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Healer #2
Shards of Light
Ice crystalizes around Shilo’s heart, threatening to plunge her into darkness as she’s gripped by evil. And it is only Week Two of her summer-long exile to Sicily. But Shilo will face the evil, and the torment of missing Kenji, because the reason she crossed an ocean is worth that and more. Nonna Marie, her great-grandmother. The one who set their family tree on fire. Years ago, she received The Gift – a miraculous, divine power to heal. The same power bestowed upon Shilo just before her seventeenth birthday. Becoming a Healer has already led to danger and heartache, but it is nothing compared to what lies ahead. High on Mt. Etna, in a centuries-old convent, Shilo will discover the horrors of human trafficking, heroic feats propelled by courage and faith, and the unbearable pain of another loss.
On a ballet stage halfway around the world, Melody grand jetés into a life-changing moment. But after years of strenuous preparation, something goes terribly wrong. When she regains consciousness, her ballet dreams lie shattered, piercing Melody with shards of hopelessness. What is life without ballet? And how will she survive this ordeal without Shilo? As Melody struggles to piece together the fragments of her broken life, she reflects on the Nigerian-Russian parents she never knew, and a pair of hauntingly familiar ebony eyes.
On a ballet stage halfway around the world, Melody grand jetés into a life-changing moment. But after years of strenuous preparation, something goes terribly wrong. When she regains consciousness, her ballet dreams lie shattered, piercing Melody with shards of hopelessness. What is life without ballet? And how will she survive this ordeal without Shilo? As Melody struggles to piece together the fragments of her broken life, she reflects on the Nigerian-Russian parents she never knew, and a pair of hauntingly familiar ebony eyes.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 20, 2019
After reviewing Healer, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, and let me tell you, you won’t be disappointed! Shards of Light takes place right after Healer leaves off. Shilo is (spoiler alert!!!) living with her great grandmother in a convent to learn more about her healing powers and to hide from the gang she helped to take down. Kenji is disappointingly exiled to Indiana, and we unfortunately get very few interactions with one of my favorite YA boyfriends. However, we do get to spend a lot more time with Melody, which is definitely a blessing. Both Melody and Shilo are on journeys of self-discovery and grappling with big, relevant issues: what do they want their futures to be, how can they make a good difference in a cruel world, how can they overcome obstacles and grow from adversity. The imagery Susan uses to describe Italy (and most importantly the food) makes me wish I could book a flight right now. The greatest strength of the sequel is that it’s full of surprises. From nuns taking down human trafficking organizations to heartfelt reunions, to the introduction of a new love interest, Shards of Light will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Told with lots of heart, Susan’s writing will inspire you to practice kindness and courage in your everyday life.
October 31, 2019
What a unique premise and important message intertwined between two first-person female POVs. Miura brings to attention the reality of Human Trafficking within a fast-paced plot and vivid setting from across the ocean. I loved the details she shared about the convent and the integration of a fantastical element around Shiloh's spiritual gift of healing.
September 1, 2019
Book 2 in the Healer series, Shards of Light, opens where events left off in the first book after teen Shilo discovered she has the spiritual power of healing. That story ended with a sojourn to Italy to visit her great grandmother, who also possessed the power to heal, but lost it. In Shards of Light, Shilo arrives in Sicily and continues her spiritual and physical journey.
Too many series titles rely heavily upon one another for background and fluidity of plot, but one of the pleasures of Shards of Light is its ability to stand alone as a complete novel unto itself. Knowledge of background events aren't a prerequisite for the complete enjoyment of Shilo's story.
Another strength lies in its ability to cultivate intrigue right from the start, presenting Ricardo's plot to kidnap the young girls who were stolen from his brothel business by nuns. This would seem a rather mature subject for teen audiences, but Shards of Light will reach advanced teens to new adults and doesn't skimp on either describing deadly power plays or explaining the dark thinking behind them.
These elements successfully create a 'crossover' title that will appeal as much to adult as to young adult audiences as Shilo's foray into Italian culture presents a dangerous opportunity for healing in a new fashion.
Under another hand, Shards of Light could all too easily have become a murder mystery or a novel of intrigue alone; but there's a larger purpose at work here, and romance enters into an already-complex equation to introduce Shilo not just to her newfound abilities, but her heart.
