The Shining Face: A Novel

In this sequel to his award-winning "Children in the Night," Harold Myra delivers more of the same. His incredible world is back in full force along with his vivid descriptions and storytelling. Unfortunately, while one main character is blind and other can see, he writes both the same way, forfeiting any artistic differences between the two points of view. In this respect, his world-building suffers, for all descriptions are conveyed as by someone who can see, taking much of the mystery out of the Old World when the story goes subterranean. Nevertheless, his writing is once again nearly impeccable, and his prose is fantastic. Also making a recurrence are the faults of his first novel, namely a jumpy timeline and underdeveloped secondary characters. An unpredictable weakness also emerges in the slow-paced action. This style worked in the first novel due to the newness of the world and the unique perspective, nearly devoid of sight. In this book, however, with nothing new to occupy the mind, the story drags, barely getting above a crawl even during the climax. The message of the series continues to be wholesome and worthwhile, and Mr. Myra’s fantastic style gives me hope that with the correct story, his third book may be just as good as the first.

I'm having trouble deciding which book is better, Children in the Night, (the first book in this series) or this book. This was very good, and very similiar to the first. Yosha and asel were in the book, but only briefly. The main characters more than took their place though. I would recommend this book, and the whole series to anyone.

Wonderful!! This second book suffers no middle child syndrome. I enjoyed the cameos by the cherished Yosha and Asel, tho missed their presence. However, the scepter is carried high and well by our new, young blind princess. As ever, the imagery is incredible - best read by candlelight.