The first review is in for my latest, ADVERSE REACTIONS: A Novel of the Paranormal, and it’s a five-star gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ UK reader Alex Longbow shared this on Amazon:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another brilliant book from Deborah J Lightfoot!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2026
Format: Kindle
Verified PurchaseDeborah J Lightfoot’s work is always a must read for me, and I have hugely enjoyed every one of her previous books. These have all taken place in her world of Ladhredin, a world that has become very real to me through the pages of her books. This new work, Adverse Reactions is a new departure for her, and an entirely new world is introduced to the reader. I was at once excited and intrigued by this, keen to see where Lightfoot would take me next. It’s fair to say that the world she creates is very different to Ladhredin, with magic playing no explicit part. Instead, paranormal ability takes the place of magic and lies at the core of the book. World building is skilfully managed, with the history, the land and the people introduced on a ‘need to know’ basis, so that the world is brought to us incrementally as the pages turn. I found this to be a very satisfying approach, and one which certainly engaged my interest throughout.
Our main protagonist, Devin, is herself in a process of self-discovery, which proceeds alongside this gradual revelation of the world she lives in. I found her story to be fascinating, her discovery of her own abilities and the revelation of her life history most engaging. In order to discover her true self she negotiates a precarious and engrossing path amongst characters who will variously support or challenge her as the story progresses. Devin has suffered terrible injustices and the manner in which she addresses these through the use of her developing paranormal powers is highly satisfying to the reader.
There is an exceptionally strong cast of characters in Adverse Reactions. The wholesome purity of some key relationships is balanced by Devin’s dealings with some very complex individuals, ones whom the reader is kept wondering whether they truly represent enemy or ally. In summary, Adverse Reactions is a thoroughly engrossing read, that offers some hints that there may be more to come from this context. I hope there is!
Thank you so much, Alex! 💙 I’m enormously grateful for your kind words and fabulous review. 🎉
~~~
To Learn More
Pre-publication reviews are excerpted here:
New Release: ADVERSE REACTIONS
A Bookish Striptease: Cover Reveal
ADVERSE REACTIONS: “Immediately immersive and thematically rich”
My Goodreads “Review” of ADVERSE REACTIONS
Book Launch To-Do List
