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Luminether #1
Savant
alternate cover edition can be found here
Join Milo and Emma Banks, twin siblings from a small American town, as they discover an electrifying family secret: they are not human at all but demigods descended from a group of long-vanished deities who ruled over another world. That realm - called Astros, Land of the Gods - is about to become their exciting new home.
But a darkness straight out of a child's nightmare is settling over the land. Trapped in this increasingly chaotic realm without parents, they will have to band together with a ragtag group of orphans who each have their own parts to play in a global war that has already begun to pit light and dark magic against each other.
Their only salvation is Theus Academy, a highly selective school of magic where learning the secrets of long-vanished gods will be the only way to stop one of them - the most evil god of all - from rising to destroy all humans and demigods alike.
Join Milo and Emma Banks, twin siblings from a small American town, as they discover an electrifying family secret: they are not human at all but demigods descended from a group of long-vanished deities who ruled over another world. That realm - called Astros, Land of the Gods - is about to become their exciting new home.
But a darkness straight out of a child's nightmare is settling over the land. Trapped in this increasingly chaotic realm without parents, they will have to band together with a ragtag group of orphans who each have their own parts to play in a global war that has already begun to pit light and dark magic against each other.
Their only salvation is Theus Academy, a highly selective school of magic where learning the secrets of long-vanished gods will be the only way to stop one of them - the most evil god of all - from rising to destroy all humans and demigods alike.
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2012
219 people are currently reading
1383 people want to read
About the author
Richard Denoncourt
28 books104 followersI write fantasy, horror and dystopian fiction that focuses on character development and transformation. My heroes are often gifted teens and conflicted men and women battling oppressive forces, banding together to survive, and overcoming personal demons to achieve their goals. My worlds and landscapes are strange, foreign and surreal - sometimes terrifying but always full of adventure.
Interested in checking out one of my books for free? Get a digital copy of OUTBREAK, my post-apocalyptic thriller by copying and pasting this link into your browser and joining my reader group: https://bit.ly/PDgZH4
Here's a plot teaser for Outbreak:
"Teenager Kip Garrity has spent the apocalypse hiding in his fortified house and training with his former-Green Beret father. But when his dad is injured and requires antibiotics to live, Kip must leave his home for the first time in years...and survive in a nightmarish world overrun with the twisted remnants of humanity."
Contact Me: www.rdenoncourt.com
Twitter: @richdenoncourt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rdenoncourtbooks
Interested in checking out one of my books for free? Get a digital copy of OUTBREAK, my post-apocalyptic thriller by copying and pasting this link into your browser and joining my reader group: https://bit.ly/PDgZH4
Here's a plot teaser for Outbreak:
"Teenager Kip Garrity has spent the apocalypse hiding in his fortified house and training with his former-Green Beret father. But when his dad is injured and requires antibiotics to live, Kip must leave his home for the first time in years...and survive in a nightmarish world overrun with the twisted remnants of humanity."
Contact Me: www.rdenoncourt.com
Twitter: @richdenoncourt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rdenoncourtbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 4, 2019
I purchased this book because I won the second book in the series in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is a teen/young adult coming of age fantasy story that is well written and has great world building. It is action-packed after a somewhat slow beginning, but some things bugged me such as not containing your downed enemy.
The main character showed some growth, but still has a way to go and there are some cliché storylines in the book. However, it is still an entertaining read and there are a lot of possible directions that future books could go. So....we have magicians, sorcerers, a type of shapeshifter, acolytes, strong fighters, winged flying animals, developing abilities, new friends, evil versus good, family relationships, and so much more. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The main character showed some growth, but still has a way to go and there are some cliché storylines in the book. However, it is still an entertaining read and there are a lot of possible directions that future books could go. So....we have magicians, sorcerers, a type of shapeshifter, acolytes, strong fighters, winged flying animals, developing abilities, new friends, evil versus good, family relationships, and so much more. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 4, 2013
This was a pretty good read. The 1st few chapters were hard for me because of all the info that is thrown at you. But once you know what everything is and it gets into the story it was very well written. I am looking forward to reading the next one. the characters were well built and you want them to succeed.
February 26, 2017
ETA: My review of this book, below, was of an earlier version. A lot of the things I picked out as problematic are now removed or improved and I am looking forward to finding out what happens next. Kudos to Richard for his generous and gracious response to my review.
There are things that I really liked about this. The Gods' races and magical gifts and the realm of Astros were really interesting and I did want to know how the war played out.
The thing is, the misogyny is incredibly off putting. Milo and Emma are twins, both are Demigods and both have powers but Milo has to "look after his sister". The only description we get of the woman who betrays Oscar is that she is fat and has hairy legs. The girls on the ranch are shown worrying about their weight while the boys eat huge amounts from the wonderful buffets. Because, lets face it, fat women are duplicitous and ugly, right?
Also there's the way that adult women are dominated by men, and under threat of rape. Milo's mother's memories of her husband are about being submissive. In both flashback and at present when I stopped reading, she is there as an object of Iolus' sexual desire. He gloats about how he will rape her and she is offered to him as a reward with the promise he can do whatever he likes with her. Rape and prostitution are so commonplace that part of the reason Kovax trusts Max when he is undercover is that he doesn't rape women or use prostitutes. Yes, these are the bad guys, but there are plenty of ways to show people are evil without it being through sexual violence.
Women involved with the forces of evil are also not allowed agency or freedom from domination. Leticia is shown to be powerful and strong within the band of evil warriors but she has to be shown to be submissive and broken by a former male lover. She is shown to have had a submissive and emotionally abusive relationship with Iolus in the past and physically crumples and collapses when he dismisses her when they meet up again.
There are things that I really liked about this. The Gods' races and magical gifts and the realm of Astros were really interesting and I did want to know how the war played out.
The thing is, the misogyny is incredibly off putting. Milo and Emma are twins, both are Demigods and both have powers but Milo has to "look after his sister". The only description we get of the woman who betrays Oscar is that she is fat and has hairy legs. The girls on the ranch are shown worrying about their weight while the boys eat huge amounts from the wonderful buffets. Because, lets face it, fat women are duplicitous and ugly, right?
Also there's the way that adult women are dominated by men, and under threat of rape. Milo's mother's memories of her husband are about being submissive. In both flashback and at present when I stopped reading, she is there as an object of Iolus' sexual desire. He gloats about how he will rape her and she is offered to him as a reward with the promise he can do whatever he likes with her. Rape and prostitution are so commonplace that part of the reason Kovax trusts Max when he is undercover is that he doesn't rape women or use prostitutes. Yes, these are the bad guys, but there are plenty of ways to show people are evil without it being through sexual violence.
Women involved with the forces of evil are also not allowed agency or freedom from domination. Leticia is shown to be powerful and strong within the band of evil warriors but she has to be shown to be submissive and broken by a former male lover. She is shown to have had a submissive and emotionally abusive relationship with Iolus in the past and physically crumples and collapses when he dismisses her when they meet up again.
October 22, 2012
My 11 year old son and I both read this book. The characters are believable and their personalities work well together. The creativity with the story does not leave your imagination lacking. My son says "This was an awesome book, I can't wait to read the next one!" (I personally think that says it all).I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 10, 2012
Amazing book; didn't want it to end, but couldn't put it down last night until it was finished. Really wanting to read the next one. Warning: definite cliff-hanger ending. This was a First Reads book.
August 18, 2012
This book was phenomenal!
From the beginning, the story of Milo Banks and his twin sister, Emma, was spellbinding. I liked being completely enveloped into a fantasy world filled with sorcerers, people that can fly and transform into animals and invincible, stronger-than-ever warriors.
