Review: Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)

Shannon Mayer has done it again—Neverthorn is a gripping, atmospheric fantasy that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Dark, immersive, and full of twists, it’s the kind of story that balances action with emotional weight beautifully.

The world of Neverthorn is lushly built, with just the right blend of danger and wonder. Mayer’s descriptions are vivid without being heavy, giving you a sense of the landscape, magic, and atmosphere in a way that feels cinematic. The pacing is excellent too—fast enough to keep you hooked, but with quiet moments that let the characters breathe and grow.

The heroine was a standout for me: strong, flawed, and undeniably human. I loved how her vulnerability was woven into her strength, making her easy to root for. The supporting cast added depth and texture, and the relationships—whether forged in trust, betrayal, or reluctant alliances—felt authentic.

The darker elements of the story were especially compelling. Mayer doesn’t shy away from exploring how far people will go when they’re cornered by fate, power, or love. The tension builds steadily toward a climax that was both satisfying and left me desperate for the next installment.

Final Thoughts:
Neverthorn is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, morally grey heroes, and stories that combine high stakes with emotional depth. If you loved series like Sarah J. Maas’ Crescent City or Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash, you’ll feel right at home here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️

Harlow Daygon is a magic school dropout and a thief doing everything she can to survive and help fellow dropouts and lost kids. Unwanted events find her back enrolled in Neverthorn as a mature student training to save the world against the dark wizard who has been wreaking havoc for 50 years.

The main character is nearly 30 years old and reads like a 15 year old. She is immature and idiotic, only made worse by the fact a swear gag is put on the students on entrance. The book felt very YA and I just felt like have a 29 year old in this school setting just didn't work properly.

The plot and events throughout were predictable and to me I seen a lot of similarities with another wizarding school series.

I did like the found family aspects and I liked the MMC in parts, but overall this one just wasn't for me.

TROPES:
- Found Family
- Magic school
- The Chosen One
- Love Triangle (ish)
- Prophecy
- Forced Proximity

Neverthorn has such a fun set up!

Dark academia, runic magic, a magical academy full of secrets, and an animal sidekick!

I loved the gothic atmosphere and the idea of Harlow returning to the academy later in life. .
I also really liked that the FMC was in her late twenties, however her voice and behaviour often felt much younger, which made it hard for me to connect with her. The pacing slowed down in the second half and the slow burn romance did not quite come together for me.

Still, the world was creative, the magic system was interesting, and I think readers who enjoy magical school settings with a touch of dark academia will have a good time with this one!! It just didn't fully work for me.

Neverthorn is a darkly enchanting fantasy that pulls you into a world of danger, magic, and impossible choices. Shannon Mayer’s writing is immersive and fast-paced, with vivid world-building and characters full of grit and determination. The story balances high-stakes action with emotional depth, making it both gripping and heartfelt. A compelling read that will keep fantasy fans hooked until the very end.

Really enjoyed this one. Parts of it were a little slow, as this is a very plot/character driven book, but I didn’t mind that too much. I really liked the fact the FMC is older, and I love how tough and headstrong she is, and she leans more on the cynical side. I really liked all the minor characters, and the fact they were so integral to the story, there were parts where they really shined, and it wasn’t all about Harlows story, but theirs as well. The almost love triangle between the FMC and Moreno and O’Connor added a really enjoyable romantic sub plot to this. The academy setting was great, as was the world building. My favourite part of the book is the trials they go through in the solstice games - it felt like the book was kind of meandering along up until that point, and not much was happening, so I found that whole part incredibly engaging. All in all this was an enjoyable book. And I would rate it 3.75/5

First off, I enjoyed how the protagonist (Harlow) is not a young kid prophesied to defeat the Dark One, in fact, the whole group of House Phoenix is out of their teens and that is quite refreshing. Yes, they are dragged back to school in order to train to defeat Nocta, but it still is better than children having to do so. It kept my interest the whole time because Harlow is awesome with her version of rune magic (really wouldn't mind the nicking notion she made up, that would make packing so easy!) and she is tough but still cares of Opie and all the other "magicless" kids thrown out to fend for themselves. She has a good heart, except in the matter of Typhon. I was not a fan of him because if Harlow did not agree with something he just threw a rune on her to make her obey. It doesn't matter if he is dark, brooding, and handsome, he is not a good guy.

I loved the found family theme with House Phoenix and also the twists about all is not what it seems, especially with the school and Nocta. That kept me intrigued during the classes and battles and trials that House Phoenix and Harlow had to face, even as they were mocked by the other houses and were not given the help needed to become stronger, even as time was running out for the prophecy to be fulfilled. There is so much darkness in the magic dwimmer world, though good things too (love Bandit!). I will definitely need the next book after that last revelation and what Harlow has to do to keep all those she loves safe.

loved this

enemies to maybe lovers (not sure)
she used to go to this school and left for no reason apparently.

She is back now and she is the key.
her enemies is now a teacher and they kinda have chemistry but they are not supposed to like eachother...

LOVED THISSS

Neverthorn had me torn, I thought the world building and the magical system were greatly created, I really enjoyed the characters being older than most other books of this similar genre and I did think it was written well. Harlow was a great character she was fierce for the people she cared about and her no nonsense attitude gave her sass.
I did find it was very similar to other books that are set in a magical school and a lot of comparisons to other books could be made, but Neverthorn judged on its own merits gave a great intriguing story.

💭 #QOTD  what would your magical quirk be?

Title: Neverthorn
Author: Shannon Mayer
Pages: 529
Rating: 3/5
Spice/Romance level: 🩷🩷🩷
#Arc eCopy ( pr|gifted|ad ) - review left voluntarily
UK publish date - Now released

I really enjoyed it. I'd be lying if I didn't say it wasn't like that OTHER wizard school book, but the mc is older (nearly 30), there's a lot more sexual tension and brooding.

Harlow is our FMC she's forced to go back to Neverthorn with her "sister" and a group of other past students to try and save the magical community against the darklord! As expected, she's faced with challenges along the way. including bullying, mean girl attitude and the fact she still can't cast a rune correctly.

This was a fun read. A lot going on and things aren't as they seem at Neverthorn.

I'm intrigued to find out what happens next!


You'll love this book if you like
- Dark Academia
- Enemies to wth are they?
- forced proximity
- found family
- books about magic
- alternatives to that OTHER wizard book, but with more brooding
- The chosen one
- books over 500 pages
- slowburn
- teacher x student
- love triangle

I really enjoyed this book it felt like a crossover between zodiac academy with a bit of forth wing. I did feel like it was longer than it needed to be and was a bit slow in some places so I rated it 3.5 stars. In parts it felt slightly YA with some repetitive language used and the FMC seemed a little younger than her supposed age of 29.
That being said I loved the magical elements of this book. Think harry potter, fourth wing, zodiac academy and you're on the right track. Overall a pleasant read and I still would recommend this book to people who are easing themselves into fantasy/dark academia

Literally just started this book and even before I started the book I got the ick. The term for non-magical people is giving me the ick. What do you mean people without magic are called DIM. Like dimwitted? Hello!!!! There is a possibility that I am reading into it too much but it rubs me the wrong way.

I'll give it a try and read it but I'm not holding my breath.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I really enjoyed it. I've wanted to read a Shannon Mayer book for a while but was kinda intimidated with the number of books in some of her series. When I saw Neverthorn was the first book in a new series, I immediately requested it and I'm so glad I did.

I loved Harlow’s character! She fought for those she cared about and did not care what anyone else thought about her. I really enjoyed watching her character grow throughout the book. I was happy that she finally found a family and people she could depend on.

I loved the tension between Typhon and Harlow and the professor/student dynamic. I cannot wait to see what happens next with them.

I can't believe Shannon left us with that ending and then the bonus scene from Typhon's POV. I need the next book NOW!

I really enjoyed the magic system and will definitely be picking up the second book. Be sure to take the I took the house quiz to see which house you get! I got House Kelpish, which was not surprising.

Thank you Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early!

3.5⭐️ 🫑

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the world building and magic systems were great and easy to understand.
I love that the FMC is a reluctant hero and she has a found family experience returning to the academy.
I wish there was some spice in the book. It definitely leads up to it so I’m hoping there will be more in the next book.

4🌟

I picked up this book without any expectations, and it turned out to be completely unexpected, but in the best possible way!

Harlow Daygon, a former wizarding school dropout who has since become a magical jewel thief, is blackmailed by Professor Typhon into returning to Neverthorn Academy at the age of almost 30. Having left the academy in her teens following her mum's death, Harlow now runs a temporary home for runaway teens and takes in Opie, who has been abandoned by her parents due to her lack of magic. Opie becomes like a little sister to Harlow, and it is through Opie that Harlow is blackmailed into going back to Neverthorn.

Harlow is reluctant to return due to her own negative experiences at Neverthorn, where she struggled with casting runes and felt like an outcast. Upon her return, she discovers that she was originally placed in the wrong house at Neverthorn, which affected her ability to use her magic. Along with other former students, Harlow is summoned back to Neverthorn to help defeat the dark wizard Nocta.

Harlow and the other former students embark on a quest to uncover their hidden abilities and unravel the true motives of those who have summoned them back to Neverthorn.

Pick this up if you like:
🌸Found family
🌸Dark Academia
🌸Prophecies
🌸Slow burn
🌸Forced proximity
🌸Chosen one
🌸Older FMC

This book is an absolute blast! If you're after an epic fantasy, this might not be your cup of tea, but it’s brimming with banter and features an older FMC, which does have you questioning how she and others act at times 😬. The mystery behind the characters' return keeps you hooked, but what will have me eagerly awaiting book two is the unexpected potential villain arc of one character at the end of book 1.... I am also not really feeling the romance yet, but hopefully this will develop more in book 2?

The only thing that got to me in the end? The fact that the Academy prevents students (including the returners) from cussing - so each time the FMC cussed it was replaced by something silly (for example > duck instead of fck) which was a bit funny at the start, not so much after 400 pages.

Should you read this? Absolutely yes if you are looking for a good time! ✅

Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Shannon Mayer for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Neverthorn in return for an honest review.

Firstly, I just wanted to say I'm so surprised, but happy as well that when taking the Neverthorn house test my result showed I belong to House Phoenix. "Fire made flesh. Change is your constant, and destruction is just the beginning". 🐦‍🔥

I felt like I could relate and sympathise with Harlow the FMC, her genuine reservations and anxiety about returning back to Neverthorn (School) at the age of 29 is so relatable, I'm with you girl! I'd hate to go back to school and to have encounters with people who made your past miserable that's a strong NO from me!

Although, If it was a magical school and there was a tall, dark, handsome and extremely brooding MMC who made me attend, maybe I wouldn't kick up much of a fuss. 🔥

About the book - Harlow 29, tough, street wise and very caring. Is a magical school drop out, who learnt to steal precious jewels and fend for herself, but also decided to create a safe haven for runaway teens, which brings me to Opie she has no magic and was outcasted by her own family. When Harlow is on a job she comes into a spot of trouble when she comes face to face with Typhon who has already convinced Opie that attending Neverthorn will be the making of her and prove her family wrong. This results in Harlow having to return to the Academy she swore (Maybe for the last time IYKYK) to herself she'd never see again, but not everything is as it seems. Once Harlow returns she has to join forces and train with a group of ex-students. There is a prophecy that one of them is destined to be the one to defeat Nocta, a powerful dark wizard.

What I liked - I loved how strong the Found Family trope was and especially in House Phoenix all the characters felt so quirky and unique and they all brought something to the group.
The slow burn that kept me on my toes throughout the book - We best get a book 2 and the couple we all want and deserve 😉 No offence, Liam or we might have a messy love triangle.
Harlow's personality felt so raw and real she is a very inspiring FMC who will just say it as it is, which I admired her for.
The dark academia vibes were so enigmatic, which is perfect for a gritty, magical story for adults.
The love between Harlow & Opie was so cute!
And OFC Bandit the talking familiar

What I disliked - At first the swearing ban was funny and felt new, but the ridiculous words that were being said in place of curse words started to bug me.
Sometimes it felt predictable, but this didn't stop me from enjoying the book.

Tropes Included are;
✨Magic
✨Slow Burn
✨Found Family
✨Chosen One
✨Talking Animal Familiar

That ending and cliffhanger still has me in a chokehold .. book two please 💗

Filled with found family, dark secrets, danger and magic, this book made for an interesting read! I liked the relationship between Harlow and Opie, though I would have loved to see more of them as their close sister-like bond was sweet and gave a lot of insight into Harlow's character as well. I enjoyed Harlow's independent streak as well as her kindness. We see her battle her childhood trauma in this book and it shows her strength and bravery as well as her vulnerability. Her character experiences panic attacks and anxiety, which was well represented and reflected the difficulties she had not only returning to somewhere she has very bad memories of, but also how secrets she uncovers impact her. She's a leader for her friends/family, a little rebellious, and very determined. I definitely warmed to her, and enjoyed her blossoming friendships as well. The romance side of things was a super slow burn and I did find it a little questionable that she has this strong attraction to someone who haunts her for Reasons I Won't Disclose. One of those situations where I really felt that needed clearing up first. I also think this book would have benefited from a few flashbacks as we see how strong Opie and Harlow's relationship is now, and we also understand that Harlow had terrible experiences her first time at Neverthorn but it would have really made these things more tangible if we got to see and understand better. However, it didn't stop me from racing through this book and with that ending, I'm left on tenterhooks and can't wait to see what comes next for Harlow.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

The highlight of this book for me was Harlow, our MMC. I loved how sassy and funny she was - there was no messing with her! I thought the way swearing was banned at Neverthorn was really clever too, and added a hilarious note to a lot of the speech. 

I thought the back story with Harlow's family was really intersting and how she came to be in Ophie's life was pretty bad ass in itself. I loved the school vibes - there's a lot going on there and I'm sure there's some bad stuff going to come out in future books. A lot of suspicious goings on! I really enjoyed seeing how the problem with Phoenix Houses' magic was resolved.

The ending took me by total surprise, leaving me eager to read book two in the series. I did not see it coming at all - very well done!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Micheal J for the oppurtunity to read this arc.

The girl In me who always knew she belonged at Hogwarts LOVED this book!

I absolutely loved our FMC Harlow, she’s feisty, she’s hilarious and she’s definitely not afraid to speak her mind!

The banter in this book was hilarious 😂

The plot was fast-paced and the story line was full of intense high stakes!

The found family in this book was so incredibly done. I loved it so much!

The tension with Typhon 🤌🏻 yesssss

The end?! I yelled - loudly! Sorry I need book 2 now please! 🙏🏻

Yes! Just Yes! Stop what you are doing now and go read this book. If you can't tell I loved this book!

To start - I think it is hard to write an fantasy academia and not have it compared to Harry Potter, however the only similarities were the assigned houses, the fact there is a hidden magic school and non-magic people who know nothing about it.

The magic system is really cool and well executed, in particular the struggles of rune crafting and the power behind them. It really added to the world building and characters development, especially with the proper way and the naughty shortcuts.

I love a badass underdog FMC and we got that in spades! Harlow is a Neverthorn school drop out, nearing her 30s, a notorious troublemaker with a big heart, who has picked up some questionable habits to survive. She is forcefully persuaded to return to her old school and confront her past, whilst having the added pressure of protecting her sister and the possibility of being the one of the few who can save them all. But this time round she finds her people, her family, and even a furry sidekick come emotional support badger - Bandit.

There is definitely a strong slow burn/ forced proximity/ enemies to lover vibe here - Typhon is her emotionally repressed ex schoolmate and one of the big reasons she didn't return the first time. To add salt to the wound, he's the one sent to make her go back to her living nightmare. Their burn is SLOW, but I'm not mad at it because it wouldn't have been right if it wasn't. We get her inappropriate thoughts, his overprotectiveness, and lots of tension to see us through.

Harlow is a suspicious girl, and as a reader that put me on edge (obviously in solidarity, but also to prepare myself for usual Romantasy heartbreak) - but even with all my skepticism, I still DID NOT SEE THAT ENDING!! SHANNON!! For once though, I am utterly delighted- even if I do feel like I have whiplash from those twists! I cannot wait to read the next book to see how this story will progress.

Oh dear oh dear oh dear...

I heard so much hype for this book before it was published, and saw the Waterstones sprayed edge edition which was beautiful and thought I was in for a treat.

Unfortunately I am really going to struggle to find things I actually enjoyed.

As this was an Arc read (thank you NetGalley for the arc in return for an honest review); I committed to reading the entire book instead of DNF'ing and to give it a rating based on the entire story.

So let's get into it...

The premise- a magical academy for people with their own personal gifts (similar to Marvel characters having their own strengths) are all taught how to cast runes and train in combat. There is a villain called Nocta who we know is a bad man. One of the original teachers of Neverthorn Academy has been killed and they are now looking for someone to replace him/ beat Nocta.

The schools best strategy is to collect a load of rejects who went through school years prior and haven't been particularly successful in magic.

This is where our FMC comes in.

FMC - She is a 29 year old with the common sense, emotional maturity and interesting qualities of a damp dishcloth.

She also has a penchant for swearing which is "disallowed" leading to a spell being cast on her so she goes round muttering things like "oh sheet". This honestly made me cringe.

Anyway, she - and her sister are forced to attend.

She meets some teachers she used to go to school with. None are really developed and nobody cares about them. One is male and sexy and has a few sexy one liners but then nothing ever really happens.

With the world in peril, the school decide that some games/trials would be appropriate so that got shoved in the cooking pot too...

Then they gear up to fight the baddie (oh yeah turns out it's her dad) and he comes and says hi and then leaves without really doing anything (except leaving everyone with more unanswered questions)

What I enjoyed:
- Shannon Mayer has a way of writing which is incredibly easy to understand. The story is explained in a very matter of fact and conversational way.
- The FMC was slightly older than usual
- An interesting start to the book.
- The majority of the found family aspect

What I didn't enjoy:
-No unique magic concepts
- An attempt at several tropes - (slow burn, morally grey mmc, enemies to lovers, two love interests, none of which landed). Honestly there was zero chemistry and one or two kisses that came out of nowhere.
- No character development for the majority of characters.
- A lot of plot which didn't make sense at all
- A very slow pace which made it difficult for me to be interested - it took me around 15 attempts to read this because I just wasn't hooked at all and it felt more like homework.
- The magic system/ the way Nocta could break through wasn't explained.
- The last 90% of the book
- The humour in the way it was written really played down any seriousness and therefore made it all seem too lighthearted.
- The predictability - for example "oh no the cave is filling with water!" "Oh look I have water power!"
- The book didn't really go anywhere. There was no depth. It read incredibly YA. Honestly I think it would have been more suitable for 11/13 year olds.
- The cheesy censored swearing. Seriously though I was almost at my limit by the end and I was glad to get to the last page before I launched the book out of my "ducking" window.
- A raccoon who talks... why??? He does nothing except carry the occasional note 🙈
- What happened to Zeed? Absolutely no idea
- Feeling like we know as much by the end of the book as we did at the beginning - ie not much.

Overall it just fell super flat for me. I've been spoiled with amazing Romantasy books recently and this was like going from a hot to a cold climate. Everything really fell flat. Unfortunately there is nothing about this book that makes me desire to read book two so my Neverthorn journey is at the end. Thank "fruck" for that.