Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
No Result
View All Result

Home > Reviews > The Luminous Dead Review: Gripping Survival Sci-Fi Horror

The Luminous Dead Review: Gripping Survival Sci-Fi Horror

Arthur R. by Arthur R.
April 10, 2022
in Reviews
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
the luminous dead featured image
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Luminous Dead DEALS

  • Amazon
    $14.99 VIEW
  • Barnes&Noble
    $14.99 VIEW
  • Walmart
    $14.99 VIEW

Have you ever felt claustrophobic while going through a tight space between two walls or even going down into a small cellar to get something quick? Now imagine having that feeling for weeks… The Luminous Dead is an amazing sci-fi horror book which explores loneliness, claustrophobia and the human will to survive.

You will meet Gyre, a cave explorer (called caver) on an alien planet who took a job much beyond her experience. The only other character in this novel is Em; Gyre’s guide who is forever present in her head and who can have complete control of Gyre’s suit. It is a complicated story of trust and survival.

Yet at the same time it is a much more intricate story than that. We get to be inside the character’s head and understand what she is going through while she cannot control her environment and at times, even her own suit.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

*Disclosure: We only recommend books which we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Luminous Dead Synopsis

the luminous dead book cover in lights
The Luminous Dead book cover by Caitlin Starling

Meet Gyre and Em, the two main characters to whom the whole adventure happens throughout the book. Gyre is a caver, who explores caves on alien planets to uncover new resources deposits.

Em is her handler, her guide. She is in front of monitors, looking after the caver’s every step, action and performance. Em has all the information possible on the suit that Gyre is wearing and by contract, can even “help” the caver by administering drugs, sedatives, and even controlling the suit itself!

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

Gyre has taken a job which is she not qualified for and Em, her guide, knows this. She has lied on her resume, but the pay was worth it. It would be enough to get her off world and to another much better planet than a small exploration planet she is currently on. The job pays well, but that is because most of the people who’ve taken it before, never came back…

the luminous dead representation of a cave passage
Representation of a cave passage

Discover the alien world of the cave which Gyre is tasked with exploring and advancing to her final goal, which she does not even know to begin with. Gyre is trapped in a suit she cannot take off, fed through packs and she is also alone. Alone except for Em, who is forever present in her helmet and in her head. On top of that, Em know that Gyre lied to her and is using that to her advantage.

“Then tell me what your goal is. Because if it’s the mineral veins, I guarantee you we’ve passed at least two or three already.”

“I don’t need to explain myself to a caver who lied about her experience.”

On top of everything Gyre has to deal with; isolation, lack of control of her own movement and at times destiny, Em forever present in her head, there is a danger that lurks behind the walls of the cave, a tunneler. A monster which lives in the walls of the cave and can kill you in a blink of an eye if you are not careful.

ReadNext

Book-Cover-Heroes-by-Stephen-Fry

Heroes by Stephen Fry – Book 2 in the captivating ‘Greek Myths Retold’ trilogy

rosewater book review

Rosewater: Book 1 From the Wormwood Science Fiction Trilogy

Strengths

I enjoyed, a lot, the relationship the author, Caitlin Starling, creates between the two characters. At times you hate Em for being so stubborn on her quest and so controlling, and you can feel that Gyre hates her with a passion as well. But other times, you completely understand Em’s position and are with her 100%. Depending how far you are in the story, your view and position changes of Em and Gyre, the two main heroes of the novel. This is Caitlin’s first book and to be able to pull off such an emotional response from the reader is very impressive.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
the luminous dead book decor
The Luminous Dead book decorated

The story itself is also absolutely amazing. There are subplots to both Gyre and Em which make you discover the characters in new ways. The trust builds and gets ruined by action of both throughout the story which keeps your on the edge of your seat the whole time.

… she didn’t owe anything to Em. She’d only ever wanted to help Em stop the deaths.

Mission accomplished.

But here, now, Gyre wanted Em to witness the people who had died.

HTML tutorial

The novel is also written in almost a movie format. While reading it, you can vividly image what is happening and if this was to be turned into a movie, it would flow very well.

The Luminous Dead book cave representation

There are intense moments; time running out, there are emotional moments from both characters, scary passages and downright chapters where you cannot stop reading, even if it is 3am…

Weaknesses

Truth be told, I did not find that many problems with the story. There were, at times, passages which were long and not the most intense. However they did help progress the story, so there is no avoiding them.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

I would have loved to have more of a horror element, something scarier than the paranoia of characters or the non-physical manifestations in the story. Sure there was one or two moments where it was genuinely scary, but it was just that, a mere one or two moments in the whole story.

Lastly, one of the things that bothered me is the lack of closure on the side story of the book about Gyre’s mother and what happened to her. We learned so much information about Gyre, her mother and what she wanted to do. Yet, we never go to find out if she was ever able to accomplish those desires.

The Luminous Dead hero leaving the cave?

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for anyone who is a horror and a sci-fi fan. I was reading a lot of horror back in the days and love anything sci-fi related. Therefore, this story is a perfect marriage of the two genres; a lot of sci-fi elements and some internal, psychologic horror.

The Review

The Luminous Dead

7.7 Score

This is a great book with a mix of some horror elements and good sci-fi. The characters are very well written and make you feel their internal struggles. Worth the read!

PROS

  • Great characters
  • Interesting inner struggle
  • Gripping story

CONS

  • At times some dull passages
  • Not enough scare factor

Review Breakdown

  • Scary 0
  • Character development 0
  • Story 0

The Luminous Dead DEALS

We collect information from many stores for best price available

Best Price

$14.99
  • Amazon Amazon
    $14.99 Buy Now
  • Barnes&Noble Barnes&Noble
    $14.99 Buy Now
  • Walmart Walmart
    $14.99 Buy Now
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Tags: science fiction
ShareTweetShare
Arthur R.

Arthur R.

Picked up and finished my first book late, at the age of 13 years old, but has never stopped reading since. Discovered the works of legendary Stephen King which inspired me to read more as well as write my own short stories.

Related

Science Fiction banner
Best Book Lists

Fantastic Science Fiction Books Written by Women You Should Know About

March 20, 2022
Science Fiction subgenres
Editorials

10 Science Fiction Subgenres: A Walkthrough

February 27, 2022
Top 10 goodreads Sci-Fi books
Best Book Lists

10 Best Sci-Fi Books According To Goodreads Users

February 26, 2022
Next Post
Riley's Excellent and Not At All Fake Exorcism Service

Monsters In-Law: Review of Riley's Excellent and Not At All Fake Exorcism Service

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect withD
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect With Us

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
5 least favorite classic books - literary podcast

Why These 5 Classic Books Are Our Least Favorite

May 6, 2022
classics-month-feature

Our Favorite Classic Books

April 10, 2022
Black Authors

7 Black Authors Whose Work You Should Be Reading

March 28, 2022
stephen king carrie feature-min

How Stephen King Almost Threw Away His Most Successful Book

October 27, 2021
modern fairy tale

House of Hollow Review: A Marvelously Mysterious Modern Fairy Tale

4
Featured Image Design New

Female Science Fiction Authors You Need To Read Right Now

3
best-stephen-king-books-min

What is considered Stephen King’s best book?

2
Book VS Novel

What Is The Difference Between A Novel And A Book?

2
the great gatsby the book was better fully-book literary podcast

The Book Was Better: Chatting The Great Gatsby (2013)

May 21, 2022
Classic hardcover books

What Are The Benefits Of Reading Classic Literature?

May 14, 2022
american literature themes podcast feature

Defining Themes of American Literature: A Discussion

May 13, 2022
banned books

Banned Books: 7 Classics Banned in Different Countries

May 13, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Instagram

Follow Us!

  • We’re halfway through the week, and what a crazy season this has been so far! 🌷
What do you do to de-stress when you have a lot going on?
•
•
#bookworm #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookpodcast #booksofinstagram #bookblog #bookcast #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #podcasting #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreading #destress #fullybookedca
  • Feelin Jazzy 🎷 on this Monday morning; we always love finding a  reinterpretation of a classic
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookichcanadians #bookblogger #bookpodcast #bookblog #bookworm #bibliophile #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #readmorebooks #reading #podcasting #literature #literarypodcast #casualbookworm #classicliterature #classicreading #thegreatgatsby #fullybookedca
  • New Episode! 🎙This weeks episode of Fully Booked is all about Romeo + Juliet- specifically the 90’s adaptation starring a pre-Titanic Leo 📜We’re talking bright colours, a post apocalyptic looking California beach and floppy hair, amongst other things
Link in bio!
•
•
#podcast #bookworm #bookpodcast #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookishcanadians #booksofinstagram #podcasting #literature #shakespeare #romeo+juliet #reading #bibliophile #fullybookedca
  • Fully Booked has officially come to your podcast platforms 🎙📚You can check out our weekly episodes on the site, or wherever you get your podcasts! We’re so excited to dive into this new medium and can’t wait to keep talking about our favourite things-books 📖Link in bio to find out more!
•
•
#bookstagram #bookpodcast #podcasting #bookishacanadians #bookworm #bookblogger #bibliophile #bookblog #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #reading #fullybookedca
  • A little spring fantasy for your Monday Mood 🦄
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookishcanadians #bookblog #bookworm #bookblogger #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #springbooks #springreads #fantasybooks #fantasyreading #fullybookedca
  • Spring has sprung 🌷mostly anywayWhat are your favourite springtime reads? We love a good fantasy story 🧙🏻‍♀️ something witchy but more nature focused
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookishcanadians #bookblog #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreccomebdations #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #tbr #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreads #springbooks #springreading #fantasybooks #witchbooks #fullybookedca
  • Happy Friday! What are you into reading right now? 📚Thrillers and mysteries are creeping into the tbr pile this spring 🌸 and I’m more than ok with it
•
•
#bookstagram #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookworm #bookblog #bookpile #bookishcanadians #tbr #bibliophile #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #springreading #springreads #mysterybooks #thrillerreads #fullybookedca
  • What was the last book that disappointed you? 📚I wanted to like this one, I really did. It got a slight bump for the twist, but otherwise was full of unlikeable characters and was too drawn out for me 😬
I know so many people love it but it just wasn’t for me
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookblog #bookworm #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #tbr #bookpile #bibliophile #bookishacanadians #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #folkswhoread #springreading #fullybookedca
  • Monday Magic 🪄Are you drawn to any folklore or traditions connected to your heritage?
I’ve always loved Celtic folklore and old stories, and want to explore them in more detail in the future 📖
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookstagrammer #bookblog #booksofinstagram #tbr #bibliophile #newbooks #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #celticbooks #folklore #springreading #fullybookedca
Fully Booked

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Friend’s Links
  • Privacy Statement
  • Impressum
  • Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

wpDiscuz
Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Manage your privacy
We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze traffic, and at times, serve the best possible and relevant advertisement to you. By continuing to use this site, you agree with the use of cookies in accordance with our linked policies below.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00