A review by nixter
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

I think the length of this book was my biggest obstacle because it would’ve thrived as a short story or novella. The pacing was all wrong with so much uneventful storytelling happening in between beats of action. If it was condensed, I would’ve had a much better time and wouldn’t have fought myself to pick it up. Seeing that it was a horror, I expected more horror elements, which is not what I got. I’m new to the genre, so that could just be something I need to become more educated on. However, nothing about this gave horror. Without spoiling the plot, I also struggled slightly with the motivations of the two main characters and their connection. Honestly, without the pacing issues, I was ready to give this a 3 star review, but I simply can’t overlook how long it took me to read this book due to the dread I felt every time I even thought about diving back into it.