What do you think?
The Ending You Deserve
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.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 9, 2026
3.5⭐️
When did it become popular in reviewing that, in order to like a book, you have to like the protagonist? I realize readers like to root for someone, and when a character is deeply flawed, that can be hard to do. But generally, there is a reason they are the way they are, and an author’s job is to eventually resolve things for the reader in a meaningful way. That doesn’t mean their job is to make you like the character. While the FMC in this YA book does experience growth throughout the story, Stafford does a decent job of leaving the reader with some understanding of why she is the way she is without making excuses for her.
If there is anything to be learned from this book, it’s that no one deserves to be preyed upon, regardless of whether they are likable or not. On top of the darker themes of abuse, the author’s literary voice is not typical, especially for YA. It can come across as jarring to readers who aren’t used to that particular style, but I actually think it’s a good example of how different writing styles can be, especially for teen readers.
I was fortunate to have received both the eARC and ALC from Harper Children’s via NetGalley ahead of publication, which allowed me to do an immersion read.
The audio, narrated by the wonderfully talented Andi Arndt, did an awesome job conveying the prose, but I am glad I had both formats because this is a different style of writing, and I needed my eyeball reading to ground me a bit. I would be hard-pressed to choose between the formats for someone who could only choose one, as they really do create a well-rounded experience. Arndt had wonderful pacing and a tone that fit the teen characters perfectly. I also think her narration softened the edges of the unlikable FMC and made it easier to have some sympathy for her as you witness what she went through.
Will I recommend this book to the teen readers in my life? Absolutely. There is so much to learn from here and so many facets that readers can identify with. It tackles a lot of challenging themes, including the parent/child relationship, a child being forced into the role of the adult, abused trust from a teacher, blackmail, inappropriate contact from a trusted adult, and so much more. So please check your triggers.
I also think this book can reach a wider adult audience. While most of the characters are teens, it does not read like a typical YA book.
Lastly, total brownie points to the author for knowing the difference between “rifle” and “riffle” and using them appropriately. You would be surprised how many books lately have gotten this wrong, and I was getting disheartened. 😂
When did it become popular in reviewing that, in order to like a book, you have to like the protagonist? I realize readers like to root for someone, and when a character is deeply flawed, that can be hard to do. But generally, there is a reason they are the way they are, and an author’s job is to eventually resolve things for the reader in a meaningful way. That doesn’t mean their job is to make you like the character. While the FMC in this YA book does experience growth throughout the story, Stafford does a decent job of leaving the reader with some understanding of why she is the way she is without making excuses for her.
If there is anything to be learned from this book, it’s that no one deserves to be preyed upon, regardless of whether they are likable or not. On top of the darker themes of abuse, the author’s literary voice is not typical, especially for YA. It can come across as jarring to readers who aren’t used to that particular style, but I actually think it’s a good example of how different writing styles can be, especially for teen readers.
I was fortunate to have received both the eARC and ALC from Harper Children’s via NetGalley ahead of publication, which allowed me to do an immersion read.
The audio, narrated by the wonderfully talented Andi Arndt, did an awesome job conveying the prose, but I am glad I had both formats because this is a different style of writing, and I needed my eyeball reading to ground me a bit. I would be hard-pressed to choose between the formats for someone who could only choose one, as they really do create a well-rounded experience. Arndt had wonderful pacing and a tone that fit the teen characters perfectly. I also think her narration softened the edges of the unlikable FMC and made it easier to have some sympathy for her as you witness what she went through.
Will I recommend this book to the teen readers in my life? Absolutely. There is so much to learn from here and so many facets that readers can identify with. It tackles a lot of challenging themes, including the parent/child relationship, a child being forced into the role of the adult, abused trust from a teacher, blackmail, inappropriate contact from a trusted adult, and so much more. So please check your triggers.
I also think this book can reach a wider adult audience. While most of the characters are teens, it does not read like a typical YA book.
Lastly, total brownie points to the author for knowing the difference between “rifle” and “riffle” and using them appropriately. You would be surprised how many books lately have gotten this wrong, and I was getting disheartened. 😂
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
Thank you NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Ending You Deserve” by Rebecca Stafford is a dark academia mystery that leans heavily into private school intrigue, social hierarchy, and the desperate need to belong. While it took me a little while to fully settle into the story, once the pieces started coming together, I found myself increasingly invested in both the mystery and the complicated relationships at its center.
The story follows Ava Quirk, a struggling student at the prestigious Faraday Arts Private School. Ava isn't the popular girl, the gifted student, or even particularly well-liked. In fact, she's practically invisible. Her grades are slipping, she's isolated from her peers, and she's on the verge of failing out. Things take a strange turn when her academic advisor, who has barely acknowledged her existence all semester, suddenly offers to help her stay enrolled but only if she befriends two of the school's most fascinating and enigmatic students: Love Solt and Graham.
What begins as an awkward assignment quickly spirals into something much bigger when Ava is tasked with finding Love's secret novel. From there, secrets start piling up, motivations become increasingly questionable, and Ava finds herself pulled deeper into a mystery she may not fully understand.
One thing that will probably divide readers is Ava herself. She's very much an anti-hero, and not always an easy protagonist to love. At times she's self-absorbed, frustrated with the world around her, and prone to making questionable decisions. There were definitely moments when I found her difficult to connect with. However, I also think that's part of what makes her interesting. She's an underdog in every sense of the word, and even when she isn't particularly likable, I still found myself rooting for her to succeed. By the end, she does show some growth, even if her character development isn't the strongest aspect of the book. Some younger YA readers may enjoy exploring such a different main character.
Where the story really shines is in its atmosphere. The private boarding school setting is packed with dark academia vibes: ambitious students, hidden agendas, secretive faculty members, artistic pursuits, and the constant feeling that everyone knows something you don't. There's a lingering sense of mystery hanging over the entire story that kept me turning pages, even during the slower sections.
The friendships ended up being my favorite part of the book. While I initially struggled to connect with the cast, the relationships between Ava, Love, and Graham gradually became the emotional core of the story. As their dynamic develops, the characters start feeling more layered, and I became much more invested in what happened to them. The mystery itself is compelling, but for me, it was the evolving friendships that gave the story its heart.
The pacing is definitely on the slower side for the first half. This is very much a slow-burn mystery that spends time establishing the school, the characters, and the various secrets floating around campus before things really begin to escalate. Around the halfway point, however, the story picks up considerably, and the suspense starts building toward a much more exciting conclusion.
While I enjoyed the mystery overall, I can understand why some may struggle with the main character. The supporting cast often felt more developed and intriguing than Ava herself, and there were moments where I wished for a little more depth or growth from her. Still, by the time the ending arrived, I was satisfied with where her journey landed.
Overall, “The Ending You Deserve” is an enjoyable choice for readers who love dark academia, boarding school mysteries, and underdog protagonists. It may take some patience to fully click with the characters, but the intriguing premise, atmospheric setting, and strong friendship dynamics make it worth the journey. If you're looking for a mystery filled with secrets, elite school politics, and a protagonist who doesn't fit the typical hero mold, this one is worth checking out.
“The Ending You Deserve” by Rebecca Stafford is a dark academia mystery that leans heavily into private school intrigue, social hierarchy, and the desperate need to belong. While it took me a little while to fully settle into the story, once the pieces started coming together, I found myself increasingly invested in both the mystery and the complicated relationships at its center.
The story follows Ava Quirk, a struggling student at the prestigious Faraday Arts Private School. Ava isn't the popular girl, the gifted student, or even particularly well-liked. In fact, she's practically invisible. Her grades are slipping, she's isolated from her peers, and she's on the verge of failing out. Things take a strange turn when her academic advisor, who has barely acknowledged her existence all semester, suddenly offers to help her stay enrolled but only if she befriends two of the school's most fascinating and enigmatic students: Love Solt and Graham.
What begins as an awkward assignment quickly spirals into something much bigger when Ava is tasked with finding Love's secret novel. From there, secrets start piling up, motivations become increasingly questionable, and Ava finds herself pulled deeper into a mystery she may not fully understand.
One thing that will probably divide readers is Ava herself. She's very much an anti-hero, and not always an easy protagonist to love. At times she's self-absorbed, frustrated with the world around her, and prone to making questionable decisions. There were definitely moments when I found her difficult to connect with. However, I also think that's part of what makes her interesting. She's an underdog in every sense of the word, and even when she isn't particularly likable, I still found myself rooting for her to succeed. By the end, she does show some growth, even if her character development isn't the strongest aspect of the book. Some younger YA readers may enjoy exploring such a different main character.
Where the story really shines is in its atmosphere. The private boarding school setting is packed with dark academia vibes: ambitious students, hidden agendas, secretive faculty members, artistic pursuits, and the constant feeling that everyone knows something you don't. There's a lingering sense of mystery hanging over the entire story that kept me turning pages, even during the slower sections.
The friendships ended up being my favorite part of the book. While I initially struggled to connect with the cast, the relationships between Ava, Love, and Graham gradually became the emotional core of the story. As their dynamic develops, the characters start feeling more layered, and I became much more invested in what happened to them. The mystery itself is compelling, but for me, it was the evolving friendships that gave the story its heart.
The pacing is definitely on the slower side for the first half. This is very much a slow-burn mystery that spends time establishing the school, the characters, and the various secrets floating around campus before things really begin to escalate. Around the halfway point, however, the story picks up considerably, and the suspense starts building toward a much more exciting conclusion.
While I enjoyed the mystery overall, I can understand why some may struggle with the main character. The supporting cast often felt more developed and intriguing than Ava herself, and there were moments where I wished for a little more depth or growth from her. Still, by the time the ending arrived, I was satisfied with where her journey landed.
Overall, “The Ending You Deserve” is an enjoyable choice for readers who love dark academia, boarding school mysteries, and underdog protagonists. It may take some patience to fully click with the characters, but the intriguing premise, atmospheric setting, and strong friendship dynamics make it worth the journey. If you're looking for a mystery filled with secrets, elite school politics, and a protagonist who doesn't fit the typical hero mold, this one is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the ARC.
I despised this.
I DNF'd it.
I had to look up the author, Rebecca Stafford, because I could not believe that a writer writing about writers would write the writers so poorly. She has an MFA in poetry, and a PhD in English. Sounds about right. I have a BA in creative writing as well, with my focus being on novel writing. Some poets can do novels well. Some... can't. Stafford is one of them.
I thought maybe I could chalk up my distaste of this book to the fact that it was the very first time I actually had an audio version, and not a robot reading aloud, but the more I thought about it, the more I decided that reading it wouldn't have been any better. Maybe I could've lasted longer, but I probably would have DNF'd it anyways.
The dialogue is atrocious. Our wonderful FMC, Ava, interrupts every single line with what's got to be at least a solid paragraph of asides or annoyingly descriptive introductions of the new speaker. Nothing flowed well. Keeping track of the scant conversations was frustratingly difficult. And when I say "scant," I mean I think there were six conversations across eight chapters that lasted more than four lines. But rarely reached ten. Not sure of the accuracy of that, but it sure felt like it!
Ava is completely obnoxious. From other reviews, and from Stafford's own website, it looks like this book is about friendship and love, not about growing as a person and no longer being absolutely insufferable. She is failing her classes yet thinks she's God's gift to poetry. No one likes her. She gives the worst critiques. Everything that has come out of her mouth has been hateful. Oh, and she's a budding kleptomaniac, seeming to steal something every time she's mad or embarrassed! What a great character trait!
None of Ava's attitude, nor the attitude towards Ava, would have been permitted in my uni. Yes, she's a high schooler, but she's at a prestigious high school on a scholarship. They're held to a higher standard than us public school plebs (I went to both) yet even my high school would've nipped her attitude problem in the bud.
I just... I despise Ava. This writing seems atrocious (good voice actor though!). And I'm surprised a publisher like Harper Collins picked it up.
Was this too harsh? Maybe. But I could've been listening to a thriller or my 90s pop punk playlist.
If you like reading about writers, avoid.
I despised this.
I DNF'd it.
I had to look up the author, Rebecca Stafford, because I could not believe that a writer writing about writers would write the writers so poorly. She has an MFA in poetry, and a PhD in English. Sounds about right. I have a BA in creative writing as well, with my focus being on novel writing. Some poets can do novels well. Some... can't. Stafford is one of them.
I thought maybe I could chalk up my distaste of this book to the fact that it was the very first time I actually had an audio version, and not a robot reading aloud, but the more I thought about it, the more I decided that reading it wouldn't have been any better. Maybe I could've lasted longer, but I probably would have DNF'd it anyways.
The dialogue is atrocious. Our wonderful FMC, Ava, interrupts every single line with what's got to be at least a solid paragraph of asides or annoyingly descriptive introductions of the new speaker. Nothing flowed well. Keeping track of the scant conversations was frustratingly difficult. And when I say "scant," I mean I think there were six conversations across eight chapters that lasted more than four lines. But rarely reached ten. Not sure of the accuracy of that, but it sure felt like it!
Ava is completely obnoxious. From other reviews, and from Stafford's own website, it looks like this book is about friendship and love, not about growing as a person and no longer being absolutely insufferable. She is failing her classes yet thinks she's God's gift to poetry. No one likes her. She gives the worst critiques. Everything that has come out of her mouth has been hateful. Oh, and she's a budding kleptomaniac, seeming to steal something every time she's mad or embarrassed! What a great character trait!
None of Ava's attitude, nor the attitude towards Ava, would have been permitted in my uni. Yes, she's a high schooler, but she's at a prestigious high school on a scholarship. They're held to a higher standard than us public school plebs (I went to both) yet even my high school would've nipped her attitude problem in the bud.
I just... I despise Ava. This writing seems atrocious (good voice actor though!). And I'm surprised a publisher like Harper Collins picked it up.
Was this too harsh? Maybe. But I could've been listening to a thriller or my 90s pop punk playlist.
If you like reading about writers, avoid.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
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*I received an ARC from Quill Tree Books, Harper Collins Canada, & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
.
I was absolutely delighted by how much I enjoyed this story. I tend to struggle with contemporary school settings but this one hooked me - especially when it came to the character voice.
.
Ava Quirk is a scholarship student struggling to meet her academic requirements at a very prestigious young adult art school (or so we are told). Her advisor, Peter Barden, encourages her to befriend another student, Love, and from the moment we see Barden dropping off Ava’s scholarship acceptance directly to Ava at the diner she works at, we have the first drop in the bucket of dread: something is not right with Barden’s intentions.
.
This book is written with a love and frustration for the teenage years that felt exceptionally nostalgic. Ava is an aggravating teenager (sometimes) who messes up but you can feel her genuine desire to connect, to make friends, to be acknowledged as good at her art by her mentors and the people she respects. It’s an ache that is all too familiar to us past those memorable teenage years.
.
But what really made this story stand out is Ava’s character voice. Yes, she feels every bit the exceptionally talented scholarship teenager, but what I loved the most was that she SEES the world through her poetry. Poetry is her entire life and with how she goes through the world, explores it, interacts with it, the reader truly sees just how much of an influence this has on her life and why she, of all people, is here at this school (and not just because Barden sees her as easy to manipulate). And maybe it’s a little snooty but hey, what sixteen year old writer didn’t have a touch of that in their writing at the time?
.
I had the best time writing all over this book, annotating, underlining, reacting. The dread builds and builds throughout (especially if you’ve experienced how men like Barden move before) and you wonder just how far this will go, but there are bright spots as well, in Ava’s budding friendships with both Love and Graham, and the “I think this is flirting?” snippets that we get between Ava and Love that really had me rooting for them.
.
The Ending You Deserve brought me right back to the cringe, the innocence, and all the passion and possibilities of being a teenager. A great book to start off fall reading.
.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
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*I received an ARC from Quill Tree Books, Harper Collins Canada, & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
.
I was absolutely delighted by how much I enjoyed this story. I tend to struggle with contemporary school settings but this one hooked me - especially when it came to the character voice.
.
Ava Quirk is a scholarship student struggling to meet her academic requirements at a very prestigious young adult art school (or so we are told). Her advisor, Peter Barden, encourages her to befriend another student, Love, and from the moment we see Barden dropping off Ava’s scholarship acceptance directly to Ava at the diner she works at, we have the first drop in the bucket of dread: something is not right with Barden’s intentions.
.
This book is written with a love and frustration for the teenage years that felt exceptionally nostalgic. Ava is an aggravating teenager (sometimes) who messes up but you can feel her genuine desire to connect, to make friends, to be acknowledged as good at her art by her mentors and the people she respects. It’s an ache that is all too familiar to us past those memorable teenage years.
.
But what really made this story stand out is Ava’s character voice. Yes, she feels every bit the exceptionally talented scholarship teenager, but what I loved the most was that she SEES the world through her poetry. Poetry is her entire life and with how she goes through the world, explores it, interacts with it, the reader truly sees just how much of an influence this has on her life and why she, of all people, is here at this school (and not just because Barden sees her as easy to manipulate). And maybe it’s a little snooty but hey, what sixteen year old writer didn’t have a touch of that in their writing at the time?
.
I had the best time writing all over this book, annotating, underlining, reacting. The dread builds and builds throughout (especially if you’ve experienced how men like Barden move before) and you wonder just how far this will go, but there are bright spots as well, in Ava’s budding friendships with both Love and Graham, and the “I think this is flirting?” snippets that we get between Ava and Love that really had me rooting for them.
.
The Ending You Deserve brought me right back to the cringe, the innocence, and all the passion and possibilities of being a teenager. A great book to start off fall reading.
.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
September 4, 2026
I will start this review by saying that the description of this book basically gives the entire story away. Therefore, I will not be putting a spoiler warning on this. Readers beware.
As I stated, the description/blurb on the back of the book is exactly what you will receive in this book, making the story extremely predictable and formulaic. If this description had been written differently or not added at all, the author actually does a good job of adding more subtle hints to imply something is astray, and it would've been much more rewarding at the end to look back at those hints if I hadn't already figured it out without actually reading the book.
I understand how the author was trying to make Ava come across; a self-described "bitch" who slowly grows a real love for her friends and does the right thing in the end. However, because her motivations were purely selfish-to prevent her scholarship from being taken away-none of her redemption is actually earned. She only became friends with Graham and Love because of the deal. She only confessed to them about the deal because she got caught. And despite doing something unforgivable, they forgive her extremely quickly, even when they say they can't. And that's in part due to her tendencies of kleptomania, which doesn't necessarily fit the story or character.
I have to add my obligatory statement on dark academia: just because a book takes place at a private school does not make it dark academia. At least this one features a bit of the classic intellect with the poetry and writing, but I think the term has been so diluted that no book will ever be truly dark academia for me.
I don't think this is a bad story by any means. If it hadn't been spoiled for me, I may have enjoyed it more. I do think that the pacing was a bit slow up until the end, where the big events happened very quickly and everything was resolved with a bow within a few pages. But other than that, I thought it was a decently written story and I liked Graham and Love as characters.
As I stated, the description/blurb on the back of the book is exactly what you will receive in this book, making the story extremely predictable and formulaic. If this description had been written differently or not added at all, the author actually does a good job of adding more subtle hints to imply something is astray, and it would've been much more rewarding at the end to look back at those hints if I hadn't already figured it out without actually reading the book.
I understand how the author was trying to make Ava come across; a self-described "bitch" who slowly grows a real love for her friends and does the right thing in the end. However, because her motivations were purely selfish-to prevent her scholarship from being taken away-none of her redemption is actually earned. She only became friends with Graham and Love because of the deal. She only confessed to them about the deal because she got caught. And despite doing something unforgivable, they forgive her extremely quickly, even when they say they can't. And that's in part due to her tendencies of kleptomania, which doesn't necessarily fit the story or character.
I have to add my obligatory statement on dark academia: just because a book takes place at a private school does not make it dark academia. At least this one features a bit of the classic intellect with the poetry and writing, but I think the term has been so diluted that no book will ever be truly dark academia for me.
I don't think this is a bad story by any means. If it hadn't been spoiled for me, I may have enjoyed it more. I do think that the pacing was a bit slow up until the end, where the big events happened very quickly and everything was resolved with a bow within a few pages. But other than that, I thought it was a decently written story and I liked Graham and Love as characters.
September 6, 2026
this was a very interesting YA, coming-of-age, thriller about a girl named Ava Quirk. she’s a new transfer into this prestigious high school that nurtures students interested in different forms of art, like: poetry, writing, acting, painting, etc. Ava’s different and, like her last name might suggest, a bit quirky. she struggles to fit in and deals with a lot of internalized frustrations at people. students find her off-putting, weird, snobby, etc. but despite that, her focus and passion is to continue getting the education she feels she deserves to have to become the poet she aspires to be. that’s the goal. screw everyone else.
unfortunately, Ava is a scholarship student in a sea of wealthy classmates. this means keeping her grades high to continue attending the school. when her anger finally has her snapping in class, she’s sent to her advisor… a highly regarded poet-teacher named Peter Barden. he starts to push her outside of her comfort zone with promises to help her thrive, both as a student and poet. this leads Ava down a path of actually making attempts to befriend other students, namely Love Solt & Graham Langford. this budding friendship sparks something in Ava she can’t quite name. like maybe… maybe she fits in after all. but Barden pushes her to go even further into this friend group and do something that might take it all away.
Ava goes through a lot of character growth. i mean… this girl was practically abandoned by her parents and handed off to her cool aunt, Abbott. of course, she’s angry. of course, she struggles to cultivate any relationships. so what if she’s a klepto!? she’s in high school trying to make sense of the world around her, her sexuality, people, and herself. i found her journey through this entire story so interesting. none of it is perfect or ideal. it’s messy… like real life is. for mature readers, you’ll probably see the truth a mile away. but as this is for young adults, i think this would be a fascinating read. even if gets a little dark.
unfortunately, Ava is a scholarship student in a sea of wealthy classmates. this means keeping her grades high to continue attending the school. when her anger finally has her snapping in class, she’s sent to her advisor… a highly regarded poet-teacher named Peter Barden. he starts to push her outside of her comfort zone with promises to help her thrive, both as a student and poet. this leads Ava down a path of actually making attempts to befriend other students, namely Love Solt & Graham Langford. this budding friendship sparks something in Ava she can’t quite name. like maybe… maybe she fits in after all. but Barden pushes her to go even further into this friend group and do something that might take it all away.
Ava goes through a lot of character growth. i mean… this girl was practically abandoned by her parents and handed off to her cool aunt, Abbott. of course, she’s angry. of course, she struggles to cultivate any relationships. so what if she’s a klepto!? she’s in high school trying to make sense of the world around her, her sexuality, people, and herself. i found her journey through this entire story so interesting. none of it is perfect or ideal. it’s messy… like real life is. for mature readers, you’ll probably see the truth a mile away. but as this is for young adults, i think this would be a fascinating read. even if gets a little dark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Ava has gotten into an elite private school, but what she has not yet learned is that these places often draw folks who are pulling some kind of geographic or failing up. Yes, she has her own problems to manage, but rather than solving some of those challenges, this new space - and the new people who fill it - just add to her list of dramatic teen moments.
One element of this work that I think many readers in the target audience will relate to is the disappointing parents. Ava sees herself as the adult in that relationship, and despite how flawed she is, she's right; her parents really are worse. What teen can't relate to this feeling, if not the state? I really enjoyed the brief interventions by the one responsible adult in Ava's life, and a challenge I had with this novel was that I wanted more of that character. That noted, more focus on that character could have also made some of Ava's more off the wall decisions feel even less plausible.
There's an authority figure in this book who is so slimy, and that was another challenge I had (though this was definitely personal to me, not something that I think is necessarily wrong in the book). It's so important to include characters like this in YA since, you know, they're nearly ubiquitous. I definitely experienced some bad chills while reading about this one, and getting young readers' hackles up is probably a good idea in this case.
This book is not for the reader who needs a protagonist they're rooting for from the start or a linear road to teen success. Ava is tough to root for, but being, uh, difficult, does not warrant mistreatment, especially by those in power, and I can appreciate the messaging.
An interesting read that made me curious to go deeper into this author's work.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Ava has gotten into an elite private school, but what she has not yet learned is that these places often draw folks who are pulling some kind of geographic or failing up. Yes, she has her own problems to manage, but rather than solving some of those challenges, this new space - and the new people who fill it - just add to her list of dramatic teen moments.
One element of this work that I think many readers in the target audience will relate to is the disappointing parents. Ava sees herself as the adult in that relationship, and despite how flawed she is, she's right; her parents really are worse. What teen can't relate to this feeling, if not the state? I really enjoyed the brief interventions by the one responsible adult in Ava's life, and a challenge I had with this novel was that I wanted more of that character. That noted, more focus on that character could have also made some of Ava's more off the wall decisions feel even less plausible.
There's an authority figure in this book who is so slimy, and that was another challenge I had (though this was definitely personal to me, not something that I think is necessarily wrong in the book). It's so important to include characters like this in YA since, you know, they're nearly ubiquitous. I definitely experienced some bad chills while reading about this one, and getting young readers' hackles up is probably a good idea in this case.
This book is not for the reader who needs a protagonist they're rooting for from the start or a linear road to teen success. Ava is tough to root for, but being, uh, difficult, does not warrant mistreatment, especially by those in power, and I can appreciate the messaging.
An interesting read that made me curious to go deeper into this author's work.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance audiobook to review before publication. I'm happy with the narration. The story is not easy.
Ava gets a two-year scholarship to Faraday, a private fine arts school. But she's struggling. Her grades are in the toilet. That and a few other things may cause Ava to lose her scholarship.
Unfortunately, her parents are no help. They've divorced. Dad is off on some sort of adventure and Ava cannot contact him. Mom is living in Las Vegas and calls Ava to talk with her about her problems, not Ava's problems.
Ava's art is writing poetry and some stories. Her advisor, Peter, is not liking her poems and lack of growth. He works with her frequently. Eventually, he tells her that if she'll do some things, he will help her keep her scholarship.
Ava is not well liked in the school. She is usually alone, eats alone, works alone... Peter knows this. He tells her that she needs to integrate herself with other students. Get some friends, eat lunch with others, join a study group, work with others to improve her work and theirs.
Peter tells Ava to get to know a particular student, Love Solt. Love is brilliant but guarded. Perhaps getting to know her can help Ava in many ways, including academics. Then when she's in with Love, Ava is to get a copy of the book Love is writing to Peter.
The story is rather dark. The academics are a bit confusing. The portrayals of some characters are a little unclear.
Ava finds out that Love is writing about a villain who is at the school. Should she get and turn in the novel to Peter or not? It's a nasty conundrum. One with far reaching potential consequences.
Ava gets a two-year scholarship to Faraday, a private fine arts school. But she's struggling. Her grades are in the toilet. That and a few other things may cause Ava to lose her scholarship.
Unfortunately, her parents are no help. They've divorced. Dad is off on some sort of adventure and Ava cannot contact him. Mom is living in Las Vegas and calls Ava to talk with her about her problems, not Ava's problems.
Ava's art is writing poetry and some stories. Her advisor, Peter, is not liking her poems and lack of growth. He works with her frequently. Eventually, he tells her that if she'll do some things, he will help her keep her scholarship.
Ava is not well liked in the school. She is usually alone, eats alone, works alone... Peter knows this. He tells her that she needs to integrate herself with other students. Get some friends, eat lunch with others, join a study group, work with others to improve her work and theirs.
Peter tells Ava to get to know a particular student, Love Solt. Love is brilliant but guarded. Perhaps getting to know her can help Ava in many ways, including academics. Then when she's in with Love, Ava is to get a copy of the book Love is writing to Peter.
The story is rather dark. The academics are a bit confusing. The portrayals of some characters are a little unclear.
Ava finds out that Love is writing about a villain who is at the school. Should she get and turn in the novel to Peter or not? It's a nasty conundrum. One with far reaching potential consequences.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Okay, this one had me suspicious of EVERYONE. 😂
The whole setup at Faraday was so creepy because Ava is basically being manipulated from the beginning without even realizing just how deep it goes. The deal with Barden immediately gave me bad vibes, and watching Ava get closer to Love while knowing she was supposed to betray her made things so much more complicated.
I really liked the dark academia atmosphere and the whole idea of a secret novel containing a truth that could completely destroy people. Once Ava finally reads it, the story really starts to come together, and I was definitely invested in finding out what was actually happening behind the scenes.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Ava and Love. It wasn't just about the mystery—the friendships, trust, betrayal, and figuring out who you can actually believe were some of my favorite parts.
This was definitely a slower burn for me in the beginning, but once everything started clicking, I couldn't stop wondering where it was going. And that ending? 👀 Let's just say the title is VERY fitting.
If you like dark academia, toxic school environments, secrets, complicated friendships, and mysteries where absolutely nobody feels completely trustworthy, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
4/5 ⭐️
Okay, this one had me suspicious of EVERYONE. 😂
The whole setup at Faraday was so creepy because Ava is basically being manipulated from the beginning without even realizing just how deep it goes. The deal with Barden immediately gave me bad vibes, and watching Ava get closer to Love while knowing she was supposed to betray her made things so much more complicated.
I really liked the dark academia atmosphere and the whole idea of a secret novel containing a truth that could completely destroy people. Once Ava finally reads it, the story really starts to come together, and I was definitely invested in finding out what was actually happening behind the scenes.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Ava and Love. It wasn't just about the mystery—the friendships, trust, betrayal, and figuring out who you can actually believe were some of my favorite parts.
This was definitely a slower burn for me in the beginning, but once everything started clicking, I couldn't stop wondering where it was going. And that ending? 👀 Let's just say the title is VERY fitting.
If you like dark academia, toxic school environments, secrets, complicated friendships, and mysteries where absolutely nobody feels completely trustworthy, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
4/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rebecca Stafford’s THE ENDING YOU DESERVE is rich with well written characters: Ava, her aunt, and Ava’s classmates Graham and Love. Ava is a fantastic anti-hero: she’s so hard to root for when we first meet her. Stafford doles out enough info early on that we as readers know Ava had dreamed of attending Faraday, the fine arts private school located near where she lives with her aunt. That information opens the opportunity to ask “What happened?” and create a reason to keep reading, no matter how resistant Ava seems to be toward being her own main character. Even her creative writing teacher/advisor, the highly awarded poet Peter Barden, doesn’t seem to like Ava or have any desire for her to be at Faraday. Once Ava is brought into the closed world of her classmates Graham and Love Solt, the novel (and Ava) opens up into a world of hope and friendship. So much more happens after that, but it’s best to read the book for the fantastic details. However, the one issue I have with THE ENDING YOU DESERVE is, well, the ending. Something about it is too easy, especially in some of its final moments, and it leaves questions about consequences that I’m not sure the author intends.
September 1, 2026
Ava is at a prestigious prep school on scholarship. She is worried about her failing grades which will get her kicked out, so she jumps at the chance to redeem herself when her advisor, who turns out to be a male predator who would lose his teaching license in a heartbeat, asks her to steal a classmate’s notebook. Once she sees the contents of the notebook, she has second thoughts though, and after confronting the teacher, everything goes awry.
This book gave me so much ick, I understand why so many didn’t finish reading it. I almost didn’t–as a teacher, the way the teacher was acting did not sit well at all, not to mention that the first 3/4ths of the book were so boring. Nothing happened; the main character just whined and complained and never seemed to have that insightful moment of bettering herself. The best part of the book was the very end where everything went down. It makes me wonder if that part was written first and then the author tried to make it into something longer so they added the parts before? In any case, this isn’t worth anyone’s time and it is not recommended.
This book gave me so much ick, I understand why so many didn’t finish reading it. I almost didn’t–as a teacher, the way the teacher was acting did not sit well at all, not to mention that the first 3/4ths of the book were so boring. Nothing happened; the main character just whined and complained and never seemed to have that insightful moment of bettering herself. The best part of the book was the very end where everything went down. It makes me wonder if that part was written first and then the author tried to make it into something longer so they added the parts before? In any case, this isn’t worth anyone’s time and it is not recommended.
September 3, 2026
This is a meaty novel that deals with many issues, but the primary subject is the abuse of trust. Ava, the narrator, trusts her advisor, who manipulates her into abusing the trust her friends Love and Graham have placed in her. How she responds when she realizes the truth of what has been going on forms the resolution of the story.
It is true, as several reviewers have said, that at the outset Ava is not an appealing character. She has a giant chip on her shoulder, she is self-centered and hostile, and she’s a thief. Her negative attitude is the result believing she doesn’t belong. Her flighty, immature parents have largely abandoned her and she has no money, in contrast to the wealthy students at the elite school she has always been desperate to attend. She does however grow and change, so be patient.
The characters surrounding Ava are richly developed. My favorites are Ava’s aunt, a wonderful, tough, resilient woman, and Graham, a fine and loyal friend.
This is a book for older teens and adults. The style and vocabulary, as well as the sensitive subject matter, are suitable to more mature readers. For this audience I’d definitely recommend this novel.
It is true, as several reviewers have said, that at the outset Ava is not an appealing character. She has a giant chip on her shoulder, she is self-centered and hostile, and she’s a thief. Her negative attitude is the result believing she doesn’t belong. Her flighty, immature parents have largely abandoned her and she has no money, in contrast to the wealthy students at the elite school she has always been desperate to attend. She does however grow and change, so be patient.
The characters surrounding Ava are richly developed. My favorites are Ava’s aunt, a wonderful, tough, resilient woman, and Graham, a fine and loyal friend.
This is a book for older teens and adults. The style and vocabulary, as well as the sensitive subject matter, are suitable to more mature readers. For this audience I’d definitely recommend this novel.
September 6, 2026
I think several of the harsher reviews of this book highlight a kind of misogyny that has haunted female characters since the beginning of time. Your FMC does not HAVE to be likable to be interesting or worthy of a story! Men are allowed to be insufferable narrators literally all. of. the. time. Ava is SUPPOSED to be irritating in her not-like-other-girls, too-cool-for-school approach to protecting herself. Her sense of self-worth is inextricably bound to her ability to write, so of course she'll prop it up as her armor for as long as she can.
The partway-through DNFs citing the unlikability of the protagonist also does not seem to understand that a good story requires character development. If your protagonist ends the book exactly as she starts it—then you did a bad job! Ava, without a doubt, undergoes character development. She is a different person by the last page.
Stafford nails Ava's wise-crack voice that hides a girl who really, really hurts. There's a tenderness just below the surface that makes its way to the top the longer you spend in this story. I loved it.
The partway-through DNFs citing the unlikability of the protagonist also does not seem to understand that a good story requires character development. If your protagonist ends the book exactly as she starts it—then you did a bad job! Ava, without a doubt, undergoes character development. She is a different person by the last page.
Stafford nails Ava's wise-crack voice that hides a girl who really, really hurts. There's a tenderness just below the surface that makes its way to the top the longer you spend in this story. I loved it.
September 18, 2026
I am super picky with dark academia, but this was a fun one to read.
The FMC was hilarious and unlikeable all at the same time. The supporting characters, Graham and Love, captured my attention and were surprisingly endearing and fun. And while the villain was obvious, I don’t think it was ever meant to be revealed in some shocking plot twist. It was all put together nicely and led to an entertaining read.
I wanted a little bit more of a romance, which I usually don’t say when it comes to this genre, but I couldn’t help but root for Ava and Love and wanted to read more about their relationship.
In saying that, I think the author did a good job of focusing more on Ava’s friendship with Graham and Love instead of making romance the focal point.
Also, this is YA but doesn’t really feel like it. It can be difficult to enjoy YA books if they come off as too juvenile, but there was a great balance in this book that made me forget I was reading from the perspective of a teenager.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for my gifted copy!
The FMC was hilarious and unlikeable all at the same time. The supporting characters, Graham and Love, captured my attention and were surprisingly endearing and fun. And while the villain was obvious, I don’t think it was ever meant to be revealed in some shocking plot twist. It was all put together nicely and led to an entertaining read.
I wanted a little bit more of a romance, which I usually don’t say when it comes to this genre, but I couldn’t help but root for Ava and Love and wanted to read more about their relationship.
In saying that, I think the author did a good job of focusing more on Ava’s friendship with Graham and Love instead of making romance the focal point.
Also, this is YA but doesn’t really feel like it. It can be difficult to enjoy YA books if they come off as too juvenile, but there was a great balance in this book that made me forget I was reading from the perspective of a teenager.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for my gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Admission into Faraday, the fine arts school she’s always dreamed of, was supposed to be a fresh start for Ava Quirk. Close to failing, local legend and her advisor Peter Barden says he’ll pass her if she gets close to Love Solt. According to Barden? Love is troubled and needs some help, and Ava could maybe learn a thing or two from Love academically. There’s a catch, though. She has to *also* get a copy of the top-secret novel Love has been writing. She’s achieving the goal… but has also fallen for Love. When she reads Love’s novel, she learns a devastating truth that would ruin lives. Should she expose him? Or save herself?
3.75/5 stars rounded to 4.
This was entertaining, but also definitely had its flaws. Overall, I definitely saw the twist coming but I think it was fleshed out well enough that I didn’t even mind it. I don’t know. This wasn’t bad, and it wasn’t great, it was just good. I don’t have many thoughts on this one.
3.75/5 stars rounded to 4.
This was entertaining, but also definitely had its flaws. Overall, I definitely saw the twist coming but I think it was fleshed out well enough that I didn’t even mind it. I don’t know. This wasn’t bad, and it wasn’t great, it was just good. I don’t have many thoughts on this one.
September 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐💫
THE ENDING YOU DESERVE by Rebecca Stafford (September 1, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the eArc
After finally getting into Faraday, Ava Quirk is ready for a new start. But then her grades start tanking. When her advisor offers to pass her if she befriends a certan student, she does. As secrets are revealed, lives can be ruined.
THE ENDING YOU DESERVE is a YA dark academia novel. This read more upper YA than anything. This is betrayal, found family, and drama all wrapped into one. I went into this based on title alone, so I wasn't sure what to expect. As reveals graced the page, I was left shocked by the audacity of [Redacted]. Let's just say: Eww.
I do feel like it took forever for things to really start happening, and Ava's complaints + her desires for her advisor to like her work started to get old. Especially her complaints. Nonetheless, THE ENDING YOU DESERVED delivered a satisfying ending.
THE ENDING YOU DESERVE by Rebecca Stafford (September 1, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the eArc
After finally getting into Faraday, Ava Quirk is ready for a new start. But then her grades start tanking. When her advisor offers to pass her if she befriends a certan student, she does. As secrets are revealed, lives can be ruined.
THE ENDING YOU DESERVE is a YA dark academia novel. This read more upper YA than anything. This is betrayal, found family, and drama all wrapped into one. I went into this based on title alone, so I wasn't sure what to expect. As reveals graced the page, I was left shocked by the audacity of [Redacted]. Let's just say: Eww.
I do feel like it took forever for things to really start happening, and Ava's complaints + her desires for her advisor to like her work started to get old. Especially her complaints. Nonetheless, THE ENDING YOU DESERVED delivered a satisfying ending.
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 Author
The YA novel we all deserve! Stafford writes with unfettered intelligence and humor, giving voice to characters we either are likely to already know from our own life experiences or characters we certainly are delighted to have known by the end of the novel. Her ability to narrate serious matters, make us laugh about them, and thereby make us take such matters even more seriously is unmatched in most of today's YA fiction. Her protagonist, Ava Quirk, is full of just enough snark, angst, and reflection for teens and thoughtful adult readers to identify with. The writing itself is sharp, witty, and imbued with the kind of wisdom needed to confront a world of elitist institutions and disappointing adults with friendship, resilience, and Love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Ending You Deserve By Rebecca Stafford is an audiobook about a teen girl, named Ava. She is attending a fancy art school called Faraday, she's a great student, but her mouth and opinions often get her intro trouble! She's not very well liked due to her inability to "read the room". This book follows her as she tries to find her footing at this school, all while also trying not to get kicked out of it. She is there under a scholarship and her grades were absolutely tanking. A teacher notices that she is having difficulties and offers to help her. Oh, HE HELPS HER ALRIGHT! I don't want to give too much away, but man oh man, that title is PERFECTION!
August 23, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was one twisted book at points. Ava started as an extremely unlikable character and she drove me nuts in the beginning, but as the book went on I began to understand her more and her motivations. In the end I felt so much for her and Love due to how they were both manipulated. It definitely took a bit for this book to get going and to figure out how the story would unfold. Overall it was a fun read, but it would have been nice to have a little more suspense.
This was one twisted book at points. Ava started as an extremely unlikable character and she drove me nuts in the beginning, but as the book went on I began to understand her more and her motivations. In the end I felt so much for her and Love due to how they were both manipulated. It definitely took a bit for this book to get going and to figure out how the story would unfold. Overall it was a fun read, but it would have been nice to have a little more suspense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, HarperCollins Children's Books for providing the copy of The Ending You Deserve by Rebecca Stafford. I was engrossed by this book from the start, so I raced through it. The writing style was easy to read and propelled me through the story.I loved how the characters were well-defined, and I loved some and hated others. If you’re a fan of dark academia you will love this book, and the reveals will floor you. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had high hopes with a comparison to “Do Revenge” in the description, but this lacked the wittiness, twists, and campiness. The social commentary was pretty flimsy, though the subject matter is worth discussing, and Ava’s narration had some moments of levity and a lot of moments of mediocrity. Yet it was a fast read with a couple of solid side characters. A middling rating for a middling book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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
September 1, 2026
The Ending You Deserve by Rebecca Stafford was such a witty, entertaining read that went by far too quickly — I finished it in two days. I was completely invested in the story and the characters, and I’ve already found myself plotting out all the possibilities for a sequel. I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to this world yet!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2026
While the constant pop culture references did make me consider putting the book down many times over, the central conflict was written skillfully, especially Ava’s own feelings and reflections on it. I had some qualms with the ending wrapping things up a little too nice-and-neat (and quickly, too), but the middle portion made up for the beginning and end well enough.
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.
September 6, 2026
Dark academia with a hint of how to catch a predator 💁🏻♀️
September 9, 2026
It was a good read.
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