In the Shadow of the Luminaries

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but it quickly exceeded my expectations. The book dives deep into a fascinating period of history, weaving together well-researched facts with an intriguing fictional storyline. The characters are rich, complex, and utterly engaging, and the plot has just the right amount of mystery to keep you turning the pages.

In the Shadow of the Luminaries is a gripping tale set in a world forever altered by a catastrophic inversion of gravity. Kallen Samuels brilliantly imagines a society split between floating cities and earthbound survivors, weaving a complex web of political tension, survival, and identity. Valtteri Knox, an outsider raised as a tool for infiltration, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover hidden truths about his world and himself. As an Iridogen, he must navigate distrust, shifting alliances, and a looming war, all while struggling with his own sense of belonging. Samuels expertly balances world-building with character-driven drama, making the unique premise of reverse gravity a compelling backdrop to the larger story of survival, power struggles, and self-discovery. Valtteri’s growth from an outcast to a central figure in the unfolding events keeps readers engaged, as does the constant tension between the Aerish and the earthbound factions. The mystery of the swath and its origin adds intrigue to an already complex narrative. The novel offers rich descriptions, vivid action scenes, and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of identity, power, and survival in a fractured world. It’s a must-read for fans of dystopian science fiction who enjoy stories that combine imaginative world-building with intense personal stakes.

I thought this book was very exciting and kept me at the edge of my seat. Im curious now if the author has anymore that they've written...

This is a sci fi, post apocalyptic story that takes you on a journey! I loved Valterri, the protagonist, and his unique perspective as an outsider. His journey of self-discovery and his quest for answers are both compelling and inspiring. I really enjoyed finding the underlying themes of prejudice, identity, and the consequences of human actions. Definitely thought provoking!

In the Shadow of the Luminaries is a captivating start to the States of Inversion series, filled with rich world-building and an exciting premise. The concept of reversed gravity and the societal divide between those living in floating cities and those on the ground creates a fascinating backdrop. Valtteri Knox, the protagonist, is both relatable and compelling as he navigates being an outsider in a world that fears and distrusts him. The mystery surrounding the gravity inversion and the looming threat of war keep you hooked from the start.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the way it created a world where gravity reversed and split everything into different groups. Valterri’s character really pulled me in with his complicated backstory and personal struggles. Unfortunately sometimes, the dialogue made the book feel slower, and it wasn’t always easy to picture the world with all the different states of gravity. Still, the plot and the mystery of why gravity reversed made it exciting. Overall, a cool concept with lots of room for more in the sequels!

In the Shadow of the Luminaries is a unique and imaginative take on a world reshaped by a cosmic event. Kallen Samuels crafts a vivid and intriguing setting where gravity has reversed, creating floating city-states and a new world order. The story follows Nixon Ocon, a determined character with ambitions to reshape the fate of the Luminaries, a group who hold the highest authority in this society. His journey through political intrigue and personal growth keeps readers invested in the fate of his world. The standout feature of this novel is its world-building. Samuels skillfully immerses readers in a world where the laws of physics are altered, and the world itself feels like a character. The social hierarchy and tension between the Aerish (those who live in the floating cities) and the earthbound Tellusans provide a layered backdrop for the story’s conflict. What I Loved: Innovative World-Building: The reversal of gravity creates a fascinating environment where floating cities and technological marvels are key to survival. Complex Characters: Nixon’s struggles with his role and ambitions within the Luminary society are relatable and engaging. High Stakes: The political intrigue and the looming threat of societal collapse keep the tension high throughout the book. Why Not Five Stars? At times, the pacing felt a bit slow, especially during some of the world-building explanations. However, for readers who love detailed settings, this won’t be an issue. There’s also a lot of political maneuvering, which can sometimes overshadow character development. Overall, In the Shadow of the Luminaries is a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy and science fiction who appreciate deep world-building and complex political plots.

As someone who loves diving into unique sci-fi worlds, this book completely captivated me. The premise of gravity suddenly reversing and reshaping the world is as imaginative as it gets, and Valtteri’s journey, both personal and dangerous, pulls you in from the start. The tension between floating cities and earthbound factions adds depth to the plot, and Valtteri’s discovery of his Iridogen trait introduces a fascinating twist. I couldn’t put it down, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding the swath and its cataclysmic origins. Highly recommend it!

In the Shadow of the Luminaries offers a fascinating dive into a world where gravity is inverted, and society is struggling to rebuild itself in the aftermath. From the very beginning, the unique setting draws you in—a skybound civilization born from calamity, where the elites, known as Luminaries, live in floating city-states while those on the ground, the Tellusans, grapple with their own challenges. The world-building in this book is incredibly detailed. I was particularly struck by the way Samuels imagines the physical and political dynamics of a world fractured by such a cataclysmic event. The concept of gravity reversal and how it impacts not just the landscape but also the entire social hierarchy is fascinating. It's refreshing to see a dystopian world where the physical environment is as dangerous and unpredictable as the political one. The interplay between the elevated Luminaries and the earthbound Tellusans adds layers to the story, weaving in themes of power, control, and class struggle. Character development is another strength. Nixon Ocon, poised to become a leader of his sept, embodies ambition and frustration as he navigates a world where his status is both an asset and a curse. Meanwhile, Quinto Soren, the admiral of the Luminary Navy, is a complex figure torn between duty and personal responsibility. The political intrigue, personal stakes, and the tension between the two make for compelling character arcs. The pacing, however, occasionally falters. While the early chapters provide a strong setup and introduction to the world, some parts of the story feel drawn out, particularly the action scenes. I found myself more intrigued by the world-building and political maneuvers than the physical confrontations, which sometimes felt repetitive or overextended. That said, I appreciate how the novel balances both grand-scale world events with the personal struggles of the characters. The political stakes are high, but the personal stakes—whether it's Nixon's ambition or Quinto's desire to protect those he cares about—keep the story grounded in human emotions. Overall, In the Shadow of the Luminaries is a well-crafted, imaginative novel that provides a fresh take on dystopia with its intricate world-building and complex characters. If you're a fan of speculative fiction with a focus on political intrigue and societal collapse, this book is definitely worth a read

In the future if you need me I will be in the Southern Kingdom! I am not much of a sci-fi fan, but I found the cover and the book description enticing so I thought I’d give Miss Samuels new book a try. I’m glad I did. You’ll love Valtteri Knox, Queen Silvanus, the Unified Northern Collective and the Tinkers, the Swathcomers and the Friar’s The Author has done a phenomenal job of creating an engaging world that is both well thought out and realistic. While sometimes a little stilted the dialogue was for the most part understandable and helped to move the story forward. And this is the second book I found whose premise has to do with the gravity or rather the reverse gravity of a future earth. I’ll pay the author the ultimate compliment… I look forward to reading book 2 in the series! If you’re looking for engaging Science Fiction… Look no further!