Review: Loved this extra perspective
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2013
First, do NOT read this before you read Find You in the Dark. It is a companion novella, but follows the same timeline as FYITD, so it is riddled with spoilers. The reading order is: 1) Find You in the Dark, 2) Cloud Walking (an optional novella), then 3) Light in the Shadows. I read this after LITS and am completely fine with that order. It gave me the little bit more of these characters, whom I loved, that I needed after reading the other two major novels. Cloud Walking isn't a necessity for the series, but if you loved Daniel and Rachel, and you want to know what was going on in their heads during Clay and Maggie's drama, and during the progression of their relationship, then this might be a nice companion piece for you. And although this novella follows the timeline of FYITD, the author does not 'cut and paste' the scenes and dialogue from the novel. She refers to scenes and may summarize things briefly, but doesn't rehash everything. I found this really nice, because I wanted Daniel and Rachel's story, and more stuff happening behind-the-scenes, so I appreciate Ms. Walters maintaining the purpose of this novella.I enjoyed going back into the work of Clay and Maggie, but this time through Daniel and Rachel's eyes. I enjoyed reading Daniel and Rachel's blossoming love story. Rachel's misery is again obvious, but I liked the acknowledgment that her growth in her character and not being a doormat is really what helped push her, and her relationship with Daniel, to the next level. No one should be a doormat. I also enjoyed seeing Daniel stop being the 'oblivious idiot' he kept trying to remain, and finally recognizing and 'manning-up' to his feelings. No one likes a guy who hides behind the idiot card. Reading how they finally get a clue how to communicate with each other was a relief because during FYITD I just wanted to shake the two of them at times. But still, I did like Daniel and Rachel, and having already read LITS, I can confirm how much I enjoy their role in these stories. Clay and Maggie's love and relationship is so intense, and I appreciate that Ms. Walters was also able to portray a more 'normal' relationship and love story. Because as fun as all that drama is to read about, falling in love and staying in love should also be "as natural as breathing," according to Daniel. And that's what this novella shows.