Review: Good but a filler book.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 3, 2013
At A GlanceAnother beautiful read from Cho, but I did feel like this was the standard filler book that we often see in series.The GoodIn Luminaire, Florence is trying to find her place among the merfolk. Her and Rolan are on the outs and all she has is Yolee to keep her company. When Yolee decides to join the Life Path Tournament, Florence offers to join along for support. But Florence learns that the tournament is more vicious and challenging compared to anything she has ever experienced. And with some merfolk trying to bring her down, Florence has very little chance of surviving her ordeal without her friends.Florence is really amazing in this book. She is so strong, even when vulnerable. Her determination and selflessness really drive this book. You admire her, even when she is failing. You feel everything she feels and it really helps you bond to her character.The thing that will knock your socks off is the world building and descriptions. I love reading Cho's version of merfolk and their society. The merfolk are pretty hardcore and scary but also beautiful. As for the descriptions, I could literally taste the salt in the ocean and feel the water running over my skin as I read every word of Luminaire. I had no problem picturing the breathtaking views of deep sea and the monstrous creatures of the tournament.The writing, as always, was great. No complaints at all. Cho has a way of bringing his stories to life with his words. The action packed tournament kept me on the edge of my seat with trepidation and excitement. Cho's imagination shows no bounds with the horrors and thrills he came up with in Luminaire.The BadI find myself underwhelmed with the direction of the series. It seems like Luminaire was a filler book in which almost nothing is resolved, actually things keep getting worse, and I left feeling depressed. Many of the bad people are let go and not punished, and Florence gives up a huge chance to make a difference from the "inside." All her trials and fights end up being for nothing.The beginning was slow and the second half had a little too much action.The SnugglyFlorence and Rolan spend most of this book apart. Rolan keeps pushing Florence away and she doesn't understand why. All she knows is that life under the sea is not the same without him around. I am kind of over Rolan's whole "I must keep Florence at arms length for her own good" thing. This is definitely not a romance filled book.Final ThoughtsI enjoyed Florence, the first book, way better than Luminaire. I just think the plotline lacked some. I wanted more out of this book. But it's hard to stay mad because Cho does write a beautiful story with beautiful characters. Recommended to those who love mermaid books.QuotesI shivered as he slowly spread the blue paint.He let go of me after he finished, and I looked up to see him watching me. His gaze was intense. Unreadable."What do I look like to you?" I asked."You look radiant. Luminous," he replied.I tipped my head to the side. "I'm not talking about the paint.""Neither was I," he said.*Free book from author for honest review*