The Luminous Dead

by Caitlin Starling
The Luminous Dead cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Psychological Thriller
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10529
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9780062846914
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2019-04-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Luminous Dead,' Gyre Price embarks on a dangerous expedition to map mineral deposits on a foreign planet, expecting a straightforward mission. However, her surface team, led by the manipulative Em, has other plans. Em controls Gyre's suit and withholds critical information, turning the expedition into a battle for survival and sanity. As Gyre descends deeper into the caves, she encounters shifting routes, missing supplies, and the eerie presence of a creature known as the Tunneler. /n/n The novel's intense atmosphere and psychological depth make it a gripping read, reminiscent of 'The Martian' and 'Annihilation.' Gyre's struggle to overcome her own fears and the secrets of her past adds layers to the story, making it a compelling exploration of isolation and resilience.

Reviews
Lesbrary · Maggie · 2023-01-16
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its spine-tingling atmosphere and compelling setting, making it a real page-turner. The dynamic between the two main characters is particularly highlighted.

Maggie from Lesbrary found The Luminous Dead to be a real page-turner, highlighting its spine-tingling atmosphere and killer setting. The book's focus on the relationship between the two main characters adds depth and intrigue, making it a captivating read. The reviewer appreciates the tension and suspense that keeps readers engaged throughout. Overall, the book is seen as a thrilling and atmospheric experience that stands out in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling was a real page-turner.

    With a spine-tingling atmosphere, a killer setting, and a cast of two, The Luminous Dead draws you in.

    The tension and suspense make it a captivating read.

Reddit - HorrorLit · 2021-01-01
terrible 0.00

The book is described as a tedious and forgettable read with no significant plot twists or memorable moments. The ending is particularly disappointing.

The reviewer found The Luminous Dead to be a painful and boring read, criticizing its slow pace and lack of engaging elements. They mention that the book fails to deliver any major reveals or plot twists, making it a forgettable experience. The ending is described as lame, leaving the reviewer with nothing worthwhile to remember. Overall, the book is seen as a tedious slogfest that does not live up to expectations.

Quick quotes

    I give “The Luminous Dead” a 1/5 as it's a terrible slogfest.

    Even the ending was lame with no major reveals, plot twists, or anything good worth remembering.

    This book is a painful, boring read that is not worth the time.

Book of the Gay · 2020-10-20
fantastic 4.50

The book is highly recommended as a fantastic queer sci-fi horror, with the reviewer praising the author's ability to create a compelling narrative.

The reviewer at Book of the Gay highly recommends The Luminous Dead as a fantastic piece of queer sci-fi horror. They praise Caitlin Starling's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book is seen as a standout in the genre, with its unique blend of horror and science fiction elements. The reviewer also mentions that the book has made Caitlin Starling one of their new favorite authors, highlighting the impact and quality of the writing.

Quick quotes

    I still highly recommend The Luminous Dead as a fantastic queer sci-fi horror.

    This book made Caitlin Starling one of my new favourite authors.

    The unique blend of horror and science fiction elements makes it a standout.

Appears in Lists