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Secrets of Cuniculum
In the robotic city of Cuniculum, notorious for its underground tunnels and violent crime, Laeli, a shy tech-genius and Javeer, an outgoing and ambitious mechanic, cross paths. Both broken and bruised from their past, they grow close and form a strong connection. However, when a mysterious friend from Laeli’s childhood suddenly returns, and Javeer begins to challenge Malin, a corrupt-gambler who runs Cuniculum’s largest casino, they both realize they are surrounded by enemies. As the city's gang life closes in around them, Laeli must figure out who she is, while Javeer must make the decisions necessary to protect both himself and the girl he loves. And so a race begins: a race that not only strives for power and control of Cuniculum’s streets, but also includes a need to discover the dark secret hovering over Laeli. Can she unveil the shadows of her confusing past in time or will she be too late?
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
346 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2026
About the author
C.T. Berry
1 book21 followersC. T. Berry is a Sci-fi/Fantasy author who loves creating stories filled with suspense, mystery, and romance. She began taking her writing seriously after graduating from Kennesaw University with a Bachelor's in English. When she's not coming up with dramatic plots, she enjoys drawing, music, movies, and spending time in nature.
Currently, she is in the process of publishing Book 2 in the Nriv series, a trilogy set in a Cyberpunk Sci-fi world filled with robots, political intrigue, mystery, romance, horror, and gang crime.
Currently, she is in the process of publishing Book 2 in the Nriv series, a trilogy set in a Cyberpunk Sci-fi world filled with robots, political intrigue, mystery, romance, horror, and gang crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 27, 2026
Review (2.5★)
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC—I'm honored to have been among the first readers.
This is one of those books where I truly loved the concept, but the execution didn’t fully work for me. The dystopian sci-fi setting, robots, and android takeover storyline were genuinely intriguing, and the world itself had a lot of promise. I especially enjoyed the bike racing elements and wish they had been explored more, as they were some of the most engaging scenes. The descriptive writing was also a strong point and helped bring the setting to life.
Where the story lost me was in its balance between romance and plot. The romance felt very overbearing and progressed extremely quickly, which made it difficult for me to connect to it emotionally. The “instant love” dynamic overshadowed much of the larger sci-fi narrative, and I often found myself wanting the story to slow down and let the characters—and their relationships—develop more naturally.
I also struggled with the characterization of the protagonist, Laeli. Although she is described as intelligent, her decision-making and behavior often felt much younger than her stated age, which created some disconnect for me as a reader. At times, she came across as easily influenced and lacking a strong sense of agency, which made it harder to understand why multiple characters were drawn to her so quickly. Several side characters, unfortunately, also felt underdeveloped, and some dialogue didn’t always read as natural.
Another aspect I personally wished had been handled with more depth was the representation of Black characters. While inclusion is present, I would have loved to see more variety in physical descriptions—especially hair and features—to give those characters more individuality and dimension.
That said, there were characters I enjoyed—Ren, in particular, stood out as a voice of reason and consistency. The android storyline and larger sci-fi elements had moments that felt surreal and intense, almost like a fever dream, and readers who enjoy romance-forward stories set within a sci-fi backdrop may connect with this more than I did.
Overall, this book didn’t quite align with my personal reading preferences, but readers who love fast-paced romance set in a futuristic world may find more to enjoy here.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC—I'm honored to have been among the first readers.
This is one of those books where I truly loved the concept, but the execution didn’t fully work for me. The dystopian sci-fi setting, robots, and android takeover storyline were genuinely intriguing, and the world itself had a lot of promise. I especially enjoyed the bike racing elements and wish they had been explored more, as they were some of the most engaging scenes. The descriptive writing was also a strong point and helped bring the setting to life.
Where the story lost me was in its balance between romance and plot. The romance felt very overbearing and progressed extremely quickly, which made it difficult for me to connect to it emotionally. The “instant love” dynamic overshadowed much of the larger sci-fi narrative, and I often found myself wanting the story to slow down and let the characters—and their relationships—develop more naturally.
I also struggled with the characterization of the protagonist, Laeli. Although she is described as intelligent, her decision-making and behavior often felt much younger than her stated age, which created some disconnect for me as a reader. At times, she came across as easily influenced and lacking a strong sense of agency, which made it harder to understand why multiple characters were drawn to her so quickly. Several side characters, unfortunately, also felt underdeveloped, and some dialogue didn’t always read as natural.
Another aspect I personally wished had been handled with more depth was the representation of Black characters. While inclusion is present, I would have loved to see more variety in physical descriptions—especially hair and features—to give those characters more individuality and dimension.
That said, there were characters I enjoyed—Ren, in particular, stood out as a voice of reason and consistency. The android storyline and larger sci-fi elements had moments that felt surreal and intense, almost like a fever dream, and readers who enjoy romance-forward stories set within a sci-fi backdrop may connect with this more than I did.
Overall, this book didn’t quite align with my personal reading preferences, but readers who love fast-paced romance set in a futuristic world may find more to enjoy here.
January 27, 2026
I want to start by saying this had some great plot points and aspects for a debut novel! However, it felt like it needed more development in the writing specifically. But, I would like to acknowledge that I did not read the most recent/polished version, so it’s possible some of these things were edited. I read the book in October when I received the ARC and didn’t have time to reread the final copy.
I enjoyed the plot and vibes of this story. I loved the robots and the bike racing and the sci-fi setting with the different cities. The world is well developed and all the action scenes are well written! I think there is so much potential here!!!
Unfortunately, I have some issues with the characterization and romance.
- Firstly, the characters don’t read like they’re in their 20s to me. The dialogue feels unnatural, and I can’t imagine real people saying some of these things. There’s no subtext or nuance, and it feels stilted.
- I also didn’t buy the romance. Javeer remembered a girl from 14 years later who he had a small interaction with, and fell in love almost immediately.
- Laeli says Kye is one of her closest friends, but she also hasn’t seen him in 14 years. Also, I feel that the plot twist with him is too heavy handed and the author doesn’t trust the reader to put some pieces together.
- I’m concerned about the portrayal of Javeer and other Black characters. I believe the author has said that their culture is not the same as African American culture. However, the dialogue and interactions between Black characters feel like an attempt at AAVE and I don’t think it’s a good look. I certainly don’t think this was intentional, but it seems a bit exploitative. I think she should have considered a sensitivity reader.
My last main issue is with the way the robot talks about Laeli’s mother’s pregnancy. The robot says “The fetus is viable. Neither you or the child have suffered any damage. You are fortunate. You have admirable strength of mind.” Again, maybe this isn’t intentional, but it sounds like she’s equating the fetus’ viability with the mother’s mental fortitude. This could be very hurtful to women with miscarriages, as it sounds like it’s blaming the mother for not being strong enough.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting and plot of this book, but I think the romance and dialogue could use some strengthening if the author does another pass or for her future books.
I enjoyed the plot and vibes of this story. I loved the robots and the bike racing and the sci-fi setting with the different cities. The world is well developed and all the action scenes are well written! I think there is so much potential here!!!
Unfortunately, I have some issues with the characterization and romance.
- Firstly, the characters don’t read like they’re in their 20s to me. The dialogue feels unnatural, and I can’t imagine real people saying some of these things. There’s no subtext or nuance, and it feels stilted.
- I also didn’t buy the romance. Javeer remembered a girl from 14 years later who he had a small interaction with, and fell in love almost immediately.
- Laeli says Kye is one of her closest friends, but she also hasn’t seen him in 14 years. Also, I feel that the plot twist with him is too heavy handed and the author doesn’t trust the reader to put some pieces together.
- I’m concerned about the portrayal of Javeer and other Black characters. I believe the author has said that their culture is not the same as African American culture. However, the dialogue and interactions between Black characters feel like an attempt at AAVE and I don’t think it’s a good look. I certainly don’t think this was intentional, but it seems a bit exploitative. I think she should have considered a sensitivity reader.
My last main issue is with the way the robot talks about Laeli’s mother’s pregnancy. The robot says “The fetus is viable. Neither you or the child have suffered any damage. You are fortunate. You have admirable strength of mind.” Again, maybe this isn’t intentional, but it sounds like she’s equating the fetus’ viability with the mother’s mental fortitude. This could be very hurtful to women with miscarriages, as it sounds like it’s blaming the mother for not being strong enough.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting and plot of this book, but I think the romance and dialogue could use some strengthening if the author does another pass or for her future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secrets of Cuniculum by C.T. Berry is an android-filled, fast-paced, sci-fi thriller that anyone who loves dystopian worlds filled with robots may enjoy! Thank you for allowing me to ARC read, but I did end up rating the book 2.5 stars.
While I absolutely adore the concept of the storyline in premise, it wasn't as well executed as I had hoped. For whatever reason, I couldn't quite connect with the writing. In saying that, roughly the last 25% of the story picked up, and from there I was invested in how the story would continue. The characters were cute and each had my heart in different ways, but they did feel a little younger than they were supposed to be. One thing that I did enjoy was the love triangle aspect of things! Who doesn't love a good love triangle? However, at times, the romance between characters did feel a bit forced. I will say that Ren, Laeli's lovable android companion, was my favorite character out of them all! Hoping to see more of him in the future!
The world building that C.T. Berry created within the story was phenomenal. That was very well done! I'm honestly interested in seeing how the storyline and characters will grow and develop as the story continues with future books! 💜
Reminder!!!: Just because a story wasn't my favorite, doesn't mean that it doesn't have the potential to be your next 5-star read! Please look into it, check it out, and decide for yourself<3
While I absolutely adore the concept of the storyline in premise, it wasn't as well executed as I had hoped. For whatever reason, I couldn't quite connect with the writing. In saying that, roughly the last 25% of the story picked up, and from there I was invested in how the story would continue. The characters were cute and each had my heart in different ways, but they did feel a little younger than they were supposed to be. One thing that I did enjoy was the love triangle aspect of things! Who doesn't love a good love triangle? However, at times, the romance between characters did feel a bit forced. I will say that Ren, Laeli's lovable android companion, was my favorite character out of them all! Hoping to see more of him in the future!
The world building that C.T. Berry created within the story was phenomenal. That was very well done! I'm honestly interested in seeing how the storyline and characters will grow and develop as the story continues with future books! 💜
Reminder!!!: Just because a story wasn't my favorite, doesn't mean that it doesn't have the potential to be your next 5-star read! Please look into it, check it out, and decide for yourself<3
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026thank you ct berry for giving an advanced arc copy.
while the premise held a lot of promise, the execution did not work for me. as an avid reader who is less familiar with sci-fi, the heavy info dumping made it hard for me to connect with the characters and the plot. I wanted to see how it affects the characters and their actions, and also the origin stories of the characters. but unfortunately they are barely mentioned and are merely brushed over. I finished it in a day, and mostly skimmed through the book (this is self-explanatory). I felt that many scenes deepen the world and the dynamics, but aren't that relevant to the whole plot.
update: this review has been updated to reflect my true reading experience as I believe in transparent feedback for readers
while the premise held a lot of promise, the execution did not work for me. as an avid reader who is less familiar with sci-fi, the heavy info dumping made it hard for me to connect with the characters and the plot. I wanted to see how it affects the characters and their actions, and also the origin stories of the characters. but unfortunately they are barely mentioned and are merely brushed over. I finished it in a day, and mostly skimmed through the book (this is self-explanatory). I felt that many scenes deepen the world and the dynamics, but aren't that relevant to the whole plot.
update: this review has been updated to reflect my true reading experience as I believe in transparent feedback for readers
January 29, 2026
Thank you to the author, C. T. Berry, for a free ARC in exchange for a review. I really enjoyed this sci-fi romance. The characters and world were distinctive, and I liked all of the different variations of robots. The romance was sweet and fluffy as well.
However, I did notice that Laeli never kissed Javeer on the lips (unless I missed it). I also wish they had more chemistry. They had great chemistry as friends, but to me it didn’t translate as well when they were lovers.
I also was a little bit turned off by the fact that Laeli refers to her mother as “Mommy” even though she’s an adult. I don’t know, maybe some people do that in real life too. It just threw me off, but it’s an unimportant part that didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.
The ending was great and I love that we got to find out more about Laeli’s past and father. The last chapter is a big mystery of who Kye is talking to and leaves you wanting to read the next book. I even wish this book was longer so we got to spend more time with the characters.
Overall, I recommend this to sci-fi and romance fans who are looking for up-and-coming indie authors.
However, I did notice that Laeli never kissed Javeer on the lips (unless I missed it). I also wish they had more chemistry. They had great chemistry as friends, but to me it didn’t translate as well when they were lovers.
I also was a little bit turned off by the fact that Laeli refers to her mother as “Mommy” even though she’s an adult. I don’t know, maybe some people do that in real life too. It just threw me off, but it’s an unimportant part that didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.
The ending was great and I love that we got to find out more about Laeli’s past and father. The last chapter is a big mystery of who Kye is talking to and leaves you wanting to read the next book. I even wish this book was longer so we got to spend more time with the characters.
Overall, I recommend this to sci-fi and romance fans who are looking for up-and-coming indie authors.
January 28, 2026
Secrets of Cuniculum by C.T. Berry
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Dystopian Sci-Fi
Morally Grey Men
Love Triangle
Hidden Identity
No Spice
Laeli was content living the sheltered life she was raised in. But her reality is cracked wide open when 2 strangers from her past emerge. She must piece together the secrets of her past that have been hidden from her and learn who to trust in the corrupt city of Cuniculum.
Even though the story is set in a robotic city, I never felt like I was trying to be over convinced of the character’s reality. The story is smooth & fast paced. C.T. Berry did a great job creating a world I could easily envision and emerge myself into.
The non-spicy romance makes it a great read for any reader who wants to read sci-fi without the extra mundane detail.
I can’t wait to see where this story leads 🩷
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Dystopian Sci-Fi
Morally Grey Men
Love Triangle
Hidden Identity
No Spice
Laeli was content living the sheltered life she was raised in. But her reality is cracked wide open when 2 strangers from her past emerge. She must piece together the secrets of her past that have been hidden from her and learn who to trust in the corrupt city of Cuniculum.
Even though the story is set in a robotic city, I never felt like I was trying to be over convinced of the character’s reality. The story is smooth & fast paced. C.T. Berry did a great job creating a world I could easily envision and emerge myself into.
The non-spicy romance makes it a great read for any reader who wants to read sci-fi without the extra mundane detail.
I can’t wait to see where this story leads 🩷
March 10, 2026
This book is such an amazing blend of the genres science fiction, cyberpunk, and romance. The world building and politics are well developed; the character arcs towards their fates are so satisfying; and the love story is mature and beautiful.
If you love the aesthetic and worlds of Stray, Alita Battle Angel, John Wick, Tron, and the Blade Runner series then you'll love the aesthetic of this novel. This book isn't a fluff romance - it focuses on 3 central characters each with their own suspenseful missions to survive in the dangerous underbelly of Cuniculum. Check out this book and let me know who your favourite character is!
If you love the aesthetic and worlds of Stray, Alita Battle Angel, John Wick, Tron, and the Blade Runner series then you'll love the aesthetic of this novel. This book isn't a fluff romance - it focuses on 3 central characters each with their own suspenseful missions to survive in the dangerous underbelly of Cuniculum. Check out this book and let me know who your favourite character is!
February 25, 2026
Vibes: Cyberpunk city, "Who can I trust?", and morally grey energy.
If you’re looking for a world that feels as gritty as it is immersive, you need to step into the city of Cuniculum. 🌃
The Lowdown:
We follow Laeli, a brilliant robot mechanic who has spent her life sheltered from the chaos outside. But when two ghosts from her past suddenly reappear, her world is cracked wide open. She’s forced to navigate a city filled with power-hungry villains and deep-seated unrest to uncover the truth about her own history.
Why you should read it:
• The World Building: C.T. Berry builds a robotic dystopia that feels lived-in and dark without being overwhelming. The different variations of androids add such a cool, unique layer to the story! ⚙️
• The Characters: Laeli is incredibly easy to root for—she has a quiet strength that pulls you in. And then there’s Javeer, a charming motorcycle mechanic who brings the humor and the heat (though keep in mind, this is a no-spice/clean romance!).
• The Pacing: I flew through this. The mystery of Laeli’s past kept me turning pages until the very end. That final chapter cliffhanger? I’m officially desperate for Book 2. 📖💨
My Take:
While the chemistry between the leads is sweet and "fluffy," I’m crossing my fingers for a bit more romantic tension in the sequel! That said, the blend of emotional family stakes and sci-fi action was top-tier.
Perfect for fans of:
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Love triangles
✅ Hidden identities
✅ Fast-paced indie sci-fi
If you’re looking for a world that feels as gritty as it is immersive, you need to step into the city of Cuniculum. 🌃
The Lowdown:
We follow Laeli, a brilliant robot mechanic who has spent her life sheltered from the chaos outside. But when two ghosts from her past suddenly reappear, her world is cracked wide open. She’s forced to navigate a city filled with power-hungry villains and deep-seated unrest to uncover the truth about her own history.
Why you should read it:
• The World Building: C.T. Berry builds a robotic dystopia that feels lived-in and dark without being overwhelming. The different variations of androids add such a cool, unique layer to the story! ⚙️
• The Characters: Laeli is incredibly easy to root for—she has a quiet strength that pulls you in. And then there’s Javeer, a charming motorcycle mechanic who brings the humor and the heat (though keep in mind, this is a no-spice/clean romance!).
• The Pacing: I flew through this. The mystery of Laeli’s past kept me turning pages until the very end. That final chapter cliffhanger? I’m officially desperate for Book 2. 📖💨
My Take:
While the chemistry between the leads is sweet and "fluffy," I’m crossing my fingers for a bit more romantic tension in the sequel! That said, the blend of emotional family stakes and sci-fi action was top-tier.
Perfect for fans of:
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Love triangles
✅ Hidden identities
✅ Fast-paced indie sci-fi
January 24, 2026
Secrets of Cuniculum by C.T. Berry is a wildly fun ride that blends sci-fi, dystopian vibes, and a touch of semi-humorous, non-spicy romance—and honestly, those extra genres end up being the best parts. While the story is rooted in sci-fi, it’s the heart, humor, and relationships that really make it shine.
In the first book of the series, we meet Laeli, a robot mechanic who is equal parts brilliant and lovable. She’s kind, intuitive, and has that quiet strength that pulls you in from page one. I was immediately hooked by her warmth and inner voice. Then there’s Javeer, a motorcycle mechanic who is ridiculously charming; his ambition, humor, and overall vibe had me wanting so much more of him.
When Laeli’s past collides with her present through the reappearance of a childhood friend, the tension ramps up. The world of gangs, power-hungry villains, and dystopian unrest already exists but his unsettling demeanor and choices pour fuel on the fire, adding layers of chaos and unease to everything Laeli thought she understood.
Add in fantastic side characters like Ren, Mimi, and Heathel, who bring humor and heart in all the right moments, and you’ve got a cast you genuinely care about. This is the kind of world you don’t want to leave and I’m already counting down until I can dive into book two!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
In the first book of the series, we meet Laeli, a robot mechanic who is equal parts brilliant and lovable. She’s kind, intuitive, and has that quiet strength that pulls you in from page one. I was immediately hooked by her warmth and inner voice. Then there’s Javeer, a motorcycle mechanic who is ridiculously charming; his ambition, humor, and overall vibe had me wanting so much more of him.
When Laeli’s past collides with her present through the reappearance of a childhood friend, the tension ramps up. The world of gangs, power-hungry villains, and dystopian unrest already exists but his unsettling demeanor and choices pour fuel on the fire, adding layers of chaos and unease to everything Laeli thought she understood.
Add in fantastic side characters like Ren, Mimi, and Heathel, who bring humor and heart in all the right moments, and you’ve got a cast you genuinely care about. This is the kind of world you don’t want to leave and I’m already counting down until I can dive into book two!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
January 26, 2026
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially since scifi isn’t my go-to genre. From the very beginning, the author does an incredible job of bringing Cuniculum to life...a gritty, robotic dystopian city filled with underground tunnels, violent crime, and constant tension. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive which made it super easy to get lost in the setting.
The story itself is a great mix of scifi dystopian elements, mystery, and action. There’s always something unfolding which kept me engaged and hooked throughout.
Laeli and Javeer are compelling leads, each carrying emotional baggage... Their bond develops naturally, adding an emotional core to all the chaos happening around them.
I also really appreciated how much care was given to the side characters... Ren and Mimi stood out and quickly became my favourites they added depth and warmth to the story in moments when it was most needed.
The only thing I hated( jk) about this book is that it ended on a brutal cliffhanger, leaving so many questions unanswered....I seriously cannot wait for Book 2 😭🖤
The story itself is a great mix of scifi dystopian elements, mystery, and action. There’s always something unfolding which kept me engaged and hooked throughout.
Laeli and Javeer are compelling leads, each carrying emotional baggage... Their bond develops naturally, adding an emotional core to all the chaos happening around them.
I also really appreciated how much care was given to the side characters... Ren and Mimi stood out and quickly became my favourites they added depth and warmth to the story in moments when it was most needed.
The only thing I hated( jk) about this book is that it ended on a brutal cliffhanger, leaving so many questions unanswered....I seriously cannot wait for Book 2 😭🖤
February 5, 2026
I'd like to thank the author for the opportunity to read this arc!
This story should be a great read for the younger audience who likes YA. It's got a great concept. A sci-fi thriller full of robots, a gritty city, gangs, action, and romance.
I very much enjoyed the setting. The author does a great job of always describing the scene for the reader and makes it easy to picture what's happening around the characters. What loses me is the dialogue that isn't conversational in its flow. It's rather unnatural for most of it. Especially when it comes to 20-somethings as the characters are meant to be, though they also seemed more like teenagers. Hearing everyone call the FMC 'girl' about a thousand times through the book was also making me a little insane. Ren is easily my favorite character and I have a feeling will be everyone else's.
The romance between the characters was instant which also was something I wish was drawn out more. Especially given they hadn't seen each other since they were kids and knew nothing about one another.
For me, the bread and butter of this book is the back end at around 75% or so. It feels like the story finally finds footing. It feels better written as well. Was fully hooked through to the end, finishing it in one sitting. Lots of action, mystery, suspense, and heartbreak. A big ole lore dump in the best way which fills in the gaps throughout the earlier part of the story.
I think the next books in the series should be even better given how the story progressed and was better written. It will be interesting to see what happens next with these characters.
This story should be a great read for the younger audience who likes YA. It's got a great concept. A sci-fi thriller full of robots, a gritty city, gangs, action, and romance.
I very much enjoyed the setting. The author does a great job of always describing the scene for the reader and makes it easy to picture what's happening around the characters. What loses me is the dialogue that isn't conversational in its flow. It's rather unnatural for most of it. Especially when it comes to 20-somethings as the characters are meant to be, though they also seemed more like teenagers. Hearing everyone call the FMC 'girl' about a thousand times through the book was also making me a little insane. Ren is easily my favorite character and I have a feeling will be everyone else's.
The romance between the characters was instant which also was something I wish was drawn out more. Especially given they hadn't seen each other since they were kids and knew nothing about one another.
For me, the bread and butter of this book is the back end at around 75% or so. It feels like the story finally finds footing. It feels better written as well. Was fully hooked through to the end, finishing it in one sitting. Lots of action, mystery, suspense, and heartbreak. A big ole lore dump in the best way which fills in the gaps throughout the earlier part of the story.
I think the next books in the series should be even better given how the story progressed and was better written. It will be interesting to see what happens next with these characters.
February 3, 2026
This one was definitely a little different from my usual reads. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi or books without some spice, so that probably influenced my experience. There were moments that felt a bit too techy and information heavy, which made the story move slower for me.
That said, I’m really glad I gave it a chance. The world building was solid, and I enjoyed the character dynamics a lot. The main character struggles with trauma and anxiety, which I really appreciated being represented, especially their challenges with anxiety because that’s something I also struggle with.
I also loved the banter, the attraction, and the found-family vibes between the characters. Even though this one didn’t fully click for me, it made me curious about reading more sci-fi stories, and I’m glad I gave it a shot.
That said, I’m really glad I gave it a chance. The world building was solid, and I enjoyed the character dynamics a lot. The main character struggles with trauma and anxiety, which I really appreciated being represented, especially their challenges with anxiety because that’s something I also struggle with.
I also loved the banter, the attraction, and the found-family vibes between the characters. Even though this one didn’t fully click for me, it made me curious about reading more sci-fi stories, and I’m glad I gave it a shot.
April 14, 2026
OMG THAT WAS AMAZING!
I don't usually read sci-fi books but I knew if I would, I would really enjoy them because I love reading about these topics . this was my first sci-fi book and I think this was a perfect introduction to this genre because I was hooked from the start ! This book has 3 main characters kye, javeer and laeli. I love the fact that our fmc is a robotics genius and smart as hell and I also loved the love interest javeer and the dynamics between him and laeli they're literally so cute . this book has no spice which I appreciate so much . the world building was done so perfectly. there wasn't any point of time in this book where I was bored or uninterested. this really took me out of my reading slump and i really can't wait to read the second book because the ENDING????? that was a good cliffhanger bruh !!!!! I can't wait to read more!!!!!!!
I don't usually read sci-fi books but I knew if I would, I would really enjoy them because I love reading about these topics . this was my first sci-fi book and I think this was a perfect introduction to this genre because I was hooked from the start ! This book has 3 main characters kye, javeer and laeli. I love the fact that our fmc is a robotics genius and smart as hell and I also loved the love interest javeer and the dynamics between him and laeli they're literally so cute . this book has no spice which I appreciate so much . the world building was done so perfectly. there wasn't any point of time in this book where I was bored or uninterested. this really took me out of my reading slump and i really can't wait to read the second book because the ENDING????? that was a good cliffhanger bruh !!!!! I can't wait to read more!!!!!!!
January 26, 2026
⭐ 4/5 stars
I loved Laeli’s story in Secrets of Cuniculum — but reading her mom’s story gripped me even more than I expected. Catherine Berry weaves their stories together in a way that’s intense, emotional, and beautifully written.
This dystopian world feels dark and immersive, and I really enjoyed how the use of androids brought a fresh, unexpected element to the story. The pacing was so engaging that I finished it faster than I thought I would. By the time I hit the last page, I was desperate for book 2.
Thank you to C.T. Berry for the ARC — this was such a compelling and thought-provoking read and I cannot wait for Book 2!
I loved Laeli’s story in Secrets of Cuniculum — but reading her mom’s story gripped me even more than I expected. Catherine Berry weaves their stories together in a way that’s intense, emotional, and beautifully written.
This dystopian world feels dark and immersive, and I really enjoyed how the use of androids brought a fresh, unexpected element to the story. The pacing was so engaging that I finished it faster than I thought I would. By the time I hit the last page, I was desperate for book 2.
Thank you to C.T. Berry for the ARC — this was such a compelling and thought-provoking read and I cannot wait for Book 2!
January 25, 2026
Thankful for the arc copy!
C.T. Berry crafted a world of secrets, danger, and relatable characters. We have Laeli, a shy tech-girl on her way to self discovery. Javeer, who is determined to step out of the shadows. And a certain childhood friend who seems to be haunted by his past.
My favorite part of the book was the mischievously scheming Malin. His “mafia vibes” kept everyone—including me—on their toes.
If you enjoy scifi with a side of action, add this one to your tbr!
C.T. Berry crafted a world of secrets, danger, and relatable characters. We have Laeli, a shy tech-girl on her way to self discovery. Javeer, who is determined to step out of the shadows. And a certain childhood friend who seems to be haunted by his past.
My favorite part of the book was the mischievously scheming Malin. His “mafia vibes” kept everyone—including me—on their toes.
If you enjoy scifi with a side of action, add this one to your tbr!
April 4, 2026
Wow!! This has become my favourite read of the year!
This isn’t my usual genre, a dystopian sci-fi but it is honestly amazing! The story follows Laeli a robotics engineer in the city of Coniculum. She quickly becomes smitten with Javeer who builds motorcycles.
I was quickly immersed into a story of world and character building. The world of Nyiv is controlled by corruption and Laeli and Javeer find themselves thrown into this corruption. They are fighting for what is right and for their lives!
I fell in love with the characters, and surprisingly the robots! Ren and Mimi have my heart!!! There is so much mystery and devastation but I need to read the next book! Absolutely fantastic read and thank you to C.T. Berry for writing a masterpiece!
This isn’t my usual genre, a dystopian sci-fi but it is honestly amazing! The story follows Laeli a robotics engineer in the city of Coniculum. She quickly becomes smitten with Javeer who builds motorcycles.
I was quickly immersed into a story of world and character building. The world of Nyiv is controlled by corruption and Laeli and Javeer find themselves thrown into this corruption. They are fighting for what is right and for their lives!
I fell in love with the characters, and surprisingly the robots! Ren and Mimi have my heart!!! There is so much mystery and devastation but I need to read the next book! Absolutely fantastic read and thank you to C.T. Berry for writing a masterpiece!
February 25, 2026
Welcome to a world where securing power and control over Cuniculum's streets is merely a precursor to unraveling the ominous secret looming over Laeli. The curiosity I had as the story unfolded, had me hooked and the sci-fi elements were vivid and descriptive with the ramped up twists, gave me the tension, I enjoy reading in a novel.
So meet Laeli and Javeer, two misfits living in Cuniculum, a robotic city that's basically a hot mess of underground tunnels and crime. As their city descends into chaos, Laeli's searching for her identity meanwhile Javeer's taking precautions to keep them both alive. As they unravel secrets and battle the dangers of street life, Laeli is known as the shy tech whiz and Javeer's a charming mechanic - who both come from sorbed pasts but they click and find solace in each other.
As a high-stakes race against time unfolds, can they expose the skeletons in Laelis' closet before it's too late, or will they become the latest victims of their own bad timing? Dive into this sci-fi thriller with a romantic twist and find out!
So meet Laeli and Javeer, two misfits living in Cuniculum, a robotic city that's basically a hot mess of underground tunnels and crime. As their city descends into chaos, Laeli's searching for her identity meanwhile Javeer's taking precautions to keep them both alive. As they unravel secrets and battle the dangers of street life, Laeli is known as the shy tech whiz and Javeer's a charming mechanic - who both come from sorbed pasts but they click and find solace in each other.
As a high-stakes race against time unfolds, can they expose the skeletons in Laelis' closet before it's too late, or will they become the latest victims of their own bad timing? Dive into this sci-fi thriller with a romantic twist and find out!
March 1, 2026
From the very first page, this novel immerses readers in a world where the struggle for control over Cuniculum’s streets is only the beginning of a far more ominous mystery surrounding Laeli. The unfolding secrets kept me completely engaged, and the vivid sci-fi elements, combined with expertly executed twists, created the kind of tension I look for in a compelling thriller.
Laeli and Javeer are captivating protagonists, two misfits navigating life in Cuniculum, a robotic city riddled with underground tunnels and crime. As chaos escalates around them, Laeli embarks on a deeply personal search for identity while Javeer does everything in his power to keep them safe. Laeli, the reserved tech prodigy, and Javeer, the charismatic mechanic, both carry troubled pasts that add emotional depth to the story. Their growing bond brings a heartfelt balance to the high stakes action. With its seamless blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance, the novel delivers an intense race against time that keeps readers guessing until the very end. I am already craving book two and eager to see where Laeli and Javeer’s journey leads next, together with the other characters in the book. A must read!💛
Laeli and Javeer are captivating protagonists, two misfits navigating life in Cuniculum, a robotic city riddled with underground tunnels and crime. As chaos escalates around them, Laeli embarks on a deeply personal search for identity while Javeer does everything in his power to keep them safe. Laeli, the reserved tech prodigy, and Javeer, the charismatic mechanic, both carry troubled pasts that add emotional depth to the story. Their growing bond brings a heartfelt balance to the high stakes action. With its seamless blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance, the novel delivers an intense race against time that keeps readers guessing until the very end. I am already craving book two and eager to see where Laeli and Javeer’s journey leads next, together with the other characters in the book. A must read!💛
March 13, 2026
OH MY GOD! This is such a different read for me. My first si-fi read and i am so glad I picked it up. Si-fi meets romance, family secrets and a plot that left me guessing what is coming next.
February 28, 2026
secretly fantastic
Secrets of Cuniculum by C.T. Berry is a wildly fun ride that blends sci-fi, dystopian vibes, and a touch of semi-humorous, non-spicy romance—and honestly, those extra genres end up being the best parts. While the story is rooted in sci-fi, it’s the heart, humor, and relationships that really make it shine.
In the first book of the series, we meet Laeli, a robot mechanic who is equal parts brilliant and lovable. She’s kind, intuitive, and has that quiet strength that pulls you in from page one. I was immediately hooked by her warmth and inner voice. Then there’s Javeer, a motorcycle mechanic who is ridiculously charming; his ambition, humor, and overall vibe had me wanting so much more of him.
When Laeli’s past collides with her present through the reappearance of a childhood friend, the tension ramps up. The world of gangs, power-hungry villains, and dystopian unrest already exists but his unsettling demeanor and choices pour fuel on the fire, adding layers of chaos and unease to everything Laeli thought she understood.
Add in fantastic side characters like Ren, Mimi, and Heathel, who bring humor and heart in all the right moments, and you’ve got a cast you genuinely care about. This is the kind of world you don’t want to leave and I’m already counting down until I can dive into book two!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
Secrets of Cuniculum by C.T. Berry is a wildly fun ride that blends sci-fi, dystopian vibes, and a touch of semi-humorous, non-spicy romance—and honestly, those extra genres end up being the best parts. While the story is rooted in sci-fi, it’s the heart, humor, and relationships that really make it shine.
In the first book of the series, we meet Laeli, a robot mechanic who is equal parts brilliant and lovable. She’s kind, intuitive, and has that quiet strength that pulls you in from page one. I was immediately hooked by her warmth and inner voice. Then there’s Javeer, a motorcycle mechanic who is ridiculously charming; his ambition, humor, and overall vibe had me wanting so much more of him.
When Laeli’s past collides with her present through the reappearance of a childhood friend, the tension ramps up. The world of gangs, power-hungry villains, and dystopian unrest already exists but his unsettling demeanor and choices pour fuel on the fire, adding layers of chaos and unease to everything Laeli thought she understood.
Add in fantastic side characters like Ren, Mimi, and Heathel, who bring humor and heart in all the right moments, and you’ve got a cast you genuinely care about. This is the kind of world you don’t want to leave and I’m already counting down until I can dive into book two!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
February 22, 2026
amazing story!
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw it on Amazon kindle and it did not disappoint! Think steampunk slash arcane slash mad max with a lot of intrigue , adventure and romance set in a futuristic hectic chaotic world ! The world building was immense and the pacing was just right . We follow Laeli, a brilliant mechanic slash technical genius who while trying to survive in the rough part of town , stumbles into a massive secret that could destroy her and everyone close to her. I cannot wait for BOOK 2!
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I saw it on Amazon kindle and it did not disappoint! Think steampunk slash arcane slash mad max with a lot of intrigue , adventure and romance set in a futuristic hectic chaotic world ! The world building was immense and the pacing was just right . We follow Laeli, a brilliant mechanic slash technical genius who while trying to survive in the rough part of town , stumbles into a massive secret that could destroy her and everyone close to her. I cannot wait for BOOK 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Laeli, a shy robotics mechanic, crosses paths with outgoing Javeer, a mechanic in the dangerous robot-filled, gang and crime-heavy city of Cuniculum. They grow close. A childhood friend of Laeli's comes back into her life, but something is off. Meanwhile, Javeer's ambition puts him at odds with Malin, the corrupt casino owner. As enemies start to close in, will secrets from Laeli's past help or hinder them?
I fell in love with Laeli's kind & caring persona right from the beginning, from that nicely endearing prologue (at least at its start). Her POV has an intuitive feel that had me invested immediately. Javeer's POV shines with his jovial nature. I enjoyed Laeli's inner thoughts, especially when she is almost obsessive, going a mile a minute. There are also glimpses of other characters' perspectives that are more ominous.
So damn readable as the prose's flow is eloquently smooth, gifting us with breath-stealing moments that fire on all cylinders. The dialogue is so natural, often quick back and forth, educating us on the characters, their objectives, and the like. There is no apparent infodumping and yet we know all we need to know at the moment we are. Where we are. There are of course, little nudges of foreshadowing, signaling future reveals. I cannot get over those extraordinary reveals and how beautifully they were conveyed in unexpected fashion.
The world is just so fascinating. I must applaud the author for her ingenious vision and how she shares it with us. There is a melancholy that bleeds through, though a great sense of humor gives us chuckle-worthy, even laugh-out-loud moments. There is a twice-over meet-cute (you'll get it when you read it) that makes you feel gooey. Things to look forward to are: The secret and awesomeness of Ren, Mimi the loveable robot and Heathel giving you the warm & fuzzies.
The Bria thing is a bit of repetitive exaggeration and the character irritates me, like I guess she is supposed to, but not in a good way for the book. Also, Khar plays out as a spoiled jock-thug of a villain. The other nefarious players are more grounded, feel like a greater threat, and therefore are more intriguing. I needed, and in my opinion so did the book, significantly more of the one with the cryptic intentions.
This story is about finding your true purpose, your power. It deals with how the past can define us, sometimes without us realizing or knowing of it. About doing what is right. You will absolutely enjoy this sci-fi street-level thriller with the captivating story that will worm into your heart.
I fell in love with Laeli's kind & caring persona right from the beginning, from that nicely endearing prologue (at least at its start). Her POV has an intuitive feel that had me invested immediately. Javeer's POV shines with his jovial nature. I enjoyed Laeli's inner thoughts, especially when she is almost obsessive, going a mile a minute. There are also glimpses of other characters' perspectives that are more ominous.
So damn readable as the prose's flow is eloquently smooth, gifting us with breath-stealing moments that fire on all cylinders. The dialogue is so natural, often quick back and forth, educating us on the characters, their objectives, and the like. There is no apparent infodumping and yet we know all we need to know at the moment we are. Where we are. There are of course, little nudges of foreshadowing, signaling future reveals. I cannot get over those extraordinary reveals and how beautifully they were conveyed in unexpected fashion.
The world is just so fascinating. I must applaud the author for her ingenious vision and how she shares it with us. There is a melancholy that bleeds through, though a great sense of humor gives us chuckle-worthy, even laugh-out-loud moments. There is a twice-over meet-cute (you'll get it when you read it) that makes you feel gooey. Things to look forward to are: The secret and awesomeness of Ren, Mimi the loveable robot and Heathel giving you the warm & fuzzies.
The Bria thing is a bit of repetitive exaggeration and the character irritates me, like I guess she is supposed to, but not in a good way for the book. Also, Khar plays out as a spoiled jock-thug of a villain. The other nefarious players are more grounded, feel like a greater threat, and therefore are more intriguing. I needed, and in my opinion so did the book, significantly more of the one with the cryptic intentions.
This story is about finding your true purpose, your power. It deals with how the past can define us, sometimes without us realizing or knowing of it. About doing what is right. You will absolutely enjoy this sci-fi street-level thriller with the captivating story that will worm into your heart.
February 1, 2026
3.6 to 4 stars 🌟
Found Family
Diverse characters (Minority MC and Disability representation)
Dystopian Sci-fi fantasy
Love Triangle
~
I would like to thank C.T. Berry for the ARC!
I was nervous to go into this book because I found C.T. Berry on Instagram promoting her book and talking about having a Black male character, so I was intrigued and reached out! However, I was still nervous about whether I would like this book, especially since sci-fi isn’t a genre I read all the time. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how well it came together! I gave this book 3.6 to 4 stars because there were some moments that were hard for me to follow, but they didn't stop my enjoyment, so I also gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed the journey the book took me on. I think this book, from the prologue, puts you right into the world and has a continuous, steady flow of action, thriller, and suspense. As a black reader, I am grateful for Black representation within this book. Definitely team Javeer!!! I loved his character’s traits and the connection he and Leali share when they meet up again. I could feel the connection, I will say I love Leali’s character but sometimes she did feel robotic and at first I thought it was just in the prologue, but I started to realize that it was just her personality and I liked that C.T Berry wrote where we don’t get all the information about Laeli in one go especially since we are just jumped into the book and by conversations and inner dialogue get to understand why she is so different and doesn't have full understanding of human emotion. I liked the side characters introduced, my favorite being Mimi and Haethel!!!
I believe this book is a great choice for those interested in Sci-fi, but who are afraid of the details and high levels of immersion some Sci-fi books bring. I think C.T. Berry gives just enough world-building while also making it easy to imagine the world as we follow along with our characters.
I am glad that I got to read this book! I am excited to see where this series goes!
Found Family
Diverse characters (Minority MC and Disability representation)
Dystopian Sci-fi fantasy
Love Triangle
~
I would like to thank C.T. Berry for the ARC!
I was nervous to go into this book because I found C.T. Berry on Instagram promoting her book and talking about having a Black male character, so I was intrigued and reached out! However, I was still nervous about whether I would like this book, especially since sci-fi isn’t a genre I read all the time. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how well it came together! I gave this book 3.6 to 4 stars because there were some moments that were hard for me to follow, but they didn't stop my enjoyment, so I also gave 4 stars because I really enjoyed the journey the book took me on. I think this book, from the prologue, puts you right into the world and has a continuous, steady flow of action, thriller, and suspense. As a black reader, I am grateful for Black representation within this book. Definitely team Javeer!!! I loved his character’s traits and the connection he and Leali share when they meet up again. I could feel the connection, I will say I love Leali’s character but sometimes she did feel robotic and at first I thought it was just in the prologue, but I started to realize that it was just her personality and I liked that C.T Berry wrote where we don’t get all the information about Laeli in one go especially since we are just jumped into the book and by conversations and inner dialogue get to understand why she is so different and doesn't have full understanding of human emotion. I liked the side characters introduced, my favorite being Mimi and Haethel!!!
I believe this book is a great choice for those interested in Sci-fi, but who are afraid of the details and high levels of immersion some Sci-fi books bring. I think C.T. Berry gives just enough world-building while also making it easy to imagine the world as we follow along with our characters.
I am glad that I got to read this book! I am excited to see where this series goes!
March 24, 2026
I don’t usually “trust” random books I see once on TikTok while scrolling, but there’s a first time for everything, and I don’t regret it.
Secrets of Cuniculum is a sci-fi novel with androids, lots of secrets, and bike races. Even though the book didn’t quite hook me at first, I was totally invested by the end. When reading Elina’s backstory(I couldn’t resist and even read during my classes at school). Honestly, I can’t wait to see how book two turns out.
Firstly, I’d like to see more depth in Laeli and Javeer’s relationship. They met once, fourteen years ago (and had only one conversation), but they somehow recognized each other, and it didn’t take long before they were in love. I was quite surprised when Laeli told Ren that she basically loved Javeer, even though, for me, this love felt a bit hurried and flat.
I also would’ve loved to see more backstory between Kye and Laeli. Not necessarily full scenes, but maybe flashbacks, memories, or nostalgic moments that once were the core of their friendship. Perhaps a place they used to play, a food they both enjoyed, or even a bad experience that Laeli could now find amusing. I think that would enhance their past and make it feel deeper than just the idea of “we used to be friends.”
Secondly, the dialogue didn’t always feel natural and sometimes came across as a bit childish. It was hard for me, even as a teenager, to picture conversations between people in their late teens or twenties. Many characters also felt and sounded quite similar, although Ren did stand out. I also couldn’t quite get used to Laeli referring to Elina as “Mommy.”
However, something that really intrigued me and made me feel immersed in the story was the world-building and atmosphere. I loved how the scenes were written.
Overall, I’m really looking forward to reading the second book and seeing how the story and characters develop. I hope we get to see more of Javeer and Laeli. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, and other readers might see things differently.
I hope I get to read more of your stories soon! 🫶🏻💞 Can’t wait for updates.
Secrets of Cuniculum is a sci-fi novel with androids, lots of secrets, and bike races. Even though the book didn’t quite hook me at first, I was totally invested by the end. When reading Elina’s backstory(I couldn’t resist and even read during my classes at school). Honestly, I can’t wait to see how book two turns out.
Firstly, I’d like to see more depth in Laeli and Javeer’s relationship. They met once, fourteen years ago (and had only one conversation), but they somehow recognized each other, and it didn’t take long before they were in love. I was quite surprised when Laeli told Ren that she basically loved Javeer, even though, for me, this love felt a bit hurried and flat.
I also would’ve loved to see more backstory between Kye and Laeli. Not necessarily full scenes, but maybe flashbacks, memories, or nostalgic moments that once were the core of their friendship. Perhaps a place they used to play, a food they both enjoyed, or even a bad experience that Laeli could now find amusing. I think that would enhance their past and make it feel deeper than just the idea of “we used to be friends.”
Secondly, the dialogue didn’t always feel natural and sometimes came across as a bit childish. It was hard for me, even as a teenager, to picture conversations between people in their late teens or twenties. Many characters also felt and sounded quite similar, although Ren did stand out. I also couldn’t quite get used to Laeli referring to Elina as “Mommy.”
However, something that really intrigued me and made me feel immersed in the story was the world-building and atmosphere. I loved how the scenes were written.
Overall, I’m really looking forward to reading the second book and seeing how the story and characters develop. I hope we get to see more of Javeer and Laeli. Of course, this is just my personal opinion, and other readers might see things differently.
I hope I get to read more of your stories soon! 🫶🏻💞 Can’t wait for updates.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of Secrets of Cuniculum. Here are my thoughts!
Laeli and Javeer were friends when they were children, but life happened and they were destined to go their separate ways. Now Laeli is a techie and Javeer is a mechanic, and they are brought back into each other’s lives. Together they are pulled into the dark and violent secrets behind the robotic city of Cuniculum, filled with gambling, motorcycle races and crime syndicates bigger than either of them anticipates.
This novel had some hits and misses for me, but I’m going to focus on the hits first and just do a quick note on the misses. Gotta keep these reviews honest, but positive! I loved the world of Cuniculum. It gave me Dune meets Blade Runner vibes, and a little Star Wars with the incorporation of bots and droids. Loved those sci fi pieces that were woven together to create a unique environment for the reader. It was 100% fully realized.
The characters were middling for me. I really enjoyed reading about the side characters, and Laeli’s mother. But Laeli was a little underwhelming for me. I liked her in the beginning, but I found a lot of her focus and drive were simmered by a romance opportunity, which always makes me a little sad when reading about intelligent, strong female characters.
With the plot, I had the opposite experience. I liked the intro, then it got a little slow for me but then about 75% through it picked up again and I was very drawn in. I think one piece that separated me from the book a little was the writing in the past tense. I find that when I’m reading fiction, I prefer present tense as it keeps me in the action and more immersed in the book!
A little bit of an up and down read for me, but world building was on point and I think this author has some very creative ideas and can see this series really taking off with the vast opportunities still available to characters.
Laeli and Javeer were friends when they were children, but life happened and they were destined to go their separate ways. Now Laeli is a techie and Javeer is a mechanic, and they are brought back into each other’s lives. Together they are pulled into the dark and violent secrets behind the robotic city of Cuniculum, filled with gambling, motorcycle races and crime syndicates bigger than either of them anticipates.
This novel had some hits and misses for me, but I’m going to focus on the hits first and just do a quick note on the misses. Gotta keep these reviews honest, but positive! I loved the world of Cuniculum. It gave me Dune meets Blade Runner vibes, and a little Star Wars with the incorporation of bots and droids. Loved those sci fi pieces that were woven together to create a unique environment for the reader. It was 100% fully realized.
The characters were middling for me. I really enjoyed reading about the side characters, and Laeli’s mother. But Laeli was a little underwhelming for me. I liked her in the beginning, but I found a lot of her focus and drive were simmered by a romance opportunity, which always makes me a little sad when reading about intelligent, strong female characters.
With the plot, I had the opposite experience. I liked the intro, then it got a little slow for me but then about 75% through it picked up again and I was very drawn in. I think one piece that separated me from the book a little was the writing in the past tense. I find that when I’m reading fiction, I prefer present tense as it keeps me in the action and more immersed in the book!
A little bit of an up and down read for me, but world building was on point and I think this author has some very creative ideas and can see this series really taking off with the vast opportunities still available to characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book, this genre is not my normal type that read but I really enjoyed this book, it really pulled me in. It also made me think that I need to read more sci-fi book because this book concept really drew me me. If you have not read any books from sci-fi genre before, I would truly recommend starting it of with this book.
In book, the characters has a lot of progress and all through the book you could see that the characters Laeli was becoming more out of her shell, which I really enjoyed because you can tell that she becoming to show more of her true personality. This is the same with Kye, at first you thought he was going to be all nice, like he was as a child but further into the book, you can tell that there is something off. This book involves three main characters called Kye, Javeer and Laeli and they all have some sort of secrets hidden but at the end, Javeer and Laeli, came to terms to trust each other with theirs secrets. This books is set in a world, which is made up of humans and robots, some people agree with the way the robots are being used but some Don't. I really love the concept of it and I would truly recommend this book, if you love romance, sci-fi, robots and another world. The Author has really shown this, through her work and I really love that for her.
I really can't wait to read book 2 and to see what happen next because the last pages of the book, we found more information about Laeli mum and why she was truly being hidden. I really can't wait to see what next in the next book.
Really, really enjoyed it.
In book, the characters has a lot of progress and all through the book you could see that the characters Laeli was becoming more out of her shell, which I really enjoyed because you can tell that she becoming to show more of her true personality. This is the same with Kye, at first you thought he was going to be all nice, like he was as a child but further into the book, you can tell that there is something off. This book involves three main characters called Kye, Javeer and Laeli and they all have some sort of secrets hidden but at the end, Javeer and Laeli, came to terms to trust each other with theirs secrets. This books is set in a world, which is made up of humans and robots, some people agree with the way the robots are being used but some Don't. I really love the concept of it and I would truly recommend this book, if you love romance, sci-fi, robots and another world. The Author has really shown this, through her work and I really love that for her.
I really can't wait to read book 2 and to see what happen next because the last pages of the book, we found more information about Laeli mum and why she was truly being hidden. I really can't wait to see what next in the next book.
Really, really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘, 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚢𝚘𝚞."
From the very beginning this fascinating and unique novel mesmerized me. A dystopian sci-fi thriller with horror elements, handsome robots and morally grey characters — who needs more?! And when I thought it can't possibly be better, one of my favorite tropes revelied itself. Love triangle! I loved Khar, Javeer and Jace so much, they were the absolute best! On the other hand, I hated Kye so much. He was such a suspicious and unlikable character in my opinion. And the main character Laeli, she was very naive and childish which made it so hard for me to connect with her. The way she talked often felt unnatural, and while I understand she mostly grew up with Ren, so her interactions were limited, it still felt off. She struggles with excessive fear, crippling anxiety and trauma, which I do relate more than I could explain and as always, I appreciate mental health representation in books... Unfortunately I still couldn't connect with her and I need that in books. That extra, special little spark between a character and myself.
I loved the motorcycle elements thought! The race was definitely my favorite scene of this entire book!
Other than those tiny details, I enjoyed my time with this book very much and I highly recommend checking out this action-packed tale!
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
Handsome Robots
Morally Grey Characters
Friends to Enemies
Love Triangle
Mystery
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of your novel in exchange for my honest review! ♡
From the very beginning this fascinating and unique novel mesmerized me. A dystopian sci-fi thriller with horror elements, handsome robots and morally grey characters — who needs more?! And when I thought it can't possibly be better, one of my favorite tropes revelied itself. Love triangle! I loved Khar, Javeer and Jace so much, they were the absolute best! On the other hand, I hated Kye so much. He was such a suspicious and unlikable character in my opinion. And the main character Laeli, she was very naive and childish which made it so hard for me to connect with her. The way she talked often felt unnatural, and while I understand she mostly grew up with Ren, so her interactions were limited, it still felt off. She struggles with excessive fear, crippling anxiety and trauma, which I do relate more than I could explain and as always, I appreciate mental health representation in books... Unfortunately I still couldn't connect with her and I need that in books. That extra, special little spark between a character and myself.
I loved the motorcycle elements thought! The race was definitely my favorite scene of this entire book!
Other than those tiny details, I enjoyed my time with this book very much and I highly recommend checking out this action-packed tale!
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤
Handsome Robots
Morally Grey Characters
Friends to Enemies
Love Triangle
Mystery
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of your novel in exchange for my honest review! ♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 Secrets of Cuniculum
✨ by C. T. Berry
📖 Genre: Sci-fi
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Thank you to author, C. T. Berry, @creativecatwrites_25 for inviting me to be in the ARC group and sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
📓 Summary: In the second picture
📝 Review:
This is a great up and coming sci-fi series and I am grateful to have received an ARC version. The world-building takes a minute to pull you in, but once you are in it you will not want to put this one down. The characters are fun and relatable - and be sure to check out the author's insta for the artwork as they are exactly as I imagined the characters. You get to know the characters of Laeli (who is just adorable and naive) and Javeer (who is charming) right when Kye steps in. Kye is mysterious and brings Laeli's past with him and keeps you wanting to know what his deal is. There is also a crime syndicate that Javeer is challenging with Laeli by his side and a secret friend of Laeli's that I don't want to say too much about to spoil anything! This story builds until you finally get answers along with more questions, and I am impatiently waiting for book 2 so I can continue this story. Pick this one up now on January 26, 2026!
🤔 Why You Should Read It:
World-building. Character depth. Mystery.
✨ by C. T. Berry
📖 Genre: Sci-fi
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Thank you to author, C. T. Berry, @creativecatwrites_25 for inviting me to be in the ARC group and sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
📓 Summary: In the second picture
📝 Review:
This is a great up and coming sci-fi series and I am grateful to have received an ARC version. The world-building takes a minute to pull you in, but once you are in it you will not want to put this one down. The characters are fun and relatable - and be sure to check out the author's insta for the artwork as they are exactly as I imagined the characters. You get to know the characters of Laeli (who is just adorable and naive) and Javeer (who is charming) right when Kye steps in. Kye is mysterious and brings Laeli's past with him and keeps you wanting to know what his deal is. There is also a crime syndicate that Javeer is challenging with Laeli by his side and a secret friend of Laeli's that I don't want to say too much about to spoil anything! This story builds until you finally get answers along with more questions, and I am impatiently waiting for book 2 so I can continue this story. Pick this one up now on January 26, 2026!
🤔 Why You Should Read It:
World-building. Character depth. Mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars!
Laeli, a shy-tech genius, and Javeer, an outgoing machine, crosses paths again in the robotic city of Cuniculum where they are soon drawn into the dark secrets of gambling, motorcycle races, and a crime syndicate that lurks within the shadows.
From the moment I opened the book, C.T, Berry had me hooked. I genuinely enjoyed the plot, the detail and the world building that happened around the characters as we got to know them. Laeli is a soft-spoken young woman with secrets that she's left to keep and discover on her own. Javeer is shrouded in mystery of a past that left me wondering and guessing about his life.
These two initial attraction is obvious from the beginning. It isn't 'instant love', it is a knowing that they instantly likes each other and Javeer isn't shy about it. The build on their love, in my opinion, feels realistic because they both knew what they wanted and no one backed down from it.
Laeli's childhood friend that appears before her again after years, is a puzzle that I couldn't solve until the very end. C.T. Berry does an amazing job of describing him in a way that mystery yet, there is something not exactly right with him with ever appearance he had in the book.
This book is an absolute joy to read if you like a sci-fi, robotic dystopian world that feels like Arcane in novel form and reminds me of Cinder.
Laeli, a shy-tech genius, and Javeer, an outgoing machine, crosses paths again in the robotic city of Cuniculum where they are soon drawn into the dark secrets of gambling, motorcycle races, and a crime syndicate that lurks within the shadows.
From the moment I opened the book, C.T, Berry had me hooked. I genuinely enjoyed the plot, the detail and the world building that happened around the characters as we got to know them. Laeli is a soft-spoken young woman with secrets that she's left to keep and discover on her own. Javeer is shrouded in mystery of a past that left me wondering and guessing about his life.
These two initial attraction is obvious from the beginning. It isn't 'instant love', it is a knowing that they instantly likes each other and Javeer isn't shy about it. The build on their love, in my opinion, feels realistic because they both knew what they wanted and no one backed down from it.
Laeli's childhood friend that appears before her again after years, is a puzzle that I couldn't solve until the very end. C.T. Berry does an amazing job of describing him in a way that mystery yet, there is something not exactly right with him with ever appearance he had in the book.
This book is an absolute joy to read if you like a sci-fi, robotic dystopian world that feels like Arcane in novel form and reminds me of Cinder.
March 1, 2026
From the very first page, this novel immerses readers in a world where the struggle for control over Cuniculum’s streets is only the beginning of a far more ominous mystery surrounding Laeli. The unfolding secrets kept me completely engaged, and the vivid sci-fi elements, combined with expertly executed twists, created the kind of tension I look for in a compelling thriller.
Laeli and Javeer are captivating protagonists, two misfits navigating life in Cuniculum, a robotic city riddled with underground tunnels and crime. As chaos escalates around them, Laeli embarks on a deeply personal search for identity while Javeer does everything in his power to keep them safe. Laeli, the reserved tech prodigy, and Javeer, the charismatic mechanic, both carry troubled pasts that add emotional depth to the story. Their growing bond brings a heartfelt balance to the high stakes action. With its seamless blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance, the novel delivers an intense race against time that keeps readers guessing until the very end. I am already craving book two and eager to see where Laeli and Javeer’s journey leads next, together with the other characters in the book. A must read!💛
Laeli and Javeer are captivating protagonists, two misfits navigating life in Cuniculum, a robotic city riddled with underground tunnels and crime. As chaos escalates around them, Laeli embarks on a deeply personal search for identity while Javeer does everything in his power to keep them safe. Laeli, the reserved tech prodigy, and Javeer, the charismatic mechanic, both carry troubled pasts that add emotional depth to the story. Their growing bond brings a heartfelt balance to the high stakes action. With its seamless blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance, the novel delivers an intense race against time that keeps readers guessing until the very end. I am already craving book two and eager to see where Laeli and Javeer’s journey leads next, together with the other characters in the book. A must read!💛
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