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With the truth of Ellie’s place among the Balance Keepers finally coming to light, training now begins. She must learn to harness the powers that are growing within her, some spiraling out of control. Confusion and frustration become her constant companions, as her search for answers does nothing but push her further from the man she’s come to love.

David is The Light, the speaker of truth, the whisperer of good in the world. His desire for more than he can have with his new apprentice tears at the fabric of his own stability, bit by bit. He knows what the future holds — and just how damning it will be for Ellie if she’s not prepared to handle it — but he’s forbidden to help.

As tragedy becomes reality, will she reach for The Light, or run into the soothing arms of The Darkness?

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

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61 people want to read

About the author

Kate Thomas

11 books50 followers
Kate has been reading almost longer than she's been walking. It's her first love, as she's sure it might just be yours too. She's a full-time writer and entrepreneur at heart. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.

Her focus is on paranormal and fantasy romance with the occasional urban fantasy thrown in for fun. She's spent most of her life wondering about the 'unseen' far more than what we're able to touch, see and feel. There just has to be more than we can access. She's sure of it.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Anne Monteith.
593 reviews23 followers
June 5, 2015
When I was approved to read an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review I saw that this was the second book in the series and I went and purchased THE CORE, the first novel in the Equilibrium Series and I am glad that I did so as I do not think a reader should start with this book or a later one in the series as they will not have the back story that will help them appreciate the series.

I found both books interesting and they were a very quick, entertaining read. The characters were well-drawn and I found the plotline enjoyable. I like the dynamics between Ellie and her twin brother and the devotion and love they have for their mother. Growing up without a father and having a mother who is slowly drifting away has made them a stronger than many people their age. Together the twins have worked out a system to make sure that their mother is taken care of and despite their lack of money until now they have ensured that she has the best care possible. Now that Ellie’s position with Equilibrium and the vast of money involved they will be able to move their money into a much better place and there will be money to take are of any needs that arise.

I like all the characters except Veronica and that is mainly because so far she seems like a petty, snobby witch. I was enjoying the way the relationship was going with David until it began to get a little ridiculous. These are supposed to be ethereal almost eternal entities and there is no religion that I know of that says sleep with whomever you want but don’t fall in love with them, it is forbidden and for this you will die. I can understand Ellie’s confusion; she was just thrown into this situation. She’s not only one of the five, she is the center, the Core that holds them all together, supports and helps them as needed and has all their gifts. It would be confusing to just have one, but to find out that you are the main one would be mind numbing and hard for anyone to grasp.

Then there is the way that David has handled the information about her father; there is no other way to say it, it’s awful. All she knows is that her father deserted her mother and them, leaving children in the care of a sick woman with no explanation. David has had the ability to ease her and Jared’s anger and confusion, but he’s done nothing in the time that she has been working for him and since he has become her “guardian” and mentor. This is not how a man who supposedly loves you, despite knowing the consequences of that emotion acts. Having grown up knowing that my father did not want me and who has not seen me in almost 50 years, I understand the pain that she has and I would if I found out that someone could have helped me try to understand why he disappeared from my life I’d be ready to kill them.

I do not like how the situation with Jared appears to be playing out. The visio0ns that Ellie has seen twice makes me fear what is in store if things go has they have appeared in her visions. Sandra had told her that they future is not certain, that the final outcome depends on what happens before the event. She also said that she saw a future where Jared was a father of three and this cannot happen if the visions are the final outcome. I also believe that if Jared’s future is what the author is hinting at it will be much harder for Ellie in the long run. They are twins and as such they have an unusually close bond, she needs his stability and normalcy to help her cope with all the things that will be thrown at her. He, more than anyone else in the group or outside of it, will be her reason to continue and not to give up, especially now. I think the thing that happened at the end of this book was too fast and could have waited for another book for many different reasons.

3.25/5**Receiving a digital ARC from the publisher and/or author via NetGalley did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Marie.
Author 23 books66 followers
February 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Seeing Ellie's struggle with her new abilities, and the men in her life, gave this story such depth. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for K.S. Marsden.
Author 21 books741 followers
June 9, 2015
Ellie has accepted her part in the elite group that work tirelessly to maintain balance on earth. Now all she has to do is learn how to control her powers, as well as discover the mystery of why she has been chosen.

The Light is a fun short read. It is part 2 in the new Equilibrium series, following smoothly on from The Core.
I was cautious about reading something that classed itself as New Adult - it's a genre I have a little less patience with. But I needn't have worried, this is a good book, regardless of genre. It has a little bit of romance, and a little bit of the paranormal, and keeps your attention until the end.

I like Thomas' writing style, she manages to easily draw you along on the adventure and, as I have said before, she loves a good cliche. I have a theory that the author scoops up all the cliches in the genre and says "this is how you're supposed to write them.'
The main character is from a single-parent family; she discovers she's special; and you know that's a love triangle raising it's head!

Ok, let's start with Ellie. To be honest, she's not my favourite character from Thomas' back catalogue. For the strongest and most balancing element in the world, she cries. A lot. I get that she's going through transitions and an emotional time, but I struggled to feel any sympathy for her when she broke down.

David was a suitable love interest. The immortal, angelic being, whose desire to do the right thing is challenged only by his desire for Ellie. Although he keeps it (mostly) professional when he's training his new student in the skills of the Equilibrium.
His "brother" and opposite, Victor, is sure to cause trouble. I was pleasantly surprised with the way the relationship builds between Victor and Ellie, especially as Victor's opening gambit is to invite Ellie to join him in the shower.

I really liked how the story followed Ellie's family, going deeper into their trouble and history. Her mum and brother are a perfect human contrast to the world of the Equilibrium.

Otherwise, I found the plot a little lacking, there didn't seem to be a real climax to the story. That, and the way the book just ended as though mid-chapter, made The Light feel like it was strengthening the foundation for the rest of the Equilibrium series to be built on. It has a somewhat episodic feel about it - short, and the story ready to be picked back up with the next instalment.
The only other point that I was... curious about were the rules. Ellie & co. must use their gifts when Gods decrees. How does God decide where to interfere? The outcomes were really interesting, but some of the initial situations didn't scream for ethereal help. In which case, why isn't God stepping in more often?
And if Ellie has to do obey her gift, or be punished - why are they free to use their gifts as they wish - for example, Victor causes a guy to crash his car, just because.

Anyways, I'll be looking forward to the next instalment in August.
Profile Image for C.J. Santiago.
479 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2019
Good storyline....

Ellie is the Core, as was destined. She fights to find out more of her father, the man she never knew. Her relationship with David is like a rollercoaster....up and down at will. But Ellie is all things. She has all of the power each of the others has. She must learn to harness that power and maintain the equilibrium between them all. She cannot live one above another. She learns the hard way to go with the flow. If the light must come out, she has to go with it. But if darkness tests it's ugly head, she must also comply.

Life isn't fair or easy. Her mother has Alzheimer and her time draws near. Her brother is her twin and may be part of the group. No one really knows.

It's an interesting, exciting story. I will continue to read.
Read on my friends.
345 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2017
After reading book 1 and loving it, I immediately jumped into book 2 and WOW, was I not disappointed! It was fantastic. Kate Thomas is a fantastic author, my favorite part about her books is how clear she creates the story, I feel like I am transported into the story and can see what is happening.

I cannot wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,719 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2017
Light and dark

This series is phenomenal. Elle and her twin brother struggle to care for ailing mother all while Elle tried to find the secrets in the group she has found herself in.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
May 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf



When the first story in this series, The Core, concluded I knew that this series had the potential to be simply amazing. The Light only reinforces that feeling. I’ve already preordered The Future (the third book in the series that releases in August 2015) and if that doesn’t tell you what I think of this series, I don’t know what would. Note: I rarely preorder, I wait usually. But this time I didn’t want to depend on my memory of when to head to the store, I just went for it.

Usually in a review I’ll give a very light recap of the beginning of the novel. Not enough to give much away, but a kind of tease. (I never give away endings in my reviews)

I feel strongly about where the depth of this series is heading to not want to give even that much away. You have the basics in the synopsis to tease you into wondering if this novel is for you or not. (and I’m sure numerous reviews that will give you more on Goodreads, Amazon or Barnes & Noble) I truly believe this is one of those series that you just have to sit down and get lost in another world and experience it firsthand.

There are more twists and turns in The Light than a serpent let loose in a garden could create… and they all matter to the story. So, you really need to get into this series. If you enjoy paranormal, if the hint of romance is enough to keep you reading, if you relish the battles between good and evil, if you love an involved, engaging and entertaining long series – then I highly recommend The Light and Equilibrium, the series to you. Go check it out. Start with The Core (which was at an amazing low price of free at Amazon recently – don’t know for how long though) and then move on to The Light. Get ready for a ride you never imagined and to care about what happens to the characters you will find within this alternative world.

*I received an e-ARC of The Light from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Profile Image for Kelly Akemann.
850 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2015

After I completed The Core, I felt anxious and nervous. What would happen in book 2? What didn't happen in Book 2?!

The Light is another amazing 5 star book by Kate Thomas. It picks right up where the first book ends. Ellie returns to New York from L. A. where she was on a business trip with David. You get explore the relationship between David and Ellie more as well as Victor's relationship with Ellie and her relationship with her brother. There are a bunch of interactions between all the characters that twist and turn the stories.

Honestly, I have been a bit disappointed lately in the books I had been reading. Fairly predictable with plot lines that are consistently done over and over again.

I was so excited when I read The Core that I was kept on my toes. And then The Light is no slacker in that capacity. I was literally saying out loud "Wait?! Did that really just happen? It really said that?" Amazing.

And the fact that her family back story gets more twisty, edgy, and shocking is the best facet for me. It could have been a bit more cut and dry I suppose to avoid those feelings(BORING), but Kate Thomas handled this exactly as one would hope it would be handled.

So wrapping up - it was an amazingly fantastic book that deserves a 5 star rating. (I mean any book that takes me away from my daily household duties is basically a hero in life.) But one that does it without me even noticing is even better.

And a special shout out to Kate Thomas (AKA Laurie Starkey) as I was given this wonderful book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I truly did a happy dance upon receiving it.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,148 reviews88 followers
July 6, 2015
Ellie has found out her position in the Balance Keepers and begins her training begins with David, who is the Light, or the speaker of truth, and then she must train with the other three as well. As she continues her studies with David, she realizes he’s keeping a secret from her. She feels a little betrayed and starts to turn to Victor, the Darkness, who wants to help her from having to feel the sadness and despair of using the Darkness. Already dealing with the idea she may never have a relationship with the one she loves or anyone really, a tragedy sends Ellie into a tailspin. What will she do without love? How will she deal with this tragedy? And what will she do with the knowledge she finds out after the tragedy?

This series just got even better, and I didn’t think that was possible. The characters are wonderful, the plot moves along, and the romance was terrific. I’m not sure now who I want Ellie to end up with, if she can at all. One thing that annoyed me just a tiny bit was that it took Ellie so long to figure out who the previous Core was. I thought it was obvious, but maybe that was just me. And one other thing irritates me: I have to wait until August for the next installment! Kudos to Ms. Thomas for an excellent addition to the Equilibrium series with The Light, the second book. I will definitely continue this series. Please go out and buy these books. You won’t regret a minute of it!

Thanks to NetGalley, Kate Thomas, and Good Tales Book Tours for the free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
June 2, 2015
Oh gosh! This series just keeps getting better and better, fiercer and fiercer, bolder and bolder. I was astounded with the uniqueness of this story, beginning with The Core, when Ellie just learned about the gold dusts, the power to compel people to do her commands, and the balance of dark and light. Now, on this second book, Ellie began her training with The Light, David, and had also encountered the equally mysterious character, Victor. Things between the three are getting complicated as time went by. Ellie had feelings for David, and vice versa.. But they cannot act on their emotions because the Equilibrium forbade it. So imagine their struggles and fears as they control their feelings!

But wait, there's more! Ellie and her brother Jacob finally learned something about their father. And what a revelation it was!

I swear, I cannot wait to read what happens next, now that Ellie finally learned about "that boy" and now that their mother had succumbed to inevitable death. I cried with her, I felt her pain and struggled, and I wanted to console her for all that she'd been through. Kate Thomas has once again proven how effective she is as an author, storyteller, master teller of tales. Gotta have my hands on The Future really soon!
Profile Image for Kate Mclaughlin.
267 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2015
Kate Thomas, what have you done to me?

The Light, the 2nd book in the Equilibrium series is amazing and more intense than The Core. The characters and the plot just keep getting better, I found myself hardly able to put it down.
It is very refreshing to have a paranormal romance steeped with religious undertones, for me anyway,this is a new way to approach an ever expanding genre.
The complex relationships between the balance keepers kept me turning the pages. From the first chapter of book one I thought I had my favourites but the twists and turns having me changing my mind time and again. Let's face it I love them all.
I particularly love the relationship between Ellie and her brother, the humour between them is like a splash of much needed cool water.
But ultimately this book sucked me in, tumbled me around and spat me out. Ellie and Jacob’s mothers storyline is a little too close for comfort, I have been in Ellie’s shoes so I can say with 100% certainty that this is handled exceptionally well and written perfectly.
Thank you for another excellent book
4,120 reviews116 followers
June 11, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy of The Light to review. As Ellie continues her training with David and the other members of Equilibrium, she learns more about being the Core. When this knowledge inevitably leads to more questions, Ellie may not be ready to hear the startling revelations. The author does a great job in revealing more about the Balance Keepers and the creation of Equilibrium. Although the plot is slow moving, the information contained within the pages of this book is crucial for the reader to understand the origins of the Balance Keepers. Personally, I was glad to see the romance aspect dialed down a bit from the first book. The focus was where it belonged, with Ellie learning her purpose and that of her fellow Equilibrium members. I look forward to reading more in this series, as The Light has raised many possibilities for future books.
Profile Image for Duawana Wilson.
52 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2016
Kate Thomas does it again!!! A great follow up to The Core. You get sucked into the story right away. Ellie's finds herself struggling with her gifts as the Core and the two men in her life that is pulling at her heart. Elllie finds out that she is much stronger than she thinks; but she still has a long way to go before she is completely ready to head The Equilibrium. One of the things about this series that is so personal to me is the story of Ellie's mom. I can relate very well with this situation as I have had someone very close to me succumb to the disease the same way. It is another way that I can relate to the characters in the series. Thank you Kate for doing such a fabulous job!! I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2015
So after the cliffhanger ending of the first book, I approached this one wondering if I would enjoy this, the second in the series quite as much. To be honest, I needn’t have worried. We are exposed to more from the other members of the group and see more of Ellie’s struggle.

In fact, this book is just ‘more’ throughout. More engaging, and more character development. And….more intrigue. Well, what’s a story without intrigue, right?

Ellie’s relationship with David is still frustrating. No resolution there. But the pull between the light and the dark is perhaps the bit that I find most difficult to reconcile, as Ellie deals with her feelings for both.

Looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Roxanne Dugger-Martinez.
461 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2015
The Light was as good as The Core. The only thing that bothered me was that it took Ellie too long to figure out who the previous Core was. She had been given all of the clues but wasn't listening. This was a very good paranormal read with interesting characters and great dialogue. The story flowed well and kept me interested page after page. It ends with a bomb of a cliffhanger. I can't wait too read the rest of the series.
521 reviews
June 10, 2015
Once again the author has brought Elle, David, Veronica, Sandra, and Victor together in a complex balance for good and evil upon the Earth. Her training as the core has begun. The relationships between all of the Equilibrium has to be close but equal yet distrust and love threaten to tear it all apart. Can Elle as the core hold the balance between them all? I cannot wait to see what the next book brings.
Profile Image for Patti.
134 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2015
This being the second in the series was an interesting part to what will be a good paranormal book. About light and dark and how the good and bad prevail as an equal. I am not someone that normally reads this kind of book, there is lots of chemistry between the characters and its different because there is nothing but good between them, sexual without the sex
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,078 reviews39 followers
June 1, 2015
Ellie's place finally comes to place. She now has to do training.

David is the Light.. He wants more than he can have with his new apprentice. He knows what the future but he’s forbidden to help.

As tragedy becomes reality, will she reach for The Light, or run into the soothing arms of The Darkness?
Profile Image for Nancy Jones.
932 reviews52 followers
June 18, 2015
Gifted copy for honest review.

I really enjoyed The Light. The story continues with Elle and David. Elle starts training with David to learn how to harness her powers. She falls in love with David even thou it forbidden. She also meets with Victor to learn more about Equilibrium. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Annie B..
53 reviews60 followers
December 17, 2015
I Loved The first one !!! This One was even more !!! The Story Just keeps Getting better and Better !! Love The way its written, its like a rollercoaster, it builts up as it goes , it keeps Getting higher and higher Until Bam, Your Almost ready to Fall and then it ends with you wanting More !! Loved it!! If you like Paranormal books, You need to read This serie
Profile Image for Amanda Perrie.
286 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2016
Book 2 in this series definitely deserves another 5 stars.

picking up where The Core ended, life is not going smoothly for Ellie. Between taking her place in the group, trying to discover the truth about her father & dealing with her mother's illness she is having a rough ride.

I am loving this series by Kate Thomas & can't wait to read The Future.

**Copy received for honest review**
Profile Image for Mindy McCray .
1,159 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate Thomas really outdone herself with The Light. The characters are well written and love them all. David, Victor and Jacob are all swoon worthy. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Tamra LeValley.
949 reviews23 followers
June 18, 2016
I would have given it 4-stars but it was not a stand alone novel. I really dislike an author who attempts to force you to buy their books in order to finish a one book novel.

This book was written well and the plot was fantastic.
Profile Image for Emma Taylor.
Author 2 books6 followers
May 16, 2015
Oh my word. What a book! I needed to find out what happened and now that I know for this book I need the next one. Kate did an amazing job with this series and I LOVE her characters.
452 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2015
I was given this book by the author for an honest review! Please I want more of this series! It is so good and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
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