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Thrall
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26In Thrall, a young woman looking for a transformative college experience is bitten by a vampire and must team up with his other living victims to hunt him down.
Lucy Easting has at last broken free from her grim home life and is ready to truly live. But her long-awaited new beginning at Rollins University isn’t what she expected. After attending the first campus party of the year, Lucy awakens the next day with a memory block…and two puncture marks on her neck.
She tries to piece together what happened that night, but every lead brings her to another dead end. Until she receives a handwritten note from the campus radio station, inviting her to call. When she does, the host’s soothing voice over the line confirms her worst fear, and the simplest explanation of what’s happening to her: she’s turning into a vampire.
Lucy teams up with the show’s host, who narrowly escaped an attack her sophomore year, and a beautiful archery champion who, while exactly Lucy’s type, is as likely to shoot her as kiss her. They believe their “friend with the cold hands” is responsible for the disappearance of several women in town, and they’ve been tracking him via the airwaves since long before Lucy arrived.
As the vampire’s sway over Lucy grows and his plans become clear, she realizes she must fight for a future of her own, or she may not have any future at all.
Lucy Easting has at last broken free from her grim home life and is ready to truly live. But her long-awaited new beginning at Rollins University isn’t what she expected. After attending the first campus party of the year, Lucy awakens the next day with a memory block…and two puncture marks on her neck.
She tries to piece together what happened that night, but every lead brings her to another dead end. Until she receives a handwritten note from the campus radio station, inviting her to call. When she does, the host’s soothing voice over the line confirms her worst fear, and the simplest explanation of what’s happening to her: she’s turning into a vampire.
Lucy teams up with the show’s host, who narrowly escaped an attack her sophomore year, and a beautiful archery champion who, while exactly Lucy’s type, is as likely to shoot her as kiss her. They believe their “friend with the cold hands” is responsible for the disappearance of several women in town, and they’ve been tracking him via the airwaves since long before Lucy arrived.
As the vampire’s sway over Lucy grows and his plans become clear, she realizes she must fight for a future of her own, or she may not have any future at all.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 21, 2026
5 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Mahoney
8 books112 followersNOTE FROM REBECCA: Hey friends, thanks so much for your interest in my books! I'm not planning to be active much on here, so if you have any questions, the best place to reach me is on Twitter at @cafecliche, or by asking a question on my website: https://www.rebeccamahoneybooks.com/c...
Rebecca Mahoney is a young adult and middle grade writer, and the co-creator of audio drama serial The Bridge Podcast. She's a strong believer in the cathartic power of all things fantastical and creepy in children's literature--and she knows firsthand that ghosts, monsters, and the unknown can give you the language you need to understand yourself. She was raised in Windham, New Hampshire, currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, and spends her spare time watching horror movies, collecting cloche hats, and cursing sailors at sea. She can be found on Twitter @cafecliche.
Rebecca Mahoney is a young adult and middle grade writer, and the co-creator of audio drama serial The Bridge Podcast. She's a strong believer in the cathartic power of all things fantastical and creepy in children's literature--and she knows firsthand that ghosts, monsters, and the unknown can give you the language you need to understand yourself. She was raised in Windham, New Hampshire, currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, and spends her spare time watching horror movies, collecting cloche hats, and cursing sailors at sea. She can be found on Twitter @cafecliche.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I fully accept that if vampires were real, one of the places they would be living in would be the Appalachian Mountains. No explanation needed.
This is an amazing book about Lucy, who goes away to college only to get attacked by a vampire before classes even begin. Which, she already hated her roommate and has a seriously toxic relationship with her mom, so great way to start freshman year off. While in the process of turning into a vampire she is contacted by students who want to kill the vampire who attacked her and want her help. She, of course, wants to help, but it's a bit hard when he can take over her mind whenever he wants.
Definitely would recommend.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This is an amazing book about Lucy, who goes away to college only to get attacked by a vampire before classes even begin. Which, she already hated her roommate and has a seriously toxic relationship with her mom, so great way to start freshman year off. While in the process of turning into a vampire she is contacted by students who want to kill the vampire who attacked her and want her help. She, of course, wants to help, but it's a bit hard when he can take over her mind whenever he wants.
Definitely would recommend.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
January 27, 2026
if I had a nickel for every lesbian vampire book I’ve read lately……..
this was genuinely sooooo good. Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed.
“And it was never personal. But it had teeth all the same.”
this was genuinely sooooo good. Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed.
“And it was never personal. But it had teeth all the same.”
Want to read
December 30, 2025New Rebecca Mahoney and it's about vampires and taking down abusers????? HELL YES. HELL YES. HELL YES
November 27, 2025
I usually avoid lengthy chapters, so I was thoroughly engrossed in "Thrall." Despite my preference for shorter books, Rebecca Mahoney's intricate details kept me interested from beginning to end! I was on the tip of my seat, wanting to find out what mysteries were within because of the story's beautifully eerie spookiness. There is a noticeable sense of tension, which is deftly counterbalanced by themes of self-discovery and companionship. I adored how the characters handled their relationships in the face of unanticipated difficulties, each of which allowed them to develop in novel ways. Mahoney tells a story that had me guessing, but despite the excitement of the unknown, it seemed like a cozy embrace of familiarity. "Thrall" is an exciting journey worth embarking on if you enjoy a mix of scary mystery and poignant moments!
Thank you NetGalley and rebecca Mahoney for giving the opportunity for this arc I really enjoyed it!
Thank you NetGalley and rebecca Mahoney for giving the opportunity for this arc I really enjoyed it!
February 8, 2026
I like the premise of this but I wish there was a more exciting execution. I feel like we didn’t learn much about any of the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an e-ARC of this book!
This was a fun book! I had a good time while reading it. It certainly captivated me.
It had an interesting concept and interesting setting. A very secluded university campus in Appalachia is the perfect place for this to be set. The book started off giving us a look at the eerie atmosphere of the mountains and what could possibly lurk in the dark. We then experience the the disorienting and dissociative feeling of the thrall with how unlike herself Lucy is.
I will say, after this the book kind of starts to drag a little. Lucy experiences a lot of confusion and paranoia with the situation she's faced with, but it’s not until a good ways in that anything actually happens to try and solve it. It honestly lowered the stakes and made me wonder if Lucy potentially being a vampire was even that big of a deal. The sections where Lucy was experiencing the thrall were also hard to understand. That is, in part, on purpose, I think, but I felt like they were not properly executed.
The late night radio show was a really interesting idea to find victims of the vampire, but I wish it was utilized a bit more. I understand that the vampire was messing with Athena, the show's host, and any control she had was merely an illusion, but I guess I wished that it would have been a much more major plot point than it was.
While I was entertained, the stakes still felt too low. I didn't really feel like any of the characters were actually in danger because the vampire felt more like an enigma.
I also found the relationships a bit lacking. Some of this is explained away with Athena, for example, being untrusting due to being tormented by the vampire for four years, so the characters never felt very close. They also felt very surface level, even Natalie who was the most friendly and ride or die of the bunch. Lucy and Mila's romance was lackluster. It started very insta-lovey, but forbidden. So they never felt like they got closer other than being forced into proximity with each other and a little bit of trauma bonding mostly on Mila's end because she was basically reliving the death of her late fiance. I just wanted the relationships of the characters to be explored more and deepened.
Regardless of my issues with the story, it was overall fun to read. I was pleased with how the vampire was killed. I felt very smug about that because they finally got the upper hand with him. I also thought the vampire librarian couple was fun, kind of out of left field, but fun. The idea of the vampire having a lot of money and paying the university to let him hunt their students was crazy, but intriguing. Lucy being singled out because she had so much emotional burden and that she was there was wild. I liked that her issues with her mom was a driving force behind her being a target and also a source of continued turmoil for her character. It really showed how cowardly and weak the vampire really was because of how he only prayed on the vulnerable and it was ultimately his demise.
This was a fun book! I had a good time while reading it. It certainly captivated me.
It had an interesting concept and interesting setting. A very secluded university campus in Appalachia is the perfect place for this to be set. The book started off giving us a look at the eerie atmosphere of the mountains and what could possibly lurk in the dark. We then experience the the disorienting and dissociative feeling of the thrall with how unlike herself Lucy is.
I will say, after this the book kind of starts to drag a little. Lucy experiences a lot of confusion and paranoia with the situation she's faced with, but it’s not until a good ways in that anything actually happens to try and solve it. It honestly lowered the stakes and made me wonder if Lucy potentially being a vampire was even that big of a deal. The sections where Lucy was experiencing the thrall were also hard to understand. That is, in part, on purpose, I think, but I felt like they were not properly executed.
The late night radio show was a really interesting idea to find victims of the vampire, but I wish it was utilized a bit more. I understand that the vampire was messing with Athena, the show's host, and any control she had was merely an illusion, but I guess I wished that it would have been a much more major plot point than it was.
While I was entertained, the stakes still felt too low. I didn't really feel like any of the characters were actually in danger because the vampire felt more like an enigma.
I also found the relationships a bit lacking. Some of this is explained away with Athena, for example, being untrusting due to being tormented by the vampire for four years, so the characters never felt very close. They also felt very surface level, even Natalie who was the most friendly and ride or die of the bunch. Lucy and Mila's romance was lackluster. It started very insta-lovey, but forbidden. So they never felt like they got closer other than being forced into proximity with each other and a little bit of trauma bonding mostly on Mila's end because she was basically reliving the death of her late fiance. I just wanted the relationships of the characters to be explored more and deepened.
Regardless of my issues with the story, it was overall fun to read. I was pleased with how the vampire was killed. I felt very smug about that because they finally got the upper hand with him. I also thought the vampire librarian couple was fun, kind of out of left field, but fun. The idea of the vampire having a lot of money and paying the university to let him hunt their students was crazy, but intriguing. Lucy being singled out because she had so much emotional burden and that she was there was wild. I liked that her issues with her mom was a driving force behind her being a target and also a source of continued turmoil for her character. It really showed how cowardly and weak the vampire really was because of how he only prayed on the vulnerable and it was ultimately his demise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thrall held my attention largely because the concept is solid. I appreciated that the story treats vampires as a real threat rather than immediately softening them and glossing everything over, as you tend to see in many 'vampire novels', and the ending was effective in making me curious about what comes next.
My main issue was the writing itself. The prose is very straightforward and repetitive, with a heavy focus on recounting events rather than immersing the reader in the world. I wanted more atmosphere, more description, and more time spent inside the characters’ experiences. Without that depth, the relationships feel rushed and the emotional threads remain surface-level.
The cast is also crowded, and not all of the characters feel necessary. The radio show was a clever and original idea, but it wasn’t used to its full potential. It could have added tension and personality to the story, but instead stayed mostly in the background.
Overall, this feels like a promising start that would benefit from further refinement. The ideas are interesting and the direction is clear, but the execution needs more texture and focus. I enjoyed it and I’m interested in seeing where the series goes, but I finished the book wanting more from the writing itself.
- this is my 5th sapphic paranormal read this year, the algorithm is sensing a trend-
Thank you to Netgalley, Rebecca Mahoney, and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review
My main issue was the writing itself. The prose is very straightforward and repetitive, with a heavy focus on recounting events rather than immersing the reader in the world. I wanted more atmosphere, more description, and more time spent inside the characters’ experiences. Without that depth, the relationships feel rushed and the emotional threads remain surface-level.
The cast is also crowded, and not all of the characters feel necessary. The radio show was a clever and original idea, but it wasn’t used to its full potential. It could have added tension and personality to the story, but instead stayed mostly in the background.
Overall, this feels like a promising start that would benefit from further refinement. The ideas are interesting and the direction is clear, but the execution needs more texture and focus. I enjoyed it and I’m interested in seeing where the series goes, but I finished the book wanting more from the writing itself.
- this is my 5th sapphic paranormal read this year, the algorithm is sensing a trend-
Thank you to Netgalley, Rebecca Mahoney, and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review
January 22, 2026
First ARC of the new year, whoop whoop! Thrall has an incredibly interesting concept and storyline. For my vampire lovers, this book is definitely for you. Our FMC wakes up the morning after a party and feels…not like herself and through her journey you unravel the mysteries of this while also encountering different characters. I will not lie, the first hour of this book was difficult to get through. It was a lot of building, meeting different people and (for me) assuming/guessing how these people added to the story. I am very skeptical person when it comes to books like this but it makes the journey fun.
I think this book is going to be wildly loved by the target audience. It was fun, fast paced once we got to the meat of if and honestly, it was very insightful. I also loved how diverse our characters were. It is an ARC so there are things that need to be tweaked. I noticed there was a scene that took place in a classroom but at the same time, we were with our roommate in our room. The timeline was also hard to understand just based on how fast relationships and friendships bloomed. These are small issues that I think once fixed would make for an amazing book!
Thank you NetGalley and Rebecca Mahoney for the ARC. I was thoroughly engrossed and invested in this story and my heart was pounding during the intense moments.
I think this book is going to be wildly loved by the target audience. It was fun, fast paced once we got to the meat of if and honestly, it was very insightful. I also loved how diverse our characters were. It is an ARC so there are things that need to be tweaked. I noticed there was a scene that took place in a classroom but at the same time, we were with our roommate in our room. The timeline was also hard to understand just based on how fast relationships and friendships bloomed. These are small issues that I think once fixed would make for an amazing book!
Thank you NetGalley and Rebecca Mahoney for the ARC. I was thoroughly engrossed and invested in this story and my heart was pounding during the intense moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion for allowing me to read Thrall as an ARC!
I requested this book as I, for some reason, can't get enough of vampires, and also worked at my college radio station. Admittedly, very little radio station-ing involved, which was sad, but I understand the reasoning.
I enjoyed the story. It was well written -- although I think some emdashes probably should've been a semicolon -- and well told, and I actually enjoyed the fact that death and freedom were explored in the way that Mahoney did.
I will say that I didn't like just how fast the "vampire!" revelation came. Or the way that Lucy felt as an also-sheltered older-transfer-kid. I grew up being wary of the world thanks to a pessimistic mother and some fun religious trauma, and didn't get to college until I was 24, so I get it Lucy. I recognize that everyone's experiences are different but Lucy just didn't feel... right... to me. She was fine for a fantasy story, she just didn't meet my expectations as someone who lived a very similar life.
Overall, a perfectly fine time to be had. Thanks for the opportunity!
I requested this book as I, for some reason, can't get enough of vampires, and also worked at my college radio station. Admittedly, very little radio station-ing involved, which was sad, but I understand the reasoning.
I enjoyed the story. It was well written -- although I think some emdashes probably should've been a semicolon -- and well told, and I actually enjoyed the fact that death and freedom were explored in the way that Mahoney did.
I will say that I didn't like just how fast the "vampire!" revelation came. Or the way that Lucy felt as an also-sheltered older-transfer-kid. I grew up being wary of the world thanks to a pessimistic mother and some fun religious trauma, and didn't get to college until I was 24, so I get it Lucy. I recognize that everyone's experiences are different but Lucy just didn't feel... right... to me. She was fine for a fantasy story, she just didn't meet my expectations as someone who lived a very similar life.
Overall, a perfectly fine time to be had. Thanks for the opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ok, I loved this book. It was very different from what I usually read, and I mean that in the best way. Vampire girlies… this one is for you! It was such a palette cleanser.
I really liked that the vampire lore felt familiar but still had some fresh twists. It didn’t feel recycled, and that kept me hooked the whole time. I admittedly love Vampires, but the story pulled me in immediately. Once I was in Lucy’s world, I needed to know what happened next. I found Lucy super relatable and kept asking myself what I would do if I were in her position. I saw a lot of myself in her, and it definitely made the book hit harder for me.
The pacing of this book was great for me. It was steady, which made a quick read! Couldn't put it down!
I also loved that the story followed a group of girls. Their friendships felt real to me. Some deeper than others, some a little surface level, but they stuck together when it mattered. That dynamic added so much heart to the story and made it even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was such a fun, addictive read, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Highly recommend if you love vampires, strong female relationships, and stories that pull you in fast!
I really liked that the vampire lore felt familiar but still had some fresh twists. It didn’t feel recycled, and that kept me hooked the whole time. I admittedly love Vampires, but the story pulled me in immediately. Once I was in Lucy’s world, I needed to know what happened next. I found Lucy super relatable and kept asking myself what I would do if I were in her position. I saw a lot of myself in her, and it definitely made the book hit harder for me.
The pacing of this book was great for me. It was steady, which made a quick read! Couldn't put it down!
I also loved that the story followed a group of girls. Their friendships felt real to me. Some deeper than others, some a little surface level, but they stuck together when it mattered. That dynamic added so much heart to the story and made it even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was such a fun, addictive read, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Highly recommend if you love vampires, strong female relationships, and stories that pull you in fast!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for an eARC copy of Thrall by Rebecca Mahoney.
I am so excited the stories revolving campus radio (or just radio in general) are coming back. It gives me the warm and feels that I associate with Welcome to NightVale.
Thrall, however, is not Welcome to NightVale. It is a moody and addictive campus vampire story that blends classic supernatural horror with emotional depth. What makes Thrall stand out in a crowded vampire genre is its atmosphere. The creeping realization that Lucy is transforming is handled with tension and restraint, and the mystery of campus disappearances keeps the page turning. Not to mention the late-night call with the soothing host is a deliciously chilling and memorable time that is like Welcome to Nightvale (at least how I hear it in my head).
The supporting cast adds heart and complexity. There is a very welcome spark of romantic tension that is balanced with the stakes fo Lucy's transformation. Her fight to reclaim agency gives the novel a satisfying emotional core. Which is super worth the small parts that can feel a tad bit repetative towards the end.
I am so excited the stories revolving campus radio (or just radio in general) are coming back. It gives me the warm and feels that I associate with Welcome to NightVale.
Thrall, however, is not Welcome to NightVale. It is a moody and addictive campus vampire story that blends classic supernatural horror with emotional depth. What makes Thrall stand out in a crowded vampire genre is its atmosphere. The creeping realization that Lucy is transforming is handled with tension and restraint, and the mystery of campus disappearances keeps the page turning. Not to mention the late-night call with the soothing host is a deliciously chilling and memorable time that is like Welcome to Nightvale (at least how I hear it in my head).
The supporting cast adds heart and complexity. There is a very welcome spark of romantic tension that is balanced with the stakes fo Lucy's transformation. Her fight to reclaim agency gives the novel a satisfying emotional core. Which is super worth the small parts that can feel a tad bit repetative towards the end.
November 18, 2025
Thrall is the kind of eerie, atmospheric story that pulls you in from page one and refuses to let go. Rebecca Mahoney blends mystery, supernatural tension, and emotional depth in a way that feels both unsettling and beautifully human. The world is haunting, the stakes feel sharp, and the slow unraveling of truth kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
I loved how Mahoney balances the darker, folklore-driven elements with strong character work. The main character’s fear, determination, and vulnerability make the story hit even harder, and the relationships—both the tender ones and the strained ones—add a surprising amount of heart. The twists land well, and the atmosphere is thick enough to almost feel like another character.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers with moody vibes, mystery, and a touch of horror, this one is absolutely worth reading. It’s immersive, haunting, and full of tension in all the right ways.
I loved how Mahoney balances the darker, folklore-driven elements with strong character work. The main character’s fear, determination, and vulnerability make the story hit even harder, and the relationships—both the tender ones and the strained ones—add a surprising amount of heart. The twists land well, and the atmosphere is thick enough to almost feel like another character.
If you enjoy supernatural thrillers with moody vibes, mystery, and a touch of horror, this one is absolutely worth reading. It’s immersive, haunting, and full of tension in all the right ways.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"It was hard to dwell on much of anything in the face of someone who could quote Nietzsche in glow-in-the-dark lipstick."
A vulnerable girl named Lucy is attacked at a college party. That stranger couldn't possibly be a vampire. Those simply don't exist. Or do they?
This book has absolutely fascinating vampire lore & great world building. The college campus setting feels lived in, and every character matters (I simply need the library vampires spin off). I loved the Buffy-esque friendship group of the quartet of girls (Lucy, Natalie, Athena, and Mila), and I was constantly worried about how well their trap for the vampire would play out. The ending is SO satisfying, definitive & at the same time also leaves room open for more stories.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
A vulnerable girl named Lucy is attacked at a college party. That stranger couldn't possibly be a vampire. Those simply don't exist. Or do they?
This book has absolutely fascinating vampire lore & great world building. The college campus setting feels lived in, and every character matters (I simply need the library vampires spin off). I loved the Buffy-esque friendship group of the quartet of girls (Lucy, Natalie, Athena, and Mila), and I was constantly worried about how well their trap for the vampire would play out. The ending is SO satisfying, definitive & at the same time also leaves room open for more stories.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story hooked me right away with its eerie premise: a girl waking up after a night she can’t remember, strange marks she can’t explain, and a mysterious caller who keeps phoning into her podcast with unsettling, too‑specific comments. The early chapters build a strong sense of unease, and her friends add warmth and grounding as she tries to piece together what really happened.
However, once the mystery begins to unfold, the tension never fully escalates. I was hoping for sharper conflict, deeper emotional stakes, or a darker edge—especially with vampires involved. The setup had real potential, but the story ultimately stayed softer than expected and didn’t deliver the grit or horror I was looking for.
A solid read with an intriguing premise and a great friend group, but one that didn’t quite land the dramatic punch I hoped for.
However, once the mystery begins to unfold, the tension never fully escalates. I was hoping for sharper conflict, deeper emotional stakes, or a darker edge—especially with vampires involved. The setup had real potential, but the story ultimately stayed softer than expected and didn’t deliver the grit or horror I was looking for.
A solid read with an intriguing premise and a great friend group, but one that didn’t quite land the dramatic punch I hoped for.
December 14, 2025
***I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley but all opinions are my own.***
I wanted to love this book but the story was just okay. Based on the description, it had a lot of potential as an interesting story that makes the vampires the villains instead of the love interests. However, it seemed to drag in places and really didn’t hold my attention.
I also didn’t really connect with the characters. They all felt pretty flat and it didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Without names, it would have been hard telling one character from another.
Overall, I give this book 3 stars because it wasn’t the worst thing that I’ve ever read and I believe that there is someone out there that could enjoy it more than I did.
I wanted to love this book but the story was just okay. Based on the description, it had a lot of potential as an interesting story that makes the vampires the villains instead of the love interests. However, it seemed to drag in places and really didn’t hold my attention.
I also didn’t really connect with the characters. They all felt pretty flat and it didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Without names, it would have been hard telling one character from another.
Overall, I give this book 3 stars because it wasn’t the worst thing that I’ve ever read and I believe that there is someone out there that could enjoy it more than I did.
November 12, 2025
A chaotic enthralling story about trying to deal with being attacked and bitten by a vampire and accepting the consequences. Now Lucy and a band of other victims must fight back against the one that turned them in a fight to the death.
It's for sure a different take on a vampire story and I found it hard to put down. I can't wait to hear an audiobook version of this as I know it will make the story more immersive! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gold vampire story as much as I do!
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
It's for sure a different take on a vampire story and I found it hard to put down. I can't wait to hear an audiobook version of this as I know it will make the story more immersive! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gold vampire story as much as I do!
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
3.5 stars! This was a fun and new take on a vampire story. I loved the radioshow aspect of it. That added a little flare. I liked the mystery mixed with supernatural elements. It’s not a deep and brooding vampire book, but it does have a little depth, and the characters are pretty fleshed out. It was mostly well paced, but it did drag a bit in the beginning and some things became repetitive and could’ve been edited out to be a bit shorter. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it for a refreshing new take on a vampire story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for allowing me to read this early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for allowing me to read this early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoy all things vampires so I was really excited to read this book. The premise was quite interesting, Lucy starts undergrad and immediately gets thralls to a vampire. Being understandably unhappy about this, she bands with other girls who have been affected by the vampire to fight him. The story was fun but a bit repetitive. The stakes (hah!) never seemed that high, the radio show was a bit silly. I was unable to connect to Pallas’s story because I had a hard time believing the academics of it all. Still, the book kept me engaged and I think it would be a fun read for a YA audience.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
3.5/5
This was fun and a very unique take on a vampire story!
Sometimes, you have crazy experiences at college. And sometimes, those experiences are you being turned into a vampire.
I liked the radio show aspect of this, I think that's what made it feel so unique. I found that to be rather engaging, way more than I was expecting that aspect to be.
There was a little bit of everything in this story as well. It was a bit spooky and it had a bit of mystery, friendships, and self discovery.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was fun and a very unique take on a vampire story!
Sometimes, you have crazy experiences at college. And sometimes, those experiences are you being turned into a vampire.
I liked the radio show aspect of this, I think that's what made it feel so unique. I found that to be rather engaging, way more than I was expecting that aspect to be.
There was a little bit of everything in this story as well. It was a bit spooky and it had a bit of mystery, friendships, and self discovery.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 29, 2025
This was definitely a young adult book that is an interesting take on an old story but with much more friendship. While it was an interesting and quick read (the chapters were quite short), I did think it didn’t need to be quite as long. The story drags a bit because the same discussions and thoughts are brought up repeatedly. This book is definitely for an older young adult reader and would be fun as a fall / winter read.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a eARC of this book to read in exchange for my honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a eARC of this book to read in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book seemed really intriguing, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It is still a good book, but it dragged a little too much for me at the beginning and the pace seemed really slow. I also didn't really connect with any of the characters so I wasn't really invested in their story.
This book seemed really intriguing, but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It is still a good book, but it dragged a little too much for me at the beginning and the pace seemed really slow. I also didn't really connect with any of the characters so I wasn't really invested in their story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC copy!
I have to say this is one of my all time favorite books. I can not wait for it to be out in the world. The sense of dread throughout this amazing novel was so intense. The slow burn and yearning between the main characters, and the sense of found family? Plus this fresh Retelling was amazing.
I have to say this is one of my all time favorite books. I can not wait for it to be out in the world. The sense of dread throughout this amazing novel was so intense. The slow burn and yearning between the main characters, and the sense of found family? Plus this fresh Retelling was amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ehehe as a Dracula enthusiast I had such fun reading this and doing Leo pointing at various details. I see what you did there!! I see it!!
This is such a fun twist on the Dracula story. I think it's still a fun vampire story even if you haven't read the OG Bram Stoker book but it really enhances this book if you have.
This is such a fun twist on the Dracula story. I think it's still a fun vampire story even if you haven't read the OG Bram Stoker book but it really enhances this book if you have.
February 10, 2026
3.5-4 stars! This was so so fun and such a funny concept. Vampires on a college campus? Had me thinking abt what my friends and I would’ve done in school if there were vampires on campus and the answer is not whatever smart things the characters in this book did
November 12, 2025
God, I love Rebecca Mahoney books and this one is no different. There is such a quiet wonder to her writing, and it suits a story about a manipulative vampire so well. It's absolutely incredible.
November 20, 2025
All the vibes of Salem's Lot, but with college lesbians. Frightfully good suspense and great introspection on who the monsters really are.
December 1, 2025
A compelling page-turner that consistently delivers the unexpected. It can be read as an allegory of the experiences we all face when in a new environment, or it can just cloak you in dread, because it does that really well. This is the story of a young woman struggling to defeat obstacles that seem insurmountable, supported by a team that can only help her to a limited degree. Will she win? Can she win?
This review is based on an authorized Advance Reader Copy of the book.
This review is based on an authorized Advance Reader Copy of the book.
January 20, 2026
This was like a 3.75 rounded up. I liked the premise of the plot and how it was delivered, but the book took awhile to catch my attention. I stuck with it and I’m glad that I did, but it wasn’t as attention grabbing for me as I expected.
In Thrall, Lucy is hoping to start fresh away from home and experience all the things she missed out on. Looking for a change of scenario from sunny Florida, she chooses Rollins in the mountains. Rollins has a secret though, and they come with cold hands.
I like that this book actually showcases vampires as creatures and doesn’t immediately romanticize them.
In Thrall, Lucy is hoping to start fresh away from home and experience all the things she missed out on. Looking for a change of scenario from sunny Florida, she chooses Rollins in the mountains. Rollins has a secret though, and they come with cold hands.
I like that this book actually showcases vampires as creatures and doesn’t immediately romanticize them.
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