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She Drinks the Light
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26For fans of Sinners and Immortal Dark, a teen girl must uncover her family’s deadly secrets in order to save her best friend and her island in this heart-pounding YA debut.
Addae has spent her whole life on the Golden Isle, a private island off the coast of South Carolina that has been in her family for centuries. Island residents don’t really fraternize with mainlanders, and for good reason. Golden Isle was founded by the Kinfolk, descendants—including Addae and her Nana Ama, the island matriarch—of escaped enslaved Black people.
But the Isle and the Kinfolk have secrets that must be protected from the outside world. Secrets of spirituality, mythology that are deeply rooted in their West African culture, beliefs, and traditions. The Kin are bound to protect the Golden Isle and, in turn, it protects them.
When Addae’s best friend Naria goes missing and one of the Kin turns up drained of blood, Addae's way of life is threatened. It looks like the work of the Adze, West African supernatural beings that drink human blood in order to survive—also known as vampires.
Believing Naira is alive, Addae travels to the mainland. But as Addae gets closer to finding Naria, she uncovers deep secrets about Nana Ama’s past, and about her own… secrets that could change how she feels about the Golden Isle and her lineage.
Torn between two worlds, Addae will have to decide how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to save her best friend, and even herself.
Addae has spent her whole life on the Golden Isle, a private island off the coast of South Carolina that has been in her family for centuries. Island residents don’t really fraternize with mainlanders, and for good reason. Golden Isle was founded by the Kinfolk, descendants—including Addae and her Nana Ama, the island matriarch—of escaped enslaved Black people.
But the Isle and the Kinfolk have secrets that must be protected from the outside world. Secrets of spirituality, mythology that are deeply rooted in their West African culture, beliefs, and traditions. The Kin are bound to protect the Golden Isle and, in turn, it protects them.
When Addae’s best friend Naria goes missing and one of the Kin turns up drained of blood, Addae's way of life is threatened. It looks like the work of the Adze, West African supernatural beings that drink human blood in order to survive—also known as vampires.
Believing Naira is alive, Addae travels to the mainland. But as Addae gets closer to finding Naria, she uncovers deep secrets about Nana Ama’s past, and about her own… secrets that could change how she feels about the Golden Isle and her lineage.
Torn between two worlds, Addae will have to decide how far she is willing to go—and who she is willing to cross—to save her best friend, and even herself.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
4 people are currently reading
16574 people want to read
About the author
Yasmin Angoe
7 books646 followersYasmin Angoe is an action and psychological suspense thriller author, Library of Virginia People’s Choice Award Fiction Finalist, and Anthony-award nominee of the critically acclaimed Her Name is Knight and Not What She Seems. Her Knight series has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, The Guardian, PopSugar, and Woman’s World book club, and the series is currently optioned for a feature. Yasmin is the recipient of the 2020 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color and has been nominated for the Anthony Awards and the Library of Virginia’s People’s Choice Award. She is a proud member of organizations such as Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Color, International Thriller Writers, and the Women’s National Book Association. Hailing from Northern Virginia, Yasmin Angoe is a first-generation Ghanaian American and a former English teacher and instructional coach,
She received a Kirkus review calling Her Name Is Knight, “A parable of reclaiming personal and tribal identity by seizing power at all costs".
She received a Kirkus review calling Her Name Is Knight, “A parable of reclaiming personal and tribal identity by seizing power at all costs".
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2025
She Drinks the Light is a book brimming with culture, it is vivid and bright in its descriptions and writing, with just a smidge of romance to make you smile in the middle of feeling the rage for what was done to these people.
We follow a teenage girl as she tries to uncover what happened to her best friend that mysteriously went missing and is now being considered dead while she is sure this isn't true.
The beginning of the book had me, I couldn't stop reading and I was sure I knew where we were headed and boy was I wrong! The book has a big mood shifting at about 60% and I couldn't look away after that until the end, that felt a little rushed I must admit.
I think this book could start a lot of discussions and I desperately need people to read it because I have so much to talk about.
Thank you Netgalley and Feiwel and Friends for the ARC.
We follow a teenage girl as she tries to uncover what happened to her best friend that mysteriously went missing and is now being considered dead while she is sure this isn't true.
The beginning of the book had me, I couldn't stop reading and I was sure I knew where we were headed and boy was I wrong! The book has a big mood shifting at about 60% and I couldn't look away after that until the end, that felt a little rushed I must admit.
I think this book could start a lot of discussions and I desperately need people to read it because I have so much to talk about.
Thank you Netgalley and Feiwel and Friends for the ARC.
October 21, 2025
I tried very hard to get into this story, but I just couldn't. It didn't hold my interest, and I kept getting distracted. I think it was mostly due to the choppy and immature writing style. I was kind of relieved when it was over. I probably would have DNFed if I hadn't been granted a copy from NetGalley. I was honestly quite disappointed because based on the cover and blurb, this is normally a book that would be right up my (book) alley.
Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalog. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalog. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
August 20, 2025
I absolutely CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
December 15, 2025
First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Yasmin Angoe, & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC.
She Drinks the Light follows Addae as her life gets turned upside down the day her best friend Naira goes missing and she learns that her own family secrets just might be the cause. Will Addae be able to uncover the mystery and find her best friend, whom she still believes to be alive, despite others insisting her friend is gone for good? And can Addae accept that the cause of local mysterious disappearances are from the adze, aka West African vampires?
i think this story was good! i loved how all of the West African culture references are based on real research conducted by the author, and the take on vampires was an interesting one for sure. i think Addae was a decent main character, and i liked the journey she went on as her family secrets were exposed.
However, the parts of this book that didn’t work for me personally were the writing style and language usage. Some sentences felt very choppy and hard to get into, and the author chose to include many pop culture references that personally took me out of the story more than once. I also think the pacing was a little off towards the end; i think the main conflict was resolved quickly in comparison to the rest of the novel, and i would have liked just a bit more action before the abrupt resolution.
But overall, i think this was a good story, and i liked the various tidbits about African culture i learned from reading this.
She Drinks the Light follows Addae as her life gets turned upside down the day her best friend Naira goes missing and she learns that her own family secrets just might be the cause. Will Addae be able to uncover the mystery and find her best friend, whom she still believes to be alive, despite others insisting her friend is gone for good? And can Addae accept that the cause of local mysterious disappearances are from the adze, aka West African vampires?
i think this story was good! i loved how all of the West African culture references are based on real research conducted by the author, and the take on vampires was an interesting one for sure. i think Addae was a decent main character, and i liked the journey she went on as her family secrets were exposed.
However, the parts of this book that didn’t work for me personally were the writing style and language usage. Some sentences felt very choppy and hard to get into, and the author chose to include many pop culture references that personally took me out of the story more than once. I also think the pacing was a little off towards the end; i think the main conflict was resolved quickly in comparison to the rest of the novel, and i would have liked just a bit more action before the abrupt resolution.
But overall, i think this was a good story, and i liked the various tidbits about African culture i learned from reading this.
Want to read
May 12, 2025"A Black vampire story inspired by Ghanaian folklore and West African mythology, the book follows a teen girl whose investigation after her best friend goes missing uncovers long-buried family secrets and threatens to destroy the way of life of everyone she loves."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In “She Drinks the Light,” Yasmin Angoe explores supernatural mythology, family secrets, and emotional coming-of-age in a YA fantasy that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly original. The story follows Addae who has grown up on the secluded Golden Isle off the coast of South Carolina in an enclave shaped by West African traditions, history, and lingering power. Her grandmother Nana Ama is the island’s formidable leader, and Addae is expected to inherit that mantle one day. But her life is thrown into turmoil when her best friend Naira disappears, setting Addae on a journey that forces her to confront both the outside world and the buried truths in her own family.
Once Addae crosses to the mainland in search of Naira, the story widens into a tale of loyalty and self-discovery. Her determination to believe her friend is still alive despite others insisting otherwise grounds the book emotionally, drawing you through mysteries involving the Endowment, a secretive organization whose influence complicates Addae’s mission. Her interactions with Hailey, the leader’s niece, offer welcome depth and tenderness, adding nuance without overshadowing the story’s central focus on friendship and identity. Angoe also brings in a bold reinterpretation of Ghanaian folklore, particularly the adze, which is the vampiric force behind local disappearances, and gives the supernatural elements real texture and significance.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is how it balances cultural specificity with accessibility. I really liked how Angoe’s research enriches the story as it offers glimpses into West African beliefs, history, and language without feeling overwhelming. There’s a palpable sense of heritage and weight here: the book does not shy away from the legacy of slavery or the responsibilities that accompany inherited power. Addae’s choices feel fully earned as they’re rash at times, but always driven by heart and conviction.
That said, “She Drinks the Light” had choppy writing at times and the pop culture references were occasionally distracting. Also, I felt that the rich setup deserved a more expansive conclusion. The ending wraps up key threads, but quickly, enough that the ending makes me wonder if this may be the start of a series, especially with lingering questions and unresolved worldbuilding.
Still, the journey leaves an impact. Addae’s growth, like her resilience, doubt, and hard-won clarity, anchors a story that blends atmospheric fantasy with emotional resonance. The twists land, the stakes feel personal, and the mythology hums beneath every page, even though I wish they could linger in it longer.
Overall, “She Drinks the Light” is an immersive, culturally rich fantasy about courage, connection, and the cost of truth. Even with some uneven pacing, it offers a compelling story that lingers and leaves just enough room for more light to be revealed.
In “She Drinks the Light,” Yasmin Angoe explores supernatural mythology, family secrets, and emotional coming-of-age in a YA fantasy that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly original. The story follows Addae who has grown up on the secluded Golden Isle off the coast of South Carolina in an enclave shaped by West African traditions, history, and lingering power. Her grandmother Nana Ama is the island’s formidable leader, and Addae is expected to inherit that mantle one day. But her life is thrown into turmoil when her best friend Naira disappears, setting Addae on a journey that forces her to confront both the outside world and the buried truths in her own family.
Once Addae crosses to the mainland in search of Naira, the story widens into a tale of loyalty and self-discovery. Her determination to believe her friend is still alive despite others insisting otherwise grounds the book emotionally, drawing you through mysteries involving the Endowment, a secretive organization whose influence complicates Addae’s mission. Her interactions with Hailey, the leader’s niece, offer welcome depth and tenderness, adding nuance without overshadowing the story’s central focus on friendship and identity. Angoe also brings in a bold reinterpretation of Ghanaian folklore, particularly the adze, which is the vampiric force behind local disappearances, and gives the supernatural elements real texture and significance.
One of the story’s greatest strengths is how it balances cultural specificity with accessibility. I really liked how Angoe’s research enriches the story as it offers glimpses into West African beliefs, history, and language without feeling overwhelming. There’s a palpable sense of heritage and weight here: the book does not shy away from the legacy of slavery or the responsibilities that accompany inherited power. Addae’s choices feel fully earned as they’re rash at times, but always driven by heart and conviction.
That said, “She Drinks the Light” had choppy writing at times and the pop culture references were occasionally distracting. Also, I felt that the rich setup deserved a more expansive conclusion. The ending wraps up key threads, but quickly, enough that the ending makes me wonder if this may be the start of a series, especially with lingering questions and unresolved worldbuilding.
Still, the journey leaves an impact. Addae’s growth, like her resilience, doubt, and hard-won clarity, anchors a story that blends atmospheric fantasy with emotional resonance. The twists land, the stakes feel personal, and the mythology hums beneath every page, even though I wish they could linger in it longer.
Overall, “She Drinks the Light” is an immersive, culturally rich fantasy about courage, connection, and the cost of truth. Even with some uneven pacing, it offers a compelling story that lingers and leaves just enough room for more light to be revealed.
November 6, 2025
🌟✨ I recently finished She Drinks The Light and was truly captivated by its rich storytelling and atmospheric world-building. Akiva’s life on the secluded Golden Isle, with its deep-rooted secrets and supernatural elements, created a mesmerizing backdrop for her journey. The novel skillfully weaves themes of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice, making it an emotionally resonant read.
The story takes a compelling turn when Akiva ventures to the mainland to find her missing best friend, Naria, and becomes entangled with the mysterious Endowment. 🩸 Her interactions with Hailey, the niece of the Endowment’s leader, added layers of complexity and tenderness to the narrative. Their relationship felt authentic and delicately developed amidst the story’s darker elements. 💕✨
What I appreciated most was how the author balanced supernatural intrigue with heartfelt moments, revealing secrets about Nana Ama’s past that challenged Akiva’s perception of her world. The pacing was just right—keeping me eager to uncover each new secret while exploring themes of bravery and self-discovery. 🌙
If you enjoy stories that blend magical realism with emotional depth and complex characters, I highly recommend She Drinks The Light. It’s an immersive, beautifully written novel that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Highly recommended for fans of atmospheric fantasy with a mature touch. 🌸🌟
The story takes a compelling turn when Akiva ventures to the mainland to find her missing best friend, Naria, and becomes entangled with the mysterious Endowment. 🩸 Her interactions with Hailey, the niece of the Endowment’s leader, added layers of complexity and tenderness to the narrative. Their relationship felt authentic and delicately developed amidst the story’s darker elements. 💕✨
What I appreciated most was how the author balanced supernatural intrigue with heartfelt moments, revealing secrets about Nana Ama’s past that challenged Akiva’s perception of her world. The pacing was just right—keeping me eager to uncover each new secret while exploring themes of bravery and self-discovery. 🌙
If you enjoy stories that blend magical realism with emotional depth and complex characters, I highly recommend She Drinks The Light. It’s an immersive, beautifully written novel that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Highly recommended for fans of atmospheric fantasy with a mature touch. 🌸🌟
November 5, 2025
4.5/5 Stars
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I mean, it was so unique and interesting and had plot twists I wasn't necessarily expecting!
I loved watching Akiva kind of come into herself & her power and learn what that really entails and means for her. This book really captivates you and has you hoping the best for Akiva especially when she is looking for Naria. Although she struggled, she really did navigate everything to the best of her ability and some of the twist and turns we get to see are amazing!
The ending was a little rushed, and makes me think that perhaps we could be getting more?
Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I mean, it was so unique and interesting and had plot twists I wasn't necessarily expecting!
I loved watching Akiva kind of come into herself & her power and learn what that really entails and means for her. This book really captivates you and has you hoping the best for Akiva especially when she is looking for Naria. Although she struggled, she really did navigate everything to the best of her ability and some of the twist and turns we get to see are amazing!
The ending was a little rushed, and makes me think that perhaps we could be getting more?
Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
Let me start off by saying I really didn’t know what I was getting into reading this book. I’m trying to broaden my book genres to include more fantasy like books…..This did that. I enjoyed the little history lessons and the connections between fact and fiction. The book had a few grammatical errors but other than that I think it was written well. As far as the storyline the beginning dragged and the ending took way too long. Again I’m not really a fantasy reader and this could be because I’m new here. Thanks Goodreads for the free copy!
December 1, 2025
This book was not for me. I genuinely almost didn’t finish it, but I decided to keep going because it was very generously gifted to me.
I couldn’t connect to the story or characters at all. I don’t know if it was the writing style or just my mental state but I had a very difficult time reading this book.
I could see the right audience liking this, but I’m certainly not the right audience.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I couldn’t connect to the story or characters at all. I don’t know if it was the writing style or just my mental state but I had a very difficult time reading this book.
I could see the right audience liking this, but I’m certainly not the right audience.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m not big on vampires but this book had an interesting take I wasn’t expecting.
You could tell the culture references were based on real research and not something she just made up for her book.
I liked that she had to overcome her own hesitations and showed tremendous personal growth/strength throughout.
Thankful for this arc :)
You could tell the culture references were based on real research and not something she just made up for her book.
I liked that she had to overcome her own hesitations and showed tremendous personal growth/strength throughout.
Thankful for this arc :)
January 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of this story! I love Yasmin’s knowledge of culture and history and how she embedded it into a world of fantasy and lore. While I wish there had been a bit more to the storyline and the characters (hence the 4 stars), I appreciate what she wrote here and I encourage others to read it when it becomes available!
Want to read
October 1, 2025Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan/ Feiwel & Friends for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review. I actually got the widget for this one in my email! I am excited to read it soon!
October 1, 2025
Won this in a giveaway. So excited to read it when it gets here!
Want to read
November 6, 2025Anything Yasmin Angoe writes has my immediate attention
December 1, 2025
Love it!
to-read-lgbtq
December 29, 2025entered goodreads giveaway
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews