This book. THIS BOOK. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear TJ Rose had written hundreds of books. The world building is superb. Rose has created this unique world with magical motes and tech, with shadows and light and characters who wield both. The story itself is powerful and fluid, emotional in its own way with each character navigating the chaos while also fighting their individual battles. And the message beneath it all is a compelling one.
The Light Within starts right where The Shadows Beyond left off. I don’t want to give too much detail because I don’t want to spoil anything. The umbraphages are still wreaking havoc while the folks at Auri struggle to fight them off. Cinn has brought back a demon cat who they believe to be Beatrice. Julian is finally attempting to channel again. Darcy is worrying over her father and what will happen if they lose access to the motes. Elliot is finding his strength and moving towards something new while remaining true to those he cares for the most. This group of found family is such a solid bunch. The way they work together, care for each other, hold each other accountable…if only we all had friends like this. I thought the addition of having chapters from everyone’s pov was creative and smart. It gave a different perspective which was helpful to the storyline.
In the midst of all this, Julian and Cinn are building on the relationship that began in book one. They are figuring out what that looks like for them. I loved seeing Julian’s vulnerability, the way he wanted to protect Cinn always. The letter he sent to Cinn was so moving. And Cinn, he was adorable with his own grumpy version of being shy when it comes to showing his emotions. Cinn knows that Julian feels like he has to be responsible, to save them all. He accepts that while also refusing to let him do it alone. Their bond is something special, and TJ Rose really lets you feel that through their connection and banter.
Overall, it was just such a wonderful book! And bonus points to whoever edited it…as someone who edits for a job, this was a job well done.
Cinnamon ‘Cinn’ Saunders has learnt a lot since his arrival at the Aurelia Arcanum Institute of Esoteric Sciences.
He’s learnt he’s a shadowslipper, capable of moving between realms.
He’s learnt that he’s expected to be the solution to the ever-growing waves of deadly umbraphage attacks.
He’s learnt that cocky French men with pretty, punchable faces can be fun to kiss.
After Cinn’s explosive arrival into his world, Julien Montaigne has also learnt a lot.
His dead sister Béatrice was a member of the terrorist group, the Arcane Purifiers;
Béatrice may or may not have returned to them as the world’s ugliest cat;
English men with a fondness for beanie hats make him go weak at the knees.
Trouble is stirring, and Cinn, Julien, Darcy and Elliot are about to be caught in the cross-fire between the consortium and the Arcane Purifiers. As dangers circle like sharks, the four friends must unravel the threads of the mysteries they’re wrapped up in and choose which side of the war they belong to before their enemies close in.
This is the second half of the Shadow & Light Duology, and should be read after The Shadows Beyond.
