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Middle School Magic #3
Luminescence
Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightwing, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2014
4 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 14, 2014
The cliffhanger to book two was so good that I couldn't wait to put my nose into this finale. It did not disappoint! The trio and my fav, Pilaf, were back for new adventures that would test their powers and friendship even more. Their growth proved considerably in this conclusion, well, mainly to two of them.
Oh, Mr. Bell kept me on my toes! Was Dr. Timberi really alive or has Lexa gone bonkers? The supposed loss of Dr. Timberi seemed to put a strain on the trio, will their friendship endure? Lexa was racked with so much guilt that I was sure it'd change her, to what degree? Melanie's dad, he was hiding something! Then Timothy, I can sense that something big was going to happen at the tribunal. Of course, my dear Pilaf, I was rooting for his test to be positive. What ended up being the answers to these questions? You'll have to read it to find out but suffice to say that I was treated to a twisty, poignant ending. Bittersweet and fantastic windup to the series! Which leads me to ask, "Is there such a thing as 'Oops, that wasn't the final installment!' book?", because I want one of those for this series. ;)
The fondness for this book (the series for that matter) for me was the heartfelt message of love. It rang crystal clear in the experiences of these young characters, the sweet inclusion of music, the examination of good vs evil, and the dynamics of human relationships. It's the message that I think young readers need more of and I'm glad to say they'll get it in this series and be entertained in the process. So make a 3-inch room in your bookcase for these books, filed with your "great reads" collection. I did.
Jinky is Reading
Oh, Mr. Bell kept me on my toes! Was Dr. Timberi really alive or has Lexa gone bonkers? The supposed loss of Dr. Timberi seemed to put a strain on the trio, will their friendship endure? Lexa was racked with so much guilt that I was sure it'd change her, to what degree? Melanie's dad, he was hiding something! Then Timothy, I can sense that something big was going to happen at the tribunal. Of course, my dear Pilaf, I was rooting for his test to be positive. What ended up being the answers to these questions? You'll have to read it to find out but suffice to say that I was treated to a twisty, poignant ending. Bittersweet and fantastic windup to the series! Which leads me to ask, "Is there such a thing as 'Oops, that wasn't the final installment!' book?", because I want one of those for this series. ;)
The fondness for this book (the series for that matter) for me was the heartfelt message of love. It rang crystal clear in the experiences of these young characters, the sweet inclusion of music, the examination of good vs evil, and the dynamics of human relationships. It's the message that I think young readers need more of and I'm glad to say they'll get it in this series and be entertained in the process. So make a 3-inch room in your bookcase for these books, filed with your "great reads" collection. I did.
Jinky is Reading
March 26, 2014
I enjoyed the first book, liked the second book better and absolutely love the third book!! What a great middle-grade series!
At the end of the second book, it is believed that Dr. Timberi is dead but Lexa declares to everyone that he is, indeed, alive! Some believe her and some don't. Conner, Lexa and Melanie believe he is so it's up to them to rescue him from the torture they believe he's enduring.
Conner, Lexa and Melanie learn the power and strength they have when they actually work together. They've had a lot of emotional ups and downs and their relationships are strengthened. Lexa was pretty snotty in book two but was given opportunities to reevaluate her behavior towards the end and she redeems herself in book three.
Questions are answered! We learn the truth about The Stalker. My daughter started reading this series before I finished this book and she was asking me about The Stalker. I told her he's still around in book 3 and she was asking if he's good or bad. I hadn't finished yet so I was honestly able to tell her that I didn't know. She believes he's good so those of us that know won't confirm or deny.
There's so much to love about this series and there's lots of wisdom interspersed throughout. There are Discussion Questions at the end of book 3 but there aren't any in books 1 and 2. This is a series I want to read with my children because it will generate some great discussions!
Mel's Shelves
At the end of the second book, it is believed that Dr. Timberi is dead but Lexa declares to everyone that he is, indeed, alive! Some believe her and some don't. Conner, Lexa and Melanie believe he is so it's up to them to rescue him from the torture they believe he's enduring.
Conner, Lexa and Melanie learn the power and strength they have when they actually work together. They've had a lot of emotional ups and downs and their relationships are strengthened. Lexa was pretty snotty in book two but was given opportunities to reevaluate her behavior towards the end and she redeems herself in book three.
Questions are answered! We learn the truth about The Stalker. My daughter started reading this series before I finished this book and she was asking me about The Stalker. I told her he's still around in book 3 and she was asking if he's good or bad. I hadn't finished yet so I was honestly able to tell her that I didn't know. She believes he's good so those of us that know won't confirm or deny.
There's so much to love about this series and there's lots of wisdom interspersed throughout. There are Discussion Questions at the end of book 3 but there aren't any in books 1 and 2. This is a series I want to read with my children because it will generate some great discussions!
Mel's Shelves
December 20, 2013
I LOVE this series and this book is just as fantastic as the first two. Braden Bell has not only created a unique and intriguing story world, he's created realistic characters that have flaws and struggle to do what's right.
I love the bond between the main characters, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie. Even when the relationships are strained, it's obvious that these characters love each other. Dr. Timberi is my favorite adult in the series, but I also love Lee and his down-home common sense. And Pilaf is so endearing.
Braden Bell has created a story with depth that also contains uplifting messages woven into the exciting, fast-paced storyline. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the kids search for Dr. Timberi and try to save him, but you'll love it even more for the rich writing, unique imagery, and beautiful prose.
Highly recommended.
I love the bond between the main characters, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie. Even when the relationships are strained, it's obvious that these characters love each other. Dr. Timberi is my favorite adult in the series, but I also love Lee and his down-home common sense. And Pilaf is so endearing.
Braden Bell has created a story with depth that also contains uplifting messages woven into the exciting, fast-paced storyline. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the kids search for Dr. Timberi and try to save him, but you'll love it even more for the rich writing, unique imagery, and beautiful prose.
Highly recommended.
March 7, 2014
With Dr. Timberi dead or at least to everyone else he is dead. Lexa hasn't felt anything from the sigil in a while. The trio are upset and blaming themselves. Melanie blames the fact that she can't stream, as to what happened to Dr. Timberi, Connor blames himself for not being strong enough to fight of Lady Nightwing, and Lexa blames herself for fighting with Dr. Timberi had she not fought with him none of them would have been at the school.
A Cherub approaches Melanie to help get the trio back together. Lexa gets messages from Dr. Timberi, and Connor works with an group to learn how to control the darkness. Pilaf is still the unknown mystery, is he a magi or not?
So much happens in this book we get to see the trio get back together and make peace with each other over loosing their teacher. We also get to see the sigil work through Lexa to help their beloved teacher. Melanie finally figures out how to stream. Of course there is also the trial of Timothy Timberi the stalker who has been after the trio since book one. In this book we see a different side of him, a side of him that wants to be good to make peace with his father and do the right thing, of course sometimes in order to do the right thing one must do a bad thing first.
We also watch Pilaf and Lexa make the biggest sacrifices of everyone. Lexa sacrifices her power to save them all, and Pilaf absorbs so much darkness it's a miracle he's alive. Then there is Timothy who proved his loyalty and love to his father by saving him from death.
My favorite parts are the ending even though it ends I like how Dr. Bell did it. I also laughed quite a bit with the various phrases Lee used instead of swearing those were great. I hope that we will see more books by Dr. Bell that are like this genre he has a great ability to spin a fabulous trilogy. Definitely a great fan of his and can't wait to see more work of his in the future. I will miss these characters they gave me laughs and a lot of oh my gosh moments. They will definitely live on in my hearts and to anyone I can recommend this series to.
A Cherub approaches Melanie to help get the trio back together. Lexa gets messages from Dr. Timberi, and Connor works with an group to learn how to control the darkness. Pilaf is still the unknown mystery, is he a magi or not?
So much happens in this book we get to see the trio get back together and make peace with each other over loosing their teacher. We also get to see the sigil work through Lexa to help their beloved teacher. Melanie finally figures out how to stream. Of course there is also the trial of Timothy Timberi the stalker who has been after the trio since book one. In this book we see a different side of him, a side of him that wants to be good to make peace with his father and do the right thing, of course sometimes in order to do the right thing one must do a bad thing first.
We also watch Pilaf and Lexa make the biggest sacrifices of everyone. Lexa sacrifices her power to save them all, and Pilaf absorbs so much darkness it's a miracle he's alive. Then there is Timothy who proved his loyalty and love to his father by saving him from death.
My favorite parts are the ending even though it ends I like how Dr. Bell did it. I also laughed quite a bit with the various phrases Lee used instead of swearing those were great. I hope that we will see more books by Dr. Bell that are like this genre he has a great ability to spin a fabulous trilogy. Definitely a great fan of his and can't wait to see more work of his in the future. I will miss these characters they gave me laughs and a lot of oh my gosh moments. They will definitely live on in my hearts and to anyone I can recommend this series to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2014
I have to admit that this is one of my top three middle grade series. I have really, really loved the journey I've taken with Lexa, Conner and Melanie and friends and now that it is over, I'm kind of sad.
Sometimes it is hard in middle grade fiction to get the voices right. I often find that the characters seem too old or too young and therefore not realistic. That is definitely not the case in this series. The characters were always believable and the choices they made consistent with the age group. I liked that.
When you combine great characters with a magical storyline it creates a book too good to pass up. These three young people really are on an adventure. Along the way they learn important lessons about life, themselves and other. They learn to work together, to show respect and what courage really is. There are lessons to be learned for all of us in this book. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book-
"Being mad at each other was like holding on to Darkness and it meant the light couldn't help us." (pg. 45)
Lexa, Conner and Melanie learn that when they work together they are so much stronger and that each of them makes up a great whole.
"Our gifts and personalities each represent a dimension of a human being: mind, spirit and body." (pg. 46)
The ending was fantastic. It defines the word "hero" in many different ways. This is a book and book series I would recommend to anyone and not just those with middle grade readers. My middle grade daughter loves these books and that makes me happy!
Sometimes it is hard in middle grade fiction to get the voices right. I often find that the characters seem too old or too young and therefore not realistic. That is definitely not the case in this series. The characters were always believable and the choices they made consistent with the age group. I liked that.
When you combine great characters with a magical storyline it creates a book too good to pass up. These three young people really are on an adventure. Along the way they learn important lessons about life, themselves and other. They learn to work together, to show respect and what courage really is. There are lessons to be learned for all of us in this book. Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book-
"Being mad at each other was like holding on to Darkness and it meant the light couldn't help us." (pg. 45)
Lexa, Conner and Melanie learn that when they work together they are so much stronger and that each of them makes up a great whole.
"Our gifts and personalities each represent a dimension of a human being: mind, spirit and body." (pg. 46)
The ending was fantastic. It defines the word "hero" in many different ways. This is a book and book series I would recommend to anyone and not just those with middle grade readers. My middle grade daughter loves these books and that makes me happy!
March 20, 2014
This series has been such a fun one to read. I love the main characters and the relationships that they have. There have been some rocky roads between Connor, Lexa and Melanie, but they work through the many ups and downs.This third and final book in the trilogy is full of action and many exciting things. As I read it, I thought of many of my students that would love to read this book.
It was great to see the ways the teen's powers manifested in Luminescence. I also loved to see how they grew into their powers.I also liked the idea that their powers were even more effective when they combined them together. This was a strong message about working together. The system of light and dark in this world is so creative! I like the way that Braden describes so easily for any reader to understand.
Speaking of ages, this book/series is a wonderful one to read together as a family. I'm always looking for books that I can enjoy reading with my 16 year old and my almost 12 year old. I do recommend that you read the first two books in the series first.
The ending of this trilogy fills you with so much emotion.There are parts where you laugh, scream and cry. There is the lesson of making sacrifices for friends and family. This theme is one that will let you have a good talk with your kids. I recommend that you read through the discussion questions too. You always know you've read a good book when you feel fulfilled when finished. That's exactly what happened at the end of Luminescence. I'm excited to read what will come next from this talented author.
It was great to see the ways the teen's powers manifested in Luminescence. I also loved to see how they grew into their powers.I also liked the idea that their powers were even more effective when they combined them together. This was a strong message about working together. The system of light and dark in this world is so creative! I like the way that Braden describes so easily for any reader to understand.
Speaking of ages, this book/series is a wonderful one to read together as a family. I'm always looking for books that I can enjoy reading with my 16 year old and my almost 12 year old. I do recommend that you read the first two books in the series first.
The ending of this trilogy fills you with so much emotion.There are parts where you laugh, scream and cry. There is the lesson of making sacrifices for friends and family. This theme is one that will let you have a good talk with your kids. I recommend that you read through the discussion questions too. You always know you've read a good book when you feel fulfilled when finished. That's exactly what happened at the end of Luminescence. I'm excited to read what will come next from this talented author.
March 4, 2014
What a wonderful conclusion to this trilogy. Sometimes endings to Trilogies can be left with doubts, questions or things I don't like- as I finished this book it just left me with a big smile and feeling of happiness.
The book begins with the Trio not being fully united as guilt and sadness keep them apart after Dr. Timbre's supposed death. Lexa is sure he is still alive is and is willing to do anything to help find and rescue him.
The Trio must learn to overcome their problems and learn to really work together, which will bring a power like nothing they ever could have imagined. I like the role that Pilaf had in this book.
You definitely need to read the first two books in the series before this one. This is a great series for the middle school level and maybe even 4th and 5th graders who are fans of fantasy type novels. Even though this series is about light fighting dark, it is written in way to not ever feel too dark and possibly too much for the intend audience. When I read books intended for younger audiences I often read them with my kids in mind thinking they would enjoy it but it was too young for me; but this series was something that I just truly enjoyed for myself even as an adult.
I highly recommend this series.
The book begins with the Trio not being fully united as guilt and sadness keep them apart after Dr. Timbre's supposed death. Lexa is sure he is still alive is and is willing to do anything to help find and rescue him.
The Trio must learn to overcome their problems and learn to really work together, which will bring a power like nothing they ever could have imagined. I like the role that Pilaf had in this book.
You definitely need to read the first two books in the series before this one. This is a great series for the middle school level and maybe even 4th and 5th graders who are fans of fantasy type novels. Even though this series is about light fighting dark, it is written in way to not ever feel too dark and possibly too much for the intend audience. When I read books intended for younger audiences I often read them with my kids in mind thinking they would enjoy it but it was too young for me; but this series was something that I just truly enjoyed for myself even as an adult.
I highly recommend this series.
March 11, 2014
Fire and Ice is so honored to announce and host the blog tour for Luminescence by Braden Bell!
In this thrilling conclusion to the Middle Grade Magic series, Dr. Timberi has been kidnapped, assumed dead. But Lexa knows better, and she is determined to save him. She must find a way to put aside her guilt and jealousy to work together with her brother and her best friend Melanie. The three of them have the potential to form a powerful force against evil... if they can overcome what it weighing them down to use their newly kindled powers. Luminescence packs wisdom about guilt, healing, the loyalty of love and soaring above your trials of the past.
Readers will no doubt feel a wide range of emotions as they see their favorite series come to a close! It’s non-stop action with your favorite prep school students turned magi.
If you’ve never picked up Braden’s series, I would highly recommend it for older teens and adults. Mr. Bell has a way of adding valuable truths into his story while offering an awesome MG trilogy with a whole lot of adventure.
In this thrilling conclusion to the Middle Grade Magic series, Dr. Timberi has been kidnapped, assumed dead. But Lexa knows better, and she is determined to save him. She must find a way to put aside her guilt and jealousy to work together with her brother and her best friend Melanie. The three of them have the potential to form a powerful force against evil... if they can overcome what it weighing them down to use their newly kindled powers. Luminescence packs wisdom about guilt, healing, the loyalty of love and soaring above your trials of the past.
Readers will no doubt feel a wide range of emotions as they see their favorite series come to a close! It’s non-stop action with your favorite prep school students turned magi.
If you’ve never picked up Braden’s series, I would highly recommend it for older teens and adults. Mr. Bell has a way of adding valuable truths into his story while offering an awesome MG trilogy with a whole lot of adventure.
March 31, 2014
My Thoughts-
In this thrilling conclusion the Middle School magic trilogy we find out the fate of the beloved Dr. Timberi. While the rest of the magi believe him to be dead, Conner, Lexa and Melanie are sure he is alive and being held captive by the evil Lady Nightwing.
The tension is strong as our trio turn against their leaders and befriend The Stalker, who once tried to kill them. They head off on a near impossible journey into the center of the Darkhands power. All three children must learn to use their powers insync, or all will be lost. For different reasons, they each feel responsible for Dr. Timberi's capture and need to resolve within themselves that it was not their fault, or their powers will not progress to the next level. Lexa, jealous of her brother and Melanie’s blooming relationship, must also overcome her bitterness and envy or be stripped of her powers forever.
Their journey teaches them the true meaning of personal sacrifice and love. Filled with humor and adventure this book will hook the reader and bring the story of our trio full circle. 4.5 stars!
In this thrilling conclusion the Middle School magic trilogy we find out the fate of the beloved Dr. Timberi. While the rest of the magi believe him to be dead, Conner, Lexa and Melanie are sure he is alive and being held captive by the evil Lady Nightwing.
The tension is strong as our trio turn against their leaders and befriend The Stalker, who once tried to kill them. They head off on a near impossible journey into the center of the Darkhands power. All three children must learn to use their powers insync, or all will be lost. For different reasons, they each feel responsible for Dr. Timberi's capture and need to resolve within themselves that it was not their fault, or their powers will not progress to the next level. Lexa, jealous of her brother and Melanie’s blooming relationship, must also overcome her bitterness and envy or be stripped of her powers forever.
Their journey teaches them the true meaning of personal sacrifice and love. Filled with humor and adventure this book will hook the reader and bring the story of our trio full circle. 4.5 stars!
April 4, 2014
Fantastic conclusion to the trilogy! I love this series. I’ve grown to adore these three teens, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie. They’re all battling insecurities and weakness of their own while trying to help save the world from the Darkhands threatening to destroy it. This third book does a great job keeping you reading, wondering and anxious for the three kids as well as their beloved mentor, Dr. Timberi.
I loved the overarching theme of redemption. It’s a story of forgiveness and overcoming for the better good. Plus the humor and budding middle school romance makes me smile. Braden Bell’s style of writing reminds me a lot of Rick Riordan, with the same whit and edge-of-your-seat action. Make sure to check out this series. You and your kids will love it!!
I loved the overarching theme of redemption. It’s a story of forgiveness and overcoming for the better good. Plus the humor and budding middle school romance makes me smile. Braden Bell’s style of writing reminds me a lot of Rick Riordan, with the same whit and edge-of-your-seat action. Make sure to check out this series. You and your kids will love it!!
March 11, 2014
You watched them Kindle in The Kindling!
You saw them develop their powers and protect their school in Penumbras!
Now join Conner, Lexa, Melanie, and Pilaf as they join their magic...
AND their friendships...
As they come to the aid of their teacher, Dr. Timberi,
who is being tormented by Lady Nightwing and The Darkhands.
They will have to face their fears~
They will learn the importance of obeying their parents~
They will have to put everything on the line...even their powers to help each other~
And they will have to rely on the "Luminescence"~
But will it be enough?
And can they get there in time?
An AMAZING journey!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
You don't want to miss out on this one!
You saw them develop their powers and protect their school in Penumbras!
Now join Conner, Lexa, Melanie, and Pilaf as they join their magic...
AND their friendships...
As they come to the aid of their teacher, Dr. Timberi,
who is being tormented by Lady Nightwing and The Darkhands.
They will have to face their fears~
They will learn the importance of obeying their parents~
They will have to put everything on the line...even their powers to help each other~
And they will have to rely on the "Luminescence"~
But will it be enough?
And can they get there in time?
An AMAZING journey!
SO. SO. SO. GOOD!
You don't want to miss out on this one!
September 6, 2016
Braden Bell has finished off this series in a dramatic and satisfying way. His characters are so realistic - they are children with magical, wonderful powers but are still children with the real problems of self-doubt, lack of confidence, drama, and the regular fears of middle school. I completely understood Lexa, the drama queen, working out conversations in her head to make herself the center of attention. It was painful watching her try to change, knowing it is a life long battle! I will miss Dr. Timberi.
July 30, 2014
This book is amazing! Actually, I've loved the whole series. Braden Bell has done a great job getting into the head of these youngsters and making them come alive in these books. These are some of the most well done characters I've seen for middle grade readers. I love that you feel as though you are in the private school that Conner, Lexa, and Melanie go to, as well as everywhere else they go. I'm sad this is the end of the series,but I think it is a good ending. Can't wait to see what Braden Bell comes up with next!
December 23, 2013
I have loved this series. Braden is a literary genius. This last book was definitely my favorite, which is saying a lot because typically when reading a series, the sequels fall short for me. Luminescence absolutely did not. I connected with the characters, felt like I was experiencing right along side them. It was the perfect ending to the series for me. I'm excited for my kids to read the whole series.
December 21, 2013
A five-star read! Filled with magic, non-stop action, and self sacrifice, Luminescence illustrates the power of working together and the value of friendship in a most imaginative way. A thrilling adventure for readers of all ages.
January 5, 2014
A wonderful book! Braden's writing is his best yet, and the story pulled me in from the get-go (and I'm not much of a MG reader). It's the perfect blend of humor, poignancy, and adventure. Truly a series for all ages. My son can't wait to get his hands on this one!
August 11, 2016
Beautiful ending to a very enjoyable series. I loved the theme of love and sacrifice.
January 14, 2014
My daughter absolutely LOVES this series. She was invited to read a preview of the book and send in an endorsement blurb. So yep, already read, loved it, and reread it again. =)
May 13, 2020
best book ever! IN the best series ever!
March 15, 2014
5 STARS
I have loved this series. This conclusion to the series does not let you down. It is full of action, adventure, sacrifice. You don't want to put the book down.
I had reread Penumbras was only going to skim it and next thing I was reading the book again. Then started Luminescence right after.
Good way to spend a rainy day. Being immersed in Middle School Magic series.
The characters have grown up a little more with each book. Especially Lexa. The main characters are Conner & his twin Lexa. Lexa's best friend Melanie and Conner's friend Pilaf. All of them came into power at the same time, Which is very unlikely to have happened.
They learn why, and how come in this book. Plus some twists I did not see coming.
Their are a lot of adults that are trying to keep the teens safe. Also trying to teach them how to keep themselves safe at the same time.
The plot is a complicated one, but a believable one in a fantasy book. Their are two sides of power one uses dark forces and are called Darkhand. Lady Nightwing is their leader. The other side are Magis. They use light as source of power.
The teens want to rescue their music teacher from Lady Nightwing. They won't rest till they help him. A lot of Magi don't believe he is still alive even though Lexa can sometimes reach him.
The setting is today world. Only those who have kindled can see the ones with powers. It is a world with magic. Lexa is a seer and works with emotions. Conner is speed and strength. While Melanie's power is mind and she can make anyone around her stronger.
Luminescence is better if you read all three books together in the right order. But you could read alone.
This is a fast paced story. It grabs your attention and keeps it. I am sorry to see these characters go.
I was given this ebook to read and in exchange promised to give honest review and be part of its blog tour.
I have loved this series. This conclusion to the series does not let you down. It is full of action, adventure, sacrifice. You don't want to put the book down.
I had reread Penumbras was only going to skim it and next thing I was reading the book again. Then started Luminescence right after.
Good way to spend a rainy day. Being immersed in Middle School Magic series.
The characters have grown up a little more with each book. Especially Lexa. The main characters are Conner & his twin Lexa. Lexa's best friend Melanie and Conner's friend Pilaf. All of them came into power at the same time, Which is very unlikely to have happened.
They learn why, and how come in this book. Plus some twists I did not see coming.
Their are a lot of adults that are trying to keep the teens safe. Also trying to teach them how to keep themselves safe at the same time.
The plot is a complicated one, but a believable one in a fantasy book. Their are two sides of power one uses dark forces and are called Darkhand. Lady Nightwing is their leader. The other side are Magis. They use light as source of power.
The teens want to rescue their music teacher from Lady Nightwing. They won't rest till they help him. A lot of Magi don't believe he is still alive even though Lexa can sometimes reach him.
The setting is today world. Only those who have kindled can see the ones with powers. It is a world with magic. Lexa is a seer and works with emotions. Conner is speed and strength. While Melanie's power is mind and she can make anyone around her stronger.
Luminescence is better if you read all three books together in the right order. But you could read alone.
This is a fast paced story. It grabs your attention and keeps it. I am sorry to see these characters go.
I was given this ebook to read and in exchange promised to give honest review and be part of its blog tour.
March 10, 2014
The end of a trilogy is always somewhat bittersweet for me, and this was no exception. Mr. Bell has taken us on a fun, magic-filled journey - and the worst thing I can say about it is: It's over.
Kids will love the magic, the adventure, the fun, the real-to-life characters. Parents will appreciate the examples of self-sacrifice and friendship, loyalty and teamwork. The kids stick up for what they know to be true, even when the some of the adults doubt them.
You might assume from that list of qualities that the book is preachy, but the exact opposite is true. Each of the kids faces their own troubles, and learns to deal with them in their own ways.
If you haven't read the first two books, I highly suggest reading them before this book - if you don't, you'll be playing catch-up the whole time.
If you're looking for a good, well-written, exciting, middle-grade-age-appropriate adventure, this series is for you!
Kids will love the magic, the adventure, the fun, the real-to-life characters. Parents will appreciate the examples of self-sacrifice and friendship, loyalty and teamwork. The kids stick up for what they know to be true, even when the some of the adults doubt them.
You might assume from that list of qualities that the book is preachy, but the exact opposite is true. Each of the kids faces their own troubles, and learns to deal with them in their own ways.
If you haven't read the first two books, I highly suggest reading them before this book - if you don't, you'll be playing catch-up the whole time.
If you're looking for a good, well-written, exciting, middle-grade-age-appropriate adventure, this series is for you!
August 12, 2014
Luminescence by Braden Bell is the exciting conclusion to the Middle School Magic trilogy. After the cliffhanger at the end of Penumbras , I was exited to read it.
Luminescence does an excellent job of tying up the loose ends and answering the big questions, like who is the stalker, is Dr Timberi really dead, why does Melanie's Dad hate the Magi, why can Pilaf hear head talk, and many more.
The story starts with the kids Connor, Lexa and Melanie at odds because of their guilt and anger over Dr Timberi's kidnapping and possible death. I liked that they learned that by working together they were more powerful, and that Pilaf was an important part of their group.
I loved this book and the whole Middle School Magic Trilogy. I would recommend it for mid grade readers (9-13), but adult and older teens will love it too. You should read the 1st 2 books 1st, to get the whole story.
Luminescence does an excellent job of tying up the loose ends and answering the big questions, like who is the stalker, is Dr Timberi really dead, why does Melanie's Dad hate the Magi, why can Pilaf hear head talk, and many more.
The story starts with the kids Connor, Lexa and Melanie at odds because of their guilt and anger over Dr Timberi's kidnapping and possible death. I liked that they learned that by working together they were more powerful, and that Pilaf was an important part of their group.
I loved this book and the whole Middle School Magic Trilogy. I would recommend it for mid grade readers (9-13), but adult and older teens will love it too. You should read the 1st 2 books 1st, to get the whole story.
October 24, 2019
Fantastic conclusion to the series. Bell did a wonderful job with these books. I was sad to see the book end because I enjoyed it so much.
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