Radiance by Alyson Noël

Writer: Alyson Noël

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 1st Feb 2011

Pages: 208

Edition: Paperback

Received: Bought

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

I have been interested in this author before, especially her Immortal series. I saw this in a bookshop and loved the cover. It is beautiful the way the colours go together and the bridge is slightly faded in the background. The font is gorgeous too, and the inside didn't disappoint!

Riley died in a car crash and the only one who survived is Ever, her big sister. Even Buttercup, her dog, went into the afterlife along with her parents too. After learning to fit in with others, Riley is asserted to being a Soul Catcher. Her job is too help people move on and stop them leering on the bridge and finally cross it. Her assistant is Bodhi, a boy who is training her. Riley's first 'mission' is the Radiant Boy. Everyone before her has failed, but Riley is different than the rest...

I really enjoyed this! It was never boring and the ideas are so original. Alyson's style of writing is the kind that has you hooked. It is a very short and light novel, but now this makes me want to read the next one in the series - Shimmer. I am now very interested in reading The Immortals, another series aimed at older readers.

Personally, overall I found this a entertaining read. It had a splash of everything which will have you laughing one minute and turning the pages as fast as possible the next! However, to be honest, this isn't worth the price. Maybe £2 or a freebie in a magaize. In my opinion, this book will probably be engaging to girls around 11-13 - or a mini read for teens!

RATE: 3/5

To buy this book click HERE.

Zoe x