The characters do bond in the story though and it seems may have developed as the story went along.

War of Images, Images of War: Technology and Labor in Caitlin

The entire story takes place in a generic, Earth-like cave system and is very repetitive as the caver ferries supplies from one camp to the next, climbing up and down walls, along ledges, squeezing through passageways, swimming through sumps--retreading over the same ground time and again. All the while complaining about her powered suit that prevents her from touching her own skin, but, more importantly, protects her from an alien environment and a tunneler that'd sooner see her dead than complete her mission.Warning! Do not attempt to read this book if you are claustrophobic. Do not attempt to read it if your skin crawls in terror from being trapped in small places. Both in its setting and thematically, the Luminous Dead is a narrowly-focused tightly-drawn Story. From Jules Verne to Burroughs to numerous modern writers, there has been an endless fascination with tunneling into the center of the earth, a focus on what lies within the labyrinth of underground spaces. Luminous Dead, with its beautiful cover art and image-provoking title, continues that tradition. The Luminous Dead is a very creepy read, especially as Gyre starts her solo expedition exploring the cave. Gyre only has one line of communication and that’s through Em, her monitor. Em is a woman who has a lot of power over Gyre-she is her only source of communication, is able to control her suit and even give injections remotely. As equipment is found missing, routes suddenly changed and dead cavers bodies found throughout the cave-Gyre starts to wonder what her mission is. Both women are hiding important information but they must rely on each other to get what they each want so desperately. Em made a small, exasperated noise. “Fine. The caver’s survival was secondary to the mission. You knew that already, Gyre.”

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling: a claustrophobic The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling: a claustrophobic

Almost the entire novel takes place in the cave, with Gyre’s comm link to Em her only connection with the outside world. The psychological interplay between the two, trying to figure out whether to trust each other, unfolds alongside the technical challenges of the mission. If Gyre can’t trust Em, this job will get even deadlier, because Em has a frightening amount of control over Gyre by way of Gyre’s high-tech suit. (The suit is yet another source of horror. There are very good reasons it’s designed the way it is, but it requires drastic body modification, and has the potential to malfunction or to be used against her.) Do not read the GR book blurb, as it does give far too much away, including one plot point that happens two-thirds of the way in. I read an early copy--hopefully very early--so I look forward to re-reading a print copy that might have even more polish. Just for me--for heaven's sake, do not read the spoilers if you intend to read-- On the other hand, Gyre’s employer, Emogene or Em, is a disembodied voice in Gyre’s ear. Em is always there, always watching, surveilling Gyre as her sole handler. She speaks in terse and colourless instructions when she deems it necessary. She moves and guides Gyre’s body like a puppeteer. Within the isolation of the cave, it is her voice that booms, her absence that is spectral, her demands that are given form like an eidolon. The lining of the suit can shift to provide various stimulation. There's also a vibration function." Em fidgeted again, squirming in her chair, as Gyre started to laugh. Em said, clipped, "The suit is designed to provide a range of experiences." Language: English Words: 4,511 Chapters: 1/1 Collections: 1 Comments: 8 Kudos: 49 Bookmarks: 2 Hits: 353After some reflection; I can see how this evoked some body horror and definitely some environmental horror on many levels. The main character volunteered for a dangerous (but high-paying) job, previously failed to the detriment of others. She is left in the hands of one person; a stranger, not a team as is usual, and that person she must trust with her life. She isn't told the truth and does not tell her employer the truth either. the setting? an elaborate cave system full of steep climbs, impossibly narrow squeeze-throughs, and deadly floods. oh, and alien flora and fauna to top it all off.

The Luminous Dead also enjoyed - Goodreads Readers who enjoyed The Luminous Dead also enjoyed - Goodreads

It was very good, just the sort of read I wanted. Read it if you enjoy survival stories, or caving, or psychological mysteries where people are unreliable, conflicted, and determined. When a young woman clears out her deceased grandmother’s home in rural North Carolina, she finds long-hidden secrets about a strange colony of beings in the woods.

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Gyre, the protagonist of TLD, lives on a planetary colony, Cassandra IV, which is ravaged and devastated by mining companies and technological tycoons. She has no illusions about the job she is offered by a shadowy company to conduct preliminary explorations into Lethe. Caving is one the most lucrative jobs on her planet. But Gyre knows that many other cavers are more skilled and experienced than her—she is replaceable, bought for a price that is paltry compared to the wealth of her employers, and has little other opportunities for employment. Well... Half the time Gyre is mad at Em, or blaming Em, or wondering at how she doesn't feel like blaming Em. What's with all the blame?