Deadly Little Lessons

by Danielle Valentine

Luminary 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.

Genres: Thriller, Young Adult, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Horror, Suspense, Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

Reviews

[Rebecca]

thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for access the ARC

[Fifi’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another win by Danielle Valentine! How to Survive Your Murder and Two Sides to Every Murder are two of the best of its kind. YA thrillers tend to be fun but all run together and are hard to be standouts, but she’s somehow had two SOLID above average hits. And this book’s concept? Her best yet!

Honestly the red flags around this school are through the roof. No phones, laptops, outside communications and leaving campus allowed for an entire school year? Completely cut off from your family with no virtual or physical contact allowed for months? The campus doors sealed promptly at midnight at the start of the semester with no one allowed to leave or come until the end of the semester? NDA’s on top of that? Armed guards on campus? Is this a school or prison? And the biggest question you’re jugging the whole time….just how much about this school are the parents actually aware of? Not to mention the fact that Luminary has partnered with schools like MIT and Princeton? Seeing as I doubt those schools would want to be involved in the murder of teenagers, are you telling me everyone was completely in the dark with all of this? Even with iron clad waivers there’s a level of suspension of disbelief cuz there ain’t no way. And the aftermath of all the disappearances, how would you begin to explain that to the parents or just anyone in their lives? Or even the authorities? There is definitely a huge level of suspension of disbelief because logistically I just don’t see how any of this could work.

The something is off vibes happen right at orientation and solidifies even more when physics class on day one turns out to be an actually deadly obstacle course. These students are thrown into these circumstances because the school’s philosophy is that you learn more effectively when it’s succeed or get physically injured, I guess? And just wait until you find out what the history test and calculus tests ends up being. It’s quite literally, get the equation right or die, because I guess students learn better when the stakes are life or death?

The gaslighting by the teachers, the overboard luxury, the students “leaving the school” with no reason or explanation. In just a week it goes from 50 to 40 students and no one knows why, they’re just never seen again. The classes themselves are harder than college courses. You can feel it all leading up to something and by the time you’re around 60% in, omg shit really starts to get real.

Again, there is a lot of suspension of disbelief (especially the crow scenes? In what world can a crow not only be trained by a teenager to deliver letters but the crow to know exactly where to go if you tell it to deliver a note for you, meant for a certain person?) and a lot is not realistic but, what can I say, if made for a good fiction plot 🤷🏻‍♀️ I really liked how each chapter even starts with a moral conundrum, where what’s right or wrong is relative, which is not only added fun but genuinely makes this a more thought provoking book than most adult fiction in this genre is.

Not a tightly conclusive ending I was hoping for, but conclusive enough. I liked this one and I’m eagerly awaiting her next!

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Gina Malanga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one!! A groups of juvenile delinquents chosen to be part of an elite innovative school where their lessons will match their style of learning all in the hope to turn them around. The award for completing the program!? A full ride to a prestigious school of your choice. Sounds great, until people start dying, going missing and being tortured! Nothing at this school is what it seems, including its unique hands on learning style! This book has a fast pace that keeps the pages turning and will for sure be an addition to my classroom next year.

[Christa Viada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great, entertaining book by this author! A group of juvenile delinquents are put into this school and only 5 will graduate. They go through numerous tests, but once kids start disappearing, Lia suspects that something may be wrong with this school.

Just an all around good storyline. No huge twists or shocks, but it is a really good book that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

[Alora Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Jaima Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun, light thriller that kept me entertained from start to finish. My only real complaint is that the ending felt rushed….it wrapped everything up so quickly that I was left wanting a little more.

Overall, an enjoyable read that just needed a stronger payoff.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebeccah Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the mysterious quality of it and for the suspense. There are elements I didn't care for, such as the details of the romance, and at first, when I found out what was really going on, I was disappointed it wasn't what I thought it would be. It sort of changed the tone of the book for me, but that disappointment didn't last long. I was soon back into it and didn't mind at all. The only other negative for me is the ending. I liked it and thought it fit, but I also wish the ending were longer. It's very quick after the resolution of the main conflict.
Overall, what I really like about this book is the pacing (until the end), the backstories of the characters (though I don't know how Tammy was an influencer was Scarlett was a little girl, considering nobody was influencers online until much later), and the characters themselves. I enjoyed the setting a lot (a school campus in the Midwest), and I also got into the conflict. I don't mind the romance at all, but as always, there are just too many sensations and feelings. I'm simultaneously reading an adult romance (like Hallmark style), and it gives the feelings, too, just without all the annoying parts where the main character's skin tingles during a literal crisis because she locks eyes with a boy. It's just a bit much, and it only ever happens in YA. I mean, I'm not a teen now, but I've been one, and I can attest to the fact that everything feels so much bigger then, but I can also state that, if the world was crashing down around me, touching a boy's fingertips wouldn't be the first thing on my mind. I just loathe that aspect of YA. Overall, though, those details weren't too pervasive in the novel, and the story itself is very gripping, so I still think the book deserves 4 stars. It's well-written and interesting also.
I recommend this book to YA fans and dark academia fans, especially. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-book!

[Suz Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juvenile delinquent Lia and her sweet foster sister Scarlett are sent to Luminary, an innovative boarding school, where five of the class of fifty could secure their future. However, those who don’t win may lose more than a golden opportunity.

This young adult thriller with romantic elements features an interesting diverse cast. My favorite characters are protagonist Lia, her sworn enemy Ian, tattooed hottie Rami, non-binary beauty influencer Seven, and animal whisperer Zo.

The structure of the book, the tally of students still in the running, the suspense elements, and the whip-fast pacing make for a page turner. The setting with its cozy library, luxurious dorms, and unusual classrooms help build the dark academic world. While the five groupings of students and the number-named character reminded me of DIVERGENT, the protagonist noted a classic-Gene Wilder Willy Wonka vibe from the dean, and the competition aspect gave the novel a Squid Games feel.

The bond between Lia and Scarlett was beautifully built, but the pair were separated for a good chunk of the novel, allowing for Lia to befriend other characters. However, it was a bit hard to suspend disbelief that Scarlett was progressing seeing Lia’s harrowing journey through Luminary’s various trials.

I found the ending to be a mixed bag. Some things felt too easily resolved. A sequel tease and a few loose ends, such as what happened to Zo’s furry and feathered friends, left the story unresolved. However, I did like the peek into Lia’s world six months after the climax.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[anya · Rating 2 out of 5]

rating : 2.5 stars
disclaimer.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
review.
Before starting with my review, I have to preface by saying that it is evidently clear that Valentine did not use a sensitivity reader to their fullest extent. Which, sure, minorities are not the main characters of this book, nor is this a book surrounding minority/LBGTQ cultures, which is totally okay. What isn't, though, is having a male Indian character and naming him 'Rani', the Hindi word for queen. It's absurd, really. I'm all for gender neutral names, but you don't see white boys walking around named 'Queen' that's not how it works. Doing no research and blatantly naming a character whatever you want in attempt to add your token minority character is very insulting. And what's even crazier is that her other minor Indian character (Aarav Patel) had a totally acceptable name! So what was it with messing up the naming with this one so bad? Any South Asian from a mile away would spot that error, so it likens me to think that no South Asian was near the manuscript at all.

Onto the book itself, the thriller was fine. The pacing was done well enough that I finished the book in one sitting, but while the plot was okay, the characters were just so annoying. Especially the way romance was being shoved down out throats with little to no buildup was just not doing it for me. And before anyone accuses me of not knowing how teenagers behave, I AM THE SAME AGE AS LIA.

All in all, it was a good book, but it would have done better with half the romance, fifty more pages and for the love of god, more research.

[ObscureVi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 liked how the relationship between Lia and Ian developed and honestly? I wouldn't mind a novella (or a full second book?) where we can a glimpse into their lives some time after the events of the main book. Especially knowing, that Luminary isn't the only school like that and a lot more could happen... maybe even prequel?

[TJ Wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[james · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC!

3.5 rounded

Deadly Little Lessons serves well as a YA thriller; I was thoroughly engaged and entertained. It follows the main character Lia, who is sent to a new boarding school along with her sister Scarlett. After arriving, they're met with strict rules and an unfamiliar teaching method. While they're getting used to their new environment, students start going missing.

I didn't particularly connect to Lia as a main character, but she had believable motivations. I think that readers who like strong-willed and rebellious characters will like her.
I did think that her and her love interest had really good chemistry and I was curious to see where they went throughout the novel.

I liked the characters Seven and Zo because I thought that they had some interesting quirks, and I would've liked to see more friendships and other connections detailed in the story.

The story however, has many thrilling scenes in classes that feel dangerous. It was interesting to try to think of how the classes would be formulated.

I think that there might've been something being said about the education system in the USA, but I don't think that there was a clear and focused message on this.

Overall, this was a fun read. I'd recommend it to people who like death/survival game media, such as Danganronpa or anime like Assassination Classroom.

[Laura Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the arc.

This was an absolute rollercoaster ride of a book! The action hits right from the first page and doesn’t let up throughout, which I found exhilarating! The pace is something else! Enough with the excitement…

Lia is a great main character, feisty and determined, rough around the edges, but devoted to her sister and friends. After years of trauma and trouble she finds herself in this incredible idyllic school where she might just be able to turn her life around. So when things start to seem a bit off, she tries to ignore it, to believe it can’t really be quite as bad as it seems, she just wants to graduate. There’s also a bit of romance but it is not the main focus of the story and helps make Lia seem more real. As time goes on she begins to realise that it’s all something of a nightmare, her new love has secrets, and nothing is quite as it seems.

Honestly, I couldn’t put this down. When I had to go out I wanted to get back to it. Every chapter had me gripped. Just one more…
The age rating given was 12+ and I would agree with that. There is violence, danger, romance, but it is not graphic and it all fits in the story appropriately. I would be happy for my 12 year old to read this. I was unfamiliar with the author before receiving this arc but I will definitely look out for more. A brilliant read, highly recommended!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lia has had a rough life. Orphaned at birth by a criminally insane father, she grew up in a series of bad foster homes and spent time in juvenile detention. She's been expelled from every school (including day care!) she ever attended. When she is given a chance to spend her senior year at Luminary Preparatory Institute, an experimental school that promises a full scholarship to the college of her choice, it seems like a dream come true. The catch is that out of a class of fifty students, only five will graduate.

Deadly Little Lessons is a wild ride of a novel. Luminary is like a nightmare version of Hogwarts without magic and I mean that as a description, not a criticism. Lia is a sympathetic narrator whose loyalty to her friends is as strong as her facility at picking locks. I was fascinated by the details of Luminary's innovative approach to education. even as the dream turned into a nightmare.

If I had one quibble with Deadly Little Lessons (besides the silly title!) it is that Lia's relationships with two of her fellow students seemed more than a bit obvious, but it might be that her emotional immaturity makes her a poor judge of character when it comes to high school boys. It didn't ruin my enjoyment of the story.

I would like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to access an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it is done well, YA fiction is fun, exciting, and hard to put down. Deadly Little Lessons delivers on all three. The story is entertaining and well plotted, and it avoids common genre pitfalls by giving its teenage characters room to be inexperienced while still allowing them to be smart, capable, and believable. Lia was not a protagonist I found immediately likable, but she grew on me. I especially enjoyed watching her relationships and attitudes shift as she faced the challenges of what may be the worst school ever. The situations are far from realistic, but within the world of the story, they make sense. The twists and reveals are genuinely surprising, and I was so entertained that I kept falling into the “just one more chapter before bed” trap. Luminary Prep, including its buildings, classes, and exams, was one of my favorite parts of the book. The plot kept me engaged with strong pacing and unexpected turns. The characters felt solid, smart, and engaging, even when they made mistakes. Is it wrong that, even knowing what happens there, I would still love to study at Luminary Prep? Highly recommended for older readers, too.
I chose to read this book, and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

"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.

[Mikayla Donahue · Rating 3 out of 5]

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. 🤷‍♀️

[Znowaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[DeliMeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

˚₊‧୨୧ 📖 ARC REVIEW 📖 ୨୧‧₊˚

✦ Book Information ✦

🖋️ Title:: Deadly little secrets
🏷️ Genre: Dark Academia Suspense
⭐ Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

──୨୧──

🕯️ Some thoughts,

It’s like if Divergent met squid games in a YA academy book.
5 dormitories; Stategists, Connectors, Visionaries, Protectors, Innovators.

──୨୧──

🔦 What I Loved

♡ Fast paced, easy to read.
♡ the main character wasn’t dumb or annoying!!
♡ chemistry between her & the love interest.

──୨୧──

🖤 Disclaimer’

✧ graphic scene of torture.
✧ LGBTQ student, *them*<- as pronoun.
1 F bomb. ( very end)
-A little make out scene. X2
──୨୧──

📚 Perfect For Readers Who Love…

🖤 Dark Academia
🕯️ thrillers with some romance.
🔎 fast paced, challenging games, not knowing what’s going to happen next.

──୨୧──

🎀 Final Thoughts

I would really recommend this book, it was so good. I finished it in 3 hrs, and I couldn’t put it down. The thought process was extremely creating, and the word building was very descriptive, I imagined the scenes, and everything! I’ve read another book from this author, and she does not disappoint. Especially if you want a nice fall/halloween read, PICK THIS UP!

✨ Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🤍

[storriebooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.))

[Idris · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[SueB50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Deadly Little Lessons by Danielle Valentine.

Lia never knew her parents. All she knows is that her father did something terrible, and she's determined not to become like him. (No spoilers from me!)

She's finally found a foster home that's okay, mostly because of Scarlett, the foster mother's daughter. Tammy, their foster mom, is definitely...odd, but Lia can deal with that. Then one day Tammy decides to send both girls to Luminary Academy, an elite school that promises an incredible education. The catch? No cell phones and no contact with the outside world.

At first, Lia actually enjoys the academy. But it doesn't take long for things to take a very dark turn. Students begin disappearing, and Lia is determined to uncover what's really happening. There are some truly evil characters in this story, so be prepared!

I enjoyed the mystery and the creepy atmosphere, and the pages kept me turning to find out what was going on. I did wish there had been a little more closure at the end, but overall I really enjoyed the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

[Stacy40pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Little Lessons by Danielle Valentine. Thanks to putnamyoungreaders for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lia Michaels is great at delinquent activities, like picking locks and hacking computers, but has led her to JV. Her new school, Luminary Prep, is experimental and comes with big rewards. The classes are at first odd.. but soon become dangerous as well.

The main character really made the story with this one. I loved her from the beginning. It discusses D&D character values in the story and she is the perfect example of Chaotic Good (doing bad things for good reasons). In the beginning of the story, several ethical situations are posed, which make the reader think and also gives clues to future reveals. I liked the ending and how it ended with not only a twist, but an opening for a sequel (still with closure).

“Luminary Preparatory Institute is more than just a school. It is a test of moral fiber, strength of will, and most importantly of human resilience.”

Read if you like:
-Academic settings
-Rogue or rebel characters
-Psychology or education

Deadly Little Lessons comes out 9/15.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This is my second Danielle Valentine book and I am hooked. This story follows a troubled teen named Lia Michaels who has spent her entire life questioning her identity as a child in and out of foster care with a dark family history. Lia is enrolled in a new school with a cutting-edge curriculum designed to test students and help turn them into the respectable members of society. Being at Luminary offers Lia a chance to get a full scholarship to her dream college and open doors to all of the opportunities she never thought she'd have, as long as she survives the curriculum. I loved Lia's character, and her sharp wit. I loved her soft-spot moments and her chaotic good on display. This book is perfect for readers who like a fast paced thriller. There were moments where my heart was racing and I could not put my kindle down! I can't wait tor recommend this YA book to students!

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.