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 🌟

When you read the book before it’s even published and you’re already gagging for a sequel, that’s when you know it’s been a successful read.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚.”

Neverthorn was a fun, fast-paced and spellbinding dark academia fantasy that kept me hooked until the very last page. Our FMC Harlow is extremely likeable, she’s loyal and determined, and her likability really comes in handy as it means we’re introduced to lots of characters - and Harlow’s band of besties are just as enjoyable. I love Fable with all my heart 🥹

If you’re a fan of found family, deadly competitions, and strong character development, Neverthorn may just be the next book for you. Many thanks as always to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy!