Review: Radiance (Noel)

Title: Radiance
Author: Noel
Genre: Fiction, Death, Angels, Ghosts
Pages: 192
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When her family's car crashed, Riley crossed into the afterlife with her parents and her dog Buttercup.  The only one left behind in the land of the living was her sister Ever (who you can read more about in the Immortals series). 

Riley has crossed over into Here where it is always Now.  But the afterlife isn't as relaxing as she thought it would be.  Riley is assigned a teacher, Bodhi, and a job (as a Soul Catcher, guiding lost souls across the bridge).  Bodhi is a mysterious soul, and a boy with secrets, but as much as he hates to admit it, he needs Riley.  And Riley needs him in order to pass her first test.

She has been assigned the job of convincing the Radiant Boy to cross into Here and stop terrorizing the occupants of the castle he has been haunting for centuries.  Many Soul Catchers have tried and all have failed.  Bodhi is sure Riley will fail, and he cannot believe she brought Buttercup along.  But for those that have read "Evermore" (book #1 of the Immortals), you will know that Riley has a mind of her own!

I was thrilled to grab an advance copy of this book by Alyson Noel.  Honestly, I would have been excited to read anything new from her (I am a big fan of the Immortals).  The fact that she has started a new series starring the spunky little sister from "Evermore" is most exciting.  Riley is a unique character.  She is sassy, feisty, and funny.  She also has quite an attitude for someone who is only 12.  But I suppose that she has earned the right to have an attitude.  However, she is also highly likable and there is a cute chemistry between her and Bodhi (he's only 14, don't freak out).  Their relationship is key to the story, as is Riley's determination to find her place in the Here.  Who better to help cranky ghosts cross over than someone who spent as much time avoiding the afterlife as Riley did?

If you are a fan of the Immortals, and always wanted to know what happened to Riley after she leaves Ever, you will want to read this book!  If you have not read the books, this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the wonderful writing of the author (read more about her in this previous post).  I have already loaned my copy to a student, but you only have to wait until August 31st for the book to be published.  I promise we will have a copy in the library on the first day of school!  Make sure to comment if you'd like to be on the list to check it out.  (If you just can't wait to read it, don't worry.  The book will be released in paperback, so it won't break the bank if you want your own copy).