This Raging MORPHEUS... wait, what?

This Raging Light
Written by Estelle Laure
Contemporary, Romance
Published January 12th 2016
320 Pages
Thank you to Hachette Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★
How is it that you suddenly notice a person? How is it that one day Digby was my best friend's admittedly cute twin brother, and then the next he stole air, gave jitters, twisted my insides up?

Lucille has bigger problems than falling for her best friend's unavailable brother. Her mom has gone, leaving her to look after her sister, Wren. With bills mounting up and appearances to keep, Lucille is holding it together, just.

A stunning debut to devour in one sitting, Laure captures completely the agony and ecstasy of first love.

Kelly's Thoughts

This Raging Light follows the story of Lucille, who's mother left she and younger sister Wren for an emotional reprieve and neither daughter has heard from their mother since. The bills are mounting and Lucille only being seventeen, needs to put her life on hold and become a parent at such a tender age, or risk losing the only family she now has. I felt for Lucille, shouldered with more responsibility than any child at her age should bear, their mother hadn't been the same since their father walked out after breaking down, resentful that his family relied upon him and had ruined his carefree life. Lucille knows she can't ask for help and risk intervention from the authorities, especially with Wren believing their mother will eventually return.

The only person Lucille can rely on is former next door neighbour and best friend Eden and by extension her twin, the unavailable Digby who Lucille had secretly fallen for years ago. Eden was a strange character, I liked her for the most part but through Lucille's storyline, painted her in a not so favourable light. She's a ballet dancer and in the midst of one of the most important auditions of her life but seems more focused on being a thinner version of herself, smoking rather than promoting a healthy body image. Lucille seemingly expecting her friend to answer her every beck and call. Of course Eden wants nothing more than to help her best friend in her time of need, but I feel Lucille took advantage of her generosity and when Eden was unavailable, then the duty seemed to fall to Digby.

Lucille is in love with Digby, having grown up together as children. But Digby is in a long term relationship and even with Eden warning her friend not to become involved, she ignores Eden and pursues him. Digby is nothing short of an asshole, he not only continues to encourage Lucille's feelings but also reciprocates, barely mentioning his long term girlfriend who seems to be conveniently absent while he becomes Lucille's chauffeur. Deception aside, I couldn't invest in their connection. Having known one another for years, he chooses when Lucille is at her lowest point to confess he has feelings for her? Nothing a swift kick to the testicles won't fix. If your mother walks out making you an instant parent, the last thing you'd be thinking about is wrapping yourself around anyone, never mind this asshole.

There is no doubt that Lucille is struggling with her new found parenthood, I loved her determination to take the financial reins of their situation and ensure that Wren would be able to remain in her own home with a sense of normality, even when their predicament was anything but. But I found aspects of Lucille's personality infuriating. Her deception, but also that she was incredibly irresponsible at times with leaving Wren in the middle of the night after often falling asleep distraught just to meet Eden. To talk. Honestly, I wouldn't ask this girl to take care of a house plant while I was in the next room.

Wren was absolutely gorgeous. Obsessed with the Food Network, she was such a lovely character and I would have loved to have seen the storyline as told through her thoughts.

While I did enjoy it, the storyline, was far too busy. A father that was institutionalised, a missing mother, a complicated romance, the mystery surrounding a good samaritan that was helping Lucille out in her time of need and an accident that really wasn't necessary. It was a little too much and created excess drama which I felt stunted character growth.

The Final Verdict

This Raging Light was a light and quick read, even given the seriousness of the storyline. Although I couldn't connect with Lucille or the romance between she and Digby, Wren was the shining light in an otherwise morally murky storyline. Much more suited for the younger teen audience, I did enjoy glimpses of Estelle Laure's often lyrical and fearless style of writing. Sometimes less really is more, but with an incredibly open ended final page, I am looking forward to seeing what happens to Lucille and Wren. But hopefully Digby will go missing and never to be heard of again.

Contains spoilers for Splintered, Unhinged and Ensnared

Untamed Splintered Book 3.5
Written by A. G. Howard
Retelling, Fantasy, Romance
Published January 1st 2016
240 Pages
Thank you to Thames and Hudson Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★☆
Alyssa Gardner went down the rabbit hole and took control of her destiny. She survived the battle for Wonderland and the battle for her heart. In this collection of three novellas, join Alyssa and her family as they look back at their memories of Wonderland.

In Six Impossible Things, Alyssa recalls the most precious moments of her life after Ensnared, and the role magic plays in preserving the happiness of those she loves. Alyssa’s mother reminisces about her own time in Wonderland and rescuing the man who would become her husband in The Boy in the Web. And Morpheus delves into Jeb’s memories of the events of Splintered in The Moth in the Mirror, available in print for the first time.

This collection expands upon Ensnared's epilogue, and includes some deleted scenes to provide a 'director’s cut' glimpse into the past and futures of our favorite Splintered characters.

Kelly's Thoughts

I absolutely adored A. G. Howard's Splintered series, an Alice in Wonderland retelling where Alyssa finds herself in the role of a new and edgier version of Alice Liddell, who is also incidentally her grandmother. Imagine a Wonderland where the White Rabbit is rabid skin and bones, where Queens reign and battle for supremacy while children are taken, and only Alyssa can regenerate the dying landscape and take her rightful place as Queen.

Untamed is a companion novel featuring three stories to transport readers back into A. G. Howard's reimagined world. The Boy in the Web is Alyssa's mothers story, sharing how she met her husband and Alyssa's father, her mental health and being placed within an asylum and protecting her only daughter. She's now enjoying life again, but fears for Alyssa's well being and the wicked that Wonderland can create. The Moth in the Mirror follows the rivalry of Jeb and Morpheus, as each battle for Alyssa's affections. Told in alternating points of view, the two alpha males bond over past memories and Jeb's muse to resurrect Morpheus' dying Wonderland.

But by far the most engaging story is Six Impossible Things, the story readers have been waiting for. It tells the story of Alyssa's eternity and it was nothing short of lovely to revisit the dark and magical landscape... And Morpheus. It's the finale I wish had been explored for Ensnared, the Queen taking her rightful place beside Morpheus and together, ruling over Wonderland. The two still share a familiarity, with Morpheus having prepared Alyssa for her rightful reign within her dreams while her waking hours were devoted to Jeb and the life they had shared with one another. As Alyssa recalls a long life of love and contentment, we learn more about what happened after the final page of Ensnared was turned, her family, her life and the moments that defined her as a devoted daughter, friend, wife and as a mother herself. It was poignant and emotional, but I loved each moment she shared with readers. 

The Final Verdict

MORPHEUS. Like previous installments, yet again the world building is vivid and delicious and although I couldn't connect to Alyssa's mother and her story, I appreciated how each character within the series felt complete. There are a few unexpected surprises woven throughout, which only added to my anticipation of what I was waiting for... Morpheus and his own happy ending.

Kelly is a part time crime fighter, a dairy connoisseur and possibly the best dancer the world has ever seen. She's also combining a few reviews into one post, to clear her backlog of reviews in draft.


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36 comments

  1. I don't know if I could be as sympathetic as you were with Lucille. While taking charge of her family is commendable, she seems entitled. She has no qualms with using people. I think I can sympathize if her using people was out of desperation. It doesn't seem to be the case in this instance.

    MORPHEUS. I'm not a fan. Lol.

    Brill reviews, Kelly. As always. :D

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    1. Oh she's so incredibly entitled Joy. You can understand with so much responsibility now that she needs help, but it felt as though she expected Eden to help her out so she could sneak around with her brother. It infuriated me. I don't understand why Digby needed a long term girlfriend, it just made the situation more messy than needed.

      Oh pish posh, Morpheus is so misunderstood.

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  2. The first book sounds eh, I'll probably not get to it. However the second one does sound very intriguing, going on my TBR! Fabulous reviews Kelly :d

    ~Noor

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    1. Thanks Noor. I love the Splintered series and it's one of those series I'd recommend to everyone. I'm a massive Alice in Wonderland fan and it rally did the original book justice too.

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  3. MORRRRPHEUS. OMG. <3 My copy is in the mail and to be honest it can't arrive soon enough. Although I'm crying that it only got 3 stars from you? YoU ARE GETTING TOUGH IN YoUR OLD AGE, KELLY. I do wish my post would hurry up tho, omg, it's been out for so long and I miss my Morpheus.
    ahem.
    And even though I kiiiinda want to read This Raging Light? I'm also dubious because younger-aimed-YA tends to leave me unsatisfied. I blame this on the 3 grey hairs I've sprouted. I'm getting too old, omg.

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    1. You see Smushy, I had to even it out and find the average. The only story I absolutely loved was Six Impossible Things which is Alyssa's ever after. And because you know, MORPHEUS!

      Even though I'm much much older, I didn't think I had any visible grey hair until my husband tried to pluck one from my hair, thinking it was one of the dogs hairs.

      Bloody men.

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  4. I didn't read the review for Untamed - I still need to read Ensnared, but I will! Sorry you thought too much was dealt with in This Raging Light. It does sound a bit chaotic. Wren sounds adorable, but yeah, don't like I'd like Lucille much.

    -lauren

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    1. I tried to connect with her, especially having so much responsibility on her young shoulders but I just found her so unlikable Lauren. I think the intended teen audience will enjoy it much more than I did though.

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  5. The cover for Untamed is insanely gorgeous! It's almost enough motivation for me to try to start Splintered again. Lovely review Kelly!

    Tracey @PrintedWordsAnd

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    1. Oh, you must give it another try! Splintered is such an incredible series and one that I recommend to nearly everyone. The covers are absolutely gorgeous too.

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  6. I absolutely loved This Raging Light. My heart was breaking for Lucille the whole time. There was a lot going on, I agree, but I did't mind that. It was the hopeful spin that I really enjoyed about this book. Some books like this can get depressing.

    I didn't read your untamed review since I haven't even read Splintered yet. I really need to start that series soon, I really want to but just haven't gotten around to it, hopefully soon.

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    1. What is everyone doing if you're not reading Splintered? Ohhhh you haven't truly lived Rochelle! That's a little dramatic but you know what I mean.

      This Raging Light was one of those books that left me torn actually. I liked it in places but it was just too much and lost it's impact with me sadly. Had it not had the cheating aspects and their father's storyline thrown in, it would have been far less complicated and really played on the emotion of the situation. I did really like the lyrical feel to the storyline though and looking forward to trying her next release. I'm so glad you enjoyed it Rochelle.

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  7. HAHAH THE POST TITLE THO. Yes. Morpheus omg *nods* I can't wait for Ensnared. GOD DAMMIT IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL. I can never get my head around in-love-with-your-childhood-best-friend relationships. They're very much possible, but all the books I've read exploring them, they just didn't work out. My heart aches for Lucille though. Lovely reviews, as per usual.

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    1. Thanks Nirvana. I usually enjoy childhood sweethearts type romances, but it was just a little too busy that I found I wasn't able to connect with it. But Morpheus, oh isn't he GLORIOUS!

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  8. Lucille sounds a bit...irresponsible at times, given her role (and while I get that having something like that dumped on you would be a bit awful, wouldn't you make it your priority?) Still, it doesn't sound all bad, despite its flaws and lack of connection.

    I keep hearing such good things about the Splintered series but I'm still not sure if it's for me lol so many books, so little time :(

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    1. It's actually really well written Wattle, and I'm sure I'll be in the minority as most readers will probably love This Raging Light.

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  9. YOUR excitement is MY excitement Kels! Although the first one wasn't really your piece of cake (because pfft: a butthole dude?) I doubt it if YOU couldn't get into the book that I would get very far with it even concern the fact that you had a really hard time connecting with the characters. The second one, I had to skim beach GAH! I'm a terrible slacker and I haven't read the other book in the series. I'm not really too much for retellings BUT that cover is beautiful and since you said you loved it, well pfft, DUH. IM GOIGN TO LOVE IT TOO. <3

    Beautiful review as always awesome Kels! /<3 XOXOXOX

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    1. It's an Alice In Wonderland retelling, how could you not love that! You definitely need to pick the Splintered series up. It's incredible!

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  10. I was so confused by that post title, I thought Morpheus was going to make an appearance in This Raging Light, lol. BUT I HAVEN'T READ ANY OF THESE, and while reading your review of This Raging Light, I kept imagining myself as someone who had to take care of someone younger than me, like right at this moment. And there would be no way I could do that. Nope.

    As for Untamed, I'm glad you loved it! I have only read Splintered (Boo me), but I do have the whole series now in paperback, so I can read them whenever I want! (yay)

    Awesome reviews Kelly! Glad you're clearing your backlog (something I have to do too). When will we get to see these awesome dance moves of yours?

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    1. HA Valerie i was confused at first too! I was like WAIT! Morpheus is in another book! YAY~ lol
      Emily @ www.rabbitholereviews.com

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    2. I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more if that was the case. And yes, you must start reading them. Drop everything.

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  11. 'Morally murky' - lol! Ah, sounds like my teen years. :D Ah, I need to read the Splintered series. I think I grabbed the first one when it was on sale.

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    1. I think it probably describes most of our teen years Christy, but it was just a bit too much sadly. The writing is really lovely though.

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  12. I'm considering maybe reading This Raging Light? It seems like the writing is something I'd love but . Now I haven't read the Splintered series so I skim-read your second review but OOH what I see does intrigue me a lot! And it'd be fun to read about a character with the same name as myself!

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    1. It's actually an Alice In Wonderland retelling of sorts Alyssa, but very dark and twisted and oh so delicious!

      The writing in This Raging Light was wonderful, even if I wasn't able to connect with the storyline. It's raw, honest and even lyrical in bursts. I think it might be one that you'd really enjoy.

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  13. Oh man, I can't wait to read Untamed now....I haven't finished the Splintered series, but I am already spoiled beyond damage, and that last novella calls to me!!!! Great reviews, Kelly! :D

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    1. Thanks Mishma. It's incredible! I think fans of the series will be much happier with their ever after, I know I certainly am. Time to get cracking so you can finish the series and get yourself a copy.

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  14. I just put Untamed on hold at my library! i LOVED the Splintered Series! and great review of This Raging Light! what is it with YA protagonists always having such heavy burdens to bear at such a young age?!
    Emily @ www.rabbitholereviews.com

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    1. And missing parents too! I really don't know Emily, I don't know how the trend started but I'm a big advocate for young adult contemporaries with parental involvement and family units no matter how dysfunctional they are. I think it's just a way to create a dramatic storyline without teen characters being pulled into line sadly.

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  15. I had to skim through your review of Untamed because I haven't read Splintered yet, BUT I NEEEEEEEED TO. It calls to me. Great post!!

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    1. Thanks Anissa. I love the Splintered series, being the big Alice in Wonderland fan that I am. I love the dark and tortured take on Wonderland. Yes! You must read it, I think it's book that would appeal to anyone who reads young adult.

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  16. Hi, Kelly! I’ve been pretty awful with commenting lately, sorry for that. Don’t have time at all! I haven’t heard about This Raging Light before, and I’m not sure I’ll be picking it up anytime soon. I don’t like the sound of this romance AT ALL. I’m afraid even such lovely character as Wren wouldn’t be able save such story for me. Great review, Kelly!! I haven’t read your review of Untamed, because I didn’t want to be spoiled.

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    1. Oh no Kensia, don't apologise at all. I've been the same of late, trying to install Windows 7 and rid myself of Windows 10 but I've finally killed it off. HOORAY! The romance in This Raging Light just felt awkward sadly. I still don't understand why Digby needed to be in a relationship in the first place. It just added unnecessary drama.

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  17. Awww Ensnared sounds like it rely struck a chord with you, finding out what happens to Morpheus and Alyssa! And yeah, I can see why This Raging Light really grated on your nerves. That's like the hallmark of irresponsible parenting and why would the mother walk out like that? Just terrible.

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    1. Oh Morpheus, FINALLY he has the ending he deserves. I think Untamed is really for fans of the series who didn't enjoy Ensnared all that much. It was really lovely to travel back to Wonderland one final time.

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  18. Omg This Raging Light would have been a much better book if it was written from Wren's perspective! I didn't think of that at all! Wren was by far my favourite character because everyone else in that book was so infuriating. I was so disappointed that the book was so romance-focused when the sisterly relationship should have been explored a little bit more. And yes, Digby deserves a kick to the groin. *shaking my head*
    Jenna @ Happy Indulgence

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