The second stand-alone Bright Sessions novel that asks: “What if the X-Men, instead of becoming superheroes, decided to spend some time in therapy?” (Vox)

Los Angeles, 2006. Eighteen-year-old Robert Gorham arrives in L.A. amid the desert heat and the soft buzz of neon. He came alone — by choice — and he came with one goal: he wants to see the ocean. And Robert always gets what he wants.

At a very young age, Robert discovered he had the unusual ability to make those close to him want whatever he wants. He wanted dessert instead of dinner? His mother served it. He wanted his Frisbee back? His father walked off the roof to bring it to him faster. He wanted to be alone? They both disappeared. Forever.

But things will be different in L.A. He meets a group of strange friends who could help him. Friends who can do things like produce flames without flint, conduct electricity with their hands, and see visions of the past. They call themselves Unusuals and finally, finally, Robert belongs.

When a tall figure, immune to their powers, discovers them, the first family that Robert has ever wanted is at risk of being destroyed. The only way to keep them all together is to get his powers under control.

But control is a sacrifice he might not be willing to make.

A Neon Darkness is the origin story of Damien and the second stand-alone story in the Bright Sessions Novels.

Published
September 29, 2020
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.

Additional book details

Author

Lauren Shippen

Lauren Shippen is a writer and actor with experience in podcasts, film, and books. She is the creator and head writer of The Bright Sessions, a popular science fiction podcast that has won numerous awards and was named one of iTunes' Best of 2016. She was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media 2018 and one of MovieMaker Magazine and Austin Film Festival’s 25 Screenwriters to Watch. Beyond The Bright Sessions, Lauren is co-producing a joint Panoply-BBC fiction podcast with Peabody-winning writer/director John Dryden. Lauren was born in New York City and grew up in Bronxville, New York. She currently lives in Los Angeles but travels…