Luminaire

Florence Waverley #2

by Ciye Cho

Being the only human in a world of merfolk... isn't easy. Florence Waverley chose to stay in Niemela, but things have gone awry. Secrets have risen and the prince she cares about has pulled away. All the while, dark dreams warn her of a tragedy that only she can stop. But in order to save the merman she loves, Florence will have to enter the Life Path tournament: a brutal test of fear and madness.

The tournament is a rite of passage--a maze where young mermaids and mermen battle to find their purpose. It is also a place where Florence will face grave danger: mermaids with evil magic, tunnels filled with sea fire, and guardians who wish to use her as a pawn in their secret plans. But will Florence be strong enough to survive the tournament... or will she perish inside it?

Everything hangs in the balance: her life, her world, and her love.

("Luminaire" is the second book in the Florence Waverley series.)

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mermaids, Romance, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2012

About the author

Ciye Cho lives in Australia and works as a graphic designer. He writes YA novels in his free time--and his head is often lost in the clouds or some place far from reality...

Reviews

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ciye Cho's Florence, the first book in the Florence Waverly series, left me simply enchanted and mesmerized, so I was very excited to learn that there would be a sequel and I dove right into Luminaire as soon as I got it. And the second volume in this charming mermaid series is, in my opinion, even better than the first (and that's saying something).

After the events in book one, Florence Waverly chooses to remain in the mer world of Niemela, but the mer king she loves, Rolan, begins to pull away from her and many of the other mers continue to resent her presence. Florence starts to have dark dreams warning her of a threat only she can defeat, a threat she must defeat to save the people and world she's come to love. To support Yolee, Florence, too, begins life path training and finds herself participating in the dangerous and potentially deadly Life Path tournament where she and her new found friends must use all their training and then some to get out alive.

There's nothing more exhilarating and comforting than losing yourself in a fictional world that you've come to love and diving into Luminaire and back into Florence's underwater world was such a fun and fantastic rush. Cho continues to dazzle with his imaginative, vivid, and superbly developed world-building, his endearing characters, enticing romance, and endlessly entertaining story.

Like its predecessor, Luminaire is so lushly imagined and crafted. Cho brings his underwater world of Niemela to life in a way that simply sparkles with bursts of palpable colors, sounds, textures, and tastes. There's such a lovely beauty to this underwater world, but also a fascinating and eerie darkness. This already layered world is expanded and explored even more in this volume, as we learn more about its history, customs, and political hierarchy.

I really love the whole storyline in this book, with Florence and Yolee entering their respective life path training then participating in the harsh Life Path tournament. The Life Path tournament, with its brutal tests of courage, strength, intelligence, and mere survival, is reminiscent of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but entirely original and captivating in its own right. This action packed tournament, full of thrills and chills around every corner, under every rock, and through every portal, had me furiously turning pages and left me breathless.

But Luminaire isn't all action and mayhem, there's definitely some romance going on between Florence and Rolan. This romance is both incredibly sweet and deliciously frustrating, and completely addicting. I love Florence and Rolan as a pair; they really complement one another. But I definitely love them as individuals as well. Florence continues to be such a relatable and likable heroine. She's special and different, with unique abilities, but she never feels out of reach or unattainable; there's a wonderful genuineness and authenticity to her. Yolee is still a ball of lovable mermaid adorableness and I want to be her BFF. We meet two new mers in this book, the adorkably sweet Wynn and the badgirl Mara, both of which I adore!

The books concludes with a highly satisfying ending, but the twists and turns continue to the very last page and the ending definitely left me wanting more (so much more!)

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Luminaire is one of those rare sequels that not only matches its predecessor in awesomeness, but surpasses it. This mer series, with its superbly developed world and stellar storytelling, is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Readers, from tweens looking for a fun, exciting new mer tale to adults simply looking for a fresh, fantastical story to fall into, will love this series. I highly recommend picking up the very affordable Florence then snatching up Luminaire when it releases.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the first book I was a little hesitant to pick up the next one because I wasn't really sure that I would enjoy it. Every one knows that second books are rarely as good as the first book. For some the second book just ends up going downhill and never picking back up again. Not this book though. Boy was I glad that I read this book. It was thrilling, mysterious, and I just couldn't keep my eyes from ever leaving the pages. Luminaire is definitely a must read for those who enjoyed Florence. It's quick and extremely captivating!

The one thing that I really loved about this book was that it got into the plot right away. In the first book I felt like I didn't really get to the problem until I was about 3/4 into the book. I loved how it wasn't slow at all and the story jumped right into the rising action. I'd say that plot wise this story was perfectly planned out. I wasn't confused at any times, I was fully connected with the characters, and the visualizations I got from the descriptions were spot on. This made me very happy because I had a few plot and description issues with the first book. I also loved the character development I saw in this book, especially from the main character Florence. I remember in the first book that she was a weak character who wasn't really comfortable in her own skin. She developed in the best way though. She became a fully independent character and a great leader. She's the only human in a world full of mermaids. The discrimination towards her is huge and I love the way she handles it. She isn't ashamed of being a human or wishing she had a mermaids tail. Instead she turns her back on all the nasty comments and does her own thing, which takes a lot of guts. I also really loved seeing the relationship between Rolan and Florence work out in this book. In the first book I wasn't really sure what they were, but this book answers all those questions in the cutest and sometimes most heat breaking way. I really enjoyed that. The thing that left me the most shocked though was the last chapter, let's just say something BIG and surprising happens. It will make you go WTF.

One problem I had with this book was that I thought the story was a bit predictable. Some events were pretty obvious and my guesses were all correct. I would have liked to see a bit more mystery added to the book. I want to be surprised, I want my predictions to be wrong. I felt like this book didn't do that for me. Another problem I had with this book was that I felt there was really no break between the action events. It was just problem after problem after problem. I would have liked a little break in between just to relieve the mind a little and maybe develop a few relationships between characters.

Overall this was a fantastic sequel. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy or mermaid books. If you were a fan of The Seyrena Legacy by Anna Banks this is definitely something you should check out!

[The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read FULL Review At: The Y.A. Bookworm Blogger

Luminaire is the sequel in the Florence Waverley series by author Ciye Cho. After reading Florence (Book #1) this summer, I was anxious to see what was next for these characters! Luminaire starts off after Rolan's coronation. Rolan is now the king of Niemela and Kiren is gone, but not all is right for Florence. Rolan has suddenly become distant and she now has to battle her way through the Life Path tournament so she can find her purpose, and prove to herself and all of Niemela that she belongs in this mermaid world.

Florence is a very different character in Luminaire. Unlike the first book, she is a lot stronger and confident in Niemela Florence seems to be pretty sure that Niemela is where she belongs, and it is evident she is trying her hardest to prove that in Luminaire. I loved seeing her do the things she knew she had to do, even when someone like Rolan was convincing her not to. She's able to stand up for herself, and I really respect that in a character!

I will admit, Rolan was making me go a bit crazy in Luminaire The distance he was stubbornly building between him and Florence was at first confusing, but became clearer throughout the course of the book when we got the chance to see small glimpses into Rolan's mind. Although there wasn't much physical affection going on between him and Florence, you could definitely tell their love was present (specifically towards the middle-end of the book). Their love story is sweet as sugar, and reaches a really good place at the end of the novel. Although Kiren didn't have a huge presence in Luminaire, I am very confident that after reading the ending, we will definitely be seeing him in book three. At the end of Florence, I had a feeling that there would be some love-triangle action in this book, and even though Rolan and Florence's relationship is developing, I still feel like there may be some unfinished business between Florence and Kiren that will be explored in book three.

There was a lot more action in Luminaire compared to Florence. The Life Path tournament allowed for lots of action/fighting opportunity that made the novel move along at a nice pace. There were lots of surprises and challenges that Florence and some other characters had to face, which added a bit more excitement!

Overall, Luminaire was a quick and entertaining sequel that I believe was even better than the first! This unique, mermaid setting continued to intrigue me and makes me want to further explore this world by finding other mermaid reads! I did not predict for Luminaire to take this story route, but I ended up really enjoying it and am looking forward to the next novel!

[Once · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first installment because I had never read a book based on an underwater world before but I loved Luminaire because it was such a strong sequel. Luminaire follows the main character, Florence Waverly as she continues to live her life in the underwater world of Niemela. She's been getting more acquainted with Rolan who is the newly appointed King of Niemela. But as the story begins, Rolan has started pulling away from Florence. He is going back on everything he has ever told Florence since her arrival in Niemela and is trying to get her to let him take her back to the surface so she can return the the human world.

Florence of course wants nothing to do with the human world any longer. She wants to remain in Niemela and build on the life she has started to create for herself. She wants to stay with her friend, Princess Yolee and try to find her niche within their world. In an effort to try to find her place within Niemela, Florence agrees to join the Life Path Tournament with Yolee so she won't have to go alone. King Rolan of course is furious and lashes out at Florence trying to drive home the point that he doesn't want her in Niemela any longer but the reality is he is scared for her. The Life Path Tournament involves a maze and it is incredibly challenging and dangerous. Unfortunately Rolan has no say over whether Florence can join the tournament or not, the Guardians have control over it and the King can not intervene.

The suspense of what will happen as the novices make it through their trials and into the Life Path Tournament is very well written. I would find myself biting my nails as I read through the danger that awaited them inside the maze. I loved the interactions that Florence has with several of the novices participating in the Life Path Tournament. I hope to see more of these characters in the next installment. There is a hint at the end as to the return of a character long thought to be dead, so I am pretty excited to see where the author goes with that unexpected plot twist. Overall this was a very well written second installment and I enjoyed it very much. Can't wait to see what Ciye Cho comes up with next!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on a copy I got from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. It has previously been published on my blog.

I really enjoyed Florence, the first book in the series, so when Ciye Cho approached me about reviewing the sequel I immediately agreed. Once more, Cho draws the reader into the colorful underwater world of Niemela, and this time the cracks in the perfect surface of the Niemelan society become even more obvious.

Florence and Rolan may have beaten the Wise Ones (creatures of the Darkness outside the underwater dome housing Niemela) at the end of the first book, but the price was steep and all is not well. With Rolan freshly crowned king and determined to change some of Niemela’s traditions, tensions form between him, his council, and parts of the general populace. With secret plots abounding, new friends and enemies revealed, and Florence herself facing a test she doesn’t feel prepared for, Luminaire was an engaging sequel that expanded the world building and set the stage for what’s to come.

It’s been a while since I read the first book, and I think I had forgotten just how rudely Florence was treated by some of the citizens of Niemela. Being the new king’s luminaire didn’t change much about that. It’s still clear that many mermen and –women see her as inferior and alien – someone who doesn’t belong and has no place in their world. And with Rolan suddenly avoiding her and being very cold and distanced after they had gotten so close in the time before his crowning ceremony, Florence feels isolated and hurt. She doesn’t want to return to the surface because there’s nothing really waiting for her up there, but she doesn’t feel all cozy in Niemela either. Also, she keeps having strange dreams warning her of danger for Niemela and Rolan. So when her best friend, princess Yolee, asks her to support her in trying to qualify for a life path (kind of like different ‘jobs’ or callings for mer in their society), Florence agrees and begins to work with the animal trainers.

Most of Luminaire focuses on the life path tournament – a once in a lifetime challenge for young mer from which they either emerge victorious and earn their place in the grand scheme of things, or not at all. It’s a giant maze under Niemela that no one who’s been through it is allowed to talk about. When the guardians in charge of it want to move the tournament much closer and Rolan is forced to agree, that leaves the novices with only days to prepare before deciding whether or not to take the test. But what does Provonox, the guardians’ leader, really want? What secret dangers lurk within the labyrinth?

As I said, the tensions within Niemela are even more obvious in this installment of the series. Florence grows once more from the shy, insecure girl she once was into a more determined and assertive version of herself. There are a few new characters introduced that I really liked, such as Wynn, a young merman following the path of the thinkers, who enjoys studying the surface world and is more open minded than many other Niemelans. Another one I eventually grew to like was Marilenna, sort of a punk-version of a mermaid who has it in for Florence at the beginning and sports quite the temper. Princess Yolee stayed her fabulous self, and I really enjoyed the friendship between her and Florence.

I admit that I was annoyed with Rolan’s behavior at times. He does have his reasons but I still don’t think the way he treated Florence was okay or all that adequately explained. I would have preferred to see them together, as a united front against danger. The hot-cold attitude of love interests in books is not a favorite trope of mine, but I guess that’s personal preference. Then again, this distance gave Florence more room to grow and learn to be independent.

With the life path tournament mentioned above, there was quite a bit of action, more than I think there was in the first book. There’s training, which also involves combat, the tournament itself, and the eventual showdown. Apart from those elements, I enjoyed the intrigues and other plot build-up that also makes me very curious about the next book! The focus is on the tournament, but there are other, more general things going on in the shadows that kept the book from feeling too ‘small’ and all about that one event, if you know what I mean.

My favorite thing though is the world building. I already thought it was very solid in Florence, but Cho managed to make the world even more real and elaborate in Luminaire by adding so many great details that rendered its workings more apparent and gave it a mythology and past it didn’t have before. Overall, I was satisfied with the sequel. The ending rounded it off well but also opened up the floor for the next book with something I didn’t see coming at all. I’m definitely looking forward to the finale of this underwater-trilogy!

[Sarahdactyl ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥ Find my reviews on Blogger ~ Literary Meanderings

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*Contains spoilers for Florence, book 1 in this series.*

Luminaire picks up not long after the events of it's predecessor. Florence Waverley has chosen to remain in the underwater kingdom of Niemela with her newfound mer friends.

All seems well for our heroine in this beautiful world under the sea... until things begin to crumble down around her. It begins with Rolan pulling away from her. At first it's small things; but eventually he seems to ignore her presence altogether. Florence doesn't understand the change in Rolan, but she resents it. Instead of dwelling on the issue, Florence decides to throw herself into helping princess Yolee qualify for the upcoming Life Path Tournament.

Truth Dreams begin to plague Florence. An unknown danger is threatening the children of Niemela and Florence is the only one who can save them. To find the answers she seeks, Florence has to enter the deadly maze which mer novices must successfully navigate in order to be brought into their Life Path.

Not only is it time for Florence to find answers—it's also time to prove she truly belongs in in Niemela.

- - -

What a beautiful second installment to this already-beautiful series! :)

First of all - I didn't think Cho's amazingly descriptive writing could get any more fabulous than it already was, but I was so wrong. If Florence blew you away, Luminaire will do so even more! This author has a knack for world building. I cannot even describe how beautiful he's made this magical underwater world to be. It's a place I could ache over. I wish it was real. It's sparkling and luminescent; it's mysterious and enchanting. The setting of this series is unlike any other I've ever encountered. It's memorable and something I'll never be able to forget. It's something you just have to experience for yourself to understand and appreciate.

I love the way Florence grew into herself in this book. My one dislike was that there wasn't enough of Rolan and Florence together. BUT, this is something that clearly had a purpose. So, I can definitely appreciate that. In breaking away from Rolan a bit, Florence came into herself more. Participating in the Life Path tournament really helped her earn a place among the merfolk and also to feel like something more than just an outsider. She not only saves Niemela, but she also comes to a realization while on her journey that helps shape who she is and could become. This book is very much about Florence's self-discovery. When she and Rolan finally confront each other about his behavior, it really helps her to be stronger; to be more adamant about what she wants and where she belongs. So, I'd have to say that the romance, while not as present as I'd like, was very beautifully done and well thought out.

Luminaire does not lack action! From the very beginning, the story moves at a quick, yet natural pace. The Life Path Tournament and maze were definitely the highlights of the story. The new characters introduced were also quite the treat. Mara and Wynn were my favorites. These two, coupled with Florence and Yolee, made quite the interesting mix of personalities. It was wonderful to journey through the maze with them. The dangers of the maze were creative and surprising. I really admire this author and how each and every thing about this series is unique and special; something I've never read. This book is one that'll be very hard to put down once you begin.

The ending to the story was perfection. I just don't think it could've been better any other way. Everyone gets what they deserve; both good and bad. Florence makes a name for herself and gains the respect she deserves. We learn of some new twists in the plot and revelations are definitely made! The epilogue leaves the series very much open... and what an epilogue it was! A complete surprise. Jaw-dropping. I cannot wait to read more about this amazing set of characters living in this enchanting world. ♥

Overall, Luminaire is everything a sequel should be. It was fast-paced and full of action, plot twists, and fun. Our heroine grows internally and comes into her own. She is truly an inspirational character. Ciye Cho will wow you with his knack for painting the perfect world with just words on a page. I promise you, Niemela is a magical place you will want to fall into. I recommend this book (and it's predecessor, of course!) to readers of all ages.

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Book source: From the author for review
Publisher: Studio Amazepop

[Kelly Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t know that I can say that I loved Luminaire more than Florence, I do know that it came pretty darn close! A lusciously exotic underwater world detailed in vivid colours and textures, a selfless protagonist that put friends before anything else, and a twisty action-packed plot combined to make Luminaire a page-turner from the first page!

Everything I loved about Niemela in Florence has returned with a bang in Luminaire, only this time, we get to see a slightly darker side to the vibrant sea creatures that inhabit the Oceanarium, and how they can be manipulated to do the merfolks bidding with the power of thoughts.

But where the setting really stole the show for me in Florence, in Luminaire it was the plot. Haunted by a mysterious and beautiful mermaid in her dreams, Florence realizes that the merfolk she has come to love, are in danger. Following the vague directions given by her dreams, Florence enters the Life Path Tournament, determined to keep the children of Niemela safe. Inside the tournament is a maze, where through every portal, she is thrust into increasingly more dangerous situations. I absolutely loved watching Florence try to solve each puzzle the maze threw her way, and with each puzzle she solved, I found myself growing more and more proud of how much she had grown since Florence. With secrets laying in wait behind each portal, the suspense was palpable and I couldn’t have relaxed even if I had wanted to. With so much focus on the Life Path tournament and solving the maze, the romance in Luminaire really took a back seat, and for that, I was pleasantly surprised as Rolan was still extremely hot and cold with Florence, which was just as confusing for me as it was for her.

I also loved watching Florence grow as a character in Luminaire. While still unsure of her place in Niemela, and even more unsure of her relationship with Rolan, the one thing she was sure of was that she wanted to stay – she wanted to find a place within Niemela to call home. I loved that Cho didn’t grace her with a magical ability to handle one of the life path’s with ease; I love that she struggled. I loved that she felt like giving up – multiple times – and that her promise to Yolee gave her the strength to persevere. And I love that, at the end of the day, she persevered to keep a promise BUT also because it’s what she really wanted.

The one thing that I think could have been explained a little better, was the reason Florence HAD to enter the tournament. I know she was visited in dreams – and at times, in waking – by a vision that said she had to enter the tournament. But while she helped her friends find their way through the maze, she really didn’t seem to be a necessary force to keep them moving. I kept waiting for the moment, that “a-ha!” moment, where I realized Florence’s key role in the plot, where had she not entered the maze, she wouldn’t have been able to accomplish something. So by the end of Luminaire, while having watched Florence grow but having not had that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated of something.

A solid sequel to what’s quickly becoming a favourite series, Luminaire definitely lived up to the expectations I had set for it after how much I loved Florence. With stunningly beautiful imagery, likeable characters and an action-packed plot, I couldn’t help but read it in one sitting!

[Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found here

Cho brings us back to the magical world of Niemela where we are reunited with Florence, Rolan, and Yolee. Yet again, I am amazed at Cho's ability to make Niemela feel credible. His descriptive phrases and attention to minute details makes this deep sea realm come alive. Although there were little kinks in the plot and character development, Cho was able to create an awesome sequel for the series.

The Bad:
The romance between Rolan and Florence wasn't as developed or as well written as it was in the first book. Rolan in particular acted out of character and it bothered me to think that he was purposefully written this way in order to have a presence in this book; as though he was written as stoic in order for the reader to remember him while Florence was going through the battles and trials to fit into the Niemelan world. I thought that Rolan's character was weaker and more shallow than the caring and emotional character we met in the first book. I found the explanations for Rolan's standoffish attitude to be inadequate and in turn the cuddly feelings I got from this couple in the first book didn't continue in this sequel.

The Good:
The plot had few loose ends and the events in the story were more engaging and better written than those in the first book. I can clearly see that Cho skill has progressed and it shines in this sequel. Although the concept of having each Niemelan follow one or more of the seven life paths (builder, healer, guardian, worker, thinker, animal trainer, or warrior) was unoriginal, it was written seamlessly into the novel's overall idea that each being has a certain role to play in order to benefit the community. Not only does this give the reader an idea of a potential dystopian world, but the concept also emphasizes how Florence disrupts this order and how her presence will bring change, both good and bad, into Niemela.

What I really respect about this book was that it avoided what we readers call middle book syndrome (MBS). A lot of authors who plan to create a trilogy only focus on the beginning and end without really constructing the middle. For example, the reason why J. K. Rowling was able to create such a successful series is because each book has its own plot structure, while contributing to the main character's overall journey. Rather than making the second book a filler, i.e., have no plot whatsoever, Cho created another action-packed book to add to the series and for that I applaud him.

In addition to the plot, the introduction of new characters, Wynn and Marilenna, paired with new information and discoveries about Florence's identity and powers gives the reader more incite about how the story will play out and keeps them engaged and wondering. Finally I find a book this year that leaves me with questions about the story rather about plot holes and incongruities. The two new character adds another dimension to the story and gives us an idea of the pressure a Niemelan deals with when trying to fit in and to follow a life path.

Overall: For those of you haven't read the first book, I recommend you read it first in order to get a full scope of the story and message and if you have get ready for another exciting adventure full of twists and turns.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review also posted here on TotalTeenFiction

Note: this is the 2nd in a series and may contain spoilers from the first book.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review:

I really enjoyed the first Florence Waverley book so I was excited when the author offered me the chance to read and review the sequel! Luminaire picks up just after Rolan's coronation. Florence is still in Niemela but she's struggling as Rolan becomes more distant and the population is preparing itself for the upcoming Life Path Tournament.

I loved how easy it was to get straight back into the world and I was reminded just how much I enjoyed the really imaginative setting. The descriptions are so vivid and colourful! Niemela has a lot of history and I really liked reading more about some of the legends and discovering more places such as the archives. I think it's great how the book is written in chapters from Florence's perspective, but then adds "interludes" from Rolan's perspective which show what is happening elsewhere. It really makes a difference to the storytelling and keeps the pace spot on.

This book focuses on the Life Path Tournament, where young mer-people in Niemela must try and qualify for the maze where they will face a barrage of obstacles in order to be able to follow their chosen life path. It felt kind of like the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter which is absolutely a compliment! The whole book had that feeling of being a quest for Florence as she tries to overcome everything, not only relating to the tournament but her position in Niemela as well which made me want to keep reading and rooting for her. I liked getting that glimpse into Florence's skills in the first book so it was good to see that built on.

One of my favourite parts Luminaire was the relationship between Rolan and Florence. Rolan has become distant and is pushing Florence away, but it's clear there's more going on there and I really enjoyed their interractions. The two characters bounce really well off each other. As with the first book I enjoyed the friendship between Florence and Yolee and it was really interesting to see that relationship tested slightly as the two of them both try to qualify for the tournament. One of my favourite characters in Luminaire was probably the new character Wynn who was just a really nice guy and added a great dynamic to the group. There are some fantastic villains too with the tournament director and his daughter stirring up trouble for Florence and the gang which made it even more interesting.

The only thing I was hoping for more of was maybe more exploration of the fact Florence is still missing from the human world. She did reflect a lot about her life on the surface but I'd like to see that addressed in the story a bit more.

Luminaire has plenty of action and great characters, all of whom get a chance to shine. It definitely lived up to the first book, in fact I think I enjoyed this one more! I'd definitely recommend this series if you like escaping into another world.

Find more books like this at TotalTeenFiction!

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

From http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

At A Glance
Another beautiful read from Cho, but I did feel like this was the standard filler book that we often see in series.

The Good
In Luminaire, Florence is trying to find her place among the merfolk. Her and Rolan are on the outs and all she has is Yolee to keep her company. When Yolee decides to join the Life Path Tournament, Florence offers to join along for support. But Florence learns that the tournament is more vicious and challenging compared to anything she has ever experienced. And with some merfolk trying to bring her down, Florence has very little chance of surviving her ordeal without her friends.

Florence is really amazing in this book. She is so strong, even when vulnerable. Her determination and selflessness really drive this book. You admire her, even when she is failing. You feel everything she feels and it really helps you bond to her character.

The thing that will knock your socks off is the world building and descriptions. I love reading Cho's version of merfolk and their society. The merfolk are pretty hardcore and scary but also beautiful. As for the descriptions, I could literally taste the salt in the ocean and feel the water running over my skin as I read every word of Luminaire. I had no problem picturing the breathtaking views of deep sea and the monstrous creatures of the tournament.

The writing, as always, was great. No complaints at all. Cho has a way of bringing his stories to life with his words. The action packed tournament kept me on the edge of my seat with trepidation and excitement. Cho's imagination shows no bounds with the horrors and thrills he came up with in Luminaire.

The Bad
I find myself underwhelmed with the direction of the series. It seems like Luminaire was a filler book in which almost nothing is resolved, actually things keep getting worse, and I left feeling depressed. Many of the bad people are let go and not punished, and Florence gives up a huge chance to make a difference from the "inside." All her trials and fights end up being for nothing.

The beginning was slow and the second half had a little too much action.

The Snuggly
Florence and Rolan spend most of this book apart. Rolan keeps pushing Florence away and she doesn't understand why. All she knows is that life under the sea is not the same without him around. I am kind of over Rolan's whole "I must keep Florence at arms length for her own good" thing. This is definitely not a romance filled book.

Final Thoughts
I enjoyed Florence, the first book, way better than Luminaire. I just think the plotline lacked some. I wanted more out of this book. But it's hard to stay mad because Cho does write a beautiful story with beautiful characters. Recommended to those who love mermaid books.

Quotes
I shivered as he slowly spread the blue paint.

He let go of me after he finished, and I looked up to see him watching me. His gaze was intense. Unreadable.

"What do I look like to you?" I asked.

"You look radiant. Luminous," he replied.

I tipped my head to the side. "I'm not talking about the paint."

"Neither was I," he said.

*Free book from author for honest review*

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-trailer-indie-book-review.html

Luminaire is the sequel to Florence. We continue to follow Florence in her adventure in the underwater world of Niemela. Florence is trying to adjust to her new life as a mermaid. Still recovering over the battle to save Niemela from Rolan's brother, Kiren, Rolan and Florence have grown distant. Florence has no idea what is wrong and is hurt by Rolan's actions. Things are even more terrible when Florence starts to get dreams about something that will destroy Niemela and it all starts with the tournament. Every Niemela must take part in a tournament to stay in Niemela. The pressure is on for Florence who is already an outcast, so she has to fight to find her place or risk leaving and not stopping the coming danger to Niemela.

I had a blast with this. I love this just as much as I love the first book, which made my Top 11 Books of 2012 list. I loved the growing friendship between Florence and Yolee, Rolan's sister. They were sort of in the same boat and I loved how much they helped each other. I am a huge Rolan fan, but I wanted to strangle the hell out of him in this book. The way he ignored Florence for most of this book pissed me off. I guess I can understand the why, but still that was mean. He thinks that if a human were to fall in love with a merperson, that human would lose their soul. So he is doing it to protect her, but goodness man, it is her decision, not yours. Nonetheless, I still love him. You'll see why. Another character I felt like slapping was Marilenna. Man she was quite the bully, but considering her dad, it is no surprise. The girl likes to win and will do anything to get to the top. But I like where her story goes. And Wynn...oh how I love Wynn! He was adorable. He was a scholar, but he always felt like he has something to prove. You will be rooting for him a lot in this book. Trust me.

I love the idea of giving Florence these dreams about what will happen to Niemela. It was a scary future for sure. I love the mystery of finding out who was behind it. It was crazy. I especially love when they are in the actually tournament. I will never look at a starfish the same way again. That was very creative along with the Mermidors. Seriously, that would be a great scene if it were a movie. Could have used these chicks in the latest “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie instead of the mermaids they had. But I won't give away how it all came about though, but it was amazing and action packed.

This was an amazing read. I loved the ending. We actually learn something pretty interesting about Florence near the end as well. I hope we get more in the next book. This book was full of action, suspense, and mystery. I loved the characters and, like in the first book, the world building is still amazing. This book was just a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

[Joie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The great thing about a sequel novel- if done right- is that all the basic introduction stuff is out of the way and you can get into the really good stuff: the action. This was the case with Luminaire.

I really really enjoyed Florence, the first book in the series. In fact, it may even be my favorite mermaid book. Luminaire, on the other hand, kind of blew me away with its sheer awesomeness. The story continues with Florence deciding to stay in Niemela and, in an effort to find her place in the mer society while simultaneously helping out Princess Yolee, she enters the Life Path tournament (read as "giant maze filled with lots of dangerous stuff"). This tournament is a big deal. Huge. Whether or not a Niemelan comes out of the maze determines their role in the kingdom. Oh, and there's also the possibility that they just don't make it out at all...

Anyways. Loved the maze. So much action and fighting and craftiness happens in the maze (and I suspect I'm just a total sucker for anything that's set in maze). Through the ordeal, Florence really grew as a character. She's no longer the awkward outsider in Niemela- she literally battles for a place in this world she has come to consider home. Florence is a pretty quiet character, a bit of a wallflower, but always with a silent strength hidden away in her. I thought I had seen the extent of that strength in the first book, but only after reading Luminaire did I realize that what I saw was only a fraction of what Florence had in her.

Rolan's character had me a bit peeved because he acted so standoff-ish and cold towards Florence in the beginning. But no worries, by the end of the book, he more than redeemed himself. I would tell you guys how but I wouldn't want to spoil any of the good stuff for you. ;)

In addition to Florence and Rolan, a few new characters are introduced in this book as allies and foes. I am usually picky about characters who make their grand debut later in a series, but I ended up loving them (not the bad guys, obviously). Marilenna and Wynn were my favorites; they made the character dynamics and plot much more interesting. Plus there's definitely some chemistry between the two of them and I'm dying to see more!

The plot was a tad slow at first, but once the tournament was set in motion, I was completely hooked. Yet even amidst a fast-moving plot, the author is able to interweave beautiful descriptions of another facet of the underwater world. The imagery is vivid and colorful and a bit magical.... while also managing to be somewhat creepy at times.

All in all:
If you loved Florence then I highly recommend reading Luminaire because everything that was wonderful about the first book has basically been elevated. The ending, which is a bit of a cliffhanger, promises much more intrigue to come in the next book and I cannot wait.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence Waverly is to mermaids, what Unearthly is to angels for me: the exception in a lackluster genre. Seriously, Luminaire has restored my faith in mermaids. While I thought the first book was fun and cute, this one was even better! Even though it's been awhile since I read the first book, I was never lost or confused. The author does an amazing job of reminding us of the important points without them feeling out of place or info-dumping. He also fills us in on some of the events that happened between books, but aren't necessarily important, just cute to see.

At the beginning of Luminaire, Florence is still struggling to find her place in Niemela. Many of the merfolk don't think she belongs, while others believe she's a magnet for the Darkness. Despite this, Florence is determined to stay and fit in. Her best friend Princess Yolee is also having trouble finding where she belongs, but the upcoming Life Path Tournament may just solve both of their problems. If they can pass the qualifier challenges, and Prince Nolan would rather have Florence return to the surface than enter.

Speaking of Rolan...gosh he's a jerk this time around! He blows Florence off at every possible moment, even when she's planned him a spectacular Hatchday (mermaid equivalent of a birthday) celebration! She just wants to talk to him, but he can't spare her a single moment. Then he has the audacity to try to stop her from finding a life path! Thankfully we get a few interludes from his perspective that give a little clarification to his abrupt personality shift. I'm totally rooting for this these two, despite the whole soul stealing thing.

Now back to the plot. The Life Path Tournament is awesome. Florence, Yolee, and the other novices all enter a maze full of challenges related to the life path that they wish to enter. There's also lots of danger lurking in each of the chambers that the novices must fight their way through. Florence had been having visions of Darkness to come and the only way to fight it is within the maze. I was very proud of how brave Florence was, and how she took a kind of leadership role during the tournament. There's a few new creatures introduced, the most memorable being the Mermidors. Holy crap, they are creepy! I wouldn't want to cross one!

Luminaire is an awesome sequel to Florence. It has more action, a little romance, and lots of world building. I am absolutely in love with this world, and Luminaire gives us so much more information. We of course get to see the amazing Oceanarium, plus the different Life Paths are explained, and new characters are introduced. One of my favorite scenes involves a simple, yet slightly insulting, explanation as to how Florence is able to speak Meridian! The ending was very cute and happy, until the last page. I was like "no way!" Now I cannot wait for the third book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This review can also be found on my blog acascadeofbooks.blogspot.com

I received an ebook copy of this novel from the author in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Florence Waverley Series, check out my review of the first novel here!

I really enjoyed the first novel in this series and I was eagerly anticipating when I would get a chance to pick the sequel up. I am glad to say that it didn't disappoint! This novel begins right after Rolan's coronation as King of Niemela, and any of the story we missed, including the coronation itself is filled in nicely by flashbacks from Florence. I thought these flashbacks were used well, not too frequently to become annoying, but sparingly enough to allow the reader a full picture of what had happened between the books.
In this novel Florence takes part in the Life Path tournament, (think Tri-Wizard Tournament, underwater, with careers for the victors) which I really enjoyed reading about, as it was action packed and edge-of-your-seat reading. There is definitely more action in this novel than the last, the Life Path tournament introduced more action and also introduced the readers to an enormous number of new creatures which were interesting to read about.
Rolan is the main love interest in this series, and he was very frustrating to read about in the beginning, as a complete change had come over him since the end of Book 1. Whereas in book 1 he was quite warm and caring towards Florence by the end, in the beginning of this novel he is distracted and cold towards her. Thankfully he didn't keep up his stubborn distance and coldness to Florence for very long. As a reader, I was able to better understand why Rolan was acting that way through a few short chapters of this novel being from his P.O.V. As well as allowing insights into his thoughts and feelings, it allowed us to read a little bit more about the goings on in the kingdom of Niemela.
Florence is also different in this novel, but in a more positive sense. She is much more confident, she feels like she has found her place, where she belongs in Niemela. Florence is one of my favourite female protagonists to read about as she is very strong and always stands up for herself and things she believes in. I also enjoy the fact that she doesn't let anyone, especially Rolan boss her around.
I also like the relationship between Florence and Rolan, I think it's super sweet and it developed nicely towards the end of the book.
Overall I really enjoyed this sequel. It is a quick read that continues and develops what was introduced in Book 1. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see how the story develops further in a world that has intrigued me from the beginning.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what went wrong here for me. Luminaire took me a long time to read. Perhaps it was a mixture of being tired and less engaged this time around in the series, but I found myself pushing to finish this one.

Luminaire picks up after Florence, with relatively few wrinkles. Prince Kiren is gone, now Rolan is King and Florence is his... well, she doesn’t know. She acts as his luminaire for the coronation, and brings light to the ceremony, symbolising their affiliation, and Rolan certainly made her think he was interested in her, but then he became a real cold fish after he was crowned. (A bad pun for a merman, but I had to!) All Florence has to do all day is follow Princess Yolee around, deal with being the outsider human, and try to make her life below the sea make sense.

In the first book of the series, named after the heroine, Florence recalled her life above the waves as being less than exciting, with few people who loved her really. Still, through this book I found it unsettling that she would be so happy to transition to a life with mer people and not look back. I also found it hard to deal with the cross-species nature of her relationship with Rolan. Her breathing polyp serves her well below the waves, but still... the biology also didn’t match up enough for me this time. Lungs just can’t ventilate water, no matter how much you want them too, and the idea of her being able to cough up a lungful of water, then breath air normally for a while made me roll my eyes gratuitously.

At times I found the pace very slow, and then at about halfway through the novice mer people find themselves thrust into the ‘life path maze’ which is a series of trials that they must overcome to qualify as an adult. The action barely let up from this point on, and I found it all a bit much at times. This maze makes the maze from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire look like a walk in the park. It is full of horrendous creatures, evil mermidors and hugely dangerous tasks. I found it ridiculous that a rite of passage would have such a heavily stacked deck towards the doom of the youngsters. Clearly there was someone evil at work... and one such comedy villain did spring to mind. I felt like shouting “he’s behind you” at several points, but no one else seemed to realize the villain’s game.

I won’t spoil the ending, or reveal more of the plot, but I was left with an overwhelming feeling that this installment stretched the idea too far for me, and I wished that I had left the series after the first book. I feel like that would make a very good stand alone novel, and it didn’t need following up with another two books. I am going to part ways with the series now while I still think fondly of the heroine, her merman boyfriend and the kingdom of Niemela.

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Fables Library
I received a copy of the book from the author for a honest review, this does not effect my opinion!

If you haven’t read my first review, then you might not know that I really love stories with mermaids in them. Florence is no exception to this love of mine. It’s colorful, simply wonderful and just a gosh darn good mermaid tale that (I think) is good for all ages!

The details and storytelling in this book are absolutely wonderful. The world of Niemela is thought out carefully, each aspect of their life just perfect. Were they eat, how they live, were they sleep, every detail is awesome. Also, everything is so colorful, even the mermaids have names for the colors which I think is so cool. No mermaid, so far that I know of, is the same color. Each are wonderful, some evil, in the best ways possible!

I love the new characters! My favorite is Wynn. He’s a thinker merman aspiring to be a warrior one. He’s intelligent and nice, that’s what I like most about him. Mara the daughter of Provonox who tries each life path and succeeds just so people know how good she is.

Evil characters in this book were really threatening. They face exiled mermaids who killed and stole, who use dark magic and charmed others. It seems like it’s almost impossible to get past these foes!

Of course old characters come back like Florence (the main character.) You find out more about her past life as a human and her mother, one of the things I liked most. She’s the same likable character who’s living in a magical -and colorful- world of mermaids. Also Rolan, *somewhat spoiler* now King, *end somewhat spoiler* is back and acting rather harsh towards Florence. He no longer seems to be the merman she fell in love with, there’s something dark is in his eyes, why is he so different? Well, the answer is in the book, and if you wish to know why I suggest you read it (I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!)

I didn’t like Luminaire as much as Florence but it was more action packed, heart pounding and thrilling! In this book the characters go through a maze to get their life path as mermaids (and well, a human). The maze isn’t a really nice place and it’s were the darkest monsters are this time. They face countless dangers not only living but natural as well. Underwater fire, evil mermaids, and other creatures of the Darkness. Some blame their troubles on Florence yet they all have to work together if they want to survive. With all the fighting and rivalry between the characters, is survival even possible? Find out in Luminaire!

You’d like Luminaire if you liked Florence, mermaids, fantasy, romance of colorful books!

For more about the book go here: http://florence-books.com/about-the-b...

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was first posted on Music, Books and Tea

Florence, the first book in this series, was one of my favourite reads of 2012. Well, I’m afraid to say that Florence has been knocked off that list…and replaced by Luminaire.

Florence has had to do some serious maturing in Luminaire. She’s staying put in Niemela, even though she’s very much a human still, and a lot of Mer don’t want her to be there. She finds herself training as an Animal Trainer in order to help Yolee pass her building qualifier, and she keeps having strange dreams, telling her to enter the maze, which all young Niemelans must do if they wish to have a Life Path. Florence is quite literally out of her depth, yet she digs deep inside herself and finds a strength that I don’t think she even knew she possessed. She manages to save Niemela from a terrible fate, and really does help prove why she deserves to live in Niemela.

Rolan. Oh my, where do I start with him? I was so frustrated with him at the beginning of Luminaire, because he just seemed to be pushing Florence away from him. Then when Florence starts preparing for the tournament, he redeems himself by helping her learn to fight and defend herself. And the moment that they shared in the Repository was so ‘aww’ worthy! He continues to redeem himself when he saves Florence from her death, and without realising it, helps to save many other lives in the process. I’m so glad he was able to accept his love for Florence, and I can only hope that he continues to do so!

A good majority of Luminaire focuses on the tournament, meaning that we spend a lot of time with Florence, Yolee, Wynn and Mara. Yolee was absolutely great, I loved her in Florence and I loved her even more in Luminaire, probably because she really started to grow up. She believed in Florence when few others did, and that was something that Florence never forgot. I adored Wynn, because he wanted to be so much more than just a Thinker. I was so pleased that he was rewarded at the end, although I am worried to see where that ‘reward’ will take him. And Mara was a character who I really disliked at the beginning but found myself quite attached to her at the end. She wanted to be accepted for who she was, she wanted to be a Warrior, not a Guardian, and needed her father to accept that about her.

Luminaire was everything I could have ever wanted in a sequel plus so much more! I cannot wait to see what happens to Florence, Rolan and everyone else in Niemela, because I have a feeling that big things are about to happen, especially after the final chapter of Luminaire!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence Waverley is slowly making a life for herself in the underwater world of Niemela. Florence thought things were mostly right with the world. They’d managed to defeat the Darkness and her romantic relationship with Rolan was blooming. But the newly crowned King Rolan has been acting strangely cold and oddly formal to his Luminaire – and Florence has no idea why the sudden change in attitude. In the days leading up to Rolan’s coronation

But Florence isn’t given too much time to dwell on her Rolan situation – the powers that be in Niemela have decided to move up the all important Qualifying Challenges and the Life Path Tournament in an attempt to get more warriors to protect Niemela from underwater enemies.

To help her friend, Princess Yolee, Florence decides to undertake the important test that every Niemellian must take in order to be a productive member of society. But with Truth Dreams haunting her and the unknown dangers of the Tournament to face, Florence needs everything she has to master the maze and save Niemela.

In this second book in the Florence Waverley series, I found myself falling as in love with Florence and the world of Niemela as I did when I read the first novel, Florence. Florence as a character is slowly finding her way in her new life and doesn’t shy away from the challenges she has to face. Even when her relationship with Rolan falls apart, Florence still manages to do all she can to try and protect her adopted land. She’s smart, brave and good in a crisis. That said, she’s still vulnerable and has moments of uncertainty.

The new characters that were introduced in this book were one of the highlights for me. Wynn, Mara and the others are fantastic. I loved their personalities and the unique ‘Mer’ness that they bring to the story.

Luminaire is not short on action – but it progresses at a rate that feels natural. I loved the pace and thought the concept and execution of the Qualifies and the Life path Tournament were brilliant. They was well thought out with lots of tiny details that really went the extra mile.

The vivid colours and beautiful scenery that I adored from Florence were present throughout Luminaire and once again I felt like I could see everything that was described. I had a great time reading this book and can’t wait to see if there will be a third book in the Florence Waverley series.

The book trailer for Luminaire is just as gorgeous as the one for the first book. I think it’s very clever in that it shows everything that happens in the book and yet doesn’t manage to spoil a thing. And the colours are just beautiful.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear god how I LOVE this book!! I just can't express how much I love and adore the world that the author has created. I just want to dive in to the pages and never resurface.

Cho is one of the best descriptive writers I have ever encountered. They way he describes Niemela and the creatures down there is phenomenal. You can see every colour, feel every texture, you just feel like you are really down there with Florence and all the mer people. They world is so layered, between the vibrance and colourfulness of the kingdom to the eeriness and mystery of the darkness. If you don't like too much description in your books then maybe this one isn't for you but I still HIGHLY encourage you to give it a try. It's just so amazing.
Florence I really like. She isn't the usual clingy and needy character. She has grown so much in the two books. In Luminaire she decides to enter the Life Path tournament so as to finally feel like she belongs somewhere. She wants to show the mer people that is not some weak little human. She is such a strong character with a warm and caring heart.
Rolan I love. Even though he becomes very closed off and pulls away from Florence I still loved him and so wanted him and Florence to finally become an official couple. The few rare glimpses we see of the other side of Rolan are so sweet and I could tell that he really does care deeply about Florence. They are just so cute together.
Yolee I also love. She is so cute! I just want to squeeze her! She is so loyal and supportive of Florence. She has stood by her side the whole time even when everyone else has shunned her. I just want to be her friend.

The darker side of Niemela is seen more in this installment and more and more questions are raised as to what is happening. The tournament is full of danger and and brutal tests of both body and mind. It was very reminiscent of the tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire although this one felt much darker and more dangerous. We learn a lot more about Niemela society and I was fascinated by the different Life Paths and we got to learn more about the history and customs of the mer people.

I could go on and on about how much I love this series but I won't so I'll just leave you with this: READ THIS NOW!!! You won't be disappointed!

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Ashley Gafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

I read Florence last year and absolutely adored it. It actually turned out to be one of my favorites for 2012! So when I got the opportunity to review Luminaire I knew I had to say yes even though my review list was already stressing me out. I did manage to get to it and I am so glad that I did. Once again, Cho created a story that had me completely captivated from beginning to end!

The imaginative world, Niemela, is both beautiful and interesting. The descriptions Cho use brings the world to life in such a way that I feel I have really been there. However, what really sets the world of Niemela apart is their politics. While it becomes apparent in Luminaire, that some of the system is broken, there is still much that can be learned from their world. I love the fact that everyone has to have a life path and make a contribution to the world. Unfortunately, like our world, there are always dirty politicians trying to cause disruption.

I really enjoyed seeing Florence grow as a character in Luminaire. There were a couple of times that she let Rolan’s coldness get to her but for the most part she really grew in this installment. Florence continues to help Yolee and fight for peace and the good of Niemela even though many are still unkind to her. Florence doesn’t care what the others say about her but instead focuses on helping her friends and Rolan succeed.

I did get frustrated with Rolan in this book. The push and pull routine he did on Florence gave me whiplash and I really wanted to slap him. Still, Rolan is one of those characters that are so inherently good it is virtually impossible to really hate him. You can tell that he truly wants to be a good leader and wants to be there for Florence. I was happy that there were chapters told from his point of view so we could really see what he was thinking.

The storyline is Luminaire is a bit different than the one in Florence. There is more action and adventure in this one and little less of a love story. Don’t worry though, there is just enough of Rolan and Florence to keep you on the edge of your seat!

The ending left me breathless and desperate for more! I cannot wait for the final installment of the Florence Waverly series. I am sure that Cho has many more twists, turns, and adventure coming! And of course, I have to know how things play out between Florence and Rolan!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: After reviewing Florence, I was happy to have the opportunity to review the second novel in that same series. I loved this one just as much, if not a bit more, that the first. I thought that characters grew just the right amount (nobody can stay the same forever or the book, as well as life, would be boring).

This novel had much more action than the first did. The majority of the book seems to be made up of action of some kind which keeps the plot moving and also keeps the story interesting. The action proves just how strong the main character really is. I would not be able to go through what she has. She has adjusted extraordinarily well and continues to grow stronger. She fights for what she wants which I love. It's great that she thinks for herself. She refuses to follow blindly behind someone, especially when she is offered the chance to fit in. It's no longer about that for her. It's a good thing that Rolan grew up because he was starting to get on my nerves. A few times, I told Kristen that I wanted to jump into the book and punch him in the face for being such a stupid boy.

I find that I am much happier with the way this book ended than I was with the last. I felt more satisfied than I previously did. In fact, I'm glad that it ended the way it did. The book left just enough questions and theories to make another book necessary. By that, I mean that I need to read the next one. I really want to know what happens. However, I was a little disappointed that all the nonsense with Kiren wasn't mentioned very often. There were a few references to him, what had happened, where he is, and what he is doing now, but nothing really happened with that story line. He was there, yes, but had little purpose in this novel. I thought that this one would be more centered on his plans, not the plans of others. Perhaps that will be in the third novel...

Also, where did Rolan's dad go at the end? I felt he was suddenly absent but that could just be me.

Closing: I think that this is the kind of series that you start and get sucked into. You want to finished them and kind out what is going to happen but you also need to finish them. I stand with what I said about Florence, this is an amazing book and I think you should check it out. Give it a try. What have you got to lose?

http://one-chapter-ahead.blogspot.ca/

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

: I was quite pleased when Ciye asked if I was interested in reading the second book in the Florence Waverley series. I read Florence a little while ago, you can find the review here. and I really enjoyed it, so of course I accepted his offer right away.

I'll start by saying this was a really great sequel. We got to pick up right where we left off. We were led on some high strung, fast paced, edge of your seat adventure. We learned about some brand new dangers that come with living within a mer world while still holding onto previous enemies. Florence is continually trying to find her place among the mer. They are still not overly receptive, but her determination refuses to let her give up. She is beyond selfless and she feels she needs to be there to help in any way she can.

I was happy to again be immersed in Ciye's incredible vibrant world. It's definitely what I enjoy most about this series. The bright colorful images painted within this story are just beautiful. I just love sitting there and envisioning this awe inspiring world he has created. What I wouldn't give to be Florence for a day. Or even to live in Ciye's creative mind for a day to see where all the inspiration comes from.

The romance development was heart breaking at times. It's obviously not easy to be in love with a merman, let alone the king of mermen. Same goes for Rolan, it does not put him in an easy position to be a strong leader who is in love with a weak little human. Not to mention the fact that if a human and mermaid fall in love, the human supposedly loses their soul. So yeah, definitely not an easy pairing here. But their feelings for each other are ever growing. Will they be able to find a way to make it work? Or will Rolan's stern nature drive her back to the surface?

In an attempt to find her place and prove she is not just some weak little human, Florence enters the life path tournament. Which in itself is incredibly dangerous and not everyone survives. But this year, things are even worse due to unforeseen enemies.

You'll have to read it yourself to fill in the blanks. It's a good read and fun for fantasy lovers. It's great if you're looking to experience a brand new and unique world. And, obviously if you are into mermaids than this is your next read :).

[Janina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings: 4.5
I thought Luminaire was a great sequel to Florence, book 1. I loved being reunited with this unique world of Niemula. I believe Ciye does a fantastic job in describing the world and the characters in a way where you can truly envision them in you mind. I devoured this book in about a day or so and did not want to put it down and was so sad when I reached the end. If you have not checked out this series, I really think you should give a try because I am definitely enjoying it and can't wait to find out what happens in book 3 :)

Florence Waverley is the only human living among the mer people. For that, she is brave because they treat her different because she's a human. I really love reading more and more about Florence and seeing the development of her characters. But the things that she experiences in this book with the mer was sad to see. For instance Rolan. I don't know how I'm feeling about him right now, but in the beginning I was so confused because I didn't know what happened from book 1 to book 2. It was like he was a completely different person than what I was use to seeing of him. He kind of redeemed himself a little bit towards the end, but I wish we could have seen more between Florence and Rolan.

Yolee was pretty much the same and I STILL love her! She's just a fun and exciting character to read about and anyone will be transfixed with her. She's also the type of character that draws you in and love when she suddenly pops up in the story. I also love how we were introduced to some new characters. Wynn was pretty awesome :) A little dorky, but awesome!

This book was filled with tons of action. There were so many suspenseful moments that kept me reading all night! You have to force yourself to tear your eyes away from the book at times to get a little but of rest. lol I simply loved this book!

And that ending was like, 'WHAT?!' I can't wait for book 3. I am dying to know what will happen! I definitely recommend this series to those of you who love mermaids/men. Even if you don't, I still think you will enjoy the series! :) Thanks so much to Ciye Cho for a review copy of Luminaire. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

[Devon Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Florence Waverley picks up a little into the future in the sea world of Niemela. Rolan is now king, but his relationship with the human-forced-'mermaid' is strained for some reason. Rolan still hasn't told their world about Kieran's deceit and not everyone is keen to follow the young king. Now that their warrior numbers have taken a serious hit, the counsel requests to bump up the annual Life Path tournament to fill the void with new recruits. Florence, now alone and still unliked by her fellow sea mates, agrees to choose and train in one of the seven life paths to support her best friend and Princess, who is forced to participate herself.

Training in the way of a mermaid isn't easy when you're merely human, but Florence shrugs off the constant disapproving glares from the community and the brush-offs from Rolan and moves forward in this new underworld life. But she has no idea what she's gotten herself into, because even if she can pass the initial test for her chosen life path, there's still the tournament to deal with, where either you come out...or you don't. And now that she's getting truth dreams that tell her Rolan and the children of Niemela will die if she doesn't go through and succeed, she has no choice but to push her way through the deadly maze. But the guardians are against her getting through, and the maze has been filled with new challenges that even the best of the mermaids can't get through, so how will she?

I actually enjoyed Luminaire more than the first novel, Florence, mostly because of the tournament and the odd group of mermaids Florence joins with in order to better their chances of survival, including a bitter warrior who would love to see her fail. It kinda reminded me of the Hunger Games in Catching Fire, but an underwater version, so all the crazy/deadly obstacles kept my attention. If you haven't read the series, its uniqueness surely makes it worth the read. :)



ARC provided by author for honest review.

[Ruth B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luminaire is the perfect sequel in the adventures of Florence. After seeing this young girl discover the wonderful world of Niemela, now in book two we see her confront the scariest creatures and discover her place in the mermaids’ world.

Florence has decided to stay in Niemela. Ron is avoiding her and she feels more out of place than ever. And now she has offered to enter the Life Path tournament just to help Yolee.

The Maze where the tournament takes place is the ultimate test for Florence fears. There she- among the other novices- has to face the Darkness and some evil mermaids. All the chapters that tell the adventures inside the Maze are really intriguing, full of action and danger. All of these facts make it hard to put the read down.

In Luminaire we get to know more about Florence’s past and we see more sides of her personality. It is really easy to love her and feel relate to her. She is just a really strong, beautiful and loving girl living in a different place.

Rolan is still learning to be the King and the weight of this position is hard to bear. The feelings he has for Florence are totally new for him and are part of the greatness of the book. Their relationship is evolving and is good to see how they both deal with it.

Two new characters appear in this book, Wynn and Marilenna that complete the group along with Florence and Yolee. They are so funny and totally opposites. Wynn is a sweet, intelligent guy and Marilenna is a tough girl with a big attitude. And Yolee continues being the most adorable girl in the books.

The thing I love the most about this series is how well described the bottom of the ocean is. You can picture the colors, the forms, the variety of life and even the smells. Ciye Cho has the ability to put into words a fantastic world that never ceased to amaze you. Everything seems real and is easy to immerse in an exciting realm.

A fast and thrilling book with a rollercoaster of emotion that will leave you waiting for more.

(I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review).

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: "Being the only human in a world of merfolk... isn't easy. Florence Waverley chose to stay in Niemela, but things have gone awry. Secrets have risen and the prince she cares about has pulled away. All the while, dark dreams warn her of a tragedy that only she can stop. But in order to save the merman she loves, Florence will have to enter the Life Path tournament: a brutal test of fear and madness.

The tournament is a rite of passage--a maze where young mermaids and mermen battle to find their purpose. It is also a place where Florence will face grave danger: mermaids with evil magic, tunnels filled with sea fire, and guardians who wish to use her as a pawn in their secret plans. But will Florence be strong enough to survive the tournament... or will she perish inside it?

Everything hangs in the balance: her life, her world, and her love.

("Luminaire" is the second book in the Florence Waverley series.)"

My Review: Lets start off by saying this is the second book in the series and I really enjoyed the first, Florence. For some reason latey I have been disappointed with follow up books in a series, but with Luminaire that is not the case! We get to continue Florence's undersea adventures through turbulent times. I think that this book may have been even better than the first, maybe because romance really took a back seat to adventure and self discovery. Also while the book is filled with action, it doesn't feel like it is crisis after crisis until the main event of the Life Path Tournament. Now I can't talk too much about things without spoiling surprises but I really like where the story is headed. I enjoy how Ciye Cho really made you remember that she is underwater, the characters and scenes really stick to the setting (I know that sounds odd but I really hate when stories or characters that are not human or on earth start to take on the traits of being on earth and forget the true setting).

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

see full review @ Katie's Corner

This week I have series I was asked to review back in February. But I had some issues; therefore the reviews are going live only now. If you do not remember what happened or are new to this series, check out the review for the first book here.

I’ll be making this review very brief, as you should read the book by yourself. There’s a lot that I can’t tell you. But trust me, the book is packed with action and adventure. How so? Florence is choosing to stay in Niemela where Roland is, meaning she has to find her life path; otherwise she can’t really stay there. All’s good when she finds at what she is good at: speaking with animals, but before she’s acknowledged as a part of society she’s to enter the maze. And only those who survive it are given the armbands. Do you get my drift? There are lots of mysteries in it as well as challenges to overcome. And you don’t want to miss any f it, as Florence shows some great skills out there.

Thee are many new characters, both good and evil, and some being both. The relationship between Roland and Florence will be tested all the time, and sometimes Roland acts as a total jerk. But not only Florence has problems by staying in Niemela, Roland is also facing many challenges wit first becoming the king and falling in love with Florence. Will their love survive? That’s for you to find out. And don’t forget that there’s another book, which I hope will shed lots of light on some major problems – the darkness primarily and Florence’s heritage also. We still don’t know why she is what she is. Ate you ready for a thrilling ride that this book is? If yes, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy now! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Luminaire was a well written sequel to Florence. I read Florence earlier this year and fell in love with the world of Niemela. It’s rare that I encounter mermaids in books and I love the world the author built. It was descriptive and I could picture it all in my head so clearly. The way Niemela is set up is unique, enchanting, and makes perfect sense and the author never fails to amaze me in that sense. The first book was full of conflict and self discovery and although it stands alone really well, I enjoyed the sequel a lot and it certainly didn’t disappoint. There was just as much conflict and self discovery in Luminaire and I had a much better understanding of all the characters, both old and new and a better understanding of the world of Niemela. The conflict between the characters was shocking, especially when I thought Florence proved herself in the first book. Florence is just as much of an outcast at the beginning of book two and it definitely surprised me and had me asking tons of questions and turning the pages to find out more. I cannot praise the writing enough for being incredibly descriptive and picturesque and the author was able to tell an enchanting story beautifully. There were interesting scenes and legends and magical encounters throughout the Life Path tournament that Florence finds herself in. Just when I thought I’d learned all there was to learn about Niemela, the Life Path Tournament maze introduced so much more. Luminaire was a story full of adventure, love, coming of age, self discovery, betrayal, and magic in the incredible world of the mer. I would definitely recommend it to others.

[Soma Rostam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I read the first book, Florence (find my review here) a few months ago. And I fell in love with Ciye Cho's amazing world building and character development. This book was even better.
Florence is settling down in Neimelia, but without a life path, she feels useless. She cannot be a mermaid, and Rolan is slipping more and more away. So, when the tournament starts, she decides to join, too. But is choosing a life path that easy? Will she get out of the tournament alive? Will she figure out the conspiracy that is threatening to destroy everything she believes in? Find out more when you read Luminaire. Unique. Action-packed. And spell-binding. You will never get bored with this.
I absolutely loved this book. First, Ciye Cho is one of the most amazing world-builders I have ever seen. His imagination is so vivid, I felt like I was there. Beneath the dark, scary waters, with Florence. His descriptions will never bore you, since he has a way of turning everything ordinary into extraordinary. Ciye Cho is a pro. I loved all the new characters he added into this round. Specially the wickedly lovely mermaids with their long, deadly braids. Second, his characters. They are so easy to relate to, to fall in love with. All of them are multi-layered with believable motivations and back-stories.
I could go on and on about the amazing-ness of this book. I loved it as much as the fins in the waters. But you have to read it for yourself to find out. This is one of the best fantasy series out there! It's screaming "TURN ME INTO A MOVIE!".

[Farah Hanani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on blog: Tumbling In Books

I actually read this like a long time ago and finally get the chance to write a review for it. Let’s just hope my memory won’t fail me.

Luminaire is different in a lot of ways from the first book, Florence. Luminaire was more action-filled while Florence was more concentrated on the romance between Florence and the two brothers. But I love love LOVE Luminaire. It was so much more actiony and fun and filled with so MANY FEELS.

I love the fact that the author put more characters in it and there was a lot of growth in characters, both for Florence and the princess. But I still can’t understand the fact that WHY Rolan has to pull away from Florence. Even so, I love the fact that the author dig deep down and brought more out of Niemela. What you saw of Niemela in the first book was just the tip of an iceberg.

I don’t think I have read any other mermaid book so I don’t have any other mermaid book to compare the Florence Waverly series to. But for now, Luminaire is my favorite mermaid book by far. It has everything in this book. It has character, growth, romance, angst, action, you name it. Wait. Was there a cliffhanger? Lol. I can’t remember. But even so, if there is a third Florence Waverly book, I’m going to get my hands on it as fast as I can so I can gobble the story down. Yep. Definitely looking forward towards the next book :D