What do you think?
Rate this book
Meet Me Tonight
New school, new homeroom, and kids going missing?
This is definitely not what I signed up for.
I just wanted a normal high school experience-bullies, mascots, maybe even a love interest. Instead, I get a cryptic Fear Kraehlings.
Scientific anomalies? Check.
Vril-Challenged (whatever that means)? Apparently.
A rare blood type that puts a target on my back? Fantastic.
When six students vanish, the professors tell us to forget. But my friends and I won't let it go-and what we uncover is worse than anything we imagined.
These kids aren't just disappearing.
They're being used.
How did survival at this school end up on me? I just got here! But if we don't fight, empower, adapt, and resist... then we're all on the menu.
Perfect for fans of dark academia, reluctant enby heroes, and YA dystopian thrillers with a dash of morbid humor.
This is definitely not what I signed up for.
I just wanted a normal high school experience-bullies, mascots, maybe even a love interest. Instead, I get a cryptic Fear Kraehlings.
Scientific anomalies? Check.
Vril-Challenged (whatever that means)? Apparently.
A rare blood type that puts a target on my back? Fantastic.
When six students vanish, the professors tell us to forget. But my friends and I won't let it go-and what we uncover is worse than anything we imagined.
These kids aren't just disappearing.
They're being used.
How did survival at this school end up on me? I just got here! But if we don't fight, empower, adapt, and resist... then we're all on the menu.
Perfect for fans of dark academia, reluctant enby heroes, and YA dystopian thrillers with a dash of morbid humor.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2025
15 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 11, 2025
"Meet Me Tonight" by @lafowler.writes is a YA dystopian fantasy that kicks off with fifteen-year-old Sam Paulson transferring to Kraehlings Preparatory School, hoping for nothing more complicated than the usual high school drama—bullies, mascots, maybe a love interest. Instead, Sam is met with a chilling warning to “Fear Kraehlings.” When students start vanishing and the school’s administration urges everyone to forget, Sam and a band of misfit friends refuse to look the other way. Their investigation drags them into a web of secrets and dangers, revealing a world where biological magic and institutional power collide. The story quickly escalates from an unsettling mystery to a fight for survival, with twists and betrayals lurking behind every corner.
At the heart of the novel is Sam, a nonbinary and bisexual protagonist who’s both reluctant and fiercely determined. Their perspective grounds the book in authenticity, and the cast of secondary characters—described as a rag-tag team of misfits—brings warmth and humor into the otherwise dark world of Kraehlings.
Fowler’s writing style is quick and sharp, with dialogue that feels true to real teenagers. Humor breaks up the tension, making the darker elements—like the suggestion of cannibalism and the school’s sinister secrets—land even harder when they hit. The pacing is brisk, and the world-building balances the familiar tropes of dark academia with unique touches, like the blend of science and ancient magic.
The book’s greatest strengths lie in its fast-moving plot, diverse and relatable cast, and the boldness with which it tackles heavy themes. Thus, for those who love found families, unpredictable plots, and a willingness to go to dark places, "Meet Me Tonight" is a standout debut that delivers both heart and suspense.
At the heart of the novel is Sam, a nonbinary and bisexual protagonist who’s both reluctant and fiercely determined. Their perspective grounds the book in authenticity, and the cast of secondary characters—described as a rag-tag team of misfits—brings warmth and humor into the otherwise dark world of Kraehlings.
Fowler’s writing style is quick and sharp, with dialogue that feels true to real teenagers. Humor breaks up the tension, making the darker elements—like the suggestion of cannibalism and the school’s sinister secrets—land even harder when they hit. The pacing is brisk, and the world-building balances the familiar tropes of dark academia with unique touches, like the blend of science and ancient magic.
The book’s greatest strengths lie in its fast-moving plot, diverse and relatable cast, and the boldness with which it tackles heavy themes. Thus, for those who love found families, unpredictable plots, and a willingness to go to dark places, "Meet Me Tonight" is a standout debut that delivers both heart and suspense.
Read
June 13, 2025ARC Review-
“Meet Me Tonight”, follows Sam Paulson, who is a seemingly average bi-enby 15-year-old, who is in the foster system but has never had stability, that is until they are placed with Lillian, an incredibly loving woman who never had children of her own. Not long after being placed with their foster mom, a bizarre incident involving Sam saving a group of children from a duo of kidnappers gets Sam invited to attend the Kraehlings Royal Academy Preparatory School. While at the school, they quickly begin to realize that K.R.A.P.S. isn’t like any of the previous schools that they have attended and that nothing is quite as it seems. When Sam finds out that they aren’t human but rather a species called Sessian and they have vrils (kind of like magic powers) they are shocked to say the least. When they also finds out that they are quite possibly in line with a prophecy to be a so-called Sessanite, then comes a realization that there is still a lot to learn. I thought this was a really fun book for a myriad of reasons. I thought it was right on trend with how teenagers act, communicate, and think. The characters were likable, quirky, and unique. I also really enjoyed the underdog vibe that the main groups of characters portrayed, because I love rooting for the underdogs. I really liked that Sam found chosen family in Lillian and their delightful group of school friends. If I had to pick a favorite I would pick Kess a.k.a. Bubbles. There was action, political intrigue, conspiracy, and also magic packed into this story. The narrative was totally unexpected but also super entertaining, and I really can’t wait to read the next book as this one ended set-up to head into book two. Would recommend for an upper age YA reader group into adult aged readers who enjoy YA works.
“Meet Me Tonight”, follows Sam Paulson, who is a seemingly average bi-enby 15-year-old, who is in the foster system but has never had stability, that is until they are placed with Lillian, an incredibly loving woman who never had children of her own. Not long after being placed with their foster mom, a bizarre incident involving Sam saving a group of children from a duo of kidnappers gets Sam invited to attend the Kraehlings Royal Academy Preparatory School. While at the school, they quickly begin to realize that K.R.A.P.S. isn’t like any of the previous schools that they have attended and that nothing is quite as it seems. When Sam finds out that they aren’t human but rather a species called Sessian and they have vrils (kind of like magic powers) they are shocked to say the least. When they also finds out that they are quite possibly in line with a prophecy to be a so-called Sessanite, then comes a realization that there is still a lot to learn. I thought this was a really fun book for a myriad of reasons. I thought it was right on trend with how teenagers act, communicate, and think. The characters were likable, quirky, and unique. I also really enjoyed the underdog vibe that the main groups of characters portrayed, because I love rooting for the underdogs. I really liked that Sam found chosen family in Lillian and their delightful group of school friends. If I had to pick a favorite I would pick Kess a.k.a. Bubbles. There was action, political intrigue, conspiracy, and also magic packed into this story. The narrative was totally unexpected but also super entertaining, and I really can’t wait to read the next book as this one ended set-up to head into book two. Would recommend for an upper age YA reader group into adult aged readers who enjoy YA works.
June 11, 2025
Meet Me Tonight is by no means a bad book: The characters are weird and fun, the setting is interesting, and the casual queer representation is wonderful.
The thing is this book shouldn't be YA. Here's the thing: the writing style feels to me like it's targeting younger YA maybe even Middle Grade (some parts really reminded me of Rick Riordan's writing, which I enjoyed immensely), but the premise is in my opinion absolutely not suitable for young readers. Kids aren't just killed, they are eaten. And even (as the book also mentions) it's not cannibalism because technically they are not human, they are human enough that it still feels like it. I felt very queasy about it all towards the end. So I'd definitely not give this to a young teen.
I think I would have rated this much higher if I didn't have the issue of the target audience in mind. Again, it's really fun. This book has a really colorful cast of characters. The friend group around Sam is really endearing.
The worldbuilding is interesting. I still feel a little about what's what and who's who, and what's acutally possible with their powers and what not, but considering this is only the first book in a series that's not something I would really call an issue - especially considering that the reader is learning about everything alongside Sam.
So do I recommend this book? Yes. I don't recommend it for a YA age range, but the book is fun and if you like a protagonist that will remind you of Percy Jackson, this is perfect.
Thank you to the author for the e-arc.
The thing is this book shouldn't be YA. Here's the thing: the writing style feels to me like it's targeting younger YA maybe even Middle Grade (some parts really reminded me of Rick Riordan's writing, which I enjoyed immensely), but the premise is in my opinion absolutely not suitable for young readers. Kids aren't just killed, they are eaten. And even (as the book also mentions) it's not cannibalism because technically they are not human, they are human enough that it still feels like it. I felt very queasy about it all towards the end. So I'd definitely not give this to a young teen.
I think I would have rated this much higher if I didn't have the issue of the target audience in mind. Again, it's really fun. This book has a really colorful cast of characters. The friend group around Sam is really endearing.
The worldbuilding is interesting. I still feel a little about what's what and who's who, and what's acutally possible with their powers and what not, but considering this is only the first book in a series that's not something I would really call an issue - especially considering that the reader is learning about everything alongside Sam.
So do I recommend this book? Yes. I don't recommend it for a YA age range, but the book is fun and if you like a protagonist that will remind you of Percy Jackson, this is perfect.
Thank you to the author for the e-arc.
July 21, 2025
Actual rating 3.5
What a fast paced, strange, fun time!
This is a young adult dystopian sci-fi novel about kids with abilities referred to as Vrill. Our main character is a non binary kid who is just discovering their abilities & got invited to attend this Vrill training school after saving some of the students from being kidnapped for nefarious purposes.
Despite the gruesome over arching plot, I will say that this definitely reads more as middle grade to me. The characters we get to know range from age 7-15, I believe, and can act pretty immature at times (example: MC purposely pronouncing peoples’ names wrong). But that being said, the characters are still goofy, quirky, and overall quite likeable.
I appreciated the main character’s non binary rep and also them being in foster care.
Trigger warnings for fat phobia & ableism.
However, I was disappointed to see fat phobia and ableism in this novel. At one point, 2 characters think they are being punished by being put into a group of, “special children,” and are mortified. They later find out that the kids are just Vrill-challenged (don’t have their powers yet) and then suddenly gain respect for them. It gave me the ick.
What a fast paced, strange, fun time!
This is a young adult dystopian sci-fi novel about kids with abilities referred to as Vrill. Our main character is a non binary kid who is just discovering their abilities & got invited to attend this Vrill training school after saving some of the students from being kidnapped for nefarious purposes.
Despite the gruesome over arching plot, I will say that this definitely reads more as middle grade to me. The characters we get to know range from age 7-15, I believe, and can act pretty immature at times (example: MC purposely pronouncing peoples’ names wrong). But that being said, the characters are still goofy, quirky, and overall quite likeable.
I appreciated the main character’s non binary rep and also them being in foster care.
Trigger warnings for fat phobia & ableism.
However, I was disappointed to see fat phobia and ableism in this novel. At one point, 2 characters think they are being punished by being put into a group of, “special children,” and are mortified. They later find out that the kids are just Vrill-challenged (don’t have their powers yet) and then suddenly gain respect for them. It gave me the ick.
December 14, 2025
This book was an absolutely fun romp where the plot was almost as neon as the cover art. I kept picturing, what if Animorphs had been a Nickelodeon cartoon. Because the characters are real and have depth, yet the entire vibe of the book feels somehow... Animated? Like, "Into the Spiderverse" animated. Neon lines, constantly in motion.
If I had to categorize it, I would clock this book at hitting an age range of around 12-15, give or take, and it is absolutely for the guys, gals, and nonbinary pals. Nobody's left out of enjoying this little tale, except maaaybe the school bully!
For genre, it's all about surviving school, picking out the cool teachers while avoiding the guidance counselor and principal, and finding out one of your classmates lives under the boiler room. Meanwhile your dealing with (maybe) cannibals, (maybe) aliens, (maybe) more hair colors that there are characters, and (maybe) missing the school bus!
If you know a teen that would like a lighthearted Percy Jackson level book, give them this. If you want a fun, lighthearted read that will remind you of daydreaming in class, give this a go. You really can't go wrong giving this a chance. Unless you're a "mean girl" Tiffany. (Read the book to get the reference.)
If I had to categorize it, I would clock this book at hitting an age range of around 12-15, give or take, and it is absolutely for the guys, gals, and nonbinary pals. Nobody's left out of enjoying this little tale, except maaaybe the school bully!
For genre, it's all about surviving school, picking out the cool teachers while avoiding the guidance counselor and principal, and finding out one of your classmates lives under the boiler room. Meanwhile your dealing with (maybe) cannibals, (maybe) aliens, (maybe) more hair colors that there are characters, and (maybe) missing the school bus!
If you know a teen that would like a lighthearted Percy Jackson level book, give them this. If you want a fun, lighthearted read that will remind you of daydreaming in class, give this a go. You really can't go wrong giving this a chance. Unless you're a "mean girl" Tiffany. (Read the book to get the reference.)
June 13, 2025
I asked the author if my daughter could read this story as an advance reader copy (ARC), and she graciously allowed my young teen to read it.
My daughter loved this story; she was quickly involved in the characters and the chapters. Although it took her a while to finish because she was still in school, once she picked up the book again, she was able to get back into the storyline with ease.
"I loved the main storyline. There were so many twists and turns. I loved it. It was just the book I needed to take my mind off my assignments and get lost in a story. I love reading dystopian and vampire books, as well as mythology books, so if you're a fan of these kinds of storylines, then maybe this should be added to your TBR. I loved how the MMF found her people and her vrill!" (Mom, can I say 'vrill'? LOL, yes, child, you can... once the readers read the story, they will understand.)
-Lorelai, 13
My daughter loved this story; she was quickly involved in the characters and the chapters. Although it took her a while to finish because she was still in school, once she picked up the book again, she was able to get back into the storyline with ease.
"I loved the main storyline. There were so many twists and turns. I loved it. It was just the book I needed to take my mind off my assignments and get lost in a story. I love reading dystopian and vampire books, as well as mythology books, so if you're a fan of these kinds of storylines, then maybe this should be added to your TBR. I loved how the MMF found her people and her vrill!" (Mom, can I say 'vrill'? LOL, yes, child, you can... once the readers read the story, they will understand.)
-Lorelai, 13
December 28, 2025
WOOO this is why I love indie books!! This book has a ton of stuff going on, it's almost like a fever dream. It's got lighthearted fun as well as dark themes throughout, tactfully written. It's not afraid to tackle capitalism, cannibalism, and politics—themes you really don't get in typical YA books. Also, I truly liked how Sam was 15 (again an age that isn't too typical of the YA category!) and their friends ranged from driving age (18?) to 7. It's new, bold, and an absolute breath of fresh air!
As a teenager I genuinely loved this book. I wish that 12 year old me could read it, I'm 100% sure this would've been such a formative reading experience for kid me, right up there with massive inspirations like Alex Rider, PJO, and the Keeper of the Lost Cities.
"Meet Me Tonight" was on my list of most anticipated 2025 books and I'm thrilled that it absolutely met and surpassed my expectations!! I cannot wait to read the next book.
As a teenager I genuinely loved this book. I wish that 12 year old me could read it, I'm 100% sure this would've been such a formative reading experience for kid me, right up there with massive inspirations like Alex Rider, PJO, and the Keeper of the Lost Cities.
"Meet Me Tonight" was on my list of most anticipated 2025 books and I'm thrilled that it absolutely met and surpassed my expectations!! I cannot wait to read the next book.
June 11, 2025
3.5
A decent read with diverse characters and queer representation. The side characters really shine, and I enjoyed the magic system. The writing is simple and slang-heavy, which is to be expected from YA.
I didn’t love how randomly disrespectful the main character Sam was in the beginning it felt off but they do soften as the story goes on.
Good enough to keep me interested, but I’m not sure I’ll be picking up book two.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review
A decent read with diverse characters and queer representation. The side characters really shine, and I enjoyed the magic system. The writing is simple and slang-heavy, which is to be expected from YA.
I didn’t love how randomly disrespectful the main character Sam was in the beginning it felt off but they do soften as the story goes on.
Good enough to keep me interested, but I’m not sure I’ll be picking up book two.
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review
July 5, 2025
ARC review
4.4 🌟
Sam doesn't fit in. They have been in and out multiple foster care because of this.
This is a YA novel about kids who aren't humans but another breed known as a sessians who are trying to deal with things that kids should not be doing.
I enjoyed this book because they're children who act like children. Also It was fast paced but the necessary information was distributed properly without any confusion.
Also liked that Sam is a nerd and has the show for it.
4.4 🌟
Sam doesn't fit in. They have been in and out multiple foster care because of this.
This is a YA novel about kids who aren't humans but another breed known as a sessians who are trying to deal with things that kids should not be doing.
I enjoyed this book because they're children who act like children. Also It was fast paced but the necessary information was distributed properly without any confusion.
Also liked that Sam is a nerd and has the show for it.
May 20, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I’ve never read a book with a non-binary character before and I loved having the representation especially in a YA book, I wish I could’ve read it as a teenager! The vrils are very interesting and unique and I can’t wait to see what else there is to come in this series!
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. This book was fun and entertaining! loved it.! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 19, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Meet Me Tonight is a fast-paced mix of magic, humor, and dark academia! Like the protagonist, Sam, the reader is quickly thrown into a fascinating and unfamiliar world. As an avid fantasy reader, I loved the unique magic system. I can't wait to learn more about it in future installments.
Speaking of Sam, I loved that they were nonbinary and bisexual without it being A Big Deal. They just WERE and everyone was cool with it. Being inside their head was so fun as they navigated Kraehlings, investigated the mystery, and stepped into their destiny. All of the side characters were just as compelling, and I couldn't pick a favorite out of the lovable group of ragtag heroes.
But don't let the lighthearted tone at the beginning or the quirky characters make you think this is a story without depth. Meet Me Tonight also offers an insightful critique of capitalism that doesn't just give you something to think about. It hits like a gut punch. I also read it as a bit of an animal rights commentary, though that interpretation is more subjective.
While I initially thought this book would be appropriate for tweens or younger teens, the heart of the mystery turns out to be surprisingly dark once it's revealed. Because of this, it feels like a better fit for older teens and above.
The ending was satisfying while also setting up bigger stakes and a bigger adventure for Sam and their friends in Book 2, Meet Your Match. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Meet Me Tonight is a fast-paced mix of magic, humor, and dark academia! Like the protagonist, Sam, the reader is quickly thrown into a fascinating and unfamiliar world. As an avid fantasy reader, I loved the unique magic system. I can't wait to learn more about it in future installments.
Speaking of Sam, I loved that they were nonbinary and bisexual without it being A Big Deal. They just WERE and everyone was cool with it. Being inside their head was so fun as they navigated Kraehlings, investigated the mystery, and stepped into their destiny. All of the side characters were just as compelling, and I couldn't pick a favorite out of the lovable group of ragtag heroes.
But don't let the lighthearted tone at the beginning or the quirky characters make you think this is a story without depth. Meet Me Tonight also offers an insightful critique of capitalism that doesn't just give you something to think about. It hits like a gut punch. I also read it as a bit of an animal rights commentary, though that interpretation is more subjective.
While I initially thought this book would be appropriate for tweens or younger teens, the heart of the mystery turns out to be surprisingly dark once it's revealed. Because of this, it feels like a better fit for older teens and above.
The ending was satisfying while also setting up bigger stakes and a bigger adventure for Sam and their friends in Book 2, Meet Your Match. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews