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Starling Nights #1-2
Starling Nights
The Secret History meets Twilight in this gripping Dark Academia which took the German bestseller charts by storm!
A single choice leads to a fate she could never have imagined…
Cambridge student Mabel Golding learned long ago to keep her head down and avoid getting entangled in other people’s drama, but when her best friend, Zoe, is drawn into the circle of a mysterious student society with centuries of history that makes Mabel inordinately uneasy, she soon finds herself dangerously close to the heart of The League of Starlings, and to the inscrutable Cliff.
Now, as Mabel begins to unearth the Starlings’ secrets, the higher the death toll climbs, and soon she realises that there is so much more to this ancient society than meets the eye, and so little chance to escape the reckoning that is coming…
A single choice leads to a fate she could never have imagined…
Cambridge student Mabel Golding learned long ago to keep her head down and avoid getting entangled in other people’s drama, but when her best friend, Zoe, is drawn into the circle of a mysterious student society with centuries of history that makes Mabel inordinately uneasy, she soon finds herself dangerously close to the heart of The League of Starlings, and to the inscrutable Cliff.
Now, as Mabel begins to unearth the Starlings’ secrets, the higher the death toll climbs, and soon she realises that there is so much more to this ancient society than meets the eye, and so little chance to escape the reckoning that is coming…
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About the author
Merit Niemeitz
18 books99 followersMerit Niemeitz wurde 1995 in Berlin geboren und lebt noch immer dort, in einer Wohnung mit unzähligen Flohmarktschätzen, Pflanzen und Büchern. Seit ihrer Kindheit liebt sie Worte und schreibt ihre eigenen Geschichten. Während und nach ihrem Studium der Kulturwissenschaft arbeitet sie seit Jahren in der Buchbranche und möchte eigentlich auch nie etwas anderes tun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 13, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!
2.5✨
Disclaimer : I’ve been in an awful reading slump for a little over a month now.
Sadly, this is a DNF for me at 27%.
This dark academia follows twenty year olds students, navigating some type of ‘evil’ organization/cult (?). Mabel’s best friend Zoe (who was very insufferable) is obsessed with this Ashton guy (from the top secret organization) and keeps being sleepy when she hangs out with him.
This is a translation from a German book, and it has the slowest pacing. I know I stopped at 27%, some might say it’s early - but nothing was going on. Even the bits and crumbs they were dropping here and there weren’t good enough to keep my interest.
I was surprised when their ages were revealed because I thought they were 15-16 rather than 20. They were juvenile… and I think I was okay with it until their age was revealed? It just didn’t make sense to me and that’s when I started snapping out of it.
The romance also went from zero to 50 really fast. The FMC was okay but the MMC? You have this 22yo man acting like he’s the smartest human to have graced this world. You know when people use big words and go on about topics and then you realize they haven’t really said anything? That describes him perfectly. There were also strong undertones of ‘she’s not like other girls’ and just straight up ‘I feel like I’ve always known her/him’ after their first meeting. The story would’ve been slightly better without his POV.
Despite all of the things that made me
DNF, I will say that the world building, the atmosphere and the vibes were immaculate. If you like dark academia, you should give this a try.
2.5✨
Disclaimer : I’ve been in an awful reading slump for a little over a month now.
Sadly, this is a DNF for me at 27%.
This dark academia follows twenty year olds students, navigating some type of ‘evil’ organization/cult (?). Mabel’s best friend Zoe (who was very insufferable) is obsessed with this Ashton guy (from the top secret organization) and keeps being sleepy when she hangs out with him.
This is a translation from a German book, and it has the slowest pacing. I know I stopped at 27%, some might say it’s early - but nothing was going on. Even the bits and crumbs they were dropping here and there weren’t good enough to keep my interest.
I was surprised when their ages were revealed because I thought they were 15-16 rather than 20. They were juvenile… and I think I was okay with it until their age was revealed? It just didn’t make sense to me and that’s when I started snapping out of it.
The romance also went from zero to 50 really fast. The FMC was okay but the MMC? You have this 22yo man acting like he’s the smartest human to have graced this world. You know when people use big words and go on about topics and then you realize they haven’t really said anything? That describes him perfectly. There were also strong undertones of ‘she’s not like other girls’ and just straight up ‘I feel like I’ve always known her/him’ after their first meeting. The story would’ve been slightly better without his POV.
Despite all of the things that made me
DNF, I will say that the world building, the atmosphere and the vibes were immaculate. If you like dark academia, you should give this a try.
December 17, 2025
I usually love a good gothic/dark academia book. While I think the writing itself is well done, this one just didn't pull me in. I didn't connect with characters and I think combined with a slower pace it felt like I was forcing myself to push on.
May be worth visiting another time though.
May be worth visiting another time though.
November 18, 2025
i loved the imagery and the descriptions of the atmosphere in the book. it felt like i was placed there. i enjoyed the academia aspect with a supernatural twist.
it wasn’t until 50% in that i became invested with the book. it finally felt like we were getting somewhere especially with the main characters. i was not too fond of the side characters.
80% mark was where everything made sense and wish this was more the focal point of the book. it was so captivating to learn the supernatural elements.
omg last chapter of the book wrecked me❤️🩹 what a great and emotional ending!
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter (HarperCollins UK) for the eARC.
it wasn’t until 50% in that i became invested with the book. it finally felt like we were getting somewhere especially with the main characters. i was not too fond of the side characters.
80% mark was where everything made sense and wish this was more the focal point of the book. it was so captivating to learn the supernatural elements.
omg last chapter of the book wrecked me❤️🩹 what a great and emotional ending!
thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter (HarperCollins UK) for the eARC.
December 17, 2025
Starling Nights is an atmospheric, tension-filled story that grabbed me straight away. Dark academia and the supernatural are such a good combination, and I loved how they came together here. The secret society at Cambridge felt dangerous even before the supernatural plot came to play and I loved the main characters, Mabel and Cliff. They could have been complete clichés (their clichés/stereotypes are even discussed at the start of the book), but they both felt more nuanced and realistic than those basic roles would suggest. The slow burn romance and the rising tension in the story both got their hooks into me, and I read it in one sitting.
If I didn't know from the blurb that Starling Nights was translated from German, I never would have guessed that from reading it. There was no awkward phrasing or clunky sentences, nothing at all to suggest it had been translated. So I have to call that out because author Merit Niemeitz and translator Caroline Waight did a flawless job together with Starling Nights.
I got to the end of the book and realised that it was part of a duology, so I am very ready for book 2 to be translated now! I'll definitely be picking up the sequel on release to see how the story concludes, and I'll be getting a beautiful special edition copy of Starling Nights in an upcoming book subscription box for my future rereads!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
If I didn't know from the blurb that Starling Nights was translated from German, I never would have guessed that from reading it. There was no awkward phrasing or clunky sentences, nothing at all to suggest it had been translated. So I have to call that out because author Merit Niemeitz and translator Caroline Waight did a flawless job together with Starling Nights.
I got to the end of the book and realised that it was part of a duology, so I am very ready for book 2 to be translated now! I'll definitely be picking up the sequel on release to see how the story concludes, and I'll be getting a beautiful special edition copy of Starling Nights in an upcoming book subscription box for my future rereads!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 2, 2026
Giving this one a 3.5
I found it pretty hard going for at least the first 50%. The idea was great, but it took a while for the story to pick up and for you to start warming up to the characters.
the parts that were engaging and faster paced were fantastic, and kept me reading.
You don't really understand what's going on until towards the end. You can guess and read between in a lot of it, but it's not confirmed until the last few chapters.
I believe that this series will be a duology, and that Ashton and Zoe are still very prominent in the next installment. So, it will be interesting to see where the story goes. However, if you have no intentions of reading on past this book, albeit a little heart breaking, my personal opinion is that this story could work as a stand alone. I would just perhaps not read the very final "2 months later" chapter.
I found it pretty hard going for at least the first 50%. The idea was great, but it took a while for the story to pick up and for you to start warming up to the characters.
the parts that were engaging and faster paced were fantastic, and kept me reading.
You don't really understand what's going on until towards the end. You can guess and read between in a lot of it, but it's not confirmed until the last few chapters.
I believe that this series will be a duology, and that Ashton and Zoe are still very prominent in the next installment. So, it will be interesting to see where the story goes. However, if you have no intentions of reading on past this book, albeit a little heart breaking, my personal opinion is that this story could work as a stand alone. I would just perhaps not read the very final "2 months later" chapter.
January 9, 2026
ARC review - Starling Nights by Merit Niemeitz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️
Thank you to HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
^ dark academia
^ secret society
^ rich boy/poor girl
Is this a Vampire Diaries fan fiction set at Cambridge? Not even a little, but it was definitely fun. Mabel (not a name I think of for an FMC) is Not Like Other Girls. She’s an orphan, wears no make up except for her extensive lipstick collection and is very poor. Her clothes are dated and worn. Her vibrant best friend , Zoe, drags her to a party where she meets Cliff/Blake. As Zoe starts to lose herself and become LESS than who she was, they both gets dragged into the mystery of the League of Starlings.
Members of this secret society aren’t actually vampires, but they also aren’t actually normal humans.
The world building here was fun as we chip away at the history of the starlings bit by bit, but the pacing was pretty slow to start. It wasn’t until about 30% through that I really engaged with the writing.
Readers who need a definitive ending and closure might not like this - it definitely ends with a question, but also with optimism.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️
Thank you to HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
^ dark academia
^ secret society
^ rich boy/poor girl
Is this a Vampire Diaries fan fiction set at Cambridge? Not even a little, but it was definitely fun. Mabel (not a name I think of for an FMC) is Not Like Other Girls. She’s an orphan, wears no make up except for her extensive lipstick collection and is very poor. Her clothes are dated and worn. Her vibrant best friend , Zoe, drags her to a party where she meets Cliff/Blake. As Zoe starts to lose herself and become LESS than who she was, they both gets dragged into the mystery of the League of Starlings.
Members of this secret society aren’t actually vampires, but they also aren’t actually normal humans.
The world building here was fun as we chip away at the history of the starlings bit by bit, but the pacing was pretty slow to start. It wasn’t until about 30% through that I really engaged with the writing.
Readers who need a definitive ending and closure might not like this - it definitely ends with a question, but also with optimism.
January 10, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, here is my honest review. I rated this one 3.5 stars.
This book has an interesting premise with dark academia vibes and a supernatural undertone. I found the pacing to be slow for my tastes, it did build tension as you went through trying to piece together the crumbs left which were hinting at the dark secrets society that had been active in different periods and universities across the country. I would have loved to delve more into that side of things with the research from Davie and Mabel.
The characters were well developed and I felt enough for each to either love them or loathe them as appropriate. The build up to the ending was tension filled but the aftermath felt a little lacklustre for me, I wanted more of a kickback to their actions.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone searching for dark academia with a passion for Wuthering Heights.
This book has an interesting premise with dark academia vibes and a supernatural undertone. I found the pacing to be slow for my tastes, it did build tension as you went through trying to piece together the crumbs left which were hinting at the dark secrets society that had been active in different periods and universities across the country. I would have loved to delve more into that side of things with the research from Davie and Mabel.
The characters were well developed and I felt enough for each to either love them or loathe them as appropriate. The build up to the ending was tension filled but the aftermath felt a little lacklustre for me, I wanted more of a kickback to their actions.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone searching for dark academia with a passion for Wuthering Heights.
Did Not Finish
January 6, 2026*dnf at 20%*
I think I’m not the right target audience for this, probably if I read this when I was a teen I’d have enjoyed it, but unfortunately that was not the case.
The writing wasn’t bad and the atmosphere was on point, however the characters? They did not feel like they were in their early twenties and were honestly insufferable. The MC was not like other girls and kept putting down her friend because they are so different, everyone is so full of themselves and the friendships were circumstantial. I really tried to get into the plot, but being someone that loves book for their characters I could not continue on with this read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think I’m not the right target audience for this, probably if I read this when I was a teen I’d have enjoyed it, but unfortunately that was not the case.
The writing wasn’t bad and the atmosphere was on point, however the characters? They did not feel like they were in their early twenties and were honestly insufferable. The MC was not like other girls and kept putting down her friend because they are so different, everyone is so full of themselves and the friendships were circumstantial. I really tried to get into the plot, but being someone that loves book for their characters I could not continue on with this read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2026
Starling Nights is a dark academia story set in Cambridge, filled with secrets, tension, and a moody and gothic atmosphere. The setting of the book feels cold and foggy which I loved!!
The story focuses more on character relationships than fast-paced action. There is a secret society and lots of emotional tension. Mabel is a strong and interesting fmc who will do anything to protect the people she loves. The characters are complex and morally grey, which makes them feel real.
The pacing is quite slow for most of the book, and some big reveals come very late. I wish a few secrets had been shared earlier to keep the suspense going. The ending happens quickly and everything revealed at once. I did enjoy it but definitely feel like the last 20% had the most of the plot in it, whilst the first 80% is meeting the characters and learning their back stories etc.
Overall, this is a great pick if you enjoy slow-burn dark academia with a strong atmosphere. I’d definitely read the sequel.
Thank you so much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me!! 💖
The story focuses more on character relationships than fast-paced action. There is a secret society and lots of emotional tension. Mabel is a strong and interesting fmc who will do anything to protect the people she loves. The characters are complex and morally grey, which makes them feel real.
The pacing is quite slow for most of the book, and some big reveals come very late. I wish a few secrets had been shared earlier to keep the suspense going. The ending happens quickly and everything revealed at once. I did enjoy it but definitely feel like the last 20% had the most of the plot in it, whilst the first 80% is meeting the characters and learning their back stories etc.
Overall, this is a great pick if you enjoy slow-burn dark academia with a strong atmosphere. I’d definitely read the sequel.
Thank you so much to One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me!! 💖
April 8, 2026
This started really well, and I thought the plot developed interestingly. I became quite invested in the characters but the end was just lacking for me. When a plot line has been built up and then just fizzles out at the beginning makes me feel like something is missing and that it didn't properly end. I suppose it is left open-ended for a potential second book, but I still don't think enough questions were answered.
March 12, 2026
3.5
I love a dark academia book. I really enjoyed the secret society and mystery aspect of this book. It did take a while to get into it but then I was really interested. Although I wasn't really convinced about the relationship between Mabel and Blake/Cliff
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter (Harper Collins) for an ARC of this book
I love a dark academia book. I really enjoyed the secret society and mystery aspect of this book. It did take a while to get into it but then I was really interested. Although I wasn't really convinced about the relationship between Mabel and Blake/Cliff
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter (Harper Collins) for an ARC of this book
December 29, 2025
A dark and suspenseful story set at Cambridge University grounds. Dark academia is all the rage now and if you’re into it, you won’t wanna miss this book!
Starling Nights has incredibly gothic vibes. If you’ve ever studied in the UK, you’ll feel the damp foggy atmosphere right in your bones.
The translation from German is so masterful, that any hesitation I might have had about a British academic supernatural mystery being originally written in German were just blown away. There are German elements of course, like the slow-paced, gothic feel to it. And it’s fits the story so well.
After being accepted to Oxford on a bursary, Mabel gets drawn into a weird, upper-class group by proxy. Her friend Zoe starts dating a charismatic student named Ashton, and she is not herself after that. Right around the same time, Mabel runs into Ashton’s friend Blake, and as she starts piecing things together, she realizes that an old and secret society has returned to Cambridge.
Our main lady, Mabel is clever, fierce and has a very strong inner compass. Cliff, our other first person narrator is a mystery, in his narration and to Mabel. As Mabel is piecing things together, the plot is slow, but suspenseful. Very well written and, again, the translation is ace.
I understand there is a sequel and I just really, really want to read that too.
Thanks One More Chapter, NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of Starling Nights. Opinions are obviously my own.
Starling Nights has incredibly gothic vibes. If you’ve ever studied in the UK, you’ll feel the damp foggy atmosphere right in your bones.
The translation from German is so masterful, that any hesitation I might have had about a British academic supernatural mystery being originally written in German were just blown away. There are German elements of course, like the slow-paced, gothic feel to it. And it’s fits the story so well.
After being accepted to Oxford on a bursary, Mabel gets drawn into a weird, upper-class group by proxy. Her friend Zoe starts dating a charismatic student named Ashton, and she is not herself after that. Right around the same time, Mabel runs into Ashton’s friend Blake, and as she starts piecing things together, she realizes that an old and secret society has returned to Cambridge.
Our main lady, Mabel is clever, fierce and has a very strong inner compass. Cliff, our other first person narrator is a mystery, in his narration and to Mabel. As Mabel is piecing things together, the plot is slow, but suspenseful. Very well written and, again, the translation is ace.
I understand there is a sequel and I just really, really want to read that too.
Thanks One More Chapter, NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of Starling Nights. Opinions are obviously my own.
January 14, 2026
This is a slow atmospheric read. Beautifully written and translated, this narrative is light on plot and heavy on vibes.
Set in an academic setting with very little emphasis on academics and mostly on researching conspiracies and secret societies, this is a story of grief, friendship and the magic that makes up what it means to be human.
Mabel will do whatever it takes to save the people she loves, even if one of them is a little monstrous.
The tension between characters is done so well, it starts slow and you don't even realize how tense things are until over halfway through, then BAM all the little things just pile up.
My main criticism for this book is the ending is so fast, it's all atmosphere until the last 20% and then all the plot happens and it's over.
The writing is engaging and easy to read, it's very prosaic. The characters are interesting and are all different shades of morality. The setting feels like dark chocolate, velvet couches and cold drizzly days.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
TW for suicide and death
Set in an academic setting with very little emphasis on academics and mostly on researching conspiracies and secret societies, this is a story of grief, friendship and the magic that makes up what it means to be human.
Mabel will do whatever it takes to save the people she loves, even if one of them is a little monstrous.
The tension between characters is done so well, it starts slow and you don't even realize how tense things are until over halfway through, then BAM all the little things just pile up.
My main criticism for this book is the ending is so fast, it's all atmosphere until the last 20% and then all the plot happens and it's over.
The writing is engaging and easy to read, it's very prosaic. The characters are interesting and are all different shades of morality. The setting feels like dark chocolate, velvet couches and cold drizzly days.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
TW for suicide and death
January 14, 2026
thank you for the arc, One More Chapter!
I don't know where to start with this. i actually finished already a few days ago, but writing this review hasn't come as easy as it normally is. on paper the premise and everything about this book sounded amazing, dark academia, and in Cambridge nevertheless!
but well. yeah. i loved mabel and how smart she seemed to be, but in reality she was nothing but, well she was kinda book smart but that didn't really transfer into the real world and she did so many stupid things.
i kinda liked cliff but also not.
the building of suspense was done great but in the end, it too failed. we had a huge buildup and then everything was resolved super easily in basically few chapters. and for Mabel to be super smart, she actually realised and thought of super little.
zoe was one of my favourite things in this book and im so happy she got the ending she deserved!
if dark academia with hints of fantasy is your thing, give this book a chance!
I don't know where to start with this. i actually finished already a few days ago, but writing this review hasn't come as easy as it normally is. on paper the premise and everything about this book sounded amazing, dark academia, and in Cambridge nevertheless!
but well. yeah. i loved mabel and how smart she seemed to be, but in reality she was nothing but, well she was kinda book smart but that didn't really transfer into the real world and she did so many stupid things.
i kinda liked cliff but also not.
the building of suspense was done great but in the end, it too failed. we had a huge buildup and then everything was resolved super easily in basically few chapters. and for Mabel to be super smart, she actually realised and thought of super little.
zoe was one of my favourite things in this book and im so happy she got the ending she deserved!
if dark academia with hints of fantasy is your thing, give this book a chance!
December 21, 2025
Starling Nights
hooked me on vibes alone: dark academia, Cambridge, secret societies, whispered myths and locked doors. Immediately, yes. And while it is marketed as a dark academia romantasy, I would honestly say this leans much more into mystery, with romantic and fantasy elements threaded through the story rather than driving it. This is not a criticism. Far from it. That actually worked in its favour for me as the mystery was the strongest part, and it kept me turning pages because I needed to know what The League of Starlings really was and how deep their secrets ran. As Zoe so perfectly puts it early on,
“All the best stories start with bad ideas,”
and this story absolutely lives by that.
Cambridge is the perfect setting. It feels old, watchful, and heavy with history, like the city itself is complicit in what is happening. The atmosphere is thick and claustrophobic in the best dark academia way, full of locked doors and half-secrets. At one point Mabel notes that maybe there should be a warning, only for Blake to dryly point out that the locked door already says everything you need to know. That exchange sums up the mood of the book perfectly.
Mabel is a strong protagonist. She is observant, sarcastic, and emotionally guarded without feeling cold. She has very little patience for nonsense, especially where men are concerned, and her inner monologue is sharp in a way that made her instantly relatable. When Zoe insists that Ashton is definitely not a dangerous psychopath, Mabel’s immediate assumption that most men at student parties are at least potential psychopaths felt painfully real. She is not dazzled by charm or power, and she refuses to make herself smaller to fit into anyone else’s expectations.
Zoe, by contrast, was the most frustrating character for me. She is warm, enthusiastic, and genuinely lovable, but painfully naive. Watching her drift away from Mabel because of a boy, and ignore every warning given to her, was irritating even while it made sense within the story, particularly under Ashton’s influence. Davie was a solid counterbalance to that. A steady, loyal best friend who clearly wanted more with Mabel, but still showed up for her regardless.
Blake is where expectations need adjusting as, despite what the blurb suggests, he is very clearly not the leader of The League of Starlings; that role belongs to another. Once that confusion is cleared up, Blake becomes a much more interesting character. He is restrained, morally conflicted, and quietly intense. His early interactions with Mabel are laced with tension and rudeness, and she has absolutely no problem calling him out for it. Their banter, including her comparing herself to a pain aux raisins, adds levity while reinforcing how resistant they both are to their growing attraction.
Ashton was intriguing for most of the book. Charming, unsettling, and always slightly too smooth, he keeps you guessing about his true intentions. Victor, though, was the standout villain for me. He had zero morals and made no attempt to hide it, openly reducing people to objects or entertainment. From his first interaction with Mabel, there was a sense of threat that never really lifted, which made him an excellent antagonist.
The romance itself is understated but emotionally resonant. It is built on restraint, bad timing, and the awareness that being together might be the wrong choice. That tension is captured beautifully when Mabel reflects that some things can end before they have even had a chance to begin, and how much that kind of ending can hurt. Blake’s perspective later adds even more weight, particularly when he frames Mabel not as someone drawn to danger, but as the danger itself, the light he cannot stay away from even knowing it will burn him.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of morality. The story consistently questions whether people are inherently good or bad, or if they are simply the sum of their decisions. Blake’s preference for black-and-white worlds clashes with Mabel’s insistence on the existence of grey areas, and that ideological difference mirrors the larger conflict of the story. Pain, loss, and sacrifice are treated as unavoidable parts of choosing to live fully rather than safely.
Not all of the plot twists were shocking. Some were fairly easy to predict, while others genuinely surprised me. The pacing dips slightly in the middle, and readers expecting a full-blown romantasy might feel misled as the "spicy" scenes are fade to black. But the emotional payoff is strong, particularly in the way the book frames choice. If everything ends in a fall, all you can really decide is whose hand you are holding as it happens.
Overall, this was a gripping, atmospheric dark academia mystery with a slow-burn, morally grey romance running through it. I enjoyed it a lot; I was fully invested, and I will absolutely be picking up the second book to find out what happens next.
Thank you so much to One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK, Merit Niemeitz and Caroline Waight, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
Cambridge is the perfect setting. It feels old, watchful, and heavy with history, like the city itself is complicit in what is happening. The atmosphere is thick and claustrophobic in the best dark academia way, full of locked doors and half-secrets. At one point Mabel notes that maybe there should be a warning, only for Blake to dryly point out that the locked door already says everything you need to know. That exchange sums up the mood of the book perfectly.
Mabel is a strong protagonist. She is observant, sarcastic, and emotionally guarded without feeling cold. She has very little patience for nonsense, especially where men are concerned, and her inner monologue is sharp in a way that made her instantly relatable. When Zoe insists that Ashton is definitely not a dangerous psychopath, Mabel’s immediate assumption that most men at student parties are at least potential psychopaths felt painfully real. She is not dazzled by charm or power, and she refuses to make herself smaller to fit into anyone else’s expectations.
Zoe, by contrast, was the most frustrating character for me. She is warm, enthusiastic, and genuinely lovable, but painfully naive. Watching her drift away from Mabel because of a boy, and ignore every warning given to her, was irritating even while it made sense within the story, particularly under Ashton’s influence. Davie was a solid counterbalance to that. A steady, loyal best friend who clearly wanted more with Mabel, but still showed up for her regardless.
Blake is where expectations need adjusting as, despite what the blurb suggests, he is very clearly not the leader of The League of Starlings; that role belongs to another. Once that confusion is cleared up, Blake becomes a much more interesting character. He is restrained, morally conflicted, and quietly intense. His early interactions with Mabel are laced with tension and rudeness, and she has absolutely no problem calling him out for it. Their banter, including her comparing herself to a pain aux raisins, adds levity while reinforcing how resistant they both are to their growing attraction.
Ashton was intriguing for most of the book. Charming, unsettling, and always slightly too smooth, he keeps you guessing about his true intentions. Victor, though, was the standout villain for me. He had zero morals and made no attempt to hide it, openly reducing people to objects or entertainment. From his first interaction with Mabel, there was a sense of threat that never really lifted, which made him an excellent antagonist.
The romance itself is understated but emotionally resonant. It is built on restraint, bad timing, and the awareness that being together might be the wrong choice. That tension is captured beautifully when Mabel reflects that some things can end before they have even had a chance to begin, and how much that kind of ending can hurt. Blake’s perspective later adds even more weight, particularly when he frames Mabel not as someone drawn to danger, but as the danger itself, the light he cannot stay away from even knowing it will burn him.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its exploration of morality. The story consistently questions whether people are inherently good or bad, or if they are simply the sum of their decisions. Blake’s preference for black-and-white worlds clashes with Mabel’s insistence on the existence of grey areas, and that ideological difference mirrors the larger conflict of the story. Pain, loss, and sacrifice are treated as unavoidable parts of choosing to live fully rather than safely.
Not all of the plot twists were shocking. Some were fairly easy to predict, while others genuinely surprised me. The pacing dips slightly in the middle, and readers expecting a full-blown romantasy might feel misled as the "spicy" scenes are fade to black. But the emotional payoff is strong, particularly in the way the book frames choice. If everything ends in a fall, all you can really decide is whose hand you are holding as it happens.
Overall, this was a gripping, atmospheric dark academia mystery with a slow-burn, morally grey romance running through it. I enjoyed it a lot; I was fully invested, and I will absolutely be picking up the second book to find out what happens next.
Thank you so much to One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK, Merit Niemeitz and Caroline Waight, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 15, 2025
I’m really not a fan of the dark academia theme but, there was something about Starling Nights that intrigued me. Set in Cambridge University it appears to follow the friendship between Mabel and Zoe and the impact of a university society upon that friendship but it is actually much more than that, illustrating themes of the supernatural, friendship, love, slow burn romance, and the behaviours of students set free from the yoke and limitations of childhood, home and parents.
As I said I’m not primarily driven towards the dark academia theme but, I loved the slow burn romance between ‘Mabel’ and ‘Blake’/’Cliff’. From their initial meeting to the conclusion of the book, I was rooting for them. And, I have to be truthful and say that I really liked and empathised with Mabel as a character. Mabel is driven by her past, by her limitations, financial, emotional, and by her loss. Having lost my own Mam this year, I could totally empathise with many of the feelings and emotions expressed and I could in a strange way also take solace and comfort from this book.
Initially I didn’t realise Merit Niemeitz’s Starling Nights was translated by Caroline Waight, and I totally have to give credit to the translation bringing such an intriguing and interesting, and nuanced story to readers of the English language. The fact that I was unaware that the book was translated is truly a compliment to Ms Waight’s skills as a translator. I found the world building, mood and sense of grim dark pervasive throughout the story, utilising Cambridge as the gothic background and universe to further the premise and sense of contemporary fantasy.
If you’re looking for a moody, gothic mystery that will tingle your senses and draw you in to a world of dark academia, secret societies and a forbidden romance, then Starling Nights is the book for you.
Thank you so much One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
As I said I’m not primarily driven towards the dark academia theme but, I loved the slow burn romance between ‘Mabel’ and ‘Blake’/’Cliff’. From their initial meeting to the conclusion of the book, I was rooting for them. And, I have to be truthful and say that I really liked and empathised with Mabel as a character. Mabel is driven by her past, by her limitations, financial, emotional, and by her loss. Having lost my own Mam this year, I could totally empathise with many of the feelings and emotions expressed and I could in a strange way also take solace and comfort from this book.
Initially I didn’t realise Merit Niemeitz’s Starling Nights was translated by Caroline Waight, and I totally have to give credit to the translation bringing such an intriguing and interesting, and nuanced story to readers of the English language. The fact that I was unaware that the book was translated is truly a compliment to Ms Waight’s skills as a translator. I found the world building, mood and sense of grim dark pervasive throughout the story, utilising Cambridge as the gothic background and universe to further the premise and sense of contemporary fantasy.
If you’re looking for a moody, gothic mystery that will tingle your senses and draw you in to a world of dark academia, secret societies and a forbidden romance, then Starling Nights is the book for you.
Thank you so much One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK, and NetGalley for sharing this arc with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
February 6, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
There were some things you couldn’t escape. One of them was yourself.
You get up every day and decide what kind of person you want to be. Responsibilities don’t just go away because you’ve ignored them in the past.
Memories were more than just images of the past: they shaped the way we moved through life. What we saw, felt, thought, existed differently because of the things we had experienced.
‘Mabel.’ His voice tickled against my skin, and beneath it. I’d never thought my name would feel so meaningful to me. As if it truly did belong to me alone, and said so much more than I had ever realised. Those two syllables contained everything he saw in me, which in turn was everything I was. It sounded like the most beautiful compliment I’d ever heard, yet at the same time the most despairing cry.
I had always known it was dangerous, opening yourself up to other people. Once they get comfortable in there, sooner or later they get tangled up with you. They start popping into your head as you move through the world.
My Review:
This prodigious tome contained an exceptionally creative, immersive, and well-plotted tale that was laced together with equal measures of intriguing and emotive details that fully-fleshed out and conjured these uniquely alluring characters and scenarios into a smooth scroll through my gray matter. The writing style was engaging, well-honed, maddeningly paced, fraught with tension, surprisingly poignant, and kept me reading late into the night, far longer than originally planned, while poking, plucking, and prodding at my curiosity until the very last page.
While not my typical genre, I tumbled headfirst into an all-consuming, enticing, and itchy vortex, often finding myself ruminating on the story when I was regretfully busy elsewhere and had to put my Kindle down. I wanted to hiss at any interruption to my perusal and rebelliously stopped checking my notifications or answering the phone. Each of the 430 pages was swirling with atmosphere, and I would have avidly read 430 more.
There were some things you couldn’t escape. One of them was yourself.
You get up every day and decide what kind of person you want to be. Responsibilities don’t just go away because you’ve ignored them in the past.
Memories were more than just images of the past: they shaped the way we moved through life. What we saw, felt, thought, existed differently because of the things we had experienced.
‘Mabel.’ His voice tickled against my skin, and beneath it. I’d never thought my name would feel so meaningful to me. As if it truly did belong to me alone, and said so much more than I had ever realised. Those two syllables contained everything he saw in me, which in turn was everything I was. It sounded like the most beautiful compliment I’d ever heard, yet at the same time the most despairing cry.
I had always known it was dangerous, opening yourself up to other people. Once they get comfortable in there, sooner or later they get tangled up with you. They start popping into your head as you move through the world.
My Review:
This prodigious tome contained an exceptionally creative, immersive, and well-plotted tale that was laced together with equal measures of intriguing and emotive details that fully-fleshed out and conjured these uniquely alluring characters and scenarios into a smooth scroll through my gray matter. The writing style was engaging, well-honed, maddeningly paced, fraught with tension, surprisingly poignant, and kept me reading late into the night, far longer than originally planned, while poking, plucking, and prodding at my curiosity until the very last page.
While not my typical genre, I tumbled headfirst into an all-consuming, enticing, and itchy vortex, often finding myself ruminating on the story when I was regretfully busy elsewhere and had to put my Kindle down. I wanted to hiss at any interruption to my perusal and rebelliously stopped checking my notifications or answering the phone. Each of the 430 pages was swirling with atmosphere, and I would have avidly read 430 more.
January 14, 2026
Starling Nights was a 4⭐️ Dark Academia, Fantasy Romance read. It follows Mabel, a dedicated Cambridge University student who is loyal to her small circle of friends and always has her nose buried between a book. In a form of friendship and solidarity, she takes a night to accompany her friend who is invited by a male to a strange party hidden by secret code. There they fall into the stream of rich kids on campus of all different backgrounds or should we say a soon to be discovered mysterious and dangerous secret society.
Reading Starling Nights was a great escape through the authors atmospheric writing where you are transported onto the England landscape of Cambridge University; with clear depiction and understanding of campus and student life, even the nature that surrounds it. You’ll surely be entrapped in the seasonal weather of cold days and nights as they blend into the days of getting to know our FMC and the dark journey of the battle ahead. The FMC Mabel, played a key part in developing a lot of themes within the read such as topics of battling loneliness, love and loss through philosophical confrontations whether through self reflections or initiated conversations had with the MMC. These two terms of descriptive elements and philosophical expression worked together to deepen the mystery elements of the plot, contextual history and better understand the decisions or actions the characters make in the story being told.
While I do think the writing style was what kept me entertained, there was definitely some pacing issues throughout the book that prevented the story from moving forward. If some scenes were better described succinctly or better utilised to create a build up to the scenes that were of importance then the delivered impact would have been stronger. However, I would say this is mainly due to it being a Dark Academia setting where the mystery component played a bigger role to the plot than the sub genre’s of being a fantasy or romance.
Overall this book is definitely intriguing and left me guessing throughout the book on the supernatural elements. I found it to be a bit of a refreshing move as I expected vampires due to some descriptions. I’d definitely say it is as described for giving a twilight meets The Secret History through the plots nature. In other words if you’re a bit of a Dark Academia nerd who relishes in a scooby doo mystery or you’re looking to fall for a mysterious guy in a weird - cult then this one’s for you! I’d also like to disclaim you should definitely check the trigger warnings as we do read about some dark topics that could affect some. Personally I found some moments to be contextually overwhelming and didn’t agree with some of the discussions or choices of the characters, but as mentioned things do make sense the deeper we quest contextually.
I’d lastly like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter - Harper Collins UK for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Reading Starling Nights was a great escape through the authors atmospheric writing where you are transported onto the England landscape of Cambridge University; with clear depiction and understanding of campus and student life, even the nature that surrounds it. You’ll surely be entrapped in the seasonal weather of cold days and nights as they blend into the days of getting to know our FMC and the dark journey of the battle ahead. The FMC Mabel, played a key part in developing a lot of themes within the read such as topics of battling loneliness, love and loss through philosophical confrontations whether through self reflections or initiated conversations had with the MMC. These two terms of descriptive elements and philosophical expression worked together to deepen the mystery elements of the plot, contextual history and better understand the decisions or actions the characters make in the story being told.
While I do think the writing style was what kept me entertained, there was definitely some pacing issues throughout the book that prevented the story from moving forward. If some scenes were better described succinctly or better utilised to create a build up to the scenes that were of importance then the delivered impact would have been stronger. However, I would say this is mainly due to it being a Dark Academia setting where the mystery component played a bigger role to the plot than the sub genre’s of being a fantasy or romance.
Overall this book is definitely intriguing and left me guessing throughout the book on the supernatural elements. I found it to be a bit of a refreshing move as I expected vampires due to some descriptions. I’d definitely say it is as described for giving a twilight meets The Secret History through the plots nature. In other words if you’re a bit of a Dark Academia nerd who relishes in a scooby doo mystery or you’re looking to fall for a mysterious guy in a weird - cult then this one’s for you! I’d also like to disclaim you should definitely check the trigger warnings as we do read about some dark topics that could affect some. Personally I found some moments to be contextually overwhelming and didn’t agree with some of the discussions or choices of the characters, but as mentioned things do make sense the deeper we quest contextually.
I’d lastly like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter - Harper Collins UK for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
January 8, 2026
Starling Nights is classed as a dark academia novel, set within the atmospheric grounds of Cambridge University. This is book one in a duology.
For me, the story was a little too slow-paced, and I found my mind wandering at times. That said, the writing itself is good, and the gothic vibes are strong, you can almost feel the damp fog creeping around you as you read.
Mabel has been accepted into university on a bursary and is soon drawn into an elite, upper-class group through her friend Zoe. When Zoe begins dating the charismatic Ashton, she starts to change, but why? Around the same time, Mabel encounters Ashton’s friend Blake and slowly begins to uncover the truth about an old secret society that appears to have returned to Cambridge.
Mabel is a headstrong character with strong morals, I think she was one person I connected with, but I struggled, with the characters in general. It took a long time for me to feel invested in the story. The pacing remained slow for much of the book, and when the romance finally appeared, it felt rushed in comparison.
The descriptions are vivid and beautifully written, making it easy to picture the setting, which I really appreciated. The chapters alternate between the points of view of Mabel and Cliff, and although the chapters are quite long, the transitions between perspectives flow well.
There are some very dark characters who add mystery and suspense, and despite being translated from German, you would never know, it reads smoothly. Unfortunately, I never truly got lost in the story, which was disappointing.
I really wanted to enjoy this more, but it may simply not have been the right book for me at the time. I’m sure other readers will enjoy it far more than I did.
For me, the story was a little too slow-paced, and I found my mind wandering at times. That said, the writing itself is good, and the gothic vibes are strong, you can almost feel the damp fog creeping around you as you read.
Mabel has been accepted into university on a bursary and is soon drawn into an elite, upper-class group through her friend Zoe. When Zoe begins dating the charismatic Ashton, she starts to change, but why? Around the same time, Mabel encounters Ashton’s friend Blake and slowly begins to uncover the truth about an old secret society that appears to have returned to Cambridge.
Mabel is a headstrong character with strong morals, I think she was one person I connected with, but I struggled, with the characters in general. It took a long time for me to feel invested in the story. The pacing remained slow for much of the book, and when the romance finally appeared, it felt rushed in comparison.
The descriptions are vivid and beautifully written, making it easy to picture the setting, which I really appreciated. The chapters alternate between the points of view of Mabel and Cliff, and although the chapters are quite long, the transitions between perspectives flow well.
There are some very dark characters who add mystery and suspense, and despite being translated from German, you would never know, it reads smoothly. Unfortunately, I never truly got lost in the story, which was disappointing.
I really wanted to enjoy this more, but it may simply not have been the right book for me at the time. I’m sure other readers will enjoy it far more than I did.
January 6, 2026
Review: Starling Nights by Merit Niemeitz
Rating: ***
The Official Blurb;
The Secret History meets Twilight in this gripping Dark Academia with a romantasy twist. When Cambridge student Mabel Golding’s best friend is drawn into a mysterious student society called The League of Starlings, Mabel finds herself dangerously close to the heart of the group and its inscrutable leader, Blake. In a place where secrets are written in the stars and hidden in the shadows, Mabel must navigate a world where she might be the biggest secret of all.
My Thoughts;
This isn't usually the type of book I would pick up, as I am not typically a big fan of dark academia. However, because this was set specifically at the university and leaned into the supernatural, I actually really enjoyed it. This was also my first time reading a work of translated fiction, and I thought the translation by Caroline Waight was excellent.
The plot kept me guessing the entire time. I wanted to know how everything would wrap up, and even though I managed to guess part of the mystery, the ending still managed to catch me by surprise. The atmosphere of Cambridge combined with the secret society element made for a very compelling read.
The Verdict;
If you are a fan of urban fantasy, dark academia, or supernatural stories, I think you will really enjoy this one. It’s a great pick for readers who want a mix of mystery and romance set in a historic, atmospheric location.
Acknowledgements;
Thank you to NetGalley, Merit Niemeitz, and One More Chapter from HarperCollins for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ***
The Official Blurb;
The Secret History meets Twilight in this gripping Dark Academia with a romantasy twist. When Cambridge student Mabel Golding’s best friend is drawn into a mysterious student society called The League of Starlings, Mabel finds herself dangerously close to the heart of the group and its inscrutable leader, Blake. In a place where secrets are written in the stars and hidden in the shadows, Mabel must navigate a world where she might be the biggest secret of all.
My Thoughts;
This isn't usually the type of book I would pick up, as I am not typically a big fan of dark academia. However, because this was set specifically at the university and leaned into the supernatural, I actually really enjoyed it. This was also my first time reading a work of translated fiction, and I thought the translation by Caroline Waight was excellent.
The plot kept me guessing the entire time. I wanted to know how everything would wrap up, and even though I managed to guess part of the mystery, the ending still managed to catch me by surprise. The atmosphere of Cambridge combined with the secret society element made for a very compelling read.
The Verdict;
If you are a fan of urban fantasy, dark academia, or supernatural stories, I think you will really enjoy this one. It’s a great pick for readers who want a mix of mystery and romance set in a historic, atmospheric location.
Acknowledgements;
Thank you to NetGalley, Merit Niemeitz, and One More Chapter from HarperCollins for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2026
Rated 3.5/4/5
Netgalley Review
The writing was emotional and very thought provoking. It was something that I hadn't read about before which made it an interesting read.
The chapters were fairly long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. I liked that each chapter was headed with the character whose point of view you were going to read about. I liked reading from both characters' points of view.
There was a good flow between the chapters, even when we suddenly went to another character's point of view.
There was an interesting pace to the story. In between trying to find out what was going on, we were immersed in the main character's thoughts and feelings. This did slow things down, but in a way that gave you pause for thought. There was a lot of tension throughout and you weren't sure what was going to happen next. I was certainly kept in suspense!
The characters were interesting. There was obviously many layers to each character and it was interesting to see which one they pursued and showcased in the story. We got to know the main character very well and were privy to her inner thoughts and feelings throughout.
There were some very dark characters involved which added suspense and tension to the story.
Lastly the settings. There were some lovely details describing the area which grounded the story well. Whilst a lot of the story was spent on what the main character thought, we still able to appreciate her surroundings.
Overall an interesting read.
Netgalley Review
The writing was emotional and very thought provoking. It was something that I hadn't read about before which made it an interesting read.
The chapters were fairly long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. I liked that each chapter was headed with the character whose point of view you were going to read about. I liked reading from both characters' points of view.
There was a good flow between the chapters, even when we suddenly went to another character's point of view.
There was an interesting pace to the story. In between trying to find out what was going on, we were immersed in the main character's thoughts and feelings. This did slow things down, but in a way that gave you pause for thought. There was a lot of tension throughout and you weren't sure what was going to happen next. I was certainly kept in suspense!
The characters were interesting. There was obviously many layers to each character and it was interesting to see which one they pursued and showcased in the story. We got to know the main character very well and were privy to her inner thoughts and feelings throughout.
There were some very dark characters involved which added suspense and tension to the story.
Lastly the settings. There were some lovely details describing the area which grounded the story well. Whilst a lot of the story was spent on what the main character thought, we still able to appreciate her surroundings.
Overall an interesting read.
March 21, 2026
🧡 Blurb-
The Secret History meets Twilight in this gripping Dark Academia which took the German bestseller charts by storm!
A single choice leads to a fate she could never have imagined…
Cambridge student Mabel Golding learned long ago to keep her head down and avoid getting entangled in other people’s drama, but when her best friend, Zoe, is drawn into the circle of a mysterious student society with centuries of history that makes Mabel inordinately uneasy, she soon finds herself dangerously close to the heart of The League of Starlings, and to the inscrutable Cliff.
Now, as Mabel begins to unearth the Starlings’ secrets, the higher the death toll climbs, and soon she realises that there is so much more to this ancient society than meets the eye, and so little chance to escape the reckoning that is coming…
🖤 Review -
This was such an enjoyable and entertaining read. I really enjoyed this dark Academia novel. Twilight fans will love it. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I enjoyed every chapter and I read it in less than 24 hours. Even though the story was translated, I still enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the place settings in the story sounded beautiful. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to One More Chapter and the author Merit Niemeitz for my copy of the book, which I was gifted as I giveaway prize.
The Secret History meets Twilight in this gripping Dark Academia which took the German bestseller charts by storm!
A single choice leads to a fate she could never have imagined…
Cambridge student Mabel Golding learned long ago to keep her head down and avoid getting entangled in other people’s drama, but when her best friend, Zoe, is drawn into the circle of a mysterious student society with centuries of history that makes Mabel inordinately uneasy, she soon finds herself dangerously close to the heart of The League of Starlings, and to the inscrutable Cliff.
Now, as Mabel begins to unearth the Starlings’ secrets, the higher the death toll climbs, and soon she realises that there is so much more to this ancient society than meets the eye, and so little chance to escape the reckoning that is coming…
🖤 Review -
This was such an enjoyable and entertaining read. I really enjoyed this dark Academia novel. Twilight fans will love it. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I enjoyed every chapter and I read it in less than 24 hours. Even though the story was translated, I still enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the place settings in the story sounded beautiful. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to One More Chapter and the author Merit Niemeitz for my copy of the book, which I was gifted as I giveaway prize.
January 5, 2026
A huge thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this eARC.
There is something so incredibly immersive about the way this story is written. The imagery and atmospheric descriptions completely swept me off my feet. For anyone who loves the aesthetic of dark academia paired with a supernatural twist, the world-building here is stunning.
Admittedly, the story was a bit of a slow burn for me. It took until the middle of the book for me to feel truly invested in the journey, but once the main characters began to develop and the stakes shifted, I found myself much more locked in. While I didn't connect quite as strongly with the side characters, the growth of the leads eventually kept me turning the pages.
The final act was where everything truly clicked. The supernatural elements are so captivating and unique that I found myself wishing they had been the primary focal point from the very beginning. Learning the "why" behind the mystery was easily my favorite part of the experience.
As for the ending? I am officially wrecked. The final chapter was such a poignant, emotional gut-punch, and it provided a beautiful conclusion to a hauntingly atmospheric read.
There is something so incredibly immersive about the way this story is written. The imagery and atmospheric descriptions completely swept me off my feet. For anyone who loves the aesthetic of dark academia paired with a supernatural twist, the world-building here is stunning.
Admittedly, the story was a bit of a slow burn for me. It took until the middle of the book for me to feel truly invested in the journey, but once the main characters began to develop and the stakes shifted, I found myself much more locked in. While I didn't connect quite as strongly with the side characters, the growth of the leads eventually kept me turning the pages.
The final act was where everything truly clicked. The supernatural elements are so captivating and unique that I found myself wishing they had been the primary focal point from the very beginning. Learning the "why" behind the mystery was easily my favorite part of the experience.
As for the ending? I am officially wrecked. The final chapter was such a poignant, emotional gut-punch, and it provided a beautiful conclusion to a hauntingly atmospheric read.
January 11, 2026
Firstly a huge thank you to One More Chapter, the author and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of Starling Nights to read and review.
I wasn't immediately gripped by the book at the start, but as the story unfolded, I did find myself enjoying it more and becoming more invested. Starling Nights has been translated from German, so I did try to keep in mind, especially as sometimes certain nuances don't quite translate over right. It's a dark academia novel and its set within Cambridge University, which made for a superb setting. I thought the writing style was really good and Merit definitely succeeds in creating a gothic atmosphere, but I did find the book quite slow paced, which I struggled with.
I enjoyed the story being told by Mabel and Cliff through their POV's and I thought Mabel was a strong female lead. She essentially finds herself investigating a secret society, as her friend's behaviour starts to change when she starts dating Ashton. The writer plays on the class dynamics between the rich elite and those on the outside, which primarily comes into play given Mabel is attending on a scholarship, and is drawn into the world of the upper-class.
I did enjoy Starling Nights but I'm not sure I'm hooked on it enough to pick up the second book in the duology, but that said I do think it has a lot of potential to be loved by readers who like gothic, dark academia with secret society vibes!
I wasn't immediately gripped by the book at the start, but as the story unfolded, I did find myself enjoying it more and becoming more invested. Starling Nights has been translated from German, so I did try to keep in mind, especially as sometimes certain nuances don't quite translate over right. It's a dark academia novel and its set within Cambridge University, which made for a superb setting. I thought the writing style was really good and Merit definitely succeeds in creating a gothic atmosphere, but I did find the book quite slow paced, which I struggled with.
I enjoyed the story being told by Mabel and Cliff through their POV's and I thought Mabel was a strong female lead. She essentially finds herself investigating a secret society, as her friend's behaviour starts to change when she starts dating Ashton. The writer plays on the class dynamics between the rich elite and those on the outside, which primarily comes into play given Mabel is attending on a scholarship, and is drawn into the world of the upper-class.
I did enjoy Starling Nights but I'm not sure I'm hooked on it enough to pick up the second book in the duology, but that said I do think it has a lot of potential to be loved by readers who like gothic, dark academia with secret society vibes!
January 16, 2026
Starling Nights by Merit Niemeitz is a modern dark gothic novel. It takes place at the University of Cambridge in England. The story is moody and mysterious. The story involves a secret society known as “The League of Starlings”. The society is inscrutable. The central mystery is the original magic system related to the society’s ancient origins. There are unexplained murders taking place that create a tense suffocating environment. The explanation of the magic system and fantasy portions isn’t revealed until almost at the end of the book.
The main female character Mabel Golding is drawn into the society’s orbit when her best friend becomes unknowingly involved. This is basically a character driven novel. Mabel and the Starling’s leader Blake have interesting backstories and personalities. The relationship between the two is like a slow burn and very believable. The story is written from dual perspectives. Blake’s chapters add intrigue and depth but do not give away the mystery of the Starlings.
The ending leaves one feeling that there could be a sequel or even a series. I think that the basic questions of good vs. evil coupled with a paranormal twist make this a very thought provoking story. Well done. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
The main female character Mabel Golding is drawn into the society’s orbit when her best friend becomes unknowingly involved. This is basically a character driven novel. Mabel and the Starling’s leader Blake have interesting backstories and personalities. The relationship between the two is like a slow burn and very believable. The story is written from dual perspectives. Blake’s chapters add intrigue and depth but do not give away the mystery of the Starlings.
The ending leaves one feeling that there could be a sequel or even a series. I think that the basic questions of good vs. evil coupled with a paranormal twist make this a very thought provoking story. Well done. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
December 27, 2025
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for sharing this ARC copy with me! Starling Nights was a solid book overall, and an astute translation by Caroline Waight!
I was immersed from the very beginning in this dark academia novel set in Cambridge! I loved discovering this timeless university through fiction, and the story kept me on my toes most of the time! I really liked the characters too, they were compelling and complicated in their own ways!
I wish some parts of the big secret were revealed earlier, at some point it did feel like the mystery surrounding it was overused to maintain suspense. I wish some revelations were shared with us earlier, so the reader doesn't lose interest midway. However the ending was great, eventful but not overly so!
I'm very pleased to learn that there is a sequel to this very enchanting novel!! I need to learn German asap or hope the English translation will come out soon!!
I was immersed from the very beginning in this dark academia novel set in Cambridge! I loved discovering this timeless university through fiction, and the story kept me on my toes most of the time! I really liked the characters too, they were compelling and complicated in their own ways!
I wish some parts of the big secret were revealed earlier, at some point it did feel like the mystery surrounding it was overused to maintain suspense. I wish some revelations were shared with us earlier, so the reader doesn't lose interest midway. However the ending was great, eventful but not overly so!
I'm very pleased to learn that there is a sequel to this very enchanting novel!! I need to learn German asap or hope the English translation will come out soon!!
February 1, 2026
Cambridge students and best friends Mabel and Zoe are off to a party. Zoe is excited as she’ll be seeing her new boyfriend Ashton whilst Mabel is going reluctantly to keep an eye on Zoe. Finding the other party goers obnoxious Mabel decides to explore the building where she discovers an intriguing library and an even more intriguing man, Cliff. Several days later Mabel and Zoe are going to lunch when they encounter Ashton with some of friends, including Cliff, who’s strangely introduced as Blake. Why?
I was looking forward to reading this book based on the description, but I found it really hard to read, frequently putting it down as it really didn’t gel with me. After reading about a third of the book, there had been lots of mysterious comments and vague hints but so little had actually happened. I carried on reading as I don’t like giving up on books, but even the ending was a letdown.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for an ARC for my honest review.
I was looking forward to reading this book based on the description, but I found it really hard to read, frequently putting it down as it really didn’t gel with me. After reading about a third of the book, there had been lots of mysterious comments and vague hints but so little had actually happened. I carried on reading as I don’t like giving up on books, but even the ending was a letdown.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for an ARC for my honest review.
December 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book!
I wasn't sure what I was expecting going into this book. The pacing the beginning felt very slow and it took until I got 50% through to understand what what might have been going on and then 80% before you actually know what's going on. I had a hard time feeling gripped by the story and the beginning and felt like I had to really push through to start enjoying it.
I also felt the chapters were quite long. They could have been shortened and broken up a bit or aspects of the story could have been removed.
With all of that said, the romance between the male characters was enjoyable! I kept reading because I wanted to see how it developed. The FMC did get on my nerves a bit but the love and care she had for her friends really helps propel the story forward.
Overall I think it was an enjoyable read.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting going into this book. The pacing the beginning felt very slow and it took until I got 50% through to understand what what might have been going on and then 80% before you actually know what's going on. I had a hard time feeling gripped by the story and the beginning and felt like I had to really push through to start enjoying it.
I also felt the chapters were quite long. They could have been shortened and broken up a bit or aspects of the story could have been removed.
With all of that said, the romance between the male characters was enjoyable! I kept reading because I wanted to see how it developed. The FMC did get on my nerves a bit but the love and care she had for her friends really helps propel the story forward.
Overall I think it was an enjoyable read.
December 22, 2025
Thank you Harper Collins/One More Chapter for the e-arc.
If Nightshade by Autumn Woods had a younger cousin, this would be it.
University, dark academia, secret society, a creepy link to birds, death/murder - it’s so so much fun. It definitely reads a lot younger than the character are but I had lots of fun.
The pacing was quite slow but I didn’t feel it affected much. However the romance when it kicked in did feel quite rushed so I was left feeling conflicted.
I loved the mysterious elements and loved Mabel as a character, she was very headstrong.
However I hated that she made a point of only wearing red lipstick and no other makeup HAHAHA I would look like a clown.
The writing was beautiful and I could picture everything so clearly in my head, it really was stunning and immersive to read.
If Nightshade by Autumn Woods had a younger cousin, this would be it.
University, dark academia, secret society, a creepy link to birds, death/murder - it’s so so much fun. It definitely reads a lot younger than the character are but I had lots of fun.
The pacing was quite slow but I didn’t feel it affected much. However the romance when it kicked in did feel quite rushed so I was left feeling conflicted.
I loved the mysterious elements and loved Mabel as a character, she was very headstrong.
However I hated that she made a point of only wearing red lipstick and no other makeup HAHAHA I would look like a clown.
The writing was beautiful and I could picture everything so clearly in my head, it really was stunning and immersive to read.
January 17, 2026
I received this as part of the forbidden wing Romantasy book subscription box.
The book is about a girl called Mabel who starts researching a secret society at Cambridge university after her best friend Zoe gets mixed up with one of their members.
Honestly, this was so refreshing. It was so different from most romantasy’s. I went in completely blind and at the start of the book I thought I’d been accidentally sent a thriller. 😂
It was so well written and each character had such wonderfully distinct personalities. I felt such a connection to Zoe and Mabel - in different ways.
I would say the story is deeper and more character driven than your average Romantasy - the fantasy side is mild. So don’t expect a high fantasy. This book is all about the vibes and character growth. Which it absolutely nails 👌🏻
I’m so glad this was translated from German to English.
The book is about a girl called Mabel who starts researching a secret society at Cambridge university after her best friend Zoe gets mixed up with one of their members.
Honestly, this was so refreshing. It was so different from most romantasy’s. I went in completely blind and at the start of the book I thought I’d been accidentally sent a thriller. 😂
It was so well written and each character had such wonderfully distinct personalities. I felt such a connection to Zoe and Mabel - in different ways.
I would say the story is deeper and more character driven than your average Romantasy - the fantasy side is mild. So don’t expect a high fantasy. This book is all about the vibes and character growth. Which it absolutely nails 👌🏻
I’m so glad this was translated from German to English.
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