What do you think?
Rate this book
Lost Light #2
The Dark We Seek
Darkness spreads across the globe...
After explosive solar flares strike Earth, half the planet goes dark. Store shelves gather dust, pharmacies run out of life-saving medications, and banks and gas stations shut their doors.
As tens of millions of people grapple with a new reality without power, a serial killer hunts in the chaos. Alger County Undersheriff Jackson Cross is determined to stop him, no matter the cost.
Torn between vengeance and a chance at redemption, ex-convict Eli Pope faces his greatest test, while Lena and Shiloh Easton struggle to survive in a world that grows deadlier by the day.
But nothing can prepare them for what comes next…
Set in the rural wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, The Dark We Seek is the riveting second installment in the CME/EMP survival series by USA bestselling author Kyla Stone.
After explosive solar flares strike Earth, half the planet goes dark. Store shelves gather dust, pharmacies run out of life-saving medications, and banks and gas stations shut their doors.
As tens of millions of people grapple with a new reality without power, a serial killer hunts in the chaos. Alger County Undersheriff Jackson Cross is determined to stop him, no matter the cost.
Torn between vengeance and a chance at redemption, ex-convict Eli Pope faces his greatest test, while Lena and Shiloh Easton struggle to survive in a world that grows deadlier by the day.
But nothing can prepare them for what comes next…
Set in the rural wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, The Dark We Seek is the riveting second installment in the CME/EMP survival series by USA bestselling author Kyla Stone.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2022
2141 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 7, 2025
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
'𝐓H𝐄 𝐃A𝐑K W𝐄 𝐒E𝐄K' Is the second full length book in the (LOST LIGHT) series by author Kyla Stone Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' 'C𝐇A𝐑A𝐂T𝐄R𝐒' Elli Pope, Jackson Cross (Deputy Sheriff) Shiloh Easton, Lena Easton (Aunt)
This kick starts off exactly where the previous book left off, and like the previous book the focus is on tying up loose ends in a cold case murder and other cases left unresolved.
Like an unfinished puzzle so many twists and turns are fired at us like missiles, loose ends, pieces not adding up, just when you think justice has been served and the cases have been sealed shut and resolved another curveball comes at us..Which I am here for.
Lily’s murderer is still walking amongst them, and Jackson is determined to get to the bottom of it and throw cuffs on the perpetrator.
Something wicked is coming their way, ters before they get better, things are going to get worse for these characters cartels and a bus load of escaped convicts are headed their way.
November 20, 2022
Hang on tight, you're in for a wild ride! The Dark We Seek is an action-packed post-apocalyptic survival thriller wrapped in a murder mystery complete with a twisty plot that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Kayla Stone is a terrific writer who spins a gripping story. Great descriptions abound that help you visualize locations and characters without tedious overdoing. Her characters come to life, are realistic, and are far from perfect humans (none of us are). You'll find yourself cheering for them, hurting with them, and there are a few characters who you hope will meet some untimely demise.
This book picks up right where The Light We Lost left off and will suck you in and not let go until the last page. It does not disappoint.
While it would be fantastic if Kyla could finish the third book in the trilogy *tomorrow,* that's not going to happen. As you anxiously await the next book, do yourself a favor and read her Edge of Collapse series. Or the Last Sanctuary series. Or Nuclear Dawn...
Be careful, Kyla Stone is habit-forming.
Full disclosure: I received (and greatly appreciate) an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kayla Stone is a terrific writer who spins a gripping story. Great descriptions abound that help you visualize locations and characters without tedious overdoing. Her characters come to life, are realistic, and are far from perfect humans (none of us are). You'll find yourself cheering for them, hurting with them, and there are a few characters who you hope will meet some untimely demise.
This book picks up right where The Light We Lost left off and will suck you in and not let go until the last page. It does not disappoint.
While it would be fantastic if Kyla could finish the third book in the trilogy *tomorrow,* that's not going to happen. As you anxiously await the next book, do yourself a favor and read her Edge of Collapse series. Or the Last Sanctuary series. Or Nuclear Dawn...
Be careful, Kyla Stone is habit-forming.
Full disclosure: I received (and greatly appreciate) an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
I have no idea why I ended up with more questions on who the real serial killer is or even... if there's more than one serial killer operating in the same small town?!
🌅 How Lena can be so calm and sure that her insulin is going to be okay with a solar powered minifridge is going to give me an ulcer. I'm so anxious if something happens, what if she runs out of insulin?!
🌅 I'm so proud of Shiloh she is thirteen, but that girl is feisty and with Eli's help I can see how she is turning into a full badass with that crossbow and guns. Don't mess with her now that she has Bear at her side too.
🌅 After everything Eli is still able to tolerate or do things for Jackson, I thought he was going to kill him at the first chance he got.
🌅 I hope by the last book Eli and Lena make it together, Jackson can cut ties entirely with his toxic family and Shiloh needs some internal peace after everything she has gone through at such a young age.
🌅 I knew it that there was something fishy on that police department! Sawyer and his wannabe army is scary as fuck, everyone is so trigger happy! But they don't compare to how meticulous Eli turns when he is feeling rage, and you mess with his people.
🌅 I was suspicious of Jackson because he is so head-on trying to help and protect the people he loves. He might redeem himself with me but I'm still suspicious, if not him there's something going with his dad.
The murder mystery mix is perfect! I'm so ready for the next book!
🌅 How Lena can be so calm and sure that her insulin is going to be okay with a solar powered minifridge is going to give me an ulcer. I'm so anxious if something happens, what if she runs out of insulin?!
🌅 I'm so proud of Shiloh she is thirteen, but that girl is feisty and with Eli's help I can see how she is turning into a full badass with that crossbow and guns. Don't mess with her now that she has Bear at her side too.
🌅 After everything Eli is still able to tolerate or do things for Jackson, I thought he was going to kill him at the first chance he got.
🌅 I hope by the last book Eli and Lena make it together, Jackson can cut ties entirely with his toxic family and Shiloh needs some internal peace after everything she has gone through at such a young age.
🌅 I knew it that there was something fishy on that police department! Sawyer and his wannabe army is scary as fuck, everyone is so trigger happy! But they don't compare to how meticulous Eli turns when he is feeling rage, and you mess with his people.
🌅 I was suspicious of Jackson because he is so head-on trying to help and protect the people he loves. He might redeem himself with me but I'm still suspicious, if not him there's something going with his dad.
The murder mystery mix is perfect! I'm so ready for the next book!
June 4, 2024
A cop, Jackson Cross, believed his friend, Eli Pope, murdered a former girlfriend and Cross planted some evidence to seal a conviction. After 8 years, the police realize they made a mistake and Eli is released. Then Cross asks Eli, who by no means has forgiven Cross, to go undercover. Because Eli wants to find the real killer, he agrees. The situation eventually turns deadly and has a couple of terrific unexpected twists to the ending to keep the series going. However, I was expecting the story to be more focused on a poet-apocalyptic world than it was. I thought it was more focused on solving a murder.
September 16, 2022
What an amazing read that was again. It starts just when The Light We Lost ended and it was really difficult to put down every day. An action packed ride with quite a few twists and turns. And main characters you simply fall in love with, Eli, Shiloh and Lena especially. None of them is perfect and you feel with them. Can't wait for the conclusion to this series. Kyla Stone simply is one of the best storytellers on this planet.
January 9, 2025
4.25⭐️
The nightmares persist, but so do these characters😭 I wanna have y'all's will to live. Like damn. When you think everything is sealed and shut, a door opens up again.
The nightmares persist, but so do these characters😭 I wanna have y'all's will to live. Like damn. When you think everything is sealed and shut, a door opens up again.
September 14, 2022
Could not put this book down! Kyla has a way of immersing the reader into her stories, I find myself sitting down to read and 3 hours later I have finished the book and have to wait 6 months for the next installment. I love that you can tell she has genuinely researched survival tactics and post-apocalyptic scenarios. The characters feel real and relatable and you find yourself falling in love with the characters. I can not wait to see what Kyla comes up with for the final book, though I will be sad to say goodbye to Eli, Shiloh, Jackson, Lena, and of course, we can't forget the goodest boy, Bear!
September 13, 2022
Ugh, alright fine, KEEP the 5th star!
I may be a bit biased to love on a Kyla Stone story, but even then, I refuse to shy away from a rating that I think fairly represents my reading experience. And I'm telling you, I was being incredibly stingy about my 5th star for this sequel to The Light We Lost. This started out as a 5-star read and stayed that way for a while, which is practically default for a Kyla Stone story. It picked up where the previous entry left off and proceeded to punch my emotions and lug me along for a wildly entertaining ride way early on. I knew I was in for a treat. Felt it coming.
Until the 5-star trip became a 4-star one. Okay, bit of a bummer, but it happens all the time. I was comfortable with 4-stars. It's a good rating for me. A solid one. I was still loving the thing, still WHOLLY invested and in love with literally all of it. The characters were shaping up, growing, and solidifying into people that snag my heart strings. That's good stuff. But every reader has pet peeves when it comes to the books they read, something they may consider an "unpardonable sin." And yes, even this gloriously wonderful sequel--that was so very much worth the wait, by the way--is not immune to committing that sin.
But for the frickin' life of me, it's like Kyla Stone knew EXACTLY what to do to thwart my 4-star rating. I was grumbly and clinging HARD to that 5th star, defiantly thinking, "Nope. You did the thing, Kyla Stone. You shall not pass. It will not be forgiven." But my willful stubbornness was effectively obliterated by the end of this book. Because if there's one thing that I'm a huge, HUGE sucker for (aside from these apocalyptic stories, of course), it's the thrill of crime-solving. It's being brought on a wild, mysterious journey, feeling so confident in what I think I know only to have it all blow up in my face to remind me that I know absolutely NOTHING. Gawd I love that. My 4-star rating literally had zero chance. So yeah, fine. Take the dang 5th star back.
Well played, Kyla Stone. Well played.
Though the aforementioned unpardonable sin did still leave a bit of a stain for me, the goodness of everything else forced me to get over it. Lemme just put it this way: I absolutely can't STAND being "left out" of crucial moments in a story. It's happened in a several books I've read, including this one, where I'd be looking forward to experiencing an important plot point teased heavily by the author only to have the entire event bypassed and then just shared with me retroactively via character narration. Many authors do this, likely as a means to save time, (which I do understand), but I just hate when it's done for moments that play vital roles in a story's direction. It drives me up the wall, I tell ya! Just let me be a part of things, mmkay? At least all the important ones? It's MUCH more satisfying that way.
All in all, though, I still absolutely loved this entry. It did everything a sequel should do and so much more. Insane action. Nail-biting tension. Emotional drama. Startling revelations. I personally appreciated the continuation of the crime element introduced in book one, and it was a delightful surprise to see how detailed the process is in doing so. I'm very familiar with crime stories and it was super fun to experience one in the middle of a dang apocalypse. That was so different. While I did wish I could have read certain things MORE in this entry, I am still floored by all the events that DID occur and, given the way it ends, am PUMPED for the final entry in the trilogy. I want all the things! More, more!
Note: Many thanks to Kyla Stone for an ARC of this story, which was offered in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate the opportunity!
I may be a bit biased to love on a Kyla Stone story, but even then, I refuse to shy away from a rating that I think fairly represents my reading experience. And I'm telling you, I was being incredibly stingy about my 5th star for this sequel to The Light We Lost. This started out as a 5-star read and stayed that way for a while, which is practically default for a Kyla Stone story. It picked up where the previous entry left off and proceeded to punch my emotions and lug me along for a wildly entertaining ride way early on. I knew I was in for a treat. Felt it coming.
Until the 5-star trip became a 4-star one. Okay, bit of a bummer, but it happens all the time. I was comfortable with 4-stars. It's a good rating for me. A solid one. I was still loving the thing, still WHOLLY invested and in love with literally all of it. The characters were shaping up, growing, and solidifying into people that snag my heart strings. That's good stuff. But every reader has pet peeves when it comes to the books they read, something they may consider an "unpardonable sin." And yes, even this gloriously wonderful sequel--that was so very much worth the wait, by the way--is not immune to committing that sin.
But for the frickin' life of me, it's like Kyla Stone knew EXACTLY what to do to thwart my 4-star rating. I was grumbly and clinging HARD to that 5th star, defiantly thinking, "Nope. You did the thing, Kyla Stone. You shall not pass. It will not be forgiven." But my willful stubbornness was effectively obliterated by the end of this book. Because if there's one thing that I'm a huge, HUGE sucker for (aside from these apocalyptic stories, of course), it's the thrill of crime-solving. It's being brought on a wild, mysterious journey, feeling so confident in what I think I know only to have it all blow up in my face to remind me that I know absolutely NOTHING. Gawd I love that. My 4-star rating literally had zero chance. So yeah, fine. Take the dang 5th star back.
Well played, Kyla Stone. Well played.
Though the aforementioned unpardonable sin did still leave a bit of a stain for me, the goodness of everything else forced me to get over it. Lemme just put it this way: I absolutely can't STAND being "left out" of crucial moments in a story. It's happened in a several books I've read, including this one, where I'd be looking forward to experiencing an important plot point teased heavily by the author only to have the entire event bypassed and then just shared with me retroactively via character narration. Many authors do this, likely as a means to save time, (which I do understand), but I just hate when it's done for moments that play vital roles in a story's direction. It drives me up the wall, I tell ya! Just let me be a part of things, mmkay? At least all the important ones? It's MUCH more satisfying that way.
All in all, though, I still absolutely loved this entry. It did everything a sequel should do and so much more. Insane action. Nail-biting tension. Emotional drama. Startling revelations. I personally appreciated the continuation of the crime element introduced in book one, and it was a delightful surprise to see how detailed the process is in doing so. I'm very familiar with crime stories and it was super fun to experience one in the middle of a dang apocalypse. That was so different. While I did wish I could have read certain things MORE in this entry, I am still floored by all the events that DID occur and, given the way it ends, am PUMPED for the final entry in the trilogy. I want all the things! More, more!
Note: Many thanks to Kyla Stone for an ARC of this story, which was offered in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate the opportunity!
September 17, 2022
This is a pretty long story, so you get a lot of action and enthralling drama in this book! The writing in this book is captivating, pretty realistic given the circumstances, with a lot of flawed people just trying to do their best to survive. There are some interesting characters, continuing from meeting them in the first book, and a lot of circumstances where things are not black or white. The novel does feature different people, but it is not difficult to keep it sorted in the head of the reader.
I found it utterly gripping, difficult to put down, and it is so well written that it is hard not to really care about the characters! Parts were really riveting.
It is the second one in the series, so I do suggest you read the first one before this.
I found it utterly gripping, difficult to put down, and it is so well written that it is hard not to really care about the characters! Parts were really riveting.
It is the second one in the series, so I do suggest you read the first one before this.
October 9, 2023
This is a great series. I like the characters because they suit the story - villains and heroes and those on the edge of either. The fast pace also suits the story and adds to the tension and suspense. I like how the chapters change so to view the plot from various characters.
It's a murder mystery within an apocalyptic setting.
Very good and recommended.
It's a murder mystery within an apocalyptic setting.
Very good and recommended.
April 30, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series thus far! Solid characters, small-town drama during a solar flare fueled apocalypse. Now 20+ hard core criminals escape...yeah, definitely reading the next one!
June 17, 2025
Really liked it. Was curious how the story would evolve but I loved it more than the first book.
March 30, 2024
I am not even done with this book but I already know what my review is going to be.... The story is dull and quite uninteresting for an apocalypse book. The writer tries desperately to explain to us the characters characteristics instead of just letting it play out in the story.... not to mention the endless amounts of fluff in every chapter. These books are about 200 pages too long with all the extra fluff that are literally adding nothing to the story... not even worth finishing the series. "They looked intimidating as hell." DUH....
March 12, 2024
An incredible book! There were characters I loved, and then the not so nice ones. But their personalities shone through! Can't wait for the next book!
September 20, 2022
"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars" (Og Mandino). I always begin the second book of a series with a slight sense of trepidation, especially when the first book was such a fantastic read. Well, I can breath a sign of relief because Kyla Stone delivered another knockout with The Dark We Seek. While Book 1 set up the onslaught of the solar flares that sent the USA into chaos, Book 2 turned up the heat and kept me reading into the early hours. I'll point out that I also spent time procrastinating and rereading bits of the story because I didn't want it to end - the sign of an absolute winner, for sure. For those that haven't started the series, they're not standalones and you need to start from the beginning to do it justice. Also, as this is Book 2, keep in mind that there might be small spoilers below for the story arc that started in the first installment of this series.
The book picks straight up from where The Light We Lost finished, with Lena hitting the ground running on Day 20 searching for Cody's body. While the serial killer from the first book had been caught, the perpetrator's declaration that he hadn't worked alone continues to haunt them as Lily's murder doesn't fit the profile of all of the victims. When Jackson uncovers evidence that points towards possible suspects, he turns to Eli for help uncover the real mastermind behind the crimes and hopefully bring Lena and Shiloh some peace. If you're looking for peace as a reader, however, brace yourself. This book had action and suspense in spades, giving me a mild dose of anxiety while reading and making sure I'd bitten off most of my nails. It was so good, I was tempted to skip ahead to find out how things were resolved with the author throwing everything she had at her readers.
While Book 2 continued the cold case of Lily's murderer and the post-apocalyptic issues caused from the solar flares, it added so much more to the story line. Jackson continued to be hounded by his own obsessions and fears and readers will be happy to see him taking a stand towards his horrid family. Lena, an outstanding female lead, continues to do everything she can to keep Shiloh safe while dealing with her own health issues. She's an amazing character - strong, not prone to dramatics and incredibly realistic, her chapters complimented the other characters' perfectly. Shiloh continued to develop and while I'm not always a fan of kids as main characters in books, she's another great addition that gives the book even greater depth. The secondary characters were fabulous, but the standout for me in The Dark We Seek was the delicious Eli Pope who absolutely shone and stole the show. Lethal in his own right with enough personal demons to put Lucifer to shame, his character arc was dynamite and I ate up every page he was on. There was a little more emotion from him this book that didn't only include anger and vengeance, hinting at a teensy bit romance and redemption with hopefully more to come.
The book was an excellent length and continued to be told from the different main characters' points of view. Kyla Stone really outdid herself with this one, smashing it out of the park and cleverly intertwining some of my favourite tropes throughout the plot. With a killer on the loose amongst a national catastrophe, she's really taken her readers on a heck of a ride and I can't get enough of it. There are some story lines tied off while others exploded under the premise that heartbreak and hope exist, side by side (the latter words being from the book). In words from the author that I think sums up the series' story arc perfectly: 'The past never died. It was always present, informing the here and now, directing the future, the ghosts they thought they'd left behind still haunted them all.' When I read the Light We Lost back in January, I'd already put it in my Top 10 reads for 2022. Now there's another book from the same author and series taking up a second place because this one is going straight into my Favourites folder for sure. I'm already salivating for Book 3. Oh, and I'm really delighted to read that Australia still has power and running water lol.
The book picks straight up from where The Light We Lost finished, with Lena hitting the ground running on Day 20 searching for Cody's body. While the serial killer from the first book had been caught, the perpetrator's declaration that he hadn't worked alone continues to haunt them as Lily's murder doesn't fit the profile of all of the victims. When Jackson uncovers evidence that points towards possible suspects, he turns to Eli for help uncover the real mastermind behind the crimes and hopefully bring Lena and Shiloh some peace. If you're looking for peace as a reader, however, brace yourself. This book had action and suspense in spades, giving me a mild dose of anxiety while reading and making sure I'd bitten off most of my nails. It was so good, I was tempted to skip ahead to find out how things were resolved with the author throwing everything she had at her readers.
While Book 2 continued the cold case of Lily's murderer and the post-apocalyptic issues caused from the solar flares, it added so much more to the story line. Jackson continued to be hounded by his own obsessions and fears and readers will be happy to see him taking a stand towards his horrid family. Lena, an outstanding female lead, continues to do everything she can to keep Shiloh safe while dealing with her own health issues. She's an amazing character - strong, not prone to dramatics and incredibly realistic, her chapters complimented the other characters' perfectly. Shiloh continued to develop and while I'm not always a fan of kids as main characters in books, she's another great addition that gives the book even greater depth. The secondary characters were fabulous, but the standout for me in The Dark We Seek was the delicious Eli Pope who absolutely shone and stole the show. Lethal in his own right with enough personal demons to put Lucifer to shame, his character arc was dynamite and I ate up every page he was on. There was a little more emotion from him this book that didn't only include anger and vengeance, hinting at a teensy bit romance and redemption with hopefully more to come.
The book was an excellent length and continued to be told from the different main characters' points of view. Kyla Stone really outdid herself with this one, smashing it out of the park and cleverly intertwining some of my favourite tropes throughout the plot. With a killer on the loose amongst a national catastrophe, she's really taken her readers on a heck of a ride and I can't get enough of it. There are some story lines tied off while others exploded under the premise that heartbreak and hope exist, side by side (the latter words being from the book). In words from the author that I think sums up the series' story arc perfectly: 'The past never died. It was always present, informing the here and now, directing the future, the ghosts they thought they'd left behind still haunted them all.' When I read the Light We Lost back in January, I'd already put it in my Top 10 reads for 2022. Now there's another book from the same author and series taking up a second place because this one is going straight into my Favourites folder for sure. I'm already salivating for Book 3. Oh, and I'm really delighted to read that Australia still has power and running water lol.
September 23, 2022
Wow! What a journey this book takes you on! Just when you think you have every detail worked out and it's over, it isn't!!
Really sad start when Cody's body is found both something Lena wanted yet dreaded finding at the same time. Then as Lena & Shiloh settle into their new home at the lighthouse they have violent intruders to deal with alone as Eli is off on his own part of what ends up being the joint mission of finding the serial killer that partnered with Walter Boone.
I have to highlight that i adored the "power struggle triangle" experienced within a certain scene in this book between, Eli, Jackson & Sawyer.
Each man attractive, strong & principled in their own way. Each choosing to live/survive this post Apocalyptic world. All 3 still having that achilles heel within the Easton family, whether its was Lily or Cody or is Lena or Shiloh.
It seems Lily really did love the authoritarian strong bad boy image, Sawyer, Eli, Jackson.
I must admit I loved the little twist, the little 'spanner in the works' that means Walter Boone's partner didn't actually murder Lily by his own hands, it seems theres is yet another accomplice, or copycat that knew the quirks & calling cards left by Boone & his partner. Its certainly a fantastic cliff hanger!! One minute you're thinking all solved, all loose ends tied up......and then just one thing out of place to unravel things again.
I have my suspicions and I sadly think it's going to be a highway to heartbreak and hellish choices for Jackson. Will he be capable of delivering justice, and/or preventing Eli, Sawyer or others delivering their new form of immediately actionable consequences.
I have so many scenarios and theories around
the 'messier killing' of Lily Easton. Could it have been done by a female, or third accomplice in attendance? Was Lily murdered by this third individual in a fit of jealous rage because of all the attention Lily got from the local men including her own boyfriend? Or was this third person interested in Lily and she refused them? There's so much more to come in book 3. Will Jackson keep his new found information to himself or share it with Eli, Lena & Shiloh.
On what else could happen next I am hoping for a happy family unit consisting of Eli, Lena & Shiloh, and maybe a little love & romance for Jackson & Devon. However, with Sawyer wanting to rule over the area and the fact he still has an army at his disposal it's only a matter of time until he comes up against the principled Jackson & Eli.
Really can't wait to read more!
Really sad start when Cody's body is found both something Lena wanted yet dreaded finding at the same time. Then as Lena & Shiloh settle into their new home at the lighthouse they have violent intruders to deal with alone as Eli is off on his own part of what ends up being the joint mission of finding the serial killer that partnered with Walter Boone.
I have to highlight that i adored the "power struggle triangle" experienced within a certain scene in this book between, Eli, Jackson & Sawyer.
Each man attractive, strong & principled in their own way. Each choosing to live/survive this post Apocalyptic world. All 3 still having that achilles heel within the Easton family, whether its was Lily or Cody or is Lena or Shiloh.
It seems Lily really did love the authoritarian strong bad boy image, Sawyer, Eli, Jackson.
I must admit I loved the little twist, the little 'spanner in the works' that means Walter Boone's partner didn't actually murder Lily by his own hands, it seems theres is yet another accomplice, or copycat that knew the quirks & calling cards left by Boone & his partner. Its certainly a fantastic cliff hanger!! One minute you're thinking all solved, all loose ends tied up......and then just one thing out of place to unravel things again.
I have my suspicions and I sadly think it's going to be a highway to heartbreak and hellish choices for Jackson. Will he be capable of delivering justice, and/or preventing Eli, Sawyer or others delivering their new form of immediately actionable consequences.
I have so many scenarios and theories around
the 'messier killing' of Lily Easton. Could it have been done by a female, or third accomplice in attendance? Was Lily murdered by this third individual in a fit of jealous rage because of all the attention Lily got from the local men including her own boyfriend? Or was this third person interested in Lily and she refused them? There's so much more to come in book 3. Will Jackson keep his new found information to himself or share it with Eli, Lena & Shiloh.
On what else could happen next I am hoping for a happy family unit consisting of Eli, Lena & Shiloh, and maybe a little love & romance for Jackson & Devon. However, with Sawyer wanting to rule over the area and the fact he still has an army at his disposal it's only a matter of time until he comes up against the principled Jackson & Eli.
Really can't wait to read more!
May 14, 2023
The second book of the Light We Lost series picks up a few weeks after the first book ends. Lena has moved back into her family home and is caring for Shiloh, though Shiloh is still maintaining her distance and even sleeping in a tent on the property. After the solar storms took out the power grid, supply chains came to a screeching halt. Unlike and EMP which would fry every electronic device, the solar storm only disrupted the power grid itself. Small electronics and cars work still, but there’s no way to charge them (except with solar charger), no internet, or even get fuel for the cars. With supplies now out of stock, people are getting desperate. Eli has been publicly cleared of the murder of Lily, but this leaves a serial killer on the loose.
I absolutely loathe Jackson’s family. Astrid, his sister is a manipulative narcissist. Jackson’s mother is delusional about life in general. Dotes on her “handicapped” and addict daughter, while pretending the world will right itself. Horatio, the former sheriff, is an enabler to everyone in his family except Jackson. Horatio is hiding something. Secret meeting with the sherif. He made some kind of deal with Sawyer for fuel. Something is up. Not to mention the unrealistic expectations he places on Jackson to provide for the family. I was glad that Jackson came clean to Eli about his involvement in setting him up.
Eli is still my favorite character. He wants to protect those he cares about but struggles with his internal conflict for vengeance. Can’t say I blame him. Eight years in prison will change a person.
Shiloh reminds me so much of Quinn from Edge of Collapse. Stubborn as hell, a fighter, and over estimates her own capabilities. But she’s also fierce and will do what it takes to protect herself and those she cares about.
I can’t wait to read the next book. Kyla Stone left us with a bit of a cliffhanger on this one. Lily’s murderer is still out there, even though Cyrus admitted to being the serial killer, escaped convicts who have it out for Eli, and the cartel. And, when will Eli tell Shiloh he’s her father. Furthermore, I need Eli and Lena to put aside their history and make up dang it!
I absolutely loathe Jackson’s family. Astrid, his sister is a manipulative narcissist. Jackson’s mother is delusional about life in general. Dotes on her “handicapped” and addict daughter, while pretending the world will right itself. Horatio, the former sheriff, is an enabler to everyone in his family except Jackson. Horatio is hiding something. Secret meeting with the sherif. He made some kind of deal with Sawyer for fuel. Something is up. Not to mention the unrealistic expectations he places on Jackson to provide for the family. I was glad that Jackson came clean to Eli about his involvement in setting him up.
Eli is still my favorite character. He wants to protect those he cares about but struggles with his internal conflict for vengeance. Can’t say I blame him. Eight years in prison will change a person.
Shiloh reminds me so much of Quinn from Edge of Collapse. Stubborn as hell, a fighter, and over estimates her own capabilities. But she’s also fierce and will do what it takes to protect herself and those she cares about.
I can’t wait to read the next book. Kyla Stone left us with a bit of a cliffhanger on this one. Lily’s murderer is still out there, even though Cyrus admitted to being the serial killer, escaped convicts who have it out for Eli, and the cartel. And, when will Eli tell Shiloh he’s her father. Furthermore, I need Eli and Lena to put aside their history and make up dang it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
In her newest novel, The Dark We Seek, Kyla Stone once again has us on the edge of our seats. She builds our interest to a fever pitch and then leaves us wondering what she has in store for us in the next novel. The tension between Eli and Jackson is palpable. I was not prepared for the way their relationship changed throughout the book. Nor was I prepared for the strong relationship between Eli and Lena or revelations about Shiloh and her brother Cody. In one section of the book I literally could not put it down until I saw the outcome. And when the identity of the murderer was revealed I was shocked to find out his identity. He was not the one I had thought he would be. These are all qualities of an excellent storyteller. If you like Apocalyptic fiction, you will enjoy this novel. I predict that The Dark We Seek will rapidly go to the top of the charts in Apocalyptic fiction.
I had the incredible privilege to read it in its raw unedited form and again as an ARC reader. It was twice as good the second time through.
September 17, 2022
This Series is a hit and I want more books. Don't miss it! Kyle has out done herself. The book brings together solar storms impacts, murders, impact on a small town environment, testing of loyalties and dependabilities, family, relationships, trust issues and explores the deepth of love. The emotions from all of this makes everything feel so real.
The characters are wonderful and believeable, such as Eli Pope, Lena Easton and Bear (the Newfoundland), Jackson Cross, Devon and James Sawyer. The book has consent action, twists, expect the unexpected, realistic, entertaining, and easy-to-read. Once I opened the cover, I didn't want to stop reading until the got to the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book for a honest review. If you enjoy books with some thickness, then this one is for you. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Disaster Fiction, and Crime and Mystery Science books.
The characters are wonderful and believeable, such as Eli Pope, Lena Easton and Bear (the Newfoundland), Jackson Cross, Devon and James Sawyer. The book has consent action, twists, expect the unexpected, realistic, entertaining, and easy-to-read. Once I opened the cover, I didn't want to stop reading until the got to the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book for a honest review. If you enjoy books with some thickness, then this one is for you. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys Disaster Fiction, and Crime and Mystery Science books.
December 17, 2022
Kyla’s Best Work Yet
I get so excited when this author releases new work. This is definitely some of her absolute best work yet and I cannot wait for the next book. Combining her post apocalyptic tried and true execution with a murder mystery is pure genius. This ups the ante for the genre as a whole and I could read work like this all day. Adding the layer of the murder mystery has brilliantly crossed over into storylines on the level of a Lee Child read with respect to methodical detail devoted to solving the crime.
This particular series is definitely Netflix worthy material and I can easily picture Chaske Spencer or Martin Sensmeier as Eli. Eli is without a doubt my absolute favorite character in the series along with Shiloh.
I get so excited when this author releases new work. This is definitely some of her absolute best work yet and I cannot wait for the next book. Combining her post apocalyptic tried and true execution with a murder mystery is pure genius. This ups the ante for the genre as a whole and I could read work like this all day. Adding the layer of the murder mystery has brilliantly crossed over into storylines on the level of a Lee Child read with respect to methodical detail devoted to solving the crime.
This particular series is definitely Netflix worthy material and I can easily picture Chaske Spencer or Martin Sensmeier as Eli. Eli is without a doubt my absolute favorite character in the series along with Shiloh.
May 21, 2024
I barely made it through the first book but I had already borrowed the second one from the library so I thought I would try it. Even skimming, thanks to the incredibly short chapters, too wordy. She describes the same thing three different ways in order to elevate word count and it became highly frustrating, like tear your hair out frustrating, just to get to the point. A lot of hurry up and wait. A lot of "I have a secret but I'm going to keep it to myself even in my own mind because we can't risk alerting the reader" crap. I'm all for flawed characters but you could at least give us somebody to root for. Just about everybody is annoying. I read a few reviews leading up to the final book and I cannot express strongly enough how little I care about them battling a drug cartel. Yikes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
I don't remember half of this book. I checked out around the 50% mark. Bored with the characters. Bored with the action. I think I like the other series better than this one.
And this is entirely on me, but my head kept picturing this a$$hole I know as Eli and it made me dislike him so much. I wasn't even trying to get an image of him in my head, but the second it popped in there, instant dislike. Which means I started hating all of his chapters and storyline.
I might have liked it better if that hadn't happened. Stupid brain.
I would have given this one-star but my imaginings for one of the MMCs isn't the book's fault. I was just bored. 50% in and it felt never ending. The pacing was just not up to snuff on this. It was too long.
And this is entirely on me, but my head kept picturing this a$$hole I know as Eli and it made me dislike him so much. I wasn't even trying to get an image of him in my head, but the second it popped in there, instant dislike. Which means I started hating all of his chapters and storyline.
I might have liked it better if that hadn't happened. Stupid brain.
I would have given this one-star but my imaginings for one of the MMCs isn't the book's fault. I was just bored. 50% in and it felt never ending. The pacing was just not up to snuff on this. It was too long.
September 26, 2022
Kept me up
Well. I stayed up all night to read this and it was so worth it. I love how Kyla Stone can enter that morally grey area without making you feel like a bad guy. Eli hits that grey area but with such good intentions that you can’t help but see him as the hero he is. Jackson did a great job of redeeming himself and I love him for it. I love Shiloh she is still the ultimate hero in my eyes and I love how she took charge with Ruby. I can not wait for the next book. This was seat gripping and suspenseful and I can not express how much I love it. I can not wait to find out who really killed Lily. I have my suspicions but they will wait till the next.
Well. I stayed up all night to read this and it was so worth it. I love how Kyla Stone can enter that morally grey area without making you feel like a bad guy. Eli hits that grey area but with such good intentions that you can’t help but see him as the hero he is. Jackson did a great job of redeeming himself and I love him for it. I love Shiloh she is still the ultimate hero in my eyes and I love how she took charge with Ruby. I can not wait for the next book. This was seat gripping and suspenseful and I can not express how much I love it. I can not wait to find out who really killed Lily. I have my suspicions but they will wait till the next.
October 8, 2022
As good as the first book
Sometimes, mamy times, book 2 in a series disappoint. Not this one.I still think that this series would make a great movie. The relationship are complex but real. The plot lines develop in unpredictable yet believable ways. On the backdrop of Hurricane Ian where power has been out in someplaces for a week, the townspeople reaction to loss of normalcy rings true. You can see it on the news. The primary difference is that the disaster is localized versus global in scale but it is not hard to imagine how the fear, anxiety, desperation would scale when all civil systems are lost. I have become a Kyla Stone fan because of these two books.
Sometimes, mamy times, book 2 in a series disappoint. Not this one.I still think that this series would make a great movie. The relationship are complex but real. The plot lines develop in unpredictable yet believable ways. On the backdrop of Hurricane Ian where power has been out in someplaces for a week, the townspeople reaction to loss of normalcy rings true. You can see it on the news. The primary difference is that the disaster is localized versus global in scale but it is not hard to imagine how the fear, anxiety, desperation would scale when all civil systems are lost. I have become a Kyla Stone fan because of these two books.
June 8, 2025
This Is Definitely Stone’s BEST Series!!
I’m LOVING this series!! It’s an Apocalyptic Survival Thriller along with a Murder Mystery. I mean, how awesome can you get?!
The characters are so complex, with backgrounds that still affect their emotional wellbeing. There has been growth and forgiveness between the first and second book, but I see more in their future. Especially as they try to survive the world in the upper peninsula after solar flares knocked out power and Murderers, Opportunists, Cartel and Escape Prisoners come down on their small town.
I HIGHLY recommend this one for all you Apocalypse, Survival, Thriller and Murder Mystery lovers!
I’m LOVING this series!! It’s an Apocalyptic Survival Thriller along with a Murder Mystery. I mean, how awesome can you get?!
The characters are so complex, with backgrounds that still affect their emotional wellbeing. There has been growth and forgiveness between the first and second book, but I see more in their future. Especially as they try to survive the world in the upper peninsula after solar flares knocked out power and Murderers, Opportunists, Cartel and Escape Prisoners come down on their small town.
I HIGHLY recommend this one for all you Apocalypse, Survival, Thriller and Murder Mystery lovers!
September 28, 2022
I couldn't stop reading once I started.
What a fantastic follow on from book 1 of the series. With lots of action, murderers and friends who you trust less than your enemies. Eli had been wronged, but when those close to him, especially those he loves, are threatened, he will do what it takes to protect them, even if it means teaming up with his so called friend to catch a killer. I'm so looking forward to reading book 3. I need to know what's going to happen next, especially the way Kyla has left the ending, she sure knows how to keep her fans interested.
What a fantastic follow on from book 1 of the series. With lots of action, murderers and friends who you trust less than your enemies. Eli had been wronged, but when those close to him, especially those he loves, are threatened, he will do what it takes to protect them, even if it means teaming up with his so called friend to catch a killer. I'm so looking forward to reading book 3. I need to know what's going to happen next, especially the way Kyla has left the ending, she sure knows how to keep her fans interested.
December 18, 2022
Another amazing installment by Kyla Stone!
Another amazing installment by Kyla Stone! I've read all her books, and just like the others couldn't put this one down. The way she paints the stories and draws each character in keeps you on the edge of your seat through every book! Eli and Shiloh were my favorite characters in this series. I can't wait to see their bond unfold. The mystery behind who killed Lilly will stay in my mind until the final is released. I've already pre ordered and hope Kyla has some other series up her sleeve!
Another amazing installment by Kyla Stone! I've read all her books, and just like the others couldn't put this one down. The way she paints the stories and draws each character in keeps you on the edge of your seat through every book! Eli and Shiloh were my favorite characters in this series. I can't wait to see their bond unfold. The mystery behind who killed Lilly will stay in my mind until the final is released. I've already pre ordered and hope Kyla has some other series up her sleeve!
January 22, 2023
Might just be her best work yet!
I've been a fan of Kyle Stone for years now and have read just about everything she's ever written. While I love them all I have to say "The Dark We Seek" might just be her best. This series is her first attempt at combining murder mystery and survival into one comprehensive tale. I certainly hope it won't be her last such attempt because she did an excellent job! This book is a page burner with finely executed plot twists and I know you will be very glad you read it.
I've been a fan of Kyle Stone for years now and have read just about everything she's ever written. While I love them all I have to say "The Dark We Seek" might just be her best. This series is her first attempt at combining murder mystery and survival into one comprehensive tale. I certainly hope it won't be her last such attempt because she did an excellent job! This book is a page burner with finely executed plot twists and I know you will be very glad you read it.
August 7, 2023
I think I could pick up any of her books and love it.
Kyla has become one of my favorite authors: this book has everything that I love: memorable characters, both good and bad, and the in-betweens - no one is perfect! So much action - SO much action. That is necessary in my reading: a fast-paced book that keeps me up at night! And relationships and interactions that are realistic, full of emotion and grittiness, that captivate you and pull you into their worlds, their fears and priorities. This is a great Book 2! Better than I could ever have wished for.
Kyla has become one of my favorite authors: this book has everything that I love: memorable characters, both good and bad, and the in-betweens - no one is perfect! So much action - SO much action. That is necessary in my reading: a fast-paced book that keeps me up at night! And relationships and interactions that are realistic, full of emotion and grittiness, that captivate you and pull you into their worlds, their fears and priorities. This is a great Book 2! Better than I could ever have wished for.
December 20, 2023
The second book in the series is a multifaceted adventure with different groups competing to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. There are several main characters in this book. Author Kyla Stone skillfully creates each character and the different priorities of each. Love 'em or hate 'em, you'll know and remember who they are. Whenever people are faced with a crisis, who they really are is revealed. The important thing is to know who you are before it hits the fan. I highly recommend the audio book performed by Stacy Glemboski. It is excellent! -Mr.Bill
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews