For what this book lacked in world building it definitely made up in the characters.
Winnie lives in a small town where cell phones don't work. I'm sure this is every teenagers nightmare. But not a nightmare as scary as the ones in the forest that just might kill you.

A Deadly Education meets Year of the Witching…


60% onward made me love this story-up to that point it felt like an info dump that was repetitive (she feels guilt over not telling the truth, she feels rejected, etc- we get it!!) and continued to gloss over training or really any action except for the first trial.

However, the slug between trial 1 and 2, the clan names as uncreative as days of the week, and the excess of guilt she feels are my only complaints.


Now for the greatness…

This story has a bit of mystery, albeit obvious- why did her dad suddenly become a Dianne and is it because the Luminaries have a secret evil? Why is Jay clearly a nightmare? But, we will have to wait for the rest of the series to find out why. I’m genuinely excited to find out more.

Dennard does an outstanding job of addressing stimming while never mentioning why. Example: she continually cleans her glasses, zips and unzips her jacket, feels textures, etc. I appreciate her subtlety in creating diverse characters.

There is also a wonderful balance of Winnie still being a teen girl while facing monsters and trauma. In a way, the nightmares are a reflection of her trauma: terrifying but somehow has some beauty within. Masterfully done!

On that note, she does a wonderful job of exposing how normal it was for those on the outside to let Winnie back in but how painful it is to the person being hurt.

I hope we are able to see more world building and drama in book 2!

I was very excited to get this book as an ARC copy but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed. I think I had too high of expectations after reading and loving the Witchlands series. I felt like the world building just wasn't quite there and a bit all over the place at times. I also felt like it was a bit predictable with the twists and turns but I was still intrigued and into the story. I really liked the concept of the book but also felt like something was missing. Maybe it was the abrupt ending or the fact it was in third person and I normally don’t enjoy it when books are written this way but it was necessary for this story. I did like Winnie and really liked Jay's character. Also I did really enjoy the forest and the Nightmares and wanted to know way more about how it all came about. Overall I thought it was a decent story but left me with more questions than answers. I most likely will read the next installment simply because I need my questions answered. Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Teen for a review copy of this novel

Hands down one of the best book I’ve ever read!

This was perfect !!! I feel like it’s always very hard to write a review of a book you loved so much because sometimes there’s no logical reason to it you just loved it ! And even though it’s mostly the case here I can pinpoint the things that made me think : ok this is a 5 stars.

First of all the characters are so unique it is so refreshing. The main character was so easy to get attached to because I feel like a lot of person can relate to her. She’s so human and so vulnerable in her own unique way. I love the fact that she had OCD when stressed, how clumsy in a not cringy way. I feel like the song This is me Trying by Taylor Swift fits her. Then Jay is the “i love him and i can’t explain why” part of this review. I mean I know why, he’s mysterious he’s cold, he’s still very clumsy and sensible but he’s also a badass. I’m really excited to see how his development is going to go because I do suspect a few things already!

Then the plot was so thrilling. It’s a mix of fantasy, thriller and a bit of romance and it’s just perfect. There are riddles and secrets which is my favorite thing ever and there’s the hunt and the magic system (that is so cool) that makes it the perfect autumnal reading.
I’m so excited for the second book I miss the characters already it is way too painful to read such a good book but I guess it’s good pain. You either trust Susan Dennard or you don’t. I do.

The world building is a little lacking but other than that this book was very well paced and kept me wanting to finish it in one sitting! I liked the MC and felt like she was a strong representation of someone who wants to accomplish their goals. She passes all the trials and doesn't depend on those who made her an outcast due to some old riles and traditions. I think it would've been a good stand alone but there's talk it might have a sequel!

I enjoyed this story a lot. The lore was very creative, the characters were engaging and I liked that they all grew in real ways. I feel the mystery vibe and would rate this better but the ending felt lackluster. There wasnt enough of a climax or conclusion. I’m looking forward to how the next book builds on the story and hopefully we learn literally anything.

Winnie Wednesday and her mom and brother have been outcast from the Luminaries in Hemlock Falls after her dad is revealed as a traitor. All that Winnie wants in the world is to be a Luminary hunter, to redeem her family and prove herself, but when a new nightmare in the forest starts to affect the hunter trials, Winnie will discover if she can survive the challenging tests.

This book took me a little while to get invested in, but once I hit the halfway mark I was engaged. I really liked Winnie as a protagonist and her emotions and actions felt accurate to her character. It was a spooky book – the descriptions of the monsters were very graphic, so this book is perfect for spooky season. Overall, it was an entertaining read and I would read a sequel, if there is going to be one.

Thanks to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Susan Dennard… thank you. That’s what I want to tell her. This book was wonderful. Action, suspense, secrets, and ugh Jay. Can’t wait for book 2.

Being an outcast because of the “incident “ is hard for Winnie’s family among the small town of Hemlock Falls where the American Luminaries reside. She dreams of being a hunter like the women in her family before her but she’s not allowed to train or learn like the others since they are considered outcasts. So she’s devised a plan by training on her own to bring back glory and status tk her family by participating in the hunter trials on her birthday. Things Get intense and Winnie gets caught up in lies, some mysterious new nightmares showing up in the forest, and a fun little brewing romance with her old best friend. This book has it all and you won’t want to put it down!

Loved loved this one!! Gripping and exciting and as always a fab read and can't wait to see what this author does next :)

Winnie wants to be a part of the Luminaries, but since she had to stop training four years ago when her family was shunned, she isn’t sure she has what it takes to survive the three tests. When Winnie unexpectantly accomplishes the first test, her family is quickly welcomed back into the community. She asks Jay to help train her before the next two tests and he seems to understand what she saw the night she “killed” her first monster. What is the creature that is stalking the already dangerous forest? Does Winnie have what it takes to join the Luminaries?

The Luminaries is the first book in a series by the same name. This fantasy/supernatural novel took elements from older stories and weaved in new and updated creatures that made it a refreshing read. Dennard has created a new world that has the promise for many stories and the end left readers with no doubt that there will be more books in our future. Readers don’t need to be diehard fantasy or supernatural fans to enjoy this story.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor Teen for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book so much that I had to read it while at work! I couldn’t put it down! Winnie’s family has been labeled outcasts due to her dad being a witch. They are not allowed to join The Luminaries in the hunt against mythical creatures and are basically treated like the are invisible. Even Winnie’s best friends stopped talking to her. But there is hope she can take the trials to become a hunter for the Luminaries and restore her family name. But when the first trail doesn’t go as planned and she discovers not all is as it seems will she be able to complete the trails? Will she be able to restore her family to the Luminaries? And exciting adventure with mythical creatures and one groups duty to keep them at bay! Winnie’s determination and drive were fun to read! I enjoyed her interactions with Jay and her brother as well! The book ends on some major cliffhangers so I’m excited to see what comes next! You you enjoy fantasy novels then you’ll enjoy this adventure! Can’t wait to read it again!

A book that promises dark & creepy atmosphere vibes, which it definitely delivers. Unfortunately that means it’s not really for me. I don’t mind a strange story but with it starting out with a pretty descriptive, gruesome scene of human corpses, I was like that one character who ran off. It didn’t sit well with me.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

This is my new favorite book and I'm so excited because it's a series!!! The writing, Winnie's character and the amazing depictions of monsters (Nightmares) left me wanting more. As soon as possible, please!!!

Winnie Wednesday is a Luminary. She is part of a large group that keeps the rest of the world safe from Nightmares. However, Winnie and her family are outcasts because her father was caught as a witch (a Diana). So, Winnie feels like she has one shot to get her and her family welcomed back to the Luminary's... and, that is to attempt the Hunter trials when she turns 16.

I loved everything about this book. Winnie is a great character to follow and there is no lack of imagination and excitement throughout this whole story. I cannot wait for book 2 because the ending left me with some major theories!

Highly recommend!

Out November 1, 2022!

The Luminaries was a great book to ring in the fall season for me! Winnie was a relatable character with real flaws and emotions - I felt as though I was experiencing the rush of the forest and the fear of the nightmares with her. The story also developed at the perfect pace. Susan Dennard was careful not too reveal anything too large too soon, while keeping the book exciting and the reader guessing. I am already excited for the sequel so that I can see how everything resolves.

Thoughts

This book was such a great start to a new series! I do wish it was a tad more self-contained--that a few of its plots had wrapped up entirely--but I very much enjoyed the spectacularly spooky atmosphere Susan Dennard creates.


Pros
Drama By Omission: This is something that usually ends up in my critiques instead of my pros list. Here, however, the fact that Winnie skirts the truth--and thereby creates tension--proves a positive. When others assume something about Winnie that isn't true (but does in fact help her cause), of course she doesn't deny it. This makes perfect sense. It plays right into her own desires, and the tension that it subsequently creates isn't as cringe-worthy as drama-by-omission usually is. This little white lie-by-omission is also cleared up in the end--somewhat--and I appreciate that, too.

World of Nightmares: This is a world of werewolves and vampires, kelpies and will-o-the-wisps. The nightmares of this forest come alive each evening, and they are vicious and startlingly real. Supernatural spooks and eldritch horrors drip through these pages--and it's delightful.

Atmospheric: In addition to the dreadfully fantastic nightmare beasts of this forest, Dennard absolutely nails the unsettling atmosphere. From the rising fog to the trickling creeks and the crashing waterfalls, this forest is full of nightmare-fuel even before the beasts come away. Blood drips through these trees, and the clicking of Winnie's anxious teeth--and the teeth 0f the resounding vampires--sets an unsettling sort of score to this tale. It's spine-tinglingly good.


Cons
Flimsy Worldbuilding: As atmospheric as every setting Winnie finds herself in might be, the actual world itself here needs a bit more fleshing out. There are slumbering spirits all around the world, communities of Luminaries who keep their nightmares contained, and Dianas who want to... exploit the spirits, I guess? But, but, but I have so many questions and no explanations. The surface was here. There's a nice scaffolding in place. But there's nothing really to sink my teeth into--and I wanted that something more.

Jumpy Pacing: The pacing here was sometimes incredibly fast and sometimes awkwardly slow. The whole book only spans a week of time, and so a quick pace throughout makes sense. That some more tedious and mundane scenes therefore wend on and on seems a little much. Why dedicate so many pages to so little content? That isn't to say that anything really dragged, but the overall feeling here wasn't quite balanced.

Unresolved: At the end of the day (and the book), there were just a few too many unconnected dots for me. The competition itself wraps up, but the competition isn't the big plot here. Winnie's struggle to be accepted isn't the big plot. The big plot is, well, bigger than that. There are a lot of other struggles happening, and there are a lot of hints dropped that meant I was disappointed when the end came without these dangling bits tied up. I know there needs to be something for the next book... but something more major should have found its conclusion here. It was an irritating note to (not end) on.


Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10

Those who liked the modern flair to the magic worldbuilding of Christine Lynn Herman and Amanda Foody's All of Us Villains will like this new world of dangerous magic. Those who appreciated the romantic-tension-filled training sessions of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy will enjoy these new soon-to-be hunters.

Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I've read a few of Dennard's other books and followed along with this story when it was on Twitter. I loved the changes and am excited for this novel to be out in the world.

As part of a long line of Luminaries, an ancient order that protects the outside world from dangerous, corporeal nightmares, Winnie Wednesday has long hoped to become a hunter. After her father was revealed to be a traitor, Winnie and her family have lived as outcasts, though passing the hunter trials might restore their family reputation. The only problem is, Winnie hasn't been allowed to train alongside her peers, and the trials she's facing are deadly. And even worse, Winnie soon discovers that there is something in the forest even the Luminaries aren't prepared for.

Come for the lovely cover, stay for the urban fantasy. As someone who notoriously starts series only to never finish them (I'm working on it, I swear) I was originally caught by the cover. The world sounded interesting, and when I got there I was totally engaged. This book definitely has some high points. 4 stars.

Dennard's newly-minted contemporary fantasy stars the small town of Hemlock Falls, which surround a "sleeping spirit" whose nightmares become very real, and are very dangerous. The town is run by the Luminaries, a group of experts that make up clans named after the days of the week. These people are hunters, scientists, teachers, and more, but their lives revolve around the forest of Hemlock Falls and ensuring that nothing dangerous gets out.

This is where we're introduced to Winnie, a Wednesday, whose story we follow. Her family has been shunned over the actions of her father. Winnie has always dreamed of becoming a hunter, a dream that has become stronger when she realizes that succeeding might be a way to gain favor within the Luminaries. Winnie is a well-rounded character who struggles with the dichotomy between being favored and being outcasts, as well as her dreams and the reality she's living. On the flip side, many of her supporting cast are as yet one-dimensional, though I imagine that they will become more important and become more fleshed out as the series continues. This, of course, includes Jay Friday--Winnie's former best friend, resident "bad boy," and the rising star of the hunters.

This novel is an introduction to a new series, and sometimes it feels like just that. This nearly-400-page novel opens up with Winnie's first trial of three, and takes place over the next week, in which she will either pass and become a hunter, or fail. Because of this, there are places that it feels rather slow, and places where it feels like far too much is happening in such a short period of time.

At the same time, the novel introduces many issues that Winnie and her peers will have to contend with, yet these are all left open-ended. It was a little frustrating for me as a reader; assuming the next book will take approximately a year to reach publication, this might be a long road for those that want to stick with the series. It may also be due to the roots of this novel; according to the author's note, the characters and the world were pulled from a social writing experiment that took place over the author's Twitter during the pandemic. While she says many aspects are different, maybe there's a part of it that is still stuck in this "what will happen next" mindset.

Posted to Goodreads September 26, 2022.

Great YA Fantasy title but it does skew a bit younger than most YA these days, not that there's anything wrong with that, just be aware.

I really enjoyed the story as I'm a sucker for the whole haunted forest vibe, world building and character development were well done with the exception of some strangely annoying character trait repetition. It did read a bit younger than I was expecting, and all in all it was a decent read.

The Luminaries

Do you like haunted forests? Winnie Wednesday and her family live Hemlock Falls which just happens to be next a a deadly forest full of monsters. Very night the Luminaries go out into this forest and kill the monsters before they can escape and wreck havoc on the world. Winnie dreamed of becoming a Luminarie one day. However, her dad was exposed as a witch and a traitor and since that day her family have been shunned by the community making her life pure misery. Her only hope is her one chance to escape the shunning and become a Luminarie is to pass the test on her 16th birthday. But, things dob’t go as planned and she soon finds out there are monsters in the woods not every one knows about.

So, I fell in love with this world from the first page. There were times when I got tired of hearing how bad her life was. Am I a bit of a jaded reader. However, the book moves extremely fast and soon we stop dwelling so much on her bad life and more on what is happening.

I love the forest and the descriptions of the monsters. If you have ever liked looking up monsters in books you’re going to love this. Winnie studies the Compendium, the book where they store their knowledge of the supernatural monsters. She also draws them and I hope we get some really good fan art from this!

Winnie is a very relatable character to follow. She struggles, things do not come easy for her, but so continues to fight and struggle. She’s smart and capable, but not invincible. 

The romance was okay. But, the guy kinda annoyed me. There is more to him though and I have a feeling in the next book we’re going to learn even more. So, hopefully he will grow on me.

There is some fun mysteries in this book and I really liked them. There is a plot twist that comes that you can kinda see coming but that you’re pretty happy about, at least I was. 

Overall, this book is fast paced, full of monsters, a haunted forest, some high school drama with kids who liven a secret society, and there’s some really great moments. I’d say if you liked A Deadly Education this book has some very similar vibes and you’d probably love this book as well.

I've been reading some heavy books lately so The Luminaries has been a nice change. There is a really sweet crush that gave me some high school nostalgia. If YA is your jam, this one felt solidly young adult. Hunger Games mixed with monsters vibes and classic topes such as: family secrets, imposter syndrome, and community outcast. It ends with a bunch of unanswered questions so I am on the lookout for news of a follow-up. I would have liked more questions answered however, it felt like none of the plot was really resolved. I also agree with some of the other reviews that the main character had some repetitive habits (glasses pushing, teeth clicking). The author should have mentioned those things less and used varying descriptive terms to describe them because it got annoying. I would use a different term other than "clicking" for the teeth all together. I love the friendship group and am curious to see where this goes as a series.