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The Aenigma Lights #2
Mistlight
Keeper Kate has spent weeks searching for her missing brother. Following his trail, studying clues, using the mysterious aenigma box to help reconstruct the story of what had happened to him.
But she’s gotten the story dreadfully, catastrophically wrong.
Now, faced with the losses and scars from her failed search, she and Venn must tackle a new obstacle: the elven White Wood and its ruthless king.
In a desperate attempt to find her brother, Kate finds herself entangled in a deadly quest to find the Warden of the Wood—a search that will lead to Kate’s own death if she doesn’t complete it in time.
Through a cursed ravine, a hidden ancient library, and centuries-old secrets, Kate and Venn struggle to sort out truth from legend and find the Warden before time runs out—for Venn and Kate and the entire human land.
Half treasure hunt and half rescue mission, this epic fantasy adventure is a tale of puzzles, mysteries, and the kinds of friendships—both old and new—that shape the soul.
Mistlight is Book 2 of The Aenigma Lights trilogy.
634 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2024
82 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 25, 2025
Mistlight by J.A. Andrews is the second book in the Aenigma Lights series.
While I liked book one, book two is the one that hooked me body and soul. It took me a bit to get as connected to these characters as I did with the authors previous series, but now I am fully addicted.
I simply love the magic in this world, and seeing more of the classsic style fantasy races like elves and dwarves. Andrews manages to give me that familiar feeling, while still having a fresh tone and voice.
The banter and humour is balanced well with character growth, betrayals and hard decisions.
The found family, friendships and loyalties are simply addictive, and I wish I was part of this ragtag team of different people!
While I like grimdark as much as cosy fantasy, I sometimes wish the middle ground, that is neither just bleak, nor too easy or shallow. J.A. andrews series scratch that itch perfectly, and I can't wait to read more about these characters and setting!
While I liked book one, book two is the one that hooked me body and soul. It took me a bit to get as connected to these characters as I did with the authors previous series, but now I am fully addicted.
I simply love the magic in this world, and seeing more of the classsic style fantasy races like elves and dwarves. Andrews manages to give me that familiar feeling, while still having a fresh tone and voice.
The banter and humour is balanced well with character growth, betrayals and hard decisions.
The found family, friendships and loyalties are simply addictive, and I wish I was part of this ragtag team of different people!
While I like grimdark as much as cosy fantasy, I sometimes wish the middle ground, that is neither just bleak, nor too easy or shallow. J.A. andrews series scratch that itch perfectly, and I can't wait to read more about these characters and setting!
January 1, 2026
This is a continuation of the series and I found myself so easily sucked back into the story. Admittedly not a whole lot of plot resolves in this instalment and there’s clearly loads more still to come in the next book but I did buy the next as invested and excited about the developments we do have and the relationships we’ve seen strengthened here. A solid if maybe a little bit sprawling/circuitous at times continuation. 3.5*s
August 1, 2024
What a book hangover!
JA Andrews effortlessly weaves wisdom and wit into a bold, fun, meticulously-crafted story that is a delight and a treasure. I loved picking up the breadcrumbs along the way and solving the mysteries right alongside Kate and Venn. The beautiful thing is that I could see where things were leading, not because it was too obvious, but because the clues were set up so well, which allowed the chance to piece it together myself.
Starting off right on the heels of Runelight, this sequel propels the plot to greater heights, and showcases a lovable and relatable cast of characters equal parts flawed and wonderful. Where before I came to like Kate and Venn, in this book I truly came to love each of them, their dynamic, and their relationships with other characters. The dwarves Tribal and Silas are even more delightful than before (how is that possible?) and the new additions of the twin elves and the little gnoblin were a perfect fit for this Found Family. Also, anyone else get Thranduil vibes from Thallion. It’s totally a whole elf-king pompous parade thing isn’t it?
I honestly couldn’t put Mistlight down. It was difficult to stop for anything from the moment it dropped into my Kindle. I stayed up far too late last night finishing it, because I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT. And now, sadly, I have to wait an entire year to find out how this complex puzzle of plots and characters comes together for a climax I know will leave me breathless.
Content: No language, no spice/steam. Does contain fantasy violence.
Content: No language, no spice/steam. Does contain fantasy violence.
November 17, 2025
The number of times I was convinced the story was winding down and reaching the end (even though I know there are three books in the series), only to fall into another twist, and another adventure, and another whole dimension. Somehow, JA Andrews also manages to keep all these new puzzles connected to each other. I'm dying to know how it all eventually resolved/ is explained so I really hope that book 3 does not disappoint!
July 23, 2024
What I simply adore about this author's work is how she immediately gets to the meat of her story, there's no gentle easing, there's immediate gut clenching, immediate evocations of emotions, in this case, Kate's. The book opens with Kate lambasting herself for trusting the wrong people, for making the wrong choices, for her failure, or so she sees it. And yet, even though she admits being duped, even though Venn almost met her end, even though she admits being lied to, she STILL can't bring herself to inflict harm on the very person who perpetrated these vile acts. She's really something though, she's so strong willed, so determined, so motivated to help, to free her brothers, to stop the evils of King Thallion, and of course, find and retrieve the box which Faron stole. But Kate has a LOT torn from her, stolen from her, and while her path looks so bleak, she never gives up, she cannot give up. I adore the complexity of this plot, of the characters, of the unlikely allies she finds on her perilous journey, of the stunning respect, friendship and bond she forms with Venn, of her unreserved compassion, dedication and her awesome evolving, or perhaps, devolving magic. My word did I want to cry for Venn, the one thing she never wanted, the one thing she avoided like the plague, was forced upon her, bringing her as much pain as joy....
