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Streetlights Like Fireworks #2
The Dragonfly Season
#1 Bestseller in Psychic Suspense
Psychic visions, visits from ghosts and telepathic connections. Must be time for date two.
For Lauren, there's nothing particularly scary about seeing ghosts or experiencing psychic flashes. After all, this is the world she knows. Still, none of that prepares her for suddenly connecting with the mind of Vicky Stearns, a girl she's never seen before. Lauren has no idea what caused the connection to happen or why, of all the people in the world, she received this psychic distress call. Her confusion soon turns to fear when she learns that the girl went missing earlier that same day.
Part of Lauren wants to pretend this vision didn't find her. It's darker than anything she's had to deal with before, the stakes so much higher. She also knows more than anyone what it means when a child goes missing. After all, she's been searching for her own brother for over a decade.
There's only one person Lauren can think of with abilities keen enough to help her navigate the visions gripping her. Jack, the boy whose own psychic awakening drew them on a journey across the country together last summer. But Lauren hasn't seen Jack in nearly a year. She also gave him every possible signal that it was over between them, hoping he'd be better off without her in his new life. When Lauren sets out to unravel the mystery, she knows only two things: This will be her last chance with Jack and her only chance to save Vicky Stearns.
Psychic visions, visits from ghosts and telepathic connections. Must be time for date two.
For Lauren, there's nothing particularly scary about seeing ghosts or experiencing psychic flashes. After all, this is the world she knows. Still, none of that prepares her for suddenly connecting with the mind of Vicky Stearns, a girl she's never seen before. Lauren has no idea what caused the connection to happen or why, of all the people in the world, she received this psychic distress call. Her confusion soon turns to fear when she learns that the girl went missing earlier that same day.
Part of Lauren wants to pretend this vision didn't find her. It's darker than anything she's had to deal with before, the stakes so much higher. She also knows more than anyone what it means when a child goes missing. After all, she's been searching for her own brother for over a decade.
There's only one person Lauren can think of with abilities keen enough to help her navigate the visions gripping her. Jack, the boy whose own psychic awakening drew them on a journey across the country together last summer. But Lauren hasn't seen Jack in nearly a year. She also gave him every possible signal that it was over between them, hoping he'd be better off without her in his new life. When Lauren sets out to unravel the mystery, she knows only two things: This will be her last chance with Jack and her only chance to save Vicky Stearns.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
34 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
David Pandolfe
10 books73 followersDavid Pandolfe is the author of the Streetlights Like Fireworks and Jump When Ready series. Reading his books, you'll soon learn that he likes writing stories about psychics, ghosts, unusual settings and characters who approach adventure with a sense of humor. He's not sure where the ghost obsession came from but he figured he might as well roll with it.
Before becoming a writer, David did a few other things. For example, he was once a bartender in Seattle, a singer/songwriter in a Los Angeles rock band and a college writing teacher in Richmond (not all at the same time, of course). These days, he lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, two kids and a dog who's terrified of thunder. Not the best situation for their dog since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond.
Before becoming a writer, David did a few other things. For example, he was once a bartender in Seattle, a singer/songwriter in a Los Angeles rock band and a college writing teacher in Richmond (not all at the same time, of course). These days, he lives near Richmond, Virginia, with his wife, two kids and a dog who's terrified of thunder. Not the best situation for their dog since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2015
I enjoyed this one more than the first. I guess it's not surprising when you follow characters into a second book that you'll probably enjoy it more now that you've formed a little attachment, but it wasn't just that. The first book has a little more of a hokey beginning to it, it was a little hard to swallow until you got further into the story and the mystery became a little more gripping.
This book had a more serious mystery...a missing child. I basically had to finish this book in a day or I would have probably had nightmares. I've decided I don't particularly like reading about child abductions, but I digress. So the topic doesn't have any hokey beginning obviously, then there's the fact that it takes place a year after the first book so I also wanted to read on to fill in the gaps of what happened with Jack and Lauren. Why is it that Lauren isn't talking to Jack now? (this isn't a romance novel, so I don't mean what happened in a relationship way, just after all they'd been through together, why is it a year later and things are so messed up? When we had left these characters, things were looking good). Then of course there's times of nostalgia between the characters from their time together the year before that makes you care about them more. It was just a much better formula than the first book, however I will say that once the mystery got going in the first book, that was a pretty fun ride and way less stressful than reading about a child abduction (for me).
As far as my "clean teen" rating would go (click spoiler if you'd like to know the amount of swearing etc.), .
Both books were good. This one gets a slightly higher rating because I didn't have to force the first 30% like I did with the first book (it wasn't a boring 30%, more just cheesy but quick).
This book had a more serious mystery...a missing child. I basically had to finish this book in a day or I would have probably had nightmares. I've decided I don't particularly like reading about child abductions, but I digress. So the topic doesn't have any hokey beginning obviously, then there's the fact that it takes place a year after the first book so I also wanted to read on to fill in the gaps of what happened with Jack and Lauren. Why is it that Lauren isn't talking to Jack now? (this isn't a romance novel, so I don't mean what happened in a relationship way, just after all they'd been through together, why is it a year later and things are so messed up? When we had left these characters, things were looking good). Then of course there's times of nostalgia between the characters from their time together the year before that makes you care about them more. It was just a much better formula than the first book, however I will say that once the mystery got going in the first book, that was a pretty fun ride and way less stressful than reading about a child abduction (for me).
As far as my "clean teen" rating would go (click spoiler if you'd like to know the amount of swearing etc.), .
Both books were good. This one gets a slightly higher rating because I didn't have to force the first 30% like I did with the first book (it wasn't a boring 30%, more just cheesy but quick).
July 2, 2015
I love the way this author writes. His words flow into visions and I find myself so immersed in the story that I forget I'm reading. The dialog between Jack and Lauren is so natural and I find myself grinning at my Kindle while I hear their voices in my head. I laugh, I tear up...this sequel was a wonderful continuation of the first book. Perfect. Can't wait to read more from David Pandolfe! He just keeps getting better and better.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my review in anyway.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this has not affected my review in anyway.
July 15, 2015
I read this right after the first book. This book is written from Lauren's point of view. I love this series and the characters and I just could not wait to see what happened for Lauren. This book is like the feeling you get after that great road trip and have to come back to reality. I love the characters and i thought the story was a great read just not as magical as the first. I hope that the author David Pandolfe decides to write another story in this series about what comes next. If you are looking for Magic read the first book if you are looking for hope read the second book!
August 10, 2015
Told from Lauren's POV, this book picks up right where the first one leaves off. I love that the author actually brings you up to date with what has been going on since we last heard from Jack and Lauren. The storyline in this book was just slightly darker than book one. The dynamics between Lauren and Jack were once again witty and wonderful even when things were not going their way. The writing was great and the pace was fast, making for another quick read.
If you want a feel-good series, without your typical love triangle or any mushy romance, this is definitely for you.
If you want a feel-good series, without your typical love triangle or any mushy romance, this is definitely for you.
August 8, 2015
That was just beautiful. Such a wonderful story. I love seeing Jack and Lauren interact, they have such a wonderful relationship and they complete each other so well. Loved seeing things through Lauren's perspective and am totally amazed at how mature these two are. Can't recommend this series enough. It's definitely one of my favorite series that I've read this year.
September 19, 2015
Wonderful ...
This book was just as wonderful as the first one. Hoping for a possible third? Thank you, David Pandolfe, for making such lovable characters, and such a wonderful story. I will never forget it.
This book was just as wonderful as the first one. Hoping for a possible third? Thank you, David Pandolfe, for making such lovable characters, and such a wonderful story. I will never forget it.
August 20, 2021
The Dragonfly Season (Streetlights Like Fireworks, Book 2 (17 titled chapters) — David Pandolfe Aug. 19, 2021
This was a very quick read. I read the first books years ago and finally got around to reading this one. It took me awhile to find the thread, but when I did it was memorable.
This is a story about two individuals young persons who have special talents involving seeing the present/past/future and solving mysteries involving the people they see from those times.
Jack can find people through objects; Lauren has dreams about people. In this story, Lauren sees a young girl who has gone missing earlier in the day. She is drawn to seek Jack out to find her, but Jack is less than willing, or so it appears.
I felt a little lost in this one, as I had read the first book in the series, but it was a long while go. Reading this one had me hankering to go back and re-read the first book, and I think I will do that. I had bought this book, but currently all books are in Kindle Unlimited, so I probably will go and check the rest of them series out.
I enjoy the storyline and efficiency of the writing in the book.
Due to feeling more dropped into the story (this book series needs to be read in order and closer together in years) I had to knock one star off.
Three stars.
This was a very quick read. I read the first books years ago and finally got around to reading this one. It took me awhile to find the thread, but when I did it was memorable.
This is a story about two individuals young persons who have special talents involving seeing the present/past/future and solving mysteries involving the people they see from those times.
Jack can find people through objects; Lauren has dreams about people. In this story, Lauren sees a young girl who has gone missing earlier in the day. She is drawn to seek Jack out to find her, but Jack is less than willing, or so it appears.
I felt a little lost in this one, as I had read the first book in the series, but it was a long while go. Reading this one had me hankering to go back and re-read the first book, and I think I will do that. I had bought this book, but currently all books are in Kindle Unlimited, so I probably will go and check the rest of them series out.
I enjoy the storyline and efficiency of the writing in the book.
Due to feeling more dropped into the story (this book series needs to be read in order and closer together in years) I had to knock one star off.
Three stars.
March 13, 2019
Hhhhh another rushed and anticlimactic end
I feel like I just read an LMN movie
Also not that I have any experience w the paranormal genre but I guess I just feel like this series doesn’t quite make the cut w lines like “I just had a feeling” and “it was a dream that was more than a dream” idk
I feel like I just read an LMN movie
Also not that I have any experience w the paranormal genre but I guess I just feel like this series doesn’t quite make the cut w lines like “I just had a feeling” and “it was a dream that was more than a dream” idk
September 29, 2025
Good Sequal
This book was a good sequel to the first book. Change of point of views and new agenda. Didn't expect the turn of events but as the first book, it was an easy read and kept your attention.
This book was a good sequel to the first book. Change of point of views and new agenda. Didn't expect the turn of events but as the first book, it was an easy read and kept your attention.
October 23, 2016
Good continuation of the story from the first book. Worth the purchase to arrive at a more complete point in the series.
Most enjoyable!
Most enjoyable!
July 29, 2017
Psychic mystery
Not quite as good as the last one and you have to guess bits of the plot to understand what's going on. Overall a good read x
Not quite as good as the last one and you have to guess bits of the plot to understand what's going on. Overall a good read x
November 19, 2021
Another grand installment in the series.
January 29, 2016
Also posted (with a Bonus Narrator Interview) on my blog Got My Book.
A quirky YA Psychic Mystery, and second great road trip with Jack, Lauren, and the bug.
SERIES INFO: This is Book #2 of 3 (so far) in the “Streetlights Like Fireworks” series. Book #3, Distance, is available now, with the audio version coming soon.
This is a book that can definitely stand alone; but you’ll miss out on the subtleties of the central relationship if you don’t read Streetlights Like Fireworks first. Plus that is an excellent book, which I am planning to go back and re-read (in audio this time) now that I have finished this one. I’ll post a review when I do. Note: Because Jack, rather than Lauren, is the protagonist of that story, the book has a different (male) narrator.
I have struggled with how to say this - in Book 1, the characters had certain problems, attitudes, and characteristics. In this book, the characters have changed realistically as a result of what came before. They are not just the same people dealing with the same problems in the same ways. I liked the level of growth (or lack thereof). It was not so little that Book 1 seemed irrelevant, nor so much that they weren’t the people I came to love on the first trip. That is an area where some less experienced authors struggle, they change the relationships without letting the characters mature.
Jack resolved his central problems in the first book and is beginning to make the transition from Young Adult to New Adult as he prepares for college. He is centered and stable. Lauren on the other hand, didn’t find what she was looking for, and is stuck unable to move either forward or back. She is lost and she knows it. When it comes to their abilities, however, Jack is still a bit ambivalent while Lauren thinks she’s got it figured out.
The story starts by jumping into the mystery, but then wanders off into character exploration for awhile. This is the place where people who haven’t read the first book might be tempted to quit (obviously I think you shouldn’t). Once they hit the road, however, the pace remains steady, with a good mix of actively pursuing the answers and quietly exploring their relationship. And the resolutions, both in the case and in their lives are satisfying.
I would have liked to see Jack participate more with the psychic stuff, rather than being mostly emotional support. What I am hoping to see in the next book - A bit more of Jack’s perspective/involvement. More romantic progress.
NARRATION: I liked it / She did a really good job on Jack’s voice / Good accents (which are reserved for the minor characters, rather than our Virginian protagonists) / Beyond the occasional accent, side characters didn’t all have their own “voice,” but I never lost track of who was talking / Smooth pacing & production / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual) -- Just FYI: Pagliacci Pizza should be pronounced the Italian way (Polly atchi), it's very good.
FAVORITE PART(S): When Jack shares the fact that more sunglasses are sold in the rainy NW than elsewhere (having lived in WA myself, this is a fact that I have actually shared with people before) / “Linda Martian” (i.e. resident of Linda Mar) / The scene in the (plant) nursery, where they accidentally bean a customer with a penny tossed at a (non)wishing well.
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: swearing (it was very mild)
MY RATINGS:
--Enjoyment: HIGH
--Re-readability: HIGH - despite the fact that I know how the mystery works out, I will enjoy spending time with these characters
--Narrator Impact: HIGH - I read this book before I listened to it. I had initially felt there wasn’t enough romance, but the audio performance really helped me feel their connection.
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
The Dragonfly Season by David Pandolfe; read by Kerrie Seymour; produced independently in 2015 / Length: 6 hrs 51 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
A quirky YA Psychic Mystery, and second great road trip with Jack, Lauren, and the bug.
SERIES INFO: This is Book #2 of 3 (so far) in the “Streetlights Like Fireworks” series. Book #3, Distance, is available now, with the audio version coming soon.
This is a book that can definitely stand alone; but you’ll miss out on the subtleties of the central relationship if you don’t read Streetlights Like Fireworks first. Plus that is an excellent book, which I am planning to go back and re-read (in audio this time) now that I have finished this one. I’ll post a review when I do. Note: Because Jack, rather than Lauren, is the protagonist of that story, the book has a different (male) narrator.
I have struggled with how to say this - in Book 1, the characters had certain problems, attitudes, and characteristics. In this book, the characters have changed realistically as a result of what came before. They are not just the same people dealing with the same problems in the same ways. I liked the level of growth (or lack thereof). It was not so little that Book 1 seemed irrelevant, nor so much that they weren’t the people I came to love on the first trip. That is an area where some less experienced authors struggle, they change the relationships without letting the characters mature.
Jack resolved his central problems in the first book and is beginning to make the transition from Young Adult to New Adult as he prepares for college. He is centered and stable. Lauren on the other hand, didn’t find what she was looking for, and is stuck unable to move either forward or back. She is lost and she knows it. When it comes to their abilities, however, Jack is still a bit ambivalent while Lauren thinks she’s got it figured out.
The story starts by jumping into the mystery, but then wanders off into character exploration for awhile. This is the place where people who haven’t read the first book might be tempted to quit (obviously I think you shouldn’t). Once they hit the road, however, the pace remains steady, with a good mix of actively pursuing the answers and quietly exploring their relationship. And the resolutions, both in the case and in their lives are satisfying.
I would have liked to see Jack participate more with the psychic stuff, rather than being mostly emotional support. What I am hoping to see in the next book - A bit more of Jack’s perspective/involvement. More romantic progress.
NARRATION: I liked it / She did a really good job on Jack’s voice / Good accents (which are reserved for the minor characters, rather than our Virginian protagonists) / Beyond the occasional accent, side characters didn’t all have their own “voice,” but I never lost track of who was talking / Smooth pacing & production / Listened on 1.25 speed (my usual) -- Just FYI: Pagliacci Pizza should be pronounced the Italian way (Polly atchi), it's very good.
FAVORITE PART(S): When Jack shares the fact that more sunglasses are sold in the rainy NW than elsewhere (having lived in WA myself, this is a fact that I have actually shared with people before) / “Linda Martian” (i.e. resident of Linda Mar) / The scene in the (plant) nursery, where they accidentally bean a customer with a penny tossed at a (non)wishing well.
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: swearing (it was very mild)
MY RATINGS:
--Enjoyment: HIGH
--Re-readability: HIGH - despite the fact that I know how the mystery works out, I will enjoy spending time with these characters
--Narrator Impact: HIGH - I read this book before I listened to it. I had initially felt there wasn’t enough romance, but the audio performance really helped me feel their connection.
I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audiobook Blast dot com.
The Dragonfly Season by David Pandolfe; read by Kerrie Seymour; produced independently in 2015 / Length: 6 hrs 51 min (Unabr) / Available through Audible & Amazon plus iTunes
November 17, 2015
I listened to the Audible version of this book.
"An Excellent Story and Beautifully Narrated"
"The Dragonfly Season" was an awesome listen. I loved the characters of Lauren and Jack and the story line was intriguing. I was drawn into their world almost immediately. The VW bus was a nice touch and I liked the way she called him Pillow Boy. The story had a great suspenseful buildup while allowing you to connect with the characters.
I like the writing style of David Pandolfe and would love to listen to book 1 as well as the next in the series if there is or is going to be one. This was a little reminiscent of "Gone Girl" only with a mystical side and I think I liked this better. And this is where the narration comes into play.
Kerrie Seymour did an exceptional job reading this book. Her voice was natural with a perfect tone. She guided the listener through the story masterfully and I could listen to anything she narrates all day. A perfect author, narrator, story match. Love it!
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
July 16, 2015
I liked the resolution to the storyline that was started in the first book. The familial relationship between the characters was a bit too predictable but all in all a good read.
I did question the characters seeing fireflies in California. A Google search revealed that they sometimes occur in Northern California if the surroundings are conducive to their diet of snails. So, it may have been possible since the kids were camping out in a somewhat secluded area.(Why I latch onto this trivial shit instead of just enjoying the story is beyond me. I guess I'm getting crankier in my old age)
I did question the characters seeing fireflies in California. A Google search revealed that they sometimes occur in Northern California if the surroundings are conducive to their diet of snails. So, it may have been possible since the kids were camping out in a somewhat secluded area.(Why I latch onto this trivial shit instead of just enjoying the story is beyond me. I guess I'm getting crankier in my old age)
September 1, 2015
Really good book
I will confess.....I dislike this book as much as I liked the first one. The first book had a magic to it that is hard to hit in a sequel. Everything can only be new once. That being said, this was a great story. Jack and Lauren are people I would have hung out with as a teenager. There are pieces of them in each one of us so it is easy to identify which the emotions they experience. Excitement, fear, uncertainty.....we've all been there. I hope there will be more adventures to come.
I will confess.....I dislike this book as much as I liked the first one. The first book had a magic to it that is hard to hit in a sequel. Everything can only be new once. That being said, this was a great story. Jack and Lauren are people I would have hung out with as a teenager. There are pieces of them in each one of us so it is easy to identify which the emotions they experience. Excitement, fear, uncertainty.....we've all been there. I hope there will be more adventures to come.
October 2, 2016
This is the second book in the Streetlights like Fireworks series and I enjoyed just as much as the first. I loved traveling and exploring with Lauren and Jack. They are a great pair, I love their witty banter. The humor in these volumes is just delightful. I have to say that I did not expect the outcome of this book :) I also love the psychic aspect of these books, it's so much fun. Starting Book 3 tonight.
December 2, 2015
Every bit as good as the 1st book...Streetlights Like Fireworks! Psychic girl looks for her long lost brother in this one, and yes, she has a vision of a little girl, and yes she goes and picks up Jack (pajama boy). Great story. The kind of stories that seem to stay with you always. Highly recommend to everyone!
September 10, 2016
I have found a kindred spirit. I love this book and the author's writing style. As I have not read the first book I can say this sequel stands alone very well. It does make me want to go back and read the first book. I enjoyed the easy relationships between all of the characters. The story was compelling enough that I sat and read the book straight through. A good read.
July 24, 2015
Wow this second book of the Jack and Lauren the teen aged psychics. This one puts a whole new meaning on tying up loose ends. Follow this crazy adventure and watch in amazement as seemingly loose ends connect together perfectly. Nah, no spoilers from me.
November 22, 2015
Didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, but still a good 2nd in series. Simply put, this was just a darker story since they were trying to find a kidnapped child. Still a good ending with big positives for the main characters. Ready to see how this series wraps up in the final book.
September 17, 2015
I liked both of David's books. I am looking forward to seeing if he has written any other books.
August 7, 2015
Great story
I bought this book right after I finished the first one! I loved this book as much as the first one.
I bought this book right after I finished the first one! I loved this book as much as the first one.
August 4, 2015
I read both books in this series. After finishing the first book, I read the second because I had to know what was going to happen. I was not disappointed.
August 23, 2015
I just wish it had had a more conclusive ending.
September 10, 2015
Fun read!
I like the authors writing style and the characters in this series. I will definitely read the next book when it comes out!
I like the authors writing style and the characters in this series. I will definitely read the next book when it comes out!
November 21, 2015
The first book was better.
January 13, 2016
This was a fun ya mystery. I especially liked the dialogue between the two main characters. 3.5 stars.
January 30, 2016
What will happen next to our duo?
April 8, 2016
very good, not quite as good as book 1 but pretty close. love the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews