A review by foxclouds
The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

adventurous 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? It's complicated

5.0

What would happen if you mix a talented and reckless female protagonist whose poor eyesight can rival only Harry Potter’s; a badass ex-best-friend bad boy (that’s a lot of Bs…) also known as #UghJay; and the deadly trials that might seem even more twisted from the inside? Add a generous sprinkle of secrets, betrayal and clan politics, and then top it with a layer of monsters and nightmares?

Well, to put it short - welcome to Hemlock Falls.

Hemlock Falls isn’t like other towns. You won’t find it on a map, your phone won’t work there, and the forest outside town might just kill you…

I have been a fan of Susan’s writing for years, and I couldn’t be more excited that I heard that we are getting a more urban fantasy series from my favourite author. Started as a “pick your own adventure” Twitter game, the story grew and developed into the first book in “The Luminaries” series. I am incredibly grateful to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of the book.

It is very easy to get lost in the world of Hemlock Falls. The clan system and the Luminaries society, nightmares and monsters in the forest reminded me of some of my most favouite fairy fantasy books. Winnie Wednesday is both adorable and stubborn, which made me want to shake her a couple of times during the book. Still, her fierce loyalty and big heart make it impossible not to fall in love with her.

I loved Jay, despite all #UghJay situations. I am absolutely sure there is so much more to him than what meets the eye, and I can not wait to see if he is the boy from the prologue or something else entirely.

I desperately need to know why and how the witches were called Dianas in the first place. And what the hell happened to Winnie’s dad? I mean. C’MON! THE BOOK ENDED ON A CLIFFHANGER!! #UghSooz

When I finished the book, my only thought was, HOW MUCH LONGER till book 2?! And WHY is it not out yet??? (All silly questions, obviously, but I couldn’t help myself.) The story sucked me in, and I did not want it to end. One of the things that I adore about Susan’s writing is how natural the words flow and how comfortable her worlds are. I know that Susan likes to put some hooks and red herrings in her books, so I am sure I probably missed a dozen of important clues (hence, the re-read is needed ASAP).

If you like awkward but fierce main female characters, broody and mysterious bad boys, and exquisite monster hunts - you need to dive into The Luminaries right now!