Scan barcode
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A youth fiction adventure with a little romance? that falls into the same sort of category as Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight, I didn't know whether I should cringe or laugh my way through this book. When her father turns out to be a traitor to the community, Winnie Wednesday's family are ostracised from the Luminary society of Hemlock Falls, a dreary town on the edge of a haunted forest full of spirits and monsters. Seven clans (named for the days of the week) are tasked with protecting the mortal world from Nightmares that are spawned in the Forest. This Clandestine group lives in a town where the sun seldom shines, and the children of the Hunter community are trained at a school that teaches them monster lore and battle tactics.
Winnie is just turning 16, and that qualifies to enter the trials to become a Hunter. She's not as hot with a bow as Katniss, but she does hide in trees, and has a lot of luck. There are two mystery monsters in the story. As Winnie struggles to survive in a monster ridden forest she encounters a strange presence that appears to warp reality and kill monsters. She also encounters a werewolf that she seems to think wants to kill her, but that seems to the reader is trying to rescue her... (not even going to give points for anyone trying to guess who that is - if it's not the obvious candidate in this story, then this is the reddest herring that ever swam). Nobody seems to take Winnie seriously when she tries to tell people that there is an unknown Whisperer monster out there, and that it is deadly and capable of crossing the wards that should keep the monsters contained within the Forest. I find it frustrating that this leans so hard into the "adults don't listen to kids" trope.
The town is getting paranoid about this werewolf, and its existence in the town, for the first time in 17 years, has the whole community motivated to start blood testing everyone to see if they are IT. It seems that these werewolves can't turn a human by biting them... so maybe there is some other way that one gets to be a werewolf.. like.. maybe they are born that way ... ? I guess we find that out in the next book too.(oh come on! is it a coincidence that the one 17yr old character in the story is also an orphan being raised by his aunt?... that all the testing starts at the school, but that this character has a habit of being chronically truant?) .
The Houses are a trope that are pretty common to this genre; it's been done by everything from Harry Potter to Children of Blood and Bone. The stereotypes in this one are underpinned by clan animals and sayings, but the characters themselves don't seem to have much of those guiding principles to them. It is really cool that the clans are contributed to from different parts of the world. This means that the cast of characters is fairly diverse, when it comes to skin and hair at least. There is at least one gay couple, and that is normalised. I don't know that there is much actual impact that these various differences contribute to the story, but it's better than everyone being painted as cis-het-white-folk.
There are a couple of puzzles in the story, as we find out that Winnie's father has raised her playing word games and puzzles, so they have secret codes that they share. When Winnie stumbles onto things left behind by her father, 4 years after his disappearance, we have the start of clues to a mystery... but that's stuff to be covered by future books.
I guess my issue is that this is a pretty derivative story and feels paint by numbers. The bad boy is in a band, and that's a little bit of a departure from the norm.. and be plays bass.. so he's not some flashy lead guitarist or anything.. but the semi-intimate one-on-one combat training feels like Divergent all over again. I might follow it up with future reads, but I'm not feeling much drive to do so.
Winnie is just turning 16, and that qualifies to enter the trials to become a Hunter. She's not as hot with a bow as Katniss, but she does hide in trees, and has a lot of luck. There are two mystery monsters in the story. As Winnie struggles to survive in a monster ridden forest she encounters a strange presence that appears to warp reality and kill monsters. She also encounters a werewolf that she seems to think wants to kill her, but that seems to the reader is trying to rescue her... (not even going to give points for anyone trying to guess who that is - if it's not the obvious candidate in this story, then this is the reddest herring that ever swam). Nobody seems to take Winnie seriously when she tries to tell people that there is an unknown Whisperer monster out there, and that it is deadly and capable of crossing the wards that should keep the monsters contained within the Forest. I find it frustrating that this leans so hard into the "adults don't listen to kids" trope.
The town is getting paranoid about this werewolf, and its existence in the town, for the first time in 17 years, has the whole community motivated to start blood testing everyone to see if they are IT. It seems that these werewolves can't turn a human by biting them... so maybe there is some other way that one gets to be a werewolf.. like.. maybe they are born that way ... ? I guess we find that out in the next book too.
The Houses are a trope that are pretty common to this genre; it's been done by everything from Harry Potter to Children of Blood and Bone. The stereotypes in this one are underpinned by clan animals and sayings, but the characters themselves don't seem to have much of those guiding principles to them. It is really cool that the clans are contributed to from different parts of the world. This means that the cast of characters is fairly diverse, when it comes to skin and hair at least. There is at least one gay couple, and that is normalised. I don't know that there is much actual impact that these various differences contribute to the story, but it's better than everyone being painted as cis-het-white-folk.
There are a couple of puzzles in the story, as we find out that Winnie's father has raised her playing word games and puzzles, so they have secret codes that they share. When Winnie stumbles onto things left behind by her father, 4 years after his disappearance, we have the start of clues to a mystery... but that's stuff to be covered by future books.
