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In Aeternum trilogy #2
The Light They Left
Feed on the dark, and it will feed on you.
It’s been months since Christopher and Elizabeth narrowly survived an attack from his vampire enemies, but things are far from perfect. Memories from before he became a vampire are resurfacing, pulling him into the past he once disowned. His feelings for Elizabeth are growing, getting harder to hide by the day. And when the unpredictable vampire known as the Shadow reappears, Christopher knows the Enchantress isn’t far behind.
Desperate to find a safe refuge and understand the changes that are happening to him, Christopher travels with Elizabeth and Father Stephen to an ancient German monastery that is intimately tied to his past. But the dark forest outside holds secrets of its own: secrets that Christopher sacrificed everything to forget.
In this gripping sequel to The Curse He Chose, Sister Allison Regina breaks new ground in the genre-bending In Aeternum trilogy, bridging the suspense of urban fantasy with the Christian drama of sin, grace, and redemption. Recommended for ages 14+
It’s been months since Christopher and Elizabeth narrowly survived an attack from his vampire enemies, but things are far from perfect. Memories from before he became a vampire are resurfacing, pulling him into the past he once disowned. His feelings for Elizabeth are growing, getting harder to hide by the day. And when the unpredictable vampire known as the Shadow reappears, Christopher knows the Enchantress isn’t far behind.
Desperate to find a safe refuge and understand the changes that are happening to him, Christopher travels with Elizabeth and Father Stephen to an ancient German monastery that is intimately tied to his past. But the dark forest outside holds secrets of its own: secrets that Christopher sacrificed everything to forget.
In this gripping sequel to The Curse He Chose, Sister Allison Regina breaks new ground in the genre-bending In Aeternum trilogy, bridging the suspense of urban fantasy with the Christian drama of sin, grace, and redemption. Recommended for ages 14+
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 2, 2026
About the author
Allison Regina Gliot
10 books202 followersSr. Allison Regina Gliot FSP (@sister_allison) has always loved reading and telling stories (the more fantastical the better). She fell in love with Jesus in college and became a Daughter of St. Paul after graduation to spend the rest of her life with him. Since then, she’s had many adventures, the most recent of which involves serving as an editor for Pauline Books & Media, the publishing house of the Daughters of St. Paul. She spends her free time writing books and looking for lizards in the convent backyard.
She is the author of The Book That Changed Everything, dubbed a 2025 "Backlist Beauty" by the Catholic Media Association; Eli's Quiet Friend, winner of the 2025 Excellence in Publishing Award in Picture Books from the Association of Catholic Publishers; Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer, winner of the 2025 CMA Book Award in Books for Young Adults; and the In Aeternum YA trilogy that began with The Curse He Chose, winner of the 2026 CMA Book Award in Catholic Novels.
She is the author of The Book That Changed Everything, dubbed a 2025 "Backlist Beauty" by the Catholic Media Association; Eli's Quiet Friend, winner of the 2025 Excellence in Publishing Award in Picture Books from the Association of Catholic Publishers; Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer, winner of the 2025 CMA Book Award in Books for Young Adults; and the In Aeternum YA trilogy that began with The Curse He Chose, winner of the 2026 CMA Book Award in Catholic Novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 1, 2026
ANOTHER SIX STARS! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Oh my goodness! I am in shock right now. This book had such a dramatic and crazy ending! I literally just put it down!
It was a little slow in the beginning, but that ending made up for it. I was really impressed with how Allison wrote Christopher's growth throughout the story.
THE EPILOGE! WHAT WAS THAT! Seriously, I won't give any spoilers, but wow, just wow! I highly recommend this series.
Oh my goodness! I am in shock right now. This book had such a dramatic and crazy ending! I literally just put it down!
It was a little slow in the beginning, but that ending made up for it. I was really impressed with how Allison wrote Christopher's growth throughout the story.
THE EPILOGE! WHAT WAS THAT! Seriously, I won't give any spoilers, but wow, just wow! I highly recommend this series.
January 13, 2026
I don’t typically read vampire stories, but I would give this series all the stars if I could. I wish all vampire novels were like this one. Actually, I wish all Catholic Fiction proclaimed our faith so beautifully as this one does. It’s like a love note to the Eucharist and the belief that no one is too far gone to come home again.
January 7, 2026
I would give this 6 stars if that was an option.
Read
September 17, 2026LOOK ok the vampire book series written by a nun is not bad actually. A little cringe at times, but not bad.
I was telling Fran that my main objection is that this book uses real-world-religion language. If this were a thinly veiled fantasy religion with a twisted up protagonist trying to claw his way to his god, or if this were a dnd character with a messy relationship to his patron, I’d be right at home. It seems unjust to judge a book on my failings, when I know I would love it wholeheartedly if it changed genres.
Anyway, I leave it without a rating, but I had a legitimate good time and I will be reading book three.
I was telling Fran that my main objection is that this book uses real-world-religion language. If this were a thinly veiled fantasy religion with a twisted up protagonist trying to claw his way to his god, or if this were a dnd character with a messy relationship to his patron, I’d be right at home. It seems unjust to judge a book on my failings, when I know I would love it wholeheartedly if it changed genres.
Anyway, I leave it without a rating, but I had a legitimate good time and I will be reading book three.
May 31, 2026
ADRIEN?!?!
May 24, 2026
Crazy. And ended on a cliff hanger. A lot of back and forth between past and present, but we all needed the back story of what led him to choose to become a vampire. Much different vampire lore than Twilight. But probably the most fun thing in this book was reading from a vampire’s perspective the effects of our Catholic liturgies and sacraments- how he is able to feel and see behind the veil and how very physically aware of God’s presence he is in ways we are not usually as humans. Just fun to read and be reminded of those realities that become routine and mundane.
January 15, 2026
AHHHHHH.
That's it. That's the whole review.
Just kidding.
I pre-ordered this as soon as I got word it was available. In this gripping sequel, we get a dual-timeline story, slipping back and forth between Christopher's past and present as he tries to embrace Jesus and find freedom from his...vampiric tendencies.
The Eucharist is still sustaining our fanged friend, but he can't be out in sunlight, and he's been slipping into trances of memories of his loving family, absentee father, and mysterious hunter in the Black Forest who encourages him to think for himself.
Seeing Christopher as a young boy and then teen wrestling with God was a fascinating juxtaposition with his struggles in the present. In both timelines, he fights circumstances outside of his control, and his cold scientific understanding of things as a child helps the reader understand how he alienated himself from his family and then made the final horrible decision.
I loved the German touches to this story and the increase in positive spiritual influences for Christopher. I appreciated the story being from him perspective this time, though I did miss getting Elizabeth's thoughts. Still, I found her easier to understand, and I wanted to face palm every time Christopher misinterpreted her attraction to him as fear.
The revelations of the past were heartbreaking, and I can't BELIEVE my fears were realized. I try not to make predictions, so it really got me this time. Now I have to wait for the final installment wondering how on earth God is going to use Christopher to fix all of the damage he did...
That's it. That's the whole review.
Just kidding.
I pre-ordered this as soon as I got word it was available. In this gripping sequel, we get a dual-timeline story, slipping back and forth between Christopher's past and present as he tries to embrace Jesus and find freedom from his...vampiric tendencies.
The Eucharist is still sustaining our fanged friend, but he can't be out in sunlight, and he's been slipping into trances of memories of his loving family, absentee father, and mysterious hunter in the Black Forest who encourages him to think for himself.
Seeing Christopher as a young boy and then teen wrestling with God was a fascinating juxtaposition with his struggles in the present. In both timelines, he fights circumstances outside of his control, and his cold scientific understanding of things as a child helps the reader understand how he alienated himself from his family and then made the final horrible decision.
