Thursday, June 1, 2023

About the Book

Book: Radiant

Author: Ashley Bustamante

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: May 9, 2023

Secrets Come in Every Shade

After the introduction of Yellow magic in a society accustomed to only Red and Blue magic, the world inside the barrier has become more complicated than anyone imagined. Ava, Elm, and the former students of Prism navigate life in hiding. They face discord, secrets, betrayal, and danger that looms ever closer as the Benefactors narrow in on their hideaway.

Ava is determined to keep everyone protected, even at the cost of her own safety. She explores dangerous aspects of her new Mentalist abilities—against Elm’s dire warnings.

Tensions escalate when a new visitor arrives claiming to know a way out of the barrier. While this may be the only way to escape the Benefactors, what awaits them on the outside? Will they gain allies or make an entirely new set of enemies?

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About the Author

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find.

More from Ashley

When I originally wrote Vivid, book one in The Color Theory series, I wasn’t sure if the story would continue. But it had to, didn’t it? Without spoiling anything, Vivid ends in a place where things are really just beginning, and that’s where Radiant takes the stage. What does coming together really look like? What does it take for a group of diverse people to unite? Radiant explores the strength that grows from working together and overcoming differences. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and our characters have a lot to learn. I hope you’ll enjoy Radiant!

MY REVIEW

I have been looking forward to this second book in the series. The author does not disappoint with a cast of characters that expand your imagination. It is easy to picture everything that is taking place with vivid details. Now it’s time to join the group and take a journey where danger, secrets and betrayal await. Will truth prevail?

The tension is high as a new visitor comes to the cave. Ava is not at all sure Sammy can be trusted but Elm assures everyone they can. Sabotage starts happening that risks their existence. Who in the group is the betrayer? Well I know who I think it is, but with the author in control there are bound to be twists in the story. I loved getting to know the characters better and watching them learn to work together. Everyone is in survival mode but someone among them has a plan of destruction.

The illustration of unconditional love is very well written. To realize that someone would do anything for you even if it could harm them makes Ava understand what real love looks like. It helps her understand Elm more although some in the group are still unsure about him. There is a lot of suspicion going on and I was ready to see if I could get through the mist to discover the truth.

The smell of betrayal is strong when the group enters another place they thought was safe. They are easily welcomed by the leader Ivan. Everything seems to perfect here and soon the group realizes why. Ava is torn when people she has trusted all her life turn on her. What place are the group trapped in now? Just when I thought Ava and the group are safe, danger and threats surround them.

Make sure you have plenty of time to read this book until the very end without stopping. There is much to absorb as the author cleverly keeps readers guessing. Teamwork is the key as Ava and Elm lead the group to rescue others and try to find freedom for everyone. I’m ready for book three so I hope it is released soon.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.