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Deadgirl #2

Ghostlight

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Transformed into a “phantom” by her own titanic will to live, Lucy must feed on the essence, memories, and emotions of others to keep herself solid. After defeating her Grim Reaper and learning that she could survive without hurting people, Lucy thought the madness was finally over.Her cravings for essence under control, Lucy tries to live a normal life. Apparently you have to be alive for that to work, though, as Lucy learns that one of her friends is more than she appears. She insists that Lucy, with her ghostly abilities and tentative immortality, can join her in the fight to help those in need.Thrust into the role of teenage savior, Lucy Day finds herself battling a pack of voyeuristic serial killers, a mysterious and deadly wraith, and the idea that she might actually have to start dating again sometime this century.

459 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2016

358 people want to read

About the author

B.C. Johnson

12 books59 followers
B.C. Johnson lives in Southern California with his beautiful wife Gina, his fluffy/angry Corgi-mix Luna, and his destructive Viking sons Dash and Wyatt. He writes about snarky characters being snarky while supernatural things try to eat them. When he’s not playing video games, watching Marvel movies, or just generally being a ninth-level dork, he’s thinking about doing all that stuff. All of his books, blogs, essays, and manifestos can be read at bc-johnson.com.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight).
975 reviews162 followers
May 17, 2016
4 Stars

Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

In my review of the first book in the series, I mentioned how I was bothered by the jealousy, the vanity, the high school drama, etc. But the great thing about this book was, even though those things were still there, they seemed to be in lesser quantities, and they just kind of faded out of my mind at some point as I got sucked into the story.

This book was more intense and emotional than the first, and even the high school drama got emotional enough for me to get into it. My high school self was also able to relate to Lucy a little better this time, and I really felt for her, especially about certain things she had to deal with. I also felt that she handled things really maturely. And though I still didn't quite connect to Lucy's personality, I clicked a little better with her sense of humor and sometimes found myself cracking up at her thoughts.

There were also lots of crazy twists. Some of them were a little coincidental (though I was able to accept them for the sake of the story), but some of them were great. There was even one that kind of messed with my mind a bit and one that would have me absolutely terrified if I were Lucy! It should make for some interesting stuff in the next book. I'm also looking forward to seeing the impact the ending will have, and I'm glad Lucy made that decision since it's something you don't see a lot of in YA books *MILD SPOILER ALERT* *END SPOILER ALERT*.

Overall, this book was more of a thriller/mystery than the first book, mixed with some of the usual YA stuff like dating, school, rocky friendships, etc., but it worked and really sucked me in!

Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in B.C. Johnson's Deadgirl Saga. YA paranormal readers looking for something with out-of-the-norm supernatural creatures.

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Profile Image for Carrie (brightbeautifulthings).
1,030 reviews33 followers
July 5, 2018
I started this series in October based on a recommendation from Roberta at Offbeat YA, the queen of afterlife stories. I’m far behind on my series reading but still plan to see it through. I’m loving these new covers! There are spoilers ahead for Deadgirl. Trigger warnings: death, rape, torture, ableism.

Since killing her Reaper, Lucy Day has had months to adjust to her new (after)life as a phantom. She survives on the essence of objects to avoid hurting people with the help of her mentor, Puck. It turns out Lucy isn’t the only supernatural girl in her friendgroup though, and Daphne wants to use her psychic powers to help those in danger. Ordinarily, the keres aren’t allowed to interfere, but with Lucy’s help, they may be able to stop a group of serial killers stalking the town and filming their murders.

Although the first book fell a little short for me in some places, I had the feeling that this series was packed with potential, and it is. Ghostlight smooths out some of Deadgirl’s rough edges and provides a fresh take on contemporary YA horror. The world-building alone is cool, well thought-out, and more complex than it appears on the surface (as I realized when it took me half an hour of backstory to try to explain it to someone–definitely to the book’s credit). Johnson’s take on the afterlife isn’t quite like anything else I’ve read, and I enjoyed some of the less familiar Greek mythology that’s pulled in with the keres, who are female death spirits similar to Valykries.

The characters grew on me more in this book. Lucy has done some growing up since Deadgirl, although she still feels like an authentic teenager–still occasionally jealous and emotional, with a tendency to not always think things through, but her fallbacks make her a better character. She’s also tough and brave and kind of a badass. Truth be told, I also like her a lot more now that she isn’t mooning over Zack. She’s more careful with the new love interest, and it makes for a more interesting story. Daphne takes a bigger role in this book as well, and the best description that comes to mind is the female Mad Hatter, in the best possible way. In contrast, Morgan takes a backseat, but I felt like I understood her better in Ghostlight regardless. Johnson doesn’t gloss over the trauma of the events in the previous book, and it hits Morgan hardest of all. I wished for a little more Puck, but I also appreciate that Lucy and her friends have to handle things on their own this time.

Now that the supernatural world is mostly established, the plot in Ghostlight is much faster paced. I don’t know if the slang and the pop culture references that litter Lucy’s inner monologue eased off a little or if I just got used to them, but it didn’t bother me so much in this book. I found her narrative more funny and engaging, and it might just be that Johnson hit his stride with her here. There are a couple minor issues where you can tell it’s a grown man writing about a teenage girl–I never enjoy being described as “irrational”, calling girls sluts because we don’t like them isn’t okay, and my girl friends and I just don’t spend that much time thinking about each other’s boobs. There’s also an awkwardly timed sex scene. There are a couple of ableist phrases in the narrative (“retarded”/“spaz”). I don’t think they’re meant maliciously, but we’re working to get those words out of daily use for a reason. There’s also a slight issue with villains being people of color. It would be less an issue if the book had fewer white characters in the main cast, and I’m hoping that’s a problem that won’t resurface in future books. All in all, they’re relatively minor problems, but they’re things to be aware of.

The horror in this book is a harrowing mix of supernatural and realistic. On the one hand, Lucy is dead, and there is never a shortage of soul-sucking wraiths in the Grey, which alone are scary enough. On the other hand, there’s a group of gang-raping murderers/torturers who film their crimes for fun, which is ultimately more terrifying than any ghost story. Johnson is skilled at writing dark characters and scenarios, where the tension is high and the consequences are very real. Lucy and Daphne might have some supernatural powers on their side, but they’re two teenage girls against a group of practiced killers. It’s clear early on that they’re in way over their heads. (I love the fact that the obvious conclusion to having superpowers is to try to save people though. The empathy level of teenage girls is extraordinary.) Overall, it’s a solid sequel, and I’m looking forward to the supernatural road trip promised in the next book.

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
Profile Image for ☆Stephanie☆.
342 reviews45 followers
July 9, 2016
You can also see this review @ http://teacherofya.tumblr.com

Title: Deadgirl: Ghostlight (Sequel to Deadgirl)

Author: B.C. Johnson

Publisher: Curiosity Quills, 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Paranormal


**I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review**

My Review:


Johnson has taken me for a ride, and I loved every minute of it. His two novels, “Deadgirl” and “Deadgirl: Ghostlight” have been so entertaining that I got through them in a marathon read. He could continue to add to the story with future editions and I would read them all. In creating Lucy Day, the protagonist, he has created a superhero that I can cheer for.



I will warm you now: I am reviewing a sequel, and in doing so, will be giving away spoilers from the first novel. I recommend you either read the original novel first, or read my review of the original novel first, before continuing to read THIS particular review. Ok, you’ve been warned…

When we left off in the last novel, Lucy Day has figured out that she is a phantom. She is essentially a soul, bare to the world, and must feed off memories and emotions to survive. In order to avoid hurting others, she has discovered that objects retain the essence of the previous owner’s memories, and is able to sustain herself safely. Her friend Daphne, wild and colorful, was the mysterious text-sender that saved Lucy’s behind on multiple occasions. It turns out that Daphne can see Fate, but cannot interfere. However, since Lucy has no Fate technically (the deceased have no lifeline), she can save the people Daphne knows are in danger. The two team up, and as Lucy discovers her abilities and strengths, she continues to struggle with the weakness left behind from losing Zack. Her broken heart must heal…but when she saves a sexy blonde bad-boy from the wheels of Fate, it seems as if Lucy Day might have a chance at finding love again.



Is it Classroom-Appropriate?

The first book, “Deadgirl,” was a lot tamer, but it still wasn’t a book I could foresee using in the classroom. It was more of a teen (or fan of YA) read at home…and I’m saying the same for “Deadgirl: Ghostlight.” This one in particular is more inappropriate for the classroom. I’m not saying it’s bad in any way, but there is sex. And swearing. Some definite adult themes are at play in this novel. (There is an attempted suicide scene that is very emotional, but it is not gory or horrific). There are, in both books, the implied rape of a character, and Lucy herself is attacked by rapists; however, the scenes are, I feel, intended more for effect than for offense. The swearing is done also in the spirit of comedy.



Age Range:

I would still go with my original grouping from the first book and say 13 and up. The sex scene is not explicit, just implied, and the swearing is minimal. There is more on TV than in this book. I would think the benefit of girl power and strength, and the lessons about self-esteem and self-respect are important for teens to read.



End Result:

I once again give Johnson’s book ★★★★★. I would love more of Lucy and her adventures. Johnson didn’t leave it off with a cliffhanger, but he also didn’t do that with the first novel…so maybe there is more for Lucy in the future. I certainly hope so. I would love to read more about the funny girl who can save her friends and be witty without being crude. I could see this novel becoming a movie. And I would be first in line to see it. I hope others get to experience the witty, sharp-minded, goofy, and unbelievably endearing Lucy, the funniest and spunkiest dead girl you’ll ever read about.



"We can help people, Lucy,” Daphne said. “Like the Avengers, but with better racks.”

“Scarlett Johansson was in the Avengers,” I reminded her.

"Well, okay. better than most of them anyway."


Profile Image for Kelly.
152 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2017
I'm not opposed to the idea of horror novels for young adults, which I think is what this wants to be, but I do think it takes a lot of skill, and some smart decisions need to be made. I don't think a novel around a gang of teenage serial gang-rapists who video their assaults and rapes as they transition to snuff films is the sort of thing where "adult man writing as teen girl" works.
Profile Image for Roberta R. (Offbeat YA).
493 reviews47 followers
October 31, 2025
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.

Pros: Main lead gets you hooked. Story has something in it for everyone: pain and fun, epic and normalcy (um, not so much), dating and acting, growing up and staying alive (sort of).
Cons: Some teen drama/angst. Almost-love-triangle with an additional complication. Pop culture references galore (some of them slightly out of the characters' reach IMO).
WARNING! Gang violence and attempted rape. Teen sex (nothing overly graphic, and protection is used).
Will appeal to: Those who like a determined, yet complex protagonist who can sneak into their heart, coupled with a great ensemble cast. Those who like adrenalinic reads. Those who are into theater. Those who don't mind a small dose of romance. Those who don't mind a huge dose of wisecracks.

First off...DISCLAIMER: I received this novel from Curiosity Quills in exchange for an honest review. And the author being B.C. Johnson, you all know I've been campaigning for his first Deadgirl book with all my might since 2013, when I read the original version. Also, B.C. Johnson and me have stayed in touch, if sporadically, for the whole time. I'm not what you would call a friend of his though, only a fan of his work. And an unbiased one :). As usual, this review is the love child of my penchant for quirky, uniquely worded books and B.C. Johnson's ability to deliver them. Here goes...

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT

I might as well get it off my chest: I'm still partial to Book 1, and probably always will. It was fresh, unexpected and exciting. It was happily devoid of the usual teen drama (Lucy's tentative romance with Zack hardly qualified as such) and full of powerful imagery. It introduced me to one of the better developed characters I've ever met. And it didn't even need a sequel.
Now, you might wonder why - given this premise - I'm awarding 5 stars to the second installment as well. And you might suspect that I'm being nice to the author because I'm talking to him on a semi-regular basis, or because I'm trying to milk more free books from him/his publisher (despite my disclaimer). OK, the truth? Even if Deadgirl: Ghostlight isn't a perfect book (we'll get to that later), I found myself comparing it to all my 4 and 4.5 star novels, and I realised that I loved it so much more than them. That it had an impact on my heart and mind they lacked, if for a tiny margin. That I cared for the characters and loved to journey with them too much for detracting half stars. Coming from a middle aged lady, and what with the series centering on a bunch of teens none of which resembles me at ANY age, I suppose this is testament enough to the author's talent for engaging with readers :).

THE (UN)USUAL MESS

Unlike Book 1 (which was a non-stop ride spanning a few days), the second installment of Deadgirl follows Lucy and her friends for a whole year, and alternates supernatural/paranormal incidents with teen drama and a bunch of cozy (so to speak) moments. We follow Lucy while she's trying to adjust to her unlife and learn the ropes, use her powers for the greater good (which puts her in grave danger, because apparently, not being alive doesn't mean you're immune to misery), joggle parents, friends and school, and unsuccessfully stay away from potential heartbreak (i.e. dating). The variety makes for an entertaining, multifaceted, always surprising read. There's also a fresh and lively theater subplot - the author worked as a stage hand for a while, which I guess explains his confidence with this particular environment. But the acme of the book for me is the scene where Lucy finds her whole being (or unbeing) challenged, and it takes all her strength to believe in herself, whatever she is. For all her paranormal gifts, Lucy is not a superheroine - she covers all the spectrum from weak to strong (though she definitely leans towards the strong end), and her real weapons are her emotions and willpower. Which is why she managed to escape death-death in the first place... [...]

Whole review here.
Profile Image for Shh I am Reading Leticia.
299 reviews27 followers
May 16, 2016
I received this book from the publisher Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for an honest review.

Warning! This isn’t a book I’d recommend to anyone under 17. There are tough topics in this book. Read at your own discretion.

When I first started to read this book, I was unaware it was actually a second novel. Finding that out definitely removed the feeling of “am I missing something here?” Ha.

I was utterly pulled in and rapt by this book. A few times I was called to do something and struggled to pull myself out of the book. It’s just that good.
Despite feeling I had missed out with the first book, this book does a great job of covering some of what happened in the previous book.

Lucy Day, a teenage girl who has more problems than most. First, she’s a phantom. She has to consume the essences of life like memories from pieces like jewelry or from the emotions of other people. Second, her parents are on her like a bee is to honey. They want her to become better or they’ll send her to a new school. Third, her friend wants to turn themselves into a duo who can save lives and nearly get themselves killed in the process. Not to mention her love life. Sheesh, poor girl.

If you'd like to finish reading my review, please visit me at Shh, I Am Reading
Profile Image for Chelle.
63 reviews
July 25, 2016
Satisfying follow-up that expands the world around our plucky heroine Lucy, thrusting her into situations that prove that everything about her life-death-afterlife is part of something much bigger than herself. It's as funny as its predecessor, and at times incredibly moving. It's really satisfying to see how Lucy is growing (and she grows a lot, man) and the relationships with the people around her also grow and change and progress in ways that are organic, never forced for plot or drama. The book doesn't pull its punches, shit gets real. Realer. But tough topics are treated as tough and there are moments that bely a great sensitivity undercutting all the drama, that vital beating heart at the center of everything. There are also one or two reveals which took me by surprise though they were well foreshadowed/hinted at beforehand and I was mad at myself for missing them.

The end leaves the reader with some pretty deep shit that still needs to be dealt with, but it does so in a way that is hopeful, determined, a new beginning and a new chance for our heroes to do some good in this world. The situation is serious but it's not grim, it's about what makes it worth going through all the horrors these characters face. The next installment is set up neatly without being a totally annoying cliffhanger and I'm excited to see what happens.
Profile Image for Laurie Franco.
482 reviews9 followers
June 16, 2016
Back in 2012 I joined Goodreads at the recommendation of a PA of an author I liked. I'd emailed her to inquire about how to get ARC's and her PA responded and suggested Goodreads. One book that I received was from an author I'd never heard of before, but whose story sounded really good. It was a book called Deadgirl. I flew through the story and loved it! I also had no idea it had the potential to be a series. I saw Ghostlight on Netgalley and had a fan girl moment, and requested the book. I wasn't sure I'd get approved since many publishers only approve bloggers with a fierce following, but lo and behold, I was approved.
I'd forgotten quite a bit of the original story, but it slowly came back to me as I began reading. While Deadgirl was awesome....Ghostlight is amazing! Reading about Lucy's continued struggle, seeing her mourn her relationship with Zack and find a new love interest, seeing new enemies (and some old ones as well) and the twist at the end with the good Dr....and HER PARENTS!!!!!!! I cannot wait to see what else B.C. Johnson has in store for Lucy and company!
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,249 reviews2,349 followers
December 18, 2016
Deadgirl: Ghostlight by B.C. Johnson is book 2 in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Our gal of the story, Lucy, has died and come back to life somehow and now is a type of phantom that feeds on emotions. All of this was from book 1. Now she is trying to live a normal teenage life. The author does such a wonderful job of getting into the mind and speak of a teen girl, it was amazing! Come to find out, one of Lucy's friends is not human, there are people after her, there are serial killers on the loose and after girls from her High School. Lucy turns for help to the 'other side', the "Grey", to a wraith, to help her get rid of these murderers. Things go crazy. Not everyone is as they seem. There is so much action, emotion, humor, fantasy, and suspense that once the book is started the reader can't put it down! I didn't read book one but now I will! Can't wait for the next book! I received this book for a honest review and it in no way effected my review or rating, it is just darn good! I am going to put this in my favorite book category!
15 reviews
February 18, 2024
Protagonist Lucy Day continues to be addictive to read in book 2 of the series. She is figuring out how to survive on essence, while still maintaining “normal” teenager life. Her sass, charm, and supernatural abilities get her through a lot, but this time she will need more help. From her friends who are just people. The epic team up here is what makes this installment so engaging.
A true talent for dialogue and edge of your seat suspense!
Profile Image for Joyce.
536 reviews35 followers
April 23, 2017
This story is about a teenage girl Lucy Day who was killed in the prior book to this one and becomes a "phantom". She needs "essence" to keep herself from fading away. She is trying to live her life the best she can and some of her friends know about her situation. One of them Daphne, has abilities of her own. She is a "Ker" and can sense when someone is going to die. Daphne and Lucy go about trying to save people. But they don't realize that this will possibly kill them as well.

I got this book free for an honest review from the publisher. As it was the second book in the series. I went and read the first one before I read this one and I am really glad I did. The book can stand alone but it is so much richer for getting the world building from the first one.

I will read more of this series as it becomes available.
Profile Image for Alisa Grossman.
17 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2017
Second book in series. Characters are interesting... loved the storyline! Not your typical vampire book. Easy to get lost in. Creative and funny!!!! Still amazed that book has female heroine and was written by a guy!! Like seriously well done!!!! Same feel as Morganville Vampire series. Enjoy!!
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