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The Luminaut Trilogy #2
Light Hunter
Callie James crash-lands the World Diver into an alternate dimension. She kind of needed a Seer to help with piloting. Too bad she was busy escaping evil hottie Nate Ormandi to worry about that.
Now she’s stuck on Tremurheim, a mysterious world of tree-vikings and soul-sucking mist monsters.
But somewhere on the planet a Light Core calls to her. Now she just has to find it as part of her quest to unite the multiverse. A quest she’ll complete no matter what stands in her way.
The only local who will help is Toran Rykjiersen, who’s basically a jerk. But he’s also desperate to get his little sister Heike off Tremurheim—even if that means aiding a dangerous “skyfire sorceress” like Callie.
Meanwhile, evil dude Nate must capture the Light Core of the world Ictari. As an undead Shadowmancer, finding Light isn’t his forte, but if he fails, his master will end him the rest of the way. Permanently.
As Luminaut and Shadowmancer race to find the Light Cores, the line between hero and villain blurs.
And the quest that Callie holds dear might lead to the very evil she hopes to prevent.
Now she’s stuck on Tremurheim, a mysterious world of tree-vikings and soul-sucking mist monsters.
But somewhere on the planet a Light Core calls to her. Now she just has to find it as part of her quest to unite the multiverse. A quest she’ll complete no matter what stands in her way.
The only local who will help is Toran Rykjiersen, who’s basically a jerk. But he’s also desperate to get his little sister Heike off Tremurheim—even if that means aiding a dangerous “skyfire sorceress” like Callie.
Meanwhile, evil dude Nate must capture the Light Core of the world Ictari. As an undead Shadowmancer, finding Light isn’t his forte, but if he fails, his master will end him the rest of the way. Permanently.
As Luminaut and Shadowmancer race to find the Light Cores, the line between hero and villain blurs.
And the quest that Callie holds dear might lead to the very evil she hopes to prevent.
- GenresScience Fiction Fantasy
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2022
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 18, 2023
Light Hunter truly lives up to the wit of book 1. I'm living for Callie's sass, especially towards a certain new character. I'm looking at you, Toran. I was fangirling every few pages because of how awesome it was. I can't wait for book 3!
Also if you're looking for more stories with multiverses, this series is for you!
Disclaimer: I received a final copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own!
My Endorsement: “Dive into the multiverse of Haylie Hanson’s Luminaut Trilogy if you’re looking for a hilarious, rip-roaring adventure filled with STEM girls, messy teens, sassy pet robots, light wizards, and sarcastic ghost boys. It’s The Iron Giant meets Spider-Man: Homecoming with a dash of Star Wars, and you don’t want to miss out.”
Also if you're looking for more stories with multiverses, this series is for you!
Disclaimer: I received a final copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own!
My Endorsement: “Dive into the multiverse of Haylie Hanson’s Luminaut Trilogy if you’re looking for a hilarious, rip-roaring adventure filled with STEM girls, messy teens, sassy pet robots, light wizards, and sarcastic ghost boys. It’s The Iron Giant meets Spider-Man: Homecoming with a dash of Star Wars, and you don’t want to miss out.”
February 20, 2023
I didn't love this second instalment of The Luminaut Trilogy quite as much as the first, but that had absolutely nothing to do with anything the writer did. It had everything to do with one MC - Toran.
To put it plain, he pissed me off. He made me so damn angry I literally had the urge to not only box his ears but also hurl him head first into an ice cold lake. It is quite rare that I find myself having such a strong reaction to one character and I can count on my fingers those I ended up warming up to in the end. Toran is not quite there. Yet. By the end of this book I get where he's coming from, but he's still getting on my nerves and the next part of his tale will either make or break him for me. I'm betting on the latter though, because by now this author has already proven herself to me as a great writer.
With a smoothly flowing narrative, great humour and cheeky banter, sarcasm of the best kind; a unique and intriguing premise, beautifully drawn and fleshed out characters, fast paced action, and a gripping plot. This series has it all. I loved Callie and Heike, not so evil dude Nate and his little sidekick, and of course Diver and Nemo. Each of them wonderful in their own way.
This book 2 is darker and not quite as easy to read as compared to it's predecessor showcasing darker themes and a deeper insight into human nature. The action is just as fast paced while the character growth shines and that cliffhanger at the end may just have you wanting to hurl the book at the wall because the sequel is not published yet.
Been there. Didn't do that. Because I was reading on my ipad and can't afford to replace it atm. Had it been a paperback, it would have kissed the wall.
All in all, The Luminaut Trilogy is one of the best YA SciFi series I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it to any and all fans of the genre.
To put it plain, he pissed me off. He made me so damn angry I literally had the urge to not only box his ears but also hurl him head first into an ice cold lake. It is quite rare that I find myself having such a strong reaction to one character and I can count on my fingers those I ended up warming up to in the end. Toran is not quite there. Yet. By the end of this book I get where he's coming from, but he's still getting on my nerves and the next part of his tale will either make or break him for me. I'm betting on the latter though, because by now this author has already proven herself to me as a great writer.
With a smoothly flowing narrative, great humour and cheeky banter, sarcasm of the best kind; a unique and intriguing premise, beautifully drawn and fleshed out characters, fast paced action, and a gripping plot. This series has it all. I loved Callie and Heike, not so evil dude Nate and his little sidekick, and of course Diver and Nemo. Each of them wonderful in their own way.
This book 2 is darker and not quite as easy to read as compared to it's predecessor showcasing darker themes and a deeper insight into human nature. The action is just as fast paced while the character growth shines and that cliffhanger at the end may just have you wanting to hurl the book at the wall because the sequel is not published yet.
Been there. Didn't do that. Because I was reading on my ipad and can't afford to replace it atm. Had it been a paperback, it would have kissed the wall.
All in all, The Luminaut Trilogy is one of the best YA SciFi series I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it to any and all fans of the genre.
April 29, 2022
Light Hunter impressed me by not being the a filler second book of a trilogy with great character growth, unique and gripping character voices, fast paced action, some deeper lore dives and an ending that had me wanting more.
Continuing from the end of World Diver, we're fully in the fantasy world as Callie and Nate go on separate journeys to recover light cores. But both are in for surprises as they encounter the world's natives and discover if it's really light vs. dark or if there's more layers to this conflict. First off, I really love that light isn't just all good and dark isn't all evil and that there are nuanced elements of both side of the conflict. Once again, I love Callie's voice, it's snarky and high energy and I don't see a lot of that in YA nowadays. Nate and Toran's voice was great as well, contrasting Callie's character. Toran was especially interesting as he was this stubborn grump and I couldn't get enough of him even if he was doing something annoying. The other characters were great too. Since we're into other worlds now, I really got into them due to the detailed description throughout. The prose was also easy to read and made for a quick page turner. It was also fast paced and had a few surprises throughout, especially the ending parts.
That cliffhanger though got to me, and I can't believe that there's only one more book to go! It feels like the journey is only getting started and could go for another 3-5 books.
Continuing from the end of World Diver, we're fully in the fantasy world as Callie and Nate go on separate journeys to recover light cores. But both are in for surprises as they encounter the world's natives and discover if it's really light vs. dark or if there's more layers to this conflict. First off, I really love that light isn't just all good and dark isn't all evil and that there are nuanced elements of both side of the conflict. Once again, I love Callie's voice, it's snarky and high energy and I don't see a lot of that in YA nowadays. Nate and Toran's voice was great as well, contrasting Callie's character. Toran was especially interesting as he was this stubborn grump and I couldn't get enough of him even if he was doing something annoying. The other characters were great too. Since we're into other worlds now, I really got into them due to the detailed description throughout. The prose was also easy to read and made for a quick page turner. It was also fast paced and had a few surprises throughout, especially the ending parts.
That cliffhanger though got to me, and I can't believe that there's only one more book to go! It feels like the journey is only getting started and could go for another 3-5 books.
May 2, 2022
4/5
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I didn't realize how much I missed Callie and the gang until I started reading this! Callie's snark and Nemo's shenanigans never fail to put a smile on my face!
Our friendly neighborhood Luminaut finds herself lost on another world. Unfortunately, everything there wants to kill her. She unwillingly enlists some help in order to survive. Meanwhile, Nate finds himself fighting frostbite and the urge to murder his new talkative companion as he searches for another Light Core.
I really love Haylie Hanson's writing style! Just like with World Diver, I was laughing out loud at Callie's antics! It was really interesting to read from Nate's perspective too.
The only reason I gave this four stars is because I had a hard time getting into it at the beginning. But the last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat, and I am once again determined to get my hands on the next book! Haylie is way too talented at writing cliffhangers!
I highly recommend this series! It's hilarious and fun, but it also touches on darker topics like good vs. evil. The struggle between the dark and the light is quite literal. I'm so attached to these characters, and I can't recommend this series enough!
Content: minor swearing, fight scenes (nothing graphic)
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I didn't realize how much I missed Callie and the gang until I started reading this! Callie's snark and Nemo's shenanigans never fail to put a smile on my face!
Our friendly neighborhood Luminaut finds herself lost on another world. Unfortunately, everything there wants to kill her. She unwillingly enlists some help in order to survive. Meanwhile, Nate finds himself fighting frostbite and the urge to murder his new talkative companion as he searches for another Light Core.
I really love Haylie Hanson's writing style! Just like with World Diver, I was laughing out loud at Callie's antics! It was really interesting to read from Nate's perspective too.
The only reason I gave this four stars is because I had a hard time getting into it at the beginning. But the last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat, and I am once again determined to get my hands on the next book! Haylie is way too talented at writing cliffhangers!
I highly recommend this series! It's hilarious and fun, but it also touches on darker topics like good vs. evil. The struggle between the dark and the light is quite literal. I'm so attached to these characters, and I can't recommend this series enough!
Content: minor swearing, fight scenes (nothing graphic)
April 21, 2022
Is it possible for a second book to be better than the first? It is in this series! Light Hunter is the perfect continuation of the Luminaut saga featuring the headstrong Callie, snarky Nate, and heart-warming Nemo! And we get NEW characters in this one, too!
I love Hanson’s writing. Her story is well paced and I never wanted to put the book down. Each of her characters are distinct and well developed. And did I mention I liked this one even better than the first? I did.
This crazy-fun adventure sc-fi is great for any age YA reader. Warning: Reading these books might make you want to have your own Nemo! *heart*
I love Hanson’s writing. Her story is well paced and I never wanted to put the book down. Each of her characters are distinct and well developed. And did I mention I liked this one even better than the first? I did.
This crazy-fun adventure sc-fi is great for any age YA reader. Warning: Reading these books might make you want to have your own Nemo! *heart*
August 10, 2022
Excellent. This time around chatty Callie meets crabby Toran and the result is t.e.n.s.i.o.n which I love. (Also I have thing for angsty male MCs and Toran is an 11 on a scale of 10 for angst.) Then you get some more of my favorite ghost Nate, plus his new adorable friend El, and throw in Creepy McCreeperson Lady and this book was my dessert that week.
May 14, 2022
Oh. My. Word. I knew I was hyped to read this after finishing World Diver, and this book is definitely worth the wait!!! It took me a bit to get into the story, which might be due to a reading slump. But once I got past the first few chapters, I literally could not put it down. Stayed up until past 2 am reading it, which I haven't done in like five or six years. (Kudos, Haylie!) The characters are well-rounded, Toran is essentially me when I'm mad, I regret to say. But the continued arcs of Callie and Nate are *chef's kiss*. Reading this was a mixture of laughing, gasping, and screaming internally, and I did come close to chucking this book across the room a few times. I am not going to murder the author...yet... I just demand book three as soon as physically possible. I might be a bit terrified how this is going to end up...
Content note: While this isn't horror, it does have a few monsters in it. I had no issues, but I wouldn't recommend reading this before bed if you're sensitive. ;)
Content note: While this isn't horror, it does have a few monsters in it. I had no issues, but I wouldn't recommend reading this before bed if you're sensitive. ;)
December 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
Funny, unique and a thrilling adventure!
My only complaint would be that the bickering between Toran and Callie got a bit obnoxious at times.
Happily awaiting book 3!!!
**Extra points for redemption arcs ;)
**Beware Cliffhanger Ending
Disclaimer: I received a ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.*obviously *
Funny, unique and a thrilling adventure!
My only complaint would be that the bickering between Toran and Callie got a bit obnoxious at times.
Happily awaiting book 3!!!
**Extra points for redemption arcs ;)
**Beware Cliffhanger Ending
Disclaimer: I received a ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.*obviously *
April 21, 2022
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC from @uncommon and I loved it! Haylie weaves such a wonderful mix of science fiction and fantasy and book 2 of her Luminaut series seriously steps that up a notch. We meet 4 new characters: two I love, one I hate (don’t worry, you’re supposed to hate her), and one I hate/love.
Callie's two mechs are still along for the ride (Robot Companions!) and Nate makes a friend (ADHD Rep!) Light Hunter is full of big questions of right and wrong (Morally Grey Heroes!) and two brand new worlds to explore (Multiverse!). Magic and science collide in this race for the Light cores and the fate of the multiverse!
Great action/adventure with a generous helping of sarcasm.
Callie's two mechs are still along for the ride (Robot Companions!) and Nate makes a friend (ADHD Rep!) Light Hunter is full of big questions of right and wrong (Morally Grey Heroes!) and two brand new worlds to explore (Multiverse!). Magic and science collide in this race for the Light cores and the fate of the multiverse!
Great action/adventure with a generous helping of sarcasm.
April 10, 2022
I am a little ball of rage for REASONS and I need book 3. NOW.
The author is not nice to our ragtag band of Luminaut & mechs. Lots of things happen. Some good. But some are what have made me a little ball of hobbit-sized rage.
So yeah. That’s fun. 😂
I did thoroughly enjoy it, despite the rage. 😜
So you should definitely read this series.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher and a review was not required)
The author is not nice to our ragtag band of Luminaut & mechs. Lots of things happen. Some good. But some are what have made me a little ball of hobbit-sized rage.
So yeah. That’s fun. 😂
I did thoroughly enjoy it, despite the rage. 😜
So you should definitely read this series.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher and a review was not required)
April 16, 2022
Awesome continuation of the Luminaut trilogy! Nate and Callie are back with aaaaallll the snark, which was fun to read. Loved getting to explore new worlds in this multiverse and meet some new characters! Also adorable robots (nuff said XD). <3 The ending was so intense, and I must. know. what. happens. next!
~I received an early copy of this book from the publisher/author for launch purposes and was not required to leave a positive review.~
~I received an early copy of this book from the publisher/author for launch purposes and was not required to leave a positive review.~
August 18, 2022
Have you ever read a book where you liked the antagonist more than the protagonist?
That was my experience with reading Light Hunter!
I absolutely ADORED Nate's storyline, and found myself actually skipping over Callie and Toran's chapters just so I could get back to Nate's storyline faster.
To be fair, I'm not a fan of constant arguing and fighting between two characters to the point where it puts others in danger, which was a part of the reason why I didn't enjoy Callie's journey as much as Nate's, but honestly, Nate is just such a well-written character he easily outshone everyone else!
If you're a fan of exploration adventures, big monster fights, sentient mechs, redemption arcs, enemies to friends, and enemies to lovers, then this is the book for you!
The final few chapters just blur by, building up to a climax and cliffhanger that will leave you longing for the final book!
However, it is important to note that this book is definitely a secular novel, and comes with a stronger content warning than the first.
Content disclosure: for language there were several instances of PG-13 cussing. In terms of sexual content, there are quite a few sexual jokes and innuendos, as well as a scene near the end that implies a sexually immoral relationship . For thematic content: emotional and physical abuse, mind control, totalitarian governments, ethics of self-defense vs ending a life, and the dangers of power abuse are all present. There are some PG-13 action scenes and a few terrifying monster fights. For all these reasons, I can't call this book a clean read, but I'd give it a solid PG-13 rating.
Overall, I definitely had fun reading Light Hunter, and I absolutely neeeed the final book!
I hope you have a blessed day!
That was my experience with reading Light Hunter!
I absolutely ADORED Nate's storyline, and found myself actually skipping over Callie and Toran's chapters just so I could get back to Nate's storyline faster.
To be fair, I'm not a fan of constant arguing and fighting between two characters to the point where it puts others in danger, which was a part of the reason why I didn't enjoy Callie's journey as much as Nate's, but honestly, Nate is just such a well-written character he easily outshone everyone else!
If you're a fan of exploration adventures, big monster fights, sentient mechs, redemption arcs, enemies to friends, and enemies to lovers, then this is the book for you!
The final few chapters just blur by, building up to a climax and cliffhanger that will leave you longing for the final book!
However, it is important to note that this book is definitely a secular novel, and comes with a stronger content warning than the first.
Content disclosure: for language there were several instances of PG-13 cussing. In terms of sexual content, there are quite a few sexual jokes and innuendos, as well as a scene near the end that implies a sexually immoral relationship . For thematic content: emotional and physical abuse, mind control, totalitarian governments, ethics of self-defense vs ending a life, and the dangers of power abuse are all present. There are some PG-13 action scenes and a few terrifying monster fights. For all these reasons, I can't call this book a clean read, but I'd give it a solid PG-13 rating.
Overall, I definitely had fun reading Light Hunter, and I absolutely neeeed the final book!
I hope you have a blessed day!
May 16, 2022
Yes, I do in fact have rage tears thanks to that ending. And I am so STOKED for book 3!!! 😮🤩🙈 The second book in a series is frequently just not quite as good as the first, but I can safely say that this is NOT the case with Light Hunter. In fact, I think I actually like it even more than book one! The multiple POVs add more variety and create suspense. So many lovable characters added (yes, even you, Toran), and all of the POVs each had their own distinct voice. The world-building is fantastic: so vivid without giving unnecessary background information. This one kept me guessing the whole time!
I received an ARC in exchange for am honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for am honest review.
August 28, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
Nate’s snark gives me life. I adore that disaster child even though he’s causing many problems. His big-bro-little-bro relationship with El is the absolute cutest. And I loved Nate’s arc. <3 Callie’s arc was fascinating—maybe it’s just me, but I was getting Crusades vibes, with how they addressed the bad things Luminauts had done in the past. I wish we had more Nemo (my lil baby robot!!) in this one but it’s okay. I get that Toran is very different from Callie and therefore clashes with her but I was not happy with him. :P Heike is cool tho. The mist monsters were scary (hard pass from me). Talk about a cliffhanger tho!!
This series is a really interesting one because all three have incredibly different settings just due to the premise (going through portals to different worlds). I’ll admit that book one feels different than the next two because World Diver is more urban fantasy whereas Light Hunter and Shadow Ender take place on different worlds and are definitely fantasy. But it’s still a fantastic series. (It’s currently very hard to get a hold of as I’m writing this review because the publication house closed, but the books should be republished sometime soon.) Read them for amazing mechs and and light magic and snark for days!!
Nate’s snark gives me life. I adore that disaster child even though he’s causing many problems. His big-bro-little-bro relationship with El is the absolute cutest. And I loved Nate’s arc. <3 Callie’s arc was fascinating—maybe it’s just me, but I was getting Crusades vibes, with how they addressed the bad things Luminauts had done in the past. I wish we had more Nemo (my lil baby robot!!) in this one but it’s okay. I get that Toran is very different from Callie and therefore clashes with her but I was not happy with him. :P Heike is cool tho. The mist monsters were scary (hard pass from me). Talk about a cliffhanger tho!!
This series is a really interesting one because all three have incredibly different settings just due to the premise (going through portals to different worlds). I’ll admit that book one feels different than the next two because World Diver is more urban fantasy whereas Light Hunter and Shadow Ender take place on different worlds and are definitely fantasy. But it’s still a fantastic series. (It’s currently very hard to get a hold of as I’m writing this review because the publication house closed, but the books should be republished sometime soon.) Read them for amazing mechs and and light magic and snark for days!!
March 18, 2023
I got an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest review, which is what y'all are getting, hehe.
First of all, I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was even better than the first! I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I felt the words come alive in my heart and mind, and that is totally not a reaction that most books elicit. The pure hilariousness and tension and emotion and sarcasm in this book had me smiling and grinning and feeling so hard as I watched Callie step into her Luminaut role and struggle to find the truth about herself, her gift, and her destiny. I have not felt so strongly about a book in a long time. #westancalliejames
And Nate. MY NAAAAATEEE!!!!! WHYYYYYY???? I loved loved loooved seeing him in this book but THAT ENDING?? Mrs. Haylie just about ripped my heart out and I am still not ready to forgive her. THE FEELS!!! *shrieks in reader dispair*
Also stubborn Toran and sweet Heike and adorable El were amaaazing side characters. They brought so much extra color and fun and tension and laughs to the story.
All in all, probably my favorite read of the year so far. Light Hunter has an world-bending plot, stellar characters, deep deep quotes, and the imagery and symbolism is just…AAAAAAAH. GO READ THIS BOOK.
First of all, I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was even better than the first! I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I felt the words come alive in my heart and mind, and that is totally not a reaction that most books elicit. The pure hilariousness and tension and emotion and sarcasm in this book had me smiling and grinning and feeling so hard as I watched Callie step into her Luminaut role and struggle to find the truth about herself, her gift, and her destiny. I have not felt so strongly about a book in a long time. #westancalliejames
And Nate. MY NAAAAATEEE!!!!! WHYYYYYY???? I loved loved loooved seeing him in this book but THAT ENDING?? Mrs. Haylie just about ripped my heart out and I am still not ready to forgive her. THE FEELS!!! *shrieks in reader dispair*
Also stubborn Toran and sweet Heike and adorable El were amaaazing side characters. They brought so much extra color and fun and tension and laughs to the story.
All in all, probably my favorite read of the year so far. Light Hunter has an world-bending plot, stellar characters, deep deep quotes, and the imagery and symbolism is just…AAAAAAAH. GO READ THIS BOOK.
November 11, 2022
World Diver transports us to new worlds
Callie’s gonna Callie. Embrace the snark and no matter where her travels take her, Callie’s humor is anchored like a pier to her California beach life.
Toren, with all his gloom is a good guy, and Heike manages to shine through her brother’s angst.
But let me be honest, I’m reading this series for Nate, aka Best Antagonist Ever (TM).
I loved this sequel and can’t wait for the next book!
Callie’s gonna Callie. Embrace the snark and no matter where her travels take her, Callie’s humor is anchored like a pier to her California beach life.
Toren, with all his gloom is a good guy, and Heike manages to shine through her brother’s angst.
But let me be honest, I’m reading this series for Nate, aka Best Antagonist Ever (TM).
I loved this sequel and can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews