Outstanding with plot twists that will have you gasping! After reading just a draft of Shadow Reaper, Rebecca Yarros herself stated that this was ‘This year’s must read YA fantasy’. I wouldn’t expect Rebecca Yarros to be wrong about much BUT BOY SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOT WRONG. I’d even go as far as saying this is one of the best YA books I have ever read. I received a free Advanced Review Copy of Shadow Reaper and I leave this review voluntarily. A huge thank you to Lynette Noni, Netgalley and Penguin/Penguin Random House for this opportunity. The plot twists in this book are on a whole new level. As an avid reader of YA and fantasy, I usually anticipate plot direction, but this story constantly surprised me. I experienced complete and utter shock multiple times during what was truly a compelling journey, and I was utterly obsessed. I'm talking about avoiding commitments and reading late into the night kind of obsessed. What I truly appreciated was the gradual, earned development of my affection for the main male character, Reeve. In contrast to many enemies to lovers stories where you're expected to kind of like the MMC from the start, I genuinely disliked him for a significant part of this book, making me wonder how the author would possibly change my opinion. I instantly fell in love with some of the characters. Viri, the main female character, is badass right from the start, earning my respect and admiration almost immediately. The character development throughout is excellent. Whilst there are some nods to traditional fantasy themes, the magical system and the environment are both unique and fresh, which kept my attention throughout. The slow burn romance is utterly perfect for the YA audience, and even as an older reader, I was so invested in Viri and Reeve’s journey. The relationships and the 'found family' dynamic among the characters were also a highlight. I am incredibly excited to get my hands on book two to see where the plot takes them, whenever that may be! It is difficult to portray just how good this book is without revealing any spoilers, but I can say that readers of fantasy are in for an absolute treat come 2 June 2026. Incredible work from Lynette Noni.

“Never bargain with a reaper.” • Forbidden Magic • Found Family • Secrets & Deception • Unique Magic System • High Stakes • The Banter. “He was a reaper, and she was a hunter. They were sworn enemies, now and forever.” Oh this was good. This book right here… when I tell you I was hooked. Boy do I mean it! You’ll start this book and then the next thing you know it’s 2am and you are sat staring in the dark because that TWIST at the end has changed your life. If you’ve read Lynette Noni before, you know she is the queen of foreshadowing and twists that will have you questioning, well… everything! I can just tell this book would be an absolute joy to reread, because that ending will have you gasping in shock but also going ‘ohhh everything makes sense now!’ Now if a book makes me have that much of a reaction… it’s definitely one I need to recommend. Not only are the twists truly supreme, but the whole world is so beautifully immersive. From the first page you will be transported into this almost eerie mist covered isle. Everything is intense and gloriously mysterious. And then we have the characters. Viri is such a captivating FMC, her story will draw you in and have you rooting for her from the first page. You will feel her conflict as she is reunited with her childhood friend turned enemy, her strength as she makes impossible choices. Her stubborn resolve to not fall for Reeves charm (impossible, although she’d never own up to it) and her moral code to do what’s right even if that means breaking a few rules. The found family? Oh be ready for them to steal your heart. They are such an unexpected group of allies and yet they just… work. They balance each other out and offer unwavering support, even Walnut. Who is arguable the most important character… seriously, every story needs an emotional support bunny when times get tough. One thing I especially adore about YA fantasy is the level of yearning between the main characters and just know it was truly exceptional in the Shadow Reaper. The banter alone could have carried this book… everything was so well done and such a joy to read. It’s safe to say I loved every second of reading the utter rollercoaster of a book, I am so excited to see where the second book in this duology leads.

Lynette Noni is a queen of the fantasy genre, and with Shadow Reaper she's done it again. I was completely gripped from the start, loving the world building and the brilliant characters. There were some excellent twists and exciting reveals, and an ending that (as usual) left me desperate for more. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the sequel!