A Ray in the Dark • Fractured Light

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan
Series: Fractured Light #1
Publisher: Sweetwater Books
Publication Date: February 8, 2012
Source/Format: Netgalley || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my review.]

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

What a novel! Though it started a bit slow for me, I ended up really enjoying Fractured Light. The enticing combination of the paranormal combined with a teen's reality and a hint of romance was enough to spark my interest. And this book is definitely one of the releases I think everyone should look out for!

Fractured Light combines three things that I've always believed are elements of a great story: a strong mythology, well-defined characters and an interesting plot.

The mythology mirrors many stories about good and evil, but I thought it was a very refreshing take on things. I don't think I've ever read a story quite like it. I like the whole concept of the Light and the powers it affords to those who wield it, which is something passed from one generation of females to the next. Then there are Guardians, who watch over Auras (those who bear the Light) and are basically humans with super physical abilities. Of course, we also have the Vykens, evil beings who's shadow and darkness are in complete contrast to the Light. Though we discovered a lot about the mythology in this novel, I have hope for a sequel with even more to learn!

Llona is an interesting character and one that I admire so much. As a Aura she is meant to be peaceful, gentle and humble, as has been impressed upon her many times by her mother and her Aunt Sophie. But Llona is different from the others - she's physical, defensive and a born fighter. During the course of the book, we learn a lot about her and start to understand her better. I have come to some conclusions of my own about why she is the way she is, but in order to not spoil anything, I'll just say read the book and you may see what I mean.

And Christian is now officially one of my favorite YA characters. I love his protective nature, and his relationship with Llona. He's swoon-worthy (as you'll see when you read the book) and smart and just an incredible character. Other characters I loved are May, Matt and Jake. They're mostly secondary characters, but I think that they added a depth to the story that made all the difference.

The plot is well-written and engaging. Though I figured a few things out halfway in, I thought there was enough left to keep me intrigued and wondering... and now hoping for a sequel. There are so many questions I need answered, so I'm definitely hoping it happens! Fractured Light is an exciting, refreshing YA paranormal read and I can't wait to read more from this author.