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The Luminated Threads #2
The Twisting
Saving the harvest calls upon the ingenuity of animal shifters, mechanics and a girl who has never seen a squash plant.
In a valley hidden from the rest of Victorian England, Annmar Masterson’s newly found home and friendships are driven to the brink of collapse by the unstoppable crop-eating pests.
Determined to stay, she pushes her growing magical abilities to help the predator guards scrambling for new solutions, especially the handsome polecat shifter her dreams cannot shake loose. Then, desperation drives landowners to utilize prototype machines, heedless of the threat to their way of life.
As the danger mounts, will Annmar's knowledge of Outside ways—and her magic—be accepted as a guide forward, or condemned?
The story of otherworldly Blighted Basin continues in The Twisting, the fantastical second volume in the serialized Luminated Threads historical fantasy series.
“Once again, we are going back to nineteenth century England to fall into a world of steampunk, magic and young romance, but this time with a lecherous and dark twist.” ~ GoodReads Reviewer
The Luminated Threads series:
The Unraveling, Volume One
The Twisting, Volume Two
The Binding, Volume Three
Note: This is Volume 2 in a serialized novel. Please read The Unraveling first!
In a valley hidden from the rest of Victorian England, Annmar Masterson’s newly found home and friendships are driven to the brink of collapse by the unstoppable crop-eating pests.
Determined to stay, she pushes her growing magical abilities to help the predator guards scrambling for new solutions, especially the handsome polecat shifter her dreams cannot shake loose. Then, desperation drives landowners to utilize prototype machines, heedless of the threat to their way of life.
As the danger mounts, will Annmar's knowledge of Outside ways—and her magic—be accepted as a guide forward, or condemned?
The story of otherworldly Blighted Basin continues in The Twisting, the fantastical second volume in the serialized Luminated Threads historical fantasy series.
“Once again, we are going back to nineteenth century England to fall into a world of steampunk, magic and young romance, but this time with a lecherous and dark twist.” ~ GoodReads Reviewer
The Luminated Threads series:
The Unraveling, Volume One
The Twisting, Volume Two
The Binding, Volume Three
Note: This is Volume 2 in a serialized novel. Please read The Unraveling first!
389 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2015
9 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Wanrow
14 books95 followersLaurel Wanrow loves misty mornings, the smell of freshly dug earth, petting long-haired guinea pigs and staring at the stars. She sees magic in nature and loves to photograph it.
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 24, 2015
Laurel Wanrow is back with book two of the Luminated Series, The Twisting and it is filled with the same glow of something just a little different, just a little more magical and yet still full of her signature style. Once again, we are going back to nineteenth century England to fall into a world of steampunk, magic and young romance, but this time with a lecherous and dark twist.
Annmar has settled into country life in the basin, where people have magical “talents” and are always ready to help out a friend. Then it happened, mysterious animals were mindlessly destroying the crops and no one has an answer to stop the problem. When serious accidents started happening and the threat of a total crop failure was imminent. A mysterious salesman promises he has the equipment needed to save the day. What if the farmers can’t pay? Would they lose their farms?
Annmar is shocked to find the slimy fiend is none other than the very same lecher from her past. Can she convince him she has changed her mind and finds his advances exciting? Is this innocent girl learning the darker ways of the world? Can she save the basin and the farms? Has someone manufactured a need for their equipment through dastardly means? There is more to sweet Annmar than meets the eye and she must use her talent to save both herself and the people she loves, but at what cost to her love for Daeryn?
One part sweet romance, one part suspense and one part pure evil casting its venom on the land, Laurel Wanrow has brought back the atmosphere of the era with feisty characters, farfetched plans and a much stronger Annmar! Wonderfully creative writing keeps this fantasy moving along through thick and thin! Perfect for the romantic fantasy lover in all of us!
I received an ARC edition from Laurel Wanrow in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Luminated Threads - Book 2
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press
Genre: Steampunk Romance - NA
Print Length: 319 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Annmar has settled into country life in the basin, where people have magical “talents” and are always ready to help out a friend. Then it happened, mysterious animals were mindlessly destroying the crops and no one has an answer to stop the problem. When serious accidents started happening and the threat of a total crop failure was imminent. A mysterious salesman promises he has the equipment needed to save the day. What if the farmers can’t pay? Would they lose their farms?
Annmar is shocked to find the slimy fiend is none other than the very same lecher from her past. Can she convince him she has changed her mind and finds his advances exciting? Is this innocent girl learning the darker ways of the world? Can she save the basin and the farms? Has someone manufactured a need for their equipment through dastardly means? There is more to sweet Annmar than meets the eye and she must use her talent to save both herself and the people she loves, but at what cost to her love for Daeryn?
One part sweet romance, one part suspense and one part pure evil casting its venom on the land, Laurel Wanrow has brought back the atmosphere of the era with feisty characters, farfetched plans and a much stronger Annmar! Wonderfully creative writing keeps this fantasy moving along through thick and thin! Perfect for the romantic fantasy lover in all of us!
I received an ARC edition from Laurel Wanrow in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Luminated Threads - Book 2
Publication Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press
Genre: Steampunk Romance - NA
Print Length: 319 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 25, 2017
4-1/2 stars
I adore this world of magic and shapeshifters and steampunk contraptions and the characters that populate it. So much so, that I read this second book in one sitting. Damned near killed me, but I couldn't stop. And......I had to buy The Binding (book 3) immediately.
I adore this world of magic and shapeshifters and steampunk contraptions and the characters that populate it. So much so, that I read this second book in one sitting. Damned near killed me, but I couldn't stop. And......I had to buy The Binding (book 3) immediately.
November 3, 2015
This is the second book in the Luminated Threads series, and I loved it just as much as the first. It picks up right where The Unraveling left off. The situation is dire in Blighted Basin, and Annmar finds that she may be able to help in more ways than one. We find out more about Annmar's abilities and get clues about her father. Annmar really grew as a character in both strength and confidence. I loved how she had Jac teach her out to "fight like a girl" and take down anyone who tried to mess with her. I was worried that everything that happened at the end would Annmar and Daeryn, but things seem to be good going into the third book. However, Annmar messed with the Big Bad, and I have a feeling he will not let that slide. I can't wait to find out who Annmar's family is and if her father is still alive.
Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.***
I'm so excited to have returned to Blighted Basin again. I LOVE these characters!
Annmar continues to be a stronger character in this book and the combination with Daeryn had me swooning! I loved the build up that Laurel Wanrow is doing with these two, it makes me want to keep turning the pages for more.
I'm also a big fan of Mary Clare and Rivley. I'm crossing my fingers for them.
Mr. Shearing absolutely was ridiclous and I feel like we haven't heard the last from him.
I love the historical/fantastical world the Laurel Wanrow has created, I'm a big fan. I can't wait for the last volume!!!
I'm so excited to have returned to Blighted Basin again. I LOVE these characters!
Annmar continues to be a stronger character in this book and the combination with Daeryn had me swooning! I loved the build up that Laurel Wanrow is doing with these two, it makes me want to keep turning the pages for more.
I'm also a big fan of Mary Clare and Rivley. I'm crossing my fingers for them.
Mr. Shearing absolutely was ridiclous and I feel like we haven't heard the last from him.
I love the historical/fantastical world the Laurel Wanrow has created, I'm a big fan. I can't wait for the last volume!!!
December 30, 2015
Another episode in a fascinating tale, The Twisting keeps the series going by answering some questions brought up in the first book and bringing up more to be answered in future installments. Heroine Anmar Masterson is coming into her own and learning that sometimes power needs to be limited from within. Hero Daeryn is finding out what he can and can't influence. For me the highlight of the book is Anmar's development as she is further transformed from a prim young Victorian young lady into a wielder of magic as she learns about her past. The romance is slow, steady, and sweet. Can't wait for the next one!
October 28, 2015
The Second installment of the Luminated Threads series defiantly did not disappoint!!! Once again Laurel Wanrow whisks us away to the Basin and all of it's enchantment coupled with the chemistry her characters have this book was AMAZING! I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the final installment of this series
October 25, 2021
Learning about Knacks
The second book in this series was interesting. The characters are growing and the interaction is good. The normal misunderstandings that lead a story are present and the characters make some odd choices but that is part of story telling. I was annoyed at the end when a major piece of the story was revealed and none of the characters seemed to believe it was important and it was left hanging. I’m hoping it’s addressed in the next book.
The second book in this series was interesting. The characters are growing and the interaction is good. The normal misunderstandings that lead a story are present and the characters make some odd choices but that is part of story telling. I was annoyed at the end when a major piece of the story was revealed and none of the characters seemed to believe it was important and it was left hanging. I’m hoping it’s addressed in the next book.
July 7, 2018
I’m really not sure what to say other than I love this series! Laurel’s imagination is...crazy. Shapeshifters of different types, all very truly “human” in nature and in emotions. Can’t wait to see where Annmar’s and Daelyn’s story takes her / them / their growing affection toward each other next. Great job, Laurel Wanrow!
November 23, 2018
I loved this book event more than the first. Laurel Wanrow does an amazing job bringing to life this unique steampunk world. I've already downloaded book 3 and can't wait to lose myself in Annmar's journey.
April 23, 2018
Very enjoyable
Love this story, wish it could last longer..love the characters love the steampunk setting and descriptions..love ok it all through
Love this story, wish it could last longer..love the characters love the steampunk setting and descriptions..love ok it all through
November 26, 2021
Great continuation of the 1st book. Loved it. Simple good vs evil with great characters thrown in.
October 19, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author.
Back to Blighted Basin! This is a steampunk, fantasy series and a nice way to ease into the genre. It isn’t too complex, has interesting characters and a good storyline. Annmar is a young woman with considerable powers, who is just learning how to control them. She is also learning about her family history in the Blighted Basin, a rural area peopled with a range of mystical characters. She starts to fall for a ‘cambire (still not sure of the roots of that word and what exactly it means), a young man who can shape-shift into a foxy little weasel. (see what I did there?) But life in the lovely basin has been threatened by a man she knows as a ruthless industrial magnate. Can she sort out her personal life, and help protect this new existence she’s become so fond of?
I am not necessarily into steampunk, or ‘cambires. However, I am into Annmar. I like her. She has spunk, but is naive. Incredibly talented, but not self-assuming. She’s a nice juxtaposition of different traits, and this makes her interesting. I like watching her begin to figure out her place in the world, and learn more about her gifts.
The book does tend to be a little exposition heavy in parts, in particular, when describing a blood oath between two of the male characters. However, I don’t really see a way of getting away from that. They have issues to work out between them and that requires lengthy conversations. The only other thing that got in the way of my completely enjoying this book was an extended scene of sexual assault. While it’s described in a way that is a little hazy on details it felt like it went on forever. It would have been terrible and traumatic, and while the victim did shed some tears, she bounced back rather quickly. Rape, or attempted rape, as plot device is not something I personally want to read about. However, it is common. Granted, this scene happened at the end of book two. Is this going to be dealt with more thoroughly in book three? Will it be shown to have real importance to the plot? I don’t know. The scene was not graphic in detail so I’m willing to see how this pans out.
All that being said, I liked the book, and will be reading the last book in the series. I’m eager to find out what is going on with Annmar and her powers, these blue and gold threads of energy that allow her to do such interesting things. How does this relate to her parents? On to the next book!
Song for this book: The Dark Night of the Soul by Loreena McKennitt (perfect for this!)
Back to Blighted Basin! This is a steampunk, fantasy series and a nice way to ease into the genre. It isn’t too complex, has interesting characters and a good storyline. Annmar is a young woman with considerable powers, who is just learning how to control them. She is also learning about her family history in the Blighted Basin, a rural area peopled with a range of mystical characters. She starts to fall for a ‘cambire (still not sure of the roots of that word and what exactly it means), a young man who can shape-shift into a foxy little weasel. (see what I did there?) But life in the lovely basin has been threatened by a man she knows as a ruthless industrial magnate. Can she sort out her personal life, and help protect this new existence she’s become so fond of?
I am not necessarily into steampunk, or ‘cambires. However, I am into Annmar. I like her. She has spunk, but is naive. Incredibly talented, but not self-assuming. She’s a nice juxtaposition of different traits, and this makes her interesting. I like watching her begin to figure out her place in the world, and learn more about her gifts.
The book does tend to be a little exposition heavy in parts, in particular, when describing a blood oath between two of the male characters. However, I don’t really see a way of getting away from that. They have issues to work out between them and that requires lengthy conversations. The only other thing that got in the way of my completely enjoying this book was an extended scene of sexual assault. While it’s described in a way that is a little hazy on details it felt like it went on forever. It would have been terrible and traumatic, and while the victim did shed some tears, she bounced back rather quickly. Rape, or attempted rape, as plot device is not something I personally want to read about. However, it is common. Granted, this scene happened at the end of book two. Is this going to be dealt with more thoroughly in book three? Will it be shown to have real importance to the plot? I don’t know. The scene was not graphic in detail so I’m willing to see how this pans out.
All that being said, I liked the book, and will be reading the last book in the series. I’m eager to find out what is going on with Annmar and her powers, these blue and gold threads of energy that allow her to do such interesting things. How does this relate to her parents? On to the next book!
Song for this book: The Dark Night of the Soul by Loreena McKennitt (perfect for this!)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews