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When Shadows Burn #1
When Shadows Burn
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26Vanessa Le's new fantasy duology starter follows a demon-hunting duo in an exorcist university layered with magic, murder, and corruption — perfect for fans of BABEL and DIVINE RIVALS.
In Yennington, exorcism is a job for two: a demon caller and a demon slayer. Kiet Sren is a hotshot caller despite dropping out of the esteemed Phenbridge University; his blood attracts any demon. Song Sarna is the top slayer of her class; her blade and wit kill any demon. Together, they run Inkspill Agency.
When Kiet's estranged family hires them to hunt an aberrant demon, they are propelled into the most dangerous job of their lives — an investigation that could uncover the workings of a deadly group seeking to destroy the university from the inside out.
But as their investigation dredges up long-buried history, they discover that the one behind this criminal group is closer to home than they realized, and that perhaps the upstanding Phenbridge University is hiding secrets of its own. To exorcize the aberrant demon and put an end to the deadly possessions, Kiet and Song must decide how much they're willing to bleed: for their families, for their city — and for each other.
Vanessa Le's latest crossover fantasy combines dark academia with a propulsive detective tale at its finest — with a slow-burn romance and medical magic system as intricate as lab work.
In Yennington, exorcism is a job for two: a demon caller and a demon slayer. Kiet Sren is a hotshot caller despite dropping out of the esteemed Phenbridge University; his blood attracts any demon. Song Sarna is the top slayer of her class; her blade and wit kill any demon. Together, they run Inkspill Agency.
When Kiet's estranged family hires them to hunt an aberrant demon, they are propelled into the most dangerous job of their lives — an investigation that could uncover the workings of a deadly group seeking to destroy the university from the inside out.
But as their investigation dredges up long-buried history, they discover that the one behind this criminal group is closer to home than they realized, and that perhaps the upstanding Phenbridge University is hiding secrets of its own. To exorcize the aberrant demon and put an end to the deadly possessions, Kiet and Song must decide how much they're willing to bleed: for their families, for their city — and for each other.
Vanessa Le's latest crossover fantasy combines dark academia with a propulsive detective tale at its finest — with a slow-burn romance and medical magic system as intricate as lab work.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to Read
November 12, 2025wow im so early this feels weird
so exciting
so exciting
Want to Read
November 15, 2025⋆⭒˚｡⋆ ୭ | pre-read
i will read anything vanessa writes. hopefully i can get the arc of this, when it comes out 🤞🏽
i will read anything vanessa writes. hopefully i can get the arc of this, when it comes out 🤞🏽
Read
November 18, 2025this book is so good I've read it twice already (pre-pub) and when I tell you you're not ready—
Want to Read
November 21, 2025ᝰ .ᐟ 📖 ⌗ pre-read: came across this book on sns and I think it would be a good match for my taste. Really excited to read it once it comes out!
April 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for sharing an ARC in exchange for my honest review :).
Check out my review on substack! : https://starringyou.substack.com/p/re...
Published by Macmillan’s Roaring Brook Press and weighing in at a hefty 384 pages, When Shadows Burn (or WSB, as Le acronymizes it), is slotted for release this December, with a sequel to follow. The novel takes place in Halberra, an amorphous country with 1950s technology and the dark academia aesthetics and multiculturalism of the United Kingdom. The city of Yennington is home to Halberra’s top exorcism school, Pembridge University, and it is in this context that we meet the novel’s demon-hunting protagonists, Song Sarna and Kiet Sren.
★★★★☆
University dropout Kiet Sren has spent roughly two years running an independent demon exorcism agency with the help of his best friend and straight-A Pembridge student Song Sarna. In WSB, exorcism is a two-person job based in blood magic: one person, the ‘caller’, uses their blood to lure and control a demon while the ‘slayer’ uses their blood to physically kill it. Kiet is a powerful caller, fake idgaf-er and reluctant nepo baby whose father serves as Chief Exorcist for Pembridge University. Song is the daughter of a first-generation Renisian immigrant, a diehard perfectionist, and a talented slayer. When Kiet and Song’s casework leads them to a string of demon murders in Yennington, they wind up thrust into a years-long mystery that could be closer to home than either realize. Thus begins two-hundred pages of late night detective work, rain on cobblestone, and glowing red eyes that wait for you in sewers and alleyways. WSB’s mystery plot is interspersed by a well-paced friends-to-lovers romance, and (mainly for Kiet) a lot of trauma processing and character growth.
I really, really enjoyed this book.
If you:
- Enjoyed the hit Pixar movie Big Hero Six or Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters
- Were a huge fan of Zuko’s character arc, and Zuko and Katara, in Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Liked the banter in Miraculous Ladybug, but sorely wished the storyline hadn’t been wasted on a children’s show
- Are looking for a quick-paced read that’s part murder mystery, part family trauma processing, and part ode to the immigrant child experience
You should definitely check out this novel.
At its emotional core, WSB is a coming-of-age novel about two young adults reconciling their childhoods and senses of worth. Using dual narration, Le weaves a character arc for each of her protagonists while developing a compelling mystery in the background. But truly, this novel’s strongest asset is its themes on family, trauma and grief, which are overwhelmingly explored through Kiet.
“Sometimes, he wondered if that was when his parents had started resenting him…they’d named him Kiet. The way Halberrans pronounced it—flatly, with no intonation—meant “rarity” in the Renisian tongue. But, add a questioning lilt, an upward stroke above the e, and his name meant “disease.”’
Le translates the complicated, identity-churning emotions of trauma processing into YA language with surprising finesse. She interjects Kiet’s internal monologues with pointed, matter-of-fact emotional revelations, and a willingness to simply see abuse for what it is. These blunt sentences combined with Le characterizing Kiet and his father’s relationship through dialogue, body language, and throwaway details makes the arc feel painfully real. Kiet is a seemingly two-dimensional character who, as the novel continues, has life breathed into him—his actions are (largely) explained through plot and dialogue in a way that feels engaging for the reader, but also inevitable. His relationship with Hiero, his deceased brother, is also explored, but lacks the impact of the father-son relationship for reasons I’ll delve into below.
But first, a note on how Le writes her protagonists, because the novel does have two. Song and Kiet (and especially their relationship with each other) are best showcased in their dialogue and banter, which Le is quite good at. But while Kiet’s character gains considerable depth throughout the novel’s second half, Song’s parallel arc is more mechanical with less payoff. This could be because, for reasons I cannot state without spoiling, Kiet’s emotional arc is inherently more tied to the novel’s mystery. Song’s arc is meant to comment on the unique pressure placed on immigrant daughters, the pitfalls of elite institutions, and finding worth outside of merit. However, her revelations feel a bit too on the nose, such as:
“The part of her that had pricked her palms with thorns to prove she was gifted” and “that she could die and still not be enough for everyone”.
Song’s foil, Hiero, and his dialogue surrounding perfectionism also feel occasionally too obvious, as if Le is overcorrecting for having these themes be tangential. The inherent metaphor of giving one’s blood, or even one’s life, for an institution or practice is powerful enough. I think developing these themes more gradually, and letting them speak for themselves at their apex, would make Song’s arc more impactful (more notes on this at the end).
As for romance, Kiet and Song’s chemistry starts off casual and tongue-in-cheek, but WSB contains several quiet moments in the lull between cases where we learn that in addition to being best friends, Song and Kiet are each other’s safe spaces. They are the most expressive, vulnerable, and even immature when they are together; they test out ideas or self-beliefs with each-other before they feel brave enough to take them to the world. The scene where Song breaks down in front of Kiet was, for me, when they truly became a couple to root for.
“‘She hardly knew what to say. ‘Are you really Kiet?’
His laugh was breathy. ‘I’m whoever you need me to be right now.’
‘Then you’re Kiet.’”
The almost-confession at the novel’s end was a little underwhelming, but I think it’s nothing that a few dialogue tweaks and added details couldn’t fix. Despite it being obvious, WSB never directly explores Kiet and Song’s relationship through the found family trope, and their confession scene forgets their roots as best friends. Of course, this novel has a follow-up coming, so we can be assured that Kiet and Song’s romantic story isn’t over yet—but I think, given the clear emotional punch Le can pack, that this scene deserves a stronger hit.
Even with these notes, I truly enjoyed When Shadows Burn. It was a smooth return to the YA genre, exploring far more nuance and character depth than I was expecting while successfully executing a mystery plot, a romance, and action scenes. I’ll absolutely be checking out the second half of this duology, and hope that it will explore Song’s character more, answer worldbuilding questions from the first novel, and continue to prod at themes of family, trauma, and belonging in surprisingly relatable ways.
If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed my review! I plan to continue posting reviews of upcoming novels, so stay tuned :).
Specific Notes
As a footnote, some very specific notes for the publisher/author, and questions to be further explored in this novel or the next:
Yennington— is it old, or is it modern? The 1300s year setting, the presence of certain technologies (such as medicines, bombs, guns, and cars) and lack of others (cellphones and computers) creates a strange imbalance that isn’t sufficiently addressed by worldbuilding. There’s a very specific scene, where Kiet dials 611 and speaks to an operator, that fully yanked me out of the storyline because I was trying to reconcile it with details from the exposition. Are the Twins Halberran deities or Renisian ones? (I assumed the former, but it could be clarified).
Hemokinesis/exorcism and cultural identities— Is hemokinesis the only supernatural ability in this world, and did it originate in, or does it have genetic ties to, Renisia? Exorcism is referenced in ancient Renisian proverbs, and both Kiet and Song have Renisian ancestry, but what is Halberra’s relationship with the practice, and with Renisia itself? Do Halberrans vs. the Renisian diaspora take different approaches to, or views of, exorcism? Exploring these questions could dually support Song’s characterisation arc as well. Also, this is a bit of an aside, but WSB’s name etymology is inconsistent—Kiet’s parents and siblings have first names from different countries and regions.
Song’s character—while she doesn’t have childhood trauma, there are several missed opportunities to characterize her and explain her relationship with exorcism. What was Song’s relationship with her father like before she was admitted to Pembridge? Even if she’s known about her abilities for most of her life, it seems that most of her perfectionism and immense self-pressure arose at Pembridge. We don’t get to see what that transformation was like for her—did she experience imposter syndrome, culture shock? How does she handle the implicit cultural differences and class divide between herself and her peers?
SPOILERS BELOW!! ⬇️
Wes and Jillian—their involvement with a certain plot seemed less of a surprising, logical twist and more like a mechanical requirement for Kiet to find Song. Wes’ sister Cecilia, for instance, is entirely unmentioned until she becomes a motivator for his actions. While Wes’ storyline seems clearly primed to be addressed in the sequel, I think it needs more detail in this novel to prepare readers for the plot twist. (The same goes for Jillian, although she is a more minor character, so her motivations feel less important).
Check out my review on substack! : https://starringyou.substack.com/p/re...
Published by Macmillan’s Roaring Brook Press and weighing in at a hefty 384 pages, When Shadows Burn (or WSB, as Le acronymizes it), is slotted for release this December, with a sequel to follow. The novel takes place in Halberra, an amorphous country with 1950s technology and the dark academia aesthetics and multiculturalism of the United Kingdom. The city of Yennington is home to Halberra’s top exorcism school, Pembridge University, and it is in this context that we meet the novel’s demon-hunting protagonists, Song Sarna and Kiet Sren.
★★★★☆
University dropout Kiet Sren has spent roughly two years running an independent demon exorcism agency with the help of his best friend and straight-A Pembridge student Song Sarna. In WSB, exorcism is a two-person job based in blood magic: one person, the ‘caller’, uses their blood to lure and control a demon while the ‘slayer’ uses their blood to physically kill it. Kiet is a powerful caller, fake idgaf-er and reluctant nepo baby whose father serves as Chief Exorcist for Pembridge University. Song is the daughter of a first-generation Renisian immigrant, a diehard perfectionist, and a talented slayer. When Kiet and Song’s casework leads them to a string of demon murders in Yennington, they wind up thrust into a years-long mystery that could be closer to home than either realize. Thus begins two-hundred pages of late night detective work, rain on cobblestone, and glowing red eyes that wait for you in sewers and alleyways. WSB’s mystery plot is interspersed by a well-paced friends-to-lovers romance, and (mainly for Kiet) a lot of trauma processing and character growth.
I really, really enjoyed this book.
If you:
- Enjoyed the hit Pixar movie Big Hero Six or Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters
- Were a huge fan of Zuko’s character arc, and Zuko and Katara, in Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Liked the banter in Miraculous Ladybug, but sorely wished the storyline hadn’t been wasted on a children’s show
- Are looking for a quick-paced read that’s part murder mystery, part family trauma processing, and part ode to the immigrant child experience
You should definitely check out this novel.
At its emotional core, WSB is a coming-of-age novel about two young adults reconciling their childhoods and senses of worth. Using dual narration, Le weaves a character arc for each of her protagonists while developing a compelling mystery in the background. But truly, this novel’s strongest asset is its themes on family, trauma and grief, which are overwhelmingly explored through Kiet.
“Sometimes, he wondered if that was when his parents had started resenting him…they’d named him Kiet. The way Halberrans pronounced it—flatly, with no intonation—meant “rarity” in the Renisian tongue. But, add a questioning lilt, an upward stroke above the e, and his name meant “disease.”’
Le translates the complicated, identity-churning emotions of trauma processing into YA language with surprising finesse. She interjects Kiet’s internal monologues with pointed, matter-of-fact emotional revelations, and a willingness to simply see abuse for what it is. These blunt sentences combined with Le characterizing Kiet and his father’s relationship through dialogue, body language, and throwaway details makes the arc feel painfully real. Kiet is a seemingly two-dimensional character who, as the novel continues, has life breathed into him—his actions are (largely) explained through plot and dialogue in a way that feels engaging for the reader, but also inevitable. His relationship with Hiero, his deceased brother, is also explored, but lacks the impact of the father-son relationship for reasons I’ll delve into below.
But first, a note on how Le writes her protagonists, because the novel does have two. Song and Kiet (and especially their relationship with each other) are best showcased in their dialogue and banter, which Le is quite good at. But while Kiet’s character gains considerable depth throughout the novel’s second half, Song’s parallel arc is more mechanical with less payoff. This could be because, for reasons I cannot state without spoiling, Kiet’s emotional arc is inherently more tied to the novel’s mystery. Song’s arc is meant to comment on the unique pressure placed on immigrant daughters, the pitfalls of elite institutions, and finding worth outside of merit. However, her revelations feel a bit too on the nose, such as:
“The part of her that had pricked her palms with thorns to prove she was gifted” and “that she could die and still not be enough for everyone”.
Song’s foil, Hiero, and his dialogue surrounding perfectionism also feel occasionally too obvious, as if Le is overcorrecting for having these themes be tangential. The inherent metaphor of giving one’s blood, or even one’s life, for an institution or practice is powerful enough. I think developing these themes more gradually, and letting them speak for themselves at their apex, would make Song’s arc more impactful (more notes on this at the end).
As for romance, Kiet and Song’s chemistry starts off casual and tongue-in-cheek, but WSB contains several quiet moments in the lull between cases where we learn that in addition to being best friends, Song and Kiet are each other’s safe spaces. They are the most expressive, vulnerable, and even immature when they are together; they test out ideas or self-beliefs with each-other before they feel brave enough to take them to the world. The scene where Song breaks down in front of Kiet was, for me, when they truly became a couple to root for.
“‘She hardly knew what to say. ‘Are you really Kiet?’
His laugh was breathy. ‘I’m whoever you need me to be right now.’
‘Then you’re Kiet.’”
The almost-confession at the novel’s end was a little underwhelming, but I think it’s nothing that a few dialogue tweaks and added details couldn’t fix. Despite it being obvious, WSB never directly explores Kiet and Song’s relationship through the found family trope, and their confession scene forgets their roots as best friends. Of course, this novel has a follow-up coming, so we can be assured that Kiet and Song’s romantic story isn’t over yet—but I think, given the clear emotional punch Le can pack, that this scene deserves a stronger hit.
Even with these notes, I truly enjoyed When Shadows Burn. It was a smooth return to the YA genre, exploring far more nuance and character depth than I was expecting while successfully executing a mystery plot, a romance, and action scenes. I’ll absolutely be checking out the second half of this duology, and hope that it will explore Song’s character more, answer worldbuilding questions from the first novel, and continue to prod at themes of family, trauma, and belonging in surprisingly relatable ways.
If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed my review! I plan to continue posting reviews of upcoming novels, so stay tuned :).
Specific Notes
As a footnote, some very specific notes for the publisher/author, and questions to be further explored in this novel or the next:
Yennington— is it old, or is it modern? The 1300s year setting, the presence of certain technologies (such as medicines, bombs, guns, and cars) and lack of others (cellphones and computers) creates a strange imbalance that isn’t sufficiently addressed by worldbuilding. There’s a very specific scene, where Kiet dials 611 and speaks to an operator, that fully yanked me out of the storyline because I was trying to reconcile it with details from the exposition. Are the Twins Halberran deities or Renisian ones? (I assumed the former, but it could be clarified).
Hemokinesis/exorcism and cultural identities— Is hemokinesis the only supernatural ability in this world, and did it originate in, or does it have genetic ties to, Renisia? Exorcism is referenced in ancient Renisian proverbs, and both Kiet and Song have Renisian ancestry, but what is Halberra’s relationship with the practice, and with Renisia itself? Do Halberrans vs. the Renisian diaspora take different approaches to, or views of, exorcism? Exploring these questions could dually support Song’s characterisation arc as well. Also, this is a bit of an aside, but WSB’s name etymology is inconsistent—Kiet’s parents and siblings have first names from different countries and regions.
Song’s character—while she doesn’t have childhood trauma, there are several missed opportunities to characterize her and explain her relationship with exorcism. What was Song’s relationship with her father like before she was admitted to Pembridge? Even if she’s known about her abilities for most of her life, it seems that most of her perfectionism and immense self-pressure arose at Pembridge. We don’t get to see what that transformation was like for her—did she experience imposter syndrome, culture shock? How does she handle the implicit cultural differences and class divide between herself and her peers?
SPOILERS BELOW!! ⬇️
Wes and Jillian—their involvement with a certain plot seemed less of a surprising, logical twist and more like a mechanical requirement for Kiet to find Song. Wes’ sister Cecilia, for instance, is entirely unmentioned until she becomes a motivator for his actions. While Wes’ storyline seems clearly primed to be addressed in the sequel, I think it needs more detail in this novel to prepare readers for the plot twist. (The same goes for Jillian, although she is a more minor character, so her motivations feel less important).
Want to Read
November 13, 2025I came across this title on BookTok. Dark academia and fantasy crossover with STEM and magic. Sounds intriguing!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**ARC review: the book was gifted but this is my honest opinion**
⭐ A Gothic Academia Fantasy with Demons, Mystery, and Heart
When Shadows Burn is a gripping blend of gothic academia, paranormal fantasy, and detective thriller, delivering a fresh take on the genre without relying on overused tropes like faeries or vampires. Instead, the story dives into a world of demons, exorcists, and morally complex magic systems, creating something that feels both unique and immersive.
Told through third-person dual POV, the narrative follows Kiet and Song, allowing readers to experience both sides of the story while building tension and emotional depth between the two leads.
⸻
🌶️ Spice Level
Low to moderate spice.
This story leans more heavily into plot, mystery, and character relationships rather than explicit romance. While there is chemistry between the characters, the focus remains on their partnership, emotional development, and the unfolding investigation.
⸻
🖤 Characters That Feel Real and Lived-In
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its character work.
Song is a strong, intelligent female protagonist studying at Phenbridge University as a demon slayer—gifted with blood that burns demons. She’s driven, disciplined, and deeply tied to her sense of duty.
Kiet, on the other hand, is an underdog dropout and demon caller who runs his own agency. In this world, callers bind demons while slayers destroy them, creating an interesting dynamic between the two roles—and between the characters themselves.
Their dialogue is engaging, natural, and often fun, adding depth to their relationship and making their partnership feel authentic as it evolves throughout the story.
⸻
🌍 Worldbuilding: Gothic Academia Meets Demon Hunting
The setting blends dark academia aesthetics with a demon-infested world, centered around Phenbridge University. The magic system—where callers control demons and slayers eliminate them—adds a structured and compelling layer to the story.
As Song and Kiet begin working together through Kiet’s agency, the novel shifts into a detective-style narrative, following a series of murders. The investigation unfolds like a thriller, pulling readers deeper into a world filled with danger, secrets, and hidden truths about Phenbridge itself.
⸻
👨👧 Themes of Family, Duty, and Identity
At its core, When Shadows Burn is deeply rooted in family and responsibility.
Song, as the daughter of an immigrant, carries a strong sense of obligation to her father and her future. Her journey reflects the pressure of living up to parental expectations, navigating disappointment, and balancing personal identity with family duty.
These themes add emotional weight to the story, grounding the supernatural elements in real, relatable struggles.
⸻
🗡️ Mystery, Twists, and Tension
The murder investigation drives much of the plot, giving the book a fast-paced, thriller-like structure. As Song and Kiet dig deeper, the story reveals hidden layers about the university and the world they live in.
And when the twist hits—it’s one you likely won’t see coming.
⸻
✨ Final Thoughts
When Shadows Burn stands out with its unique premise, strong character dynamics, and blend of gothic academia with paranormal mystery. The combination of demons, investigation, and emotional depth makes it an engaging and memorable read.
If you enjoy dark academia, demon lore, detective-style fantasy, and character-driven stories with meaningful themes, this is absolutely worth picking up.
⭐ A Gothic Academia Fantasy with Demons, Mystery, and Heart
When Shadows Burn is a gripping blend of gothic academia, paranormal fantasy, and detective thriller, delivering a fresh take on the genre without relying on overused tropes like faeries or vampires. Instead, the story dives into a world of demons, exorcists, and morally complex magic systems, creating something that feels both unique and immersive.
Told through third-person dual POV, the narrative follows Kiet and Song, allowing readers to experience both sides of the story while building tension and emotional depth between the two leads.
⸻
🌶️ Spice Level
Low to moderate spice.
This story leans more heavily into plot, mystery, and character relationships rather than explicit romance. While there is chemistry between the characters, the focus remains on their partnership, emotional development, and the unfolding investigation.
⸻
🖤 Characters That Feel Real and Lived-In
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its character work.
Song is a strong, intelligent female protagonist studying at Phenbridge University as a demon slayer—gifted with blood that burns demons. She’s driven, disciplined, and deeply tied to her sense of duty.
Kiet, on the other hand, is an underdog dropout and demon caller who runs his own agency. In this world, callers bind demons while slayers destroy them, creating an interesting dynamic between the two roles—and between the characters themselves.
Their dialogue is engaging, natural, and often fun, adding depth to their relationship and making their partnership feel authentic as it evolves throughout the story.
⸻
🌍 Worldbuilding: Gothic Academia Meets Demon Hunting
The setting blends dark academia aesthetics with a demon-infested world, centered around Phenbridge University. The magic system—where callers control demons and slayers eliminate them—adds a structured and compelling layer to the story.
As Song and Kiet begin working together through Kiet’s agency, the novel shifts into a detective-style narrative, following a series of murders. The investigation unfolds like a thriller, pulling readers deeper into a world filled with danger, secrets, and hidden truths about Phenbridge itself.
⸻
👨👧 Themes of Family, Duty, and Identity
At its core, When Shadows Burn is deeply rooted in family and responsibility.
Song, as the daughter of an immigrant, carries a strong sense of obligation to her father and her future. Her journey reflects the pressure of living up to parental expectations, navigating disappointment, and balancing personal identity with family duty.
These themes add emotional weight to the story, grounding the supernatural elements in real, relatable struggles.
⸻
🗡️ Mystery, Twists, and Tension
The murder investigation drives much of the plot, giving the book a fast-paced, thriller-like structure. As Song and Kiet dig deeper, the story reveals hidden layers about the university and the world they live in.
And when the twist hits—it’s one you likely won’t see coming.
⸻
✨ Final Thoughts
When Shadows Burn stands out with its unique premise, strong character dynamics, and blend of gothic academia with paranormal mystery. The combination of demons, investigation, and emotional depth makes it an engaging and memorable read.
If you enjoy dark academia, demon lore, detective-style fantasy, and character-driven stories with meaningful themes, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"He who fails to exorcise his demons is sure to see them return, more ravenous than ever."
Kiet and Song are a tag team demon hunting duo who each face their own challenges on their own but when shared challenges arise, they work together and show the loyalty we all want in friendship.
Kiet is funny, broody and more emotion driven whereas Song is the more practical and even tempered.
When trouble arises, it causes both of their realities and futures to be questioned. Can they save each other while also saving themselves?
I really hope that there will be a map of Yennington/Halberra.
I would say this is a YA novel geared towards the younger side of that spectrum. Not overly intense. Zero spice. More surface level.
My main issue with this book isn't necessarily the story itself, although I do have thoughts on it.
It's the writing. I know this is an advanced copy not the final product but it affected the story and felt like it needed to be addressed. I really don't want to assume it's AI if it isn't. But I have NEVER seen so many em dashes, ellipsis and colons in one book.
On every single page, several times, there is an em dash (–). Sometimes multiple in one sentence. Em dashes obviously have its place in writing and I'm not saying that it shouldn't be used. But this is excessive. And distracting. It really messed with the flow of the story and how it reads.
If this isn't AI, I would really hope it gets edited before release. If not just to save the story but also not diminish the authors future works.
I think this story overall is good. I like the concept of the demons and exorcists and being schooled in that. It was interesting take and the academia vibe with it was intriguing. I think I would've liked to have seen a little more depth to it and not so surface level. I feel like Kiet is the only character that has substance. Song felt sort of flat and and lacked character development. Whereas with Kiet we see him struggle with a lot of different emotions and situations. But it didn't necessarily feel like Kiet was the main character of this book, it felt more like a duo much like their dynamic. Which I enjoyed. The different POV's was great and I feel rounded out the story.
I loved that the cat was basically an employee LOL
I think there's a lot of potential for this story and I think it suits its target audience and has potential for a good series. As it stands right now, it's not for me. But I would probably reading something else from this author.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
Kiet and Song are a tag team demon hunting duo who each face their own challenges on their own but when shared challenges arise, they work together and show the loyalty we all want in friendship.
Kiet is funny, broody and more emotion driven whereas Song is the more practical and even tempered.
When trouble arises, it causes both of their realities and futures to be questioned. Can they save each other while also saving themselves?
I really hope that there will be a map of Yennington/Halberra.
I would say this is a YA novel geared towards the younger side of that spectrum. Not overly intense. Zero spice. More surface level.
My main issue with this book isn't necessarily the story itself, although I do have thoughts on it.
It's the writing. I know this is an advanced copy not the final product but it affected the story and felt like it needed to be addressed. I really don't want to assume it's AI if it isn't. But I have NEVER seen so many em dashes, ellipsis and colons in one book.
On every single page, several times, there is an em dash (–). Sometimes multiple in one sentence. Em dashes obviously have its place in writing and I'm not saying that it shouldn't be used. But this is excessive. And distracting. It really messed with the flow of the story and how it reads.
If this isn't AI, I would really hope it gets edited before release. If not just to save the story but also not diminish the authors future works.
I think this story overall is good. I like the concept of the demons and exorcists and being schooled in that. It was interesting take and the academia vibe with it was intriguing. I think I would've liked to have seen a little more depth to it and not so surface level. I feel like Kiet is the only character that has substance. Song felt sort of flat and and lacked character development. Whereas with Kiet we see him struggle with a lot of different emotions and situations. But it didn't necessarily feel like Kiet was the main character of this book, it felt more like a duo much like their dynamic. Which I enjoyed. The different POV's was great and I feel rounded out the story.
I loved that the cat was basically an employee LOL
I think there's a lot of potential for this story and I think it suits its target audience and has potential for a good series. As it stands right now, it's not for me. But I would probably reading something else from this author.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed the concept behind this story. It brought back memories of Soul Eater and Deadman Wonderland. The concept of slayers and callers is really cool, especially when the callers inhabit an interesting space of having a disability but that disability making them even more valuable than slayers. Kiet and Song have a great dynamic and the ending was definitely agonizing in that I wanted more.
On to the negatives: I found Song's character arc a bit, lacking. There was so much emphasis placed on how she felt like a failure of a daughter for "making" her father have to work at a flower shop to support her and her mentality of getting her degree even if it kills her, but not much emphasis placed on why or where she got the idea that her father was suffering. It makes the end where her father reassures her a little less satisfying because it meant that Song basically talked herself into destroying her body with no provocation. I think tweaking some scenes to show her father making offhand comments about his dreams before the flower shop would have helped make that part of the plot more satisfying for me.
I at times felt like there were too many characters. Wes for example felt like a character the author wanted us to care about but we weren't really shown why. Why did Song and Kiet think so highly of him? Jillian's motivations are basically not explained. Why was she so loyal to Hiero? She doesn't seem to serve any purpose other than to do things offscreen when Hiero is otherwise occupied.
Phenbridge didn't feel like much of a real place. It looms over the entire story as the symbol of everything Kiet hates but it has no real presence. It also strained my suspension of disbelief that it's apparently an open secret that exorcists will try to *poison* each other to gain an edge in classes. Considering these are classes where there is a nonzero chance of fatal injury, it's amazing that there are any exorcists left. Why is Phenbridge so competitive anyways? Surely 100 competent exorcists is better than 5 highly talented ones?
This one is a small gripe but the story includes a lot of little throwaway lines to let you know this is not our world from the days of the week being changed to the year being in the 1300s while having cars and phones but I wanted to know more about the world. Though I'm sure we'll learn more in the sequel.
To conclude, I would rate this at a 3.75 out of 5 and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed the concept behind this story. It brought back memories of Soul Eater and Deadman Wonderland. The concept of slayers and callers is really cool, especially when the callers inhabit an interesting space of having a disability but that disability making them even more valuable than slayers. Kiet and Song have a great dynamic and the ending was definitely agonizing in that I wanted more.
On to the negatives: I found Song's character arc a bit, lacking. There was so much emphasis placed on how she felt like a failure of a daughter for "making" her father have to work at a flower shop to support her and her mentality of getting her degree even if it kills her, but not much emphasis placed on why or where she got the idea that her father was suffering. It makes the end where her father reassures her a little less satisfying because it meant that Song basically talked herself into destroying her body with no provocation. I think tweaking some scenes to show her father making offhand comments about his dreams before the flower shop would have helped make that part of the plot more satisfying for me.
I at times felt like there were too many characters. Wes for example felt like a character the author wanted us to care about but we weren't really shown why. Why did Song and Kiet think so highly of him? Jillian's motivations are basically not explained. Why was she so loyal to Hiero? She doesn't seem to serve any purpose other than to do things offscreen when Hiero is otherwise occupied.
Phenbridge didn't feel like much of a real place. It looms over the entire story as the symbol of everything Kiet hates but it has no real presence. It also strained my suspension of disbelief that it's apparently an open secret that exorcists will try to *poison* each other to gain an edge in classes. Considering these are classes where there is a nonzero chance of fatal injury, it's amazing that there are any exorcists left. Why is Phenbridge so competitive anyways? Surely 100 competent exorcists is better than 5 highly talented ones?
This one is a small gripe but the story includes a lot of little throwaway lines to let you know this is not our world from the days of the week being changed to the year being in the 1300s while having cars and phones but I wanted to know more about the world. Though I'm sure we'll learn more in the sequel.
To conclude, I would rate this at a 3.75 out of 5 and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
***Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.***
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
As a huge fan of Supernatural and the Mortal Instruments series, I was excited to read When Shadows Burn. It's a dark fantasy novel set at a demon hunting university. It follows the hunting duo Kiet (a demon caller) and Song (a demon slayer) as they investigate a mysterious demon on campus and the death of Kiet's brother.
The book begins fast throwing you into the world as Kiet and Song track a demon. I wish the author had spent more time describing the world. I was confused if it was a modern society or an older society. It was also tough to understand how blood was used as a weapon. By midway through the book, it made more sense, but I was loss in the beginning.
I enjoyed the friendship between Kiet and Song and how that relationship developed throughout the story. They both fought to overcome their own inner demons, and it felt relatable. Kiet had strong character development as he tried to discover his place in the world and his family.
The family dynamics was an interesting component of the story. Kiet's rebellious nature stemmed from his family and the school. I really enjoyed seeing his family relationships adapt throughout the story, but I felt like his mom was left out. She should have been more included, so I hope her character is explored more in the next book.
My biggest issue with the novel was the repetitive use of the word "twin." It was very distracting how this word was used as a substitute for God/swear word so many times. I also struggled with the pacing. The investigation would hit a stride, and then school life would take over. I wish these were better intertwined.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending was intense and made me like it more as it left on a cliffhanger (opening the door to the next book). I will be completing the duology when the next book is released.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
As a huge fan of Supernatural and the Mortal Instruments series, I was excited to read When Shadows Burn. It's a dark fantasy novel set at a demon hunting university. It follows the hunting duo Kiet (a demon caller) and Song (a demon slayer) as they investigate a mysterious demon on campus and the death of Kiet's brother.
The book begins fast throwing you into the world as Kiet and Song track a demon. I wish the author had spent more time describing the world. I was confused if it was a modern society or an older society. It was also tough to understand how blood was used as a weapon. By midway through the book, it made more sense, but I was loss in the beginning.
I enjoyed the friendship between Kiet and Song and how that relationship developed throughout the story. They both fought to overcome their own inner demons, and it felt relatable. Kiet had strong character development as he tried to discover his place in the world and his family.
The family dynamics was an interesting component of the story. Kiet's rebellious nature stemmed from his family and the school. I really enjoyed seeing his family relationships adapt throughout the story, but I felt like his mom was left out. She should have been more included, so I hope her character is explored more in the next book.
My biggest issue with the novel was the repetitive use of the word "twin." It was very distracting how this word was used as a substitute for God/swear word so many times. I also struggled with the pacing. The investigation would hit a stride, and then school life would take over. I wish these were better intertwined.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending was intense and made me like it more as it left on a cliffhanger (opening the door to the next book). I will be completing the duology when the next book is released.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ! There is so much that I loved about this! It is definitely a mood read. This is the first of a dark academia fantasy duology. Think: A Deadly Education //Ninth House//Katabasis in terms of higher education & fantasy elements combined with The Mortal Instruments demon hunter vibes.
When Shadows Burn opens quickly, introducing us to Song & Kiet by showing us the process of how to exorcise demons with the complimentary magics of a “caller” and a “slayer”. I really loved the dynamic between both of them and how the friendship is emphasized over romance.
The science (specifically biology) based magic system is done really nicely, I think there is room to expand it even more in the second book. Heads up that there are blood & needles (lancets) if you’re squeamish!
One of my favorite elements was how Le handled the description of burnout (Slayer’s Sclerosis), and the (perceived) expectations of success and academic achievement. Statistically, according to a Stanford research article women are genetically predisposed to autoimmune disorders. (If you’re curious, you can read it here: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-new... )
I think Le left a lot of opportunity to expand the world of Renisia/Halberra/Yennington/Phenbridge. The world building dropped really interesting pieces of culture, including immigration, language, & religion.
There is also huge potential to develop the benefits or repercussions of echium, and how Song moves forward with it. Is it addictive?!
I will definitely continue this series, because I too, would seek vengeance for my siblings.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Roaring Brook Press for this ARC!
When Shadows Burn opens quickly, introducing us to Song & Kiet by showing us the process of how to exorcise demons with the complimentary magics of a “caller” and a “slayer”. I really loved the dynamic between both of them and how the friendship is emphasized over romance.
The science (specifically biology) based magic system is done really nicely, I think there is room to expand it even more in the second book. Heads up that there are blood & needles (lancets) if you’re squeamish!
One of my favorite elements was how Le handled the description of burnout (Slayer’s Sclerosis), and the (perceived) expectations of success and academic achievement. Statistically, according to a Stanford research article women are genetically predisposed to autoimmune disorders. (If you’re curious, you can read it here: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-new... )
I think Le left a lot of opportunity to expand the world of Renisia/Halberra/Yennington/Phenbridge. The world building dropped really interesting pieces of culture, including immigration, language, & religion.
There is also huge potential to develop the benefits or repercussions of echium, and how Song moves forward with it. Is it addictive?!
I will definitely continue this series, because I too, would seek vengeance for my siblings.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Roaring Brook Press for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Shadows Burn is filled to the brim with:
- [ ] Dark Academia
- [ ] Demon Exorcisms, and
- [ ] Dysfunctional family relationships
If these things are your jam, look no further.
What I liked about this book:
- [ ] Little Sarna’s. I would have loved a good long weekend there (forget the demons)
- [ ] The food- it’s a sweet detail
- [ ] Kiet’s emotional growth throughout the book
- [ ] Blood Weapons
- [ ] Kitty Inkspell
I could have used more:
- [ ] Verbal interactions, another POV and/or more explanation of Red Feather for the benefit of the readers and the characters…or at the very least, a more convincing reason for their actions.
- [ ] Some background on how genetics determine whether a person is a Caller versus a Slayer. Not just “It’s genetic.”I guess I am looking for MORE science, and more in-depth descriptions.
- [ ] A reason behind where the demons come from, and why they come at all? They just happen to be there? Did they come through a portal? Why? Did someone bring them there? If so, who and again, why? Are they magically and accidentally created from dreams, and nightmares? There are so many open ended possibilities.
- [ ] Exorcism scenes and descriptions of a…demon… that is not a Yeukai.
- [ ] Some more information about Phenbridge itself. Simply a history or just more interactions between the students and staff. At this point Phenbridge feels like an idea, not a place.
To sum it up, it is a fun and interesting story that could use a bit more world building.
Happy Reading!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s for providing me with this ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
- [ ] Dark Academia
- [ ] Demon Exorcisms, and
- [ ] Dysfunctional family relationships
If these things are your jam, look no further.
What I liked about this book:
- [ ] Little Sarna’s. I would have loved a good long weekend there (forget the demons)
- [ ] The food- it’s a sweet detail
- [ ] Kiet’s emotional growth throughout the book
- [ ] Blood Weapons
- [ ] Kitty Inkspell
I could have used more:
- [ ] Verbal interactions, another POV and/or more explanation of Red Feather for the benefit of the readers and the characters…or at the very least, a more convincing reason for their actions.
- [ ] Some background on how genetics determine whether a person is a Caller versus a Slayer. Not just “It’s genetic.”I guess I am looking for MORE science, and more in-depth descriptions.
- [ ] A reason behind where the demons come from, and why they come at all? They just happen to be there? Did they come through a portal? Why? Did someone bring them there? If so, who and again, why? Are they magically and accidentally created from dreams, and nightmares? There are so many open ended possibilities.
- [ ] Exorcism scenes and descriptions of a…demon… that is not a Yeukai.
- [ ] Some more information about Phenbridge itself. Simply a history or just more interactions between the students and staff. At this point Phenbridge feels like an idea, not a place.
To sum it up, it is a fun and interesting story that could use a bit more world building.
Happy Reading!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s for providing me with this ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was okay. By the end, I was very curious about what would happen, and I enjoyed the set up for the next book.
Things I didn't like:
-I wanted more characterization for both main characters. Kiet and Song were interesting, but they needed more development individually and then more development in their relationship. I did appreciate the flashback sequences where we were able to see some of their earlier interactions.
-The setting was confusing. I was uncertain of the time period--it felt modern at times and old at times. I never did have a clear idea of the intended era. Usually this is not a problem, even in fantasy books.
-The deities in this book were confusing, and they kept saying, "twins" about everything. Evidently the deities are twins, but I kept wondering who the twins were.
-I didn't enjoy this particular Dark Academia vibe. It felt stilted at times. Sometimes they felt like young people at university, and other times, they seemed to have more freedom.
Things I liked:
-I thought the family dynamics for both main characters were interesting and relatable. Chief Sren was an interesting character as well--very nicely written.
-I enjoyed the mystery surrounding a sibling's death. Kiet's determination to get to the bottom of the situation was understandable.
-I enjoyed the plot twist (that I won't ruin here), but I was entirely surprised and then became more curious about the whole story as a result.
Thank you Macmillan and Netgalley for providing this digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Things I didn't like:
-I wanted more characterization for both main characters. Kiet and Song were interesting, but they needed more development individually and then more development in their relationship. I did appreciate the flashback sequences where we were able to see some of their earlier interactions.
-The setting was confusing. I was uncertain of the time period--it felt modern at times and old at times. I never did have a clear idea of the intended era. Usually this is not a problem, even in fantasy books.
-The deities in this book were confusing, and they kept saying, "twins" about everything. Evidently the deities are twins, but I kept wondering who the twins were.
-I didn't enjoy this particular Dark Academia vibe. It felt stilted at times. Sometimes they felt like young people at university, and other times, they seemed to have more freedom.
Things I liked:
-I thought the family dynamics for both main characters were interesting and relatable. Chief Sren was an interesting character as well--very nicely written.
-I enjoyed the mystery surrounding a sibling's death. Kiet's determination to get to the bottom of the situation was understandable.
-I enjoyed the plot twist (that I won't ruin here), but I was entirely surprised and then became more curious about the whole story as a result.
Thank you Macmillan and Netgalley for providing this digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
March 23, 2026⭐ ARC Review
DNF at 23%
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this really interested in the premise, especially with the idea of a demon-hunting duo set within a dark academia environment. The story starts off very action-packed, immediately throwing you into the world as Kiet and Song track and confront demons together.
One of the standout elements for me was the way the demons were portrayed. I found that aspect of the world really interesting, and it gave me slight Shadowhunter vibes in terms of how the supernatural elements were woven into the story.
By around chapter two, there are already hints of a larger mystery unfolding, including signs of a more organized threat behind the scenes. That early setup made it feel like the story was building toward something bigger, which I appreciated.
However, I ultimately decided to DNF at 23%. While the premise and initial setup were strong, I had difficulty fully immersing myself in the story due to the third-person, multi-POV writing style. This is entirely a personal preference, as I tend to connect more with first-person narratives.
I do think readers who enjoy multi-POV fantasy, darker academic settings, and more plot-driven stories will likely find this more engaging. There is a solid foundation here, and I can see it working well for the right audience — it just wasn’t the best fit for me.
DNF at 23%
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this really interested in the premise, especially with the idea of a demon-hunting duo set within a dark academia environment. The story starts off very action-packed, immediately throwing you into the world as Kiet and Song track and confront demons together.
One of the standout elements for me was the way the demons were portrayed. I found that aspect of the world really interesting, and it gave me slight Shadowhunter vibes in terms of how the supernatural elements were woven into the story.
By around chapter two, there are already hints of a larger mystery unfolding, including signs of a more organized threat behind the scenes. That early setup made it feel like the story was building toward something bigger, which I appreciated.
However, I ultimately decided to DNF at 23%. While the premise and initial setup were strong, I had difficulty fully immersing myself in the story due to the third-person, multi-POV writing style. This is entirely a personal preference, as I tend to connect more with first-person narratives.
I do think readers who enjoy multi-POV fantasy, darker academic settings, and more plot-driven stories will likely find this more engaging. There is a solid foundation here, and I can see it working well for the right audience — it just wasn’t the best fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book by Vanessa Le, and I didn’t really know what to expect from the writing style, but I ended up loving it! I flew through the pages because it was easy to follow, and the story itself was very engaging. I was hooked from the very first pages.
When Shadows Burn
reminded me of
Lockwood & Co
and
The Mortal Instruments
, two series that I absolutely adore
I enjoyed both Kiet and Song as main characters. Their banter and wit made me giggle quite a few times. I loved their friendship, and I really enjoyed watching two idiots in love. Their story starts with a murder, and as they dig deeper, we learn that Phenbridge University might not be what it seems. When Shadows Burn is a fast-paced story with layers upon layers of secrets and mystery
Also, chapter 37 had me on edge. I WANTED TO GO TO BED BUT I COULDN’T 😭 It was so sad and tragic, and I genuinely caught myself thinking, “I need THAT character’s POV.” I just love how fucked up they are. Me and complex, traumatized characters against the world
I will definitely continue with the series, and I totally recommend it if you’re a fan of dark academia, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy (demons & demon hunters), or if you enjoyed any of the aspects I mentioned above!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC!
I enjoyed both Kiet and Song as main characters. Their banter and wit made me giggle quite a few times. I loved their friendship, and I really enjoyed watching two idiots in love. Their story starts with a murder, and as they dig deeper, we learn that Phenbridge University might not be what it seems. When Shadows Burn is a fast-paced story with layers upon layers of secrets and mystery
Also, chapter 37 had me on edge. I WANTED TO GO TO BED BUT I COULDN’T 😭 It was so sad and tragic, and I genuinely caught myself thinking, “I need THAT character’s POV.” I just love how fucked up they are. Me and complex, traumatized characters against the world
I will definitely continue with the series, and I totally recommend it if you’re a fan of dark academia, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy (demons & demon hunters), or if you enjoyed any of the aspects I mentioned above!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I could not put this book down once I started it. The story grips you from the very first page and keeps you hooked until the end. I especially loved how action packed it was, along with the level of detail the author used when introducing Yukei (demons) and explaining its biology and the ways slayers and callers like Song and Kiet can exorcise it. Those details made the world feel incredibly immersive. I also appreciated how each chapter contained important information that helped build the story and the world around it.
Song and Kiet are characters that readers will easily fall in love with, just like I did. They are both complex and compelling, and you can’t help but root for them and hope things work out in their favor. The “will they or won’t they” tension between them is strong throughout the book, and I feel like their slow burn relationship is going to unfold beautifully. With this being the first book in a duet, the ending left me eagerly anticipating book two.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Vanessa Le is definitely an author I will be reaching for again in the future. I love her writing style and the way she approaches world building It felt like I was constantly discovering something new at an exciting pace.
If you enjoy stories with demons, slayers, and richly developed worlds, this is a book you don’t want to miss.
Song and Kiet are characters that readers will easily fall in love with, just like I did. They are both complex and compelling, and you can’t help but root for them and hope things work out in their favor. The “will they or won’t they” tension between them is strong throughout the book, and I feel like their slow burn relationship is going to unfold beautifully. With this being the first book in a duet, the ending left me eagerly anticipating book two.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Vanessa Le is definitely an author I will be reaching for again in the future. I love her writing style and the way she approaches world building It felt like I was constantly discovering something new at an exciting pace.
If you enjoy stories with demons, slayers, and richly developed worlds, this is a book you don’t want to miss.
March 12, 2026
This book took me a while to get through but WOW was it worth it!
The world-building is so complex and intricate that at times I almost felt like I should be taking notes on it. Vanessa Le is a master of detail, every word of this book was so well thought-out that its universe felt real and tangible.
Kiet and Song, if possible, felt even more real. They're incredibly complex characters and their struggles (while played out in a fantasy world) put words to the same fears and doubts that I think almost everyone has at some point in their life. Their slow burn was probably one of the best I've ever read—I LOVE when slow burn is actually slow burn, not just a sudden switch flip midway through.
Le's writing is fast-paced and descriptive, and there were quite a few lines where I had to take a step back and stare at it for a minute because it was just *that* beautifully worded.
There is so much more I could say about this book but I think it's one of those things best experienced firsthand. I cannot recommend it enough and can't wait to see what Le does with the sequel!
As always, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
The world-building is so complex and intricate that at times I almost felt like I should be taking notes on it. Vanessa Le is a master of detail, every word of this book was so well thought-out that its universe felt real and tangible.
Kiet and Song, if possible, felt even more real. They're incredibly complex characters and their struggles (while played out in a fantasy world) put words to the same fears and doubts that I think almost everyone has at some point in their life. Their slow burn was probably one of the best I've ever read—I LOVE when slow burn is actually slow burn, not just a sudden switch flip midway through.
Le's writing is fast-paced and descriptive, and there were quite a few lines where I had to take a step back and stare at it for a minute because it was just *that* beautifully worded.
There is so much more I could say about this book but I think it's one of those things best experienced firsthand. I cannot recommend it enough and can't wait to see what Le does with the sequel!
As always, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 ⭐️)
This book had me hooked from the start—I genuinely loved the mix of dark academia and supernatural detective vibes. The whole concept of exorcism being a two-person job (a caller and a slayer) was so unique, and the magic system felt really detailed without being overwhelming.
Kiet and Song completely carried this story for me. Their dynamic?? Everything. I loved how different they were but still worked so well together, and that slow-burn tension had me fully invested. You can’t help but root for them.
The plot kept me engaged the entire time, especially as the mystery unfolded and things started getting more personal. The secrets surrounding the university added such a good layer of intrigue, and I was always curious to see where it was going next.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that there were a few moments where I wanted just a little more depth or time to sit with certain reveals—but overall, I loved this so much.
I adored the characters, the story, the setting—literally all of it. I’m already so ready for the next book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 ⭐️)
This book had me hooked from the start—I genuinely loved the mix of dark academia and supernatural detective vibes. The whole concept of exorcism being a two-person job (a caller and a slayer) was so unique, and the magic system felt really detailed without being overwhelming.
Kiet and Song completely carried this story for me. Their dynamic?? Everything. I loved how different they were but still worked so well together, and that slow-burn tension had me fully invested. You can’t help but root for them.
The plot kept me engaged the entire time, especially as the mystery unfolded and things started getting more personal. The secrets surrounding the university added such a good layer of intrigue, and I was always curious to see where it was going next.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that there were a few moments where I wanted just a little more depth or time to sit with certain reveals—but overall, I loved this so much.
I adored the characters, the story, the setting—literally all of it. I’m already so ready for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It has been a while since I picked up a detective book, as I have been so invested in fantasy lately, but When Shadows Burn allowed me to enjoy some of the best aspects of both. This book's strengths are in its relationships between characters (I loved the opposites attract dynamic between Song and Kiet, as well as the heartbreaking dynamic within Kiet's family), as well as in its ability to delve into the very real feeling of never being able to live up to expectations, whether those expectations are from other's or of yourself. The magic system in this book is quite unique, which I love, but I wish there had been a bit more detail earlier on regarding exactly what demon hunting entailed and what exactly demons were capable of. Overall, I enjoyed this very much, and hope there will be a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
This was a 4.5 ⭐️ for me. Really really fun read. Le has created a very interesting world here for readers to explore and something that I can’t wait to see built out in the future even more. The dynamic of Slayers and Callers is certainly a unique route to take in this genre but it really works and the interactions between protagonists are a lot of fun.
Speaking of the protagonists, Kiet and Song, they are both extremely fleshed out and developed characters who make you really care about their story as it unfolds.
Great read and something people should definitely be looking out for when it hits shelves December 1, 2026
This was a 4.5 ⭐️ for me. Really really fun read. Le has created a very interesting world here for readers to explore and something that I can’t wait to see built out in the future even more. The dynamic of Slayers and Callers is certainly a unique route to take in this genre but it really works and the interactions between protagonists are a lot of fun.
Speaking of the protagonists, Kiet and Song, they are both extremely fleshed out and developed characters who make you really care about their story as it unfolds.
Great read and something people should definitely be looking out for when it hits shelves December 1, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a good book!
So, we have a unique world here - there are "demons" and these demons kill - but there is a school that trains people to be either callers and killers - now in order to kill these demons you have to have both of them - because the caller pulls these demons out of people - so possessions and the killers use their blood to get the demon.
There are classes of demons - so I want to make sure I set the scene
Kiet is our caller, whose father is a dean at the university and is estranged from his family - the family has tragedy. Song is the killer.
In this we have found family, betrayal, back to life, love -that is vocalized - and returned.
This book defintely kept me on my toes - there is a battle at the end that is very impressive.
Highly recommend.
So, we have a unique world here - there are "demons" and these demons kill - but there is a school that trains people to be either callers and killers - now in order to kill these demons you have to have both of them - because the caller pulls these demons out of people - so possessions and the killers use their blood to get the demon.
There are classes of demons - so I want to make sure I set the scene
Kiet is our caller, whose father is a dean at the university and is estranged from his family - the family has tragedy. Song is the killer.
In this we have found family, betrayal, back to life, love -that is vocalized - and returned.
This book defintely kept me on my toes - there is a battle at the end that is very impressive.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I knew this book was going to be thrilling and it did not disappoint! This story was so different from anything I’ve ever read - the demons and callers and slayers, such an awesome world. There were some good twists that I did not see coming! I will absolutely be reading the second book in this duology because I just know they’re up to no good at Phenbridge. I also want to add that although this is a “YA” book, it was just as entertaining to read as any Adult Thriller Sci-Fi Book. I also found this to be an appropriate YA rated book with nothing inappropriate. Thank you NetGalley for such a fun and different ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really like the world building. It was original and compelling. I also liked the fmc and mmc. I thought their relationship was interesting.
I did skip over a few of the blood parts because they were too graphic and I got queasy thinking about. Interested to see where the author takes the series and what else they write.
I did skip over a few of the blood parts because they were too graphic and I got queasy thinking about. Interested to see where the author takes the series and what else they write.
Currently Reading
March 5, 2026🔥🖤When Shadows Burn
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: December 1, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: December 1, 2026
March 27, 2026
Really enjoyed. Wanted to read faster, but life. Great world building and easy to be drawn into the story. Possession, college-like campus.
Review of advance copy received from Author
pretty good
April 9, 2026
3.5⭐️s what a fun read. This the perfect academic/ gothic vibe setting with a delicious slow burn of friends to lovers. The author gave us the best demon hunting duo. We have Kiet the demon caller a.k.a the black sheep of his family and Song our demon slayer who also just happens to be top of her class at the University.
This book is very fast-paced and adventurous, and it kicks off quickly with Kiet & Song investigating a string of slaying that are “different”.
This book uncovers corruption, lies, betrayal & unexpected reunions. You’ve got to read this to see how far Kiet & Song are willing to go to unveil the truth. Publishing date: December 1,2026
Thank you Macmillan Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC to review. These are my personal opinions on this book.
This book is very fast-paced and adventurous, and it kicks off quickly with Kiet & Song investigating a string of slaying that are “different”.
This book uncovers corruption, lies, betrayal & unexpected reunions. You’ve got to read this to see how far Kiet & Song are willing to go to unveil the truth. Publishing date: December 1,2026
Thank you Macmillan Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC to review. These are my personal opinions on this book.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
This was a solid 4-star read for me. The beginning felt a bit uneven and took some real focus to get into, but once the story found its footing, I was completely hooked. As a big fan of all things supernatural and paranormal, I found this story to be incredibly unique and refreshing.
When Shadows Burn follows an exorcism team made up of Kiet Sren- a university dropout working as a caller and Song Sarna, a slayer still enrolled at Phenbridge University. Both characters are grappling with deeply personal struggles: Kiet is haunted by the death of his brother and ongoing family tension, while Song is secretly battling Slayers Sclerosis, all while trying to live up to impossible expectations as both a student and a daughter.
Vanessa Le truly delivered with the ending, setting up the second installment of the duology perfectly. That cliffhanger will be living rent-free in my mind for a while. I’m especially excited to see what’s next for Kiet and Song.
This was a solid 4-star read for me. The beginning felt a bit uneven and took some real focus to get into, but once the story found its footing, I was completely hooked. As a big fan of all things supernatural and paranormal, I found this story to be incredibly unique and refreshing.
When Shadows Burn follows an exorcism team made up of Kiet Sren- a university dropout working as a caller and Song Sarna, a slayer still enrolled at Phenbridge University. Both characters are grappling with deeply personal struggles: Kiet is haunted by the death of his brother and ongoing family tension, while Song is secretly battling Slayers Sclerosis, all while trying to live up to impossible expectations as both a student and a daughter.
Vanessa Le truly delivered with the ending, setting up the second installment of the duology perfectly. That cliffhanger will be living rent-free in my mind for a while. I’m especially excited to see what’s next for Kiet and Song.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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