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After Series #2
Cold Light
The end of the world brings chaos, madness, and psychic powers. For Emma and Arthur, separated by an ocean, it brings a love that demands everything. Emma's beloved daughter is kidnapped by vengeful raiders, and Emma embarks on a soul-crushing journey to rescue her. When Arthur finds Emma, can she trust him? Against impossible odds, Emma draws near the rogue camp, where she also confronts the deepest choice of her heart....
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2012
About the author
Traci L. Slatton
16 books245 followersTraci L. Slatton, author of FALLEN and COLD LIGHT, is a graduate of Yale (84) and Columbia (88). She lives in Manhattan, and her love for Renaissance Italy inspired her historical novel IMMORTAL and her contemporary vampire art history mystery THE BOTTICELLI AFFAIR. FALLEN is the first in a romantic trilogy set during the end times; COLD LIGHT and FAR SHORE further the dystopian tale. DANCING IN THE TABERNACLE is her first book of poetry. She also wrote a sculpture book, THE ART OF LIFE, with her husband. THE LOVE OF MY (OTHER) LIFE is a bittersweet rom-com that addresses the question: What worlds would you move to be with your soulmate?
Her latest book is a manual for do-it-yourselfers entitled HOW TO WRITE, PUBLISH, AND MARKET YOUR BOOK YOURSELF, A Manual for the courageous and persistent.
For more information please visit http://www.tracilslatton.com
Her latest book is a manual for do-it-yourselfers entitled HOW TO WRITE, PUBLISH, AND MARKET YOUR BOOK YOURSELF, A Manual for the courageous and persistent.
For more information please visit http://www.tracilslatton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 21, 2012
I don't know why Traci L. Slatton keeps torturing me! WHY? Ms. Slatton certainly knows how to keep you glued to your seat. Such great writing that I didn’t put this book down until I finished it. I knew I should have waited until the 3rd book came out because now I have to wait in agony. This was a great follow up to Fallen and I hope the author MAKES Emma take a stand. Don't take the choice out of her hands, please.
If you remember from Book 1, Emma and her youngest daughter Mandy were separated from her husband Haywood and her oldest daughter Beth. Emma didn't know if Haywood and Beth survived, but she fought hard to keep herself and Mandy alive. She met Arthur, a leader of a new community in France, and became his woman. Together, Emma and Athur led and organized the community, building a new life together. In the end, Haywood found Emma and Mandy, leaving Arthur behind and devastated.
Book 2 begins 1½ years after Haywood rescued Emma and Mandy from France and returned to them to Edmonton. Of course, tragedy strikes again. Raiders kidnap Emma’s oldest daughter Beth and they don’t know where she was taken. The search for her daughter brings Emma face to face with the love she left behind, Arthur, and her community. They are mad at her for abandoning them, but they love her enough to help her search for her daughter Beth. Together, Emma, her husband Haywood, Arthur and the rest try to rescue Beth from a gang of raiders. Meanwhile, Arthur and Haywood insist that Emma honor her feelings towards them. Though Emma tries to get rid of Arthur, Arthur and the gang refuse to let Emma leave them again because they feel that their destiny is intertwined with Emma’s. Haywood, Emma’s husband isn’t willing to leave her to her old lover either. So Emma has to make a painful choice again. She was separated from Haywood for most of Book 1 and we know know she has been separated from Arthur almost the same amount of time. Who will she choose this time around? How will her choice affect her children and the community?
What I liked in this book is that the author didn't focus solely on Arthur, Emma and Haywood, but on the looming confrontation with the Mists. For any human life to go on, the mists would have to be vanquished. So she didn't focus on solely on the uncomfortable triangle, but what must happen for life to continue.
The plot and character development was so descriptive and engaging that I can't stop picturing everything. I feel like I just watched a movie in my head. I have really enjoyed the old characters and a few of the new ones. The secondary characters add such a unique richness to the overall story that you can’t help but feel connected to them as well. I still love Laurette’s barbed tongue as she kept me entertained needling Emma. Much to my surprise, I also found myself liking Emma’s husband Haywood. He is strong, he is kind and he also loves his family. In Book 1, I was definitely Team Arthur, now I am on team Family because Beth and Mandy have suffered a lot and need stability in the AFTER. In the end, this story is about Emma for me. I love Emma. She is a fighter and she is strong. I don’t envy Emma’s dilemma at all. I can’t wait to find out how this conflict will be resolved. I will be waiting anxiously for Book 3, the final book in this trilogy.
If you remember from Book 1, Emma and her youngest daughter Mandy were separated from her husband Haywood and her oldest daughter Beth. Emma didn't know if Haywood and Beth survived, but she fought hard to keep herself and Mandy alive. She met Arthur, a leader of a new community in France, and became his woman. Together, Emma and Athur led and organized the community, building a new life together. In the end, Haywood found Emma and Mandy, leaving Arthur behind and devastated.
Book 2 begins 1½ years after Haywood rescued Emma and Mandy from France and returned to them to Edmonton. Of course, tragedy strikes again. Raiders kidnap Emma’s oldest daughter Beth and they don’t know where she was taken. The search for her daughter brings Emma face to face with the love she left behind, Arthur, and her community. They are mad at her for abandoning them, but they love her enough to help her search for her daughter Beth. Together, Emma, her husband Haywood, Arthur and the rest try to rescue Beth from a gang of raiders. Meanwhile, Arthur and Haywood insist that Emma honor her feelings towards them. Though Emma tries to get rid of Arthur, Arthur and the gang refuse to let Emma leave them again because they feel that their destiny is intertwined with Emma’s. Haywood, Emma’s husband isn’t willing to leave her to her old lover either. So Emma has to make a painful choice again. She was separated from Haywood for most of Book 1 and we know know she has been separated from Arthur almost the same amount of time. Who will she choose this time around? How will her choice affect her children and the community?
What I liked in this book is that the author didn't focus solely on Arthur, Emma and Haywood, but on the looming confrontation with the Mists. For any human life to go on, the mists would have to be vanquished. So she didn't focus on solely on the uncomfortable triangle, but what must happen for life to continue.
The plot and character development was so descriptive and engaging that I can't stop picturing everything. I feel like I just watched a movie in my head. I have really enjoyed the old characters and a few of the new ones. The secondary characters add such a unique richness to the overall story that you can’t help but feel connected to them as well. I still love Laurette’s barbed tongue as she kept me entertained needling Emma. Much to my surprise, I also found myself liking Emma’s husband Haywood. He is strong, he is kind and he also loves his family. In Book 1, I was definitely Team Arthur, now I am on team Family because Beth and Mandy have suffered a lot and need stability in the AFTER. In the end, this story is about Emma for me. I love Emma. She is a fighter and she is strong. I don’t envy Emma’s dilemma at all. I can’t wait to find out how this conflict will be resolved. I will be waiting anxiously for Book 3, the final book in this trilogy.
June 29, 2012
Read my full review on Paromantasy
This book in one sentence: A haunting, heartwrenching, action-packed emotional rollercoaster of a read that will leave an impression on you long after your finish the book.
To say that I love this book or this series would be an understatement. Traci Slatton has done an immpecable job with what I thought would be an impossible hurrdle for her two main characters to overcome after the ending of Fallen. Not only did she do the impossible, but she made me love the characters and the new additions to the book even more.
Emma has seen, faced and survived the impossible. She has seen the world destroyed by mists that ravage everything in its path. She survived while caring for her child and several abandoned children. She offered her body to a man, Arthur, in exchange for his protection and shelter in his camp and found unexpected love in a world filled with grief. She found out that her husband and other daughter survived in a safe-zone in Canada. She also discovered that Arthur is the cause for the mists and that her husband risked his life to come for her. She leaves with her husband to Canada, but her heart remains with Arthur and the people of the camp who became family.
Now, after a year away from Arthur and from being rescued by her husband, the impossible has happened again. Her daughter has been taken, and it is up to Emma to get her back. In order to do so she is confronted by her past and by the one man who both stole and broke her heart, Arthur.
Arthur caused the mists and it is up to him to stop them, but not before he gets what he feels is rightfully his, Emma. She has a husband, but this is a new world, a new day and what they feel for eachother is uncomparable. But will she be able to see past his mistakes and take him back, or will her attachment to her past life leave him without the one person he desires the most?
They must work together to bring back her daughter, while Emma must make one of the hardest decisions in her life, leave with Arthur - the man of her dreams, or stay commited to her husband, the one who has been there for her since their teenage years. With her daughter in danger, her heart on the line and two men vying for her effection, they make their way to perform a rescue mission only to raelize their worst nightmares are just now coming true and that the past never stays buried for long.
There is just so much to love about this book. I became fully invested in these characters. With each page I felt like I was reunited with family as Emma reunites with Arthur and the gang. Emma and Arthur are both perfectly flawed and I love and respect them for it.
Emma continues to be a perfectly flawed heroine stuggling to do what is right for her family. Arthur is both the hero and sinner, causing destruction by inventing the mists but doing everything in his power to make things right. His strength is remarkable, being able to survive and believe the world will be better with his inner demons always around him and the world on his shoulders. The love between Arthur & Emma is deep and special, yet Haywood is also a remarkable person. The husband we only briefly met in Fallen is fleshed out and he is wonderful. He is the conventional hero and your heart does go out to him, even if we (the readers) know Emma belongs with Arthur.
The world building and the characters created are so relatable, different and intriguing that readers can't help falling in love with them. I know I couldn't. Like Fallen, Cold Light will be sure to stay with me long after I finished the book.
March 17, 2019
The first one was a little bit better, but still a very fast paced and enjoyable reading, I am just disappointed because I found out now that there is a fourth book now....
October 19, 2013
Posted first on Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Cold Light; Book 2 of the After Trilogy' by Traci L. Slatton.
Love is an emotion that is often difficult to understand. While deep and abiding, love doesn’t always dwell with one person. Love of a family member, love of a friend and love of that one special person meant just for you, often get twisted, especially when making choices in youth.
Such is the case for Emma, who in the beginning, Fallen: Book 1 of the After Trilogy, she hooks up with a team of ruffians to rescue herself, her daughter and a group of orphans. When she is finally rescued by her husband and returned to her own home, she finds she has lost a piece of her soul, held captive by the man she sought for help. In Cold Light: Book 2 of the After Trilogy by Traci L. Slatton, Emma has come to terms with her loss. She loves her husband and her children need her. Yet she knows deep in her heart, the love is different. The yearning continues. Yet life decides to intrude and throw her another obstacle. Her oldest daughter Beth is kidnapped during a raid, and she knows that if she does not go after her, Beth’s life will become a nightmare.
Because of her prior experiences and the strange gift she has received from the mists, she is more capable then her husband to mount the charge. Haywood must look after Mandy, she has already been through much and they both understand one of them must stay. The safe zone were they have made their home is no longer safe. The mists have been coming nearer, and the people are afraid. Emma has a strange feeling about the returning mists, only one person seems to hold the key and she left him on another continent. Beth is only nine and her main concern now. She must go into the unprotected zone, there is no one else. Can she find her before it is too late? Can the strange sighting of the mists have something to do with her other life and Arthur?
Slatton has given us another stellar example of life after the fall. Emma is brave and bold, and attracts people due to both her personality as well as her power. Yet she must be careful, she does not want to be known as a witch. The characters that begin to surround her are gregarious and mysterious. When she runs into her old nemesis and love Arthur, tension only gets stronger. Slatton brings in all the heat and heart that keep you warm, even as danger and darkness descend.
This is a wonderful second part to her series, keeping you looking and hoping for more. There is such difficulty due to her depiction of characters; you root for them both to be the final winner of her love. This is a difficult task, yet she does it with aplomb.
If you enjoy end of the world novels full of adventure and romance, this will be the work for you. The characters are likable and the story holds both romance and loss. Slatton has found the key to lock the two together.
Love is an emotion that is often difficult to understand. While deep and abiding, love doesn’t always dwell with one person. Love of a family member, love of a friend and love of that one special person meant just for you, often get twisted, especially when making choices in youth.
Such is the case for Emma, who in the beginning, Fallen: Book 1 of the After Trilogy, she hooks up with a team of ruffians to rescue herself, her daughter and a group of orphans. When she is finally rescued by her husband and returned to her own home, she finds she has lost a piece of her soul, held captive by the man she sought for help. In Cold Light: Book 2 of the After Trilogy by Traci L. Slatton, Emma has come to terms with her loss. She loves her husband and her children need her. Yet she knows deep in her heart, the love is different. The yearning continues. Yet life decides to intrude and throw her another obstacle. Her oldest daughter Beth is kidnapped during a raid, and she knows that if she does not go after her, Beth’s life will become a nightmare.
Because of her prior experiences and the strange gift she has received from the mists, she is more capable then her husband to mount the charge. Haywood must look after Mandy, she has already been through much and they both understand one of them must stay. The safe zone were they have made their home is no longer safe. The mists have been coming nearer, and the people are afraid. Emma has a strange feeling about the returning mists, only one person seems to hold the key and she left him on another continent. Beth is only nine and her main concern now. She must go into the unprotected zone, there is no one else. Can she find her before it is too late? Can the strange sighting of the mists have something to do with her other life and Arthur?
Slatton has given us another stellar example of life after the fall. Emma is brave and bold, and attracts people due to both her personality as well as her power. Yet she must be careful, she does not want to be known as a witch. The characters that begin to surround her are gregarious and mysterious. When she runs into her old nemesis and love Arthur, tension only gets stronger. Slatton brings in all the heat and heart that keep you warm, even as danger and darkness descend.
This is a wonderful second part to her series, keeping you looking and hoping for more. There is such difficulty due to her depiction of characters; you root for them both to be the final winner of her love. This is a difficult task, yet she does it with aplomb.
If you enjoy end of the world novels full of adventure and romance, this will be the work for you. The characters are likable and the story holds both romance and loss. Slatton has found the key to lock the two together.
January 6, 2013
Cold Light is book two in the After trilogy. It is a dystopian novel about a a woman who goes in search of her daughter who was stolen by raiders. Emma, the main character, is a mother of two and is married to Haywood. Book two picks up a short while after book one ended. Emma has returned home with her husband and left her lover, Arthur, behind in Europe.
The author creates a unique and rich world full of psychic abilities and the harsh realities of a post apocalyptic world. A "mist" has taken over and consumed a large portion of society. The mist not only devours objects, but also people and animals. The mist also gave humans either psychic abilities or left them insane.
Society falls apart and must somehow be put back together. In the midst of this Emma must find her lost daughter. There are "safe zones" where groups of people have established a working community, outside of the "safe zones" lawlessness prevails. The remaining resources in the world are scarce and frequently fought after. Travel is limited to horseback as the gas supply at this point in the trilogy is virtually non-existent.
Emma is caught between her duty and loyalty to her husband and her lingering feelings for her lover, Arthur who has traveled the world to find her again. This book drew me in immediately. I was mesmerized by the world that Slatton created. She transported me to the desolate and baron landscape where she took me on an incredible adventure. The characters were well developed and dialogue was seamless. Even after not having read the first book, I was able to fall in love with and become invested in the outcome of this book. 5 Stars. Well done!
****This book was given in exchange for a fair and honest review.****
The author creates a unique and rich world full of psychic abilities and the harsh realities of a post apocalyptic world. A "mist" has taken over and consumed a large portion of society. The mist not only devours objects, but also people and animals. The mist also gave humans either psychic abilities or left them insane.
Society falls apart and must somehow be put back together. In the midst of this Emma must find her lost daughter. There are "safe zones" where groups of people have established a working community, outside of the "safe zones" lawlessness prevails. The remaining resources in the world are scarce and frequently fought after. Travel is limited to horseback as the gas supply at this point in the trilogy is virtually non-existent.
Emma is caught between her duty and loyalty to her husband and her lingering feelings for her lover, Arthur who has traveled the world to find her again. This book drew me in immediately. I was mesmerized by the world that Slatton created. She transported me to the desolate and baron landscape where she took me on an incredible adventure. The characters were well developed and dialogue was seamless. Even after not having read the first book, I was able to fall in love with and become invested in the outcome of this book. 5 Stars. Well done!
****This book was given in exchange for a fair and honest review.****
August 26, 2015
Book two of the After series did not disappoint- in fact, I husband enjoyed it better than the first! And it starts off with a bang!
After being rescued from Europe by her husband Haywood, Emma is trying to build a life in the After with him and their two daughters. But when their older daughter Beth is kidnaped by the raiders their lives are thrown back into turmoil. Emma sets off on a (suicidal?) rescue mission alone across frozen Canada to save her daughter, not realizing she won't be alone for long.... And danger is always awaiting her. Emma meets up with new alliances and old friends on her way to find the raiders, but she never imagined who would be her daughter's kidnapper- or who would help her in her rescue mission.
Lots of action, emotional turmoil, and tough choices or Emma in this installment. And the mists are changing! Becoming bolder and more human themselves- and much harder to keep away.
Will there ever be peace for Emma and her loved ones in the After?
I really enjoyed this- loved how we jumped into the action from page one. Emma is faced with very difficult decisions- for her family and for heself. She is vulnerable and strong at the same time. She is not perfect- and faces her mistakes and the hurt she is inflicting on Haywood throughout the book. She is torn between love and the duty of family. And all the while trying to get her daughter back from a madman.
The writing in this series is fantastic- so descriptive and gripping. Can't wait to read book three.
After being rescued from Europe by her husband Haywood, Emma is trying to build a life in the After with him and their two daughters. But when their older daughter Beth is kidnaped by the raiders their lives are thrown back into turmoil. Emma sets off on a (suicidal?) rescue mission alone across frozen Canada to save her daughter, not realizing she won't be alone for long.... And danger is always awaiting her. Emma meets up with new alliances and old friends on her way to find the raiders, but she never imagined who would be her daughter's kidnapper- or who would help her in her rescue mission.
Lots of action, emotional turmoil, and tough choices or Emma in this installment. And the mists are changing! Becoming bolder and more human themselves- and much harder to keep away.
Will there ever be peace for Emma and her loved ones in the After?
I really enjoyed this- loved how we jumped into the action from page one. Emma is faced with very difficult decisions- for her family and for heself. She is vulnerable and strong at the same time. She is not perfect- and faces her mistakes and the hurt she is inflicting on Haywood throughout the book. She is torn between love and the duty of family. And all the while trying to get her daughter back from a madman.
The writing in this series is fantastic- so descriptive and gripping. Can't wait to read book three.
August 13, 2012
I have long awaited this second book, Cold Light, after the way Fallen ended. I was NOT dissapointed! Emma's daughter has been kidnapped by a rogue group and she goes on a suicide mission to get her back. I was very excited to be reunited with a few of the cast from Fallen and am still in anxious need of book three now to see how this all wraps up.
Emma is one strong and determined woman but Arthur is just as determined. I am torn on which way I want Emma to go because with the one man her husband she has the strong history and children but she shares something with Arthur that I dont think she and her husband ever really had or ever will.
I can't say much more without a spoiler comment but I will say I didn't really like the way Cold Light ended. I would not want to be in Emma's shoes and have to make the choices she is being forced to but it's time.... there can be only one victor in this war.
Emma is one strong and determined woman but Arthur is just as determined. I am torn on which way I want Emma to go because with the one man her husband she has the strong history and children but she shares something with Arthur that I dont think she and her husband ever really had or ever will.
I can't say much more without a spoiler comment but I will say I didn't really like the way Cold Light ended. I would not want to be in Emma's shoes and have to make the choices she is being forced to but it's time.... there can be only one victor in this war.
May 18, 2017
Emma crossed an ocean and made it back to her husband in Canada. But raiders enter their safe zone and steal her other daughter. The man who saved her in Europe comes to her calling in Canada, despite her husband. Full review: Cold Light Book Review
May 14, 2013
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Beautiful storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat!
July 22, 2018
The Second book in the After book series by Traci L. Slatton was a mere copy of book 1. I am still hooked and will go on reading this series, tho I am not sure I would if not for the kindle unlimited statues.
There were a few inconsistencies and open questions the author sadly neglected in this second instalment.
What healing power does Emma really have?
She can bring back the “dead”, heal cancer and wounds, but not some other injuries like a damaged eye etc. It is not really clear and overall confusing. Really inconsistent.
Then there is all this planning against Alexei and everyone seems to forget he has the gift of precognition like newt. That part is totally neglected from the author in the plot.
The heroine is also a bit annoying. I get that she struggles between her husband and Arthur. That can’t be easy and I would never throw judgment, not haven’t walked in her shoes.
But she also neglects her friends as collateral. Not only by fleeing from France in the first book, but by doing it again at the end of book 2, leaving them behind not caring they literally stopped their own life’s for her. Or what would or could happen to them. Of course she never asked them to do it, still it makes her a shitty friend and heroine in my book.
This book is eerily turning into a black and white mindset. No grey zones, no middle ground, no alternative than one or the other. That reduces the quality of an otherwise good book.
Besides that it was or at least felt short in length compared to book 1 it also didn’t bring much new and interesting developments to the table. It just resurrected the old nemesis with the same old conflict. And an almost identical open ending as in book 1 but lacking the grandeur the author showed before. Along the journey some new characters and possible interesting new future plot threads are introduced but couldn’t hide the fact of an overall uncreative and underperforming second book.
There were a few inconsistencies and open questions the author sadly neglected in this second instalment.
What healing power does Emma really have?
She can bring back the “dead”, heal cancer and wounds, but not some other injuries like a damaged eye etc. It is not really clear and overall confusing. Really inconsistent.
Then there is all this planning against Alexei and everyone seems to forget he has the gift of precognition like newt. That part is totally neglected from the author in the plot.
The heroine is also a bit annoying. I get that she struggles between her husband and Arthur. That can’t be easy and I would never throw judgment, not haven’t walked in her shoes.
But she also neglects her friends as collateral. Not only by fleeing from France in the first book, but by doing it again at the end of book 2, leaving them behind not caring they literally stopped their own life’s for her. Or what would or could happen to them. Of course she never asked them to do it, still it makes her a shitty friend and heroine in my book.
This book is eerily turning into a black and white mindset. No grey zones, no middle ground, no alternative than one or the other. That reduces the quality of an otherwise good book.
Besides that it was or at least felt short in length compared to book 1 it also didn’t bring much new and interesting developments to the table. It just resurrected the old nemesis with the same old conflict. And an almost identical open ending as in book 1 but lacking the grandeur the author showed before. Along the journey some new characters and possible interesting new future plot threads are introduced but couldn’t hide the fact of an overall uncreative and underperforming second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2020
Conseguí el ejemplar en inglés para continuar con la serie con muchas ganas pero me ha gustado bastante menos que el anterior. La historia tarda en avanzar, salen muchos pensamientos y se dan pocos pasos interesantes, no me terminaba de enganchar como Fallen.
