What do you think?
Rate this book
The Midnight Mastermind #1
Lighthouse Nights
Jules and Trevor take advantage of suicidal teens by encouraging them and profiting off their deaths. When Jules falls in love with their eighth target, she's forced to make a series of life-or-death decisions and a single, impossible change.
LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS is a frightening parable about haunting regret, maniacal hatred, and ultimate redemption. This fast-paced story is as touching as it is twisted and highlights a disturbing new trend among American teens.
THE MIDNIGHT MASTERMIND SERIES is a savage anthology of pulp stories about Trevor, a charming sociopath caught between the love in his heart and the storm in his gut. Lighthouse Nights is BOOK ONE in the series, though Trevor’s adventures can be read in any order.
LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS is a frightening parable about haunting regret, maniacal hatred, and ultimate redemption. This fast-paced story is as touching as it is twisted and highlights a disturbing new trend among American teens.
THE MIDNIGHT MASTERMIND SERIES is a savage anthology of pulp stories about Trevor, a charming sociopath caught between the love in his heart and the storm in his gut. Lighthouse Nights is BOOK ONE in the series, though Trevor’s adventures can be read in any order.
161 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
59 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Jake Vander-Ark
6 books189 followers"I want to offend my readers. I want them to fall in love, to lose their minds, to think and feel and dream. If they're not shellshocked and hungry by the final page, I haven't done my job."
Whether it's a modern-day fairytale or hardcore science fiction, Jake Vander Ark attacks every story with brutal realism and down-to-earth characters. No subject is taboo. Truth is paramount.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago influenced the experimental quirks of his stories, while his pursuits in Hollywood hammered the importance of traditional storytelling. This unique fusion of structure and innovation gave life to the most beautiful girl in the world in THE ACCIDENTAL SIREN, the gritty morality tale of LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS, the cryptic prologue of THE BRANDYWINE PROPHET, and the mind-melting climax of THE DAY I WORE PURPLE.
When Jake isn't writing, he's building rustic furniture for his small business, engaging with his readers online, and livin' it up with his dog. To see more of his creative work, check out www.vanderarkbooks.com.
Whether it's a modern-day fairytale or hardcore science fiction, Jake Vander Ark attacks every story with brutal realism and down-to-earth characters. No subject is taboo. Truth is paramount.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago influenced the experimental quirks of his stories, while his pursuits in Hollywood hammered the importance of traditional storytelling. This unique fusion of structure and innovation gave life to the most beautiful girl in the world in THE ACCIDENTAL SIREN, the gritty morality tale of LIGHTHOUSE NIGHTS, the cryptic prologue of THE BRANDYWINE PROPHET, and the mind-melting climax of THE DAY I WORE PURPLE.
When Jake isn't writing, he's building rustic furniture for his small business, engaging with his readers online, and livin' it up with his dog. To see more of his creative work, check out www.vanderarkbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 17, 2016
Internet predators, they are not just of a sexual nature. Trevor and Jules fed their twisted tastes in entertainment while lining their pockets with stolen goods by entering chat rooms created for those contemplating suicide. Instead of being a support system, they became the spark that ignited the final blow that would end one’s life. They would act as a co-conspirator, a fellow crushed human who wants to escape the pain of life, but cleverly they would encourage the victim to go first, then loot what they could to sell off.
For Trevor, these were cheap thrills, feeding his demented mind. For Jules, it was a game, as she blames it on her unfortunate upbringing, all went relatively smoothly until their latest puppet of doom came along. Gabe wanted to die, but he awoke some humanity and fed Jules’ withered heart. But will their relationship cause more trouble? How will Trevor react when i game is interrupted long before Gabe took his final breath?
Jake Vander Ark’s Lighthouse Nights is dark, moody, intense and twisted into a horror of epic proportions. Is this what society must turn to receive a new high or to find entertainment? Do NOT expect any shiny moments or a sweet and fluffy tale. The desperation of those who felt suicide was their only way out is gut-wrenching. To watch them being manipulated into following through on that last, gruesome act is the things nightmares are made of.
Mr. Vander Ark is a gifted author, he caused me to cringe, to never be comfortable in his world and yet, I couldn’t leave until I knew the final outcome. Not for the faint of heart, or stomach, but if you dare to peek inside the mind of pure evil, Trevor’s is an open book.
I received this copy from Jake Vander Ark in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 8, 2011
Publisher: Jake Vander Ark
Genre: Contemporary Dark Fiction
Print Length: 180 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
For Trevor, these were cheap thrills, feeding his demented mind. For Jules, it was a game, as she blames it on her unfortunate upbringing, all went relatively smoothly until their latest puppet of doom came along. Gabe wanted to die, but he awoke some humanity and fed Jules’ withered heart. But will their relationship cause more trouble? How will Trevor react when i game is interrupted long before Gabe took his final breath?
Jake Vander Ark’s Lighthouse Nights is dark, moody, intense and twisted into a horror of epic proportions. Is this what society must turn to receive a new high or to find entertainment? Do NOT expect any shiny moments or a sweet and fluffy tale. The desperation of those who felt suicide was their only way out is gut-wrenching. To watch them being manipulated into following through on that last, gruesome act is the things nightmares are made of.
Mr. Vander Ark is a gifted author, he caused me to cringe, to never be comfortable in his world and yet, I couldn’t leave until I knew the final outcome. Not for the faint of heart, or stomach, but if you dare to peek inside the mind of pure evil, Trevor’s is an open book.
I received this copy from Jake Vander Ark in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 8, 2011
Publisher: Jake Vander Ark
Genre: Contemporary Dark Fiction
Print Length: 180 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 25, 2013
This book was really a bright spot.
I'd gotten to the point where I was reading many books that were slow-moving and just not all that compelling, and then I picked up this slim little volume and all that changed.
Jules and her boyfriend Trevor help people die. Only people that really want to die; they troll a suicide chat room looking for the lost and downtrodden, make a "pact" to die with them, then rob the corpses blind once the other party has departed. It's a good living, and after all, they have their own American dream to pursue. All of it seems pretty easy to deal with, until Jules comes across one guy who doesn't want a suicide pact; instead he wants to convince her to live.
The lack of capitalization in this book is an interesting choice. I suspect that the author was inspired by ee cummings, since the poet is mentioned in the work. If you're a reader of authors like Cormac McCarthy, or spend a lot of time on the internet (hah!) you won't notice after a while. It gives the novel a very casual feel, just like the chatrooms the characters spend so much time in.
I found this book to be a fascinating little slice of work and look forward to reading more by the same author. It's very intersting; he went to college down the street from where I went - him at the Art Institute of Chicago, on whose steps I often ate my lunch while attending Columbia College. And his writing, which is brash and unashamed, sometimes vulgar and sometimes in-your-face and full of the truth of life is unlike much that I've read since my student days in the creative writing program there. There must be something about that city, those schools, that inspires such work :) It reminded me very much of student readings, but only of the very best of those. You know, the guy in your class that you're always jealous of, because you know he has "it" and his work shows it. That's Jake Vander Ark, and his work shows it, too.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
I'd gotten to the point where I was reading many books that were slow-moving and just not all that compelling, and then I picked up this slim little volume and all that changed.
Jules and her boyfriend Trevor help people die. Only people that really want to die; they troll a suicide chat room looking for the lost and downtrodden, make a "pact" to die with them, then rob the corpses blind once the other party has departed. It's a good living, and after all, they have their own American dream to pursue. All of it seems pretty easy to deal with, until Jules comes across one guy who doesn't want a suicide pact; instead he wants to convince her to live.
The lack of capitalization in this book is an interesting choice. I suspect that the author was inspired by ee cummings, since the poet is mentioned in the work. If you're a reader of authors like Cormac McCarthy, or spend a lot of time on the internet (hah!) you won't notice after a while. It gives the novel a very casual feel, just like the chatrooms the characters spend so much time in.
I found this book to be a fascinating little slice of work and look forward to reading more by the same author. It's very intersting; he went to college down the street from where I went - him at the Art Institute of Chicago, on whose steps I often ate my lunch while attending Columbia College. And his writing, which is brash and unashamed, sometimes vulgar and sometimes in-your-face and full of the truth of life is unlike much that I've read since my student days in the creative writing program there. There must be something about that city, those schools, that inspires such work :) It reminded me very much of student readings, but only of the very best of those. You know, the guy in your class that you're always jealous of, because you know he has "it" and his work shows it. That's Jake Vander Ark, and his work shows it, too.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
January 30, 2014
Only problem with this book is it's too short! Great writing and free!
October 4, 2012
This book gets a 5 because yet again, Jake Vander Ark has managed to leave me speechless.
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought to myself,"There is no possible way he can swing this story and not have it turn out badly! The subject is so taboo, that everyone avoids it or slams it. People will never be receptive to this type of thing." I thought that surely I was going to have a hard time swallowing this book, and admittedly, it was a rather hard read for me at first. For as long as I can remember, Suicide has been a dirty word, and I'm sure it always will be. It happens all the time but we try to rationalize it away because it makes us uncomfortable and we want to forget. It has personally touched me in many a different way and I was afraid that my personal views were going to prejudice my opinion of the book. Turns out that it didn't.
This book didn't glorify suicide, it just made you look at it in a different light. A realistic light. One that doesn't try to sway you. It just is what it is.
I commend JVA for taking on something so touchy. He walked us through quite a few different perspectives in the course of this book and they all were relatively spot on. For instance, I had to choke down the douchebaggery that was Trevor, the psychopath, and remind myself that he was fictitious. He seriously needed to see the inside of a gas chamber. Just sayin'!
Jules - that poor girl - was horribly broken and insecure. She was the typical battered woman who hung on to a dream that was never going to come true. Trevor preyed on her just like all the others he victimized. Constantly kept her down and doubting herself and he used her love for him as a bargaining tool. It was disgusting and so realistic. I didn't really like Jules till the middle of the book. She was an enabler and had little to no respect for human life. She was self destructive until she met Gabe. Gabe was her respite. A place for her to be free of all the stress and death in her life - a place to blossom. I'd venture to say he was the only good thing in her life, ever. Gabe saved her and she destroyed him. She did redeem herself later on however and I just fell in love with her.
Gabe was probably my favorite character in the book. Even when he face dove into prickville, I still loved him. I don't think that he could have been a greater character, honestly. :)
As for the book as a whole, I LOVED every single minute of it! So dark and sinister and just twisted - it was almost like an adult Alice in Wonderland but instead of chasing the white rabbit, they were chasing the lives of others. It makes me shiver just thinking about it!
I strongly encourage EVERYONE to pick up this book and be open to not only the story, but to the people within it. You just may know an Emma or John or Blake and this book could be the reason you listen, when you might otherwise have not. Just think about that!
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought to myself,"There is no possible way he can swing this story and not have it turn out badly! The subject is so taboo, that everyone avoids it or slams it. People will never be receptive to this type of thing." I thought that surely I was going to have a hard time swallowing this book, and admittedly, it was a rather hard read for me at first. For as long as I can remember, Suicide has been a dirty word, and I'm sure it always will be. It happens all the time but we try to rationalize it away because it makes us uncomfortable and we want to forget. It has personally touched me in many a different way and I was afraid that my personal views were going to prejudice my opinion of the book. Turns out that it didn't.
This book didn't glorify suicide, it just made you look at it in a different light. A realistic light. One that doesn't try to sway you. It just is what it is.
I commend JVA for taking on something so touchy. He walked us through quite a few different perspectives in the course of this book and they all were relatively spot on. For instance, I had to choke down the douchebaggery that was Trevor, the psychopath, and remind myself that he was fictitious. He seriously needed to see the inside of a gas chamber. Just sayin'!
Jules - that poor girl - was horribly broken and insecure. She was the typical battered woman who hung on to a dream that was never going to come true. Trevor preyed on her just like all the others he victimized. Constantly kept her down and doubting herself and he used her love for him as a bargaining tool. It was disgusting and so realistic. I didn't really like Jules till the middle of the book. She was an enabler and had little to no respect for human life. She was self destructive until she met Gabe. Gabe was her respite. A place for her to be free of all the stress and death in her life - a place to blossom. I'd venture to say he was the only good thing in her life, ever. Gabe saved her and she destroyed him. She did redeem herself later on however and I just fell in love with her.
Gabe was probably my favorite character in the book. Even when he face dove into prickville, I still loved him. I don't think that he could have been a greater character, honestly. :)
As for the book as a whole, I LOVED every single minute of it! So dark and sinister and just twisted - it was almost like an adult Alice in Wonderland but instead of chasing the white rabbit, they were chasing the lives of others. It makes me shiver just thinking about it!
I strongly encourage EVERYONE to pick up this book and be open to not only the story, but to the people within it. You just may know an Emma or John or Blake and this book could be the reason you listen, when you might otherwise have not. Just think about that!
March 21, 2013
lighthouse nights is gritty poetry. It is both intensely disturbing and exhilarating, a suicide-themed love story that should not work but does. Vander Ark creates a fast-paced story with beautiful attention to detail, a rare and wonderful achievement few writers can manage. Ultimately, lighthouse nights is a story of redemption, of striving to become a better person after spending too much time wandering through a personal hell. It grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until well after I reached the end.
February 17, 2014
sad story with an interesting ending
December 27, 2012
***I received this novel as a request from the author for an honest review.
( And boy am I ever honoured and glad to do so! :3 )
.....I honestly was wondering where my heart went at the end of this one. :c
Like again...WHAT. THE. FUDGING. HELL. DID. I. JUST. READ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
My response as I was reading along was mainly like this: Okay no capitals, okay, that's fine, hmmm oh Jules WHY Trev is a CREEPO ... Oh Gabe, Gabe, Gabe....oh BLOODY HELL NO JOHN .... Emma Emma Emma don't do that .... oh Jules........ wow some people .... WHOA ... OUCH...BRUTAL BURN ....SERIOUSLY?! ... until eventually I felt like I had been drifting and floating along with the story at first only for the wind to start pummeling me followed by a rough beating as it becomes a storm, eventually becoming a natural disaster as I'm ripped and torn to millions and billions of infinite pieces of emotions and feelings... :c
Once again, I'm just stunned. Like that was just a bloody fudging BRILLIANTLY HONEST story. Even reading it late last night (early this morning) I just couldn't stop. It consumed me. Sure the style was hard to get into at first... *coughsenglishmajorherecoughs* ...still if I hadn't read The Accidental Siren ALSO by Jake Vander Ark, I might have been very cautious before beginning mainly because of the subject matter.
Suicide is one of the more fragile topics that authors -- anyone in general -- has to be, mainly because you could either be depressing or bomb horribly. Instead Vander Ark ROCKED it. I've personally seen these kinds of things, even been in Gabe's position myself with trying to convince and talk people out of it. It's a really hard and touchy subject to deal with properly. But for Vander Ark, he accepts the challenge and passes it with flying colours and beyond!
Trev, Jules, Gabe and every other character in the story were honestly real in personality and actions. Although Trev is one hell of a sickening character for me, Vander Ark made me feel sympathy for the dirty rotten sunova at the end...that doesn't make me happy, like seriously?! DDDDD: Still I'm too nice and I will be a victim of sympathic play for even the bad guy. :/ Regardless every character -- I believe both Jules and Gabe were my favourites -- were SO well-developed to the point I just got attached to each, even tried persuading in my own head DON'T DO IT LIFE IS WORTH LIVING JUST GIVE ME THE CHANCE TO SHOW YOU ASDFGHJKL. < / 3 Jules because she is such a multi-dimensional character and Gabe because well he reminds me of myself in more ways than one -- well, more like the first half and he reminds me of someone else.
CURSE YOU VANDER ARK FOR THESE FEELS + FOR BREAKING MY HEART REPEATEDLY ASDFGHJKL. < / 3
The darkness in the novel is startling but it really shows the proper insight into the subject matter at hand. We're dealing with something that shouldn't be taken lightly, and Vander Ark pulls it off wonderfully and more. I got wrapped into the story that Lighthouse Nights is and it was just simply delightful, despite the deep darkness ingrained in the story.
And the poetic prose, oh my, it was like a well-deserving eulogy for those affected by suicide as well as the victims and those helpless to prevent it. A must read style of writing -- I'm jealous. It just draws you in without realizing it and next thing you know, you MUST ABSOLUTELY GET TO THE FUDGING END OR ELSE YOU'LL JUST GO ASDFGHJKL. Vander Ark's style just draws you into the story, and before you know it -- you, the reader have become a part of the story. And the honesty that this story presents is beautifully composed.
Funny story though...I was typing my own story while reading this and I just couldn't keep myself away from the story long enough to work on my own personally lol. Now don't get me wrong, this was the PERFECT distraction to be honest. Just makes me want to work harder on my own to create such an amazing character driven plot-twister stories that just WOWS readers (especially hardcore readers like myself) and stuns them ridiculously amazed. xD
Despite the darkness that this story portrays with the subject matter of suicide, but what kind of story dealing with suicide is EVER sunshine and rainbows? NONE THAT'S WHAT. Regardless of the core of this disheartening despair lies the simple message of hope. It is hope that drives us to never to give up. It is hope that tells us we're not alone in this seemingly dark hour. It is hope that gives us the will to live. It is hope that saves us. It is hope that at the heart of this story.
My only complaint is though...IT'S ONLY 171 PAGES LONG. ASDFGHJKL. TOO DAMNED SHORT. I WANT MORE. I DON'T CARE IF THE STORY IS SUPPOSEDLY "DONE" I WANT MORE. MORE MORE MORE MOAR LAWL. XD
I applaud you Jake Vander Ark, you've done it once again.
If you haven't become one of my favourite authors after The Accidental Siren then Lighthouse Nights certainly did. <3
Thank you for giving me the honour to read and review this personally. It really made my Christmas Break so far. Just thank you. And you've wowed me with the honesty woven into this story (like The Accidental Siren) to the point I could have sworn I knew Trev, Jules and Gabe in real life (which I have known such people like them, its pretty scary to see and read them in words lol).
I can't wait to read another book!
I'm still in awe...surprised I could even sleep last night, or rather this morning after finishing this book.
Just FUDGING BRILLIANT WOW HONESTLY.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing work.
Thank you, just thank you truly. <3
( And boy am I ever honoured and glad to do so! :3 )
.....I honestly was wondering where my heart went at the end of this one. :c
Like again...WHAT. THE. FUDGING. HELL. DID. I. JUST. READ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
My response as I was reading along was mainly like this: Okay no capitals, okay, that's fine, hmmm oh Jules WHY Trev is a CREEPO ... Oh Gabe, Gabe, Gabe....oh BLOODY HELL NO JOHN .... Emma Emma Emma don't do that .... oh Jules........ wow some people .... WHOA ... OUCH...BRUTAL BURN ....SERIOUSLY?! ... until eventually I felt like I had been drifting and floating along with the story at first only for the wind to start pummeling me followed by a rough beating as it becomes a storm, eventually becoming a natural disaster as I'm ripped and torn to millions and billions of infinite pieces of emotions and feelings... :c
Once again, I'm just stunned. Like that was just a bloody fudging BRILLIANTLY HONEST story. Even reading it late last night (early this morning) I just couldn't stop. It consumed me. Sure the style was hard to get into at first... *coughsenglishmajorherecoughs* ...still if I hadn't read The Accidental Siren ALSO by Jake Vander Ark, I might have been very cautious before beginning mainly because of the subject matter.
Suicide is one of the more fragile topics that authors -- anyone in general -- has to be, mainly because you could either be depressing or bomb horribly. Instead Vander Ark ROCKED it. I've personally seen these kinds of things, even been in Gabe's position myself with trying to convince and talk people out of it. It's a really hard and touchy subject to deal with properly. But for Vander Ark, he accepts the challenge and passes it with flying colours and beyond!
Trev, Jules, Gabe and every other character in the story were honestly real in personality and actions. Although Trev is one hell of a sickening character for me, Vander Ark made me feel sympathy for the dirty rotten sunova at the end...that doesn't make me happy, like seriously?! DDDDD: Still I'm too nice and I will be a victim of sympathic play for even the bad guy. :/ Regardless every character -- I believe both Jules and Gabe were my favourites -- were SO well-developed to the point I just got attached to each, even tried persuading in my own head DON'T DO IT LIFE IS WORTH LIVING JUST GIVE ME THE CHANCE TO SHOW YOU ASDFGHJKL. < / 3 Jules because she is such a multi-dimensional character and Gabe because well he reminds me of myself in more ways than one -- well, more like the first half and he reminds me of someone else.
CURSE YOU VANDER ARK FOR THESE FEELS + FOR BREAKING MY HEART REPEATEDLY ASDFGHJKL. < / 3
The darkness in the novel is startling but it really shows the proper insight into the subject matter at hand. We're dealing with something that shouldn't be taken lightly, and Vander Ark pulls it off wonderfully and more. I got wrapped into the story that Lighthouse Nights is and it was just simply delightful, despite the deep darkness ingrained in the story.
And the poetic prose, oh my, it was like a well-deserving eulogy for those affected by suicide as well as the victims and those helpless to prevent it. A must read style of writing -- I'm jealous. It just draws you in without realizing it and next thing you know, you MUST ABSOLUTELY GET TO THE FUDGING END OR ELSE YOU'LL JUST GO ASDFGHJKL. Vander Ark's style just draws you into the story, and before you know it -- you, the reader have become a part of the story. And the honesty that this story presents is beautifully composed.
Funny story though...I was typing my own story while reading this and I just couldn't keep myself away from the story long enough to work on my own personally lol. Now don't get me wrong, this was the PERFECT distraction to be honest. Just makes me want to work harder on my own to create such an amazing character driven plot-twister stories that just WOWS readers (especially hardcore readers like myself) and stuns them ridiculously amazed. xD
Despite the darkness that this story portrays with the subject matter of suicide, but what kind of story dealing with suicide is EVER sunshine and rainbows? NONE THAT'S WHAT. Regardless of the core of this disheartening despair lies the simple message of hope. It is hope that drives us to never to give up. It is hope that tells us we're not alone in this seemingly dark hour. It is hope that gives us the will to live. It is hope that saves us. It is hope that at the heart of this story.
My only complaint is though...IT'S ONLY 171 PAGES LONG. ASDFGHJKL. TOO DAMNED SHORT. I WANT MORE. I DON'T CARE IF THE STORY IS SUPPOSEDLY "DONE" I WANT MORE. MORE MORE MORE MOAR LAWL. XD
I applaud you Jake Vander Ark, you've done it once again.
If you haven't become one of my favourite authors after The Accidental Siren then Lighthouse Nights certainly did. <3
Thank you for giving me the honour to read and review this personally. It really made my Christmas Break so far. Just thank you. And you've wowed me with the honesty woven into this story (like The Accidental Siren) to the point I could have sworn I knew Trev, Jules and Gabe in real life (which I have known such people like them, its pretty scary to see and read them in words lol).
I can't wait to read another book!
I'm still in awe...surprised I could even sleep last night, or rather this morning after finishing this book.
Just FUDGING BRILLIANT WOW HONESTLY.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing work.
Thank you, just thank you truly. <3
August 2, 2019
Hot garbage. The only reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1 is because I did get through the first 50% of the book without even noticing. It was promising. Like there would be some major character development or something. But no. I hate the characters, I dont care what happens to them. They are unrealistic, whiney and just plain annoying. And oh my god dont even get me started on how "edgy" theyre supposed to be. Please, author, dont cut yourself with all that edge. Stupid premise that could have been something interesting but ended up being nothing. 100% would NOT recommend.
September 7, 2012
Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received this novel from the author for review.
Dark and seductive, Lighthouse Nights by Jake Vander Ark is a gripping story of two teenagers who cross paths under one of the worst possible circumstances. Vander Ark displays his gift for the written word yet again, if not more precisely, in this novel about suicide, love, and the decisions we make.
What caught my eye right away was the writing style. Vander Ark disregards capitalization, save for moments where a character is emphasizing something being said, and manages to add even more darkness to his story. The lack of capitalization wreaks havoc on the most organized mind, causing momentary confusion and effectively draws the reader into the mindset of the characters. By not having the story written in the exact format that we, as readers, are accustomed to, Ark is challenging us to think beyond what we know and explore the troubles that teens facing depression may experience--all of this by simply alienating us from are previous conceptions of literature.
Of course, the characters, Jules, Trevor, and Gabriel, to name the important few, are all evidence of the darkness within these pages. Lighthouse Nights is a beautiful portrayal of how life can go very wrong and how decisions can affect us long after it is too late.
The format of the novel makes it a quick read--it is only 171 pages! And the style that Vander Ark portrays the different characters' narrative is fluid and easy to follow. Despite the dark concept, there are moments where the reader feels connected to the characters, even when they are angry, sad, or happy. That's the beauty of Vander Ark's writing: he has a wonderful way of making you a part of the story, despite the tone and context. Also, Vander Ark's poetic prose is hard to resist, making him a must-read.
Since this story is on the dark side, I would recommend it to those with a stronger stomach, simply because of how blatant it is about suicide. On the other hand, this novel, though knee-deep in gloominess, is a message of hope: you are not alone, there is someone waiting for you--you just have to search: sometimes s/he is right in front of you.
Read Lighthouse Nights and feel your heart swell and slowly break with the unexpected twist when the conclusion falls upon you.
I received this novel from the author for review.
Dark and seductive, Lighthouse Nights by Jake Vander Ark is a gripping story of two teenagers who cross paths under one of the worst possible circumstances. Vander Ark displays his gift for the written word yet again, if not more precisely, in this novel about suicide, love, and the decisions we make.
What caught my eye right away was the writing style. Vander Ark disregards capitalization, save for moments where a character is emphasizing something being said, and manages to add even more darkness to his story. The lack of capitalization wreaks havoc on the most organized mind, causing momentary confusion and effectively draws the reader into the mindset of the characters. By not having the story written in the exact format that we, as readers, are accustomed to, Ark is challenging us to think beyond what we know and explore the troubles that teens facing depression may experience--all of this by simply alienating us from are previous conceptions of literature.
Of course, the characters, Jules, Trevor, and Gabriel, to name the important few, are all evidence of the darkness within these pages. Lighthouse Nights is a beautiful portrayal of how life can go very wrong and how decisions can affect us long after it is too late.
The format of the novel makes it a quick read--it is only 171 pages! And the style that Vander Ark portrays the different characters' narrative is fluid and easy to follow. Despite the dark concept, there are moments where the reader feels connected to the characters, even when they are angry, sad, or happy. That's the beauty of Vander Ark's writing: he has a wonderful way of making you a part of the story, despite the tone and context. Also, Vander Ark's poetic prose is hard to resist, making him a must-read.
Since this story is on the dark side, I would recommend it to those with a stronger stomach, simply because of how blatant it is about suicide. On the other hand, this novel, though knee-deep in gloominess, is a message of hope: you are not alone, there is someone waiting for you--you just have to search: sometimes s/he is right in front of you.
Read Lighthouse Nights and feel your heart swell and slowly break with the unexpected twist when the conclusion falls upon you.
August 18, 2015
Trevor and Jules are a dysfunctional couple who take advantage of suicidal people they meet in an internet chat room. They encourage deeply depressed individuals to end it all so they can steal their valuables. Trevor is clearly psychotic, with no qualms whatsoever about what they're doing. Jules, on the other hand, is running from a tragic past and has more of a conscience. When it comes time to help Gabe Jones commit suicide she falls in love with him instead, driving Trevor into a dangerous and murderous rage.
Lighthouse Nights is definitely dark and twisted. The author clearly has the ability to tap into an evil side - a sign of a gifted writer. As I read, I found Gabe and Jules to be likable characters and I was able to care about the outcome of their relationship. Trevor's villainous character was also well written.
The author chose to write the entire book in lower case, which, although I found it unusual, I found it worked well and wasn't distracting like I thought it might be. The book is a fairly quick read, but it's a deeply engaging story. I suspect the author's screenwriting experience has much to do with it - no long-winded dialogue or superfluous narrative here.
If you're looking for a unique and dark romance, Lighthouse Nights is it. While this book is written about teens and twenty-somethings, the subject matter should appeal to readers of any age. Just be aware that the story is intense, but in the end the take away is important - life is hard, but we're not alone, all we need to do is reach out to seek help.
Lighthouse Nights is definitely dark and twisted. The author clearly has the ability to tap into an evil side - a sign of a gifted writer. As I read, I found Gabe and Jules to be likable characters and I was able to care about the outcome of their relationship. Trevor's villainous character was also well written.
The author chose to write the entire book in lower case, which, although I found it unusual, I found it worked well and wasn't distracting like I thought it might be. The book is a fairly quick read, but it's a deeply engaging story. I suspect the author's screenwriting experience has much to do with it - no long-winded dialogue or superfluous narrative here.
If you're looking for a unique and dark romance, Lighthouse Nights is it. While this book is written about teens and twenty-somethings, the subject matter should appeal to readers of any age. Just be aware that the story is intense, but in the end the take away is important - life is hard, but we're not alone, all we need to do is reach out to seek help.
September 30, 2016
Lighthouse Nights was about a couple, Joules and Trevor, making fun and is trying to get certain kids to commit suicide. Joules and Trevor end up facing the deaths of many of these kids. Later in the book, Joules travels to Gabe's house to try to make him commit suicide. She stayed at his house for a while without his parents finding out. In the end, she ended up falling in love with him.
I thought that this book was very interesting. I felt like it was harder to concentrate on the idea of the book because of the grammar. I think that it would be easier to understand the book better if the sentences and names started with a capitol letter. I didn't really understand the book very much which made it hard to like it.
I would recommend this book to people who really like reading. I would also recommend "Lighthouse Nights" to people that like more fiction books for teenagers. This could also be recommended to people who like love and romance books. I defiantly think that this book should be for teens and older because of what the book is about.
I thought that this book was very interesting. I felt like it was harder to concentrate on the idea of the book because of the grammar. I think that it would be easier to understand the book better if the sentences and names started with a capitol letter. I didn't really understand the book very much which made it hard to like it.
I would recommend this book to people who really like reading. I would also recommend "Lighthouse Nights" to people that like more fiction books for teenagers. This could also be recommended to people who like love and romance books. I defiantly think that this book should be for teens and older because of what the book is about.
April 14, 2014
I believe Jake Vander Ark is one of the most brilliant (and underrated authors) out there. Lighthouse Nights is even better than The Accidental Siren, and that alone was wonderfully written.
Lighthouse Nights focuses on two people, Jules and Gabe, who have completely different personalities from the beginning of the book to the end. The character development is almost unbelievable. We watch the characters suffer, them heal, and find what they're missing in each other... although, by the end, the "other" has changed.
The book itself deals with suicide, deception, lies and dysfunctional childhoods. It's not a book for every audience, and deals with mature themes. However, it's an intense, stunning story that leaves you with an empty feeling.
Even hours after finishing the book: Wow, that was amazing.
It's currently FREE on Smashwords and Amazon, so please get yourself a copy. Also, it's an indie book that is severely underrated.
Lighthouse Nights focuses on two people, Jules and Gabe, who have completely different personalities from the beginning of the book to the end. The character development is almost unbelievable. We watch the characters suffer, them heal, and find what they're missing in each other... although, by the end, the "other" has changed.
The book itself deals with suicide, deception, lies and dysfunctional childhoods. It's not a book for every audience, and deals with mature themes. However, it's an intense, stunning story that leaves you with an empty feeling.
Even hours after finishing the book: Wow, that was amazing.
It's currently FREE on Smashwords and Amazon, so please get yourself a copy. Also, it's an indie book that is severely underrated.
January 7, 2013
Very dark, but very good.
Voice is very clear even though it's in the third person. Each character has a purpose, and a motive. Even in their darkest moments, you could see the reason behind their actions, no matter who it was. You feel just as connected to characters who have been there the entire book (Jules, Gabe, and Trevor)as ones that where for only one scene. But most of all it shows realistic reactions to hard topics, such as lying, depression, and suicide. These things are not easily forgotten in the real world and they shouldn't be in a book either.
I enjoyed this book very much. Though it's not for everyone, I'd say you should give it a shot.
Voice is very clear even though it's in the third person. Each character has a purpose, and a motive. Even in their darkest moments, you could see the reason behind their actions, no matter who it was. You feel just as connected to characters who have been there the entire book (Jules, Gabe, and Trevor)as ones that where for only one scene. But most of all it shows realistic reactions to hard topics, such as lying, depression, and suicide. These things are not easily forgotten in the real world and they shouldn't be in a book either.
I enjoyed this book very much. Though it's not for everyone, I'd say you should give it a shot.
September 22, 2011
"lighthouse nights" is a thrilling, fast-paced page-turner that's the perfect mix of drama, violence, adventure, love, deception and redemption. It's beautifully dark and tragically touching. The author uses a unique writing style that's original and intriguing, stealing the reader's attention from page one. This book is an eye-opening piece of truth wrapped up in a sexy, entertaining work of fiction. In the world of literature today; one that's been flooded with sad clichés, poor writing and bad vampire-rewrites, "lighthouse nights" is a breath of fresh air.
July 17, 2012
I'm not a person that typically reads dark stories, but I loved Vander Ark's first book so much that I decided to give this one a chance. I'm extremely glad I did. His writing once again drew me in and kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. There were multiple points where I was yelling at my computer screen or hugging my knees to my chest because there was just so much going on. I really felt for all the characters, even the ones I didn't really like. It was an incredibly dark, twisted, and thrilling story that I'll never forget.
September 3, 2013
Wow. :3
I wasn't a huge fan of "The Accidental Siren", I think mainly because it was about KIDS in what I saw as deep, adult situations, or at least what should be. But there was still something about the book that I was drawn to. So I decided to read another one of Jake Vander Ark's books and chose "Lighthouse Nights"...and I can't seem to come up with anything to say other than wow! :) It was deep,dark and twisted, more so than my usual reads, but I definitely enjoyed it! Couldn't put it down!
I wasn't a huge fan of "The Accidental Siren", I think mainly because it was about KIDS in what I saw as deep, adult situations, or at least what should be. But there was still something about the book that I was drawn to. So I decided to read another one of Jake Vander Ark's books and chose "Lighthouse Nights"...and I can't seem to come up with anything to say other than wow! :) It was deep,dark and twisted, more so than my usual reads, but I definitely enjoyed it! Couldn't put it down!
April 26, 2014
I am amazed at the high level of character development in such a short book. It was an absolute page turned with a pretty unique storyline. It's funny, I just finished a 300 page novel before I read this that I really couldn't care less what happened to the characters because they were faceless, by chance I read a 117 page book and become completely absorbed into the characters. Although the grammar here and there could use some work in this book, it really was refreshing to read something you just can't put down.
November 4, 2014
I so love your books. Never boring and I always feel compelled to finish them that day. :) which in me speak means it is enthralling, I read SO much that if it dosent hold my interest I try to finish, but then I move on. From there only my fav authors that keep me thinking abouth their series after I have finished (enough to remember that I did want to read the next book in a series) get my reviews... Your books are def worthy of amazing reviews! Loved this one as much, maybe even more than the accidental siren.
May 12, 2017
I enjoyed the book. The story was well developed and thought out as were the characters. The characters were also easy to like, relate to and understand, even the not so nice ones. The subject matter was very thought provoking and original as well. The downfall, though, with was the ending. I would have liked to see Jules explain to Gabe exactly what happened and also to learn more about the real person. 4 stars.
July 29, 2012
Godly! Superb! "lighthouse nights" is thrilling, heart-stopping novel filled with twists and turns that leave you breathless. It's the perfect recipe of drama, violence, love, and the struggle of twenty-first century life. This novel will definitely leave you gripping the edge of your seat into the dark hours of the night.
October 3, 2015
A 1.5.
Disappointed- tremendously.
After scouring the internet for months to find this bloody book, obsessing over the blurb and dying over the cover, I, quite miraculously, stumbled upon a mobi version and almost exploded with glee. I don't even fucking know how this book got a rating of 4.16. Really, it's actually horrifying- makes me think of weird conspiracy theories.
Disappointed- tremendously.
After scouring the internet for months to find this bloody book, obsessing over the blurb and dying over the cover, I, quite miraculously, stumbled upon a mobi version and almost exploded with glee. I don't even fucking know how this book got a rating of 4.16. Really, it's actually horrifying- makes me think of weird conspiracy theories.
July 30, 2012
'Lighthouse Nights' by Jake Vander Ark is a thrilling and heart racing novel. This book is filled with twists and suprises that makes you want to keep on reading. Vander Ark uses a unique writing style that makes the novel even better. I would recommend this novel to everyone! A truly great book.
September 5, 2012
Gripping and wonderful tale with a dark twist. Enjoyed it from beginning to end! :)
March 6, 2014
Read it in one day! Really enjoyed it. Dark and disturbing but kept me reading!! Great book!
April 30, 2014
Interesting story but way too "tween-y" for me.
October 19, 2014
Amazing book. Seriously. I expected a decent read but this book blew me away. Deserves every star.
January 2, 2016
I have read this book countless times, and it still remains my favourite.
February 20, 2016
This book is so twisted but such a real life possibility, it's frightening.
I'm deeply disturbed yet amazed at the sick genius..
I'm deeply disturbed yet amazed at the sick genius..
January 11, 2014
Intense and thought provoking short read. Could not put this book down.
October 3, 2016
Riveting, dark, suspenseful. Full of emotion. Morbid, but with an undercurrent of hope and faith in humanity. An excellent portrayal of second chances, and the power of love and kindness. I hope that any readers who are depressed when they start reading this story read all the way to the end. The characters were complex, rich. Even Trevor, who appeared at first to be just an obvious sociopath, had some depth in the end. This book is truly unlike anything I've ever read. As I was reading I was thinking, "this would make a good movie" so I wasn't surprised when I read the acknowledgements at the end and saw that it had been considered for a movie at some point. As a mental health counselor, maybe I found the story more fascinating than the average reader, but I think that no matter what the readers' backgrounds, they will find something here to which they relate. Adding the number for the suicide prevention hotline in the beginning of the book was a thoughtful touch. The one thing that did bother me a little was the underlying theme of "nice guys finish last" and that girls prefer bad boys. But these are elements of our culture and so I don't fault the author for making them critical plot elements.
The entire book is written without capitalization of the first word of each sentence or proper nouns. I assumed it was a literary technique and I got used to it pretty quickly, so it wasn't distracting after the first couple pages. This book is not necessarily for everyone though. I can think of a few friends who would just be too disturbed by the plot that they wouldn't end up reading the whole novel, and that would be a shame. So if you read the plot summary and find it shockingly disturbing, keep in mind that while it is dark and morose, there is also a lot to feel positively about if you give it a chance. And once you start reading, you may not be able to put it down anyway.
This is the second book I've read by Jake Vander Ark, and I've just started the third. I love his writing style, and the originality and creativity of the plots in both Lighthouse Nights and The Day I Wore Purple.
SPOILERS BELOW:
I thought the juxtaposition of Jules trying to save Gabe intriguing, although of course he didn't recognize her. Gabe didn't realize the irony of him telling her that she had no business trying to save him--that she was doing it only to feel good about herself--and I found myself wishing Gabe would come understand that himself. He was projecting onto her the motives he had for trying to save her, when he thought she was "Sarah." But he was too self-absorbed and too angry at the world to see it. The story shows just what trauma can do to a person, how deep it can permeate the psyche. Witnessing what he thought was the suicide of the girl he loved scarred him so deeply that he became a different person. He not only lost his idealism, but lost all hope for himself. Hopelessness is the number one predictor of suicidal behavior. He couldn't see what was right in front of him, and couldn't let go of the girl he romanticized in death as well as in life. I felt he was drawn to her specifically because she was flawed, tragic, mysterious. It was disappointing to see such a thoughtful, considerate, romantic person become a self-absorbed ass, even though there was a plausible reason for his personality change. In the end though, he came back, even after knowing the truth about everything.
The entire book is written without capitalization of the first word of each sentence or proper nouns. I assumed it was a literary technique and I got used to it pretty quickly, so it wasn't distracting after the first couple pages. This book is not necessarily for everyone though. I can think of a few friends who would just be too disturbed by the plot that they wouldn't end up reading the whole novel, and that would be a shame. So if you read the plot summary and find it shockingly disturbing, keep in mind that while it is dark and morose, there is also a lot to feel positively about if you give it a chance. And once you start reading, you may not be able to put it down anyway.
This is the second book I've read by Jake Vander Ark, and I've just started the third. I love his writing style, and the originality and creativity of the plots in both Lighthouse Nights and The Day I Wore Purple.
SPOILERS BELOW:
I thought the juxtaposition of Jules trying to save Gabe intriguing, although of course he didn't recognize her. Gabe didn't realize the irony of him telling her that she had no business trying to save him--that she was doing it only to feel good about herself--and I found myself wishing Gabe would come understand that himself. He was projecting onto her the motives he had for trying to save her, when he thought she was "Sarah." But he was too self-absorbed and too angry at the world to see it. The story shows just what trauma can do to a person, how deep it can permeate the psyche. Witnessing what he thought was the suicide of the girl he loved scarred him so deeply that he became a different person. He not only lost his idealism, but lost all hope for himself. Hopelessness is the number one predictor of suicidal behavior. He couldn't see what was right in front of him, and couldn't let go of the girl he romanticized in death as well as in life. I felt he was drawn to her specifically because she was flawed, tragic, mysterious. It was disappointing to see such a thoughtful, considerate, romantic person become a self-absorbed ass, even though there was a plausible reason for his personality change. In the end though, he came back, even after knowing the truth about everything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews