Luminary by Krista McGee

Luminary is the 2nd book in the Anomaly Trilogy by Krista McGee.  You can read my review of the first book here.  This is a fictional story which takes place in the future, after our world has nearly destroyed itself by a nuclear war.

In this book, Thalli encounters two groups of people who have survived the war and effects of radiation.  Each of the groups choose different ways to set up society and start again.  We are led to ponder questions similar to those that Thalli does in this excerpt..."What kind of world would I like, were I given the choice?  How much power would I give people?  How much power would I give the rulers?  I think of the Designer and I know that no matter what, if his ways are not considered, no State or city or government will be truly successful."  Amen to that.

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one!  There is enough action, adventure, and hints of romance to keep the story interesting and hard to put down.  Yet there is also a spiritual component to get the reader contemplating "the Designer" and his role in our lives.  For example, when Thalli begins to feel jealousy for the first time, John gives her this advice - "You need a change in perspective, Thalli, not a change in circumstance.  Joy comes from the Designer alone.  Humans, even the best humans, are flawed.  We cannot meet each other's needs completely.  We were not designed for that.  We were created to be in relationship with the Designer...When we look to others to fill that hole, we find ourselves empty."  Don't we all need to be reminded of that every now and then?

This series is an entertaining, thought-provoking work of fiction that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.  And as in many trilogies, the story ends on a cliff-hanger.  Now I have to wait until summer to read the ending!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review.