This was an interesting concept, well-portrayed, but I always felt a little behind, whether I understood a phrase or the intent behind a comment. I just felt a little off, like I was missing something. The Korean setting, after a reunification, added immensely to the story. The whole robot/human interaction and differences was interesting as well, and it was easy to see how the lines were blurred throughout this history and the story. The whole murder investigation seemed superfluous to me.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

Thank you @simonandschuster @netgalley for the gifted copy
This comes out 3/1/25

Sometime in the future, when North and South Korea have been reunified, there's a daughter and son who were raised by a master robot maker, who created a robot for a son, as a 12 yo boy. Both children considered the robot their brother but his disappearance several years later left a chasm and brokenness. Many years later the daughter has followed in her father's footsteps as an emotional intelligence creator for a robot making company and the son has enlisted in a robot crimes unit. A case pops up about a missing robot girl.

I was so wholly wrapped up in this world. Robots are lifelike and teetering on indistinguishable from humans. Apart from the fact that their faces are recognizable as being mass produced or so obviously stolen from a celebrity, there is no immediate way to distinguish their artificiality unless they give themselves away, with their superhuman-ness. But for all this power, they are second rate citizens, quick to be abused, used in all the ways humans use each other, but also debased to a new level since their creation relies on a human desire usually rooted in something selfish and dark. They also bear the burden of so much data storage. Humans are gifted a natural memory loss to forget, to blind themselves and to turn away from something startling true. Robots will not have that gift.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. I was eager to pick this one up as the summary reminded me of Klara in the Sun, a book I enjoyed reading many years ago. However, I did not find the writing style to be endearing enough to hold my attention while reading. This caused me a lot of issues with wanting to pick the book up and finish it. Definitely not a favorite read, but I would still recommend it to those interested.

I was genuinely excited for this book because of the premise, but the writing style wasn't for me. I found it overly narrative and disconnected, which is awkward when the point is "what does it mean to be human." I think I was hoping for a book more like "Murderbot."

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC,

One of the best ARCS I’ve read so far. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the early copy.

Aside from being a compelling story with strong themes about identity and loss, Silvia Park just paints her words. Her writing really makes you feel the emotions of the scene. The plot is set in a sci-fi future where the Koreas are united and an Apple-like company called “Imagine Friends” makes robot companions that are practically indistinguishable from people. Park explores stuff like what makes someone real/alive, finding meaning after loss, and the idea that all we want is connection and purpose. She even weaves in difficult sub-plots about alt-right misogyny groups and transphobia without it feeling contrived or tacked on. There were some parts of the plot that got a little too philosophical for me to easily understand, but overall I really enjoyed the story and all the personalities in it.

This book is billed as for fans of Klara and the Sun and I totally get that. It’s a story about humans and their humanoid bots…about AFs (Artifical Friends) in Klara and IFs (Imagine Friends) in Luminous. Luminous tells the story of Jun and Morgan and their long-lost brother (IF) Yoyo. The three had been like siblings, so close that it is seemingly impossible that they have been separated. In the present, Jun is an detective, currently working on a robot-kidnapping case, and Morgan is the lead designer for a robotics company set to come out with the newest IF issue, a robot-boy Morgan has modeled after Yoyo himself.

Luminous is set in a reunified Korea, in a Seoul populated with humans and bots and humans with robotic parts. The city is littered with robot junkyards, in one of which a young girl, Ruijie, sifts through abandoned parts to refit her failing body. She finds a surprisingly lifelike robot named Yoyo and the two make fast friends.

I enjoyed this book, if not quite as much as Klara and the Sun. Luminous is darker, taking place largely in the underbelly of a large city, where violence and cruelty reign. But the questions it asks are similar to the usual sci-fi questions – “Do you think the lines I say have less value because you can track the input data? What about the lines you say to each other? Aren’t they the same lines you downloaded from thousands of sources?” The writing is beautiful at times, as it weaves together a story of family, grief and what it means to be human – “If truth is a mirror that fell on the ground, we can scramble for a shard and hold that up as our experience.” This not hard-core sci-fi…it is literary fiction, but it is literature well-done and worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with the e-ARC of this title.

Luminous by Silvia Park is a beautifully sculpted novel that begs the question, "What does it mean to be human." This novel follows a sibling trio, two humans (although the word cyborg comes to mind for one character) and a robot, in a world not too distant from our own, as they live out their lives at a pace that shows that relationships between man and machine will continue to change. A bit muddled in the second half, storylines can be hard to follow at times. That said, if you are a fan of social commentary, as well as sci-fi, this novel is well worth it for the conversations you will have afterwards.

3.5 Stars. Thank you to the publisher for inviting me to read this fascinating, unique story. The setting and premise were very engaging. I appreciated the seamless way one of the main character's transgender status was dealt with--no exposition or explaining or teaching. It was awesome to have it feel just a natural part of the story. In another fresh approach, addiction was touched upon through the same characters struggle with his addiction to virtual reality.

My issues: At times the text is so novel in sentence structure and word choice that it can be a little hard to follow. Overall, I couldn't connect well with the characters, feeling kept somewhat at arms length from all of them. I'm not sure if this was just because of the frequent changes in point of view, or even if perhaps it was somewhat intentional on the author's part.

It was this disconnect, though, that didn't pull me past the middle of the book where the story really seemed to lag. I skimmed the last half.

This book has a fantastic story, a bit hidden at times. The writing style was unique and engaging for the most part. Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy in exchange for this honest review.

A stunning debut novel of speculative fiction!
The Korea of the future is reunified and robots have been integrated into society but not necessarily accepted. Most robots are utilized as unpaid help, as sex slaves, as pets. Robotics have been integrated into the medical world as well - many humans are have multiple robotic parts and these additions can impact their feelings toward the second class robot group.

In Luminous we meet sibling young professionals Jun and Morgan, who miss their brother Yoyo - a being who is very much a robot but a member of the family. Jun is an officer of the law, remade from his war experience into a modern day bionic man and Morgan is his angry sister, a computer programer, a creator of robot beings who has created her own lover.

It's poignant and far reaching. Complex and truly lovely. Not your usual science fiction fare.
#simonandschuster #luminous #silviapark

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Such an interesting read. Unique. Definitely made me think and question. I enjoyed this ride. Perfect sci-fi read and unexpected.

4.5/5

In a future where the line between human and robot is blurred, Silvia Parks asks: what makes a person real, and what makes a thing a person? At its core, this book is literary fiction and not hard sci-fi — robotic world building is forgone to focus on identity and the longing for connection; these soft and messy ties that bind us.

Someone in the book summarizes this dichotomy well: “Do you think the lines I say have less value because you can track the input data? What about the lines you say to each other? Aren’t they the same lines you downloaded from thousands of sources?” It comes at a very relevant time, of large AI models that make paintings and write essays that we don’t want to call art. All I know is that in this (very plausible tbh) future, there is everything in between children with robotic limbs, humans that are monsters, and robots that are tender: all bags of flesh that want to feel less alone, and that is at times both cruel and touching.

The writing is beautiful, if a bit slow to start. I am a sucker for a good line, so quotes like "Sometimes the heart can fail without war" really hit the spot.

Overall an enjoyable literary sci-fi that examines the relationship between humans and their robot creations. I'd recommend it to anyone for whom that description sounds compelling. I generally preferred the first half, as the genre elements took more of a back seat in the second half and I began to lose the various threads a bit.

Silvia Park's Luminous is an extraordinary exploration of humanity, technology, and cultural identity, set in a future where robots are fully integrated into daily life. This novel stands out for its profound examination of what it means to be human, how grief and identity intertwine, and the evolving relationships between humans and AI.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

It was just a so, so read for me.

It is not a book I would put at the top of my to be read list. But it was okay.

Silvia Park’s Luminous is a dazzling exploration of light and shadow, both literally and metaphorically. Set in a vibrant, contemporary world, the novel follows a young artist grappling with her identity and the complexities of her cultural heritage. Park’s lyrical prose invites readers into a richly imagined landscape, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth.

At the heart of Luminous is the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as she navigates the art scene while balancing family expectations and personal aspirations. Park skillfully captures the struggles of finding one’s voice in a society that often demands conformity. The character’s passion for her craft is palpable, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she learns to embrace her unique perspective.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of cultural identity. Park weaves in themes of tradition and modernity, showcasing the tensions that arise from navigating dual identities. The way she depicts family dynamics is both nuanced and relatable, adding layers to the narrative that resonate with anyone who has felt the pull of their roots while striving for independence.

The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each bringing their own complexities and contributing to the protagonist’s journey. Their interactions are rich with authenticity, revealing the intricacies of relationships that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Pacing in Luminous is expertly managed, balancing moments of introspection with compelling plot developments. The emotional stakes build steadily, leading to a climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Park’s ability to intertwine the protagonist’s artistic growth with her personal evolution makes for a deeply engaging read.

Ultimately, Luminous is a beautiful testament to the power of art and self-expression. Silvia Park has crafted a poignant narrative that speaks to the heart of what it means to be both an artist and a person navigating the complexities of life. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration in their own journey and a celebration of the luminous moments that shape us. Highly recommended!

I'm not really sure how I feel about this one, to be honest. On the one hand, I think there were parts where the writing just really hit that perfect note. I also liked the varied discussions on humanity and grief. Also, the cover is just really visually appealing, which is what initially drew me to the book in the first place.

On the other hand, I think I didn't fully "get" the writing at times. It had a tendency to hop around from point-to-point (which is kind of a hallmark, I've found, of literary fiction--and this reads a lot like literary fiction melded together with a sci-fi) and some bits of the writing were a bit difficult for me to parse their meaning; either because the author employed a style of choppiness or just certain descriptions didn't quite hit the mark for me.

But I don't think this is a bad book at all. I'd highly recommend this if you like literary fiction and discussions on humanity through the lens of both humans and robots. I just think that stylistically the writing didn't really mesh in my brain. Not through the fault of the author, I believe, but just something I've noticed that's become popularized in more literary fiction-type novels. I don't always understand it in the way that other people do, and that's fine. So, while I don't regret reading this, I don't know that I fully came away with any profound impact, even though I kind of recognize what the author was trying to do... I think?

Much like other literary fiction books I've tried, I don't think this one is fully for me. I'll still recommend it to other people, though, because I do think there's a lot here that people will really enjoy.

Luminous by Silvia Park was based on an intriguing premise about robots (AI) and how they may fit into the human world one day not too far off in the future. It was well written, possibly a little technical for a Philistine like myself, but not hard to follow. The story sounds geeky (not for the uninitiated), but have no fear, it is all too human in its themes.

There are siblings whose father is a founder of “human” robots in the home. He is an extraordinarily intelligent man who may be lacking in some social skills. He builds and brings home a robot in the shape and form of a human boy who will be 10 forever in appearance, but in his ability to mimic humanity is anything but. The robot lives with his two children until he doesn’t.

As I consider the book, I see it takes reflecting back to see some of the points. I am not sure if it is about allowing AI into our lives without side rails or if it is a cautionary tale. In this world, people who are harmed can be fitted with bionic replacements, which is good. People can also use the tech to create entire “bionic” people. Is that a good thing? Maybe.

Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy of this book to read and review. I really did enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this book although I'm not sure if I actually GOT it.

For the first couple chapters I worried that it might be a bit boring, but that definitely was not the case. The characters were all complex and relatable, and I appreciated how the author captured the way adult siblings can easily fall back into petty childhood dynamics and grudges.

The plot was well paced but certain plots points were treated with dramatic significance that I didn't understand while other TRULY dramatic pieces of information were presented casually or with very little explanation. (For example, the way Ruijie suddenly mentions that she's dying. Of what? What's wrong with her body that requires the use of a robotic "suit"? It's never made clear.) Chapters would end at random points in the narrative, and when I was past the 90% mark and the story didn't seem to be winding down, I started to worry about a cliffhanger ending. (Thank goodness this was not the case.)

I didn't entirely understand Yoyo's storyline... he was a military robot but the scientist who designed him raised him as a son? But then gave him back to the military? Or he was kidnapped? I'm not sure. And while he was clearly the Cat that Lived a Million Lives, I wasn't sure how he kept getting reset and placed with new owners. He was supposedly a dangerous military robot, so who was pairing him with civilians? Did he run away to the junkyard or was he abandoned?

In spite of the fact that I had more questions than answers and I found the ending to be a little abrupt, I liked the book. It raised some thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human (both the best and worst parts), and how the capacity for true objectivity and unselfishness might belong only to the realm of AI.

I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.

Unfortunately not for me. In a world with SO many books being published, I just don't see this as a must in our collection.

I am *dazzled* by this book. Like unequivocally stupefied. This book is not just a stunning debut, but a stunning book just point blank period. I will be confounded if this does not win any awards or isn’t shortlisted for the Hugos in 2026. I could genuinely see this book winning a Hugo or Nebula or Booker Prize even.

It’s a heartbreaking meditation on grief, family, what it means to inhabit your body, and the sensation of being foreign to oneself. I wouldn’t think that a book about robots and a unified Korea would make for such beautiful metaphors on being a trans and diasporic Korean, but Park manages to embed the metaphor perfectly. I love this book. And it broke my heart. If only because there was a woman with the same name and religion as my halmoni who was also searching for her missing child. The main characters are all beautifully unique in their personalities and tragedies. Everything felt personal and terrible. Everything hurt like the brilliance of the sun.