I loved this entire series. The performance was perfect in this one, as always. I love the setting, the protagonist, and the story. It was a wonderful experience and I am so glad I got to listen to this one!

Rating: 4.5/5
I received a eARC audio for my honest opinion.

I was scared that this book wouldn’t live up to the first two but wow I was wrong. I loved it so much, the world of the Luminaries in this book will not leave you wondering and having questions that were not answered. It has a lot of action-packed scenes, romance, character growth and so much more to it. I loved that we got to see an end to the dangerous Diana’s but I feel like the author left it off in a good place so if she wanted to she could write more books with new and old characters in it.

This book picks up right where book two left off and it doesn’t slow down. I loved the action that happens in this book, the fast-paced, easy to read and understand but it’s the characters that really shine in this world. I loved getting to see Winnie at her best and even her worst, because I knew that she could come out of it even better and stronger. I loved seeing her character’s growth come to new heights and really become herself. Getting to see Winnie’s and Jay’s relationship take off and see their sweet moments together was swoon worthy. I loved getting to understand Erica's side more and seeing that she is not just some heartless character but she had her own reasons why she did what she did and I can understand them. I enjoyed the new characters that shined through this book as well, and getting to know the whole story behind Jenna, Grayson and Winnie’s dad.

I loved seeing the community come together at the end of the book, even with the differences that they all had. The fact that they were willing to understand that some nightmares are needed and not all are deadly was great. I still have questions about Diana's but I think I always will, unless we get more books… Spin off series maybe.

I received the audio for this book and I found the narrator did a great job with bringing the characters to life and I could picture everything that was happening in this book so clearly with the help of the narrator.

I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan for for the opportunity to review this book.

Although it won’t go down as one of my all-time favourite series, The Luminaries was a great choice for the Halloween season. It was short, easy to read, and compelling, and I really liked the creepy deadly-forest atmosphere.

❤️ Intriguing worldbuilding
❤️ Dark, creepy atmosphere++
❤️ Short, easy, and entertaining reads
❤️ Inclusion of monster trivia
❤️ Engaging action sequences
❌ Inconsistent pace
❌ Abusive use of onomatopoeias
❌ Too many repetitions and internal ramblings
❌ Obvious clues and predictable plot twists

Series trigger warnings: blood and gore, violence, injury detail, death and grief, abandonment, bullying, emotional abuse, murder, panic attacks, toxic friendship, classism, sexism, fire and fire injury, etc.

The Whispering Dark – 3.5⭐ round up to far (I rated the first two books 3.75⭐)
I have mixed feelings about this final book. The first 70% were sooo slow, and then *everything* happened all at once. Anyways, I loved the non-linear narrative and the inclusion of structure breaks (schedules, text messages, flashbacks, new POVs) and, of course, all the monster trivia. I also loved seeing all the intricate threads coming together for the resolution—although I have to admit I understood only half of it. I loved how the stakes weren’t centered on the FMC anymore, and the things-are-not-what-they-seem and wolf-in-sheep-clothing tropes. I also think the voice actor delivered a solid performance. However, the abusive use of internal monologues, arc phrases, repetitions, and onomatopoeias drove me totally nuts.

Tropes and themes to expect: badass bookworm FMC, guilt and trauma, looming threat, impossible task, second chances, things are not what they seem.

I enjoyed reading this series, but I think it would have worked better as a longer standalone novel (cutting out the repetitions and some plotlines that seemed unnecessary or that ended up unfinished).

A good conclusion of a wonderful series! Most of the big questions are answered in a satisfying way, and, above all, the story arch feels really complete which Is what I'm always looking for at the end of the series--it still leaves a bit of room open though if Dennard really wanted to continue on! The narration was just excellent!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the advanced audiobook!
Narrator: Caitlin Davies
The Whispering Night is a great conclusion to the Luminaries trilogy.
It does, however, start off a bit slow (and Winnie is everso whiny, in my opinion), but the pace picks up about a third of the way through. You're quickly welcomed back into the Luminary and High School spectacle that is Winnie's life. As before, I really enjoyed the Nightmares and all of the lore that Winnie recounts to us. I'm happy to report that answers to previous mysteries/quandries are resolved here!
Caitlin Davies does a fantastic job of convincing the listener that Winnie is indeed a teenager. And because of her performance, TWN was a breeze to read.
Overall a great series for upper middle grade and high school, particularly if they love a creature feature!

The Whispering Night is the 3rd book in the Luminaries series, and as such you really need to read the previous books before jumping into this one, but for those that have been reading the series all along, this one definitely delivers. Picking up on Winnie Wednesday tale not too long after the events of the previous book (The Hunting Moon), Dennard takes everything we enjoyed about this fantastic world she’s created and turns it up to eleven. No spoilers, but the mysteries that have been plaguing us since the start finally get answers. Once again Caitlin Davies returns as narrator (love when a series keeps a consistent narrator the whole way through) and as always she does an excellent job. The only question I am left with is…when is this going to be made into a movie or streaming series? I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review an advanced audio copy of The Whisper Night.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R10KZDB3VT4Z00/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Though this was my first dive into the world of the Luminaries, this will not be where I end my adventures. i do plan to go back and read books #1 and #2 in the series since this one captured me from the outset.

For those who have read the others in this series, I think you will be happy with how the story plays out. Winnie, Erica, and Jay are back at it and trying untangle the mystery with the Whisper, the Dianas and the Luminaries. The question of which side is the true enemy comes into question and everyone is a possible Diana working against the Luminaries.

There's romance, strained friendships, back-stabbing, and a bit of betrayal. Winnie uncovers clues about her missing father and wonders if anyone is who she thought they were.

As someone who accidently walked into this book without reading the first two, I can say I still understood most of what was going on. I got enough backstory to feel as though I knew what lead to these events but I will be reading the others to get the full picture. It as my fault for not realizing but I still enjoyed the characters, the conflict, and the way the the story plays out.

I'm sorry, but did this day conclusion? Uh, no. Unacceptable. Because we need a spin off series please and thanks.
I've loved this world and all the work Susan Dennard has put into it. I think it was a flawless conclusion, I honestly do. I also think this world hasn't finished with us and I look forward to what may come next.
I think the characters grew beautifully into their and really appreciated how they faced their own issues head on.
I would also like to say I figured out the crow early on but it was still such a delight to read how and why. I don't think I could've asked for a better nightmare world and the story that came from it.

This was a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. The world is so unique, and I've truly enjoyed discovering more about it across all three books.

I loved seeing the characters continue to evolve, especially Winnie and her friendships. Her character arc is one of the highlights of the series—she’s deeply flawed, but that makes her journey all the more relatable and real. I really connected with her, as well as with her family dynamics which felt authentic.

The audiobook experience for The Whispering Night was perfect. I’ve listened to the first two books in audio format as well, and all three have been an enjoyable experience. The narrator is clear, expressive, and easy to listen to, bringing the story to life in a way that enhances the overall experience.

All in all, this series has been a real treat. The ending left a bit of a loose thread, which makes me hopeful for more books set in this world—there’s still so much to explore. It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for sharing this audioARC with me for review.

I was provided an ALC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Overall I really loved this series, and this is a fitting conclusion to Winnie Wednesday's story. This installment was my least favorite of the three in the trilogy. I felt like the story was a bit scattered and the plot jumped around alot. Certain lines are repeated over and over again as Winnie tries to figure out what is going on in Hemlock Falls and save her loved ones. The pacing was inconsistent, and there were parts where I was super interested when things were action packed and fast paced and parts where my interest waned as the plot dragged.

As I listened to this on audio, I found this hard to follow at times when Winnie was reciting countdowns or timestamps different situations, that probably made more sense in print and didn't translate well to audio. The narrator was great and did a great job otherwise.

Again this is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy and I feel it wrapped things up nicely. This is a great series or YA readers as things don't get to graphic or gory when it comes to the fighting or the romance. This is a great mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery. There are great discussions about self-discovery, vulnerability, fitting in, friendship, and family. There is plenty of action to keep the reader interested and now that the series is finished you can read all three books with out waiting to find out what happens next.

I started reading and then stopped when I realized it is part of a Young Adult series. As a whole, the series has a fun and exciting plot. books 1 and 2 just fell flat for me so I wasn’t looking forward to reading this, but wanted to push through since I had an ALC.

This was my favorite of the series. I felt there were secrets and twists intentionally left for this book and I wasn’t as bored as I was with the others.

This book focuses on the continued threat of the Whisperer and the Nightmare Masquerade and luminaries from all over join in, including unwanted guests as well. New enemies must be stopped as final secrets about Winnie’s father and family are finally revealed.

The growth of the characters are really highlighted in this book and while I didn’t love the first two, it was well written and a nice conclusion that kept me engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 11/19/24.

The Whispering Night is the third book in the Luminaries series. This book takes us back to Hemlock Falls with Winnie Wednesday, and her friends Erica Thursday and Jay Friday in under covering the secrets of the Dianas. Winnie tries to find out who the secretive and dangerous group of Diana witches that are casting spells and causing all kinds of trouble in Hemlock Falls. Winnie also tries to discover the secret behind the locket and notes that her dad has left for her right before he disappeared from his fellow Dianas. What was Winnie's Dad trying to tell her and warn her about the maze and the Whisperer that is in the forests of Hemlock Falls. Winnie is also busy trying to hid Jay's secrets and keep him from being found out and killed.
This book is fast paced, and I really enjoyed how the story comes together and I enjoyed the ending.
Thank you so very Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for allowing me to review this ARC. I highly recommend for fans of Susan Dennard and Young Adult fantasy.

Omg this book was so good, I'm so happy to have gotten to listen to it early. I can't wait for everyone to be able to enjoy it starting tomorrow. Definitely have some questions still and would love if there will be more. I loved what we did find out and what happened, and really feel there could be another book or spin off and hope that there will be.

Tagging along in Winnie Wednesday’s mind is an experience. A delightful one, to be sure. And The Whispering Night was no different. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for this series because the narrator does a great job of embracing the chaos in Winnie’s head.

The Whispering Night did a good job of knitting together the plot threads to give a satisfactory series conclusion, while leaving enough threads dangling to hope that maybe, someday, the author will come back to their world and give us a sneak peak of their future.

Thank you to NetGalleg and Macmillan Young Listeners for the advanced copy!

I love the continued evolution of the different relationships throughout the series. I’ve enjoyed “watching” Winnie come into her own more and stay true to her values. I love her personality and internal dialogue. Modern technology is included as references throughout the series. I appreciate the incorporation of current tech and references in fantasy based stories as so many are set outside of our time or environment.

It’s always a guessing game on how much of previous book’s plots are incorporated. Susan does a fantastic job of weaving in the references you need to know if it’s been a while since reading the previous book. It’s just enough to jog your memory without taking too much from the current storyline.

I appreciate the addition of mental health references and Winnie’s progress in terms of coping mechanisms and increased self confidence and belief in herself. Her determination in not letting other’s push her around while also having moments of self-doubt is relatable and makes me like her even more.

I listened to the audiobook of this (and the previous in the series). The narrator has a great cadence and emphasizes Winnie’s wit and sass.

This was the perfect ending to this amazing series!!!! This final book in this trilogy wrapped everything up so perfectly. It had been a few months since I read books 1 and 2 and I forgot how quickly so much happens in these books. It’s fast paced and pulls you so deep into the story you might as well be there with the characters! Overall I loved this series and I’m so happy it had a happy ending :)

The dark forest that the Luminaries guard to protect the town is more dangerous than ever in the final book of this trilogy.

Winnie Wednesday’s future is much different now than before her 16th birthday. She has passed the trials to train to become a hunter for the Luminaries and the town no longer shuns her family. She has her friends back, Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, and Winnie finally knows exactly how Jay Friday feels about her. How he always felt about her, and what he sacrificed thinking he was keeping her safe.

A week-long celebration of all things Luminary is planned, and they want Winnie front and center since she is the buzz of the town. Her success in the trials was made known to the Luminaries from across the world and they came into her small town to celebrate, but uninvited guests also arrived. Winnie is confronted by a powerful masked Diana (witch) and forced to complete an impossible task quickly—if she doesn't, it threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.

Old mysteries are popping up and her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and Winnie needs to find out exactly what happened. He has left many clues for her to find and hopefully put the pieces together so she can stop the Diana's and hopefully he can be free once again.

This final book in the Luminaries trilogy wrapped up this YA fantasy with a bit of tragedy, answers a few mysteries, brings back friendships, and love, and addresses things that seem dark and wicked but aren't always what they seem. These books are quick to read and have plenty of magic with interesting mystical creatures. The romance is sweet and not overdone (no spicy scenes) and the overall story doesn't lack intrigue with what is going on in the town and how it affects Winnie, her family, and her friends.

I was given the audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Just as things seem to be getting back on track for Winnie Wednesday, new visitors start coming to town for the Nightmare Masquerade celebration. Some of those visitors have nefarious intentions, and Winnie must confront them in order to protect herself, her loved ones, and the woods.

There is a lot going on in this one. Secrets are revealed; questions are answered; and the war between the Luminaries and the Dianas comes to a head.

We still see the budding romance between Jay and Winnie and the rekindled friendship between Winnie and Erica, but they take a bit of a backseat to all of the moving pieces and parts that lead to a massive face-off between Winnie and the witches.

Note: This is the third book in the trilogy. The books in this series are meant to be read in order.

As with the first two audiobooks, Caitlin Davies does a great job with the narration here. I enjoyed the various voices she uses to portray different characters. Her portrayal of soft-spoken Jay is still my favorite of the group.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

I have to admit, after reading the first two, this conclusion fell short. It felt so repetitive. It felt like it took so long to get anywhere. I can see how others would love this series, but I just couldn’t enjoy it more than a 3 star, general entertainment. I heard “bergamot and lime” far too many times. The narrator was great, I did appreciate the audio. However the story overall just felt too drawn out.

To me, this wasn’t as good as books one and two. I didn’t connect with the characters like I did in the earlier books, but it was still an entertaining read. I also enjoyed the narrator. However, Winnie’s habit of clicking her teeth continued to drive me crazy. I really thought the author would turn the clicking into a surprising character reveal. Sadly, that didn’t happen.
All in all, this was a fun conclusion to the trilogy.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review.