Wild Light

West Country Trilogy #3

by Johanna Craven

Isaac and Scarlett Bailey’s attempts to escape the smuggling syndicate have left their lives in pieces. Isaac’s children are missing, and Scarlett’s battle with the darkness inside her has just become far more difficult.

As the search for the children escalates, long-buried truths begin to surface, blurring the line between myth and reality, enemy and friend. Home is no longer safe and risks must be taken.

Their only option is to escape— no matter what the cost.

Genres: Historical Fiction

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2019

About the author

A lover of old stuff, folk music, and dance, Johanna Craven bases her books around little-known true events from the past, often set in bleak and beautiful places. She divides her time between Australia and the UK, and can very easily be persuaded to tell you about the time she accidentally swam with seals on Holy Island.

Find out more at www.johannacraven.com.

Reviews

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wild Light” was a great conclusion to a riveting series. It picked up where the second book left off, with Scarlett falling victim to an unknown attacker and Isaac’s children disappearing. In “Wild Light,” all the loose ends get tied together and the readers will finally face the truth along with the main protagonists: why their father Jacob had to leave them, whether there was indeed treasure hidden somewhere near, what role Asher and Caroline played in all this, and whether Jamie will choose to follow his heart or his duty.
The novel is dark, haunting, and atmospheric. The setting of an 18th century’s England with its smugglers and corrupted men in charge was refreshing and vivid. I also enjoyed tremendously following the change that basically every character undergoes in this last book in the series, growing and making decisions that they feel were the best under the circumstances. The ending, I felt, was just perfect and I couldn’t be happier that things turned out the way they did for the characters (well, most of them). If you like original, well-written and well-researched historical fiction, this trilogy should definitely be on your to-read list. Highly recommended!

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long awaited book 3 in the series, I was so happy when it came out. It did not disappoint. It picks up where book 2 left off, with Scarlett crying out as the sounds of the ocean surround her and her head is pounding before she passes out. Isaac’s attention is on blood in the sand, wondering if it’s his sister’s, or his wife’s. He and Caroline have spent hours searching through Polperro for their missing children. Vividly descriptive scenes propel the story forward as the search for the children is underway. Tension intensifies and confusion sets in with lines blurring about who to trust. Characters, including smugglers, ring authentic in the well-paced, well-written narrative that brings to life realistic scenes in detail and dialogue. The historical setting is well researched lending to the enjoyment of the read. A great trilogy by an author who knows how to weave a compelling story.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this audiobook.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the West Country Trilogy. The interwoven plots come to a head, the characters receive satisfying resolutions, and the conclusion of the book gives context for which elements of the series were historical.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a fascinating story about the lives of smugglers in the 18th century. It's not all HEA, but it feels that people paid for their wrong-doings in the end. The characters are real and have to make hard decisions that will affect not only themselves but so many others. The setting is fabulous and so rich in culture, folk beliefs, and history. The story is fascinating from book 1 all the way through book 3. The writing is engaging, providing the detail and backgrounds needed to make the story unique. All around kudos to the author for this wonderful trilogy.

[Kat Drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this haunting conclusion to Johanna Craven’s West Country Trilogy. From beginning to end I couldn’t put it down and when the end was coming, I found myself torn between wanting to know what happened and not wanting it to end. Craven’s lyrical prose and intricate emotional connections drove this story from the start and kept the mystery thread taught through all three books. I can’t wait to see what Craven does next.

[Davis Galimberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wont’t say much in fear that I spoil it for avid followers of this three part historical fiction series set in 18th century Cornwall. But it was an amazing finale to the series!