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White Lights #1
White Lights
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26#1
New York Times
bestselling author Lauren Kate, whose Fallen series has over 10 million copies in print and has sold over 11 million copies of her novels around the world, is returning to the romantasy world of angels that's perfect for Fallen fans and new audiences alike.
When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemona’s life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him—and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospital…and Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies, at a school she’s never heard of. Soon, she’s dropped into Acheron’s cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition.
Acheron may seem like the ticket to a future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale—with more than her heart on the line.
When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemona’s life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him—and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospital…and Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies, at a school she’s never heard of. Soon, she’s dropped into Acheron’s cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition.
Acheron may seem like the ticket to a future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale—with more than her heart on the line.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2026
About the author
Lauren Kate
31 books26.8k followersLauren Kate is the author of novels 15 novels including the FALLEN series, now an Emmy-winning television series on AMC+. Her forthcoming angel-focused romantasy trilogy, WHITE LIGHTS, will publish in June 2026. She lives in Laurel Canyon with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Want to Read
April 25, 2026OMG guys, Lauren Kate is back with a brand new angel series and it’s a trilogy! 😍 I’m so excited because she confirmed it’s in the same metaverse as Fallen, so even though it focuses on new characters, we might get some small connections to the world we love. It’s not a continuation of the old characters (sadly 😢).
The prologue is already out and you can read it here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertai...
I’m already hyped to see what she does with it. And yes, I’ll be keeping an eye out for every little hint that connects back to the Fallen series 😉
Update: There’s a preorder bonus called Samael’s Choice, a short story from the Angel of Death’s POV. It’s described by Lauren as a “secret scene” with a “shocking revelation,” and she hinted it might reveal something important about the connection or lore with Fallen. It's only available if you preorder White Lights (any format), you can get digital access (US and Canada only).
The prologue is already out and you can read it here: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertai...
I’m already hyped to see what she does with it. And yes, I’ll be keeping an eye out for every little hint that connects back to the Fallen series 😉
Update: There’s a preorder bonus called Samael’s Choice, a short story from the Angel of Death’s POV. It’s described by Lauren as a “secret scene” with a “shocking revelation,” and she hinted it might reveal something important about the connection or lore with Fallen. It's only available if you preorder White Lights (any format), you can get digital access (US and Canada only).
Want to Read
March 31, 2026✨🪽 White Lights 🪽✨
I really wanted to love this, as I’m a big fan of this author, but I struggled with it. The first 150 pages felt quite slow for me, and I found myself putting it down frequently because I had a difficult time staying focused.
This may be a case where the audiobook format works better for me, so I am open to revisiting it that way. Overall, I was a bit disappointed, as I had been hoping for a stronger interest to the story.
🖤 What to Expect
• Angel romantasy
• Elite film school
• Dark academia
• Deadly competition
_ _ __
⭐ Final Score: 3 stars
📅 Pub Date: June 9, 2026
📝 Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I really wanted to love this, as I’m a big fan of this author, but I struggled with it. The first 150 pages felt quite slow for me, and I found myself putting it down frequently because I had a difficult time staying focused.
This may be a case where the audiobook format works better for me, so I am open to revisiting it that way. Overall, I was a bit disappointed, as I had been hoping for a stronger interest to the story.
🖤 What to Expect
• Angel romantasy
• Elite film school
• Dark academia
• Deadly competition
_ _ __
⭐ Final Score: 3 stars
📅 Pub Date: June 9, 2026
📝 Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 14, 2026
This book was, frankly, absurd. It was the literary equivalent of a 52 car pile-up trammeled by a runaway rail-car. It felt like if you read the plot of every early 2010's Paranormal Fantasy Romance from the teen section and then hallucinated a more adult-forward plot, with the adult elements just being... more sexual content.
I still don't entirely understand why lust/sex played such a huge role in many of the main world mechanics at play here. It was spotlighted in a way that bordered on unnatural. It also felt a bit... out of accordance with the type of beings that take center stage in this book? The only rationale I can think of is that it makes for a more adult book, but it certainly doesn't make for a more interesting narrative.
And yet I found it to be addicting, to the point that I'll probably still read the second book when it comes out. But boy oh boy, there was so much about this plot that was absolutely ludicrous, and my reading of this book required multiple pauses just so that I could briefly stare at my ceiling and contemplate what on earth I was spending my time reading.
Bottom line: The central concept itself was extremely cool and unique. I've never seen another author take on such an ambitious idea and make it completely their own. I just wish it wasn't sidelined by weak character-building, tacky dialogue, and romantic attachments that don't make any sense (she met Asher ONCE and hardly knew him. Why was she so obsessed with him, and how could a single-day encounter possibly be life-altering for the both of them?)
I still don't entirely understand why lust/sex played such a huge role in many of the main world mechanics at play here. It was spotlighted in a way that bordered on unnatural. It also felt a bit... out of accordance with the type of beings that take center stage in this book? The only rationale I can think of is that it makes for a more adult book, but it certainly doesn't make for a more interesting narrative.
And yet I found it to be addicting, to the point that I'll probably still read the second book when it comes out. But boy oh boy, there was so much about this plot that was absolutely ludicrous, and my reading of this book required multiple pauses just so that I could briefly stare at my ceiling and contemplate what on earth I was spending my time reading.
Bottom line: The central concept itself was extremely cool and unique. I've never seen another author take on such an ambitious idea and make it completely their own. I just wish it wasn't sidelined by weak character-building, tacky dialogue, and romantic attachments that don't make any sense (she met Asher ONCE and hardly knew him. Why was she so obsessed with him, and how could a single-day encounter possibly be life-altering for the both of them?)
Want to Read
November 7, 2025We are so back
May 12, 2026
Lauren Kate had me in an absolute chokehold back in the early 2010s and she is the sole responsible for my obsession with paranormal romances featuring angels. When I tell you I had read Fallen then went and bought every single angel featuring book after. It’s a core memory for me as a reader.
So imagine how absolutely pleased I was to see little Easter eggs in her newest books nodding back to Daniel Grigori and his ever resurrecting Luce. But here’s the thing, I was used to her very clean character driven YA writing so imagine my absolute surprise reading this and realizing we are definitely not in Kansas anymore. Yes, I read the words “holy cock” and yes my eyes were popping out of my sockets at the sheer absurdity of WHAT AM I READING. But boy did I have a fantastic time.
I finished the entire thing in one evening. I loved the academy setting (once again a full circle moment from fallen) and the mortal girl meets angel. Mystery plot, grief, absolute insane unhinged spice scenes, the entertainment value is over the roof. This is a very much 5 stars because I could not put it down, I needed to read what happens next and honestly while ridiculous in the best possible way, I truly enjoyed the plot. And the last 50 pages whoaaa, maybe I should have seen it coming but I definitely did not. The cliffhanger is brutal and I did not think this is the direction we were heading into. Absolutely can not wait to see the world expansion that it will be book 2 and sad times for me cause this was an arc so I’ll have to wait even longer.
I want to quickly touch on the characters because, again, the ones from her early YA series really stayed with me and I appreciate Rafe and Dez so much. Rafe is very charismatic devil may care attitude while Dez is reserved, focused on her art and finding the truth of what is happening around her. I really enjoyed where their story went and enjoyed them together. I am especially interested in seeing where Rafes character ends up.
My heart is happy and reading this book truly felt like a full circle moment for me. Pick this one up if you want those 2010s paranormal romance vibes.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc, I am forever grateful!
So imagine how absolutely pleased I was to see little Easter eggs in her newest books nodding back to Daniel Grigori and his ever resurrecting Luce. But here’s the thing, I was used to her very clean character driven YA writing so imagine my absolute surprise reading this and realizing we are definitely not in Kansas anymore. Yes, I read the words “holy cock” and yes my eyes were popping out of my sockets at the sheer absurdity of WHAT AM I READING. But boy did I have a fantastic time.
I finished the entire thing in one evening. I loved the academy setting (once again a full circle moment from fallen) and the mortal girl meets angel. Mystery plot, grief, absolute insane unhinged spice scenes, the entertainment value is over the roof. This is a very much 5 stars because I could not put it down, I needed to read what happens next and honestly while ridiculous in the best possible way, I truly enjoyed the plot. And the last 50 pages whoaaa, maybe I should have seen it coming but I definitely did not. The cliffhanger is brutal and I did not think this is the direction we were heading into. Absolutely can not wait to see the world expansion that it will be book 2 and sad times for me cause this was an arc so I’ll have to wait even longer.
I want to quickly touch on the characters because, again, the ones from her early YA series really stayed with me and I appreciate Rafe and Dez so much. Rafe is very charismatic devil may care attitude while Dez is reserved, focused on her art and finding the truth of what is happening around her. I really enjoyed where their story went and enjoyed them together. I am especially interested in seeing where Rafes character ends up.
My heart is happy and reading this book truly felt like a full circle moment for me. Pick this one up if you want those 2010s paranormal romance vibes.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc, I am forever grateful!
Want to Read
January 16, 2026OMG!!!! What!!! Its happening! ❤️❤️❤️🤯 What's the procedure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren Kate for my ARC read of White Lights.
White Lights is unlike any book I have read before. The plot of this book includes angels and what happens behind the scenes that mortals can't see. The story follows an aspiring film maker Desdemona (Dez) in her daily life until one night something unexpected happens that changes the course of her life and everything she thought she knew about it. Following the events of that night she meets Rafe, who becomes a big part of her new reality. Dez goes through some more events that don't add up to her until she pieces it all together. After that everything changes.
The story itself was good overall and kept me entertained. It can be slower in parts and more through the middle but overall a good read. #WhiteLights #NetGalley
White Lights is unlike any book I have read before. The plot of this book includes angels and what happens behind the scenes that mortals can't see. The story follows an aspiring film maker Desdemona (Dez) in her daily life until one night something unexpected happens that changes the course of her life and everything she thought she knew about it. Following the events of that night she meets Rafe, who becomes a big part of her new reality. Dez goes through some more events that don't add up to her until she pieces it all together. After that everything changes.
The story itself was good overall and kept me entertained. It can be slower in parts and more through the middle but overall a good read. #WhiteLights #NetGalley
February 15, 2026
I'm a HUGE Lauren Kate fan, so when I was approved for an eARC of White Lights on my NetGalley account I couldn't wait to start reading. I love that she takes us back to a story that feels reminiscent of the Fallen series. I was hanging on every word and stayed up half the night to finish it. It's often said that all of the stories have already been written, just in different ways and with different characters, but White Lights hits a little different. When Dez gets recruited by Rafe to the elite film school, Acheron, she knows it's her best option given the circumstances of her involvement in her brother's violent attack that left him critically hospitalized. Dez and Rafe's relationship feels complex from the get-go, so I knew it was going to be a tumultuous ride, but I was completely blown away as more and more of the story unfolded. I also loved the other characters and their importance to the storyline. What I found most mesmerizing was the way Dez's filmmaking skills were described and revealed. White Lights is so well written that I felt like I was truly immersed within the story. It has all the perfect elements of a must-read--romance, suspense, deception, complicated relationships, and the possibilities of what happens in the next book in the series. Thank you immensely to Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and Lauren Kate for the opportunity to read White Lights as an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I've already got my physical copy preordered!
February 23, 2026
I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t keep reading. I had the ick so hard, I DNF’ed at 18%.
I don’t know where this book is going and I don’t care. Not only is the writing choppy, but it is all graphic violence (by chapter 4 someone’s eyeball pops out and another guys face melts off) and so much sex. I stopped when we discovered our FMC’s roommate is a dominatrix and rude to Dez. I’m not a prude but I can only take so much. Especially when the MMC was cuddling up with another naked woman all evening while the FMC felt abandoned at the bar because she didn’t know anyone.
I love Lauren Kate and I loved the Fallen series. I would read that series a million times more before I picked this book up again.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t know where this book is going and I don’t care. Not only is the writing choppy, but it is all graphic violence (by chapter 4 someone’s eyeball pops out and another guys face melts off) and so much sex. I stopped when we discovered our FMC’s roommate is a dominatrix and rude to Dez. I’m not a prude but I can only take so much. Especially when the MMC was cuddling up with another naked woman all evening while the FMC felt abandoned at the bar because she didn’t know anyone.
I love Lauren Kate and I loved the Fallen series. I would read that series a million times more before I picked this book up again.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
Reading White Lights brought back a wave of nostalgia for me. I remember loving Lauren Kate’s Fallen series years ago, so it was nice stepping into a new story from her again.
Overall, I really enjoyed the premise. It’s intriguing and clearly setting the stage for a much bigger story, which makes me curious to see where the rest of the series goes.
There were a few things that didn’t fully work for me, though. Some of the moments where Dez expresses—and acts—on her physical attraction to Rafe felt a bit awkwardly placed. At times it was also the wording of her desire for him that pulled me out of the scene, and those moments didn’t always flow naturally with what was happening in the story. That said, I still felt a strong underlying tension between them, and I really enjoyed that dynamic regardless.
At times, the more overtly sexual elements of the story felt like an attempt to move the narrative out of the YA space and into a more adult category, which makes sense given how many readers enjoy a spicier read. Personally, I think those elements could have been integrated more smoothly into the emotional flow of the story. That said, I would have enjoyed the story just as much without them.
Interestingly, I also found myself rooting for Rafe—even after learning more about him. His chemistry with Dez felt very intense and palpable, which made their interactions compelling to read.
In comparison, I struggled with the lingering attraction Dez had for Asher. Considering she only spent a short time with him, it felt hard to believe that those thoughts and feelings followed her throughout her entire time at Acheron—though it could hint at some kind of fated connection. That tension culminates in a moment near the end where she declares her love for him, which appears to shift his fate in a way that promises big consequences for the rest of the series.
More broadly, the story seems to explore the importance of love, not just for her but for those around her. Many of the characters seem to have accepted that they cannot feel love in order to fully embrace who they are, which adds an interesting layer to the dynamics. It makes me wonder if her desire for love might eventually disrupt the absence of love that those around her have long accepted, showing what they might be willing to risk to feel it themselves.
Nevertheless, since this is only the beginning of the series, I’m definitely reserving some judgment to see where the story goes. There’s enough intrigue here that I’m looking forward to seeing how everything develops in future books.
Overall, I really enjoyed the premise. It’s intriguing and clearly setting the stage for a much bigger story, which makes me curious to see where the rest of the series goes.
There were a few things that didn’t fully work for me, though. Some of the moments where Dez expresses—and acts—on her physical attraction to Rafe felt a bit awkwardly placed. At times it was also the wording of her desire for him that pulled me out of the scene, and those moments didn’t always flow naturally with what was happening in the story. That said, I still felt a strong underlying tension between them, and I really enjoyed that dynamic regardless.
At times, the more overtly sexual elements of the story felt like an attempt to move the narrative out of the YA space and into a more adult category, which makes sense given how many readers enjoy a spicier read. Personally, I think those elements could have been integrated more smoothly into the emotional flow of the story. That said, I would have enjoyed the story just as much without them.
Interestingly, I also found myself rooting for Rafe—even after learning more about him. His chemistry with Dez felt very intense and palpable, which made their interactions compelling to read.
In comparison, I struggled with the lingering attraction Dez had for Asher. Considering she only spent a short time with him, it felt hard to believe that those thoughts and feelings followed her throughout her entire time at Acheron—though it could hint at some kind of fated connection. That tension culminates in a moment near the end where she declares her love for him, which appears to shift his fate in a way that promises big consequences for the rest of the series.
More broadly, the story seems to explore the importance of love, not just for her but for those around her. Many of the characters seem to have accepted that they cannot feel love in order to fully embrace who they are, which adds an interesting layer to the dynamics. It makes me wonder if her desire for love might eventually disrupt the absence of love that those around her have long accepted, showing what they might be willing to risk to feel it themselves.
Nevertheless, since this is only the beginning of the series, I’m definitely reserving some judgment to see where the story goes. There’s enough intrigue here that I’m looking forward to seeing how everything develops in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Did not live up to my own personal hype
**ARC READ**
3.5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Single/third person POV (only prologue is from MMC POV)
Book 1 in a trilogy
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
Thank you to NetGalley & to Grand Central Publishing for granting me this arc read.
I’m not quite sure what I’m feeling towards this book; it’s certainly a mixed bag😪
The good
So here is this author that I very much enjoyed as a teenager coming out with a NA series now that I am an adult myself. Kate’s writing style has not changed. It’s still overly simplistic & easy to read & digest which really drew forth my nostalgia. Especially since the premise here happens to also be about angels, like in her OG Fallen series.
I love that the synopsis is so straightforward but without giving too much away because one needs to have as little information as possible going into this. The summary also feels almost misleading in a way because for the first half of the book, I was right there with the FMC: not a clue what is even happening/where could this possibly be going. The writing may be simple but it’s so perfectly eerie & quirky in the first half, which only benefited the weird mystery & suspense of the FMC’s messed up situation. The pacing was fast paced & soooooo well done, without any lulls.
Just when I thought I got the hang of the strange plot, then the second half of the book really revs things up since we finally get to the unique premise of angels. This literally turns into a grown up version of Fallen😅Getting to see the plot unfold around this take on angels/life/death/even religion is so unique & original. Eventually, I was wondering what genre am I reading? It’s such a great fantasy genre blend.
The not so good
That simple writing style (dialogue included) most of the time, was clunky & stilted. The transitions between scenes were stiff & jarring.
Then there’s the cheapest plot tool of the book IMO: the “sex sells.” It seems that in her quest to make this Fallen for adults, Kate didn’t realize that the raunchiness was so unnecessary. Raunchy is too plain a term. All of the spice/sex/smut was so uncomfortable in the wrong way (not in the makes you think way.) It was so forced that it felt insincere & over done; kinda like over acting. The author was pushing for an R rating down the wrong avenue. It just diluted the FMC’s story so much. When there are much stronger adult themes here that one can explore in adult fiction about angels/heaven/god/.
Which the author certainly tries to explore but these themes never quite hit the mark. The story tries hard to be thought provoking & edgy but ends up falling flat.
Finally, the biggest drawback for me are the romance(s.) She did promise us a love triangle but I honestly feel nothing for both of these dudes. Do not care one bit for her “feelings” for either of them. The primary MMC is so bland no matter how supersonic their insta-lust goes. She also promised enemies to lovers but what we got was basically forced spice. The secondary MMC is just there somewhere😂 (I don’t wanna spoil anything) so I’m hoping we get more of him next book. This story could have done with the primary romance being secondary as well, as opposed to them just lusting over each other. Sucks because there was so much potential with the main dude but she took away from that storyline by giving us horny idiots instead of holy beings that should be wise beyond their years.
**Releases 06/09/2026**
**ARC READ**
3.5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️
Single/third person POV (only prologue is from MMC POV)
Book 1 in a trilogy
Format: e-arc
Spoiler free
Thank you to NetGalley & to Grand Central Publishing for granting me this arc read.
I’m not quite sure what I’m feeling towards this book; it’s certainly a mixed bag😪
The good
So here is this author that I very much enjoyed as a teenager coming out with a NA series now that I am an adult myself. Kate’s writing style has not changed. It’s still overly simplistic & easy to read & digest which really drew forth my nostalgia. Especially since the premise here happens to also be about angels, like in her OG Fallen series.
I love that the synopsis is so straightforward but without giving too much away because one needs to have as little information as possible going into this. The summary also feels almost misleading in a way because for the first half of the book, I was right there with the FMC: not a clue what is even happening/where could this possibly be going. The writing may be simple but it’s so perfectly eerie & quirky in the first half, which only benefited the weird mystery & suspense of the FMC’s messed up situation. The pacing was fast paced & soooooo well done, without any lulls.
Just when I thought I got the hang of the strange plot, then the second half of the book really revs things up since we finally get to the unique premise of angels. This literally turns into a grown up version of Fallen😅Getting to see the plot unfold around this take on angels/life/death/even religion is so unique & original. Eventually, I was wondering what genre am I reading? It’s such a great fantasy genre blend.
The not so good
That simple writing style (dialogue included) most of the time, was clunky & stilted. The transitions between scenes were stiff & jarring.
Then there’s the cheapest plot tool of the book IMO: the “sex sells.” It seems that in her quest to make this Fallen for adults, Kate didn’t realize that the raunchiness was so unnecessary. Raunchy is too plain a term. All of the spice/sex/smut was so uncomfortable in the wrong way (not in the makes you think way.) It was so forced that it felt insincere & over done; kinda like over acting. The author was pushing for an R rating down the wrong avenue. It just diluted the FMC’s story so much. When there are much stronger adult themes here that one can explore in adult fiction about angels/heaven/god/.
Which the author certainly tries to explore but these themes never quite hit the mark. The story tries hard to be thought provoking & edgy but ends up falling flat.
Finally, the biggest drawback for me are the romance(s.) She did promise us a love triangle but I honestly feel nothing for both of these dudes. Do not care one bit for her “feelings” for either of them. The primary MMC is so bland no matter how supersonic their insta-lust goes. She also promised enemies to lovers but what we got was basically forced spice. The secondary MMC is just there somewhere😂 (I don’t wanna spoil anything) so I’m hoping we get more of him next book. This story could have done with the primary romance being secondary as well, as opposed to them just lusting over each other. Sucks because there was so much potential with the main dude but she took away from that storyline by giving us horny idiots instead of holy beings that should be wise beyond their years.
**Releases 06/09/2026**
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Advanced Reader Copy of White Lights by Lauren Kate releasing June 9th, 2026!!
3.75/5 Stars
After an accident left mortal Desdemona’s future in limbo, she has no other choice than to accept a surprise offer to a prestigious film school. Although she has never heard of Acheron, her handsome and charming recruiter, Rafe de la Cruz, boasts that it will help her reach her dream of becoming a filmmaker. However, the filmmakers at this school are not what they seem. These angels aren’t your typical wise and calm demeanored perfect beings. They are cunning, seductive, secretive, and at times overly raunchy.
Lauren Kate does an amazing job setting the scene for where the school is. A vast difference from Dez’s home in Death Valley, Acheron is situated in the clouds and mountains, separated by the barbelo. Covered in darkness 24/7, the landscape is spooky and eerie. I had yet to read a book that uses a chilling ski lift as a mode of transportation, but it was fun in this setting. She describes the distinction between the mortal realm and academic setting with such clearness that I thought I was traveling with Dez.
Although Dez initially struck me as naive, if not a little petulant, 75% into the book I became obsessed with her astuteness, determination, and quick thinking. Her peer dynamics shifted, leaving my head spinning in the most suspenseful way possible. Dez and Rafe have an intense and kinetic connection. I have a feeling this will develop into something deeper as the storyline continues, however, the ‘I hate you but lust you’ trope was heavy and watered down the romance for me. It just added unnecessary spice.
I will be reading the next book, the reason for a 3.75/5 is because I wasn’t sure that I like the characters. The sensual and overly lustful nature of the angels was a little too forced for my taste as it appeared to be the basis for most of the side character interactions. Another reader may love it. I have a feeling that this is a series that will only get better. We were left on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one to see where it goes. Dez don’t let me down girl!
Tropes- dark academia, mortals and angels, he mentors her, imaginary love triangle, secret identity
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC via NetGalley!
3.75/5 Stars
After an accident left mortal Desdemona’s future in limbo, she has no other choice than to accept a surprise offer to a prestigious film school. Although she has never heard of Acheron, her handsome and charming recruiter, Rafe de la Cruz, boasts that it will help her reach her dream of becoming a filmmaker. However, the filmmakers at this school are not what they seem. These angels aren’t your typical wise and calm demeanored perfect beings. They are cunning, seductive, secretive, and at times overly raunchy.
Lauren Kate does an amazing job setting the scene for where the school is. A vast difference from Dez’s home in Death Valley, Acheron is situated in the clouds and mountains, separated by the barbelo. Covered in darkness 24/7, the landscape is spooky and eerie. I had yet to read a book that uses a chilling ski lift as a mode of transportation, but it was fun in this setting. She describes the distinction between the mortal realm and academic setting with such clearness that I thought I was traveling with Dez.
Although Dez initially struck me as naive, if not a little petulant, 75% into the book I became obsessed with her astuteness, determination, and quick thinking. Her peer dynamics shifted, leaving my head spinning in the most suspenseful way possible. Dez and Rafe have an intense and kinetic connection. I have a feeling this will develop into something deeper as the storyline continues, however, the ‘I hate you but lust you’ trope was heavy and watered down the romance for me. It just added unnecessary spice.
I will be reading the next book, the reason for a 3.75/5 is because I wasn’t sure that I like the characters. The sensual and overly lustful nature of the angels was a little too forced for my taste as it appeared to be the basis for most of the side character interactions. Another reader may love it. I have a feeling that this is a series that will only get better. We were left on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one to see where it goes. Dez don’t let me down girl!
Tropes- dark academia, mortals and angels, he mentors her, imaginary love triangle, secret identity
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC via NetGalley!
May 5, 2026
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Let’s get something out of the way up front….there’s A LOT happening in this book. Is it overwhelming? A bit. Is it confusing? Yes, there’s some of that too. Is it a series I will continue? Most definitely.
I never read the “Fallen” series but had always heard good things, so I was excited to jump into this one. This is not a book for skimming and if an audiobook comes out, you best be super focused. If you miss even the slightest thing, you’re going to be soooo lost. That said though, I was fascinated. There were so many intricacies that had me questioning things left and right and wanting to know more. Hopefully the wait for book two is not super long.
The characters… well, you don’t really get to learn a whole lot about Asher, so I’m going to leave him out for now. Dez, who is the main FMC, she was kind of lackluster in the beginning but I’m happy to say, she grew on me toward the end. I will say, the be all end all had better be Rafe. I get we are left feeling a certain type of way about this man at the end, but it could be, and I hope it will be, the set up of a great redemption arc. A messy love triangle perhaps? I’m here for it.
Then there’s the ending. The last 15% or so of this book had me gripping my kindle so hard, I’m surprised I didn’t crack it. The suspense in the last bit, I couldn’t have stopped if I wanted to. If I was ready to go to bed, going to work, getting ready to go out… nope! World you must wait until I finish this.
There were a couple things I didn’t like. First, like I said up top, there’s a lot happening. So much, it’s almost like there are one too many ideas in here. Was it a huge deterrent for me? No. For some however, I could see them shying away from this book. Then there was the spice in this book. Look, I’m all for spice, but this was a little over the top. I get it was supposed to be “ethereal” and the best thing since sliced bread, but when you consider what’s happening around them… mmm… maybe pump your brakes, get a hobby, take up knitting? You get the idea. It was just too much.
Overall, I had a great time and can’t wait for book 2.
4 stars!
I never read the “Fallen” series but had always heard good things, so I was excited to jump into this one. This is not a book for skimming and if an audiobook comes out, you best be super focused. If you miss even the slightest thing, you’re going to be soooo lost. That said though, I was fascinated. There were so many intricacies that had me questioning things left and right and wanting to know more. Hopefully the wait for book two is not super long.
The characters… well, you don’t really get to learn a whole lot about Asher, so I’m going to leave him out for now. Dez, who is the main FMC, she was kind of lackluster in the beginning but I’m happy to say, she grew on me toward the end. I will say, the be all end all had better be Rafe. I get we are left feeling a certain type of way about this man at the end, but it could be, and I hope it will be, the set up of a great redemption arc. A messy love triangle perhaps? I’m here for it.
Then there’s the ending. The last 15% or so of this book had me gripping my kindle so hard, I’m surprised I didn’t crack it. The suspense in the last bit, I couldn’t have stopped if I wanted to. If I was ready to go to bed, going to work, getting ready to go out… nope! World you must wait until I finish this.
There were a couple things I didn’t like. First, like I said up top, there’s a lot happening. So much, it’s almost like there are one too many ideas in here. Was it a huge deterrent for me? No. For some however, I could see them shying away from this book. Then there was the spice in this book. Look, I’m all for spice, but this was a little over the top. I get it was supposed to be “ethereal” and the best thing since sliced bread, but when you consider what’s happening around them… mmm… maybe pump your brakes, get a hobby, take up knitting? You get the idea. It was just too much.
Overall, I had a great time and can’t wait for book 2.
4 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
White Lights follows Desxemona as she is thrust into a elite school full of secrets & intrigue, a deadly competition, and the otherworldly.
After her family's restaurant was robbed and her brother was attacked, putting him in the hospital, Dez was the only suspect. Without any other options she accepts help from a mysterious recruit Rafe who whisks her away to a elite secret film school Archeron. While, filmmaking is her life long dream and Archeron may seem like the ticket to the future Dez has always dreamed of, she begins uncovering secrets that may spell disaster.
I was so excited to dive into White Lights. I loved the Fallen novels by Lauren Kate & have read them numerous times and I jumped when I heard she was writing another angel story.
I enjoyed the intrigue of the story. & The feeling of nostalgia of reading another Lauren Kate angel novel, her Fallen series was what started my love for YA paranormal romances back in the day and it snowballed from there, so I was ready to dive into a new book from her!
I did enjoy some of the banter between Rafe & Dez but overall their relationship was a bit back and forth. It was enemies to lovers ish - not quite enemies in the sense but there was some push and pull between them.
Some of the beginning was a little chaotic and I couldn't focus as well on the story at first, but it does pick up later on. And while it was a more adult (new adult) novel - it was written with the ease of a YA story. It was a love triangle - which I usually love - but I was just hung up on why, after only meeting the secondary MMC once for a few hours, why their was such a strong instant connection between them and it threw me off a bit.
I wanted to love this book, and had such high hopes for it, but there was just a few too many drawbacks that didn't let me love it like I wanted to. I'm still intrigued for the overall story and the possible potential to see where it leads, but I have mixed feelings over this first book.
But just because I personally didn't love it - doesn't mean you won't love it. Like I said there was secrets & intrigue, & an interesting premise. It could just be me up in my head, over the nostalgia of the Fallen series.
3.5 ⭐ out of 5 ⭐.
After her family's restaurant was robbed and her brother was attacked, putting him in the hospital, Dez was the only suspect. Without any other options she accepts help from a mysterious recruit Rafe who whisks her away to a elite secret film school Archeron. While, filmmaking is her life long dream and Archeron may seem like the ticket to the future Dez has always dreamed of, she begins uncovering secrets that may spell disaster.
I was so excited to dive into White Lights. I loved the Fallen novels by Lauren Kate & have read them numerous times and I jumped when I heard she was writing another angel story.
I enjoyed the intrigue of the story. & The feeling of nostalgia of reading another Lauren Kate angel novel, her Fallen series was what started my love for YA paranormal romances back in the day and it snowballed from there, so I was ready to dive into a new book from her!
I did enjoy some of the banter between Rafe & Dez but overall their relationship was a bit back and forth. It was enemies to lovers ish - not quite enemies in the sense but there was some push and pull between them.
Some of the beginning was a little chaotic and I couldn't focus as well on the story at first, but it does pick up later on. And while it was a more adult (new adult) novel - it was written with the ease of a YA story. It was a love triangle - which I usually love - but I was just hung up on why, after only meeting the secondary MMC once for a few hours, why their was such a strong instant connection between them and it threw me off a bit.
I wanted to love this book, and had such high hopes for it, but there was just a few too many drawbacks that didn't let me love it like I wanted to. I'm still intrigued for the overall story and the possible potential to see where it leads, but I have mixed feelings over this first book.
But just because I personally didn't love it - doesn't mean you won't love it. Like I said there was secrets & intrigue, & an interesting premise. It could just be me up in my head, over the nostalgia of the Fallen series.
3.5 ⭐ out of 5 ⭐.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher for giving me an ARC to review
At first I was skeptical about this book because it sounded like a retelling of Fallen. I loved Fallen as a teen, so I wanted to see how Lauren Kate has grown as a writer after a time of her writing adult contemporary novels or historic romance. And honestly I was dissapointed. This didn't grip me and I felt nothing toward the romance.
I did enjoy the beginning, it really pulled me in and I was excited for how the story would unravel. I was both horrified and impressed by the inciting incident and I wanted to know more. The premise was unique, I enjoyed how they could watch peoples lives like it was a movie with multiple scenes, which was great in theory but a bit confusing with how Lauren approached it. And the ability to dive into different life times was very reminiscent of how things were in Torment with the shadows, so that was a bit of a fun nod to Fallen and made me feel nostalgic. And I liked how there were various easter eggs scattered around.
It seemed as though Lauren Kate was trying too hard to establish this was an adult Fantasy. Even though it felt very much YA while I was reading due to the simplistic writing. I feel if she took the same formula she used in her contemporary novels and just added magic, this would have been a fantastic read. And there was evidence of this for me in the inciting incident and the fight scenes, it had the bones but its execution fell flat.
The amount of times Dez walked in on people during spicy time which led to an info dump about the history of Acheron—the school—was a very strange choice. I've never seen spice lead to info dumps before. And everything related to romance just felt awkward and forced, I cringed everytime spice happened and that's rare for me to do. I didn't like Rafe at all, he wasn't book boyfriend material in my opion, the jokes he kept making didn't land, they weren't funny.
This book had so much potential, and I believe my expectations for Lauren's writing to mature after all this time were a bit too high.
I feel this would land great for some readers, I just wasn't that reader.
At first I was skeptical about this book because it sounded like a retelling of Fallen. I loved Fallen as a teen, so I wanted to see how Lauren Kate has grown as a writer after a time of her writing adult contemporary novels or historic romance. And honestly I was dissapointed. This didn't grip me and I felt nothing toward the romance.
I did enjoy the beginning, it really pulled me in and I was excited for how the story would unravel. I was both horrified and impressed by the inciting incident and I wanted to know more. The premise was unique, I enjoyed how they could watch peoples lives like it was a movie with multiple scenes, which was great in theory but a bit confusing with how Lauren approached it. And the ability to dive into different life times was very reminiscent of how things were in Torment with the shadows, so that was a bit of a fun nod to Fallen and made me feel nostalgic. And I liked how there were various easter eggs scattered around.
It seemed as though Lauren Kate was trying too hard to establish this was an adult Fantasy. Even though it felt very much YA while I was reading due to the simplistic writing. I feel if she took the same formula she used in her contemporary novels and just added magic, this would have been a fantastic read. And there was evidence of this for me in the inciting incident and the fight scenes, it had the bones but its execution fell flat.
The amount of times Dez walked in on people during spicy time which led to an info dump about the history of Acheron—the school—was a very strange choice. I've never seen spice lead to info dumps before. And everything related to romance just felt awkward and forced, I cringed everytime spice happened and that's rare for me to do. I didn't like Rafe at all, he wasn't book boyfriend material in my opion, the jokes he kept making didn't land, they weren't funny.
This book had so much potential, and I believe my expectations for Lauren's writing to mature after all this time were a bit too high.
I feel this would land great for some readers, I just wasn't that reader.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for getting me access to the digital advance copy in exchange for a honest opinion.
Lauren Kate’s *White Lights* opens with a premise that feels immediately cinematic: a teenage girl standing at the edge of two impossible futures. For Desdemona, filmmaking is no longer just art or ambition — it becomes survival. Either she earns a place at an elite, secretive film academy, or she consequences for some very unfortunate actions. From the very first pages, the novel creates an atmosphere thick with anxiety, obsession, and uncertainty.
What makes *White Lights* especially compelling is the way Kate turns the world of filmmaking into something almost mythic. The academy is not portrayed as a glamorous creative haven, but as a psychological maze where talent, manipulation, and fear are constantly intertwined. Every lesson feels like a test, every interaction hides another motive, and every success comes with consequences. Desdemona is forced to question not only the people around her, but also her own memories, instincts, and morality.
Kate excels at building emotional tension. Desdemona’s constant need to overachieve becomes exhausting in the best possible way — readers feel her desperation to prove herself. The pressure of perfection hangs over the story like a storm cloud, making even quiet moments feel unsettling.
Stylistically, the writing is haunting and atmospheric. Kate balances psychological suspense with emotional vulnerability, creating scenes that feel vivid and dreamlike at the same time. The academy itself almost becomes a character — secretive, seductive, and deeply unsettling.
This story is the perfect mix of passions, dark academia, psychological thrillers, and character-driven mysteries.
Ultimately, *White Lights* is more than a story about filmmaking. It is a story about identity, ambition, guilt, and the dangerous desire to reinvent oneself. Lauren Kate delivers a haunting opening to what promises to be a gripping new series — one where every frame hides another secret, and every truth comes at a cost.
Lauren Kate’s *White Lights* opens with a premise that feels immediately cinematic: a teenage girl standing at the edge of two impossible futures. For Desdemona, filmmaking is no longer just art or ambition — it becomes survival. Either she earns a place at an elite, secretive film academy, or she consequences for some very unfortunate actions. From the very first pages, the novel creates an atmosphere thick with anxiety, obsession, and uncertainty.
What makes *White Lights* especially compelling is the way Kate turns the world of filmmaking into something almost mythic. The academy is not portrayed as a glamorous creative haven, but as a psychological maze where talent, manipulation, and fear are constantly intertwined. Every lesson feels like a test, every interaction hides another motive, and every success comes with consequences. Desdemona is forced to question not only the people around her, but also her own memories, instincts, and morality.
Kate excels at building emotional tension. Desdemona’s constant need to overachieve becomes exhausting in the best possible way — readers feel her desperation to prove herself. The pressure of perfection hangs over the story like a storm cloud, making even quiet moments feel unsettling.
Stylistically, the writing is haunting and atmospheric. Kate balances psychological suspense with emotional vulnerability, creating scenes that feel vivid and dreamlike at the same time. The academy itself almost becomes a character — secretive, seductive, and deeply unsettling.
This story is the perfect mix of passions, dark academia, psychological thrillers, and character-driven mysteries.
Ultimately, *White Lights* is more than a story about filmmaking. It is a story about identity, ambition, guilt, and the dangerous desire to reinvent oneself. Lauren Kate delivers a haunting opening to what promises to be a gripping new series — one where every frame hides another secret, and every truth comes at a cost.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📚 White Lights by Lauren Kate
Series: White Lights #1
Genre: Romantasy
Vibes: angels, elite secret academy, cinematic magic, forbidden attraction, cosmic stakes
Lauren Kate returns to the angel-filled world that made Fallen iconic, and White Lights delivers a story full of mystery, intrigue, and high stakes romance.
Dez never expected her life to unravel overnight. After a violent attack leaves her brother in the hospital—and her as the prime suspect—she’s forced to run. When the mysterious Rafe de la Cruz offers her a place at an elite film school called Acheron, it feels like her only chance to escape everything closing in around her.
But Acheron isn’t just a school.
What makes this story stand out:
🎬 A fascinating elite film academy where creativity and competition collide
🪽 Angel lore layered into a romantasy setting
🔥 A complex, tension filled connection between Dez and the enigmatic Rafe
🧩 Secrets, deception, and a mystery that grows bigger with every chapter
✨ Cinematic storytelling that makes the world feel vivid and immersive
One of the most interesting elements is how Dez’s filmmaking talent is woven into the narrative. The way scenes and creative instincts are described almost makes the book feel like watching a film unfold on the page.
Rafe and Dez’s relationship is complicated from the start, full of tension and unanswered questions. As the story progresses, the stakes expand far beyond Dez’s personal troubles, revealing a much larger conflict simmering beneath the surface of Acheron.
If you loved the atmospheric angel romance of Fallen or enjoy secret academy stories with a darker, supernatural twist, White Lights is an intriguing start to a new romantasy series.
💬 Are you a fan of angel stories making a comeback in romantasy?
#LaurenKate #WhiteLights #RomantasyReads #AngelRomance #GrandCentralPublishing
Series: White Lights #1
Genre: Romantasy
Vibes: angels, elite secret academy, cinematic magic, forbidden attraction, cosmic stakes
Lauren Kate returns to the angel-filled world that made Fallen iconic, and White Lights delivers a story full of mystery, intrigue, and high stakes romance.
Dez never expected her life to unravel overnight. After a violent attack leaves her brother in the hospital—and her as the prime suspect—she’s forced to run. When the mysterious Rafe de la Cruz offers her a place at an elite film school called Acheron, it feels like her only chance to escape everything closing in around her.
But Acheron isn’t just a school.
What makes this story stand out:
🎬 A fascinating elite film academy where creativity and competition collide
🪽 Angel lore layered into a romantasy setting
🔥 A complex, tension filled connection between Dez and the enigmatic Rafe
🧩 Secrets, deception, and a mystery that grows bigger with every chapter
✨ Cinematic storytelling that makes the world feel vivid and immersive
One of the most interesting elements is how Dez’s filmmaking talent is woven into the narrative. The way scenes and creative instincts are described almost makes the book feel like watching a film unfold on the page.
Rafe and Dez’s relationship is complicated from the start, full of tension and unanswered questions. As the story progresses, the stakes expand far beyond Dez’s personal troubles, revealing a much larger conflict simmering beneath the surface of Acheron.
If you loved the atmospheric angel romance of Fallen or enjoy secret academy stories with a darker, supernatural twist, White Lights is an intriguing start to a new romantasy series.
💬 Are you a fan of angel stories making a comeback in romantasy?
#LaurenKate #WhiteLights #RomantasyReads #AngelRomance #GrandCentralPublishing
April 15, 2026
Back when I was a teen, I loved Lauren Kate's Fallen! Has it aged well? Maybe not, though I haven't reread it. But it was such a formative part of my adolescence, and I view the whole series with such doe-eyed nostalgia. And that's really how I approached White Lights, though it definitely has more adult themes (by which it's mostly just the spice).
So yes, this review is biased. I read this novel through a very nostalgic lens, and I had plenty of fun. Our protagonist is Desdemona -- or Dez, for short -- who LOVES film. It's her passion, and filmmaking is something she longs to do. One day, Dez runs into Rafe, our male lead, whose first appearance (not counting the prologue) is on a motorbike. Very bad boy and mysterious.
I do have to emphasise that you need to have some suspension of disbelief to buy into the premise. Because Rafe tells her she's been accepted into an elite film school that she's never heard of or applied to, and she's like, hmm. Sounds interesting. Not too shady at all. I did find it funny how quickly she decided to go, but I went along with the ride and it was a whirlwind. The pacing was really fast and I tore through the pages. Also: plenty of angel lore abound, which I'm such a sucker for! Fallen was my first foray into angel mythos, so reading this brought back a whole lot of memories!
I was a little taken aback by the smut scenes, mostly because Fallen was YA and even though I knew this was adult, it still shocked me to read explicit smut from Lauren Kate! This is no fault of hers but my own, given my childhood with her. The scenes were sizzling and hot! I prefer a much slower burn but this was still enjoyable and I did LOL at how Rafe kept turning down Dez's advances at first.
In any case, if you grew up with Lauren's Fallen series, please check this out! Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
So yes, this review is biased. I read this novel through a very nostalgic lens, and I had plenty of fun. Our protagonist is Desdemona -- or Dez, for short -- who LOVES film. It's her passion, and filmmaking is something she longs to do. One day, Dez runs into Rafe, our male lead, whose first appearance (not counting the prologue) is on a motorbike. Very bad boy and mysterious.
I do have to emphasise that you need to have some suspension of disbelief to buy into the premise. Because Rafe tells her she's been accepted into an elite film school that she's never heard of or applied to, and she's like, hmm. Sounds interesting. Not too shady at all. I did find it funny how quickly she decided to go, but I went along with the ride and it was a whirlwind. The pacing was really fast and I tore through the pages. Also: plenty of angel lore abound, which I'm such a sucker for! Fallen was my first foray into angel mythos, so reading this brought back a whole lot of memories!
I was a little taken aback by the smut scenes, mostly because Fallen was YA and even though I knew this was adult, it still shocked me to read explicit smut from Lauren Kate! This is no fault of hers but my own, given my childhood with her. The scenes were sizzling and hot! I prefer a much slower burn but this was still enjoyable and I did LOL at how Rafe kept turning down Dez's advances at first.
In any case, if you grew up with Lauren's Fallen series, please check this out! Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
April 26, 2026
Apr 26, 2026
👀💜🫶🪽🦋📚
I was surprised reading this book! Despite being confused for the first half of the novel, the narrative was interestingly written and made sense. I felt that it followed the protagonist’s view and focused on her confusion and truly jumped into the heart of the story.
Main character Desdemona aka Dez goes through so much throughout the book. Her love for her younger brother Mo spurs things into action and she soon meets Rafe, a handsome young man, and a last-year student at an elite film school Acheron. The film school is made even more intriguing with its strange futuristic technology, complete with a gothic setting set at night due to special effects. Patience is truly key in this one — there were several scenes which left me pretty much lost but made a lot of sense during the second half of the book.
The students and faculty were a rather eclectic bunch from various walks of life. I enjoyed Dez’s scenes with her roommate and fellow first-year, Simon who she connected with. Rafe, her mentor was charming and had a push-pull relationship with Dez, running hot and cold. They had undeniable chemistry and Rafe also wanted Dez do the best she could, finding her a strong person and believed in her. Their relationship was rather fast-paced and at times, I was also wondering why Dez was also thinking about Asher, the other young man whom she’d met once. I understood so much more at the end and will probably be torn about Dez’s many decisions in the second book.
The plot twists were shocking and had me doing double takes. It’ll be best if you re-read it to truly understand the foreshadowing and reveals at the last 20% of White Lights.
If you like stories featuring angels, destiny with a twist on filmmaking and writing as a whole, this book is for you.
👀💜🫶🪽🦋📚
I was surprised reading this book! Despite being confused for the first half of the novel, the narrative was interestingly written and made sense. I felt that it followed the protagonist’s view and focused on her confusion and truly jumped into the heart of the story.
Main character Desdemona aka Dez goes through so much throughout the book. Her love for her younger brother Mo spurs things into action and she soon meets Rafe, a handsome young man, and a last-year student at an elite film school Acheron. The film school is made even more intriguing with its strange futuristic technology, complete with a gothic setting set at night due to special effects. Patience is truly key in this one — there were several scenes which left me pretty much lost but made a lot of sense during the second half of the book.
The students and faculty were a rather eclectic bunch from various walks of life. I enjoyed Dez’s scenes with her roommate and fellow first-year, Simon who she connected with. Rafe, her mentor was charming and had a push-pull relationship with Dez, running hot and cold. They had undeniable chemistry and Rafe also wanted Dez do the best she could, finding her a strong person and believed in her. Their relationship was rather fast-paced and at times, I was also wondering why Dez was also thinking about Asher, the other young man whom she’d met once. I understood so much more at the end and will probably be torn about Dez’s many decisions in the second book.
The plot twists were shocking and had me doing double takes. It’ll be best if you re-read it to truly understand the foreshadowing and reveals at the last 20% of White Lights.
If you like stories featuring angels, destiny with a twist on filmmaking and writing as a whole, this book is for you.
May 3, 2026
4 🌟 / 5
Everlasting gratitude to NetGalley, Lauren Kate and Harper Fiction for an ARC of this book!
13 year old me would be actually dumbfounded to be reading a an early copy of Lauren Kate’s new adult book!
Set in the same mega universe as the Fallen series, we are introduced to Desdemona, an aspiring filmmaker, who gets involved in a heart wrenching attack, and is accused of a crime against her brother. Due to her circumstances, and an irresistible offer by a stranger, she sets off to the alluring, mysterious film school Archeron. Set in a dark academia feel, we journey with Dez, starting her academic year, but soon finds things don’t add up or things are not as they seem, particularly with Rafe, Desdemona’s hot mentor, or the teachers for that matter.
I found the concept of this book to be very unique and original! The angelic components mixed with film making and screen writing, whilst exploring morality and components of death, had me invested. Albeit it took me some time to get me hooked but once I was in, the pages were flying. The world building and setting for Archeron was very well executed.
As an adult novel, it is to be assumed that spicy scenes would be present, however, the hyper-sexualisation of the characters felt slightly confusing as to the reason why, at least for the start of the book. I felt it didn’t really add much to the plot until at least 60% of the book in.
Despite having many questions left at the end of the book, I feel this was done intentionally, ready for the second book! I’m absolutely looking forward to the next one, i cannot wait to devour into it and get to know our main characters and Asher more.
Overall:
🌟🌟🌟.75
🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Angelic romance, close proximity, love at first sight, dark academia setting, deception and deceit.
Everlasting gratitude to NetGalley, Lauren Kate and Harper Fiction for an ARC of this book!
13 year old me would be actually dumbfounded to be reading a an early copy of Lauren Kate’s new adult book!
Set in the same mega universe as the Fallen series, we are introduced to Desdemona, an aspiring filmmaker, who gets involved in a heart wrenching attack, and is accused of a crime against her brother. Due to her circumstances, and an irresistible offer by a stranger, she sets off to the alluring, mysterious film school Archeron. Set in a dark academia feel, we journey with Dez, starting her academic year, but soon finds things don’t add up or things are not as they seem, particularly with Rafe, Desdemona’s hot mentor, or the teachers for that matter.
I found the concept of this book to be very unique and original! The angelic components mixed with film making and screen writing, whilst exploring morality and components of death, had me invested. Albeit it took me some time to get me hooked but once I was in, the pages were flying. The world building and setting for Archeron was very well executed.
As an adult novel, it is to be assumed that spicy scenes would be present, however, the hyper-sexualisation of the characters felt slightly confusing as to the reason why, at least for the start of the book. I felt it didn’t really add much to the plot until at least 60% of the book in.
Despite having many questions left at the end of the book, I feel this was done intentionally, ready for the second book! I’m absolutely looking forward to the next one, i cannot wait to devour into it and get to know our main characters and Asher more.
Overall:
🌟🌟🌟.75
🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Angelic romance, close proximity, love at first sight, dark academia setting, deception and deceit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨Shannen✨
What is in this book? Because I literally started this today and here I am finished and wow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for Harper Collins for sending me this on NetGalley!
After a brutal attack leaves her brother hospitalised and her as the main suspect, Dez is forced to trust a mysterious stranger and flee to Acheron, an elite (and deeply secretive) film school. What starts as a dream quickly spirals into a dangerous world of power, rivalry, and something far bigger than she ever imagined.
Now let me start by saying! This is so unique and original and I was throughly intrigued and had to find out more!
It has such cinematic story telling and really links in to the plot! And the way it was all described I was confused but I understood I don’t know if that makes sense but I get it 🤣
I loved getting pulled into Acheron and its intense, secretive world,Dez’s journey felt emotional, suspenseful, and just the right amount of chaotic. Chaotic she was and I loved her banter!
Rafe de la Cruz is the classic mysterious MMC,charming, controlled, and impossible to fully read. He shows up out of nowhere with answers but zero explanations, pulling Dez into Acheron while always seeming like he knows more than he lets on and you want to know what he knows and you deffo fall for his charming self 🫶
You literally did not know what was going to happen when you thought you knew what was happening NOPE twist 🤣
I don’t want to give no spoilers!
I’ve never read a Lauren Kate book but I did really enjoy this and would deffo read book the next!
I also love me some spice just to add so there is that aswell🤣🌶️
This is our on the 04/06✨ so this yet again is another added to your never ending tbr courtesy of me 👀 your welcome 🤪
What is in this book? Because I literally started this today and here I am finished and wow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for Harper Collins for sending me this on NetGalley!
After a brutal attack leaves her brother hospitalised and her as the main suspect, Dez is forced to trust a mysterious stranger and flee to Acheron, an elite (and deeply secretive) film school. What starts as a dream quickly spirals into a dangerous world of power, rivalry, and something far bigger than she ever imagined.
Now let me start by saying! This is so unique and original and I was throughly intrigued and had to find out more!
It has such cinematic story telling and really links in to the plot! And the way it was all described I was confused but I understood I don’t know if that makes sense but I get it 🤣
I loved getting pulled into Acheron and its intense, secretive world,Dez’s journey felt emotional, suspenseful, and just the right amount of chaotic. Chaotic she was and I loved her banter!
Rafe de la Cruz is the classic mysterious MMC,charming, controlled, and impossible to fully read. He shows up out of nowhere with answers but zero explanations, pulling Dez into Acheron while always seeming like he knows more than he lets on and you want to know what he knows and you deffo fall for his charming self 🫶
You literally did not know what was going to happen when you thought you knew what was happening NOPE twist 🤣
I don’t want to give no spoilers!
I’ve never read a Lauren Kate book but I did really enjoy this and would deffo read book the next!
I also love me some spice just to add so there is that aswell🤣🌶️
This is our on the 04/06✨ so this yet again is another added to your never ending tbr courtesy of me 👀 your welcome 🤪
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's been a while since I've read Lauren's books but it's still just as wonderful as before, now just more adult.
Dez is just going about her night. Closing shift of the dairy barn that her uncle owns. Which is good, because she isn't the greatest employee in the world but least now she has made enough to apply for the film school she wants and will soon be out of there hopefully.
What's usually a normal closing shift for Dez has now become a nightmare. Her brother at door to be let in, then some guy in a mask right behind him to rob them, then to an accident that left her brother in the ICU. The worst part of it all? No one can find proof of this masked guy and they are shifting the blame to her.
Then out of no where the guy she ran into is now at the hospital. Giving her a letter to a film school, one that is even better than she could have though of and she would be able to go chase her dreams.
The catch is, she might either accept and leave tonight or miss her only chance. So she makes a choice and takes this chance, only for it to not be exactly as she was told and there is more to this school than they want to let you believe.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. There were moments it was a little slow and dull for me, but the pace, details and characters were done well. Though, for me, Dez took a smidge to liking but in the end ends up being one of my favorites.
There is a lot of lust, especially in the start and while it wasn't bad, it was a bit too much for a pretty early start of the book and well it didn't really need it.
It was so exciting to jump back into this world again and I'm on the edge of my seat just waiting for the next book!
Dez is just going about her night. Closing shift of the dairy barn that her uncle owns. Which is good, because she isn't the greatest employee in the world but least now she has made enough to apply for the film school she wants and will soon be out of there hopefully.
What's usually a normal closing shift for Dez has now become a nightmare. Her brother at door to be let in, then some guy in a mask right behind him to rob them, then to an accident that left her brother in the ICU. The worst part of it all? No one can find proof of this masked guy and they are shifting the blame to her.
Then out of no where the guy she ran into is now at the hospital. Giving her a letter to a film school, one that is even better than she could have though of and she would be able to go chase her dreams.
The catch is, she might either accept and leave tonight or miss her only chance. So she makes a choice and takes this chance, only for it to not be exactly as she was told and there is more to this school than they want to let you believe.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. There were moments it was a little slow and dull for me, but the pace, details and characters were done well. Though, for me, Dez took a smidge to liking but in the end ends up being one of my favorites.
There is a lot of lust, especially in the start and while it wasn't bad, it was a bit too much for a pretty early start of the book and well it didn't really need it.
It was so exciting to jump back into this world again and I'm on the edge of my seat just waiting for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
White Lights by Lauren Kate
📅 Release Date: June 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for the ARC of White Lights.
Synopsis:
When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemona’s life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him, and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospital…and Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies at a school she’s never heard of.
Soon, she’s dropped into Acheron’s cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition. Acheron may seem like the ticket to the future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale, with more than her heart on the line.
Tropes:
Dark academia vibes
Secret society
Hidden powers
Cosmic conflict
Twisty reveals
My Thoughts:
I loved the Fallen series back in high school, so I was SO excited to pick this one up.
I’m not going to lie, I went into this completely blind without reading the synopsis first, and for the first half of the book I was honestly pretty confused about what was happening. But once the big reveal hit and all the pieces started connecting, everything suddenly clicked into place in such a satisfying way.
The ending was absolutely WILD, and now I’m genuinely excited to continue this series and see where things go next. The mix of mystery, dark academia atmosphere, and cosmic stakes made this such an intriguing start to the series, especially once the story fully opened up.
White Lights by Lauren Kate
📅 Release Date: June 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for the ARC of White Lights.
Synopsis:
When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemona’s life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him, and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospital…and Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies at a school she’s never heard of.
Soon, she’s dropped into Acheron’s cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition. Acheron may seem like the ticket to the future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale, with more than her heart on the line.
Tropes:
Dark academia vibes
Secret society
Hidden powers
Cosmic conflict
Twisty reveals
My Thoughts:
I loved the Fallen series back in high school, so I was SO excited to pick this one up.
I’m not going to lie, I went into this completely blind without reading the synopsis first, and for the first half of the book I was honestly pretty confused about what was happening. But once the big reveal hit and all the pieces started connecting, everything suddenly clicked into place in such a satisfying way.
The ending was absolutely WILD, and now I’m genuinely excited to continue this series and see where things go next. The mix of mystery, dark academia atmosphere, and cosmic stakes made this such an intriguing start to the series, especially once the story fully opened up.
March 7, 2026
As a longtime fan of Lauren Kate, I was thrilled when I was approved for an eARC of White Lights through NetGalley. I couldn’t start it fast enough, and once I did, I was completely hooked. The story carries the same atmospheric pull that made the Fallen series so memorable, while still feeling fresh and unique.
From the beginning, I found myself fully invested in Dez’s journey. After her brother’s violent attack leaves him critically hospitalized, she accepts an opportunity that could change everything: an invitation from Rafe to attend the elite film school, Acheron. What follows is a story layered with tension, emotion, and complicated relationships that kept me turning pages late into the night.
The dynamic between Dez and Rafe immediately stood out to me. Their connection is intriguing and complex right from the start, and watching their relationship evolve added a powerful emotional current to the story. I also appreciated how the supporting characters were woven into the narrative. Each of them felt meaningful and helped deepen the world Kate created.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the way Dez’s filmmaking talent was portrayed. The descriptions of her creativity and artistic vision made those moments feel vivid and immersive, almost as if you were watching the scenes unfold alongside her.
White Lights blends romance, suspense, secrets, and emotional depth into a story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. By the end, I was left thinking about the characters and eager to see where the series will go next.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and Lauren Kate for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the beginning, I found myself fully invested in Dez’s journey. After her brother’s violent attack leaves him critically hospitalized, she accepts an opportunity that could change everything: an invitation from Rafe to attend the elite film school, Acheron. What follows is a story layered with tension, emotion, and complicated relationships that kept me turning pages late into the night.
The dynamic between Dez and Rafe immediately stood out to me. Their connection is intriguing and complex right from the start, and watching their relationship evolve added a powerful emotional current to the story. I also appreciated how the supporting characters were woven into the narrative. Each of them felt meaningful and helped deepen the world Kate created.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the way Dez’s filmmaking talent was portrayed. The descriptions of her creativity and artistic vision made those moments feel vivid and immersive, almost as if you were watching the scenes unfold alongside her.
White Lights blends romance, suspense, secrets, and emotional depth into a story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. By the end, I was left thinking about the characters and eager to see where the series will go next.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and Lauren Kate for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Lauren Kate for the opportunity to read an ARC of White Lights all thoughts are my own.
This story felt like stepping into a world just beyond the veil of our own one where angels, unseen forces, and something darker are constantly in motion, shaping lives in ways we can’t quite comprehend. From the very beginning, there’s an undercurrent of intrigue that builds into something much more layered and compelling than I expected.
Following Dez, an aspiring filmmaker, grounds the story in a relatable reality before everything begins to unravel in the best way. The shift from ordinary life into something far more cosmic and unsettling is handled with a sense of wonder and tension that kept me fully invested. When Rafe enters the picture, the story takes on a new intensity, hinting at a larger, more complex dynamic between light and darkness angels, demons, and the gray space in between.
What I appreciated most was the gradual unfolding of the mystery. There’s a deliberate pacing, especially through the middle, but it allows the story to deepen and the stakes to grow. Each strange, unexplainable moment builds toward a bigger revelation, making the payoff feel earned and impactful.
Overall, this was an immersive and imaginative read that taps into the allure of angel-and-demon lore while still feeling fresh. It left me intrigued, a little unsettled, and excited to see where this kind of story could go next. If you enjoy stories that explore the unseen forces around us with a touch of darkness and wonder, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This story felt like stepping into a world just beyond the veil of our own one where angels, unseen forces, and something darker are constantly in motion, shaping lives in ways we can’t quite comprehend. From the very beginning, there’s an undercurrent of intrigue that builds into something much more layered and compelling than I expected.
Following Dez, an aspiring filmmaker, grounds the story in a relatable reality before everything begins to unravel in the best way. The shift from ordinary life into something far more cosmic and unsettling is handled with a sense of wonder and tension that kept me fully invested. When Rafe enters the picture, the story takes on a new intensity, hinting at a larger, more complex dynamic between light and darkness angels, demons, and the gray space in between.
What I appreciated most was the gradual unfolding of the mystery. There’s a deliberate pacing, especially through the middle, but it allows the story to deepen and the stakes to grow. Each strange, unexplainable moment builds toward a bigger revelation, making the payoff feel earned and impactful.
Overall, this was an immersive and imaginative read that taps into the allure of angel-and-demon lore while still feeling fresh. It left me intrigued, a little unsettled, and excited to see where this kind of story could go next. If you enjoy stories that explore the unseen forces around us with a touch of darkness and wonder, this one is definitely worth picking up.
April 30, 2026
Four words:
what a crazy whirlwind.
This was mysterious, cinematic, addictive and completely mind-boggling in the best possible way.
The first half of this book had me in a constant state of confusion, curiosity, and obsession!!
I loved our MMC, Rafe, what a character!!
Charming, witty and completely unreadable. Absolutely perfection.
Our FMC, Dez, I loved her! Watching her have an existential crisis over almost anything was the most entertaining thing. And let’s just address that Lauren made her carry one of the strangest burdens, both physically and metaphorically speaking.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Rafe and Dez! I knew was going to be obsessed and I absolutely was.
Their chemistry, their tension, and that constant pull back to each other energy… I ate it up
The urban academic setting felt so refreshing! I thoroughly enjoyed a modern take on academia, feeling immersive, creative and completely unique.
The premise of Angels… I throughly enjoyed!!!!
I haven’t read a fantasy that uses angel lore before. It was mysterious, layered, playful and dark all at once.
The way that secrets unfold in this book was so well done.
And the plot twists genuinely had me stopping and staring at the wall.
The side characters deserve their place too. They are chaotic, bold, unforgettable and so necessary to this world.
What made this a 5-star read for me was how
Fun, witty, thrilling, brutal, romantic, totally addictive this was.
This is a book you carry everywhere with you and I highly recommend. 🤗
Thank you to Harper Voyage for the proof!
This was mysterious, cinematic, addictive and completely mind-boggling in the best possible way.
The first half of this book had me in a constant state of confusion, curiosity, and obsession!!
I loved our MMC, Rafe, what a character!!
Charming, witty and completely unreadable. Absolutely perfection.
Our FMC, Dez, I loved her! Watching her have an existential crisis over almost anything was the most entertaining thing. And let’s just address that Lauren made her carry one of the strangest burdens, both physically and metaphorically speaking.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Rafe and Dez! I knew was going to be obsessed and I absolutely was.
Their chemistry, their tension, and that constant pull back to each other energy… I ate it up
The urban academic setting felt so refreshing! I thoroughly enjoyed a modern take on academia, feeling immersive, creative and completely unique.
The premise of Angels… I throughly enjoyed!!!!
I haven’t read a fantasy that uses angel lore before. It was mysterious, layered, playful and dark all at once.
The way that secrets unfold in this book was so well done.
And the plot twists genuinely had me stopping and staring at the wall.
The side characters deserve their place too. They are chaotic, bold, unforgettable and so necessary to this world.
What made this a 5-star read for me was how
Fun, witty, thrilling, brutal, romantic, totally addictive this was.
This is a book you carry everywhere with you and I highly recommend. 🤗
Thank you to Harper Voyage for the proof!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a longtime Fallen fan, I had high expectations for White Lights, and this book did not disappoint! In fact, it blew my hopes and dreams out of the water. The world of the story is one I want to live in forever. And I am dying for book 2.
The book starts off in the real world, where we meet Desdemona, a young and dreamy filmmaker with big aspirations—but the story quickly shifts into the high-stakes realm of morally gray angels. All of whom are hot and horny. What could go wrong?
Dez is a powerhouse, holding her own at school where she’s definitely a fish out of water. I loved the balance of her cynicism and her pure heart. I really related to her character every step of the way. And I was left breathless by what she does at the end. I also loved the cast of characters Dez meets at Acheron. I want to be friends with Simon, and Yael cracked me up. But my favorite, my obsession, is Dez’s gorgeous and infuriating mentor, Rafe. The scenes between them are insane as both of them try to hold back their dangerous desire for each other.
Did I mention it’s a love triangle? There’s also a guy back home, Asher, who is like the one that got away for Dez. There are some crazy revelations that happen when Dez discovers that Asher is ALL over the archives of footage at her new school. So even though he’s not physically on the page for a lot of the book, the yearning! Oh the yearning. It destroyed me.
Overall, this book has mystery, dark mythology, and phenomenal chemistry. I stayed up way too late to finish it. It definitely reignited my obsession with angels.
The book starts off in the real world, where we meet Desdemona, a young and dreamy filmmaker with big aspirations—but the story quickly shifts into the high-stakes realm of morally gray angels. All of whom are hot and horny. What could go wrong?
Dez is a powerhouse, holding her own at school where she’s definitely a fish out of water. I loved the balance of her cynicism and her pure heart. I really related to her character every step of the way. And I was left breathless by what she does at the end. I also loved the cast of characters Dez meets at Acheron. I want to be friends with Simon, and Yael cracked me up. But my favorite, my obsession, is Dez’s gorgeous and infuriating mentor, Rafe. The scenes between them are insane as both of them try to hold back their dangerous desire for each other.
Did I mention it’s a love triangle? There’s also a guy back home, Asher, who is like the one that got away for Dez. There are some crazy revelations that happen when Dez discovers that Asher is ALL over the archives of footage at her new school. So even though he’s not physically on the page for a lot of the book, the yearning! Oh the yearning. It destroyed me.
Overall, this book has mystery, dark mythology, and phenomenal chemistry. I stayed up way too late to finish it. It definitely reignited my obsession with angels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review — White Lights
⭐ 3.5
White Lights was a surprisingly difficult book for me to rate. There were moments where I genuinely enjoyed myself: the premise is dramatic and intriguing, and the setup has all the ingredients for a gripping romantasy, a mysterious recruiter, a dangerous elite film school, a girl on the run after a violent attack, and a world filled with power, secrets, angels, and cosmic tension.
But even with such a strong foundation, the reading experience felt very uneven for me. The story jumped around so abruptly that I often found myself completely lost. Scenes shifted without warning, emotions changed without buildup, and I kept having that “wait… what am I reading now?” feeling. It was very chaotic, and that made it hard to stay immersed or connect with the characters.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the heavy focus on sexual content. Not because it shouldn’t be there at all, but because it often overshadowed the actual story. The balance felt off, the intimate scenes were so dominant at times that they pulled attention away from the plot, the world, and the emotional stakes. For me, it simply wasn’t necessary for the book to lean on it that much.
There were moments I enjoyed, and the concept itself has so much potential. But the inconsistent pacing, the confusing transitions, and the overwhelming emphasis on sexual scenes made this a very mixed reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐ 3.5
White Lights was a surprisingly difficult book for me to rate. There were moments where I genuinely enjoyed myself: the premise is dramatic and intriguing, and the setup has all the ingredients for a gripping romantasy, a mysterious recruiter, a dangerous elite film school, a girl on the run after a violent attack, and a world filled with power, secrets, angels, and cosmic tension.
But even with such a strong foundation, the reading experience felt very uneven for me. The story jumped around so abruptly that I often found myself completely lost. Scenes shifted without warning, emotions changed without buildup, and I kept having that “wait… what am I reading now?” feeling. It was very chaotic, and that made it hard to stay immersed or connect with the characters.
Another thing that didn’t work for me was the heavy focus on sexual content. Not because it shouldn’t be there at all, but because it often overshadowed the actual story. The balance felt off, the intimate scenes were so dominant at times that they pulled attention away from the plot, the world, and the emotional stakes. For me, it simply wasn’t necessary for the book to lean on it that much.
There were moments I enjoyed, and the concept itself has so much potential. But the inconsistent pacing, the confusing transitions, and the overwhelming emphasis on sexual scenes made this a very mixed reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2026
First, thank you for the ARC opportunity!
I remember reading the Fallen series years ago and absolutely loving it, so I was really excited to dive into White Lights. Lauren Kate’s signature angel mythology and dramatic romance elements are definitely still here, and there were moments that reminded me why her stories hooked me in the first place.
That said…this book was a bit of a wild ride—and not always in the best way.
The story throws a lot at the reader. There’s the elite college trope, grief and family trauma, soulmates, angels, secret societies, miscommunication, cosmic stakes, and more. Individually, many of these ideas are interesting, but together it felt like there were simply too many plot threads competing for attention.
Because of that, the story sometimes struggled to find a clear direction. Just when I thought we were settling into one storyline, another twist or trope would appear. I think the book would have been stronger if it had focused more deeply on a few of its core themes rather than trying to juggle so many at once.
That said, Lauren Kate still knows how to create atmosphere, intrigue, and romantic tension, and the concept of the mysterious school and angel mythology definitely kept me curious about what would happen next.
Overall, this was an interesting return to the angel world that longtime fans of Lauren Kate may enjoy, but for me it felt a bit overloaded with plotlines.
I remember reading the Fallen series years ago and absolutely loving it, so I was really excited to dive into White Lights. Lauren Kate’s signature angel mythology and dramatic romance elements are definitely still here, and there were moments that reminded me why her stories hooked me in the first place.
That said…this book was a bit of a wild ride—and not always in the best way.
The story throws a lot at the reader. There’s the elite college trope, grief and family trauma, soulmates, angels, secret societies, miscommunication, cosmic stakes, and more. Individually, many of these ideas are interesting, but together it felt like there were simply too many plot threads competing for attention.
Because of that, the story sometimes struggled to find a clear direction. Just when I thought we were settling into one storyline, another twist or trope would appear. I think the book would have been stronger if it had focused more deeply on a few of its core themes rather than trying to juggle so many at once.
That said, Lauren Kate still knows how to create atmosphere, intrigue, and romantic tension, and the concept of the mysterious school and angel mythology definitely kept me curious about what would happen next.
Overall, this was an interesting return to the angel world that longtime fans of Lauren Kate may enjoy, but for me it felt a bit overloaded with plotlines.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first time reading a book by Lauren Kate, so I went in without any expectations about her previous work. Overall, I have pretty mixed feelings about White Lights.
The premise was interesting enough to pull me in at first—an underground film school with dangerous secrets, mysterious recruits, and a much bigger supernatural conflict hiding beneath the surface. There were moments where the lore and bigger mystery of what was really happening at the school kept me curious enough to keep reading.
That said, the execution didn’t fully work for me. The romance felt pretty flat and the love triangle never really landed emotionally. I also found some of the more explicit scenes a little random—they sometimes popped up in moments where it pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
The writing style itself felt very simple, which might work for some readers, but for me it made it harder to feel fully immersed in the stakes or the emotional moments. At times it felt like the book was juggling a lot of different elements—magic school, sci-fi concepts, angel lore, romance—and not all of them were given enough space to fully develop.
Still, I was invested enough in the mystery and the twist at the end that I kept reading. I finished it more out of curiosity to see where the story would go than out of pure excitement, but I didn’t end up DNFing it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise was interesting enough to pull me in at first—an underground film school with dangerous secrets, mysterious recruits, and a much bigger supernatural conflict hiding beneath the surface. There were moments where the lore and bigger mystery of what was really happening at the school kept me curious enough to keep reading.
That said, the execution didn’t fully work for me. The romance felt pretty flat and the love triangle never really landed emotionally. I also found some of the more explicit scenes a little random—they sometimes popped up in moments where it pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
The writing style itself felt very simple, which might work for some readers, but for me it made it harder to feel fully immersed in the stakes or the emotional moments. At times it felt like the book was juggling a lot of different elements—magic school, sci-fi concepts, angel lore, romance—and not all of them were given enough space to fully develop.
Still, I was invested enough in the mystery and the twist at the end that I kept reading. I finished it more out of curiosity to see where the story would go than out of pure excitement, but I didn’t end up DNFing it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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