This has SO MUCH potential!

There is so much to love here but I just couldn’t give it a higher rating as there were a few things that really dragged it down for me.

Positives:
The magic system and the world building is really interesting and I really enjoyed how we were introduced to everything. No info-dumping in sight, we just learnt and were shown how things worked as we went which I loved.
The characters we got to see most of I really loved and I soon found their voices really distinctive. I also loved that all of the characters felt really nuanced and developed - no one seemed too one dimensional which was great. #
The plot was complex and engaging - full of twists and turns for each character and I was constantly wanting to know what would happen next.
Pacing was really well managed - something which can be really tricky with so many POVs.

So that’s the positives (and they are really strong positives!) but for me the revolving door of POVs made it impossible to really sink into the story and enjoy the read. I’m not a huge fan of split POVs at the best of times, but there were just so many characters here I struggled to identify each one and struggled even more to connect with them. I genuinely think if some of the POVs had been emitted I would have been rating this much higher, or even if each chapter had the character’s name at the beginning I think that would have really helped. Each character did have a really distinct voice but particularly at the beginning when I was trying to get to grips with a lot of characters, and then later when we would randomly have another POV thrown in, it was difficult to make the switch.

I am really torn on whether I will read the next installment. On the one hand the characters, world building, writing and plot were all genuinely excellent - but I found it really challenging to have so many POVs and they really detracted from my enjoyment (and I’m not sure I want to put myself through the torture of reading something so close to being excellent but not quite hitting it).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC

You definitely got straight into the action with this one. It took me a while to figure out what was happening. On the whole I think it was a good story but I didn't overly enjoy it. I didn't particularly like any of the characters. It also felt like it was hard work to read for me.

Very original fantasy/science-fiction novel

The first in a series, this novel is based in a fantasy world influenced by Central American traditions and food. Many of the characters have "powers" linked to their blood (lies, chances, weight etc..) and are well-developed. The action takes place above and below the city of Luminocity and there's a lot going on in the plot which moves along at a good steady pace. It's entertaining and engaging with a slight horror element thrown in. I look forward to the next volume. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Grieving Gold is the debut novel of Hungarian-born author Daniel Makk, writing under the pen name of Daniel McDaniel. The tale is set in the city of Luminocity, built upon the grounds of an ancient civilsation. And something is hiding in the darkness…

I do have a few quibbles with this book. This is a multiple point of view story, told by five different narrators, with standalone chapters from various side characters scattered through the book. Whilst an MPV structure isn’t in itself an issue for me, the sheer number of characters, combined with the chapter lengths do make the pace of the overall story relatively slow. I also felt that the magic system introduced in the book needed more detail – it’s left relatively undefined. This is the first book of an intended series, however, so there is time yet to rectify both of these issues.

A strong debut novel likely to appeal to fans of Brandon Sanderson and Brent Weekes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, Endless Equinox, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

•Hard Worldbuilding
•Dark Secrets
•Dark Twists
•Bizarre Ritual
•Multifaceted Characters
•Political Intrigues
•Technology and Experiments
•War
•Five POVs

There is a thing about fantasy that you must dive into it completely. It immerse you and doesn’t let you go until the dark secrets and twists reveal themselves . The characters have a complex relationships. There are multiples perspectives. The world building is heavy and jaw dropping. The characters are mysterious and multifaceted. The description is epic. This is a great beginning to an epic fantasy series. The book has a blend of genres like horror, science fiction and fantasy.

Luminocity is an ancient city and it stands on the decaying ruins of the ancient civilisation. There are three sun gods and one mysterious god. The book has a scary beginning. There was some experiment being carried on by a the scientists on a woman called Liz yet as a reader I was oblivion to her identity. Then the author takes us deep inside the epic world of light and shadow and introduced me with the characters. The revelation at the end shook me. The author has kept the mystery till the end. The twists and turns were so unpredictable.

Laxerion Tama is holding grudge against his father but when the news of his father being on death bed arrives, he has to go with his brother Val as his father summons them both to divide the family wealth. Yet there are buried secrets and truth. His father is harbouring secrets. As soon as he go there, he gets to know about everything. War is on the brink of horizon and the outcome of the test is harbouring some secrets. After so many unexplainable things happens in the plot, Ilumi, a young scientist arrives in Luminosity. She is harbouring a secret too. She finds a woman and save her. There is a mystery of a huntress and history of women hunters. Aiana is dealing with her demons. Duke is trying to find the thief’s and there is a young urchin searching for monsters who hovers in the night. The ending gave me the hint of vengeance. Can’t wait to read next book,

Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher,

Thank you NetGalley, Endless Equinox, and the author for an eARC in return for my honest review.

It has been a long time since I've read a book with such detailed and epic world-building. As I was reading, I could see the world like watching a movie. However, there were times when I wanted more action and less world-building. It's because the action scenes are so well written, and, again, you can envision the scenes in your mind's eye like a movie. Also, there were times when I found specific details weren't necessary to the story, and those details interrupted the flow of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters. There are a ton of characters, main and side, but they are all well-developed, so you'll love reading about each of them. The chapters are written in different main characters' POVs so you get to know all of them very well. I did find myself audibly going "oooh" when the author revealed how the main characters are interconnected.

I am very excited for the next book!

4/5 stars; 0/5 spice

It's interesting. It's enticing. It hits a niche spot that I didn't know I needed scratching.

I absolutely love this book. It's refreshing and different - and don't be surprised when I reread this book later in the year.

The only thing that may deter you is how confusing the book is. It jumbles around with the characters, but it's smoothly written once we overlap.

I'm so excited to see what comes next! I need a new series to fan over!

I found this book difficult to get into as multiple characters with diverse stories switch from very early on. The double prologue was also more confusing than helpful. The various alien concepts, strings, multiple suns, etc., are something you gain understanding of as you read through.

The above paragraph is not negative, just reflective. I found the book very clever indeed. Clever story line, clever character development. It'd be interesting to know where the author got his inspiration from (e.g. Rowling in Edinburgh, Tolkein in Namibia/RSA). I found myself reading it quickly as it was very immersive and a bit of a page turner!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy. Thoroughly good read.

Not quite sure what to write as I enjoyed this book in parts because it was literally split into interleaving parts!

Whilst I liked the characters and the original locations, I felt the book, as a whole, did not quite come together. Sad really as there are some fascinating characters, locations and concepts.

The fact that I only scored it 3 Stars should not put you off you reading this book as the series has enormous potential and I will certainly be looking for part 2.

If you love fantasy and post apocalyptic books then this one is for you.
War is brewing between Luminocity and Texcocan but which side are you on?
Lexerion comes from a wealthy background but turned his back on his Father for a life of crime. But when his brother asks for his help and to tell him that their Father is on his death bed will Lexerion help?
Throw in a n underground huntress by the name of Aiana and you have the perfect fantasy novel.

Very new and fresh mix of fantasy and horror. The writing was very intriguing, the world was interesting and original but a bit overwhelming at first. With having perspectives from a multitude of characters with different backgrounds, it offered more to the story in terms of depth and
layers. In contrast, having so many characters made it hard to care about specific ones. Overall a great story full of magic, murder, mystery, politics and science fiction.

I think it’s my fault for being disappointed in this book because I should have known I wouldn’t be into this many character POVs right off the bat. It’s too much for me to keep track of and unless the writing is completely masterful, I find it impossible to feel connected to them.

The world and magic system of this book is intriguing as well, but I unfortunately DNFed at 30%.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I was really keen on the premise and title of this book but unfortunately it was not for me.
I didn't end up enjoying the writing style, I think that maybe the book was trying to say too much. There was quite a lot of P.O.Vs to the point where I was getting confused as to who was saying or doing what.
I enjoyed the magic style and the world building but felt that it was overly ambitious and it felt like things were getting lost and not touched upon when they seemed quite important.
I still am interested in the premise and think it is still a very good story I just feel that this book is not for me, I will however look into future books by the author.

I really, really wanted to like this book and I’m so sorry to have to give it such a rating. I ended up having to DNF at about 45%. I kept coming up with reasons to not read it and it was time to let go. So keep in mind, that my review is swayed based on the fact that I technically did not finish the book.

There were far too many POVs to pay attention to. Too many new characters with stories that took too long to align. The concept has so much potential! A futuristic sci fi story about South American culture sounds fantastic. But I found it too hard to connect to any of the characters, and too difficult to understand the magic system. Regular words were italicized but there was next to no explanation about how that fit into the magic system. That ended up bringing me out of the story too regularly, because I kept thinking I missed something.

As I mentioned above, I do think this is a story worth telling! I just think it needs some more work on formatting and flow. There was good humour and interesting aspects, but too many disconnections to make it as good as it could be. I never want to discourage anyone’s artistic endeavours, so I do apologize to anyone who reads this and liked the book. There is potential, but it just wasn’t for me sadly.

World-building and Setting:
Daniel McDaniel introduces readers to a richly detailed world in "Grieving Gold." The city of Luminocity, built upon the decaying remnants of an ancient civilization, comes to life with skeletal skyscrapers and the eerie glow of the three suns. The author's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of both wonder and foreboding, creating a fantastical backdrop that sets the stage for the characters' journeys.

Character Development:
The strength of "Grieving Gold" lies in its well-developed and diverse cast of characters. From the disowned noble, Laxerion Tama, to the conflicted general, Val-Gustus Tama, and the morally challenged scientist, Ilumi, each character brings a unique perspective to the narrative. The author successfully weaves their individual storylines into a cohesive tapestry, reminiscent of the multi-perspective storytelling found in works like "Game of Thrones."

Plot and Pacing:
The plot is intricate and filled with political intrigue, mysterious technologies, and the looming threat of war. The pacing is generally fast, with the story unfolding through the viewpoints of the five main characters. The narrative keeps readers engaged, and the twists and turns add layers of complexity to the overall plot.

Magic System and Lore:
One standout element is the creation of a unique magic system that is both intriguing and integral to the story. The author introduces the magic gradually, allowing readers to experience its effects without overwhelming them with information. The exploration of morality and consequences adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a conventional fantasy tale.

Writing Style:
Daniel McDaniel's writing style is engaging and immersive. The author skillfully incorporates influences from South American culture, deviating from traditional medieval European fantasy tropes. This departure brings freshness to the genre, offering readers a unique and culturally rich experience.

Minor Critiques:
While the multiple perspectives contribute to the richness of the story, some readers may find it challenging to keep up with the initial introduction of characters and terminology. The dual prologues might be a bit intimidating for those not accustomed to high fantasy.

Conclusion:
"Grieving Gold" is a compelling debut that successfully blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Daniel McDaniel's world-building, character development, and inventive magic system create a captivating reading experience. Fans of authors like Brandon Sanderson and George R. R. Martin will find "The Luminocity Seed" series a promising addition to the genre. As the first installment in the series, "Grieving Gold" sets the stage for an epic and enthralling saga.

Superb fantasy read, the first in a series. The characters all have strengths, but so many fears and life trials to make their intertwined stories interesting. Loved the world, loved the characters, loved the drip drip cliff hanger chapters. Interesting science and innovative magic usage. So many questions to be answered, bring on book 2!! Thank you to Daniel Makk and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Awesome this book has it all, one of the main things that I loved about it was the World building completely newly Originals world for Fantasy lovers to dig into also great characters and action I would definitely recommend this there was some pacing issues that kept me from giving it five stars but still a good debut from a new author

This is the first book in The Luminocity Seed series and what a brilliant start to the series this book is. The story is set in an ancient civilisation and it is run on the power of light. There are five main characters and how they are connected is gradually emerging.

I like all five main characters and at this point, I can't say if I will have a favourite as they are all unique and have different characteristics. There is a set of brothers, Lax and Val but they have different agendas and have only been brought back together due to their father's ailing health.

Ilumi is a young woman from one of the outer tribes who has been invited to the city to work with a professor of light creating new inventions. While in the city she meets Dawb, an urchin who lives by his wits and works with a gang (similar to an Oliver Twist-style person). Then there is Aiana, she is another one from outside the city and she is training to be a huntress, she is probably the most different to the others due to where she lives.

All five have different abilities and not all can channel the power of the light. Light is something that some have used to not just illuminate and power the city but can it to give them an extra edge. With the light, there is also the opposite - darkness. This is something that is starting to creep in and it gives a creepy, tense and edgy nervousness to the story. It also adds suspicion and a thriller feel to the story as this darkness is something dangerous and fatal.

Each of the main five has their own agenda as such, or task if you will. One will be trying to get a position in a political circle, another looking for a lost family fortune, trying to become a huntress, looking for answers to how light can be used and looking for the shadows and the monsters. There is a lot more than this, but I am not going to go into much detail about what happens.

The author has created the start of a series with a fabulous intro to the characters, some of the ways of his world and the city that this is focused around. There are politics and some history and things that are reminiscent of the ancient world. But also there is a lot of action and adventure which adds to the fast-paced feel of the overall story. Knowing that this is the first in a planned series is great, but it also means that I knew this first book would leave me waiting and desperate for more.

This is a book that gives the basis of what I think is going to be a very good series. The author has laid out a good base to build from and I am excited to see where he will go with this.

If you are a fan of fantasy genres then this one may well appeal. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am eager to read the next book. Brilliant start and one that I would definitely recommend.

This one was so hard to review, there is a lot that I really enjoyed. In particular I thought the characters were great and I wanted and still want to follow them and their stories. Many times when there are multiple povs a reader might feel a bit of disappointment when switching to another character but I never felt that with these characters. They each had their complexities and their backgrounds and storylines were so different. It was also interesting to see them intercross with each other during the course of the story. The world with its Mezoamerican influence and magic system incorporating light was not something I had seen before. It’s a really ambitious story and I do want to read the next book to see how it and these characters will progress.

Sounds great right? The problem is the scope might be a big too big. We start with so many questions that are never truly answered and in the end are left on a cliffhanger with no resolution. I understand that it’s the first book in a series but at least some resolution would feel give the reader some closure; it almost feels like the middle book in a trilogy. The other big issue for me was the pacing. We leave off at times in moments where something exciting or shocking happens and switch povs for it to pick up chapters and chapters later. Sometimes it picks off right where we left off and other times we see some time has passed. It could be incredibly frustrating at times. Then there was the introduction of completely new characters as late as a quarter into the novel. I actually feel this would make a great serialized show, graphic novel or animated series with the way it’s written.

That being said, overall I was intrigued and while it could be frustrating at times I did get attached to the characters and want to continue their story. I would recommend this to readers who are looking for something with intriguing characters and unique world building and have a bit of patience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The eye-catching cover of this book is what initially drew me in, but it was the captivating story that truly hooked me. While I was initially hesitant about the frequent shifts between multiple perspectives, every chapter left me eagerly anticipating the next. There wasn't a single instance where I felt bored or wished I could switch to another character's narrative.

I'm amazed that this book is the work of a new author, as it is exceptionally well-written. The world-building is simply breathtaking, and the magic system is utterly unique and fascinating.

I'm genuinely saddened to have to bid farewell to Luminocity until book two arrives. I love the author for providing a progress bar for book two on his website, currently standing at an impressive 51% already. I eagerly await the release date and the continuation of this extraordinary tale.

Thank you to Netgalley and Endless Equinox for providing me with an ARC.