A vampire origin story is at hand, and you will find no steamy romance within these pages. A Light of Little Radiance is a horror story packed with twists, loaded with drama, and steeped in blood. Readers can expect a return to a more classic vampire story with a battle between two groups of hunters. Authors Keith Anthony Baird and Beverly Lee have created a unique story that will leave readers begging for more.
A Light of Little Radiance has an old-school illustrated cover that immediately draws the eye with the amount of detail and storytelling that it does on its own. In the forefront is a depiction of Selina herself after her “rebirth” as a vampire. Decked out in beautiful colors and jewelry she is an eye-catching character. Her eyes are alight, and her small fangs peek from her slightly open mouth as her hair flies behind her. Surrounding her on both sides of the cover are plants and trees rising upward to the sky.
Creeping towards her from the right side of the cover is a prowling wolf with glowing eyes. Is this creature a friend? Or foe? Right behind the wolf is a looming tower with a bell and cross silhouetted against the full moon. It definitely gives a sense of foreboding. In the distance is a pyre alight with a victim tied to it. Off to the left is a group of individuals with glowing torches. Are these angry villagers? Or are they dreaded hunters out to “cleanse” the world of evil?
A Light of Little Radiance kicks things off with authors Baird and Lee giving readers the “origins” of what leads Selina to become a vampire. Authors Baird and Lee drop readers in 1574 and have Selina on the run. She’s being hunted. Not by humans, no – she’s being hunted by wolves. Running from danger in a mountainous area, snow on the ground, and dangerously cold temperatures – readers just get the sense that no matter how you slice it, Selina’s life hangs in the balance.
In the first chapter of A Light of Little Radiance, readers will race through the wilds with Selina as she struggles to escape the pack that seeks her life. Escaping death is no easy task when you have even the elements against you – regardless of how indifferent they are to a human’s plight. While Selina manages to escape the jaws of the wolves, she stumbles upon something darker…and more ancient. Beneath the moon with its “light of little radiance,” this ancient will “gift” Selina with a darkness that will change her forever.
As A Light of Little Radiance progresses authors Baird and Lee weaves a story that skips back and forth in time before settling in with Selina and her troupe in the 1700s. Each time this story bounces back in time, it is to allow readers to watch Selina evolve and better understand her new found abilities after awakening from her “sleep.”
Authors Baird and Lee beautifully capture the essence of horror throughout this book. When they take readers back in time to when Selina was a lone hunter, they artfully depict how dangerous and vicious she was. It’s both shocking and thrilling how Selina’s bloodlust is depicted in the “early years” of her change. With the focus on a family and the death that destroys them, you’d almost expect a story of revenge to follow. While that’s not the case, the drama never relents as the details unfold as to how Selina’s “family” came together.
When A Light of Little Radiance skips ahead to the 1700s, that is where this story settles in and remains. Authors Baird and Lee embrace the era of the 1700s and the hunt for “evil” in all its forms. As A Light of Little Radiance continues readers are treated to the “fears” of witches and other evils that haunt the world.
Readers will truly appreciate how A Light of Little Radiance stays true to the era of the 1700s and the witch hunts that went on during that time. The story stays in Prussia and the surrounding areas. Selina and her troupe of vampires are constantly on the move in the attempt to stay ahead of any who might be hunting them.
This story is truly intriguing with interesting characters. Selina and her group are the primary focus throughout, but it won’t be long before the hunters catch their “scent” soon upon them. The tension will build from there as you can’t help but wonder…”What is going to happen to Selina and her family?” Will they manage to escape the hunters, or will there be death and loss?
Authors Baird and Lee will draw readers to the edge of their seats with each turn of the page as Selina and her family of vampires feel the hunters literally nipping at their heels. This isn’t a vampire novel where they can “shape change” or have “speedy healing” abilities. Do they have certain aspects that mark them as vampires? Absolutely, but this isn’t your “paranormal romance” vampire story.
Prepare for horror scenes that will literally have your jaw dropping to the floor. No one is safe in this novel. Readers who enjoy a good horror novel that draws you in with an engaging storyline, and then slaps you with a scene you didn’t see coming? Then this is the story for you!
A Light of Little Radiance crosses time effortlessly. It is a unique novel that draws readers in with the beginning of a fight for survival. The story that unfolds from there builds into a page-turner that leaves you wondering…”Where is this going?” “Who will survive to the end?” Once you see how things start to fall out, which side will you choose? The vampires? Or the hunters?
A Light of Little Radiance is a deliciously dark horror novel. This story is dark but refrains from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Authors Baird and Lee hit readers with shocking moments that surprise you and will keep you coming back for more. The way that this story ends…it’s possible for the story to continue forward. Will it? Well, that’s up to the authors…
Readers who enjoy horror novels with a vampires, this is a novel to check out. Combining witch hunts with vampires is a delightful combination that creates a unique story that makes A Light of Little Radiance an absolute must-read.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline
- Unique combination of witch hunters and vampires.
- Dark and deliciously horrific.
- Easy to follow timeline.
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 
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