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The Dandelion Riots
A breathtaking new teen fantasy in which girls are cursed at birth with terrible powers.
‘Provocative and compassionate… compelling’ Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy
The destruction I was destined to cause was unfathomable…
Cursed at birth, 16-year-old Drinn has been hidden away from the world – moved from house to house to ensure that she never finds love. But this year, she has decided to break free.
Fleeing, Drinn finds herself in Oblison, surrounded by others just like her – cursed girls whose lives are dangerous and wild. They vow to liberate themselves once and for all. But rebellion is dangerous, and if Drinn finds love before the curse can be broken, a terrible fate could befall them all…
‘Provocative and compassionate… compelling’ Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy
The destruction I was destined to cause was unfathomable…
Cursed at birth, 16-year-old Drinn has been hidden away from the world – moved from house to house to ensure that she never finds love. But this year, she has decided to break free.
Fleeing, Drinn finds herself in Oblison, surrounded by others just like her – cursed girls whose lives are dangerous and wild. They vow to liberate themselves once and for all. But rebellion is dangerous, and if Drinn finds love before the curse can be broken, a terrible fate could befall them all…
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2025
About the author
Kim Smejkal
3 books170 followersKim Smejkal writes dark fantasy for young adults and not-so-young adults, always with a touch of magic. Her debut novel, INK IN THE BLOOD, released from HMH in early 2020, and the sequel, CURSE OF THE DIVINE, released in 2021.
When she’s not writing, she’s homeschooling her kids, tutoring other people’s kids, and voraciously hoarding any precious alone time. Though she grew up on the Canadian prairies, she now lives with her family on beautiful, muse-satiating Vancouver Island. She is represented by Daniel Lazar of Writers House.
When she’s not writing, she’s homeschooling her kids, tutoring other people’s kids, and voraciously hoarding any precious alone time. Though she grew up on the Canadian prairies, she now lives with her family on beautiful, muse-satiating Vancouver Island. She is represented by Daniel Lazar of Writers House.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 11, 2026
2026 reads: 11/300
i received a complimentary audio copy as part of libro.fm’s influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
girls in drinn’s world are cursed at birth. at the age of sixteen, drinn has been hidden away from the world to ensure she never finds love. this year, though, she’s decided to break free. soon enough, she runs into other cursed girls who vow to liberate themselves once and for all. rebellion is dangerous, though, and if drinn finds love before the curse is broken, a terrible fate could befall them all...
ugh, i was really hoping this would be at least four stars. this had a unique premise, and i do typically like dystopian novels. however, i found the worldbuilding to be lacking, and the plot wasn’t quite captivating enough to completely make up for it. there were some good plot twists, though, which helped keep me interested. i did enjoy the romance, too, and the narration by penelope rawlins was done well! i probably would not have gotten through this via another format. overall, while i thought this book was just okay, i would be willing to give the author another chance in the future.
i received a complimentary audio copy as part of libro.fm’s influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
girls in drinn’s world are cursed at birth. at the age of sixteen, drinn has been hidden away from the world to ensure she never finds love. this year, though, she’s decided to break free. soon enough, she runs into other cursed girls who vow to liberate themselves once and for all. rebellion is dangerous, though, and if drinn finds love before the curse is broken, a terrible fate could befall them all...
ugh, i was really hoping this would be at least four stars. this had a unique premise, and i do typically like dystopian novels. however, i found the worldbuilding to be lacking, and the plot wasn’t quite captivating enough to completely make up for it. there were some good plot twists, though, which helped keep me interested. i did enjoy the romance, too, and the narration by penelope rawlins was done well! i probably would not have gotten through this via another format. overall, while i thought this book was just okay, i would be willing to give the author another chance in the future.
Read
September 16, 2025arc given to me in exchange for review @ youngadulting.ca !! what i will say here though is my heart is warm and my eyes are wet.
February 23, 2026
I bought this book on a whim while in Nanaimo because I wanted to support a local author. It turned out to be a great story with a heart warming ending!!
April 23, 2025
4.5 - Rounded Up
“A girl made monster.”
The Dandelion Riots is an intense, action-packed fantasy that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. With short, punchy chapters and constant twists, it’s the kind of book you devour in one sitting because you just have to know what happens next. The world-building is rich, the magic system is super unique, and the pacing is relentless—seriously, there’s never a dull moment. And let’s talk about that cover—absolutely stunning! It perfectly captures the energy of the book and sets the tone for the wild ride inside.
At the heart of it all is Drinn, a 16-year-old girl with a rare magical ability who has spent her life being shuffled from one home to another by her aunt. She’s never had the chance to put down roots or form real connections, always kept hidden for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. But when she suddenly finds herself in Oblison, she realizes she’s escaped one cage only to land in another. Here, people like her are feared and hunted, and as she digs deeper into her past, she discovers that her aunt’s secrets—and her own curse—are far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
This book never lets up. Every chapter throws something new at you—battles, training, shocking reveals—and the tension just keeps building. The magic system is not only fascinating but also woven seamlessly into the story, with each cursed girl learning to turn what was meant to break them into their greatest strength. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, bam—another gut punch. The emotional stakes are high, and some of the character deaths hit out of nowhere, leaving you reeling.
But what really makes this book shine is the characters. The found-family vibes in The Dandelion Girls are everything. Drinn, Story, and Bash are such a solid trio—their banter is effortless, their bond feels so real, and their loyalty to each other is downright heartwarming. There are also two sapphic relationships woven into the story, adding even more depth to the already strong character dynamics. And while the book is technically an enemies-to-lovers story, romance takes a backseat to the main plot for most of it. It’s there, but the real focus is on magic, survival, and breaking curses—until the last quarter when it finally starts to play a bigger role.
Despite its relatively short length of 265 pages, the book is dense with action and emotion. While some readers may wish for more backstory to give additional depth to the characters and the justice they are fighting for, the novel delivers a gripping, unflinching experience. Just when it seems like all the heartstrings have been pulled, it delivers one final, poignant note—an emotionally charged reflection on loss and love that lingers long after the last page.
Content Warnings: Death, mention of suicide.
“A girl made monster.”
The Dandelion Riots is an intense, action-packed fantasy that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. With short, punchy chapters and constant twists, it’s the kind of book you devour in one sitting because you just have to know what happens next. The world-building is rich, the magic system is super unique, and the pacing is relentless—seriously, there’s never a dull moment. And let’s talk about that cover—absolutely stunning! It perfectly captures the energy of the book and sets the tone for the wild ride inside.
At the heart of it all is Drinn, a 16-year-old girl with a rare magical ability who has spent her life being shuffled from one home to another by her aunt. She’s never had the chance to put down roots or form real connections, always kept hidden for reasons she doesn’t fully understand. But when she suddenly finds herself in Oblison, she realizes she’s escaped one cage only to land in another. Here, people like her are feared and hunted, and as she digs deeper into her past, she discovers that her aunt’s secrets—and her own curse—are far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
This book never lets up. Every chapter throws something new at you—battles, training, shocking reveals—and the tension just keeps building. The magic system is not only fascinating but also woven seamlessly into the story, with each cursed girl learning to turn what was meant to break them into their greatest strength. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, bam—another gut punch. The emotional stakes are high, and some of the character deaths hit out of nowhere, leaving you reeling.
But what really makes this book shine is the characters. The found-family vibes in The Dandelion Girls are everything. Drinn, Story, and Bash are such a solid trio—their banter is effortless, their bond feels so real, and their loyalty to each other is downright heartwarming. There are also two sapphic relationships woven into the story, adding even more depth to the already strong character dynamics. And while the book is technically an enemies-to-lovers story, romance takes a backseat to the main plot for most of it. It’s there, but the real focus is on magic, survival, and breaking curses—until the last quarter when it finally starts to play a bigger role.
Despite its relatively short length of 265 pages, the book is dense with action and emotion. While some readers may wish for more backstory to give additional depth to the characters and the justice they are fighting for, the novel delivers a gripping, unflinching experience. Just when it seems like all the heartstrings have been pulled, it delivers one final, poignant note—an emotionally charged reflection on loss and love that lingers long after the last page.
Content Warnings: Death, mention of suicide.
January 28, 2025
Punchy and full of good ideas, sometimes on the verge of corny but always managing to pull it off.
March 4, 2025
Rating: 3.75/5⭐️
The Dandelion Riots is a short story and I feel like short stories most of the times tend to feel rushed, out of place and just a mess; but not with The Dandelion Riots! There was something to it that made it so addictive and well done to make the story itself wholesome in a short story style! All the damned/cursed girls were so lovely, their curses were miserable but so interesting to read about and the writing style made it such an enjoyable read!
I must confess, I haven’t read anything like it before and for me, it’s always a good thing when you are reading a book and are as confused as the main character, it makes me feel involved in the process of her finding out everything. However, and maybe because of its short story nature, the politics (one of the things I really enjoy in books) was a bit confusing and even in the end, I couldn’t understand the motto/lesson of this book. Why only girls were cursed? Were all girls cursed? If they were all cursed, then why hasn’t the world stop reproducing? Society (well, men) absolutely hated them. Were there “nice” curses?
Maybe I missed the point but it was still quite an enjoyable and quick read and I think that if you like dystopian fantasies then you should definitely pick up this short story!
Many thanks to the publisher for the early copy! All opinions are my own
The Dandelion Riots is a short story and I feel like short stories most of the times tend to feel rushed, out of place and just a mess; but not with The Dandelion Riots! There was something to it that made it so addictive and well done to make the story itself wholesome in a short story style! All the damned/cursed girls were so lovely, their curses were miserable but so interesting to read about and the writing style made it such an enjoyable read!
I must confess, I haven’t read anything like it before and for me, it’s always a good thing when you are reading a book and are as confused as the main character, it makes me feel involved in the process of her finding out everything. However, and maybe because of its short story nature, the politics (one of the things I really enjoy in books) was a bit confusing and even in the end, I couldn’t understand the motto/lesson of this book. Why only girls were cursed? Were all girls cursed? If they were all cursed, then why hasn’t the world stop reproducing? Society (well, men) absolutely hated them. Were there “nice” curses?
Maybe I missed the point but it was still quite an enjoyable and quick read and I think that if you like dystopian fantasies then you should definitely pick up this short story!
Many thanks to the publisher for the early copy! All opinions are my own
July 26, 2025
L’histoire est bien tourné, mais il reste quelques défauts, notamment la fin un peu trop rapide à mon goût.
Par exemple je trouve ça super dommage de ne pas avoir plus d’explications sur le système politique, et le point de vue des citoyens normaux par rapport aux maudites. J’ai l’impression de rester sur ma faim par rapport aux Aunts et à leur place dans le système…
Pareil pour les actes de révoltes et les actions politiques du groupe de Drinn : j’ai l’impression qu’on passe vite dessus sans en tirer grand-chose.
D’ailleurs les personnages ont beaucoup de potentiel, pourtant on a peine la back story de Drinn ? Je trouve ça dommage de ne pas connaître plus celle de Story ou de Bash ???
Surtout qu’on aurait pu avoir leur ressenti sur le fait d’être une maudite dans la société…
Bref je trouve que le livre aurait pu être plus long et plus intéressant, mais c’était quand même sympa à lire !
Par exemple je trouve ça super dommage de ne pas avoir plus d’explications sur le système politique, et le point de vue des citoyens normaux par rapport aux maudites. J’ai l’impression de rester sur ma faim par rapport aux Aunts et à leur place dans le système…
Pareil pour les actes de révoltes et les actions politiques du groupe de Drinn : j’ai l’impression qu’on passe vite dessus sans en tirer grand-chose.
D’ailleurs les personnages ont beaucoup de potentiel, pourtant on a peine la back story de Drinn ? Je trouve ça dommage de ne pas connaître plus celle de Story ou de Bash ???
Surtout qu’on aurait pu avoir leur ressenti sur le fait d’être une maudite dans la société…
Bref je trouve que le livre aurait pu être plus long et plus intéressant, mais c’était quand même sympa à lire !
August 20, 2025
This was such a fun, fast read! The concept hooked me immediately: girls cursed from birth, shunned by society, coming together to take down the system that’s been holding them back.
At just 266 pages, the pacing is quick, tense, and full of surprises. Some plot twists are predictable, but there’s still enough to keep you turning the pages.
The magic system was a highlight for me. Each character has a unique type of magic, and I loved how their abilities complemented each other when they worked together. It felt clever, thoughtful, and just… satisfying.
The focus here is really on the characters rather than worldbuilding, and honestly, it works perfectly. You get an engaging YA story with strong character dynamics, plus a little enemies-to-lovers spice thrown in for good measure.
At just 266 pages, the pacing is quick, tense, and full of surprises. Some plot twists are predictable, but there’s still enough to keep you turning the pages.
The magic system was a highlight for me. Each character has a unique type of magic, and I loved how their abilities complemented each other when they worked together. It felt clever, thoughtful, and just… satisfying.
The focus here is really on the characters rather than worldbuilding, and honestly, it works perfectly. You get an engaging YA story with strong character dynamics, plus a little enemies-to-lovers spice thrown in for good measure.
September 29, 2025
The Dandelion Riots is a propulsive, unique story of a world where girls are cursed at birth and then forced to lead lives full of discrimination and isolation, and what happens when those ostracized decide to band together and fight back. This is a short, quick read that is packed full of strong characters and bonds, as well as a fascinating world. It truly is hard to put down because there is something happening every page. Not a single chapter was wasted here.
I really enjoyed Drinn's POV in this story, as it allowed the reader to slowly learn about the world and what it means to be cursed. The relationships built between Drinn and the Dandelion Girls were well done and enjoyable.
I almost wished that this one was a bit longer, because the world building was pretty light, but this world was so distinctive and engrossing, I would love to read more about it.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc!
I really enjoyed Drinn's POV in this story, as it allowed the reader to slowly learn about the world and what it means to be cursed. The relationships built between Drinn and the Dandelion Girls were well done and enjoyable.
I almost wished that this one was a bit longer, because the world building was pretty light, but this world was so distinctive and engrossing, I would love to read more about it.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc!
October 30, 2025
I honestly chose to read this book because of how pretty the cover was. Unfortunately it felt underdeveloped (both in terms of world building, characters, and writing craft.) I appreciated what it was trying to do but I think what tripped me up was the way the characters felt hollow and like puppets put in place to do what the author wanted. In Jesmyn Ward, Toni Morrison, and Leila Mottley’s work the characters feel alive- like they make their own choices and the story has no choice but to follow in their wake. This book dragged the characters along a forced plot. But it was enjoyable to read, like a fun TV show.
November 24, 2025
Young adult fantasy. LGBTQIAP+. Drinn, an orphaned teen girl, has been moved to a new home every year by her overseer, a powerful 'aunt' who also placed a curse on Drinn at birth. Should Drinn ever fall in love, she will bring about the end of the world. Drinn has the magical ability / curse of earth contact, and when she is stressed she sprouts dandelions behind her ears. On her 16th birthday Drinn discovers she has even more powers, and escapes her dangerous aunt by running away through a magical portal. There, she discovers other orphaned, cursed teens who are part of a spy network attempting to overthrow those who oppress them.
April 27, 2025
Me resulto rara esta fantasía, ya de por si, siento que esta pasando mucho en general en los libros de hoy en dia que se soluciona todo en los últimos dos capitulos y me da mucha bronca. Es mas, en este libro, no hay slowburn ni enemies to lovers ya que a Story se nota que le gusta desde un principio, pero OJO, el beso recien pasa EN MEDIO DE LA PELEA FINAL dios que nefasto eso.
Hay demasiados personajes y marea bastante, pero rescato que fue facil y rápido de leer.
Hay demasiados personajes y marea bastante, pero rescato que fue facil y rápido de leer.
October 6, 2025
ARC audiobook. The curses are interesting and I'm always here for a sapphic feminist romp, but some of the world-building is messy (antiquated elements which have you think Middle Ages but then TV and contemporary references). Those moments kept taking me out of the story. Also I might give it another shot once I get a physical copy. The audiobook narrator's different voices for the characters were... grating.
