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  • The Luminaries

The Luminaries

Luminaries #1 / 3 ✓
by Susan Dennard
The Luminaries (Luminaries #1) by Susan Dennard
⧗ 8.00 / 9
123456781910

From Susan Dennard, the New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series, comes a haunting and high-octane contemporary fantasy, about the magic it takes to face your fears in a nightmare-filled forest, and the mettle required to face the secrets hiding in the dark corners of your own family.

Hemlock Falls isn't like other towns. You won't find it on a map, your phone won't work here, and the forest outside town might just kill you.

Winnie Wednesday wants nothing more than to join the Luminaries, the ancient order that protects Winnie's town—and the rest of humanity—from the monsters and nightmares that rise in the forest of Hemlock Falls every night.

Ever since her father was exposed as a witch and a traitor, Winnie and her family have been shunned. But on her sixteenth birthday, she can take the deadly Luminary hunter trials and prove herself true and loyal—and restore her family's good name. Or die trying.

But in order to survive, Winnie enlists the help of the one person who can help her train: Jay Friday, resident bad boy and Winnie’s ex-best friend. While Jay might be the most promising new hunter in Hemlock Falls, he also seems to know more about the nightmares of the forest than he should. Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.

Not all monsters can be slain, and not all nightmares are confined to the dark.

"You'll want to get lost in the world of The Luminaries again and again.”—Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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FantasyYoung Adult
Release date: November 1, 2022 (Tor Teen)

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Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard

Susan Dennard’s writing is a blend of adventure, magic, and unflinching self-discovery, making her one of the most exciting voices in young adult fantasy today. Known for her Witchlands series, Dennard has created worlds where power is both a gift and a curse, and where the bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested in the face of ever-looming danger. Her stories resonate deeply with readers who crave a mix of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and complex characters.

Read more ...

Raised in the United States, Susan’s love for writing took root early. Growing up with a fascination for both the fantastical and the scientific, she explored a range of stories—anything from classic fantasy to contemporary thrillers. This eclectic taste in books, combined with her years of study in creative writing, eventually shaped the author she would become: one who doesn’t shy away from deep emotional conflicts or the moral complexities of her characters.

Susan’s breakthrough came with Truthwitch, the first book in her Witchlands series, where readers were introduced to a world where witches control the elements, and magic runs deep. The book’s engaging characters, vivid world-building, and focus on friendship and self-empowerment quickly made it a fan favorite. Her exploration of themes like trust, loyalty, and identity in a volatile world struck a chord with those seeking a more nuanced and heartfelt fantasy.

The Witchlands series has since continued to captivate audiences with its blend of political intrigue, thrilling action, and complex, ever-evolving relationships. With each book, Susan deepens the stakes, showing not just the internal struggles of her characters but also how they respond to external pressures that shape their destiny. Her writing offers a reflection on the consequences of power, the strength it takes to fight for one’s beliefs, and the often messy path to self-acceptance.

Beyond her books, Susan has cultivated a warm, welcoming community of readers, providing writing advice and sharing her own journey through her blog and social media. She’s an advocate for aspiring writers, helping them navigate the intricacies of publishing while offering a glimpse into the process behind creating compelling stories.

When she’s not working on her next novel, Susan can be found indulging her curiosity for the natural world, traveling, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her passion for nature and exploration frequently seeps into her stories, bringing an authentic, grounded feel to the high-stakes worlds she creates.

Susan Dennard’s works remain a testament to the power of friendship, the complexities of growing up, and the unyielding pursuit of personal strength in the face of adversity. Her unique voice in fantasy continues to inspire readers who appreciate both the fantasy and real-world elements that make her characters, worlds, and stories unforgettable.

Luminaries

Trilogy.

Luminaries consists of three books and considered as a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Luminaries (Luminaries #1)
⧗ 8.00 / 9
The Hunting Moon (Luminaries #2)
⧗ 10.00 / 1
The Whispering Night (Luminaries #3)
⧗ 9.66 / 3


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