2.5 ★’s

This started off well with an intriguing premise but as the story progressed it slowed down and got repetitive.

This reads very YA which is not necessarily a bad thing but what I don't understand is why the author decided to create an older FMC only for her to act childlike. Her maturity doesn’t seem to match her age and some of her actions were so immature at times I forgot she was 29 not 15.

There’s also a swearing ban throughout this book which didn’t help matters. It's hard to take anyone seriously when they are constantly saying fruck and sheet. Both these words were so overused that it got unfunny fast.

Romance had potential being slow burn, enemies to lovers, professor X student but fell flat. Also there’s a love triangle situation going on which I'm not a big fan of.

Ultimately this wasn’t for me. I think maybe a younger audience looking for a easy read might appreciate this but for me it was too cheesy and predictable with insufficient character development.

ೃ⁀➷ 2.5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚

The first half was good and kept me interested but then it quickly came to a point where certain elements felt overused and redundant. It took away from the story and enjoyment rather than adding to it.

The best parts about this book would’ve been that she’s 29 and the teacher x student trope but even that felt like it happened in name only. There was hardly any teaching going on and the fmc behaved like she was 20. And the academy setting was all over the place. There wasn’t any clear ground or setting which felt messy.

The villain felt very cartoonish and cliche. It was also a little too predictable for me. Just overall underwhelming. I’m disappointed because I really had such amazing expectations from this.

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC ♥︎

4.75/5 stars! I loved this dark academia fantasy book. I especially appreciated an "older" (29) FMC. It is clear that Shannon Mayer knows how to write a compelling story arc and her cast of characters drew me in. It was so nice to see 3-dimensional side characters. This is perfect for fans of K.F. Breene, CN Crawford, or Stacia Stark. Excited for what is next for this author.

This was a fun, fast paced, slowburn romantasy. I was initially intrigued by the cover and the premise; I like a dark academia vibe, and I like magical powers.

The characters are extremely likable, but the romance was a little too slow for my tastes. I really liked that the FMC was closer to 30 than 18. That was a huge plus for me, however she talks like a child and it really annoyed me, as I started questioning is she 29 or 13 with some of the things that she said and it made her harder to connect with. Despite the age, I'm still quite uncomfortable with the love interests being her professors as it's a boundary/power thing that just feels inappropriate but each to their own.

I'm intrigued where the sequel will take us, but I don't think I'll be rushing to get it off the shelf at this time. I'll likely reread this when it's officially published, as I know my mood at the time of reading can massively impact my thoughts/feelings/review and I may enjoy it more next time. Who knows.

This books vibes are immaculate. I was so excited to read this one. The vibes are fantasy, magic, dark academia. Perfect for Harry Potter fans! There is a lot of world building and terminology that all fantasy fans will expect. The character descriptions are fantastic and there is tension, slow burn romance between some. There are a lot of twists and turns, the book ends with a few open cliffhangers but that just makes me intrigued as to whats coming next! This novel is going to be one that fantasy fans just devour.


📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Shannon Mayer and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

I was excited to begin Neverthorn, as it features an older FMC, which is a concept that is underexplored. However, I found myself feeling a little let down by the execution. The protagonist’s self-perceived lack of self-restraint felt quite at odds with her apparent ability to have navigated life fairly successfully into her late twenties. Her thought process and actions seemed more fitting for someone much younger, which made her character difficult to relate to. This inconsistency affected my ability to fully connect with her journey.

The plot also felt a touch slow at times, and I struggled to really immerse myself in the story. There were moments where it reminded me of other works like Harry Potter, but it didn’t quite bring the unique flair that makes those stories so captivating. That said, the world-building is clearly detailed and well-crafted, and I did enjoy the gradual build-up of tension surrounding the threat that the characters are preparing to face. It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into constructing the setting.

Ultimately, while the book had elements of promise, I found it hard to truly resonate with the story. That said, I can see how readers with different tastes might enjoy and appreciate its distinctive qualities.

This was such an incredible book, I was hooked from start to finish and loved every second of it. It’s fast paced, thrilling and full of emotion and twists you don’t see coming. The world the author has created is mesmerising and so vividly described it’s honestly amazing.

This book is a blend of magic and mystery, I loved learning about all the different Runes and Quirks and the new magical terminology was interesting and fun to learn as well. I was fully invested into this story and I loved it. I couldn’t stop reading, and if I wasn’t reading I was thinking about it.

I loved the characters, especially Harlow, she’s a strong and resilient character, funny and puts those she loves and cares about first no matter what. I also loved her character development as it felt natural as it happened throughout the book. The friends she makes in her house is a found family dynamic and I loved it, they are all incredible characters.

Overall, let’s just say I need book 2 asap, it’s not just a want it’s a NEED. My jaw literally dropped at some of the reveals and left me so stunned I had to stop reading and think for a bit. Neverthorn is a truly spectacular book, I literally don’t see any flaws with this book, I loved all of it, I’d happily re-read it again and again and it immediately gave me that 5 star feeling.

Neverthorn was exactly what I needed. It gave me that same nostalgic feeling I had reading HP and the Goblet of Fire, one of my all-time favourites. Magic, mystery, prophecy, found family… it ticks all the boxes and I can already tell it’s going to be a firm favourite.

I’ve barely put my Kindle down since I started. I loved Harlow as the FMC, she’s a little older than most, which I really appreciated, and her development felt natural and earned. What stood out just as much was the attention given to the rest of House Phoenix. Every character had depth and their own story to tell, which made the whole world feel more alive.

And as for a slow burn love interest, I won’t lie… I’m rooting for the underdog and his chocolate eyes 👀🤎

You know it’s been a brilliant read when you finish the last page and immediately want the next one. I’m fully invested and already counting down to book two.

Unfortunately I really didn’t like the way this was written. The fmc was juvenile given her age and I couldn’t get over that to enjoy this book enough to continue reading- dnf at 20%.

Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer is an absolute triumph — a thrilling, emotional, and deeply immersive story that had me hooked from the very first page. Mayer’s signature style shines here: fast-paced, richly imaginative, and full of heart. She has created a world that is as dangerous as it is beautiful, filled with characters who are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.

The main character’s journey is full of twists, growth, and raw emotion, making it impossible not to root for her. Mayer strikes a perfect balance between action, world-building, and character development, crafting a story that feels both epic in scale and intimately personal. The stakes are high, the magic is mesmerizing, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they should — leaving a lasting impact.

Neverthorn is a stunning example of why Shannon Mayer continues to be a powerhouse in fantasy fiction. It’s a breathtaking adventure packed with heart, courage, and resilience. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to see where Mayer takes us next.

Highly, highly recommend for fans of epic fantasy with strong heroines, richly drawn worlds, and stories that stay with you long after you close the book.

Harlow is a 29 year old magic school dropout, who is unexpectedly dragged back to Neverthorn academy, along with 7 others, to help defeat a powerful dark wizard.

Whilst the FMC is older than what we usually see, I’d say this is book is still very YA. Whilst the Harlow is 29, she did seem to behave a lot younger at times. And the swearing ban made it even more so. There was a lot of other words/phrases thrown about to replace any swear words, for example ‘son of a beech’.

The romance is a real slowwww burn with a possible love triangle? Interested to see how that develops in the next book!

Overall this was an enjoyable read for me. It ends on a pretty good cliffhanger which I had an idea it might be coming. I am really looking forward to reading the next book to see how the story progresses.

Thank you to @michaeljbooks & @netgalley for a copy of the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Neverthorn was one of my most anticipated reads of this year... and it lived up to the hype, and so much more!.

A slow burn romance which was done to perfection, loaded with tension in a world full of magic, it was impossible to not find myself obsessed with this story!

The plot is so wonderfully written and loaded with twists and turns, alongside following the growing relationship of our lead character. It was dark, compelling and quite frankly, a magnificent read!.

Neverthorn by Shannon Mayer is a fast-paced, darkly enchanting fantasy with all the hallmarks of a magical academy story—but with a refreshingly older protagonist and a deeper emotional edge.

Harlow Daygon, a former Neverthorn Academy student turned enchanted-jewel thief, isn’t exactly the hero the magical realm was expecting. Still reeling from the trauma of her mother’s death and the failure that led her to drop out, Harlow is suddenly pulled back into a world she thought she’d left behind. This time, she’s part of House Phoenix—an elite group of misfits with mysterious powers chosen to stand between the world and an age-old evil.

The setup may sound familiar but Neverthorn manages to bring something fresh to the table. The cast of characters is one of the book’s biggest strengths. From the prickly, determined Harlow to the rest of the students in House Phoenix, there’s a strong found-family dynamic that grounds the more whimsical elements of the plot. Even the professors have layers, particularly Typhon, Harlow’s brooding former classmate turned combat instructor, whose past with Harlow adds tension and a hint of something deeper.

The romance here is slow burn—very slow burn. There’s clear chemistry, but it’s subtle, simmering under the surface with just enough payoff to keep you intrigued. There are also some hints at a potential love triangle, which adds to the suspense without overshadowing the larger story.

What really stands out in Neverthorn is its blend of magic and mystery. The world-building is rich, if occasionally a little dense with magical terminology and systems that take a bit of effort to get used to. That said, once you're in, the story takes off, especially in the final act. The trials, the magical training, the secrets buried in the academy’s past—all come to a head in a dramatic and twisty ending. Mayer pulls off some genuinely surprising reveals in the last few chapters, and the final pages leave you with just the right amount of answers—and a desperate need for book two.

While the tone does lean whimsical at times, there's also real emotional weight in Harlow’s journey. She’s rough around the edges, yes, but her vulnerability and determination make her an easy protagonist to root for.

In short, Neverthorn is a compelling, magical ride full of danger, secrets, and unexpected heart. If you enjoy stories with dark academia aesthetics, found families, and heroines who are a little bit broken but still willing to fight, this is a great one to pick up.

Dark academia, magic, some boxes were definitely checked here. FMC is dragged back to magic school at age 29 to help learn to fight the Big Bad (she might be the chosen one).

Firstly it was refreshing for a FMC to not be 18. It feels like every fantasy book has a child as the main character, so I appreciated that this one was an actual adult. However, she felt a bit childish at times, as did the writing. The swearing ban was funny at first, and then it’s an entire book of a 29 year old saying ‘holy sheet’ and it feels a bit ridiculous. And while I said it’s nice the main character isn’t 18 years old, it’s easy to forget that at times because she acts it.

The pacing was maybe a smidge slow at times in the middle, but it started picking up in the last 30% or so.

The romance doesn’t really exist - it’s so slow burn, they kiss like…twice. The tension and build-up to the romance was a bit flat at times - although there’s hints of a love triangle so maybe they’re not endgame?

The plot twists at the end were great - the very last one (like in the last chapter) was maybe something you could see coming, but the one in the chapter before I definitely didn’t, so that was nice.

3.75/5, rounded up to 4

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

“A great introduction to the world of Neverthorn”
I really enjoyed my time reading about Neverthorn and I truly cannot wait for the next book because… that ending was crazy.
I loved the inclusivity of this story and the lengths characters went to in order to make the environment more accessible was just so lovely to read.

Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me an ARC via NetGalley!

I requested this book on NetGalley because the blurb was intriguing, and the book is exactly as described. There are many different parts to this story; slow burn romance, magic powers, dark academia, plot twists, and lots of tension and angst. The FMC is very relatable and the way she is written is very lifelike, so it’s easy to get attached to her. Every character has their own personality, and they are all so different in their own ways. There were some parts of the book that felt slow at times, so the pacing is maybe slower than I would have wanted. The last 20% of the book was my favourite, and I wish we’d had more time with the trials as it felt a bit rushed towards the end. I love a slow burn book, as well as forced proximity, both of which this book delivered. It was a really enjoyable book overall!

Rating: 4/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

✨ Think Hogwarts and Fourth Wing but with real adults as the MCs ✨

The book has some loved tropes but they are more subtle than we usually see:
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Bonds
✔️Found family
✔️Chosen one
✔️Reluctant hero

I have conflicting feelings for both the FMC and MMC. The FMC, while 29, kind of acts and speaks like a teenager but I understand why. Meanwhile, I can't decide if I love or hate the MMC 😂

The focus is mostly on character development, setting the scene for future books in the series and it ends on a cliff hanger.

I want to be honest here and say this wasn't what I thought it'd be.

I was really looking forward to an older FMC who took her life experiences and maturity back to the magic school that obviously she suffered some trauma from. However the FMC read quite young and this frustrated me when I really wanted her to handle interactions with past bullies etc differently.

I have to say, the plot was eventful and had brilliant moments of action and tension.

The romance could've been a little clearer as I wasn't sure if it was an Enemies to Lovers, Love Triangle, Hidden Identity and because there were so many different elements, it distracted from the main through line at times.

I loved the villain being someone she knew - strong Harry Potter vibes here.

I am not sure why but this felt so slow and boring. Although the main character is almost thirty she acts like a 15-year-old.

I liked the idea of a fantasy book with an older lead but she doesn't feel older she reads as still very young. This book also read very YA so I feel like having an older FMC was a box check and not intentional.

I really wanted to enjoy this but it was very slow and honestly not a lot happened. The “big plot twist” happened very early on and there wasn't much more excitement after.

When I read the blurb I assumed she goes rogue or maybe becomes more of a villain but I feel like that might be more apt for the series, not this book.

This book had all the dark academia, magical, urban fantasy vibes, and is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Shadowhunters and Fourth Wing!

The story follows magical school dropout and cat burglar Harlow as she navigates being dragged back to Neverthorn at the age of twenty-nine as she's told she could be the 'chosen one' to defeat the uprising villain, Nocta, whom she has a chilling connection with. It's all very cliché but in a comforting way, reminding me of the older, classic YA stories despite this being for older readers. I enjoyed the found family trope with Harlow's other classmates who have also been sent back to Neverthorn, and Opie, a young teen Harlow has taken under her wing.

The romance in the book was so slow burn, and the characters still aren't really anything yet. Typhon, the brooding and moody professor reminds me of Xaden Riorson a little, and I was kind of hoping for more romantic scenes, it fell a little flat for me in that aspect of the book. There's hints at a possible love triangle too with Liam, another professor, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

The mystery kept me reading, the world building can throw you off at times with the magic system and terminology, but like all fantasy books once you get into it everything is easier to understand. The cut throat classes and training was well written, and every magical element was whimsical as can be. I did find the writing a little childish at times, especially with the language ban at the school which restored to students using other words to swear, and at times Harlow's attitude just wasn't necessary, but she's had it hard, so I can understand why she's the way she is. My jaw literally dropped at some of the plot twists towards the end, and of course the book leaves on some massive cliffhangers, which both sucks and rocks.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend for a high stakes story, giving fantasy fans something they'll be sure to devour!

4/5 🌟