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The Nocturnals
From the bestselling author of The Best Kind of Beautiful, Frances Whiting, comes an endearing, wise and witty novel of love and friendship, which asks, how far would you go, to protect your friends?
In the summer of 1997, five high school students meet. Nina, the Good Girl. Beatrice, The Poetess. Harriet, the Ghost. Cosmo, the Professor. And Hunter, the Golden Boy. In their last year of school, they become inseparable, five sides of the same star, until a fault line cracks between them, scattering them to all corners of the globe.
Now, fifteen years later, Hunter has called them with his conch shell lips to return to the place where they lived and laughed and cried together, before secrets were whispered, and promises were broken. No-one knows why he has assembled them, but there is no question they will go. Because to outsiders, they might be, in turns, a little bit weird, a little bit glamorous, and a little bit dangerous. But to each other, they are, and always will be, The Nocturnals.
From bestselling author Frances Whiting comes an irresistible, witty, darkly delightful and utterly endearing novel of friendship - and the lengths we will go to protect those who we love.
PRAISE FOR The Nocturnals:
'An alluring novel of thwarted dreams and unrequited love' The Australian
'A new Frances Whiting novel is always a cause for celebration! Frances writes page-turning stories filled with warmth, wit, wisdom and charm. One of my favourite Australian writers.' Liane Moriarty, New York Times Bestselling author of Here One Moment
'Frances Whiting writes friendship with such warmth and precision it made my heart ache in the very best way. I fell in love with these characters - and when I finished the novel, I immediately wanted to ring every friend I adore. The Nocturnals glows with tenderness. It's a witty, soulful story about the families that shape us, the families we choose, and the version of ourselves that surface in the private hours after midnight.' Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of Mad Mabel
'The Nocturnals is witty, luminous and frankly, irresistible. Think The Breakfast Club meets The Great Gatsby - clever, funny, and impossible to put down. I'm calling it as one of the best reads of 2026.' - Rebecca Sparrow, Birds of a Feather Book Club
'From the first page, I knew I was in the hands of a master. Frances weaves the threads of her characters' stories together with such effortless clarity, that I found myself kicking my little feet in bed with anticipation of every next page. I'm bereft that the book is over, and nostalgic for friends that I wish were mine.' Astrid Astrid Jorgensen, Founding Director Pub Choir
In the summer of 1997, five high school students meet. Nina, the Good Girl. Beatrice, The Poetess. Harriet, the Ghost. Cosmo, the Professor. And Hunter, the Golden Boy. In their last year of school, they become inseparable, five sides of the same star, until a fault line cracks between them, scattering them to all corners of the globe.
Now, fifteen years later, Hunter has called them with his conch shell lips to return to the place where they lived and laughed and cried together, before secrets were whispered, and promises were broken. No-one knows why he has assembled them, but there is no question they will go. Because to outsiders, they might be, in turns, a little bit weird, a little bit glamorous, and a little bit dangerous. But to each other, they are, and always will be, The Nocturnals.
From bestselling author Frances Whiting comes an irresistible, witty, darkly delightful and utterly endearing novel of friendship - and the lengths we will go to protect those who we love.
PRAISE FOR The Nocturnals:
'An alluring novel of thwarted dreams and unrequited love' The Australian
'A new Frances Whiting novel is always a cause for celebration! Frances writes page-turning stories filled with warmth, wit, wisdom and charm. One of my favourite Australian writers.' Liane Moriarty, New York Times Bestselling author of Here One Moment
'Frances Whiting writes friendship with such warmth and precision it made my heart ache in the very best way. I fell in love with these characters - and when I finished the novel, I immediately wanted to ring every friend I adore. The Nocturnals glows with tenderness. It's a witty, soulful story about the families that shape us, the families we choose, and the version of ourselves that surface in the private hours after midnight.' Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author of Mad Mabel
'The Nocturnals is witty, luminous and frankly, irresistible. Think The Breakfast Club meets The Great Gatsby - clever, funny, and impossible to put down. I'm calling it as one of the best reads of 2026.' - Rebecca Sparrow, Birds of a Feather Book Club
'From the first page, I knew I was in the hands of a master. Frances weaves the threads of her characters' stories together with such effortless clarity, that I found myself kicking my little feet in bed with anticipation of every next page. I'm bereft that the book is over, and nostalgic for friends that I wish were mine.' Astrid Astrid Jorgensen, Founding Director Pub Choir
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 17, 2026
3.5 stars. Almost amazing. Not sure what was missing, just something wasn’t quite there.
May 30, 2026
3.5
The Nocturnals are a group of five teenagers, an unlikely group of friends attending the same high school. It's the 90s.
Hunter, the golden boy, is the leader of the group.
Nina is the shy, good girl, with Polish-born parents.
Beatrice is beautiful and a rebel. She's in a relationship with Hunter.
Then there's Cosmo, tall, hyper intelligent.
Harriet is the last to join the gang.
The intensity of young relationships, the qualms of growing and moving into adulthood. Some relationships leave a mark more than others.
Fifteen years later, the adults, now in their thirties, are still affected by those formative years and those relationships.
There's a mystery of sorts that had three of them baffled, unsettled.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel, even though it's been done before and the mystery was slightly contrived.
I adore the cover.
The Nocturnals are a group of five teenagers, an unlikely group of friends attending the same high school. It's the 90s.
Hunter, the golden boy, is the leader of the group.
Nina is the shy, good girl, with Polish-born parents.
Beatrice is beautiful and a rebel. She's in a relationship with Hunter.
Then there's Cosmo, tall, hyper intelligent.
Harriet is the last to join the gang.
The intensity of young relationships, the qualms of growing and moving into adulthood. Some relationships leave a mark more than others.
Fifteen years later, the adults, now in their thirties, are still affected by those formative years and those relationships.
There's a mystery of sorts that had three of them baffled, unsettled.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel, even though it's been done before and the mystery was slightly contrived.
I adore the cover.
March 24, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite a couple of early misgivings. The pace of the first third of the book was a bit slow and I always have an issue when authors use made up place names as I like to orient myself in a book for a full immersive experience. However, as the story progressed and the characters became more fleshed out, I really started to enjoy it.
These five teenagers (at the beginning) were very relatable and I even have a son named Hunter who was once likened to the Sun in his friendship group; the one everyone else just orbits around - just like Hunter in this book. And if Hunter is the Sun, then Cosmo is the Moon - the gentle, quiet and reliable one. The girls oscillating between them both. Together they are a cohesive bunch who call themselves The Nocturnals as they only meet under a blind, dark, sky - officially.
This is no “We’re young, let’s get drunk and do crazy stuff” kind of friendship group though. They take a vow to love each other wholly, and they do. Even when they make choices that hurt the others.
Told from a multi-character POV, and switching between their late 90s teen years and forward to when they are on the cusp of 30, then Hunter calls a reunion. The parents play important supporting characters in this book and they are portrayed as loving and supportive in some cases and deeply flawed in others. I highly recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite a couple of early misgivings. The pace of the first third of the book was a bit slow and I always have an issue when authors use made up place names as I like to orient myself in a book for a full immersive experience. However, as the story progressed and the characters became more fleshed out, I really started to enjoy it.
These five teenagers (at the beginning) were very relatable and I even have a son named Hunter who was once likened to the Sun in his friendship group; the one everyone else just orbits around - just like Hunter in this book. And if Hunter is the Sun, then Cosmo is the Moon - the gentle, quiet and reliable one. The girls oscillating between them both. Together they are a cohesive bunch who call themselves The Nocturnals as they only meet under a blind, dark, sky - officially.
This is no “We’re young, let’s get drunk and do crazy stuff” kind of friendship group though. They take a vow to love each other wholly, and they do. Even when they make choices that hurt the others.
Told from a multi-character POV, and switching between their late 90s teen years and forward to when they are on the cusp of 30, then Hunter calls a reunion. The parents play important supporting characters in this book and they are portrayed as loving and supportive in some cases and deeply flawed in others. I highly recommend this book.
May 24, 2026
I ordered this book because it looked interesting.
Then it sat in my TBR pile for a time while I read some other books.
Then I read some reviews that made the book seem too good to be true, so it sat in my TBR pile a little longer, because I just didn't feel like reading 'the flavour of the week'.
This morning I grabbed The Nocturnals from the TBR pile, with a back up book (just in case), and settled down in my arm chair with it and a pot of tea.
Then I got totally and absolutely lost in the pages, the writing, and the stories of these people.
Each and every person in this book became so very real, so very quickly. Even the secondary characters appeared fully formed. Beautifully written, exquisitely presented. A pleasure to read, and a sorrow to put it down and leave when the book was finished.
Damn you Frances Whiting, you had me sobbing.
More than once.
Definitely a book I will recommend.
Then it sat in my TBR pile for a time while I read some other books.
Then I read some reviews that made the book seem too good to be true, so it sat in my TBR pile a little longer, because I just didn't feel like reading 'the flavour of the week'.
This morning I grabbed The Nocturnals from the TBR pile, with a back up book (just in case), and settled down in my arm chair with it and a pot of tea.
Then I got totally and absolutely lost in the pages, the writing, and the stories of these people.
Each and every person in this book became so very real, so very quickly. Even the secondary characters appeared fully formed. Beautifully written, exquisitely presented. A pleasure to read, and a sorrow to put it down and leave when the book was finished.
Damn you Frances Whiting, you had me sobbing.
More than once.
Definitely a book I will recommend.
June 17, 2026
3.5 / The Nocturnals, a chance to relive the elusive dream scenario of high school friendships formed in the late 90s.
While this invoked some memories of the high school experience and similar 80/90s movies about an unlikely group coming together, ultimately it lacked that special something that made me bond with the characters and yearn for that nostalgia.
With some unnecessary repetition of the same facts or quotes from different characters as they reminisced, enough for me to question if the audiobook had skipped back a few chapters, which was annoying. I feel it was a missed chance to give additional character details and make it sharper and more cohesive.
This was my first Frances Whiting book and overall it was fairly good, and I think it would be a great holiday escape read.
Marked up to 4 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️ Audiobook read by Louise Giavas
While this invoked some memories of the high school experience and similar 80/90s movies about an unlikely group coming together, ultimately it lacked that special something that made me bond with the characters and yearn for that nostalgia.
With some unnecessary repetition of the same facts or quotes from different characters as they reminisced, enough for me to question if the audiobook had skipped back a few chapters, which was annoying. I feel it was a missed chance to give additional character details and make it sharper and more cohesive.
This was my first Frances Whiting book and overall it was fairly good, and I think it would be a great holiday escape read.
Marked up to 4 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️ Audiobook read by Louise Giavas
June 3, 2026
I really enjoyed it…my first book read on my new kindle!!!! Easy to read but she has a way of drawing you in to the characters…I wondered if having just watched Off Campus had me enjoying the younger characters and their relationships. Some vibes reminded me of Lessons in Chemistry…because there’s a sciencey character named Cosmo and he has a dog named Rudolph??!!!! It was many years ago I read Jumping on Trampolines but my memory is I thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. Would recommend!
June 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The pacing was slow at times but the characters were very memorable - she writes beautifully! A bit heart wrenching...
The pacing was slow at times but the characters were very memorable - she writes beautifully! A bit heart wrenching...
April 17, 2026
This was such a delightful read!! Excellent dialogue and observations and it was told through many povs which felt a little jarring at times but only because the chapters were occasionally very brief HOWEVER it was very fun because the characters were in conversation with each other in a way that felt really clever and authentic. Set largely at the end of high school where a group of friends get shaken up by a new arrival and all their grand plans for their future are put at risk. Felt very dead poets adjacent but in Australia which is fun. A deep amount of angst which I loved and believably eclectic characters who found each other because they didn't belong anywhere else. Some of Hunter's catchphrases felt a liiiiiitle heavy handed but that's probably because I was head over heels for Beatrice and her being a poet made everything make sense.
May 11, 2026
Good story, well written, but EXCRUCIATINGLY badly narrated by Louise Giavas. Countless mispronunciations, and frequent stumbling over punctuation. At one stage she even says “viligence” instead of “vigilence”. Talk about crucifying a decently written book. I found myself wondering, often, how Louise came to read this book — whether Frances had a say in it, or whether she just had to accept this butchering.
June 3, 2026
The Nocturnals by Frances Whiting @frankywhiting
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why this has been on my bedside table for two weeks shuffled under other books is beyond me. I will never forgive myself.
This is a "one more chapter" but then get devoured by the content read another ten chapters type of book.
I absolutely loved Nina, Cosmo, Beatrice, Hunter and Harriet like they are multidimensional all encompassing real people. I feel like I knew them in high school and was one of them back in 1997. I loved how different and unique each character was and how their family was diverse and distinct, it gave so much substance and depth to the writing and story.
This is a book about flaws, grief, how diversity and different backgrounds can work together, forgiveness and how people can love each other through friendship across time zones ❤️
"In the summer of 1997, five high school students meet. Nina, the Good Girl. Beatrice, The Poetess. Harriet, the Ghost. Cosmo, the Professor. And Hunter, the Golden Boy. In their last year of school, they become inseparable, five sides of the same star, until a fault line cracks between them, scattering them to all corners of the globe.Now, fifteen years later, Hunter has called them with his conch shell lips to return to the place where they lived and laughed and cried together, before secrets were whispered, and promises were broken. No-one knows why he has assembled them, but there is no question they will go. Because to outsiders, they might be, in turns, a little bit weird, a little bit glamorous, and a little bit dangerous. But to each other, they are, and always will be, The Nocturnals."
I want more so much more. I didn't want this book to end. It was so beautifully and respectfully written. I will read and devour everything written by Frances Whiting. Highly recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why this has been on my bedside table for two weeks shuffled under other books is beyond me. I will never forgive myself.
This is a "one more chapter" but then get devoured by the content read another ten chapters type of book.
I absolutely loved Nina, Cosmo, Beatrice, Hunter and Harriet like they are multidimensional all encompassing real people. I feel like I knew them in high school and was one of them back in 1997. I loved how different and unique each character was and how their family was diverse and distinct, it gave so much substance and depth to the writing and story.
This is a book about flaws, grief, how diversity and different backgrounds can work together, forgiveness and how people can love each other through friendship across time zones ❤️
"In the summer of 1997, five high school students meet. Nina, the Good Girl. Beatrice, The Poetess. Harriet, the Ghost. Cosmo, the Professor. And Hunter, the Golden Boy. In their last year of school, they become inseparable, five sides of the same star, until a fault line cracks between them, scattering them to all corners of the globe.Now, fifteen years later, Hunter has called them with his conch shell lips to return to the place where they lived and laughed and cried together, before secrets were whispered, and promises were broken. No-one knows why he has assembled them, but there is no question they will go. Because to outsiders, they might be, in turns, a little bit weird, a little bit glamorous, and a little bit dangerous. But to each other, they are, and always will be, The Nocturnals."
I want more so much more. I didn't want this book to end. It was so beautifully and respectfully written. I will read and devour everything written by Frances Whiting. Highly recommend
May 24, 2026
I didn’t know anything about this book when I picked it up, but I ended up flying through it. The short chapters and timeline jumps made it hard to put down, and I really loved the writing style, characters, and watching all the relationships within the group unfold over time. Everyone felt flawed and human in a way that made it easy to get invested in their lives.
The only thing stopping this from being a 5 star read for me was the reasoning behind the ending, which felt a bit weak and fell a little flat personally. Overall though, I still really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it if you enjoy character-driven stories.
The only thing stopping this from being a 5 star read for me was the reasoning behind the ending, which felt a bit weak and fell a little flat personally. Overall though, I still really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it if you enjoy character-driven stories.
March 29, 2026
The Nocturnals is an engaging story about friendship, belonging, chasing dreams, and trying to find your place in the world. The narrative follows five central characters - Hunter, Nina, Bea, Cosmo, and Harriet -and moves between two timelines: their teenage years and their lives in their late twenties.
In the present-day storyline, the group has drifted apart, though the reasons for this aren’t immediately clear. As the story shifts back to their teenage years, we learn more about each character, their backgrounds, and how they came together to form The Nocturnals. Gradually, the novel builds towards an event that changes their lives forever.
I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the characters when they were teenagers. Their friendships felt genuine, and the glimpses into their families and very different upbringings added depth to their personalities. The story is told through alternating viewpoints, which works well to give each character their own voice and perspective.
There are also a few secrets and twists along the way that keep the story interesting and add an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. Overall, it’s a thoughtful story about friendship, growing up, and the lasting impact of the choices we make.
In the present-day storyline, the group has drifted apart, though the reasons for this aren’t immediately clear. As the story shifts back to their teenage years, we learn more about each character, their backgrounds, and how they came together to form The Nocturnals. Gradually, the novel builds towards an event that changes their lives forever.
I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between the characters when they were teenagers. Their friendships felt genuine, and the glimpses into their families and very different upbringings added depth to their personalities. The story is told through alternating viewpoints, which works well to give each character their own voice and perspective.
There are also a few secrets and twists along the way that keep the story interesting and add an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. Overall, it’s a thoughtful story about friendship, growing up, and the lasting impact of the choices we make.
May 15, 2026
Easy, holiday read with a coming of age type plot line.
April 26, 2026
loved this one. it’s a beautiful story of friendship, belonging and sacrifice. i found the beginning a bit slow to start but enjoyed frances’ writing so much! i finished this book in a weekend pretty much.
it’s set in sydney, where i lived for many years
but some story locations were made up while some were legit… wish that the author used real locations for everything.
the author states she loves the cover of the book but for me, it doesn’t work at all- as the story has no connection to 70s era/disco.
i feel like this book would be great for those who lost their reading mojo and want something go get them back into reading.
it’s set in sydney, where i lived for many years
but some story locations were made up while some were legit… wish that the author used real locations for everything.
the author states she loves the cover of the book but for me, it doesn’t work at all- as the story has no connection to 70s era/disco.
i feel like this book would be great for those who lost their reading mojo and want something go get them back into reading.
Read
April 15, 2026After struggling through a multiple month long reading slump, I picked up The Nocturnals and was instantly gripped!
This book hurts in the most beautiful of way. Whilst it follows a familiar premise; a group of high school oddballs who find themselves when they are with each other, only to have their friendship fall apart. But it just delivers on the premise of the book so well that it still manages to feel fresh!
It perfectly captures the immense teenage angst of longing to feel seen and understood for who you truly are, that kind of platonic yearning that borders upon obsession. The characters were all clearly defined and lovable, I particularly adored Cosmo, and definitely saw a lot of my teenage self in Nina.
An Australian coming of age story of fierce friendship that was so propulsive that I read majority of the book in a single sitting. Definitely going to be looking into other work by this author!
A massive thanks to Harper Collins for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book hurts in the most beautiful of way. Whilst it follows a familiar premise; a group of high school oddballs who find themselves when they are with each other, only to have their friendship fall apart. But it just delivers on the premise of the book so well that it still manages to feel fresh!
It perfectly captures the immense teenage angst of longing to feel seen and understood for who you truly are, that kind of platonic yearning that borders upon obsession. The characters were all clearly defined and lovable, I particularly adored Cosmo, and definitely saw a lot of my teenage self in Nina.
An Australian coming of age story of fierce friendship that was so propulsive that I read majority of the book in a single sitting. Definitely going to be looking into other work by this author!
A massive thanks to Harper Collins for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 7, 2026
You know when you finish a book and feel like the characters could easily be your friends? That’s The Nocturnals by Frances Whiting for me. Instantly added to my list of favourite authors and books. The nostalgia was thick; I graduated high school in 1998 too, so, technically, The Nocturnals ARE my friends. Whiting just went inside and wrote it down for me, personally and splendidly. My only gripe was that it had to end. The characters tousle with each other and their story was weaved into an absorbing finale. I cried these weird kind of graceful joyous tears, not just for their story but for living and feeling and storytelling in general. The sensitive parts were enough for you to feel it deeply, without any unnecessary shock-value. It was also a little momento that no matter how we age, and what we do in life, essentially we are who we are. Even if we do get a little wiser as we grow. It’s a story of essence and how that lasts even longer than memory. I soaked it all up, right down to every last acknowledgment. It’s not like I need to be reminded how much I love reading but it was a cup-filling, aide-memoire, nonetheless (omg, Beatrice!) Even the cover will go down as a favourite. An easy 5 stars. A book for all, but especially the Gen-X nocturnals out there… ✨🖤
February 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and had a very hard time putting it down! I loved the style and the flow, and I really loved each of the very flawed characters. The friendships were written beautifully and it was so nice following The Nocturnals into adulthood.
Only a couple of minor critiques:
1. I love the cover but I don’t feel like it particularly fits the book - I would have preferred a recreation of Beatrice’s final poetry book.
2. The reveal of Harriet’s death really excited me for a moment; I thought we were maybe going to get a supernatural/delusional element wherein Harriet had been dead for quite some time and was a ghost/figment of Hunter’s imagination. I’m not sure how necessary it was for her to die right before the reunion beyond tying up loose ends.
Regardless, I thought this was fantastic and my criticisms clearly didn’t stop it being a 5 star read!
Only a couple of minor critiques:
1. I love the cover but I don’t feel like it particularly fits the book - I would have preferred a recreation of Beatrice’s final poetry book.
2. The reveal of Harriet’s death really excited me for a moment; I thought we were maybe going to get a supernatural/delusional element wherein Harriet had been dead for quite some time and was a ghost/figment of Hunter’s imagination. I’m not sure how necessary it was for her to die right before the reunion beyond tying up loose ends.
Regardless, I thought this was fantastic and my criticisms clearly didn’t stop it being a 5 star read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me a copy.
This book was so good! I loved how we were able to follow the group of friends, The Nocturnals, through their timelines. From high school students, to adults and to right now. The story showed what life could be like for everybody and how everybody's story in life is different. It had a strong message about life choices, consequences of those actions, family matters, friendship and betrayal and heartbreak.
There was a little twist which I wasn't expecting at all but it was told so well that it fit into the story line. This part did in fact make me teary.
Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot and would absolutely recommend it.
This book was so good! I loved how we were able to follow the group of friends, The Nocturnals, through their timelines. From high school students, to adults and to right now. The story showed what life could be like for everybody and how everybody's story in life is different. It had a strong message about life choices, consequences of those actions, family matters, friendship and betrayal and heartbreak.
There was a little twist which I wasn't expecting at all but it was told so well that it fit into the story line. This part did in fact make me teary.
Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot and would absolutely recommend it.
June 12, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Beautifully Human, Warm and Wise
full review ⬇️
To me, the sign of a brilliant author is one who can make me fall in love with a genre that is not always my cup of tea. Bravo Frances who made me feel like this literary gem was just like a warm conversation with very interesting people!
The Nocturnals is packed with quirky loveable characters, sharp observations and the kind of humour that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
But beneath the wit is a story with real heart that explores loneliness, connection, friendship and the ways people find each other when they need it most and it was written so well.
The characters absolutely make this book. They felt like friends. Flawed, funny, frustrating and completely believable friends. I found myself more invested in their lives than my own 😅
It's one of those books where not a lot of dramatic, world ending things happen and usually that’s where this genre loses me but I found myself genuinely caring about the people in this story.
If you love character driven stories, found family vibes, clever humour and a story that leaves you feeling a little more hopeful about people, this is such a rewarding read.
A gentle trigger warning for domestic violence themes that occur.
Vibe check: Beautifully Human, Warm and Wise
full review ⬇️
To me, the sign of a brilliant author is one who can make me fall in love with a genre that is not always my cup of tea. Bravo Frances who made me feel like this literary gem was just like a warm conversation with very interesting people!
The Nocturnals is packed with quirky loveable characters, sharp observations and the kind of humour that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
But beneath the wit is a story with real heart that explores loneliness, connection, friendship and the ways people find each other when they need it most and it was written so well.
The characters absolutely make this book. They felt like friends. Flawed, funny, frustrating and completely believable friends. I found myself more invested in their lives than my own 😅
It's one of those books where not a lot of dramatic, world ending things happen and usually that’s where this genre loses me but I found myself genuinely caring about the people in this story.
If you love character driven stories, found family vibes, clever humour and a story that leaves you feeling a little more hopeful about people, this is such a rewarding read.
A gentle trigger warning for domestic violence themes that occur.
May 12, 2026
A beautiful story about coming of age, the bounds of friendship and love
I was all aboard for this beautiful story about coming of age, the bounds of friendship and love throughout life’s adversities. I felt I really got to know and love each of the main characters and I didn’t want the story to end when it did, but I guess that is what imagination is for. Now I’m off to read the best kind of beautiful.
I was all aboard for this beautiful story about coming of age, the bounds of friendship and love throughout life’s adversities. I felt I really got to know and love each of the main characters and I didn’t want the story to end when it did, but I guess that is what imagination is for. Now I’m off to read the best kind of beautiful.
May 14, 2026
okayyyyy!! the writing style and the characters made this book into a great and engaging read, the dialogue and interactions of the characters when they’re in high school were so genuine and authentic! They all felt real and 3D and literally like people you have known in real life, and also a little bit like an Australian Dead Poets Society? I liked the bit of mystery that came with why they had drifted apart in their adulthood as well and the little twist (?) definitely got me at the end
May 24, 2026
Love, love , loved it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Definitely, a “just one more chapter” book that was like getting drip feed a delicious meal of friendship and love , but with all the reality of things not going to plan, but hope keeping everything alive.
I’m so incredibly sad for Harriet… I loved Nina’s mum as much as all of the Nocturnals, and we all know a Hunter.
First book of Francis Whitings I’ve read, but I will be ordering her othered straight away
Definitely, a “just one more chapter” book that was like getting drip feed a delicious meal of friendship and love , but with all the reality of things not going to plan, but hope keeping everything alive.
I’m so incredibly sad for Harriet… I loved Nina’s mum as much as all of the Nocturnals, and we all know a Hunter.
First book of Francis Whitings I’ve read, but I will be ordering her othered straight away
May 31, 2026
A delightful coming of age story! It was enjoyable, easy, and digestible. I really liked the formatting - the timeline shifts, seamless jumps between character perspectives, and short chapters.
I was starting to feel let down around 80% of the way through, wondering where it could possibly land but thought the way the story was wrapped up was very sweet.
My rating is more accurately somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, but is still recommend it.
I was starting to feel let down around 80% of the way through, wondering where it could possibly land but thought the way the story was wrapped up was very sweet.
My rating is more accurately somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4, but is still recommend it.
June 14, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. I adored this novel full of nostalgia, formative friendships and both the love and hurt we can inflict on each other. I loved each character in turn, despite, and perhaps because of their flaws. Each character was so fully formed and alive. Although some of the decisions they made don’t make sense as an adult reader I think when you put it in the context of a teenage lens it makes complete sense. Loved it! Loved all the nocturnals!
April 15, 2026
oh my god. tears. incredible. this is my type of book. the complexities of teenage friendship to then adulthood. it’s so perfect.
April 30, 2026
Simply beautiful.
May 8, 2026
Rounding up from 3.5. I liked the characters but didn’t really buy the main twist for some reason. And not that it’s a problem but it felt like YA fiction given most of it was based in high school.
June 18, 2026
The nocturnals show how important and valuable good friendships are. That can save and protect you from the rest of the world, even from family.
June 23, 2026
wholly underwhelming. it had really great potential but tell totally flat and left me wanting. such a shame
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