Reviews

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

Only show reviews with written explanations

chris55730's review against another edition

3.0

I wish that it were a bit shorter and didn’t go into excessive detail at times about the logistics of caving, because while it’s an interesting setting it’s just not something I care that much about. The relationship between Gyre and Em was complex and well developed. The tension between them and their complex relationship built on loneliness, dependence, and grief was well written and realistic. I can relate to the feelings Gyre had of being angry at the person she loves for being far away but wanting and needing to be with them at the same time.

endversediana's review against another edition

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4.0

a solid 3.75 out of 5!!

it was tense, kinda spooky, and had me questioning what the heck was going on.

there were some moments where i got a bit taken out of the story, mostly because of the characters and their actions.

i think another aspect that brought me out of the story was that i started this with an audiobook but i didn’t like how whoever was narrating the story was doing it so i switched to just reading it myself, which helped a bit.

the story did fall a little flat for me. i guess i just wanted more?? i don’t know but i just feel a bit unsatisfied even though the ending was wrapped up in a nice little bow.

the action scenes were well described, i could vividly picture what was happening. the explanation behind the technology (especially the suit our MC wears) was super fascinating to read about!

overall, i did enjoy the novel! it had everything i was looking for in a creepy sci-fi novel with a dash of psychological thrills. i couldn’t help thinking throughout the novel is how well it would do as a movie, especially with the strange things that occur. or even possibly as a video game!

backaswords's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

bluelover1600's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

deceptibot's review

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

readr_joe's review against another edition

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3.0

Well written, but I get the constant feeling that the writer doesn't really like any of her characters, or have any interest in what happens to them. For that reason, nor do I - and that's where this book stumbles.