I guess my issue is that this is a pretty derivative story and feels paint by numbers. The bad boy is in a band, and that's a little bit of a departure from the norm.. and be plays bass.. so he's not some flashy lead guitarist or anything.. but the semi-intimate one-on-one combat training feels like Divergent all over again. I might follow it up with future reads, but I'm not feeling much drive to do so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Blood, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Child death
kassidyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use and Panic attacks/disorders
the_b00kreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Winnie Wednesday, our main character, is such a strong and independent role model fighting for both herself and her family, eager to redeem their image.
Once an outcast, now welcomed back as though she was never an outcast.
Susan Dennard wonderfully wrote a story that was tense, a story that dealt with feelings of all sorts and a story in which let one know that home can certainly be where the heart is. There's no need to spend time reminiscing on what could have been, instead look at what you have now, what you could have.
For Winnie, it was friendships and also herself. She learned more about herself along the way and it was really beneficial to the story to have been able to get such a deep insight into Winnie's character.
The story itself was so so good! I loved it! The trials to become a Luminary hunter were certainly intriguing, but oh my! That third trial was certainly something. The tension while reading was crazy!
But...I am now left looking for answers and eagerly waiting book 2 after having a curve ball thrown at me (thank you Susan Dennard for that lovely 'what the f**k' moment towards the end!)
All in all, I highly recommend you all to read this book ASAP, you won't regret it!!
Once an outcast, now welcomed back as though she was never an outcast.
Susan Dennard wonderfully wrote a story that was tense, a story that dealt with feelings of all sorts and a story in which let one know that home can certainly be where the heart is. There's no need to spend time reminiscing on what could have been, instead look at what you have now, what you could have.
For Winnie, it was friendships and also herself. She learned more about herself along the way and it was really beneficial to the story to have been able to get such a deep insight into Winnie's character.
The story itself was so so good! I loved it! The trials to become a Luminary hunter were certainly intriguing, but oh my! That third trial was certainly something. The tension while reading was crazy!
But...I am now left looking for answers and eagerly waiting book 2 after having a curve ball thrown at me (thank you Susan Dennard for that lovely 'what the f**k' moment towards the end!)
All in all, I highly recommend you all to read this book ASAP, you won't regret it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Bullying, Abandonment, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Luminaries is the utterly addictive and highly anticipated YA fantasy, which reads like the love child of Shadowhunters and The Hunger Games—complete with high octane action scenes, gorgeously rendered nightmare monsters (we get illustrations) and atmospheric prose that I thoroughly loved.
It follows sixteen year old Winnie Wednesday-a girl soo devoted to the secret, monster hunting society that made her family outcasts, she’s willing to risk everything—including her life—on a deadly trial for a chance to win back her family’s coveted reputation. And, follow in the hallowed footsteps of her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother by becoming the next leader of her clan.
The world building was so incredibly lush and the attention to detail in the descriptions (particularly during all those intense action scenes) was incredible.
I absolutely fell in love with Winnie (whose full name is Wednesday Winona Wednesday btw) in all her indecisive (yet utterly adorable) awkwardness. Having been outcast as punishment for a crime her father committed, and spending years being ignored by close friends and family alike it’s not hard to understand why Winnie is so cynical and emotionally disconnected from everyone around her.
But I really liked that, despite her (super relatable) bouts of self-doubt and insecurity she didn’t let the naysayers win—and showed just how brave, capable and utterly badass she could be with only a fraction of the training or resources that everyone else had.
Given the treatment Winnie and her family experience during their time as outcasts, there’s only a handful of characters that I genuinely liked (out of solidarity with Winnie that is) but Bretta and Emma won me over pretty much instantly. Their kindness and optimism was soo infectious and it was soo heartwarming to see that Winnie had at least two people to liked and cared about her (besides her mum and brother that is) I desperately need to see more of them both in the next book.
Likewise, Winnie’s intense, slow-burn chemistry with former friend and resident bad boy Jay Friday was really interesting (if a little too slow for my liking) and I can’t wait to see how things develop between this too—I feel it’s gonna be explosively intense.
Overall, a fabulously intriguing and utterly imaginative YA Fantasy that fans of breathtakingly nail-biting action, monsters or monster hunters definitely don’t want to miss!
Also, a huge thank you to Blackcrow PR and Daphne Press for the finished copy (and for including me on the tour.)
It follows sixteen year old Winnie Wednesday-a girl soo devoted to the secret, monster hunting society that made her family outcasts, she’s willing to risk everything—including her life—on a deadly trial for a chance to win back her family’s coveted reputation. And, follow in the hallowed footsteps of her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother by becoming the next leader of her clan.
The world building was so incredibly lush and the attention to detail in the descriptions (particularly during all those intense action scenes) was incredible.
