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Among the Whisperings
A girl so intoxicating nobody could resist her. And she played them all.
Seventeen-year-old Carra Nichols transfers to the prestigious Ash Valley Academy in pursuit of her dream of gaining admission to Princeton, but her education comes at a price higher than the tuition. When she meets her wealthy and popular dorm neighbor Gabby, a manipulative thrill-seeker who hosts slumber parties featuring illicit and sometimes dangerous party games, she becomes obsessed with maintaining their new friendship.
As the nights grow darker and the games more intense, she becomes someone she doesn’t recognize, going down a path of self-destruction that will keep her place at Gabby’s side but could cost her the Princeton admission.
But Carra isn’t the only one reinventing herself. Gabby isn’t who she pretends to be, and her carefully orchestrated world is part of a deadly agenda that ends in a party game that will cost someone their life.
Seventeen-year-old Carra Nichols transfers to the prestigious Ash Valley Academy in pursuit of her dream of gaining admission to Princeton, but her education comes at a price higher than the tuition. When she meets her wealthy and popular dorm neighbor Gabby, a manipulative thrill-seeker who hosts slumber parties featuring illicit and sometimes dangerous party games, she becomes obsessed with maintaining their new friendship.
As the nights grow darker and the games more intense, she becomes someone she doesn’t recognize, going down a path of self-destruction that will keep her place at Gabby’s side but could cost her the Princeton admission.
But Carra isn’t the only one reinventing herself. Gabby isn’t who she pretends to be, and her carefully orchestrated world is part of a deadly agenda that ends in a party game that will cost someone their life.
364 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 21, 2026
AMONG THE WHISPERINGS
Adele Liles
Genre: young adult
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75/5 stars
Let’s be real — YA isn’t usually my go-to, but this one surprised me.
The writing is strong, which makes sense knowing the author is not inexperienced when it comes to storytelling. For a debut novel, it’s especially impressive. The suspense kept me hooked the whole way through. I spent the entire book wondering… what is actually wrong with Gabby?! 😆 I made theories, changed my mind, and then the reveal at the end tied everything together in a way that felt intentional and well thought out.
A solid, engaging read that kept me curious until the very last pages. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy mysterious, slightly eerie YA vibes. 📚✨
“It reminded me magic still exists if you know where to look.”
“You can’t hold on to the past so tightly that it suffocates the present or prevents the future from unfolding.”
Adele Liles
Genre: young adult
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.75/5 stars
Let’s be real — YA isn’t usually my go-to, but this one surprised me.
The writing is strong, which makes sense knowing the author is not inexperienced when it comes to storytelling. For a debut novel, it’s especially impressive. The suspense kept me hooked the whole way through. I spent the entire book wondering… what is actually wrong with Gabby?! 😆 I made theories, changed my mind, and then the reveal at the end tied everything together in a way that felt intentional and well thought out.
A solid, engaging read that kept me curious until the very last pages. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy mysterious, slightly eerie YA vibes. 📚✨
“It reminded me magic still exists if you know where to look.”
“You can’t hold on to the past so tightly that it suffocates the present or prevents the future from unfolding.”
December 11, 2025
Wow! I always look forward to finding a new Gatsby reimagining, and this one did not disappoint!
This story had me hooked from the very first chapter. Carra, the narrator, has such an authentic voice that—combined with the friend group banter, foreshadowing, and the mysteries of Carra’s dorm neighbor Gabby Wolfe—had me unable to put the book down. It was easy to root for Carra and her friends, and even though I knew something wasn’t quite right at Ash Valley Academy, I was just as blindsided as them: I did NOT see that ending coming! This was such a great debut.
Thank you to Wild Ink Publishing and Story Origin for the ARC!
This story had me hooked from the very first chapter. Carra, the narrator, has such an authentic voice that—combined with the friend group banter, foreshadowing, and the mysteries of Carra’s dorm neighbor Gabby Wolfe—had me unable to put the book down. It was easy to root for Carra and her friends, and even though I knew something wasn’t quite right at Ash Valley Academy, I was just as blindsided as them: I did NOT see that ending coming! This was such a great debut.
Thank you to Wild Ink Publishing and Story Origin for the ARC!
November 29, 2025
I could not put this book down!!! YA fiction has never really been my cup of tea (reaching as far back as reading the Twilight series at the ripe of age of 4th grade) but this book defied every preconception I’ve had of the genre.
This take on Gatsby had me clued to the pages. The symbolism, allegories, alliteration, everything. The narration of a mature high school senior who just wanted to fit in was so easy to relate to. The complexity of young people’s relationships and friendships was demonstrated from the beginning all the way to the very end.
The twist in the plot had me screaming and gasping out loud. I did not see that one coming. This book really captivated me through and through. Sometimes villains are like Grendel, and sometimes they are like Gabby. Be a Grendel, not a Gabby.
I want a sequel! And a prequel! And a sidekick in the form of the story from Mr. Gordon’s POV #IYKYK
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and rate this novel with an ARC💛
This take on Gatsby had me clued to the pages. The symbolism, allegories, alliteration, everything. The narration of a mature high school senior who just wanted to fit in was so easy to relate to. The complexity of young people’s relationships and friendships was demonstrated from the beginning all the way to the very end.
The twist in the plot had me screaming and gasping out loud. I did not see that one coming. This book really captivated me through and through. Sometimes villains are like Grendel, and sometimes they are like Gabby. Be a Grendel, not a Gabby.
I want a sequel! And a prequel! And a sidekick in the form of the story from Mr. Gordon’s POV #IYKYK
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author and publisher for allowing me to read and rate this novel with an ARC💛
February 10, 2026
Firstly, I’d like to verify this is definitely young adult, as marketed. Countlessly I’ve read books marked as young adult and were shocked they thought it was appropriate for that age range.
While this is fiction it’s still extremely relatable to any of us who were once a young and easily influenced teenager, and well, that’s all of us.
We’ve all met a Gabby and I think at some point we’ve all been or can relate to Carra, who desperately wants to feel like she fits in for once.
Very cool plot and Gabby kept me on my toes constantly. She was SCARY and UNPREDICTABLE. I do wish we could have seen (on paper) more of the relationship progression between Carra and Julien. I felt like every time he popped up, they were much more serious than before but without giving us any of the special moments that got them there.
I look forward to watching this author grow with her writing and her readers and I’ll definitely be reading future releases.
While this is fiction it’s still extremely relatable to any of us who were once a young and easily influenced teenager, and well, that’s all of us.
We’ve all met a Gabby and I think at some point we’ve all been or can relate to Carra, who desperately wants to feel like she fits in for once.
Very cool plot and Gabby kept me on my toes constantly. She was SCARY and UNPREDICTABLE. I do wish we could have seen (on paper) more of the relationship progression between Carra and Julien. I felt like every time he popped up, they were much more serious than before but without giving us any of the special moments that got them there.
I look forward to watching this author grow with her writing and her readers and I’ll definitely be reading future releases.
December 16, 2025
It's not very often that I finish a book and feel the need to sit with it for a few days before I craft any type of review...Among The Whisperings left me speechless and feeling like I "got played" in the very best way possible.
Adele Liles masterful storytelling had me captivated from the very first line to the very last page and might have given me a major case of whiplash with that twist!!! I love an author who can build a world, that I can see in my head, in a way that feels effortless and natural. You combine that with an author who writes characters that you can think back on your high school days and pinpoint who would be each character and you have the foolproof combination for a story that you just can't put down.
Our protagonist, is the relatable Midwestern girl next door transferring to a new school, hoping to advance her chances at getting into Princeton, and maybe make some friends along the way. She is the "every girl", the one that most of us can look at and see at least a small piece of ourselves.
And our Villain.......WOW!!!
For me the perfect story always includes a villain that I love to hate but that I also hate that I love. Every time I thought I had it figured out I quickly realized I was woefully wrong. As for what exactly that means there's no way I can spoil it, you'll have to just read it for yourself!
I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more incredible stories from this author in the future. Many thanks to the author and her publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible story as an ARC. Will definitely need to purchase a trophy copy to display on my bookshelf!
And yes, Victor Frankenstein is a much bigger monster than his creature!
Adele Liles masterful storytelling had me captivated from the very first line to the very last page and might have given me a major case of whiplash with that twist!!! I love an author who can build a world, that I can see in my head, in a way that feels effortless and natural. You combine that with an author who writes characters that you can think back on your high school days and pinpoint who would be each character and you have the foolproof combination for a story that you just can't put down.
Our protagonist, is the relatable Midwestern girl next door transferring to a new school, hoping to advance her chances at getting into Princeton, and maybe make some friends along the way. She is the "every girl", the one that most of us can look at and see at least a small piece of ourselves.
And our Villain.......WOW!!!
For me the perfect story always includes a villain that I love to hate but that I also hate that I love. Every time I thought I had it figured out I quickly realized I was woefully wrong. As for what exactly that means there's no way I can spoil it, you'll have to just read it for yourself!
I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more incredible stories from this author in the future. Many thanks to the author and her publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible story as an ARC. Will definitely need to purchase a trophy copy to display on my bookshelf!
And yes, Victor Frankenstein is a much bigger monster than his creature!
December 20, 2025
Great YA book!
As a teacher I had over 1,000 books at one time in my classroom library that students could borrow. I can tell you without a doubt, Among the Whisperings would have been one of the most read books by my students. If you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby, you will love the nods & references, but it is a great stand alone for those unfamiliar with the classic novel. I loved the foreshadowing and characters in this teen novel & highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read future books by Adele Liles.
As a teacher I had over 1,000 books at one time in my classroom library that students could borrow. I can tell you without a doubt, Among the Whisperings would have been one of the most read books by my students. If you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby, you will love the nods & references, but it is a great stand alone for those unfamiliar with the classic novel. I loved the foreshadowing and characters in this teen novel & highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read future books by Adele Liles.
December 19, 2025
Loved this fresh and thrilling twist on The Great Gatsby! I read TGG in high school and I enjoyed it, but it was never my favourite. I now know I just needed it to be turned into a YA thriller!
This book puts the story into a whole new context: mystery, secrets, twists….and messy teens at their messiest! What more could you ask for? I miss my girl Gabby already! Can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next 😍
This book puts the story into a whole new context: mystery, secrets, twists….and messy teens at their messiest! What more could you ask for? I miss my girl Gabby already! Can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next 😍
January 19, 2026
What a Twist!
"Ash Valley will always be haunted for me like that, distorted beyond what my eyes can ever unsee."
This book had an eerie feel to it from the beginning. The asides the main character gives as she is pulled deeper and deeper into Gabby's world have you going, "No, girl! Don't do it!"
The twist at the end was hard-won and fit perfectly with the writing style while staying true to Gatsby vibes. A wonderful debut. I'll be keeping an eye on this author! :)
"Ash Valley will always be haunted for me like that, distorted beyond what my eyes can ever unsee."
This book had an eerie feel to it from the beginning. The asides the main character gives as she is pulled deeper and deeper into Gabby's world have you going, "No, girl! Don't do it!"
The twist at the end was hard-won and fit perfectly with the writing style while staying true to Gatsby vibes. A wonderful debut. I'll be keeping an eye on this author! :)
January 20, 2026
AMONG THE WHISPERINGS, the debut YA thriller by Wild Ink Publishing author Adele Lyles, has been one of my most hotly anticipated books for months. Now that I’ve read it, it didn’t just meet my expectations—it blew right past them!
The book is a reimagining of THE GREAT GATSBY, but it reminded me of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Gossip Girl”---two teen dramas my wife and I loved watching together. AMONG THE WHISPERINGS is twisty and secretive in all the best ways, just like those shows.
Seventeen-year-old Carra enrolls at a prestigious boarding school, hoping it will boost her shot at getting in an Ivy League college. She quickly falls in with a group of kids, and they all become friends (well, most of them!) She finds herself drawn to Gabby, the group’s undisputed leader. But Gabby is full of secrets, and Carra has to figure out what’s true and what’s manufactured about her friend. Believe me, it’s a wild ride!
In addition to a page-turning plot, the character voices are a real strength of this novel. Liles is a long-time high school teacher beyond the keyboard, and those experiences shine through on the page. Her characters talk and act like authentic teenagers. AMONG THE WHISPERINGS is an easy book to get submerged in. Just be careful you don’t get lost, because the Ash Valley Academy grounds can be a dangerous place….
The book is a reimagining of THE GREAT GATSBY, but it reminded me of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Gossip Girl”---two teen dramas my wife and I loved watching together. AMONG THE WHISPERINGS is twisty and secretive in all the best ways, just like those shows.
Seventeen-year-old Carra enrolls at a prestigious boarding school, hoping it will boost her shot at getting in an Ivy League college. She quickly falls in with a group of kids, and they all become friends (well, most of them!) She finds herself drawn to Gabby, the group’s undisputed leader. But Gabby is full of secrets, and Carra has to figure out what’s true and what’s manufactured about her friend. Believe me, it’s a wild ride!
In addition to a page-turning plot, the character voices are a real strength of this novel. Liles is a long-time high school teacher beyond the keyboard, and those experiences shine through on the page. Her characters talk and act like authentic teenagers. AMONG THE WHISPERINGS is an easy book to get submerged in. Just be careful you don’t get lost, because the Ash Valley Academy grounds can be a dangerous place….
January 24, 2026
Great YA book. She really capture what it’s like to be a teenager and face peer pressure. Well written and I loved all the little Gatsby Easter eggs!
June 2, 2026
Maybe 2.5 stars. Not terrible, but pretty forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews