Lucid

Brightest Kind of Darkness #2

by P.T. Michelle

Once Nara combines her prophetic ability with Ethan’s power to outsmart Fate at his own deadly cat-and-mouse game, she’s more determined than ever to help Ethan learn the meaning behind the raven sword tattoo that suddenly appeared on his back after their confrontation with Fate.

During her quest to uncover the tattoo’s secrets, Nara enlists the help of some new friends and discovers her own surprising connection to Ethan.

While Nara digs deeper into the mystery, her desire for answers leads her down a dangerous path full of powerful and ruthless enemies. Swept into an age-old battle, Nara quickly learns that keeping one’s enemies close can be a necessary evil, making an intangible enemy she can control far more preferable to the human enemies she can’t.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 9, 2012

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling author of the IN THE SHADOWS and BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series.

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Current books in P.T.'s Contemporary Romance series IN THE SHADOWS, a New York Times, USA Today and International bestseller.:

IN THE SHADOWS SERIES:

NOW AVAILABLE…

MISTER BLACK (1) (Sebastian & Talia Part 1, Novella)
SCARLETT RED (2) (Sebastian & Talia Part 2, Novel)
BLACKEST RED (3) (Sebastian & Talia Part 3, Novel)
GOLD SHIMMERr (4) (Cass & Calder Part 1, Novel)
STEEL RUSH (5) (Cass & Calder Part 2, Novel)
BLACK PLATINUM (6) (Sebastian & Talia, Stand alone)
REDDEST BLACK (7) (Sebastian & Talia, Stand alone)
BLOOD ROSE (8) (Cass & Calder, Stand alone)
NOBLE BRIT (9) (Mina & Den, Stand alone)
BLACK AND RED (10) (Sebastian & Talia, Stand alone)

COMING…

BLACK STEEL (10) (Stand alone) - December 2020

Books in P.T.'s BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series:

* ETHAN (Prequel Novella 0.5) (ETHAN is written in Ethan's point-of-view and can be read before or after BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS and LUCID)

* BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS (Book 1)
* LUCID (Book 2)
* DESTINY (Book 3)
* DESIRE (Book 4)
* AWAKEN (Book 5)

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! Review to come. Totally not what I was expecting...but I absolutely loved it!

[Amy Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic sequel. This is how second books should be. I loved Brightest Kind of Darkness so I have been looking forward to reading Lucid. If you want to see my review for BKoD click here. I was sucked right back into Nara's world from the first pages. We get to meet some new characters that are interesting, and also some a little suspicious. Well, to me anyways. I may or may not have been proven wrong in some cases. Being that this is the second book in the series I really don't want to say much, but I loved this one as much as the first one.

Nara is still awesome. I really like her. She's so caring, friendly, and mentally strong. She is absolutely, totally in love with Ethan, and she is trying to research about the ravens and his tattoo. She is putting it all in a journal for him. It's really sweet. She also is a bit stupid sometimes. I know that she doesn't want to worry Ethan since he is trying to mend things with his parents, but it really bothers me that she doesn't tell him some of the crazy stuff that happens. It's pretty important. She is also a very awesome and loyal friend. I love how she is with Lainey, and even the new kid Drystan. (Who I still really want to know more about. I want to like him, but his Welsh charm isn't working on me...yet.)


We don't get a whole lot of Ethan in this one. He is very present either by Nara thinking or talking about him, or their texts and phone calls, but it's not the same. I kinda missed him. He's got a lot going on, but he is still super sweet and charming. So instead of Ethan I will talk about the new kid, Drystan. My initial response to him was that something is up with him. I didn't trust him. He's nice and all, but for some reason he didn't settle well with me. He bothered me that he was totally trying to put the charm on Nara knowing that she has a boyfriend. He basically is pushing his way into her life and trying to make her want to spend time with him. Of course, she is a super nice person, so she wants to be friends. He has a special ability too, and he seems offended when Nara doesn't trust him almost instantly. I still don't really know what to think of him, but all I know is that I want him to back off of Nara. Her and Ethan totally belong together.


Nara is pretty much being stalked and has someone after her. For some reason, someone wants the journal that she is working on and she doesn't know why. She ends up kind of pairing up with Drystan so he can train her to protect herself. He also helps her through a few things. I know, now you are saying "well if he is helpful, why don't you like him?" Well, it's not that I don't like him. I just don't totally trust him. We don't really know enough about him yet. Oh and the ravens. One in particular, Patch, I totally loved. That bird made me want to laugh a few times. The ravens have been a big part of the story, but even more so in Lucid. We find out a lot of things about the ravens and some of their behaviors. Some really cool things. Anyways...so through all of this, of course there are more secrets uncovered and some new twists to the story.


This was just so awesome for me. I devoured this book very quickly because I just didn't want to stop reading. I loved getting back into this world that I had forgotten how much I loved. There are a lot of crazy things that happen in this book. Some really great fast paced action an suspense parts, and we can't forget the swoony romantic parts. There's not as many of those as I would have liked, but hey, we can't get everything we want. We are left with an ending that I swear is going to drive me insane as I wait for the next book, and more questions that I am dying to have answered. This was a fabulous follow up to Brightest Kind of Darkness and I NEED the next book.

[Annabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

***FINAL RATING: 3.35 STARS***

CATCHALL
Sadly, Lucid did not quite capture my heart the way Brightest Kind of Darkness did. I still really, really liked it, but it didn't have the feel as the first one did. It was wholly enjoyable. I breezed through it and when I was done I definitely was left breathless. Somehow, despite all this, it didn't really grab me the way that Brightest Kind of Darkness did. This review may seem a bit harsh, but I really did adore this book.

THE HEROINE
NARA
Nara is a wonderful heroine. She's strong and fun. And also very, very relatable. Nara becomes determined to do something useful instead of just sitting around and waiting. She wants to take action, and I love that. She can be a bit naïve, but mostly she's careful not to put herself too much at risk. I loved her in this book almost as much as I did in the first book. My main problem with her in this book is that she gets a tad whiny and pathetic and desperate and those are pretty much never attractive qualities.

THE LOVE INTEREST
ETHAN
Ethan really wasn't in this book a whole lot. I absolutely fell in love with him in the first book, but what we see of him in this book I'm not sure I like, let's be honest. The way he demands that Nara cease her research is just…no. It's not even the request itself, it's the way he says it. I hate the way he says it. It's far too controlling for my taste. And he totally overreacts at the dumbest things! By the end of this book I was forced to concede that I no longer love Ethan and he's going to have to impress me a lot in the next book to win me back.

THE EXCHANGE BOY
DRYSTAN
Drystan is the sexy, smoking-hot boy who Nara hangs out with in Ethan's absence. He has a gorgeous exotic name and a hot accent. In this book, he's the one I fell head over heels for. Sadly, it's clear early on that he isn't really a love interest. Even so, I adore him. He is so sweet. So so so so so sweet. And he's very protective of Nara, but he doesn't smother her. He's intensely loyal and seemingly would do anything to keep her safe.

THE PLOT
The plot is where this shines, as always. Patrice wove a beautiful world in Brightest Kind of Darkness, and it's only continued to develop in Lucid in the most lovely way. As the story unfolds, we learn more and more about their world and get drawn further and further into it until before you know it you're tumbling headlong into it and not looking back.

Nara wants to solve the mystery of Ethan's tattoo, and the world she's pulled into is dark. Someone wants her dead, but she doesn't know who. Someone doesn't want her finding out what Ethan's tattoo might mean and will do anything to keep her from finding out.

Even so, she doesn't let it stop her. With Drystan at her side for a lot of it, Nara sets out to find out what she needs to know. It's not an easy journey. There is some hurt involved, and some pain, and a whole lot of mystery and suspense since we don't know anything about who is trying to hurt Nara.

I really, really love the suspense. There's a ton of action, and you're never sure what is going to happen next. What is Nara going to find out next? How much closer is she getting to the one thing that will connect everything? What's happening with Ethan? Does Drystan have secrets too? The questions are endless, but in a good way. They kept me guessing and anticipatory.

I mean, I loved the plot! Just like that of the first book, it's brill. It's entertaining and more than just a shallow surface plot. It really digs in deep and settles under your skin, but in a delicious, warm kind of way.

THE ROMANCE
Ah, the romance. Well, it's difficult support a romance I've decided to stop liking one-half of (only for now, hopefully). The romance was nice, I guess, but I couldn't love it. Nara's whole attitude towards it just reeks of desperation and I hated that, and Ethan doesn't deserve Nara anymore anyway as far as I'm concerned since he apparently decided that it's cool to act like a jerk. Yes, I'm a little bitter. I'm allowed to be.

THE WRITING
I absolutely love Patrice's writing. Nara's voice is very open, honest, with no pretenses. Even at her whiniest she doesn't try to be someone she isn't and I have to appreciate that. I also greatly appreciate the gorgeous description. It's like literally being in Nara's world, if only for a little while. And just everything about the writing is artful and dressed to impress.

THE ENDING
The ending was a bit anticlimactic, but it worked for this book. It probably wouldn't work for every book, but in this one, well, it did. I thought it ended on the perfect note, actually. A lot of change was made in this book, and it just didn't need to go out with a bang to make an impact. It instead went out quietly but left its mark. A lot more is ahead, but there is still what has already been left behind.

WRAPUP
Lucid is very much a second book, but I'll definitely be picking up the third with total confidence that I'll love it. It was up and down for me but I see no reason not to continue this series when it has so much potential. Every time I fall a little deeper into Nara's world, and every time it's a little harder to get out. I really do recommend this series highly, and suggest that you pick it up! It's fun and unique and basically overall appealing.

FINE.

Find more of my reviews on Sparkles and Lightning!

Oh, and don't forget…

The Brightest Kind of Darkness Blog Tour stops by Sparkles and Lightning on September 28th! Be sure to drop by!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

You all know how much I loved P.T Michelle's first book 'A Brightest Kind of Darkness' so I've been waiting impatiently for the release of Lucid, I needed to be back in this amazing world that P.T has created and I needed to be back with these fantastic characters. And what I got from Lucid was a whole load of awesomeness and more!

In Lucid, we see's Nara seek out answer's to all the mysterious questions surrounding her, Ethan and the Ravens, but while she seeking the questions, Nara is in more danger than ever........ Can Nara survive the danger's of her life? Or will Fate get what he wants?

Lucid was a fantastic sequel. It was fast paced, exciting and dangerous, one that was full of twists and turns and P.T doesn't make this book predictable. I honestly didn't know what was coming next and the twists that she does throw in are completely amazing. I loved that we saw Nara stepping out on her own to find out the answers and I loved that she was so determined. She finds out so many answers but they lead to so many more questions, and I need to know what will happen next. She also grows a lot through this book and I felt a lot of that was down to Ethan not being there. He is away for most of 80% of the book and even though there are a few phone calls, they don't talk all that much. I missed his presence but when he came back, he completely consumed me and I just melt. I adore all the moments with Ethan in and I'm dying to find out the answer's and mysteries that are surrounding him.
We also see a new character named Drystan who is introduced. He has secrets of his own, and it was great to unravel him but I was glad he was just a friend to Nara.

All in all, Lucid is a heart-pounding and consuming read, one that any paranormal fan should pick up. I cannot wait for book three because I am dying to see how it all ends!

A big thank you to P.T Michelle for giving me the opportunity to review this book and also a huge thank you her editor who used my quote on the back of BKoD book!

[Teresa Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

Lucid is a wonderful follow up to Brightest Kind of Darkness. The story keeps you guessing and the plot moves along at a nice pace. However, Lucid did not grab me the way Brightest Kind of Darkness did. I was invested in the story and eager to know what was going to happen, but when I put the book down there was no overwhelming desire to pick it back up. Maybe I was just in a weird mood, but Brightest Kind of Darkness was a book I just could not put down where I did not get that feeling with Lucid. I am attributing this to the lack of Ethan.

I loved Ethan in Brightest Kind of Darkness, so when he wasn’t really in Lucid I was a bit upset. I really missed having his character around and I missed his interactions with Nara. Sadly, Ethan does not show up until the end, but when he does show up it is great. While I adore Ethan, I did want to punch him a little bit in this book. While he was off, it is obvious he was up to something. Did he share with Nara? Of course not, why would he do that. I mean he only expects Nara to share everything with him and gets mad when she doesn’t, but he is still holding back. It seemed like a bit of a double standard to me. Aside from this though, I still really like his character and I am hoping he is much more prevalent in the next book.

Nara goes through some changes in Lucid and I think they are for the better. She becomes kinda kickass and I loved that. She learns to fight and defend herself. I also liked the way she dealt with Ethan’s absence. She was upset and clearly missed him; however she didn’t focus on that. Nara found ways to distract herself and found her own ways to stay close to him. A lot of her distraction comes with the help of the new Welsh transfer student Drystan. While Drystan was not Ethan, I liked him a lot. He is funny and witty and has a swoon worthy accent. However, he too had his moments where he grated on my nerves. He was determined to make Nara trust him so she would share her secrets with him. My question is; why did he need to know? Someone can trust you without telling you every single deep dark secret they have. Trust is a two way street; Drystan wants Nara to trust him, but he should also trust her to tell him what she feels is right for her. Sometimes people like to keep things personal. Also, not all secrets are hers to share, like Ethan’s for instance. Now I just need to take a quick second to talk about Nara’s BFF Lainey. Lainey can be incredibly annoying. She can be incredibly self-centered, especially in the beginning of the book. She drove me nuts, but she does make up for it in the end.

Lucid has numerous interwoven plot lines. Fate is still around but now there is someone or something else out there that is interested in Nara and Ethan’s connection to the ravens. These people are willing to go to extreme lengths to figure this out and get to them. I found the raven plot line to be incredibly interesting, but I was left with a lot of questions about it and I am looking forward to learning more about that in the next book. The one downside to the plot was that I was able to guess some of the ending, where with Brightest Kind of Darkness I could not guess anything.

My favorite part about Lucid is that it leaves all the angst behind. I mean, of course it has a tiny presence, but it is not overwhelming. Also, there is no love triangle. At least I didn’t feel like there was one, although I think some people could argue this point. There is someone else interested in Nara, but it is clearly one sided, so I don’t consider it a triangle. If you want to consider it a triangle, well then there are much worse ones out there, this one is good. I am hoping this stays this way and that the next book does not introduce one, because I am so fickle with love triangles.

All in all, Lucid is a good read. It has a great paranormal story, one that has not been done before and despite the relationship being long distance there is still a very romantic aspect to it. Fans of BKoD, you will not be disappointed with this one.

[Kara-karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, your eyes aren't tricking you. 5 stars for one mind-blowing, beautiful story, that I really don't know what to expect from anymore.

WHOA! I can't tell you how many times I've pushed Brightest Kind of Darkness on my readers in the last year. I've recommended it, I gave it away and generally loved it for its wonderful main characters and a very tight plot.

Well, Lucid is even better. So be ready, as I will be bullying you into reading it for another year *grinning*

YA always makes me roll my eyes. This never happened in Lucid (like it never happened with Night School by C.J. Daugherty as well).

*SLIGHT SPOILERS/SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST NOVEL AHEAD*

The plot is incredible. I do not know anymore what to think and where it would lead because every time I hope I know what's it about, it makes a 90 degree turn and loses its predictability.

Nara is fabulous, sensible and very interesting girl who after thwarting Fate in killing her in the first book for her ability to see the future and prevent bad things from happening to the people she is connected with, is just trying to catch a break...

Sadly, Ethan, her boyfriend, whom I loved to bits, is away mending his relationship with his parents through most of the book, and we don't see them together until the very end. But whoa! When he comes back I barely recognise him, because Ethan becomes formidable.

When Nara and Ethan meet in Brightest Kind of Darkness their relationship is sweet, and he plays a role of a nice guy who is struggling with his abilities. The love that evolves from their friendship is natural and it helps them overcome all the death threats to Nara.

While Ethan is away Nara continues her research into his tattoos and mystery of ravens surrounding him, and thus attracts attention of an unknown enemy. She is running for her life again and doesn't even know who is trying to kill her while Ethan is away.

Enter, Drystan. A Welsh boy who spends few weeks in US before he goes back to England.

Okay I did roll my eyes when he said that his mother took him away for a break before he moves from Wales to England (Yep, like they are not you know intertwined, and it's not like you just drive on the motorway and one moment you're in Wales and next in England...*facepalm* It's not like the supermarkets or shops and anything else is any different apart from second language of course. So, coming to US to prepare for "a change" is um-m... a bit extreme). However, Drystan is a very interesting boy who studies parkour and saves Nara's life few times with his amazing skills.

As much as I love Ethan. Drystan is lovely in his own way. He insists that Nara learns self-defence, he relentlessly trains her while she desperately wants Ethan to come back to her, he helps her in her investigations, and he's got his own secret talents which again combined with Nara's evolve into something new.

People die, people get hurt, the pace of the novel, the suspense, is breathtaking, and just as you start warming up to Drystan, BAM! Ethan comes back, and oh my, he is delicious...

I can't wait to find out what happens next and I insist you read both books ASAP. They are that good.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nara is a girl on a mission. She is seeking out what ever info she can find about the mysterious tattoos on Ethan’s back. But along the way she finds trouble…imagine that. The closer she gets to the truth the stronger the evil is that is stalking her and causing her harm. Who is after her? And what do they want with her journal?

At the start of Lucid, not far from where Brightest Kind of Darkness ends, we realize that Ethan has went back home to mend his broken relationship with his family. So, much of Lucid we are Ethan free….and that just brings a frown to my face. I loved me some Ethan in BKofD and was looking forward to more of him in this one. We did however get a few new characters that brought with them some mystery and intrigue. Take Drystan for instance…I loved him. I had a hard time stopping myself from rooting for him while Ethan was away. And lets not forget Patch the raven. He was a quirky little guy but always seemed to be there for Nara when she needed him most. He made the perfect addition to the series, even if he is a bird.

I read Lucid pretty much in one day; you just fly through the story drinking it in. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t get enough. The book grabs you and you don’t want to put it down. And thanks so the suspense I bit off what little nails I had. It was nerve racking wondering what was going to happen next…who was after Nara…and why wasn’t Ethan returning her calls or texts?

When I closed the book I was happy with the ending and all that progressed throughout the book. Michelle did a fabulous job giving the reader a story that is beyond unique and absolutely different than anything you have read in the YA genre. It is packed full of action and I was tickled pink with all the twists and turns Lucid laid out for us. The ending also leaves the reader eager to begin the next book in the series. Unfortunately we have to wait for it.

When I read Brightest Kind of Darkness last year I knew it was one of my top fav books of the year. Lucid is ranking right up there in fav books for this year too.

[Gayatri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That is a book! I read this book over a very long period of time cause other books kept on catching my interest. I am so glad I finally finished it because the end was mind blowing.
The first half of the book was kind of boring because Ethan was not there and I loved Ethan and the characters were only finding out new things and Nara was just researching stuff to help Ethan. Then Ethan started getting distant and Nara kept on becoming more and more worries and finding out more of her past, her grandmother and her father as well who had the same abilities she did. She found out her father still loved her mom and her. Drystan! OMG he is so hot and so sweet and even though I am completely rooting for Ethan and Nara its so unfair that Nara has two hot guys after her. I mean can't you share? He had abilities too and he protected her with all his insane self defence moves when she was attacked twice.
Then after all that about ravens and people attacking her for some journals and then stealing her journals she just wants a night out of fun, especially when she thinks Ethan has found someone else. Lainey was amazing. Even though she had no idea what was going on she was always there for Nara 100%. An amazing best friend. All of us need a best friend like her, and Matt was pretty awesome too. Yeah so the dance went haywire. Drystan tried to kiss her even though she changed her past and Ethan comes and he's like a complete different person.
Anyways this was a whirlwind of a book and I loved every second of it.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews on my blog: Love is not a triangle

Lucid is the second book in P.T. Michelle's Brightest Kind of Darkness series. Be warned of SPOILERS if you haven't read the first book yet.

In Brightest Kind of Darkness (BKoD) we meet Nara Collins. Every night she dreams exactly what is going to happen to her the following day. Nara has been dreaming her future for so long that it is normal for her. She also knows she's not supposed to interfere in the events she sees. But when Nara dreams about a school bombing that will hurt her friends, she decides to take action and change her future. Her decision sets in motion the events on BKoD, which culminate in a battle with fate that she ultimately wins (for now).

We also meet Ethan Harris in BKoD, a boy who for some reason never shows up in Nara's dreams. He has his own powers, absorbing people's dark thoughts and nightmares when he comes into physical contact with anyone. He also has a large raven sword tattoo on his back, which inexplicably showed up one day on its own. Because of the darkness of his "ability," Ethan was loner until he meets Nara (I love that there is a very concrete reason why he originally comes across as a broody bad-boy). Although Ethan and Nara's powers are different they also compliment each other. The two of them make a great team, and Ethan sees Nara as a bright light (Sunshine) in the darkness he is constantly facing. In BKoD they build a friendship that turns romantic, and in Lucid they are a definitely couple.

However, when Lucid begins, Ethan has gone home to Michigan to fix his relationship with his parents, which fell apart when he began to get his powers. An admirable task, if that's what he was actually doing (I'm skeptical - you'll have to read the book to form your own opinion. It's too much of a spoiler to talk about why I think that).

With Ethan gone, Nara meets Drystan an exchange student who is also drawn to Nara. He practices parkour, has a hot accent and an ability of his own. Though I didn't like that Ethan was gone so much of Lucid, I really liked getting to know Drystan. But before you think this is going the way of the dreaded love triangle, it is clear through the book who Nara is in love with, and so far I am not worried. Drystan encourages Nara to learn self defense and seems to be a more open person than either Ethan or Nara. He also provides some great romantic tension.

While I did enjoy Lucid, I had some problems with the story. Also, with Ethan gone for most of the book and with few of the many lingering questions answered, it very much felt like an interlude in the overall story arc. Nara especially got on my nerves in this book. Several bad things happen to her, and it is clear that they are connected. But she just keeps going off on her own and not telling anyone about it. I like that Nara's her own person, but I don't like when characters take unnecessary risks and keep crucial information from each other.

In Lucid we get a lot of similar plot elements as the first book, especially in terms of Nara tempting fate by changing future events. And she spends a great deal of time researching ravens. While some of that was interesting, I honestly didn't understand how researching the bird would help Ethan figure out what was going on with his tattoo. However, I do get that for Nara it was also about staying connected to him.

Too many people were keeping secrets in this story, especially Nara from Ethan and Ethan from Nara. At the end of Lucid we are left with a lot of questions, and several new plot lines, but not many answers. I wish a few more elements had been cleared up before new questions were introduced.

Despite my problems with Lucid, there are some great moments in this story (don't worry, Ethan and Nara's relationship does heat up a notch) and several interesting revelations. I love Ethan and Nara as a pair, and am eager to see how Drystan plays into the mix (as long as that doesn't mean a triangle). I hope the next book features answers, instead of more questions. Also, Ethan and Nara need to be more honest with each other for their relationship to move forward. Hopefully, the secrets they've been keeping (ahem Ethan), don't hurt their relationship in the future. Even with my reservations about Lucid, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!

Cliffhanger Scale: Mild/Medium, No mortal danger, relationships are settled. But LOTS of questions left unanswered.
Love Triangle Factor: None so far (hope it stays that way!)

[A Book Vacation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel is amazing. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, absolutely absorbed by the tale P.T. Michelle weaves as we learn more about Nara’s and Ethan’s abilities. Having won against Fate, and with Nara safe for the time being, Ethan sets out to reconcile with his family, leaving Nara to figure out her many questions on her own. Thus, Ethan is missing from the novel for more than half of it, but while I really missed him, I truly enjoyed Drystan. Upon meeting him, the reader automatically knows there’s something special about him, but as we already know through Nara and Ethan, no two abilities are alike. Though Drystan doesn’t come right out and say it, Michelle writes his ability into the story in a not so subtle way, which I loved, because here I knew something Nara didn’t know—love the dramatic irony—and it made me smile every time it came up.

But, abilities aside, Drystan also has a really cool hobby: Parkour, the stunt-sport consisting of running, climbing, and jumping off of cliffs and tall buildings. Of course, as Nara’s life becomes jeopardized due to her intense questioning of ravens, Drystan’s hobby comes to the forefront, and I loved watching him attempt to teach Nara to protect herself. Even more alluring were the scenes in which Drystan used Parkour in pursuit of those who attempted to hurt Nara; it really made my heart race as I imagined him jumping and twisting through the air—so cool. This being the first time I’ve ever heard of the sport, I am now vastly interested in learning more about it.

Throughout much of this novel, my heart was in my throat. Just when Nara recovers from one close call or spooky premonition, another swoops in and I really felt the adrenaline as I read, which made the novel all the more fun. Trying to figure out the mystery of the ravens alongside the mystery of who was trying to sabotage Nara was extremely enticing, and though I was able to figure out who the bad guys were fairly early on, it actually didn’t damper my fear for Nara at all, but rather caused me to fear even more. Not knowing who is after someone is scary, but sometimes I think knowing is even scarier, and that’s how I felt in this novel as I read.

When Ethan returns to the scene, he’s seems to have a much darker, scarier side than I was expecting, and it turns out Ethan has some secrets of his own. Of course, the novel ends (nooooooooooooo) before the reader is given any real answers behind Ethan’s transformation, and as Drystan sort of disappears from the novel upon Ethan’s return, I am really dying for the next installment. Especially as Michelle gives the reader a small glimpse into what’s to come for our beloved characters, Ethan and Nara, but I can’t say anything more as it’d be a spoiler. This is definitely a series you don’t want to miss!

To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank god for this series, I was kinda gonna give up on YA, after all the complete generic bullshit I've had to go through. Book 2 continues about a week (I think) after the 1st book. Ethan has gone to his parents to try patch up their rocky relationship, while dear old Nara tries to research about the raven connection and how the fuck Ethan got those tattoos. With Ethan's exit comes a new guy, Drystan,from across the pond.....and by that I meant he's welsh. At this point I was like, Wait WHAT! Nononononononono, not a love triangle, you were doing so well with Ethan and Nara building a friendship then their gradual relationship, please don't ruin it, please, please, please.

Guess what, she DIDN'T ruin it, wanna know why, because when you LOVE someone you do not fawn over how fucking amazing another guy is and you just wanna rip off those "designer jeans, that hang dangerously low on his sculpted, slender hip" Yes I indeed did take from another pathetic YA that dares to actually call itself a book. Drystan is a good guy who happens to [SPOILER] have an ability that allows him to locate stuff by touching it [SPOILER END] he doesn't bully Nara into stuff, he doesn't sexualise EVERY goddamn thing and hes NOT a "bad boy" thank god. Overall he's becomes Nara's friend, and comes to genuinely care for her, he is one of the few guys in YA that I actually I respect, good on ya PT. Michelle for being the author who can actually do that.

What I loved about Nara in this book, was that even if Ethan wasn't there for like 90% of the book, Nara never stopped thinking about him, but not in a way that it becomes annoying, but in a way that lets you know she isn't falling Drystan, and how much she is invested into Ethan's......issues :D
Nara is one of those rare heroines that isn't trying to be what she isn't, she doesn't try to be overly sarcastic, or overly brave and independent, when someone offers her help when she's in need, she takes it. The relationship between her and her mother is incredibly sweet, it is a refreshing change to know that for ONCE a parent is actually interested in there childs whereabouts, and spends quality time with them.

Last but by no means least, the mystery. I've always thought this series is similar to unearthly, in a sense that although there is a supernatural plot, the books doesn't seem to be driven by the story but more about how the characters respond towards each other under the strain of these events. In terms of this book, the mystery continues, more chess pieces in the overall story are revealed, but the chessboard remains to consealed, so I still have no idea in what the hell is going on, or what each and every character, new and old, have got to do With the big picture, but whatever it is, im sure it's gonna big one big crazy climax. Ravens FTW :D

[Ashley Byland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucid was a book I was waiting for ever since I finished Brightest Kind of Darkness. I fell in love with this story and these characters from the get go. I could not put BKoD down and it was exactly the same with Lucid. The connection that the main characters, Inara and Ethan have is so special and so real, you feel like you are in the story with them. Lucid was an amazing sequel to BKoD and it didn’t miss a beat.

When Lucid begins, it starts off with the same in love and special feeling you had at the end of BKoD when it came to the relationship between Nara and Ethan, however this book is darker then the first one. That is not at all a bad thing. Almost right away in this story, Ethan is gone, trying to sort out his family issues in Michigan and Nara is all alone left to figure out more about Ethan’s new raven tattoo, and the more she seems to find out, the more dangerous certain situations become. For me, the library scene, without spoiling it for those who have not read it, gave me chills. I was scared reading it. I could picture myself fin Nara’s shoes and it was chilling. It seems that in this book Nara’s powers are not what they were in the first, but the new special ones she discovers is awesome. I wasn’t a huge fan of Ethan being gone for most of the book but I love the new characters especially Drystan. I knew right away he was gonna fall for Nara, but when I didn’t know and that was fun to read. The different events that happen in this book with Drystan really almost make you wonder if Nara is going to fall for him as well. He is a very interesting twist to this story.

When Ethan returns, he is a much darker Ethan. Throughout the book I was wondering what was going on with him, and in Lucid we don’t fully find out. I am so glad he still loves Nara just as much as he did before, but one line that he says a couple times still gets to me, “you have to let me do this one my own.” Yeah, I don’t like it and neither does Nara. In BKoD, Ethan wouldn’t be so cold about things like he is in Lucid. Something scary I feel is happening to Ethan and I am very intrigued to find out what!! I do like the touch at the end of the book, I don’t want to spoil anything but in the end of both books something very cool happens and it makes me very excited to see what happens next.

I loved this book. Anything my PT Michelle and I am there. It is such a pleasure to read her stories and her stories captivate me ever so much. I am so glad I came along this series and like the first book, I was GLUED to my phone! This is a series you definitely want to pick up! Amazing!

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly i would like to thank the Author P.T.Michelle for giving me the honour of reading and reviewing this awsome book.

Luckly Brightest Kind of Darkness was fresh on my mind still when i started reading Lucid. It was a great follow up. With more action and twists and turns and more secrets revealed and new character to love and hate.

I missed Ethan in this one as he was gone most of the time trying to rebuild his relationship with his parents and also to try to figure a few things out about himself. I fell in love with him in Brightest Kind of Darkness and i wanted more of him. When he did return he seemed a bit darker than usual to me (maybe it was just me) but i still loved him. In Lucid we get new characters like Harper and Drystan which has a secret of his own. Nara is set out to discover what Ethans tattoos mean but along the way things start to happen someone or something doesnt want her discovering anything.

The parts i loved the most were the parts involving anything to do with Ravens, ive always had a facination with Ravens and to have them be a big part in a book was awsome. I loved that Nara named one the ravens Patch and he basically became like a pet, she fed him even letting him into her room and how he literally tries to get open her window so he can come in like he belongs there LOL. Ravens are a interesting creature to me and i loved that in this book they were watching over Nara and Ethan like instead of being a sign of death they were a sign of protection and learning some of the legends of how a raven became black as a starless night after being stark white like a dove was so fasinating.

This book had me sitting at the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. I kept saying ill go to sleep after one more chapter than i just ended up finishing it because i couldnt put it down.
This book was packed with action once again. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Nara and Ethans story. P.T.Michelle is an awsome writer and cannot wait to read any book that she writes.

[Kaishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 *TTTWFO* Stars

If the first book was mind blowing, this second one was mind-blasting.

The actions scenes were as much enjoyable as Drystan's character. New relevations, theories and mysteries kept me enraptured throughout the story.

Apart from the thriller aspect of the story, Lucid also throws light upon how Nara finds her way through the dangers by herself and emerges as a stronger young woman. Though she was a little miserable without Ethan, she remained strong and loyal to him and moreover trusted him. The way she matures and gains understanding in this second part of the story, the whole transformation was breath taking.

Though Nara isn't the only one who faces changes, Ethan is caught up in his own problems and definitely comes out a stronger person by the end of the book.

“You’re mine to protect, from Fate and everything else."

And yet their love story keeps transforming beautifully into something more special, precious and breathtaking. Their love for each other is over-powering and undeniable. The author has portrayed it so amazingly that even readers can see and bask in its glow. It's that powerful.

The cliff hanging is intriguing enough for readers to get hooked on reading the third sequel. A wonderful reread!

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW Lucid did not disappoint me! I'm not going to jump on the band wagon about missing Ethan in this book because I feel that the story progressed without him. He was alluded to throughout the book but wasn't needed as Drystan was put front and center. I do find it very refreshing that a love triangle was not introduced into this book which had me thanking all that was holy! I cannot stand another one of those, and the love between Nara and Ethan is pure and sweet and should stay exactly as it is without any more complications seeing as there lives are one big cluster mess. I loved the writing style in Lucid just as much as Brightest kind of Darkness, and was presently surprised with the fate twist. I am looking forward to the journey Ethan and Nara are going to take in the 3rd book and cannot wait for its release.

[Chante Jero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the reviews I've read so far say this book wasn't as good as the first, and I have to agree. It was BETTER!! While Ethan wasn't in a majority of this book and that disappoints a lot of readers, it was a true to life scenario. Ethan has to figure himself out before he can devote himself completely to Nara. Plus, in real life our loved ones can't be in the picture 24/7 even if we wish they could!! But I promise if you read through this whole book, it wont disappoint! PT Michelle, you did it again!! Please hurry and write the next book!! I don't want to wait a whole year to read more!!Lucid

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book turned out to be so much more than what I thought. I wish that Ethan was in it more though.I missed him so much. I am really looking forward to reading more about him in the next book. The new characters were interesting, but they don't hold a candle to Ethan for me. When he returned and rescued Nara, I was cheering for them. I love they want so much to express and feel everything with each other. The ending was amazing!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasnt as good as the first one. I hate how Ethan was gone for pretty much all the book. It was still a good book, I just didnt expect Ethan not being in most of the book. I hope the third one has a lot of Ethan to make up for his absents in this book. Can't wait for the third book now.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh...what a great 2nd book!! I did miss Ethan's presence, but i think it was important to focus on Nara for the development of her character. I am STOKED to find out the deets regarding her new development and the importance of Drystin's role!

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh !
 
This was good , but I kinda missed Ethan . Damn the boy was missing throughout the book !
 
 

[Deea (Andreea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucid is the amazing sequel to the Brightest Kind of Darkness. BKoD was one of my favorite reads last year and with this second mind-blowing installment, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA Dark/Paranormal Romance series out there! Actually, Lucid is definitely in my top 5 PNR books I've read this year so far (if not the best!)

Once again, my thoughts are all over the place and I don't even know where to start. BKoD was full of mystery, suspense, scary twists and unexpected events that left me reeling, but in Lucid, there's so much more of EVERYTHING! Arghhh! I couldn't catch my breath until the end, when I nearly passed out from all the astonishing events and the breath-taking twists! Lucid is, in one word, epic!

The end of the first book left us with some unanswered questions. Ethan needs to solve his problem with his parents, so he leaves to spend some time with them. In the meantime, Nara does everything she can to find out the answers to those questions: she makes new friends, new enemies, reinforces old relationships and does a lot of research to find out everything about the raven mystery - why and how is Ethan connected to them, what role do they play in her own life, what's the story behind the tattoo and the sword that appeared on Ethan's back after the final battle with Fate...

Seeking answers to these questions puts Nara in all sorts of dangerous, unpredictable situations. She digs deeper and she realizes that there's a connection between her ability and the ravens too - and there's some higher force that is not pleased by all her research and her findings. And, once again, her life (and sometimes the lives of her close friends too) is in danger.

She misses Ethan and could really use his help with all the mysteries and drama, so she tries stay focused on her research:

The more I looked, the more information I collected for Ethan, which helped muffle the ache in my heart from his absence. So long as I focused on the research, I felt like a small part of him was still with me.

There's also a new transfer to her school from Wales, Drystan. He has a special ability of his own, which creates a connection and a friendship between them right from the start. Speaking of Drystan, OMG he's so awesome!! I love him! I really wish he could become the main character in another story (maybe a spin-off?), because he's too amazing to be just a side character in this series. He's funny, witty, badass, has a swoon-worthy accent and does parkour. He has super cool moves!* He helps Nara a lot, he even saves her life a few times and does everything he can to earn her trust. But rest assured, there's no confusion and no doubt that Nara's heart belongs to Ethan and their bond is truly special, so no love triangle here (well, not the usual kind, anyway).

Drystan was an open book with hidden passages.

*I'd barely made it to the third floor landing when I saw Drystan grab hold of the metal railing just below me, then vault into the air. Curling up and over the stairwell turn, he shot like a bullet down to the second floor, skipping an entire flight of stairs with his pivoting move. (...) With furious determination hardening his face, he took off from the second floor toward the first floor in a similar fashion. Partway into his swing around the turn in the stairwell, he spread his legs and caught himself against the opposite wall in a fast halt. I blinked at the show of upper-body strength he'd displayed, hanging for a split second above the stairs, before he pushed off the wall with this other leg. In a backward curling motion worthy of a seasoned gymnast, he swung his body back around, grabbing on to the bend of the stairwell's railing like parallel bars.

Even though Drystan is always there to help her and the things with her best friend and with her mom go well, Nara still has a lot of things to worry about and to deal with on her own. But she never gives up, never backs down, no matter how dangerous and powerful the things she has to face are. She turns up to be one super awesome, kickass heroine! She's a real fighter. Her love, strength, courage and determination are not only absolutely incredible, but also very inspiring.

And Ethan... OMG, Ethan! *fans self* Though he is not that present in the story, he totally makes up for that in the last part of the book. If there was a Top #10 Character Entrances in a YA Book, Ethan's would be number 1, no doubt about it. Seriously. He just shows up out of nowhere, all dark and sexy and powerful and super badass.... And then there's fighting, then there's some super hot scenes and then there's some heart-melting lines... That is a hard act to follow, I'm telling you!

Every bone in my body melted at the heated look in his gaze as he stared at my lips with hungry intent. But instead of kissing me, he pressed his lips tenderly to my forehead and spoke in a desperate whisper, "You totally break me apart, Nara. You're the only one who has the power to do that. You consume me." I wrapped my arms around his waist and met his tortured gaze, hoping he saw all the love I felt for him reflected in my eyes.

Actually, it feels like this entire book is a hard act to follow. It's the kind of book you set your rating system after. And if I don't get to read any other YA Paranormal book by the end of the year, I'll be satisfied that I've already read one the best.

The whole story is gritty, intense, suspenseful, full of action, mystery and many twists. And there's still so much more to find out! I don't think I breathed at all while I read the last 15% or so of the book. There was so much tension, action, knees-buckling romance and pure awesomeness, that it left me speechless and dying to read the next book. There were some revelations at the end that I'm sure will change a lot of things for the characters and for the entire series. I can't wait to see where the story goes!

P.T. Michelle's has such a fascinating way with words! Her writing is beautiful, captivating and flows smoothly. The entire plot is powerful, very well developed and most importantly, very original. And I've said it before: I love books written by authors who have the experience of writing Adult books before. I don't know how to explain it, but there just seems to be something... more about them. (I'm not talking only about the romantic aspects either).

Just like Brightest Kind of Darkness, Lucid grabs you by the throat right from the first chapter and doesn't let go until the end. It leaves you breathless and needing the next book in the series STAT!

Other memorable quotes:

"I'm the light, Drystan. I'll be fine." I started to turn, but Drystan clasped my wrist. "If there's enough darkness, even light can be completely consumed by it, Nara." "Not if it's the brightest kind of darkness."

Though Ethan hadn't said a word, I'd felt his emotions. His kiss had been intimate and boldly possessive, as if he'd just branded me, and an overwhelming, tender, "I claim you" message settled in my heart. You're mine too, Ethan."

***I was provided with a review copy by the author, P.T. Michelle. I was not monetary or otherwise compensating for posting this review and there was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, or readers of this review.

Full review at http://deeas-journal.blogspot.ro/2012...

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this, but the food out weighs the bad

Overall I thought the book was enjoyable.

Now there were a couple little details that got in my nerves, but I won’t say what they were so I don’t unknowingly give spoilers.

It dragged in some places. This is why my rating is a bit lower.

It wasn’t the best second book I’ve ever read in a series but it was enough for me to go to the next book.

4.0 star rating

[D Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: PG13 for violence and petting
Sex: petting, kisses
Language: 0 F words, 42 Lord's name in vain, 4 S words
Violence: gunshot, animal traps, assault, murder, impaling, brutal fighting, knifing, choking
HEA or Cliffhanger: cliffhanger 
Do I need to read books before this one: yes
Would I read more of the series: yes

Wow! What a continuation of the story! Ethan's not in this book much. We meet Drystan, who finds things. Patch and Houdini are delightful additions. Fate has issues, and we meet another set of villains. Where's Dad? 

----SPOILERS----
Nara sees a car accident and a blur of fighting falls from the sky, dissipates before it hits a car. Ethan's reconciling with parents in MI. Lainey talks to ex of Jared's new girlfriend, Matt. Ravens are now on Nara's car; Patch has white feathers on 1 eye.

2w ago, Ethan took her for a picnic. Geese came back for more bread, ravens scared them away. He was going home tomorrow to be whole like she is so he can move forward with her. He got a cell phone. He used the raven feather to inscribe TTTWFO on her belly. Together 'til the wheels fall off.

Lainey's dog is lost. Matt comes with Drystan Maddox, Welch exchange student. Drystan and Nara search together. He warns about edge of creek, then rubs the collar and heads right, like the birds told Nara. Lochlan is in a poacher's trap on creek's edge.

Patch comes in her room every morning since picnic. She dreamed last night about getting chased at university library (bookshelves from last book). Mom's going on a date with Spanish teacher. New neighbor, Wicklow, visiting professor from England.

New girl, Harper, sits by Nara in study hall. Lainey says to take Drystan to library. Nara grabs Lainey's hand, huge jolt. She's not stopping Lainey's crazy idea.

The article she's looking for isn't there. Drystan rubs the paper she wrote the reference on, finds it misfiled. He leaves for a bit. 30y ago, crows and ravens fell out of sky all over earth at same time. ⅔ flew away, ⅓ stunned to death. Auto-lights turn off, someone comes in but auto lights don't go on. She leaves, a young man is in the stacks, expects a fight. He chokes her, bird references, she fights. She drops the journal, opens to raven yin-yang symbol drawing. He hates it, won't touch it. She runs to Drystan, he chases after kid using parkour.

Nara doesn't want to be alone, goes to Sage's. She's going to ask office where Dad is. She's not acting normal. She gives Nara her bday present early. Black leather jacket. 1st bear hug.

Nara's laptop is open and on; never leaves it like that. It's open to search history; still warm. Wicklow returns leaf blower. She can't tell Ethan because he'd come home. He won't be home in time for big dance. Lainey's going with Matt, wants Nara to go with Drystan as friends.

Nara lost Lainey's glove when looking for dog. Nara dreamed Lainey got shot looking for it, so she's going instead. Lainey gives her bday gift early: red scarf, black gloves. Nara's scared in woods, sees a fast shadow, ravens cry Run. She finds glove, runs back. Drystan runs at her, yells and grabs her at same time as gunshot. They roll, he covers her until cops come.

Mom hugs her fiercely, Nara eats it up. Drystan texts, You OK? N: Gonna tell me how you knew? D: Only if you tell me how I saw myself saving you from getting shot in the chest. She thinks: D knew the dog was a Jack Russell w/o being told. D: Because I saw myself putting him in Lainey's arms. Seeing myself in the future is new, you the only common denominator. I'll share if you will.

She visits Gran who's unpacking memories. Nara's grandmother painted a black raven statue, inspired by Freddie from another class; he wrote book about ravens. Gran gives her statue.

At CVAS, Harper saves her from door, stands right behind her. That night, terrible headache, dream worthless. Nara tries on a gorgeous $250 dress. At home, Gran is unconscious by her desk. She climbed into 2nd floor window. She brought Grandmother's journal as bday gift. Don't let Mom read it. Black birds showed Gran the open window (but it hadn't been).

Lainey texts her to talk to Drystan. She texts him, no reply. She reads about Freddie in journal, Frederick Holtzman. She goes to write in Ethan's journal, it's gone. She searches, finds muddy bootprint in closet. He'd knocked out Gran! Freaked out, she offers to foster a dog for CVAS. No dreams.

She emails Freddie, gets a call. For Margaret's granddaughter, a tour of the sanctuary. In return for learning parkour, Drystan tells her he has psychometry (finds stuff). Patch and others on car, she scolds for not helping while Drystan proved she wasn't capable of escaping; the others fly away, Patch doesn't. Ethan: been snowmobiling, wish I could hold you. Patch gets on her shoulder, rubs his face along her jaw, flies off.

Freddie not in house. She goes in sanctuary. Some ravens fly out, then return with lots more. Soon every tree is covered. They fill the ground, don't fly away when she stands up. They synchronize their sound. She dials Ethan. N: Tell me how much you miss me. E: I ache everywhere when I think of you. It's not right that you make me feel so much. I miss holding you close and smelling your sunshine. Ravens are silent. N: If you want to share with me, close your eyes. Pretend you're standing right here with me. Now pull me close. Don't speak, just imagine and feel. Air brushes her cheek, Ethan's warmth envelopes her as if he hugs her. N: What do you feel? E: I smell sun after a spring rain and shampoo. I smell you, Sunshine, how is this possible? Wings brush her arms, her face, her back. She lifts her hand and the passing wings bat against it. E: Did you just touch me? N, crying: Yes. E: How are you doing this? N: I'm not, you are. She opens her eyes to see a tornado of ravens around her. They disperse, only a dozen stay. Freddie: I've never seen anything like that in 50y. Invites her into his house. She looks at his books. Have you ever seen a raven on a sword? No, I've seen it on everything else, curious. How about a sword tattoo featuring a raven? F: As soon as I saw the ravens spinning around you, I knew. You're the one I'm supposed to give this book to. 28y ago, he was in London. A very tall blonde man: Frederick, this is for you. Keep it safe. When the time is right, you'll know when to pass it on. N: This isn't for me. I'll come see you again.

She gets her puppy, Houdini. Tells Harper she visited Freddie in Afton. At home, her Spanish teacher has dinner with them. Mom gives early bday gifts: silver trinity charm necklace from Grandmother and Mom had Sage make earrings to match.

Houdini alerts when Patch comes for morning visit. She calls Gran to warn her to not climb a tree or she'll break her arm. Fate zaps her phone, zaps her entering the retirement community, zaps her signing in, zaps her getting on elevator. She's late to meet Drystan, lies about it. He teaches her to trust him by having her walk on stretchy nylon. He asks her to the dance to keep the girls away. He knows about Ethan, but Drystan would fly home to take her. His dad never believed in his gift, never married his mom or introduced him as his son. Even called him Maddox, his mom's maiden name. She asks him to help her find the journal, reveals her gift. It's in a men's locker at a private gym. She drives. Drystan gets in and out with lock picking skills, someone chases him. The guy had yelled at him, It's mine to present to him. Freddie's book is in the bag, too. Freddie's not answering his phone. His house is trashed, he's impaled on a branch in the sanctuary. The ravens keep the vultures away. Mom gives her sleeping pill; no dreams.

She reads book from Freddie. Her necklace matches the spine, identical in design and size. The necklace opens the spine. Inside is a drawing of a raven flying toward the sun, a raven standing on the ground with wings folded, and another flying below the ground where the raven was standing. They're drawn diagonally, not vertically. Paper disappears. She thinks about drawing it in Ethan's journal before she forgets, but realizes Freddie killed because of what that paper might mean.

Nara reads Grandmother's journal. When Nara was 1, Grandmother took her for walk. Nara gurgled while looking at blue sky, then plane breaks, falls into river. People scream, Nara cries. A tall blonde man touches her head, Be calm, little one, all will be well. He gives Grandmother a necklace to give to Nara at the age of maturity. Nara loved him. No one died in plane crash.

Nara researches plane accident, sees bubble like from car crash on a video. Lainey, Matt, and Drystan don't. She learns more parkour. She takes Grandmother's favorite flowers to Freddie's grave, tells him about the book's secret. A breeze, she smells what his home smelled of when she visited. She calls Ethan, Danielle answers because Ethan's showering.

Sage is back, Dad's truly missing. He'd sent Sage a key and a note. He left a DVD for Nari's eyes only. He works for the DOD, using his abilities. Mom is the love of his life, and Nara made everything right. He prevented terrorist attacks, etc, saving the world, but weird things were happening at home. They were being targeted, and he couldn't see it. The bookshelf told him it wasn't coincidence. She knows Fate hates Dad. Dad wants her to not follow his footsteps. He's saved 100Ks of lives, he's paid her marker, be happy.

Nara's upset, gets lost running. Drystan gets her, she'll go to the dance to have needed fun.

Lainey bought that dress for her, takes pic. Nara dreams Drystan kisses her on the way to the dance. Then her dream rewinds, she tells Lainey last night she'll meet them there. Did she rewind time?

When she wakes, she touches Houdini, zap. Reaches for the phone, zap. She calls Lainey, she did change yesterday. At the dance she meets Harper's beau, Drake. She dances with Drystan, Lainey, and Matt. A slow dance starts, Drystan insists. Lainey and Matt kiss. Drystan goes in for kiss when Ethan cuts in. He's grown taller and muscles. Jealous, too. E: It only took you a month to forget about me? About us? N: What about girl? They go into coach's office. E: She's a cousin. All the other crap, texts that never made it, guys who think they can have you, none of it matters. But the way you feel about me does. N: I've done nothing but love you. Kiss. E: You're *part* of me, Nara, always and forever. N: TTTWFO. More kissing, a little skin. Someone's coming. They hide in the closet. Drystan and others are looking for something. Ethan kisses her shoulder, scorching heat followed by goosebumps. She feels branded, claimed. Then he kisses the top of her breasts, just like he'd said he'd do when he tickled her there with a feather at picnic.

L: Meet me at the bathroom. Except Lainey's not there. Nara goes looking, Drake grabs her neck, slams her into the lockers, I want my books back. Uses bird references. Admits to Freddie's murder. She attacks, gets free, Ethan bowls him over, Get out of here Nara. She runs to get Lainey, Harper's choking her. She attacks Harper, Lainey finishes the fight. Harper had said, I'm tired of you getting in my way, taking Nara's time. Lainey goes to get the cop, Nara heads to Ethan, hides and watches. Blood everywhere, claw-like rips gouged through lockers, huge hole in wall. They fight, Drake launches himself, Ethan stabs him with the sword from his tattoo, yellow air poof, Drake's body explodes into dust.

Harper's gone, Matt will take care of Lainey. Ethan doesn't tell Nara what happened. She tells him about Harper. E: But I only saw the one. Lainey confesses she sent Ethan a pic of Nara in the dress. Drystan gives her her keys and the shawl she left in the coach's office. D: I don't see Ethan at all, just darkness, total blackness.

At home, Houdini attacks Ethan, he takes off jacket, Houdini rips that to shreds (evil dust). They go to her room, Ethan tells Houdini to guard the door, he'll sleep with Nara tonight. N: Parents? E: As good as it's gonna get. N: If you get a vibe about me, you should act on it. E: You always come first, Nara. Keeping you safe is most important to me. She tells him everything but Drystan's gift, training, Dad. E: I don't deserve your love. I'm darkness. N: I saw what happened with Drake; he deserved it. E: No one else can see yellow smoke. She shows him video of plane crash; he sees it. He'd made a bracelet from her hair ribbons he took at picnic; it looks worn out.

She offers her zipper. He first undoes her hair to smell it, takes out her earrings. E: Are you sure? N: Yes. He starts slowly, then fast. Where did these bruises come from! Self defense training, explains. E: I'll train you. She steps out of her dress, he wants to draw her. She takes off his shirt, he kisses every bruise as apology. You're mine to protect, from Fate and everything else.

She dreams of Fate. He doesn't see Ethan because Fate's a journeyman to help beings get to their destiny. The Corvus maintain balance in your realm. Think of them as equalizer enforcers. Ask the Order if you want to know more. She says free will, but that won't work because she changed the rules by going back in time. Your father's a menace, but your actions, though small, far more dangerous. You can still be a happy family if you promise to never change past again. N: I promise to never consciously change the past again. If she breaks vow, Fate can strip her of power. Dad's alive, but does he want to be with Mom? They fight. Your dad keeps re-stitching new paths in my balanced web, but you rip my web to shreds. Fight. F: Now it's just you and me. Latin: And me. Open your hand.

She wakes, Patch pulling Sage's necklace out of her hand. E: I can't believe he followed me here. N: Patch has been with me the whole time. Fate doesn't see you because you're Corvus from another realm. E: I exist. I'm here! He'd slept in pants, she in lingerie. He gives her yin-yang raven necklace. Never take this off, not even in shower; it'll keep you safe; never show it to anyone. He found necklace on tour of old house. He holds it, it gets hot. Where'd you get sword? He puts her hand on his shoulder, he closes eyes, a hilt forms. Patch wants coin, leaves. E: I don't believe it. Patch comes back, drops coin on floor, leaves. He's been bringing coins to Ethan. E: Happy birthday, Sunshine. She starts undoing bra, E: wait for just the right light. He undoes it.

She dreams of his touches, E: I love you, Sunshine. Houdini wakes her. Ethan left her a note, he'll be back Monday night (getting stuff), keep necklace on, no more raven research, enjoy your present. He'd left a feather tucked in her panties (wait until I get back before sex, never want to leave you again), a drawing of her laughing at picnic, and a camera. Her shoulder burns. White feather tattoo on opposite shoulder of Ethan's, vane looks normal, end of quill is smooth on one side, toothed on other. Ethan wouldn't've done this without her permission. She must be Corvus.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely fell fell in love with Ethan and Nara in Brightest Kind of Darkness, and I was so excited to read Lucid, book 2 in the series to see where P.T. Mitchell was taking this great story from here. Since Nara Collins was 7 years old, each night she has dreamed her entire next day before it occurs, that was until she met Ethan Harris, when the dreams began to change. Ethan battles his own demons and his own gift, though he feels it is more of a curse, so he was more than a little surprised when he began having Nara's dreams. In Brightness Kind of Darkness, Ethan and Nara not only fell in love, but their relationship and connection to each other went so much deeper and included aspects, which neither fully understood. After several incidents that caused Nara to intervene in the future, she finds herself in a battle with Fate himself, and it is Ethan who has the key to saving her. In Lucid, Ethan is still coming to grips with figuring out exactly what he is and what the mysterious tattoo that appeared on his back means. He returns home for a while to try to mend things with his family, which is very hard on both he and Nara. Nara is also determined to find out the mystery behind Ethan's tattoo, the connection with the ravens, and what all this means, and she embarks on an investigation of her own. In the process she meets some new friends, which also play a role in her quest. Nara finds herself facing danger and even death on more than one occasion as she gets closer to the answers she is looking for, and not everyone will survive.

Lucid is such an excellent second book in this outstanding series by P.T. Mitchell. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It captured my attention from the first page and I was caught up in this story until the end. We are introduced to some new characters in this book. Harper is a new girl that has started attending school with Nara, then there is Matt, who becomes her best friend Lainey's new boyfriend, and finally Drystan, the hot exchange student from Wales who has his own "special" secrets, and takes on the role protecting Nara and teaching her how to defend herself. Of course we can't forget Patch, the raven, who has also become a "protector" of sorts and plays an important role himself. Ethan was not physically present in most of this book, but he was still very much a part of the book, and I have to say that P.T. Mitchell did an excellent job with this aspect of the story. Of course the romance, chemistry, and deep soul connection Ethan and Nara share is undeniable. There were a few instances, however, where I kind of panicked and had to sit straight up, thinking "no this can't be." The promises made before Ethan left, the texts, the conversations were oh so very hot, and boy when he does show up again, he does it with a bang and an undeniable presence.

Nara keeps the things that are happening to her from Ethan because she wants him to mend his relationship with his family and she doesn't want to put any further burden or stress on him. Ethan still doesn't open up to her fully regarding the truth of what is going on with him, and I hope to see them learn from this mistake and be able to be more open with one another in the next book in the series, as they continue to seek the answers to the mystery surrounding both of them and their connection to one another. I have a feeling we may see more of Drystan to, and I wonder if he might not have quite a few secrets of his own that are yet to be revealed.

This book is filled with mystery, danger, the paranormal, and romance. Many questions are answered and just as many more are raised, which leaves me dying to read the next book in the series. I loved that the intimacy between Nara and Ethan was taken up a notch in this book, and it is oh so very hot and intense, even with Ethan's absence, and I hope to see that get even hotter. This is an amazing sequel in this outstanding series by P.T. Mitchell and if you haven't read it yet, this is one series you will definitely want to check out.

[Kate Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Reviews can be found at my blog:Nomalicious Reads

Lucid was spellbinding, very much like it's predecessor: Brightest Kind of Darkness, it keeps you enthralled, trapped in suspense and trying to unravel mystery after mystery until the very last page, where like Nara... you feel satisfied, yet not at the same time! *snigger*

P.T Michelle is a mastermind at keeping you on your toes!

Okay so after book one, we know that Fate is out to get our little heroine Nara... yes I'm saying little, even though - according to Lainey - 5'8 is really tall! (I laugh at that, because I'm 6'1) I'm just going to jump in and say I love that Nara actually said '5'8 isn't that tall' I could have just kissed her and P.T for that. Why? Because in a lot of YA fiction, girls are either really really short, and voice it several times or at 5'8 would voice that they are a giant. So for all the tall and short girls out there that groan and roll our eyes at those little parts that are overused in all those amazing books... I thank you P.T for being different!

So I started Lucid in great anticipation to find out what could possibly happen next to our delightful heroine and her steamy leading man Ethan and got quite a shock. Ethan, was away for most of the book, trying to mend his relationship with his parents.

So like Nara, I went through Ethan withdrawals.

Usually with books this is when another sexy man comes in and makes the heroines love waver for the original sexy, sexy man.

Meet Drystan... sexy sexy Welsh man who had girls coming left and right just to listen to him whisper sweet nothings in their ear with his sexy Welsh accent.

Worst part: Still going through Ethan withdrawals and terrified Nara would waver like every other nitwit heroine out there.

Best part: SHE DIDN'T WAVER!!

I should have never doubted Nara, or P.T!

Drystan is an amazing character, who like Nara isn't all that he seems! Their friendship was a fantastic part of Lucid, and I'm really really interested to see what will happen to that friendship in book three now that the leading man Ethan is back! (He better be back for the majority of book three or I may just curl up into a ball and cry) I hope that it stay's a friendship. Dryst needs to find someone else... like me for instance! I wouldn't mind stealing his heart away from Nara, although I would probably go to jail for it. (oops)

When Ethan did come back... oooh boy, it was worth the wait! (just LOVED the feather concept)

I want to quickly mention Gran, who has got to be one of my favourite characters in this series, I just love her... she's a woman after my own heart! She has wacky competitions with her evil neighbor! Runs away from her retirement home and climbs up trees to get through windows!

As I said before, P.T is a mastermind of mystery and suspense! There's soo much that I want to know about certain characters and mysterious powers that my mind is reeling, sure we find out some information but the big secret is still that... a secret! I bow down to you P.T for keeping such a tight lid on it and not making anything too obvious! I'm sure when you unveil the mystery, the pieces will click into place, but until then I'll be salivating for book three... not only for the romance, but for the amazing intrigue of this splendid series hopefully coming to light... and not to mention Ethan's pants finally coming off... hopefully.

I could go on talking about Lucid forever, and I doubt I remembered to type out everything I wanted to say! So despite my crazy rambling, I hope that I've intrigued you enough to pick up your own copy of Lucid, or Brightest Kind Of Darkness if you haven't picked it up yet... because you are definitely missing out if you haven't!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLDR Recap:

After outsmarting Fate, 16 year old Nara barely escaped with her life. The encounter left her with more questions than answers, and now Nara seeks the truth about her powers, while also trying to learn more about the mysterious sword that suddenly appeared on her boyfriend, Ethan’s, back. But searching for answers might prove to be more dangerous than Nara ever imagined…

Thoughts:

At the end of Brightest Kind of Darkness, Nara had an epic showdown with Fate in her dreams. When she woke up, it was to discover a strange sword with raven designs on it had appeared on her boyfriend’s back. At the start of Lucid, Nara has a ton of questions swirling around in her head; why can’t she see Ethan in her dreams of the future? What does the sword on his back mean? How come they both have an odd connection with ravens? And why did Nara’s dad really leave all those years ago? Nara needs answers, and she’s willing to do anything to get them. The new guy at school, Drystan, is willing to help her, and he seems to have more in common with Nara than she initially thought. Unfortunately, Nara’s quest turns out to be more dangerous than she anticipated…

Lucid was a great sequel to Brightest Kind of Darkness. The plot was intriguing, and it was both suspenseful and romantic.

Nara remains one of my favorite YA heroines. She’s brave and smart, and in Lucid, she’s even kind of badass. I love her determination to find the truth, and I like how she stands up to Fate, even though he’s pretty freaky.

Sadly, Ethan isn’t in the book all that much, as he’s in Michigan trying to patch things up with his parents. Fortunately, Nara texts him and talks to him a few times on the phone, so readers get their Ethan fix. I would’ve liked to see more of him, just because I love Ethan so much, but the parts of the book that he is in are awesome. He’s so protective of Nara, and he has the best, most swoon-worthy lines in the whole book. There’s a lot going on with Ethan, and I can’t wait to find out more about what exactly he is in book three.

Drystan was an interesting character, and even though I didn’t want to like him, (I didn’t want him getting in the way of Nara and Ethan’s relationship!) I do. He’s funny and his Welsh accent is hot. I just hope he doesn’t try to steal Nara in the next book- and if he does, I hope he’s not successful. Nara and Ethan belong together!

I think Lucid might be even better than Brightest Kind of Darkness and the wait for the next book will most definitely be difficult!

Memorable Quotes:

A wicked smile crooked his lips as he ran his finger along my lower lip, swiping away strawberry juice before I could lick it. I stared in mesmerized fascination when he sucked the sweet liquid off his finger, murmuring in a deep rumble, “Mmmm, Strawberry Nara.”

&

He pulled me tighter against him, as if he couldn’t get close enough, then kissed my jaw and spoke in a low, rough voice, “When I saw his hands on you, touching your skin, all I could think about was snapping him in half.” His warm mouth moved to my throat and he nipped lightly, his grip tightening. “You’re part of me, Nara. Always and forever.”
Together ’til the wheels fall off,” I agreed.

Lucid was a wonderful, captivating second installment in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the third book.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Original review written for and posted on GraveTells here: http://goo.gl/zviN9

[Cyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENRE: YA Fantasy
THEME: Romance/Paranormal
RECEIVED: For Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
Lucid I felt was just as good or possibly better than The Brightest Kind of Darkness, I didn’t realizes how much I missed this series until I began reading it. Though this book has very little Ethan, it focuses on Nara and her growth into discovering more about whom she is and her connection with Ethan.

Lucid follows Nara once again learning about her ability to see each day before it actually happens. Her boyfriend Ethan has a unique ability too, but when a tattoo appears on his back she began to dig dangerously deep into the secrets behind it. While Ethan is away with his family, Nara gets help from a new friend who also understands what she’s going through and opens up more mysteries along the way about her ability and fate.

Nara as always is such a well-rounded character; she has a lot to learn about herself and her family. Lucid shows how hard it is for Nara to be separated from Ethan, their contact is minimal and Nara keeps putting herself in danger. Luckily she meets a new friend named Drystan that understands what Nara is going through. I usually don’t like the hint of a love triangle, but he is just a good guy who really wants to help Nara. I enjoyed more scenes with her best friend Lainey, who added normalcy to Naras hectic life. I felt Nara grew up more, discovering more about her father, her grandmother and Ethan and how they are all connected not only to fate but something more.

Ethan, even though he wasn’t in Lucid much he still made a big impact of the plot. His separating from Nara pushed her deeper into his world. They are connected as light and dark, plus ravens are like their protectors and Nara learns more about their meaning to Ethan and her. The readers will notice some changes to him and hopefully learn what happened to him while he was gone. My favorite part of the book was that Patch, Nara’s raven connected the two together while they were apart. There relationship I felt grew stronger with their distance.

Drystan, he’s going to be an interesting character to have around. Even though it seemed like he would be a temporary character, I think there is much for to him. He teaches Nara how to protect herself, how to open up a bit more and helped her find out more about Ravens and her ability. I though his addition was great and that its going to add some competition for Ethan,, but in the end it will always be Ethan. I think we will be seeing much more of him in the next book.

Overall I really enjoyed this second installment, a lot happens, more mysteries are uncovered and more questions pop up. Nara is still trying to find out about herself but gets some insight from her father and what really happened to him. There is a villain to this story and it’s going to add more questions but in the end it just brings Ethan and Nara that much closer together.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel with a ton of mystery and fantasy elements. Fans of Jennifer Armenrtouts Covenant series and Amy Plums Revenant series will love Lucid by P.T. Michelle.

[Desert Rose Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I'd expect from a sequel, this book is perfect! As the story progresses, and characters grow, you get completely sucked in, wanting to know more!

I absolutely love this story- I loved the first book, and this sequel certainly didn't disappoint!

I really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced- who doesn't love a foreign guy who's protective and knows how to fight?? :D I really love how Lainey and Nara's relationship grew, and we got to see new levels of their friendship. I did miss Ethan, since he was visiting his parents through-out the majority of this book, but when he did re-emerge, it was just beautiful!! The changes in him made him even more attractive, and made his relationship with Nara even deeper and more wonderful. I really loved Nara's devotion to Ethan while they were separated, and how she risked so much to be loyal to him- that was really special. I absolutely love Gran, she's hilarious! By far, one of the funniest parts of the book, are the scenes with Gran :)

I love how ravens are used in this story- that's certainly not something you see often, but is very special and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing how they're further used in this story, and the mystery between Ethan's connection with the raven, and Fate.

Some of the first chapters did have redundant info, which was probably only noticeable if you'd just read the first book the day before (as I did, in order to review this book). It was very helpful though, in case the reader is reading it as a stand-alone book, or needed to catch up from the first book.

I really love the way this story is written- the way the author depicted each character, and the way the relationship and characters developed and grew through-out the story was just beautiful.

One of the best parts of the book was certainly the ending- it leaves you wanting to know what happens next, and feeling excited for the rest of the story- I can't wait for the next book!

I'd certainly recommend this series, to just about anyone! It's deep and entertaining, and doesn't leave you disappointed.

*I was given a complimentary eBook copy of this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Sequel, But Less Ethan

Though I usually love to give my own blurby recount of the plot of books I review I think the official one does such a good job I can spare you the time and just jump right in. LUCID is definitely different from BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. For me, as a reader and fan, it worked really well. I loved that with Ethan gone trying to reconnect with his parents Nara didn't spend all of her time moping over his absense. Instead she gets to work trying to find out more about his mysterious sword tattoo. Readers who are more inclined to focusing on the romance element of the story might find Ethan's long absense frustrating but I truly felt it enriched them both as characters and gave us a chance to see how Nara could handle things without him. That said, be prepared if you loved their romantic interludes best, LUCID focuses much more on their supernatural secrets.

Nara gets herself into some trouble through this story that is sure to have you staying up late into the night to finish it. It was just as difficult to put down as the first. Michelle is a truly gifted storyteller and looking at the estimated page count for it I honestly thought it was at least another 150 pages longer because so much happens!
New students at school make for new friends and those who dislike love triangles might panic with Drystan coming on the scene. I actually really liked him and look forward to seeing what involvement he will have in the next in the series. For the sake of not going spoilery on you I'll just say that he's no real competition for Ethan but makes for a great companion when Nara needs someone there.

I tend to pick up coming plot twists really easily and did pretty well with LUCID but it still had a lot of surprises for even me. If you enjoyed BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS I think you'll love how action packed LUCID is. There's a lot of mystery and new developments of the supernatural kind that will whet your appetite for the third book to devour. While not as romance-centric this time around I think those who love the relationship between Nara and Ethan will find the building up of them as individuals that happens here—though Ethan's primarily happens 'off screen'—to ultimately be enriching to their couplehood.

***ARC received via author.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wait for Lucid was excruciating! I could not wit to get my hands on this book and I am so so happy that it was definitely worth the wait. Action, romance, a new Welsh accent, and baddies I couldn't ask for more!

Lucid starts off where Brightest Kind of Darkness left off, with Nara and Ethan trying to outsmart Fate and live as normal life as they possibly can. When Ethan goes to put his family back together Nara is left on her own and she decides to look into the raven feather tattoo that now graces Ethan's back. Well to say that she opens up a can of worms would be putting it mildly. Nara discoveries put her at risk at sets a whole new plan into action. I am still shocked at some of the events that happened and I can't wait to find out more about Nara's dad and Ethan's tattoo! If you have read my previous review then you know that I am dying to know what his tattoo is all about and after reading the sequel I have even more questions and holey hale I am totally at a loss for words with well I can't say but P.T. you are brilliant! That's all I am saying for now.

As much as I loved this story there were a few things that bothered me. I am still not a Lainey fan. Her constant groveling for Jared really got on my nerves. She still has a lot to make up for in my opinion and she hasn't yet earned my trust back. I also thought the beginning was a little slow. I was upset that Ethan was absent for one thing and the story never really took off for me until the middle when we got to see a little bit more of him. I think he brings the best out of Nara and I honestly don't feel connected to the story when he isn't around. I am really hoping that a love triangle doesn't develop, but if it does I have faith in Ethan to hold steady to his girl. Other than those 2 things I really enjoyed the story. The lore in it is out of this world and I am very excite d to see how everything plays out.

A wonderful sequel to what is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!

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