Silas and Tribal are my favourite dwarves ever! Whatever comes out of their mouths reduces me to uncontrollable giggles! But let's face it, Ms Andrews does dwarves better than most others, she infuses so much pazzaz into them, so much personality, so much oomph, it's impossible NOT to adore them! There's a gnoblin that stole my heart, no, I don't misspell it, he's a half gnome/half goblin and utterly wonderful! I've yet to find one character I dislike in any of this exceptional books, well sure, I DO dislike some characters but I'm meant to, they are the, to me, very enticing villains who I love to hate. Although...I still don't know what to make of Thallion, I see a kernel of something not all together evil and then he did something to Kate that really made me cringe! The repercussions, the manipulations, oh my word, heart in throat intense! My goodness, not even 25% in and my heart was racing out of control. If I could have, I would have leaped into the book to aid Crofftus! Oh and, Crofftus is....special...not a man yet not an animal, a truly wonderful character! The lines well blurred and concealed, who is good and who is bad an enigma, is a father's drive to save his dying daughter at any cost a good thing? Is a king's overwhelming need to find his wife bad! THAT'S how this magnificent book gets into the very fabric of one's being! And the tantalising bits? Well hells bells! There are many of those, one very noteworthy one is s merchant... and a cart....😜 And those elf kids, Aislin and Matlen, well geez, COULD there be more impetuous twins??? Double trouble in a very cool way!
This is by no means a simple story of a single keeper searching for answers, nor one of a king desperate to find his missing queen, nor one of a kindhearted righteous man turning to the darkness, it's a story of finding missing pieces, of discovering truths, of survival. Survival of the mind as well as the entire world and the struggle to keep the darkness from spreading. An almost impossible task to convey the intricacies of this multi dimensional tale, a tale so strong, cast in a very rich world of superbly coloured nuances, the magnitude magnificent, a Picasso stroke by stroke depiction, true mastery! With the characters taking turns playing havoc with my emotions, with a world so wraught with deception, greed, misinformation but also one of loyalty, of friendships and bonds, of putting back that which was stolen or wrenched apart, or at least attempting to, to right the many wrongs. And there's a coin that keeps popping up....yeah, so many interesting tidbits line a path I skip along with the exuberance of a child! The legends expose the myths that are in turn shattering revelations. Like WHOA! The twists are unexpectedly dropped, many many jaw sagging moments, leaving a tale so passionate in it's telling, so all consuming, I'm speechless, I'm engrossed, I'm in awe! It took a major effect not to stay up all night reading....my bad, I shouldn't have started it early evening....
Silas and Tribal are my favourite dwarves ever! Whatever comes out of their mouths reduces me to uncontrollable giggles! But let's face it, Ms Andrews does dwarves better than most others, she infuses so much pazzaz into them, so much personality, so much oomph, it's impossible NOT to adore them! There's a gnoblin that stole my heart, no, I don't misspell it, he's a half gnome/half goblin and utterly wonderful! I've yet to find one character I dislike in any of this exceptional books, well sure, I DO dislike some characters but I'm meant to, they are the, to me, very enticing villains who I love to hate. Although...I still don't know what to make of Thallion, I see a kernel of something not all together evil and then he did something to Kate that really made me cringe! The repercussions, the manipulations, oh my word, heart in throat intense! My goodness, not even 25% in and my heart was racing out of control. If I could have, I would have leaped into the book to aid Crofftus! Oh and, Crofftus is....special...not a man yet not an animal, a truly wonderful character! The lines well blurred and concealed, who is good and who is bad an enigma, is a father's drive to save his dying daughter at any cost a good thing? Is a king's overwhelming need to find his wife bad! THAT'S how this magnificent book gets into the very fabric of one's being! And the tantalising bits? Well hells bells! There are many of those, one very noteworthy one is s merchant... and a cart....😜 And those elf kids, Aislin and Matlen, well geez, COULD there be more impetuous twins??? Double trouble in a very cool way!
This is by no means a simple story of a single keeper searching for answers, nor one of a king desperate to find his missing queen, nor one of a kindhearted righteous man turning to the darkness, it's a story of finding missing pieces, of discovering truths, of survival. Survival of the mind as well as the entire world and the struggle to keep the darkness from spreading. An almost impossible task to convey the intricacies of this multi dimensional tale, a tale so strong, cast in a very rich world of superbly coloured nuances, the magnitude magnificent, a Picasso stroke by stroke depiction, true mastery! With the characters taking turns playing havoc with my emotions, with a world so wraught with deception, greed, misinformation but also one of loyalty, of friendships and bonds, of putting back that which was stolen or wrenched apart, or at least attempting to, to right the many wrongs. And there's a coin that keeps popping up....yeah, so many interesting tidbits line a path I skip along with the exuberance of a child! The legends expose the myths that are in turn shattering revelations. Like WHOA! The twists are unexpectedly dropped, many many jaw sagging moments, leaving a tale so passionate in it's telling, so all consuming, I'm speechless, I'm engrossed, I'm in awe! It took a major effect not to stay up all night reading....my bad, I shouldn't have started it early evening....
July 28, 2024
There are very few books that I read that leave me completely and utterly speechless. It’s not really that I have no words to describe how they make me feel rather that there are so so so many words and emotions all vying to be the first emotion, feeling, reaction I share so they all become jumbled up in one very excitable but yet very incoherent mess! Lol!
Mistlight dear readers is one of these books! So give me a me minute or ten to stare at this page and organize my very jumbled thoughts into something that isn’t:
“THIS! THIS! THIS BOOK!” “FANTASTIC CHARACTERS!” Or need to write about the “GNOBLIN! YES THE GNOBLIN!” And “OOOOOOOOOH THE BANTER!” Or “IF YOU DON’T READ THIS SERIES YOU ARE GOING TO REGET IT ON YOUR DEATH BED!”
So here we go:
The Aenigma Lights is one of the most satisfying and epically/classically written fantasy I’ve ever had the chance of reading. And Mistlight is the perfect continuation to the trilogy! It had mystery and madness! Found family! Witty Banter (that made me laugh out loud and way too hard on so many occasions)! Anger and betrayal! Sacrifice and Curses! Interesting magic and relentless bonds! And underneath it all it has this lovely root of hope that connects every character, scene, battle, choice, and mystery together and fights to keep out the desperation and despair that undoubtedly would have devoured Kate and her search for her missing brothers.
I’ll try to keep this spoiler free!
Kate is a Keeper on the search for her missing brothers. With only a strange box that opens with strange requirements, a newly developed magical ability, and some new friends—an Elf named Venn, twin dwarfs Silas and Tribal, and Croftuss—the search has led her to a small village called Home where mysteries upon mysteries upon curses upon unexpected revelations abound. After the box is stolen Kate must make some hard decisions and bargain with some unsavory beings to get it back. But her end of the bargain may just lead her to her own ultimate death if she can’t find and save the one being connected to it all.
Can Kate and her companions discover the truth before time runs out for Kate? How about the box? And her brothers?
You absolutely HAVE TO read this book and unravel all it’s mysteries for yourself!
I love everything about this book! I love Kate and her companions who were loyal, determined, feisty, with perfect amount of banter to release the tension and beat back the angst! I love ALL the mystery, secrets, and revelations hidden and discovered within! I love the found family aspect of this story which was written just perfectly! And I even love the villain(s) of the story who I never quite new who or what they were but new they were dark, and evil, and must be stopped at all costs.
So yep…this book (and series) is SPECTACULAR! SO SO PHENOMENAL! And I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE CONCLUSION TO THIS EPICALLY MASTERFUL TRILOGY!!!!
If you love a great tale that oozes mystery and secrets, filled with amazing (and mysterious and sometimes terrifyingly evil) characters, cool and fascinating magic, legends and curses, magical beings and creatures, all the hilarious banter, and bound in hope (and the quintessential amount of dispair) then you NEED to read The Aenigma Lights!
Mistlight dear readers is one of these books! So give me a me minute or ten to stare at this page and organize my very jumbled thoughts into something that isn’t:
“THIS! THIS! THIS BOOK!” “FANTASTIC CHARACTERS!” Or need to write about the “GNOBLIN! YES THE GNOBLIN!” And “OOOOOOOOOH THE BANTER!” Or “IF YOU DON’T READ THIS SERIES YOU ARE GOING TO REGET IT ON YOUR DEATH BED!”
So here we go:
The Aenigma Lights is one of the most satisfying and epically/classically written fantasy I’ve ever had the chance of reading. And Mistlight is the perfect continuation to the trilogy! It had mystery and madness! Found family! Witty Banter (that made me laugh out loud and way too hard on so many occasions)! Anger and betrayal! Sacrifice and Curses! Interesting magic and relentless bonds! And underneath it all it has this lovely root of hope that connects every character, scene, battle, choice, and mystery together and fights to keep out the desperation and despair that undoubtedly would have devoured Kate and her search for her missing brothers.
I’ll try to keep this spoiler free!
Kate is a Keeper on the search for her missing brothers. With only a strange box that opens with strange requirements, a newly developed magical ability, and some new friends—an Elf named Venn, twin dwarfs Silas and Tribal, and Croftuss—the search has led her to a small village called Home where mysteries upon mysteries upon curses upon unexpected revelations abound. After the box is stolen Kate must make some hard decisions and bargain with some unsavory beings to get it back. But her end of the bargain may just lead her to her own ultimate death if she can’t find and save the one being connected to it all.
Can Kate and her companions discover the truth before time runs out for Kate? How about the box? And her brothers?
You absolutely HAVE TO read this book and unravel all it’s mysteries for yourself!
I love everything about this book! I love Kate and her companions who were loyal, determined, feisty, with perfect amount of banter to release the tension and beat back the angst! I love ALL the mystery, secrets, and revelations hidden and discovered within! I love the found family aspect of this story which was written just perfectly! And I even love the villain(s) of the story who I never quite new who or what they were but new they were dark, and evil, and must be stopped at all costs.
So yep…this book (and series) is SPECTACULAR! SO SO PHENOMENAL! And I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE CONCLUSION TO THIS EPICALLY MASTERFUL TRILOGY!!!!
If you love a great tale that oozes mystery and secrets, filled with amazing (and mysterious and sometimes terrifyingly evil) characters, cool and fascinating magic, legends and curses, magical beings and creatures, all the hilarious banter, and bound in hope (and the quintessential amount of dispair) then you NEED to read The Aenigma Lights!
July 30, 2024
TL;DR Review: More mysteries, and bigger. The fate of a world hangs in the balance, and can only be saved by a truly ragtag, lovable crew.
Full Review:
The delightful combination of puzzles, riddles, and mysteries set up in Runelight continues, but now expand to higher stakes, greater danger, and more powerful magic.
Keeper Kate is still hunting for her lost brothers, only she’s now lost the puzzle box that was her only clue to finding them, and has no way to get it back from the treacherous, murderous elven prince who stole it.
But will that stop her? Not a chance!
With her newly discovered ability to see “remnants”—magical echoes of all living beings—she tracks Prince Faron into the White Wood.
And that’s when things get even more twisty-turny. Kate’s search leads her to being conscripted by the elven King Thallion to hunting down his missing wife and Warden, without whom, the White Wood will wither and die (and all living things with it). No pressure, right?
The endless quest for answers that made me fall in love with Runelight gets dialed up a notch in Mistlight. Now, instead of simple riddles and puzzles, though, we’re dealing with high-stakes magic—quite literally, the fate of the forest and all the world is in the hands of Kate and her crew.
And oh, what a wonderful crew that is.
Venn, the elven warrior who owes Kate’s brother a life debt, but who becomes the closest thing Kate has to a friend and confidante. Tribal and Silas the crafty, cunning, definitely thieving and con-artisting dwarves. Crofftus the grumpy but occasionally helpful body-hopping wizard. And, who knows, maybe another adorable misfit who might be watching and lurking in the darkness?
JA’s true strength has always been her characters, and Mistlight continues to prove that. As the stakes rise, the characters rise to the challenge along with it, growing bolder, stronger, and more lovable with every chapter. So much laughter, joy, heartbreak, grief, and love oozing from every one of them—they’re a delight to read, and the true heart of what makes this story so great.
The book wraps up with a shocking ending that takes everything you expected to happen and turns it on its head, promising a fascinating and wild ride in the third and final Aenigma Lights book whenever it comes next.
Full Review:
The delightful combination of puzzles, riddles, and mysteries set up in Runelight continues, but now expand to higher stakes, greater danger, and more powerful magic.
Keeper Kate is still hunting for her lost brothers, only she’s now lost the puzzle box that was her only clue to finding them, and has no way to get it back from the treacherous, murderous elven prince who stole it.
But will that stop her? Not a chance!
With her newly discovered ability to see “remnants”—magical echoes of all living beings—she tracks Prince Faron into the White Wood.
And that’s when things get even more twisty-turny. Kate’s search leads her to being conscripted by the elven King Thallion to hunting down his missing wife and Warden, without whom, the White Wood will wither and die (and all living things with it). No pressure, right?
The endless quest for answers that made me fall in love with Runelight gets dialed up a notch in Mistlight. Now, instead of simple riddles and puzzles, though, we’re dealing with high-stakes magic—quite literally, the fate of the forest and all the world is in the hands of Kate and her crew.
And oh, what a wonderful crew that is.
Venn, the elven warrior who owes Kate’s brother a life debt, but who becomes the closest thing Kate has to a friend and confidante. Tribal and Silas the crafty, cunning, definitely thieving and con-artisting dwarves. Crofftus the grumpy but occasionally helpful body-hopping wizard. And, who knows, maybe another adorable misfit who might be watching and lurking in the darkness?
JA’s true strength has always been her characters, and Mistlight continues to prove that. As the stakes rise, the characters rise to the challenge along with it, growing bolder, stronger, and more lovable with every chapter. So much laughter, joy, heartbreak, grief, and love oozing from every one of them—they’re a delight to read, and the true heart of what makes this story so great.
The book wraps up with a shocking ending that takes everything you expected to happen and turns it on its head, promising a fascinating and wild ride in the third and final Aenigma Lights book whenever it comes next.
July 26, 2025
If you have ever read any of Janice's books, you can probably agree with me that she is a wizard of wordcraft, in addition to being a stick figure master. This book is no exception. I often have difficulty writing reviews for books that are not the first in the series, because I do not want to give away spoilers, so I will do my best.
"Find the Queen. Find the Box"
First, we have Venn and Kate, the dynamic duo, continuing on their quest to find and save Kate's brothers, Evan and Beau. Then, King Thallion (we don't like him) tasks them with finding the Warden of the White Wood (aka Queen Naevys) because the wood is dying. Kate learns some new tricks, tells some stories, and makes a very helpful new friend. Venn gets really close to some trees (so does Kate, actually). We meet another set of twins who are just as into chaos and mischief as the dwarf twins, and they become quite the agents of #chaosandshenanery, much to my delight. There are, true to any good Keeper tale, stories within stories (sometimes wrapped in magic and other stories), and a whole lot of puzzles, but not NEARLY enough books for Kate's liking. Croftus gets a very non-heroic treatment after performing a very heroic act, much to his dismay, and we learn all about his favorite teacup. The rise and fall of your emotions will potentially give you motion sickness, and you may feel a bit of your heart shatter from time to time, but there is so much hope at the end, it makes the whole ride worth it.
I have, on many occasions, described Janice's work as "Tolkien for the modern reader" and I stand by that still. The scale of the epic nature of the stories, the immense world-building (not just through imagery, but also through sounds, and even smells), and the depth of character development and relationships is so...mountainous? As vast as an ancient forest? As awe-inspiring as the library of the Stronghold? What I'm trying to say, whether dwarf, elf, or human, you'll LOVE it.
"Find the Queen. Find the Box"
First, we have Venn and Kate, the dynamic duo, continuing on their quest to find and save Kate's brothers, Evan and Beau. Then, King Thallion (we don't like him) tasks them with finding the Warden of the White Wood (aka Queen Naevys) because the wood is dying. Kate learns some new tricks, tells some stories, and makes a very helpful new friend. Venn gets really close to some trees (so does Kate, actually). We meet another set of twins who are just as into chaos and mischief as the dwarf twins, and they become quite the agents of #chaosandshenanery, much to my delight. There are, true to any good Keeper tale, stories within stories (sometimes wrapped in magic and other stories), and a whole lot of puzzles, but not NEARLY enough books for Kate's liking. Croftus gets a very non-heroic treatment after performing a very heroic act, much to his dismay, and we learn all about his favorite teacup. The rise and fall of your emotions will potentially give you motion sickness, and you may feel a bit of your heart shatter from time to time, but there is so much hope at the end, it makes the whole ride worth it.
I have, on many occasions, described Janice's work as "Tolkien for the modern reader" and I stand by that still. The scale of the epic nature of the stories, the immense world-building (not just through imagery, but also through sounds, and even smells), and the depth of character development and relationships is so...mountainous? As vast as an ancient forest? As awe-inspiring as the library of the Stronghold? What I'm trying to say, whether dwarf, elf, or human, you'll LOVE it.
July 31, 2024
I was waiting so eagerly for this and it didn't disappoint, but now I have to wait a year for the next book? How is that fair? Damn, but it is worth waiting for.
I adored this book. It starts off where Runelight leaves off. Faron has taken the box, Venn is injured, Silas and Tribal don't have their memories and Kate is so angry that she failed to realise her brothers were in the box. To find Faron, they have to go into the White Wood. Kate can now see remnants as well.
Their foray into the White Wood is short as elven rangers attempt to attack them since King Thallion has declared them traitors and has ordered Venn and Kate to be captured. Venn and Kate has to find a way to get to Faron and avoid the Elven rangers. Add to it the fact that the people of Home hate them which leaves them with nowhere to go.
I loved Kate in this one. She is too hard on herself! I loved Fix, the gnoblin who is the new addition to Kate's group and Aislin and Matlen, the elven twins who call Venn aunt. Evay makes an appearance in this which made me squeal. More about Renault is revealed in this, and I loved how he is humanised at the same time as keeping him the evil half elf who killed people without thought. His slow descent into that state is brought out well.
Found family vibes are very strong in this book, with everyone acknowledging that they are family, though they are not related by blood or even part of the same race. More of Croftus' story is also revealed in this, and damn, it wrenched my heart. Idk why he hates the Shield, though. I am sure the third book will be full of surprising revelations too!
To wait a year is hard, but I know I will love the next book too. Just go read both books in the series. I will probably re-read them next year in preparation for the third book which I already pre-ordered.
I adored this book. It starts off where Runelight leaves off. Faron has taken the box, Venn is injured, Silas and Tribal don't have their memories and Kate is so angry that she failed to realise her brothers were in the box. To find Faron, they have to go into the White Wood. Kate can now see remnants as well.
Their foray into the White Wood is short as elven rangers attempt to attack them since King Thallion has declared them traitors and has ordered Venn and Kate to be captured. Venn and Kate has to find a way to get to Faron and avoid the Elven rangers. Add to it the fact that the people of Home hate them which leaves them with nowhere to go.
I loved Kate in this one. She is too hard on herself! I loved Fix, the gnoblin who is the new addition to Kate's group and Aislin and Matlen, the elven twins who call Venn aunt. Evay makes an appearance in this which made me squeal. More about Renault is revealed in this, and I loved how he is humanised at the same time as keeping him the evil half elf who killed people without thought. His slow descent into that state is brought out well.
Found family vibes are very strong in this book, with everyone acknowledging that they are family, though they are not related by blood or even part of the same race. More of Croftus' story is also revealed in this, and damn, it wrenched my heart. Idk why he hates the Shield, though. I am sure the third book will be full of surprising revelations too!
To wait a year is hard, but I know I will love the next book too. Just go read both books in the series. I will probably re-read them next year in preparation for the third book which I already pre-ordered.
July 25, 2024
Keeper Kate, and Venn the elf, are still after getting hold of the aenigma box which had kate's brothers locked up inside it. This story takes them both deep into the white wood where they are captured by King Thallion, who presided over all the woods and the elves. He bound Kate to the woods to force her to find the lost warden, Queen Naevys herself, who had gone missing leaving the woods to die slowly. He also intended finding a new warden for the woods, and his eyes were set on Venn, who definitely did not wish to become the next warden, even though she loved the woods. Kate and Venn travel with Silas and Tribal, twin dwarves, as well as with Crofftus, who appears as various other animals whose bodies he inhabits, and later on they also adopt a gnoblin who they call Fix, and who is so cute. The adventure takes them on many a dangerous route, through tunnels and caves, where they discover hidden things and books which lead to further knowledge about Renault the mad, and the box he had invented to keep his daughter alive till he found a cure for her, but which had swallowed up Evan and Bo, Kates brothers. This book takes many a winding road but in the end leads to nowhere, except to the knowledge that love and friendship are what matter most, and that in the end it felt good to be alive even if still searching for answers and a way to bring back her lost brothers. I hated and feared for Kate being bound to the woods which were draining her powers, but loved the fact that her friends stood by her, and she stood by Venn, no matter the danger to herself. Onward to the next book in the Keeper series!
July 27, 2024
Mistlight is the second book in The Aenigms Lights Trilogy, following directly on from Runelight. After their disastrous confrontation with Faron, Kate and Venn must draw on all their inner strength to continue their arduous journey to find Faron and recover the Aenigma box in which her two brothers, Evan and Bo, are trapped.
Unfortunately King Thallion thwarts their plans by tasking them with finding the lost Warden, who is also the Queen. Nothing will stand in his way until she is found, including their safety.
Complications abound throughout their journey and while some answers are discovered many more questions arise to the fractured puzzle they are trying to solve.
At times all hope seems lost, but together with their assortment of friends, the dwarves Tribal and Silas, the elf twins Aislin and Matlen, the elusive Crofftus, and their new found gnoblin friend Fix, they persevere.
From the very first page you are immediately drawn into their fascinating world to experience the intense drama and anguish, the heartbreak and compassion, and the power of the unbreakable bonds of true friendship.
A story that will leave you with much to ponder while you wait for the ending to unfold.
Unfortunately King Thallion thwarts their plans by tasking them with finding the lost Warden, who is also the Queen. Nothing will stand in his way until she is found, including their safety.
Complications abound throughout their journey and while some answers are discovered many more questions arise to the fractured puzzle they are trying to solve.
At times all hope seems lost, but together with their assortment of friends, the dwarves Tribal and Silas, the elf twins Aislin and Matlen, the elusive Crofftus, and their new found gnoblin friend Fix, they persevere.
From the very first page you are immediately drawn into their fascinating world to experience the intense drama and anguish, the heartbreak and compassion, and the power of the unbreakable bonds of true friendship.
A story that will leave you with much to ponder while you wait for the ending to unfold.
August 1, 2024
My love/adoration/perfectly-healthy-obsession with JA Andrews books is well documented, so it should come as zero surprise to everyone that I did, in fact, LOVE THIS BOOK.
As always, Andrews weaves a gorgeous, aching story of people--characters who make mistakes and fail and keep trying because that's what's beautiful about people--our ability to keep going against all odds.
Kate and Venn's growing friendship is just wonderful. All the growing friendships in this story are awesome. I've loved all of Andrews's books for their found family vibes, but this one may be the best(don't quote me on that; I'm sure I'd say the same about whichever Keeper book I'm currently reading at the time). Not to mention the banter is HILARIOUS AND ON POINT.
Despite the aggressive page count(yes, I did mean aggressive, not impressive, though it is that too), I absolutely flew through this book. It pulled me in and didn't let me go do anything remotely productive until I finished. The mysteries and clues and TENSION. Augh. It's a beautiful book. Just. Go read it. I mean, read book 1 first. Because you may be a smidge lost if you don't. But that one is just as worth reading as this one.
As always, Andrews weaves a gorgeous, aching story of people--characters who make mistakes and fail and keep trying because that's what's beautiful about people--our ability to keep going against all odds.
Kate and Venn's growing friendship is just wonderful. All the growing friendships in this story are awesome. I've loved all of Andrews's books for their found family vibes, but this one may be the best(don't quote me on that; I'm sure I'd say the same about whichever Keeper book I'm currently reading at the time). Not to mention the banter is HILARIOUS AND ON POINT.
Despite the aggressive page count(yes, I did mean aggressive, not impressive, though it is that too), I absolutely flew through this book. It pulled me in and didn't let me go do anything remotely productive until I finished. The mysteries and clues and TENSION. Augh. It's a beautiful book. Just. Go read it. I mean, read book 1 first. Because you may be a smidge lost if you don't. But that one is just as worth reading as this one.
September 4, 2024
Now, I have read most books JA Andrews has published so far. And every single one is simply brilliant. Of course, this might be a curse in disguise, because she has set the bar for her own work pretty high. And when I say ‘pretty’ I mean ‘mountain high’. Still, every time she releases a new book, I am hooked from the very first page and every book is a fantastic, nay, a glorious read. Every story, each chapter, each page, each line – effin brilliance! Hers are the books with the most memorable quotes I highlight. They are more than ‘just entertaining’. They are heartwarming. They are deep at times. They are funny. They are the (mist?rune?)light on a grey day. They are as close to perfection as possible.
And Mistlight is no exception to this rule. I really enjoyed the previous book Runelight, and Mistlight really is a lot like it, but even better. The stakes are higher, the mysteries bigger, the chemistry between the characters is working, … everything that has been set up in the previous book, is now coming to fruition.
Mistlight is a little like a great (murder) mystery where I try to figure out what happens or happened before the protagonist does. Sometimes it works – and not because it’s badly set up, but quite the opposite -, but I have to be honest: most times it doesn’t and JA Andrews surprises me again. And again. I love this! I want to be entertained. I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to solve riddles. I want to experience everything the characters do. And JA Andrews’ very own magic makes that happen.
And Mistlight is no exception to this rule. I really enjoyed the previous book Runelight, and Mistlight really is a lot like it, but even better. The stakes are higher, the mysteries bigger, the chemistry between the characters is working, … everything that has been set up in the previous book, is now coming to fruition.
Mistlight is a little like a great (murder) mystery where I try to figure out what happens or happened before the protagonist does. Sometimes it works – and not because it’s badly set up, but quite the opposite -, but I have to be honest: most times it doesn’t and JA Andrews surprises me again. And again. I love this! I want to be entertained. I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to solve riddles. I want to experience everything the characters do. And JA Andrews’ very own magic makes that happen.
August 18, 2024
Keeper Kate searches for her brothers and finds family
JA Andrews crafts the best tales. You want to be in them, wandering with the characters, solving the problems, meeting the characters. Keeper Kate and elf companion Venn are searching, ultimately, for Kate’s brothers. They are once again joined by two dwarves, a good soul that inhabits animals to help them, and a new friend who is endearing. Run-ins with the King of the White Wood make for dangerous times. In all Andrews’ series, the characters and places stay with you. I can see the White Wood, the cave, the buried carriage. Andrews writes the best endings, they are satisfied. Mistlight is no exception, even though it’s book 2 of 3. Yet my favorite part of the whole book is how Kate and Venn come to care for each other deeply, like family. The negative here is waiting a year for the next in the series. Pure torture.
JA Andrews crafts the best tales. You want to be in them, wandering with the characters, solving the problems, meeting the characters. Keeper Kate and elf companion Venn are searching, ultimately, for Kate’s brothers. They are once again joined by two dwarves, a good soul that inhabits animals to help them, and a new friend who is endearing. Run-ins with the King of the White Wood make for dangerous times. In all Andrews’ series, the characters and places stay with you. I can see the White Wood, the cave, the buried carriage. Andrews writes the best endings, they are satisfied. Mistlight is no exception, even though it’s book 2 of 3. Yet my favorite part of the whole book is how Kate and Venn come to care for each other deeply, like family. The negative here is waiting a year for the next in the series. Pure torture.
July 13, 2025
It's wonderful to be back in the Keeper's world with this second book of the Aenigma Lights trilogy.
Kate and Venn are back, still searching for Kate's brothers and the mysterious box but now there is an added mystery. The White Wood is dying and the Warden of the wood is missing. Kate and Venn, along with their cast of helpers, need to figure out the mystery and do it fast!
What a wonderful read, the magic, the found family and the tension! There are so many risks of danger and big adventures in this story. Kate learns so much about herself, her brother Bo and the trees that Venn loves so much. We see some wonderful results from what Kate learns, especially when they get to Home.
I love the characters so much...of course the dwarves are my fav (Silas and Tribal) but the elves also have my heart. We are introduced to someone brand new too...and Fix is just amazing!! I hope we see much more of him in Lastlight!
Kate and Venn are back, still searching for Kate's brothers and the mysterious box but now there is an added mystery. The White Wood is dying and the Warden of the wood is missing. Kate and Venn, along with their cast of helpers, need to figure out the mystery and do it fast!
What a wonderful read, the magic, the found family and the tension! There are so many risks of danger and big adventures in this story. Kate learns so much about herself, her brother Bo and the trees that Venn loves so much. We see some wonderful results from what Kate learns, especially when they get to Home.
I love the characters so much...of course the dwarves are my fav (Silas and Tribal) but the elves also have my heart. We are introduced to someone brand new too...and Fix is just amazing!! I hope we see much more of him in Lastlight!
September 1, 2024
Kate and Venn continue to search for the box. Kate has so many questions and cannot seem to find the clarity of a clear answer. A human bound to the White Wood? A bond between elf and human close to what Evay and Malia had and growing stronger every day! A dying queen, a cursed ravine, and a missing prince. The epic adventure continues and does not disappoint. Connections whether human or elven play an integral part in this story. It was a reminder to me about all those I hold love in my heart for and made me feel part of the story differently. The aenigma box is still elusive but I still have hope that Kate will get the ending she deserves! I will be here waiting for the final installment!!
December 13, 2025
Frustrating "hinted at" storylines
In the first book I grabbed on to Kate should be able to help Venn step and could do it herself. No reference in book 2. Venn does one small step out of fear. Too much failure in book and certainly no satisfactory ending even if you know there's another book. Too many broken storyline that are hinted at but not resolved at all. Our heroes are always too weak and the story doesn't have growing respect throughout for them and why should it? The basic law of life debts aren't even focused on. Hope book 3 has more complete storyline but seems more of same in first 3 chapters. Why doesn't Naevys have a life debt to Kate? Oh well we will see.
In the first book I grabbed on to Kate should be able to help Venn step and could do it herself. No reference in book 2. Venn does one small step out of fear. Too much failure in book and certainly no satisfactory ending even if you know there's another book. Too many broken storyline that are hinted at but not resolved at all. Our heroes are always too weak and the story doesn't have growing respect throughout for them and why should it? The basic law of life debts aren't even focused on. Hope book 3 has more complete storyline but seems more of same in first 3 chapters. Why doesn't Naevys have a life debt to Kate? Oh well we will see.
August 29, 2024
"Two Thumbs-Up"!
The search for Kate's brothers and the mysterious Box continues with the help of Kate's friends. Is the missing box the key? Who is the Warden? Why is the ruthless Elven king so intent on capturing Kate and Venn? Is time truly running out for Kate on her quest? So many questions yet I found many answers in this book. I have two words for this book. "Two thumbs-up"! Wait, there are more two words! Loved it! Truly unique! Page turner! Amazing characters! Exciting adventure! Fantastic read! " Wow"!!! I was totally pleased. This author is an extraordinary storyteller!!!
The search for Kate's brothers and the mysterious Box continues with the help of Kate's friends. Is the missing box the key? Who is the Warden? Why is the ruthless Elven king so intent on capturing Kate and Venn? Is time truly running out for Kate on her quest? So many questions yet I found many answers in this book. I have two words for this book. "Two thumbs-up"! Wait, there are more two words! Loved it! Truly unique! Page turner! Amazing characters! Exciting adventure! Fantastic read! " Wow"!!! I was totally pleased. This author is an extraordinary storyteller!!!
May 18, 2025
I wasn’t going to start book two right away… and then I absolutely did. No regrets.
Mistlight deepens the world in such an interesting way, especially with the elves. They’re not just long-lived humans—they feel different in a way that’s hard to describe but so well done. And the winter setting? Surprisingly cozy and atmospheric.
There are some major reveals that shift what you thought you knew from book one, and I love how the series keeps unfolding like a puzzle. The twins were a standout, and the relationships continue to shine.
This series is smart, emotional, and just keeps getting better. Bring on book three!
Mistlight deepens the world in such an interesting way, especially with the elves. They’re not just long-lived humans—they feel different in a way that’s hard to describe but so well done. And the winter setting? Surprisingly cozy and atmospheric.
There are some major reveals that shift what you thought you knew from book one, and I love how the series keeps unfolding like a puzzle. The twins were a standout, and the relationships continue to shine.
This series is smart, emotional, and just keeps getting better. Bring on book three!
July 25, 2024
I love J.A. Andrews writing. She brings her stories to life with beautiful descriptions and life-like dialogue for her characters. They are all so real to me. This second book kept me reading past midnight, it was too exciting to put it down.
I feel for Kate and her need to find her brothers. She is up against a powerful opponent and must use all her wits to survive. She finds some surprising revelations in this story. The interaction between Kate and her friends is so heartwarming and loving. Their bonds are strong and forged in danger. I can't wait for the next book!
I feel for Kate and her need to find her brothers. She is up against a powerful opponent and must use all her wits to survive. She finds some surprising revelations in this story. The interaction between Kate and her friends is so heartwarming and loving. Their bonds are strong and forged in danger. I can't wait for the next book!
August 13, 2024
What’s happening here?
Although Kate acquired knowledge, the point of this story felt convoluted and almost like filler. It always bums me out when a second book in a trilogy is like this.
Yes, I laughed. Andrews had created a quirky cast of lovable characters.
How can it be for the good of the forest when an elf king fully manipulates and controls his subjects? That felt like quite a stretch.
Will I read the third book? Sure. But honestly, if you’re wondering whether this installment is needed to understand the main story, I will say no.
Although Kate acquired knowledge, the point of this story felt convoluted and almost like filler. It always bums me out when a second book in a trilogy is like this.
Yes, I laughed. Andrews had created a quirky cast of lovable characters.
How can it be for the good of the forest when an elf king fully manipulates and controls his subjects? That felt like quite a stretch.
Will I read the third book? Sure. But honestly, if you’re wondering whether this installment is needed to understand the main story, I will say no.
August 13, 2024
I don't really know how to review this book without a) spoiling it and b) rambling forever.
Basically, this is a perfect book. It's what I want every book to be like - heartfelt, exciting, beautifully written without the prose distracting me from the story, scrumptious world-building, fully-realised characters that feel and act utterly real, and a plot that had me hooked from page one.
Mistlight is a frankly stunning work of art from an author on the very top of her staggeringly amazing game. It's a book that makes me wish I could write half as well as JA Andrews can.
Read it.
Basically, this is a perfect book. It's what I want every book to be like - heartfelt, exciting, beautifully written without the prose distracting me from the story, scrumptious world-building, fully-realised characters that feel and act utterly real, and a plot that had me hooked from page one.
Mistlight is a frankly stunning work of art from an author on the very top of her staggeringly amazing game. It's a book that makes me wish I could write half as well as JA Andrews can.
Read it.
August 1, 2025
my favorite author
I started my journey with The Keeper Chronicles, then the Origins series and now this one. No matter how many times I read it I can’t put it down. Kate’s tortured and guilt ridden journey to find a free her brothers and the lessons of love and family she learns on the way. The nuggets of wisdom and morality peppered throughout the book captivate me as always. She keeps you on the edge of your seat and all you want to do is see around the next corner, the next page, the next turn of events. I can’t wait to read Lastlight. It’s been a long wait.
I started my journey with The Keeper Chronicles, then the Origins series and now this one. No matter how many times I read it I can’t put it down. Kate’s tortured and guilt ridden journey to find a free her brothers and the lessons of love and family she learns on the way. The nuggets of wisdom and morality peppered throughout the book captivate me as always. She keeps you on the edge of your seat and all you want to do is see around the next corner, the next page, the next turn of events. I can’t wait to read Lastlight. It’s been a long wait.
July 27, 2024
This book started out so strong, and ended even stronger! I absolutely loved this story, and was pulled into it so hard that I finished in just a few days even though it's a chunky one. The characters are so amazing, and the story is absolutely intriguing. Unique and epic and wonderful! I can't wait for the next book already! This is probably my favorite book I've read by Janice, even beating book one of this series!
August 4, 2024
Mistlight is the exciting tale of how Keeper Kate doesn’t manage to get herself killed but otherwise doesn’t accomplish very much.
If that sounds a bit silly, it’s intentional. There’s plenty of silliness in the book, but it’s all on the surface, and it’s there to brighten what could otherwise have become all too dark and serious.
Underneath the silly banter is a story of failure and the ways in which our failures define us. A recurring idea is a that the failures that haunt us are the ones where we failed to be that which we most aspire to.
It’s a sentiment both simple and complex, and it’s the kind of thing that elevates Andrew’s books above ordinary adventure stories. It’s not just action and excitement, but also thoughtful insights into what it means to be human. If ever there was an example of how fantasy is more than just sparkling elves, flashy magic, and drunk dwarves, this is it – especially as it contains sparkling elves, flashy magic, and a pair of dwarves who’d really like to get their hands on some drink.
The story continues where the first book left off: Kate and Venn are looking for Kate’s brothers; the elves are being mysterious and secretive; Silas and Tribal are hiding something behind their silly facade; and Renaults curse still instils fear in the people of Home.
A lot of things happen, and while it’s true that Kate isn’t any closer to her goal at the end of the story than at the start, that’s not what matters. As so often in Andrew’s books, stories are a major part of the story. It’s not so much about accomplishing a certain goal (finding Kate’s brothers) as it is about uncovering that truth of what happened, what’s really going on, and what needs to be done about it. Once all the pieces fall into place and the picture becomes clear, everything else will work itself out, somehow.
Mistlight isn’t about having an adventure. It’s about solving a puzzle, and the adventure sort of just happens along the way.
What I’ll whine about
Thallion. The elven king is one of those infuriation antagonists that the main character just doesn’t stand a chance against in a fight. He’s incredibly powerful, he can’t be reasoned with, and he cares nothing for anything but his own goals. He firmly believes he’s acting in everyone’s best interest and the puny mortals trying to get in his way are just shortsighted imbeciles.
In short, he’s the kind of frustrating character that makes me want to punch him in the face and shake some sense into him.
What I’ll gush about
It’s a new Keeper story. It’s difficult to pick one or two things to highlight, and I’d rather talk about the entire thing as a whole. The book is rock solid. The writing is perfectly clear and doesn’t draw attention to itself. The atmosphere is familiar and reassuring, and the characters well rounded and relatable. Reading the story is like stepping back into the world of the keepers that I know so well from Andrew’s earlier books, and I definitely feel welcome.
Also, a certain peddler makes an appearance, and it’s just the right kind (I complained about this in another review).
Final Words
Mistlight is worthy example of the depth and width of the fantasy genre and the stories it can hold.
If that sounds a bit silly, it’s intentional. There’s plenty of silliness in the book, but it’s all on the surface, and it’s there to brighten what could otherwise have become all too dark and serious.
Underneath the silly banter is a story of failure and the ways in which our failures define us. A recurring idea is a that the failures that haunt us are the ones where we failed to be that which we most aspire to.
It’s a sentiment both simple and complex, and it’s the kind of thing that elevates Andrew’s books above ordinary adventure stories. It’s not just action and excitement, but also thoughtful insights into what it means to be human. If ever there was an example of how fantasy is more than just sparkling elves, flashy magic, and drunk dwarves, this is it – especially as it contains sparkling elves, flashy magic, and a pair of dwarves who’d really like to get their hands on some drink.
The story continues where the first book left off: Kate and Venn are looking for Kate’s brothers; the elves are being mysterious and secretive; Silas and Tribal are hiding something behind their silly facade; and Renaults curse still instils fear in the people of Home.
A lot of things happen, and while it’s true that Kate isn’t any closer to her goal at the end of the story than at the start, that’s not what matters. As so often in Andrew’s books, stories are a major part of the story. It’s not so much about accomplishing a certain goal (finding Kate’s brothers) as it is about uncovering that truth of what happened, what’s really going on, and what needs to be done about it. Once all the pieces fall into place and the picture becomes clear, everything else will work itself out, somehow.
Mistlight isn’t about having an adventure. It’s about solving a puzzle, and the adventure sort of just happens along the way.
What I’ll whine about
Thallion. The elven king is one of those infuriation antagonists that the main character just doesn’t stand a chance against in a fight. He’s incredibly powerful, he can’t be reasoned with, and he cares nothing for anything but his own goals. He firmly believes he’s acting in everyone’s best interest and the puny mortals trying to get in his way are just shortsighted imbeciles.
In short, he’s the kind of frustrating character that makes me want to punch him in the face and shake some sense into him.
What I’ll gush about
It’s a new Keeper story. It’s difficult to pick one or two things to highlight, and I’d rather talk about the entire thing as a whole. The book is rock solid. The writing is perfectly clear and doesn’t draw attention to itself. The atmosphere is familiar and reassuring, and the characters well rounded and relatable. Reading the story is like stepping back into the world of the keepers that I know so well from Andrew’s earlier books, and I definitely feel welcome.
Also, a certain peddler makes an appearance, and it’s just the right kind (I complained about this in another review).
Final Words
Mistlight is worthy example of the depth and width of the fantasy genre and the stories it can hold.
August 21, 2024
Andrews does it again – another great read! JA Andrews’s style is warm, immersive, and engaging. Unique, unpredictable, satisfying storylines and magic systems. Her characters are varied and relatable – flawed, trying, sometimes annoying. Fixed and the elvish twins are delightful and provide a smile or outright laugh amidst a traumatic tale. I have now read all of her full-length books and look forward to the next!
September 4, 2025
Fix is the cutest creature you've ever met in your life. I don't like the elf king, he's a jerk and that is cemented throughout this story. I still adore Venn, Tribal, and Silas. Jury is out on basically all the other elves. Not everything is as it appears and just keep guessing because I doubt you'll get the plot twists that easily. Regardless, incredible story! Andrews and Reading deliver a great storyline and incredible performance that will NOT disappoint epic noblebright fans!
August 6, 2024
Wow, just wow
In their search for the aninema box, Kate and Venn bring other friends with them. The simple (!) task of finding the box becomes so much more complicated and continues to escalate. For all they get right, they still miss a lot and get so much wrong. Fast paced and mysteries upon mysteries.
In their search for the aninema box, Kate and Venn bring other friends with them. The simple (!) task of finding the box becomes so much more complicated and continues to escalate. For all they get right, they still miss a lot and get so much wrong. Fast paced and mysteries upon mysteries.
October 14, 2024
Mistlight(The Aenigma Lights #2) by JA Andrews is a very well done sequel that I definitely recommend. In a desperate attempt to find her brother, Kate finds herself entangled in a deadly quest to find the Warden of the Wood-with the help of Venn and others, a search that will lead to her own death if not completed on time. Also before time runs out for Venn, Kate and the entire human kind
December 30, 2025
Another great series by JA Andrews
I really like the world of the Keepers. The characters in this story are as vivid as her others. Crofftus is sad and funny and wise. The twins are precocious and cocky. The dwarves are shifty and also true friends. The main characters are multi-dimensional, both the heroes and the villains. I will always read books by JA Andrews.
I really like the world of the Keepers. The characters in this story are as vivid as her others. Crofftus is sad and funny and wise. The twins are precocious and cocky. The dwarves are shifty and also true friends. The main characters are multi-dimensional, both the heroes and the villains. I will always read books by JA Andrews.
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