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The Phantom #2
Dark Reflections
Forever just got longer . . .
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing—shedding all my worries and living the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m doing everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster.
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing—shedding all my worries and living the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m doing everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster.
310 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Laura C. Reden
22 books67 followersI never considered myself a creative person, until a sudden spark of inspiration left me writing my first book. The endless possibilities for creativity and imagination have kept me dedicated to the craft ever since.
I find myself captivated by mixing real life with the unknown, a perspective glimpse on what lies beyond our reality. And driven by deep, unrefined emotions, that are at the heart of life’s beauty and tragedy.
If my work has resonated with you, I would be thrilled to hear about it. Please consider leaving a review, subscribing to my email list, or reaching out to me directly. Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you soon.
I find myself captivated by mixing real life with the unknown, a perspective glimpse on what lies beyond our reality. And driven by deep, unrefined emotions, that are at the heart of life’s beauty and tragedy.
If my work has resonated with you, I would be thrilled to hear about it. Please consider leaving a review, subscribing to my email list, or reaching out to me directly. Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you soon.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 21, 2024
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in 2022, and these opinions are all my own.
“My deepest, darkest fear was then realized. I was nobody.”
Plot: This book picks up after the second book, with new possibilities and discoveries. Is Kinsley really dead, or is this just a dream? Why can't any of her friends leave Baylor? Why doesn't Layla want to be found, not even by... Walker? But most importantly... who is going to die next?
Characters: I liked Noah, Kai and Mason. I am not sure how to feel about Kinsley, Walker and Emma, and I really don't like Emma anymore. You can really see Kinsley's character development and how she is not the "innocent girl" she was when she first came to Baylor.
Elements/genres: Like the first book this is a YA paranormal/thriller set at a lakehouse!
Likes: The twists and turns. Also their theory about not being able to leave Baylor is pretty cool. I like when they work together, and feel a bit sad when they're fighting, especially when they're supposed to be working with each other instead of against each other.
Pace: The beginning was a bit slow paced, and was a bit harder to get into. It got better after a few chapters.
I really, really hope Noah, Kai and Mason don't die. They're my faves.
I don't want this series to ever end.
“My deepest, darkest fear was then realized. I was nobody.”
Plot: This book picks up after the second book, with new possibilities and discoveries. Is Kinsley really dead, or is this just a dream? Why can't any of her friends leave Baylor? Why doesn't Layla want to be found, not even by... Walker? But most importantly... who is going to die next?
Characters: I liked Noah, Kai and Mason. I am not sure how to feel about Kinsley, Walker and Emma, and I really don't like Emma anymore. You can really see Kinsley's character development and how she is not the "innocent girl" she was when she first came to Baylor.
Elements/genres: Like the first book this is a YA paranormal/thriller set at a lakehouse!
Likes: The twists and turns. Also their theory about not being able to leave Baylor is pretty cool. I like when they work together, and feel a bit sad when they're fighting, especially when they're supposed to be working with each other instead of against each other.
Pace: The beginning was a bit slow paced, and was a bit harder to get into. It got better after a few chapters.
I really, really hope Noah, Kai and Mason don't die. They're my faves.
I don't want this series to ever end.
November 3, 2022
Dark Reflections by Laura C. Reden.
The Phantom Series, Book 2.
Forever just got longer . . .
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing—to shed all my worries and live the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m trying everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster.
A brilliant read. I loved the St. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
The Phantom Series, Book 2.
Forever just got longer . . .
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing—to shed all my worries and live the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m trying everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster.
A brilliant read. I loved the St. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
August 9, 2022
Lauren C Reden has continued her Phantom series with another brilliant heart stopping dark fantasy adventure. Can Kinsley Wilde protect her friends as she and they find themselves trapped in Baylor. Why is this happening? Is there a way out that doesn’t lead to death? Read the book and find out. If horror/dark fantasy is your thing, you’ll love this story/series. This book starts where book one, Phantom Reality, finished; it really helps to read the books in order. Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.
August 13, 2022
Forever just got longer . . .
Sometimes I’d dream of disappearing to shed all my worries and live the free life. But it’s not all I thought it would be.
Being dead is eerily similar to being alive. Except it’s incredibly lonely when your friends don’t know your secret.
But that’s not the worst thing I’ve been hiding from them. There’s dark magic looming over Baylor, and lives are at stake. Their lives.
It might be too late for me, but I’m trying everything I can to keep them safe. If only I weren’t the monster.
In a space where dreams and nightmares both come true, one thing is clear: losing control is not an option.
Book 2 in the series and I’m really enjoyed this series so far roll on book 3 I can’t wait this is one series you don’t want to miss totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and ARC Provided By Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op
I just reviewed Dark Reflections by Laura C. Reden. #DarkReflections #NetGalley
Book 2 in the series and I’m really enjoyed this series so far roll on book 3 I can’t wait this is one series you don’t want to miss totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and ARC Provided By Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op
I just reviewed Dark Reflections by Laura C. Reden. #DarkReflections #NetGalley
August 15, 2022
What started off as a long awaited dream vacation before Kinsley Wilde and her friends head off to University is now a nightmare. People are dying and Kinsley is blaming herself. Stuck in Baylor, it seems as though the town is out to keep them, dead or alive.
I love this series, the characters are filling out nicely and the story is getting really dark. I like the interaction between Kinsley and Walker, he really is the mystery man. The theme is changing slightly as Kinsley realises that she is there for a particular reason, even if she isn’t sure what that its. Again it’s a book I needed to read in daylight, and although it seemed a bit slow to start, the pace picked up nicely towards the end. I definitely need to read the next book and this really does have the feel of a real good tv series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series, the characters are filling out nicely and the story is getting really dark. I like the interaction between Kinsley and Walker, he really is the mystery man. The theme is changing slightly as Kinsley realises that she is there for a particular reason, even if she isn’t sure what that its. Again it’s a book I needed to read in daylight, and although it seemed a bit slow to start, the pace picked up nicely towards the end. I definitely need to read the next book and this really does have the feel of a real good tv series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2022
This is one of those books that when you pick it up, you don’t want to put it down. You want to know the answers. The who what where and why, did that really happen? Is that real? Can Kinsley find love in all this twisted chaos? Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
September 2, 2022
Dark Reflections | Laura C. Reden
⭐️ 3.5
Wow, there is a lot going on in this book and it all comes together so well.
I’m invested.
To be fair, I did not read book number 1, so I was stumbling around in the dark for a while at the beginning.
The story is focused around Kinsely Wilde and her internal struggle with what her purpose in this reality. It’s a slow unravelling of clues to how she can save herself and her friends from Baylor and possibly death.
The back story is well explained (especially as I missed book 1), and the past is slowly revealing itself to the reader. The internal struggle is so well written and I really feel torn for Kinsley and the choices that she has to make.
This second book leaves you off on pretty big cliff.
Is Kinsley dead, alive, or somewhere in between? Is this magic, or is this reality created in her own mind?
What future will she choose?
Although this is not my usual genre, it’s been fun, and I can’t wait for book 3!
GENRE: I would consider this series YA Dark fantasy, horror.
COVER: 9/10 Almost perfect, magical, references the story.
This is the second book in the Phantom series.
1. Phantom Reality
2. Dark Reflections
3. Haunted Waters
4. Beautiful Poison
ARC: Thanks to NetGalley and the Laura C. Reden for an ARC in return for an honest review
⭐️ 3.5
Wow, there is a lot going on in this book and it all comes together so well.
I’m invested.
To be fair, I did not read book number 1, so I was stumbling around in the dark for a while at the beginning.
The story is focused around Kinsely Wilde and her internal struggle with what her purpose in this reality. It’s a slow unravelling of clues to how she can save herself and her friends from Baylor and possibly death.
The back story is well explained (especially as I missed book 1), and the past is slowly revealing itself to the reader. The internal struggle is so well written and I really feel torn for Kinsley and the choices that she has to make.
This second book leaves you off on pretty big cliff.
Is Kinsley dead, alive, or somewhere in between? Is this magic, or is this reality created in her own mind?
What future will she choose?
Although this is not my usual genre, it’s been fun, and I can’t wait for book 3!
GENRE: I would consider this series YA Dark fantasy, horror.
COVER: 9/10 Almost perfect, magical, references the story.
This is the second book in the Phantom series.
1. Phantom Reality
2. Dark Reflections
3. Haunted Waters
4. Beautiful Poison
ARC: Thanks to NetGalley and the Laura C. Reden for an ARC in return for an honest review
September 12, 2022
I am really enjoying this series! It’s different than most of what I usually read and it’s so well written and flows so beautifully it’s quickly becoming one of my all time favorite series’.
I can not wait to see where we find ourselves in the next book!
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can not wait to see where we find ourselves in the next book!
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
Release Date September 6, 2022.
I just about melted when my editor told me Dark Reflections was "Deliciously dark, comedic, and soulful."
I couldn't be more excited to release book two just one month after the first. I really hope you enjoy it.
I just about melted when my editor told me Dark Reflections was "Deliciously dark, comedic, and soulful."
I couldn't be more excited to release book two just one month after the first. I really hope you enjoy it.
September 3, 2022
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and quickly read the first book to get ready for this one. I think I enjoyed the second book more than the first because at this point all of the characters had been introduced, the plot had been laid out and I had a much better feeling for the tone. I was ready for Kinsley and Walker to continue diving into the mysteries of Baylor Lake but the stakes seemed to be much higher this time.
When we left Kinsley, she had discovered some updating information that has changed her perspective on everything that has happened to her so far this summer. While it explains some things, it leaves her with many more questions than answers. Now she also has to worry about how her friends are involved and if they are at risk of being hurt or dying because of her. Walker is the only one who understands and together they are still trying to find the missing girl that Gran asked her to find.
The imagery in this book was very strong and I had a very good visual for some of the more surreal or dream like scenes. In fact, I felt like I was playing it in my mind like a creepy teen horror show the entire time. Reden does a great job of setting the tone and making you feel just as confused and scared as the main character Kinsley. I also like that she has the characters dealing with their own trauma or mental struggles and how that might look if it manifested into reality.
It's a great paranormal series and I look forward to continuing on with Kinsley and Walker in the next two books. I'm glad that this has been stretched about into several books because otherwise I don't think it would have the intended effect she was going for. It definitely deserves to be fleshed out and it heightens the suspense just a little bit more. Definitely recommend!
When we left Kinsley, she had discovered some updating information that has changed her perspective on everything that has happened to her so far this summer. While it explains some things, it leaves her with many more questions than answers. Now she also has to worry about how her friends are involved and if they are at risk of being hurt or dying because of her. Walker is the only one who understands and together they are still trying to find the missing girl that Gran asked her to find.
The imagery in this book was very strong and I had a very good visual for some of the more surreal or dream like scenes. In fact, I felt like I was playing it in my mind like a creepy teen horror show the entire time. Reden does a great job of setting the tone and making you feel just as confused and scared as the main character Kinsley. I also like that she has the characters dealing with their own trauma or mental struggles and how that might look if it manifested into reality.
It's a great paranormal series and I look forward to continuing on with Kinsley and Walker in the next two books. I'm glad that this has been stretched about into several books because otherwise I don't think it would have the intended effect she was going for. It definitely deserves to be fleshed out and it heightens the suspense just a little bit more. Definitely recommend!
August 12, 2022
"The only way out is...in"
In this Dark Fantasy Romance we follow Kinsley,
She thought this trip to the lake will be all she needs before heading off to college.
But
Things tooks a wrong turn and now she found herself, dead. Stuck in another dimension.
Her friends still don't know her secret, she is dead and a dark magic is looming over them and now trapped in Baylor, she knows and she needs to save them.
Mystery and thrills kept me locked onto this pages. Easy read and kept me wondering.
Thanks to @netgally for giving me this advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review
In this Dark Fantasy Romance we follow Kinsley,
She thought this trip to the lake will be all she needs before heading off to college.
But
Things tooks a wrong turn and now she found herself, dead. Stuck in another dimension.
Her friends still don't know her secret, she is dead and a dark magic is looming over them and now trapped in Baylor, she knows and she needs to save them.
Mystery and thrills kept me locked onto this pages. Easy read and kept me wondering.
Thanks to @netgally for giving me this advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review
March 31, 2023
Another win for Laura C Reden. We pick up from where book 1 left off and straight back into the mystery of what is happen in Baylor. I love the character development we see in many of the characters and I love the relationship between Kinsley and Walker. It’s so engrossing and hard to put down. There’s some heartwarming and heart wrenching moments with some great moments of humour. I cannot wait to pick up book 3 of this series.
September 6, 2022
What are you capable of, if you listen to your fears? Dark Reflections by Laura C Reden continues an interesting premise, started in Phantom Reality. It is unlike any other series I’ve read before. I wasn’t able to predict the direction the story took, which I liked a lot. Laura C Reden writes poetic lines, and it’s worth your time.
September 15, 2022
With “Dark Reflections”being the second book of this series, I remain intrigued and curious as to where the varying twists and turns in the plot will lead too. There is some repetitiveness and at times I wished the story would progress quicker, however, remains an intriguing read, great for young adult readers. I anxiously await the third book (3 of 4) in the series!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews