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Deadly Little Lessons
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Luminary is more than just a school. It is a test of moral fiber, strength of will, and human resilience.
Lia Michaels can pick any lock and break into most computer systems. But a life of delinquency has her bouncing between foster homes and juvie. So when she applies to Luminary Prep, a new experimental school created to challenge academic conventions, Lia is surprised by the acceptance letter that follows.
With state-of-the-art technology, fancy cafeteria food, and a campus that looks like a painting come to life, Luminary seems to be the break Lia needs. That is, if she can excel in class and be one of only five students who will be allowed to graduate.
But classes at Luminary are . . . odd. And dangerous. There is a death-trap obstacle course in Physics, a Chemistry exam with explosives, and guillotines in Political Science. As students keep vanishing, one by one, Lia starts to wonder if it's not that five students will graduate—but that only five will survive.
Lia Michaels can pick any lock and break into most computer systems. But a life of delinquency has her bouncing between foster homes and juvie. So when she applies to Luminary Prep, a new experimental school created to challenge academic conventions, Lia is surprised by the acceptance letter that follows.
With state-of-the-art technology, fancy cafeteria food, and a campus that looks like a painting come to life, Luminary seems to be the break Lia needs. That is, if she can excel in class and be one of only five students who will be allowed to graduate.
But classes at Luminary are . . . odd. And dangerous. There is a death-trap obstacle course in Physics, a Chemistry exam with explosives, and guillotines in Political Science. As students keep vanishing, one by one, Lia starts to wonder if it's not that five students will graduate—but that only five will survive.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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June 14, 2026thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for access the ARC
June 18, 2026
This was wild. First of all I love this author both as a thriller author and from when they did horror. I’m a big fan of dark academia and this definitely had that vibe. The characters were great and the school was insane. It was interesting to figure out what was actually going on at the school. And if you’re interested there’s definitely an enemies to lovers vibe between two of the characters. This will be out in September of 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Deadly Little Lessons” by Danielle Valentine is what happens when someone looks at Squid Game and says, "Okay, but what if we made it academic?" The result is a wildly entertaining dark academia thriller where failing a test isn't just bad for your GPA; it might actually kill you.
Lia Michaels has spent most of her life bouncing through the foster care system, collecting emotional scars, lock-picking skills, and a reputation for causing trouble wherever she goes. She's the kind of protagonist who gets described as "chaotic good," and honestly, that's pretty accurate. When her foster mother gives her an ultimatum of military school or an elite experimental boarding school called Luminary Prep, Lia chooses Luminary. The catch? Her foster sister Scarlett has already been accepted, and Lia has to go with her.
At first, Luminary seems too good to be true. The campus is gorgeous. The food is amazing. Every student gets cutting-edge technology, private rooms, and access to incredible resources. Oh, and five students will receive full scholarships to any college they want.
Sounds fantastic, right? Well, Luminary forgot to mention one tiny detail. Only five students are expected to graduate. And suddenly those unusual classes don't seem quite so innovative anymore.
Physics becomes an obstacle course that feels designed to kill people. Chemistry involves actual explosives. History turns into an escape room where failure could have deadly consequences. Meanwhile, students start disappearing, and the administration is suspiciously uninterested in explaining where they've gone. By the time the body count starts appearing at the beginning of chapters, it becomes very clear that this school has confused "education reform" with "survival horror."
The premise absolutely carries this book, and I mean that as a compliment. It's ridiculous in the best possible way. Every time I thought Luminary couldn't possibly come up with a more unhinged educational exercise, the school somehow found a way. The entire novel feels like a ticking time bomb, constantly escalating the danger while making you wonder just how far things are going to go.
Lia is also a great character to follow. She's smart, resourceful, and stubborn enough to question things that everyone else seems willing to accept. Having grown up navigating broken systems, she's naturally skeptical of authority, which turns out to be a pretty useful survival skill at a school that may or may not be trying to murder its students. Her relationship with Scarlett adds a lot of heart to the story as well. The two make excellent foils for each other, and their bond helps ground the craziness happening around them.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the romance. The book sets up what looks like a very obvious love interest early on and basically says, "Actually, never mind." The relationship that eventually develops feels much more natural, and the chemistry between the characters is genuinely fun to watch unfold amid all the life-threatening exams.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its pacing. Every chapter seems to end with a new mystery, a new danger, or another reason to keep reading. It's the kind of book where you tell yourself you'll read one more chapter and suddenly realize you've accidentally finished half the book. The suspense builds steadily, with disappearances, secrets, ethical dilemmas, and plenty of twists keeping things interesting.
Does it always dig as deeply into its ideas and relationships as it could have? Maybe not. There were definitely moments where I wanted more development for certain characters or more exploration of some of the darker themes. But honestly, I was having too much fun watching this nightmare school spiral further into madness to care too much.
Overall, “Deadly Little Lessons” is a fast-paced, bingeable thriller packed with deadly tests, dark academia vibes, morally gray characters, and enough tension to keep you turning pages long past bedtime. If Squid Game, secretive boarding schools, survival games, and protagonists who specialize in making questionable but entertaining decisions sound like your thing, this one is absolutely worth enrolling in.
“Deadly Little Lessons” by Danielle Valentine is what happens when someone looks at Squid Game and says, "Okay, but what if we made it academic?" The result is a wildly entertaining dark academia thriller where failing a test isn't just bad for your GPA; it might actually kill you.
Lia Michaels has spent most of her life bouncing through the foster care system, collecting emotional scars, lock-picking skills, and a reputation for causing trouble wherever she goes. She's the kind of protagonist who gets described as "chaotic good," and honestly, that's pretty accurate. When her foster mother gives her an ultimatum of military school or an elite experimental boarding school called Luminary Prep, Lia chooses Luminary. The catch? Her foster sister Scarlett has already been accepted, and Lia has to go with her.
At first, Luminary seems too good to be true. The campus is gorgeous. The food is amazing. Every student gets cutting-edge technology, private rooms, and access to incredible resources. Oh, and five students will receive full scholarships to any college they want.
Sounds fantastic, right? Well, Luminary forgot to mention one tiny detail. Only five students are expected to graduate. And suddenly those unusual classes don't seem quite so innovative anymore.
Physics becomes an obstacle course that feels designed to kill people. Chemistry involves actual explosives. History turns into an escape room where failure could have deadly consequences. Meanwhile, students start disappearing, and the administration is suspiciously uninterested in explaining where they've gone. By the time the body count starts appearing at the beginning of chapters, it becomes very clear that this school has confused "education reform" with "survival horror."
The premise absolutely carries this book, and I mean that as a compliment. It's ridiculous in the best possible way. Every time I thought Luminary couldn't possibly come up with a more unhinged educational exercise, the school somehow found a way. The entire novel feels like a ticking time bomb, constantly escalating the danger while making you wonder just how far things are going to go.
Lia is also a great character to follow. She's smart, resourceful, and stubborn enough to question things that everyone else seems willing to accept. Having grown up navigating broken systems, she's naturally skeptical of authority, which turns out to be a pretty useful survival skill at a school that may or may not be trying to murder its students. Her relationship with Scarlett adds a lot of heart to the story as well. The two make excellent foils for each other, and their bond helps ground the craziness happening around them.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the romance. The book sets up what looks like a very obvious love interest early on and basically says, "Actually, never mind." The relationship that eventually develops feels much more natural, and the chemistry between the characters is genuinely fun to watch unfold amid all the life-threatening exams.
One of the book's biggest strengths is its pacing. Every chapter seems to end with a new mystery, a new danger, or another reason to keep reading. It's the kind of book where you tell yourself you'll read one more chapter and suddenly realize you've accidentally finished half the book. The suspense builds steadily, with disappearances, secrets, ethical dilemmas, and plenty of twists keeping things interesting.
Does it always dig as deeply into its ideas and relationships as it could have? Maybe not. There were definitely moments where I wanted more development for certain characters or more exploration of some of the darker themes. But honestly, I was having too much fun watching this nightmare school spiral further into madness to care too much.
Overall, “Deadly Little Lessons” is a fast-paced, bingeable thriller packed with deadly tests, dark academia vibes, morally gray characters, and enough tension to keep you turning pages long past bedtime. If Squid Game, secretive boarding schools, survival games, and protagonists who specialize in making questionable but entertaining decisions sound like your thing, this one is absolutely worth enrolling in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, as always, to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC! All opinions are of course my own.
Lia Michaels has spent her life in foster care, bouncing from place to place. A bit of a troublemaker, Lia’s fondness for picking locks and breaking into security systems is also seen as a problem.
When her latest foster mother suggests sending her to a fancy private boarding school, Lia is stunned. Of course, the catch is to convince her foster sister, Scarlett, to go too.
Luminary Prep is an experimental school that was created to challenge normal academic convention. The campus is spacious and beautiful, with state of the art technology, really great cafeteria food, and the best part: the offer of a scholarship to the school of their choice to the five students who graduate. And Lia wants that more than anything.
But the classes at Luminary are… far from ordinary. An obstacle course in Physics Class that looks and might actually be deadly, a Chemistry exam featuring explosives, and a History class with an escape room with a hidden bomb that will go off if they can’t get out…
As students begin to disappear, Lia realizes that when they said five students would graduate, what they meant was only five will survive long enough to graduate.
This book is pitched as Squid Game meets boarding school, and I am inclined to agree. It has a very similar energy to Squid Game, though it skews more… educational, to a degree.
Danielle Valentine has truly come through with an excellent third book! Her second book was better than the first, and I think this one was even better than both of them. Shes definitely learning and improving with each novel, and I love to see it.
I loved the premise, and I absolutely loved the characters. Lia was an excellent protagonist, feeling very fleshed out as a person. Scarlett felt like a secondary protagonist in a chunk of the book, and I loved the relationship she and Lia had throughout. They served as excellent opposites of each other, and both opposite to the other character that becomes a primary player in the story.
The romance of the book was actually paced really well. What I enjoyed was the way that Valentine presented a character off the bat that made you think “oh, they’re gonna be the love interest!” And then does a very drastic 180 that catches you off guard.
And honestly? I liked the actual love interest more than the one we meet at the start. The chemistry between them leapt off the page, and you could feel the tension between them grow.
Overall, I liked this book so much. The vibes of the book also reminded me of the Netflix doc “The Program”, and the schools described in that documentary felt on par with how she wrote the inter-workings of Luminary Prep. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a thriller or enjoyed the tension and rapid intensity of the games of Squid Game.
Lia Michaels has spent her life in foster care, bouncing from place to place. A bit of a troublemaker, Lia’s fondness for picking locks and breaking into security systems is also seen as a problem.
When her latest foster mother suggests sending her to a fancy private boarding school, Lia is stunned. Of course, the catch is to convince her foster sister, Scarlett, to go too.
Luminary Prep is an experimental school that was created to challenge normal academic convention. The campus is spacious and beautiful, with state of the art technology, really great cafeteria food, and the best part: the offer of a scholarship to the school of their choice to the five students who graduate. And Lia wants that more than anything.
But the classes at Luminary are… far from ordinary. An obstacle course in Physics Class that looks and might actually be deadly, a Chemistry exam featuring explosives, and a History class with an escape room with a hidden bomb that will go off if they can’t get out…
As students begin to disappear, Lia realizes that when they said five students would graduate, what they meant was only five will survive long enough to graduate.
This book is pitched as Squid Game meets boarding school, and I am inclined to agree. It has a very similar energy to Squid Game, though it skews more… educational, to a degree.
Danielle Valentine has truly come through with an excellent third book! Her second book was better than the first, and I think this one was even better than both of them. Shes definitely learning and improving with each novel, and I love to see it.
I loved the premise, and I absolutely loved the characters. Lia was an excellent protagonist, feeling very fleshed out as a person. Scarlett felt like a secondary protagonist in a chunk of the book, and I loved the relationship she and Lia had throughout. They served as excellent opposites of each other, and both opposite to the other character that becomes a primary player in the story.
The romance of the book was actually paced really well. What I enjoyed was the way that Valentine presented a character off the bat that made you think “oh, they’re gonna be the love interest!” And then does a very drastic 180 that catches you off guard.
And honestly? I liked the actual love interest more than the one we meet at the start. The chemistry between them leapt off the page, and you could feel the tension between them grow.
Overall, I liked this book so much. The vibes of the book also reminded me of the Netflix doc “The Program”, and the schools described in that documentary felt on par with how she wrote the inter-workings of Luminary Prep. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a thriller or enjoyed the tension and rapid intensity of the games of Squid Game.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chaotic Good, that’s what Hank, the town cop calls her. Lia has been in the foster care system for as long as she can remember – well at least as long as it takes to build up a crusty emotional shell around her heart from everyone but her foster sister, Scarlett. Lia gets herself into trouble on a regular basis – picking locks here and there, breaking into the school district offices, and hacking into computers. Her foster mom has had enough and issues an ultimatum – military school, or the Luminary School – the first school of its kind in Springfield. In fact, she’s already enrolled Scarlett for the upcoming semester. Luminary offers a new way of teaching based on the way each student learns. Individualized education, so to speak.
Once acceptance has been offered to both teens, attendance gets off to a great start – private rooms, private baths, new tablets, great food, and an NDA …? But things begin to get hinky once test times arrive. Lia, her sister and a few newfound friends, begin to suspect something sinister is lurking inside the ivied halls. By the end of week one, 10 students are gone and no one will answer the question of where they’ve gone to …
The author does a marvelous job of building suspense throughout the book. Initial chapters begin with ethical dilemmas that get the mind engaged and set the tone of the chapter. As the semester progresses chapters begin with a “body count” – the number of students remaining. Mysteries are intertwined. Backstories filled in, and the imagination teeters on believability and insanity. Oh, and let’s not forget the cover art – it perfectly captures the ambiance of Valentine’s twisted dark academia. Deadly Little Lessons is a rollicking read that begs two questions: Is it true that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree, and does each student at Luminary indeed deserve to be there? 5 Stars - Ages 12 +
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Danielle Valentine for this ARC.
Once acceptance has been offered to both teens, attendance gets off to a great start – private rooms, private baths, new tablets, great food, and an NDA …? But things begin to get hinky once test times arrive. Lia, her sister and a few newfound friends, begin to suspect something sinister is lurking inside the ivied halls. By the end of week one, 10 students are gone and no one will answer the question of where they’ve gone to …
The author does a marvelous job of building suspense throughout the book. Initial chapters begin with ethical dilemmas that get the mind engaged and set the tone of the chapter. As the semester progresses chapters begin with a “body count” – the number of students remaining. Mysteries are intertwined. Backstories filled in, and the imagination teeters on believability and insanity. Oh, and let’s not forget the cover art – it perfectly captures the ambiance of Valentine’s twisted dark academia. Deadly Little Lessons is a rollicking read that begs two questions: Is it true that the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree, and does each student at Luminary indeed deserve to be there? 5 Stars - Ages 12 +
Thank you to #Netgalley and #Danielle Valentine for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Welcome to Luminary Prep, a school for extraordinary students where you may get a full ride scholarship to a college of your choice...if you survive. Lia Michaels, a foster child presented with a choice between a military academy and a non-traditional school for talented students with her sister, Scarlett, obviously chooses the latter. Are there some weird rules, such as no cell phones and limited communication with the outside world, and a weird obsession with physical application of lessons instead of just lecture? Of course, but for a chance to go to her dream college, Blackwood, which may be unaffordable otherwise, Lia is willing to overlook a few quirks. Things take on a more sinister turn when they learn that only 5 out of 50 students will pass, and students seem to be getting really hurt in tests that are "perfectly safe." Lia doesn't give up easily, but the reader will be taken on a wild ride as she attempts to figure out what is really going on. As the friendly faces around her begin to disappear as they "fail," Lia falls into a reluctant partnership with her sister Scarlett's nemesis, Ian St. Clair, after they are partnered for a history assignment, but she begins to suspect that he may know more than he lets on. As the number of students dwindles, Lia isn't sure if she can make it out, and, even if she does, she's not sure that she can bring Scarlett with her. I love tales of dark academia, and this is just that - lots of drama, higher stakes than are at first apparent, and an overall twisty story that kept me turning the pages. I'd definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I honestly have absolutely no idea what caught my attention first: the cover, the title or the very first part of the blurb that starts with "Squid Game meets boarding school". Either one would be enough for me, and for something to scream read me right now, abandon all of your current reads, so all three of them together? I started reading as soon as I could.
I really, really loved the premise, but I don't think it fully delivered for me? I still enjoyed it and had great time, but it wasn't really giving what it promised. Yes, there was a splash of Squid Game vibes in it that I could feel, but it seemed watered down. It might have been just me, but if you pitch/compare something to other work with a certain theme/vibe/topic, you can expect that people will come for this exact specific part.
If you came here for bloody death games, gore (remembering that it's YA and thriller on top of everything, not horror) and humans betraying each other? You might be disappointed, to some degree, because only one of those happens and I won't tell you which.
Overall, while I definitely expected something else, I still enjoyed the book.
I honestly have absolutely no idea what caught my attention first: the cover, the title or the very first part of the blurb that starts with "Squid Game meets boarding school". Either one would be enough for me, and for something to scream read me right now, abandon all of your current reads, so all three of them together? I started reading as soon as I could.
I really, really loved the premise, but I don't think it fully delivered for me? I still enjoyed it and had great time, but it wasn't really giving what it promised. Yes, there was a splash of Squid Game vibes in it that I could feel, but it seemed watered down. It might have been just me, but if you pitch/compare something to other work with a certain theme/vibe/topic, you can expect that people will come for this exact specific part.
If you came here for bloody death games, gore (remembering that it's YA and thriller on top of everything, not horror) and humans betraying each other? You might be disappointed, to some degree, because only one of those happens and I won't tell you which.
Overall, while I definitely expected something else, I still enjoyed the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical going into Deadly Little Lessons by Danielle Valentine. I had no idea beforehand that it technically fell into the Teen/YA category, and that’s usually a genre I avoid. Lately, though, I’ve been trying to branch outside of my usual comfort zone instead of automatically dismissing books that aren’t aimed directly at me, and honestly? I’m so glad I gave this one a chance.
What surprised me most was how mature the writing felt. The characters didn’t come across as overly juvenile or filled with the kind of forced teen dialogue that usually pulls me out of YA novels. Lia was such a strong main character to follow. I really enjoyed her perspective and found myself quickly invested in everything happening around her. The pacing also deserves credit because this book moves FAST. Every chapter felt like it was pushing you toward another reveal, another twist, or another dangerous situation, and it made this ridiculously easy to binge read.
And the premise? A prep school with serious Squid Game vibes was basically guaranteed to grab my attention. Competitive students, high stakes, dark secrets, manipulation, tension everywhere… it was honestly a lot of fun. The atmosphere felt intense without becoming too heavy, and it balanced suspense with entertainment really well. Overall, this ended up being such an unexpectedly fun read for me and definitely proved that stepping outside my usual genres can pay off sometimes.
What surprised me most was how mature the writing felt. The characters didn’t come across as overly juvenile or filled with the kind of forced teen dialogue that usually pulls me out of YA novels. Lia was such a strong main character to follow. I really enjoyed her perspective and found myself quickly invested in everything happening around her. The pacing also deserves credit because this book moves FAST. Every chapter felt like it was pushing you toward another reveal, another twist, or another dangerous situation, and it made this ridiculously easy to binge read.
And the premise? A prep school with serious Squid Game vibes was basically guaranteed to grab my attention. Competitive students, high stakes, dark secrets, manipulation, tension everywhere… it was honestly a lot of fun. The atmosphere felt intense without becoming too heavy, and it balanced suspense with entertainment really well. Overall, this ended up being such an unexpectedly fun read for me and definitely proved that stepping outside my usual genres can pay off sometimes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚'𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈."
Lia Michaels has spent her life surviving systems that were never built for her, so when she’s accepted into Luminary Prep, an elite experimental school that promises a second chance, it feels almost too good to be true, and of course, it is. The campus is stunning, the resources are endless, but the classes are unlike anything she has ever experienced. Think obstacle courses that can kill you, exams that involve actual explosives, and a quiet understanding that not everyone will make it out. As students begin to disappear, it becomes chillingly clear that this is not about who will graduate. It is about who will survive.
The premise had me immediately hooked. I mean, a high-stakes, deadly academic setting with a morally gray main character? Sign me up. There were moments where the tension really worked, and I kept waiting for the story to fully delve into just how dark and twisted it could be. Unfortunately, the execution did not quite match the potential. I found myself wanting more depth, more cohesion, and a stronger emotional connection to what was happening. Some of the elements that should have felt intense or shocking ended up feeling a little muted instead.
That said, this was still an engaging read, and I can absolutely see it working for readers who enjoy fast-paced, concept-driven thrillers. There is a lot here to like, especially in the originality of the setting and the underlying ideas about resilience and survival. While this one did not hit as hard for me as I had hoped, I have really enjoyed previous books by Danielle Valentine, and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. Many thanks to Putnam for the early read that will publish September 15, 2026.
Lia Michaels has spent her life surviving systems that were never built for her, so when she’s accepted into Luminary Prep, an elite experimental school that promises a second chance, it feels almost too good to be true, and of course, it is. The campus is stunning, the resources are endless, but the classes are unlike anything she has ever experienced. Think obstacle courses that can kill you, exams that involve actual explosives, and a quiet understanding that not everyone will make it out. As students begin to disappear, it becomes chillingly clear that this is not about who will graduate. It is about who will survive.
The premise had me immediately hooked. I mean, a high-stakes, deadly academic setting with a morally gray main character? Sign me up. There were moments where the tension really worked, and I kept waiting for the story to fully delve into just how dark and twisted it could be. Unfortunately, the execution did not quite match the potential. I found myself wanting more depth, more cohesion, and a stronger emotional connection to what was happening. Some of the elements that should have felt intense or shocking ended up feeling a little muted instead.
That said, this was still an engaging read, and I can absolutely see it working for readers who enjoy fast-paced, concept-driven thrillers. There is a lot here to like, especially in the originality of the setting and the underlying ideas about resilience and survival. While this one did not hit as hard for me as I had hoped, I have really enjoyed previous books by Danielle Valentine, and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. Many thanks to Putnam for the early read that will publish September 15, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I don't usually write reviews cause I don't really know how to properly get my thoughts out. But that being said, this was an ARC read and I have to say I was so excited for it.
However, these kids are portrayed to be in high school, and although this book is a YA, since when did we start putting phrases like "ripping his clothes off" or "getting me hot and bothered" into YA books. This book states 12 and older and I would not want my 12 year old reading this. Although it is mild, I still think it more appropriate for high school aged kids and above.
Onto the plot, to me it was a unique story and I feel like she could have taken it any direction. However, the end for me seemed a little anticlimactic, I was able to guess on certain things and it just made the story fall a little flat for me. I also feel like the end part when she finds stuff out was very hard to believe and just seemed far fetched in my opinion.
To anyone else who reads this, I hope you enjoy the ride more than I did. It wasn't a bad book, just not one I would read again. The build up is good and keeps you guessing, I just wish the end was different or the author had taken more time and kept me guessing and kept their "romance" aspects more age appropriate to what they state on the back of the book. 🤷♀️
However, these kids are portrayed to be in high school, and although this book is a YA, since when did we start putting phrases like "ripping his clothes off" or "getting me hot and bothered" into YA books. This book states 12 and older and I would not want my 12 year old reading this. Although it is mild, I still think it more appropriate for high school aged kids and above.
Onto the plot, to me it was a unique story and I feel like she could have taken it any direction. However, the end for me seemed a little anticlimactic, I was able to guess on certain things and it just made the story fall a little flat for me. I also feel like the end part when she finds stuff out was very hard to believe and just seemed far fetched in my opinion.
To anyone else who reads this, I hope you enjoy the ride more than I did. It wasn't a bad book, just not one I would read again. The build up is good and keeps you guessing, I just wish the end was different or the author had taken more time and kept me guessing and kept their "romance" aspects more age appropriate to what they state on the back of the book. 🤷♀️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Reader's Group for sending me this eARC! After reading the synopsis, I knew that this book would be right up my lane. Safe to say, it delivered exactly what was promised.
Lia lives up to her description of "chaotic good", and it was pretty funny how masterful she was at lock-picking (how does one pick locks at the age of 6??). I loved her relationship with her sister (who was thankfully not a mean girl) and how it was a theme throughout the whole story. Plus, it was refreshing to see that Scarlett and each of Lia's friends got an equal amount of attention. These (mostly) wholesome friendships are the cherry on top of an interesting novel.
Meanwhile, the stakes were sky-high - had it not been 5 AM, I would've read the whole book in one sitting. The detail that went into every single class and test was amazing, and that alone was enough to keep me invested. Then, the final exams started, and things became another level of crazy! I'm not going to lie, I did guess some of the plot twists, but that can be attributed to me reading a lot of YA mystery, so my experience wasn't tarnished.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for, as the blurb says, an electric thriller.
Lia lives up to her description of "chaotic good", and it was pretty funny how masterful she was at lock-picking (how does one pick locks at the age of 6??). I loved her relationship with her sister (who was thankfully not a mean girl) and how it was a theme throughout the whole story. Plus, it was refreshing to see that Scarlett and each of Lia's friends got an equal amount of attention. These (mostly) wholesome friendships are the cherry on top of an interesting novel.
Meanwhile, the stakes were sky-high - had it not been 5 AM, I would've read the whole book in one sitting. The detail that went into every single class and test was amazing, and that alone was enough to keep me invested. Then, the final exams started, and things became another level of crazy! I'm not going to lie, I did guess some of the plot twists, but that can be attributed to me reading a lot of YA mystery, so my experience wasn't tarnished.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for, as the blurb says, an electric thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was first drawn into the concept of this book because of the "experimental boarding school" angle. In reality, the idea of having to live at my school would have horrified me, but when it comes to books I can't get enough. Things are never quite what they seem behind those secure, ivy-encrusted gates, are they? Lia finds that's exactly the case when she's thrust into the clutches of Luminary Prep after years of new foster homes and new schools.
I absolutely inhaled this book in one sitting. Deadly Little Lessons is an absolutely bingeable ticking time bomb of a thriller. This book is perfect for those craving a quick read, and I think fans of Valentine's other books will really enjoy this one, too.
There are a few areas I'd have liked a bit more depth, such as some of the interpersonal relationships, but given the timeline of the story I can understand why things were so abbreviated. Regardless, Deadly Little Lessons is entertaining and begs the question: how fine are the lines between chaotic good, chaotic neutral, & chaotic evil?
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, & Danielle Valentine this complimentary copy.))
I absolutely inhaled this book in one sitting. Deadly Little Lessons is an absolutely bingeable ticking time bomb of a thriller. This book is perfect for those craving a quick read, and I think fans of Valentine's other books will really enjoy this one, too.
There are a few areas I'd have liked a bit more depth, such as some of the interpersonal relationships, but given the timeline of the story I can understand why things were so abbreviated. Regardless, Deadly Little Lessons is entertaining and begs the question: how fine are the lines between chaotic good, chaotic neutral, & chaotic evil?
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, & Danielle Valentine this complimentary copy.))
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the idea of this book a lot! A cutthroat school where every test is to the death? Fantastic idea. I even enjoyed the execution...to a point. There came a point where the motivations just began to baffle me. If the people in charge of Liminary can't be trusted, why are the characters assuming they'll keep their word about the treasure at the end of the rainbow? If they are keeping their word about that, why on earth would the characters want anything to do with any institution who would partner with Luminary? There was also some aspect if the underlying motive behind Luminary's existence I found needlessly complicated. I felt like they bounced from Troubled Kid Industry to (maybe?) School-to-Prison Pipeline to...eugenics? The romances also didn't do anything for me. Lia treated both her love interests so different even though they did the same things. Soured the whole triangle for me.
Anyway, interesting idea! Just not my favorite. I'm sure others will love it.
Three stars.
I liked the idea of this book a lot! A cutthroat school where every test is to the death? Fantastic idea. I even enjoyed the execution...to a point. There came a point where the motivations just began to baffle me. If the people in charge of Liminary can't be trusted, why are the characters assuming they'll keep their word about the treasure at the end of the rainbow? If they are keeping their word about that, why on earth would the characters want anything to do with any institution who would partner with Luminary? There was also some aspect if the underlying motive behind Luminary's existence I found needlessly complicated. I felt like they bounced from Troubled Kid Industry to (maybe?) School-to-Prison Pipeline to...eugenics? The romances also didn't do anything for me. Lia treated both her love interests so different even though they did the same things. Soured the whole triangle for me.
Anyway, interesting idea! Just not my favorite. I'm sure others will love it.
Three stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a very good book. It is a YA book, but I am an OA and it certainly held my attention.
Lia Micheals has been accepted to the Luminary School. Her foster mother has recommended she go and the school sounds almost too good to be true. Lia has been in and out of foster care and has a juvenile record and she can't really believe the school accepted her. Her foster sister is also going.
Lia has lived under the stigma of never having known her mother and knowing her father was an activist who killed two people with a bomb at a college. She figures she has his blood and his propensity for crime. Something is wrong with this most perfect school though. Students keep disapearing. Lia decides to use her lock picking skills to get information. What she finds might be more than she wanted to know.,
This book has lots of suspense, a little romance and gives you nothing to know exactly how it will all end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this early read. Thank you!!
Lia Micheals has been accepted to the Luminary School. Her foster mother has recommended she go and the school sounds almost too good to be true. Lia has been in and out of foster care and has a juvenile record and she can't really believe the school accepted her. Her foster sister is also going.
Lia has lived under the stigma of never having known her mother and knowing her father was an activist who killed two people with a bomb at a college. She figures she has his blood and his propensity for crime. Something is wrong with this most perfect school though. Students keep disapearing. Lia decides to use her lock picking skills to get information. What she finds might be more than she wanted to know.,
This book has lots of suspense, a little romance and gives you nothing to know exactly how it will all end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this early read. Thank you!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was fun and dark and twisted and over-the-top - in a good way. It was a very quick and easy read, full of characters you will love (and love to hate), right up until things twist around on themselves and everything you thought you knew and felt will tilt to the left... For me, that tilt was one of the more fun parts of the book, and even if I did see some of the tilted bits coming, the enjoyment at watching how things played out was still substantial.
There's a lot of darkness here, and it won't be for everyone. There are some familiar-feeling elements to the story, but they often take a heavy turn that can be disconcerting at first - then seem saccharine-sweet, then twist to the dark again... It can give you a bit of a headache, shifting back and forth, but if you stick with it, things do come full-circle and the ending was surprisingly satisfying!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
There's a lot of darkness here, and it won't be for everyone. There are some familiar-feeling elements to the story, but they often take a heavy turn that can be disconcerting at first - then seem saccharine-sweet, then twist to the dark again... It can give you a bit of a headache, shifting back and forth, but if you stick with it, things do come full-circle and the ending was surprisingly satisfying!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advanced Review Copy.
Lia Michaels is a foster system delinquent with a checkered past and a burning need to break into places. When she gets expelled, again, she and her foster sister wind up in a very special school, with promises of free tuition and college acceptance if she graduates - a dream that seems almost too good to be true given her history.
Luminary isn't just any private school. It has great cafeteria food, small personalized classes, fancy dorms and a library right out of a storybook. And there's a catch. Only five students in their class will graduate, and the exams are extreme...possibly even deadly.
Lia must search for the truth, both about herself, her fellow students, and the school, as she faces the deadliest challenges of her life.
I recommend this book if you enjoy young adult mysteries, thrillers, dark academia, boarding school drama, and just a taste of forbidden romance.
Lia Michaels is a foster system delinquent with a checkered past and a burning need to break into places. When she gets expelled, again, she and her foster sister wind up in a very special school, with promises of free tuition and college acceptance if she graduates - a dream that seems almost too good to be true given her history.
Luminary isn't just any private school. It has great cafeteria food, small personalized classes, fancy dorms and a library right out of a storybook. And there's a catch. Only five students in their class will graduate, and the exams are extreme...possibly even deadly.
Lia must search for the truth, both about herself, her fellow students, and the school, as she faces the deadliest challenges of her life.
I recommend this book if you enjoy young adult mysteries, thrillers, dark academia, boarding school drama, and just a taste of forbidden romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
A fun YA thriller(ish) with a hint of Truly Devious (an alternative education boarding school setting) and huge The Naturals feels. In fact, if the author wasn’t trying to do a Naturals nod with the character Lia (spelled that way - an unusual spelling of the name) then I don’t even know how to describe that coincidence.
There are found-family vibes with the boarding school/dorm aspect, although I wish we could have seen a little more interpersonal bonding - that’s where I knocked down half a star of rating. The coursework, projects, and exam details were imaginative. The wrap-up is fairly satisfying. Once you get about halfway into the book, be ready to binge the rest of it as it pulls you in!
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
A fun YA thriller(ish) with a hint of Truly Devious (an alternative education boarding school setting) and huge The Naturals feels. In fact, if the author wasn’t trying to do a Naturals nod with the character Lia (spelled that way - an unusual spelling of the name) then I don’t even know how to describe that coincidence.
There are found-family vibes with the boarding school/dorm aspect, although I wish we could have seen a little more interpersonal bonding - that’s where I knocked down half a star of rating. The coursework, projects, and exam details were imaginative. The wrap-up is fairly satisfying. Once you get about halfway into the book, be ready to binge the rest of it as it pulls you in!
May 21, 2026
The concept of a school turned into essentially a prison with what seem to be deadly consequences immediately intrigued me. All of the characters were so interesting and I loved how the timeline progressed. Lia was amazing as a FMC and the side characters were wonderfully developed.
I do wish the ending was more impactful. I absolutely devoured this book so I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt so rushed and more of a bandaid to tie the pieces together.
Even so, I do recommend this novel to those that like fast paced reads, psychological mysteries, and a badass FMC
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
I do wish the ending was more impactful. I absolutely devoured this book so I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt so rushed and more of a bandaid to tie the pieces together.
Even so, I do recommend this novel to those that like fast paced reads, psychological mysteries, and a badass FMC
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and the author for letting me be part of this ARC. Please note all reviews are my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
100% Squid Gamish, 100% binge read material.
A brilliant YA fast paced read from Danielle Valentine. In Dead Little Lessons we follow Lia Michaels, serial foster kid sent to Luminary - the self described ground breaking boarding school. Be one of the five to graduate and you will get your choice of University.
Learning at Luminary is set in the real world, well a shadowy real word. Practicality of experiments is believed to be key to student learning. Students have assessments, those who don’t do so well vanish.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
A brilliant YA fast paced read from Danielle Valentine. In Dead Little Lessons we follow Lia Michaels, serial foster kid sent to Luminary - the self described ground breaking boarding school. Be one of the five to graduate and you will get your choice of University.
Learning at Luminary is set in the real world, well a shadowy real word. Practicality of experiments is believed to be key to student learning. Students have assessments, those who don’t do so well vanish.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2026
I am grateful to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam for providing me an opportunity to read and review this title. I was drawn to the description of this twisted YA boarding school novel despite “The Deadly Little” title.
Our heroine recounts the story in first person narration. She is a delinquent foster child who is trapped into a perilous, twisted private school environment.
I genuinely enjoyed this novel, but I’m not certain I can clearly explicate why. I enjoy boarding school fiction. I enjoy suspense, especially when there is an element of peril without stooping to horror. This novel has all of that with a decent plot that kept me guessing for the first two-thirds.
Our heroine recounts the story in first person narration. She is a delinquent foster child who is trapped into a perilous, twisted private school environment.
I genuinely enjoyed this novel, but I’m not certain I can clearly explicate why. I enjoy boarding school fiction. I enjoy suspense, especially when there is an element of peril without stooping to horror. This novel has all of that with a decent plot that kept me guessing for the first two-thirds.
June 22, 2026
I love a good dark academia book. This one did not disappoint.
Lia has a history of behavioral problems, and she’s in foster care. She and her foster sister are accepted to a new school where teaching is a lot different than they’re use to. But when kids start disappearing, they have to figure out what’s going on.
If the author said she was inspired by Wednesday, I wouldn’t be surprised. It was an enjoyable read. There is a love triangle, but it doesn’t overpower the story. The author didn’t spend any words wasting the reader’s time. Something was always pushing the story forward. I really enjoyed it.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Lia has a history of behavioral problems, and she’s in foster care. She and her foster sister are accepted to a new school where teaching is a lot different than they’re use to. But when kids start disappearing, they have to figure out what’s going on.
If the author said she was inspired by Wednesday, I wouldn’t be surprised. It was an enjoyable read. There is a love triangle, but it doesn’t overpower the story. The author didn’t spend any words wasting the reader’s time. Something was always pushing the story forward. I really enjoyed it.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the plot of this—it was exciting, and there were some good twists. I could have done without the slang (some of it was just bizarre, which I suppose the older generations probably think about us millennials over the years, haha), and I didn't connect with all of the characters. I did like Lia, the main character, and her sister, Scarlett. The romance also felt very forced, as if the author shoehorned it in there just because this was a young adult book.
There were a lot of surprises in the plot, so I enjoyed that. Definitely entertaining!
There were a lot of surprises in the plot, so I enjoyed that. Definitely entertaining!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you Netgalley for making this ARC available.
The book at first is a bit slow. But it picked up pretty quickly afterwards. If you enjoy squid games (less intense and bloody) then you will enjoy Deadly Little Lessons. The ending of the book is definitely enjoyable. The twists are actually pretty good! They have never crossed my mind while I was reading. Definitely give it a go if you want some mystery and that's not too gory. (I read a lot of horror, so this is by far very timid. Not a bad thing!)
The book at first is a bit slow. But it picked up pretty quickly afterwards. If you enjoy squid games (less intense and bloody) then you will enjoy Deadly Little Lessons. The ending of the book is definitely enjoyable. The twists are actually pretty good! They have never crossed my mind while I was reading. Definitely give it a go if you want some mystery and that's not too gory. (I read a lot of horror, so this is by far very timid. Not a bad thing!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The start of Deadly Little Lessons had me on the fence — the characters seemed almost overly troped (the rebellious teen who ultimately means well, the awful foster parent) — and I wasn't sure if it would be a fit for me. I'm glad I kept reading, though. This book is like no one one I've read lately. The school is intriguing, the pace is fast, and the mystery kept me on the hook. My only real complaint is the ending. There was a minor character arc that was left unresolved, but in a more confusing turn, the last few pages really contradict themselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's an interesting premise, 50 students starting and only 5 allowed to graduate. Are the students who don't pass dead or alive? I thought this was a fun. It had mystery, suspense, and a small romantic enemies to liking subplot. It's YA so it wasn't very dark. It took me a minute to lock in. But once I did, I finished it quickly because I was invested and had to know how it ended.
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3.5/5 stars
I really liked the premise of this book, a little dramatic, but fun which is what I normally look for. The experimental boarding school idea with "practical tests" was both interesting and over the top. The originality wasn't really there for parts of it; the ideas had clearly come from other books, but otherwise I enjoyed it. I hope it's a series.
3.5/5 stars
I really liked the premise of this book, a little dramatic, but fun which is what I normally look for. The experimental boarding school idea with "practical tests" was both interesting and over the top. The originality wasn't really there for parts of it; the ideas had clearly come from other books, but otherwise I enjoyed it. I hope it's a series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn't sure this was going to work for me going into it, but I quickly became involved. An original concept and enough mystery and eeriness to keep the reader wanting to know more. I did feel the ending was a little rushed as I wanted a few more answers and was a little out off by a few of the conclusions, but it kept me reading.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was very fast paced and entertaining with a “chaotic good” main character that you want to root for. I also love the setting of the shady boarding school in Nebraska marketed to troubled high school kids. I wish the relationships between characters had been a little more fleshed out and the ending was way too abrupt and leaves too many loose ends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5✨
Deadly Little Lessons by Danielle Valentine was a fun, fast-paced YA thriller with suspense, twists, and an interesting boarding school setting. While some parts felt predictable and not completely original, it was still an entertaining and bingeable read that kept me invested.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this suspenseful ARC
Deadly Little Lessons by Danielle Valentine was a fun, fast-paced YA thriller with suspense, twists, and an interesting boarding school setting. While some parts felt predictable and not completely original, it was still an entertaining and bingeable read that kept me invested.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this suspenseful ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book! I received it as an arc from net galley and had mixed feelings about it at first. But overall, really enjoyed it. The psychological considerations that went into developing the plot are fascinating. There are pieces that make you a little skeptical about the main characters, but overall, couldn't put it down.
I would love to read more by this author.
I would love to read more by this author.
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