A review by 100pagesaday
Shine Your Light On Me by Lee Thompson

4.0

Aiden LeDoux would just like to be a normal kid, someone who flies under the radar. However, that is unlikely after his father is literally crucified by the son of a man who he has wronged. One night while at his father's bar, Aiden feels overwhelmed and uncomfortable. In his anxiety a bright light bursts from his face, illuminating the entire bar. To add to that, anyone who was bathed in the light is now healed of any physical malady, from a scratch or scar to cancer. Of course the miraculous event spreads like wildfire, and the small town becomes ignited by zealotry by Aiden's miracle. Aiden is now being held hostage by those who will do anything to have him perform the miracle again.

This book threw me for a loop; simultaneously diving right into the action and setting the scene, I was thrown into a small town bar that Aiden's father, Jack owns. Immediately, I had a feel for many of the characters and the varied dynamics between them. Then, everything changes. I was amazed at how quickly the town turned. However, some people remained the same. Aiden really becomes a side character and the focus turns on how the town reacts to him. The horror was not in Aiden's incident, but the quick turnaround to chaos, panic and illogical thinking that takes over an overwhelming amount of people. Pine, the brother responsible for Jack's injury was easily the most terrifying character and could probably have an entire book written about his antics. There were a few plot holes for me, especially the absence of any law enforcement until the end. Overall, a well crafted book that looks into the dynamics of small town incidents with well placed elements of horror and psychological thriller.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.