I loved the German touches to this story and the increase in positive spiritual influences for Christopher. I appreciated the story being from him perspective this time, though I did miss getting Elizabeth's thoughts. Still, I found her easier to understand, and I wanted to face palm every time Christopher misinterpreted her attraction to him as fear.
The revelations of the past were heartbreaking, and I can't BELIEVE my fears were realized. I try not to make predictions, so it really got me this time. Now I have to wait for the final installment wondering how on earth God is going to use Christopher to fix all of the damage he did...
July 18, 2026
Loved this. Loved the flashbacks, loved the drama, loved the cliff hanger. Completely stopped short a few times while reading because there were some prayerful zingers in there. Can’t wait for the third one. Definitely satisfied the inner teenage girl.
January 15, 2026
THE END 😱 NEVER IN MY LIFE WOULD I HAVE SEEN THAT COMING
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2026
Well this book has ratified my opinion that the second book of a trilogy is most likely the better of the three, if not the best (albeit the third book of this series isn’t even out yet). The interwoven backstory brings the character’s interior turmoil to life.
It’s a testament to the reality that the Lord, who is waiting for each one of us, also comes to us and gives us “what we don’t deserve” as a sheer gift, and it is up to us to accept it, despite our own littleness. Needless to say, I flew through this book and enjoyed every minute.
It’s a testament to the reality that the Lord, who is waiting for each one of us, also comes to us and gives us “what we don’t deserve” as a sheer gift, and it is up to us to accept it, despite our own littleness. Needless to say, I flew through this book and enjoyed every minute.
October 7, 2026
Okay, I enjoyed the first one, but this one was SO good. The ending twist!?!?!?
July 8, 2026
Now THIS is a Catholic teenage girl’s dream. I loved the backstory and context in this book- it added a nice depth. And the cliffhanger??? Unreal. Can’t wait for what is to come
August 10, 2026
Told from the perspective of Christopher/Josef, The Light They Left delves into the mysterious Black Forest of late 19th c. Germany. The reader discovers Christopher’s human past alongside the reader, becoming acquainted with then-Josef’s deep love for his family and the religious tension created by his absentee father’s atheism.
Elizabeth accompanies Christopher to present-day Germany to discover more of his past and evade the Enchantress, but vampires, including the elusive Shadow, aren’t far behind.
This volume brings greater depth to the series and is one of the most spiritually-moving novels I’ve read. Again, the author skillfully uses vampiric lore to examine the nature of sin and redemption and demonstrate the power of unseen spiritual realities, particularly prayer, sacraments, and sacramentals.
There’s also a tender YA love story, gruesome torture, family drama, and political history, so a little something for everyone. Best of all, there is just enough remaining questions and unfinished business to propel the reader into the final book in the series. Bring it on!
Elizabeth accompanies Christopher to present-day Germany to discover more of his past and evade the Enchantress, but vampires, including the elusive Shadow, aren’t far behind.
This volume brings greater depth to the series and is one of the most spiritually-moving novels I’ve read. Again, the author skillfully uses vampiric lore to examine the nature of sin and redemption and demonstrate the power of unseen spiritual realities, particularly prayer, sacraments, and sacramentals.
There’s also a tender YA love story, gruesome torture, family drama, and political history, so a little something for everyone. Best of all, there is just enough remaining questions and unfinished business to propel the reader into the final book in the series. Bring it on!
March 7, 2026
I think I may have dislocated my jaw with how large it dropped at that ending :)
April 17, 2026
What a redeeming sequel!
The Light They Left is such an improvement on the previous and first installment, "The Curse He Chose," which I found was not even remarkable enough to warrant a review.
The Light They Left is an exceptionally more interesting story and way of writing with flashbacks between Christopher's previous life and his current one. Not only that, but Sister Allison has such an interesting take on vampires and the paranormal as a whole that I loved learning about. She incorporates religion without it being cheesy or deterring, an aspect that has been greatly improved since the first book. The Light They Left also has a more mysterious element to it as the reader and Christopher are trying to solve the secrets of his life before his change.
Looking forward to the third and final installment of this series!
(Also, let the record show that I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.)
The Light They Left is such an improvement on the previous and first installment, "The Curse He Chose," which I found was not even remarkable enough to warrant a review.
The Light They Left is an exceptionally more interesting story and way of writing with flashbacks between Christopher's previous life and his current one. Not only that, but Sister Allison has such an interesting take on vampires and the paranormal as a whole that I loved learning about. She incorporates religion without it being cheesy or deterring, an aspect that has been greatly improved since the first book. The Light They Left also has a more mysterious element to it as the reader and Christopher are trying to solve the secrets of his life before his change.
Looking forward to the third and final installment of this series!
(Also, let the record show that I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.)
January 26, 2026
Wow. I actually love this book so much I would give it 10/5 if I could. Such a tangible way to understand the battle of the heart between accepting love and forgiveness and letting others into our hearts and being so crippled with our own weakness, shame, and poverty.
June 30, 2026
11/5 stars. this book is too good for words.
September 26, 2026
I’m waiting to write a review until I finish the whole trilogy, but trust me. This Catholic vampire trilogy by a Catholic nun is incredible. And I normally don’t read fantasy or speculative fiction.
January 19, 2026
I can’t even describe how much I felt for this book. It took my heart, made it grow, and broke it at the same time. My mind is still swirling from finishing it last night. I also cried a river.
In fact… I’ll even go as far as saying I liked this book EVEN MORE than the first one! And that’s saying something because I’ve never experienced that before!
Yes, it’s an amnesia story that I know people are cautious about, but the way this book does it REALLY adds to the present day story. Also… I admit I’m a lover of the “person with amnesia is slowly getting their memories back” trope so I might be slightly biased. ‘:)
On the Catholic side of the story, THIS WAS SO COOL! The last book was good in Elizabeth’s POV, showing the side of Catholicism that an average cradle Catholic would know, or at least someone strong in their faith, but seeing everything from Christopher’s POV was truly something else entirely! Being a vampire, he gets to see and feel things that we can’t, whether that’s consecrated grounds/people or the true presence of the Eucharist. But even knowing/feeling these things exist, he struggles to believe he is worthy of God’s love, and I know many people will relate to this.
I’m so excited to read the next and final book and I know the wait will be well worth it!
In fact… I’ll even go as far as saying I liked this book EVEN MORE than the first one! And that’s saying something because I’ve never experienced that before!
Yes, it’s an amnesia story that I know people are cautious about, but the way this book does it REALLY adds to the present day story. Also… I admit I’m a lover of the “person with amnesia is slowly getting their memories back” trope so I might be slightly biased. ‘:)
On the Catholic side of the story, THIS WAS SO COOL! The last book was good in Elizabeth’s POV, showing the side of Catholicism that an average cradle Catholic would know, or at least someone strong in their faith, but seeing everything from Christopher’s POV was truly something else entirely! Being a vampire, he gets to see and feel things that we can’t, whether that’s consecrated grounds/people or the true presence of the Eucharist. But even knowing/feeling these things exist, he struggles to believe he is worthy of God’s love, and I know many people will relate to this.
I’m so excited to read the next and final book and I know the wait will be well worth it!
January 20, 2026
Wow! I feel like it’s rare for the second book in a series to be even better than the first, but this one was amazing. The Light They Left is from Christopher’s point of view and you get to learn about his childhood, struggle with faith, and difficult emotions. I was very impressed with the writing and the seamless transitions between past and present.
As an evangelical who was raised Catholic, it’s so cool to see Jesus alive and working in this series. I think it would be even be great for non-Christians because it is such a unique story and take on vampires.
The ending also has me in shock. I saw one part coming and I thought that was the twist…but it WASN’T. Super excited for the third book in the trilogy!
As an evangelical who was raised Catholic, it’s so cool to see Jesus alive and working in this series. I think it would be even be great for non-Christians because it is such a unique story and take on vampires.
The ending also has me in shock. I saw one part coming and I thought that was the twist…but it WASN’T. Super excited for the third book in the trilogy!
May 9, 2026
Didn’t see the twist at the end coming!
This book was a very different experience from book 1, with it being from Christopher’s POV and told alternating between present plot and flashbacks to his previous life. At first I found it a little slow, since the flashbacks didn’t grab me right away, but as I got farther in I started enjoying it more and more. This is a great book. The climax was a lot darker than I was expecting but the end was fantastic and did not disappoint. I thought this was going to be a duology but the twist in the Epilogue was fantastic and now and I can’t wait for the third book!
This book was a very different experience from book 1, with it being from Christopher’s POV and told alternating between present plot and flashbacks to his previous life. At first I found it a little slow, since the flashbacks didn’t grab me right away, but as I got farther in I started enjoying it more and more. This is a great book. The climax was a lot darker than I was expecting but the end was fantastic and did not disappoint. I thought this was going to be a duology but the twist in the Epilogue was fantastic and now and I can’t wait for the third book!
February 1, 2026
If you would've told me a year ago that I'd be reading a redeemed vampire series written by a Catholic nun that would increase my appreciation for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, I would've said you were crazy. Yet here we are. Fantastic, engaging, and deeply layered follow-up to the intriguing first book of the trilogy, The Curse He Chose, which I also loved. The Light They Left slightly edges the first one out in enjoyment due to the interesting backstory of Christopher. And that ending!!!! :O Please write the final installment ASAP, Sister Allison!!! <3
January 26, 2026
YALL OMG OMG OMG!!! SPEECHLESS!!! Christopher needs a hug… Elizabeth needs a hug… Fr Stephen needs a hug and a nap. THE ENDING?!?!?! MINDBLOWINGGGGGGG!!!! The ending of this book makes me even more excited for my Confirmation into the Catholic Church on Palm Sunday!!! Sr. Allison you’ve done it again!
February 4, 2026
Best vampire book ever!
I don't think I'll read another book this year to top The Light They Left. It's heartfelt. The emotions and settings are strong. And it's beautifully written. Many authors have tackled the subject of how to redeem a vampire, but none with the depth and skill of Sr. Allison. brava! I can't wait for the next one.
I don't think I'll read another book this year to top The Light They Left. It's heartfelt. The emotions and settings are strong. And it's beautifully written. Many authors have tackled the subject of how to redeem a vampire, but none with the depth and skill of Sr. Allison. brava! I can't wait for the next one.
January 11, 2026
This is a continuation of the previous novel, but written from Christopher's POV. Less action and more character development. Deep and beautiful. I will admit to crying a little bit. Redemptive themes of mercy and surrender.
January 21, 2026
how beautifully portrayed was the power of the Eucharist! I sometimes read this story during Adoration, so the times when the Eucharist came about, WOW!
May 3, 2026
THIS BOOK - Just wow!
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy, but this second installment just took it to a whole other level!
I absolutely loved this book!! It completely captivated me and I read it in a day.
Christopher's point of view throughout the book, the storyline, the growth of his character, just all of it was fantastic!
And the twist - the epilogue, just amazing. I am so excited for the third book!
As I stated in my review of the first book, I'm not a Catholic, but I appreciated the religion aspect of the book. God's presence interwoven throughout the storyline, His love, His mercy, His grace, and the fact that nobody is too far gone for Him - He's just waiting for you to choose Him. *Goosebumps*
There was a point in the story where I literally just sat here and cried. It was such a beautiful and redemptive story. I can definitely see myself re-reading this book.
I can't recommend it enough!
I can honestly say that this might be on my list of favorite books ever.
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy, but this second installment just took it to a whole other level!
I absolutely loved this book!! It completely captivated me and I read it in a day.
Christopher's point of view throughout the book, the storyline, the growth of his character, just all of it was fantastic!
And the twist - the epilogue, just amazing. I am so excited for the third book!
As I stated in my review of the first book, I'm not a Catholic, but I appreciated the religion aspect of the book. God's presence interwoven throughout the storyline, His love, His mercy, His grace, and the fact that nobody is too far gone for Him - He's just waiting for you to choose Him. *Goosebumps*
There was a point in the story where I literally just sat here and cried. It was such a beautiful and redemptive story. I can definitely see myself re-reading this book.
I can't recommend it enough!
I can honestly say that this might be on my list of favorite books ever.
February 11, 2026
Just...wow.
The first one was pretty good. I enjoyed reading it.
This one, though...
Once upon a time I went to an oral storytelling festival and was blown away by the storyteller's ability to end on a bang. And then deliver a BIGGER bang and top themselves. Mic drop.
That is what Sr Gliot pulls off here- and it inspires wonder and awe. It is a thing of beauty.
I was planning on writing all about how she shifts from the past to the present, so that you hardly notice when she stops using present tense and starts using past- how she handles two storylines that mirror each other in the pacing and drama and makes it look so easy- But now all I can think about is the ending.
And how now I have to wait for the next one.
The only people who should not read this book are the people who have to read an entire series at once. You guys should definitely wait until the last book comes out.
The rest of you- what are you waiting for? Get this book!!!
The first one was pretty good. I enjoyed reading it.
This one, though...
Once upon a time I went to an oral storytelling festival and was blown away by the storyteller's ability to end on a bang. And then deliver a BIGGER bang and top themselves. Mic drop.
That is what Sr Gliot pulls off here- and it inspires wonder and awe. It is a thing of beauty.
I was planning on writing all about how she shifts from the past to the present, so that you hardly notice when she stops using present tense and starts using past- how she handles two storylines that mirror each other in the pacing and drama and makes it look so easy- But now all I can think about is the ending.
And how now I have to wait for the next one.
The only people who should not read this book are the people who have to read an entire series at once. You guys should definitely wait until the last book comes out.
The rest of you- what are you waiting for? Get this book!!!
July 16, 2026
If I could give this book more stars, believe me, I would.
I was not expecting to shift from Elizabeth's POV for book 2, but goodness was it an amazing decision. Christopher was already an interesting character in book 1, but in book 2??? He was somehow even better. I loved the way we slip in and out of flashbacks, leaving the reader just a touch disoriented (in a way that helps us understand Christopher's story better).
I was not expecting to shift from Elizabeth's POV for book 2, but goodness was it an amazing decision. Christopher was already an interesting character in book 1, but in book 2??? He was somehow even better. I loved the way we slip in and out of flashbacks, leaving the reader just a touch disoriented (in a way that helps us understand Christopher's story better).
September 2, 2026
A sequel that stuns *SPOILERS*
New adventures for Christopher mean a different writing opportunity for the author who excels in walking the reader through differing timelines simultaneously. History buffs and fantasy readers alike will enjoy this sequel. The journey of walking a life with Christ is not for the faint of heart and the author explores the depths, difficulties, and high stakes that are both real in a Christian’s life and imagined as a vampire seeking Faith. Catholic scripture and tradition and faith exploration reaches its peak. Excellent twists as always. I look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy!
New adventures for Christopher mean a different writing opportunity for the author who excels in walking the reader through differing timelines simultaneously. History buffs and fantasy readers alike will enjoy this sequel. The journey of walking a life with Christ is not for the faint of heart and the author explores the depths, difficulties, and high stakes that are both real in a Christian’s life and imagined as a vampire seeking Faith. Catholic scripture and tradition and faith exploration reaches its peak. Excellent twists as always. I look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews