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Bittersweet Nightshade
Ainsleigh Harper is one of the Gifted. Unlucky enough to manifest strength too immense to control, she spends most of her time drinking and avoiding her fraught relationship with her mother. There’s only so many times she can handle being called a monster.
The dream is to escape. To run away and start a new life with her best friend and famous fellow Gifted, Cassidy ‘Healer’ Drake.
But when Cassidy disappears without a trace, something within Ainsleigh finally snaps. Drunk and bleeding out after a savage wolf attack, Ainsleigh is found by a mysterious stranger and learns that she's not as stranded and alone as she feared.
Now Ainsleigh has three questions,
Where is Cassidy?
Can her secretive saviour really be trusted?
And why does whiskey taste so good?
The dream is to escape. To run away and start a new life with her best friend and famous fellow Gifted, Cassidy ‘Healer’ Drake.
But when Cassidy disappears without a trace, something within Ainsleigh finally snaps. Drunk and bleeding out after a savage wolf attack, Ainsleigh is found by a mysterious stranger and learns that she's not as stranded and alone as she feared.
Now Ainsleigh has three questions,
Where is Cassidy?
Can her secretive saviour really be trusted?
And why does whiskey taste so good?
- GenresFantasyParanormal
342 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2023
7 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 22, 2023
After the Problem Year, a small percentage of babies born that year Manifest with Gifts at puberty. This is the story of three of those people who find each other, connect and struggle to find a new life where they are safe from those who would hurt them.
The Good: This was a compelling story that I could not put down. The connection between Ainsleigh and Finch felt very well-developed and believable. Both Ainsleigh and Finch were complex, sympathetic characters with backstories that went a long way to explain their respective responses to the world around them. The writing is good.
The Not So Good: There are some holes in the plot. The biggest being, in a world where folks are suspicious of the government and how they might treat the Gifted, how do all of these dead bodies (killed by Gifted) go uninvestigated and unremarked? I did not find the connection between Ainsleigh and Cass particularly convincing. This connection was definitely more told than shown. The ending of the book felt rushed and underdeveloped, particularly in comparison to the first half. Ultimately I was left wanting more from the end of the book. Overall, the book was a little too gory for my personal taste.
The Weird: Too many chunks of brain matter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Good: This was a compelling story that I could not put down. The connection between Ainsleigh and Finch felt very well-developed and believable. Both Ainsleigh and Finch were complex, sympathetic characters with backstories that went a long way to explain their respective responses to the world around them. The writing is good.
The Not So Good: There are some holes in the plot. The biggest being, in a world where folks are suspicious of the government and how they might treat the Gifted, how do all of these dead bodies (killed by Gifted) go uninvestigated and unremarked? I did not find the connection between Ainsleigh and Cass particularly convincing. This connection was definitely more told than shown. The ending of the book felt rushed and underdeveloped, particularly in comparison to the first half. Ultimately I was left wanting more from the end of the book. Overall, the book was a little too gory for my personal taste.
The Weird: Too many chunks of brain matter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2023
I received this book as an ARC reader, and I am leaving this honest review.
Storyline (without spoilers): Bittersweet Nightshade is told in the point of view of Ainsleigh, who is looking for her best friend, Cassidy. After getting hurt, a man named Finch helps her get better.
I really liked Ainsleigh and her attitude towards life. It was different and refreshing. Her background story makes sense in the way it was written, and readers can see the bond between Ainsleigh and Cassidy clearly. I think their relationship made sense, as did their past and resulting behaviour. Ainsleigh in particular, has an outlook on life that is sarcastic but understandable.
Finch was amazing, I liked reading his caring and gentle side. I felt through Finch, that Crowley (the author) was giving her own male character a side that we don't see often, which negates toxic masculinity ideals. I'm all for that!
In the same way, I loved that Ainsleigh was not the damsel in distress, unable to do anything without hurting her nails type of woman. It was really refreshing to read her, and for me, as a reader, to feel like this was my kind of character.
Overall, the characters were well developped and I enjoyed the world building. I think that at times, I would have done something different in terms of writing, but I think that's my problem as a creative writer, which is why I gave it 4 stars. It's clear from the writing and details that Crowley has spent some time on her world.
I can't wait to see what happens next!
Storyline (without spoilers): Bittersweet Nightshade is told in the point of view of Ainsleigh, who is looking for her best friend, Cassidy. After getting hurt, a man named Finch helps her get better.
I really liked Ainsleigh and her attitude towards life. It was different and refreshing. Her background story makes sense in the way it was written, and readers can see the bond between Ainsleigh and Cassidy clearly. I think their relationship made sense, as did their past and resulting behaviour. Ainsleigh in particular, has an outlook on life that is sarcastic but understandable.
Finch was amazing, I liked reading his caring and gentle side. I felt through Finch, that Crowley (the author) was giving her own male character a side that we don't see often, which negates toxic masculinity ideals. I'm all for that!
In the same way, I loved that Ainsleigh was not the damsel in distress, unable to do anything without hurting her nails type of woman. It was really refreshing to read her, and for me, as a reader, to feel like this was my kind of character.
Overall, the characters were well developped and I enjoyed the world building. I think that at times, I would have done something different in terms of writing, but I think that's my problem as a creative writer, which is why I gave it 4 stars. It's clear from the writing and details that Crowley has spent some time on her world.
I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 30, 2023
Huge thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
I was invested in this world from the very start. I'd say the book definitely needs trigger warnings and won't be for the faint hearted - but I loved it!
I gave a 4 star rating due to guessing a few things early on - it didn't take anything away from enjoying the book though.
There are interesting characters, I felt it had a good pace and at times it gets brutal!
I've not read anything by this author before, but this book has definitely left me wanting more.
I was invested in this world from the very start. I'd say the book definitely needs trigger warnings and won't be for the faint hearted - but I loved it!
I gave a 4 star rating due to guessing a few things early on - it didn't take anything away from enjoying the book though.
There are interesting characters, I felt it had a good pace and at times it gets brutal!
I've not read anything by this author before, but this book has definitely left me wanting more.
March 28, 2023
This is a spoiler free review.
Alright, starting with the good stuff. The premise was certainly interesting. I love a story about people with abilities that are not particularly good nor bad, and their struggles with their identity.
Ainsleigh was an interesting protagonist and her motivations were laid out perfectly clear. Her dynamic with Finch was also fun and interesting, even if it was quite fast paced.
I also really enjoyed the moving back and forth between present day and past as it paints a clear picture of the characters.
The first scene was also quite interesting and gripping. So many questions came to mind as it went on, which made me wanna continue on to have those answered. The first 30 ish % went on quite slow, but I did not mind at all. It gives me time to get to know the locations and character's, after which it did become a little bit faster paced.
The not so good things:
It was too short. I would have liked to have spent more time with the character's and certain locations they were in. They got in and out of trouble way too quick and for someone who had trouble with their gift, they could control it quite quickly.
I felt like the stakes weren't high enough. The dangers came and went and weren't as scary as they could have been, especially with the underlying threat of the government, which wasn't touched upon enough.
(The Magi could've been so much more threatening than they were. Cuz everything went by so fast)
Furthermore, a lot of info was told to us, the audience, instead of shown, one example the torture. The character told us what was done to them, but with some description we could have easily imagined the horrors. Leaving it a bit more open is much scarier than straight up telling it how it is.
And like another reviewer mentioned, the character's did not quite feel like the age they should be at, especially with everything they have been through. They felt quite juvenile.
I ended up giving this book a 3, it was interesting and had a good premise, but did not quite live up to what it could have been, but it certainly wasn't bad.
I received this book as an ARC for free and wrote the review voluntarily.
Alright, starting with the good stuff. The premise was certainly interesting. I love a story about people with abilities that are not particularly good nor bad, and their struggles with their identity.
Ainsleigh was an interesting protagonist and her motivations were laid out perfectly clear. Her dynamic with Finch was also fun and interesting, even if it was quite fast paced.
I also really enjoyed the moving back and forth between present day and past as it paints a clear picture of the characters.
The first scene was also quite interesting and gripping. So many questions came to mind as it went on, which made me wanna continue on to have those answered. The first 30 ish % went on quite slow, but I did not mind at all. It gives me time to get to know the locations and character's, after which it did become a little bit faster paced.
The not so good things:
It was too short. I would have liked to have spent more time with the character's and certain locations they were in. They got in and out of trouble way too quick and for someone who had trouble with their gift, they could control it quite quickly.
I felt like the stakes weren't high enough. The dangers came and went and weren't as scary as they could have been, especially with the underlying threat of the government, which wasn't touched upon enough.
(The Magi could've been so much more threatening than they were. Cuz everything went by so fast)
Furthermore, a lot of info was told to us, the audience, instead of shown, one example the torture. The character told us what was done to them, but with some description we could have easily imagined the horrors. Leaving it a bit more open is much scarier than straight up telling it how it is.
And like another reviewer mentioned, the character's did not quite feel like the age they should be at, especially with everything they have been through. They felt quite juvenile.
I ended up giving this book a 3, it was interesting and had a good premise, but did not quite live up to what it could have been, but it certainly wasn't bad.
I received this book as an ARC for free and wrote the review voluntarily.
March 7, 2023
I enjoyed the premise of this book, a sort of more grounded take on the ramification of a small subset of the population gaining X-Men style powers. I do wish that the less cool and more useless powers showed up in a central character, though, and not just as a throw-away line.
I think the two point of view characters, Finch and Ainsleigh were both compelling and well written, and had a good and interesting dynamic. I especially enjoy the way Finch's anxiety, social and otherwise, is written. It feels real, albeit toned down. I enjoy the friendship that blossoms between the two, and, combined with the eventual introduction of Cassidy, lead me to believe the romantic culmination of the book would be... a different geometric shape than the ones it ended up being. Which is fine.
Ainsleigh started out feeling like the standardised female protagonist of an urban fantasy novel, but I feel like she developed as a person over the course of the novel. I do think not examining her relationship with her family a little more was a missed opportunity, though, as her mother felt sort of like a caricature, and not quite like a person.
Speaking of the ending I do agree with the other reviewers that it felt a little rushed. Three or so pages from the end I thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger, and now I'm not sure if it did. It feels like it is leading up to a sequel, but I'm not sure whether that is the case. I would read a sequel of this, though. Perhaps especially one exploring other experiences of these Gifts and the origin, as well as more about the whole government hunting them down or perhaps just some sort of militia?
Over all I'd say this is a solid book. Interesting characters and character premises, an interesting world that, so far, feels like it has room to expand.
(Do I have to say I received an advanced copy and read and reviewed of my own free will? Is that what's happening here?)
I think the two point of view characters, Finch and Ainsleigh were both compelling and well written, and had a good and interesting dynamic. I especially enjoy the way Finch's anxiety, social and otherwise, is written. It feels real, albeit toned down. I enjoy the friendship that blossoms between the two, and, combined with the eventual introduction of Cassidy, lead me to believe the romantic culmination of the book would be... a different geometric shape than the ones it ended up being. Which is fine.
Ainsleigh started out feeling like the standardised female protagonist of an urban fantasy novel, but I feel like she developed as a person over the course of the novel. I do think not examining her relationship with her family a little more was a missed opportunity, though, as her mother felt sort of like a caricature, and not quite like a person.
Speaking of the ending I do agree with the other reviewers that it felt a little rushed. Three or so pages from the end I thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger, and now I'm not sure if it did. It feels like it is leading up to a sequel, but I'm not sure whether that is the case. I would read a sequel of this, though. Perhaps especially one exploring other experiences of these Gifts and the origin, as well as more about the whole government hunting them down or perhaps just some sort of militia?
Over all I'd say this is a solid book. Interesting characters and character premises, an interesting world that, so far, feels like it has room to expand.
(Do I have to say I received an advanced copy and read and reviewed of my own free will? Is that what's happening here?)
June 12, 2023
This is a thoroughly engaging, efficient, character-driven story that I could not put down.
If you're looking for a book that builds its low-fantasy/paranormal setting with soft world-building, cutting out much of the fluff that too often bogs these types of worlds down, and builds believable, interesting, likable characters - then this is the book for you.
I found myself immediately attached to the main characters Ainsleigh and Finch thanks to the very strong and revealing dialogue and narration on display. These are loveable characters, dealing with severe trauma and obstacles (both internal and external) explored in a way that isn't overly dark or melodramatic - echoing the sentiments of the characters' personalities and this is one of the many things that makes the tone of the book so digestible.
I really appreciated the brisk pace of the story and thought the author did a great job at conveying what was needed to advance the narrative and development of its characters, eliciting genuine laughter, tension, and heartfelt moments - without ruminating on any one aspect that it would outstay its welcome.
Contrary to other reviewers, I don't believe this book would've been any better off having explored the minutiae and complexities of the wider world and government systems that are hinted at in the narrative. In my opinion, the soft world-building style, and focus on smaller character moments leaves plenty to the imagination, leaving so much room for a follow-up story. Whether that's one that decides to explore the bigger themes of its corrupt society, or one that decides to continue to focus on its smaller, character-focused narrative as the world moves and changes around them.
I highly recommend Bittersweet Nightshade. If nothing else, it was thoroughly entertaining - and that's what we're looking for right?
If you're looking for a book that builds its low-fantasy/paranormal setting with soft world-building, cutting out much of the fluff that too often bogs these types of worlds down, and builds believable, interesting, likable characters - then this is the book for you.
I found myself immediately attached to the main characters Ainsleigh and Finch thanks to the very strong and revealing dialogue and narration on display. These are loveable characters, dealing with severe trauma and obstacles (both internal and external) explored in a way that isn't overly dark or melodramatic - echoing the sentiments of the characters' personalities and this is one of the many things that makes the tone of the book so digestible.
I really appreciated the brisk pace of the story and thought the author did a great job at conveying what was needed to advance the narrative and development of its characters, eliciting genuine laughter, tension, and heartfelt moments - without ruminating on any one aspect that it would outstay its welcome.
Contrary to other reviewers, I don't believe this book would've been any better off having explored the minutiae and complexities of the wider world and government systems that are hinted at in the narrative. In my opinion, the soft world-building style, and focus on smaller character moments leaves plenty to the imagination, leaving so much room for a follow-up story. Whether that's one that decides to explore the bigger themes of its corrupt society, or one that decides to continue to focus on its smaller, character-focused narrative as the world moves and changes around them.
I highly recommend Bittersweet Nightshade. If nothing else, it was thoroughly entertaining - and that's what we're looking for right?
March 7, 2023
After the problem year, a small number of children are born with gifts that show up when they reach puberty. These people are generally considered unlucky and our three main characters Ainsleigh, Cassidy and Finch are part of the gifted population. This book is about healing from past and current trauma while Ainsleigh and Finch look for Cassidy and somewhere they'll all be safe.
Positives: A interesting story and plot, with characters that have powers that aren't teenagers which is always refreshing to see. The book has two points of view from both Ainsleigh and Finch and both of these characters have well developed backstories and reasons for why they act like they do. The book really shines through as part of the adult genre as it contains lots of detailed gore, abuse, murder, grooming, etc... so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a weak stomach but if you're a horror/gore fan I would dive right in. I also love the subtle LGBTQ+ rep in the book, it's written in so naturally.
Negatives:
There's a quite a big plot hole of the government showing lots of interest and effort to get all of the gifted registered but when lots of gifted people go missing for various reasons the government doesn't seem to care and it isn't really shown why they want people to be registered in the first place. As well as this I thought that the characters didn't really struggle enough at some points such as the bunker scene where they got in and out far easier than they should have. And finally, I felt that the first 30% of the book was a bit slow and repetitive BUT it does definitely pick up so I would recommend keeping on reading.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read a sequel if there was one written in the future.
Positives: A interesting story and plot, with characters that have powers that aren't teenagers which is always refreshing to see. The book has two points of view from both Ainsleigh and Finch and both of these characters have well developed backstories and reasons for why they act like they do. The book really shines through as part of the adult genre as it contains lots of detailed gore, abuse, murder, grooming, etc... so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a weak stomach but if you're a horror/gore fan I would dive right in. I also love the subtle LGBTQ+ rep in the book, it's written in so naturally.
Negatives:
There's a quite a big plot hole of the government showing lots of interest and effort to get all of the gifted registered but when lots of gifted people go missing for various reasons the government doesn't seem to care and it isn't really shown why they want people to be registered in the first place. As well as this I thought that the characters didn't really struggle enough at some points such as the bunker scene where they got in and out far easier than they should have. And finally, I felt that the first 30% of the book was a bit slow and repetitive BUT it does definitely pick up so I would recommend keeping on reading.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read a sequel if there was one written in the future.
March 24, 2023
4.75
Trigger warnings: Gore, blood, abuse, torture, violence, mutilation, panic attacks, death, murder
Thank you for the ARC.
I read the first chapter and then stopped reading for a few days because I wasn't in a reading mood but then I picked it up again and I couldn't put it away! At first I thought it was a little unbelievable that Finch took her in, but it all makes sense now!
I love the diverse cast of characters! They all have their well developed backstories and trauma's. The characters are different then I have read elsewhere which I really like! Also, the two main characters don't end up together which is also new for me but it works so well here! I love to finally read something different! The story does have some Lgbt elements, but it doesn't focus on that. There are some brief moments that they struggle with love, but it doesn't focus on it which is great also!
The story is great and I love the world building!
There are a lot of spelling mistakes in the book. Leaning instead of Learning and Stoop instead of stop. Or double words. Those could've been fixed if someone re-read it one more time. The author, or the editor. Or someone who could have spotted the mistakes.
Also, maybe it's just me because I liked the book so much, but the chapters were really short, which I really like!!
There is a lot of blood and crushed brains which was really gross so this book is not for the faint hearted.
I really liked this book, but the ending seemed abrupt. It ends in the middle of the fight. Do they win? Do they lose? I hope this is because it's part of a series and the next book will pick up where this one has been left off. I would love a sequel. I can't let the characters go yet. I also feel like there is a lot more to explore in this world.
Trigger warnings: Gore, blood, abuse, torture, violence, mutilation, panic attacks, death, murder
Thank you for the ARC.
I read the first chapter and then stopped reading for a few days because I wasn't in a reading mood but then I picked it up again and I couldn't put it away! At first I thought it was a little unbelievable that Finch took her in, but it all makes sense now!
I love the diverse cast of characters! They all have their well developed backstories and trauma's. The characters are different then I have read elsewhere which I really like! Also, the two main characters don't end up together which is also new for me but it works so well here! I love to finally read something different! The story does have some Lgbt elements, but it doesn't focus on that. There are some brief moments that they struggle with love, but it doesn't focus on it which is great also!
The story is great and I love the world building!
There are a lot of spelling mistakes in the book. Leaning instead of Learning and Stoop instead of stop. Or double words. Those could've been fixed if someone re-read it one more time. The author, or the editor. Or someone who could have spotted the mistakes.
Also, maybe it's just me because I liked the book so much, but the chapters were really short, which I really like!!
There is a lot of blood and crushed brains which was really gross so this book is not for the faint hearted.
I really liked this book, but the ending seemed abrupt. It ends in the middle of the fight. Do they win? Do they lose? I hope this is because it's part of a series and the next book will pick up where this one has been left off. I would love a sequel. I can't let the characters go yet. I also feel like there is a lot more to explore in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
A good premise but I just couldn't find myself invested.
Ainsleigh is one of the Gifted, and it takes us a while to learn what that means - and it's a little bit of an X-Men world with people randomly having mutations, but only people born in a certain year.
Because of her Gift Ainsleigh's mother is an awful person and is horribly abusive, Ainsleigh got lucky to have a best friend who could heal her. But her mother isn't the only awful person, seriously all of the adult figures and parents in this book are terrible.
These characters are 26 and I don't know if I'm just old but they didn't read as 26-year-olds; especially 26-year-olds who would've been matured by trauma as they were.
The book constantly jumps from the present to memories/flashbacks without warning and I found it hard sometiems to keep track of what was going on, having to go back and re-read the last few sentences to figure it out.
I struggled with this book but made myself finish it and even by the end I really wasn't invested in it. It does end on a cliffhanger and I'm fine not knowing what happens next.
I'm not trying to tear this book apart, but all of these things (and more minor things I won't go into) just kept pulling me out of the story and I never got immersed. The story itself isn't bad but I feel like there needed to be more editing and pruning.
I'm not taking into account any typos or grammatical errors, since this is an ARC, but there were quite a few that I hope were caught before publication.
I received an ARC of this book for free and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Ainsleigh is one of the Gifted, and it takes us a while to learn what that means - and it's a little bit of an X-Men world with people randomly having mutations, but only people born in a certain year.
Because of her Gift Ainsleigh's mother is an awful person and is horribly abusive, Ainsleigh got lucky to have a best friend who could heal her. But her mother isn't the only awful person, seriously all of the adult figures and parents in this book are terrible.
These characters are 26 and I don't know if I'm just old but they didn't read as 26-year-olds; especially 26-year-olds who would've been matured by trauma as they were.
The book constantly jumps from the present to memories/flashbacks without warning and I found it hard sometiems to keep track of what was going on, having to go back and re-read the last few sentences to figure it out.
I struggled with this book but made myself finish it and even by the end I really wasn't invested in it. It does end on a cliffhanger and I'm fine not knowing what happens next.
I'm not trying to tear this book apart, but all of these things (and more minor things I won't go into) just kept pulling me out of the story and I never got immersed. The story itself isn't bad but I feel like there needed to be more editing and pruning.
I'm not taking into account any typos or grammatical errors, since this is an ARC, but there were quite a few that I hope were caught before publication.
I received an ARC of this book for free and am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 3, 2023
Book TW: blood, alcoholism, abuse
Bittersweet Nightshade is a low fantasy novel that twists our usual expectations. It is a reasonably short novel written in the third person and follows the gradual friendship that blossoms between Ainsleigh and Finch. I was delighted to find that, unlike the usual role such a character would play, the male main character has many green flags and does not revert to any animalistic instincts of a wolf. I tend to avoid novels where the author depicts the male as a growling, overprotective animal that ends up mated with the fmc. If you’re the same, I would recommend this book!
Crowley handles this fantasy genre well, making it wonderfully queer and wholesome. The world is full of an interesting magic system of “gifts” and a slight escape from reality through worldbuilding. The small group of characters are well-rounded and has very strong personalities that shine through. Through the characters learning to heal, it helps the reader to also heal with them. My only point of criticism is how abruptly it ended. I’m assuming there will be a second book, but it reads as though book one still had much more to give. Perhaps the pacing of the book's last third should have been altered. It felt more like the middle of the arc rather than the concluding chapters.
Bittersweet Nightshade is a low fantasy novel that twists our usual expectations. It is a reasonably short novel written in the third person and follows the gradual friendship that blossoms between Ainsleigh and Finch. I was delighted to find that, unlike the usual role such a character would play, the male main character has many green flags and does not revert to any animalistic instincts of a wolf. I tend to avoid novels where the author depicts the male as a growling, overprotective animal that ends up mated with the fmc. If you’re the same, I would recommend this book!
Crowley handles this fantasy genre well, making it wonderfully queer and wholesome. The world is full of an interesting magic system of “gifts” and a slight escape from reality through worldbuilding. The small group of characters are well-rounded and has very strong personalities that shine through. Through the characters learning to heal, it helps the reader to also heal with them. My only point of criticism is how abruptly it ended. I’m assuming there will be a second book, but it reads as though book one still had much more to give. Perhaps the pacing of the book's last third should have been altered. It felt more like the middle of the arc rather than the concluding chapters.
May 8, 2023
Thank you to the author for letting me read and review this book! A content warning before picking up this book: mental and physical abuse, death, and murder.
My thoughts:
The writing style was okay. It was a bit simpler and not really my taste. There were spelling mistakes that needed to be fixed as well. It took me a bit to get into the book, but the rest of the book was intriguing.
I enjoyed the diversity of characters and the character development. There was good world building as well. The book was good overall, but just not for me. I could see a lot of others loving this book. I want to read other books this author comes out with.
Author: Shelley Crowley
Pages: 342
Published date: 5/3/23
Stars: 3 out of 5
Book summary:
Ainsleigh Harper is one of the Gifted. Unlucky enough to manifest strength too immense to control, she spends most of her time drinking and avoiding her fraught relationship with her mother. There's only so many times she can handle being called a monster.
The dream is to escape. To run away and start a new life with her best friend and famous fellow Gifted, Cassidy 'Healer' Drake. But when Cassidy disappears without a trace, something within Ainsleigh finally snaps. Drunk and bleeding out after a savage wolf attack, Ainsleigh is found by a mysterious stranger and learns that she's not as stranded and alone as she feared.
My thoughts:
The writing style was okay. It was a bit simpler and not really my taste. There were spelling mistakes that needed to be fixed as well. It took me a bit to get into the book, but the rest of the book was intriguing.
I enjoyed the diversity of characters and the character development. There was good world building as well. The book was good overall, but just not for me. I could see a lot of others loving this book. I want to read other books this author comes out with.
Author: Shelley Crowley
Pages: 342
Published date: 5/3/23
Stars: 3 out of 5
Book summary:
Ainsleigh Harper is one of the Gifted. Unlucky enough to manifest strength too immense to control, she spends most of her time drinking and avoiding her fraught relationship with her mother. There's only so many times she can handle being called a monster.
The dream is to escape. To run away and start a new life with her best friend and famous fellow Gifted, Cassidy 'Healer' Drake. But when Cassidy disappears without a trace, something within Ainsleigh finally snaps. Drunk and bleeding out after a savage wolf attack, Ainsleigh is found by a mysterious stranger and learns that she's not as stranded and alone as she feared.
March 10, 2023
Ainsleigh, Finch, and Cass (when they all came together) made for an interesting trio. From the beginning, Ainsleigh and Finch met under murky circumstances, both holding onto secrets they weren't ready to share. Our three leads were all dealing with some degree of grief and anxiety over their pasts, their families, and in a few cases their abduction by nefarious people looking to use them for darker purposes.
In the world of this book, some young people are the recipients of Gifts as a result of The Problem Year. Not much more background is given, but we do get a sense that, as with many things, these Gifts are not all that great for those that manifest them. As with anything, those without tend to manipulate and harm those that have a Gift, and it is in this tense environment that we find out three young people, just trying to live with what they have, and who they are.
I loved the overall story here, and the time spent with each character, including chapters that went back in time to show how they ended up where they are in the present. What I wish were done differently is the pacing. It felt very uneven, rushed in some places (especially nearing the end), and slow in others. Disjointed even, with the time jumps. And the end itself felt sudden, with no real resolution. Even just a few pages more could have wrapped things up (while still leaving for an open-ended finale), instead of having it feel like we walked out before the story was finished. Is this setting up for a sequel? Because that is how it felt. Not that a second book or continuation of this world would be a bad thing, as Ainsleigh, Cass, and Finch I think have more story to tell.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
In the world of this book, some young people are the recipients of Gifts as a result of The Problem Year. Not much more background is given, but we do get a sense that, as with many things, these Gifts are not all that great for those that manifest them. As with anything, those without tend to manipulate and harm those that have a Gift, and it is in this tense environment that we find out three young people, just trying to live with what they have, and who they are.
I loved the overall story here, and the time spent with each character, including chapters that went back in time to show how they ended up where they are in the present. What I wish were done differently is the pacing. It felt very uneven, rushed in some places (especially nearing the end), and slow in others. Disjointed even, with the time jumps. And the end itself felt sudden, with no real resolution. Even just a few pages more could have wrapped things up (while still leaving for an open-ended finale), instead of having it feel like we walked out before the story was finished. Is this setting up for a sequel? Because that is how it felt. Not that a second book or continuation of this world would be a bad thing, as Ainsleigh, Cass, and Finch I think have more story to tell.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2023
I'd call this a high four out of five. Something like a 4.8.
Pros
Overall, the world written feels lived in. The characters are well written for those that are the main focus. For the ones that aren't, there's enough behind them that they could be filled in as they're brought forward.
Given that this seems a more character focused story, it's reasonable that little details like what's going on with the Registry and the Government aren't really focused. If this story continues into a next book, there's room to adjust and fill in the blanks.
Cons
The ending comes a little too quick. It's abrupt and sudden, less like a cliffhanger and more like interrupted mid sentence. That's where the story comes down by that .2% shy of a full five.
I'm not displeased with the ending, I liked the direction and shape of it. The direction of it reminded me of The Giver, and heading for Elsewhere. Which endeared the story to me further. The shape and bones of the story are fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing if there's more to come in the future. Overall, I'd recommend this story. A well written story that had me eager to pick it back up each time I read it.
Pros
Overall, the world written feels lived in. The characters are well written for those that are the main focus. For the ones that aren't, there's enough behind them that they could be filled in as they're brought forward.
Given that this seems a more character focused story, it's reasonable that little details like what's going on with the Registry and the Government aren't really focused. If this story continues into a next book, there's room to adjust and fill in the blanks.
Cons
The ending comes a little too quick. It's abrupt and sudden, less like a cliffhanger and more like interrupted mid sentence. That's where the story comes down by that .2% shy of a full five.
I'm not displeased with the ending, I liked the direction and shape of it. The direction of it reminded me of The Giver, and heading for Elsewhere. Which endeared the story to me further. The shape and bones of the story are fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing if there's more to come in the future. Overall, I'd recommend this story. A well written story that had me eager to pick it back up each time I read it.
April 19, 2023
Ainsleigh was born in a year when a small percentage of children born later developed powers. The government requires them to be registered, they often go missing and there are rumours of experiments to try and take their powers presenting a hostile environment for these gifted Young Adults. Ainsleigh is not registered despite possessing extreme strength, her best friend Cass who can heal is registered. They both have difficult home lives as Ainsleigh's mother is abusive to her and Cass's parents use her gifts constantly for their own advantage. They really only have each other so what happens when Cass disappears and a stranger finds Ainsleigh bleeding in the middle of the woods after being attacked by a wolf. This is a story about acceptance, friendship, found family and a real adventure. The talented are very much outnumbered and in peril in this world and not all talents are equal or even desirable. I can really see this being a fantastic TV series at some point. Really one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time
April 25, 2023
WARNING, SPOILERS AHEAD!! A child of the Problem Year, Ainsleigh and Cass manifested their Gifts around the same time. Cass's Gift was a useful one which her parents capitalized on, while Ainsleigh was dangerous. Both from abusive homes (in different ways), they find comfort in being together. That is until Cass disappears. Ainsleigh slowly spirals out of control and uses her Gift to harm others. One night after a drunken beating, she is found wounded in the woods by a stranger named Finch. They become good friends quickly. Feeling comfortable enough to tell each other their secrets.
This story was a great one. The idea that a whole group, all the same age, manifest with different abilities is fabulous. Great story line that flowed well. The characters are great! They are broken and trying to fix themselves along the way. I would have liked to learn more about what caused the problem year and more about the Magi. The ending left me wanting to know more as it ended very quickly. Hoping we get to hear more from this group of characters someday.
This story was a great one. The idea that a whole group, all the same age, manifest with different abilities is fabulous. Great story line that flowed well. The characters are great! They are broken and trying to fix themselves along the way. I would have liked to learn more about what caused the problem year and more about the Magi. The ending left me wanting to know more as it ended very quickly. Hoping we get to hear more from this group of characters someday.
May 4, 2023
This book was a really exciting read! The strongest elements were how the backstories of the characters developed, and also how it subverted plot and character tropes in the genre. I was really pleasantly surprised with how the story developed, as the start set up an expectation for me, which was then broken. I’m so glad I kept reading as I thought the characters and their relationships gained a lot of depth throughout the book. The relationships, both platonic and romantic, felt very real and relatable, and most of all, fun! There were some predicable elements in the story, but I didn’t dislike that - the areas where, for instance, the romance didn’t follow the route it could have, made up for the plot points that I guessed (to be honest I don’t think it was the point of the story to surprise you with these reveals because they were super obvious). I took off one star because the pacing felt a bit off and the worldbuilding had a fair amount of cracks in it, but I was looking for a fun read so these things didn’t massively bother me.
April 15, 2023
Trigger warnings for Bittersweet Nightshade include: mental and physical abuse; death, and murder.
☆
☆
I’m sure this is a really good book, but I’ve had it for several months now. I’m not really reaching for it and I’m struggling through it and I don’t think it’s the right book for me anymore. I love the premise and I think at another point in time I may have really loved it. However, I’m just not invested in it, and don’t really care about the characters at all. I more than appreciate being sent an ARC copy of it, and I’m very grateful for being given the chance to read this before publication, it just wasn’t really my sort of book.
•
Thank you to author Shelley Crowley and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
☆
☆
I’m sure this is a really good book, but I’ve had it for several months now. I’m not really reaching for it and I’m struggling through it and I don’t think it’s the right book for me anymore. I love the premise and I think at another point in time I may have really loved it. However, I’m just not invested in it, and don’t really care about the characters at all. I more than appreciate being sent an ARC copy of it, and I’m very grateful for being given the chance to read this before publication, it just wasn’t really my sort of book.
•
Thank you to author Shelley Crowley and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2023
The premise of this book was very intriguing and I was excited to start reading.
Ainsleigh has a gift that she needs to keep hidden in order to avoid being registered by the government. Her friend goes missing and she is desperate to find her.
I felt that some aspects of the story were over too quickly. The part with the magi could have been played out a bit more.
I enjoyed that the story was written as third person to encompass each of the characters but there were a couple of times that I would have preferred first person POV in order to better feel what they were going through.
Overall, I wanted more from each of the characters.
I received this book as a free ARC in return for an honest review.
Ainsleigh has a gift that she needs to keep hidden in order to avoid being registered by the government. Her friend goes missing and she is desperate to find her.
I felt that some aspects of the story were over too quickly. The part with the magi could have been played out a bit more.
I enjoyed that the story was written as third person to encompass each of the characters but there were a couple of times that I would have preferred first person POV in order to better feel what they were going through.
Overall, I wanted more from each of the characters.
I received this book as a free ARC in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
This was quite an interesting read. I loved the plot, it was engaging throughout. Though similar with many shows and books in its genre, this book is not like any of the ones i have ever read. Superhuman powers and magical creatures are created in a whole new way.
Ainsleigh was one character i think was perfectly depicted. Her flaws made her real and much more lovable. The unity amongst the gifted especially Ainsleihg, Finch and Cassidy is just so wholesome.
I really do hope there's book two because i couldn't get enough of the first one.
I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ainsleigh was one character i think was perfectly depicted. Her flaws made her real and much more lovable. The unity amongst the gifted especially Ainsleihg, Finch and Cassidy is just so wholesome.
I really do hope there's book two because i couldn't get enough of the first one.
I totally recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2023
This was a really good book! I received the eARC for free and am leaving an honest review.
Trigger/Content Warning: (These are what stood out to me and by no means is correct or complete)
I really loved the characters. Ainsleigh and Finch are honestly so sweet. I honestly could've just read a whole thing of them just bumming around the woods being loveable and awkward. Finch's anxiety and overthinking made me laugh as I relate hella strongly to that. I thought the plot was really interesting, I found the main characters for the most part are well developed, and I didn't find the writing to be repetitive.
My biggest criticism is that I'm thoroughly confused about the world they live in. I'm still unsure about where they live. Is it like Umbrella Academy where it's our world with just these random gifted people in it because of The Problem Year? Or is it an entirely made up world? The confusion comes from that there's all the same swear words (I.e. f-bombs) with the one exception that everyone says "Stars" when exclaiming; but also just in general the way work /school/government is described seemed to be based in our reality rather than an alternate world.
Overall I really liked the book and would 100% read more by this author. Very talented!
Trigger/Content Warning: (These are what stood out to me and by no means is correct or complete)
I really loved the characters. Ainsleigh and Finch are honestly so sweet. I honestly could've just read a whole thing of them just bumming around the woods being loveable and awkward. Finch's anxiety and overthinking made me laugh as I relate hella strongly to that. I thought the plot was really interesting, I found the main characters for the most part are well developed, and I didn't find the writing to be repetitive.
My biggest criticism is that I'm thoroughly confused about the world they live in. I'm still unsure about where they live. Is it like Umbrella Academy where it's our world with just these random gifted people in it because of The Problem Year? Or is it an entirely made up world? The confusion comes from that there's all the same swear words (I.e. f-bombs) with the one exception that everyone says "Stars" when exclaiming; but also just in general the way work /school/government is described seemed to be based in our reality rather than an alternate world.
Overall I really liked the book and would 100% read more by this author. Very talented!
August 7, 2025
The premise of the book was what got me interested. I really enjoyed first half of the story - the way Ainsleigh and Finch interacted with each other felt natural and interesting. A duo after my own heart.
With Ainsleigh and Cass I could read glimpses through the lines early on that there was something going on between them but there could have been more towards the end.
The latter half of the story felt a bit rushed and I am feeling a little conflicted about the ending. In a way it fits but also in a way I wanted more. Maybe if there had been little bit more world building between character interactions?
This was my first read from the author and I'll definetly read more from them.
With Ainsleigh and Cass I could read glimpses through the lines early on that there was something going on between them but there could have been more towards the end.
The latter half of the story felt a bit rushed and I am feeling a little conflicted about the ending. In a way it fits but also in a way I wanted more. Maybe if there had been little bit more world building between character interactions?
This was my first read from the author and I'll definetly read more from them.
February 24, 2023
This was an interesting story. The first 2 thirds of the book was fairly well-developed and we learn a lot about the 2 main characters, the world they live in, and their frailties. The last third of the book was not as good for me. It didn't feel authentic - both the relationship between Ainsleigh and Cass, Ainsleigh's father's reaction to her, Cass' parents reaction in learning that she is alive, and the sanctuary they discover. The ending was almost a cliffhanger - will there be another book?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
It was a very enjoyable book to read. The main characters are well constructed and interesting, their relationships feel natural, and the story is intriguing and engaging. Plus, it's always nice to have lgbt characters that just exist, in a story that doesn't focus solely on that part of their lives. I just wish the government and their vision of the Gifted was more developed, but it's still a very good story
May 13, 2023
Engaging story from start to finish. Great characters who were all damaged in some way. I’d say it’s a story about overcoming your fears and realising we are ALL important. Really enjoyed the book, four stars given only because some things I’d have liked to have a bit more detail on, but that’s just me.
April 26, 2023
That book was wonderful ! I haven't read that type of story for a while so i struggled a bit at first but wow the relationship between the characters, their development, how they're dealing with their traumas and that ending ! I loved it !
February 8, 2025
I loved this book until about two thirds of the way through and then it just seemed to get super rushed. It was an interesting premise and I liked the main characters and their relationships with each other.
I’d definitely read more from the author because I did like a lot of it, just a bit disappointed at the end.
I’d definitely read more from the author because I did like a lot of it, just a bit disappointed at the end.
April 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book. There was a good premise and good characters. At times I would prefer to be shown things rather than told them as that would improve my experience. I think this storyline/world would lend itself to a series. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I would recommend to a friend. I have a specific one in mind.
I received this as a free ARC and write this review voluntarily.
I would recommend to a friend. I have a specific one in mind.
I received this as a free ARC and write this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2023
This was such a great read, I really enjoyed the plot! It was intriguing to see where the author was going to take the story and the characters. From the beginning when we learnt about the world and the premise of people having gifts and then the ending which was open-ended with a chance of a second book was exciting. I found the book to be very action packed and adventurous. I like how the author created the idea of these gifts, it was quite unique compared to other books I have read.
This book focuses on Ainsleigh and Finch, who find each other through rough circumstances and find out that they both have gifts. I enjoyed reading both of their backstories in the beginning because it gave the reader an idea how this society views children who have gifts. At points, these backstories were heartbreaking to read, but it was essential to read them. There was a lot of emotions surrounding their past and their gifts, it was nice to see it portrayed and discussed between the characters. In the beginning of the book, we learn a lot about the world and the main characters while the story continues to move forward. I felt like I could see a development in the characters as they became more comfortable with their gifts and open with each other. Towards the end was when the story became very fast paced and a lot happened in a short amount of time.
As I mentioned before, the book had an ending which felt it could lead to a sequel and I think a sequel would be great. The cliffhanger at the end was suspenseful and there are so many ways I could think of how it could continue. I thought this book was written well, the author created a good atmosphere throughout the book. The beginning of the book was simple so the reader could grasp the concept and it got more complex as the book went on, this really helped when being introduced to a new world. The characters in this book were also written well, I could feel myself becoming attached emotionally to these characters. I feel like the inclusion of their past helped. Overall I thought this was a great book and an entertaining read.
This book focuses on Ainsleigh and Finch, who find each other through rough circumstances and find out that they both have gifts. I enjoyed reading both of their backstories in the beginning because it gave the reader an idea how this society views children who have gifts. At points, these backstories were heartbreaking to read, but it was essential to read them. There was a lot of emotions surrounding their past and their gifts, it was nice to see it portrayed and discussed between the characters. In the beginning of the book, we learn a lot about the world and the main characters while the story continues to move forward. I felt like I could see a development in the characters as they became more comfortable with their gifts and open with each other. Towards the end was when the story became very fast paced and a lot happened in a short amount of time.
As I mentioned before, the book had an ending which felt it could lead to a sequel and I think a sequel would be great. The cliffhanger at the end was suspenseful and there are so many ways I could think of how it could continue. I thought this book was written well, the author created a good atmosphere throughout the book. The beginning of the book was simple so the reader could grasp the concept and it got more complex as the book went on, this really helped when being introduced to a new world. The characters in this book were also written well, I could feel myself becoming attached emotionally to these characters. I feel like the inclusion of their past helped. Overall I thought this was a great book and an entertaining read.
May 26, 2023
received an ARC of this book for free and am writing this review voluntarily! Spoiler free review!
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book. And I did enjoy it. I really loved how the author explored the way people reacted to “the problem year” and everything that came with that - this was a really interesting perspective to explore and I enjoyed seeing the way people would glorify and villain-ise the problem. The other topics the book looked at were a little slow for me and I was not as engaged reading it however, overall it was a good read :)
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book. And I did enjoy it. I really loved how the author explored the way people reacted to “the problem year” and everything that came with that - this was a really interesting perspective to explore and I enjoyed seeing the way people would glorify and villain-ise the problem. The other topics the book looked at were a little slow for me and I was not as engaged reading it however, overall it was a good read :)
May 7, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for free and am writing this review voluntarily! Spoiler free review!
Overall for me this is more on the 3.5* scale (hence the 4* rating).
The good: Now I found Ainsleigh and Finch very complex and I loved seeing the progression on their friendship! Finch was super relatable when it comes to his anxiety, whilst Ainsleigh was relatable in the way her emotions about her mother and father were all sort of tied up. I loved how gory this got at certain points in the story! I do adore the world building and how the gifts coincide with puberty. Loved the flipping between the present and the past to give more building to this world!
I will also say I wanted things to be more shown to us than just told.
The meh: like a few other people here I felt that the ending seemed a bit lacklustre for me. There was so much potential but I feel like it could’ve been a few hundred pages longer so that the ending didn’t feel rushed! Also Finch and Ainsleigh felt a lot younger in their portrayal than they are in the text!
All in all: I actually enjoyed this book just wish it was longer to evade the feeling of the ending seeming a bit more rushed.
Overall for me this is more on the 3.5* scale (hence the 4* rating).
The good: Now I found Ainsleigh and Finch very complex and I loved seeing the progression on their friendship! Finch was super relatable when it comes to his anxiety, whilst Ainsleigh was relatable in the way her emotions about her mother and father were all sort of tied up. I loved how gory this got at certain points in the story! I do adore the world building and how the gifts coincide with puberty. Loved the flipping between the present and the past to give more building to this world!
I will also say I wanted things to be more shown to us than just told.
The meh: like a few other people here I felt that the ending seemed a bit lacklustre for me. There was so much potential but I feel like it could’ve been a few hundred pages longer so that the ending didn’t feel rushed! Also Finch and Ainsleigh felt a lot younger in their portrayal than they are in the text!
All in all: I actually enjoyed this book just wish it was longer to evade the feeling of the ending seeming a bit more rushed.
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