Into the Light by Aleatha Romig Series: Light #1
Published by Self-Published on June 14th 2016
Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense
Format: eARC
Source: ARC
Purchase @ AMAZON or BN
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Sara Adams awakes blind, unable to remember the most basic details of her life, but her darkness seems a blessing when she discovers the terrors of The Light.
Stella Montgomery investigates the news on the mean streets of Detroit, where she’s noticed a disturbing trend: young women are vanishing. When her best friend disappears, Stella investigates—despite warnings from her police detective boyfriend—following a twisted trail that leads her through the city’s most dangerous and forsaken precincts. There she uncovers something more sinister than she could have imagined: a shadowy organization known as The Light, led by the enigmatic Father Gabriel.
As Sara struggles to understand her place in the strange world she’s awakened to—an oppressive cult demanding unquestioning obedience—and her feelings for Jacob, the husband she can’t recall and whose harsh and tender attentions confuse and beguile her, Stella risks all to discover the truth. But enlightenment always comes with a price…
Q&A Review by Micah, Angie & Liezel
How does Into the Light compare to all the other series written by AR?
Micah: Given our brief discussion on the topic, I know that Angie disagrees, but I think this title holds up to the high standards Aleatha sets. All of the titles I have read by her have been superb, in character development, plot, and world-building. I wasn’t hooked from moment one in this book, as I was very confused. However, I was hooked *very* close to moment one.
Angie: First let me address what Micah said. When we were discussing Into the Light I had bought up I was having a hard time getting into the book. I was confused throughout half of it but I really think Aleatha wanted us to be confused. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like it because I did. I’m not going to compare this to any other of Aleatha’s books. This was not like any other book I have ever read by her. It was unique in it’s own way. It wasn’t dark and there wasn’t a lot of sex. Even though I had a hard time at first that doesn’t mean that the writing or the characters were flawed in any way. I don’t think Aleatha can write a bad book. You may not like everything in a book of hers but that’s one thing that will remain the same. Her writing is superb and even if you can’t connect with some of the characters that means she’s done her job. Her knowledge of religious cults shows. You were in their world and it was uncomfortable at times.
Liezel: I have to admit that this is just the second series that I’ve read by Aleatha and I am equally impressed with the complexity of each and every element as I was with her Consequences Series.
Was the story predictable?
Micah: Yes and no. But not in the way that you would think. I had most of the big twists figured out. Some story lines were more predictable than others. Did that ruin the story for me? No. The story is still rich with content that I was dying for. Other story lines were not predictable and did character think/do things that I hadn’t even thought of! This kept the story crisp and original.
Angie: This is like a trick question. Lol Some of it you figured out pretty early on. Other parts you didn’t. Those other parts are what kept me reading. Well, even the parts I figured out just to make sure I was right. I needed to know what happened. I had to know if people were who they said who they were and what exactly was going on.
Liezel: I had my suspicions as to “who” early on but the “how’s” and the “why’s” is still convoluted in my mind. Some of these unanswered questions aren’t completely addressed in this book and this is why I can not wait to get my hands on the second book.
Of all the characters… Which made the best impression? Worst?
Micah: Jacob made the best impression on me, by far. We saw into his mind probably the least? I am not sure between him or Stella, but I was always curious to see into his mind. To get a glimpse of the person that was Sara’s husband.
Worst? I would say, Lilith. Hands down. Right? I would have punched her.
Angie: I love Stella. I love that she never gave up on searching for her friend/coworker. I also love the insight into the investigation that takes place. It was like I was reading my own ID show.
I disliked Jacob at first. To me, he was a minion of the light. For main characters, he was the one I disliked the most. But I also hated the “Father”, Sister Lilith, and Brother Timothy. When you read you’ll form your own judgment. One thing I have learned from Into the Light is that not everyone is as they seem.
Liezel: I would also have to say that it was Stella. I not only appreciated her for her work ethic but also the loyalty she had for her friend. She knew that what she was investigating was risky and dangerous but this didn’t stop her. Sister Lilith and Brother Timothy were the worst for obvious reasons.
What did you think overall?
Micah: I loved this book. I loved the mystery angle to the book and I couldn’t get enough! I cannot wait until the next book comes out. You know how much I hate a cliffhanger. These characters are going to hang around in my head for a bit while I dissect theory upon theory. I give it 4.75-5 stars. It was excellent!
Angie: Overall it was a great book. It left me with more questions than answers and that intrigues me. I love the mystery/suspense of it. I even like how I’m still confused about the ending and shaking my head wondering what the heck just happened. That’s one of the many reasons I give it 4 stars. I mean come on Aleatha! That was the best/worst cliffhanger ever. Into the Dark can’t get here quick enough.
Liezel: As expected, I thought it was a great book. From the very beginning, it kept me engaged. There were some components that left me pondering but this was a part of the overall appeal… it gave us a good opportunity to discuss some of the issues.
Would you recommend this book?
Micah: YES! It was great. It has mystery, a gray-ish love story, intrigue, shady business…can it get better? So good!
Angie: Yes I would but with a warning. Do not go into this book thinking it’s like Aleatha’s other books because it’s not. It’s completely different and keep an open mind. If you have a hard time at first push through. You won’t be disappointed.
Liezel: Despite the cliffhanger, I enjoyed Into The Light. I would definitely recommend it for those who appreciate a well-written story riddled with suspense and mystery.
Angie & Liezel’s Rating:
Micah’s Rating:
Purchase now!
Excerpt:
Maybe this wasn’t real, maybe it was a bad dream and the scene would soon fade. My stomach twisted as their exchange continued and they discussed my insubordination and correction. Each time Brother Timothy condemned, Jacob reminded him that my transgressions were alleged, not proven. It was as if suddenly I were on trial in my hospital room instead of in a court of law.
It wasn’t until I heard the word banishment that their conversation again registered. Whatever had been said had apparently been the parting word. Murmurs floated above the sound of various sets of feet exiting, then finally there was silence. When the door clicked closed I released my breath.
Turning toward my husband, I waited for an explanation. Nothing. I was about to pull my hand away when I felt a tug on my right arm and a woman spoke.
“Brother Jacob, Dr. Newton would like to examine Sister Sara now.”
So many brothers and sisters. So unfamiliar.
“Are you giving her more medicine?” Jacob asked.
“After the doctor comes. He’d like her to be awake.”
“Tell him he’ll need to wait until morning. She’s had enough commotion for her first day.
Bring her medicine, something to drink, and let her sleep.”
I pressed my lips together in protest. Not that anyone noticed. They were doing it again. Discussing me while I was right there. Why does no one else find this wrong?
“I’m sorry,” the woman, who I assumed was a nurse, said. “The Commission hasn’t approved her intake of fluids. Refusal of nutrients is an approved decree.”
Jacob’s grip tensed. “I’m quite aware of the Commission’s approved decrees.”
“I’m sorry, Brother. I didn’t mean to . . .”
“It’s been over a week. She needs more than what she’s getting from that needle.”
“I believe they’ll discuss it in the morning since Brother Timothy was able to see and talk to her. They should have a revised decision by tomorrow. I can’t go against . . .”
Jacob sighed and his grip remained tight. “I understand,” he conceded. “Then bring me ice chips. If we hurry before they melt, they’ll be solids and not liquids. That won’t violate the Commission’s authority.”
“Brother?”
“Bring me ice.”
About Aleatha Romig
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.
