A review by bespokecompost
The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

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

5.0

Now that’s what i call toxic yuri!!!!!! Jokes aside this was incredibly effective for me. It was the definition of a page turner, i love a slow burn suspense filled “did i really see that” horror narrative mixed with some sudden terrifying moments and boy did this deliver. I also love the character introspection and the whole grappling with the nature of the one person you have to trust with your life even as they prove over and over again that you can’t really trust them. Ough i love it, i love the horrible yearning and forced trust and betrayal and devotion and i love it when those things are also gay. I saw some complaints about the ending feeling rushed but to me that’s the point: once they’re out of the cave the story is over. They can move on in whatever way the reader wants to imagine, but the cave still looms fresh in the mind. I’m now very excited to read her other books because if they’re anything like this (her first book!!??!!) I’m going to love them.
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