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Twelve Dark Hours
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26The New York Times bestselling author of Seven Deadly Thorns, Amber Hamilton returns with a dark academia romantasy inspired by Cinderella.
Vesper Fontaine and Lonan Duval have always been rivals. Competition for top student at Gossemort Academy, school of magic, is cutthroat. They both keep dangerous secrets, and tonight those secrets could get them killed.
It's hours until The Ridding--a high-stakes, one-night-only test, in which students will be locked in the school and challenged to survive until dawn. Three trials will challenge them, and only the best (and most loyal) will survive.
Then an unexpected element enters The Ridding--a mysterious prince claiming to be Vesper's bloodmate. But what happens when your fated mate is a fate worse than death? As the clock ticks closer to dawn, the trials grow darker, and hope wanes. To survive the night, Vesper and Lonan may have to put their trust in their worst enemy.
Vesper Fontaine and Lonan Duval have always been rivals. Competition for top student at Gossemort Academy, school of magic, is cutthroat. They both keep dangerous secrets, and tonight those secrets could get them killed.
It's hours until The Ridding--a high-stakes, one-night-only test, in which students will be locked in the school and challenged to survive until dawn. Three trials will challenge them, and only the best (and most loyal) will survive.
Then an unexpected element enters The Ridding--a mysterious prince claiming to be Vesper's bloodmate. But what happens when your fated mate is a fate worse than death? As the clock ticks closer to dawn, the trials grow darker, and hope wanes. To survive the night, Vesper and Lonan may have to put their trust in their worst enemy.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 10, 2026
wonderful whirlwind of a novel!! I love the characters and twists, and the romantic aspects were so fun. Gothic romantasy vibes for the win🫶
I was able to read this ARC through my indie bookstore/bookseller network!!
I was able to read this ARC through my indie bookstore/bookseller network!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You know that feeling when a book feels like it was written just for you? Well, this one hit the mark because I absolutely loved it! If you enjoy dark fantasy that borders on horror, deadly trials in a dark academia setting, enemies to lovers with deliciously slow-burn yearning, and a fantastic plot full of surprises, this standalone is definitely for you too.
The action starts immediately, keeping the pace incredibly strong from the very first chapter. There is barely a moment to breathe as Vesper and her classmates are thrown from one deadly trial to the next. The students of Gossemort Academy are trained to become soldiers of Light Magic, preparing to fight in the kingdom's war against Dark Magic. But Vesper and her academic rival, Lonan, share a dangerous secret that would brand them both as traitors: they can wield both Light and Dark Magic.
It's Vesper and her friends' final year at the academy before joining the ranks as soldiers, and all they want is to enjoy one last Solstice Feast together. Instead, the celebration quickly turns into a fight for survival when the academy is forced into a series of deadly trials designed to purge anyone with Dark Magic from their ranks. Vesper must keep her abilities hidden, survive the brutal challenges, protect her friends, reluctantly work alongside her nemesis, Lonan, and somehow find a way to break a blood bond before it seals her fate.
I absolutely loved Vesper as the FMC. She was determined, fearless, and willing to take risks, and I loved how unpredictable she was. I also really enjoyed getting snippets of Lonan's perspective through his short chapters, which added so much delicious tension and chemistry between them.
This story blended nonstop action, horror, and high-stakes trials with magical animal companions that made the world even more enchanting. The plot kept me constantly guessing with several gasp-out-loud twists, while the romance delivered plenty of swoon-worthy moments that easily earned Vesper and Lonan a spot on my favorite couples list.
This was my first book by Amber Hamilton, but it definitely won't be my last. After learning that "Seven Deadly Thorns" is written in the same world, I definitely will be picking it up because I can't wait to read more. This is a must-read for fans of dark academia romantasy.
I was gifted an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The action starts immediately, keeping the pace incredibly strong from the very first chapter. There is barely a moment to breathe as Vesper and her classmates are thrown from one deadly trial to the next. The students of Gossemort Academy are trained to become soldiers of Light Magic, preparing to fight in the kingdom's war against Dark Magic. But Vesper and her academic rival, Lonan, share a dangerous secret that would brand them both as traitors: they can wield both Light and Dark Magic.
It's Vesper and her friends' final year at the academy before joining the ranks as soldiers, and all they want is to enjoy one last Solstice Feast together. Instead, the celebration quickly turns into a fight for survival when the academy is forced into a series of deadly trials designed to purge anyone with Dark Magic from their ranks. Vesper must keep her abilities hidden, survive the brutal challenges, protect her friends, reluctantly work alongside her nemesis, Lonan, and somehow find a way to break a blood bond before it seals her fate.
I absolutely loved Vesper as the FMC. She was determined, fearless, and willing to take risks, and I loved how unpredictable she was. I also really enjoyed getting snippets of Lonan's perspective through his short chapters, which added so much delicious tension and chemistry between them.
This story blended nonstop action, horror, and high-stakes trials with magical animal companions that made the world even more enchanting. The plot kept me constantly guessing with several gasp-out-loud twists, while the romance delivered plenty of swoon-worthy moments that easily earned Vesper and Lonan a spot on my favorite couples list.
This was my first book by Amber Hamilton, but it definitely won't be my last. After learning that "Seven Deadly Thorns" is written in the same world, I definitely will be picking it up because I can't wait to read more. This is a must-read for fans of dark academia romantasy.
I was gifted an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for a review copy of this book. This a race against the clock to complete certain task before terrible consequences novel, filled with tension and high stakes action. As such, except for the somewhat slow beginning, it propels the reader along with a constantly endangered main character who’s faced with choices that are at times confusing and deadly. It means at time the scenes are almost always tension filled with either action packed danger, or relationship dynamics that are charged with high level emotions.
Vesper is one of the top students in her final year at the Gossemart Academy before becoming a full blown defender of the kingdom in its fight in the long drawn out war against the kingdom of dark magic. Her fierce rival, Lonan keeps her on her toes and the fact that both she and he share the secret of their possession of dark magic, makes it double competitive. When the Solstice celebration turns into a deadly race to make it through an ancient rite called the ‘Ridding’ Vesper’s mettle is tested, especially after Lonan’s brother, the Crown Prince appears unexpectedly and announces it. She’s even more shocked when he claims she is his blood mate, and learns the devastating power he possesses and its effects on him and the danger it poses to her and others. It’s a power that Lonan fears, but will challenge, knowing that Vesper is part of his life just as he tries to keep the Crown Prince out it.
The novel has many of the Academia characteristics with the addition of a time crunch that is pressing in on the narrative to create a very heightened tension, something the YA readers will especially appreciate. There did seem some points that might be felt as overdramatic at times, and story twists that may be slightly flawed to a few, but overall it has all the boxes ticked for a romantasy of choices and danger that many will love.
Vesper is one of the top students in her final year at the Gossemart Academy before becoming a full blown defender of the kingdom in its fight in the long drawn out war against the kingdom of dark magic. Her fierce rival, Lonan keeps her on her toes and the fact that both she and he share the secret of their possession of dark magic, makes it double competitive. When the Solstice celebration turns into a deadly race to make it through an ancient rite called the ‘Ridding’ Vesper’s mettle is tested, especially after Lonan’s brother, the Crown Prince appears unexpectedly and announces it. She’s even more shocked when he claims she is his blood mate, and learns the devastating power he possesses and its effects on him and the danger it poses to her and others. It’s a power that Lonan fears, but will challenge, knowing that Vesper is part of his life just as he tries to keep the Crown Prince out it.
The novel has many of the Academia characteristics with the addition of a time crunch that is pressing in on the narrative to create a very heightened tension, something the YA readers will especially appreciate. There did seem some points that might be felt as overdramatic at times, and story twists that may be slightly flawed to a few, but overall it has all the boxes ticked for a romantasy of choices and danger that many will love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙞𝙛 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝”
vesper fontaine and lonan duval have spent years competing to be the top student at gossemort academy, where magic is dangerous and survival is never guaranteed. when they’re thrown into the ridding - a deadly overnight trial that will test their strength, loyalty and ability to survive until dawn
old rivalries are forced aside. but with shocking secrets, unexpected twists and the arrival of a prince claiming to be vesper’s fated bloodmate, surviving the night becomes far more complicated than either of them expected
-
what a fun concept! i’m always excited when a fantasy book includes trials, so i had really high hopes for this one. while i enjoyed the overall idea, it just didn’t hit as much as i wanted it to
the gothic academia atmosphere was definitely one of my favourite parts, and i liked the different trials, but they felt like they were over almost as soon as they began - especially the first one. i would have loved a little more time spent on each challenge to really build the tension
the beginning also felt quite slow. there were plenty of twists and reveals as the story progressed, but because i never fully connected with the characters, they didn’t have the impact i was hoping for. i wasn’t left with many of those big “omg” moments
the romance also felt like it came from nowhere for me. i enjoyed having lonan’s pov, but his chapters were so short that i never felt like i got to know him properly. i definitely wanted more from his perspective, and i think that would’ve helped me connect with both him and the romance a lot more
“𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧”
vesper fontaine and lonan duval have spent years competing to be the top student at gossemort academy, where magic is dangerous and survival is never guaranteed. when they’re thrown into the ridding - a deadly overnight trial that will test their strength, loyalty and ability to survive until dawn
old rivalries are forced aside. but with shocking secrets, unexpected twists and the arrival of a prince claiming to be vesper’s fated bloodmate, surviving the night becomes far more complicated than either of them expected
-
what a fun concept! i’m always excited when a fantasy book includes trials, so i had really high hopes for this one. while i enjoyed the overall idea, it just didn’t hit as much as i wanted it to
the gothic academia atmosphere was definitely one of my favourite parts, and i liked the different trials, but they felt like they were over almost as soon as they began - especially the first one. i would have loved a little more time spent on each challenge to really build the tension
the beginning also felt quite slow. there were plenty of twists and reveals as the story progressed, but because i never fully connected with the characters, they didn’t have the impact i was hoping for. i wasn’t left with many of those big “omg” moments
the romance also felt like it came from nowhere for me. i enjoyed having lonan’s pov, but his chapters were so short that i never felt like i got to know him properly. i definitely wanted more from his perspective, and i think that would’ve helped me connect with both him and the romance a lot more
“𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨🏰 Rival students, deadly magical trials, dark secrets, and a mysterious bloodmate? Say less I was hooked from page one.
Twelve Dark Hours by Amber Hamilton is a YA fantasy that blends magical academia, high-stakes competition, mystery, and just the right amount of tension to keep the pages flying by.
What I enjoyed most was the rivalry between Vesper Fontaine and Lonan Duval. Their constant competition added plenty of drama, but as the dangerous trials of The Ridding unfolded, I found myself eagerly watching their relationship evolve. The survival-style challenges created a fast-paced atmosphere where no one felt completely safe, and every new revelation raised the stakes.
The magical academy setting was one of my favorite parts of the story. Between hidden secrets, dangerous tests, shifting alliances, and a mysterious prince claiming to be Vesper's bloodmate, there was always something happening to keep me invested. I especially appreciated how the story balanced action, intrigue, and character development while steadily building suspense throughout the night.
If you're a fan of magical schools, enemies-to-allies dynamics, deadly competitions, dark fantasy vibes, and twists that keep you guessing, Twelve Dark Hours is a book worth adding to your TBR.
✨️ Thank you Bloomsbury YA and Amber Hamilton for sharing Twelve Dark Hours with me!
📚 Bookish Question: If you could attend a magical academy, would you want to be the top student or would you rather stay out of the spotlight and avoid the dangerous trials?
#TwelveDarkHours #AmberHamilton #YAFantasy #FantasyBookReview #Bookstagram
Twelve Dark Hours by Amber Hamilton is a YA fantasy that blends magical academia, high-stakes competition, mystery, and just the right amount of tension to keep the pages flying by.
What I enjoyed most was the rivalry between Vesper Fontaine and Lonan Duval. Their constant competition added plenty of drama, but as the dangerous trials of The Ridding unfolded, I found myself eagerly watching their relationship evolve. The survival-style challenges created a fast-paced atmosphere where no one felt completely safe, and every new revelation raised the stakes.
The magical academy setting was one of my favorite parts of the story. Between hidden secrets, dangerous tests, shifting alliances, and a mysterious prince claiming to be Vesper's bloodmate, there was always something happening to keep me invested. I especially appreciated how the story balanced action, intrigue, and character development while steadily building suspense throughout the night.
If you're a fan of magical schools, enemies-to-allies dynamics, deadly competitions, dark fantasy vibes, and twists that keep you guessing, Twelve Dark Hours is a book worth adding to your TBR.
✨️ Thank you Bloomsbury YA and Amber Hamilton for sharing Twelve Dark Hours with me!
📚 Bookish Question: If you could attend a magical academy, would you want to be the top student or would you rather stay out of the spotlight and avoid the dangerous trials?
#TwelveDarkHours #AmberHamilton #YAFantasy #FantasyBookReview #Bookstagram
July 6, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Plot- I love a ‘ticking clock’ ‘survive the night’ type of plot as it immediately elevates the stakes and sets up a good pace for the book to move through. But I’m not gonna lie there were points at the beginning where I was confused with what was happening or rather why things were happening. I didn’t fully believe the justification and questioned what the point of the Ridding was and who Galvin was but it’s one of those ‘just go with it’ kind of deals 😂 it wasn’t particularly fleshed out well but the plot picks up so well in pace that I didn’t mind too much! I think it was action-packed and there were genuine moments of me being creeped out or scared 🫣
Romance - I really enjoyed the romance in this and the back and forth banter. HOWEVER, Vesper is like a yo-yo with her feelings about Lonan - she genuinely thinks he’s the devil incarnate and then the next moment is all ‘I’ll stand by you’ and because this happens so frequently, the moment of betrayal doesn’t quite hold the weight it should. But I genuinely really enjoyed reading about them, particularly how he thinks of nothing but her, you gotta love a man who yearns.
While I enjoyed the romance and world in Seven Deadly Thorns, I thought the pace was a bit off. Whereas TDH had a fast paced plot and it’s very easy to get through. The romance was cute and the characters were all interesting to read about. I will definitely read more in this world 🙌
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Plot- I love a ‘ticking clock’ ‘survive the night’ type of plot as it immediately elevates the stakes and sets up a good pace for the book to move through. But I’m not gonna lie there were points at the beginning where I was confused with what was happening or rather why things were happening. I didn’t fully believe the justification and questioned what the point of the Ridding was and who Galvin was but it’s one of those ‘just go with it’ kind of deals 😂 it wasn’t particularly fleshed out well but the plot picks up so well in pace that I didn’t mind too much! I think it was action-packed and there were genuine moments of me being creeped out or scared 🫣
Romance - I really enjoyed the romance in this and the back and forth banter. HOWEVER, Vesper is like a yo-yo with her feelings about Lonan - she genuinely thinks he’s the devil incarnate and then the next moment is all ‘I’ll stand by you’ and because this happens so frequently, the moment of betrayal doesn’t quite hold the weight it should. But I genuinely really enjoyed reading about them, particularly how he thinks of nothing but her, you gotta love a man who yearns.
While I enjoyed the romance and world in Seven Deadly Thorns, I thought the pace was a bit off. Whereas TDH had a fast paced plot and it’s very easy to get through. The romance was cute and the characters were all interesting to read about. I will definitely read more in this world 🙌
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Amber Hamilton has done it again! I read an early copy of Seven Deadly Thorns last year and completely fell in love with it, so getting my hands on an ARC of Twelve Dark Hours was a huge thrill.
This dark academia, Cinderella-inspired romantasy completely consumed me. I started reading late on a Monday night just to "get a sense of it" and suddenly it was past midnight. Because the entire plot takes place over the course of a single, high-stakes night, the pacing is absolutely relentless. Every time I had to put the book down, I hated it!
Going in, I expected a romance-heavy plot, and it absolutely delivered while still providing a surprising amount of solid world-building. The chemistry between Vesper and Lonan as deadly rivals was incredibly believable and easily the highlight of the story for me. However, the fated-mates angle with the mysterious prince, Galvin, felt a little far-fetched and forced in comparison to the natural tension Vesper and Lonan shared.
My only major critique is that, at times, it felt like I was reading the second book in a series. It drops you right into the middle of the story with characters who feel like they had their main development off-page in a prequel we didn't get to read.
Despite that, I was hooked from page one. I am desperate for another book in this world with these exact characters and an even more expansive storyline.
Releases November 3, 2026 — highly recommend preordering!
(Huge thanks to Bloomsbury and Amber Hamilton for providing this gifted copy!)
This dark academia, Cinderella-inspired romantasy completely consumed me. I started reading late on a Monday night just to "get a sense of it" and suddenly it was past midnight. Because the entire plot takes place over the course of a single, high-stakes night, the pacing is absolutely relentless. Every time I had to put the book down, I hated it!
Going in, I expected a romance-heavy plot, and it absolutely delivered while still providing a surprising amount of solid world-building. The chemistry between Vesper and Lonan as deadly rivals was incredibly believable and easily the highlight of the story for me. However, the fated-mates angle with the mysterious prince, Galvin, felt a little far-fetched and forced in comparison to the natural tension Vesper and Lonan shared.
My only major critique is that, at times, it felt like I was reading the second book in a series. It drops you right into the middle of the story with characters who feel like they had their main development off-page in a prequel we didn't get to read.
Despite that, I was hooked from page one. I am desperate for another book in this world with these exact characters and an even more expansive storyline.
Releases November 3, 2026 — highly recommend preordering!
(Huge thanks to Bloomsbury and Amber Hamilton for providing this gifted copy!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had me intrigued from the very beginning. Trials, blood-bonds, and fate encompass the pages from practically the very start which made this book a perfect binge-worthy read.
The stakes were high and the pace was fast with very little down-time throughout the entire story. Something always seemed to be happening to move the story forward, whether that be the trials of The Ridding itself or through terror and escape from syphons, fiendlings or other supernatural elements.
I loved Caldwell and Cavendish, with their dark humour and dead-pan comments, and also Vesper with her feisty attitude and sheer spirit and will throughout the story. Although I loved these characters, Lonan for me was the real star. His whole demeanor and protective side had me rooting for him the whole way. I only wish we would have had more from his POV.
The romance angle was interesting, I loved the idea that not all blood-mates were what you'd want or the swoon-worthy love story that we usually see in these kinds of books where the FMC and MMC are fated to be together and live happily ever after.
Some closed door romance scenes, with zero spice would make this book appealing to both young adults and adults alike with a fun story about choosing your own destiny.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley.
The stakes were high and the pace was fast with very little down-time throughout the entire story. Something always seemed to be happening to move the story forward, whether that be the trials of The Ridding itself or through terror and escape from syphons, fiendlings or other supernatural elements.
I loved Caldwell and Cavendish, with their dark humour and dead-pan comments, and also Vesper with her feisty attitude and sheer spirit and will throughout the story. Although I loved these characters, Lonan for me was the real star. His whole demeanor and protective side had me rooting for him the whole way. I only wish we would have had more from his POV.
The romance angle was interesting, I loved the idea that not all blood-mates were what you'd want or the swoon-worthy love story that we usually see in these kinds of books where the FMC and MMC are fated to be together and live happily ever after.
Some closed door romance scenes, with zero spice would make this book appealing to both young adults and adults alike with a fun story about choosing your own destiny.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's dark and twisted, yet hopeful. Part fantasy, part romance and part horror, with a reluctant allies to lovers story underpinning a chaotic journey to self-discovery. Better than Six Deadly Thorns IMO.
The FMC is so strong - she just keeps pressing on, despite the horrors she faces, and she trusts her gut. I really liked her - she wasn't in any way perfect and she owned it. He's clearly devoted, but his character wasn't developed half so well - the writing surrounding his chapters got a little repetitive at times, but the tension / question of good and bad between the twins was interesting. I would have stabbed Poppy immediately...
Some elements could potentially have been better developed, and there are definitely some plot holes (that I was prepared to overlook), but I really enjoyed how fast-paced it felt - it made everything feel hectic, as it would have felt to the characters.
Honestly, it feels like Hamilton dipped into my head and wrote one of my nightmares. The unavoidable, persistent evil that seems to catch up to you no matter how fast you run or well you hide... A very bizarre feeling, but oddly therapeutic with the 'hero' - i.e. me - winning out in the end.
--
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The FMC is so strong - she just keeps pressing on, despite the horrors she faces, and she trusts her gut. I really liked her - she wasn't in any way perfect and she owned it. He's clearly devoted, but his character wasn't developed half so well - the writing surrounding his chapters got a little repetitive at times, but the tension / question of good and bad between the twins was interesting. I would have stabbed Poppy immediately...
Some elements could potentially have been better developed, and there are definitely some plot holes (that I was prepared to overlook), but I really enjoyed how fast-paced it felt - it made everything feel hectic, as it would have felt to the characters.
Honestly, it feels like Hamilton dipped into my head and wrote one of my nightmares. The unavoidable, persistent evil that seems to catch up to you no matter how fast you run or well you hide... A very bizarre feeling, but oddly therapeutic with the 'hero' - i.e. me - winning out in the end.
--
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After loving Seven Deadly Thorns, I couldn’t wait to dive into Twelve Dark Hours and it absolutely delivered.
This is a fast paced YA fantasy that throws you straight into a high stakes, survive the night adventure where every hour counts. Once the story finds its footing, it barely slows down, delivering relentless action, danger, twists and genuinely creepy moments that kept me turning the pages. Totally consumed my day!
Vesper is a determined and compelling heroine, while Lonan completely stole the show for me. His unwavering loyalty, protective nature and slow burn chemistry with Vesper made every scene they shared worth savouring. Their banter was one of my favourite parts of the book.
Amber Hamilton continues to create an imaginative fantasy world packed with dark magic, blood bonds, supernatural threats and memorable supporting characters. The pacing is excellent, making this an incredibly bingeable read that left me eager for whatever comes next.
If you enjoy fast moving fantasy with high stakes, found family, slow burn romance and dangerous magical trials, this is one to add to your TBR.
If you enjoyed Powerless by Lauren Roberts, The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni,Lightlark by Alex Aster then this is a must for the tbr. 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
okay I did NOT sleep last night because of this book and I have zero regrets.
This was an absolute fever dream of a novel that had me stress eating snacks at 2am. Our two MCs have been rivals forever, and they get locked inside Gossemort Academy together, forced to survive three genuinely trials in one night.
While I am not a huge fan of trials, these were so unhinged that I loved them. I cannot tell you how stressed I was.
And the enemies-to-allies tension?? EXQUISITE. These two have so much history and so many secrets and it was just peak.
The whole bloodmate subplot added this layer of cosmic dread that I didn't expect to love as much as I did. A "fate worse than death" — okay!! we love a high-stakes romantic complication!!
If you're a fan of magical schools, deadly competitions, and two people who absolutely hate each other being forced to save each other's lives, please just read this. Wonderful, unhinged, so fun.
This was an absolute fever dream of a novel that had me stress eating snacks at 2am. Our two MCs have been rivals forever, and they get locked inside Gossemort Academy together, forced to survive three genuinely trials in one night.
While I am not a huge fan of trials, these were so unhinged that I loved them. I cannot tell you how stressed I was.
And the enemies-to-allies tension?? EXQUISITE. These two have so much history and so many secrets and it was just peak.
The whole bloodmate subplot added this layer of cosmic dread that I didn't expect to love as much as I did. A "fate worse than death" — okay!! we love a high-stakes romantic complication!!
If you're a fan of magical schools, deadly competitions, and two people who absolutely hate each other being forced to save each other's lives, please just read this. Wonderful, unhinged, so fun.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
YESS!! I was so excited when I saw another book by Amber Hamilton as I flew through Seven Deadly Thorns and was captivated by the world.
The minute I got approval on Netgalley I stopped all other reading to start Twelve Dark Hours and was completely captivated!
I love the way AH writes, the plot is fab, all the characters have a purpose and you can connect with them (which I prefer over stories with so many characters I'm having to take notes to work out wtf is going on).
I love the connection and banter between Vesper and Lonan, and the twists throughout (I don't want to put any spoilers).
This book has been written with so much love and emotion and it is evident in the way the story unfolds and for me it was just perfection.
I cannot wait for book 3!
The minute I got approval on Netgalley I stopped all other reading to start Twelve Dark Hours and was completely captivated!
I love the way AH writes, the plot is fab, all the characters have a purpose and you can connect with them (which I prefer over stories with so many characters I'm having to take notes to work out wtf is going on).
I love the connection and banter between Vesper and Lonan, and the twists throughout (I don't want to put any spoilers).
This book has been written with so much love and emotion and it is evident in the way the story unfolds and for me it was just perfection.
I cannot wait for book 3!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was disappointed in the beginning of Tweleve Dark Hours, and the beginning was very slow, but the last third was better and I wish more of the book was written in this style. For most of the book the FMC, Vesper, was condescening and judgemental to the MMC, Lonan, for little apparent reason. I found how she though about him annoying and rude Her excuse of havong a broken heart was also over used- becuase she clealry loved her friends in the story. I would also love to hear more from or about Lonan in this tale. The romance while hinted at from Lonan, seemed to come suddenly or had to be infered from Vesper. The premise for the plot was interesting, I just wish for a more likeable FMC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
I was really excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint.
I loved all the twists and turns, how it kept you guessing the whole way through.
I loved how Vesper and Lonan were at loggerheads pretty much the whole way through but there were signs all was not as it was. They things Lonan would say… swoon! Even when he was supposed to not like her. Definitely high on my book boyfriend’s list.
I really enjoyed the magic side, the whole light and dark concept was brilliant. Who says dark magic can’t be used for light?!
Definitely a must read
I loved all the twists and turns, how it kept you guessing the whole way through.
I loved how Vesper and Lonan were at loggerheads pretty much the whole way through but there were signs all was not as it was. They things Lonan would say… swoon! Even when he was supposed to not like her. Definitely high on my book boyfriend’s list.
I really enjoyed the magic side, the whole light and dark concept was brilliant. Who says dark magic can’t be used for light?!
Definitely a must read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gothic acadamia fantasy, fast paced, monsters, time sensitive trials, slow burn enemies to lovers. Its got it all. I devoured this book as fast fast as the siphons devoured the students. Thank you for the chance to read this early on Negalley 🫶🏻
July 15, 2026
Really great ya fantasy with a cool magic system, a nice side romance, interesting lore and world building, and enough grittiness to support the mature themes found in here. There were lots of twists that kept me guessing and I loved how all the pieces came together in the end!
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