Broken shards are everywhere: in dreams, shattered trophies and lives, and even in the compassion that hurts as much as it heals. As Shilo learns different facets of healing on many levels, she explores not only her gift and its legacy, but also the darker forces at work in life and learns to field a host of special challenges as she grows not just healing powers, but better understanding.
Another plus is that this story is narrated through different perspectives: injured ballet dancer Melody whose parents are pursuing financial compensation, and Shilo, who knows her gift is "all God" but doesn't quite understand the role she plays in disseminating it.
With its different characters and their special focuses and its gentle exploration of a young woman's life and talents in flux, Shards of Light is a beautifully evocative story that stands well alone while enhancing a series. It invites readers to reflect long after Shilo's journey through faith and secrets comes to an end.
Too many series titles rely heavily upon one another for background and fluidity of plot, but one of the pleasures of Shards of Light is its ability to stand alone as a complete novel unto itself. Knowledge of background events aren't a prerequisite for the complete enjoyment of Shilo's story.
Another strength lies in its ability to cultivate intrigue right from the start, presenting Ricardo's plot to kidnap the young girls who were stolen from his brothel business by nuns. This would seem a rather mature subject for teen audiences, but Shards of Light will reach advanced teens to new adults and doesn't skimp on either describing deadly power plays or explaining the dark thinking behind them.
These elements successfully create a 'crossover' title that will appeal as much to adult as to young adult audiences as Shilo's foray into Italian culture presents a dangerous opportunity for healing in a new fashion.
Under another hand, Shards of Light could all too easily have become a murder mystery or a novel of intrigue alone; but there's a larger purpose at work here, and romance enters into an already-complex equation to introduce Shilo not just to her newfound abilities, but her heart.
Broken shards are everywhere: in dreams, shattered trophies and lives, and even in the compassion that hurts as much as it heals. As Shilo learns different facets of healing on many levels, she explores not only her gift and its legacy, but also the darker forces at work in life and learns to field a host of special challenges as she grows not just healing powers, but better understanding.
Another plus is that this story is narrated through different perspectives: injured ballet dancer Melody whose parents are pursuing financial compensation, and Shilo, who knows her gift is "all God" but doesn't quite understand the role she plays in disseminating it.
With its different characters and their special focuses and its gentle exploration of a young woman's life and talents in flux, Shards of Light is a beautifully evocative story that stands well alone while enhancing a series. It invites readers to reflect long after Shilo's journey through faith and secrets comes to an end.
February 1, 2020
Shards of Light is the sequel to Susan Miura’s Christian YA novel, Healer. This story not only revisits the main character from Healer, Shilo, but also tells the story of her best friend Melody. We are also introduced to several new intriguing characters. Besides being a gifted storyteller, Miura always includes diverse characters in her books. The different ethnicities and backgrounds that are represented are always quite interesting.
Shards of Light begins where Healer left off. For various reasons Shilo, who recently found out she possesses healing powers, is sent to Italy to spend the summer with her great-grandmother. Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in the Italian countryside? Well, Shilo because she must leave behind her best friend, her family, and her boyfriend to live at a convent. But quickly she finds that spending time with her nonna, the nuns, an injured man being cared for at the convent, a houseful of mysterious girls, and an attractive Italian boy lead to a summer that is far from dull.
Back at home, Shilo’s best friend is dealing with her own life-altering situations. Melody was in the last book, but we get to know her much better in this sequel. An unexpected event in her life leads to an uncertain future, new relationships, and revelations from the past.
Interestingly, these two best friends, while thousands of miles apart, are each touched by the horrors of human trafficking. This is such a horrific topic that unfortunately is part of our society. Miura has done a masterful job of bringing attention to this awful reality without it overwhelming the story. Shards of Light is a powerful story about looking for goodness amid the pain and difficulties of life. What a beautiful message for teens. Everyone faces disappointments and the pain of unattainable dreams, but God can use those times in life to lead us on an incredible new path that we never could have imagined.
Shards of Light begins where Healer left off. For various reasons Shilo, who recently found out she possesses healing powers, is sent to Italy to spend the summer with her great-grandmother. Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in the Italian countryside? Well, Shilo because she must leave behind her best friend, her family, and her boyfriend to live at a convent. But quickly she finds that spending time with her nonna, the nuns, an injured man being cared for at the convent, a houseful of mysterious girls, and an attractive Italian boy lead to a summer that is far from dull.
Back at home, Shilo’s best friend is dealing with her own life-altering situations. Melody was in the last book, but we get to know her much better in this sequel. An unexpected event in her life leads to an uncertain future, new relationships, and revelations from the past.
Interestingly, these two best friends, while thousands of miles apart, are each touched by the horrors of human trafficking. This is such a horrific topic that unfortunately is part of our society. Miura has done a masterful job of bringing attention to this awful reality without it overwhelming the story. Shards of Light is a powerful story about looking for goodness amid the pain and difficulties of life. What a beautiful message for teens. Everyone faces disappointments and the pain of unattainable dreams, but God can use those times in life to lead us on an incredible new path that we never could have imagined.
November 2, 2019
All of The Wonder of the first book but even more intense and more wonderful. Shards of Light takes our young healer through more lessons in Faith and Hope and Trust.
While keeping everything age-appropriate, some very difficult subjects are covered, things like faithfulness (God's and our own), patience and even human trafficking.
I'm even more in love with these characters now that I was at the end of the first book and I didn't know that was possible.
I can't tell you about my favorite parts without spoiling the story but I just love Melody and her whole storyline!!
I understood her feelings and actions and emotions even though I have not experienced anything like what she went through. It's that well written.
And don't get me started on the nuns! Their spunk is hilarious! Their faith and courage, and their tenacity were awesome; and reminds you that they are more than 'just nuns' but also real women who just happen to live a different lifestyle than most of us.
The parallel storylines, where Shilo is dealing with something similar to what her friends are dealing with half a world away, is a great tool for reinforcing some hard lessons and truths.
I did recieve a copy of this book from the author, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
While keeping everything age-appropriate, some very difficult subjects are covered, things like faithfulness (God's and our own), patience and even human trafficking.
I'm even more in love with these characters now that I was at the end of the first book and I didn't know that was possible.
I can't tell you about my favorite parts without spoiling the story but I just love Melody and her whole storyline!!
I understood her feelings and actions and emotions even though I have not experienced anything like what she went through. It's that well written.
And don't get me started on the nuns! Their spunk is hilarious! Their faith and courage, and their tenacity were awesome; and reminds you that they are more than 'just nuns' but also real women who just happen to live a different lifestyle than most of us.
The parallel storylines, where Shilo is dealing with something similar to what her friends are dealing with half a world away, is a great tool for reinforcing some hard lessons and truths.
I did recieve a copy of this book from the author, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.
October 28, 2019
Shards of Light is a "young adult" novel that respects young adults as being being intelligent and fully aware of humanity's capacity for both good and evil.
Some aspects of the novel I enjoyed:
1. Evil is clearly portrayed without being glamorized. The novel goes into detail about people who profit from human trafficking, sex trafficking in particular, without ever being salacious.
2. Much of the novel takes place in Italy, from the perspective of a first-time visitor. The writing conveys the beauty of the landscape and the culture without ever sounding like a travelogue.
3. There is a fun sense of adventure, similar to a Nancy Drew mystery. Yet the plot and characterizations are never simplistic.
4. Story is supreme. The author's Christian perspective is infused into plot and characters, however there is not sermonizing.
Some aspects of the novel I enjoyed:
1. Evil is clearly portrayed without being glamorized. The novel goes into detail about people who profit from human trafficking, sex trafficking in particular, without ever being salacious.
2. Much of the novel takes place in Italy, from the perspective of a first-time visitor. The writing conveys the beauty of the landscape and the culture without ever sounding like a travelogue.
3. There is a fun sense of adventure, similar to a Nancy Drew mystery. Yet the plot and characterizations are never simplistic.
4. Story is supreme. The author's Christian perspective is infused into plot and characters, however there is not sermonizing.
September 28, 2019
I hadn't read the first book in the series, so I'm treating Shards of Light as standalone. And it worked. Well, mostly.
Shilo is in Italy visiting her grandma and here some secrets and maybe something more will be shared with her and us readers. She was really growing there, and I liked that.
Melody is a friend of Shilo. She wants to become a ballerina, but one unfortunate event can change her future forever. Will it crash her or will make her even stronger. All bets are open here.
Join those two girls in their way of finding who they are and what their future holds.
This book is proper YA with religious elements. And from time to time I like this kind of books.
Shilo is in Italy visiting her grandma and here some secrets and maybe something more will be shared with her and us readers. She was really growing there, and I liked that.
Melody is a friend of Shilo. She wants to become a ballerina, but one unfortunate event can change her future forever. Will it crash her or will make her even stronger. All bets are open here.
Join those two girls in their way of finding who they are and what their future holds.
This book is proper YA with religious elements. And from time to time I like this kind of books.
August 6, 2019
This is the second book in a trilogy and to fully understand this book should be read after 'Healer' the first book.
It continues the tale of Shilo, a teenager who has discovered she has the gift of healing like her nonna (grandmother) and is sent to a convent in Italy to stay with her and learn more about the gift.
The book has little Christianity in it and so is suitable for any reader.
I have discovered an author whose work I really enjoy and writes very believable novels.
I was given this book by Netgalley and Vinspire Publishing. This is my voluntary review.
It continues the tale of Shilo, a teenager who has discovered she has the gift of healing like her nonna (grandmother) and is sent to a convent in Italy to stay with her and learn more about the gift.
The book has little Christianity in it and so is suitable for any reader.
I have discovered an author whose work I really enjoy and writes very believable novels.
I was given this book by Netgalley and Vinspire Publishing. This is my voluntary review.
January 6, 2020
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Shards of Light by Susan Miura is arancini con ragu. These starchy and creamy rice balls are stuffed with ragu and mozzarella. Toasted in breadcrumbs, every bite is satisfying.
Shilo has a healing gift. While it has the power to save lives, it has meant that she must be exiled to Italy until things simmer down in her home town. But, it doesn't seem like she's meant to lay low, especially when she faces evil right where it was supposed to be the safest.
Shards of Light is a book with an interesting concept, as it explores the pros and cons of having a healing gift. The book flips between the perspective of two close friends as they deal with their difficult realities and challenges. Written for adolescents, the story hits on tough relationship dynamics and the darkness of the world (sex trafficking).
If you enjoy coming of age stories with a dusting of miracle, then Shards of Light is for you.
Shilo has a healing gift. While it has the power to save lives, it has meant that she must be exiled to Italy until things simmer down in her home town. But, it doesn't seem like she's meant to lay low, especially when she faces evil right where it was supposed to be the safest.
Shards of Light is a book with an interesting concept, as it explores the pros and cons of having a healing gift. The book flips between the perspective of two close friends as they deal with their difficult realities and challenges. Written for adolescents, the story hits on tough relationship dynamics and the darkness of the world (sex trafficking).
If you enjoy coming of age stories with a dusting of miracle, then Shards of Light is for you.
December 28, 2019
Shards of Light is the 2nd story in the Healer series. I’d say you could read it as a stand-alone, but you’ll get more out of it if you read Healer first. Susan Miura has an excellent writing style that immediately draws you into her stories and makes you want to keep reading.
Without going into spoiler territory, I have to say I loved the unexpected twist when it came to Shiloh’s gift. While Shards of Light is a bit darker than Healer, Ms. Miura adds some nice touches of humor to help lighten the darker themes. I also loved that most of the story takes place in Italy because of the beautiful descriptions. They will make you want to hop a plane and see them for yourself.
Shards of Light is another great read by Susan Miura. I am looking forward to whatever she writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Without going into spoiler territory, I have to say I loved the unexpected twist when it came to Shiloh’s gift. While Shards of Light is a bit darker than Healer, Ms. Miura adds some nice touches of humor to help lighten the darker themes. I also loved that most of the story takes place in Italy because of the beautiful descriptions. They will make you want to hop a plane and see them for yourself.
Shards of Light is another great read by Susan Miura. I am looking forward to whatever she writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
December 29, 2019
Wonderful book showing teenagers as strong, smart and capable.
I especially liked the way this book speaks to faith in things larger than ourselves without being preachy and depicts the dark side of humanity without being overly depressing.
Exciting story filled with faith, hope and adventure. We get to see normal teens put in to extraordinary circumstances and how they use faith and action to see them through tough times.
This book could be read alone - but would be enhanced by reading Healer first.
I especially liked the way this book speaks to faith in things larger than ourselves without being preachy and depicts the dark side of humanity without being overly depressing.
Exciting story filled with faith, hope and adventure. We get to see normal teens put in to extraordinary circumstances and how they use faith and action to see them through tough times.
This book could be read alone - but would be enhanced by reading Healer first.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews