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Luminous
Seductive. Romantic. Thrilling.
A girl haunted by a dark nightmare. A boy with secrets. A war as old as time.
When her father moves them out to Turquoise Cove, Australia, 18-year-old Everheart Dean vows to lie low and escape back to the US for college. But her life is tipped upside-down after a trip to the beach takes a deadly turn and she is thrown into the path of the impossibly handsome, and strangely familiar lifeguard, Sam Archer.
Everheart quickly finds herself pulled into life in Turquoise Cove. Sam and his friends, five totally gorgeous lifeguards, won’t let her out of their sight. They shower her with gifts and drag her to parties at the huge house they share.
But when bad things start happening in Turquoise Cove, the veil between reality and the supernatural disappears. Demons are hunting her. Angels want her dead. And the boy she’s falling for is the most mysterious of all.
Desperate for answers, Everheart is forced to question the truth behind Sam’s attentions, as well as everything her father ever told her about her past and the mother she can’t remember.
Captivating and profoundly addictive, LUMINOUS is the first instalment in the Everheart Dean Series, a YA paranormal fantasy perfect for fans of Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Kate.
A girl haunted by a dark nightmare. A boy with secrets. A war as old as time.
When her father moves them out to Turquoise Cove, Australia, 18-year-old Everheart Dean vows to lie low and escape back to the US for college. But her life is tipped upside-down after a trip to the beach takes a deadly turn and she is thrown into the path of the impossibly handsome, and strangely familiar lifeguard, Sam Archer.
Everheart quickly finds herself pulled into life in Turquoise Cove. Sam and his friends, five totally gorgeous lifeguards, won’t let her out of their sight. They shower her with gifts and drag her to parties at the huge house they share.
But when bad things start happening in Turquoise Cove, the veil between reality and the supernatural disappears. Demons are hunting her. Angels want her dead. And the boy she’s falling for is the most mysterious of all.
Desperate for answers, Everheart is forced to question the truth behind Sam’s attentions, as well as everything her father ever told her about her past and the mother she can’t remember.
Captivating and profoundly addictive, LUMINOUS is the first instalment in the Everheart Dean Series, a YA paranormal fantasy perfect for fans of Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Kate.
- GenresFantasy
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2022
22 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 16, 2023
3.5
I guess a bit too much like Fallen for me and more on the teen side of YA. The heroine accepted things far too blindly and was very easily swayed, the love interest doesn’t have enough depth to care about but who knows maybe book 2 fixes that.
(Spoilers ahead)
It’s the hard part with these “we’ve loved each other multiple lifetimes” stories. There is all this chemistry and pull to each other that is pre-established in the books universe that can’t be touched upon too much as it is being revealed throughout the book. However that leaves you feeling this sense of “you idiots, you’ve only just met and you’re already all angsty for each other).
Also boooo Sam, you wrote in the first edition of Jane Eyre you absolute desecrator.
However I did enjoy what Sam actually is (it finally made him interesting). I like Theo. I’m also very interested to find out if Luke was anything more because I thought that Luke/ Lucifer are damn close and it seems a bit of a coincidence. Seth was also a delight and would happily read a book focused on him instead!
I guess a bit too much like Fallen for me and more on the teen side of YA. The heroine accepted things far too blindly and was very easily swayed, the love interest doesn’t have enough depth to care about but who knows maybe book 2 fixes that.
(Spoilers ahead)
It’s the hard part with these “we’ve loved each other multiple lifetimes” stories. There is all this chemistry and pull to each other that is pre-established in the books universe that can’t be touched upon too much as it is being revealed throughout the book. However that leaves you feeling this sense of “you idiots, you’ve only just met and you’re already all angsty for each other).
Also boooo Sam, you wrote in the first edition of Jane Eyre you absolute desecrator.
However I did enjoy what Sam actually is (it finally made him interesting). I like Theo. I’m also very interested to find out if Luke was anything more because I thought that Luke/ Lucifer are damn close and it seems a bit of a coincidence. Seth was also a delight and would happily read a book focused on him instead!
January 11, 2023
I’m actually rating this between 4.5 and 4.75⭐️
January 9, 2022
The story is about Everheart Dean who is forced to move to Turquoise Cove in Australia with her father. A heatwave drags her into the ocean for a cool down and she's pulled away from shore by the strong currents. She’s rescued by one of the lifeguards, Sam and he introduces her to his friends, all hot lifeguards. They invite her to their home, give her gifts and teach her about the rip currents that nearly drowned her. But it’s almost like they’re being too friendly, especially when they hardly know her. She begins to understand there’s more to this than they’re saying. But no one will tell her what’s going on. Not even Sam who she’s falling for. What are the secrets they’re keeping? And can she trust someone who’s not being honest?
Right from the start I was intrigued by the mystery of finding out what was going on with Evie. Who was the man in her nightmares? What was it about her that made her special? And why were the boys being so kind to her? The boys being five hot lifeguards all hellbent on doing everything in their power to keep her happy and protected. Even cooking and stocking her closet. Thanks Seth!
In addition to the intriguing plot, the author writes really well and I found myself dragged along wishing I was in Turquoise cove with the warmer weather, going for a swim to cool down. Evie as a character was well developed and I loved that some of the things we learn about her and her father in the beginning becomes important later on. When it comes to character traits, I am not the biggest fan of females with low self-esteem. However, I also believe that is part of being a teenager and Evie sort of outgrew it a bit throughout the book. Sam’s character was very interesting and I hope to learn more about his past in the next book in the series. I struggled a bit to set the other boys apart, but I think they will grow a lot as characters in the next book.
I was happily surprised by this book and could hardly put it down. It had just the right mix of mystery and the supernatural without coming across as too similar to anything I’ve read previously. I want to tell you more but I don't want to spoil the mystery. Instead, you should check out this book yourself! If you are a fan of the Hush, Hush series, The Divisa series or the Fallen series, this is perfect for you.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review
Right from the start I was intrigued by the mystery of finding out what was going on with Evie. Who was the man in her nightmares? What was it about her that made her special? And why were the boys being so kind to her? The boys being five hot lifeguards all hellbent on doing everything in their power to keep her happy and protected. Even cooking and stocking her closet. Thanks Seth!
In addition to the intriguing plot, the author writes really well and I found myself dragged along wishing I was in Turquoise cove with the warmer weather, going for a swim to cool down. Evie as a character was well developed and I loved that some of the things we learn about her and her father in the beginning becomes important later on. When it comes to character traits, I am not the biggest fan of females with low self-esteem. However, I also believe that is part of being a teenager and Evie sort of outgrew it a bit throughout the book. Sam’s character was very interesting and I hope to learn more about his past in the next book in the series. I struggled a bit to set the other boys apart, but I think they will grow a lot as characters in the next book.
I was happily surprised by this book and could hardly put it down. It had just the right mix of mystery and the supernatural without coming across as too similar to anything I’ve read previously. I want to tell you more but I don't want to spoil the mystery. Instead, you should check out this book yourself! If you are a fan of the Hush, Hush series, The Divisa series or the Fallen series, this is perfect for you.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review
November 22, 2022
Luminous is a fantasy young adult book about a girl Evie, who just turned 18 and moves to a cozy little beach town in Australia. She soons find out that things are not what they seem and as the book progresses, she starts to unravel the mysteries surrounding her new friends and the death of her mother.
I have to say, I was hooked on this book within the first 2 chapters! Abby Kingston definitely draws you into the story of the awkward and self-conscious Evie and leaves you wanting more. She describes the town of Turquoise Cove in just enough detail to give you the setting for the story but not so much that it bogs down or slows the progression on the book. The mysterious friends she meets along the way let you know that something is going on, but you are never sure exactly what is happening until the last few chapters of the book. I loved this new and fresh take on a story as old as time. It definitely leaves you wanting more in the series, and I can't wait to immediately dive into book 2!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have to say, I was hooked on this book within the first 2 chapters! Abby Kingston definitely draws you into the story of the awkward and self-conscious Evie and leaves you wanting more. She describes the town of Turquoise Cove in just enough detail to give you the setting for the story but not so much that it bogs down or slows the progression on the book. The mysterious friends she meets along the way let you know that something is going on, but you are never sure exactly what is happening until the last few chapters of the book. I loved this new and fresh take on a story as old as time. It definitely leaves you wanting more in the series, and I can't wait to immediately dive into book 2!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2022
I liked the start to this beachy paranormal YA series, set in Australia, and look forward to the next one!
I haven’t read many books similar to this one, but it did remind me a lot of what I loved about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I especially recommend this for readers who enjoy those types of fantasy storylines!
Thank you so much to Abby Kingston for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t read many books similar to this one, but it did remind me a lot of what I loved about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so I especially recommend this for readers who enjoy those types of fantasy storylines!
Thank you so much to Abby Kingston for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2022
Please note: I have read the ARC copy. However, all the opinions and views are my own as any other review I make.
Very slight spoilers, please beware.
Rating 5🌟
Plot twist: 5🌟
Spiciness: 0🌶
Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!! I am rarely speechless after reading a book but this book took my breath away! 🙉
The storyline is super unique, the world and character building are some of my favourite I have read this year. And the plot twists? Let me tell you, I was left gobsmacked!
It was hard to put the book down, I had to know what happens next! Although the "fantasy" portion of the book didn't happen for a while, the story was still so interesting that I forgot what I am reading 😂😂😂
You know the books that make you forget you are reading? Yeah, that book was that for me, for a moment I even thought I felt the Australian sand on my toes 😅
I love the idea of angels and demons, the way the story was told, the whole mystery and suspense around it was just magical. 🤤
Extra brownie points for including in the storyline animals 🐈⬛ and many, many hot boys 😂
I am personally in favour this to be as long of a book series as possible, I need more of Evie, Sam and Theo 😩😩😩😩
Also, I need book 2 like yesterday!! 😁🤩🤩
Very slight spoilers, please beware.
Rating 5🌟
Plot twist: 5🌟
Spiciness: 0🌶
Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!! I am rarely speechless after reading a book but this book took my breath away! 🙉
The storyline is super unique, the world and character building are some of my favourite I have read this year. And the plot twists? Let me tell you, I was left gobsmacked!
It was hard to put the book down, I had to know what happens next! Although the "fantasy" portion of the book didn't happen for a while, the story was still so interesting that I forgot what I am reading 😂😂😂
You know the books that make you forget you are reading? Yeah, that book was that for me, for a moment I even thought I felt the Australian sand on my toes 😅
I love the idea of angels and demons, the way the story was told, the whole mystery and suspense around it was just magical. 🤤
Extra brownie points for including in the storyline animals 🐈⬛ and many, many hot boys 😂
I am personally in favour this to be as long of a book series as possible, I need more of Evie, Sam and Theo 😩😩😩😩
Also, I need book 2 like yesterday!! 😁🤩🤩
January 11, 2022
The first thing that you notice about this book is the gorgeous cover, then a few pages in, the reader begins to feel the beautiful enchantment of the writing.
There’s a quality to the early story writing, that feels comfortable, lulling the reader. We are guided to visualise the seaside setting of Turquoise Cove through our protagonist’s eyes. Eighteen-year-old Everhart Dean has recently moved from Alaska to Turquoise Cove, Australia. Her life has been a series of moves with her academic Father, so this is nothing new. However, starting over can be challenging, especially if you struggle socially and have self-esteem issues. Evie plans to complete her final year of school, then next year meet up with her best friend at College.
Best laid plans are destined to be delayed, as the charm of this beachside town starts to dissolve. Layers of tension are introduced via mysterious characters and events which leave Evie scrambling to understand what is going on?
Who are the mysterious six men? One of them-Sam- seems very familiar? Why do they keep hanging around her?Why is the recurring nightmare she’s had since young, starting to ramp up in intensity?
The serenity of Turquoise Cove changes to something foreboding, as the story becomes more character driven.
New discoveries lead to life altering changes as Evie transforms before our eyes.
This is a YA paranormal fantasy story and is suitable for readers who prefer stories with light romantic elements (no smut). If you enjoyed Lauren Kate’s Fallen Series, you will love Luminous. I was thoroughly enchanted and can’t wait for book two.
4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Warning: Death of a parent, low level violence, some bullying, some occult/religious themes.
ARC provided -thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s a quality to the early story writing, that feels comfortable, lulling the reader. We are guided to visualise the seaside setting of Turquoise Cove through our protagonist’s eyes. Eighteen-year-old Everhart Dean has recently moved from Alaska to Turquoise Cove, Australia. Her life has been a series of moves with her academic Father, so this is nothing new. However, starting over can be challenging, especially if you struggle socially and have self-esteem issues. Evie plans to complete her final year of school, then next year meet up with her best friend at College.
Best laid plans are destined to be delayed, as the charm of this beachside town starts to dissolve. Layers of tension are introduced via mysterious characters and events which leave Evie scrambling to understand what is going on?
Who are the mysterious six men? One of them-Sam- seems very familiar? Why do they keep hanging around her?Why is the recurring nightmare she’s had since young, starting to ramp up in intensity?
The serenity of Turquoise Cove changes to something foreboding, as the story becomes more character driven.
New discoveries lead to life altering changes as Evie transforms before our eyes.
This is a YA paranormal fantasy story and is suitable for readers who prefer stories with light romantic elements (no smut). If you enjoyed Lauren Kate’s Fallen Series, you will love Luminous. I was thoroughly enchanted and can’t wait for book two.
4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Warning: Death of a parent, low level violence, some bullying, some occult/religious themes.
ARC provided -thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2021
First and foremost this book is beautifully written. Abby literally grabbed me off the couch and threw me right into Turquoise Cove. I could feel the sand between my toes and the heat of the sun on my face. I was hooked within just a few short pages and simply could not stop reading.
Everheart (Evie) Dean, a self-conscious Eileen year old, tells us her story. She takes us on a wild ride to find out the many mysteries of Turquoise Cove, her new home. This story will keep you guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured out Evie’s entire story, you’ll be wrong and hit with new details, a new adventure or meet a new character.
There is no shortage of characters in this book, it’s not overwhelming in the least because you will not be bored with the same characters. I wish there was more diversity in the character races but really that is my only con in this beautiful book.
The story itself is complex, but not so complex that you get lost in the details. Everything comes together in the end but the ending will leave you drooling for book #2!
In exchange for my honestly review of Luminous. I was offered an advanced readers copy.
Everheart (Evie) Dean, a self-conscious Eileen year old, tells us her story. She takes us on a wild ride to find out the many mysteries of Turquoise Cove, her new home. This story will keep you guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured out Evie’s entire story, you’ll be wrong and hit with new details, a new adventure or meet a new character.
There is no shortage of characters in this book, it’s not overwhelming in the least because you will not be bored with the same characters. I wish there was more diversity in the character races but really that is my only con in this beautiful book.
The story itself is complex, but not so complex that you get lost in the details. Everything comes together in the end but the ending will leave you drooling for book #2!
In exchange for my honestly review of Luminous. I was offered an advanced readers copy.
January 12, 2022
Captivating, mysterious, and a whirlwind of emotions.
This debut novel from Abby Kingston is book one in the Everheart Dean Series, and all I have to say upon finishing is I need to get my hands on book two as soon as possible!
Moving to a strange new place for our main character Evie is nothing unusual, but the sense of something ‘other’ about this town is something she just can’t seem to shake.
With six mysterious (and delicious if I say so myself) men bursting into her life, Evie has no choice but to face the harsh reality that her life isn’t going to be as ordinary as she had once hoped for. Goodbye college dreams, and hello save the world time.
I really enjoyed this read. Kingston has created a curious story that is filled to the brim with captivating characters. Her world building was excellent, just enough information provided without being an overload, and the overall pacing of the story was perfect. The romance factor was exactly how I like my YA romance to be presented. Excellent tension and banter between love interests.
I can’t wait for the next book!
This debut novel from Abby Kingston is book one in the Everheart Dean Series, and all I have to say upon finishing is I need to get my hands on book two as soon as possible!
Moving to a strange new place for our main character Evie is nothing unusual, but the sense of something ‘other’ about this town is something she just can’t seem to shake.
With six mysterious (and delicious if I say so myself) men bursting into her life, Evie has no choice but to face the harsh reality that her life isn’t going to be as ordinary as she had once hoped for. Goodbye college dreams, and hello save the world time.
I really enjoyed this read. Kingston has created a curious story that is filled to the brim with captivating characters. Her world building was excellent, just enough information provided without being an overload, and the overall pacing of the story was perfect. The romance factor was exactly how I like my YA romance to be presented. Excellent tension and banter between love interests.
I can’t wait for the next book!
September 21, 2023
#luminous By Abby Kingston Is The First Book In The #everheartdeanseries And Even Though It Was Published In 2022, It Gives Me All Of The Nostalgia For When I Was Reading Classic YA Like #twilight 🥰
If You Are Someone Wanting To Venture Into Either The Paranormal Or Fantasy Genres Then This One I Would Highly Recommend To Segue You In. As It Is More Of An Urban Fantasy Set In Australia It Allows You As A Reader To Feel Familiar In Our World And Enjoy The Lighter Paranormal/Fantasy Elements And Of Course The Romance. 💘
This Book Was Such A Fun, Fast Paced And Engaging Read. It Has Shorter Chapters Which I Love As It Means I Can Always Justify Saying Just One More Chapter As I Was Hooked Very Early On 😝
Everheart Is A Protagonist That So Many Of Us Can Relate To And See Ourselves In. Whether You Have Had To Move, Start A New School Or Even A New Workplace It Can Be Neverwracking Trying To Find Where You Belong. Rather Spending Quiet Evenings In With A Book As Opposed To Going To Parties. That Is Until The Beautiful Lifeguard Boys Come Along Throwing Everything She Knows Into Disarray! 😏
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If You Are Someone Wanting To Venture Into Either The Paranormal Or Fantasy Genres Then This One I Would Highly Recommend To Segue You In. As It Is More Of An Urban Fantasy Set In Australia It Allows You As A Reader To Feel Familiar In Our World And Enjoy The Lighter Paranormal/Fantasy Elements And Of Course The Romance. 💘
This Book Was Such A Fun, Fast Paced And Engaging Read. It Has Shorter Chapters Which I Love As It Means I Can Always Justify Saying Just One More Chapter As I Was Hooked Very Early On 😝
Everheart Is A Protagonist That So Many Of Us Can Relate To And See Ourselves In. Whether You Have Had To Move, Start A New School Or Even A New Workplace It Can Be Neverwracking Trying To Find Where You Belong. Rather Spending Quiet Evenings In With A Book As Opposed To Going To Parties. That Is Until The Beautiful Lifeguard Boys Come Along Throwing Everything She Knows Into Disarray! 😏
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 7, 2022
The Everheart Dean Series is one your not going to want to miss if you enjoy slow burn romance, friends to lovers, angels and demons and a whole lot of mystery surrounding the main characters.
Loosing her mom at an early age Evie feels like she has no memories of her. After a near death experience memories of her mom, familiarity with people she's sure she shouldn't know plague her. Especially Sam the lifeguard who pulled her from the Ocean. Not only that but he and his 5 God like roomies have become her constant companions.
As if this wasn't strange enough things start happening around town as well that are anything but normal.
Throw in her Dad who's a Professor of Myth and Religion.
A stray tom cat who acts more like a guard dog.
An over confident yet sincere surfer boy who really likes her talk about bad timing.
Some cave climbing, a Secret Beach, a couple of fights, and some ground splitting explosions.
And you have a recipe for a great debut novel!
I have voluntarily left this review.
Loosing her mom at an early age Evie feels like she has no memories of her. After a near death experience memories of her mom, familiarity with people she's sure she shouldn't know plague her. Especially Sam the lifeguard who pulled her from the Ocean. Not only that but he and his 5 God like roomies have become her constant companions.
As if this wasn't strange enough things start happening around town as well that are anything but normal.
Throw in her Dad who's a Professor of Myth and Religion.
A stray tom cat who acts more like a guard dog.
An over confident yet sincere surfer boy who really likes her talk about bad timing.
Some cave climbing, a Secret Beach, a couple of fights, and some ground splitting explosions.
And you have a recipe for a great debut novel!
I have voluntarily left this review.
January 5, 2022
ARC review: This book had me hooked from the first page. It's mysterious and intriguing.
It follows Everheart Dean, an eighteen year old who has a past she can't seem to remember and a life that gets uprooted every year.
When she ends up living in Turquoise Cove, Australia, she swears she's never leaving the house but the heat gets to be too much and the beach is too tempting.
However, a brush with death throws her back into a memory she has long since forgot and into the lives of six beautiful boys. Boys who can't seem to get enough of being around her and she can't understand why.
When her life gets turned upside down on New Years Eve, Evie begins asking questions that none of the boys are willing to answer.
This book is beautifully written and full of action, mind-blowing situations, heartbreak and love. And with an ending like that, I'm already dying to read the next one.
It follows Everheart Dean, an eighteen year old who has a past she can't seem to remember and a life that gets uprooted every year.
When she ends up living in Turquoise Cove, Australia, she swears she's never leaving the house but the heat gets to be too much and the beach is too tempting.
However, a brush with death throws her back into a memory she has long since forgot and into the lives of six beautiful boys. Boys who can't seem to get enough of being around her and she can't understand why.
When her life gets turned upside down on New Years Eve, Evie begins asking questions that none of the boys are willing to answer.
This book is beautifully written and full of action, mind-blowing situations, heartbreak and love. And with an ending like that, I'm already dying to read the next one.
March 6, 2022
What a captivating debut novel by Abby Kingston! Luminous engrossed me from start to finish and cannot wait for the rest of this series.
Everheart (Evie) Dean and her father, Frank, are on the move every few years due to his job. Before she starts college in Boston, they move to Turquoise Cove, Australia, from Alaska. Shortly after they arrive, Evie is befriended by Sam and his five friends - all super handsome lifeguards. The longer Evie is in Australia, the more strange things start to happen that are hard to explain - and the dream that has been haunting her for years only gets more intense.
I loved this book so much! It had paranormal fantasy elements, but was very much set in a lovely Aussie beach town. I can’t say much else without giving away plot points, but I highly recommend this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫.
Thank you to Abby Kingston for a gifted paperback copy of Luminous! My review is being left voluntarily and contains my own opinions.
Everheart (Evie) Dean and her father, Frank, are on the move every few years due to his job. Before she starts college in Boston, they move to Turquoise Cove, Australia, from Alaska. Shortly after they arrive, Evie is befriended by Sam and his five friends - all super handsome lifeguards. The longer Evie is in Australia, the more strange things start to happen that are hard to explain - and the dream that has been haunting her for years only gets more intense.
I loved this book so much! It had paranormal fantasy elements, but was very much set in a lovely Aussie beach town. I can’t say much else without giving away plot points, but I highly recommend this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫.
Thank you to Abby Kingston for a gifted paperback copy of Luminous! My review is being left voluntarily and contains my own opinions.
December 18, 2021
What a captivating story! From the moment I started this book, I was pulled into a world I didn't want to leave--one that is so familiar, yet riddled with mystery and intrigue. Abby's vivid descriptions, attention to detail, and knack for storytelling made this book hard to put down.
Told from Evie's point of view, readers follow her down the rabbit hole that is Turquoise Cove, a small Australian beach community that has more in store for Evie than just reading and sunbathing. We ride along as she encounters angels and demons and an array of quirky characters as she attempts to uncover the secrets being hid from her. I'm already excited to read book #2!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Told from Evie's point of view, readers follow her down the rabbit hole that is Turquoise Cove, a small Australian beach community that has more in store for Evie than just reading and sunbathing. We ride along as she encounters angels and demons and an array of quirky characters as she attempts to uncover the secrets being hid from her. I'm already excited to read book #2!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
Oh my gosh! If you haven’t read this book, you NEED to! The simplicity and elegant way Abby writes sucks you into the story from the very beginning. Turquoise Cove is described in such great detail that it feels like you’re there. I personally would love to live there, especially with the beach and little bookstore in town. One thing that I loved but also was frustrated at was all the secrets. Abby tells the story from Everheart’s (Evie) point of view, so if she is left in the dark, so is the reader. Not many books allow me to feel what the character feels on such a strong level, so major props to Abby for bringing that strong connection with Evie and the reader. This captivating tale is the first book in a trilogy and can be found on Kindle Unlimited.
February 21, 2022
This is a wonderful written book. The characters are amazing. I could hardly put it down and was anxious to get back to it. The book is very suspenseful.
Evie is very shy and uncomfortable in her own skin. She dislikes all the moving her and her dad have done. When they move to a very small town in Australia, Evie meets Sam and the boys after a near fatal drowning. Her world is turned upside down and the adventure begins.
I won this book and this is my honest review. If you love books that keep you guessing, then you will want to read this one. Waiting with bated breath for the story to continue.
Evie is very shy and uncomfortable in her own skin. She dislikes all the moving her and her dad have done. When they move to a very small town in Australia, Evie meets Sam and the boys after a near fatal drowning. Her world is turned upside down and the adventure begins.
I won this book and this is my honest review. If you love books that keep you guessing, then you will want to read this one. Waiting with bated breath for the story to continue.
April 30, 2022
This book has a very slow build up, with little hints and moments to get you thinking and it seems like nothing is really happening.
I'll be honest, it was a three star until the last twenty pages, when I realised all the slow set up was to get us ready for a looming battle.
This book has perfectly set up for a great book 2, which I hope will be filled with more action and adventure as it pushes the story on.
This book also makes me want to jump on a plane to Australia, the way the author describes the scenery is beautiful even amongst all the crazy of the story.
All I am going to say is Abby... That last line will keep me up at night until book 2!
I'll be honest, it was a three star until the last twenty pages, when I realised all the slow set up was to get us ready for a looming battle.
This book has perfectly set up for a great book 2, which I hope will be filled with more action and adventure as it pushes the story on.
This book also makes me want to jump on a plane to Australia, the way the author describes the scenery is beautiful even amongst all the crazy of the story.
All I am going to say is Abby... That last line will keep me up at night until book 2!
January 14, 2023
Thrown into a new country and a new place, Evie has to try to fit in in Turquoise Cove, Australia. But everything is not as it seems and Evie has to figure out who she is and who the mysterious boys that seem keen on keeping her in her sights are!
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This book had me hooked from the start! Abby totally made me fall in love with Evie and the boys!
I dread having to wait to read the second book in this series! It was a thrill to be a part of Evie and the boy's journey and I'm super excited to see what lies in store!
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This book had me hooked from the start! Abby totally made me fall in love with Evie and the boys!
I dread having to wait to read the second book in this series! It was a thrill to be a part of Evie and the boy's journey and I'm super excited to see what lies in store!
March 6, 2022
The devil you know
I read all the reviews on this book and thought I would give it a go . The story was captivating and I literally could not put it down . The authors imagery and descriptive prose flowed across the page so easily that I was immersed into the story and cared about what happened to Evie. I could relate to her frustration and anger as she was kept in the dark for so long. I had an inkling about Sam and the boys way before the truth was revealed. My only problem now is waiting for the next book to find out whst happens next.
I read all the reviews on this book and thought I would give it a go . The story was captivating and I literally could not put it down . The authors imagery and descriptive prose flowed across the page so easily that I was immersed into the story and cared about what happened to Evie. I could relate to her frustration and anger as she was kept in the dark for so long. I had an inkling about Sam and the boys way before the truth was revealed. My only problem now is waiting for the next book to find out whst happens next.
July 27, 2022
Everhart Dean series book 1
What I disliked was the plot where the heroine is kept from knowing why she is put in danger due to male decree. I also disliked how easily the female lead rolls over and accepts the situation. There is much predictability in the book so far and I hope that as the writer progresses with the series that predictability lessens. There is just enough of a hook near the end however, to cause me to want to wait for completion of this series.
What I disliked was the plot where the heroine is kept from knowing why she is put in danger due to male decree. I also disliked how easily the female lead rolls over and accepts the situation. There is much predictability in the book so far and I hope that as the writer progresses with the series that predictability lessens. There is just enough of a hook near the end however, to cause me to want to wait for completion of this series.
July 1, 2023
A fabulous read. A little of a slow burn to start but I’m so glad I stayed with it. Before I realised it, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I had to find out the truth about Sam and Evie.
Intriguing, seductive, mysterious. If you’re a fan of Alysson Noel, Lauren Kate or Stephanie Meyer you will love Luminous. Can’t wait for book 2!!
Intriguing, seductive, mysterious. If you’re a fan of Alysson Noel, Lauren Kate or Stephanie Meyer you will love Luminous. Can’t wait for book 2!!
May 26, 2024
I just finished the trilogy and I must say I was blown away.
From a very simple premise - young innocent girl may be 'more' than she appears, and so much more than she may know - we get a phenomenal buildup from Australia to Prague, Barcelona, Heaven and Hell, from intimate relationships such as deep friendship, brotherhood, kind fathers and of course, EPIC LOVE. We move through history, theology, the deep seedy underworld of crime and sin, battles that unite the world, and the battles that rage silently in all our hearts.
I must say I was constantly surprised and impressed by the twists, expecting a humdrum ride of YA tropes. As the story moves forward, the backstory subtly weaves itself in at a perfect pace. Characters grow and change, make mistakes, apologize, get to fight another day.
I started book 1 a few years ago and stopped after a couple of chapters because I didn't see where this would go, and I wasn't into yet another innocent teenager as a protagonist. I was wrong; the story has enormous breadth and width and depth, and absolutely delivers on its promises, which is pretty amazing when you consider that god, Lucifer, all the angels and demons are characters.
I'm really glad I picked it up again! It turns out I'd stopped reading Luminous literally 3 pages before things start happening - and they don't let up after that...!!
From a very simple premise - young innocent girl may be 'more' than she appears, and so much more than she may know - we get a phenomenal buildup from Australia to Prague, Barcelona, Heaven and Hell, from intimate relationships such as deep friendship, brotherhood, kind fathers and of course, EPIC LOVE. We move through history, theology, the deep seedy underworld of crime and sin, battles that unite the world, and the battles that rage silently in all our hearts.
I must say I was constantly surprised and impressed by the twists, expecting a humdrum ride of YA tropes. As the story moves forward, the backstory subtly weaves itself in at a perfect pace. Characters grow and change, make mistakes, apologize, get to fight another day.
I started book 1 a few years ago and stopped after a couple of chapters because I didn't see where this would go, and I wasn't into yet another innocent teenager as a protagonist. I was wrong; the story has enormous breadth and width and depth, and absolutely delivers on its promises, which is pretty amazing when you consider that god, Lucifer, all the angels and demons are characters.
I'm really glad I picked it up again! It turns out I'd stopped reading Luminous literally 3 pages before things start happening - and they don't let up after that...!!
July 12, 2023
Ah!! What a great slow burn. Love the underlying mysteries, big fan of our heroine, and the writing style is just my cup of tea!
Smashed this book in 2 days and stayed up late reading whenever I could! The chemistry between love interests is joy. I’ve run straight out to get the second!
Highly recommend for all readers. Definitely safe for younger readers too with some fairly mild supernatural elements.
Smashed this book in 2 days and stayed up late reading whenever I could! The chemistry between love interests is joy. I’ve run straight out to get the second!
Highly recommend for all readers. Definitely safe for younger readers too with some fairly mild supernatural elements.
May 5, 2023
A good start to a series
No spoilers:
It only took me a day to read this book but it was well written and the story line is intriguing. It's not necessarily unique to this genre but still intriguing enough to keep you reading .
No spoilers:
It only took me a day to read this book but it was well written and the story line is intriguing. It's not necessarily unique to this genre but still intriguing enough to keep you reading .
March 10, 2023
This is the perfect paranormal YA read. Loved the mystery and characters, couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read book 2!
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