The Luminous Dead: A Novel

Reviews

Casey Carlisle

Starling’s description of the subterranean caverns in which the book is set and the incredibly creepy events that take place within its darkened confines are enough to send the reader into bouts of suffocating claustrophobia! Our protagonist, Gyre is a battler, she’s working hard to provide better opportunities for her life. ’ She has no qualms in chemically controlling Gyre to achieve her goals, is not chatty over the coms, treating Gyre much like a tool. It’s been a long time since I have been both compelled and repelled at the same time when reading.

George A. Ranson Jr.

First of all, it’s exceptionally well written. The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me is that the middle section of the book felt at times to be a little unnecessarily drawn out and I found myself anticipating something terrifying at every turn only to have the story continue at its normal pace.

Actual rating 4. I am an instant fan of Caitlin Starling and eager to see what else she has written. A phenomenal read, I was glued to the page from start to finish.

I most definitely was not disappointed. The only minute thing that held me back from giving this a perfect score was how the plot felt too long, and kept back-tracking on itself.

It did add an air of desperation that enhanced to the reading experience, but left ‘The Luminous Dead’ feeling a snatch too long. Anyone who can keep me this engaged and creeped out at the same time is a 5 star author in my books. The concept is out of this world too – exploring underground caves on alien planets (essentially in a space suit) with all manner of dangers to face, with a psychological thriller aspect – where do I sign.