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Nightcurse
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Cursed with eternity, haunted by love–discover the truth about living forever in this achingly atmospheric dark academia fantasy
Emrys Swift is so dead. One hundred and fifty seven years worth of dead, to be exact. He’s a Revenant, nightcursed, destined to be stuck being seventeen forever. Hidden away, he spends his infinite days as an undead librarian of witchlore at the NeverEnd library–until a new Revenant arrives and magical artifacts start going missing, jeopardizing his beloved home.
Emrys’s mortal enemy and annoyingly attractive shapeshifter Aubrey Vale is determined to solve the mystery – with Emrys’s help. Suddenly Emrys and Aubrey are magically bonded together on a quest into the dark and frost-bitten world of night-kin. But as Emyrs and Aubrey interrogate ghosts and face drowning by mermaids, deathly creatures aren’t the only spectres haunting them. With the ghoulish Night Hunt chasing them down, can they outrun the secrets of Emrys’ death and Aubrey’s life? And if they can save NeverEnd’s future, can they have a future together?
Hauntingly gorgeous and tender, Emma Hinds’ Nightcurse is both a Gothic mystery and an enemies-to-lovers romance about navigating life and love in the face of death.
Emrys Swift is so dead. One hundred and fifty seven years worth of dead, to be exact. He’s a Revenant, nightcursed, destined to be stuck being seventeen forever. Hidden away, he spends his infinite days as an undead librarian of witchlore at the NeverEnd library–until a new Revenant arrives and magical artifacts start going missing, jeopardizing his beloved home.
Emrys’s mortal enemy and annoyingly attractive shapeshifter Aubrey Vale is determined to solve the mystery – with Emrys’s help. Suddenly Emrys and Aubrey are magically bonded together on a quest into the dark and frost-bitten world of night-kin. But as Emyrs and Aubrey interrogate ghosts and face drowning by mermaids, deathly creatures aren’t the only spectres haunting them. With the ghoulish Night Hunt chasing them down, can they outrun the secrets of Emrys’ death and Aubrey’s life? And if they can save NeverEnd’s future, can they have a future together?
Hauntingly gorgeous and tender, Emma Hinds’ Nightcurse is both a Gothic mystery and an enemies-to-lovers romance about navigating life and love in the face of death.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Emma Hinds
5 books135 followersEmma is a fiction writer and playwright living and working in the North of England. She graduated from St. Andrews University with an MLitt. in Creative Writing in 2014. She focuses on historical narratives, female voices, and Queer stories. She was longlisted for BBC Writersroom, and has been part of the Write Now Penguin and Random House project. In 2020, she was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel competition. Emma identifies as Queer and uses She/Her pronouns.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Received an ARC from the Goodreads giveaway a few weeks ago and started reading shortly after receiving it. Overall, I greatly enjoyed it. I have been searching for good LGBTQ+ fiction and I have found great success here. I have not read any books by this author before, but I plan to read Witchlore after this.
Note: the rest of this review contains spoilers. I did try my best to keep it mild, and they are under spoiler tags.
Setting:
Characters:
Overall plot:
ARC had a handful of typos and some instances of weird wording, I am confident this will be ironed out before release.
5/5 Summary: Very British, very good LGBTQ+ representation, strong characters with a solid ending. I would recommend this to anyone in search of: queer fiction, enemies to lovers, found family, or modern fantasy.
Note: the rest of this review contains spoilers. I did try my best to keep it mild, and they are under spoiler tags.
Setting:
Characters:
Overall plot:
ARC had a handful of typos and some instances of weird wording, I am confident this will be ironed out before release.
5/5 Summary: Very British, very good LGBTQ+ representation, strong characters with a solid ending. I would recommend this to anyone in search of: queer fiction, enemies to lovers, found family, or modern fantasy.
May 16, 2026
A haunting story about love , loss and everything that happens after.
“The Nightcurse” is what happens after those who have passed started resurrecting as revenants forever frozen at the age of their death never growing even as time around them passes. Emrys is stuck at 17 even though his death was over a hundred years earlier he is still fuzzy on the details but knows he has spent his time trying to make the most of it except for his ongoing died with shapeshifter Aubrey Vale. As their paths cross again they find themselves as reluctant allies as objects start going missing and they have to hunt for who or what may be messing with the unnatural order of things.
This was such an interesting story and take on resurrection. Having always loved vampires and the lore of being frozen in time it’s interesting how this book shows the mental and emotional pitfalls of being stunted at a certain age. There is no growth or maturity that comes with age even though the years pass and the frustration of technically being an adult but treated like a child was so fascinating. Not to mention the layers that come with sexuality and how it was handled , or not even talked about, throughout history and how that kind of unwarranted shame can linger in a person.
Emrys needed the biggest hug the entire story him trying to handle this new responsibility of being a tutor to a new revenant while it’s being taken away by his enemy was enough but when he learns about the day he died and the questions it leaves was so heartbreaking. His insecurities and just not having any real way to identify who is his because of the time period he is from made that journey all the better as he was able to look at it from a more modern and welcoming lense with the community he had built around him and that include Aubrey.
That’s not to say this book isn’t without its scares there a particular scene overlooking the sea that I am going to have nightmares about but the conversation about who a soul belongs too was so creative and fun. There’s a lot of questions surrounding what is to become of those who come back and what happens when they wish to return to those who have not come back and it’s so layered and painful but you also understand that desire.
An interesting book and one that I think will hit home for a lot of people.
*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
“The Nightcurse” is what happens after those who have passed started resurrecting as revenants forever frozen at the age of their death never growing even as time around them passes. Emrys is stuck at 17 even though his death was over a hundred years earlier he is still fuzzy on the details but knows he has spent his time trying to make the most of it except for his ongoing died with shapeshifter Aubrey Vale. As their paths cross again they find themselves as reluctant allies as objects start going missing and they have to hunt for who or what may be messing with the unnatural order of things.
This was such an interesting story and take on resurrection. Having always loved vampires and the lore of being frozen in time it’s interesting how this book shows the mental and emotional pitfalls of being stunted at a certain age. There is no growth or maturity that comes with age even though the years pass and the frustration of technically being an adult but treated like a child was so fascinating. Not to mention the layers that come with sexuality and how it was handled , or not even talked about, throughout history and how that kind of unwarranted shame can linger in a person.
Emrys needed the biggest hug the entire story him trying to handle this new responsibility of being a tutor to a new revenant while it’s being taken away by his enemy was enough but when he learns about the day he died and the questions it leaves was so heartbreaking. His insecurities and just not having any real way to identify who is his because of the time period he is from made that journey all the better as he was able to look at it from a more modern and welcoming lense with the community he had built around him and that include Aubrey.
That’s not to say this book isn’t without its scares there a particular scene overlooking the sea that I am going to have nightmares about but the conversation about who a soul belongs too was so creative and fun. There’s a lot of questions surrounding what is to become of those who come back and what happens when they wish to return to those who have not come back and it’s so layered and painful but you also understand that desire.
An interesting book and one that I think will hit home for a lot of people.
*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book grabbed me IMMEDIATELY. No slow start, no dragging setup, just straight into the world and vibes from page one.
This was genuinely beautiful. The writing had such an atmospheric feel to it (ghostly dark academia with witchy eerie vibes and portals and magic but like... in a fun paranormal way), and all the characters felt really distinct and alive.
The world itself felt super original to me too. Witches and shapeshifters exist, but not in the usual mainstream fantasy way, and then there are the night kin — people who die but don’t fully stay dead. Emrys is a revenant, basically this sad ghost/zombie hybrid who died at 17 and stayed emotionally stuck there despite existing undead for 157 years. This was quite interesting to explore. He lives in this massive library with other revenants, helping college students while being monitored by the Merlin Order that keeps track of supernatural creatures.
Then a brand new revenant appears for the first time in forever, and Emrys and his academic rival Aubrey both want the position of tutor/guide for them. However, the plot pops off and you're taken on an adventure and a spin through this magnificent world.
But honestly, the romance was my favorite part. It’s such a patient, gentle journey of self discovery and learning to let yourself want things despite fear, grief, or the possibility of getting hurt. It was soft in a way that made me absolutely swoon.
I also had no idea this had LGBTQ+ rep going in, and genuinely, I would’ve picked it up sooner if I had known because it was done SO well.
This book was made for me. Loved this from start to finish and I already know I want to revisit this world - in new and already published books.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! This review reflects my own opinions.
This was genuinely beautiful. The writing had such an atmospheric feel to it (ghostly dark academia with witchy eerie vibes and portals and magic but like... in a fun paranormal way), and all the characters felt really distinct and alive.
The world itself felt super original to me too. Witches and shapeshifters exist, but not in the usual mainstream fantasy way, and then there are the night kin — people who die but don’t fully stay dead. Emrys is a revenant, basically this sad ghost/zombie hybrid who died at 17 and stayed emotionally stuck there despite existing undead for 157 years. This was quite interesting to explore. He lives in this massive library with other revenants, helping college students while being monitored by the Merlin Order that keeps track of supernatural creatures.
Then a brand new revenant appears for the first time in forever, and Emrys and his academic rival Aubrey both want the position of tutor/guide for them. However, the plot pops off and you're taken on an adventure and a spin through this magnificent world.
But honestly, the romance was my favorite part. It’s such a patient, gentle journey of self discovery and learning to let yourself want things despite fear, grief, or the possibility of getting hurt. It was soft in a way that made me absolutely swoon.
I also had no idea this had LGBTQ+ rep going in, and genuinely, I would’ve picked it up sooner if I had known because it was done SO well.
This book was made for me. Loved this from start to finish and I already know I want to revisit this world - in new and already published books.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! This review reflects my own opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nightcurse by Emma Hinds
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
This book hooked me almost instantly. It has that rare kind of opening that drops you straight into the world without easing you in, and I loved how quickly it established its tone.
The concept alone is fascinating—people who die but don’t stay gone, returning as revenants forever frozen at the age they died. Emrys, stuck at 17 despite being dead for over a century, is such a compelling lens for exploring identity, grief, and what it means to grow when your body never does. The emotional weight of that premise really carries the story.
Emrys himself was incredibly easy to sympathize with. There’s something heartbreaking about watching him navigate responsibility, relationships, and self-understanding while still being mentally tethered to the version of himself that died young. His dynamic with Aubrey Vale added another layer of tension and history that made their reluctant partnership all the more engaging.
The worldbuilding is also a standout here. The mix of revenants, witches, shapeshifters, and the strange systems built around them feels rich and unusual in a way that kept me curious the entire time. I especially liked how the story explores belonging and whether someone “belongs” to the time they died in or the life they’re still somehow living.
There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, balancing mystery, eerie moments, and quieter reflections on identity and connection. The romance builds slowly and thoughtfully, focusing more on trust and emotional understanding than instant chemistry, which worked really well for the tone of the book.
Overall, this was a deeply atmospheric, emotionally thoughtful paranormal fantasy with a really unique premise and a lot of heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
This book hooked me almost instantly. It has that rare kind of opening that drops you straight into the world without easing you in, and I loved how quickly it established its tone.
The concept alone is fascinating—people who die but don’t stay gone, returning as revenants forever frozen at the age they died. Emrys, stuck at 17 despite being dead for over a century, is such a compelling lens for exploring identity, grief, and what it means to grow when your body never does. The emotional weight of that premise really carries the story.
Emrys himself was incredibly easy to sympathize with. There’s something heartbreaking about watching him navigate responsibility, relationships, and self-understanding while still being mentally tethered to the version of himself that died young. His dynamic with Aubrey Vale added another layer of tension and history that made their reluctant partnership all the more engaging.
The worldbuilding is also a standout here. The mix of revenants, witches, shapeshifters, and the strange systems built around them feels rich and unusual in a way that kept me curious the entire time. I especially liked how the story explores belonging and whether someone “belongs” to the time they died in or the life they’re still somehow living.
There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, balancing mystery, eerie moments, and quieter reflections on identity and connection. The romance builds slowly and thoughtfully, focusing more on trust and emotional understanding than instant chemistry, which worked really well for the tone of the book.
Overall, this was a deeply atmospheric, emotionally thoughtful paranormal fantasy with a really unique premise and a lot of heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
Nightcurse by Emma Hinds is a young adult romantic fantasy about an undead Victorian teenager, Emrys, grappling with grief, coming of age, and falling in love while uncovering the mystery behind the disappearance of necromancy tomes with nemesis Aubrey Vale.
I was drawn to this book because I recently finished Holly Black’s Cruel Prince trilogy and wanted some more young adult fantasy with romantic subplots in my life! The dark academic setting intrigued me, and I love the messy ideas to be explored with the idea of living forever.
This book had a wonderful message, and I liked how it toyed with gender, sexual orientation, and religion in a fantasy setting. Unfortunately, I did not find the execution to be quite there. Often, I felt things were explained immediately after they happened, assigning more weight to the scene the reader witnessed than was warranted or earned. There were some juicy scenes in the beginning, but when a beat is so short and you’re given a recap right after it, it takes away from the impact. One example would be when Emrys first rides in Aubrey’s car to go to Haddon Hall. That scene was so good! But it was incredibly short and then we get a long winded explanation of what happened immediately afterward, with unearned commentary (in my opinion). I feel like this book would have been much more compelling as a series because it would give scenes time to breathe, more world-building (there’s still so much to be explained! Even the spellwork that was used, I’m confused about), and perhaps a plot that was less contrived (and by that I mean more continuous rather than disjointed).
I did like Emrys and Aubrey, and the themes themselves were interesting. I really enjoyed how Emrys and the other nightkin experienced grief. I just wish more time was spent on these juicy morsels!
Nightcurse by Emma Hinds is a young adult romantic fantasy about an undead Victorian teenager, Emrys, grappling with grief, coming of age, and falling in love while uncovering the mystery behind the disappearance of necromancy tomes with nemesis Aubrey Vale.
I was drawn to this book because I recently finished Holly Black’s Cruel Prince trilogy and wanted some more young adult fantasy with romantic subplots in my life! The dark academic setting intrigued me, and I love the messy ideas to be explored with the idea of living forever.
This book had a wonderful message, and I liked how it toyed with gender, sexual orientation, and religion in a fantasy setting. Unfortunately, I did not find the execution to be quite there. Often, I felt things were explained immediately after they happened, assigning more weight to the scene the reader witnessed than was warranted or earned. There were some juicy scenes in the beginning, but when a beat is so short and you’re given a recap right after it, it takes away from the impact. One example would be when Emrys first rides in Aubrey’s car to go to Haddon Hall. That scene was so good! But it was incredibly short and then we get a long winded explanation of what happened immediately afterward, with unearned commentary (in my opinion). I feel like this book would have been much more compelling as a series because it would give scenes time to breathe, more world-building (there’s still so much to be explained! Even the spellwork that was used, I’m confused about), and perhaps a plot that was less contrived (and by that I mean more continuous rather than disjointed).
I did like Emrys and Aubrey, and the themes themselves were interesting. I really enjoyed how Emrys and the other nightkin experienced grief. I just wish more time was spent on these juicy morsels!
May 15, 2026
Review based on advanced reader copy received from the publisher
Nightcurse by Emma Hinds is a YA dark academia seeped in a unique magic system and LGBTQIA+ themes. We follow Emrys as they navigate an eternal life that is suddenly filled with mystery and the discovery of everything that involves living and not living, including love.
With Emrys and Aubrey as our two main characters we are able to see two opposing perspectives on the magical and utterly British world that they live in and the mystery aspect of the book not only allows them to see each others perspectives but also see the other person in a different light. Following the two of them learn more about each other and more about how the other must navigate their life has so many realistic and attainable elements that it is quite literally so hard to not fall in love with the way that they exist when they are near each other. While Nightcurse is not my first experience with magical dark academia I can safely say that Hinds does a beautiful job blending the two together. There was never a moment where I was wishing for more of one or the other and the characters not only help with that but propel the feeling foward.
This book is filled with so much banter and love and a beautiful found family that it is impossible to not enjoy the whimsy that seeps from it. I definitely will be looking into reading more of Emma Hinds work.
May 21, 2026
The narrative voice of this story drew me in from the first page. The world building of the revenants is fascinating, as is their (unfair IMO) hierarchy that is dependent on their age at death. This book has all the paranormal goodies rolled into one: magic, revenants, ghosts, witches, shapeshifters, necromancy, etcetera.
Our dynamic duo starts out as enemies and their relationship evolves over the course of the book as they are at odds with one another throughout their joint adventure. A lot of their bantering had me audibly laughing and the open discourse about sexuality sprinkled throughout this book was wonderful. These characters are very well developed and even the side characters have depth as well as meaningful relationships with Emrys (MC whose POV the story is told through).
This book was seriously just a pleasure to read from start to finish. It just felt like a cozy warm hug and would have been everything I wanted in a book when I was a *young adult*.
TLDR:
👻 forced proximity
👻 slow burn enemies to lovers
👻 LGTBQ+
👻 paranormal entities galore
👻 found family
👻navigating grief
Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on October 13, 2026!
Thank you to Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) and Emma Hinds for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Our dynamic duo starts out as enemies and their relationship evolves over the course of the book as they are at odds with one another throughout their joint adventure. A lot of their bantering had me audibly laughing and the open discourse about sexuality sprinkled throughout this book was wonderful. These characters are very well developed and even the side characters have depth as well as meaningful relationships with Emrys (MC whose POV the story is told through).
This book was seriously just a pleasure to read from start to finish. It just felt like a cozy warm hug and would have been everything I wanted in a book when I was a *young adult*.
TLDR:
👻 forced proximity
👻 slow burn enemies to lovers
👻 LGTBQ+
👻 paranormal entities galore
👻 found family
👻navigating grief
Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on October 13, 2026!
Thank you to Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press) and Emma Hinds for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Nightcurse” starts off a little slow, but it is ultimately a beautiful story. I liked that the child revenants were from different time periods — Emrys living and dying in industrial era Manchester, Tommy dying in WWI, Sosa a Syrian refugee. This gave them different perspectives on life, love, family, society, etc., influencing how they interacted with each other and the world around them. Having Emrys be demisexual and gay was an interesting twist, especially as the concept of demisexuality was foreign to him. He just knew he had only been romantically/sexually attracted to one person, and he was still mourning the loss of his love.
The book explores various power dynamics and general relationships — witches versus shapeshifters; humans versus magical beings; witches/shapeshifters versus revenants; adult revenants versus permanent teenage revenants; the Merlin Foundation and its “policing” of magical beings, etc. The story is full of secrets and misunderstandings and unknown powers. Emrys, in particular, does not realize the power he possesses.
The book explores various power dynamics and general relationships — witches versus shapeshifters; humans versus magical beings; witches/shapeshifters versus revenants; adult revenants versus permanent teenage revenants; the Merlin Foundation and its “policing” of magical beings, etc. The story is full of secrets and misunderstandings and unknown powers. Emrys, in particular, does not realize the power he possesses.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book gripped me from the very first page and I absolutely could not put it down! No, really. It's currently 2:00am as I'm writing this review.
This is a fantastical story of self discovery, love, and grief set in a giant library with the best dark academia vibes. The story follows a young revenant librarian named Emrys who does everything he can to save his home and the people he loves.
All of our characters felt so well fleshed out with believable feelings and motivations that really moved the storyline along seamlessly. We get to see our characters learning about themselves and about one another and it was such a joy to witness! I am a sucker for enemies-to-lovers and some great banter and this delivered! I absolutely adored the romance in this book.
I have never read from Emma Hinds before but her writing style was so beautifully evocative and the world building was so atmospheric and whimsical! I will definitely be checking out her backlog and keeping an eye on any future releases!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC.
This is a fantastical story of self discovery, love, and grief set in a giant library with the best dark academia vibes. The story follows a young revenant librarian named Emrys who does everything he can to save his home and the people he loves.
All of our characters felt so well fleshed out with believable feelings and motivations that really moved the storyline along seamlessly. We get to see our characters learning about themselves and about one another and it was such a joy to witness! I am a sucker for enemies-to-lovers and some great banter and this delivered! I absolutely adored the romance in this book.
I have never read from Emma Hinds before but her writing style was so beautifully evocative and the world building was so atmospheric and whimsical! I will definitely be checking out her backlog and keeping an eye on any future releases!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC.
June 15, 2026
OKAY, sooo this was kind of sad and tragic. We follow Emrys, a revenant who died with his first love at 17. The only thing is he doesn’t exactly remember what happened. He teams up with shapeshifter Aubery Vale to find answers. The unlikely pair go on a misshaped adventure, meeting powerful ghosts, deadly mermaids, and other creatures of the night. Including riding a ghostly stag named Percy.
I had previously read Witchlore by the same author earlier this year… and there were some similarities between the two. Certain plot points being very similar as well. I think I liked Witchlore a smidge better. This one is still good, though; this story freezes your heart but then slowly warms and thaws it back to a hopeful, happy ending with the message of being brave when everything in the future is so unknown.
I will likely continue to read Emma Hinds's next works even if they’re similar. I enjoy her writing, the world she’s created, and how the magic works within it. Special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-arc!
I had previously read Witchlore by the same author earlier this year… and there were some similarities between the two. Certain plot points being very similar as well. I think I liked Witchlore a smidge better. This one is still good, though; this story freezes your heart but then slowly warms and thaws it back to a hopeful, happy ending with the message of being brave when everything in the future is so unknown.
I will likely continue to read Emma Hinds's next works even if they’re similar. I enjoy her writing, the world she’s created, and how the magic works within it. Special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
(Four stars, enjoyable read with a few spots that I would have liked 'more' from. Would read additional entries if it were a series.)
Copy of message sent to author regarding minor typographical errors:
Received a copy of Nightcurse through Goodreads (it's very cute); likely others have already contacted you or you became aware on your own, but here are the typos I found in the ARC:
P260, 3rd paragraph: There's a loose bracket ] after 'romantically she'
P335, 1st paragraph: After 'find Gwen' there is a comma and a period ending the sentence.
P365, 2nd paragraph: This might actually be a style choice, but I'm not sure; Gwen says "I have atoned, I have /atoned/ I have endured" and I think I would usually expect a comma after that second 'atoned.' But again, that might be a style choice, so excuse my interpretation if so.
P366, 4th paragraph (Emrys speaking): It begins again with a string of examples he's making, with commas omitted (and I think you might just be going for a breathless burst of words, but the readability does degrade the longer it goes on), however there is /definitely/ a missing comma/period/etc before the closing quotation mark between 'vice' and 'I choke.'
Apologies if this is old information for you, but if not, hopefully it's helpful. It was an enjoyable read, and the world was interesting. Will look forward to any follow-ups with these characters. Have a great day!
Copy of message sent to author regarding minor typographical errors:
Received a copy of Nightcurse through Goodreads (it's very cute); likely others have already contacted you or you became aware on your own, but here are the typos I found in the ARC:
P260, 3rd paragraph: There's a loose bracket ] after 'romantically she'
P335, 1st paragraph: After 'find Gwen' there is a comma and a period ending the sentence.
P365, 2nd paragraph: This might actually be a style choice, but I'm not sure; Gwen says "I have atoned, I have /atoned/ I have endured" and I think I would usually expect a comma after that second 'atoned.' But again, that might be a style choice, so excuse my interpretation if so.
P366, 4th paragraph (Emrys speaking): It begins again with a string of examples he's making, with commas omitted (and I think you might just be going for a breathless burst of words, but the readability does degrade the longer it goes on), however there is /definitely/ a missing comma/period/etc before the closing quotation mark between 'vice' and 'I choke.'
Apologies if this is old information for you, but if not, hopefully it's helpful. It was an enjoyable read, and the world was interesting. Will look forward to any follow-ups with these characters. Have a great day!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a new to me author, and I found this story imaginative and thought-provoking! Emrys is a revenant, raised from the dead, and a rare one at that... a teenager. A tough break as he is treated as a permanent teenager/child. If you're like me, your interest will be immediately piqued by the fact Emrys died with arsenic in his system. I was rooting for the characters.
Keywords: British, Dark Academia, LGBTQ+, Rivals to Lovers, Found Family, Bookish MMC
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this ARC.
Keywords: British, Dark Academia, LGBTQ+, Rivals to Lovers, Found Family, Bookish MMC
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this ARC.
May 28, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads. The best book I’ve read this year! I’m obsessed. This made me cry and smile and laugh. It is the sweetest story. I cannot wait for this book to officially release so I can recommend it to every one I know who reads. Emrys is so relatable and Aubrey is a riot. Together they’re a force to be reckoned with. This book is for anyone who ever feels misunderstood, anyone dealing with grief, anyone who is an underdog or not taken seriously. It’s an inspiring story of love, grief, and the beauty that comes from the brevity of life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
emma hinds the way you write a story arc and crescendo will always feel like magic to me. the way you manipulate words and depict emotions is a revelation. they have such an evocative way with words and emotions. feelings burst into brilliant colors. i love the world they built and i hope to get to chase those stories.
this is also the first novel i've read with a demisexual character at all let a lone as a main character. i hope there's more to this world in the future.
(thank you daisy glasgow and netgalley for the drc)
this is also the first novel i've read with a demisexual character at all let a lone as a main character. i hope there's more to this world in the future.
(thank you daisy glasgow and netgalley for the drc)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was okay. But it’s definitely not my favorite. It really feels like a haunted cozy read. I did struggle on the writing because I just didn’t understand on what was happening with the characters and I feel the story doesn’t match with the title.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Love this book. I wish I would rate it 10 star
Emrys Swift is so dead. One hundred and fifty seven years worth of dead, to be exact. He’s a Revenant, nightcursed, destined to be stuck being seventeen forever. Hidden away, he spends his infinite days as an undead librarian of witchlore at the NeverEnd library–until a new Revenant arrives and magical artifacts start going missing, jeopardizing his beloved home.
Emrys’s mortal enemy and annoyingly attractive shapeshifter Aubrey Vale is determined to solve the mystery – with Emrys’s help. Suddenly Emrys and Aubrey are magically bonded together on a quest into the dark and frost-bitten world of night-kin. But as Emyrs and Aubrey interrogate ghosts and face drowning by mermaids, deathly creatures aren’t the only spectres haunting them. With the ghoulish Night Hunt chasing them down, can they outrun the secrets of Emrys’ death and Aubrey’s life? And if they can save NeverEnd’s future, can they have a future together?
Hauntingly gorgeous and tender, Emma Hinds’ Nightcurse is both a Gothic mystery and an enemies-to-lovers romance about navigating life and love in the face of death.
Emrys Swift is so dead. One hundred and fifty seven years worth of dead, to be exact. He’s a Revenant, nightcursed, destined to be stuck being seventeen forever. Hidden away, he spends his infinite days as an undead librarian of witchlore at the NeverEnd library–until a new Revenant arrives and magical artifacts start going missing, jeopardizing his beloved home.
Emrys’s mortal enemy and annoyingly attractive shapeshifter Aubrey Vale is determined to solve the mystery – with Emrys’s help. Suddenly Emrys and Aubrey are magically bonded together on a quest into the dark and frost-bitten world of night-kin. But as Emyrs and Aubrey interrogate ghosts and face drowning by mermaids, deathly creatures aren’t the only spectres haunting them. With the ghoulish Night Hunt chasing them down, can they outrun the secrets of Emrys’ death and Aubrey’s life? And if they can save NeverEnd’s future, can they have a future together?
Hauntingly gorgeous and tender, Emma Hinds’ Nightcurse is both a Gothic mystery and an enemies-to-lovers romance about navigating life and love in the face of death.
Want to Read
May 16, 20265/16/2026: Just got the ARC!! (thanks NetGalley)
1/18/2026
hoping this is set in the same world as Witchlore
also will be keeping my eyes open for possible ARCs...
1/18/2026
hoping this is set in the same world as Witchlore
also will be keeping my eyes open for possible ARCs...
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