Scan barcode
calathea_802's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this story until it lasted. But when the book suddenly ended without providing any answers to the plot questions, I was left baffled. I have been accumulating theories on who's the warewolf, on the Dianas identities, and on the nature of the Whisperer, and I was so eager to get all of the answers, and so the abrupt cut-off of the story was quite dissapointing.
But putting the critique aside - I loved to nightmares and the feel of the forest. So much that I will read the next book in the series eagerly.
But putting the critique aside - I loved to nightmares and the feel of the forest. So much that I will read the next book in the series eagerly.
rachelroo13's review against another edition
4.0
I was super hype for this one having been one of the original LumiNerds, and it definitely didn't disappoint! I think already being familiar with the world made it easier to dive in, but I loved the expanded characterization of Winnie, UghJay, and everyone else in the book. I'm eagerly awaiting the second one now!
meshamz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lightofsomekind's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first book by Susan Dennard and I really liked it!! I wanted a spooky read for autumn, and this fit! The synopsis didn't fully capture the book -- I was surprised at the depth in this YA story!
The main character, Winnie, is struggling with the loss of her father and ostracization from the only community she has ever known. Her response feels realistic as she experiences a lot of internal conflict, family pressure, and difficulties navigating any and all relationships. The first book helps develop her character and is a build-up for the series.
Although the main character is white, heterosexual, and cisgender, I appreciate that supporting characters are more diverse, though not deeply developed.
The plot isn't completely straightforward. I often find YA and fantasy books predictable (I read them A LOT), but this story had some twists and turns.
The creatures in the forest were very interesting! The premise around their appearance is unique, and I left the first book WANTING to help Winnie unravel all these mysteries.
Overall, I really enjoyed this quick, slightly spooky read and am starting the sequel . . . Right . . . Now.
The main character, Winnie, is struggling with the loss of her father and ostracization from the only community she has ever known. Her response feels realistic as she experiences a lot of internal conflict, family pressure, and difficulties navigating any and all relationships. The first book helps develop her character and is a build-up for the series.
Although the main character is white, heterosexual, and cisgender, I appreciate that supporting characters are more diverse, though not deeply developed.
The plot isn't completely straightforward. I often find YA and fantasy books predictable (I read them A LOT), but this story had some twists and turns.
The creatures in the forest were very interesting! The premise around their appearance is unique, and I left the first book WANTING to help Winnie unravel all these mysteries.
Overall, I really enjoyed this quick, slightly spooky read and am starting the sequel . . . Right . . . Now.
mandypurv's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a roller coaster of emotions! It gave me slight Twilight vibes--the dreary, cold, forest-y settings made me feel like I was back in Forks, but with the addition of clans of people, named after days of the week, constantly protecting the rest of the world from the nightmares within forests across the world. The world building was easy to follow, as was the explanation of clan hierarchy: each "day" clan was reminiscent of Hogwarts houses; this clan's main purpose is to research and compile data on new and existing nightmares, that clan is responsible for training hunters, etc. While a "big reveal" about one of the characters that I think is coming hasn't happened yet, I fear that if it does happen, it will be a tad predictable--as if the clues that were dropped throughout the book are too obvious. I'm hopeful, though, that those "obvious" clues are meant to distract, and that a twist is coming. And speaking of twists: there is a twist at the end that I definitely didn't see coming--and it made my jaw drop so far that my niece asked if I was okay. No, child. I am not okay, I need more!
I absolutely recommend that you read The Luminaries by Susan Dennard if you were a YA kid in the early 2000s (or if you weren't a YA kid in the early 2000s but enjoy early 2000s YA) because it definitely took me back to the books of that time: Twilight, the Hunger Games, you know the ones. It's not like today's YA/Fantasy books, and I mean that in the best way possible: this book is, somehow, nostalgic.
I absolutely recommend that you read The Luminaries by Susan Dennard if you were a YA kid in the early 2000s (or if you weren't a YA kid in the early 2000s but enjoy early 2000s YA) because it definitely took me back to the books of that time: Twilight, the Hunger Games, you know the ones. It's not like today's YA/Fantasy books, and I mean that in the best way possible: this book is, somehow, nostalgic.
emma_reads28's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
yugen_moxie's review against another edition
DNF, maybe I’ll try again another time
inertia_ash's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a fun story and now I’m mad I have to wait for the next book!
Winnie’s family have been labeled as outcasts for ✨reasons✨ but Winnie is doing what she can to try and get back into the good graces of the Luminaries. To do so, Winnie must become a hunter. And not just any hunter… a hunter of nightmares.
This story has action, monsters, misfits, family bonds, friendship and more. It was a truly delightful story and I am looking forward to what comes next! Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy!
Winnie’s family have been labeled as outcasts for ✨reasons✨ but Winnie is doing what she can to try and get back into the good graces of the Luminaries. To do so, Winnie must become a hunter. And not just any hunter… a hunter of nightmares.
This story has action, monsters, misfits, family bonds, friendship and more. It was a truly delightful story and I am looking forward to what comes next! Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy!