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The Ending You Deserve
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Expected 1 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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50 copies available
U.S. only
Do Revenge meets Where Sleeping Girls Lie in this dark-academia-stripped-bare novel about a student who uncovers a predator operating in plain sight at her new prestigious private arts high school.
Ava Quirk thought getting into Faraday, the fine arts private school of her dreams, could be a fresh start. Instead, her grades have tanked and her scholarship hangs by a thread.
Near failing out, Ava is presented with a deal. Her student advisor, local legend Peter Barden, agrees to pass her if she befriends Love Solt, a brilliant but guarded classmate. Barden says Love is troubled and could use some guidance. In turn, Ava can soak up Love’s academic prowess. If Ava does this—and gets him a copy of the top-secret novel Love’s writing—he’ll pass Ava. It’s an odd ask, but Ava’s desperate.
At first, friendship comes easy, trust is built, and she’s right where she needs to be to deliver on Barden’s ask. But as time goes by, she realizes she’s falling for Love, and the idea of betraying her is killing Ava. Then she reads Love’s novel…
If the devastating truth Love has penned gets out, many lives will be ruined. But if the secret stays hidden, many lives will be at risk. Ava faces an impossible turn her back on what she’s found, or close the book on a sinister villain who has gone unchecked for far too long.
Ava Quirk thought getting into Faraday, the fine arts private school of her dreams, could be a fresh start. Instead, her grades have tanked and her scholarship hangs by a thread.
Near failing out, Ava is presented with a deal. Her student advisor, local legend Peter Barden, agrees to pass her if she befriends Love Solt, a brilliant but guarded classmate. Barden says Love is troubled and could use some guidance. In turn, Ava can soak up Love’s academic prowess. If Ava does this—and gets him a copy of the top-secret novel Love’s writing—he’ll pass Ava. It’s an odd ask, but Ava’s desperate.
At first, friendship comes easy, trust is built, and she’s right where she needs to be to deliver on Barden’s ask. But as time goes by, she realizes she’s falling for Love, and the idea of betraying her is killing Ava. Then she reads Love’s novel…
If the devastating truth Love has penned gets out, many lives will be ruined. But if the secret stays hidden, many lives will be at risk. Ava faces an impossible turn her back on what she’s found, or close the book on a sinister villain who has gone unchecked for far too long.
- GenresYoung Adult
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 9, 2026Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of The Ending You Deserve.
It takes a lot of ambition to write a story that is supposed to contain the most elite writers and poets, and a lot of personal disconnection to not realize the faults in your own writing. I decided to DNF this book at 17% because the FMC was just incredibly unlikable and such a narcissist. I agree with one throwaway quote from chapter 2 where another student is talking about the FMC and says "How can you think you're so superior and have such shitty grades?" Which is entirely my problem with her. She's not liked by anyone at the school, she's failing out, and she still thinks it's because everyone is just so intimidated by her greatness. She's harsh, critical, and picks everyone else apart, but has no ability to self reflect at all. Also she has a stealing problem and thinks she is owed these things because, again, she is just so fantastic and the world just doesn't understand her and wont give her what she rightfully deserves. Gosh it must be hard (sarcasm).
It takes a lot of ambition to write a story that is supposed to contain the most elite writers and poets, and a lot of personal disconnection to not realize the faults in your own writing. I decided to DNF this book at 17% because the FMC was just incredibly unlikable and such a narcissist. I agree with one throwaway quote from chapter 2 where another student is talking about the FMC and says "How can you think you're so superior and have such shitty grades?" Which is entirely my problem with her. She's not liked by anyone at the school, she's failing out, and she still thinks it's because everyone is just so intimidated by her greatness. She's harsh, critical, and picks everyone else apart, but has no ability to self reflect at all. Also she has a stealing problem and thinks she is owed these things because, again, she is just so fantastic and the world just doesn't understand her and wont give her what she rightfully deserves. Gosh it must be hard (sarcasm).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing, atmospheric dark academia novel featuring our star-studded cast: Ava Quirk, Love Solt, and Graham. Ava Quirk is your average girl, and by that I mean, an outcast at Faraday Arts Private School where she is seemingly invisible and struggling with her grades.
Peter Barden, her academic advisor, suddenly offers his guidance after ignoring her all semester. He's willing to pass her, only if she befriends Love and Graham. Having no choice, she decides to go along with this seemingly innocent request until she is instructed to find Love's secret novel.
In all honesty, it did take a while to fall in love with the characters. I was apprehensive about the whole ensemble but I changed my mind 50% of the way through. It is a slow burn for sure, but it builds up to a more exciting ending. The highlight for me was the friendships, not necessarily the plot itself.
Peter Barden, her academic advisor, suddenly offers his guidance after ignoring her all semester. He's willing to pass her, only if she befriends Love and Graham. Having no choice, she decides to go along with this seemingly innocent request until she is instructed to find Love's secret novel.
In all honesty, it did take a while to fall in love with the characters. I was apprehensive about the whole ensemble but I changed my mind 50% of the way through. It is a slow burn for sure, but it builds up to a more exciting ending. The highlight for me was the friendships, not necessarily the plot itself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect for fans of dark academia vibes, and private school stories, but unfortunately the characters just didn’t do it for me. The main character was so insufferable and self absorbed that it ruined the book for me. The story itself was interesting, but it didn’t connect with me the way I anticipated it to.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The twists and turns in this academic thriller make for a satisfying read, though it's not my usual genre.
Read
May 15, 2026This was absolutely impeccably written. From an emotional standpoint, it felt almost like a thriller, which fit so well with exploration of trauma and how it can unfurl.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews