24 December 2012

Review: Luminaire by Ciye Cho

Release Date: December 1st, 2012
Self-Published

Being the only human in a world of merfolk... isn't easy. Florence Waverley chose to stay in Niemela, but things have gone awry. Secrets have risen and the prince she cares about has pulled away. All the while, dark dreams warn her of a tragedy that only she can stop. But in order to save the merman she loves, Florence will have to enter the Life Path tournament: a brutal test of fear and madness.

The tournament is a rite of passage--a maze where young mermaids and mermen battle to find their purpose. It is also a place where Florence will face grave danger: mermaids with evil magic, tunnels filled with sea fire, and guardians who wish to use her as a pawn in their secret plans. But will Florence be strong enough to survive the tournament... or will she perish inside it?

Everything hangs in the balance: her life, her world, and her love
So bright, lively and full of colors; these words describe Florence's sequel! Luminaire is exactly what a second book in a series should be: just as good as the first one, or even better. Ciye has a way with words that can help you picture everything in great detail and the story has an interesting pace.

The story is really captivating. I was expecting a more romantic novel but the author makes things interesting. Roman, completely unexpectedly, changes his behaviour towards Florence. But the best part for me in this novel was the tournament. I was pleasantly surprised that Florence wanted to participate and I loved hers and Yolee's friendship. But the tournament and the consequent surprising ending was a highlight in Luminaire.

Therefore I also have to comment on Florence's development as a character. She decided to stay and fight for her right to live in Niemela even though (almost) no one wants her there. I really enjoyed her strength. Roman was a bit absent in this novel but I really enjoyed the ending, but I'm not going to spoil it for you guys! I think it was a pleasant change that the romance wasn't as perfect as I expected it to be. Furthermore I love the new characters Wynn and Marilenna. They complemented the story really well.

Hopefully there will be a third installment to this wonderful series and then I would love to have more of the new characters and to find out what Kiren has been doing this whole time! I really can't wait to read more from this amazing author.

 Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the novel for review!

Ciye Cho lives in Australia and works as a graphic designer. He writes YA novels in his free time--and his head is often lost in the clouds or some place far from reality... Website


2 comments:

  1. Havent heard of this book before but that cover is cute and it sounds good! Glad you enjoyed it. Great review Rachel . x

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  2. Like Lalaine, I haven't heard of this series before, but I'm tempted to check it out after reading your glowing review, Rachel! I'm so glad you liked this book, despite some small problems. The ending especially sounds great! Lovely review, Rachel. :)

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