Además la protagonista tiene unas "cabezonerías" o directamente contradicciones que me ha costado entender, por ejemplo parece que pretende hacer las cosas sola por un importante motivo (en su opinión), pero se ve que le va a llevar a lo contrario, complicando la situación sin necesidad. En fin, que no he conectado tanto con ella como la otra vez. A ver qué ocurre en el siguiente.
Además la protagonista tiene unas "cabezonerías" o directamente contradicciones que me ha costado entender, por ejemplo parece que pretende hacer las cosas sola por un importante motivo (en su opinión), pero se ve que le va a llevar a lo contrario, complicando la situación sin necesidad. En fin, que no he conectado tanto con ella como la otra vez. A ver qué ocurre en el siguiente.
January 24, 2021
A great continuation in the Series. As Emma's daughter is kidnapped she will do anything to save her. When Arthur finds Emma will she trust him to help her.
This read was full of action and drama. When Haywood finds Emma and wants to help save Beth it creates a intense situation. This is book that you won't want to put down.
This read was full of action and drama. When Haywood finds Emma and wants to help save Beth it creates a intense situation. This is book that you won't want to put down.
October 6, 2013
COLD LIGHT is the second instalment in Traci L Slatton’s After Trilogy focusing on the aftermath of a biological apocalypse and the men and women forced to make heartbreaking decisions. The storyline takes place 18 months after (Fallen) Emma escapes the mist-ravaged plains of Europe and the reality that the loss of billions of lives is in the hands of the one man she had grown to love.
With her family together in the safe zone of Edmonton, Emma’s thoughts continued to center around Arthur and his revelation he was responsible for the mind-altering/life consuming destructive mists that are relentless on their path of destruction. But safety in the zone is short lived when her eldest daughter Beth is abducted and held hostage in a rogue encampment hundreds of kilometers away. Knowing she would risk everything for the safe return of her daughter, Emma embarks on a frozen trek against deadly odds and an even deadlier enemy to free her daughter from a man who once owed her a debt.
Arthur’s search for Emma had taken 18 months across land and ocean, and his discovery of his lost love in a small town in Canada both shocked and surprised. With his family of gifted survivors, Arthur’s passion for survival is second to his love for the woman whose heart he had destroyed. But the happiness of finding Emma is short lived when she announces her plans to rescue her daughter and regardless of the love she felt for Arthur, her number one priority was her child. Knowing he would never let her go, Arthur and the others resign themselves to a deadly adventure to reunite Emma and her daughter. As both the hero and the anti-hero Arthur is a charismatic leader. He commands a presence like no other, and the lives of the survivors now depend on the man who is responsible for the loss of billions worldwide.
Once again, Traci reunites Emma with the many fascinating characters she learned to call family. Laurette and her haughty French ideals: Robert and his pregnant wife Jeannie: Kangee and her ability to teleport: Theo and Marco looking for a lost love. And the bittersweet reunion between Emma and Arthur will be tested, when Emma’s husband Haywood surprises the group with his determination to keep his family together. But when Emma and Arthur discover the identity of the man responsible for the abduction of Beth, they know that the real target is Arthur-for he will be made to suffer for the many losses of life, especially one in particular back home.
Emma’s courage is only matched by her determination to find her daughter. But her heart is torn between the man whom she married and the man to whom she has fallen in love. Although there is a long history between Emma and her husband, not once is there a mention that Haywood is in love with his wife. His ability to see the varying futures will place him on one-way path to imprisonment and destruction, but the life of his daughter will outweigh any thoughts of self-preservation and survival. And when he is willing to die for the release of his daughter, it will be Emma who acknowledges that she loves the man for his determination and drive, but she is also in love with the man who has destroyed much of the world.
Arthur’s relentless pursuit of Emma is both heartbreaking and remarkable given the circumstances of the day. Finding a woman like Emma is a once in a lifetime occurrence, but his love has forced many of his friends into life-threatening situations. But like family, they argue and fight, and in the end, the survival of one means the survival of them all.
COLD LIGHT is an amazing look at one person’s passion to find someone they love- Arthur’s pursuit of Emma and Emma’s hunt for Beth. The storyline is slow to evolve as Traci takes the reader on a cold, dark and deadly trek across the snow covered fields of Alberta, but once Emma reaches a survival Outpost, the interaction of the characters quickly uncovers a series of plot twists and anxiety ridden re-introductions to the colorful characters from the series first book. Arthur’s reunion with Emma is heart-wrenching and painful knowing he has travelled thousands of mile and 18 months to find the only woman he will ever love.
The character development continues as each of Arthur’s family members seeks to find a place to where they belong. And survival 101 after an apocalyptic nightmare can also mean finding someone to love for all of the right and wrong reasons.
www.thereadingcafe.com
With her family together in the safe zone of Edmonton, Emma’s thoughts continued to center around Arthur and his revelation he was responsible for the mind-altering/life consuming destructive mists that are relentless on their path of destruction. But safety in the zone is short lived when her eldest daughter Beth is abducted and held hostage in a rogue encampment hundreds of kilometers away. Knowing she would risk everything for the safe return of her daughter, Emma embarks on a frozen trek against deadly odds and an even deadlier enemy to free her daughter from a man who once owed her a debt.
Arthur’s search for Emma had taken 18 months across land and ocean, and his discovery of his lost love in a small town in Canada both shocked and surprised. With his family of gifted survivors, Arthur’s passion for survival is second to his love for the woman whose heart he had destroyed. But the happiness of finding Emma is short lived when she announces her plans to rescue her daughter and regardless of the love she felt for Arthur, her number one priority was her child. Knowing he would never let her go, Arthur and the others resign themselves to a deadly adventure to reunite Emma and her daughter. As both the hero and the anti-hero Arthur is a charismatic leader. He commands a presence like no other, and the lives of the survivors now depend on the man who is responsible for the loss of billions worldwide.
Once again, Traci reunites Emma with the many fascinating characters she learned to call family. Laurette and her haughty French ideals: Robert and his pregnant wife Jeannie: Kangee and her ability to teleport: Theo and Marco looking for a lost love. And the bittersweet reunion between Emma and Arthur will be tested, when Emma’s husband Haywood surprises the group with his determination to keep his family together. But when Emma and Arthur discover the identity of the man responsible for the abduction of Beth, they know that the real target is Arthur-for he will be made to suffer for the many losses of life, especially one in particular back home.
Emma’s courage is only matched by her determination to find her daughter. But her heart is torn between the man whom she married and the man to whom she has fallen in love. Although there is a long history between Emma and her husband, not once is there a mention that Haywood is in love with his wife. His ability to see the varying futures will place him on one-way path to imprisonment and destruction, but the life of his daughter will outweigh any thoughts of self-preservation and survival. And when he is willing to die for the release of his daughter, it will be Emma who acknowledges that she loves the man for his determination and drive, but she is also in love with the man who has destroyed much of the world.
Arthur’s relentless pursuit of Emma is both heartbreaking and remarkable given the circumstances of the day. Finding a woman like Emma is a once in a lifetime occurrence, but his love has forced many of his friends into life-threatening situations. But like family, they argue and fight, and in the end, the survival of one means the survival of them all.
COLD LIGHT is an amazing look at one person’s passion to find someone they love- Arthur’s pursuit of Emma and Emma’s hunt for Beth. The storyline is slow to evolve as Traci takes the reader on a cold, dark and deadly trek across the snow covered fields of Alberta, but once Emma reaches a survival Outpost, the interaction of the characters quickly uncovers a series of plot twists and anxiety ridden re-introductions to the colorful characters from the series first book. Arthur’s reunion with Emma is heart-wrenching and painful knowing he has travelled thousands of mile and 18 months to find the only woman he will ever love.
The character development continues as each of Arthur’s family members seeks to find a place to where they belong. And survival 101 after an apocalyptic nightmare can also mean finding someone to love for all of the right and wrong reasons.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 28, 2013
Book Info
Paperback, 214 pages
Published April 20th 2013 by Parvati Press (first published June 27th 2012)
ISBN 0989023249 (ISBN13: 9780989023245)
series After Trilogy #2
other editions (1)
Source:Copy From Author
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
The end of the world brings chaos, madness, and psychic powers. For Emma and Arthur, separated by an ocean, it brings a love that demands everything. Emma's beloved daughter is kidnapped by vengeful raiders, and Emma embarks on a soul-crushing journey to rescue her. When Arthur finds Emma, can she trust him? Against impossible odds, Emma draws near the rogue camp, where she also confronts the deepest choice of her heart...
Book 1 Fallen left us with Emma being flown away to Canada with her daughter Mandy by her husband Haywood, leaving Arthur and the rest of her newfound friends behind her as far as she knows to never be seen again.
Cold Light continues the Trilogy , once again putting the reader smack dab in the middle of the action as the first chapter starts over a year and a half later with Emma finding herself in the middle of a battle with raiders. The very nightmarish landscape that she left behind has now come to Canada and the town of Edmonton where she Haywood and their daughter Beth have been living finds itself under attack by marauding raiders and Beth is taken from her parents.
After much discussion between the pair Emma finally persuades Haywood that she alone should go out after Beth, the raiders would shoot a man on sight but a lone woman stands a much higher chance of infiltrating their camp to rescue the little girl.
Emma makes several friends along the way as she travels, some who help her more than others but always her first thought is to keep moving and locate the raiders camp to rescue Beth.
Her resourcefulness stands her in good stead once again as she uses her artistic talent to her advantage to trade for information as well as currency to use for eating and a place to stay on her journey.
The reunion between Emma, Arthur and the rest of her friends is both heartwarming as well as bittersweet because now she has once more fallen prey to the guilt that comes from the knowledge that although she loves both Arthur and her husband she cannot forsake the fact that her children need their father.
Emma seems to be closer to making her final choice between Arthur and Haywood but with the rescue of her daughter Beth taking most of her energy her husband and his rival for her heart are not first priority. With the addition of several new key characters and the return of friends Emma has not seen for over a year this second story is filled with both conflict as well as new beginnings.
As much as we wish the decision would be an easy one for Emma to follow her true heart’s desire love of family seems to be winning but only time will tell when the final ending to the trilogy is revealed!
Order in which to read Trilogy :
Bk #1 Fallen
Bk #2 Cold Light
Bk 3 Far Shore
Paperback, 214 pages
Published April 20th 2013 by Parvati Press (first published June 27th 2012)
ISBN 0989023249 (ISBN13: 9780989023245)
series After Trilogy #2
other editions (1)
Source:Copy From Author
Book Buy Links
AMAZON
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
The end of the world brings chaos, madness, and psychic powers. For Emma and Arthur, separated by an ocean, it brings a love that demands everything. Emma's beloved daughter is kidnapped by vengeful raiders, and Emma embarks on a soul-crushing journey to rescue her. When Arthur finds Emma, can she trust him? Against impossible odds, Emma draws near the rogue camp, where she also confronts the deepest choice of her heart...
My Thoughts
Book 1 Fallen left us with Emma being flown away to Canada with her daughter Mandy by her husband Haywood, leaving Arthur and the rest of her newfound friends behind her as far as she knows to never be seen again.
Cold Light continues the Trilogy , once again putting the reader smack dab in the middle of the action as the first chapter starts over a year and a half later with Emma finding herself in the middle of a battle with raiders. The very nightmarish landscape that she left behind has now come to Canada and the town of Edmonton where she Haywood and their daughter Beth have been living finds itself under attack by marauding raiders and Beth is taken from her parents.
After much discussion between the pair Emma finally persuades Haywood that she alone should go out after Beth, the raiders would shoot a man on sight but a lone woman stands a much higher chance of infiltrating their camp to rescue the little girl.
Emma makes several friends along the way as she travels, some who help her more than others but always her first thought is to keep moving and locate the raiders camp to rescue Beth.
Her resourcefulness stands her in good stead once again as she uses her artistic talent to her advantage to trade for information as well as currency to use for eating and a place to stay on her journey.
The reunion between Emma, Arthur and the rest of her friends is both heartwarming as well as bittersweet because now she has once more fallen prey to the guilt that comes from the knowledge that although she loves both Arthur and her husband she cannot forsake the fact that her children need their father.
Emma seems to be closer to making her final choice between Arthur and Haywood but with the rescue of her daughter Beth taking most of her energy her husband and his rival for her heart are not first priority. With the addition of several new key characters and the return of friends Emma has not seen for over a year this second story is filled with both conflict as well as new beginnings.
As much as we wish the decision would be an easy one for Emma to follow her true heart’s desire love of family seems to be winning but only time will tell when the final ending to the trilogy is revealed!
Order in which to read Trilogy :
Bk #1 Fallen
Bk #2 Cold Light
Bk 3 Far Shore
[Copy From Authorin exchange for honest review]
January 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This review is also posted on my blog, Rinn Reads.
I debated for a while over the rating for this book. As I have not read the first book in the trilogy, there were some elements of the story that made no or little sense to me. But it seems unfair to rate the book down for that reason, when it is not the author's fault at all.
The very opening of the story cuts straight into a short battle, painting a picture of this post-apocalyptic, and frankly rather horrifying world. A world where people group together for safety, safety from the rest of their own race, who pillage and ruin. Near the beginning of the story, there is a small flashback which was very handy to me, not having read the first book, but which I also imagine would be a good reminder to all those who have, as it is not too detailed.
At the start of the book, I saw Emma as a brave woman, determined and selfless. But this soon turned out to be very wrong - she is actually incredibly selfish in my eyes. Despite the fact that her husband is completely devoted to her and she loves him, she cheated on him. These events happen in the first book, but she explains that she began sleeping with Arthur so he would protect her and the girls she was caring for. So why is Arthur portrayed as some sort of Lothario, some irresistible man, when Emma had to resort to sleeping with him in order to keep herself safe? Part of the reason I do not feel this book deserves a five star rating is because of Emma and Arthur. Their relationship makes me angry: it sounds like he originally forced her to sleep with him, yet she is deeply in love with him, despite being married. He also seems quite threatening towards her at times, for example when she tries to sleep in a separate room to him. The only time Emma feels any sort of guilt about this twisted relationship is when she thinks that others will perceive her badly for it. Hence her need to 'disguise' herself in order to sleep with him, so their friends would not realise it was her. I did not understand that scene at all. It felt a bit gratuitous to be honest.
The rest of the characters were a mixed bunch, and I didn't get to learn much about them. The only one I had any sort of feeling for was Haywood, Emma's husband, and that was mostly just because I felt very sorry for him. His daughter has just been kidnapped by raiders, and all his wife seems to be able to think about (on her journey to rescue her daughter, no less), is when she'll next be with this other man, Arthur. I have the feeling that most of the character development happened in the first book, when we first met this motley crew.
However, the rest of the book made up for the characters. The world building wasn't too complicated, and quite standard in a way - post-apocalyptic world, people divide up into groups, resources are scarce etc - but Slatton's writing ensured that the story was continually exciting and well-paced. It generally flowed very well, perhaps with a few clunky bits here and there, but it was generally easy to read.
I do want to raise a few questions - if Arthur controls the mists, why does he not just disperse them all? Why does Irish Robert speak with a Scottish accent? (haha) Why on earth is Emma attracted to Arthur? I award it a very solid three stars, the reason I changed my mind from four stars being Emma/Arthur's relationship. But I did enjoy the book, despite getting angry at Emma at times, and that's what matters.
I debated for a while over the rating for this book. As I have not read the first book in the trilogy, there were some elements of the story that made no or little sense to me. But it seems unfair to rate the book down for that reason, when it is not the author's fault at all.
The very opening of the story cuts straight into a short battle, painting a picture of this post-apocalyptic, and frankly rather horrifying world. A world where people group together for safety, safety from the rest of their own race, who pillage and ruin. Near the beginning of the story, there is a small flashback which was very handy to me, not having read the first book, but which I also imagine would be a good reminder to all those who have, as it is not too detailed.
At the start of the book, I saw Emma as a brave woman, determined and selfless. But this soon turned out to be very wrong - she is actually incredibly selfish in my eyes. Despite the fact that her husband is completely devoted to her and she loves him, she cheated on him. These events happen in the first book, but she explains that she began sleeping with Arthur so he would protect her and the girls she was caring for. So why is Arthur portrayed as some sort of Lothario, some irresistible man, when Emma had to resort to sleeping with him in order to keep herself safe? Part of the reason I do not feel this book deserves a five star rating is because of Emma and Arthur. Their relationship makes me angry: it sounds like he originally forced her to sleep with him, yet she is deeply in love with him, despite being married. He also seems quite threatening towards her at times, for example when she tries to sleep in a separate room to him. The only time Emma feels any sort of guilt about this twisted relationship is when she thinks that others will perceive her badly for it. Hence her need to 'disguise' herself in order to sleep with him, so their friends would not realise it was her. I did not understand that scene at all. It felt a bit gratuitous to be honest.
The rest of the characters were a mixed bunch, and I didn't get to learn much about them. The only one I had any sort of feeling for was Haywood, Emma's husband, and that was mostly just because I felt very sorry for him. His daughter has just been kidnapped by raiders, and all his wife seems to be able to think about (on her journey to rescue her daughter, no less), is when she'll next be with this other man, Arthur. I have the feeling that most of the character development happened in the first book, when we first met this motley crew.
However, the rest of the book made up for the characters. The world building wasn't too complicated, and quite standard in a way - post-apocalyptic world, people divide up into groups, resources are scarce etc - but Slatton's writing ensured that the story was continually exciting and well-paced. It generally flowed very well, perhaps with a few clunky bits here and there, but it was generally easy to read.
I do want to raise a few questions - if Arthur controls the mists, why does he not just disperse them all? Why does Irish Robert speak with a Scottish accent? (haha) Why on earth is Emma attracted to Arthur? I award it a very solid three stars, the reason I changed my mind from four stars being Emma/Arthur's relationship. But I did enjoy the book, despite getting angry at Emma at times, and that's what matters.
May 3, 2014
The AFTER TRILOGY is consuming me and I’m okay with that.
“I experienced a presence with me...The presence was a man. He was black-haired and gray-eyed, with a perfection and symmetry of feature that thrilled me. I had once been an artist, and even still, in this failing and obliterated world, beauty made an impression on me. Arthur’s beauty. Arthur who had loved me and hurt me in ways I couldn’t have imagined Before.”
A year and a half after Emma left Arthur for Canada to be with her husband, Haywood, and her daughters, Mandy and Beth, she finds that leaving her love did not make it disappear. Even after discovering Arthur’s terrible secret, she longs for him and endures emotional and physical pain without him. When Beth is taken by a rogue group of survivors, Emma embarks on what most people consider a suicide mission to save her. It’s during this trip through the coldest parts of Canada, that Emma also discovers that Arthur has come for her and is determined to get her back and help her find Beth. She now must find her daughter through harsh elements and other dangers while also deciding her future between Haywood and her girls or a life with Arthur.
I can’t say I would know what to do if I were in Emma’s shoes because it seems like an almost impossible decision, but I think I would choose the same. She is very consistent in her actions that prove she would do anything for her children. While this series is full of paranormal elements and science fiction in a world that doesn’t exist, the base emotions and feelings the characters experience are very much full of real life problems. It is this aspect of Traci L. Slatton’s writing that ties you into a world that isn’t real and makes you feel connected to the story and the characters. One part of the story that I felt was important was Emma’s realization that she didn’t just leave Arthur. She also left her new “family” and they are very hurt and rejected. We also learn more about Haywood and I wanted to dislike him so that her decision leans towards Arthur, but her husband is really a great guy.
Like FALLEN, COLD LIGHT is full of complex emotions and relationships and the secondary characters are very much a part of this well-written story. I really wanted to give COLD LIGHT five stars, but it was more 4.5 stars in my opinion. It felt like a bridge between the beginning and the end without much to discover or learn. The story was still amazing and full of action, but there was something missing in the story that I am really hoping to get in the third installment. I am extremely glad I am getting ready to read FAR SHORE because that ending was seriously abrupt.
One thing is for certain, I am totally enthralled with this series. I can barely stop reading long enough to write the review and I hope that there are others that feel the same way I do. Traci L. Slatton deserves kudos for this well-written and thoughtful series that encompasses so many feelings and emotions on life’s big questions while keeping a reader entertained with a post-apocalyptic life that many of us wonder could ever be a reality.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
“I experienced a presence with me...The presence was a man. He was black-haired and gray-eyed, with a perfection and symmetry of feature that thrilled me. I had once been an artist, and even still, in this failing and obliterated world, beauty made an impression on me. Arthur’s beauty. Arthur who had loved me and hurt me in ways I couldn’t have imagined Before.”
A year and a half after Emma left Arthur for Canada to be with her husband, Haywood, and her daughters, Mandy and Beth, she finds that leaving her love did not make it disappear. Even after discovering Arthur’s terrible secret, she longs for him and endures emotional and physical pain without him. When Beth is taken by a rogue group of survivors, Emma embarks on what most people consider a suicide mission to save her. It’s during this trip through the coldest parts of Canada, that Emma also discovers that Arthur has come for her and is determined to get her back and help her find Beth. She now must find her daughter through harsh elements and other dangers while also deciding her future between Haywood and her girls or a life with Arthur.
I can’t say I would know what to do if I were in Emma’s shoes because it seems like an almost impossible decision, but I think I would choose the same. She is very consistent in her actions that prove she would do anything for her children. While this series is full of paranormal elements and science fiction in a world that doesn’t exist, the base emotions and feelings the characters experience are very much full of real life problems. It is this aspect of Traci L. Slatton’s writing that ties you into a world that isn’t real and makes you feel connected to the story and the characters. One part of the story that I felt was important was Emma’s realization that she didn’t just leave Arthur. She also left her new “family” and they are very hurt and rejected. We also learn more about Haywood and I wanted to dislike him so that her decision leans towards Arthur, but her husband is really a great guy.
Like FALLEN, COLD LIGHT is full of complex emotions and relationships and the secondary characters are very much a part of this well-written story. I really wanted to give COLD LIGHT five stars, but it was more 4.5 stars in my opinion. It felt like a bridge between the beginning and the end without much to discover or learn. The story was still amazing and full of action, but there was something missing in the story that I am really hoping to get in the third installment. I am extremely glad I am getting ready to read FAR SHORE because that ending was seriously abrupt.
One thing is for certain, I am totally enthralled with this series. I can barely stop reading long enough to write the review and I hope that there are others that feel the same way I do. Traci L. Slatton deserves kudos for this well-written and thoughtful series that encompasses so many feelings and emotions on life’s big questions while keeping a reader entertained with a post-apocalyptic life that many of us wonder could ever be a reality.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
November 19, 2013
4.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
This series is really a great discovery for me. I fell in love with the first book and when I had the opportunity to read the second and third book in this trilogy, I admit that I did not hesitate. And I just loved this new story. I find it very interesting to read dystopias, but it is often easier to fall on good young adults ones in this genre than of good adults stories, but this one is really exciting.
The story takes us therefore some time after the end of the first volume. Emma has returned to Canada, to her family and she is now with her husband and her two little girls. Everything should perfect for her, if only the presence of Arthur was not hovering in the mind of our heroine. She knows she has to put her family first and she can’t not just abandon them now that she has returned, but it is very difficult not to follow what her heart really wants. But when Beth, her older daughter, is kidnapped by raiders, it takes no more than this for this mother to go and look for her even if she knows that her husband can not help her in this adventure. Because of that, she goes alone looking for Beth, desperate to find her missing child while she could have died many times. And when she thinks that nothing could be more complicated, it seems that Arthur and some of her friends came for her, Arthur wants to win her back despite her stubbornness but he is also here to help her find her daughter despite her refusal to engage.
Emma has a very special relationship with these two men. In this ruined world, she did not think that one day she would find her husband again and has created an unbreakable bond with another man different from her husband, Arthur. But now she knows she can not leave her husband as he needs her as welll as her children. Haywood knows what happened in France, but he loves Emma and her daughters more than anything and he is determined to keep her with him. But Arthur is also in love with her and would do anything to get her back and bring her back in France. It is terrible to be Emma, to need to choose between these two different men who love her more than anything. But it’s not the only thing she has to think about and she knows she can not divorce or be away from her daughters. All this really broke my heart, we can see all the sacrifices she made to try to do the best and yet it is not easy. She always remains in doubt, and her opinion is constantly changing. I must say that the two men do not really help.
We can also discover a lot of revelations in the novel. Some nice surprises and I took a great pleasure in discovering everything. We also meet a lot of characters that we did not know and all are very intriguing. The plot itself is well done, we follow Emma in her mission to find her daughter, and this is really fraught with obstacles of all kinds. Now that I finished the book, I ‘m really looking forward to read the third and final book to find out what will happen in this world so different. If you like dystopias I really recommend this one by Traci L. Slatton as it is a great read.
Mon avis en Français
My English review
This series is really a great discovery for me. I fell in love with the first book and when I had the opportunity to read the second and third book in this trilogy, I admit that I did not hesitate. And I just loved this new story. I find it very interesting to read dystopias, but it is often easier to fall on good young adults ones in this genre than of good adults stories, but this one is really exciting.
The story takes us therefore some time after the end of the first volume. Emma has returned to Canada, to her family and she is now with her husband and her two little girls. Everything should perfect for her, if only the presence of Arthur was not hovering in the mind of our heroine. She knows she has to put her family first and she can’t not just abandon them now that she has returned, but it is very difficult not to follow what her heart really wants. But when Beth, her older daughter, is kidnapped by raiders, it takes no more than this for this mother to go and look for her even if she knows that her husband can not help her in this adventure. Because of that, she goes alone looking for Beth, desperate to find her missing child while she could have died many times. And when she thinks that nothing could be more complicated, it seems that Arthur and some of her friends came for her, Arthur wants to win her back despite her stubbornness but he is also here to help her find her daughter despite her refusal to engage.
Emma has a very special relationship with these two men. In this ruined world, she did not think that one day she would find her husband again and has created an unbreakable bond with another man different from her husband, Arthur. But now she knows she can not leave her husband as he needs her as welll as her children. Haywood knows what happened in France, but he loves Emma and her daughters more than anything and he is determined to keep her with him. But Arthur is also in love with her and would do anything to get her back and bring her back in France. It is terrible to be Emma, to need to choose between these two different men who love her more than anything. But it’s not the only thing she has to think about and she knows she can not divorce or be away from her daughters. All this really broke my heart, we can see all the sacrifices she made to try to do the best and yet it is not easy. She always remains in doubt, and her opinion is constantly changing. I must say that the two men do not really help.
We can also discover a lot of revelations in the novel. Some nice surprises and I took a great pleasure in discovering everything. We also meet a lot of characters that we did not know and all are very intriguing. The plot itself is well done, we follow Emma in her mission to find her daughter, and this is really fraught with obstacles of all kinds. Now that I finished the book, I ‘m really looking forward to read the third and final book to find out what will happen in this world so different. If you like dystopias I really recommend this one by Traci L. Slatton as it is a great read.
September 24, 2013
As is characteristic of her style, Traci L. Slatton begins Cold Light in much the same manner as Fallen–in the bosom of in medias res (Latin, in the midst of things). She begins just as the Roman poet Horace and Jack Lynch advises, in the heart of the story without preamble. The story also parallels Fallen because this time Emma’s eldest daughter, Beth, rather than her youngest, Mandy, is in danger. In fact, Beth is kidnapped by raiders and taken on horseback to places unknown as the book opens. Ergo, life in this post-apocalyptic increasingly dystopian society goes from bad to worse for Emma.
Fallen ended with Emma leaving Arthur, the man whom she had come to know as the other part of her soul, behind as her husband, Haywood, retrieved her and Mandy by Airplane via Canada. The family had been separated when the mists, the noxious gases created by a military experiment gone bad, consumed much of the technology, machines and modes of transportation made possible by the industrial revolution and the technological boom of Silicon Valley, leaving Emma and Mandy stranded in the Parisian countryside.
The world as they had come to know it had ceased to exist with many of the creature comforts they had come to enjoy now gone forever. And now, having her daughter kidnapped in the dead of winter, Emma and Haywood haggle over who will take on the daunting task of going to rescue her. After gathering intel and being told that the city they now call home won’t go in search of their taken residents, Emma and Haywood decide they can spare only one of them to take the dangerous journey through sub-zero weather to rescue Beth from none other than a man by whom Emma suffered being kidnapped herself.
As Emma walks through treacherous weather, she is stalked by a large cat, helped by some, and betrayed by others on the way to her destination. At the last outpost she comes to before she plans to attempt the rescue of her daughter, Emma encounters old friends and an extremely determined lover who have no intentions of allowing her to continue her journey alone. Yet, she does not want them to risk their lives to save her child. Will Emma brave this rescue attempt on her own and succeed, or will love truly demand everything of her in this gripping Book 2 of the After Trilogy, Cold Light?
If you’d read Fallen, there is no way you can forgo Cold Light. I read this immediately after reading Fallen, but am just now getting to review. However, don’t let that lead you to believe that this book isn’t as stellar as the first. In fact, this book is more action-packed and the stakes have gone even higher than Emma and her family just avoiding the mists that can consume them. This is a do-or-die, life-and-death story that leaves you guessing at every turn–How is Emma going to get out of these newest pickles? Read Cold Light and find out.
This is a dystopian romance for the mature set, (Hunger Games and/or Divergent on steroids). Don’t ignore this wonderful series.
I give Cold Light Five out of Five Stars!
Fallen ended with Emma leaving Arthur, the man whom she had come to know as the other part of her soul, behind as her husband, Haywood, retrieved her and Mandy by Airplane via Canada. The family had been separated when the mists, the noxious gases created by a military experiment gone bad, consumed much of the technology, machines and modes of transportation made possible by the industrial revolution and the technological boom of Silicon Valley, leaving Emma and Mandy stranded in the Parisian countryside.
The world as they had come to know it had ceased to exist with many of the creature comforts they had come to enjoy now gone forever. And now, having her daughter kidnapped in the dead of winter, Emma and Haywood haggle over who will take on the daunting task of going to rescue her. After gathering intel and being told that the city they now call home won’t go in search of their taken residents, Emma and Haywood decide they can spare only one of them to take the dangerous journey through sub-zero weather to rescue Beth from none other than a man by whom Emma suffered being kidnapped herself.
As Emma walks through treacherous weather, she is stalked by a large cat, helped by some, and betrayed by others on the way to her destination. At the last outpost she comes to before she plans to attempt the rescue of her daughter, Emma encounters old friends and an extremely determined lover who have no intentions of allowing her to continue her journey alone. Yet, she does not want them to risk their lives to save her child. Will Emma brave this rescue attempt on her own and succeed, or will love truly demand everything of her in this gripping Book 2 of the After Trilogy, Cold Light?
If you’d read Fallen, there is no way you can forgo Cold Light. I read this immediately after reading Fallen, but am just now getting to review. However, don’t let that lead you to believe that this book isn’t as stellar as the first. In fact, this book is more action-packed and the stakes have gone even higher than Emma and her family just avoiding the mists that can consume them. This is a do-or-die, life-and-death story that leaves you guessing at every turn–How is Emma going to get out of these newest pickles? Read Cold Light and find out.
This is a dystopian romance for the mature set, (Hunger Games and/or Divergent on steroids). Don’t ignore this wonderful series.
I give Cold Light Five out of Five Stars!
September 11, 2015
In "Cold Light" Emma has flown across the ocean to the Safe Zone in Edmonton Alberta leaving Arthur behind in France to face Alexei's wrath. A year and a half later she's still in turmoil wondering what happened to him; her love as strong as ever and causing tension in her marriage to Haywood. When their daughter Beth is kidnapped by raiders Emma quickly embarks on a cross-country trek in freezing weather to rescue her. What she doesn't expect is not only to trail the raiders to their camp but to encounter Arthur and her friends along the way. In a harrowing escape Emma will not only have to face an old enemy but will make a soul-wrenching choice that will break her heart.
In this well-developed plot with a dark and foreboding atmosphere, the mists are growing stronger breaching the perimeter of the Safety Zone outside Medicine Hat. In rescuing Beth, Emma may not only have to face the deadly vapour as she gets closer to the Wasteland, but freezing weather and a winter storm as she hikes hundreds of miles hoping to steal a horse in the Outpost City. With every mile the intensity and suspense builds as a cougar tracks her through the wintery blast and she faces hanging for horse stealing. The action quickly heats up when Emma's reunited with Arthur in a night of passion that leave them wanting more, but denying themselves in the mission to save her daughter.
This gripping page-turner is filled with twists like Emma's unexpected meeting with her husband in a town not far from the rogue camp. A rivalry brews that has the man Emma's bound to constantly clashing with the one she loves. And if that's not enough, Kangee's cryptic remark that " the world is going to change again" raises questions as the plot builds towards an explosive confrontation.
The key to a great story are characters that add power, excitement and drama to unfolding events and "Cold Light" does not disappoint. Having dealt with heartbreak and death in France Emma is still tough, resilient and has a steely resolve. She's bull-headed and desperately determined to find her daughter, but is troubled by a self-examination along the trail that makes her question her choices and her future. Arthur still deeply infatuated by Emma wants her all to himself and will fight to keep her by his side. Haunted by the past he's often tense and brooding but shows a gentler, overly- protective side with Emma. Even with a brave, good person like Haywood by her side, the love between Emma and Arthur continues to blaze.
Of a score of sub characters who are unforgettable; Gaff is a delightfully sly pickpocket who lives by his wits; Brendan a kind, intelligent dwarf; Susie an abused and vindictive ex-prisoner and Kangee a cocky, mysterious Sioux woman. Yet it's the unpredictability and evolving intelligence of the mist as well as the heartless brutality of "the One" , leader of the raiders who add a terrifying chill to the story.
I liked "Cold Light" the next book in the "After" series and rate it highly.
In this well-developed plot with a dark and foreboding atmosphere, the mists are growing stronger breaching the perimeter of the Safety Zone outside Medicine Hat. In rescuing Beth, Emma may not only have to face the deadly vapour as she gets closer to the Wasteland, but freezing weather and a winter storm as she hikes hundreds of miles hoping to steal a horse in the Outpost City. With every mile the intensity and suspense builds as a cougar tracks her through the wintery blast and she faces hanging for horse stealing. The action quickly heats up when Emma's reunited with Arthur in a night of passion that leave them wanting more, but denying themselves in the mission to save her daughter.
This gripping page-turner is filled with twists like Emma's unexpected meeting with her husband in a town not far from the rogue camp. A rivalry brews that has the man Emma's bound to constantly clashing with the one she loves. And if that's not enough, Kangee's cryptic remark that " the world is going to change again" raises questions as the plot builds towards an explosive confrontation.
The key to a great story are characters that add power, excitement and drama to unfolding events and "Cold Light" does not disappoint. Having dealt with heartbreak and death in France Emma is still tough, resilient and has a steely resolve. She's bull-headed and desperately determined to find her daughter, but is troubled by a self-examination along the trail that makes her question her choices and her future. Arthur still deeply infatuated by Emma wants her all to himself and will fight to keep her by his side. Haunted by the past he's often tense and brooding but shows a gentler, overly- protective side with Emma. Even with a brave, good person like Haywood by her side, the love between Emma and Arthur continues to blaze.
Of a score of sub characters who are unforgettable; Gaff is a delightfully sly pickpocket who lives by his wits; Brendan a kind, intelligent dwarf; Susie an abused and vindictive ex-prisoner and Kangee a cocky, mysterious Sioux woman. Yet it's the unpredictability and evolving intelligence of the mist as well as the heartless brutality of "the One" , leader of the raiders who add a terrifying chill to the story.
I liked "Cold Light" the next book in the "After" series and rate it highly.
November 7, 2013
“Gun fire and war cries, screams of terror and hooves and explosive charges, rattled, boomed and whistled through the frigid air.” This is the beginning of Book Two of the After trilogy series.
A major raid on Emma’s village and the kidnapping of her daughter, Beth, tear Emma apart. In one sense, she’s lucky Beth is alive but doesn’t know where she’s been taken or what will happen to her by the brutal raiders who care not for life or death but only their own gain. It’s been over a year since the last vicious battle, but once again Emma steels herself and insists she will travel through the brutal winter to find and rescue her precious child. The weather is not the only danger; the poisonous Mists that feed on the lives of the ones they surround have been seen northwards. Add to that there are enemy towns with strict rules, especially the one promising death to any person stupid enough to steal a horse.
For supplies are thinning out and winter is the worst time as nothing can be grown. Towns that were destroyed by the Mists have run out of canned goods and other necessities of life, but the people are learning to survive by the old ways before technology made life so amazingly easy, so unappreciated at the time. So Emma travels through vicious storms and enters towns where she trades her skills as a Healer for basic food and shelter for sleeping, just managing to avoid those with lurid desires and plans.
In her heart as she travels, Emma longs for her lover, the enigmatic Robert who actually accidentally created the Mists that are destroying the world a section at a time. Yes, she is married but not to Robert. Her husband Haywood is not strong enough to keep her from going and Robert has returned for Emma and another reason which he will not initially reveal. Can Robert still control the Mists as he used to be able to do? Is there a way to finally conquer the devastating Mists?
Cold Light continues with scenes of adventure, treachery, brutality, and passion for these feisty characters who love and live with such fierce intensity that actually seeps into the reader while reading. Traci Slatton’s series is a notable work of science fiction and/or paranormal fiction that will intrigue and thrill readers who love this genre. How these characters surmount the numerous threats plaguing them on a daily basis makes for a great read! The dangers of science remain a powerful undercurrent of this futuristic story that could turn into reality by those who fail to recognize the lurking threat in their experimentation. Again, nicely done, Traci Slatton!
A major raid on Emma’s village and the kidnapping of her daughter, Beth, tear Emma apart. In one sense, she’s lucky Beth is alive but doesn’t know where she’s been taken or what will happen to her by the brutal raiders who care not for life or death but only their own gain. It’s been over a year since the last vicious battle, but once again Emma steels herself and insists she will travel through the brutal winter to find and rescue her precious child. The weather is not the only danger; the poisonous Mists that feed on the lives of the ones they surround have been seen northwards. Add to that there are enemy towns with strict rules, especially the one promising death to any person stupid enough to steal a horse.
For supplies are thinning out and winter is the worst time as nothing can be grown. Towns that were destroyed by the Mists have run out of canned goods and other necessities of life, but the people are learning to survive by the old ways before technology made life so amazingly easy, so unappreciated at the time. So Emma travels through vicious storms and enters towns where she trades her skills as a Healer for basic food and shelter for sleeping, just managing to avoid those with lurid desires and plans.
In her heart as she travels, Emma longs for her lover, the enigmatic Robert who actually accidentally created the Mists that are destroying the world a section at a time. Yes, she is married but not to Robert. Her husband Haywood is not strong enough to keep her from going and Robert has returned for Emma and another reason which he will not initially reveal. Can Robert still control the Mists as he used to be able to do? Is there a way to finally conquer the devastating Mists?
Cold Light continues with scenes of adventure, treachery, brutality, and passion for these feisty characters who love and live with such fierce intensity that actually seeps into the reader while reading. Traci Slatton’s series is a notable work of science fiction and/or paranormal fiction that will intrigue and thrill readers who love this genre. How these characters surmount the numerous threats plaguing them on a daily basis makes for a great read! The dangers of science remain a powerful undercurrent of this futuristic story that could turn into reality by those who fail to recognize the lurking threat in their experimentation. Again, nicely done, Traci Slatton!
August 19, 2012
Today's review is on Cold Light by Traci L. Slatton
A good book is sometimes hard to find, and a good series is even harder. When I finished reading Fallen, I was amazed at how much I liked it, so much so that it is listed as one of the Books You Got To Have here on my blog. Now, Cold Light; the second installment in Slatton's After Trilogy, will be added to that very same list.
Slatton's ability to weave a tale that is filled with adventure, loss and love is unmatched. Her writing makes it so easy for you to fall in love with the characters so much so that you find yourself riding a roller-coaster of emotions. One minute you are mad, then your lips curl into a smile, and sometimes you cannot help but reach for a tissue.
After finding out that Arthur actually created the Mists that have basically destroyed the earth, Emma is heartbroken. And even though she loves Arthur with all of her heart, when her husband risks his life to fly to Europe to "save" her, she decides to leave with him and return to Canada. But the last year and a half hasn't been the same. There has been a change in their relationship. Emma cannot keep her mind from wandering to the wonderful memories she has of Arthur, and how much they love(d) each other. Those thoughts are pushed aside and have to wait though when her older daughter Beth is kidnapped by a rogue group.
Setting off on her own, Emma is hell-bent on finding Beth and bringing her home. Imagine her surprise when she sees Arthur and some of the others in the town where she has settled in order to "acquire" some supplies. Emma and Arthur's love and passion knows no limits as they seamlessly fall back into each others lives and each others arms.
When her husband makes an appearance, Emma is thrown into a game of tug-o-war. Should she return to Europe with Arthur, the man whom she loves more deeply than she has ever loved anyone, or stay with her husband, the man who she vowed to love "till death do you part."
The Mists are changing, and our favorite Russian cut-throat is back in Cold Light. But don't get me started on the ending. I only hope that the final installment comes out quickly, and things work out the way I want them to. (I am totally on team Arthur!!)
An exceptional series that will keep you reading and ignoring your family. So grab Fallen and Cold Light, grab a bottle of wine, head to your favorite reading spot and be ready to spend the next four to eight or so hours falling in love with this series.
A MUST have series!
5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
A good book is sometimes hard to find, and a good series is even harder. When I finished reading Fallen, I was amazed at how much I liked it, so much so that it is listed as one of the Books You Got To Have here on my blog. Now, Cold Light; the second installment in Slatton's After Trilogy, will be added to that very same list.
Slatton's ability to weave a tale that is filled with adventure, loss and love is unmatched. Her writing makes it so easy for you to fall in love with the characters so much so that you find yourself riding a roller-coaster of emotions. One minute you are mad, then your lips curl into a smile, and sometimes you cannot help but reach for a tissue.
After finding out that Arthur actually created the Mists that have basically destroyed the earth, Emma is heartbroken. And even though she loves Arthur with all of her heart, when her husband risks his life to fly to Europe to "save" her, she decides to leave with him and return to Canada. But the last year and a half hasn't been the same. There has been a change in their relationship. Emma cannot keep her mind from wandering to the wonderful memories she has of Arthur, and how much they love(d) each other. Those thoughts are pushed aside and have to wait though when her older daughter Beth is kidnapped by a rogue group.
Setting off on her own, Emma is hell-bent on finding Beth and bringing her home. Imagine her surprise when she sees Arthur and some of the others in the town where she has settled in order to "acquire" some supplies. Emma and Arthur's love and passion knows no limits as they seamlessly fall back into each others lives and each others arms.
When her husband makes an appearance, Emma is thrown into a game of tug-o-war. Should she return to Europe with Arthur, the man whom she loves more deeply than she has ever loved anyone, or stay with her husband, the man who she vowed to love "till death do you part."
The Mists are changing, and our favorite Russian cut-throat is back in Cold Light. But don't get me started on the ending. I only hope that the final installment comes out quickly, and things work out the way I want them to. (I am totally on team Arthur!!)
An exceptional series that will keep you reading and ignoring your family. So grab Fallen and Cold Light, grab a bottle of wine, head to your favorite reading spot and be ready to spend the next four to eight or so hours falling in love with this series.
A MUST have series!
5 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
April 9, 2014
SYNOPSIS | It’s been about a year and a half since Emma flew away in a plane, sadly leaving Arthur behind. Things haven’t been quite right between her and her husband, Haywood, but she’s glad to be reunited with her oldest daughter. It’s been about twenty-six months since the mists first came to the world because of Arthur.
Holed up in the “Safe Zone” in Edmonton, Canada, many of the survivors of the apocalyptic event are surviving and banding together. The mists are starting to encroach upon their territory though, and there are doubts that the safe zone is really all that safe. Then, raiders sweep into Edmonton and capture Emma’s oldest daughter. There’s nothing to it, but Emma’s got to set out on another harrowing rescue mission. Along the way, she discovers that Arthur and several of his band came all the way across the ocean for her: their mutual love is the impetus for his trek. Emma has some serious decisions to make.
REVIEW | Slatton did it once again. Halfway through the book, after I’d started and then blinked a mere one time, I realized that I’d forgotten to jot down notes as I’d gone along. Her writing style is unnaturally engrossing and very descriptive, leading me along and tugging me through the story. Arthur has calmed down a lot and seems to be less controlling, possessive, and jealous, which is good. Slatton seems to have settled into writing the novel with less of a “something to prove” tone, yet she still tosses it out with that same raw and edgy style found in Fallen. By the end of the novel, I was a little wrung out, but incredibly pleased with Emma’s decision. She made the right choice even if it is a very hard one.
CONCLUSION | This was definitely a satisfactory follow-up to Fallen. Often times with trilogies, it seems like the second book is just filler for the third. This novel stands on its own, although it wouldn’t be as good without reading Fallen first, and has a little more polish than the first in the trilogy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Cold Light free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own and no one else’s. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Holed up in the “Safe Zone” in Edmonton, Canada, many of the survivors of the apocalyptic event are surviving and banding together. The mists are starting to encroach upon their territory though, and there are doubts that the safe zone is really all that safe. Then, raiders sweep into Edmonton and capture Emma’s oldest daughter. There’s nothing to it, but Emma’s got to set out on another harrowing rescue mission. Along the way, she discovers that Arthur and several of his band came all the way across the ocean for her: their mutual love is the impetus for his trek. Emma has some serious decisions to make.
REVIEW | Slatton did it once again. Halfway through the book, after I’d started and then blinked a mere one time, I realized that I’d forgotten to jot down notes as I’d gone along. Her writing style is unnaturally engrossing and very descriptive, leading me along and tugging me through the story. Arthur has calmed down a lot and seems to be less controlling, possessive, and jealous, which is good. Slatton seems to have settled into writing the novel with less of a “something to prove” tone, yet she still tosses it out with that same raw and edgy style found in Fallen. By the end of the novel, I was a little wrung out, but incredibly pleased with Emma’s decision. She made the right choice even if it is a very hard one.
CONCLUSION | This was definitely a satisfactory follow-up to Fallen. Often times with trilogies, it seems like the second book is just filler for the third. This novel stands on its own, although it wouldn’t be as good without reading Fallen first, and has a little more polish than the first in the trilogy.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Cold Light free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and did not receive any other compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own and no one else’s. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 1, 2018
I absolutely love the After series! Cold Light is such a thrilling, romantic, action packed book. I'm so glad to be able to continue to review the After series and I can not wait for the third to be released! Cold Light starts off with Beth, Emma's oldest daughter, being captured by bandits. Emma returns to Canada with her husband, Haywood. Although they have been married for several years, Emma's heart belongs to Arthur. Emma goes on an adventure, yet again, but this time it is to save her dear daughter from the hands of mad bandits.
Along the way, Emma encounters many people and even a cougar starts to keep her company. During her trip, Emma drifts in and out of sanity. She battles the cold and starvation and eventually makes it to the next city. Emma starts looking for work and soon finds a job drawing sketches for people, something she used to do "before". In this new city, someone very familiar and close to her finds out that she is there: Arthur. Trying to stay away from him for many reasons, Emma is unable to resist. With help from a drag queen, Emma gets dolled up and goes out in costume and wig and ends up swaying Arthur for a tumble in bed. Emma couldn't stay away from Arthur and he knew it was her the whole time and tells her that he is there to stay with her. Of course, Emma declines and tries to find a way to rescue her daughter. Getting caught stealing a horse, Emma and her friends are to be hanged for the theft. Arthur rescues them and they flee the city and move on to continue the hunt for Beth.
At first the reunion with her old friends from France is not a warm welcome because they are mad that she left without saying anything. Eventually they forgive her and move on to help save Beth. They soon find out the identity of the leader of the bandits that captured Beth. It's none other than the Russian that was left for dead by Arthur, who received a shot in the arm and in turn cut Alexei's arm off.
I've probably already given too much away and I don't want to ruin the story for you guys. But holy wow, do I ever love this book! I thought Fallen was great, but wait till you read Cold Light! It's going to blow you away with all of the action and the sweet love triangle between Arthur, Emma and Haywood.
5/5
~Layna
Along the way, Emma encounters many people and even a cougar starts to keep her company. During her trip, Emma drifts in and out of sanity. She battles the cold and starvation and eventually makes it to the next city. Emma starts looking for work and soon finds a job drawing sketches for people, something she used to do "before". In this new city, someone very familiar and close to her finds out that she is there: Arthur. Trying to stay away from him for many reasons, Emma is unable to resist. With help from a drag queen, Emma gets dolled up and goes out in costume and wig and ends up swaying Arthur for a tumble in bed. Emma couldn't stay away from Arthur and he knew it was her the whole time and tells her that he is there to stay with her. Of course, Emma declines and tries to find a way to rescue her daughter. Getting caught stealing a horse, Emma and her friends are to be hanged for the theft. Arthur rescues them and they flee the city and move on to continue the hunt for Beth.
At first the reunion with her old friends from France is not a warm welcome because they are mad that she left without saying anything. Eventually they forgive her and move on to help save Beth. They soon find out the identity of the leader of the bandits that captured Beth. It's none other than the Russian that was left for dead by Arthur, who received a shot in the arm and in turn cut Alexei's arm off.
I've probably already given too much away and I don't want to ruin the story for you guys. But holy wow, do I ever love this book! I thought Fallen was great, but wait till you read Cold Light! It's going to blow you away with all of the action and the sweet love triangle between Arthur, Emma and Haywood.
5/5
~Layna
August 10, 2013
I was enraptured by Fallen, book one of the After Trilogy. Slatton's voice, story-telling, romance, and world-building completely captivated me. Fallen was a book that I simply could not put down.
I expected more of the same when I started Cold Light, and while in many respects, Cold Light was just as good as Fallen, it lacked the intensity of book one. Fallen was so full of action and plot twists that I never knew what to expect next. Cold Light was singular in its mission to retrieve Beth from the raider camp, and I missed the surprises of Fallen.
It's unusual for me to be just as invested in a love story as I am in the fate of the entire world while reading a dystopian novel. Of course I want humanity to prevail over the mists, and I want the good guys to beat the hedonistic raiders, but through it all, I was constantly saying to myself "Who will Emma choose?" It was like a steady mantra running through my head the entire time I was reading. I love that Slatton was able to make me feel that way about Emma and her impossible love for two men. I honestly didn't know what I would do if I were in her place, and found myself just as tormented as Emma was, through her interactions with Haywood and Arthur.
I love the world Slatton has created. The premise of the mists is so unique and very well-done. I loved the characterization in Fallen and Cold Light does not disappoint there. We're introduced to a few new characters, who are just as interesting as the old friends from Fallen.
I really enjoyed Cold Light, and look forward to book three, the conclusion of the trilogy. Cold Light was definitely the middle book of the series: it tied up the loose ends from book one and sets up the new conflict for book three. It wasn't as action-packed as Fallen, but it was still a great read. I love Slatton's voice and look forward to reading more from her in the future!
I expected more of the same when I started Cold Light, and while in many respects, Cold Light was just as good as Fallen, it lacked the intensity of book one. Fallen was so full of action and plot twists that I never knew what to expect next. Cold Light was singular in its mission to retrieve Beth from the raider camp, and I missed the surprises of Fallen.
It's unusual for me to be just as invested in a love story as I am in the fate of the entire world while reading a dystopian novel. Of course I want humanity to prevail over the mists, and I want the good guys to beat the hedonistic raiders, but through it all, I was constantly saying to myself "Who will Emma choose?" It was like a steady mantra running through my head the entire time I was reading. I love that Slatton was able to make me feel that way about Emma and her impossible love for two men. I honestly didn't know what I would do if I were in her place, and found myself just as tormented as Emma was, through her interactions with Haywood and Arthur.
I love the world Slatton has created. The premise of the mists is so unique and very well-done. I loved the characterization in Fallen and Cold Light does not disappoint there. We're introduced to a few new characters, who are just as interesting as the old friends from Fallen.
I really enjoyed Cold Light, and look forward to book three, the conclusion of the trilogy. Cold Light was definitely the middle book of the series: it tied up the loose ends from book one and sets up the new conflict for book three. It wasn't as action-packed as Fallen, but it was still a great read. I love Slatton's voice and look forward to reading more from her in the future!
August 21, 2013
Cold Light picks up over a year after Fallen left off. Emma has made it back to the Safe Zone in Edmonton, Alberta with Haywood and the girls, and quickly brings the reader up to date on how it happened. Even though my heart broke at the end of Fallen when she left Arthur, I understood her reasons. The story begins with Emma facing yet another hardship as her oldest daughter is kidnapped by raiders, and she realizes she must be the one to go after them. The rest of the story follows Emma as she treks across Canada and down into the US following the band of raiders while meeting new friends and being reunited with old ones.
Although I didn’t find this second installment quite as engaging as the first one, it is still an excellent story that I wouldn’t hesitate to re-read in the future. New characters are introduced early, and many of them are easy to like and amazingly relatable considering the circumstances of. My favorite early on was Gaff but edged over to Kangee by the end. Emma is still the survivor, Arthur is still the leader, Gaff is the resourceful kid, Kangee is the enigmatic mystery; the rest have their own unique attributes as well. Ms. Slatton did an excellent job creating believable characters and situations based in a hard to imagine post-apocalyptic world. It still impresses me that she can write these characters that despite everything that has happened and continues to happen to destroy the world and humanity as we know it continue to be positive and look for good in the world to help reshape mankind. Yes, there are the cynical characters that are only out for themselves, but she makes it easier to believe that if our world goes to hell in a hand basket one day, all hope may not be lost on humankind.Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
HEAT Rating: Hot more violence than sex, but a little of that too
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
Although I didn’t find this second installment quite as engaging as the first one, it is still an excellent story that I wouldn’t hesitate to re-read in the future. New characters are introduced early, and many of them are easy to like and amazingly relatable considering the circumstances of. My favorite early on was Gaff but edged over to Kangee by the end. Emma is still the survivor, Arthur is still the leader, Gaff is the resourceful kid, Kangee is the enigmatic mystery; the rest have their own unique attributes as well. Ms. Slatton did an excellent job creating believable characters and situations based in a hard to imagine post-apocalyptic world. It still impresses me that she can write these characters that despite everything that has happened and continues to happen to destroy the world and humanity as we know it continue to be positive and look for good in the world to help reshape mankind. Yes, there are the cynical characters that are only out for themselves, but she makes it easier to believe that if our world goes to hell in a hand basket one day, all hope may not be lost on humankind.Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
HEAT Rating: Hot more violence than sex, but a little of that too
Reviewed By: Daysie W.
Review Courtesy of: My Book Addictions and More
December 31, 2012
If you’ve read Fallen, you’ll know that it ends with raiders riding away with Emma’s daughter Beth. And if you’ve read Fallen, you’ll know that Emma isn’t going to let her go so easily – not after all she’s gone through to get back to Beth…
After arguing with her husband Haywood, and some friends, Emma heads off into the frozen wilderness. Alone. It’s an almost impossible task: she has to survive the cold trek on foot, until she can steal a horse – an offense punishable by death – and then ride until she finds the bandit camp. If she makes it that far, she then has to figure out how to rescue her daughter and get them both safely back home.
She expects it to be difficult. What she doesn’t expect is to meet up with old friends along the way. She’s lucky she does – they save her life. And then, despite her protestations, they decide to help Emma with her mission… Which is a good thing, because old friends aren’t the only characters she runs into here!
I liked Cold Light. Emma is still a strong, strong woman. She still has to make difficult decisions, still has to do what’s right for her, still has to live her life as well as she can. I wish she wouldn’t go back-and-forth so much on Arthur – I know she loves him, I know she misses him, and I know she wishes she were free to be with him. But she’s married, and she’s determined to keep her family together. I probably sound harsh. But that’s me – make a decision, and stick to it already…
The story flows well, even with a few slow patches as Emma’s mulling about Arthur. I would’ve liked to know more about some of the new characters, including Kangee and the big cat following Emma around. There’s still a lot more to wrap up in this trilogy, and I hope Traci Slatton gives us all the answers when we get to book 3. Which means that yes, I’ll be looking forward to the conclusion.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
After arguing with her husband Haywood, and some friends, Emma heads off into the frozen wilderness. Alone. It’s an almost impossible task: she has to survive the cold trek on foot, until she can steal a horse – an offense punishable by death – and then ride until she finds the bandit camp. If she makes it that far, she then has to figure out how to rescue her daughter and get them both safely back home.
She expects it to be difficult. What she doesn’t expect is to meet up with old friends along the way. She’s lucky she does – they save her life. And then, despite her protestations, they decide to help Emma with her mission… Which is a good thing, because old friends aren’t the only characters she runs into here!
I liked Cold Light. Emma is still a strong, strong woman. She still has to make difficult decisions, still has to do what’s right for her, still has to live her life as well as she can. I wish she wouldn’t go back-and-forth so much on Arthur – I know she loves him, I know she misses him, and I know she wishes she were free to be with him. But she’s married, and she’s determined to keep her family together. I probably sound harsh. But that’s me – make a decision, and stick to it already…
The story flows well, even with a few slow patches as Emma’s mulling about Arthur. I would’ve liked to know more about some of the new characters, including Kangee and the big cat following Emma around. There’s still a lot more to wrap up in this trilogy, and I hope Traci Slatton gives us all the answers when we get to book 3. Which means that yes, I’ll be looking forward to the conclusion.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
September 20, 2013
Originally Posted: http://www.larissaslife.com/2013/09/m...
*No Spoilers !
Cold Light is the second book in the After Trilogy and it starts almost a year after the end of book one (Fallen).
After Emma and her daughter Mandy are reunited with their father Haywood and her smaller daughter Beth in the save heaven of Edmonton Canada another great tragedy strikes them; Beth is kidnapped by a rogue gang of half mad misfits and criminals.
So Emma begins a journey in the snow, alone, with only company a wild cat and the ghost of Arthur.
During the time of the family reunion Emma still stays heartbroken over Arthur; his presence is visible by almost anyone and is affecting her personal life more and more.
By this point I was already angry with Emma about her choices, she choose her husband but she seems unable to leave Arthur behind; she chooses to go after her daughter alone more to escape the family embrace rather than to really help her kid and lastly she choose to ignore her friends and allies from Europe with the silly and immature notion of keeping them safe when they have already risked everything to be of her aid. I wonder what excuse she will find for abandoning them the third one.
Anyway, I found extremely interesting the way the Mists have evolved and I’m really looking forward to learn the way their existence is going to end. I didn't like the reappearance of an old enemy but I loved Kangee and Laurette, and I wonder if for the last book we will be transferred back to Europe so we can visit the rest of Emma’s “children”.
Overall it was a good story, with lots of new characters and aspects of our favourite MC’s that we haven’t yet glimpsed; this book ends with a mild cliff-hanger also and I’m really anticipating book 3!!!
P.S This book has an awesome cover, don't you think?
*No Spoilers !
Cold Light is the second book in the After Trilogy and it starts almost a year after the end of book one (Fallen).
After Emma and her daughter Mandy are reunited with their father Haywood and her smaller daughter Beth in the save heaven of Edmonton Canada another great tragedy strikes them; Beth is kidnapped by a rogue gang of half mad misfits and criminals.
So Emma begins a journey in the snow, alone, with only company a wild cat and the ghost of Arthur.
During the time of the family reunion Emma still stays heartbroken over Arthur; his presence is visible by almost anyone and is affecting her personal life more and more.
By this point I was already angry with Emma about her choices, she choose her husband but she seems unable to leave Arthur behind; she chooses to go after her daughter alone more to escape the family embrace rather than to really help her kid and lastly she choose to ignore her friends and allies from Europe with the silly and immature notion of keeping them safe when they have already risked everything to be of her aid. I wonder what excuse she will find for abandoning them the third one.
Anyway, I found extremely interesting the way the Mists have evolved and I’m really looking forward to learn the way their existence is going to end. I didn't like the reappearance of an old enemy but I loved Kangee and Laurette, and I wonder if for the last book we will be transferred back to Europe so we can visit the rest of Emma’s “children”.
Overall it was a good story, with lots of new characters and aspects of our favourite MC’s that we haven’t yet glimpsed; this book ends with a mild cliff-hanger also and I’m really anticipating book 3!!!
P.S This book has an awesome cover, don't you think?
September 2, 2013
hhh, the After Series. Traci Slatton, why must you torture me so? I read Fallen, loved it. I read Cold Light, loved it. Now I must wait for what will seem like an eternity for the last of this amazing trilogy?? Why, Traci, WHY?!
Ok, I am in a bit of an over-dramatic mood at the moment, but I can't seem to help myself. After all, being on the emotional rack of pain from a book does that to me. So why all the fuss?
Anyone who knows me, or has read even a smidgen of my reviews knows that I tend to shy away from the traditional. If it has a typical boy-meets-girl-happily-sappily-ever-after component, I may LIKE it, but I probably won't LOVE it. Enter Traci Slatton.
I am absolutely in love with her work. And impressed, which is difficult to do these days. Cold Light picks up months after the end of Fallen. And here, I tread carefully as I do not want to divulge to plot from either book. Emma's daughter is kidnapped, and Emma is determined to rescue her. The mist-given gifts that everyone seems to have cause more than a few problems for her along the way.
Emma is used to traversing through dangerous territory, but now she must beware another element- the cold. Canada's unrelenting winter, with blizzards and mounds of snow are not as easy to travel as the South of France.
Emma will stop at nothing, but more than just her daughter's life is on the line, add to the mix the lives of others that Emma loves. Emma's heart is in danger, but isn't that always the case when death threatens those most dear...
Cold Light leaves us with another heart-wrenching, cliffhanger ending. I cannot WAIT for the last book. I must know what happens. I NEED to know. Grrrr.
If you haven't started reading Fallen yet, do it NOW. Then read Cold Light. I believe you will be as spellbound as I am by these marvelous reads.
Ok, I am in a bit of an over-dramatic mood at the moment, but I can't seem to help myself. After all, being on the emotional rack of pain from a book does that to me. So why all the fuss?
Anyone who knows me, or has read even a smidgen of my reviews knows that I tend to shy away from the traditional. If it has a typical boy-meets-girl-happily-sappily-ever-after component, I may LIKE it, but I probably won't LOVE it. Enter Traci Slatton.
I am absolutely in love with her work. And impressed, which is difficult to do these days. Cold Light picks up months after the end of Fallen. And here, I tread carefully as I do not want to divulge to plot from either book. Emma's daughter is kidnapped, and Emma is determined to rescue her. The mist-given gifts that everyone seems to have cause more than a few problems for her along the way.
Emma is used to traversing through dangerous territory, but now she must beware another element- the cold. Canada's unrelenting winter, with blizzards and mounds of snow are not as easy to travel as the South of France.
Emma will stop at nothing, but more than just her daughter's life is on the line, add to the mix the lives of others that Emma loves. Emma's heart is in danger, but isn't that always the case when death threatens those most dear...
Cold Light leaves us with another heart-wrenching, cliffhanger ending. I cannot WAIT for the last book. I must know what happens. I NEED to know. Grrrr.
If you haven't started reading Fallen yet, do it NOW. Then read Cold Light. I believe you will be as spellbound as I am by these marvelous reads.
August 31, 2015
OK I really want to rate this lower because of the ending, but to be fair, it's a good installment to the series. In this one, Emma is back with her husband Haywood in Edmonton, Canada. But a band of raiders came through at the very beginning and snatched up Emma's older daughter, Beth. The local government won't go after them because they're beginning to feel like they need to keep everything they have status quo. They don't feel like they have the resources to mount a rescue. So, of course, Emma decides to take off to go get her daughter. This may make Haywood sound like a douche for letting his wife go by herself, but they discussed it, and it was decided that a woman wouldn't likely be shot on sight like a man would. So Emma sets off on a journey. It's the dead of winter, but she was given a gift of super-heavy weight attire by one of the guards she would have stolen a horse from. She had helped one of his family members at the hospital with her healing gift, so he gifts her with the clothing and offers an alternate plan (from stealing a horse from him/Edmonton). Along the way, she has many strange experiences, including being woken before she could freeze by an apparition of Arthur. Arthur who sailed the sea to get to her in Canada.
Once she meets back up with Arthur, things are looking up for them, until they pick up another unexpected group member. And they have to plan how they'll get Beth back from a familiar, yet more insane, character.
But that decision she makes at the end? On the one hand, I understand, but on the other, does she really think she can just ? So on to the last one. Or, well I thought it should be the last one, since it's a trilogy and the next one would be #3. But apparently there's a #4. Hmmm...
Once she meets back up with Arthur, things are looking up for them, until they pick up another unexpected group member. And they have to plan how they'll get Beth back from a familiar, yet more insane, character.
But that decision she makes at the end? On the one hand, I understand, but on the other, does she really think she can just ? So on to the last one. Or, well I thought it should be the last one, since it's a trilogy and the next one would be #3. But apparently there's a #4. Hmmm...
February 13, 2013
“Cold light” è il secondo volume de “The After trilogy” che segue “Fallen”. Questa è una trilogia che ho scoperto per caso grazie a Netgalley sempre fonte eccezionale di novità da leggere e di anteprime che altrimenti sarebbero passate totalmente inosservate. E vi posso assicurare che anche il secondo volume è spettacolare totalmente all’altezza del precedente e se le distopie vi affascinano questa non può di certo passarvi sotto gamba.
Mentre alcuni segreti vengono svelati, altri si vanno ad aggiungere in questo secondo capitolo sempre più al cardiopalma, capace di emozionare il lettore ad ogni pagina. Le emozioni di Emma sono reali e ben descritte dilaniata e divisa tra l’amore per due uomini che le fanno battere il cuore mentre il mondo che la circonda va a scatafascio. Solo il suo coraggio e il suo spirito di sacrificio le consentiranno di resistere. Io non posso che attendere con impazienza l’ultimo attesissimo volume della trilogia di cui non si sa né il titolo né la trama.
Io ringrazio Netgalley e Parvati Press che mi hanno concesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio della mia opinione. Questo è uno di quei casi in cui sono felice di essere entrata nel mondo delle recensioni e di aver iniziato a bloggare.
Recensione completa sul mio blog per l'iniziativa:
IL MESE DELLA DISTOPIA
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
Mentre alcuni segreti vengono svelati, altri si vanno ad aggiungere in questo secondo capitolo sempre più al cardiopalma, capace di emozionare il lettore ad ogni pagina. Le emozioni di Emma sono reali e ben descritte dilaniata e divisa tra l’amore per due uomini che le fanno battere il cuore mentre il mondo che la circonda va a scatafascio. Solo il suo coraggio e il suo spirito di sacrificio le consentiranno di resistere. Io non posso che attendere con impazienza l’ultimo attesissimo volume della trilogia di cui non si sa né il titolo né la trama.
Io ringrazio Netgalley e Parvati Press che mi hanno concesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio della mia opinione. Questo è uno di quei casi in cui sono felice di essere entrata nel mondo delle recensioni e di aver iniziato a bloggare.
Recensione completa sul mio blog per l'iniziativa:
IL MESE DELLA DISTOPIA
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
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