"luminary" by krista mcgee

Note: If you haven't read book one in this trilogy, Anomaly, and you plan to, you should probably stop reading now. I don't know how I could possibly review this book without referencing some of the events in book one. I'm even ditching the "about the book" section so that you can avoid spoilers. Also, my review of the final book, Revolutionary, will go up tomorrow morning, and it will contain mentions of both Anomaly and Luminary.

My take: This is one of those books that it's difficult to write a review of. Not because I hated it and struggle with what to say without being too negative but because it's wonderful, and I just want to gush ... but then it would be full of spoilers. So prepare for a very vague yet glowing review!

Luminary picks up right where Anomaly left off, with Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John embarking on their journey to find survivors. The survivors they find reside in two opposing communities—agrarian New Hope and technology-focused Athens. When Thalli tries to help broker peace between the communities, her knowledge of truth is tested, and she struggles to understand what is real and what is make believe. And then there's Alex, prince of Athens. Can she trust her feelings for him? And what about her feelings for Berk?

I loved virtually everything about Luminary—the plot, the characters, even the love triangle. Normally, love triangles drive me crazy because it seems so obvious to me who the heroine should pick, even if the author doesn't agree with me (Team Peeta, Team Cody, Team Jacob, Team Logan. Obviously.)* But Luminary is different—I really have no idea who Thalli should choose, and I can see the merits to each guy. I also definitely didn't see the twists coming in the relationships!

I also love, love, love the focus on the Designer. McGee weaves the truth of the Gospel into the story without coming across as preachy. As Thalli learns more about the Designer, her faith grows, and it's great to watch her reliance on Him through the difficult times—and there are certainly plenty of those in this book!

The story ends on a cliffhanger that I really can't explain at all—but let's just say that it's perfect, and I'm so glad I have the final book waiting on my Kindle so I can keep reading the story!

*The Hunger Games, The Bailey Flanigan series (don't even get me started!), Twilight (admittedly, I only read the first book and saw the first film), Veronica Mars.

My rating: 5 stars

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of McGee's Anomaly and Starring Me.

About the author: Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. She currently lives in Florida.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I won this book in a giveaway and was not required to review it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."