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A House of Vipers
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jan 79A new dark academia mystery that begins a year after a student’s mysterious disappearance when his brother finds clues that can help him and his friends solve their boarding school’s most elusive puzzle—and find his brother dead or alive.
It’s been a year and a half since Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, disappeared from the secluded campus of Meddlehart Academy. Everyone has given up on finding him except for Sutter, who can’t shake the feeling that he’s out there somewhere and desperately needs help to make it home.
That is, until he and his friends uncover clues that Lawson was searching for their school’s rumored buried treasure the night he went missing . . . and there is a secret society on campus still trying to find it. They are the Order of the Vipers. Sutter and his friends don’t hesitate to join the hunt, but they quickly realize that becoming a Viper involves dangerous initiation rituals where the risk is often greater than the reward.
With every clue and secret they uncover, Sutter knows they are one step closer to solving the mystery of his brother’s disappearance. But as he digs closer to the deadly truth, he will discover that some things were meant to stay buried.
It’s been a year and a half since Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, disappeared from the secluded campus of Meddlehart Academy. Everyone has given up on finding him except for Sutter, who can’t shake the feeling that he’s out there somewhere and desperately needs help to make it home.
That is, until he and his friends uncover clues that Lawson was searching for their school’s rumored buried treasure the night he went missing . . . and there is a secret society on campus still trying to find it. They are the Order of the Vipers. Sutter and his friends don’t hesitate to join the hunt, but they quickly realize that becoming a Viper involves dangerous initiation rituals where the risk is often greater than the reward.
With every clue and secret they uncover, Sutter knows they are one step closer to solving the mystery of his brother’s disappearance. But as he digs closer to the deadly truth, he will discover that some things were meant to stay buried.
400 pages, Library Binding
Expected publication January 2, 2079
About the author
Emma Jackson
1 book40 followersEmma Jackson is an author who is passionate about storytelling in all its forms. After writing her first story at 8 years old for a school project, she couldn’t stop writing and penned dozens of stories with a pencil and loose sheets of notebook paper. Every story pushed her closer to her dream of becoming an author one day.
Emma studied professional writing at the University of Oklahoma, where she focused on growing her love of writing young adult fiction. She is a believer in the positive impact YA books can have on teens because of how powerful her favorite books were when she was that age! When Emma is not writing her next story, she can be found spending time with friends and family, playing cozy video games, going on adventures with her husband, or reading on the couch with her orange tabby cat.
Representation: Rachel Beck at Liza Dawson Associates
Emma studied professional writing at the University of Oklahoma, where she focused on growing her love of writing young adult fiction. She is a believer in the positive impact YA books can have on teens because of how powerful her favorite books were when she was that age! When Emma is not writing her next story, she can be found spending time with friends and family, playing cozy video games, going on adventures with her husband, or reading on the couch with her orange tabby cat.
Representation: Rachel Beck at Liza Dawson Associates
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 14, 2026
these are my babies and I love them
Want to Read
November 7, 2025Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
October 25, 2025
A multi-POV YA story that will suck you in from the very beginning. Suspense, mystery, and found family that will absolutely pull at your heartstrings.
I had the honor and pleasure of getting to read an ARC copy of A House of Vipers. This is a must read!
I had the honor and pleasure of getting to read an ARC copy of A House of Vipers. This is a must read!
Want to Read
August 3, 2025hello , I want to say that this is one of my most anticipated book releases in 2026 and I can't wait to read this one !
April 30, 2026
(Libby audio) This felt very very Inheritance Games-esque with all the puzzles/clues to figure out. Even down to the love triangle. We have the perspectives of the 3 tied up in said triangle, written in 3rd person. And there are 2 other close friends involved in this treasure/brother hunt. I was entertained all the way through... but I wouldn't give it more than 4 stars. The ending is left open enough for a book 2, but also HEA enough to be done.
November 3, 2025
What a special story!!!! This book feels like a warm hug while also keeping you in absolute suspense over what could possibly happen next… an absolutely deadly combo!!!! You really couldn’t find a better found family if you tried. And don’t even get me STARTED on the love triangle. I loved every single second I spent with these characters and will be thinking about them long after I finished the book!!!
If you need me I will be trying to figure out how I can enroll at meddlehart. Five freaking stars.
If you need me I will be trying to figure out how I can enroll at meddlehart. Five freaking stars.
May 4, 2026
This was a solid read and a fantastic audiobook!
The main aspect of this book I enjoyed was the love triangle. It had just enough yearning, indecisiveness, and ultimately, a great resolution. I thought Fallon was a very lovely girl and I could tell why both boys were attracted to her. Grayson was my favorite; I loved his backstory and his intense feelings for Fallon. Sutter wasn't as interesting to me because he was so obsessed with finding his brother at all costs - it almost felt like everything (and everyone) else was an afterthought for him. The two side characters were good too: they rounded out the team well.
The dark academia atmosphere was spot-on. We were never without action or emotion - either we had an intense scene or an intense conversation and the story was always moving forward. I really enjoyed the writing style here and I was glad that the characters were open-minded about their situation. They never pigeon-holed themselves into thinking a certain way, like other students sometimes do in academic mysteries.
The narration was spectacular for this one. We have three narrators: for Fallon, Grayson, and Sutter. A tri-narration was ideal for this one, since the three of them are our narrators. I think I enjoyed this one even more on audio, precisely because it was so easy to determine whose POV I was in at any given time.
Overall, I would recommend this one to fans of dark academia mysteries, found families, and especially love triangles. If you are against love triangles in your books, then you should steer clear because that is very heavy in this one.
I really enjoyed this debut and am excited to see what Jackson does next! :)
The main aspect of this book I enjoyed was the love triangle. It had just enough yearning, indecisiveness, and ultimately, a great resolution. I thought Fallon was a very lovely girl and I could tell why both boys were attracted to her. Grayson was my favorite; I loved his backstory and his intense feelings for Fallon. Sutter wasn't as interesting to me because he was so obsessed with finding his brother at all costs - it almost felt like everything (and everyone) else was an afterthought for him. The two side characters were good too: they rounded out the team well.
The dark academia atmosphere was spot-on. We were never without action or emotion - either we had an intense scene or an intense conversation and the story was always moving forward. I really enjoyed the writing style here and I was glad that the characters were open-minded about their situation. They never pigeon-holed themselves into thinking a certain way, like other students sometimes do in academic mysteries.
The narration was spectacular for this one. We have three narrators: for Fallon, Grayson, and Sutter. A tri-narration was ideal for this one, since the three of them are our narrators. I think I enjoyed this one even more on audio, precisely because it was so easy to determine whose POV I was in at any given time.
Overall, I would recommend this one to fans of dark academia mysteries, found families, and especially love triangles. If you are against love triangles in your books, then you should steer clear because that is very heavy in this one.
I really enjoyed this debut and am excited to see what Jackson does next! :)
May 27, 2026
Disclaimer: I know the author.
I may be biased, but believe me when I tell you this book is brilliant. It offers fun for everyone:
+ Deadly scavenger hunt
+ Dark academia
+ Secret, mysterious club
+ Love triangle
+ A loathsome nemesis
+ Terrible parents
+ Murrrrrderrr (imagine me twirling a Poirot-like mustache while saying that with the most schmaltzy glee)
YA isn’t a genre I usually gravitate to, but this is a dynamic ride for any age. It’s funny how you can get different things out of a story based on where you are in life (see my previously extrapolated Breakfast Club theory). I found myself thinking a lot about the terrible parents. Probably took their misdeeds and the harms they inflicted on their children harder than intended.
Fingers crossed for a sequel? These are characters I’d like to follow some more & root for.
Emma Jackson is an author to watch. 💙
I may be biased, but believe me when I tell you this book is brilliant. It offers fun for everyone:
+ Deadly scavenger hunt
+ Dark academia
+ Secret, mysterious club
+ Love triangle
+ A loathsome nemesis
+ Terrible parents
+ Murrrrrderrr (imagine me twirling a Poirot-like mustache while saying that with the most schmaltzy glee)
YA isn’t a genre I usually gravitate to, but this is a dynamic ride for any age. It’s funny how you can get different things out of a story based on where you are in life (see my previously extrapolated Breakfast Club theory). I found myself thinking a lot about the terrible parents. Probably took their misdeeds and the harms they inflicted on their children harder than intended.
Fingers crossed for a sequel? These are characters I’d like to follow some more & root for.
Emma Jackson is an author to watch. 💙
December 16, 2025
Beyond happy that I was able to read an advanced copy of A House of Vipers! I loved getting to know these characters and trying to solve the riddles with them. Emma Jackson does a great job of building a complete world to get immersed in. I didn’t want to put it down!
If you like solving puzzles, secret societies, boarding school settings, love triangles, or found family, be sure and check it out!
If you like solving puzzles, secret societies, boarding school settings, love triangles, or found family, be sure and check it out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“This is our best chance at finding out what happened to Lawson, right? And think about if we did find that treasure.’ ‘It’s not real,’ Fallon argued. ‘But if it is,’ Margot countered patiently, ‘our lives would change forever.”
Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, has gone missing from Meddlehart Academy’s secluded campus, and everyone has given up on looking for him—except for Sutter. After finding a clue tying his brother’s disappearance to the search for the mysterious treasure rumored to have been buried at the Academy, Sutter and his friends—Grayson, Fallon, Carter, and Margot—set out in hopes of finding both the treasure and Lawson. However, they aren’t the only ones looking for the treasure. A secret society—the Order of the Vipers—has dedicated themselves to finding the treasure. Sutter and his friends rush to join the Vipers, but the trials are much more dangerous than they thought. But with every clue they find, Sutter knows that they are one step closer to finding the treasure and figuring out what really happened the night his brother disappeared.
When reading A House of Vipers, I already had my suspicions about the turn of events. I expected this book to be heavily focused on the friendship dynamics within the friend group while they tackled the mystery at hand, and it was. However, I didn’t expect a love triangle. I am not much of a love triangle fan, but I like how it functioned in an unexpected way. On the other hand, the love triangle sometimes overshadows the thriller-mystery elements, especially when shifting between POVs. This made sense, as each character wanted something different: Sutter was driving the hunt for the treasure because of his brother, while the other two, Fallon and Grayson, each had their own desires. The multiple POVs provided greater character interiority and background information while highlighting the friction between the characters. The chaotic friend group interactions felt very true to high school dynamics, and the added layer of Sutter struggling with his brother’s disappearance both heightened and tested the group. The group had some stereotypical roles, like Fallon being the voice of reason and Carter being the supportive free spirit of the group, but the added character quirks—like Carter being a food connoisseur— and Jackson’s use of them made the group’s dynamic more interesting overall. While the story was a little slow in the beginning, once Sutter and his friends began their trials for the Order of Vipers, I was practically flying through those pages trying to unearth what actually happened to Lawson that night.
A House of Vipers releases on April 28th, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Delacorte Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Sutter Heyward’s brother, Lawson, has gone missing from Meddlehart Academy’s secluded campus, and everyone has given up on looking for him—except for Sutter. After finding a clue tying his brother’s disappearance to the search for the mysterious treasure rumored to have been buried at the Academy, Sutter and his friends—Grayson, Fallon, Carter, and Margot—set out in hopes of finding both the treasure and Lawson. However, they aren’t the only ones looking for the treasure. A secret society—the Order of the Vipers—has dedicated themselves to finding the treasure. Sutter and his friends rush to join the Vipers, but the trials are much more dangerous than they thought. But with every clue they find, Sutter knows that they are one step closer to finding the treasure and figuring out what really happened the night his brother disappeared.
When reading A House of Vipers, I already had my suspicions about the turn of events. I expected this book to be heavily focused on the friendship dynamics within the friend group while they tackled the mystery at hand, and it was. However, I didn’t expect a love triangle. I am not much of a love triangle fan, but I like how it functioned in an unexpected way. On the other hand, the love triangle sometimes overshadows the thriller-mystery elements, especially when shifting between POVs. This made sense, as each character wanted something different: Sutter was driving the hunt for the treasure because of his brother, while the other two, Fallon and Grayson, each had their own desires. The multiple POVs provided greater character interiority and background information while highlighting the friction between the characters. The chaotic friend group interactions felt very true to high school dynamics, and the added layer of Sutter struggling with his brother’s disappearance both heightened and tested the group. The group had some stereotypical roles, like Fallon being the voice of reason and Carter being the supportive free spirit of the group, but the added character quirks—like Carter being a food connoisseur— and Jackson’s use of them made the group’s dynamic more interesting overall. While the story was a little slow in the beginning, once Sutter and his friends began their trials for the Order of Vipers, I was practically flying through those pages trying to unearth what actually happened to Lawson that night.
A House of Vipers releases on April 28th, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Delacorte Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
December 2, 2025
What a read! This one did take me awhile to fully get into as if started out slow. Not bad, just that kind of slow burn where you’re thinking, “Alright, I’m settling in, let’s see where this goes.” And then suddenly—BOOM—I was in too deep, emotionally compromised, and flipping pages like Sutter and the crew were about to mail me my own Vipers initiation invite.
Once the story hit its stride, it became amazing. Like truly, unexpectedly amazing. This book made me laugh, cry, and—maybe the most surprising of all—feel a real ache of nostalgia for my own high school days and the friendships that felt a little chaotic, a little dramatic, but absolutely ride-or-die.
The story picks up a year and a half after Lawson Heyward vanished from Meddlehart Academy’s eerie, ivy-covered campus. Everyone else has accepted he’s gone for good—everyone except his younger brother, Sutter, who’s still clinging to hope. That hope turns into something more when he and his tight-knit friend group stumble onto clues Lawson left behind.
Those clues point to two things:
1. Lawson may have been chasing the school’s rumored buried treasure, and
2. A secret society on campus—the shadowy Order of the Vipers—might know more than anyone’s letting on.
Joining the Vipers sounds useful… until Sutter and his friends realize the group’s “initiations” might be more danger than mystery. But with each clue, each lie uncovered, and each unsettling truth they dig up, they’re drawn deeper into the puzzle of what really happened the night Lawson disappeared.
It’s dark academia with real heart—mystery, loyalty, danger, and the kind of friendships that shape who you are.
Emma Jackson absolutely nailed the atmosphere. Once the story kicks into gear, it stays addictive all the way through. I was totally immersed, emotionally invested, and genuinely moved. Five stars, easy.
Highly recommend if you love: secret societies, puzzles, sibling loyalty, academic gothic vibes, and found-family chaos.
Once the story hit its stride, it became amazing. Like truly, unexpectedly amazing. This book made me laugh, cry, and—maybe the most surprising of all—feel a real ache of nostalgia for my own high school days and the friendships that felt a little chaotic, a little dramatic, but absolutely ride-or-die.
The story picks up a year and a half after Lawson Heyward vanished from Meddlehart Academy’s eerie, ivy-covered campus. Everyone else has accepted he’s gone for good—everyone except his younger brother, Sutter, who’s still clinging to hope. That hope turns into something more when he and his tight-knit friend group stumble onto clues Lawson left behind.
Those clues point to two things:
1. Lawson may have been chasing the school’s rumored buried treasure, and
2. A secret society on campus—the shadowy Order of the Vipers—might know more than anyone’s letting on.
Joining the Vipers sounds useful… until Sutter and his friends realize the group’s “initiations” might be more danger than mystery. But with each clue, each lie uncovered, and each unsettling truth they dig up, they’re drawn deeper into the puzzle of what really happened the night Lawson disappeared.
It’s dark academia with real heart—mystery, loyalty, danger, and the kind of friendships that shape who you are.
Emma Jackson absolutely nailed the atmosphere. Once the story kicks into gear, it stays addictive all the way through. I was totally immersed, emotionally invested, and genuinely moved. Five stars, easy.
Highly recommend if you love: secret societies, puzzles, sibling loyalty, academic gothic vibes, and found-family chaos.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A HOUSE OF VIPERS by Emma Jackson (April 28, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, GetUnderlined, and Delacorte for the earc
A year and a half after Lawson Heyward's disappeared from Meddlehart Academy, his brother Sutter seems to be the only one who hasn't given up finding him. When he and his friends find clues that Lawson was searching for buried treasure, and that there is a secret society, they don't hesitate to join. Quickly they realize the order of vipers is dangerous, and the truth is deadly.
A HOUSE OF VIPERS is a YA thriller. This is a multi-pov, dark academia that blends a prestigious academy, mysterious societies, and treasure. Found family and a love triangle help make up this read. Jackson's debut novel is gripping from the first chapter all the way up to the last, mind-blowing reveal.
I love that dark academia and secret societies are still in. There's something about the secrets, drama, and overall darkness that entwines its way throughout these types of novels. A HOUSE OF VIPERS is no exception. This is a very easy-to-read book. The points of view flows nicely from one to the other without feeling like something was missing. It's unpredictable and well-written; however, at the 70% mark or so, I did have a hunch about who was responsible for what was going on---I was right, but it took me so long. And that ending. I was expecting it, but I had hoped I would be wrong...
A HOUSE OF VIPERS, though something that's been done before, Jackson adds a fresh take with the mysterious treasure at Meddlehart Academy. The riddles and clues were a nice touch.That's what made this novel.
A HOUSE OF VIPERS by Emma Jackson (April 28, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, GetUnderlined, and Delacorte for the earc
A year and a half after Lawson Heyward's disappeared from Meddlehart Academy, his brother Sutter seems to be the only one who hasn't given up finding him. When he and his friends find clues that Lawson was searching for buried treasure, and that there is a secret society, they don't hesitate to join. Quickly they realize the order of vipers is dangerous, and the truth is deadly.
A HOUSE OF VIPERS is a YA thriller. This is a multi-pov, dark academia that blends a prestigious academy, mysterious societies, and treasure. Found family and a love triangle help make up this read. Jackson's debut novel is gripping from the first chapter all the way up to the last, mind-blowing reveal.
I love that dark academia and secret societies are still in. There's something about the secrets, drama, and overall darkness that entwines its way throughout these types of novels. A HOUSE OF VIPERS is no exception. This is a very easy-to-read book. The points of view flows nicely from one to the other without feeling like something was missing. It's unpredictable and well-written; however, at the 70% mark or so, I did have a hunch about who was responsible for what was going on---I was right, but it took me so long. And that ending. I was expecting it, but I had hoped I would be wrong...
A HOUSE OF VIPERS, though something that's been done before, Jackson adds a fresh take with the mysterious treasure at Meddlehart Academy. The riddles and clues were a nice touch.That's what made this novel.
May 14, 2026
The thing that I noticed while reading this book — that hasn't occurred with any other book I've read — was that the characters felt very teenage-like. And what I mean is that their actions, thoughts, personalities, behavior and even conversations (at least to me, though I'm not a native English speaker) felt authentic. As a teenager, I can say that they acted genuinely and I think that's a hard thing to accomplish. I haven't read about any other characters that would give me this specific sense of realism and I loved that here.
The mystery aspect of the book was very enjoyable, I was intrigued and wanted to know things so badly! I haven't read many dark academia books yet, but if that's what the genre feels like, then I think I need to grab some more dark academia novels.
On a more emotional note, Sutter was my favorite of the five. He just clicked with me and became that character you're constantly waiting to appear on the pages.
*warning! a spoiler below*
My team didn't win the love triangle... But, that's my personal opinion. I just didn't vibe with Grayson as much and can't even fully explain why. It could have been the mood I was in at the time. But overall, the romance aspect is written very well and feels logical. The decision Fallon made in the end made sense. I guess that's the risk with love triangles — you can end up on the losing side. But as Margot said, everyone loves love triangles :)
*end of the spoilers*
It was a very fun read. Would recommend if you're looking for a standalone mystery with a love triangle, well-written emotionally layered characters, dark academia vibes, and of course some plot twists!
The mystery aspect of the book was very enjoyable, I was intrigued and wanted to know things so badly! I haven't read many dark academia books yet, but if that's what the genre feels like, then I think I need to grab some more dark academia novels.
On a more emotional note, Sutter was my favorite of the five. He just clicked with me and became that character you're constantly waiting to appear on the pages.
*warning! a spoiler below*
My team didn't win the love triangle... But, that's my personal opinion. I just didn't vibe with Grayson as much and can't even fully explain why. It could have been the mood I was in at the time. But overall, the romance aspect is written very well and feels logical. The decision Fallon made in the end made sense. I guess that's the risk with love triangles — you can end up on the losing side. But as Margot said, everyone loves love triangles :)
*end of the spoilers*
It was a very fun read. Would recommend if you're looking for a standalone mystery with a love triangle, well-written emotionally layered characters, dark academia vibes, and of course some plot twists!
November 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for sending me this eARC! The premise immediately hooked me since boarding school mysteries are right up my alley, so I was excited to see "A House of Vipers" available on NetGalley.
On the positive side, I loved the friendship dynamic between the gang. They are amusing, likeable characters with unique personalities, and they keep the reader invested. It was refreshing to see how much they cared about each other, and I wish we got to see more of them being the fun friend group they're described as "in the good old days", as Carter says. The school's history was also enticing, particularly Meddleheart's poems that left the trail of breadcrumbs leading to the treasure.
In terms of the grand reveal at the end, I did sort of guess who the villain would be, which was unfortunate. However, there were other things that did surprise me, so all was not in vain. I also feel like the mystery was slightly underwhelming in some parts of the story- I forgot about the poem left in Grayson's locker until halfway through the book. Plus, it was painful watching Sutter push his friends away, although that's par for the course given his situation. I'm glad he came to his senses eventually, because a fractured friendship would've stung even more.
Based on the little snippet in the last chapter, "A House of Vipers" could possibly be getting a sequel, which I would definitely be in favour of (although the poor gang has seriously been through enough drama).
On the positive side, I loved the friendship dynamic between the gang. They are amusing, likeable characters with unique personalities, and they keep the reader invested. It was refreshing to see how much they cared about each other, and I wish we got to see more of them being the fun friend group they're described as "in the good old days", as Carter says. The school's history was also enticing, particularly Meddleheart's poems that left the trail of breadcrumbs leading to the treasure.
In terms of the grand reveal at the end, I did sort of guess who the villain would be, which was unfortunate. However, there were other things that did surprise me, so all was not in vain. I also feel like the mystery was slightly underwhelming in some parts of the story- I forgot about the poem left in Grayson's locker until halfway through the book. Plus, it was painful watching Sutter push his friends away, although that's par for the course given his situation. I'm glad he came to his senses eventually, because a fractured friendship would've stung even more.
Based on the little snippet in the last chapter, "A House of Vipers" could possibly be getting a sequel, which I would definitely be in favour of (although the poor gang has seriously been through enough drama).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Get Underlined @GetUnderlined #GetUnderlinedPartner Delacorte Press @delacortepress and Emma Jackson @authoremmajackson for this free book! PUBLISHED APRIL 28, 2026.
“A House of Vipers” by Emma Jackson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: YA Dark Academia.
A year and a half ago, Sutter Heyward’s brother Lawson vanished from secluded Meddlehart Academy, a prestigious boarding school in the mountains of Colorado. Now Sutter and his friends Fallon and Grayson are joining the secret Order of the Vipers to find clues about Lawson's disappearance, which seems tied to a hidden treasure on campus. They quickly realize becoming a Viper involves dangerous initiation rituals. As they get closer to the deadly truth, they discover some things were meant to stay buried.
Author Jackson’s novel starts off slow, but it picks up as it continues, leading to a big ending. She includes secret societies, treasure hunts, found family, and a love triangle. Jackson alternates between Sutter, Fallon, and Grayson’s points of view, giving each character their own quirks and reason for investigating. It’s a dark academia atmosphere full of lies, puzzles, and backstabbing. If you’re a fan of The Inheritance Games and Wednesday, this is your kind of book! And, there’s a hint of future adventures, so it’s 4⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #ahouseofvipers #emmajackson
“A House of Vipers” by Emma Jackson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: YA Dark Academia.
A year and a half ago, Sutter Heyward’s brother Lawson vanished from secluded Meddlehart Academy, a prestigious boarding school in the mountains of Colorado. Now Sutter and his friends Fallon and Grayson are joining the secret Order of the Vipers to find clues about Lawson's disappearance, which seems tied to a hidden treasure on campus. They quickly realize becoming a Viper involves dangerous initiation rituals. As they get closer to the deadly truth, they discover some things were meant to stay buried.
Author Jackson’s novel starts off slow, but it picks up as it continues, leading to a big ending. She includes secret societies, treasure hunts, found family, and a love triangle. Jackson alternates between Sutter, Fallon, and Grayson’s points of view, giving each character their own quirks and reason for investigating. It’s a dark academia atmosphere full of lies, puzzles, and backstabbing. If you’re a fan of The Inheritance Games and Wednesday, this is your kind of book! And, there’s a hint of future adventures, so it’s 4⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #ahouseofvipers #emmajackson
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a complimentary ALC from PRH-Audio via their influencer program, and I ate this book up making it very easy to offer my voluntary thoughts in this review.
You know I love me some YA dark academia with a side of secret society, so I was really excited going into this one. I ended up finishing the audiobook in one sitting because I genuinely did not want to stop.
Now I will say that while the narrators, Giordan Diaz, Jorjeana Marie, Max Meyers, and Eli Schiff, did a fabulous job bringing the story to life, I did disagree with the casting, particularly the male actors. They sounded too young for the tone they were going for.
This is a YA thriller, but at times it came across more like middle grade in terms of vocal delivery. Not the writing itself, but the choices in tone from the narrators. It created a bit of a disconnect for me while listening. That said, I was still able to power through and absolutely love the book.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV format, which kept everything feeling fresh, varied, and fast-paced. But what stood out most for me was the found family element. It was genuinely heartwarming and really grounded the story.
Sometimes there are just books that click, where you can fully feel all the vibes, and this was exactly that kind of read.
You know I love me some YA dark academia with a side of secret society, so I was really excited going into this one. I ended up finishing the audiobook in one sitting because I genuinely did not want to stop.
Now I will say that while the narrators, Giordan Diaz, Jorjeana Marie, Max Meyers, and Eli Schiff, did a fabulous job bringing the story to life, I did disagree with the casting, particularly the male actors. They sounded too young for the tone they were going for.
This is a YA thriller, but at times it came across more like middle grade in terms of vocal delivery. Not the writing itself, but the choices in tone from the narrators. It created a bit of a disconnect for me while listening. That said, I was still able to power through and absolutely love the book.
I really enjoyed the multiple POV format, which kept everything feeling fresh, varied, and fast-paced. But what stood out most for me was the found family element. It was genuinely heartwarming and really grounded the story.
Sometimes there are just books that click, where you can fully feel all the vibes, and this was exactly that kind of read.
May 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
House of Vipers was dark, addictive, and emotionally intense in a way that kept me fully locked in from beginning to end.
Emma Jackson creates a world filled with manipulation, dangerous relationships, betrayal, and morally gray characters that constantly keep you questioning everyone’s intentions. The atmosphere felt luxurious and seductive while also carrying this underlying tension that made everything feel unstable in the best possible way.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional chaos woven into the relationships. Nothing feels simple or safe, and that unpredictability made the story incredibly bingeable. The chemistry between characters was layered with obsession, control, vulnerability, and power struggles that kept the stakes feeling high throughout the book.
This definitely feels like a read for fans of darker, emotionally messy stories with complicated dynamics and morally questionable characters.
If you enjoy atmospheric dark romance/drama with secrets, tension, and emotional manipulation, this one is worth picking up.
House of Vipers was dark, addictive, and emotionally intense in a way that kept me fully locked in from beginning to end.
Emma Jackson creates a world filled with manipulation, dangerous relationships, betrayal, and morally gray characters that constantly keep you questioning everyone’s intentions. The atmosphere felt luxurious and seductive while also carrying this underlying tension that made everything feel unstable in the best possible way.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional chaos woven into the relationships. Nothing feels simple or safe, and that unpredictability made the story incredibly bingeable. The chemistry between characters was layered with obsession, control, vulnerability, and power struggles that kept the stakes feeling high throughout the book.
This definitely feels like a read for fans of darker, emotionally messy stories with complicated dynamics and morally questionable characters.
If you enjoy atmospheric dark romance/drama with secrets, tension, and emotional manipulation, this one is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a dark Academia mystery and slanted more towards the youth, but at 60 years old I loved the story anyway. Lawson disappears on prom night and even after a year he's not been found, his brother is about the only one still trying to figure out what happened to him. After some information comes up, Sutter drags his friends into an adventure to help him find out what happened to Lawson but there is also a treasure at stake that a secret society is also pursuing. This is a story about chasing the clues and hoping that it brings a successful ending and it pulls us into going along for the journey. I found the story intriguing and though it started a little slow it did pick up the pace and kept me flying through it find the outcome. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the complimentary copy of the story.
November 9, 2025
When it comes to dark academia books, you can't really go wrong and this book hit every note for me in that department! Mystery, suspenseful, creepy vibes and with some romance but nothing grossly over the top nauseating. I really enjoy reading POVs from multiple characters and it's done tastefully where it isn't overly complicated and mucks up the story or gets confusing. This is an absolute must read and I would love to buy a physical copy of this book upon release on 2026!
I've had the honor and privilege of getting approved for an ARC book complimentary in exchange for an honest review and I would love to take the time to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity.
I've had the honor and privilege of getting approved for an ARC book complimentary in exchange for an honest review and I would love to take the time to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity.
April 28, 2026
A House of Vipers was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I think I misread the blurb and formed an expectation based on that, so it took a little longer to get into it at first. Once I sorted my own head out, the story flowed beautifully, offering multiple POVs to help flesh out the tale.
This was more than just a murder mystery. It was a full thriller, creating an escape room feel with multiple puzzles to solve to get to the bottom of the whole ordeal. Plus, we got the found family, love triangle, and secret society tropes, so what more is there to ask for?
My full review is on Parade: https://parade.com/books/gossip-girl-...
This was more than just a murder mystery. It was a full thriller, creating an escape room feel with multiple puzzles to solve to get to the bottom of the whole ordeal. Plus, we got the found family, love triangle, and secret society tropes, so what more is there to ask for?
My full review is on Parade: https://parade.com/books/gossip-girl-...
May 25, 2026
A House of Vipers by Emma Jackson
This YA mystery begins at a boarding school where a young man has gone missing. His younger brother is determined to uncover the truth about what happened, no matter where the clues lead.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the friendship within the group. They stand by each other through every challenge, and their loyalty never wavers. Together, they decide to join the secret society on campus known as The Order of the Vipers, which only pulls them deeper into the mystery.
With every new clue, the tension builds and the truth gets closer. The characters were well developed, and you really get to understand their personalities, motivations, and choices throughout the story. I really enjoyed this one!
4.5/5 ⭐️’s
This YA mystery begins at a boarding school where a young man has gone missing. His younger brother is determined to uncover the truth about what happened, no matter where the clues lead.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the friendship within the group. They stand by each other through every challenge, and their loyalty never wavers. Together, they decide to join the secret society on campus known as The Order of the Vipers, which only pulls them deeper into the mystery.
With every new clue, the tension builds and the truth gets closer. The characters were well developed, and you really get to understand their personalities, motivations, and choices throughout the story. I really enjoyed this one!
4.5/5 ⭐️’s
March 6, 2026
House of Vipers gave me Nancy Drew boarding school vibes, and I devoured this book in 24 hours. The story kept me guessing until the very end as Fallon, Grayson, Sutter, Margot, and Carter investigated Sutter’s brother Lawson’s disappearance and the search for the Meddlehart Academy treasure. I also loved the little teenage love triangle subplot, which was a sweet break from the heavy murder mystery. The writing was also solid, and the book was an overall excellent debut. I’m excited to read more from author Emma Jackson and see what’s next!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Emma Jackson’s A HOUSE OF VIPERS was any absolutely incredible, suspenseful and intriguing mystery. I was so excited for this book, and I was hooked within the first few pages. The cast of characters were incredible, and the found family was one of my favorite parts of the book. Jackson wrote immaculate clues that really leveled up the suspenseful mystery. I loved the twists and turns, and one even took me by surprise which is always enjoyable! An amazing debut from Jackson! I highly recommend this book for fans of mysteries, secret societies, and dark academia. Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Did Not Finish
March 23, 2026A House of Vipers is a young adult mystery novel. A boy goes missing and his brother and his group of friends are on the hunt to find out the truth. We tag along on their journey as we unravel what really happened.
I struggled with this book, the pacing on this story started off too slow for my taste, it did pick up a bit as the novel progressed. The dialogue between the characters is jarring, it does not feel like things children in high school would say. I think I am just not the target audience for this. The thing I did like was the mystery element; it made me intrigued. Overall, if you are a younger person that loves young adult mystery books you might enjoy this.
DNF @ 27%
I struggled with this book, the pacing on this story started off too slow for my taste, it did pick up a bit as the novel progressed. The dialogue between the characters is jarring, it does not feel like things children in high school would say. I think I am just not the target audience for this. The thing I did like was the mystery element; it made me intrigued. Overall, if you are a younger person that loves young adult mystery books you might enjoy this.
DNF @ 27%
May 3, 2026
The disappearance of Lawson Heyward is a mystery to die - or live - for. This story rests on the hidden treasure and mystery surrounding the school's founding, kept relevant by veiled threats and challenges from the secret society still actively hunting to find answers long lost to the past. The core cast has such a solid and sweet friendship that resonates authenticity through their willingness to face any danger together, so none of them has to face it alone. Reading this book felt like getting lost and finding your way home all at the same time and gave me a serious craving for cinnamon-flavored baked goods. I loved every minute!
May 26, 2026
What I appreciate about this story is how it captures the essence of teen friendships and how a group dynamic is threatened by romance. That is eternal. The rest of it, however, had too many tropes from teen mysteries but more on the Scooby Doo side than the Pretty Little Liars side. I got yanked out of the story by a reveal being invisible ink, or the phrase "if we just put our heads together" which is classic Scooby Doo, and also the bougie boarding school setting (goat cheese crostini). Elements like that in the story interfered with my suspension of disbelief and flow of character development which had promise.
March 8, 2026
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I love a boarding school murder (?) mystery. I think I’m getting better at pattern recognition, because I nailed a lot of the story beats. (This is a huge compliment. I love it when little details on lead to a payoff - like the invisible ink!) A House of Vipers does very well at making its high school protagonists feel like high schoolers - the main group is tangled up in love triangles, strained friendships, and trying not to flunk out of school while they hunt for Meddlehart’s treasure, but they still have each other’s backs no matter what. Margot was definitely my favorite character; she didn’t let any of her friends hide behind excuses, and she was there for Fallon from day one. If you’re looking for a quick mystery with dark academia and National Treasure vibes, A House of Vipers should 100% be next on your TBR.
I love a boarding school murder (?) mystery. I think I’m getting better at pattern recognition, because I nailed a lot of the story beats. (This is a huge compliment. I love it when little details on lead to a payoff - like the invisible ink!) A House of Vipers does very well at making its high school protagonists feel like high schoolers - the main group is tangled up in love triangles, strained friendships, and trying not to flunk out of school while they hunt for Meddlehart’s treasure, but they still have each other’s backs no matter what. Margot was definitely my favorite character; she didn’t let any of her friends hide behind excuses, and she was there for Fallon from day one. If you’re looking for a quick mystery with dark academia and National Treasure vibes, A House of Vipers should 100% be next on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The plot didn't capture my attention-- I thought it moved a little slow, and found the plot twist too predictable. I didn't mesh with the characters either and wasn't invested in the romance. Also, it felt like Sutter was sidelined throughout the book, despite him being the driving force of the novel. I hope this works better for others! It's probably just a case of not right for me. If you like boarding schools and treasure hunts, consider checking this one out.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, Random House Children's Books, for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, Random House Children's Books, for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a brilliant, twisty, dark (very dark in places!) academia mystery that also felt somehow so cosy and warm-hearted, from the lovable characters (Grayson 💜) and found family to the evocative mountain setting. The plot snakes (ha) so expertly and I never knew what was round the corner. Teens are going to devour this thriller! Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. There’s a lot to love about this one. Some may say boarding school books have done their time, but I disagree. Sutter’s friend group is filled with such memorable characters (Carter made me laugh out loud), and each POV felt distinctive and natural. Deliciously dark, House of Vipers is going to be the next big dark academia!
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