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Under a Carnivore Sky
I’m the only one left hunting the monster, the only one left with a chance of saving us all.
Raised in a town surrounded by a labyrinthian, man-eating swamp, Lili craves nothing more than to track down the monster lurking in its depths and kill it.
The monster’s curse claims the flesh and bone of every adult in town, stealing them away, piece by piece. For generations, people have tried to kill it or escape the town altogether, but every path out of town leads them right back in.
Caleb, a bookish boy with dreams of freedom, is hungry to escape. He thinks that with Lili’s help and knowledge of the swamp, he can make a map to freedom. And Lili hopes that with a better sense of its territory, she might finally find and kill the monster.
Together, they chart the swamp’s shifting terrain. Sharing in the danger and the beauty
of the landscape sparks a friendship between them—and then something more. However, what they discover disrupts everything Lili thought she knew about the town, her father, the monster—even herself. The truth at the root of the curse could devour them all. And Lili must decide if risking her life to be the town’s savior is worth sacrificing her own chance of escape.
Raised in a town surrounded by a labyrinthian, man-eating swamp, Lili craves nothing more than to track down the monster lurking in its depths and kill it.
The monster’s curse claims the flesh and bone of every adult in town, stealing them away, piece by piece. For generations, people have tried to kill it or escape the town altogether, but every path out of town leads them right back in.
Caleb, a bookish boy with dreams of freedom, is hungry to escape. He thinks that with Lili’s help and knowledge of the swamp, he can make a map to freedom. And Lili hopes that with a better sense of its territory, she might finally find and kill the monster.
Together, they chart the swamp’s shifting terrain. Sharing in the danger and the beauty
of the landscape sparks a friendship between them—and then something more. However, what they discover disrupts everything Lili thought she knew about the town, her father, the monster—even herself. The truth at the root of the curse could devour them all. And Lili must decide if risking her life to be the town’s savior is worth sacrificing her own chance of escape.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
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April 12, 2026
I don’t read many books that are written in lyrical verse, but I really enjoy it. I think lyrical writing can be so impactful and coupled with gothic horror? It’s perfect.
I admit I couldn’t tell if the monster was real or if it was just a figment of the imagination, but it was very real to the residents of Saltview.
Lili was just a girl who wanted desperately to belong somewhere and I think her dad had a hand in making sure that wouldn’t happen, maybe because he was scared of being alone or he was just rubbish at being a parent.
Caleb was sweet and I wish he and Lili got more of a chance to get to know each other. I also wish the villagers of Saltview treated Lili better and not as a curse.
I admit I couldn’t tell if the monster was real or if it was just a figment of the imagination, but it was very real to the residents of Saltview.
Lili was just a girl who wanted desperately to belong somewhere and I think her dad had a hand in making sure that wouldn’t happen, maybe because he was scared of being alone or he was just rubbish at being a parent.
Caleb was sweet and I wish he and Lili got more of a chance to get to know each other. I also wish the villagers of Saltview treated Lili better and not as a curse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street YA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Under a Carnivore Sky” by Brianna Jet is one of those books that feels less like a straightforward story and more like an experience you kind of sink into and maybe don’t fully shake off afterward.
First off, this is a novel in verse, which will either totally work for you or take a minute to adjust to. At the beginning, I definitely had that “wait, am I missing something?” feeling because the writing is very stripped back with short lines, minimal description, and a lot left unsaid. There were moments where I really wished for more detail, especially when it came to the swamp itself and some of the plot points. But as I got further in, I started to appreciate how the simplicity actually hits harder. Some lines land like a punch in a way full paragraphs probably wouldn’t.
The story follows Lili, who’s been raised by her father to hunt and kill the monster lurking in their swamp, which is a creature that literally steals pieces of people. The whole town of Saltview is trapped because of it, and the swamp itself feels alive, like it’s watching, wanting, hungering. The atmosphere here is honestly one of the strongest parts: eerie, lush, almost hypnotic. It leans more botanical fantasy than straight horror, but there are definitely moments of body horror that sneak up on you.
Character-wise, Lili carries the story. She’s determined but flawed, trying to figure out who she is outside of what she’s been trained to do. Her relationship with her father is complicated, to say the least. It’s one of those dynamics where you’re frustrated, maybe even angry, but you can still understand where he’s coming from, which somehow makes it worse. And then there’s Caleb, who brings this softer, almost quiet energy to the story. Their relationship builds in this subtle, tender way that feels very classic YA (in a good way).
Plot-wise, I won’t lie; it’s not the strongest element. It can feel a little thin or even underdeveloped at times, and some things don’t fully click or get explained as much as you might want. The pacing is also interesting: it starts slower and then suddenly speeds up toward the end in a very “boom boom BAM” kind of way. And the ending is one of those that might leave you staring at the page like, wait, that’s it? It feels a bit abrupt and open-ended, which can be either thought-provoking or frustrating depending on your mood.
But I really don’t think this book is trying to be plot-driven. It’s much more about themes and feelings like desire, hunger, identity, and the idea of always wanting more, even when it costs you something. There’s a strong allegory running through it (addiction, obsession, that constant pull toward something just out of reach), and it gives the whole story this lingering, almost haunting quality.
Overall, this is a quick read, but not a light one. It’s atmospheric, emotional, a little strange, and definitely sticks with you. If you’re curious about novels in verse or you like your horror a bit more abstract and introspective, this is absolutely worth checking out. Just go in expecting vibes over answers and a story that leaves a few things for you to sit with after the final page.
“Under a Carnivore Sky” by Brianna Jet is one of those books that feels less like a straightforward story and more like an experience you kind of sink into and maybe don’t fully shake off afterward.
First off, this is a novel in verse, which will either totally work for you or take a minute to adjust to. At the beginning, I definitely had that “wait, am I missing something?” feeling because the writing is very stripped back with short lines, minimal description, and a lot left unsaid. There were moments where I really wished for more detail, especially when it came to the swamp itself and some of the plot points. But as I got further in, I started to appreciate how the simplicity actually hits harder. Some lines land like a punch in a way full paragraphs probably wouldn’t.
The story follows Lili, who’s been raised by her father to hunt and kill the monster lurking in their swamp, which is a creature that literally steals pieces of people. The whole town of Saltview is trapped because of it, and the swamp itself feels alive, like it’s watching, wanting, hungering. The atmosphere here is honestly one of the strongest parts: eerie, lush, almost hypnotic. It leans more botanical fantasy than straight horror, but there are definitely moments of body horror that sneak up on you.
Character-wise, Lili carries the story. She’s determined but flawed, trying to figure out who she is outside of what she’s been trained to do. Her relationship with her father is complicated, to say the least. It’s one of those dynamics where you’re frustrated, maybe even angry, but you can still understand where he’s coming from, which somehow makes it worse. And then there’s Caleb, who brings this softer, almost quiet energy to the story. Their relationship builds in this subtle, tender way that feels very classic YA (in a good way).
Plot-wise, I won’t lie; it’s not the strongest element. It can feel a little thin or even underdeveloped at times, and some things don’t fully click or get explained as much as you might want. The pacing is also interesting: it starts slower and then suddenly speeds up toward the end in a very “boom boom BAM” kind of way. And the ending is one of those that might leave you staring at the page like, wait, that’s it? It feels a bit abrupt and open-ended, which can be either thought-provoking or frustrating depending on your mood.
But I really don’t think this book is trying to be plot-driven. It’s much more about themes and feelings like desire, hunger, identity, and the idea of always wanting more, even when it costs you something. There’s a strong allegory running through it (addiction, obsession, that constant pull toward something just out of reach), and it gives the whole story this lingering, almost haunting quality.
Overall, this is a quick read, but not a light one. It’s atmospheric, emotional, a little strange, and definitely sticks with you. If you’re curious about novels in verse or you like your horror a bit more abstract and introspective, this is absolutely worth checking out. Just go in expecting vibes over answers and a story that leaves a few things for you to sit with after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Page Street YA for providing me with a review copy via Netgalley! This has in no way influenced my reading experience.
Under a Carnivore Sky was my first time reading a novel in verse (during national poetry month, no less), so I went into this book unsure what to expect. All I know is the cover and blurb are giving botanical fantasy and eco-horror—both of which I love—and dove right in!
At first, I had reservations about reading this book because I was worried it’d be too abstract to understand. Turns out, it was super easy to follow. Brianna Jett’s writing is lyrical and emotionally evocative, but so simple I fear some genius lines might go unnoticed at first read. I admit, there were times where I found the writing lacking in lyricism, but I’ve grown to appreciate the simplicity as the pages went on. There were several moments where just a few lines hit harder than an entire page of regular prose would!
I love that her writing made it easy for readers like me to connect with the characters, follow the story, and get hooked on reading more books like this. If it helps those who are still hesitant to try novels in verse, it reads more like a badly formatted book with line breaks and run on sentences. That said, I did have a bit of trouble adjusting in the beginning. Because the story was told in a mix of short and long poems, I occasionally wished for more detail in certain moments.
What really stood out to me was the voice, especially when you get to the latter half of the book—ugh, I love a good coming of age! Lili is determined and has her heart set with the right intentions, but is also flawed like any young person out there. Her relationship with Caleb is so sweet and endearing to watch unfold. It’s so painstakingly 2010’s YA in a good way, but I can’t properly explain. Meanwhile, Lili’s relationship with her father was interesting to read. It’s complicated, but still full of love (however that’s defined). I personally haven’t watched or read any media that explores a complex father-daughter dynamic until this one.
Under a Carnivore Sky is more fantasy than horror, and I found myself enthralled with the fantastical flora and fauna of Saltview and its sentient swamp. There was an ungodly amount of mud slug mentions! Which—not a fan! I was surprised by the body horror, though. The way it was written doesn’t come off grotesque but it seemed visually visceral.
While I enjoyed the worldbuilding, the plot, however, felt uninspired to me. A few things did not make sense to me. I was also a little disappointed because I had relatively high expectations going in on a story with a swamp monster terrorizing a town. It took a while for me to warm up to the story. Had it not been a novel in verse and were it a longer novel, it would’ve lost my attention and I would’ve picked up another book. The latter half is when it finally gets more interesting, though—just hold on!
The twists were a little jaw-dropping, but there’s one where I was just shaking my head in disbelief and a little disappointment for taking that route. I guess there’s only so much you can do with limited page count.
I’ve yet to unpack the themes and creative choices made in this book. I think the plot took a back seat for a reason, and I will learn to appreciate that in a possible future reread.
All in all, Under a Carnivore Sky is a poignant botanical fantasy debut. It’s a quick read, and can be finished in one or two sitting(s), depending on the individual’s attention span. I definitely recommend this book to readers who are curious about novels in verse but feel intimidated by poetry.
Under a Carnivore Sky was my first time reading a novel in verse (during national poetry month, no less), so I went into this book unsure what to expect. All I know is the cover and blurb are giving botanical fantasy and eco-horror—both of which I love—and dove right in!
At first, I had reservations about reading this book because I was worried it’d be too abstract to understand. Turns out, it was super easy to follow. Brianna Jett’s writing is lyrical and emotionally evocative, but so simple I fear some genius lines might go unnoticed at first read. I admit, there were times where I found the writing lacking in lyricism, but I’ve grown to appreciate the simplicity as the pages went on. There were several moments where just a few lines hit harder than an entire page of regular prose would!
I love that her writing made it easy for readers like me to connect with the characters, follow the story, and get hooked on reading more books like this. If it helps those who are still hesitant to try novels in verse, it reads more like a badly formatted book with line breaks and run on sentences. That said, I did have a bit of trouble adjusting in the beginning. Because the story was told in a mix of short and long poems, I occasionally wished for more detail in certain moments.
What really stood out to me was the voice, especially when you get to the latter half of the book—ugh, I love a good coming of age! Lili is determined and has her heart set with the right intentions, but is also flawed like any young person out there. Her relationship with Caleb is so sweet and endearing to watch unfold. It’s so painstakingly 2010’s YA in a good way, but I can’t properly explain. Meanwhile, Lili’s relationship with her father was interesting to read. It’s complicated, but still full of love (however that’s defined). I personally haven’t watched or read any media that explores a complex father-daughter dynamic until this one.
Under a Carnivore Sky is more fantasy than horror, and I found myself enthralled with the fantastical flora and fauna of Saltview and its sentient swamp. There was an ungodly amount of mud slug mentions! Which—not a fan! I was surprised by the body horror, though. The way it was written doesn’t come off grotesque but it seemed visually visceral.
While I enjoyed the worldbuilding, the plot, however, felt uninspired to me. A few things did not make sense to me. I was also a little disappointed because I had relatively high expectations going in on a story with a swamp monster terrorizing a town. It took a while for me to warm up to the story. Had it not been a novel in verse and were it a longer novel, it would’ve lost my attention and I would’ve picked up another book. The latter half is when it finally gets more interesting, though—just hold on!
The twists were a little jaw-dropping, but there’s one where I was just shaking my head in disbelief and a little disappointment for taking that route. I guess there’s only so much you can do with limited page count.
I’ve yet to unpack the themes and creative choices made in this book. I think the plot took a back seat for a reason, and I will learn to appreciate that in a possible future reread.
All in all, Under a Carnivore Sky is a poignant botanical fantasy debut. It’s a quick read, and can be finished in one or two sitting(s), depending on the individual’s attention span. I definitely recommend this book to readers who are curious about novels in verse but feel intimidated by poetry.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧
Quick Reasons: dark, Gothic, poetic; this novel in verse is lush and atmospheric; the message is layered with this one; my heart is sobbing; quick read, fast paced, emotionally driven
Huge thanks to Brianna Jett, Page Street/ MacMillan Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC! This review is voluntarily written and in no way altered by this gesture.
This novel is lush and atmospheric, written in verse for a clipped, emotionally driven read. The prosetry is rooted with all the secrets we keep trapped and wrapped in the dark corners of our minds-- our biggest desires, our loudest flaws, the ways our humanity cuts and shapes and breaks us. I was left breathlessly annoyed at how much I could empathize with Lili's father when all I wanted was to loathe him. I was bereft by his choices-- the last one most especially. And I understood, as well, the motives behind Lili, behind Caleb, behind the town and the monster and the swamp.
This is not a lighthearted journey, Penguins. This will make you want to pull back your skin to peer within, to unravel yourself, to better understand. There are layers to the message here. How easy it is to be always searching, even if you already have the world in your hands. How hard it is to keep going when the chase, the taste, of something greener calls. How the dark takes root and twists and snares and breaks the soul.
I leave this read pensive and gnawing, a glimpse of understanding hanging from my sharpened beak. I highly recommend this to lovers of prosetry, enlightenment wanderers, and those who aren't afraid to face the monsters that lurk within. What answers lie under your carnivore sky, Penguins? And what will you do once you know them?
Quick Reasons: dark, Gothic, poetic; this novel in verse is lush and atmospheric; the message is layered with this one; my heart is sobbing; quick read, fast paced, emotionally driven
Huge thanks to Brianna Jett, Page Street/ MacMillan Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC! This review is voluntarily written and in no way altered by this gesture.
This novel is lush and atmospheric, written in verse for a clipped, emotionally driven read. The prosetry is rooted with all the secrets we keep trapped and wrapped in the dark corners of our minds-- our biggest desires, our loudest flaws, the ways our humanity cuts and shapes and breaks us. I was left breathlessly annoyed at how much I could empathize with Lili's father when all I wanted was to loathe him. I was bereft by his choices-- the last one most especially. And I understood, as well, the motives behind Lili, behind Caleb, behind the town and the monster and the swamp.
This is not a lighthearted journey, Penguins. This will make you want to pull back your skin to peer within, to unravel yourself, to better understand. There are layers to the message here. How easy it is to be always searching, even if you already have the world in your hands. How hard it is to keep going when the chase, the taste, of something greener calls. How the dark takes root and twists and snares and breaks the soul.
I leave this read pensive and gnawing, a glimpse of understanding hanging from my sharpened beak. I highly recommend this to lovers of prosetry, enlightenment wanderers, and those who aren't afraid to face the monsters that lurk within. What answers lie under your carnivore sky, Penguins? And what will you do once you know them?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of Under a Carnivore Sky from Page Street YA at Love Y’all Fest.
First, I really enjoyed the novel-in-verse style. It made the story feel fast-paced and accessible, which worked especially well for me as someone with ADHD. It’s the kind of book you can easily get lost in without feeling overwhelmed.
The swamp setting was another standout. It had just the right amount of eerie, atmospheric tension without going overboard. The descriptions painted a vivid picture, and I could clearly imagine the environment. That said, I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on the origins of the swamp. While the mystery was intriguing (and I did enjoy that element), I personally love deeper world-building.
This book definitely leans into self-reflection. It leaves you questioning everything. Was the monster real, or was it a manifestation of darker inner truths? The idea of “the monster within” lingers long after you finish reading.
Lili’s father is a complicated character. I found myself understanding his choices on one hand, but also feeling disappointed in them from a parental perspective. That tension added depth to the story.
And finally, I really wanted more time with Lili and Caleb. I would have loved to see their relationship explored further and given more space to connect.
Overall, this was a haunting, thought-provoking read that sticks with you and definitely leaves you with more questions than answers.
First, I really enjoyed the novel-in-verse style. It made the story feel fast-paced and accessible, which worked especially well for me as someone with ADHD. It’s the kind of book you can easily get lost in without feeling overwhelmed.
The swamp setting was another standout. It had just the right amount of eerie, atmospheric tension without going overboard. The descriptions painted a vivid picture, and I could clearly imagine the environment. That said, I do wish we had gotten a bit more background on the origins of the swamp. While the mystery was intriguing (and I did enjoy that element), I personally love deeper world-building.
This book definitely leans into self-reflection. It leaves you questioning everything. Was the monster real, or was it a manifestation of darker inner truths? The idea of “the monster within” lingers long after you finish reading.
Lili’s father is a complicated character. I found myself understanding his choices on one hand, but also feeling disappointed in them from a parental perspective. That tension added depth to the story.
And finally, I really wanted more time with Lili and Caleb. I would have loved to see their relationship explored further and given more space to connect.
Overall, this was a haunting, thought-provoking read that sticks with you and definitely leaves you with more questions than answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was initially intrigued to read this because I'm a sucker for a novel in verse (I used to hate them and then finally buckled down and read one and completely changed my mind) so I had to try to read this one. The premise is so interesting. Lili is desperate to hunt down the monster that is terrorizing her family and her town. This monster has basically owned her life. We all have monsters that we chase or chase us. All of our monsters are different, but end the end, they are kind of the same, aren't they? Lili is trying to figure this out during the novel.
For other YA Librarians or teen parents: there is no swearing and no sex. There is no drug use. It miiight mention drinking (I want to say no, I honestly can't remember). It's very clean. For more feedback on issues this book tackles, view the following spoiler text.
For other YA Librarians or teen parents: there is no swearing and no sex. There is no drug use. It miiight mention drinking (I want to say no, I honestly can't remember). It's very clean. For more feedback on issues this book tackles, view the following spoiler text.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a melodic story, filled with emotion and character.
Written in verse, it took me a bit to get into a comfy reading speed; however, the beauty of being written in verse is that emotions ooze and settle, ebb and flow naturally as the breaks in lines and spacing cause the reader to pause and digest what the main character Lili is thinking or feeling. Instead of settling for a plot that is focused on Lili's attempts to kill the monster overshadowing her town of Saltview, the book instead chooses to reflect upon the unique circumstances of the town and its inhabitants, slowly peeling back layers until the truth is fully revealed.
Lili herself is rich and dynamic, a teenager struggling to find herself and her place within the bounds of what she knows. Flawed and imperfect, I was right beside her as she explored the swamp and her feelings on several of the other characters of the town. The soft, almost whisper-like relationship that grows while spending time with Caleb was beautiful.
I went into this book thinking the verse-style of writing was going to make this a fast but unremarkable read. How wrong I was. It is a fast, steady read but leaves you sitting and thinking about your own circumstances and thoughts long after the final page is over.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Brianna Jett, and the publisher Page Street YA for an eARC to read and review.
Written in verse, it took me a bit to get into a comfy reading speed; however, the beauty of being written in verse is that emotions ooze and settle, ebb and flow naturally as the breaks in lines and spacing cause the reader to pause and digest what the main character Lili is thinking or feeling. Instead of settling for a plot that is focused on Lili's attempts to kill the monster overshadowing her town of Saltview, the book instead chooses to reflect upon the unique circumstances of the town and its inhabitants, slowly peeling back layers until the truth is fully revealed.
Lili herself is rich and dynamic, a teenager struggling to find herself and her place within the bounds of what she knows. Flawed and imperfect, I was right beside her as she explored the swamp and her feelings on several of the other characters of the town. The soft, almost whisper-like relationship that grows while spending time with Caleb was beautiful.
I went into this book thinking the verse-style of writing was going to make this a fast but unremarkable read. How wrong I was. It is a fast, steady read but leaves you sitting and thinking about your own circumstances and thoughts long after the final page is over.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Brianna Jett, and the publisher Page Street YA for an eARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA for the ARC!~~
2.5/5 stars rounded up.
There's only so much vibes can do to thoroughly engage me in a book.
Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace or mood whenever I picked this up for reading, because there was such a big disconnect between myself and the story, primarily Lili. Despite the constant stress, expectations, and ostracization she constantly faced throughout the novel, every characterization fell flat for me. It was like there was a block on her I couldn't get past. It made it hard to invest myself in her character, or any other of her other relationships besides her dad.
I do like the atmosphere, though. The swamp is quite eerie and spooky, and its origins and depth aren't quite explained entirely to the reader outside one exposition chapter. I liked the mystery of it; it was one of the elements I enjoyed the most while reading.
The verse was interesting. Sometimes it was kinda wonky and stale, but the scenes with the most emotion packed in made the exact impact how it's intended.
All in all, this was decent, but maybe not what I was looking for when I requested the ARC. I could try to read this again in the future to see if my mind changes, but I don't know if I'd actually fall through on that.
2.5/5 stars rounded up.
There's only so much vibes can do to thoroughly engage me in a book.
Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace or mood whenever I picked this up for reading, because there was such a big disconnect between myself and the story, primarily Lili. Despite the constant stress, expectations, and ostracization she constantly faced throughout the novel, every characterization fell flat for me. It was like there was a block on her I couldn't get past. It made it hard to invest myself in her character, or any other of her other relationships besides her dad.
I do like the atmosphere, though. The swamp is quite eerie and spooky, and its origins and depth aren't quite explained entirely to the reader outside one exposition chapter. I liked the mystery of it; it was one of the elements I enjoyed the most while reading.
The verse was interesting. Sometimes it was kinda wonky and stale, but the scenes with the most emotion packed in made the exact impact how it's intended.
All in all, this was decent, but maybe not what I was looking for when I requested the ARC. I could try to read this again in the future to see if my mind changes, but I don't know if I'd actually fall through on that.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A hauntingly gorgeous novel in verse about a girl trapped in a swamp who can't seem to kill the monster like she's supposed to.
Lilli's father has trained her for one purpose: to kill the monster. She spends her days tracking it through the swamp, then returning to the village where she's shunned. But one day Caleb begins to follow her to the swamp, and everything changes.
The atmosphere and vibes on this one are incredible! The author writes in devastatingly melodic prose, but the danger beneath the beauty haunts the reader just like it haunts the swamp. The swamp is treated as a living thing, with wants and desires and tricks, and it adds an air of mystery to the book.
The novel offers a stark portrait of a town ruled by hunger, and a girl who keeps wanting more even as she witnesses the damage desire inflicts on everyone around her. Caleb stands out as the restless counterpart, a boy determined to escape at any cost. Together, their stories read as a powerful allegory for addiction, or any craving that trades pieces of the soul for fleeting satisfaction. It’s the kind of book that lingers, staying in your thoughts long after the final page.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lilli's father has trained her for one purpose: to kill the monster. She spends her days tracking it through the swamp, then returning to the village where she's shunned. But one day Caleb begins to follow her to the swamp, and everything changes.
The atmosphere and vibes on this one are incredible! The author writes in devastatingly melodic prose, but the danger beneath the beauty haunts the reader just like it haunts the swamp. The swamp is treated as a living thing, with wants and desires and tricks, and it adds an air of mystery to the book.
The novel offers a stark portrait of a town ruled by hunger, and a girl who keeps wanting more even as she witnesses the damage desire inflicts on everyone around her. Caleb stands out as the restless counterpart, a boy determined to escape at any cost. Together, their stories read as a powerful allegory for addiction, or any craving that trades pieces of the soul for fleeting satisfaction. It’s the kind of book that lingers, staying in your thoughts long after the final page.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐
UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY by Brianna Jett (May 12, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and PageStreet YA for the eArc
A monster in the swamp is stealing pieces of people. Trapped in town, Lili and her father hunt the monster. If they k*ll it, maybe people can leave town. When Caleb enlists her help to map the swamp so he can escape, they discover more about the monster. More about what causes his appetite and how to stop him.
UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY is a YA horror story. This is an in-verse novel, so at times, it felt like it was missing something. As much as I enjoy an in-verse novel, there were times where I wished this was a regular novel---for more description, more of a chance to get to learn about the swamp. Admittedly, once I got to the 70ish percent mark, this went fast in a BOOM, BOOM, BAM kind of way. I don't think that made up for feeling like I wasn't getting the full story, but it helped.
UNDER THE CARNIVORE SKY felt unfinished in a way. I can make my own assumptions about what happened after the last page; nonetheless, after reading the last page, I turned to the next and was disappointed there wasn't more. More clarity. This was very eerie and atmospheric which I loved.
UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY by Brianna Jett (May 12, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and PageStreet YA for the eArc
A monster in the swamp is stealing pieces of people. Trapped in town, Lili and her father hunt the monster. If they k*ll it, maybe people can leave town. When Caleb enlists her help to map the swamp so he can escape, they discover more about the monster. More about what causes his appetite and how to stop him.
UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY is a YA horror story. This is an in-verse novel, so at times, it felt like it was missing something. As much as I enjoy an in-verse novel, there were times where I wished this was a regular novel---for more description, more of a chance to get to learn about the swamp. Admittedly, once I got to the 70ish percent mark, this went fast in a BOOM, BOOM, BAM kind of way. I don't think that made up for feeling like I wasn't getting the full story, but it helped.
UNDER THE CARNIVORE SKY felt unfinished in a way. I can make my own assumptions about what happened after the last page; nonetheless, after reading the last page, I turned to the next and was disappointed there wasn't more. More clarity. This was very eerie and atmospheric which I loved.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a beautiful read.
This is a story that is quite gruesome in a way at the surface, but means so much more deep down. We follow Lili as she is coming of age in this little town called Saltview, that is overtaken by a swamp. Dwelling inside that swamp is a monster that is slowly taking pieces of Saltview's inhabitants.
It took me a little while to get used to it being written in verse, but I ended up loving it so much. The writing was exquisite, the storytelling was lush and vivid and I just could not put it down.
I'm not entirely sure why but it gave me such a nostalgic feeling. Is it strange that I wanted to actually step inside Saltview myself? It really felt like I was growing along with Lili, discovering things with her. She was imperfect and flawed, a typical teenager which I found really refreshing. Her gently budding relationship with Caleb I absolutely loved.
The ending was beautiful, it was really open but full of hope. I did shed a tear thinking about Caleb and hoping that the two of them somehow manage to find one another.
This is a story that is quite gruesome in a way at the surface, but means so much more deep down. We follow Lili as she is coming of age in this little town called Saltview, that is overtaken by a swamp. Dwelling inside that swamp is a monster that is slowly taking pieces of Saltview's inhabitants.
It took me a little while to get used to it being written in verse, but I ended up loving it so much. The writing was exquisite, the storytelling was lush and vivid and I just could not put it down.
I'm not entirely sure why but it gave me such a nostalgic feeling. Is it strange that I wanted to actually step inside Saltview myself? It really felt like I was growing along with Lili, discovering things with her. She was imperfect and flawed, a typical teenager which I found really refreshing. Her gently budding relationship with Caleb I absolutely loved.
The ending was beautiful, it was really open but full of hope. I did shed a tear thinking about Caleb and hoping that the two of them somehow manage to find one another.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Under a Carnivore Sky follows Lili as she works with Caleb, a boy who dreams of freedom, to create a map of the swamp and kill the monster hurting their town.
This novel is written in verse and was really interesting. I don’t often read verse/poetry novels, but I find I enjoy them when I do. This one was no different. Although I found the author’s prose to be very atmospheric and haunting. The whole novel is quite spooky and eerie with the swamp and monster. It was a very fast read with good themes.
I liked Lili as a main character. She had a lot of perseverance and her relationship with Caleb was sweet. Her relationship with her dad was really interesting and explored a lot of important topics.
Overall, if you like atmospheric and eerie verse books, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Page Street YA for the arc!
This novel is written in verse and was really interesting. I don’t often read verse/poetry novels, but I find I enjoy them when I do. This one was no different. Although I found the author’s prose to be very atmospheric and haunting. The whole novel is quite spooky and eerie with the swamp and monster. It was a very fast read with good themes.
I liked Lili as a main character. She had a lot of perseverance and her relationship with Caleb was sweet. Her relationship with her dad was really interesting and explored a lot of important topics.
Overall, if you like atmospheric and eerie verse books, I’d definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Page Street YA for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this in that slightly obsessive way where I didn’t want to leave the world at all.
The vibe is dark, lush, and a bit eerie, like everything is alive and quietly watching you. It has that slow, creeping atmosphere that just wraps around you the deeper you get into it, and I was completely pulled in. I love when a book feels a little bit strange and unsettling but also really beautiful, and this nailed that.
It just has this hypnotic quality to it that made it so easy to get lost in. I didn’t want it to end. If you love darker, moody reads that feel a bit haunting, a bit weird, and very immersive, this one is so worth it. Easy five stars from me!
The vibe is dark, lush, and a bit eerie, like everything is alive and quietly watching you. It has that slow, creeping atmosphere that just wraps around you the deeper you get into it, and I was completely pulled in. I love when a book feels a little bit strange and unsettling but also really beautiful, and this nailed that.
It just has this hypnotic quality to it that made it so easy to get lost in. I didn’t want it to end. If you love darker, moody reads that feel a bit haunting, a bit weird, and very immersive, this one is so worth it. Easy five stars from me!
May 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and page YA for this eARC. This is my honest review and I did it voluntarily.
The writing is eerie and beautiful.
"Blame it on my hunger, for truly I should know better
Blame it on my hunger, because I stop for a flower"
But the story itself is not really clear.
I don't really understand whether the story is just a metaphor or Lili's imagination.
I only get the haunting impression from hunger.
The writing is eerie and beautiful.
"Blame it on my hunger, for truly I should know better
Blame it on my hunger, because I stop for a flower"
But the story itself is not really clear.
I don't really understand whether the story is just a metaphor or Lili's imagination.
I only get the haunting impression from hunger.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks Netgalley and the author for this Arc.
I normally don't go to request poem books but I took a shot with this one and was instantly captivated by this dark and gloomy story.
So quick to read and interesting also. The atmosphere sucks you in.
I only wish there was more to see about the protagonist mother and more lore and history of the place.
I normally don't go to request poem books but I took a shot with this one and was instantly captivated by this dark and gloomy story.
So quick to read and interesting also. The atmosphere sucks you in.
I only wish there was more to see about the protagonist mother and more lore and history of the place.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ARC Review✨
As it is written in verse, this was a different read for sure.
A man-eating swamp, a monster, a fight for survival with a crumbling town full of secrets.
The story was interesting, but just didn't grip me enough like I felt it should.
As it is written in verse, this was a different read for sure.
A man-eating swamp, a monster, a fight for survival with a crumbling town full of secrets.
The story was interesting, but just didn't grip me enough like I felt it should.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super interesting book! The way it’s written and the story are really compelling. A dark fantasy plot with so many literary devices that enrich the reading experience!
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC to be published on May 12th, 2026.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC to be published on May 12th, 2026.
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May 5, 2026DNF @ pg 40. I don’t know, there was just something…off? While I love a book written in prose, this just wasn’t it for me 🤷🏻♀️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautifully written and completely atmospheric, this drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the last page.
November 13, 2025
BRIANNA IS A STAR!! Add this to your TBR now!
Official blurb:
“Haunting and dripping with tension, Under a Carnivore Sky is the kind of story that settles under your skin and refuses to let go. A poignant, stunning debut.”
Official blurb:
“Haunting and dripping with tension, Under a Carnivore Sky is the kind of story that settles under your skin and refuses to let go. A poignant, stunning debut.”
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews