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Into the Dim #2
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For the first time in her life, Hope Walton has friends . . . and a (maybe) boyfriend. She’s a Viator, a member of a long line of time-traveling ancestors. When the Viators learn of a plan to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla, only a race into the past can save the natural timeline from utter destruction. Navigating the glitterati of The Gilded Age in 1895 New York City, Hope and her crew will discover that high society can be as deadly as it is beautiful.
444 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
60 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Janet B. Taylor
3 books459 followersJanet Taylor lives in such a small town in Arkansas that if you happen to sneeze when you pass by, you'll totally miss it. (Cause, you know, you can't sneeze with your eyes open. For real--try it--it's impossible)
Her first novel, INTO THE DIM, (which debuted 3/1/2016 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is about a 16 year old girl who travels through time. Totally on purpose and stuff.
Her second book, SPARKS OF LIGHT (HMH, 8/1/2017) is the sequel, and continues three months after INTO THE DIM leaves off.
She's a reader/fan first and a writer second. She lives with her fantastic husband, two hilarious sons, and Dorda the diabetic dog who won't win any beauty contests, but has a "nice personality".
She would think you're the coolest thing since AC on a hot day if you'd like her on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter or visit her web site. And if you felt like adding INTO THE DIM to your Want to Read well golly! She'd probably come over to your house and do cart-wheels on your front lawn. (probably)
(PS-check out the bracelet on Janet's pic. That's a teeny-tiny Tardis. Uh, Whovian much?)
Her first novel, INTO THE DIM, (which debuted 3/1/2016 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is about a 16 year old girl who travels through time. Totally on purpose and stuff.
Her second book, SPARKS OF LIGHT (HMH, 8/1/2017) is the sequel, and continues three months after INTO THE DIM leaves off.
She's a reader/fan first and a writer second. She lives with her fantastic husband, two hilarious sons, and Dorda the diabetic dog who won't win any beauty contests, but has a "nice personality".
She would think you're the coolest thing since AC on a hot day if you'd like her on Facebook. Follow her on Twitter or visit her web site. And if you felt like adding INTO THE DIM to your Want to Read well golly! She'd probably come over to your house and do cart-wheels on your front lawn. (probably)
(PS-check out the bracelet on Janet's pic. That's a teeny-tiny Tardis. Uh, Whovian much?)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 24, 2017
Sparks of Light is the second book in the Into the Dim series by Janet B. Taylor. In the first book of the series we met Hope Walton as she was attending her mother's memorial held about eight months after it was believed that her mother had been a victim in an earthquake while traveling overseas. After the service for her mother Hope received an invitation from her mother's sister to come for a visit while her father travels. Not wanting to be left with her grandmother that had never accepted Hope into her family since Hope was adopted, she battled her anxiety and boarded a plane to meet her mother's family.
When Hope arrived at her mysterious aunt's home she is told that her aunt had to leave for a few days. Hope is full of questions, especially when it's let slip that her mother had been there right before her supposed death but no one was answering Hope's inquiries until she stumbles upon some strange artifacts and costumes beneath the manor. Only after Hope's discovery did her newly acquired family let Hope in on their secrets. They are a group of time travelers and her mother had been trapped in twelfth century England, left by another group of time travelers who had been in somewhat of a feud with Hope's family.
Sparks of Light picks up Hope's story a couple of months after the end of the first book in the series. Hope and her family have returned to the present time and are trying to regroup and figure out what their next step needs to be. Meeting up with the person spying on their enemy they find out about plans in the making for the other time travelers to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla. Another adventure awaits the group as they will need to also travel back to the same time and stop the device from being stolen or the future could be in danger.
This series is one that for me the more I read the more I love what the author has come up with as far as the world and characters as the story develops. Starting off the series I was a tad worried if I would like it or not but everything has just grown on me so much. Hope was a character that was plagued with a slew of anxieties and phobias and had been home schooled and protected but she has grown so much during the two books. The other characters are also a mix of strong and quirky and fun to follow.
For the history buffs the time traveling aspect of the books leads readers to explore different times and places and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us. This time the book included one of my absolutely least favorite settings in the story when the group traveled back but after the first few cringes I ended up understanding where the author was taking us and found that it was done in a way that I still enjoyed the action this provided for the story.
When finished with this second installment I'd rate it at 4.5 stars and would recommend any fan of young adult sci-fi fantasy type of books to give this series a try although I do suggest starting at the beginning of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Hope arrived at her mysterious aunt's home she is told that her aunt had to leave for a few days. Hope is full of questions, especially when it's let slip that her mother had been there right before her supposed death but no one was answering Hope's inquiries until she stumbles upon some strange artifacts and costumes beneath the manor. Only after Hope's discovery did her newly acquired family let Hope in on their secrets. They are a group of time travelers and her mother had been trapped in twelfth century England, left by another group of time travelers who had been in somewhat of a feud with Hope's family.
Sparks of Light picks up Hope's story a couple of months after the end of the first book in the series. Hope and her family have returned to the present time and are trying to regroup and figure out what their next step needs to be. Meeting up with the person spying on their enemy they find out about plans in the making for the other time travelers to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla. Another adventure awaits the group as they will need to also travel back to the same time and stop the device from being stolen or the future could be in danger.
This series is one that for me the more I read the more I love what the author has come up with as far as the world and characters as the story develops. Starting off the series I was a tad worried if I would like it or not but everything has just grown on me so much. Hope was a character that was plagued with a slew of anxieties and phobias and had been home schooled and protected but she has grown so much during the two books. The other characters are also a mix of strong and quirky and fun to follow.
For the history buffs the time traveling aspect of the books leads readers to explore different times and places and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us. This time the book included one of my absolutely least favorite settings in the story when the group traveled back but after the first few cringes I ended up understanding where the author was taking us and found that it was done in a way that I still enjoyed the action this provided for the story.
When finished with this second installment I'd rate it at 4.5 stars and would recommend any fan of young adult sci-fi fantasy type of books to give this series a try although I do suggest starting at the beginning of the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I rated the first book, Into the Dim, the same, but I rated up in that case. This book was fine, but I didn’t think it was quite as enjoyable as the first one.
As was the case with Into the Dim, the action in Sparks of Light definitely picks up in the second half along with the actual time travel. Taylor has a nice brisk way of telling the story once she finds her feet and gets going. What I really missed though, was more development of the relationship between Bran and Hope. This is a time travel romance (let's not kid ourselves here) and while I loved the flashback segments of when Bran and Hope knew each other as children, I wanted more of them together as young adults.
But, I enjoyed it all enough that I intend to stick around for the finale. Taylor tips her hat to Diana Gabaldon in the acnowledgements, and I personally I am hoping for some Gabaldon inspired scenes between Bran and Hope in the last book.
I rated the first book, Into the Dim, the same, but I rated up in that case. This book was fine, but I didn’t think it was quite as enjoyable as the first one.
As was the case with Into the Dim, the action in Sparks of Light definitely picks up in the second half along with the actual time travel. Taylor has a nice brisk way of telling the story once she finds her feet and gets going. What I really missed though, was more development of the relationship between Bran and Hope. This is a time travel romance (let's not kid ourselves here) and while I loved the flashback segments of when Bran and Hope knew each other as children, I wanted more of them together as young adults.
But, I enjoyed it all enough that I intend to stick around for the finale. Taylor tips her hat to Diana Gabaldon in the acnowledgements, and I personally I am hoping for some Gabaldon inspired scenes between Bran and Hope in the last book.
October 6, 2017
3.5ish. I was hoping for a bigger advancement in the overarching story, although this was a quick and easy read.
July 12, 2017
I have read Into the Dim twice (so far) and loved it both times. In this second book of the series, Taylor brings her readers back to the amazing world she created which includes time travel, historical settings and a diverse cast of characters.
Sparks of Light picks up two months after Into the Dim and I liked that things weren't all rosy for Hope and her friends after returning to present-day Scotland. They had lived through hell and the repercussions were believable and, for some, long lasting.
With the threat of Celia still lurking, the group is sent to late 18th century New York City to destroy a device invented by none other than Nikola Tesla. While I was slightly less captivated by this setting (compared to 12th century England in Into the Dim), this book is a solid follow-up that gives readers quite a ride. Taylor continues to weave historical elements and people into her plot seamlessly and while the book starts off slow she ramps up the pace with some edge-of-your-seat scenes. The plot has a much darker feel, is sprinkled with twists and focuses on big issues that influenced late 19th century New York - specifically racism, homophobia and the often horrific and gruesome treatment of people with mental health issues.
I'm always on the lookout for strong, interesting, well-rounded female characters and Taylor provides a group of women with a wide range of appeal - from the sassy, to the learned, to the loving, to the take charge kind of gal, Taylor shows that female strength comes in many shapes, sizes and personalities. The secondary characters continue to shine and add much to the plot and overall feel. I love Phee, Collum, Doug, Moira and Mac but, truthfully, Bran and Hope seemed to lose some of their luster in this book. Readers get more information about their shared past but the jumping back and forth between present and past interrupted the flow of the main plot and didn't add much insight.
There continues to be an element of romance but I liked that it doesn't overpower the plot. Is it odd that I'm not a fan of the Hope/Bran pairing? Perhaps. But, for a couple in love they haven't spent a lot of time together and it seemed that more page time was spent with Hope's friends telling her how much Bran loved her instead of showing the readers their bond. Truth be told, I still want to see Hope with another Viator.
Readers are left with a slightly abrupt ending as well as a few unanswered questions that will make them eager to read the third book in the series. I strongly recommend reading these books in order. Overall, a great follow-up to a series that I regularly recommend to my library patrons, friends and family.
Note: This book has one of the most intriguing and funny beginnings that I can remember reading. You got me, Janet B Taylor. You totally got me!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sparks of Light picks up two months after Into the Dim and I liked that things weren't all rosy for Hope and her friends after returning to present-day Scotland. They had lived through hell and the repercussions were believable and, for some, long lasting.
With the threat of Celia still lurking, the group is sent to late 18th century New York City to destroy a device invented by none other than Nikola Tesla. While I was slightly less captivated by this setting (compared to 12th century England in Into the Dim), this book is a solid follow-up that gives readers quite a ride. Taylor continues to weave historical elements and people into her plot seamlessly and while the book starts off slow she ramps up the pace with some edge-of-your-seat scenes. The plot has a much darker feel, is sprinkled with twists and focuses on big issues that influenced late 19th century New York - specifically racism, homophobia and the often horrific and gruesome treatment of people with mental health issues.
I'm always on the lookout for strong, interesting, well-rounded female characters and Taylor provides a group of women with a wide range of appeal - from the sassy, to the learned, to the loving, to the take charge kind of gal, Taylor shows that female strength comes in many shapes, sizes and personalities. The secondary characters continue to shine and add much to the plot and overall feel. I love Phee, Collum, Doug, Moira and Mac but, truthfully, Bran and Hope seemed to lose some of their luster in this book. Readers get more information about their shared past but the jumping back and forth between present and past interrupted the flow of the main plot and didn't add much insight.
There continues to be an element of romance but I liked that it doesn't overpower the plot. Is it odd that I'm not a fan of the Hope/Bran pairing? Perhaps. But, for a couple in love they haven't spent a lot of time together and it seemed that more page time was spent with Hope's friends telling her how much Bran loved her instead of showing the readers their bond. Truth be told, I still want to see Hope with another Viator.
Readers are left with a slightly abrupt ending as well as a few unanswered questions that will make them eager to read the third book in the series. I strongly recommend reading these books in order. Overall, a great follow-up to a series that I regularly recommend to my library patrons, friends and family.
Note: This book has one of the most intriguing and funny beginnings that I can remember reading. You got me, Janet B Taylor. You totally got me!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2017
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Books about time travelling seem to be in right now, and this series is as good as all the others, if not better. Into the Dim was a fantastic debut, and it's sequel just built on that, and grew into perfection.
In Sparks of Light, Hope is getting used to being back in the present time, in Scotland, complete with her previously lost mother, and new baby sister. She has a new family and friends, and a kind of boyfriend, but he's stuck in the enemy camp, so it's difficult. As a Viator, she is doing good in the world, ensuring that the enemy doesn't do anything to jeopardise the future. However, when she has to go back to 19th century New York, and meet with the legendary Nikola Tesla himself, she finds herself in danger of never being able to return home.
Hope is a character who grows more and more every time we meet. Now that she has people around her that understand her, and she has reunited with Bran, she has come into her own, and I wish I was her. Obviously, she is feeling stressed, that her mother is back home, though she is still not herself, complete with a baby sister - which leads to her parents marriage breaking down. When she has the opportunity to go on another adventure, and protect the future, she immediately jumps at the chance.
One thing I didn't enjoy was the New York setting, to be honest. Modern history is not a thing I really enjoy, and I found Victorian New York to be a bit boring. I did appreciate how much that Taylor had researched the period, and included real life people in the plot. Parts of the story line were unnecessary here, but I did enjoy the asylum arc.
Bran and Hope's relationship was better than ever, and I find myself wishing they were together more and more! It's unfair that they are forced apart so much, but that's life in a YA Fantasy. Hopefully in book 3, their relationship won't be as chaotic and separate as it has been so far.
I feel as though this book may have fallen in the sophomore slump category. Yes, I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I am looking forward to the next instalment, though, and hope that historical era they are sent into is as enjoyable as in Into the Dim.
October 20, 2017
2.5 that I’m rounding up to 3 because I am planning to read the 3rd book.
December 7, 2016
A great follow up! Didn't love it as much as the first book but it was really good! And I can't wait for book 3!!!!!!
July 28, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Sparks of Light is the second installment in author Janet B. Taylor's Into the Dim series. Protagonist Hope Walton, who now calls Scotland home, has done the unexpected. She traveled back to the 12th century and returned home with her mother (Sara Carlyle) and baby sister (Ellie) in tow. She also discovered that she is part of a long line of time travelers known as Viators. To make things more interesting, she's in a relationship with Brandon Cameron, a boy she has known since they were small children.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Sparks of Light is the second installment in author Janet B. Taylor's Into the Dim series. Protagonist Hope Walton, who now calls Scotland home, has done the unexpected. She traveled back to the 12th century and returned home with her mother (Sara Carlyle) and baby sister (Ellie) in tow. She also discovered that she is part of a long line of time travelers known as Viators. To make things more interesting, she's in a relationship with Brandon Cameron, a boy she has known since they were small children.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
August 1, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
This review is tough to write, because I CANNOT SEE THROUGH MY TEARS!