January 9, 2026
The Dandelion Riots took me by surprise with how much fun I had in this story. I enjoyed the way the world was set up, even if we only got to see a small part of it. The main issue I take with this book is that it wasn’t longer, because I would have loved an even more thorough look at the world and the politics in it, as well as the aftermath of what had happened during the book. Drinn was the type of character who knew who she was and never wavered from that, and I appreciated the way she made sure to always try and do the right thing.
July 16, 2026
this has got to be my fav book of all time, but i am easily entertained. It was such an inspiring book, which despite having a popular “true loves kiss” type thing, which is featured in most books, i would still say it was an amazing book that i read in a short amount of time since i couldn’t put it down! I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves dystopian books and a sort of revolutionary vibe, i have re-read it multiple times and i swear it gets better and better!
February 5, 2025
A fun read with an interesting concept. Girls cursed from birth and shunned by society banding together to bring down the system that traps them.
It’s a quick read coming in at only 266 pages, but the pacing is superb, and while some plot elements are easy to spot, there’s still plenty of twists and surprises to keep you hooked.
It’s a quick read coming in at only 266 pages, but the pacing is superb, and while some plot elements are easy to spot, there’s still plenty of twists and surprises to keep you hooked.
May 22, 2025
There was lots I liked about this book. The world building and characters worked well and made sense and it was easy to read but for me there was II much death and pain which might have added to the realism but makes me hesitate to read anything else by this author even though I felt this was well written.
June 1, 2025
The premise of this book sounds great so why is it so mind-numbingly boring? I'm always impressed when authors manage to fuck up so badly.
I read the first 5 chapters and I really don't want to continue. What a waste of time and money.
The only thing I'm even remotely interested in is Darling and he stopped being relevant a while ago.
Dnf.
I read the first 5 chapters and I really don't want to continue. What a waste of time and money.
The only thing I'm even remotely interested in is Darling and he stopped being relevant a while ago.
Dnf.
November 11, 2025
It is one of those books that I am not too sure about.
Some parts had me really excited for a fun, dystopian adventure, while others left me adrift at sea.
Overall, the book was hot and cold. It was gearing up for an amazing, gutsy ending, but then it didn't follow through, which was disappointing but understandable.
I'd say I enjoyed most of it, but it ultimately left a bad taste in my mouth.
Some parts had me really excited for a fun, dystopian adventure, while others left me adrift at sea.
Overall, the book was hot and cold. It was gearing up for an amazing, gutsy ending, but then it didn't follow through, which was disappointing but understandable.
I'd say I enjoyed most of it, but it ultimately left a bad taste in my mouth.
November 22, 2025
A solidly engaging story with likeable characters. A great pick for older teens, or readers comfortable with the violence level of THE HUNGER GAMES. The world-building was a bit sparse for my taste, but that probably helped to keep the plot moving at a quick pace, which is appreciated. The audiobook narrator was capable and engaging.
November 7, 2025
I really liked this book! Would've been a 5 star if she did sacrifice herself to save the world maybe? Also, this is a book that could've been longer imo, this was a very fast read. Nonetheless I enjoyed reading this and it brought the feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2026
Although everything felt rushed and left me craving for more information, characters were loveable and the ending was a tearjerker. Truly wished it had been longer, not with more action, but with more in depth perspectives of the characters and their world.
April 30, 2025
3.5 Stars.
July 17, 2025
A bit heavy handed with its real-world parallels sometimes, but a very interesting concept done well
July 27, 2025
It was wonderful. Harsh, beautiful, bittersweet.
September 10, 2025
Cute coming of age/gang of misfits
September 16, 2025
An interesting new fantasy title. I'm not sure that it will have wide appeal, but a unique idea for a story.
September 24, 2025
Inventive, original world building. Imaginative magic systems but still it's all about power.
Sigh.
Wild dangerous girls getting everything they deserve? I'm in.
Sigh.
Wild dangerous girls getting everything they deserve? I'm in.
November 20, 2025
Overly simplistic, somehow. Sad without being a crying book. But it was refreshing, for once, that the deaths-to-advance-the-plot were male.
January 21, 2026
interested world, interesting characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews