VeganYANerds: Shine Light Blog Tour: The Night Creatures

Welcome to the Shine Light blog tour. At each stop we'll be revealing something new about the characters in Shine Light. What makes them tick? Do they have any secrets? Read on to find out . . .

Night Creatures - a guest post by Marianne de Pierres

The Night Creatures developed out of my research into nocturnal animals. I started to form a picture in my mind of something utterly horrific and terrifying yet at times pitiful. I couldn't find anything on the internet’s vast bank of images to represent what I imagined, so I can’t really share it with you other than through my words.
Also, I’d read a book some years ago that vividly portrayed the different stages of an alien animal as it evolved. The whole concept of an animal evolving is not so exceptional but it was the first time it had occurred to me that each evolutionary stage could be totally different to the next. I'm not sure why I’d been so dense about it until then because caterpillar and butterfly are pretty damn different!
Anyway, I saw a chance with the Night Creatures to explore this idea in my own way; oily, alien creature to beautiful … well you know what (spoiler considerations for those that don’t!)!
The Night Creatures share a primitive group consciousness but some of them (like Leyste) whose evolution has gone awry develop some of the cognition skills of the next stage. It is a recipe for trouble and the dysfunctional nature of Leyste’s social intelligence meant he became obsessed with Retra/Naif.
It was also interesting and challenging to visit the problematic relationship between the Night Creatures and their more evolved next stage. I tried to portray it as a restless, competitive but ultimately loving bond. The Night Creatures are just trying to survive in an unfamiliar landscape.

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Here’s a sneak peek of Shine Light . . .

Stop 3 of 13

(See Sassy Book Lovers

if you missed the previous stop)

‘They continue to run riot on my island. And there is worse on Ixion.’
‘Worse?’ This came from Markes. ‘How can there be worse?’
‘It seems Lenoir has killed another of his own on Ixion and hides from Brand in the caves. And Dark Eve and Clash are collecting more followers.’
Naif felt a warm rush of relief to hear that her brother was still alive. Though he’d shunned her and not listened to her when fi rst she’d found him on Ixion, he’d also risked his life to save the Peaks – those who had become too old for the island. Joel – Clash, as he was now known – was brave and determined and she loved him for it.
But what did Ruzalia mean that Dark Eve was collecting followers? Did the young ones on Ixion know what the Ripers were doing? Were they rebelling?
And Lenoir? Naif had tried to cut her connection with him in those last hours on Grave. What terrible things had happened to him in the silence?
‘Who has Lenoir killed?’ Naif asked quietly, trying not to appear worried.
‘Not Brand or Modai. Another,’ said Ruzalia.
‘But why?’
‘Why is unclear, but we do know one certain thing.’
‘What’s that?’ asked Jarrold, speaking for the first time. His ruddy face was still smudged with dirt but his eyes were bright and focused. Of all of them, Naif thought him the most resilient in mind and body.
Ruzalia pinned him with her glare. ‘Remind me of your name.’
‘Jarrold. Emilia’s brother.’
‘Aaaah, yes. Naif ’s telling has shown you to be brave, Jarrold, Emilia’s brother. But are you brave enough for what comes next?’
‘What comes next?’ he asked.
‘It is hard to predict, but nothing on Ixion is ever as it seems. Whatever happens, you are not likely to be prepared for it.’
The young boy’s eyes began to gleam with excitement. ‘I can’t wait to get there.’
Ruzalia gave a dry laugh. ‘Brave and an adventurer, no less.’
‘A reckless one at times,’ said Markes, cuffing Jarrold lightly. ‘Ruzalia’s right, we shouldn’t underestimate the Ripers. I imagine they can do things we’ve not even seen.’

What happens next? Visit Confessions of a Booky Monster to find out!

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Shine Light (Night Creatures 3) by Marianne de Pierres
Published November 1, 2012 by Random House Australia
Source: the publisher
Rating: 5 paws

From the blurb: Ixion. The island of ever-night.
If she had a choice, Naif wouldn’t go back. But her friends will die if she doesn’t find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.
First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy.
The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.

My heart is still racing from the exhilarating read that is Shine Light. I reviewed Angel Arias earlier this week and I feel the same way I did about it only it was even better.

I don't want to repeat myself too much and I don't want to spoil anything for readers who are yet to discover this series but I will say that I am so impressed by this series as it has improved with each book. The characters have continued to develop, the plot has moved forward at a good pace, the action was fast paced and never made me want to skim read. The ending was clever and satisfying yet also leaves room for another instalment (pretty please, Marianne?)

Naif is such an amazing girl, her strength really shone in this book, I love her determination and loyalty to her friends. Lenoir showed us another, more vulnerable side and I loved a particular moment between him and Naif. Suki is a great friend to have on your side if you find yourself fighting Night Creatures and she and Liam also share a sweet moment, which is such a contrast to the island of Ixion and all it stands for.

The story picks up right where Angel Arias finished and the action was non-stop from there. We learn more about Ixion, the Ripers and how they came to be and I didn't think it was possible, but that island became even creepier and more disturbing! Marianne has created such an amazing, dark world and it's one of the most memorable settings I have read about.

Shine Light is a thrilling, disturbing ride with moments of honesty, friendship and love. Fans of the series will find this to be an excellent conclusion and new readers - what are you waiting for? Read this series now!

Our giveaway is still going! For a chance to win your choice of one of the three books from the series enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Break each code at the end of every blog post on the tour and your name will go in the draw to win a **super mystery prize** basket. Email your answers to marianne at mariannedepierres dot com
EGDT. EGDT. FTTR NGX. ZQLZT NGX. FTTR NGX.” STNLZT ZG KTZKQ

Ready for your next fix? Meet Markes at Confessions of a Booky Monster
Did you miss the feature on Charlonge? See Sassy Book Lovers
For the full tour listing see the Burn Bright website

Thank you to the wonderful people at Random House Australia for my review copy and for offering me a spot on the Shine Light blog tour!

18 comments:

Sarah (saz101) said...: Oooooh, Mandee! I've been seeing wonderful things about these books for over a year and... wow.

The covers are GORGEOUS, but more than that. The books sound it too and... I kind of take it seriously when I see you give something 5/5 :D; 1 November 2012 10:58 am
Alexandra Shostak said...: Oooooooo! I really REALLY want to win Shine Light because I live in the USA and can't get it easily! I've read and ADORED the first two books! <3; 1 November 2012 11:44 am
Erin W. said...: Love this series so I can't wait to read the last book. Sounds very awesome, just like the others.; 1 November 2012 12:18 pm
Keertana said...: Mandee, you've convinced me: I need to pick this up AT ONCE! Gosh, I LOVE series that just keep getting better and better and I find that is SO rare, especially with trilogies, so this definitely seems worth checking out. I'm a little worried I won't be able to get all the books in the US, so hopefully I can find them! I can't wait to read this! Fantastic review, dear! :D; 1 November 2012 12:34 pm
YA Anonymous said...: Ooooh, 5 stars! Okay, I'm reading this ASAP!

-Maggie; 1 November 2012 7:10 pm
kalasyn said...: I thought the first book of this series was pretty average and I wasn't going to continue but you've convinced me that it gets better.; 1 November 2012 10:09 pm
Sam said...: Wow, better with every book? I really need to hurry up and get my hands on the second one soon! I think I said in your review of that one that I enjoyed the first book. I'm eager to see how this series progresses and ends. :); 1 November 2012 11:10 pm
Andrea @The Bookish Babes said...: I'd never heard of this series before, but it seems gorgeous. It's terrific that the books are getting progressively better. Lovely review!; 1 November 2012 11:42 pm
Bailey said...: Love that books cover! And seeing that this one got 5 paws and the last got 4 this series must be getting better and better. Definitely putting this series on my TBR list! Great review!! :D; 2 November 2012 12:16 am
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...: I am one of those people who needs to get with it and read this series! I enjoyed reading about all the research and an oily alien to something beautiful is definitely different!; 2 November 2012 4:35 am
Leanne said...: I NEED to read this series, damnmit! The author's guest about the research involved whilst creating this story is fascinating, and I'm really hooked into the synopsis. Splendid review, mate. :); 2 November 2012 11:36 am
Celine said...: Like Leanne, I do NEED to read this series! I've heard great things about this and it's AUSSIE which means the more reason why I should read it :P

Awesome review, Mandee ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!; 2 November 2012 7:41 pm
Renu said...: EEEE, I cannot wait to get my hands on this - loved the first 2 books! Such a unique and addictive series. ^^; 2 November 2012 11:15 pm
Jennifer Messerschmidt said...: Another great review for this series! I'll definitely have to check it out.; 3 November 2012 7:57 am
Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...: this sounds like a thrill a minute!! glad you loved it!; 3 November 2012 11:55 am
Sharon ObsessionwithBooks said...: A wonderful review Mandee, this series sounds like a must read & it's good to know the books get better as they go along.

How gorgeous is that cover!; 4 November 2012 6:42 am
readingdate said...: Well, I'm sold. Between the gorgeous cover and your 5-star review this book sounds fantastic. So many times series conclusions can be disappointing but I'm glad that's not the case here :); 4 November 2012 10:32 am
TheBookSlayer said...: Yay! I'm wicked glad you liked this book. I remember coming across Burn Bright a little while back and thinking it was a book I'd like to try out. I love when each book is better than the one before!!; 5 November 2012 2:54 am