Decent characterization, basic world building, and standard dialogue. While not bad in any particular way, I found my mind wandering a bit as I read this, so it failed to keep my attention completely on the story. However, I usually enjoy Susan Dennard's books, so I will most likely try book two of this series at some point to see what happens.

It is crazy to me that this is the same story that launched one of the most amazing Twitter experiences in publishing history. You can easily see threads of that story in here, but this novel gave us a whole new world and perspective from Winnie and a harrowing journey to follow her on that the Twitter story only hinted at. Bravo!

One of my most anticipated reads and it did not live up to expectations. Like most of the book community, I followed Susan Dennard on Twitter where she started The Luminaries. When it was announced as a full-length novel, I was so excited.
Let me start with, I like the idea of the book. Had it been longer or given me some answers, I would have enjoyed it a lot more. But the book kept giving me mystery after mystery and didn't offer one single answer. That is a sure way to frustrate the average reader. When the book ended, I was speechless. And not in a good way.

Now don't get me wrong, I will read the next book. I want to see this through and finish it. And I do have high hopes it will get better. I know Susan Dennard can write a fantastic book. I am just really hoping the sequel picks up right where we left off. Because I don't think I can emotionally handle a time jump.

If you read this, maybe wait until the second and third books are out. That way you don't get frustrated and the lacking of a proper ending. On to the sequel!!

I loved this book so much this author will always be an automatic read for me. I loved the characters so much I especially loved Winnie she was such a great character that just wanted the best for her family and to end the shunning they have done to her and her family for four years. I also loved Winnie's family her brother Darian his boyfriend Andrew and her mother I like that they didn't automatically embrace them being accepted back for them it was four years too late for them to accept it all at face value. I also liked Jay the potential love interest he was a interesting character looking forward to where that goes. I loved the plot it starts with Winnie telling how they were basically shunned for something her father did so she sets out to end that by entering the trails to become a hunter and end that shunning many things happen along the way looking forward to reading more.

Sadly, I was underwhelmed by The Luminaries and don't feel the desire to complete the series. Upon starting this book I didn't realize it was intended as a series so I didn't understand how the story was going to get wrapped up in the last 10% (now I know).
The concept of the nightmare hunters is cool but I didn't understand what their purpose is. Does the majority of the world not know about these monsters and the hunters job is to keep it that way? That's really the only thing I thought of, which is fine if that's what it is, but it wasn't successfully expressed.
I also found the narrative to be repetitive and I didn't enjoy the use of the main character explaining details about these monsters while she was scared. It just didn't work for me.

I really enjoyed this book! I first was aware of it when Susan had her 'choose your adventure' polls with the characters and world on twitter, and so it was a little challenging at times when I would remember something from the twitter version, despite this being a completely different story, but that was a me problem, and not an issue with the book.

I thought that the plot was super interesting and the characters and their growth was really well done. I loved Winnie, and seeing her determination and grit and just fighting for herself and her family. I loved her interactions both with her mom and brother, as well as with Jay, and the characters felt so real and genuine.

I am really excited to read the next book and see where the story goes next!

I really enjoyed The Luminaries by Susan Denard. It was a fast paced paranormal tale with a little bit of romance. The short chapters made this a quick fun read. That being said, I found it easier to listen to the audio book than to read the physical book.
I liked the characters and even though there were a few plot holes I found the overall story arc to be entertaining and worth reading. I really liked the aspect of the dark academia/monster hunter school but it leaned very heavily on the "outcast" trope.
The ending is what really did it for me and is the main reason why I'll be picking up the next in the series.

I loved it! My favorite aspects of the book are the creatures and the Luminaries society worldbuilding. I found it all fascinating. And then, of course, there is ugh, Jay, who is just as broody and lovable as he needs to be. The book sets up a bunch of mysteries that kept me turning the pages, some that I suspect I know the answers to (even if we didn’t get them in this book – I’ll have to wait until the next installment to know for sure) and some that I have no idea how they will eventually pan out. Time to pick up the next book so I can get some more answers!

I went in not knowing much about this book. It didn't go as I thought it would, but that's on me.

The premise is very interesting and the world created here is full of intriguing creatures. I loved to see the different nightmares that inhabit the forest. Would love to learn more about the ones from all over the world. I didn't know the book would focus on her trials, so I expected more forest time. But what I saw intrigued me. It got a bit repetitive, as the trials felt like the same over and over.

I also wanted more on her father's story, but I guess that's something for the sequels.

I didn't know this was a YA book, so Winnie annoyed me a bit in some parts, but luckily there was less focus on romance than I thought. Wish we had gotten to know her past and current friends a bit better, they all felt a bit flat to me.

Not sure if I'll get to the sequels, but if you like YA fantasies, go for it.

Can't believe it took me this long to read this book, it went way beyond my expectations for it. Because I had to know more about the main character, and her world I just kept reading ,which meant I finish it in a day . The characters, the challenges they faced, the world they lived in it seemed to come alive .

Thank you to the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Luminaries are a secret group of nightmare/monster hunters worldwide. Winnie’s mom was one of the lead hunters before it was discovered her dad was a spy for their enemies. Her and her family were outcasted but it’s in her blood to be a hunter and she will do anything to be just that, and win a place amongst her people again.

I really liked this!!! The nightmare element was unique and though, vaguely defined, it still was super cool. I loved the families were split by days of the week and they split the hunting responsibilities based on that. I loved Winnie and all of her flaws, feelings, vibes. Jay was the perfect mysterious MMC counterpart. This town was so atmospheric and spooky in nature, I just loved it so much. This was just a really cool spooky read and I wish I had read it sooner for sure. But now I have less time to wait for book 2!! 4/5 stars!!

3.5

Maybe it was how short the book was, maybe it was something else. But I just wanted more. The book never seemed to get to the climax. It coasted through on anticipation. Every time I flipped the page I was like "here's where the action is going to start" and I was disappointed every time.

But I still enjoyed it. Or I enjoyed where it was going. I'm hoping that the second book gets to the plot that the first book was so desperately trying to get to. I look forward to it.

I inhaled this book. It's the first in The Luminaries series, and the second book, The Hunting Moon, comes out Nov. 7, 2023. This one definitely has me ready to dive into the next one.

Genre wise, I'm not sure how to classify this. It's almost like urban fantasy except it takes place in the woods. There's a whole town of hunters keeping the rest of the world safe from the nightmares that come to life in the forest at night. Winnie, Wednesday is from a hunter family. Unfortunately, she, her mother, and her brother have been labeled as outcasts for the last four years. She wants nothing more than to be a hunter and has figured out a way to take the challenge.

I loved Winnie. She is fierce, courageous, and uncertain of the people around her. She's bright, knowledgeable and prickly at the same time. If you like a fantasy and paranormal, I would recommend this. There is also a competitive aspect to this book. All the perspective hunters aren't battling against each other, they are in dangerous circumstances as they try and survive in the forest.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sharing a copy with me. All opinions are my own.

"The Luminaries" immerses readers in the mysterious town of Hemlock Falls, a place shrouded in secrets and danger. As Winnie Wednesday, I yearned to prove my worth by joining the Luminaries, tasked with protecting our town from the malevolent forces that emerge from the sinister forest every night.

This novel brilliantly explores themes of belonging, family, and the cost of redemption. Winnie's determination to clear her family's name, even if it means facing deadly trials, adds depth to her character. The reluctant partnership with Jay Friday, the town's bad boy with hidden knowledge, creates an intriguing dynamic filled with secrets and unexpected twists.

In "The Luminaries," not all monsters can be vanquished, and the forest holds secrets that challenge everything Hemlock Falls thought it knew. This dark and gripping tale will keep you on the edge of your seat, unraveling mysteries that reach beyond the shadows. It's a must-read for those who crave thrilling adventures with a touch of the supernatural.

This book was really good. Winnie was such a reliable character, and the story invoked many emotions from me. I will be picking up the sequel ASAP. I felt this book was well thought out and the world-building beautifully detailed. I'm excited to see where the storyline will go.

Loved this title. Typical teen angst and questioning in the midst of pretty stressful circumstances. I didn't not realize it was going to be part of a series. While it wasn't a cliff-hanger, there was a lot left open-ended.

Did I absolutely completely devour this book in two days? Yes. Have I discovered a new author to auto buy? Also yes. Will I be buying and mentioning this book to all my reader friends, also yes. Thank you for the review opportunity

I absolutely loved this book! I love the fantasy drama so much and the added romance in this one really gave it a bonus for me. The world building was magnificent and kept me engaged and wanting to learn more as it went on. The characters were well developed and made me want more. I really enjoyed that the names of the different clans were days of the week! Winnie Wednesday is either fearful or fearless and trying to get out from under her father's shadow/disgrace. I honestly connected with this and wanted to see how it went for her! This read was a fast paced, action driven, and enticing for me. I honestly can't wait for the second one!

"The Luminaries" by Dennard crafts a vivid fantasy world with intricate magic systems. The characters' interwoven destinies add depth to the plot, although pacing occasionally falters. Dennard's prose shines, though some exposition-heavy passages could be streamlined. A promising start to a series with ample potential for growth.

pros:
- interesting concept.
- the plot was very interesting (but I found large gaps between plot points left me kinda bored).
- the odd bits with fast pacing were good (but most of the pacing was medium-slow).

cons:
- why do her teeth click so much? (someone needs to see the dentist …)
- really juvenile characters (yes I know this is ya, but the characters act like they’re in the middle grade!)
- the concept was interesting but the execution didn’t meet my expectations.

unfortunately this book bothered me way too much in regards to her teeth clicking and overly juvenile characters. (The teeth clicking was literally driving me insane! I wanted to dnf on this fact alone. It was mentioned at least once per page, sometimes more).

Susan Dennard is one of those authors who’s books I keep trying as they sound so good. I have yet to read a series by her that actually meets those expectations. I was hoping the luminaries would be that one. 😕