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Illuminous: A Young Adult Paranormal
Seventeen-year-old Allie O’Hare’s dreams involve graduating High School, backpacking around Europe with her best friend Aimee, and getting her crush to see her as more than a friend; they did not include getting turned into a werewolf. A werewolf with shining silver eyes who will never see the age of 18.
Allie learns her Irish temper is no longer her least attractive quality now that she randomly sprouts fangs and a tail.
Unsure of what to do with herself, Allie wants to learn all she can about her new life sentence. But the more she learns the more everyone, including new werewolf friends, start looking to her to for leadership. Facing a stalker and a possible pack war, Allie must find a way to save those she loves from becoming collateral damage.
Can she hold on to her past and put those she loves in danger or will she stand up, shine from within and accept her path as one very powerful Were?
No matter what she chooses, each choice has a price, and for Allie, either choice will be paid in death.
Allie learns her Irish temper is no longer her least attractive quality now that she randomly sprouts fangs and a tail.
Unsure of what to do with herself, Allie wants to learn all she can about her new life sentence. But the more she learns the more everyone, including new werewolf friends, start looking to her to for leadership. Facing a stalker and a possible pack war, Allie must find a way to save those she loves from becoming collateral damage.
Can she hold on to her past and put those she loves in danger or will she stand up, shine from within and accept her path as one very powerful Were?
No matter what she chooses, each choice has a price, and for Allie, either choice will be paid in death.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2018
5 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 18, 2018
This book was interesting. I liked the fact that the parents were present and actually behaving like parents, as well as the fact that the character didn't have to change her relationship with her best friend due to her transformation. That made a lot more sense than a lot of YA out there.
Part of the story were a bit annoying though like the fact that the characters didn't seem to agree about whether or not they were called werewolves. Then the Alpha part was also weird.
So all wolves, especially Alpha and Beta have special powers. Then for some reason just being Alpha isn't enough and the main character has to be something called Illuminous. The thing about that is, there was then no Alpha in the story anymore, all the Alpha (white fur wolves) were actually Illuminous. So I started wondering what is an alpha when it's not an Illuminous and does it actually exist?
Also the astral projection in the past could actually alter the past, since it actually alter the memories of the people there to include Allie, in that case why stop her from going back and actually right the wrongs in a way. It seemed to be a little too much. It also makes it dangerous, like before it was just sort of spying on people but then if they can see her, why not hurt her.
Which all lead to a sort of plot hole, Allie could have sent herself to Aimee to see where she was and maybe free her without needing the whole pack. It feels like a lot of things if including her power could have happened a lot differently.
Another thing is the ending, the attempt at suspense sort of make everything weird in that chapter since it's supposed to be 4 months later but suddenly it isn't but then it is.
It was still a very nice book with great characters, personally I liked Will, and nice world building.
Part of the story were a bit annoying though like the fact that the characters didn't seem to agree about whether or not they were called werewolves. Then the Alpha part was also weird.
So all wolves, especially Alpha and Beta have special powers. Then for some reason just being Alpha isn't enough and the main character has to be something called Illuminous. The thing about that is, there was then no Alpha in the story anymore, all the Alpha (white fur wolves) were actually Illuminous. So I started wondering what is an alpha when it's not an Illuminous and does it actually exist?
Also the astral projection in the past could actually alter the past, since it actually alter the memories of the people there to include Allie, in that case why stop her from going back and actually right the wrongs in a way. It seemed to be a little too much. It also makes it dangerous, like before it was just sort of spying on people but then if they can see her, why not hurt her.
Which all lead to a sort of plot hole, Allie could have sent herself to Aimee to see where she was and maybe free her without needing the whole pack. It feels like a lot of things if including her power could have happened a lot differently.
Another thing is the ending, the attempt at suspense sort of make everything weird in that chapter since it's supposed to be 4 months later but suddenly it isn't but then it is.
It was still a very nice book with great characters, personally I liked Will, and nice world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
This was my first book by Yolanda Allard and it was well worth the five stars. The book was a journey of awakening for Aaliyah O'Hare. Aaliyah (Alli) and her best friend Aimee Olson did everything together from birth. Someone's brother Will has gone to college but can home for a visit. Jerum the hit guy that she followed into the woods and that's when her life changed. Instead of going home when Jerum finds her snooping she gets caught. Seth scratches her but she was also scratched by the Alpha of the pack. As the story progresses Alli starts to change but so does Will. Come to find out Alli isn't the only new werewolf in the group. Jerum has been Alli's friend for awhile, meeting at the book store/ coffee house for awhile. Alli has feelings for Jerum but doesn't tell him. Aimee us pushing Alli to tell Jerum but when she starts to turn she see Will first. As you can see the plot thickens. Come to find out Alli isn't just a normal were she special, that's when all the others come to light to help Alli.
There's Harry the owner of the bookstore, Marcus the professor that helped Will and last but not least we have the Illuminous Demitri, Makari and Osric. There's lots of characters in this book but it's well written so you can keep track. There is suspense, lust and fighting all are because Alli won't take her roll as alpha severely.
I can't wait for the next book, but I hope you like a little cliffhanger not much but enough to keep you interested.
There's Harry the owner of the bookstore, Marcus the professor that helped Will and last but not least we have the Illuminous Demitri, Makari and Osric. There's lots of characters in this book but it's well written so you can keep track. There is suspense, lust and fighting all are because Alli won't take her roll as alpha severely.
I can't wait for the next book, but I hope you like a little cliffhanger not much but enough to keep you interested.
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January 6, 2025DNF-
This book clearly lacks an author who knows how to write grammatically correct sentences both in punctuation use and structure. My 3rd grade teacher would be appalled!
Obviously, no one edited or proofread this book prior to its publication.
The book is so poorly structured that I gave up after less than a chapter. I have no problem with indie books and a few errors here and there don’t bother me but when an author consistently fails to understand the proper use of punctuation and grammar, it’s exceedingly distracting. I have better works of fiction to spend my time reading.
This book was a non starter.
If there was a good story, it was mutilated by poor writing.
This book clearly lacks an author who knows how to write grammatically correct sentences both in punctuation use and structure. My 3rd grade teacher would be appalled!
Obviously, no one edited or proofread this book prior to its publication.
The book is so poorly structured that I gave up after less than a chapter. I have no problem with indie books and a few errors here and there don’t bother me but when an author consistently fails to understand the proper use of punctuation and grammar, it’s exceedingly distracting. I have better works of fiction to spend my time reading.
This book was a non starter.
If there was a good story, it was mutilated by poor writing.
May 26, 2018
An interesting werewolf book. I liked how the book had a character that was an unwilling convert to lycanthropy.
It's a good story and I'm hoping the author expands on how the new "pack" continues and what happened after the main conflict.
The heroine seemed a bit whiny at times but did grow fairly well. I do want to know more, including maybe a prequel about the resident pack of her area....
It's a good story and I'm hoping the author expands on how the new "pack" continues and what happened after the main conflict.
The heroine seemed a bit whiny at times but did grow fairly well. I do want to know more, including maybe a prequel about the resident pack of her area....
September 20, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. I think I just found a new Author!!! Amazing storytelling and the story is well writen and well built. If you love Fantasy this book is definitely a must read to you!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. I think I just found a new Author!!! Amazing storytelling and the story is well writen and well built. If you love Fantasy this book is definitely a must read to you!
May 20, 2018
I'm shocked y'all. A paranormal Young Adult book where the parents are present and care! This protagonist is not an abandoned child. Ok, I'm being a bit felicious. But that seems to be a running thread in YA books, paranormal or not. So I was happy to find a story where the parents were around if in the dark about what's going on. I appreciated a happy family. So right away this book was off to a great start for me and it continued to capture my attention.
Aaliyah (Allie) is a normal teenager. She likes to hang out with her bestie and has a crush on a guy. But all that is about to change. One night she follows her crush to a party and her world is rocked off it's axis. Allie is quiet, a bit nerdy, and a whole lot insecure. Aimee, her bestie, is sassy and in your face. The perfect BFF combination in my opinion. Toss in the guys--Jerum, the mysterious crush who's a little bit alpha, a little bit nerdy, and a whole lot of tender and Will, Aimee's older brother, who is sweet, steady, and dependable. Each character had a well thought out backstory and had their own strengths and faults. I loved how the secondary and main characters worked well together, it seemed seamless.
There is plenty of action, drama, and fun to be had but not a lot of angst. It moved at a great pace to keep my attention and interest. If you're a paranormal fan, pick this up whether you normally read YA or not. It really is a great story and I can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
For more reviews, visit
Aaliyah (Allie) is a normal teenager. She likes to hang out with her bestie and has a crush on a guy. But all that is about to change. One night she follows her crush to a party and her world is rocked off it's axis. Allie is quiet, a bit nerdy, and a whole lot insecure. Aimee, her bestie, is sassy and in your face. The perfect BFF combination in my opinion. Toss in the guys--Jerum, the mysterious crush who's a little bit alpha, a little bit nerdy, and a whole lot of tender and Will, Aimee's older brother, who is sweet, steady, and dependable. Each character had a well thought out backstory and had their own strengths and faults. I loved how the secondary and main characters worked well together, it seemed seamless.
There is plenty of action, drama, and fun to be had but not a lot of angst. It moved at a great pace to keep my attention and interest. If you're a paranormal fan, pick this up whether you normally read YA or not. It really is a great story and I can't wait for more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
For more reviews, visit
January 22, 2019
This isn’t your typical shifter book. Allie has to make some serious decisions and at one point I felt like crying. It’s well-written, easy to follow and hooks you fairly quickly.
The more you read the more you want to continue. Want to see how it ends.
The characters are likeable, with the most growth shown with Allie. Her friend appeared a bit weak at accepting the wolves so easily and wished I’d seen more of her reaction.
All in all, this is a good book and I’d recommend. It’s cleaner than most shifter books, less violent and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
The more you read the more you want to continue. Want to see how it ends.
The characters are likeable, with the most growth shown with Allie. Her friend appeared a bit weak at accepting the wolves so easily and wished I’d seen more of her reaction.
All in all, this is a good book and I’d recommend. It’s cleaner than most shifter books, less violent and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
September 29, 2018
I love how this book has just a little extra flare than most shifter books. It makes me want to jump into the book and join them. Great read!
April 28, 2019
A fabulous debut novel
An interesting and entertaining take on werewolf mythology. Let's hope we get to spend some more time with this cool little pack.
An interesting and entertaining take on werewolf mythology. Let's hope we get to spend some more time with this cool little pack.
May 31, 2018
4.5 Cranky Stars
Imagine an as normal can be teenage life. Now, everything is turned upside down. Wrong place wrong time. Allie was an average teenager who was in love with a boy who she didn’t think loved her. Allie and Jerum were friends. Allie decided to follow Jerum one night and this night changed Allie’s life forever.
Allie was marked not once but twice by two beta wolves. Jerum, who Allie thought she knew, was already a wolf. Allie met a couple of more, Will, Harry and Marcus and Aimee, who is not a wolf but knows all about Allie, Aimee is her best friend. Allie becomes so much more throughout this tale.
You go on an emotional roller coaster ride with the characters. From happy, spunky to sad and confused to not believing in yourself. The characters weren’t all sexually active so to speak. They had their hot moments but it was kept at a decent spot. I like the book. I kept turning the page. You would think that there might be a second one with the ending and all, but if not, the ending was actually a good way to leave it.
Imagine an as normal can be teenage life. Now, everything is turned upside down. Wrong place wrong time. Allie was an average teenager who was in love with a boy who she didn’t think loved her. Allie and Jerum were friends. Allie decided to follow Jerum one night and this night changed Allie’s life forever.
Allie was marked not once but twice by two beta wolves. Jerum, who Allie thought she knew, was already a wolf. Allie met a couple of more, Will, Harry and Marcus and Aimee, who is not a wolf but knows all about Allie, Aimee is her best friend. Allie becomes so much more throughout this tale.
You go on an emotional roller coaster ride with the characters. From happy, spunky to sad and confused to not believing in yourself. The characters weren’t all sexually active so to speak. They had their hot moments but it was kept at a decent spot. I like the book. I kept turning the page. You would think that there might be a second one with the ending and all, but if not, the ending was actually a good way to leave it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews