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From the Shadows
Can cruelty be disguised as courage? Does safety lie in savagery? What happens when the hopes of our hearts are forced to face the truth of our actions? In book three of The Light series, Bria and those she loves have escaped the dangers of DC and discovered a town where compassion survives and love blooms. When their comfort comes to an end, each member of the group must decide their path. Some will stay behind. Some will journey on. But all will learn that even the most hoped for moments can be filled with unimaginable sorrow.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
199 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Brown
12 books68 followersDr. Jacqueline Brown is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with women and girls who have experienced trauma and entanglement with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. She is consistently amazed at the beauty, hope, and resilience of the women and girls with whom she has had the privilege of working, and she is incredibly humbled and grateful to each of them for allowing her to be part of their lives. She strives to bring that same hope, resilience, and beauty into the characters she creates and the stories they tell. Jacqueline lives in Florida with her husband, their two sons, and two furry pound puppies, Roxy and Bella. Please visit her at Jacqueline-Brown.com to find out more about her writing and to be notified of new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 5, 2022
4.5 stars
With the introduction of each new character is a twist I wasn't expecting! Onto the next volume!
The story continues following the core main characters who left the security of the homestead in NC to venture out to locate their families. More is continued to be revealed about the state of the country, with the reality of those rising to power is setting in for the characters. I cannot get enough of this series!
With the introduction of each new character is a twist I wasn't expecting! Onto the next volume!
The story continues following the core main characters who left the security of the homestead in NC to venture out to locate their families. More is continued to be revealed about the state of the country, with the reality of those rising to power is setting in for the characters. I cannot get enough of this series!
July 11, 2018
There are too many trilogies in the world. How do I know? Because I assumed this book was the final installment of the series, just because there are. So. Many. Trilogies. Imagine my devastation as I reached the final chapters and realized there was no way Brown could wrap things up so quickly. Sighs.
This series just gets stronger as it goes along. I don't usually read in the dystopian genre, but I've enjoyed this one immensely. It is strongly character driven, which is so refreshing. If you're looking for the usual, "WORLD IS IN TROUBLE! CHARACTER(S) MUST SAVE THE WORLD!!!1!! OVER-THE-TOP TEENAGE ANGST & DRAMA!!" Well... you won't like The Light series. It is a much more intimate story, centered around one small group of survivors.
If you're more interested in reading about catastrophic events and personal tragedies than in the individuals experiencing them... again, this one isn't for you. See, it deals a lot more with the emotional consequences of these events and tragedies than the things themselves.
In the first book, I thought the faith element was a little clunky at times (better than a lot of books, but still just a tad heavy-handed). The author has developed her skill noticeably in this sense. She's developed the spiritual journeys of her characters in a compelling and belieavable manner.
Did I mention how refreshing all this is?
Jacqueline Brown, you can count me a fan. Please don't make me wait too long for book #4. The pangs of disappointment from the end of this one will not soon abate.
This series just gets stronger as it goes along. I don't usually read in the dystopian genre, but I've enjoyed this one immensely. It is strongly character driven, which is so refreshing. If you're looking for the usual, "WORLD IS IN TROUBLE! CHARACTER(S) MUST SAVE THE WORLD!!!1!! OVER-THE-TOP TEENAGE ANGST & DRAMA!!" Well... you won't like The Light series. It is a much more intimate story, centered around one small group of survivors.
If you're more interested in reading about catastrophic events and personal tragedies than in the individuals experiencing them... again, this one isn't for you. See, it deals a lot more with the emotional consequences of these events and tragedies than the things themselves.
In the first book, I thought the faith element was a little clunky at times (better than a lot of books, but still just a tad heavy-handed). The author has developed her skill noticeably in this sense. She's developed the spiritual journeys of her characters in a compelling and belieavable manner.
Did I mention how refreshing all this is?
Jacqueline Brown, you can count me a fan. Please don't make me wait too long for book #4. The pangs of disappointment from the end of this one will not soon abate.
October 7, 2019
Catholic Young Adult
Distopian
I binge read this entire series in one weekend. The characters in these stories are wonderful! The problems addressed in the story are both physical and spiritual. I loved these books.
Distopian
I binge read this entire series in one weekend. The characters in these stories are wonderful! The problems addressed in the story are both physical and spiritual. I loved these books.
January 1, 2024
These books are stupid addictive. Third book in this series that I've read in the past 32 hours.
November 19, 2018
Intense action, intimate characterizations, thought-provoking choices presented to a very appealing group of dynamic characters trying to survive in a world without the power grid, worldwide destruction, and breakdown of civilization. In the second book we learned that the United States government has been hijacked by evil power-hungry bullies, one of whom was the ex-boyfriend of the central character, Bria, as they make a desperate journey to find out if their families have survived the event they have come to refer to as "the Light." They escape, with the help of a child who has been enslaved and tormented by the new power structure, and who joins their group. In Book 3, they continue on their journey and meet the mother and sister of Bria's friend Sara, who have joined a peaceful community but have become seriously ill with a virus that has taken the lives of many of the community's members, and continue the journey, only to meet another threat from the "harvesters," thugs who seek out survivors for enslavement.
Just as intense and dramatic as the dangers they face from the outside world are the interior struggles of each character, as their faiths, values, feelings, and world views are challenged, broken, or turned upside down. Relationships develop between characters, either deepening or breaking apart, as Bria and her new love, Jonah, discover what they mean to each other, and find stronger reasons to conclude their search and make their way home again.
This is the best of the three books so far, another five stars, and looking forward to Book 4.
Just as intense and dramatic as the dangers they face from the outside world are the interior struggles of each character, as their faiths, values, feelings, and world views are challenged, broken, or turned upside down. Relationships develop between characters, either deepening or breaking apart, as Bria and her new love, Jonah, discover what they mean to each other, and find stronger reasons to conclude their search and make their way home again.
This is the best of the three books so far, another five stars, and looking forward to Book 4.
February 3, 2020
Gave this one five stars because the author finally gave us information we’ve been waiting for since book one or two. There were some things I thought would not come up again in the story that came back and those questions were answered.
The analytical side of me wishes the book was a little more realistic in some areas, and the series scares me somewhat. Who *would* I become if the world fell apart and how different would life be? It’s some scary thoughts, but it’s putting me in a contemplative and thankful state of mind (for what I have right now) so I guess that’s okay.
I’m really loving this series as it continues to give me everything I enjoy and more!
The analytical side of me wishes the book was a little more realistic in some areas, and the series scares me somewhat. Who *would* I become if the world fell apart and how different would life be? It’s some scary thoughts, but it’s putting me in a contemplative and thankful state of mind (for what I have right now) so I guess that’s okay.
I’m really loving this series as it continues to give me everything I enjoy and more!
January 4, 2018
Riveting
How could I NOT give this book a 5 star rating?
Jacqueline Brown has again filled this books pages with intensity, life and love.
To see lives come in full circle.
To find out your parents could commit such travesty.
Friends that have faced and overcome such obstacles and never falter in their faithfulness to each other.
I truly could NOT put this book down! A must read as are the first 2 books and short story that preceded book 3!
Thank you again Jacqueline Brown for another amazing book.
How could I NOT give this book a 5 star rating?
Jacqueline Brown has again filled this books pages with intensity, life and love.
To see lives come in full circle.
To find out your parents could commit such travesty.
Friends that have faced and overcome such obstacles and never falter in their faithfulness to each other.
I truly could NOT put this book down! A must read as are the first 2 books and short story that preceded book 3!
Thank you again Jacqueline Brown for another amazing book.
December 17, 2019
I plowed through all 5 books in this series—and thoroughly enjoyed this sweet futuristic “after-a-worldwide-EMP” romance. My general review for the series is on Book 1, “The Light.”
Each book ends with enough “happy for now” to be tolerable, but danger continues to lurk until the end of Book 5. Therefore, before starting on Book 1, check your budget to confirm you’re able to buy Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 as fast as you need to read the next book. I used 30 tissues in Books 4 and 5.
Each book ends with enough “happy for now” to be tolerable, but danger continues to lurk until the end of Book 5. Therefore, before starting on Book 1, check your budget to confirm you’re able to buy Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 as fast as you need to read the next book. I used 30 tissues in Books 4 and 5.
September 26, 2019
Of you love our Country, this series is a must read!
So full of excitement, danger, & courage in the face of death. A bond of trust, sacrificial love, dedication, purpose & faith in each other & in God makes the group of young people into courageous warriors. They save each other's lives time & again & show such wisdom in their decisions....it's like God's hand & anointing is on them, protecting them & leading them on.
So full of excitement, danger, & courage in the face of death. A bond of trust, sacrificial love, dedication, purpose & faith in each other & in God makes the group of young people into courageous warriors. They save each other's lives time & again & show such wisdom in their decisions....it's like God's hand & anointing is on them, protecting them & leading them on.
November 13, 2020
Can't put down
This story just keeps getting better and better! I am trying not to read so fast bc I don't want it to end! This could truly be made into a movie! I've been on the edge of my seat at times, yelling, cheering, crying... I've become invested in these characters like I know them personally.... That makes this a truly phenomenal story!
This story just keeps getting better and better! I am trying not to read so fast bc I don't want it to end! This could truly be made into a movie! I've been on the edge of my seat at times, yelling, cheering, crying... I've become invested in these characters like I know them personally.... That makes this a truly phenomenal story!
October 1, 2019
Keep me reading
Tension filled and action on about every page. I like this book. It stay with me long afterward and I wonder what happens to the characters. Didn’t seem long enough though.
Tension filled and action on about every page. I like this book. It stay with me long afterward and I wonder what happens to the characters. Didn’t seem long enough though.
December 24, 2021
Another captivating page turning thrillmride
Jacqueline Brown does a brilliant job of pulling us into a world with out lights and with little hope . You will fly through the pages as I did and move right into book four . This book is worth the time . Absolutely brilliant
Jacqueline Brown does a brilliant job of pulling us into a world with out lights and with little hope . You will fly through the pages as I did and move right into book four . This book is worth the time . Absolutely brilliant
September 25, 2022
Suspense!
As I've followed our cast of vagabond characters through this new world order, it disorder, I'm anxious for them to return to the safety of the farm. But, the journey is long, and arduous. I'm hopeful for good ending, but another volume awaits!
As I've followed our cast of vagabond characters through this new world order, it disorder, I'm anxious for them to return to the safety of the farm. But, the journey is long, and arduous. I'm hopeful for good ending, but another volume awaits!
October 18, 2025
Getting more serious!
My only irritation right now is that basically everyone's family, or part of their family, somehow survived and has been found. Statistically it seems improbable so it feels like it's only for plot progression.
I'm curious to see how the last two books round this out...
My only irritation right now is that basically everyone's family, or part of their family, somehow survived and has been found. Statistically it seems improbable so it feels like it's only for plot progression.
I'm curious to see how the last two books round this out...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
Totally engaging and impossible to put down.
Loved the story. Good food for thought about how when under stress we change. Lots of drama. Interesting scenerios. Must read!
Loved the story. Good food for thought about how when under stress we change. Lots of drama. Interesting scenerios. Must read!
November 11, 2019
Liked it
After I read the first of the series, I am hooked I had to buy the rest Thanks so much!
After I read the first of the series, I am hooked I had to buy the rest Thanks so much!
April 20, 2020
I have enjoyed each book in this series, so far. I'm trying to download Before the Silence, the related free short story, before going on to book 4 in the series. No luck so far.
June 23, 2021
The story continues. Some of our main characters are still traveling, looking for family members. The fate of their families and other Americans is very surprising and in some cases disturbing.
August 28, 2021
3.75 ☆
January 11, 2022
Another great book
This series is so good. Holds my attention through out the entire book. Always ready to read the next book.
This series is so good. Holds my attention through out the entire book. Always ready to read the next book.
January 21, 2022
Another fantastic book in this series!
January 23, 2022
Wow!
Another step taken of a world gone awry. The characters are living examples of good and evil, of the possibility of what you or I could be.
Another step taken of a world gone awry. The characters are living examples of good and evil, of the possibility of what you or I could be.
July 11, 2022
Another great book
The plot thickens as the main characters make their way home. Well thought out storyline and well developed characters. Highly recommend.
The plot thickens as the main characters make their way home. Well thought out storyline and well developed characters. Highly recommend.
July 22, 2022
Great
Getting better with each book in the series. I wasn’t so sure at the beginning of the first one, but I’m glad I stuck with it, now I’ll get the 4 th with anticipation.
Getting better with each book in the series. I wasn’t so sure at the beginning of the first one, but I’m glad I stuck with it, now I’ll get the 4 th with anticipation.
July 16, 2023
This story gets more intense. What would you do if the situation was kill or be killed? Lots of atrocities in this story.
January 14, 2024
Great series. I can’t stop reading
February 10, 2025
So far one of my favorite books from Jacqueline Brown. Her ability to share the faith but also tell a story is truly amazing. I can't wait to see what else she writes.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews