The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

The Luminaries, Book 1 of The Luminaries Trilogy by Susan Dennard

• Author: Susan Dennard
• Published: November 1st, 2022
• Publisher: Tor Teen
• Rating: 4/5 

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Synopsis

In the enigmatic town of Hemlock Falls, hidden from maps and modern technology, a dangerous forest threatens both its inhabitants and the world. Winnie Wednesday is determined to join the Luminaries, a revered order protecting Hemlock Falls from the nightly horrors that emerge from the forest.

Her family has been ostracized since her father was exposed as a traitor and witch, but on her sixteenth birthday, Winnie can undertake the perilous Luminary hunter trials to redeem her family’s honor or risk her life in the process.

To survive, Winnie teams up with Jay Friday, her former best friend and the town’s resident bad boy, who has a mysterious knowledge of the forest’s nightmares. Together, they will uncover a hidden danger in Hemlock Falls, a peril that no one in the town is prepared for. In Hemlock Falls, not all monsters can be vanquished, and not all nightmares are confined to the darkness.

My Thoughts

“The Luminaries” is a gripping tale about Winnie Wednesday, a Luminary in a secret society that protects humanity from monsters born of spirits’ nightmares. Winnie’s family is ostracized due to her father’s association with the villainous Dianas, and she’s determined to redeem their name by passing the dangerous Hunter trials.

The Luminaries are a worldwide order responsible for battling Nightmares – monstrous creatures created by spirits. Winnie’s region is shielded by a forest where hunters eliminate these Nightmares each night. The Luminaries have unique surnames based on the days of the week, representing their roles.

Winnie, despite lacking formal training, enlists the help of the town’s bad boy, Jay, to prepare for the trials. This decision leads to an escalating and thrilling adventure.

Winnie’s intriguing relationship with Nightmares, her fear, and reverence for them, adds depth to her character. The story has a well-paced narrative and a satisfying conclusion.

“The Luminaries” offers a well-paced narrative with a satisfying conclusion. I must also mention the exquisite special edition from OwlCrate, which adds to the overall reading experience with its stunning design. With “The Luminaries” being the first book in this enthralling trilogy, I can’t wait to embark on the next part of Winnie’s journey, making this series a must-read for fans of magical adventures and captivating characters.

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