Luminary (Anomaly)
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Thalli thought escaping to the surface would mean freedom. But is she any less of an anomaly aboveground? After escaping an underground annihilation chamber, Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John find themselves fleeing across the former United States, aboveground for the first time. As the defectors cross the for gotten landscape, the three youths see things the y had only read about on screens: horses, rain, real books—and a colony of unsanctioned survivors living the ancient way in a town called New Hope. When the citizens of New Hope reveal the truth of what happened years ago, Thalli is left unsettled and skeptical of everything she’s ever been told. Can she trust anything from the State, including her own feelings for Berk? When she volunteers for a peace mission to New Hope’s violent neighbor, Athens, her confusion mounts as the supposedly ruthless Prince Ale x turns out to be kind and charming. Although everyone in New Hope warned her not to, she can’t help but fall for him. Meanwhile, John’s unwavering faith in the goodness of the Designer begins to make its mark on Thalli’s heart. But can Thalli really come to trust in a generous, protective Designer who rules over all things? Would that not be setting herself up for another betrayal? The time for her to decide is now . . . because the State is closing in. “McGee once again blends a Christian message within a horrific science fiction plot . . . death, torture, and confusing love triangles.” —Booklist “McGee blends the determination of faith, the malevolence of those who extol power over decency, and the assertion of individual integrity in a humane glimpse at youthful courage.” —Publisher’s Weekly

Series: Anomaly (Book 2)

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 14, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1401688748

ISBN-13: 978-1401688745

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #338,998 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #9 in Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Religious > Christian > Science Fiction #934 in Books > Teens > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > Dystopian #2745 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Short Stories & Anthologies > Anthologies

'Luminary' is the second book in a young adult science fiction/dystopia series that continues to follow main character Thalli as she tries to navigate life after her execution was called off. Now Thalli has traveled above ground and into a world that she was told didn't exist anymore. It's supposed to be destroyed up there with no breathable air and no civilization left. Thalli and her friends must make it to a hidden civilization if they have any chance of surviving on the surface. When they finally make it to New Hope - a town full of those who survived the nuclear holocaust - Thalli meets some amazing people and real "families" for the first time in her life. Everything that Thalli was ever taught or thought she knew has been turned upside down after going above ground and traveling to New Hope. While visiting the small town, it comes under attack and Thalli and her friends are forced to help defend and save their newfound home.This was a captivating and enthralling second novel that had me sucked into the story right from the beginning. The setting continues to be a dystopian world after the aboveground has been destroyed following the Nuclear War, only in this book Thalli and her friends go aboveground into this world that shouldn't exist. The author put a lot of world building and detail into described the dystopian world that Thalli lives in and how it came to be this way. I found myself fascinated by the world she created for the novel - as well as the series - and I loved learning as much about it as I could. The characters continued to be well written and realistic, especially Thalli. She's a smart and strong main character with an interesting personality and outlook on life. She's experienced so much for someone her age and even when her entire world is turned upside down and everything she was taught turns out to be false - she still remains curious, upbeat, and empathetic. The plot was absolutely fantastic and I found myself eagerly reading to see what would happen next in this creepy new world. The writing was very well done and had a quick pace, so I flew through the pages in one sitting. The entire package - setting, characters, plot, and the deeper topics of individuality, love, faith, and self discovery - all made for an excellent second book in what is already a unique and magnificent YA dystopian series. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction and dystopian novels, as well as those looking for a unique book with a wonderful message.Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. I'm not a huge dystopian fiction fan, but I did enjoy the first book in the series. I guess I expected this one to get convoluted and hit a few plot road bumps like many series do.But, this is book is even better than the first one.The characters grew, the plot thickened, and it ended on a cliffhanger that has been wishing time would fly until summer, when the third book comes out.I've read all of McGee's books, and I think she hits her stride with this one.Fans of books with strong female leads, plenty of action, and a bit of love will enjoy this book!

Luminary is the best of the Anomaly trilogy yet. It has everything! Romantic tension (CLEAN), an evil king, a charming prince, sinister plot twists and....oh yes, it's Dystopian.Thalli and her friends have just escaped from the State. Stakes raise as they enter New Hope, a town of Nuclear War survivors. The people of New Hope just want to live in peace, but Jason, King of Athens, Texas, has other plans. He wants to dominate, and he'll use any means necessary (including airborne pharmaceuticals) to accomplish that goal. Only Thalli, an Anomaly with emotions, can try and help set things right.Top Three Reasons to read Luminary:A) It’s Dystopian fiction written from a Christian worldview. In other words, Luminary is CLEAN! I love the fact that I can share this series with my girls during their teen years. Luminary is Mom Approved!B) Krista’s writing is phenomenal. Her descriptions are beautiful and vivid. Her dialogue is fast-paced and relevant. All 5 senses were ignited throughout the book. I saw what Thalli saw and felt what she felt. I was confused with her when she had tough decisions to make, and I cried with her over the loss of loved ones. Her characters are real and three-dimensional. As an author, Krista hasn’t disappointed me yet.C) Finally, I loved the world Krista built. With so much Dystopian YA on the market today, it can be hard to find something new and unique. I guarantee you are getting that with this book. From the underground world of the State to the modern day Rome of Athens, Texas, Thalli’s world jumps right of the page, drawing you in and making you a part of her generation.

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