I would like to commend Taylor here, because in my opinion, she avoided the second book slump. When I first started reading this book, I was afraid I would not remember anything, since I had read Into the Dim back in 2015, but bits and pieces of the previous book were thoughtfully woven into the early chapters, which got me right back into the world and ready to go on a new adventure. I was just re-reading my review of the first book, and I like this book for essentially all the same reasons.
What I Liked
The Time Travel: This time we travel to Victorian New York. Being in 19th century NY made me really appreciate now-NY. I forgot how horrifying some aspects of life were back then, and I thought Taylor picked an interesting cross-section of social issues from that time period to explore. And, well, we also got to interact with Tesla, who is one of my favorite scientists, which was very exciting for me.
The Romance: I really feel like the swoon factor was turned up in this installment. I found myself furiously highlighting passages from the chapters where Hope and Bran interact. I am so firmly aboard this ship with all my heart. And to compound their lovely love, we get to take trips through Hope's memory as she begins to find pieces of her past life, and when she first met Bran. *heart-eyes*
Apples = Love
The Family: Yes, I am taking the word family out of quotes, because this group of people are a family. They don't need to share blood to share the love and ties of a family. There are so many things that happen, which just drives the point home. There are some sacrifices, HUGE sacrifices made and some lines drawn and crossed, but this is exactly what family does for one another. There are some joyous times shared, and a some really sad times shared, and I am so happy Hope had all these lovely people there to share them with.
The Mystery: And the plot thickens. Just when you thought you knew what was going on between the Viators and the Timeslippers, Taylor introduces another wrinkle in the form of yet more nefarious characters. Our villain group is either growing or shifting. Not sure yet, but looking forward to finding out how this is going to play out.
The Science: Like I said, we actually get Tesla on page, which is cool. There is less geek speak in this one, as we kind of already know the science behind the machinery, but there is a little bit here and there.
BONUS - The Highland Games: This was one of my favorite parts of the book. Here the characters were all together celebrating their heritage. They were eating, drinking, dancing, tossing cabers, and there were some really romantic things that happened here too.
Overall: A strong sequel filled with action, happiness, swoon, and some serious tears there at the end.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
BLOG|INSTAGRAM|BLOGLOVIN| FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
This review is tough to write, because I CANNOT SEE THROUGH MY TEARS!
I would like to commend Taylor here, because in my opinion, she avoided the second book slump. When I first started reading this book, I was afraid I would not remember anything, since I had read Into the Dim back in 2015, but bits and pieces of the previous book were thoughtfully woven into the early chapters, which got me right back into the world and ready to go on a new adventure. I was just re-reading my review of the first book, and I like this book for essentially all the same reasons.
What I Liked
The Time Travel: This time we travel to Victorian New York. Being in 19th century NY made me really appreciate now-NY. I forgot how horrifying some aspects of life were back then, and I thought Taylor picked an interesting cross-section of social issues from that time period to explore. And, well, we also got to interact with Tesla, who is one of my favorite scientists, which was very exciting for me.
The Romance: I really feel like the swoon factor was turned up in this installment. I found myself furiously highlighting passages from the chapters where Hope and Bran interact. I am so firmly aboard this ship with all my heart. And to compound their lovely love, we get to take trips through Hope's memory as she begins to find pieces of her past life, and when she first met Bran. *heart-eyes*
Apples = Love
The Family: Yes, I am taking the word family out of quotes, because this group of people are a family. They don't need to share blood to share the love and ties of a family. There are so many things that happen, which just drives the point home. There are some sacrifices, HUGE sacrifices made and some lines drawn and crossed, but this is exactly what family does for one another. There are some joyous times shared, and a some really sad times shared, and I am so happy Hope had all these lovely people there to share them with.
The Mystery: And the plot thickens. Just when you thought you knew what was going on between the Viators and the Timeslippers, Taylor introduces another wrinkle in the form of yet more nefarious characters. Our villain group is either growing or shifting. Not sure yet, but looking forward to finding out how this is going to play out.
The Science: Like I said, we actually get Tesla on page, which is cool. There is less geek speak in this one, as we kind of already know the science behind the machinery, but there is a little bit here and there.
BONUS - The Highland Games: This was one of my favorite parts of the book. Here the characters were all together celebrating their heritage. They were eating, drinking, dancing, tossing cabers, and there were some really romantic things that happened here too.
Overall: A strong sequel filled with action, happiness, swoon, and some serious tears there at the end.
**I would like to thank the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.
BLOG|INSTAGRAM|BLOGLOVIN| FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
August 27, 2017
Actual rating 4.75/5 stars.
May 26, 2017
Rating 3.5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley via publisher in exchange for an honest review
I have to thank NetGalley for once again letting me access another arc. I was really excited for this one because I read Into the Dim and enjoyed it. But this sequel left a lot to be desired.
First off the ending was way too abrupt. They just got back to their time, buried Mac, and that was it. I was expecting for a plan to go more into motion to find Phee and Collum's dad. Also what about the paper's Brandon saved from Tesla's lab? There just seems to be gaping hole after gaping hole as the book came to a close and no action or hint that the story will continue. I'm really hoping this was not the end and their will be a third book because if there is not I'm going to be so disappointed.
Other than that beginning of the book got stronger and deeper into details. When Doug and Hope got forced into an asylum it was so intense I was on the very edge of my seat. That scene in the hotel was awful when the people were scorning Doug because of his race and was disgusted by Hope for trying to help him as he had a seizure. It was historically accurate unfortunately and it made the scene even more gut twisting. Also when Phee, Collum, Hope, and Brandon were nearly captured I was also on edge as they ran to rescue Doug and Mac. The author Janet B. Taylor definitely succeeds at suspense.
Another plus is how dimensional the characters are. I love how fearless and stubborn Phee is and how her brother Collum also shares those traits. It also doesn't help that they are both Scottish and I have such a fondess for that (I've read and watched too much Outlander). Mac and Moira were also way too cute I loved them to pieces and I'm devastated that they weren't able to save Mac. Even background characters such as Lucinda, the Vanderbilts, and the girls Hope met in the asylum were all alive in their own way. Hope herself did not have as much of that as well as Brandon but having the other characters around made that a non issue.
Staying on issues I really had a problem with their not being any PTSD after Hope is saved from almost being lobotomized at the asylum. That kind of trauma should have scarred Hope deeply and should have popped up a lot but there was only a hint of it right after she was rescued. It made me disconnect from her character more. She was also a little whiny and short tempered and completely moony eyed over Brandon a little more than needed. Brandon himself was the cookie cutter bad boy with the crooked grin that has been done over and over again.
Despite this book's flaws I am still hoping and praying there is another for I'm not ready to leave this world and the character's behind and there is still so many loose ends that need to be tied.
ARC provided by NetGalley via publisher in exchange for an honest review
I have to thank NetGalley for once again letting me access another arc. I was really excited for this one because I read Into the Dim and enjoyed it. But this sequel left a lot to be desired.
First off the ending was way too abrupt. They just got back to their time, buried Mac, and that was it. I was expecting for a plan to go more into motion to find Phee and Collum's dad. Also what about the paper's Brandon saved from Tesla's lab? There just seems to be gaping hole after gaping hole as the book came to a close and no action or hint that the story will continue. I'm really hoping this was not the end and their will be a third book because if there is not I'm going to be so disappointed.
Other than that beginning of the book got stronger and deeper into details. When Doug and Hope got forced into an asylum it was so intense I was on the very edge of my seat. That scene in the hotel was awful when the people were scorning Doug because of his race and was disgusted by Hope for trying to help him as he had a seizure. It was historically accurate unfortunately and it made the scene even more gut twisting. Also when Phee, Collum, Hope, and Brandon were nearly captured I was also on edge as they ran to rescue Doug and Mac. The author Janet B. Taylor definitely succeeds at suspense.
Another plus is how dimensional the characters are. I love how fearless and stubborn Phee is and how her brother Collum also shares those traits. It also doesn't help that they are both Scottish and I have such a fondess for that (I've read and watched too much Outlander). Mac and Moira were also way too cute I loved them to pieces and I'm devastated that they weren't able to save Mac. Even background characters such as Lucinda, the Vanderbilts, and the girls Hope met in the asylum were all alive in their own way. Hope herself did not have as much of that as well as Brandon but having the other characters around made that a non issue.
Staying on issues I really had a problem with their not being any PTSD after Hope is saved from almost being lobotomized at the asylum. That kind of trauma should have scarred Hope deeply and should have popped up a lot but there was only a hint of it right after she was rescued. It made me disconnect from her character more. She was also a little whiny and short tempered and completely moony eyed over Brandon a little more than needed. Brandon himself was the cookie cutter bad boy with the crooked grin that has been done over and over again.
Despite this book's flaws I am still hoping and praying there is another for I'm not ready to leave this world and the character's behind and there is still so many loose ends that need to be tied.
August 4, 2017
Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor is book two in the Into the Dim series and Ms. Taylor brings us back into the lives of Hope Walters and the other Viators as they try to stop those who are trying to hurt them and the world as they know it.
The story picks up two months after Hope saved her mother from twelfth-century England where Sarah was left behind, betrayed by her jealous best-friend, Celia Alvarez. Celia and the Timeslippers, are set on still finding the Nonius Stone, an infamous jewel that will let them slip through time without the Dim's rules.
When Bran informs Hope and the Viators of Celia's plans to steal Nikola Telsa's invention, an enhancement that can mask a person's genetic signature to cheat the Dim's rules and stay longer in a certain time, it becomes a race to get to Tesla between the Viators and the Timeslippers as they go back to Victorian New York. Filled with action, danger, and surrounded by rich historical detail, Sparks of Light will have you anxiously turning the pages to find out what happens next.
After reading Sparks of Light, I want to say that I enjoyed Ms. Taylor's detailed descriptions, the research and historical references to the time period, and how it was all interwoven with the ongoing storyline of Hope and her friends trying to stop the Timeslippers and finding Collum and Phoebe's father, Michael. Both realistic and fantastical, Sparks of Light really is a well-written time-travel novel. Ms. Taylor also introduces us to new villains, Dr. Carson and Gunnar Balsi, a man who may be a bigger threat than Celia is. Both men throw a couple of curve balls at our heroes, that had me worried at times for the characters.
Overall, Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor is a great second novel in an interesting series. I can't wait to read the next installment (which I hope there is one because there are so many things left unfinished). I eagerly recommend.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
The story picks up two months after Hope saved her mother from twelfth-century England where Sarah was left behind, betrayed by her jealous best-friend, Celia Alvarez. Celia and the Timeslippers, are set on still finding the Nonius Stone, an infamous jewel that will let them slip through time without the Dim's rules.
When Bran informs Hope and the Viators of Celia's plans to steal Nikola Telsa's invention, an enhancement that can mask a person's genetic signature to cheat the Dim's rules and stay longer in a certain time, it becomes a race to get to Tesla between the Viators and the Timeslippers as they go back to Victorian New York. Filled with action, danger, and surrounded by rich historical detail, Sparks of Light will have you anxiously turning the pages to find out what happens next.
After reading Sparks of Light, I want to say that I enjoyed Ms. Taylor's detailed descriptions, the research and historical references to the time period, and how it was all interwoven with the ongoing storyline of Hope and her friends trying to stop the Timeslippers and finding Collum and Phoebe's father, Michael. Both realistic and fantastical, Sparks of Light really is a well-written time-travel novel. Ms. Taylor also introduces us to new villains, Dr. Carson and Gunnar Balsi, a man who may be a bigger threat than Celia is. Both men throw a couple of curve balls at our heroes, that had me worried at times for the characters.
Overall, Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor is a great second novel in an interesting series. I can't wait to read the next installment (which I hope there is one because there are so many things left unfinished). I eagerly recommend.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)
August 15, 2017
This sequel to one of my favorite books of 2016, Into the Dim, definitely did not disappoint. This time the characters have a different time period that they will have to visit in order to solve their current issues. Hope's mother is back, but she is suffering basically PTSD from dealing with being left with the cruel man she'd been stuck with back in time. Not only is she back, but Hope has a new little sister. Her father is asking for a divorce, happy with his new wife. This makes one more emotional issue for Hope's mother to deal with. While Bran had to go be with the woman who had tried to say she was his mother up until now, their enemy, he comes back to see Hope when he can, but when he comes back, he has some alarming news, news that sends them on their next trip back in time. This time they will need to meet up with Nikola Tesla, and hopefully get him to stop working on the instrument that could mess up the careful time travel the Viators have tried to perpetrate. This time we have Doug going back, and he's never been able to go because of his seizures. But since he is best to work with Tesla, being the one who knows the most about what is going on, and kind of a Tesla expert, he is chosen to go, despite Phoebe's pleas about his safety. Of course the fact that he is partly black will cause issues in how he can be a part of the group back in the time period. It is after the civil war, but still things are not good for black, or even mixed race people like Doug.
Check out my full review on Lisa Loves Literature.
Check out my full review on Lisa Loves Literature.
Want to read
February 19, 2016
August 14, 2017
This review was originally published on Spinatale Reviews.
After not enjoying Into the Dim as much as I thought I would, I was a bit nervous before starting this one. While Sparks of Light still had some faults, I ended up being glad I continued with the series. This sequel artfully dodges the second book trap, taking the characters on an entirely new fast-paced adventure that was interesting and well-researched.
After the events of Into the Dim, Hope Walton has settled into her new home at her family’s estate in Scotland. Between her now rescued mother, her newly born little sister, and the other Viators, Hope finally has the family and friends she always dreamed about. Plus there’s a romance with Brandon Cameron, a figure from her past who she wants in her future. This fragile peace is shattered when Bran tells the Viator’s of Celia’s plan to obtain a device of Nikola Tesla’s that has the power to revolutionize traveling through the Dim. Hope and her friends rush off to Gilded Age New York in an attempt to reach Tesla before Celia and her cronies can.
I thought that the plot of this book had much better pacing than the first book. I was engaged and interested throughout. There was a nice mix between action scenes and ones that let the characters shine. As before, the author had clearly done her research into the history and it showed in the general excellence of the descriptions and details. The storyline was much tighter in this one, not delving into quite as many subplots. However, there was one subplot in an asylum that seemed out of place to me. It definitely explored some interesting issues of the time but didn’t really do anything to advance the plot. Additionally, the time spent dedicated to it meant that the rest of the plot wasn’t quite as fully developed as I thought it could be.
As much as I wanted to love the characters, I was never able to quite click with any of them. Phee, Collum, Doug, and Mac were included but didn’t seem to have major roles in the action until the end. Even when they did appear, they felt slightly flat to me and seemed like slightly different characters from who they were in the first book. I enjoyed seeing more of Hope and Bran’s past, it helped me understand their relationship in the present more. However, I couldn’t really feel the sparks between them and they barely spent any time together. The villains were honestly the most interesting characters for me but, even with them, I wished for more depth to their characters. I liked all of the characters but I wasn’t too emotionally invested in them.
Sparks of Light is an improvement from Into the Dim. I still believe this series has a lot of potential and ended up enjoying most of this one. I love how Janet Taylor so vividly paints the past in this novel, I just wish the plot was a little tighter.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After not enjoying Into the Dim as much as I thought I would, I was a bit nervous before starting this one. While Sparks of Light still had some faults, I ended up being glad I continued with the series. This sequel artfully dodges the second book trap, taking the characters on an entirely new fast-paced adventure that was interesting and well-researched.
After the events of Into the Dim, Hope Walton has settled into her new home at her family’s estate in Scotland. Between her now rescued mother, her newly born little sister, and the other Viators, Hope finally has the family and friends she always dreamed about. Plus there’s a romance with Brandon Cameron, a figure from her past who she wants in her future. This fragile peace is shattered when Bran tells the Viator’s of Celia’s plan to obtain a device of Nikola Tesla’s that has the power to revolutionize traveling through the Dim. Hope and her friends rush off to Gilded Age New York in an attempt to reach Tesla before Celia and her cronies can.
I thought that the plot of this book had much better pacing than the first book. I was engaged and interested throughout. There was a nice mix between action scenes and ones that let the characters shine. As before, the author had clearly done her research into the history and it showed in the general excellence of the descriptions and details. The storyline was much tighter in this one, not delving into quite as many subplots. However, there was one subplot in an asylum that seemed out of place to me. It definitely explored some interesting issues of the time but didn’t really do anything to advance the plot. Additionally, the time spent dedicated to it meant that the rest of the plot wasn’t quite as fully developed as I thought it could be.
As much as I wanted to love the characters, I was never able to quite click with any of them. Phee, Collum, Doug, and Mac were included but didn’t seem to have major roles in the action until the end. Even when they did appear, they felt slightly flat to me and seemed like slightly different characters from who they were in the first book. I enjoyed seeing more of Hope and Bran’s past, it helped me understand their relationship in the present more. However, I couldn’t really feel the sparks between them and they barely spent any time together. The villains were honestly the most interesting characters for me but, even with them, I wished for more depth to their characters. I liked all of the characters but I wasn’t too emotionally invested in them.
Sparks of Light is an improvement from Into the Dim. I still believe this series has a lot of potential and ended up enjoying most of this one. I love how Janet Taylor so vividly paints the past in this novel, I just wish the plot was a little tighter.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 28, 2017
Read my full review of Sparks of Light
Sparks of Light—the darker and more serious sequel to Into the Dim—was simultaneously adventurous, calamitous, and tragic. This time around, the Viators are traveling to New York City during The Gilded Age, (which was somehow less fun than England in the Middle Ages. Imagine that? xD) and significantly more ominous. As with the first installment, I adored how Taylor intertwined real history into the plot. Her interpretation of real historical characters—as well as their backstories—was incredible.
Janet B. Taylor bravely and fiercely tackles many of the societal hardships of the time in a heart-wrenching and realistic manner. Though I did miss some of the lighter and more romantic aspects that were in book one, following Hope on her journey to becoming a full member of the Viators was marvelous. Overall, this was a fantastic, somber, and tumultuous sequel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I only hope that there will be a happy ending for these wonderful characters in the conclusion to this trilogy.
Sparks of Light—the darker and more serious sequel to Into the Dim—was simultaneously adventurous, calamitous, and tragic. This time around, the Viators are traveling to New York City during The Gilded Age, (which was somehow less fun than England in the Middle Ages. Imagine that? xD) and significantly more ominous. As with the first installment, I adored how Taylor intertwined real history into the plot. Her interpretation of real historical characters—as well as their backstories—was incredible.
Janet B. Taylor bravely and fiercely tackles many of the societal hardships of the time in a heart-wrenching and realistic manner. Though I did miss some of the lighter and more romantic aspects that were in book one, following Hope on her journey to becoming a full member of the Viators was marvelous. Overall, this was a fantastic, somber, and tumultuous sequel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I only hope that there will be a happy ending for these wonderful characters in the conclusion to this trilogy.
April 5, 2020
Hooked from the beginning, I could barely put the book down. Though I enjoy Into the Dim's plot of Medieval history, I found this 19th Century plotline really grabbed my attention. The twists and turns Taylor cleverly placed throughout had me continuously squealing What?! much to my family's amusement. I enjoyed the budding romances, settings and characters and look forward seeing a final adventure with Hope and her crew.
December 17, 2017
THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER BOOK! that cliffhanger was too much...
overall, I liked into the dim so much more than sparks of light. I was sucked into the storyline of into the dim from the very start but with sparks of light, i wasn't invested in the story until halfway through. then my heart got ripped out of my chest only to have a cliffhanger ending. I need to know what happens next!!!
overall, I liked into the dim so much more than sparks of light. I was sucked into the storyline of into the dim from the very start but with sparks of light, i wasn't invested in the story until halfway through. then my heart got ripped out of my chest only to have a cliffhanger ending. I need to know what happens next!!!
May 7, 2023
Super awesome, yet again, loved the history, took a star for (like 4-5???) more super random stupid f-bombs, no swearing through the whole book then bam what the heck. But it was awesome, can't wait for the next one!
January 25, 2024
Oh, this was such a great read, though it is sad that we probably won't get book 3, since it's now 2024 and I can't find any news about it.
October 13, 2017
A sequel that went above and beyond my expectations!
Celia is at it again, intent on taking over time and space as we know it. She still searches for the Nonius Stone which would make time travel a much easier and less restrictive feat. The Viators, Hope and the gang, know they need to destroy the stone so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Nikola Tesla, a scientist, has been working on an enhancement which can make time traveling a less laborious venture. The Viators go back in time to destroy the device and convince Tesla never to recreate it again. When Celia beats them to it, things start getting deadly. Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor is a brilliant sequel that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Into the Dim was my favorite debut of 2016. A YA time travel adventure that Outlander fans should not miss. Once again, readers are easily swept back into the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands. The dialect which shines in the dialogue immerses readers further into the story.
Taylor brings us up to speed on what her characters have been doing since the first book ended. She recaps Into the Dim quite nicely, making it easy to dive right into the plot of the sequel.
I loved the first book but it is always difficult to start the sequel with such high expectations. However, those high expectations were met at every turn. Unencumbered by the explanations of how Taylor's time travel works, she could continue the story in any direction.
Janet B. Taylor writes each character with care. Each are developed, well-written and interesting. However, in Sparks of Light, it is her female characters that truly shine. There are many females and each strong and incredibly unique.
Hope, the protagonist, wows you from the very first page. Her strength comes through in every obstacle she is faced with. She's introverted, courageous and hilarious. I enjoyed getting to know her in Into the Dim but getting to go on even more adventures with Hope in Sparks of Light was so much fun.
Phoebe is my favorite character of them all. Her amount of sass just made every scene that much more hilarious. Her little jokes and big heart will make you believe you’ve been friends with Phoebe yourself for years. It is hard to believe that Phoebe and Hope only met a few months ago in the previous book. The development of their friendship blossomed gorgeously.
I adore when actual history is intertwined in works of fiction. So when readers got to meet the man who invented the Waldorf salad, I couldn't help but fangirl. There are a few characters in Sparks of Light that are nonfictional. Janet B. Taylor weaves the historical characters with her time traveling adventure story in such a masterful and beautiful way.
It seemed a poor formatting choice to have several pages in italics to emphasize flashbacks. Not only did the formatting seem strange, it was a bit frustrating to break in the middle of the main plot to give you flashbacks that revealed nothing significant. I hope the flashbacks become important further on in the series.
Similarly to Into the Dim, Sparks of Light was one wild ride. It was action packed filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
The ending fills you with such a warm fuzzy feeling of family. I cannot wait for what Taylor has in store for us next.
Overall, Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor was a superb read with nonstop action, unbelievable twists and well-written characters. Despite the few flashbacks which mess up the flow of the story, Sparks of Light is a magnificent sequel that will have you wanting more. If you love time travel adventures, you will certainly love this fantastic series!
Celia is at it again, intent on taking over time and space as we know it. She still searches for the Nonius Stone which would make time travel a much easier and less restrictive feat. The Viators, Hope and the gang, know they need to destroy the stone so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Nikola Tesla, a scientist, has been working on an enhancement which can make time traveling a less laborious venture. The Viators go back in time to destroy the device and convince Tesla never to recreate it again. When Celia beats them to it, things start getting deadly. Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor is a brilliant sequel that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Into the Dim was my favorite debut of 2016. A YA time travel adventure that Outlander fans should not miss. Once again, readers are easily swept back into the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands. The dialect which shines in the dialogue immerses readers further into the story.
Taylor brings us up to speed on what her characters have been doing since the first book ended. She recaps Into the Dim quite nicely, making it easy to dive right into the plot of the sequel.
I loved the first book but it is always difficult to start the sequel with such high expectations. However, those high expectations were met at every turn. Unencumbered by the explanations of how Taylor's time travel works, she could continue the story in any direction.
Janet B. Taylor writes each character with care. Each are developed, well-written and interesting. However, in Sparks of Light, it is her female characters that truly shine. There are many females and each strong and incredibly unique.
Hope, the protagonist, wows you from the very first page. Her strength comes through in every obstacle she is faced with. She's introverted, courageous and hilarious. I enjoyed getting to know her in Into the Dim but getting to go on even more adventures with Hope in Sparks of Light was so much fun.
Phoebe is my favorite character of them all. Her amount of sass just made every scene that much more hilarious. Her little jokes and big heart will make you believe you’ve been friends with Phoebe yourself for years. It is hard to believe that Phoebe and Hope only met a few months ago in the previous book. The development of their friendship blossomed gorgeously.
I adore when actual history is intertwined in works of fiction. So when readers got to meet the man who invented the Waldorf salad, I couldn't help but fangirl. There are a few characters in Sparks of Light that are nonfictional. Janet B. Taylor weaves the historical characters with her time traveling adventure story in such a masterful and beautiful way.
It seemed a poor formatting choice to have several pages in italics to emphasize flashbacks. Not only did the formatting seem strange, it was a bit frustrating to break in the middle of the main plot to give you flashbacks that revealed nothing significant. I hope the flashbacks become important further on in the series.
Similarly to Into the Dim, Sparks of Light was one wild ride. It was action packed filled with unpredictable twists and turns.
The ending fills you with such a warm fuzzy feeling of family. I cannot wait for what Taylor has in store for us next.
Overall, Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor was a superb read with nonstop action, unbelievable twists and well-written characters. Despite the few flashbacks which mess up the flow of the story, Sparks of Light is a magnificent sequel that will have you wanting more. If you love time travel adventures, you will certainly love this fantastic series!
February 17, 2017
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, This doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.
Sparks of Light is a thrilling sequel to Into The Dime. Just as intense, active, romantic, suspenseful and magical as it's predecessor. From the synopsis, I knew I am in for a wild marvelous ride. A lot of interesting developments took place, some I saw coming and some I couldn't but still loved. The writing was superb and easy to flow with. Sparks of Light is definitely what I could have hoped for after Into The Dim. It begins with a bang or as Hope said "Decapitation" (Yeah you definitely want to read that). It's been two months since the previous book and a lot has happened, Hope becoming a little bit more badass with training, Mac adopting a cat (or as I like to call her hellcat), Hope remembering more and more things from her childhood, Dealing with the PTSD Sarah has after her ordeal in the past. I love the pace Sparks of Light has, it made reading it easier to follow. A lot of aspects about the book made a lot of sense and the combination of so many things was awesome. The dual timeline is also another part of this book that made it more lush and rich. The characters have had a lot going on for them and I loved the way it reflected in their character development. From the beginning it started with action and epic interactions among the group. I must say, One thing that makes this series work so well is the characters. They just have this amazing chemistry that makes every scene very enjoyable especially Bran and Hope, their feelings for each other are so sizzling hot and intense I could have sworn I felt the heat. Hope is really quite more mature and grounded in this book (Not that I didn't absolutely adore her in Into The Dim) and that development is the character was a huge plus. During a Scottish festival, Bran surprises everyone with a surprise visit along with new information about his psychotic mother. This leads the group to travel back in time to 1895 to try spoiling Celia's machinations, I really love the time traveling aspects of this series. It just so good, Janet B. Taylor definitely knows her stuff. The 1890's is not fun at all, seriously. Despite the beautiful splendor of 'society', It's full of racists, sexists, bigots and homophobes. But it does have some good parts, It was entertaining seeing the reaction of the characters to the atmosphere of things. Fun stuff happened during their stint to the past, an ambush , banishment to an insane asylum (You get to meet some really intriguing people) and many more interesting events. Sparks of Light is definitely a great follow up to Into The Dim, I am glad I got to read this. Hope and Bran's story is one captivating tale every reader needs to know. After that explosive ending, I certainly can't wait for the next book in this series. Janet B. Taylor has weaved a majestic masterpiece full of action, fun, romance, time travel, suspense and splendid characters.
P.S: BEWARE!! You're not going to be able to put this book down, It is unputdownable. That's just how good it is.
Sparks of Light is a thrilling sequel to Into The Dime. Just as intense, active, romantic, suspenseful and magical as it's predecessor. From the synopsis, I knew I am in for a wild marvelous ride. A lot of interesting developments took place, some I saw coming and some I couldn't but still loved. The writing was superb and easy to flow with. Sparks of Light is definitely what I could have hoped for after Into The Dim. It begins with a bang or as Hope said "Decapitation" (Yeah you definitely want to read that). It's been two months since the previous book and a lot has happened, Hope becoming a little bit more badass with training, Mac adopting a cat (or as I like to call her hellcat), Hope remembering more and more things from her childhood, Dealing with the PTSD Sarah has after her ordeal in the past. I love the pace Sparks of Light has, it made reading it easier to follow. A lot of aspects about the book made a lot of sense and the combination of so many things was awesome. The dual timeline is also another part of this book that made it more lush and rich. The characters have had a lot going on for them and I loved the way it reflected in their character development. From the beginning it started with action and epic interactions among the group. I must say, One thing that makes this series work so well is the characters. They just have this amazing chemistry that makes every scene very enjoyable especially Bran and Hope, their feelings for each other are so sizzling hot and intense I could have sworn I felt the heat. Hope is really quite more mature and grounded in this book (Not that I didn't absolutely adore her in Into The Dim) and that development is the character was a huge plus. During a Scottish festival, Bran surprises everyone with a surprise visit along with new information about his psychotic mother. This leads the group to travel back in time to 1895 to try spoiling Celia's machinations, I really love the time traveling aspects of this series. It just so good, Janet B. Taylor definitely knows her stuff. The 1890's is not fun at all, seriously. Despite the beautiful splendor of 'society', It's full of racists, sexists, bigots and homophobes. But it does have some good parts, It was entertaining seeing the reaction of the characters to the atmosphere of things. Fun stuff happened during their stint to the past, an ambush , banishment to an insane asylum (You get to meet some really intriguing people) and many more interesting events. Sparks of Light is definitely a great follow up to Into The Dim, I am glad I got to read this. Hope and Bran's story is one captivating tale every reader needs to know. After that explosive ending, I certainly can't wait for the next book in this series. Janet B. Taylor has weaved a majestic masterpiece full of action, fun, romance, time travel, suspense and splendid characters.
P.S: BEWARE!! You're not going to be able to put this book down, It is unputdownable. That's just how good it is.
August 13, 2017
3.5
I'm so disappointed in this book. I felt like Into the Dim was so amazing for me and this one fell a little short. I think the atmosphere of the book changed a lot, and instead of exploring the history and time period we were left dealing with a plot point that, I feel, didn't need to be developed. However, if any more books come out in the series I will read them, since Into the Dim was awesome.
I'm so disappointed in this book. I felt like Into the Dim was so amazing for me and this one fell a little short. I think the atmosphere of the book changed a lot, and instead of exploring the history and time period we were left dealing with a plot point that, I feel, didn't need to be developed. However, if any more books come out in the series I will read them, since Into the Dim was awesome.
October 21, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
I was not as impressed by this book as I was the first in the series. It just felt kind of pieced together and I didn't see much character development. Perhaps my opinions were colored by the fact that I read "The Last Magician" a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. That book, although the first in a series, takes a similar concept of time travelers in turn-of-the-century New York and does a much better job.
Because this book was the second in a series, I needed a little more time/effort spent on going back over background information from the first book. Even though I did read the first one, there were details I had forgotten and so I felt a bit lost going into this one, when things weren't explained very well. If one does read this book, I would definitely recommend reading the first one right before starting this one.
Also, I felt as though much of the emotional journey that the various characters were on were left to the first book, so this was like, "The Continuing Adventures of..." Nothing really new or exciting happens to them to affect them, unless one takes into account artifacts or information that they uncover. But if one hasn't read the first book, one will have no idea why those artifacts or information is important.
The action that takes place in the "hospital" didn't seem to really fit, either. It didn't really move along the story or have much connection to what was going on. All of the things that were relevant to the story, like initially meeting with Tesla, finding the villains, planning the climactic event at the end, all happened "off-stage." Even things like studying building plans were a little too conveniently added in all of a sudden, like, "Good thing I studied those blue prints last week back at home so that now I know we can sneak in through this windows over there."
This book could have bee much better, and I would definitely not recommend it if you have not read the first one.
I was not as impressed by this book as I was the first in the series. It just felt kind of pieced together and I didn't see much character development. Perhaps my opinions were colored by the fact that I read "The Last Magician" a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. That book, although the first in a series, takes a similar concept of time travelers in turn-of-the-century New York and does a much better job.
Because this book was the second in a series, I needed a little more time/effort spent on going back over background information from the first book. Even though I did read the first one, there were details I had forgotten and so I felt a bit lost going into this one, when things weren't explained very well. If one does read this book, I would definitely recommend reading the first one right before starting this one.
Also, I felt as though much of the emotional journey that the various characters were on were left to the first book, so this was like, "The Continuing Adventures of..." Nothing really new or exciting happens to them to affect them, unless one takes into account artifacts or information that they uncover. But if one hasn't read the first book, one will have no idea why those artifacts or information is important.
The action that takes place in the "hospital" didn't seem to really fit, either. It didn't really move along the story or have much connection to what was going on. All of the things that were relevant to the story, like initially meeting with Tesla, finding the villains, planning the climactic event at the end, all happened "off-stage." Even things like studying building plans were a little too conveniently added in all of a sudden, like, "Good thing I studied those blue prints last week back at home so that now I know we can sneak in through this windows over there."
This book could have bee much better, and I would definitely not recommend it if you have not read the first one.
March 21, 2017
I was so, so happy to be back in the Scottish Highlands with Hope and her friends. Into the Dim taught me that I love time travel books so I was eagerly awaiting this sequel! This story begins only weeks after Into the Dim ended but so much has changed for the time traveling crew (no spoilers). Sparks of Light is a novel rich in lavish historical detail (some gruesome and some awe inspiring). The author clearly did her research and I felt like I was with the young time travelers--The Viators—as they travelled to Victorian era New York. Some of the descriptions stopped me outright in my reading and I had to reread and reread just for their beauty, such as: "Outside, the Highlands were a riot of green and purple, yellow and white. And always, always the gray granite peaks of the mountains, gnarled and knowing and eternal, they watched over the pastures and townships below. The river foamed, dividing the valley." (quoted from uncorrected proof) I am so grateful I got a chance to see an early copy of this book because I adored Into the Dim. Fans of Into the Dim will not be disappointed in the journey these kids must make or the treachery then need to overcome!! And there’s kissing! But mostly there is fierce loyalty among friends and I love that about both books!! Now I’d like a third book please, Janet B. Taylor!!
December 1, 2017
As this book has been summarized quite well, I will not say much about the plot. What I will say though, is that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Yes, it had a similar bit of issues as book 1, but it was all pretty much for the sake of understanding and plot construction. My favourite thing about this book was definitely the characters. They are all so different and unique and loveable in their own ways, and that makes it more of a fun to read. They are all so supportive and loved by each other and I'm so glad that whatever Hope has experienced and seen so far, she got to do so with her family. And Bran. Ugh, I just love them together!!
I also really love the science, and of course, the time travel aspect of the book. I learned so much about these historical events, and inventors-it was such a joy to read.
Overall, this is one of my favourite series. There's a little bit of everything in this book, science fiction, mystery, time travel, swoon-worthy romance, action, and those real tears at the end... this is just a must-read series. Janet B. Taylor is a new author for me, and because I love her writing, I look forward to reading her work in the future.
I also really love the science, and of course, the time travel aspect of the book. I learned so much about these historical events, and inventors-it was such a joy to read.
Overall, this is one of my favourite series. There's a little bit of everything in this book, science fiction, mystery, time travel, swoon-worthy romance, action, and those real tears at the end... this is just a must-read series. Janet B. Taylor is a new author for me, and because I love her writing, I look forward to reading her work in the future.
September 3, 2017
I was kind of disappointed with this book. I was excited for the big follow up to Into The Dim, and then only got half a story. The entire middle of the book was pointless, and seemed to just be filling time because the author couldn't think of anything relevant to happen in the two days they were in NYC before they were supposed to meet Tesla. Honestly, the whole hospital bit added nothing to the depth of the story or characters, and aside from one guy being a guard with them afterwards, it didn't impact the rest of the story in any way. I'm not even sure if she mentioned whether the doctor had been hired by Celia or just grabbed them on his own, though that wouldn't really matter either way. I hope the next book in the series has more story to it.
January 5, 2017
This is just what fans of INTO THE DIM have been waiting for!!!!!
A fun, fast-paced read just like book one to satisfy our need for more of this incredible adventure!
I can't recommend this book enough!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
I wish there were 10 more books in this series... I don't want it ever to end.
A fun, fast-paced read just like book one to satisfy our need for more of this incredible adventure!
I can't recommend this book enough!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
I wish there were 10 more books in this series... I don't want it ever to end.
January 26, 2017
Feels like another YA book where an author was pushed into rushing things for the sake of publication. Unfortunately, this book shows more promise than anything else, and does not live up to the expectations of the first. 2.5 really, but I feel Taylor has a real talent here, good characters that need more development, and an interesting world I enjoy spending time in.
August 24, 2017
Sparks of Light is the sequel to Into the Dim, a book about a secret society of time travelers. I really enjoyed Into the Dim, and Sparks of Light is a worthy sequel.
Our heroine, Hope Walton, is recovering from her terrible experiences in 12th century London. She's found a home with her mother's family in the Scottish Highlands, and she's taken her place in the Viators, the group of time travelers. Her mother and baby sister are safely back in the 21st century, although her mother is suffering from PTSD from the trauma she experienced while stuck in the 12th century. Hope's love interest Bran shows up to alert the Viators that his evil mother, the Viator's nemesis Celia, is plotting to get her hands on a device from 1895 that could give her enormous time-traveling power, something the Viators want to prevent.
The book gets into the action very quickly, and Hope and friends are soon on their way back to 1895 in New York City, at the height of the Gilded Age. Hope poses as a wealthy heiress and stays at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where she meets such real life socialites as Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt and the inventor Nikola Tesla. The author has clearly done her research, and I really enjoyed her descriptions of 1895 New York, where the Viators see everything from dire poverty to unimaginable splendor.
Things quickly go wrong, and some of the party are trapped in a mental institution. This part of the book is particularly harrowing. Mental health care in the late 19th century is not for the faint of heart, and the "treatments" are horrible. Some of the patients are genuinely ill, but many of them seem to be perfectly healthy people who have been shut away for being "inconvenient." Mental health care in the 21st century still has a long way to go, but it's light years ahead of the supposedly scientific treatments of the late 19th century. As awful as the hospital is, it's a private hospital with some semblance of luxury. I can only imagine how awful a public hospital would have been at this time. The book really makes it clear that being a woman at this time was pretty awful (and it's also not a good time for the one POC member of the team, Doug, who experiences some virulent racism).
I did have a few issues with the book. A new character is introduced, Gabriella. She's an old friend of Bran's, and although Bran shows nothing beyond friendly feelings for her, Hope is instantly insanely jealous of her. Gabriella shows up at the beginning and the end of the book, and she's really underdeveloped. Also, Hope is still mad at her mother for keeping so many secrets from her during her childhood, but this isn't really explored. I would have liked to see a scene where Hope and her mother hash things out. The villain from the first book, Celia, is spoken of often, but she never appears on the page, and we meet some new villains instead. The new villains only show up near the end, and we don't know much about them, so they felt a little weak compared with Celia in the first book. But these are all minor complaints, and I imagine these issues might be resolved in the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sparks of Light, and it made me feel very happy that I wasn't a woman living in 1895.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
Our heroine, Hope Walton, is recovering from her terrible experiences in 12th century London. She's found a home with her mother's family in the Scottish Highlands, and she's taken her place in the Viators, the group of time travelers. Her mother and baby sister are safely back in the 21st century, although her mother is suffering from PTSD from the trauma she experienced while stuck in the 12th century. Hope's love interest Bran shows up to alert the Viators that his evil mother, the Viator's nemesis Celia, is plotting to get her hands on a device from 1895 that could give her enormous time-traveling power, something the Viators want to prevent.
The book gets into the action very quickly, and Hope and friends are soon on their way back to 1895 in New York City, at the height of the Gilded Age. Hope poses as a wealthy heiress and stays at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where she meets such real life socialites as Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt and the inventor Nikola Tesla. The author has clearly done her research, and I really enjoyed her descriptions of 1895 New York, where the Viators see everything from dire poverty to unimaginable splendor.
Things quickly go wrong, and some of the party are trapped in a mental institution. This part of the book is particularly harrowing. Mental health care in the late 19th century is not for the faint of heart, and the "treatments" are horrible. Some of the patients are genuinely ill, but many of them seem to be perfectly healthy people who have been shut away for being "inconvenient." Mental health care in the 21st century still has a long way to go, but it's light years ahead of the supposedly scientific treatments of the late 19th century. As awful as the hospital is, it's a private hospital with some semblance of luxury. I can only imagine how awful a public hospital would have been at this time. The book really makes it clear that being a woman at this time was pretty awful (and it's also not a good time for the one POC member of the team, Doug, who experiences some virulent racism).
I did have a few issues with the book. A new character is introduced, Gabriella. She's an old friend of Bran's, and although Bran shows nothing beyond friendly feelings for her, Hope is instantly insanely jealous of her. Gabriella shows up at the beginning and the end of the book, and she's really underdeveloped. Also, Hope is still mad at her mother for keeping so many secrets from her during her childhood, but this isn't really explored. I would have liked to see a scene where Hope and her mother hash things out. The villain from the first book, Celia, is spoken of often, but she never appears on the page, and we meet some new villains instead. The new villains only show up near the end, and we don't know much about them, so they felt a little weak compared with Celia in the first book. But these are all minor complaints, and I imagine these issues might be resolved in the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sparks of Light, and it made me feel very happy that I wasn't a woman living in 1895.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
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