FEBRUARY 2022 - AudioFile
In Liora’s kingdom it’s dangerous to show one’s magical powers. Narrator Amanda Dolan shows Liora’s transition from ignorance to discovery of her magical powers. Narrating from Liora’s point of view, Dolan adopts a fast pace that is consistent with the girl’s impatience to grow up. Dolan starts by portraying Liora as terribly naïve, but she soon gains maturity in this coming-of-age story full of young love, adventure, and monsters. There is no doubt that Darius, the king’s magician, is the personification of evil. Yet Dolan is able to bring the listener glimpses of his humanity. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Wonderfully lush and enthralling. I was captivated."—Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows
"A beautiful, enchanting tale of a young woman coming into her own powers. Luminous shines as brightly as its heroine."—Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We’re Meant to Find
“Luminous lives up to its name with shining prose, radiant characters, and a love story that burns bright. This story lights the way with a powerful message about embracing your truth and sharing it.”—Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Frostblood Saga
“Rutherford has built an exciting world that is intriguing.”—School Library Journal
School Library Journal
11/01/2021
Gr 7 Up—Liora Duval lives a secluded life to protect herself and family from anyone discovering that she is a mage, one who knows magic. But then Lord Darias comes looking for her and demands that her younger sister return with him to the capital. At the same time, her childhood friend and love interest goes missing. Both of these incidents cause Liora to embrace her magic and power to overcome Darias, who has bigger plans of his own. The emphasis on the bond between sisters and friends is only part of this adventure. Rutherford has built an exciting world that is intriguing, and coupled it with writing that is simple and easy to follow. The author has likewise created a unique way to harness Liora's magic through weaving. True fantasy fans may want a little more depth in the overall plot, but those who enjoy light fantasy will find this a hit. The tone is ominous and foreboding, keeping readers on their toes throughout. Characters seem to have glowing skin, but appear to be white. VERDICT Those looking for a light romance coupled with magic and a fantasy world will be intrigued. Fans of the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Leigh Bardugo will likewise enjoy it.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton H.S., Linden, MI
FEBRUARY 2022 - AudioFile
In Liora’s kingdom it’s dangerous to show one’s magical powers. Narrator Amanda Dolan shows Liora’s transition from ignorance to discovery of her magical powers. Narrating from Liora’s point of view, Dolan adopts a fast pace that is consistent with the girl’s impatience to grow up. Dolan starts by portraying Liora as terribly naïve, but she soon gains maturity in this coming-of-age story full of young love, adventure, and monsters. There is no doubt that Darius, the king’s magician, is the personification of evil. Yet Dolan is able to bring the listener glimpses of his humanity. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2021-08-16
A young witch searches for her true identity while battling sinister magical forces.
Liora Duval is a young mage whose distinctive glowing skin makes her a target for evil forces. She lives with her father and sisters on the outskirts of Sylvan, an old village in the magical land of Antalla; her mother was killed by a falling star. Liora knows that her magic is a liability and tries to hide it most of the time. However, she is ignorant of her true powers. After the powerful warlock Lord Darius invites Liora’s little sister, Mina, to his palace, where he uses her and other mages for his own nefarious ends, Liora becomes an apprentice to the witch Margana. She helps her weave magical tapestries that come to life when the final knot is tied. Events take a dark turn when Liora and Evran, Margana’s son and Liora’s childhood love, become trapped in a dark tapestry landscape full of scary creatures. The two must struggle to escape. The tone of the narrative is overwhelmingly threatening, at times hinting at violence. Overall, a lack of plot development and the sometimes-meandering pace of the narrative may cause readers to lose interest along the way. All characters present White.
Only the most determined fantasy aficionados will see this through to the end. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)
