm half-expecting the fourth book to come: there was no definite conclusion; sure, the fight did end, but no hint was given at what will the characters do, where they will go, or how they will live from now on. An epilogue or few words in the end of the book about life some time after would be sufficient.
As of now, it feels as though the author is thinking of the possibility to write another story.
Otherwise, it was not as exciting as the first, or even the second book.
The really disappointing thing was
The reason I'm giving it 3 stars, and not 2 it is more deserving of, is that it went down smoothly - the time passed quickly, and while reading I was only mildly annoyed.
As of now, it feels as though the author is thinking of the possibility to write another story.
Otherwise, it was not as exciting as the first, or even the second book.
The really disappointing thing was
The reason I'm giving it 3 stars, and not 2 it is more deserving of, is that it went down smoothly - the time passed quickly, and while reading I was only mildly annoyed.
February 6, 2017
Es ist ein paar Tage her, dass ich es beendet habe und schon kann ich mich an kaum etwas erinnern. Es ist in Ordnung, ja, aber nichts besonderes. Das Ende fand ich fast schon gut, jedoch sind so viele ungeklärte Fragen noch vorhanden. Und diese Rollo, Markes, Lenoir Geschichte ist sowas von unnötig gewesen. Ugh.
Ich verstehe nicht, warum was eine Trilogie ist. Ich glaube, wenn die Bücher als ein einzelner Band erschienen wären, hätte es mir um einiges besser gefallen. Schade.
Ich verstehe nicht, warum was eine Trilogie ist. Ich glaube, wenn die Bücher als ein einzelner Band erschienen wären, hätte es mir um einiges besser gefallen. Schade.
July 24, 2013
I got this free on amazon.
I'm not sure how I feel about that ending...very abrupt and left me feeling like there should be another book? Like the cliffiest of cliffhangers. That last sentence? Really? How could the entire series possibly end like that? It felt so unresolved. I was hoping for more resolution where Lenoir was concerned.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but the storyline definitely took a turn I wasn't expecting. Not necessarily bad - I still enjoyed the other-worldliness of it, and I liked witnessing Retra/Naif coming into her own. She started out rather quiet and timid, but grew stronger throughout the three books. All of the characters changed in some way, whether physical or character-driven.
I'm not sure how I feel about that ending...very abrupt and left me feeling like there should be another book? Like the cliffiest of cliffhangers. That last sentence? Really? How could the entire series possibly end like that? It felt so unresolved. I was hoping for more resolution where Lenoir was concerned.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but the storyline definitely took a turn I wasn't expecting. Not necessarily bad - I still enjoyed the other-worldliness of it, and I liked witnessing Retra/Naif coming into her own. She started out rather quiet and timid, but grew stronger throughout the three books. All of the characters changed in some way, whether physical or character-driven.
December 23, 2012
The conclusion to the 'Night Creatures' trilogy is engaging and deeply satisfying, returning to Ixion Naif draws together all the necessary threads for revolution and freedom from Ixion's hold, and I know I can't be the only one sad to see the end of the sexy and sinister darkness-driven party island. Not only does the story culminate, but so too do the relationships between characters, and I'm pleased that in their interactions that not everything is tied up neatly in a little bow. This trilogy is unique and interesting, one of the best series of YA I've read this year.
July 23, 2013
Okay, so I wasn't as in love with the ending of this trilogy. I could have forgiven some of the parts that seemed to easily wrapped up if it weren't for the ending. It felt sudden, too easy, unfairish and not keeping with Naif's principals, and unsatisfying..... especially since I'm not fond of things being left open. I want definitive endings.... even if I don't like the way things go and damn it after everything a certain character did for Naif and how much he grew and changed, because of her and for her.... I feel like they deserved a happy damn ending. =P =/
November 19, 2012
Wonderful last episode in the Night Creatures trilogy. I love a good resolution and this one had it all. It's immensely satisfying to look back at the growth of the heroine - a personal narrative arc from helplessness to power and compassion. My kind of story!
January 8, 2013
Hmm. I didn't take to this one as with the others. In some way it felt like a rush towards an inevitable and totally predictable ending. Sad, it had such potential for me. The character of Naif was still very strong, but she kind of wafts around. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.
December 26, 2012
Welcome to the final sequel of the Night Creatures trilogy. At last Naif can take the darkness away. Hehe, I enjoyed this one, like I enjoyed the other two. It was as exciting as the first and has much more of Lenoir in it. I loved it. A great ending to a great story.
January 27, 2017
Just like the second novel in this trilogy, this novel was lacklustre. I waited so long for a climax that never arrived. The novel was slow, and un-informing. It lacked the imagination and intrigue of the first novel, and lacked the action to carry it through to the end. Massive disappointment.
January 16, 2013
A fantastic ending to a riveting series. More to come when I get time to review properly!
December 26, 2012
Loved it but im guessing this is the last book for Night Creatures. I do still have questions running in my head. Another installment please? nah jokes, i like how it is.
Want to read
July 1, 20137/1/2013 - Free e-book from Amazon.
January 22, 2018
Even though I knew this series was going to end with the cessation of the bond between Naif and Lenoir, it didn’t make reading it any less bittersweet. Maybe there’s something wrong with me, but I can’t hate Lenoir! In summary, this was an engaging, thought-provoking series that I devoured easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
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