Layers of Light is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy sub-genre and was penned by author S. R. Cronin. Written for mature readers, the work does contain some scenes of moderate mature content and language usage, as well as themes of trafficking and the sex trade. The central protagonist of the story is Teddie, a young woman who seems to have her head screwed on right, but everything in her life is about to change when a friend persuades her to spend a semester in Darjeeling, India. Here she discovers the sinister reality of sex trafficking, as well as an intriguing stranger who promises to help her hone undiscovered powers in order to save women in need.

Author S. R. Cronin has created a compelling novel that blends just the right amounts of fantasy content and gritty urban adventure. The novel can be read as a stand-alone, which is also part of the 46. Ascending series, and it was such an entertaining and self-contained story that it certainly makes you hungry for another adventure in the same vein. The plot is cleverly crafted to follow several different characters whose stories interweave, and readers who stick with it will be satisfied by an excellent conclusion that certainly ties up all the threads it creates at the onset. One of the things that I admired was the dialogue, particularly in representing characters who come from totally different cultural and geographical backgrounds. Overall, I would certainly recommend Layers of Light as a compelling urban fantasy read for those seeking their next gritty adventure.

Layers of Light is part of the Ascending series by S. R. Cronin. Teddie was looking forward to graduating high school and being happy. But when her best friend Michelle brings it up, Teddie signs up for the Exchange Program and before she knows it, she is in India ready to spend a semester there. At first, everything is fine, she enjoys herself and makes new friends. However, that all changes when her new friend Usha goes missing, and then Michelle is kidnapped. Scared out of her mind and desperate to find her friends, she meets a man called Lhatu who wants to help her. Lhatu promises to help her harness her “power” and find her friends. However, she has to believe in herself and the immense power she holds. How can Teddie believe she is extraordinary? She is just a girl who doesn’t know much. Does she have what it takes to save her friends?

Layers of Light is exciting and sobering at the same time. There are many characters in the story and each character has its own background story. Each subplot furthers the main plot while also making it more interesting for readers. Usha’s story is very different, and Teddie’s story had me hooked from the beginning. The author started the story in a very unique moment of action so that the reader is introduced to the protagonist and her “powers” before even she realizes. I really enjoyed that! The descriptions are really well-handled and Indian culture is explained appropriately. While I enjoyed the adventure/mystery elements of the story, the subject matter of the plot demands more attention. Human trafficking is a real danger to women all over the world and the author did it justice. S. R. Cronin touches upon the topic and makes sure the reader realizes how desperate and devastating it can be. I enjoyed this story of courage and believing in yourself!