Assessment:
Plot/Idea: After a hard fought war to defeat the 'father' of vampires, Vince and his vampire clan exist in peace with the werewolves. However, the truce (and their very existence) is threatened with the appearance of a strange dragon symbol--and a mysterious young woman, Melia, who is more than what she seems; and Vince is forced to face demons both past and present.
Prose: Ryder's prose is oddly hurried at times and is often jarring in its rhythm, switching somewhat suddenly between stilted dialogue and an effort to capture the 'magic' of the world. Despite this, the storytelling overall doesn't really suffer significantly; the reader just has to try and adapt and even ignore its prosy foibles in order to try and enjoy the story.
Originality: Vampires, werewolves, magic, destiny--an epic battle where two unlikely allies must work together to defeat a greater evil--all familiar (and some would argue overused?) tropes that Ryder uses as a basis for "Light." In spite of its familiarity, fans of the genre will easily appreciate this work of vampire fiction.
Character/Execution: Both Vince and Melia are well-written and complex--and, as the centerpieces of the story, they definitely do a lot of the heavy lifting; Ryder does well to develop them both. The supporting cast, while in the background, also does an adequate job of both filling out the narrative, and, in some cases, (Camille, Lamont, Cecily) add much-needed depth and conflict.
Date Submitted: May 16, 2023
Readers will gain a deeper understanding of each character as this sequel, told in a more conventional third-person style than its predecessor, emphasizes character and relationships over action. Ryder digs deep into the traumas and uncertainties of the key cast, telling the story from varied perspectives and plumbing Vince and Meila’s fears that, with all their cravings, they might not be able to resist doing evil themselves—“Was she capable of mass destruction?” Melia wonders. “Did becoming a vampire change who she was?” Drawn to Melia’s light and innocence even as a new vampire, Vince feels great conflict, refraining from letting her in as he is still recovering from a previous heartbreak. Sexual assault is handled with a sensitive frankness.
That tender attention to character, and the novel’s hefty length, diminishes some narrative momentum, but the new mystery and villain are engaging and smartly bound up in the novel’s themes of discovering what one is capable of. Vivid descriptions and engaging emotional detail abound, and fans of high-stakes, character-rich YA that blend fantasy, romance, and horror will find much to feast on in a story that reminds us “Darkness does not drive out darkness. Only light can.”
Takeaway: Young vampires face their dark desires in this character-rich YA adventure.
Comparable Titles: Lauren Kate’s Fallen, L.A. Banks’s Shadow Walker.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
"...a world where themes of redemption, unity, and self-discovery take center stage, making "A Dance Between Light and Darkness" a must-read for fans of both fantasy and character-driven stories. The seamless blend of supernatural elements and human emotions creates a story that resonates long after the final page is turned. Ryder's narrative prowess shines brightly, and the book stands as a testament to their ability to transport readers to a world where light and darkness coexist in a mesmerizing dance." -Discourse
The suspenseful werewolves and vampire saga continues in M.C. Ryder's A Dance Between Light and Darkness. An excitingly dark and brooding mystery. ★★★★★ – Explore Authors Magazine
When I started reading A Dance Between Light and Darkness by M.C. Ryder, I wasn't aware that this was the second book in the series; however, it's for that reason I can say it is well written. I could easily follow along with the plot without any knowledge of the story before, and with the cast of new characters being introduced, it didn't make a difference. I enjoyed the storyline and especially enjoyed seeing Vince and Melia's relationship grow. You see how Vince slowly learns to look at her as an individual without comparing her to Nadine, making their relationship extra special. There was plenty of action and mystery, which had me hanging on every word. My only grievance would be that I wish we had more scenes of Leo; I thought the idea of a vampire cat that also acts as a moral compass is really interesting. ★★★★ Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
An enthralling sequel to The Darkest Side of the Moon, A Dance Between Light and Darkness, immerses readers in a captivating world where vampires and werewolves have forged an unlikely alliance... A Dance Between Light and Darkness serves as an exceptional continuation, skillfully building upon the strengths of its predecessor while charting new and captivating territory for both the world and its inhabitants. It generates heightened anticipation for the forthcoming third installment, making it an unequivocal recommendation for enthusiasts of urban fantasy.... ★★★★ -Literary Titan (Literary Titan Silver Award winner June 2023)
"I love compelling characters and plot twists that enthrall and M. C. Ryder succeeds in delivering both. The characters in this story are extraordinary... A Dance Between Light and Darkness features superior storytelling with stellar prose and wonderfully crafted dialogues. The conflict is strong and it moves the story steadily forward. The tale is both terrifying and tactile, a beautiful tale that will wrap any reader up and pull them along the journey; it is confidently executed and relentless in its pulse. This second book in the series reads well as a standalone novel." ★★★★★ Franklin Bauer, The Book Commentary
