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Miscreant
In Ghandria, only the evolved have a place. They’ve honed their minds to master three healing, enhanced senses, and syphoning–the ability to erase memories. But those who lack even one of these skills face a cruel fate. Branded as “miscreants,” they’re exiled to the perilous Isle of Nadir and erased from history.
Bellanova Darkov, born into a prestigious highborn family, has spent her entire life hiding what she is. When her secret is discovered, she’s torn from her world. Now, stranded in Nadir, Nova must survive countless dangers and find a way back home to her brother, Denali.
Bellanova Darkov, born into a prestigious highborn family, has spent her entire life hiding what she is. When her secret is discovered, she’s torn from her world. Now, stranded in Nadir, Nova must survive countless dangers and find a way back home to her brother, Denali.
318 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2025
69 people are currently reading
2990 people want to read
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November 25, 2025DNF
AI cover 👎
Edit to note that I think this book would have had much wider readership if the cover wasn’t obviously AI. Nowadays, people are leaning into human art and assume AI cover = AI contents.
Another update to remove my star rating since the author spoke out on her stance on AI. I still didn’t click with the writing but it wouldn’t feel fair to impact the rating of this book when a good portion of my distaste comes from the AI usage in the cover, because it made me “see” AI in the contents, even if that wasn’t the case.
AI cover 👎
Edit to note that I think this book would have had much wider readership if the cover wasn’t obviously AI. Nowadays, people are leaning into human art and assume AI cover = AI contents.
Another update to remove my star rating since the author spoke out on her stance on AI. I still didn’t click with the writing but it wouldn’t feel fair to impact the rating of this book when a good portion of my distaste comes from the AI usage in the cover, because it made me “see” AI in the contents, even if that wasn’t the case.
May 28, 2025
4.25!
the fact that this a debut novel from kynsie is CRAZY!! the world building is phenomenal and so unique. i found myself in awe of her writing SO many times throughout this book. it truly is unlike anything i’ve ever read before, and that’s saying something! i’m so impressed by the world kynsie created !
the main characters are well rounded and i LOVED seeing nova’s growth and change! the scene where she laughs for the first time in ages was so pure. i loved the dual pov aspect and how it was a brother and sister rather than the fmc and the love interest. the supporting characters were GREAT as well. i grew to love so many of them in such a short time.
there’s not really any romance in here, but i feel it’s coming in the next books (hopefully🤞🏼) because there was some GLANCES between two characters that i was eating up. i’m really hoping for a slowwww burn between the two of them.
the emphasis on family in this book is everything. the relationship between nova and denali is so special. the found family aspect was soooo good!! i wanted to be at the dinner table with this ragtag group of people. i love them! i really think that family- both blood and found- was the main theme that drove this book and what made me connect to it the most.
i thoroughly enjoyed this read and i think you will too!!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
the fact that this a debut novel from kynsie is CRAZY!! the world building is phenomenal and so unique. i found myself in awe of her writing SO many times throughout this book. it truly is unlike anything i’ve ever read before, and that’s saying something! i’m so impressed by the world kynsie created !
the main characters are well rounded and i LOVED seeing nova’s growth and change! the scene where she laughs for the first time in ages was so pure. i loved the dual pov aspect and how it was a brother and sister rather than the fmc and the love interest. the supporting characters were GREAT as well. i grew to love so many of them in such a short time.
there’s not really any romance in here, but i feel it’s coming in the next books (hopefully🤞🏼) because there was some GLANCES between two characters that i was eating up. i’m really hoping for a slowwww burn between the two of them.
the emphasis on family in this book is everything. the relationship between nova and denali is so special. the found family aspect was soooo good!! i wanted to be at the dinner table with this ragtag group of people. i love them! i really think that family- both blood and found- was the main theme that drove this book and what made me connect to it the most.
i thoroughly enjoyed this read and i think you will too!!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
November 28, 2025
EDIT: It appears that the author spoke about the cover and they will be remaking it. If that is indeed true then I'll no longer be judging the book by the cover, thus taking my 1 star to 2 stars which I think reflects how I felt about the story, the writing and the dialogues.
...
Yet another book with a cheap-looking AI-generated cover that somehow found its way onto my IG reels..
I genuinely wanted to give this book a chance, but unfortunately… it’s just not good. At all. And my frustration only escalated when I mentioned the AI cover to the author and she immediately blocked me and deleted my comment. A good book deserves a professionally illustrated cover. Period.
The story is nothing to write home about. The characters feel hollow and wooden, the dialogue is stiff and unnatural, and the plot is muddy and sometimes barely holds together. I gave it multiple tries, but eventually dropped it because nothing improved.
...
Yet another book with a cheap-looking AI-generated cover that somehow found its way onto my IG reels..
I genuinely wanted to give this book a chance, but unfortunately… it’s just not good. At all. And my frustration only escalated when I mentioned the AI cover to the author and she immediately blocked me and deleted my comment. A good book deserves a professionally illustrated cover. Period.
The story is nothing to write home about. The characters feel hollow and wooden, the dialogue is stiff and unnatural, and the plot is muddy and sometimes barely holds together. I gave it multiple tries, but eventually dropped it because nothing improved.
March 12, 2025
I have to say I am extremely impressed by the devotion of Kynsie for this book.
It is really a 5-star book because you can feel how much work was put into every single chapter. ^^
That said, there are two things that I really liked about this book:
💖 Main Characters and the Cover design🎨(I love it)
In Ghandria, only the evolved have a place. They've honed their minds to master three abilities: 🩹 healing, 👀 enhanced senses, and 🧠 siphoning—the power to erase memories. But those who lack even one of these skills face a cruel fate. Branded as "miscreants", they’re exiled to the perilous isle of Nadir and erased from history. 😨
⚔️ Bellanova Darkov, born into a prestigious highborn family, has spent her entire life hiding what she is. But when her secret is discovered, she’s torn from her world. Now, stranded in Nadir, Nova must survive countless dangers 🏝️💀 and find a way back home to her brother, Denali. 💙
✨ Perfect for fans of:
✔️ Well-structured & lovable side characters 🫶
✔️ A female lead who feels human and relatable 👩🦰💫
✔️ Sibling bond stories that hit deep 💕
✔️ Themes of anxiety and mental health 🧩💭
✔️ Fans of Divergent & dystopian fantasy 📖🔥
🔥 Highly recommended! I already added it to my reread list to make sure I pick up every little detail. 🤩 I truly appreciated this emotional and mature story about the deep love between two siblings, fighting to protect each other in a world that prunes those who don’t possess the three pillar mental powers. 🩹👀🧠 A theme that captivated my heart from the first chapter—mature, gripping, and impossible to put down.
Looking forward to reading the second book! 📚✨
It is really a 5-star book because you can feel how much work was put into every single chapter. ^^
That said, there are two things that I really liked about this book:
💖 Main Characters and the Cover design🎨(I love it)
In Ghandria, only the evolved have a place. They've honed their minds to master three abilities: 🩹 healing, 👀 enhanced senses, and 🧠 siphoning—the power to erase memories. But those who lack even one of these skills face a cruel fate. Branded as "miscreants", they’re exiled to the perilous isle of Nadir and erased from history. 😨
⚔️ Bellanova Darkov, born into a prestigious highborn family, has spent her entire life hiding what she is. But when her secret is discovered, she’s torn from her world. Now, stranded in Nadir, Nova must survive countless dangers 🏝️💀 and find a way back home to her brother, Denali. 💙
✨ Perfect for fans of:
✔️ Well-structured & lovable side characters 🫶
✔️ A female lead who feels human and relatable 👩🦰💫
✔️ Sibling bond stories that hit deep 💕
✔️ Themes of anxiety and mental health 🧩💭
✔️ Fans of Divergent & dystopian fantasy 📖🔥
🔥 Highly recommended! I already added it to my reread list to make sure I pick up every little detail. 🤩 I truly appreciated this emotional and mature story about the deep love between two siblings, fighting to protect each other in a world that prunes those who don’t possess the three pillar mental powers. 🩹👀🧠 A theme that captivated my heart from the first chapter—mature, gripping, and impossible to put down.
Looking forward to reading the second book! 📚✨
March 12, 2025
A Gripping Dystopian Read
Miscreant pulled me in from page one! Nova’s exile, Denali’s struggle, and the intense world-building kept me hooked. The twists, tension, and emotional depth made this an unforgettable read. Can’t wait for more from Kynsie Cole!
Miscreant pulled me in from page one! Nova’s exile, Denali’s struggle, and the intense world-building kept me hooked. The twists, tension, and emotional depth made this an unforgettable read. Can’t wait for more from Kynsie Cole!
March 10, 2025
4.5 ☆
Miscreant is a dystopian fantasy, following two POVs: Nova and her brother Denali, as Nova is exiled to the island of miscreants for failing her ability trial.
Cole weaves sibling bonds into the foundations of the story, where their love and trust are tested against the dystopian society they live in.
As well as this, the unique magic system based on memory was also really interesting to read and learn more about, and the philosophical and ethical discussions sounding it were profound.
I know if this had come out when I was younger, it would've been my personality for a while 🤣
Overall, it was a really fast-faced fantasy book with great representation of sibling bonds and the start of a slow-burn romance that will be built upon in the latter books of the series. I am really excited to see where the series goes next!
Thank you to Kynsie Cole for gifting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Miscreant is a dystopian fantasy, following two POVs: Nova and her brother Denali, as Nova is exiled to the island of miscreants for failing her ability trial.
Cole weaves sibling bonds into the foundations of the story, where their love and trust are tested against the dystopian society they live in.
As well as this, the unique magic system based on memory was also really interesting to read and learn more about, and the philosophical and ethical discussions sounding it were profound.
I know if this had come out when I was younger, it would've been my personality for a while 🤣
Overall, it was a really fast-faced fantasy book with great representation of sibling bonds and the start of a slow-burn romance that will be built upon in the latter books of the series. I am really excited to see where the series goes next!
Thank you to Kynsie Cole for gifting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Miscreant by Kynsie Cole, and I am absolutely blown away. Kynsie is an incredible writer, and it has been inspiring to watch her journey on Instagram—her dedication to her craft and undeniable talent are truly something special. She’s going far, and I can’t wait to watch her soar.
The novel itself is a beautifully crafted story that resonated deeply with me. I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of overcoming mental health struggles and discovering hidden power within. The world-building was immersive, and Kynsie’s storytelling made it easy to visualize every scene as the plot unfolded.
I highly recommend this book and this author. If you love powerful storytelling, rich world-building, and deep, meaningful themes, Miscreant is a must-read. I encourage all readers to follow Kynsie’s journey because this is just the beginning.
The novel itself is a beautifully crafted story that resonated deeply with me. I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of overcoming mental health struggles and discovering hidden power within. The world-building was immersive, and Kynsie’s storytelling made it easy to visualize every scene as the plot unfolded.
I highly recommend this book and this author. If you love powerful storytelling, rich world-building, and deep, meaningful themes, Miscreant is a must-read. I encourage all readers to follow Kynsie’s journey because this is just the beginning.
April 18, 2025
I loved this book!! I can’t wait to read the second one! I loved the world that was created and how you can find life lessons from some of the main points! And I loved the sibling bond! For a new author I was very impressed!! Overall a great read!
November 30, 2025
3.8 stars Honestly such a great debut novel! Definitely more YA vibes. Really liked the concept of it and thought it had pretty good world building and pacing as well, esp for a debut novel! This had no romance, and although I could see a potential connection forming in the future, I would have loved a litttttle spark included just to spice it up a bit. Overall great read !
March 11, 2025
I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own and do not reveal any spoilers.
Nova Darkov is hiding something deadly. Whether she's outcast or revered, she stands firm in her beliefs—not because she has all the answers, but because she's willing to seek them out. Cole crafts a protagonist who battles anxiety, yet refuses to let it define her. Instead, Nova learns to navigate the delicate balance between surrender and control. Sound familiar?
Yeah, I felt that too.
Nova's journey is one of fear and resilience, where overcoming her own doubts may be the key to either salvation or destruction. As time works against her, she must push past the limits she once thought unbreakable. With the help of a few unexpected allies, she embarks on a path no one—least of all those closest to her—saw coming.
This story resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s a tale of hope, anticipation, betrayal, and compassion—one that lingers long after the final page. If you love stories that make you feel deeply, this one is a must-read. Will we see more of the Darkov series? I hope so!
Oh, and trust me—you’re going to love Gus.
Nova Darkov is hiding something deadly. Whether she's outcast or revered, she stands firm in her beliefs—not because she has all the answers, but because she's willing to seek them out. Cole crafts a protagonist who battles anxiety, yet refuses to let it define her. Instead, Nova learns to navigate the delicate balance between surrender and control. Sound familiar?
Yeah, I felt that too.
Nova's journey is one of fear and resilience, where overcoming her own doubts may be the key to either salvation or destruction. As time works against her, she must push past the limits she once thought unbreakable. With the help of a few unexpected allies, she embarks on a path no one—least of all those closest to her—saw coming.
This story resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s a tale of hope, anticipation, betrayal, and compassion—one that lingers long after the final page. If you love stories that make you feel deeply, this one is a must-read. Will we see more of the Darkov series? I hope so!
Oh, and trust me—you’re going to love Gus.
March 12, 2025
I feel truly honoured to have been an ARC reader for Miscreant by Kynsie Cole. From the very first page, I was hooked—the worldbuilding is so unique, and the story pulled me in instantly.
The characters are incredibly relatable and compelling, but what stood out the most to me was the bond between Nova and her brother. It’s rare to see such a strong sibling relationship in books, and it added so much depth to the story.
Kynsie Cole’s writing deserves all the praise! Her style is both immersive and accessible, making the world and its characters come to life effortlessly.
Overall, Miscreant is a captivating read that I highly recommend to fans of dystopian fiction or fantasy in general. If you love slow-burn romance, the found family trope, and books with no spice, this is definitely one to add to your list!
The characters are incredibly relatable and compelling, but what stood out the most to me was the bond between Nova and her brother. It’s rare to see such a strong sibling relationship in books, and it added so much depth to the story.
Kynsie Cole’s writing deserves all the praise! Her style is both immersive and accessible, making the world and its characters come to life effortlessly.
Overall, Miscreant is a captivating read that I highly recommend to fans of dystopian fiction or fantasy in general. If you love slow-burn romance, the found family trope, and books with no spice, this is definitely one to add to your list!
June 8, 2025
I really enjoyed Miscreant! It offers a unique and interesting plot (and magic system) while still capturing the essence of the YA fantasy worlds we know and love. What stood out most to me were the themes of flaws, forgiveness, and the powerful bond between siblings. These ideas felt deeply relatable and thought-provoking (all done while pulling you into a beautifully imagined setting)
You can tell a lot of care went into building the society, the magic system, and the emotional journey of its characters.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
You can tell a lot of care went into building the society, the magic system, and the emotional journey of its characters.
I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
April 1, 2025
I found the story hard to follow. The lack of world building and character development for the side characters made it hard to dive into. The dialogue, especially Blythe, made me want to stop reading.
I do think someone younger would enjoy this book more than myself. It just wasn’t for me.
I do think someone younger would enjoy this book more than myself. It just wasn’t for me.
November 29, 2025
A fantastic entry into the Darkov Series
Miscreant as a novel was really good. Phenomenal world building and character development.
I would like to see more of the adventures of the Darkov series. This feels like the start of a long beautiful relationship.
Miscreant as a novel was really good. Phenomenal world building and character development.
I would like to see more of the adventures of the Darkov series. This feels like the start of a long beautiful relationship.
November 22, 2025
Surprisingly good debut
A young FMC is isolated, labeled defective and sent into exile. In a new land, she faces new fears, makes some friends, and begins the process of healing her wounds from those she loved, only to find they run deeper than she imagined.
A young FMC is isolated, labeled defective and sent into exile. In a new land, she faces new fears, makes some friends, and begins the process of healing her wounds from those she loved, only to find they run deeper than she imagined.
March 12, 2025
First of all, I can't wait for book two… This was such a delight.
Miscreant managed to play around the themes common within dystopian fantasy, while still proving a very unique story with its own refreshingly new perspective.
☆☆☆
You will like Miscreant if you are into (ie. What I think was done well in Miscreant)…:
- Stories set in a dystopian world (where half of society thinks they live in a utopia.)
- Slow-burn enemies to lovers (where they are truly enemies, and not just being mean for the shake of being mean.)
- A comfortable read which however has some deep themes about belonging, self discovery, forgiveness and more.
- Strong worldbuilding (based on a unique magic system, which was centered around memory.) I found the concept and ethics behind being allowed to erase memories really interesting and very well approached. I also just loved the mushroom forests…
- Memorable characters with depth. This may sound obvious, but so many new books lack good character development and growth (even in side-characters.) I also really enjoyed the sibling dynamics (even though at first I did wonder at times why they seemed so perfect… it makes sense in the end) Overall, I loved the protagonists, and appreciated the attention and detail in even the side characters (the best ones are of course Blythe and Xander)
- Cool flashbacks: at times it was almost like a mystery book (I can't say more because of spoilers, but I felt like it made the whole story much stronger and more exciting.)
- The descriptions and overall narrative voice were really immersive (eg. “The room's beige brick walls exuded a welcoming warmth. In the corners, plants thrived in large terracotta pots - varieties that flourished in low light.”
- Really interesting take on forgiveness and trauma...
- I also loved how everything tied together in the end, though I have a feeling this is just the beginning, and I'm here for it…
☆☆☆
Things that could be improved…:
- It was a bit slow at the start but after that, it was very well paced and the POV chapters perfectly placed.
- I found it a bit hard to establish in my head the setting/ time period/ technological advancement at the beginning, so I was a bit startled to hear about music players, bags of chips, and puzzles. Though I may have just missed something…
☆☆☆
Favourite quotes...(potential light spoilers...?):
“Syphoning had become sacred to their people because it allowed them to live without ever knowing grief or pain”
“my father thinks it will help to get another Darkov in there.”
“You really think it'll help?” she asked. “No offense but the Darkov name has all the charm of a dead fish at the moment””
“She swore that, once she made it back home, she'd never eat rice again” (if you know, you know)
““Stop looking at me like that miscreant.”
“Nice insult coming from the miscreant of all miscreants.””
“”Rest is not idleness,” he said. “Often, the art of stillness teaches us more than constant motion can.””
“Real fights don't come with advice”
“Ah, Mr Darkov! How would you like to play professor for a spell? I need to step out and wrestle with the coffee machine. That infernal contraption seems to think it's smarter than a room full of alchemists!”
“”You said you will fail, so you will.” He sat back in the chair. “Words have power, kid. If you fail, it is because you chose to.””
“Don't do that. You're taking her choice away. Forgiveness is a decision Nova has the right to make.”
“The only way to ensure that it never happened again was for me to remember.”
“and in finding herself, she had forgiven [him]”
“She'd rather be a miscreant to these strangers, though, than be a highborn in the eyes of her friends.”
“You've created a world where people can silence their past, erase their pain… and lose themselves in the process… We're not healing people—we are erasing them.”
That’s all! Overall, an excellent read.
☆☆☆
(Thank you to Cole for the opportunity to read this amazing YA novel through an ARC!)
Miscreant managed to play around the themes common within dystopian fantasy, while still proving a very unique story with its own refreshingly new perspective.
☆☆☆
You will like Miscreant if you are into (ie. What I think was done well in Miscreant)…:
- Stories set in a dystopian world (where half of society thinks they live in a utopia.)
- Slow-burn enemies to lovers (where they are truly enemies, and not just being mean for the shake of being mean.)
- A comfortable read which however has some deep themes about belonging, self discovery, forgiveness and more.
- Strong worldbuilding (based on a unique magic system, which was centered around memory.) I found the concept and ethics behind being allowed to erase memories really interesting and very well approached. I also just loved the mushroom forests…
- Memorable characters with depth. This may sound obvious, but so many new books lack good character development and growth (even in side-characters.) I also really enjoyed the sibling dynamics (even though at first I did wonder at times why they seemed so perfect… it makes sense in the end) Overall, I loved the protagonists, and appreciated the attention and detail in even the side characters (the best ones are of course Blythe and Xander)
- Cool flashbacks: at times it was almost like a mystery book (I can't say more because of spoilers, but I felt like it made the whole story much stronger and more exciting.)
- The descriptions and overall narrative voice were really immersive (eg. “The room's beige brick walls exuded a welcoming warmth. In the corners, plants thrived in large terracotta pots - varieties that flourished in low light.”
- Really interesting take on forgiveness and trauma...
- I also loved how everything tied together in the end, though I have a feeling this is just the beginning, and I'm here for it…
☆☆☆
Things that could be improved…:
- It was a bit slow at the start but after that, it was very well paced and the POV chapters perfectly placed.
- I found it a bit hard to establish in my head the setting/ time period/ technological advancement at the beginning, so I was a bit startled to hear about music players, bags of chips, and puzzles. Though I may have just missed something…
☆☆☆
Favourite quotes...(potential light spoilers...?):
“Syphoning had become sacred to their people because it allowed them to live without ever knowing grief or pain”
“my father thinks it will help to get another Darkov in there.”
“You really think it'll help?” she asked. “No offense but the Darkov name has all the charm of a dead fish at the moment””
“She swore that, once she made it back home, she'd never eat rice again” (if you know, you know)
““Stop looking at me like that miscreant.”
“Nice insult coming from the miscreant of all miscreants.””
“”Rest is not idleness,” he said. “Often, the art of stillness teaches us more than constant motion can.””
“Real fights don't come with advice”
“Ah, Mr Darkov! How would you like to play professor for a spell? I need to step out and wrestle with the coffee machine. That infernal contraption seems to think it's smarter than a room full of alchemists!”
“”You said you will fail, so you will.” He sat back in the chair. “Words have power, kid. If you fail, it is because you chose to.””
“Don't do that. You're taking her choice away. Forgiveness is a decision Nova has the right to make.”
“The only way to ensure that it never happened again was for me to remember.”
“and in finding herself, she had forgiven [him]”
“She'd rather be a miscreant to these strangers, though, than be a highborn in the eyes of her friends.”
“You've created a world where people can silence their past, erase their pain… and lose themselves in the process… We're not healing people—we are erasing them.”
That’s all! Overall, an excellent read.
☆☆☆
(Thank you to Cole for the opportunity to read this amazing YA novel through an ARC!)
May 9, 2025
Miscreant tells the story of Nova Darkov, a young woman trapped in a world that demands perfection—and punishes anything less. Born into a prestigious family, Nova hides a dangerous secret: she cannot use the sacred power of memory syphoning, a cornerstone of her society. When her secret is exposed, Nova faces exile to a brutal island where misfits are discarded. Alongside her devoted brother Denali, who risks everything for her, Nova must find the strength to survive in a world that was never made for her. It’s a heart-wrenching story about family, betrayal, and resilience set against a vivid, cruel world where flaws are a death sentence.
Reading Miscreant absolutely tore me up in the best way. Kynsie Cole’s writing is gripping and raw. You feel the panic clawing up Nova’s throat, the sting of betrayal, the bone-deep loneliness. The prose is beautifully straightforward without ever being plain. Short bursts of action are followed by aching, introspective moments that hit harder because they’re not dressed up with fancy words. Cole isn’t afraid to break the reader’s heart, and she does it with a kind of ruthless honesty that left me stunned more than once. The world-building is subtle but solid, and the relationships, especially between Nova and Denali, feel heartbreakingly real.
Parts of the book were emotionally exhausting. And that’s not a bad thing, exactly—it’s just that Miscreant doesn’t offer much room to breathe. Nova’s world is claustrophobic and brutal, and sometimes I found myself desperate for a little more hope or a moment of lightness to balance the pain. But maybe that’s the point. In a society like Ghandria, kindness is a rebellion in itself. I also loved how Cole handled Nova’s anxiety and sensory struggles without making them a “problem” to fix. They just are part of her, woven into the story like threads in a tapestry. That felt honest and real in a way that a lot of books miss.
Miscreant is an emotional and thrilling novel. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide who you were just to survive, Nova’s story will hit you square in the chest. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves deeply emotional fantasy, stories about resilience, or characters who fight even when the world tells them not to.
Reading Miscreant absolutely tore me up in the best way. Kynsie Cole’s writing is gripping and raw. You feel the panic clawing up Nova’s throat, the sting of betrayal, the bone-deep loneliness. The prose is beautifully straightforward without ever being plain. Short bursts of action are followed by aching, introspective moments that hit harder because they’re not dressed up with fancy words. Cole isn’t afraid to break the reader’s heart, and she does it with a kind of ruthless honesty that left me stunned more than once. The world-building is subtle but solid, and the relationships, especially between Nova and Denali, feel heartbreakingly real.
Parts of the book were emotionally exhausting. And that’s not a bad thing, exactly—it’s just that Miscreant doesn’t offer much room to breathe. Nova’s world is claustrophobic and brutal, and sometimes I found myself desperate for a little more hope or a moment of lightness to balance the pain. But maybe that’s the point. In a society like Ghandria, kindness is a rebellion in itself. I also loved how Cole handled Nova’s anxiety and sensory struggles without making them a “problem” to fix. They just are part of her, woven into the story like threads in a tapestry. That felt honest and real in a way that a lot of books miss.
Miscreant is an emotional and thrilling novel. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide who you were just to survive, Nova’s story will hit you square in the chest. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves deeply emotional fantasy, stories about resilience, or characters who fight even when the world tells them not to.
March 11, 2025
“Because, Nova. Some stars are meant to be bright. And some are meant to keep the light alive in others.”
Miscreantasy: the feeling i got when i read this book that felt so different than any other book that it needed its own noun.
Wow. Just wow. I have been in a reading slump for a while, and i haven’t been into YA fantasy as much ( which is my favorite genre), buy Miscreant pushed those feelings and negativity away and awakened the need to consume more.
Miscreant is a YA fantasy with dystopian vibes about Nova, a girl born within the highborn Darkov family, when her secret is discovered and she’s banished to the land of Nadir. Away from her brother, the only family she cared for, she must navigate life on Nadir while preparing herself for one purpose: returning to her home.
But the more time she spent there, more secrets unraveled, and more friendships were born. Suddenly Nova’s goal may not be the one she needs.
This book read like a disney movie to me. The morals, the stories, the characters ( especially Gus Gus) reminded me of Disney’s style of conveying a story. It’s fast paced, intriguing, and keeps you waiting till the very end.
Nova is such a sweetie pie. As a girl with OCD myself, i loved how there is anxiety representation in this book. Nova grows so much by the end of the story, and i can’t help but feel like a proud mom cheering her on!!!
I loved all the other characters too. Denali, Nova’s brother, is my second favorite character. His love for his sister is so strong, and he is determined to sacrifice anything for her. I loved the sibling bond, it felt so refreshing from all the romantasys i read before. ( Disclaimer: This is not a romantasy)
Cole’s writing style is very easy to read, and i found myself admiring the way she writes and uses the best word choices in every situation. THERE’S TALENT RIGHT THERE.
This book has my heart and soul, and i can’t wait for the next book in the series comes out.
Note: thank you for the author for sending me an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2025
4 ⭐
'Miscreant' is an YA fantasy novel and my first indie published read, so I didn't know what to expect. Fortunately for me, I really enjoyed it.
Our newest author, Kynsie Cole, took a really creative, interesting idea and wrote it beautifully. This story, about a girl disrupted by anxiety exiled to a perilous Island, and a worried brother torn from his most precious person, found them on a mission to reunite once again in a society divided by really strict magical standards.
-> Kynsie Cole's writing is elegant and stylish, while not being too intricate you can't understand the story.
-> The pacing it's medium to slow, except during action and adventure scenes, which were really fun and entertaining.
-> It's also very consistent, flows by quickly and felt mainly natural to read.
-> Her characters feel new and unique, specially Nova (our mfc), who is a protagonist with anxiety and many layers. All characters in this book felt complex, however I felt a little distant from them, in particular the ones most close to Nova.
-> What I loved the most was having two sibling mcs, which meant we had access to plot development both on the Island of Nadir and Ghandria (main society).
-> The world is not difficult to understand and everything is pretty well explained.
In general, I loved the idea and to read about it. 🤭🥰 Representing something like anxiety in fantasy feels new, and I'm sure it proved to be more difficult to actually make it work. It was a risk and was worth it.
The book itself is unique and, even if you find fault or little things which could use some improvement, the overall story and what it talks about (that being more by exploring deeper emotions and feelings than just lost family, a dystopian society, magic and anxiety), it's totally worth-it. 🤌🏻🫣🤩
Congratulations Kynsie, it is impressive and the way you took so many tropes and totally twisted them to create something new deserves an applause. 👏🏻💞🥳🫡
'Miscreant' is an YA fantasy novel and my first indie published read, so I didn't know what to expect. Fortunately for me, I really enjoyed it.
Our newest author, Kynsie Cole, took a really creative, interesting idea and wrote it beautifully. This story, about a girl disrupted by anxiety exiled to a perilous Island, and a worried brother torn from his most precious person, found them on a mission to reunite once again in a society divided by really strict magical standards.
-> Kynsie Cole's writing is elegant and stylish, while not being too intricate you can't understand the story.
-> The pacing it's medium to slow, except during action and adventure scenes, which were really fun and entertaining.
-> It's also very consistent, flows by quickly and felt mainly natural to read.
-> Her characters feel new and unique, specially Nova (our mfc), who is a protagonist with anxiety and many layers. All characters in this book felt complex, however I felt a little distant from them, in particular the ones most close to Nova.
-> What I loved the most was having two sibling mcs, which meant we had access to plot development both on the Island of Nadir and Ghandria (main society).
-> The world is not difficult to understand and everything is pretty well explained.
In general, I loved the idea and to read about it. 🤭🥰 Representing something like anxiety in fantasy feels new, and I'm sure it proved to be more difficult to actually make it work. It was a risk and was worth it.
The book itself is unique and, even if you find fault or little things which could use some improvement, the overall story and what it talks about (that being more by exploring deeper emotions and feelings than just lost family, a dystopian society, magic and anxiety), it's totally worth-it. 🤌🏻🫣🤩
Congratulations Kynsie, it is impressive and the way you took so many tropes and totally twisted them to create something new deserves an applause. 👏🏻💞🥳🫡
November 26, 2025
Short Review:
The three strongest parts of this book:
The siphoning, the sibling bond, the character development.
Long Review:
In Ghandria, people can hone three skills: healing, enhancing hearing or sight, and siphoning memories. The most prominent and, in my opinion, the most original of these skills is memory siphoning. The idea of erasing your memories kept lingering in my mind.
What if you had the power to do it? Would you erase your memories if you could?
It was a question that continuously echoed in my thoughts. For me, the answer is no. Even the painful memories, I would choose to keep. They’ve shaped who I am today, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am. I think this is one of the underlying messages in the book: memories are what shapes us. If you erase them, you erase a part of yourself. In this world, doing so even strips people of their humanity and compassion.
The main character, who can’t siphon memories, is cast out to Nadir, the isle of the miscreants. Her brother fights desperately to change that fate, and we see both siblings struggling to reunite.
I love the sibling bond, their inner conflicts, and how they manage to survive apart. As we learn about their pasts and see how they face their challenges, we gain a deeper understanding of why they are the way they are. As the story unfolds, we witness their growth. Watching them face both internal and external obstacles makes their journey powerful.
While the book provides a resolved ending, there are still aspects I’d love the author to explore even further, such as the villains' backstories and motivations.
For me, this book delves deeply into how memories and emotions shape us, molding us into who we are and who we may become. This exploration makes it a powerful read for young adults.
The three strongest parts of this book:
The siphoning, the sibling bond, the character development.
Long Review:
In Ghandria, people can hone three skills: healing, enhancing hearing or sight, and siphoning memories. The most prominent and, in my opinion, the most original of these skills is memory siphoning. The idea of erasing your memories kept lingering in my mind.
What if you had the power to do it? Would you erase your memories if you could?
It was a question that continuously echoed in my thoughts. For me, the answer is no. Even the painful memories, I would choose to keep. They’ve shaped who I am today, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am. I think this is one of the underlying messages in the book: memories are what shapes us. If you erase them, you erase a part of yourself. In this world, doing so even strips people of their humanity and compassion.
The main character, who can’t siphon memories, is cast out to Nadir, the isle of the miscreants. Her brother fights desperately to change that fate, and we see both siblings struggling to reunite.
I love the sibling bond, their inner conflicts, and how they manage to survive apart. As we learn about their pasts and see how they face their challenges, we gain a deeper understanding of why they are the way they are. As the story unfolds, we witness their growth. Watching them face both internal and external obstacles makes their journey powerful.
While the book provides a resolved ending, there are still aspects I’d love the author to explore even further, such as the villains' backstories and motivations.
For me, this book delves deeply into how memories and emotions shape us, molding us into who we are and who we may become. This exploration makes it a powerful read for young adults.
April 21, 2025
This was a debut dystopian YA fantasy that I had the pleasure to read as an ARC.
This was a unique book that gave me old school fantasy vibes and had an interesting premise. The idea of what could be done with human evolution if we developed ourselves instead of technology.
While the premise and the underlying themes were interesting I found some of the writing problematic and therefore cannot rate higher than a 3. I would also say that I was not the intended audience for this book and would say it would be well suited for teens or those dipping their toes into fantasy. I think Kynsie has incredible scope to grow as an author and I can't wait to see what she does next.
This was a unique book that gave me old school fantasy vibes and had an interesting premise. The idea of what could be done with human evolution if we developed ourselves instead of technology.
While the premise and the underlying themes were interesting I found some of the writing problematic and therefore cannot rate higher than a 3. I would also say that I was not the intended audience for this book and would say it would be well suited for teens or those dipping their toes into fantasy. I think Kynsie has incredible scope to grow as an author and I can't wait to see what she does next.
April 9, 2025
What can I say, Miscreant by Kynsie Cole was such a pleasure to read. The world building, in my opinion, is at the perfect level for a Young Adult Fantasy novel. The world is fleshed out enough to feel real and plausible, but not so much that you find yourself drowning in pages of irrelevant info dumps. The plot is also very tight; I did not feel like the story dragged at any point. I never finished a chapter and said “well that chapter was pointless.” The tried-and-true dual-protagonist setup works perfectly for this story. The bond between this brother and sister is heightened significantly by seeing glimpses into the mind of each.
This book is very clearly a love letter to Cole’s own family. The story absolutely hinges on themes of family and love. You can literally feel the care and attention she put into not only the characters themselves, but their relationships with each other. The characters feel like real people to me. The dialogue writing is impeccable. I feel as though I could identify the speaker of any given line of dialogue without any dialogue tags. There is a very strong sense of voice with each character. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single character in this book, something I do not experience with most stories.
The prose is simply excellent. For me, it is the perfect balance between transparency and flavor; every sentence is laced with descriptive language that flows well while simultaneously being immediately understandable and easy to read. Cole does a great job describing other senses than just sight, bolstering the immersion of the scenes. One thing I personally really appreciate about her writing style is that she does not over-fixate on describing the visualization of every little thing in a scene. Instead, she describes relevant and interesting aspects of the scene succinctly (still with beautiful language), and allows the reader to fill in the rest of the details with their imagination. The scenes feel like they’re alive and moving, rather than like a static painting. In other words, I was relieved to never have to read through paragraphs and paragraphs of continual setting descriptions.
This book also explores many tough topics such as anxiety, trauma, and abuse. I personally have some experience with these things, and I can tell you that the portrayal is authentic. However, it does not explore these themes in a triggering way. It approaches these issues with such empathetic compassion that it actually winds up being strangely healing.
Overall, Miscreant was such a pleasant read and honestly something that I really needed in my life right now. I would highly recommend!
This book is very clearly a love letter to Cole’s own family. The story absolutely hinges on themes of family and love. You can literally feel the care and attention she put into not only the characters themselves, but their relationships with each other. The characters feel like real people to me. The dialogue writing is impeccable. I feel as though I could identify the speaker of any given line of dialogue without any dialogue tags. There is a very strong sense of voice with each character. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single character in this book, something I do not experience with most stories.
The prose is simply excellent. For me, it is the perfect balance between transparency and flavor; every sentence is laced with descriptive language that flows well while simultaneously being immediately understandable and easy to read. Cole does a great job describing other senses than just sight, bolstering the immersion of the scenes. One thing I personally really appreciate about her writing style is that she does not over-fixate on describing the visualization of every little thing in a scene. Instead, she describes relevant and interesting aspects of the scene succinctly (still with beautiful language), and allows the reader to fill in the rest of the details with their imagination. The scenes feel like they’re alive and moving, rather than like a static painting. In other words, I was relieved to never have to read through paragraphs and paragraphs of continual setting descriptions.
This book also explores many tough topics such as anxiety, trauma, and abuse. I personally have some experience with these things, and I can tell you that the portrayal is authentic. However, it does not explore these themes in a triggering way. It approaches these issues with such empathetic compassion that it actually winds up being strangely healing.
Overall, Miscreant was such a pleasant read and honestly something that I really needed in my life right now. I would highly recommend!
March 11, 2025
4.5 stars! Nova has crippling anxiety, and she freezes in moments that matter most—at least, that's how it is for her before she's exiled to an island where the "Miscreants" go (people who do not exhibit all three of the main magical powers: healing, increased strength/senses, and memory wiping). As the daughter of a nobleman, she's supposed to be the prime example of a perfectly evolved being (what their society values most), but she is missing the one power everyone else has, even the Miscreants: the ability to erase her memories. Her brother isn't able to protect her, and she's exiled, with 60 days to demonstrate she does have the ability. Only then can she come home.
I enjoyed this book! There's a slow-burn romance that has a fun dynamic, and I enjoyed the consequences of a society that never faces grief or pain, but erases it instead. Such a cool idea! At first, I felt off about the brother-sister relationship. It felt like the brother was doing too much to protect her, and she wasn't doing anything for herself to earn his help... but it turns out that he has a very good reason for doing what he did, so it all was explained! Similarly, at first, I felt like Nova wasn't "cast" right as a main character, since anxiety made her inactive in the beginning. But her character arc is one that shows progression, and by the end of this book, she has grown a lot in that area, and I love a good character arc.
The main thing that kept me from giving a full five stars is that I was a bit confused with some of the worldbuilding. The society has this really great concept where they prioritize their "magical powers" over any technology, and I got the sense a lot of the time that this wasn't a modern world but one where magic had progressed farther than tech. But there would be various mentions that took me out of that world, like a coffee machine, so I just had a hard picturing the world itself.
But that's a small complaint for a book I really enjoyed! Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:
"My darling, how do you expect anything to change if you aren't willing to do something?"
"Words have power, kid. If you fail, it is because you choose to."
"A flower cannot sprout from poisoned roots."
"You've created a world where people can silence their past, erase their pain... and lost themselves in the process."
I enjoyed this book! There's a slow-burn romance that has a fun dynamic, and I enjoyed the consequences of a society that never faces grief or pain, but erases it instead. Such a cool idea! At first, I felt off about the brother-sister relationship. It felt like the brother was doing too much to protect her, and she wasn't doing anything for herself to earn his help... but it turns out that he has a very good reason for doing what he did, so it all was explained! Similarly, at first, I felt like Nova wasn't "cast" right as a main character, since anxiety made her inactive in the beginning. But her character arc is one that shows progression, and by the end of this book, she has grown a lot in that area, and I love a good character arc.
The main thing that kept me from giving a full five stars is that I was a bit confused with some of the worldbuilding. The society has this really great concept where they prioritize their "magical powers" over any technology, and I got the sense a lot of the time that this wasn't a modern world but one where magic had progressed farther than tech. But there would be various mentions that took me out of that world, like a coffee machine, so I just had a hard picturing the world itself.
But that's a small complaint for a book I really enjoyed! Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:
"My darling, how do you expect anything to change if you aren't willing to do something?"
"Words have power, kid. If you fail, it is because you choose to."
"A flower cannot sprout from poisoned roots."
"You've created a world where people can silence their past, erase their pain... and lost themselves in the process."
March 13, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of Miscreant in exchange for an honest review. As always, my thoughts remain entirely my own. This review is spoiler-free.
Coming off a string of lackluster mainstream fantasy reads, I wanted to give an indie novel a shot—and I’m glad I did. For a debut, Miscreant is an incredibly impressive start, and I’m rating it 4.25 out of 5 stars. Way above average than its peers.
Kynsie Cole has spent four years meticulously crafting this story, and it shows in every detail. At its heart, the novel follows a sibling duo, delving into the complexities of family bonds with a raw and deeply authentic touch. I appreciated how it doesn’t present family as perfect but instead highlights the struggles and conflicts that can be just as defining as the joyful moments. Yet, I also loved the little moments explored by the duo (such as Denali's storytelling to his younger sister) - after all, each little moment is what strengthens family bonds.
Beyond the protagonists, Miscreant boasts a diverse and memorable cast, with characters so distinct that their dialogue alone makes them instantly recognizable. The prose is refined yet accessible, avoiding excessive descriptions or drawn-out monologues. As for the antagonist—easily loathsome, but by the end, there are hints of depth that suggest they are more than just a one-note villain.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is that, while the story is strong, it didn’t quite hit me with a deeply emotional moment. For me, a perfect score comes when a book makes me feel something powerful—joy, sorrow, devastation. The closest Miscreant came was in fueling my hatred for its antagonist. A couple of the side characters need further exploration too, some of them are close to being one-dimensional. That said, this is just the beginning of a series, and I can already see the potential for those emotional payoffs in future installments.
(The last thing, the plot twists were amazingly pulled off and were never left field. Leaps and bounds compared to what I've read in other mainstream fantasy books.)
Coming off a string of lackluster mainstream fantasy reads, I wanted to give an indie novel a shot—and I’m glad I did. For a debut, Miscreant is an incredibly impressive start, and I’m rating it 4.25 out of 5 stars. Way above average than its peers.
Kynsie Cole has spent four years meticulously crafting this story, and it shows in every detail. At its heart, the novel follows a sibling duo, delving into the complexities of family bonds with a raw and deeply authentic touch. I appreciated how it doesn’t present family as perfect but instead highlights the struggles and conflicts that can be just as defining as the joyful moments. Yet, I also loved the little moments explored by the duo (such as Denali's storytelling to his younger sister) - after all, each little moment is what strengthens family bonds.
Beyond the protagonists, Miscreant boasts a diverse and memorable cast, with characters so distinct that their dialogue alone makes them instantly recognizable. The prose is refined yet accessible, avoiding excessive descriptions or drawn-out monologues. As for the antagonist—easily loathsome, but by the end, there are hints of depth that suggest they are more than just a one-note villain.
The only reason I’m not giving this a full 5 stars is that, while the story is strong, it didn’t quite hit me with a deeply emotional moment. For me, a perfect score comes when a book makes me feel something powerful—joy, sorrow, devastation. The closest Miscreant came was in fueling my hatred for its antagonist. A couple of the side characters need further exploration too, some of them are close to being one-dimensional. That said, this is just the beginning of a series, and I can already see the potential for those emotional payoffs in future installments.
(The last thing, the plot twists were amazingly pulled off and were never left field. Leaps and bounds compared to what I've read in other mainstream fantasy books.)
April 28, 2025
Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. I don’t think I can say enough wows to encompass how I truly feel about this book. And yes, the wows in these two sentences also count towards me trying to hit the right number of wows 😂 it was just that amazing!!
Miscreant literally had so many things I love most in books. And it had so many things I didn’t even realize I loved or needed, but now wish all books I read could emulate! I’ll get to the main characters in a sec! First, I need to talk about the found family! It was soooo well thought out and so well developed. It didn’t feel like Kynsie just slapped some side characters in and called them important. NO! We truly got to know these characters. I felt like they were main characters right alongside our FMC and our 2 MMCs. We got to know their backstories, got to know some of their families, their grievances, their humor, their anger. Watching our FMC connect with these characters and GROW with them was so beautiful.
That was another thing I LOVED so much about this book! The character development is something I’m still thinking about even days after reading Miscreant. Nova learned and discovered so much about herself, about where she comes from, about where she ends up. She is the epitome of what a reader should see in a character throughout a novel. The emotional, physical and soulful type of growth that just hits you right in the gut.
And Taos…I cannot WAIT to learn more and read more about TAOS in book 2. While still a mystery to me in many ways, I learned a few key important things about him in book one. Without giving anything away, I learned how strong he is. Not just physically, but mentally. What he went through impressed the hell out of me. And I’m telling you right now, he is a character you are going to LOVE immensely! Him and Nova, ooof! That slow burn, intense feel between the two of them. The connection you can’t help but feel explode off the page. I was absolutely sucked in and devoured it.
And lastly, Denali. I have to talk about him and I saved him for last because this is where I get emotional. The sibling bond Kynsie brought to the table between Denali and Nova was unmatched. It was inspiring, and beautiful and emotional and relatable, and so so unique in the fact that I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a sibling bond such as this. As strong as this. It was the centerfold of this story and it. Was. Everything. Kynsie, you had me feeling everything those two felt. And their need to find their way back to each other was screaming through the page.
I was immensely impressed by this debut novel by Kynsie Cole. And I will recommend this book forever! I’m not kidding when I say I called my sister and discussed this book with her IN DETAIL for at least 30 minutes because I just could not shut up about it. If you love amazing world building, a super unique “magic” system, great character development, great witty banter, and clear romance plots set up for the rest of the series, this is 1000% the book for you!
Miscreant literally had so many things I love most in books. And it had so many things I didn’t even realize I loved or needed, but now wish all books I read could emulate! I’ll get to the main characters in a sec! First, I need to talk about the found family! It was soooo well thought out and so well developed. It didn’t feel like Kynsie just slapped some side characters in and called them important. NO! We truly got to know these characters. I felt like they were main characters right alongside our FMC and our 2 MMCs. We got to know their backstories, got to know some of their families, their grievances, their humor, their anger. Watching our FMC connect with these characters and GROW with them was so beautiful.
That was another thing I LOVED so much about this book! The character development is something I’m still thinking about even days after reading Miscreant. Nova learned and discovered so much about herself, about where she comes from, about where she ends up. She is the epitome of what a reader should see in a character throughout a novel. The emotional, physical and soulful type of growth that just hits you right in the gut.
And Taos…I cannot WAIT to learn more and read more about TAOS in book 2. While still a mystery to me in many ways, I learned a few key important things about him in book one. Without giving anything away, I learned how strong he is. Not just physically, but mentally. What he went through impressed the hell out of me. And I’m telling you right now, he is a character you are going to LOVE immensely! Him and Nova, ooof! That slow burn, intense feel between the two of them. The connection you can’t help but feel explode off the page. I was absolutely sucked in and devoured it.
And lastly, Denali. I have to talk about him and I saved him for last because this is where I get emotional. The sibling bond Kynsie brought to the table between Denali and Nova was unmatched. It was inspiring, and beautiful and emotional and relatable, and so so unique in the fact that I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a sibling bond such as this. As strong as this. It was the centerfold of this story and it. Was. Everything. Kynsie, you had me feeling everything those two felt. And their need to find their way back to each other was screaming through the page.
I was immensely impressed by this debut novel by Kynsie Cole. And I will recommend this book forever! I’m not kidding when I say I called my sister and discussed this book with her IN DETAIL for at least 30 minutes because I just could not shut up about it. If you love amazing world building, a super unique “magic” system, great character development, great witty banter, and clear romance plots set up for the rest of the series, this is 1000% the book for you!
March 11, 2025
Miscreant is a powerful page turner that points it's fingers at the problems of the society, right between the eyes.
In Ghandria'sc evolved society, there are many a Miscreants charged with three inability to heal our enhance senses but only one has ever been unable to syphon. When Nova Darkov's worst fear come to life and she is thrown to the Isle of Nadir, she would do anything in her power to go back to her brother, Denali Darkov, even if it means going back to their abusive father.
Right from the start the book has me by the throat. The tension is perfect, poised to strike, never falling. And as dytopian as the YA fantasy world is, the characters and their internalized fears of inheriting abusive behavior and internalized misogyny breath life into the entire setting. The author has done a wonderful job of displaying social problems like outcasting and discrimination based on disinformation.
The characters, Nova and Denali, are both barely surviving, codependent, under their father's whip. While Nova is a Miscreant, barely surviving through her severe anxiety, Denali struggles to fight against a society that doesn't want to be changed all the while grappling with the struggles of his own. When thrown apart they must learn to fend for themselves or give up hopes of reuniting.
While the writing style is simple, the author has a way of putting forward thoughts in a powerful way, calling attention to every single fregressing facet of humanity.
In Ghandria'sc evolved society, there are many a Miscreants charged with three inability to heal our enhance senses but only one has ever been unable to syphon. When Nova Darkov's worst fear come to life and she is thrown to the Isle of Nadir, she would do anything in her power to go back to her brother, Denali Darkov, even if it means going back to their abusive father.
Right from the start the book has me by the throat. The tension is perfect, poised to strike, never falling. And as dytopian as the YA fantasy world is, the characters and their internalized fears of inheriting abusive behavior and internalized misogyny breath life into the entire setting. The author has done a wonderful job of displaying social problems like outcasting and discrimination based on disinformation.
The characters, Nova and Denali, are both barely surviving, codependent, under their father's whip. While Nova is a Miscreant, barely surviving through her severe anxiety, Denali struggles to fight against a society that doesn't want to be changed all the while grappling with the struggles of his own. When thrown apart they must learn to fend for themselves or give up hopes of reuniting.
While the writing style is simple, the author has a way of putting forward thoughts in a powerful way, calling attention to every single fregressing facet of humanity.
March 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.8/5)
Miscreant follows siblings Nova and Denali Darkov in the dystopian world of Ghandria, where those who fail to master three abilities are deemed "Miscreants" and exiled to the island of Nadir. When Nova’s secret is exposed, she is sent away to the island, and Denali vows to find a way to bring her back.
From the beginning, I noticed the author’s strong grasp of plot structure. The pacing was well-balanced, the POV transitions were smooth, and some unexpected twists kept me engaged. The prose had vivid imagery, as well as beautifully crafted lines.
However, the character development felt lacking at times. The dialogue occasionally came across as cheesy, and I wished for more descriptive details—small habits, personal preferences, or deeper emotional moments from secondary characters—to make the characters feel more fleshed out. While the world of Nadir was well-developed, I found myself wanting more worldbuilding for Ghandria. A richer sense of its society, culture, and daily life would have strengthened the story.
Despite these minor areas, Miscreant was an enjoyable read, and I’m eagerly anticipating book two! The ending left me wanting more, and I found myself invested in the characters and their journeys.
What I loved: sibling dynamic, found family, MFC arc, slowwwwwwwwburn romance, clean read, good prose
Miscreant follows siblings Nova and Denali Darkov in the dystopian world of Ghandria, where those who fail to master three abilities are deemed "Miscreants" and exiled to the island of Nadir. When Nova’s secret is exposed, she is sent away to the island, and Denali vows to find a way to bring her back.
From the beginning, I noticed the author’s strong grasp of plot structure. The pacing was well-balanced, the POV transitions were smooth, and some unexpected twists kept me engaged. The prose had vivid imagery, as well as beautifully crafted lines.
However, the character development felt lacking at times. The dialogue occasionally came across as cheesy, and I wished for more descriptive details—small habits, personal preferences, or deeper emotional moments from secondary characters—to make the characters feel more fleshed out. While the world of Nadir was well-developed, I found myself wanting more worldbuilding for Ghandria. A richer sense of its society, culture, and daily life would have strengthened the story.
Despite these minor areas, Miscreant was an enjoyable read, and I’m eagerly anticipating book two! The ending left me wanting more, and I found myself invested in the characters and their journeys.
What I loved: sibling dynamic, found family, MFC arc, slowwwwwwwwburn romance, clean read, good prose
March 11, 2025
I could not put this book down. Kynsie Cole single handedly gave me a book that was impossible to leave, as every chapter in this fantasy book left me on the edge of my seat.
Every side character, had such intense depth, which I am a lover of side characters so that was a big part of it. They all had depth, backstories shown (or not shown for reasons), and the loveable worthy characters were really loveable. Keeping this book spoiler free, I know you all will love Gus, as much as I did or more even.
Besides just the side characters, though I could ramble about each character forever, I also loved the world that was built. I enjoyed learning about the history of their abilities (not powers, if you know you know), and in all made a good level of sense, that I as a reader understood.
And the plot? Fantastic. There was never a dull moment in the book, and the pace of it all had made sense.
Also the way the dual POV was so perfectly done. I loved having two sides of the story and it made the story so much more intriguing having two sides of what was happening.
I could talk for so long about how perfect this book was, but I will leave you with this. You will find your next book boyfriend. I know I did.
Every side character, had such intense depth, which I am a lover of side characters so that was a big part of it. They all had depth, backstories shown (or not shown for reasons), and the loveable worthy characters were really loveable. Keeping this book spoiler free, I know you all will love Gus, as much as I did or more even.
Besides just the side characters, though I could ramble about each character forever, I also loved the world that was built. I enjoyed learning about the history of their abilities (not powers, if you know you know), and in all made a good level of sense, that I as a reader understood.
And the plot? Fantastic. There was never a dull moment in the book, and the pace of it all had made sense.
Also the way the dual POV was so perfectly done. I loved having two sides of the story and it made the story so much more intriguing having two sides of what was happening.
I could talk for so long about how perfect this book was, but I will leave you with this. You will find your next book boyfriend. I know I did.
March 13, 2025
This Quote “Because, Nova. Some stars are meant to be bright. And some are meant to keep the light alive in others.”
Rating: 4.25
Miscreant is a captivating coming of age YA fantasy debut that immediately pulls you into its world from page one. As the first book by this author, it sets the stage for an intriguing series, and I can't wait to see where the story goes in book two.
Set in a dystopian world where being different means exile, her survival depends on keeping secrets. But sometimes when those secrets are out, they lead us the our greatest adventures.
Told through dual POVs, Nova and her brother Denali, their struggle to navigate this harsh world kept me hooked from the start. There's also a slow-burn romance subplot that I’m eager to see develop in future books. But I really loved that the main focus of this story is on Nova and Denali.
Nova and Denali’s character growth is a standout, diving into the deep connection these siblings have and how their family and childhood shaped who they become. The side characters are well crafted and by the end of the book, you feel like you truly know them.
Overall, this was an incredible read!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 4.25
Miscreant is a captivating coming of age YA fantasy debut that immediately pulls you into its world from page one. As the first book by this author, it sets the stage for an intriguing series, and I can't wait to see where the story goes in book two.
Set in a dystopian world where being different means exile, her survival depends on keeping secrets. But sometimes when those secrets are out, they lead us the our greatest adventures.
Told through dual POVs, Nova and her brother Denali, their struggle to navigate this harsh world kept me hooked from the start. There's also a slow-burn romance subplot that I’m eager to see develop in future books. But I really loved that the main focus of this story is on Nova and Denali.
Nova and Denali’s character growth is a standout, diving into the deep connection these siblings have and how their family and childhood shaped who they become. The side characters are well crafted and by the end of the book, you feel like you truly know them.
Overall, this was an incredible read!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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