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Dark Light Saga #1
Dark Light
Librarian note: alternative-cover edition of 9781484081525.
Dark Light (a romantic thriller) A successful choreographer, Katherine Wheel is a hauntingly beautiful, yet shadowed girl who prefers to the silence of solitude found in her woodland retreat to the constant bustle of a dancer’s life. But her lonely nature is compromised when she meets aphotic, alluring rock star Sterling Lawson whose poetic darkness ignites her heart. Drawn to Katherine’s spell, Sterling stops at nothing to capture Katherine’s wildly spinning heart. Her unceasing pull on him incites drastic changes in his daily life, alerting his self-proclaimed #1 fan, Hunter Tate, to notice and take action. Soon, Hunter, a paparazzo, who has been closely following the star for years, will do anything, even terrible things, to prevent losing Sterling to the evil wiles of Katherine Wheel. Will Sterling and Katherine’s love endure their very natures? How far will the vulture go to save his friend? Dark Light. Two sides to every story. Love and Hate, Music and Silence, Wrong and Right. These dualities and their black and white dance create a world of certain uncertainties. From fragile beginnings unto the bitter climatic end, they illuminate then shadow this world of dark and light.
Dark Light (a romantic thriller) A successful choreographer, Katherine Wheel is a hauntingly beautiful, yet shadowed girl who prefers to the silence of solitude found in her woodland retreat to the constant bustle of a dancer’s life. But her lonely nature is compromised when she meets aphotic, alluring rock star Sterling Lawson whose poetic darkness ignites her heart. Drawn to Katherine’s spell, Sterling stops at nothing to capture Katherine’s wildly spinning heart. Her unceasing pull on him incites drastic changes in his daily life, alerting his self-proclaimed #1 fan, Hunter Tate, to notice and take action. Soon, Hunter, a paparazzo, who has been closely following the star for years, will do anything, even terrible things, to prevent losing Sterling to the evil wiles of Katherine Wheel. Will Sterling and Katherine’s love endure their very natures? How far will the vulture go to save his friend? Dark Light. Two sides to every story. Love and Hate, Music and Silence, Wrong and Right. These dualities and their black and white dance create a world of certain uncertainties. From fragile beginnings unto the bitter climatic end, they illuminate then shadow this world of dark and light.
- GenresThriller
244 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2013
1 person is currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Clapton
27 books64 followersSouthern-born Victoria Clapton is no stranger to writing. She completed her first book of poetry at age eight and her first novel at age thirteen. Multilingual, friend to all creatures, (and in particular, especially a friend to cats in need of rescue), Victoria is a forever curious world traveler with a mysterious knowledge of things and places that encompass many lives ago, an avid collector of saga books, a practicing vegetarian and yogini with her feet well balanced in earth’s splendor. She and her cat companions enjoy all things Viking, faery, vampire, new writing instruments, herbology and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 17, 2025
DARK LIGHT was lots of fun! This romantic suspense focuses on three characters. Sterling Lawson is a rock star from Estonia shooting a new music video, which brings Katherine into his orbit. They have an instant connection, and I really liked both characters. He’s from Europe. She’s from the American South, and I loved the small details that went into building their characters. Then there’s Hunter… one of the paparazzi who follows Sterling around, always hoping for that perfect picture… and maybe something more…
This had a great romance and a delightful suspense storyline! I grabbed book 2 right away! 5/5 stars.
This had a great romance and a delightful suspense storyline! I grabbed book 2 right away! 5/5 stars.
June 13, 2013
Just finished reading Dark Light and I have to say I'm still a little spooked! What an ending! I would not have guessed from reading the blurb what an incredible romance this would be... It also has elements of a thriller, which kept me wanting to keep reading.
I connected well with the characters, even when I wanted to strangle them for their flaws. They were all very believable, even in the weird way that the two main characters, Katherine and Sterling, could be. The way that they are described gives the reader a very clear idea of what they're like, so that even when the reader doesn't agree with what the characters are doing, we still understand why they are doing it. I could understand Katherine's need for solace and see the things that made her want to run away. I knew what Sterling, who is somehow identical but opposite to Katherine, would do before he did it. And even the vulture, Hunter, when he was almost unbelievably evil, he acted that way for a reason.
I found that the story is a good balance of light and darkness, love and hate. A love as great as the love between Katherine and Sterling could produce a hate as great as Hunter's.
I'm really glad I read this story!
I connected well with the characters, even when I wanted to strangle them for their flaws. They were all very believable, even in the weird way that the two main characters, Katherine and Sterling, could be. The way that they are described gives the reader a very clear idea of what they're like, so that even when the reader doesn't agree with what the characters are doing, we still understand why they are doing it. I could understand Katherine's need for solace and see the things that made her want to run away. I knew what Sterling, who is somehow identical but opposite to Katherine, would do before he did it. And even the vulture, Hunter, when he was almost unbelievably evil, he acted that way for a reason.
I found that the story is a good balance of light and darkness, love and hate. A love as great as the love between Katherine and Sterling could produce a hate as great as Hunter's.
I'm really glad I read this story!
May 16, 2013
This book, Dark Light, is a thriller romance with plenty of rock ' roll edge and evil undertones to keep the reader totally intrigued! Victoria has dreamed up some memorable melancholic characters in her globe-trekking story of touring with the number one band from Estonia, the values of forever friendship and appreciation for the endless protection from some ghosts of the old South. Most deviant of all is her villain, Hunter, the head "vulture" who is leading the putrid paparazzi in a frenzied war of obsession. The sequel is coming soon! Victoria Clapton has a winner here with her book, Dark Light! I am looking forward to reading the next book!!
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June 6, 2013I have just finished reading Dark Light, and my, my, is all I can say. I really enjoyed the reading from beginning to the end. The characters held my attention from the very start. I really think that Victoria Clapton has given Anne Rice a run for my money!! I hope that that there is a sequel to this book. I am really wondering happened to the stalker guy. Oops, I hope I did not give away any information.
Victoria, please keep up the good work for us to enjoy.
Victoria, please keep up the good work for us to enjoy.
June 10, 2014
Now here is a shining example of what good writing is all about. A book with well constructed and believable characters (right down to the villain) and a storyline that refuses to let you set it aside once you've started reading. A fantastic book Victoria Clapton and I certainly will be looking for more of your work. I received this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
May 14, 2013
interesting characters, realistic plot ...kinda a gothic thriller...it leaves the ending open ..i had to read it 2x to make sure i didnt miss anything
August 17, 2013
Sometimes there are people who come together and their togetherness somehow makes living better, more comfortable, magical, even. Together, twin soul lovers can replace the loneliness and sadness and create an enchanted state of being. Such a relationship becomes a work of art, the completion of many brilliant nuances and ideas, and combines Sterling and Katherine and their lives into an eternal flame of perfection. They find love which is reckoned with a forever burning candle, its flames unwavering, even on the stormiest of nights. Their story can never be extinguished, and will always, always glow with perfect love and devotion. Sterling and Katherine’s timeless tale of bliss should have a happy ending. But, not all fairytales end the way we want them to.
For there is a shadow lurking in the hidden crevices, stalking their most private moments. In the name of free press and paparazzi propaganda, Hunter Tate is in deadly pursuit and he never misses the opportunity to capture his prey, on film or otherwise. If you love dark, pining, exquisite artistry in the forms of song and dance, southern hauntings, and the thrill of a city by city touring with a famous band, then Dark Light will illuminate you. I could not put this book down. Victoria Clapton has spun a magnificent tale and has gilded it with intrigue and spark between the lovers that will remain in your mind and heart indefinitely. Her nasty villain will have you looking around every time you step foot out of your home. For with the good, always comes the evil…with the Dark, the Light.
For there is a shadow lurking in the hidden crevices, stalking their most private moments. In the name of free press and paparazzi propaganda, Hunter Tate is in deadly pursuit and he never misses the opportunity to capture his prey, on film or otherwise. If you love dark, pining, exquisite artistry in the forms of song and dance, southern hauntings, and the thrill of a city by city touring with a famous band, then Dark Light will illuminate you. I could not put this book down. Victoria Clapton has spun a magnificent tale and has gilded it with intrigue and spark between the lovers that will remain in your mind and heart indefinitely. Her nasty villain will have you looking around every time you step foot out of your home. For with the good, always comes the evil…with the Dark, the Light.
September 25, 2013
Sometimes you like the characters for their looks, or for their qualities or their flaws. I came to like these characters because of the way Victoria painted them and brought them to life. From the stalker Hunter who is so infatuated with the rock star Sterling that he will follow him and his every move all over the world, to the rock star himself who knows he's good looking but still has his feet firmly grounded, and Katherine, who because of her love for Sterling will suffer Hunter's wrath more than once.
I like the way Victoria presented it. Although it is written in the third POV, we first see it through the eyes on Hunter, (Dark), followed by (Light) Sterling and Katherine's point of view. It adds a dimension that might be impossible if done any other way.
What started as a regular romance story turned out to be so much more. The little touch of mystery brought by a haunted place added to it without overwhelming it. It was just enough to intrigue me. Be it myth or truth? Who hasn't heard of such places?
Easy and fast read, it keeps your attention all the way to the end. I even found myself wiping off tears. Victoria Clapton sure has a way with words. I would recommend that book to anyone who wants to be taken away in a rock and roll world while staying true to ours and the reality that some twisted paparazzi might be bent on destroying other's lives.
A must read that was well worth the price. I will definitely read her next book.
I like the way Victoria presented it. Although it is written in the third POV, we first see it through the eyes on Hunter, (Dark), followed by (Light) Sterling and Katherine's point of view. It adds a dimension that might be impossible if done any other way.
What started as a regular romance story turned out to be so much more. The little touch of mystery brought by a haunted place added to it without overwhelming it. It was just enough to intrigue me. Be it myth or truth? Who hasn't heard of such places?
Easy and fast read, it keeps your attention all the way to the end. I even found myself wiping off tears. Victoria Clapton sure has a way with words. I would recommend that book to anyone who wants to be taken away in a rock and roll world while staying true to ours and the reality that some twisted paparazzi might be bent on destroying other's lives.
A must read that was well worth the price. I will definitely read her next book.
March 26, 2014
Okay, about the first third of the book I was planning on giving it four stars. From the outset, Ms. Clapton's writing is expository and prosaic...I haven't read a book in a long time that started out that way, so it threw me for a bit of a loop. Honestly, the first author that came to mind was Anne Rice, so it's funny that another reviewer mentioned the same thing.
The descriptions of the characters and settings were so thoroughly given, that I couldn't help but keep reading on to see what was going to happen next.
As the love story began to unfurl, I began to care more about each of the characters. Would prideful Katherine unwind her heart? Would Sterling listen to others or his own heart?
The villain of the story was very well-crafted, his idiosyncrasies amusing at times. However, his steady descent into evil was disturbing to the point of terrifying. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
By three fourths of the way into the book, I was absolutely flummoxed...what was going to happen?
Dark Light is extremely well-constructed and filled with such great exposition that I could easily picture every setting from a rural Alabama countryside to the Prado in Spain to a romantic castle in Estonia.
Finishing up the last page, there was no question the book deserved five stars. Enjoy.
The descriptions of the characters and settings were so thoroughly given, that I couldn't help but keep reading on to see what was going to happen next.
As the love story began to unfurl, I began to care more about each of the characters. Would prideful Katherine unwind her heart? Would Sterling listen to others or his own heart?
The villain of the story was very well-crafted, his idiosyncrasies amusing at times. However, his steady descent into evil was disturbing to the point of terrifying. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
By three fourths of the way into the book, I was absolutely flummoxed...what was going to happen?
Dark Light is extremely well-constructed and filled with such great exposition that I could easily picture every setting from a rural Alabama countryside to the Prado in Spain to a romantic castle in Estonia.
Finishing up the last page, there was no question the book deserved five stars. Enjoy.
November 4, 2015
Great read!
This is a story of 3 major characters, Hunter who is an entertainment journalist and takes pictures of Sterling, who is a rock star, and Hunter makes millions on the photos. Katherine Wheel is a choreograph as well as a dancer. Sterling and Katherine meet and Sterling is taken with her, however, Katherine is not one to get involved in relationships. Sterling leaves on his tour with Hunter on his tail. Hunter realizes Sterling is acting different than he normally does. Sterling normally has a girlfriend that he sees for a while and then dumps them. When Sterling finishes his tour he runs into Katherine again and he eventually gets to know her. Katherine, who is normally distant, finds herself opening up to Sterling. Hunter feels that Katherine is a thorn in Spencers side and will do anything to exterminate her. Great read. You must read to find out what happens in this book.
This is a story of 3 major characters, Hunter who is an entertainment journalist and takes pictures of Sterling, who is a rock star, and Hunter makes millions on the photos. Katherine Wheel is a choreograph as well as a dancer. Sterling and Katherine meet and Sterling is taken with her, however, Katherine is not one to get involved in relationships. Sterling leaves on his tour with Hunter on his tail. Hunter realizes Sterling is acting different than he normally does. Sterling normally has a girlfriend that he sees for a while and then dumps them. When Sterling finishes his tour he runs into Katherine again and he eventually gets to know her. Katherine, who is normally distant, finds herself opening up to Sterling. Hunter feels that Katherine is a thorn in Spencers side and will do anything to exterminate her. Great read. You must read to find out what happens in this book.
July 22, 2016
Truly dark and light
This is not an easy book to read. By that I do not mean that the language is difficult or the story hard to follow. I mean the story challenges the reader to think beyond the ordinary. It demands the reader examine the concept of good and evil. The author, with great skill, demonstrates that good and evil are not defined by light and dark. Good is found in the balance of light and dark, while evil lacking that balance is bound up in chaos. If you are looking for an easy read, this is not the book for you. If you want to be challenged, this is a book I highly recommend. It is thoughtful, beautifully expressive, and pushes the reader out of her comfort zone. Personally, I loved it.
This is not an easy book to read. By that I do not mean that the language is difficult or the story hard to follow. I mean the story challenges the reader to think beyond the ordinary. It demands the reader examine the concept of good and evil. The author, with great skill, demonstrates that good and evil are not defined by light and dark. Good is found in the balance of light and dark, while evil lacking that balance is bound up in chaos. If you are looking for an easy read, this is not the book for you. If you want to be challenged, this is a book I highly recommend. It is thoughtful, beautifully expressive, and pushes the reader out of her comfort zone. Personally, I loved it.
March 12, 2014
I loved this story. Katherine Wheel is a strange beautiful girl that is irresistible to many but unattainable due to her loner nature. She alienates herself due to her quirks, but there's one person out there for everyone, the one who not only understands your quirks but also finds you even more appealing because of them. And in this case... he's a gorgeous rock star named Sterling. Unfortunately rock stars are viewed as gods to some, and one such person, Hunter, feels like he owns Sterling... to the point that he sees Katherine as a threat.
This book made me laugh, swoon, and even raised goosebumps. Dark and light. Beautifully woven.
This book made me laugh, swoon, and even raised goosebumps. Dark and light. Beautifully woven.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews