Phantom Light: A Phantoms Novella

Phantoms

by Jessica Hawke

“If you hold onto this world hard enough, you’ll get a grasp on it. But it will get a grasp on you, too, and you won’t be able to decide anymore that you’re ready to go.” When Valerie Young wakes up from a horrific accident to a world gone gray and cold, she wants to believe anything but the truth of what happened. But as she struggles to accept the dreaded d-word, time is slipping away for her to move on to the afterlife. When she realizes her younger sister has been irreparably altered by the accident, Valerie must choose between a chance at peace and the cold reality of existence as a restless spirit. Phantom Light is a prequel novella to the Phantoms novel series.

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2017

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phantom Light by Jessica Hawke
Prequel novella to the Phantoms series. YA paranormal. 1st person.
Valerie sees everything in gray tones. Why? There is a car. It looks like a turtle on its back. Why is it so cold? Why can’t she wake up?
So starts the Phantoms series.
You can guess what’s going on, right? Go to the light? Stay? Valerie wants to relieve her sisters guilt. What should she do?

Not much answered here. But I’ll start the series and see where it goes.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating only.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Phantom Light without having read anything about the original story that this prequel was based upon. I was not prepared for the emotions of literally finding out along with Valerie that there had been an accident and that the unthinkable had happen. Valerie is a young woman, still in highschool, having to figure out how to leave the living world behind while also wanting to support her grieving sister. With the way it ended, I absolutely have to go find Phantom Touch to continue this story.

[Tiffany Ehrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Light is the first book I read from Jessica Hawke. I enjoyed reading this book and going on the emotional rollercoaster along with the main character Valerie. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and she what happens with valeria and the choice she made.

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

oof. this was suprisingly heavy. really got me thinking about loss. but from the other side, you know. very well done! read with tissues though, i sniffled a bunch.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual type of story but I really liked it.

I’m not really a fan of this genre but I’m attending the virtual Coastal Magic Convention next month (Feb 2021) where the author will be featured so I really wanted to read one of her books. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this.

I actually started out reading Phantom Touch. After I was just a little way into it, I realized that I had a copy of Phantom Light. Since Goodreads shows it as a prequel to the Phantom series, I decided to read it first. After reading it I then found out that Phantom Light was actually published after Phantom Touch. Confused yet? 😊

I really don’t think it matters which of the two books you read first. Since I’d already read a few chapters of Phantom Touch I knew about some of the things that take place in Phantom Light. But Phantom Light provided background information that I think will make Phantom Touch even more enjoyable when I finish reading it.

If you enjoy YA stories with ghosts and mystery you should enjoy this. I should warn you, though, that it will leave you wanting to read more!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating this a 4 even though it feels like more of a 3.5+. I did not realize this novella was out there and I'm so glad I found it. It makes Phantom Touches so much more understandable. Big sister Valerie dies in a car accident. She sees the world in gray. She meets Kale. She wants to talk to her family but all she does it makes them cold with little puffs of breath. The novella is very intense but also sad as everyone is grieving, including Valerie who is trying to figure out 'what now'.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that makes me want to start reading the next book immediately.

Valerie wakes up to find the world is gray and no one can see or hear her. She must make the decision to move on or stay in a world where she can't interact with anyone. The more time that she spends watching her family, the harder it is for her to leave.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had action right from the beginning. I loved how the author set up the world of this series. The determination and stubbornness and fear of Valerie really pulled me into the store. Her adventures made me experience many emotions.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already read Phantom Touch, but decided to go back and read this prequel. It gives more insight to the relationship between the sisters and what Valerie is experiencing as she is in the strange place between life and the afterlife. I teared up a few times. Ready to resume the series now.

[Patrick Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed all three books in Jessica Hawke's Phantoms series, I was intrigued when I found out about this, a story that shows the events of how that series' main character, Bridget Young, got her paranormal abilities in the first place.

We know that Bridget developed her abilities right after surviving a horrible car crash that claimed the life of her older sister, Valerie. What Phantom Light does is tell Bridget's "origin story" from Valerie's POV, quite literally from the moment Valerie discovers she has died. Of course, being as stubborn as Bridget, she doesn't "move on" quietly. Her concern for her badly-injured younger sister fuels her determination to stay. Unfortunately, the ghostly Kale (Bridget's spectral guide from the series) informs her that by sticking around, she is doing more harm than good.

I love the world Ms. Hawke has created. Seeing Bridget's plight through her sister's eyes was a very telling and poignant story. I would recommend it to anyone who loved the rest of the series.

I really hope this is not the last time I will get to delve into Bridget's world!

[Cathy Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Jessica Hawke that I have read, but I decided to give it a shot since I love books by her other persona, JD Monroe. This was a very emotional prequel to “Phantom Touch”. Val wakes up to a world that is muted in color and comes to realize with the help from a guy named, Kale, that she is no longer a part of the world of the living. She and her little sister, Bridget, were in a terrible car accident that has left Bridget in serious condition. Instead of going straight into “the light”, Val struggles with the reality of her situation and the pull to stay with her family instead of moving on.

This novella did a fantastic job setting the scene for the “Phantom” series. Again, I will mention that it was quite emotional and would not recommend it to anyone who has recently lost a family member. It was very realistic in terms of what I would think a teenager would think and feel by having her life cut off so prematurely. The writing style was lovely and flowed well. I would recommend this novella to anyone who likes heart-wrenching dramas and to all those interested in reading the other books in this series.

[kriszeth sthemphick · Rating 3 out of 5]

i received this book as an ARC copy for my honest review.

written in 1st pov, we embark into valerie's very confusing journey to choose wether she, as a newly minted spirit, decides to move onto the after life or stay in the cold, grey world she finds herself awakening into, after dying in a car crash. and what would you choose? is the question this book asks.

i actually think it'd be interesting to read after you met the characters in the main story, so that after falling in love with them, you can revisit their origins, so i'd advice to read this one after reading the other books as the prequel is intended to be and learn if valerie's choice was the right one.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom Light is the Prequel to the Phantom series by Jessica Hawke. Jessica Hawke is a new to me author and I started with the Prequel to get a taste of her writing. OMG I was not prepared for the whirlwind ride I was about to jump into with this book. I quickly read this one and was ready for the next. This Novella introduces you to Valerie whose death is dealt with amongst these pages and sets the stage for Bridget her sister who is the main character of the series. A fast paced, roller coaster of emotions from sadness, to laughter to lots of sarcasm. Ms. Hawke has become a must read author for me.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Jessica Hawke book and I really enjoyed her writing and pacing and am looking forward to continuing with the phantom series.

This prequel is about Valerie, Bridget's sister and what happens to her after the car accident. I have to admit I got emotional, which is saying something as it's a pretty short novella. I feel invested in the characters I've met so far and can't wait to see where their journey goes from here.

I received an arc copy of this book from the author and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Phantom Light" is a novella and an introduction to the "Phantom" series by Jessica Hawke. At first, I wasn't sure if I could read this because it started out with Valerie and her sister Bridget getting into a bad accident, but the more I read on the more, I enjoyed it. I have never read anything by this author, and I really like her writing. She makes you feel like you are right there with Valerie and going through what she is going through. I will definitely continue with this series and see where it goes next.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this was brilliantly written is a massive understatement. The excellence of the story the characters and the background is so engrossing that it immediately grabs you and doesn't let go til the final page and even then leaves you with wanting more and the story not to end. I loved it!!! a paranormal genre book that has heart, grace and a new level of understanding to complete its goal of being great like everyone can do as well.

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marked as the prequel to the Phantom novels, the premise sounds quite sad. Valarie, our main character is coming to grips with her own sudden death while trying to be there for her family while they grieve. However, sad is the last word I would use to describe this novella. As the intensity builds, it becomes very clear that a lot rides on Valarie's decision. I have no idea where this is going but I definitely want to tag along.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for those who ponder what happens after death. I was intrigued by the way Valerie had a difficult time choosing between "the light" and staying with her sister. After finishing this novella, I immediately went to reading Phantom Touch. I believe this will be a good series

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, I have not read anything like this before. It is an emotional and heartfelt story about afterlife.

This is a great prequel to the phantom series, I will be reading the rest of this series to find out what happens to Valerie and Bridget

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an interesting beginning to a series! The plot was interesting, thought provoking, and at times heartbreaking. Aside from the story forcing me to become emotionally invested, I almost feel compelled to seeing how everything turns out in the rest of the series.

[Cheryl Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Backtrack to where it all began

I love her writing style. While the spaces between the paragraphs breaks my eyes from the story, the section gaps makes the story feel as if the paragraphs aren't connected.

It is wonderful to go back to the beginning as an intro to Bridgette and Valerie giving us a chance to fall in love all over again.

Great story. #writeon

[Madam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to the series, and I enjoyed following Val’s journey as she first discovered she was dead, then pursued her quest to communicate with her sister Bridget, at the risk of trapping herself between worlds forever. Ms. Hawke knows teenagers and writes gripping, realistic tales about them, in whatever stage of existence they may be.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this after the first book, Phantom Touch. I think it may be better to read it that way, in my opinion, but either way it was a great little Novella. It explains how Kale and Bridget are paired up and why and it goes into Valerie choosing between staying in the "in between" or going to the after life. Then, of course, we get to read the first time that Bridget sees her sister.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to this series. We learn how Valerie became a ghost and how she processes her new existence. This is a pretty emotional book. It is hard to watch both Valerie and her sister go through the grieving process after the accident. Kale, who is helping Valerie navigate her new existence, has the patience of a saint! Happily moving on to the next book!

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story opens on an accident scene. We are drawn into Valerie’s story as she comes to terms with her reality. It also deals with the choices we make and their consequences. This story is laying out the ground work for the rest of the series. The end of the book gives you a peak at what comes next where will see more of Valerie’s sister Bridget. #CMCon26

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting prelude to the series. It is a short read but packs a lot of emotional weight. There are no easy choices and many difficult consequences. It will definitely hook you into the story.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Diana Blick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This look from Val's point of view after death is poignant and at times fascinating. The description of the afterlife world of a spirit that hasn't moved on is very well done--the difficulties with movement and time for instance--and is a great lead up to book one.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel or not...

This, amazing, short story is about Valerie and her death. It can be read before or after the first book in the series. I read it afterwards which I presume was the author's intent.
A wonderful story.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!! What a great book. I need to go back and start from the beginning of this series. It was amazing.