I absolutely fell in love with Winnie (whose full name is Wednesday Winona Wednesday btw) in all her indecisive (yet utterly adorable) awkwardness. Having been outcast as punishment for a crime her father committed, and spending years being ignored by close friends and family alike it’s not hard to understand why Winnie is so cynical and emotionally disconnected from everyone around her.
But I really liked that, despite her (super relatable) bouts of self-doubt and insecurity she didn’t let the naysayers win—and showed just how brave, capable and utterly badass she could be with only a fraction of the training or resources that everyone else had.
Given the treatment Winnie and her family experience during their time as outcasts, there’s only a handful of characters that I genuinely liked (out of solidarity with Winnie that is) but Bretta and Emma won me over pretty much instantly. Their kindness and optimism was soo infectious and it was soo heartwarming to see that Winnie had at least two people to liked and cared about her (besides her mum and brother that is) I desperately need to see more of them both in the next book.
Likewise, Winnie’s intense, slow-burn chemistry with former friend and resident bad boy Jay Friday was really interesting (if a little too slow for my liking) and I can’t wait to see how things develop between this too—I feel it’s gonna be explosively intense.
Overall, a fabulously intriguing and utterly imaginative YA Fantasy that fans of breathtakingly nail-biting action, monsters or monster hunters definitely don’t want to miss!
Also, a huge thank you to Blackcrow PR and Daphne Press for the finished copy (and for including me on the tour.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying
takarakei's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
- 1st in a duology (second book out in Nov)
- Monsters of all kinds (and amazing illustrations!)
- Deadly competition/trials
- Creepy and mysterious
- School setting
- Glimmers of a romance (Ex best friends)
- Outcast girl who suddenly becomes popular
- 'Slacker' boy that everyone crushes on but he only cares about working on his motorcycle
- Yes they ride the motorcycle
The audiobook for this was fantastic, really enjoyed the narration! This gave me a bit of Scholomance vibes, even though they are VERY different series (and Scholomance is way better imo). Just similar in terms of the youth being in this insane situation (trials/being a hunter) that they might die in and have to like save everyone (aka the adults). It's a very quick read, but I also wasn't completely in love with the story and felt like things were just starting to get good when it ended. Feels a bit like it was written as one long book that got split into a duology instead of getting a good edit and remaining one longer or standard length fantasy book.
0/5 🌶️, but I think it will get somewhere (it is YA) in book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Death
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
moonchild_cos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, and Drug abuse
luceeefur's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
3.25
All around the world, the Luminaries live near fourteen sleeping spirits. Each night, when the spirits dream, their nightmares come to life. And each night, the Luminary hunters guard the world against those nightmares, one clan for every day of the week. Last night belonged to the Wednesdays—Winnie’s clan.
A book that began as a story created by twitter polls is a really interesting and unique concept. This was enjoyable, but like most other reviewers pointed out the actual ending was 'meh'. The story concludes but doesn't really wrap up any of the storylines.
I would have liked a little more world building and a little more history of the Luminaries and their societies as well as the Dianas and a little less descriptions about clothing. I did enjoy both Winnie and Jay (obviously I like the brooding love interest) as characters. I appreciated when Winnie snapped at both Lizzy and Jay to say "HELLO I'VE BEEN AROUND THE LAST FOUR YEARS WHILE WERE ALL IGNORING US" - it needed to be said and really showed Winnie's growth from trying to prove herself to being able to say WHAT THE HELL and question things about how the society is functioning.
I'm not frothing at the mouth for the sequel but may check it out at the library to see if things are wrapped up and get some answers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Bullying and Abandonment
addi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Gore
Moderate: Violence
sydn3ycx's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The POV is often confusing and the pacing is ridiculously slow in the beginning. I know it’s a series, but there are no plot-related developments aside from the romantic subplot and the decision of the main character’s trials. The mysteries at the introduction of the book are left for the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Blood, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Gore, and Emotional abuse
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
I really wanted to like this one but sadly it fell flat. The MC Winnie is too passive and has no personality, everything happens to her as opposed to her doing something. Tying in with that is the writing-also flat with no tension/suspense for a supernatural fantasy about hunting dangerous creatures. The story was more telling than showing which I hate. The world building is almost non existent so I just had zero motivation to continue this book.
It had a great premise but the execution was poorly done. I know it’s book one of a series so maybe that’s why there is so few answers to the world, the nightmares, and the Luminaries vs Dianas but the first book should build up something to make me want to continue. Based on other reviews it won’t get much better so I’m DNFing
It had a great premise but the execution was poorly done. I know it’s book one of a series so maybe that’s why there is so few answers to the world, the nightmares, and the Luminaries vs Dianas but the first book should build up something to make me want to continue. Based on other reviews it won’t get much better so I’m DNFing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Death