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Where No One Can Follow
Rule #1: Don't Get Caught.
Louisa Aldridge was born ten minutes before her brother, sealing her fate. In a land divided by civil war, every firstborn child must serve in the military, sacrificing their blood and life to preserve the kingdom. It’s been this way for decades. But eighteen years later, Louisa is hardly prepared for life as a soldier. She’s rebellious, bad-tempered, and unable to take orders from anyone but herself.
To her dismay, Louisa is assigned to Phantom Division—an elite group of the kingdom’s spies. She must train to infiltrate and live a double-life in the Black Hills, a rebel land teeming with thieves, traitors, and murderers. She will need every edge her training and wits can provide.
Because once she enters the Black Hills, there are only two options: adapt or die.
Louisa Aldridge was born ten minutes before her brother, sealing her fate. In a land divided by civil war, every firstborn child must serve in the military, sacrificing their blood and life to preserve the kingdom. It’s been this way for decades. But eighteen years later, Louisa is hardly prepared for life as a soldier. She’s rebellious, bad-tempered, and unable to take orders from anyone but herself.
To her dismay, Louisa is assigned to Phantom Division—an elite group of the kingdom’s spies. She must train to infiltrate and live a double-life in the Black Hills, a rebel land teeming with thieves, traitors, and murderers. She will need every edge her training and wits can provide.
Because once she enters the Black Hills, there are only two options: adapt or die.
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 29, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an entertaining dystopian read and was vastly plot driven. I feel the story definitely told more than it showed, which a lot of fantasy books are suffering from nowadays. I enjoy bits of action throughout the story, and there just wasn't much action until towards the end.
The characters also did not have a lot of development throughout the story either. We have a lot of this is the character, this is what they're doing now and how they are. Not much background was given on some of the supporting characters. The story was fast paced though so it did have a good flow to it and was still able to keep my attention. It had good twists as well that I was not expecting.
I don't know if I would be interested enough to pick up the sequel to the book as it looks like we may be going in that direction, unless some changes were made, but definitely give this a try as you may like it.
This was an entertaining dystopian read and was vastly plot driven. I feel the story definitely told more than it showed, which a lot of fantasy books are suffering from nowadays. I enjoy bits of action throughout the story, and there just wasn't much action until towards the end.
The characters also did not have a lot of development throughout the story either. We have a lot of this is the character, this is what they're doing now and how they are. Not much background was given on some of the supporting characters. The story was fast paced though so it did have a good flow to it and was still able to keep my attention. It had good twists as well that I was not expecting.
I don't know if I would be interested enough to pick up the sequel to the book as it looks like we may be going in that direction, unless some changes were made, but definitely give this a try as you may like it.
February 11, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley, G&G Publishing, and Grace Quincy for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Where No One Can Follow, in exchange for my honest review.
I thought the book was nicely done. I enjoyed the concept and thought the story flowed well, even if it was a little fast for my taste. There were instances where I felt needed more time to develop. For example, the training sessions underground should have had more time to build. I wanted to see more character growth, not only from our main character, Louisa, but from everyone. The first few chapters really set the tone for the rest of the book, and caught my attention immediately; therefore, that extra time in military training would have really sold me that Louisa was ready for what’s to come.
Louisa is such a brat, but her feelings are absolutely valid. She is a teenager after all. But with the twists and turns that came her way, it’s understandable why she reacts the way she does. That’s another thing, I really enjoyed the twists that the author, Grace, implemented throughout, I felt the same confusion and frustrations Louisa felt. There were times where I thought I knew where the story was going, but I completely missed.
I also really loved how any romance between anyone was not the main focus. It’s great to read a fantasy book that’s not all romance but actual change and conflict. If I could give Grace a standing ovation I would.
It’s a fast-paced story, but it’s done so well. The clear beginning, middle, climax and end are evident and made the story enjoyable. It is certainly at the top of my list for my favorite 4 star read of 2025.
I thought the book was nicely done. I enjoyed the concept and thought the story flowed well, even if it was a little fast for my taste. There were instances where I felt needed more time to develop. For example, the training sessions underground should have had more time to build. I wanted to see more character growth, not only from our main character, Louisa, but from everyone. The first few chapters really set the tone for the rest of the book, and caught my attention immediately; therefore, that extra time in military training would have really sold me that Louisa was ready for what’s to come.
Louisa is such a brat, but her feelings are absolutely valid. She is a teenager after all. But with the twists and turns that came her way, it’s understandable why she reacts the way she does. That’s another thing, I really enjoyed the twists that the author, Grace, implemented throughout, I felt the same confusion and frustrations Louisa felt. There were times where I thought I knew where the story was going, but I completely missed.
I also really loved how any romance between anyone was not the main focus. It’s great to read a fantasy book that’s not all romance but actual change and conflict. If I could give Grace a standing ovation I would.
It’s a fast-paced story, but it’s done so well. The clear beginning, middle, climax and end are evident and made the story enjoyable. It is certainly at the top of my list for my favorite 4 star read of 2025.
January 3, 2025
I’m grateful I’ve been able to read this early, I am intrigued by this story.
This book is fairly short and my only gripe is that I wish it was longer so I could have more questions answered.
The FMC is in a fairly precarious position no matter what she does in this story and there’s no good solution by the looks of it. This world is in a dire political scenario where there is constant battles between black hills and their neighbour, this on going war is causing havoc in everyones lives. All first borns are currently conscripted to fight in this war and this is where the story begins following our FMC who sadly is first born and must begin her required sentence of conscription.
As the story goes on we learn a lot about the warring factions, our FMC and her family background plus what they all seem to be fighting for, BUT I have questions still. At the moment the story feels kind of surface level, it’s not giving up the secrets easily, I think maybe in book 2 we’ll move past the fighting and gore in order to delve into the core of what started this all and what could end it.
I’m rating this 3.5 stars rounded to 4, I’m looking forward to finding out more in the next book.
This book is fairly short and my only gripe is that I wish it was longer so I could have more questions answered.
The FMC is in a fairly precarious position no matter what she does in this story and there’s no good solution by the looks of it. This world is in a dire political scenario where there is constant battles between black hills and their neighbour, this on going war is causing havoc in everyones lives. All first borns are currently conscripted to fight in this war and this is where the story begins following our FMC who sadly is first born and must begin her required sentence of conscription.
As the story goes on we learn a lot about the warring factions, our FMC and her family background plus what they all seem to be fighting for, BUT I have questions still. At the moment the story feels kind of surface level, it’s not giving up the secrets easily, I think maybe in book 2 we’ll move past the fighting and gore in order to delve into the core of what started this all and what could end it.
I’m rating this 3.5 stars rounded to 4, I’m looking forward to finding out more in the next book.
January 27, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
oh my gosh where do I begin?? I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the concept, plot & characters. I love a good dystopian book and this delivered on that front all while having a captivating storyline that didn’t seem reused. I was intrigued from the start of the book and couldn’t put it down once I reached halfway! I was so excited to see where this was going & can’t wait to see what happens in book two!! I will 100% be reading and can’t wait!
I like Louisa a lot, I resonate with her rage a lot and can’t wait to see how her character develops! <3 also love Patrick, he is a funny little cutie & I smiled anytime he spoke. He needs to be protected at all costs!!
now now… JACK.. I was immediately DRAWN to him, he literally didn’t do anything and he had me obsessed as soon as he was introduced. Bark bark fr. I LOVE HIM. thats it. need more of him right away ! 🤭😚😚😚😚
I am so excited for the second book & can’t wait to see where the story goes!! UGH my heart was breaking at the end and I need to know what happens to everyone IMMEDIATELY!!
oh my gosh where do I begin?? I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the concept, plot & characters. I love a good dystopian book and this delivered on that front all while having a captivating storyline that didn’t seem reused. I was intrigued from the start of the book and couldn’t put it down once I reached halfway! I was so excited to see where this was going & can’t wait to see what happens in book two!! I will 100% be reading and can’t wait!
I like Louisa a lot, I resonate with her rage a lot and can’t wait to see how her character develops! <3 also love Patrick, he is a funny little cutie & I smiled anytime he spoke. He needs to be protected at all costs!!
now now… JACK.. I was immediately DRAWN to him, he literally didn’t do anything and he had me obsessed as soon as he was introduced. Bark bark fr. I LOVE HIM. thats it. need more of him right away ! 🤭😚😚😚😚
I am so excited for the second book & can’t wait to see where the story goes!! UGH my heart was breaking at the end and I need to know what happens to everyone IMMEDIATELY!!
January 2, 2025
4/5 stars!
At first I wasn't sure what to think about this--you get thrown right into it without much world building, but after the first few chapters it really picked up and then stayed exciting throughout! I only found the beginning a bit slow because the MC Louisa's personality/life is mostly told rather than shown, but as the story goes on her personality really comes through and she has a strong voice.
I really appreciated that almost no aspect of this novel was black and white--essentially every character and situation operated in a very grey area which lent itself to a lot of interesting moral issues for Louisa & the reader. I think a lot of what makes dystopian stories interesting was well executed in this novel, so if you enjoy the genre you'll most likely enjoy this!
The only real complaint I have with this was that the romance was so rushed that it almost didn't make sense. The novel wasn't too long so there probably would have been room to add more development to their relationship as well as Louisa's relationships with her peers, but it definitely seems like it'll be further developed in a sequel. However, the romance really is a small part of the novel, so, in my opinion, the fact that it's lacking did not take away much from the story at all.
There's lots of things left unanswered so I'm excited for the sequel and to see where this all goes! I felt like the ending was the right amount of fulfilling and suspenseful, to both warrant a sequel but not leave the reader wanting too too much.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC & congrats to Grace Quincy on your debut novel! :)
At first I wasn't sure what to think about this--you get thrown right into it without much world building, but after the first few chapters it really picked up and then stayed exciting throughout! I only found the beginning a bit slow because the MC Louisa's personality/life is mostly told rather than shown, but as the story goes on her personality really comes through and she has a strong voice.
I really appreciated that almost no aspect of this novel was black and white--essentially every character and situation operated in a very grey area which lent itself to a lot of interesting moral issues for Louisa & the reader. I think a lot of what makes dystopian stories interesting was well executed in this novel, so if you enjoy the genre you'll most likely enjoy this!
The only real complaint I have with this was that the romance was so rushed that it almost didn't make sense. The novel wasn't too long so there probably would have been room to add more development to their relationship as well as Louisa's relationships with her peers, but it definitely seems like it'll be further developed in a sequel. However, the romance really is a small part of the novel, so, in my opinion, the fact that it's lacking did not take away much from the story at all.
There's lots of things left unanswered so I'm excited for the sequel and to see where this all goes! I felt like the ending was the right amount of fulfilling and suspenseful, to both warrant a sequel but not leave the reader wanting too too much.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC & congrats to Grace Quincy on your debut novel! :)
January 4, 2025
This book gave me dystopian vibes - it was plot driven; and I really enjoyed the story. The world was easy to understand and it jumped right in to the action.
It would’ve been nice to have a bit more character development, especially during Louisa’s training. That said, the story is clearly the first in an instalment so hopefully there’ll be more in the next book. There are also still parts of the world / backstory that I’m hoping will be developed in future books.
Would recommend for fans of Hunger Games/Divergent style books! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
It would’ve been nice to have a bit more character development, especially during Louisa’s training. That said, the story is clearly the first in an instalment so hopefully there’ll be more in the next book. There are also still parts of the world / backstory that I’m hoping will be developed in future books.
Would recommend for fans of Hunger Games/Divergent style books! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
January 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The 2010’s dystopia vibes are back! This book was such a fun read! It gives of vibes of Divergent or Red Queen, while still being original and having an intriguing world! I will warmly recommend it for people who love reading about revolutions and morally grey characters.
This story follows Louisa, and I’ve got to admit, I feel for the girl. She’s grown up knowing she’ll be conscripted to the military, wants to do nothing more but keep her twin brother safe, and is suddenly one of the most important pieces in a war that started before she was born.
I love the revelations coming throughout the story. I like the different parts of the story as well, giving the reader a great scope of the world: from phantom training, to the lush lives in Ravenna to the war touched lives in the Black Hills.
I loved how Lucien - the king of the revolution - isn’t just misunderstood. He is a grey characters, and I’d even say a bad man - though so is the people ruling Verakas. I loved how there is no good and bad, it’s all bad, and Louisa is just trying to get her brother out alive. I’m excited to see if her plan will work out in the next book, because man, she deserves something to go her way.
I also enjoyed the hint of romance we see here. Jack definitely seems the morally grey love interest of most book girls’ dreams, and I’m excited to see how it’ll all play out further down the line.
I also hope we get to see some of the other phantoms again - whether on opposite sides from Louisa or the same.
One thing that kept both annoying me and intriguing me was Louisa’s many bad decisions. She probably did everything the exact opposite of what would have been smart, however, you don’t need to get very far into the book to know that that’s exactly her character! She doesn’t care about what others say, she makes her own way. Of course that is difficult in this world, which leads to a lot of trouble, but I’ve got to admire the way her personality fits perfectly to the story as it plays out!
I would have liked to see more fleshed out side characters. I felt the only character we really got to know was Louisa, as we spend the book following her. But I’d love to see more of the other characters fleshed out as well, from Daria and Roman to Jack, Marcus and Lucien. Hopefully we’ll get that down the line.
Overall, 4/5⭐️. I really enjoyed the book, and I’m excited for the next installment! Really a perfect read for people who love books such as Divergent, Red Queen or even the academic setting in Fourth Wing.
The 2010’s dystopia vibes are back! This book was such a fun read! It gives of vibes of Divergent or Red Queen, while still being original and having an intriguing world! I will warmly recommend it for people who love reading about revolutions and morally grey characters.
This story follows Louisa, and I’ve got to admit, I feel for the girl. She’s grown up knowing she’ll be conscripted to the military, wants to do nothing more but keep her twin brother safe, and is suddenly one of the most important pieces in a war that started before she was born.
I love the revelations coming throughout the story. I like the different parts of the story as well, giving the reader a great scope of the world: from phantom training, to the lush lives in Ravenna to the war touched lives in the Black Hills.
I loved how Lucien - the king of the revolution - isn’t just misunderstood. He is a grey characters, and I’d even say a bad man - though so is the people ruling Verakas. I loved how there is no good and bad, it’s all bad, and Louisa is just trying to get her brother out alive. I’m excited to see if her plan will work out in the next book, because man, she deserves something to go her way.
I also enjoyed the hint of romance we see here. Jack definitely seems the morally grey love interest of most book girls’ dreams, and I’m excited to see how it’ll all play out further down the line.
I also hope we get to see some of the other phantoms again - whether on opposite sides from Louisa or the same.
One thing that kept both annoying me and intriguing me was Louisa’s many bad decisions. She probably did everything the exact opposite of what would have been smart, however, you don’t need to get very far into the book to know that that’s exactly her character! She doesn’t care about what others say, she makes her own way. Of course that is difficult in this world, which leads to a lot of trouble, but I’ve got to admire the way her personality fits perfectly to the story as it plays out!
I would have liked to see more fleshed out side characters. I felt the only character we really got to know was Louisa, as we spend the book following her. But I’d love to see more of the other characters fleshed out as well, from Daria and Roman to Jack, Marcus and Lucien. Hopefully we’ll get that down the line.
Overall, 4/5⭐️. I really enjoyed the book, and I’m excited for the next installment! Really a perfect read for people who love books such as Divergent, Red Queen or even the academic setting in Fourth Wing.
January 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Grace Quincy for this ARC book. 4/5 stars. This book had good pacing, but there were moments that I wished there was more detail. The romance aspect felt very rushed. I wanted more tension and interaction between the two. That being said, this is the first book in a series, and the ending tension promises so much more drama in book 2. I really enjoyed the twists, especially with Louisa’s heritage. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, but felt it needed more to be a five-star read. There were too many times things seemed to be skipped over to get to the next part of the story.
Louisa and her twin are separated by circumstances of their society. Louisa, as the oldest, must serve her country. She’s chosen to become a Phantom (spy) and attends training. Her brother…disappears, and she is desperately trying to find him again.
Louisa experiences so much in her time training to be a spy and then she’s thrown into the deep end of the Black Hills, enemy territory. She’s faces romance, betrayal, and familial drama.
She wavers between her country and the life Black Hills promises, but is abandoning her Phantom role worth the cost her brother might pay?!
Louisa and her twin are separated by circumstances of their society. Louisa, as the oldest, must serve her country. She’s chosen to become a Phantom (spy) and attends training. Her brother…disappears, and she is desperately trying to find him again.
Louisa experiences so much in her time training to be a spy and then she’s thrown into the deep end of the Black Hills, enemy territory. She’s faces romance, betrayal, and familial drama.
She wavers between her country and the life Black Hills promises, but is abandoning her Phantom role worth the cost her brother might pay?!
January 19, 2025
Quick moving plot - can't wait for the sequel!
From page one, the plot immediately pulled me in, and I felt like I couldn't put this debut down until I got to the end. I felt every one of Louisa's emotions as she questioned authority in a world that is inherently unfair to her and uses her very existence to their advantage every step of the way. The action towards the end comes so quickly, I'm left with more questions than answers but I'm sure the cliff hangers will be addressed in the next book - I can't wait to see what's next!
Highly recommend if you're looking for a fast paced dystopian with a protagonist that drives you crazy and has you rooting for her every step of the way.
From page one, the plot immediately pulled me in, and I felt like I couldn't put this debut down until I got to the end. I felt every one of Louisa's emotions as she questioned authority in a world that is inherently unfair to her and uses her very existence to their advantage every step of the way. The action towards the end comes so quickly, I'm left with more questions than answers but I'm sure the cliff hangers will be addressed in the next book - I can't wait to see what's next!
Highly recommend if you're looking for a fast paced dystopian with a protagonist that drives you crazy and has you rooting for her every step of the way.
January 22, 2025
This is a fast paced dystopian adventure, filled with action, intrigue, scheming and danger.
Louisa has already lived a harsh and unforgiving life alongside her twin brother and in the care of her uncle. When she's of age and forced into conscription she knows her fate won't improve, but she's pushed into an unexpected path. She has to fight to survive, adapt to her surroundings, figure out what is the truth, and do what she can to save her brother.
It has elements of building romance, hidden identity, unexpected reunions, political scheming and morality.
This was very entertaining and it left me wanting to read more about the characters and world. Hoping there will be a sequel soon.
(Similar vibes of Divergent series.)
Louisa has already lived a harsh and unforgiving life alongside her twin brother and in the care of her uncle. When she's of age and forced into conscription she knows her fate won't improve, but she's pushed into an unexpected path. She has to fight to survive, adapt to her surroundings, figure out what is the truth, and do what she can to save her brother.
It has elements of building romance, hidden identity, unexpected reunions, political scheming and morality.
This was very entertaining and it left me wanting to read more about the characters and world. Hoping there will be a sequel soon.
(Similar vibes of Divergent series.)
January 14, 2025
Louisa Aldridge is 10 minutes older than her twin brother Oliver. Unfortunately for her, the first born of each family is conscripted to fight in the civil war that has been raging for 20 years.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so easy to read. It just had a fantastic pace with key plot points keeping you engaged throughout. I love Louisa. She's rebellious and impulsive and almost too smart for her own good.
I hate her uncle and kind of have a crush on the Rebel King.
There's a small enemies to lovers' storyline, which promises a slow burn in the following books. I'm still unsure who's the real bad guy, but I know I need to read the next one ASAP.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so easy to read. It just had a fantastic pace with key plot points keeping you engaged throughout. I love Louisa. She's rebellious and impulsive and almost too smart for her own good.
I hate her uncle and kind of have a crush on the Rebel King.
There's a small enemies to lovers' storyline, which promises a slow burn in the following books. I'm still unsure who's the real bad guy, but I know I need to read the next one ASAP.
February 3, 2025
Thank you grace for allowing me to be on your arc team!
I devoured this book it was so good. The book immediately starts off grabbing your attention and the pace kept up the entire book. I really liked the dystopian vibes and the twist in the story. Louisa is a headstrong FMC who would do anything to save her twin brother. Hoping we get to see more of jacks in the second book as well. And the ending!? I need book two because I literally was like this can’t be the end!
I devoured this book it was so good. The book immediately starts off grabbing your attention and the pace kept up the entire book. I really liked the dystopian vibes and the twist in the story. Louisa is a headstrong FMC who would do anything to save her twin brother. Hoping we get to see more of jacks in the second book as well. And the ending!? I need book two because I literally was like this can’t be the end!
January 27, 2025
This was a fast paced engaging book throughout, but it was on the shorter side. You get thrown right into the world which is at war and you never really figure out why they are at such odds. I loved the snarky, pit bull of a main character, Louisa. She doesn’t quite know who to believe or trust, but her number one person is her twin brother, Oliver. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book #2. Thank you to NetGalley and G&G Publishing for an advanced reader copy.
February 13, 2025
Holy cow! The number of nights I fell asleep reading this because I couldn’t stop! I don’t have the words right now! I just finished and my heart is pounding and I NEED to know more! The only downside is that this book came out and I have to wait to see what happens next!
Full review on my website Tuesday, 2.18.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
Full review on my website Tuesday, 2.18.25.
www.mommodeloading.com
December 17, 2024
Thank you so much to Grace Quincy for the ARC! Huge congratulations on publishing your first book!
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars rounded up to 4)
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This book gave me dystopian vibes. This is a very plot driven story, and the plot is interesting. But for my personal taste, I prefer character centered and driven stories. I wish there had been more of characters bonding on the page as I feel like I didn't get to know most of them very well and thus didn't really connect with them. In my opinion, it makes the relationships the main character forms feel very "tell, don't show," especially the romantic relationship, which also feels rushed with how little time and focus it is given. But all of this is subjective given that I often like the parts of books that people call filler and find boring. I think this book is exactly what it set out to be. It is exciting and fast-paced and would be well suited to someone who enjoys plot centered stories. I enjoyed the main character's internal monologue, which had me chuckling at times. There were some crazy plot twists I did not see coming. Clearly, I was invested in the story since I read the whole book in one day. There are so many mysteries still waiting to be solved and so much more to explore in this world. This book feels like it's just the beginning of a much larger story, and I will definitely be checking out the sequel(s) as well!
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars rounded up to 4)
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This book gave me dystopian vibes. This is a very plot driven story, and the plot is interesting. But for my personal taste, I prefer character centered and driven stories. I wish there had been more of characters bonding on the page as I feel like I didn't get to know most of them very well and thus didn't really connect with them. In my opinion, it makes the relationships the main character forms feel very "tell, don't show," especially the romantic relationship, which also feels rushed with how little time and focus it is given. But all of this is subjective given that I often like the parts of books that people call filler and find boring. I think this book is exactly what it set out to be. It is exciting and fast-paced and would be well suited to someone who enjoys plot centered stories. I enjoyed the main character's internal monologue, which had me chuckling at times. There were some crazy plot twists I did not see coming. Clearly, I was invested in the story since I read the whole book in one day. There are so many mysteries still waiting to be solved and so much more to explore in this world. This book feels like it's just the beginning of a much larger story, and I will definitely be checking out the sequel(s) as well!
December 18, 2024
From the very start, I was enveloped in this world at war and I was taken there immediately. It was an incredible experience seeing the world through the eyes of the FMC. I had to fight to put this story down because of how much I needed to see where this character was going.
This Dystopian story was captivating and tugged at my emotions the entire time. It was quite refreshing to see the story of someone pegged as an underdog fight their way to survive every waking moment without needing a complicated magic system.
The pacing made sense, the characters were believable, and the author really took the time to show both ends of human nature (good and bad) and managed to show both ends to an extreme level on a mature level. Will definitely be re-reading this!
This Dystopian story was captivating and tugged at my emotions the entire time. It was quite refreshing to see the story of someone pegged as an underdog fight their way to survive every waking moment without needing a complicated magic system.
The pacing made sense, the characters were believable, and the author really took the time to show both ends of human nature (good and bad) and managed to show both ends to an extreme level on a mature level. Will definitely be re-reading this!
April 2, 2025
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this story, it had a dystopian feel to it. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down especially after a couple chapters. I needed to know what was going to happen! I’m looking forward to reading the next book so we can get some answers. I would recommend this to those who enjoy hunger games / dystopian books.
I received a copy of this book and was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed this story, it had a dystopian feel to it. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down especially after a couple chapters. I needed to know what was going to happen! I’m looking forward to reading the next book so we can get some answers. I would recommend this to those who enjoy hunger games / dystopian books.
I received a copy of this book and was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts.
May 28, 2025
4.5
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this book but I ended up really enjoying it!
It began quite typically with some classic dystopian tropes like enforced military service and a flawed class system, however, it really grew into something more unique. What really stood out to me was the flawed nature of the protagonist and the impossibility of her situation.
Quite often in a Ruling class vs Rebellion set up there is a clear "good" side but both sides in this tale are equally brutal and selfish, making the peril of Louisa's situation captivating.
The protagonist (Louisa) is wreckless, stubborn and brash but also deeply likable. Unlike a lot of female protagonists she doesn't have a temper that leads to charming or sharp witted banter, she is just moody and sarcastic - as I would be in her situation too! It makes her eminently more realistic and relatable... for me anyway.
Definitely something for the Hunger Games/Divergent fans and those that enjoy a tale of espionage. I eagerly and impatiently await the next installment!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this book but I ended up really enjoying it!
It began quite typically with some classic dystopian tropes like enforced military service and a flawed class system, however, it really grew into something more unique. What really stood out to me was the flawed nature of the protagonist and the impossibility of her situation.
Quite often in a Ruling class vs Rebellion set up there is a clear "good" side but both sides in this tale are equally brutal and selfish, making the peril of Louisa's situation captivating.
The protagonist (Louisa) is wreckless, stubborn and brash but also deeply likable. Unlike a lot of female protagonists she doesn't have a temper that leads to charming or sharp witted banter, she is just moody and sarcastic - as I would be in her situation too! It makes her eminently more realistic and relatable... for me anyway.
Definitely something for the Hunger Games/Divergent fans and those that enjoy a tale of espionage. I eagerly and impatiently await the next installment!
January 19, 2025
I’ll admit this book drew me in faster than I expected. Even with the first couple chapters of world building, the story hits the ground running. The description intrigued me enough to give it a chance though I initially felt a bit skeptical as to whether I would connect with the main character based solely off the synopsis.
Louisa is described as having a temper and being strong-willed but I liked that this didn’t truly define her (or at least not for long). Her character development from “rebellious teen” to learning to channel her rage into something she can actually use to protect what she cares about progresses in a believable way.
I found her to be very relatable as she’s faced with a multitude of difficult choices, many of which force her to examine, define and redefine her own morality and where it stacks up in her shifting priorities. She wants to be brave but is afraid to die the meaningless death her harsh environment constantly threatens. Louisa doubts herself at times yet really steps up and finds her courage when it comes to things that matter most to her. Although it’s true she can be brash at times, frequently throughout the book she struggles to navigate the complexities of love, loyalty and the cost of both in the unforgiving, militant world she lives in.
Sometimes, books with similar settings/plot, the characters tend to become larger than life which can make for a good story but always kind of pulls me out of the MCs head to where I don’t really feel level with them or connected anymore, becoming more of an observer. I liked that I was able to maintain that feeling of connection with Louisa. Especially in the way she always retained a healthy level of fear regarding the weight of reality behind her decisions…and the consequences if she failed. Not everything goes to plan, not everything is easy. She’s the main character in the story but not the hero.
I have mixed feelings on the other characters in the book and that seems to be the intent in how they are portrayed. There aren’t really any “good guys” which really kept me guessing who she could trust and where the story would go next. The fast paced plot and political intrigue definitely kept the pages turning.
If you enjoy reading strong (but relatable) FMCs in a dystopian setting with political intrigue and a splash of romance I definitely recommend checking this out.
Even with work and multiple things claiming my attention I finished this book in under a week.
Thank you NetGalley for the DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Louisa is described as having a temper and being strong-willed but I liked that this didn’t truly define her (or at least not for long). Her character development from “rebellious teen” to learning to channel her rage into something she can actually use to protect what she cares about progresses in a believable way.
I found her to be very relatable as she’s faced with a multitude of difficult choices, many of which force her to examine, define and redefine her own morality and where it stacks up in her shifting priorities. She wants to be brave but is afraid to die the meaningless death her harsh environment constantly threatens. Louisa doubts herself at times yet really steps up and finds her courage when it comes to things that matter most to her. Although it’s true she can be brash at times, frequently throughout the book she struggles to navigate the complexities of love, loyalty and the cost of both in the unforgiving, militant world she lives in.
Sometimes, books with similar settings/plot, the characters tend to become larger than life which can make for a good story but always kind of pulls me out of the MCs head to where I don’t really feel level with them or connected anymore, becoming more of an observer. I liked that I was able to maintain that feeling of connection with Louisa. Especially in the way she always retained a healthy level of fear regarding the weight of reality behind her decisions…and the consequences if she failed. Not everything goes to plan, not everything is easy. She’s the main character in the story but not the hero.
I have mixed feelings on the other characters in the book and that seems to be the intent in how they are portrayed. There aren’t really any “good guys” which really kept me guessing who she could trust and where the story would go next. The fast paced plot and political intrigue definitely kept the pages turning.
If you enjoy reading strong (but relatable) FMCs in a dystopian setting with political intrigue and a splash of romance I definitely recommend checking this out.
Even with work and multiple things claiming my attention I finished this book in under a week.
Thank you NetGalley for the DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
January 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this early! Where No One Can Follow surprised me in the best way. It’s an imaginative and emotional read with some great moments, though I think it could’ve used just a little more polish in certain areas.
First off, the world Grace Quincy creates is immersive and fascinating. From the opening chapters, I was hooked on the eerie, atmospheric setting and the tension between characters. The dynamic between Louisa and Lucien is one of the book’s highlights for me. Is Lucien truly deranged, or is his madness just a mask for a tortured king trying to hold his kingdom together? I loved how his layers unfolded, especially in his private conversations with Louisa. It really made me look deeper into Lucien’s character and his actions.
Louisa herself is a strong lead. Her emotions feel raw and authentic, and I could totally relate to the “oldest daughter going through puberty” energy she gives off as she struggles with responsibility, loyalty, and figuring out who she can trust. While I found her immediate trust in Colin/Jack/Marcus a bit surprising, I get that it was necessary to move the story forward.
There is a hint of romance in this book but it comes in late—like, 80% in—but I’ll admit I loved the addition of having some slight flirtation going on, even if I wish there had been just a little more time to explore that connection. By the end, it felt like the romance added another layer to Louisa’s journey rather than overshadowing it, which I really appreciated.
If there’s one thing I wanted more of, it’s Louisa and Oliver’s relationship. As twins, I expected their bond to be more central to the story, but it wasn’t explored as deeply as I would’ve liked. That said, their connection still drives Louisa’s actions, and I appreciated how much she fought for him, even if I didn’t always feel the emotional weight of their dynamic.
The ending came faster than I anticipated—it felt like just when the story hit its peak, it got cut off. But that also left me hungry for more, so if there’s a sequel in the works, I’ll absolutely be looking forward to it.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow is an engaging, dark, and emotional read with some fantastic character moments and plenty of intrigue. While I had a few minor quibbles, they didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story. It’s a solid 4/5 for me, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, atmospheric fantasy.
First off, the world Grace Quincy creates is immersive and fascinating. From the opening chapters, I was hooked on the eerie, atmospheric setting and the tension between characters. The dynamic between Louisa and Lucien is one of the book’s highlights for me. Is Lucien truly deranged, or is his madness just a mask for a tortured king trying to hold his kingdom together? I loved how his layers unfolded, especially in his private conversations with Louisa. It really made me look deeper into Lucien’s character and his actions.
Louisa herself is a strong lead. Her emotions feel raw and authentic, and I could totally relate to the “oldest daughter going through puberty” energy she gives off as she struggles with responsibility, loyalty, and figuring out who she can trust. While I found her immediate trust in Colin/Jack/Marcus a bit surprising, I get that it was necessary to move the story forward.
There is a hint of romance in this book but it comes in late—like, 80% in—but I’ll admit I loved the addition of having some slight flirtation going on, even if I wish there had been just a little more time to explore that connection. By the end, it felt like the romance added another layer to Louisa’s journey rather than overshadowing it, which I really appreciated.
If there’s one thing I wanted more of, it’s Louisa and Oliver’s relationship. As twins, I expected their bond to be more central to the story, but it wasn’t explored as deeply as I would’ve liked. That said, their connection still drives Louisa’s actions, and I appreciated how much she fought for him, even if I didn’t always feel the emotional weight of their dynamic.
The ending came faster than I anticipated—it felt like just when the story hit its peak, it got cut off. But that also left me hungry for more, so if there’s a sequel in the works, I’ll absolutely be looking forward to it.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow is an engaging, dark, and emotional read with some fantastic character moments and plenty of intrigue. While I had a few minor quibbles, they didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story. It’s a solid 4/5 for me, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, atmospheric fantasy.
January 18, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Grace Quincy for providing me with an ARC of Where No One Can Follow in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the more I read, the better it got! The ending, specifically, was really great and I know I will be picking up the next book when it is available. To start off, I loved the world itself and how the system and the kingdom are divided and how that really contributed to the character arcs. I really enjoyed reading about the characters, but I feel like I had a stronger connection to the characters in the second half rather than the first half. The plot twists were very nice, and I did not expect them to be what they were, but there was some subtle foreshadowing that I really appreciated! The book was well wrote all around, and the plot was well fleshed out leading up to the climax. The only other addition I would have is that at many points it felt like we were being told what was happening rather than being showed.
There were a few things I found unsatisfactory, personally. I had a hard time really getting into this book up until 55% of the way in, but once I hit that mark, I could not put it down. The pacing of the plot in the first half seemed rushed to me, and I feel like it could have either been spread out so we could spend some more time getting to know the main character and her internal conflicts (which could have had more layers), or it could have been condensed. Personally, I would have preferred to read more about her journey while she was training, as that would have allowed me to have a deeper connection to her character. Louisa's character seemed a bit inconsistent and contradictory at points, and compared to how she was raised and the situations she went through in the book I would have expected her personality to be different than how it was portrayed toward the middle of the book. Lastly, I would have loved to see more world building in terms of politics of the kingdom and the council. I feel like the political system was skimmed over but not explained in depth, and I feel like it would add more to the plot and characters if we really knew what was happening behind the scenes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the more I read, the better it got! The ending, specifically, was really great and I know I will be picking up the next book when it is available. To start off, I loved the world itself and how the system and the kingdom are divided and how that really contributed to the character arcs. I really enjoyed reading about the characters, but I feel like I had a stronger connection to the characters in the second half rather than the first half. The plot twists were very nice, and I did not expect them to be what they were, but there was some subtle foreshadowing that I really appreciated! The book was well wrote all around, and the plot was well fleshed out leading up to the climax. The only other addition I would have is that at many points it felt like we were being told what was happening rather than being showed.
There were a few things I found unsatisfactory, personally. I had a hard time really getting into this book up until 55% of the way in, but once I hit that mark, I could not put it down. The pacing of the plot in the first half seemed rushed to me, and I feel like it could have either been spread out so we could spend some more time getting to know the main character and her internal conflicts (which could have had more layers), or it could have been condensed. Personally, I would have preferred to read more about her journey while she was training, as that would have allowed me to have a deeper connection to her character. Louisa's character seemed a bit inconsistent and contradictory at points, and compared to how she was raised and the situations she went through in the book I would have expected her personality to be different than how it was portrayed toward the middle of the book. Lastly, I would have loved to see more world building in terms of politics of the kingdom and the council. I feel like the political system was skimmed over but not explained in depth, and I feel like it would add more to the plot and characters if we really knew what was happening behind the scenes.
January 12, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Grace Quincy for providing me with an ARC of Where No One Can Follow in exchange for my honest review.
Where No One Can Follow is a YA dystopian novel set in a country torn apart by civil war. In this world, the firstborn of each family is conscripted to fight in the conflict. Louisa Aldridge, a twin born just before her brother, carries the heavy burden of this conscription. She is assigned to the mysterious Phantom division, where the kingdom’s spies are trained.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dystopian narrative of this story. The world-building, while straightforward, is highly effective in establishing the setting and atmosphere. The story’s tone and themes reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent, which made it even more compelling. Fans of those series will likely find much to love in Where No One Can Follow.
One area that I found less satisfying was Louisa’s quick trust in another character, which seemed unearned. This development appeared to set up a potential romance but lacked the slow burn or depth that makes such relationships more impactful. I’m not a fan of the instant love/trust trope, and this element felt a bit rushed. Additionally, while the pacing of the story is steady for the most part, the last 10% is packed with events and ends quite abruptly. Despite these minor critiques, the story left me eager for the sequel.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow was an engaging and enjoyable read, earning a solid 4 stars from me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next installment.
Where No One Can Follow is a YA dystopian novel set in a country torn apart by civil war. In this world, the firstborn of each family is conscripted to fight in the conflict. Louisa Aldridge, a twin born just before her brother, carries the heavy burden of this conscription. She is assigned to the mysterious Phantom division, where the kingdom’s spies are trained.
I thoroughly enjoyed the dystopian narrative of this story. The world-building, while straightforward, is highly effective in establishing the setting and atmosphere. The story’s tone and themes reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent, which made it even more compelling. Fans of those series will likely find much to love in Where No One Can Follow.
One area that I found less satisfying was Louisa’s quick trust in another character, which seemed unearned. This development appeared to set up a potential romance but lacked the slow burn or depth that makes such relationships more impactful. I’m not a fan of the instant love/trust trope, and this element felt a bit rushed. Additionally, while the pacing of the story is steady for the most part, the last 10% is packed with events and ends quite abruptly. Despite these minor critiques, the story left me eager for the sequel.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow was an engaging and enjoyable read, earning a solid 4 stars from me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next installment.
January 10, 2025
“From the moment I took the Oath, I knew I’d die bloody.”
What a debut!! I absolutely fell head first into this world, and Louisa was such an enjoyable narrator. Her deep, deep desire to protect family above all conveyed in every emotion and action she took, and I love that she stayed true to who she was through the peril she faced.
I greatly enjoyed reading about the dichotomy between the two worlds she struggles between, and listen, as cool as it would be to become a phantom MAKE ME A RAIDER ALREADY.
The other characters still have so many questions left unanswered, including their motivations and their next steps. I’m truly hoping this is only the start of this story - I want to find out more lore about this world, and I need to see Marcus again!!!
The romance did feel a bit out of place - I wish there had been more between them and more time for it to build in a way that felt real. I can tell that part of the story isn’t over though, so I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from them.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow is a gripping and thrilling ride through a brand new world that you’ll completely fall into head first and enjoy the ride along the way. 4/5 stars for me, and I can’t wait for more!! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this story!
What a debut!! I absolutely fell head first into this world, and Louisa was such an enjoyable narrator. Her deep, deep desire to protect family above all conveyed in every emotion and action she took, and I love that she stayed true to who she was through the peril she faced.
I greatly enjoyed reading about the dichotomy between the two worlds she struggles between, and listen, as cool as it would be to become a phantom MAKE ME A RAIDER ALREADY.
The other characters still have so many questions left unanswered, including their motivations and their next steps. I’m truly hoping this is only the start of this story - I want to find out more lore about this world, and I need to see Marcus again!!!
The romance did feel a bit out of place - I wish there had been more between them and more time for it to build in a way that felt real. I can tell that part of the story isn’t over though, so I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from them.
Overall, Where No One Can Follow is a gripping and thrilling ride through a brand new world that you’ll completely fall into head first and enjoy the ride along the way. 4/5 stars for me, and I can’t wait for more!! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this story!
January 8, 2025
Lousia and Oliver live a mundane life with their uncle. Once Lousia reaches her 18th birthdays she is required by law as the first born child to enlist in the military- a fate that is often a death sentence.
We follow Lousia throughout her training and who to trust becomes more and more unclear. There are several twists, some you see coming others you don't.
I enjoyed this book, I liked Lousia for the most part. I don't this she necessarily goes through much development (so far) as a character but the anger issues she has are believable. Lousia knows she has these issues along with impulse control problems- the way it's written its almost as if she is written with Adhd.
Lousias love for her brother is a defining feature- he is all she really cares about thus he is her constant motivation.
What I was a little confused at was the "love" interest. Jack and Lousia spend virtually no time together, he says he likes her while wasted, but somehow that equals trust? And mutual feelings that lead to heartbreak? I don't get it, she had more chemistry/ conversation with two other raiders over Jack.
I look forward to the next book in the series, hopefully the love angle can be developed a little more there.
We follow Lousia throughout her training and who to trust becomes more and more unclear. There are several twists, some you see coming others you don't.
I enjoyed this book, I liked Lousia for the most part. I don't this she necessarily goes through much development (so far) as a character but the anger issues she has are believable. Lousia knows she has these issues along with impulse control problems- the way it's written its almost as if she is written with Adhd.
Lousias love for her brother is a defining feature- he is all she really cares about thus he is her constant motivation.
What I was a little confused at was the "love" interest. Jack and Lousia spend virtually no time together, he says he likes her while wasted, but somehow that equals trust? And mutual feelings that lead to heartbreak? I don't get it, she had more chemistry/ conversation with two other raiders over Jack.
I look forward to the next book in the series, hopefully the love angle can be developed a little more there.
February 12, 2025
From the start, you are drawn into Louisa's world - a world where war means she must be trained for a specific role and expected to fulfill it for three years. You can sense her trepidation over leaving all she knows and her beloved twin brother behind. Then you walk alongside her as she struggles to make it through Phantom training to become a spy for her country. As you make it through the story, you soon learn that her uncle and a few others know all about her heritage and finally pull it out to manipulate her into doing their bidding.
While on her mission, she not only meets her father - she also realizes that much of what was taught about the Black Hills and their king was propaganda. Also, she soon determines her uncle doesn't always have her best interest at heart. With saving her brother her main concern, she has to make choices that will have great repercussions.
Dystopian is a genre I tend to enjoy and Where No One Can Follow did not disappoint. I found the pacing to be good along with the world-building. The one downside is that I now have to wait for the sequel!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grace Quincy, and G&G Publishing for the advance reader. All opinions are my own.
While on her mission, she not only meets her father - she also realizes that much of what was taught about the Black Hills and their king was propaganda. Also, she soon determines her uncle doesn't always have her best interest at heart. With saving her brother her main concern, she has to make choices that will have great repercussions.
Dystopian is a genre I tend to enjoy and Where No One Can Follow did not disappoint. I found the pacing to be good along with the world-building. The one downside is that I now have to wait for the sequel!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grace Quincy, and G&G Publishing for the advance reader. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
“Even when I win, I somehow always manage to lose. Unfortunately.”
I really liked this book. On a very personal note the synopsis was misleading for me, but what I found was even better.
Let's start from Louisa, the FMC, she’s fiery and bold, sure, but also full of doubts and fears, which makes her feel so real (this is so refreshing for me, I wanted a break from the classic hothead 'I don't fear anything and don't give a sh*t about nothing).
Even though she gets pulled into things against her will, she's always analysing, assessing, understanding.
The story itself is super engaging, and the writing style is really easy to get into. The pacing is great for the most part, though there were a few moments that felt a bit rushed (most of all the relationships). Still, it’s hard to put the book down once you start.
One thing I really appreciated is that there’s no unnecessary drama—no misunderstandings or silly problems just to add conflict. It all feels natural and focused on the bigger picture.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! The plot and characters are solid, and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.
I really liked this book. On a very personal note the synopsis was misleading for me, but what I found was even better.
Let's start from Louisa, the FMC, she’s fiery and bold, sure, but also full of doubts and fears, which makes her feel so real (this is so refreshing for me, I wanted a break from the classic hothead 'I don't fear anything and don't give a sh*t about nothing).
Even though she gets pulled into things against her will, she's always analysing, assessing, understanding.
The story itself is super engaging, and the writing style is really easy to get into. The pacing is great for the most part, though there were a few moments that felt a bit rushed (most of all the relationships). Still, it’s hard to put the book down once you start.
One thing I really appreciated is that there’s no unnecessary drama—no misunderstandings or silly problems just to add conflict. It all feels natural and focused on the bigger picture.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! The plot and characters are solid, and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.
December 30, 2024
Like every first born child, Louisa is conscripted to fight when she turns 18. But she could not predict what she will learn about herself, the fight, and the difficult choices she will have to make.
I really enjoyed the main character, Louisa, who is someone who is a bit lost and trying to find out who she is and what her loyalties are. I also really appreciated that the book very quickly drew a strong relationship between Louisa and Oliver. So much of her motivation is their close relationship and the book really quickly established the bond and connection. I also enjoyed Louisa's love interest, Jack, and the mystery around her parents.
This book is clearly the first in a series, and so the characters don't really get complete satisfying arcs in the book. I am excited to read the next one, but disappointed that the book didn't really end with any sort of closure.
I would recommend this book at anyone who enjoys YA romantic dystopian fiction, such as Hunger Games, or Divine Rivals
I really enjoyed the main character, Louisa, who is someone who is a bit lost and trying to find out who she is and what her loyalties are. I also really appreciated that the book very quickly drew a strong relationship between Louisa and Oliver. So much of her motivation is their close relationship and the book really quickly established the bond and connection. I also enjoyed Louisa's love interest, Jack, and the mystery around her parents.
This book is clearly the first in a series, and so the characters don't really get complete satisfying arcs in the book. I am excited to read the next one, but disappointed that the book didn't really end with any sort of closure.
I would recommend this book at anyone who enjoys YA romantic dystopian fiction, such as Hunger Games, or Divine Rivals
February 15, 2025
Louisa has spent her entire life getting into trouble, while her twin brother, Oliver, has always been the level-headed one. Their uncle has been their guardian since their mother passed when they were little. The time has come for the annual conscription ceremony, in which the eldest child is assigned to a military unit and sent off to serve the kingdom for three years. Louisa is the eldest and must leave everything she knows behind to accept her fate. During her training, she uncovers truths that turn her world—and her reality—upside down. To make matters worse, her brother goes missing, and she must do everything in her power to bring him back, even if it means venturing into enemy territory. Time is running out, and Louisa must gain the trust of those around her to find the location of the one thing that might save her brother. With everything in chaos, it becomes difficult to know who will have her back at the end of the day—and who will stab it.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced copy!
March 29, 2025
Overall I liked the premise of the story. It starts as this gritty mix of the Hunger Games and Divergent. Louisa, the first born of her family, is inscripted into the military and assigned to the Phantom Division, where she goes through a ruthless training to turn her into a spy. I would have loved more details following her training. It felt like a big chunk of her training was glossed over and we got a recap of it. Then she is thrown into a mission. She uncovers some secrets about herself that rock her world (we love a good core rocking secrets) and starts to find herself pulled in multiple directions.
I just with there had been more detail to this story. There were too many instances that we were just being told what she was doing, or how she was feeling, instead of seeing it. Louisa is also a frustrating character because she makes such brash decisions without thinking of consequences and assumes that she is better than most people.
Again, I liked the story, just wish that there was more details given and that she had more character development.
I just with there had been more detail to this story. There were too many instances that we were just being told what she was doing, or how she was feeling, instead of seeing it. Louisa is also a frustrating character because she makes such brash decisions without thinking of consequences and assumes that she is better than most people.
Again, I liked the story, just wish that there was more details given and that she had more character development.
April 8, 2025
Rule 1: Don't get caught.
Being the first born kinda sucks for Louisa, seeing how all first borna end up conscripted into the military. Stubborn, with a refusal to do as she's told, and no respect for authority, things only get worse for her when she ends up assigned to the Phantom Division (aka the spies). She's a horrible spy, she can't walk quietly to save her life, and yet no matter how much she fails, she isn't removed from the division (sus).
This one had so much potential! Clocking in around 300 pages, this book was simply too short. It needed another 100 or so to really flush everything out. We get recapped conversations, a 1/3 of her training montage is just skipped right over. Once she graduates spy school, she's just dropped into the world, and it's no way believable.
She doesn't really have much character development either. Yes, she's 18, but I expected more from her, maybe spy school needs to be longer than 3 months.
Thanks to Net Galley and the author for the arc! The author actually dropped this one early and it's on KU for anyone interested.
Being the first born kinda sucks for Louisa, seeing how all first borna end up conscripted into the military. Stubborn, with a refusal to do as she's told, and no respect for authority, things only get worse for her when she ends up assigned to the Phantom Division (aka the spies). She's a horrible spy, she can't walk quietly to save her life, and yet no matter how much she fails, she isn't removed from the division (sus).
This one had so much potential! Clocking in around 300 pages, this book was simply too short. It needed another 100 or so to really flush everything out. We get recapped conversations, a 1/3 of her training montage is just skipped right over. Once she graduates spy school, she's just dropped into the world, and it's no way believable.
She doesn't really have much character development either. Yes, she's 18, but I expected more from her, maybe spy school needs to be longer than 3 months.
Thanks to Net Galley and the author for the arc! The author actually dropped this one early and it's on KU for anyone interested.
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