Lumière by Jacqueline Garlick | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

In a small way, he's right: this isn't so terrible. It's quite divine, actually. My back pressed up against his chest, his heart beating a vibrant concerto at my spine. All the blood in my body tingles. Not in the cool, metallic way it does when I'm falling into an episode but warm and cursive, like fancy handwriting over fine parchment paper, all loopy and beautiful, seeping in and out of every pore.

I’ll be honest: I’ve never read a Steampunk book before. In fact, I had little to no idea what it was that made the subgenre exist. But I knew right away that relatively new series, The Illumination Paradox, penned by Jacqueline Garlick, had something unique and fun to offer to my shelf. After reading the blurb, I was completely intrigued and ready to check it out. I just knew I had to pounce and score myself a copy.

Boy, am I glad that I did.

I had a feeling I would enjoy Lumière; I just didn’t know how much until I devoured the novel. I loved its uniqueness, its bizarre moments, its plot and the mysterious plotting of its history. As a whole, it was rich with descriptive locations and well-developed characters.


Can I say, first, that Jacqueline Garlick is an absolute delight in her writing? She’s got a massive fan in me! Lumière blew me away. She had me hooked right off the bat–how good was that Prologue?

(And the big moment in which Eyelet goes on the run from that scumbag, Smrt! Phew, I was on the edge of my seat.)

I loved reading every minute of her story, truly, it is just clever and so different from what I am used to reading. It had just the right combination of darkness, mystery, romance, pools of strong characters, delightful fantasy themes, science fiction elements that will satisfy fans of the genre–it was tied together beautifully and so, so descriptive.

In case I haven’t made myself clear: Lumière amazing and is a fast paced ride for all ages; targeted primarily to young adults but still a solid read for adults too. Lumière is filled with action and adventure; never a dull moment.

I can say with confidence that fans of The Infernal Devices will enjoy themselves amongst Eyelet and Urlick and their mysterious world. Although the stories are incredibly different, there’s a vibe between the two that is similar and incredibly intriguing.

Garlick has put a great deal of effort in creating this vivid world for us to witness; readers will be eagerly watching the ups and downs of both narrators. I can’t wait to learn more about the world, their history and what’s to come. I have a feeling there are a ton of surprises left for readers to discover in the next installment.

There’s so much suspense in their world and minds that it makes the experience all the more thrilling– intriguing you from the start. You can’t help but to wonder what will happen when, or rather if, Eyelet can find the mysterious machine her father had built before his death.

And in a rare twist, I have to say: I loved seeing the POV switch between the two and getting an understanding of both characters–they’re strong, likable and flawed. It served a great deal to the plot and didn’t make things confusing.

With the relationship between Eyelet and Urlick, I have to say that I loved their interactions with one another. I also enjoyed the little moments between the other minor characters that reside with Urlick. Every story that has darkness often has a light spot; these moments of bonding are those moments.

Back to the romance aspect…

I’m a sucker for ships that start off unexpectedly and build up a friendship before truly recognizing their spark. Urlick and Eyelet are unexpectedly pulled to each other and it’s in a way that makes it easy to root for the two. It’s fun seeing the two develop an unshakable bond. I loved seeing them fight for each other in the midst of danger.

And that ending?

No! No.

(Whispers: no!)

It’s time for me to read the next one. I’m so excited! But I’m also incredibly nervous… which is a good sign, if you ask me. I’m already so invested in this one! So go on, readers, go check this one out.

I mean...

How much do you trust me?