Showing posts with label YA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Gingerbread Bones - Lindsay Lovise

Gingerbread Bones

Author: Lindsay Lovise
Genre: YA Horror | Paranormal Horror | Survival Horror
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Synopsis

Inspired by Hansel and Gretel, Gingerbread Bones follows sixteen-year-old Georgie and her younger brother after they're shipped off to a wilderness reform camp by their stepmother, a social media parenting influencer who's filming a reality show about "fixing" troubled teens.

With cameras documenting every embarrassing moment, two weeks in the wilderness already sounds miserable.

Then the counselors disappear overnight.

Left alone with dwindling supplies, the teenagers soon realize they aren't the only ones in the forest. Something is watching them from the shadows... and whatever it is, it has no intention of letting them leave alive.


My Thoughts

I absolutely devoured this book.

The premise immediately hooked me. A wilderness camp, a reality show, troubled teens forced to survive together... it already had all the ingredients for a tense survival story before the horror even began.

Once the counselors vanished, however, the story took a much darker turn.

The survival aspect was incredibly well done. Stranded in the wilderness with limited resources, the teenagers are forced to rely on one another while trying to understand what is stalking them through the forest. The isolated setting created a constant sense of unease, making it feel like danger could appear from anywhere at any moment.

One of my favorite aspects was how gradually the horror escalated.

Rather than revealing everything immediately, the novel slowly peels back the paranormal mystery, allowing the tension to build chapter after chapter. The more I learned about the terrifying force hunting the group, the more invested I became.

Although the novel is firmly rooted in horror, I also enjoyed the relationship between Georgie and Mack. Their connection developed naturally amidst the chaos and never overshadowed the survival elements, instead complementing the story without slowing its pace.

While Gingerbread Bones is clearly inspired by Hansel and Gretel, I couldn't help being reminded of Auntie Ethel from Baldur's Gate 3 as the mystery unfolded, and I mean that as a compliment!


Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Bones delivers exactly what I hope for from a survival horror novel: an unsettling atmosphere, escalating paranormal terror, memorable characters and a mystery that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

If you're looking for a YA horror that blends wilderness survival, creepy supernatural elements, and a clever fairy tale-inspired premise, this is one I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

To Drown a Witch - Lindsay Olsson

To Drown a Witch

Author: Lindsay Olsson
Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)


Synopsis

In the kingdom of Orlonea, the Witch is the most feared being of all.

Reborn every generation, she alone possesses innate magic, making her both powerful and dangerous in the eyes of the kingdom. So when guards across the city begin dying in gruesome ways, everyone believes only one person could be responsible.

The Witch has returned.

Toran, one of the King's most skilled guards, is given a secret mission: find the Witch and bring her to the King alive. Along the way, he reluctantly recruits Nes, a thief with the rare ability to sense magic, promising to help free her imprisoned father in exchange for her assistance.

As the pair investigate the mysterious murders, long-buried secrets begin coming to light, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew.


My Thoughts

Well...

This book was a bit of a hot mess.

And somehow...

I still had fun with it.

The premise immediately grabbed my attention. The idea of a Witch being reborn every generation, combined with the fear surrounding magic and the brutal witch hunts, created a world I wanted to know more about from the very beginning.

I also enjoyed the partnership between Toran and Nes.

Their reluctant alliance gave the story a nice balance between mystery and adventure, and I liked following them as they uncovered clues about the murders while slowly learning more about each other. Nes' ability to sense magic was also a fun addition that made the investigation feel a little different from the usual fantasy quests.

The world-building was another highlight.

As more secrets about the Witch, the kingdom, and Toran's own past came to light, I found myself constantly wanting to know what would be revealed next. There were plenty of betrayals, twists, and unexpected discoveries that kept me turning the pages.

That said...

The second half became incredibly chaotic.

So many revelations happened in such a short span of time that I occasionally felt like the story didn't give them enough room to breathe. Instead of letting one major twist settle before moving on, another one would arrive almost immediately, making the ending feel a little unbalanced.

And then...

There's Toran.

Let's just say...

We're not exactly on speaking terms right now.

I understood why he reacted the way he did, but I couldn't help feeling frustrated by his choices. If this series is heading where I think it is, then Book Two has some serious work to do before I'm ready to forgive him.

Let's just say...

I'm expecting some world-class groveling.


Final Thoughts

Despite some uneven pacing toward the end, I genuinely enjoyed To Drown a Witch.

The mystery surrounding the Witch kept me invested, the fantasy world was intriguing, and the ending left me curious enough to immediately want to know what happens next.

Now all that's left is to see whether Toran can redeem himself...

Because at the moment, Nes deserves better. 😄

⭐️ 4 stars


ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.



 

Friday, June 26, 2026

Thornbird - E Kennedy (Elle Kennedy)

 

Title: Thornbird

Author: E. Kennedy (Elle Kennedy)
Genre: YA Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)
Release Date: June 30, 2026


Synopsis

Ryan Shipley has spent the last decade trying to escape a name that everyone remembers.

Her father, Gabriel Thorn, is one of the country's most infamous serial killers. Convicted years ago, he was sentenced to death without ever revealing the locations of all his victims, leaving countless families without answers and turning Ryan's life into a nightmare she never chose.

After her grandmother's death, Ryan reluctantly returns to Starling, Tennessee, to live with her aunt and finish her final year of high school.

Her plan is simple.

Graduate.

Stay invisible.

Leave.

But secrets have a way of resurfacing.

As new attention is drawn to her father's crimes, Ryan begins receiving cryptic messages and unsettling notes. At the same time, a large cash reward is offered for any information that could finally lead investigators to the missing bodies.

Before long, Ryan realizes the past isn't finished with her yet.


My Thoughts

I've been reading Elle Kennedy's romance novels for years, so when I heard she was writing a YA thriller, I was immediately intrigued.

The premise alone would have convinced me to pick it up, regardless of who wrote it.

A serial killer's daughter returning to the town where everything happened?

Sign me up.

What immediately drew me into the story wasn't just the mystery, it was Ryan herself.

As a child, Ryan's grandmother changed her identity after her father murdered her mother and confessed to being a serial killer. Since then, she's spent years trying to build a life separate from his crimes.

Returning to Starling means returning to the place where everything began, the one place where her carefully guarded past could finally catch up with her.

I completely understood why her only goal was to keep her head down, graduate, and leave before anyone discovered who she really was.

Of course, life has other plans.

Returning as the mysterious "new girl" already attracts attention, but things become even more complicated when one of the most popular boys at school starts showing interest in her.

Meanwhile, the son of one of Gabriel Thorn's victims announces a substantial reward for anyone who can provide information about the missing bodies; a case the police have spent years unsuccessfully trying to solve.

Then the cryptic messages begin.

From that point on, I was completely invested.

Every new clue, every unsettling note, and every revelation pulled me further into the mystery. I constantly found myself wanting to know what had really happened all those years ago and whether Ryan knew more than she was letting on.

One thing I especially appreciated was how authentic the YA elements felt.

The characters actually behaved like teenagers.

They made impulsive decisions, reacted emotionally, and navigated friendships and relationships in ways that felt appropriate for their age. The high school setting never felt like an afterthought or simply a backdrop for the mystery; it genuinely felt like part of Ryan's world.

The romance also worked better than I expected.

There are moments where we had some sort of a love triangle, but I never felt like it overshadowed the mystery itself. By the time everything came together, I thought those relationships made sense and fit naturally within the larger story. For the record, I absolutely dislike love triangles, so I was so happy when everything got sorted out.

Was every single aspect of the plot completely believable?

Probably not.

But honestly?

I didn't care.

I was having far too much fun trying to piece together the mystery to worry about a few moments that required suspending disbelief.

And sometimes, that's exactly what I want from a thriller.


Final Thoughts

Thornbird is a gripping YA thriller that combines an engaging mystery, family secrets, and a compelling protagonist into a story that was incredibly easy to binge.

Ryan was easy to root for, the mystery kept me guessing, and the constant sense that the past was never truly buried made it difficult to put the book down.

If this is any indication of what Elle Kennedy can do outside of romance, I'd happily read more thrillers from her in the future.

⭐️ 4.5 stars


ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 


Tuesday, June 23, 2026

All We Hunger For - Anna Mercier


Title: All We Hunger For

Author: Anna Mercier
Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)
Release Date: June 23, 2026


Synopsis

In Anespérer, magic is expressed through artistic talent.

Music, painting, sculpture, and even baking can shape the world around you, and one of the most prestigious positions in the city belongs to the Souverain of Culinary Arts.

When the current Souverain dies, a massive baking competition is organized to select a successor.

For Elara Rousseau, a talented baker from the slums, participating should be impossible. But thanks to a carefully crafted false identity and help from an unlikely ally, she finds herself competing alongside the city's elite.

Meanwhile, Nikolas Dupont is determined to earn the approval of his powerful father, even if it means manipulating the competition for political gain.

As tensions rise throughout the city, Elara and Nik become entangled in a web of secrets, betrayals, and growing unrest that threatens to change Anespérer forever.


My Thoughts

I picked up All We Hunger For largely because the premise sounded irresistible.

A magical baking competition?

Say no more.

What immediately drew me in was the book's magic system. In Anespérer, artistic talent is directly tied to magical ability, which creates a world where bakers, musicians, and artists hold real power and influence.

It's a creative concept, and easily one of the strongest aspects of the novel.

The competition itself was probably my favorite part of the story.

Watching Elara combine baking and magic while navigating a contest clearly designed to favor the wealthy elite made for some genuinely entertaining moments. I also enjoyed seeing her become a symbol of hope for the poorer citizens of the city, even as she struggled to keep her own secrets hidden.

At the same time, we follow Nikolas.

Much of his storyline revolves around his complicated relationship with his father and his desperate desire to earn recognition and approval. Initially, he views Elara as a convenient pawn in a larger political game, but things become considerably more complicated as the story progresses.

And that's where the novel starts to expand beyond its competition premise.

What begins as a magical baking competition gradually evolves into a story filled with political intrigue, manipulation, betrayals, hidden agendas, and even murder plots.

There are certainly plenty of interesting ideas here.

In fact, I sometimes felt there were almost too many.

While I appreciated the complexity of the political storyline, there were moments where the sheer number of schemes, secrets and competing interests became a little overwhelming. The book is constantly introducing new layers to the conflict, and occasionally I found myself wishing it would slow down long enough to fully explore some of them.

My other struggle was the romance.

Unfortunately, Elara and Nik never completely clicked for me as a couple.

While I understood why the story paired them together, I never felt a strong emotional connection between them. Much of their interaction felt argumentative rather than romantic, and by the end I wasn't entirely convinced the romance added much to the story.

Ironically, I found myself more invested in the competition, the magic system and the political tensions than in the relationship itself.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it did leave the romantic arc feeling somewhat underdeveloped in comparison to the rest of the novel.


Final Thoughts

All We Hunger For is an ambitious fantasy that combines a unique magic system, a high-stakes baking competition, and a city on the brink of political upheaval.

While I didn't fully connect with the romance and occasionally felt overwhelmed by the number of plot threads, I genuinely enjoyed the creativity of the worldbuilding and the competition elements.

This ended up being one of those books where I admired the ideas more than I emotionally connected with the story itself.

Still, if magical baking, political intrigue, and class conflict sound appealing to you, this is definitely worth checking out.

⭐️ 3.5 stars


ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The Edge of Everything - YA / Coming of Age Collection

 

Title: The Edge of Everything

Authors: Rainbow Rowell, Nicola Yoon & David Yoon, Ann Liang, Dustin Thao, David Levithan, and Katie Cotugno
Genre: Young Adult, Coming-of-Age, Short Stories
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 rounded up)
Release Date: June 23, 2026


Synopsis

The Edge of Everything is a collection of six short coming-of-age stories exploring first love, friendship, self-discovery, family struggles, and the messy process of figuring out who you are.

Written by a group of bestselling YA authors, each story can be read in a single sitting while tackling a different aspect of growing up.

As with any anthology, some stories resonated with me more than others, but overall I thought this was a solid collection with a lot of heart.

My Thoughts:

Back to You - Ann Liang -⭐ 4

This ended up being my favorite story in the collection.

The premise immediately grabbed me: a burned-out young woman literally dies from overworking and wakes up three years in the past with the chance to change her future.

For such a short story, it manages to explore a surprising number of themes, including toxic friendships, family expectations, second chances, and learning to choose your own happiness.

The romance was sweet, but what really stood out was Allison's journey toward realizing that success means very little if you're miserable.

Cozy, emotional, and surprisingly impactful.


 Julia at the Drive-In - Rainbow Rowell -⭐ 3.75

A sweet and nostalgic story about first crushes and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Julia has spent years admiring Wyatt from afar, and one night at a drive-in movie finally gives her the courage to speak to him.

Not much happens in terms of plot, but that's part of its charm. The story captures those awkward teenage moments remarkably well and feels very authentic to the experience of having your first major crush.

Cute, relatable, and easy to read in one sitting.



Safe Harbor - Nicola Yoon & David Yoon -⭐ 4

Probably the most relatable story in the collection for me.

The story follows a group of teenagers attending a therapy program after being labeled "problem kids" by the adults around them.

What I appreciated most was how authentic their struggles felt. Divorce, absent parents, family conflict, loneliness, and feeling misunderstood all play important roles here.

Despite some heavy themes, the story remains hopeful and ultimately focuses on finding support and realizing you're not alone.

One of the more emotionally grounded entries in the anthology.



The Price of Admission - Dustin Thao -⭐ 4

This story explores class differences, grief, identity, and belonging through the friendship between Evan and Dalton.

More than the romance, I found myself invested in Evan's personal journey. Watching him navigate an elite school environment while struggling to fit in made for a compelling coming-of-age story.

As for Dalton...

Let's just say he and I had some disagreements by the end.

Still, I loved seeing Evan find people who appreciated him for who he was and build a future that genuinely made him happy.



 Winter Breakage - David Levithan -⭐ 3.5

This was probably the most difficult story for me to connect with emotionally.

The strongest aspect was the atmosphere. Levithan does an excellent job capturing the uncertainty that comes with new friendships and the anxiety of wondering whether you truly belong.

I appreciated the themes of social anxiety, friendship, and self-acceptance, but I never quite felt like I had enough time to become invested in the characters before the story ended.

A thoughtful story that simply felt a little too short for what it was trying to accomplish.



 Three of Hearts - Katie Cotugno -⭐ 3–3.5

Unfortunately, this was the story I connected with the least.

The beginning showed a lot of promise. I enjoyed getting to know Ellery and seeing her struggle with adjusting to college life far from home.

However, once Camp and Danny entered the story, things started to feel a bit uneven. Camp felt significantly more developed than Danny, which made some of the emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.

The themes of friendship, identity, and self-discovery still worked, but the second half felt rushed compared to the setup.

Not a bad story by any means, just the weakest entry in the collection for me personally.



Final Thoughts

Anthologies can be difficult to review because every story is trying to accomplish something different.

What I appreciated most about The Edge of Everything is how each author approached the coming-of-age theme from a different angle.

Some stories focused on first love.

Others explored friendship, grief, family struggles, identity, or the challenge of finding your place in the world.

Not every story worked equally well for me, but there wasn't a single one that I actively disliked.

My personal favorite was Back to You by Ann Liang, while Safe Harbor and The Price of Admission weren't far behind.

Overall, this is a thoughtful collection that offers a little something for most YA readers, especially those who enjoy stories about self-discovery and personal growth.

The collection is available also in audio format.

⭐️ 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4


ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Monday, June 8, 2026

Party of a Lifetime - Henry Corrigan

Title: Party of a Lifetime

Author: Henry Corrigan
Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural Horror
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐¼ (3.25★)
Release Date: June 8, 2026

Synopsis

One year after a disastrous prom night, Becca Longford and her friends attempt to recreate what should have been one of the best nights of their lives.

Instead, they find themselves trapped in Monotony-a horrifying town deep in Hell, filled with grotesque creatures, impossible horrors and dangers lurking around every corner and every bush.

As the friends struggle to survive, Monotony begins changing them in terrifying ways. But escaping Hell may be the easy part. The real question is whether they'll still be human if they make it home.

My Thoughts

The blurb was what immediately caught my attention with this one. A group of friends accidentally ending up in Hell while trying to recreate a memorable night from the year before? That sounded like exactly the kind of chaotic horror premise I could get behind.

And TBH, the depiction of Hell ended up being my favorite part of the entire book.

Monotony is exactly the sort of place you'd expect from a nightmare. Between the grotesque creatures, the disturbing atmosphere, the body horror, and even things like burning water, the setting felt genuinely unsettling. There were several descriptions that made my skin crawl, which is always a good sign in a horror novel.

I also have to mention Clowny, who immediately gave me Pennywise-esque vibes. As someone who already finds clowns creepy-ish, that certainly added an extra layer of discomfort.

The mystery surrounding how Becca and her friends ended up in Monotony kept me invested throughout the story, and I enjoyed seeing the answers slowly unfold. By the end, certain revelations definitely put some earlier events into perspective.

And speaking of revelations...

Becca's mother was truly something else. There are plenty of awful fictional parents out there, but she managed to earn herself a place surprisingly high on that list. The narcissism was honestly impressive in the worst possible way.

Where the book lost me a little was with the characters themselves.

I didn't actively dislike any of them, but I never felt particularly connected to them either. They often felt more like a group moving through the plot than fully developed individuals I became emotionally attached to. Because of that, some of the tension didn't hit as hard as it could have.

I also had mixed feelings about the ending. While it clearly leaves room for more story, I wasn't entirely sure whether this was intended as a standalone or the beginning of a series. I don't mind cliffhangers when I know another book is coming, but here the ending felt a bit too open-ended for my personal preference.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Party of a Lifetime delivers a creative premise, some genuinely creepy horror imagery, and a memorable vision of Hell that was easily the standout element of the story.

While I wish I'd connected more strongly with the characters and found the ending a little more conclusive, I still enjoyed the journey and appreciated the author's imagination in bringing Monotony to life.

ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Sunday, May 10, 2026

In the Blood - April Henry


 Title: In the Blood

Author: April Henry
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4★)


Synopsis
Tessa has always wondered about her biological family. Adopted as a newborn, she decides to take a DNA test on her 18th birthday in hopes of finally getting some answers.

But what starts as a search for her roots quickly turns into something much darker when the police reveal that her biological father may be connected to a serial killer case that has remained unsolved for years.

As Tessa, her best friend El, and her lab partner Victor begin digging deeper into her family history, they uncover secrets, dead ends, and dangers they never expected.


My Thoughts

This book had such an interesting premise, and it definitely delivered as a fast, engaging read.

Tessa, who was adopted as a baby, decides to take a DNA test on her 18th birthday to learn more about her biological family… and somehow ends up connected to a serial killer case that’s been open for years. And exactly when the killer strikes again.

Yep… that escalated quickly.

I really enjoyed the investigation aspect of the story, especially watching Tessa, El and Victor dig into her background and try to piece everything together. Of course, being teenagers, they also get themselves into trouble along the way, which honestly felt pretty realistic.

The cult angle added another layer to the story and made things even more interesting.

One thing I did struggle with a bit was the detective. She’s supposed to be very smart and accomplished, but some of her decisions felt questionable, especially sharing details of an active investigation with a group of teens. That part didn’t fully work for me.

I also really liked how AI was used toward the end of the book. If it makes even one teen question what they see online, then it definitely did its job.


Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a very bingeable YA thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I can easily see my 16–18 year old self reading this in one sitting and talking about it nonstop, and honestly, I kind of did the same now. I immediately went to tell my husband all about it 😄

If you enjoy fast-paced YA mysteries with a mix of investigation, family secrets and a creepy serial killer, this one is definitely worth picking up.


ARC Disclaimer
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The Summer of Second Chances - K L Walther


 Title: The Summer of Second Chances

Author: K.L. Walther
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5★)


Synopsis
Olivia Lupo puts her life on hold to stay close to home while her grandmother, Annie, battles dementia. When her family decides to spend the summer on Martha’s Vineyard, Olivia is hesitant at first.

But after discovering a box filled with her grandmother’s old memories from the island, she decides to go, hoping to reconnect not only with Annie’s past but also with herself.

There, she meets Connor, someone from her past who quickly becomes part of her present, and possibly her future. As Olivia retraces her grandmother’s steps, she must figure out if she’s ready to open her heart, even as she faces the fear of losing someone she loves.


My Thoughts

This was a mixed read for me.

The premise is really nice and I did enjoy the overall vibe. The Martha’s Vineyard setting was beautiful, and I liked the idea of Olivia retracing her grandmother’s steps through old photos and memories. It added a nostalgic and emotional layer to the story. Even though the dementia aspect is quite heavy, it didn’t feel overwhelming, as it was closely tied to that journey.

That said… Olivia.

I understand she’s going through a lot, but she felt frustrating more often than not. Her decisions, especially when it came to Connor, were hard to understand at times, and because of that, parts of the story started to drag.

And speaking of Connor, he was actually really sweet, which made the situation even more frustrating. I had a hard time connecting with their romance, as it felt a bit underdeveloped, so it was difficult to fully root for them. At times, I even felt like Connor deserved better.

I also wasn’t a big fan of the dynamic with Olivia’s dad. I understand she’s 19, but some of his decisions felt a bit unrealistic and didn’t sit right with me.

Plot-wise, the story felt quite linear and somewhat predictable. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it didn’t bring many surprises along the way.


Final Thoughts

Overall, not a bad read at all, and I can see why many readers would enjoy it, especially for the setting and emotional themes.

For me, it just didn’t fully click. One of those “it’s me, not you” situations.

If you are looking for a summery, emotional YA read with a strong sense of place and family focus, this might still be worth picking up.


ARC Disclaimer
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

The Escape Game - Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss


 

Title: The Escape Game

Author: Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss
Genre: YA Mystery, Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5★)
Release Date: April 7, 2026

Synopsis
Six months after a contestant was murdered on set, a new season of The Escape Game begins. But for Sierra, this isn’t just a competition, it’s a chance to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death. As clues start to surface, the game quickly turns into something far more dangerous.


My Thoughts

This was such a fun ride!!!

Honestly, I’m not even sure how to properly describe it; it just has a bit of everything: escape rooms, puzzles, drama, murder, sleuthing… and somehow it all works really well together.

The escape room concept was easily one of my favorite parts. The puzzles made the story feel more interactive, like I was trying to figure things out alongside the characters. It definitely gives “for the nerds” vibes,but in the best way.

I also really liked how the mystery unfolds alongside the game. While they’re solving puzzles and competing, they’re also slowly uncovering the truth behind the murder, which keeps the tension going the whole time.

The cast was another highlight. Each character had their own personality and charm, and I enjoyed seeing how they interacted, especially under pressure. It made the group dynamic fun to follow and never boring.

The pacing is fast and super bingeable. There’s always something happening, so I never felt like the story dragged. Even though it’s YA, it worked really well here and didn’t take away from the experience at all.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this was a really entertaining and engaging read. If you enjoy puzzles, competition-based stories and mysteries with constant twists, this is definitely one to pick up.

I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

ARC Disclaimer
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.



Heart of Glass - Jennifer Hillier

  Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier  Author: Jennifer Hillier Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Psychological Thriller | Suspense Publisher: ...