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A review by actuallycandy
The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
4.0
A small town surrounded by nightmares, the residents hunt them by night. Until, an unknown nightmare starts to reveal itself to the girl who cries wolf.
This single POV YA fantasy follows a 16 year old girl called Winnie Wednesday as she strives to become a hunter and join the luminaries in Hemlock Falls. Her family outcasted by the clans 4 years ago, it is up to Winnie to save her family from the crimes of her father.
I have been picking up a lot more YA fantasy books so that I have an array of TBR books for my daughter when she is older. This is definitely one to add to the list.
Plot - The story follows a heroine who strives to liberate her family from the crimes of her father. The story follows her struggles after being an outcast for 4 years and the impact of the trails to win society's favour. Winnie is a typical teenager who second guesses all her choices. Some may find her doubtful nature unbearable, but I did find her inquisitive nature endearing. The book has a sprinkle of mystery and intrigue but not much character building.
Romance - There is some romantic tension but nothing is solidified in this story. Just an inkling of a potential budding romance and that is all. Therefore, there is no spice. Perfect recommendation for tweens so far unless you are against violence (killing of nightmares)
The world building is unique enough to keep you engaged. The structure is basically multiple safe zones with factions or clans within them. Each area is run by councils and information is shared across the globe about nightmare types, their nature and information on how to kill them. It does not go deeper then that, which is expected for a YA story.
Pros - Interesting fantasy element, likeable characters and a sprinkle of mystery
Cons - Lacks character building, limited world building and no memorable side character relationships
This single POV YA fantasy follows a 16 year old girl called Winnie Wednesday as she strives to become a hunter and join the luminaries in Hemlock Falls. Her family outcasted by the clans 4 years ago, it is up to Winnie to save her family from the crimes of her father.
I have been picking up a lot more YA fantasy books so that I have an array of TBR books for my daughter when she is older. This is definitely one to add to the list.
Plot - The story follows a heroine who strives to liberate her family from the crimes of her father. The story follows her struggles after being an outcast for 4 years and the impact of the trails to win society's favour. Winnie is a typical teenager who second guesses all her choices. Some may find her doubtful nature unbearable, but I did find her inquisitive nature endearing. The book has a sprinkle of mystery and intrigue but not much character building.
Romance - There is some romantic tension but nothing is solidified in this story. Just an inkling of a potential budding romance and that is all. Therefore, there is no spice. Perfect recommendation for tweens so far unless you are against violence (killing of nightmares)
The world building is unique enough to keep you engaged. The structure is basically multiple safe zones with factions or clans within them. Each area is run by councils and information is shared across the globe about nightmare types, their nature and information on how to kill them. It does not go deeper then that, which is expected for a YA story.
Pros - Interesting fantasy element, likeable characters and a sprinkle of mystery
Cons - Lacks character building, limited world building and no memorable side character relationships