A review by libertyreads789
The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

I was appalled that it took me so long to read the second book in The Luminaries given 1) how excited I was for the new release, and 2) how much fun I was having while reading it. But working at this new location with more than double the commute I had before is really trying to hold me to the New Year's Resolution of reading fewer books. I think it'll be a good thing moving forward but normally a book of this size, and that level of enjoyment while reading, would have gotten it finished in two days maximum. Other than that, this book was a good time.

I really enjoy the world of The Luminaries. I would have the best time if I could read both books on back to back days right before the third one comes out. Dennard does such a good time crafting both Winnie and Jay. (A little bit to the detriment of other characters, but with Winnie and Jay just sitting there you kind of can't complain.) I just want to reach into the book and give them both the biggest hug. They need it. I enjoyed seeing this magic system again and getting new information about how it works. I especially loved seeing Winnie learn about the Dianas and their magic. She kept herself distant from the accusations thrown at her family, but being pulled in that direction by the mystery gave her a reason to really look. And I liked that part of the story becoming more developed.

I thought that the pacing felt a little slow while reading it, but there's a chance that had more to do with my reading pace than the actual pace of the book. I think if I had sat and read it all in a day like I wanted to then it might not have felt that way. In the next book, I would love to see the trio of Winnie, Jay, and Erica to come together to deal with all the shit from 4 years ago and all of the shit starting to happen now. I'd also really love to find out more about Winnie's father in the next one. With the way this one ended, I wouldn't be surprised if that's the direction Dennard is planning to take the series. Overall, a lot of fun and definitely worth the read.