The Hunting Moon, The Luminaries #2 by Susan Dennard

The Hunting Moon, book 2, The Lumiinaries

Author: Susan Dennard
Published: November 7th, 2023
Publisher: Tor Teen
Rating: 5/5

The Hunting Moon is the perfect sequel to The Luminaries, delivering everything fans could hope for—more mysteries, deeper lore, and a protagonist who continues to grow in unexpected ways. Susan Dennard masterfully expands the world of Hemlock Falls, immersing readers in its eerie, monster-infested forest while unraveling secrets that threaten everything Winnie Wednesday thought she knew.

After proving herself in the Hunter Trials, Winnie has finally regained her family’s place among the Luminaries. But even though she’s no longer an outcast, she feels more lost than ever. The town sees her as The Girl Who Jumped, a local legend, but no one believes her when she insists a new kind of Nightmare—the Whisperer—is responsible for the deaths of hunters. Instead, everyone blames the werewolf. But Winnie knows better. As she digs deeper into the truth, she finds herself unraveling long-buried secrets about the Luminaries, the Dianas, and the mysterious events that led to her father’s exile.

Expanding the World of the Luminaries

One of the strongest elements of The Hunting Moon is its world-building. The first book introduced readers to the eerie rituals of the Luminaries and their nightly battle against Nightmares, but this installment takes it even further. We get a deeper look at both the Luminaries and the Dianas, uncovering the history of their conflict and the dangerous magic at play. The Dianas have remained an enigmatic threat until now, but in this book, we finally get to see them in action, making them even more intriguing—and terrifying.

Winnie’s Character Growth

Character development is another highlight. Winnie is a fantastic protagonist—flawed, determined, and constantly questioning what she’s been told. Her struggle with belonging is more prominent than ever; she fought so hard to become a Luminary, but now she wonders if it’s truly where she belongs. Her relationship with Jay Friday also adds to the tension, as their dynamic continues to evolve in ways that keep readers hooked. Jay remains a mysterious and complicated character, and his interactions with Winnie add both warmth and uncertainty to the story.

A Story Filled with Twists and Suspense

The pacing of the novel starts off slower, allowing readers to settle back into the world and explore the growing tensions. But once the action starts, it doesn’t let up. There are plenty of twists, some predictable and others truly shocking, that keep the story engaging. While some revelations may not be surprising to careful readers, the way they unfold still adds to the suspense. Every revelation peels back another layer of mystery, making it impossible to put the book down.

A Haunting and Immersive Atmosphere

One of the book’s standout aspects is its atmosphere. The eerie presence of the forest, the looming threat of the Nightmares, and the tension of unraveling mysteries all contribute to a haunting and immersive reading experience. The addition of artwork depicting the creatures within the story helps bring them to life in an especially chilling way. Dennard’s writing paints a vivid picture of Hemlock Falls, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.

Final Thoughts

The Hunting Moon is a thrilling continuation of the series that deepens its lore, expands its mysteries, and raises the stakes for Winnie and those around her. With an ending that leaves more questions than answers, it’s clear that the next book will be even more intense. For fans of supernatural mysteries, dark fantasy, and strong character-driven storytelling, this series continues to be a must-read.

If you loved The Luminaries, The Hunting Moon will not disappoint. It delivers a rich, eerie world full of secrets and danger, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy atmospheric, thrilling fantasy novels. Dennard has once again proven that she is a master of suspense, and we can only hope the next installment arrives soon!