Milo and Emma have a twin connection that creates a powerful relationship early in the book. The friends that they meet along their journey have such distinct personalities that it is easy to empathize with them. I also appreciated how there was a hint of romance between a few of the characters, but it didn't take away from the main story.
On the other hand, the dark characters of Kovax and Corgos are truly sinister. There were plenty of moments in the book when I shuddered from the pure evil that was at work between them.
The book does a wonderful job of explaining the different races: Acolytes, Sargonauts, Savants, and Ferals, as well as explaining the history behind how the realm of Astros came to be in its current state of turmoil. I'm excited to find out how Milo and Emma fit into the solution to the corrupt land of Astros.
Overall, I loved the book. It was an entertaining story filled with compelling characters. I had such a hard time putting this book down that I'm not sure how I'm going to wait for the next one to come out!
From the beginning, the story of Milo Banks and his twin sister, Emma, was spellbinding. I liked being completely enveloped into a fantasy world filled with sorcerers, people that can fly and transform into animals and invincible, stronger-than-ever warriors.
Milo and Emma have a twin connection that creates a powerful relationship early in the book. The friends that they meet along their journey have such distinct personalities that it is easy to empathize with them. I also appreciated how there was a hint of romance between a few of the characters, but it didn't take away from the main story.
On the other hand, the dark characters of Kovax and Corgos are truly sinister. There were plenty of moments in the book when I shuddered from the pure evil that was at work between them.
The book does a wonderful job of explaining the different races: Acolytes, Sargonauts, Savants, and Ferals, as well as explaining the history behind how the realm of Astros came to be in its current state of turmoil. I'm excited to find out how Milo and Emma fit into the solution to the corrupt land of Astros.
Overall, I loved the book. It was an entertaining story filled with compelling characters. I had such a hard time putting this book down that I'm not sure how I'm going to wait for the next one to come out!
September 11, 2012
I had high hopes when I started reading this book. Milo Bank's story is engaging the first quarter of the book. It was a quick read, loved his family, mom, pop, and his twin sister Emma. I love to read history, very much. But I was too distracted with the casts of the story. It has too many characters which is hard for me to tell who's who. I know I said before as long as they are connected, it doesn't matter. I guess I was wrong. This is the book I had to take note of the characters (Milo's family, friends, gods and goddesses, demi gods) and what they are (Sargonauts, Acolytes, Savants, Ferals, Pertilents, etc.). But even doing this, I still had to flip back the pages to remember them. Honestly, I can't put them all together in my head.
February 20, 2018
Good and cute story
I had honestly considered stopping with this story, and not progressing with the series like I have with so many before, but the end of it gripped and made me really reconsider. The unending was written very well to bring you into the second book. But that isn't to say that the rest isn't good, it's simply on a different level. It has cute romance portions in it as well as intense fighting scenes.
I had honestly considered stopping with this story, and not progressing with the series like I have with so many before, but the end of it gripped and made me really reconsider. The unending was written very well to bring you into the second book. But that isn't to say that the rest isn't good, it's simply on a different level. It has cute romance portions in it as well as intense fighting scenes.
Want to read
September 15, 2012I am so thankful for Goodreads First Reads for allowing me to get this book. I have not yet had a chance to read it but once I do I will be sure to update this review.
October 11, 2017
Savant
A great magical fantasy epically unfolds in the book that was exceptionally written by Richard Denoncourt. I Loved it. You will too.
A great magical fantasy epically unfolds in the book that was exceptionally written by Richard Denoncourt. I Loved it. You will too.
June 12, 2019
There is adventure scattered from the beginning of this book to the end. Very well developed characters and places, the details transport you to another world that your mind can get lost in. The only things I could have done without is the graphic bloody descriptions (there weren’t too many) and I was disappointed that both of the parents die. I’m excited to see what happens in the second book, could the school to similar to Hogwarts!?!?
August 30, 2019
This is the first book in the Luminether Fantasy Series
This was a great start to a new fantasy series the storyline and world building is interesting the different species that's base on mythology is fascinating with the different bloodlines . I really like the twins and the other orphans they all have their different roles to play I like how they're all growing into their own and I can't wait too see what they will become .
This was a great start to a new fantasy series the storyline and world building is interesting the different species that's base on mythology is fascinating with the different bloodlines . I really like the twins and the other orphans they all have their different roles to play I like how they're all growing into their own and I can't wait too see what they will become .
October 10, 2019
This was an odd amalgamation of middle grade thinking and adult graphic content. Although the premise was intriguing, the execution lacks clarity of intended audience. Sometimes the plot details made no sense, and distracted from enjoying the story. I'm sure many will adore this book, it just wasn't for me.
October 18, 2019
I won this book as part of an Amazon giveaway. Solid story and strong characters, this book is a good read. The story does have some gaps in the plot that are forgivable in a young adult book. I also, occasionally, found that the story seemed to read too young for the suggested are of the main characters. Despite those flaws, it was a good read.
August 21, 2022
A lively story of sorcerers, magicians and others with superhuman powers. A group of young orphans are hunted by the evil Kovax and Iolus who want to eliminate the twins Emma and Milo and the threat that they represent. I am looking forward to book #2 to hear more about this struggle for control and whether good will triumph over evil.
October 10, 2017
Hard to put down...
Strong characters bound together in a fight not just to survive, but to defeat evil as their goal. A rapid paced story with action, adventure, loss, heartache and most of all, love. I would highly recommend to fans of this genre.
Strong characters bound together in a fight not just to survive, but to defeat evil as their goal. A rapid paced story with action, adventure, loss, heartache and most of all, love. I would highly recommend to fans of this genre.
June 6, 2019
Good read!
This book surprised me, it got so much better as I continued to read. A little sad in places but that’s what makes a good book when you care about the characters.
This book surprised me, it got so much better as I continued to read. A little sad in places but that’s what makes a good book when you care about the characters.
November 9, 2019
OUTSTANDING! BUY THIS GREAT BOOK!
Here is a book full adventure that captivates an imagination! 😍 I so enjoyed this, the characters are so interesting! 😍 😍 BUY THIS BOOK!
Here is a book full adventure that captivates an imagination! 😍 I so enjoyed this, the characters are so interesting! 😍 😍 BUY THIS BOOK!
January 24, 2021
This was another Goodreads First Reads giveaway book for me and it was a truly surprising read. Once I started into Milo Banks and the Tower of Light (now Savant), I felt as though I was settling into a simplistic novel, but little did I know, there was a fantastically engrossing adventure afoot. Milo and Emma are two young twin siblings leading ordinary lives, not aware of a greater world of magic and mystery surrounding them. As the book progressed, the details became richer and the characters took root in my heart. You will in some form or fashion latch onto one of the unique orphans at Ascher's ranch.
This is a young adult fantasy read with a more sophisticated plot behind it. I would definitely recommend it to readers young and old. It is long enough to build a fantastic world, yet not bogged down with a tremendous amounts of details to make you feel lost. The overall design is Harry Potter-esque but I had no problem with that. It was something familiar to behold and yet, refreshing to experience.
This is a young adult fantasy read with a more sophisticated plot behind it. I would definitely recommend it to readers young and old. It is long enough to build a fantastic world, yet not bogged down with a tremendous amounts of details to make you feel lost. The overall design is Harry Potter-esque but I had no problem with that. It was something familiar to behold and yet, refreshing to experience.
May 26, 2015
A 5 star read
This book kept me enthralled the whole time I was reading. For a fantasy or out of the realm of this world it captures the imagination and takes the reader into itself. I had a very hard time putting it down so I could sleep. The idea that there is other worlds of which we are unaware of let's the reader believe of a place we might come from instead of where we are. To think we could have special powers that we know nothing about makes the reader want to become something special. I will recommend this book to anyone who has imagination and then some. I personally can't wait to read the next book, if for no other reason than to find out how these children of demigod s and humankind handle what comes next. A 5 star book. Thank you so much for the fantasy.
This book kept me enthralled the whole time I was reading. For a fantasy or out of the realm of this world it captures the imagination and takes the reader into itself. I had a very hard time putting it down so I could sleep. The idea that there is other worlds of which we are unaware of let's the reader believe of a place we might come from instead of where we are. To think we could have special powers that we know nothing about makes the reader want to become something special. I will recommend this book to anyone who has imagination and then some. I personally can't wait to read the next book, if for no other reason than to find out how these children of demigod s and humankind handle what comes next. A 5 star book. Thank you so much for the fantasy.
March 2, 2015
This is a coming of age fantasy book. This book revolves around 15 year old twins Milo and Emma who are sent to the world of Astros after Milo sees his father use supernatural abilities and soon after Milo throws fire out of his own hands.
This book has everything a traditional fantasy book has
magic check
bad guy(s) check
secrets check
love intrests check
more twits and turns in this story than there is in a maze.
My imagination was able to run wild here with the descriptions of the people the races and places in this book.
This was an amazing book which I couldn't put down until I had finished as I did not want it to end.
Cant wait to read FERAL the next book in the series.
This book has everything a traditional fantasy book has
magic check
bad guy(s) check
secrets check
love intrests check
more twits and turns in this story than there is in a maze.
My imagination was able to run wild here with the descriptions of the people the races and places in this book.
This was an amazing book which I couldn't put down until I had finished as I did not want it to end.
Cant wait to read FERAL the next book in the series.
February 24, 2015
A great start to a coming of age story that has something for everyone. Twins, one boy and one girl, are brought to us by the author in a mix of action packed adventure, magic, other world beings that keeps you reading till you get done.
You get to know Milo and Emma as they learn about their world(s) magic, and mystery.
If you like coming of age stories and magic, then this is a must read for you!
You get to know Milo and Emma as they learn about their world(s) magic, and mystery.
If you like coming of age stories and magic, then this is a must read for you!
March 14, 2015
I must say great work. It is by far the best book I have read this year. I know it's a little early in the year to say so, but I know it'll be on the top five come Dec. The storyline, characters, world building, all of it was amazing. I like the luminether idea , how it can be used for science and magic. Your book has me day dreaming all day about what a world like that would be like. So again, thank you for all your hard work. I can not wait for Feral to be released!
April 24, 2013
While a story populated with teen-aged protagonists, Savant (aka, Milo Banks and the Tower of Light) had sufficiently adult themes and writing to hold my interest. The characters are well-drawn and have depth to them, even the villians.
I intend to hand my copy over to my teen as I am sure that it will capture his interest as well.
I intend to hand my copy over to my teen as I am sure that it will capture his interest as well.
March 1, 2015
This was such a great book! I found myself enjoying it throughout. I was a little hesitant at first, but after "opening" the book (e-book) I found myself enthralled with the world. I read this book a few months ago, but cannot wait until the second book comes out. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fantasy novel.
August 26, 2013
I'm about 10% into the book and it was going OK until it starts talking about high school freshmen having recess, which is ridiculous. I'm going to continue reading, but what's next nap time for sophomores?
As whole pretty decent.
As whole pretty decent.
Want to read
July 29, 2013Wow...just saw this on Amazon for the first time and I'm totally intrigued! Can't wait to read this! (next time I've got a little spending money ;))
June 7, 2014
Loved the twists and turns. Very inventive writing.
April 1, 2015
Very good, can't wait till the second one comes out
April 25, 2015
Enjoy it is a good book for young adult readers
I enjoyed this book it is well written for the target audience and will be a fun read for anyone.
I enjoyed this book it is well written for the target audience and will be a fun read for anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews