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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
Published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 27, 2026
This book was just so interesting and cool! It got me out of a slump because of a book series. This is written in a lyrical prose so maybe it may be easier for me to read this. I highly recommend this book for those who are looking for this exact style.
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.
July 6, 2026
A wonderfully written, kind book - for all the lost and hungry souls.
May 14, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book. I’m rating it 3.25 stars.
This book is written in a verse format, it’s a lot of short sentences per page, and I think you’ll either vibe with that or you won’t; it's unique.
The world-building isn’t massively descriptive except for the swamp where the FMC and monster seem to reside. I think there’s a lot unsaid in the story, but I like the flow and ambiguous nature of it. Caleb brings a slightly inquisitive and bold side to the story as he wants to leave the town, and our FMC is the person to help him if she can; there seems to be a budding friendship or maybe more, that unfolds between them.
I find the story has a haunting quality that doesn’t necessarily feel dark, but more eerie and fever-dream-like. It was an interesting and unique read for me; it felt thought-provoking but open-ended, and some parts fell a little flat for me, but overall, I liked this.
This book is written in a verse format, it’s a lot of short sentences per page, and I think you’ll either vibe with that or you won’t; it's unique.
The world-building isn’t massively descriptive except for the swamp where the FMC and monster seem to reside. I think there’s a lot unsaid in the story, but I like the flow and ambiguous nature of it. Caleb brings a slightly inquisitive and bold side to the story as he wants to leave the town, and our FMC is the person to help him if she can; there seems to be a budding friendship or maybe more, that unfolds between them.
I find the story has a haunting quality that doesn’t necessarily feel dark, but more eerie and fever-dream-like. It was an interesting and unique read for me; it felt thought-provoking but open-ended, and some parts fell a little flat for me, but overall, I liked this.
May 20, 2026
4.3/5!
I really loved the format of this one and I have never read anything similar to this! I think maybe I am not smart enough to understand the full idea of the monster and whether or not it was an actual monster or a metaphor for adulting and how hard life can be on people?
Either way, I really enjoyed it! Caleb was a great character and I enjoyed the verses where he was included.
Thank you so much for an early copy of this one!
I really loved the format of this one and I have never read anything similar to this! I think maybe I am not smart enough to understand the full idea of the monster and whether or not it was an actual monster or a metaphor for adulting and how hard life can be on people?
Either way, I really enjoyed it! Caleb was a great character and I enjoyed the verses where he was included.
Thank you so much for an early copy of this one!
Did Not Finish
May 14, 2026Realizing I might not be someone that likes novels written in verse
May 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this! The writing style was so unique and the story was very well developed. The dialogue and characters were so multilayered and I was hooked the whole time.
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.
June 23, 2026
OH HELL NAH, YALL FUCKED UP FOR GIVING THIS BOOK ONLY A 3.8 AS AVERAGE
words can NOT describe how much i loved this book so much. Recently, a lot of the books i had been reading were not memorable or as i expected it to be, but this one GOT ME. I EVEN CRIED. This book is also VERY ethel cain for all fans of hers out there (Ethel is the only god i will worship lol) and had the spiritual experience to listen to waco, texas (best song of all time created) while reading that ending. EVERY factor of this book hit my perfect definition of a book and i thought i would like to share them with everyone:
1. PLOT: This one was nailed instantly by the first couple pages, Lili is living in this dark, swamp and town and is being taught by her father to hate and kill this monster. She and her father are isolated by these people and there are secrets and questions stirring quite early on in the book that make you want to read more about.
2. CHARACTERS: OMFG all the characters were perfect in this book. Lili as my ethel and caleb as my willoughby!!! Justice for all!! I LOVED lili as an individual character, i think she was angsty, independent, and fierce that she stood PERFECTLY on her own. Her own plot and determination in the book was strong and all that i wanted to see. Caleb is this quiet teen too who loves to do art who lili meets in the swamp by nearly killing him and we find out that Caleb is one of the only few people determined enough to say and try to escape this town. He and Lili fall in love and out of it while they have different morals and themes at the end of the day: one would do anything for her except stay for her, meanwhile she would anything for him too but leave with him. She can't move on and he can't stay. She loves her father, and has gotten numb to the pain and anxiety of this world that she wants to stay in it (hence why she befriends and gets close to the monster she swore to kill). I could go on and on about these characters only, it was truly incredible to see such a lucious, gothic, tragic love story unfold like this one and damn it was worth it.
3. WRITING STYLE: NO NOTES. PERFECT. There was so much description, metaphors, and emotion that it felt so real, raw, and emotional each time. I could TRULY feel Lili's anger, sorrow, and betrayal each time something unpleasant had occured.
3. PACE: the story is structured almost like a poem, and chapters are extremely short which makes the story fly by super fast. I started last night and finished the next morning. It is very easy to read, but a PERFECT haunting romance that is unforgettable.
must i say too, this entire book and it's characters set this entire world of a generational cycle of pain, hunger, and liberation and it was so beautiful to experience. One moment, lili wanted to kill what she didn't understand until she had her heart broken and father confess he was planning to die and leave her. This book leans HEAVILY on ideas of our own nature and hunger which prompts the monster in all this which was this excellent metaphor that we accept pain, welcome it, and grow numb of it until we die. It's almost as if it's this excuse but comfort and more. This book could be analyzed for so long and never get old. UNFORGETTABLE. ICONIC.
P.S, willoughby tucker, i will always love you is the true devastation this book left me in. and now i'm left heartbroken and still crying
I RECCOMEND TRULY TO YOU ALL IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AN EASY TO READ, DARK, PERFECT BOOK!!!
words can NOT describe how much i loved this book so much. Recently, a lot of the books i had been reading were not memorable or as i expected it to be, but this one GOT ME. I EVEN CRIED. This book is also VERY ethel cain for all fans of hers out there (Ethel is the only god i will worship lol) and had the spiritual experience to listen to waco, texas (best song of all time created) while reading that ending. EVERY factor of this book hit my perfect definition of a book and i thought i would like to share them with everyone:
1. PLOT: This one was nailed instantly by the first couple pages, Lili is living in this dark, swamp and town and is being taught by her father to hate and kill this monster. She and her father are isolated by these people and there are secrets and questions stirring quite early on in the book that make you want to read more about.
2. CHARACTERS: OMFG all the characters were perfect in this book. Lili as my ethel and caleb as my willoughby!!! Justice for all!! I LOVED lili as an individual character, i think she was angsty, independent, and fierce that she stood PERFECTLY on her own. Her own plot and determination in the book was strong and all that i wanted to see. Caleb is this quiet teen too who loves to do art who lili meets in the swamp by nearly killing him and we find out that Caleb is one of the only few people determined enough to say and try to escape this town. He and Lili fall in love and out of it while they have different morals and themes at the end of the day: one would do anything for her except stay for her, meanwhile she would anything for him too but leave with him. She can't move on and he can't stay. She loves her father, and has gotten numb to the pain and anxiety of this world that she wants to stay in it (hence why she befriends and gets close to the monster she swore to kill). I could go on and on about these characters only, it was truly incredible to see such a lucious, gothic, tragic love story unfold like this one and damn it was worth it.
3. WRITING STYLE: NO NOTES. PERFECT. There was so much description, metaphors, and emotion that it felt so real, raw, and emotional each time. I could TRULY feel Lili's anger, sorrow, and betrayal each time something unpleasant had occured.
3. PACE: the story is structured almost like a poem, and chapters are extremely short which makes the story fly by super fast. I started last night and finished the next morning. It is very easy to read, but a PERFECT haunting romance that is unforgettable.
must i say too, this entire book and it's characters set this entire world of a generational cycle of pain, hunger, and liberation and it was so beautiful to experience. One moment, lili wanted to kill what she didn't understand until she had her heart broken and father confess he was planning to die and leave her. This book leans HEAVILY on ideas of our own nature and hunger which prompts the monster in all this which was this excellent metaphor that we accept pain, welcome it, and grow numb of it until we die. It's almost as if it's this excuse but comfort and more. This book could be analyzed for so long and never get old. UNFORGETTABLE. ICONIC.
P.S, willoughby tucker, i will always love you is the true devastation this book left me in. and now i'm left heartbroken and still crying
I RECCOMEND TRULY TO YOU ALL IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AN EASY TO READ, DARK, PERFECT BOOK!!!
June 27, 2026
📚✨ If your perfect reading week includes cursed swamps, haunted roads, deadly weddings, and swoon-worthy vampires, these books deserve a spot on your TBR.
I recently picked up The Witch Roads, Until Death, Six Scorched Roses, and Under a Carnivore Sky, and each one brought something completely different to the table while delivering unforgettable stories.
The Witch Roads pulled me in with its rich fantasy world, class struggles, political intrigue, and a journey packed with danger. I especially loved Elen's determination and competence as she guided a group that underestimated her at every turn. The world-building was immersive, and the mystery surrounding the prince kept me hooked.
Until Death was delightfully strange in the best way. Equal parts horror, dark comedy, and family drama, it takes wedding stress to terrifying new levels. Beneath the creepy atmosphere and sharp humor was an emotional story about family, loss, and the complicated relationships that shape us.
Six Scorched Roses reminded me why I love fantasy romance. Lilith and Vale's story is beautifully written, emotional, and surprisingly tender. The chemistry between them felt genuine, and the novella packed so much heart, longing, and gothic atmosphere into a relatively short page count.
Under a Carnivore Sky delivered a haunting, imaginative adventure with a fascinating setting. The deadly swamp, the town's curse, and Lili's determination to uncover the truth created a story that felt both magical and unsettling. I loved the blend of mystery, survival, and coming-of-age themes woven throughout.
Together, these books gave me everything from epic fantasy and dark romance to horror and atmospheric adventure. Whether you're looking for emotional character journeys, eerie mysteries, or immersive worlds, there's something here worth exploring.
✨️ Thank you Tor Books, Little Brown Books, Bramble, Page Street YA and the authors for sharing these books with us!
📖 Which do you reach for first a dark fantasy, a creepy horror novel, a fantasy romance, or a mysterious adventure?
#BookReview #FantasyBooks #HorrorBooks #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram
I recently picked up The Witch Roads, Until Death, Six Scorched Roses, and Under a Carnivore Sky, and each one brought something completely different to the table while delivering unforgettable stories.
The Witch Roads pulled me in with its rich fantasy world, class struggles, political intrigue, and a journey packed with danger. I especially loved Elen's determination and competence as she guided a group that underestimated her at every turn. The world-building was immersive, and the mystery surrounding the prince kept me hooked.
Until Death was delightfully strange in the best way. Equal parts horror, dark comedy, and family drama, it takes wedding stress to terrifying new levels. Beneath the creepy atmosphere and sharp humor was an emotional story about family, loss, and the complicated relationships that shape us.
Six Scorched Roses reminded me why I love fantasy romance. Lilith and Vale's story is beautifully written, emotional, and surprisingly tender. The chemistry between them felt genuine, and the novella packed so much heart, longing, and gothic atmosphere into a relatively short page count.
Under a Carnivore Sky delivered a haunting, imaginative adventure with a fascinating setting. The deadly swamp, the town's curse, and Lili's determination to uncover the truth created a story that felt both magical and unsettling. I loved the blend of mystery, survival, and coming-of-age themes woven throughout.
Together, these books gave me everything from epic fantasy and dark romance to horror and atmospheric adventure. Whether you're looking for emotional character journeys, eerie mysteries, or immersive worlds, there's something here worth exploring.
✨️ Thank you Tor Books, Little Brown Books, Bramble, Page Street YA and the authors for sharing these books with us!
📖 Which do you reach for first a dark fantasy, a creepy horror novel, a fantasy romance, or a mysterious adventure?
#BookReview #FantasyBooks #HorrorBooks #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram
May 16, 2026
𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠, 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙥’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙠𝙨
𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝.
𝙃𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩
𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧
𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩
𝙢𝙚.
I’m beginning to understand that plant and biological horror is truly my cup of tea. I recently finished another book that used plant magic/botanical horror as a main plot point, and then I started and finished this one, so it has truly been a stellar week for me and spooky plant books.
Told through a series of poems, short stories, and little snatches of text, UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY tells the story of a girl on a quest to kill a swamp. The swamp kills every adult within the town slowly and there’s no escape. You stay until the monster eats you. Countless others have tried and failed, but Lili thinks she’s going to be the one to do it. She finds an unlikely ally in Caleb, a young man who wants out of this town, and together they embark on a journey to end the curse once and for all.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Some of the sections and poems were deeper than others, while some just sort of skimmed the surface of what was going on. Poetry is one of those things that’s always lost on me, and I enjoyed that the poems within this book weren’t too difficult to comprehend. Sure, most of them had deeper meanings and some were open for interpretation, but such is the nature with poetry. There are deeper themes within the overall tale as well, though I’m still trying to parse exactly what they are. I have several ideas, but I need more time to mull them over.
All told, this was an interesting story that hooked me with its eerie premise. I’m still thinking about it days later, which is always my personal benchmark of what makes an enjoyable read. Perfect for teens and adults alike, I think this novel in verse is a book that will resonate with both age groups.
*Thanks to Toppling Stacks Tours, Page Street YA, and NetGalley for the arc!
𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙩
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙥’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙠𝙨
𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝.
𝙃𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩
𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧
𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩
𝙢𝙚.
I’m beginning to understand that plant and biological horror is truly my cup of tea. I recently finished another book that used plant magic/botanical horror as a main plot point, and then I started and finished this one, so it has truly been a stellar week for me and spooky plant books.
Told through a series of poems, short stories, and little snatches of text, UNDER A CARNIVORE SKY tells the story of a girl on a quest to kill a swamp. The swamp kills every adult within the town slowly and there’s no escape. You stay until the monster eats you. Countless others have tried and failed, but Lili thinks she’s going to be the one to do it. She finds an unlikely ally in Caleb, a young man who wants out of this town, and together they embark on a journey to end the curse once and for all.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Some of the sections and poems were deeper than others, while some just sort of skimmed the surface of what was going on. Poetry is one of those things that’s always lost on me, and I enjoyed that the poems within this book weren’t too difficult to comprehend. Sure, most of them had deeper meanings and some were open for interpretation, but such is the nature with poetry. There are deeper themes within the overall tale as well, though I’m still trying to parse exactly what they are. I have several ideas, but I need more time to mull them over.
All told, this was an interesting story that hooked me with its eerie premise. I’m still thinking about it days later, which is always my personal benchmark of what makes an enjoyable read. Perfect for teens and adults alike, I think this novel in verse is a book that will resonate with both age groups.
*Thanks to Toppling Stacks Tours, Page Street YA, and NetGalley for the arc!
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.
May 14, 2026
5 Reasons To Read This Book:
🦠People trapped in a smalltown by a monster haunting its surrounding swamp
🍃A book written entirely in verse
🌿Badass FMC, bookloving MMC
🪴Creepy, eerie, haunting, atmospheric read
🌱FMC torn between familial duty and her heart
My Review:
I have so many thoughts about this novel and all of them are impressively good ones! This is the first book I've ever read that was written entirely in verse and it was quite a pleasant experience. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was an enjoyable read. This story is quite a heavy one. Lili is a teen who has been trained by her father to kill the monster that lurks in the town swamp. Mind you, her and her father protect the very town who also shun them and cast them to live on the very outskirts of town. One day a boy from town, Caleb, approaches Lili and says he will help her catch her monster by drawing her maps of the swamp if she helps him escape. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the two. The atmosphere of this book absolutely pulls you in. It's creepy, but not in an unsettling type of way. I love the way plants come to life in this book and the role they played in the story. We're also left questioning who the real monster is and what really is going on in Saltview. Such an incredible YA read that I think would make a great book club discussion book.
🦠People trapped in a smalltown by a monster haunting its surrounding swamp
🍃A book written entirely in verse
🌿Badass FMC, bookloving MMC
🪴Creepy, eerie, haunting, atmospheric read
🌱FMC torn between familial duty and her heart
My Review:
I have so many thoughts about this novel and all of them are impressively good ones! This is the first book I've ever read that was written entirely in verse and it was quite a pleasant experience. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was an enjoyable read. This story is quite a heavy one. Lili is a teen who has been trained by her father to kill the monster that lurks in the town swamp. Mind you, her and her father protect the very town who also shun them and cast them to live on the very outskirts of town. One day a boy from town, Caleb, approaches Lili and says he will help her catch her monster by drawing her maps of the swamp if she helps him escape. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the two. The atmosphere of this book absolutely pulls you in. It's creepy, but not in an unsettling type of way. I love the way plants come to life in this book and the role they played in the story. We're also left questioning who the real monster is and what really is going on in Saltview. Such an incredible YA read that I think would make a great book club discussion book.
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.
July 6, 2026
This book was a fun, quick botanical horror / tragic love story written in lyrical verse.
I will say, I hated the verse at first. Had I known it was written in this format, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But once I got used to it, I really didn't mind too much, and it made for an incredibly quick read—about an hour's worth. Caleb, poor sweet Caleb made me cry (what was that I said about boys re: newborn fawns and awkward gentleness? yeah, that.) and Lili as a protagonist grew on me. I can understand being told you're monstrous so much that you start to believe it yourself. I'm choosing very strongly to believe she made it out and found him, and they're living a sweet, happy life together.
All the other characters in this book were terrible. Well-written, but entirely unlikable, which means the author did an incredible job. Save for Caleb's moms, who were sweethearts just like him. The setting was incredibly cool, the way the plants were described to have evolved was super interesting, and the monster didn't really make a whole lot of sense, but I have a feeling it was mostly meant to be a metaphor? Unless it wasn't and it was just plain confusing. Unsure!
I will say, I hated the verse at first. Had I known it was written in this format, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. But once I got used to it, I really didn't mind too much, and it made for an incredibly quick read—about an hour's worth. Caleb, poor sweet Caleb made me cry (what was that I said about boys re: newborn fawns and awkward gentleness? yeah, that.) and Lili as a protagonist grew on me. I can understand being told you're monstrous so much that you start to believe it yourself. I'm choosing very strongly to believe she made it out and found him, and they're living a sweet, happy life together.
All the other characters in this book were terrible. Well-written, but entirely unlikable, which means the author did an incredible job. Save for Caleb's moms, who were sweethearts just like him. The setting was incredibly cool, the way the plants were described to have evolved was super interesting, and the monster didn't really make a whole lot of sense, but I have a feeling it was mostly meant to be a metaphor? Unless it wasn't and it was just plain confusing. Unsure!
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.
May 16, 2026
I have absolutely ready some novels in verse that knocked it all the way out of the park. I'm afraid this one ain't it. For me, there's a difference between verse and choppy prose with a lot of line breaks, and this is the latter category.
I was drawn in by the promise of dreamy darkness, gothic swamps, and mushroomcore aesthetic. Unfortunately, I never really got into this one, in part because I found the descriptions so lacking. I'm not convinced that verse was the right medium for this story, since it relies so much on atmosphere, and that atmosphere just... wasn't described very well?
I didn't hate it, but I wasn't terribly invested, either. It was very tell-don't-show and I wanted more atmosphere. It's a cool world, though, and for the right readers it will resonate. Unfortunately, I keep thinking that it will be better-suited to readers who struggle with following prose, which isn't usually how I think about novels in verse but here we are.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. My tepid review is my own.
I was drawn in by the promise of dreamy darkness, gothic swamps, and mushroomcore aesthetic. Unfortunately, I never really got into this one, in part because I found the descriptions so lacking. I'm not convinced that verse was the right medium for this story, since it relies so much on atmosphere, and that atmosphere just... wasn't described very well?
I didn't hate it, but I wasn't terribly invested, either. It was very tell-don't-show and I wanted more atmosphere. It's a cool world, though, and for the right readers it will resonate. Unfortunately, I keep thinking that it will be better-suited to readers who struggle with following prose, which isn't usually how I think about novels in verse but here we are.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. My tepid review is my own.
June 7, 2026
The story of Lily, a teen who must kill a monster in the swamp that surrounds her town before it devours her father. She tries to help Caleb escape the town and the monster before he becomes another victim to the flesh and bone eating monster on his 18th birthday.
The story is told in lyrical verse that accentuates the beautiful and frightening description of the swamp. Lily’s voice is strong and determined and the pacing perfectly balances the action and the lush setting. Lily and Caleb’s relationship grows during their exploration of the swamp. The plot is clear and the story demonstrates themes of avoidance and judgement. There is so much beautiful verse – this is just one I noted, “We are a sandcastle/she tells me/while she hands me a rake./A sandcastle at the edge of a sea./All we can do is slow the crumbling.”
I loved the emotions the verse stirred while reading and am impressed at how well the speculative elements were brought forth in verse. I won’t give spoilers but the ending is both a surprise but also will make you say “of course.”
The story is told in lyrical verse that accentuates the beautiful and frightening description of the swamp. Lily’s voice is strong and determined and the pacing perfectly balances the action and the lush setting. Lily and Caleb’s relationship grows during their exploration of the swamp. The plot is clear and the story demonstrates themes of avoidance and judgement. There is so much beautiful verse – this is just one I noted, “We are a sandcastle/she tells me/while she hands me a rake./A sandcastle at the edge of a sea./All we can do is slow the crumbling.”
I loved the emotions the verse stirred while reading and am impressed at how well the speculative elements were brought forth in verse. I won’t give spoilers but the ending is both a surprise but also will make you say “of course.”
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!
May 22, 2026
(No Spoilers) I loved the story that so beautifully unfolded in these pages. Anything to do with nature taking on a sinister, though justified, form is interesting to me. The words were almost lyrical in spilling the secrets of Saltview and the monster that waits for all the residents. There's a great balance of fear, hope, mystery, and perseverance that I think many will either relate to or look up to. I will definitely read more by Brianna should she choose to continue giving us more stories!
This is the first novel written in verse that I have read. I understand it may be a style one will either enjoy or shy away from, but I do recommend giving it a try. Personally, I have fallen in love with the style and instantly researched more books to read in verse.
This is the first novel written in verse that I have read. I understand it may be a style one will either enjoy or shy away from, but I do recommend giving it a try. Personally, I have fallen in love with the style and instantly researched more books to read in verse.
June 30, 2026
I found this book both creative and captivating. Rarely do I ever take the time to read a book twice, but I immediately found myself wanting to re-read it once I was finished. There are so many different layers of meaning and I love that everyone can get something different out of it. The author left enough ambiguity to make me really wonder about the characters - who they are and what they would become. I recommend this book to everyone, even though it's targeted to Young Readers. There are some descriptions that say it's a fantasy horror story - I would disagree. Once again different interpretations make this book fascinating. I've never read a book in verse and was skeptical, but I found it easy reading - and read the book in two days! Also something I rarely do.
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 14, 2026
3.75/5 rounded up.
This was incredibly unique: a spooky story told in verse, little poems.
I did this quite a bit, it was so vibey and read very quickly.
I did find this t bot go super deep into what was happening, it did feel very two-dimensional. And I do blame that on it being written in verse.
This was cool and interesting and I would recommend it simply because it was such a unique way to read a story. I wasn't expecting it, but it was quite a pleasant reading experience. Weirdly relaxing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was incredibly unique: a spooky story told in verse, little poems.
I did this quite a bit, it was so vibey and read very quickly.
I did find this t bot go super deep into what was happening, it did feel very two-dimensional. And I do blame that on it being written in verse.
This was cool and interesting and I would recommend it simply because it was such a unique way to read a story. I wasn't expecting it, but it was quite a pleasant reading experience. Weirdly relaxing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 18, 2026
This was a really unique reading experience for me as it was written in verse. I thought the writing was beautiful and the story moved along very quickly. For me, the monster and the swamp seemed to represent the things in life that eat away at us over time and keep us stuck. It was interesting to realize that things were exactly as they seemed as the story progressed. This book is well-worth a read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Page Street YA for providing me with a digital copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Page Street YA for providing me with a digital copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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