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The Laboratory Assistant
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Expected 2 Jun 26392 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 2, 2026
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February 17, 2026
ARC READ:
Mariya , recently dealing with poverty with her two sisters and Ill stricken mother after their father’s death trying to do anything to make ends meet.
The job with Nikolas Rodin proves to be fruitful with some challenges to an undisclosed condition that drives him mad. ( condition still unknown and really bothered me , was hoping it would have been disclosed what was actually wrong as his best friend was psychiatrist but potentially there wasn’t a name for it in 1916?)
Mayira pushes through all obstacles of sickness and heart ache as she starts falling for the scientist, despite his flaws she stands by his side.
This book was captivating and suspenseful in third person POV. Though at some points it was difficult to know which character was being spoke about.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️
Mariya , recently dealing with poverty with her two sisters and Ill stricken mother after their father’s death trying to do anything to make ends meet.
The job with Nikolas Rodin proves to be fruitful with some challenges to an undisclosed condition that drives him mad. ( condition still unknown and really bothered me , was hoping it would have been disclosed what was actually wrong as his best friend was psychiatrist but potentially there wasn’t a name for it in 1916?)
Mayira pushes through all obstacles of sickness and heart ache as she starts falling for the scientist, despite his flaws she stands by his side.
This book was captivating and suspenseful in third person POV. Though at some points it was difficult to know which character was being spoke about.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Most interesting to me about Natalia Loya’s novel of both historical and medical interest, “The Laboratory Assistant,” was its depiction of life in pre-Revolutionary Russia at a time when tuberculosis was rampant and insurrectionary zeal was enough in the air to have families of nobility decidedly on edge.
Among them, the impoverished Sokolov family, who have been brought to their current state by their fallen army father having left them destitute enough from his gambling debts to have quashed the possibility of their providing a dowry to make for a likely marriage for the oldest daughter, Mariya.
Worse still for the family is the mother being deathly ill from consumption, something that will also come to have its way with Mariya as well as her younger sister, Sofia, who will also come to be infected by venereal disease contracted from a vile police inspector.
Truly dire, in short, the family’s situation, though things take a couple of seeming turns for the better when Mariya lands a job as a laboratory assistant to a young scientist seeking a cure for tuberculosis and Sofia gets a job with the police.
Godsends, it would seem, for the family, the two developments, though, as I say, marred by Sofia being done despicably by the police inspector and Mariya increasingly troubled by the agitated mental state of the young scientist, with whom she has become romantically involved.
But perhaps most alarming of all for the family is the talk that Sofia starts hearing at Bolshevik meetings of plans for severe retributions, including executions, against families of nobility.
An absorbing read, in short, Loya’s novel, especially for me with its depiction of a pivotal period in modern history.
Among them, the impoverished Sokolov family, who have been brought to their current state by their fallen army father having left them destitute enough from his gambling debts to have quashed the possibility of their providing a dowry to make for a likely marriage for the oldest daughter, Mariya.
Worse still for the family is the mother being deathly ill from consumption, something that will also come to have its way with Mariya as well as her younger sister, Sofia, who will also come to be infected by venereal disease contracted from a vile police inspector.
Truly dire, in short, the family’s situation, though things take a couple of seeming turns for the better when Mariya lands a job as a laboratory assistant to a young scientist seeking a cure for tuberculosis and Sofia gets a job with the police.
Godsends, it would seem, for the family, the two developments, though, as I say, marred by Sofia being done despicably by the police inspector and Mariya increasingly troubled by the agitated mental state of the young scientist, with whom she has become romantically involved.
But perhaps most alarming of all for the family is the talk that Sofia starts hearing at Bolshevik meetings of plans for severe retributions, including executions, against families of nobility.
An absorbing read, in short, Loya’s novel, especially for me with its depiction of a pivotal period in modern history.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Laboratory Assistant is a beautifully brooding historical novel that blends romance, suspense, and the creeping dread of a world on the brink of collapse. Set in Petrograd in 1916, it captures that fragile moment before everything shatters—politically, socially, and personally—and places one young woman at the heart of it.
Mariya is a compelling narrator: practical, bruised by circumstance, and quietly determined to keep her family afloat after their fall from privilege. Her new position with Dr. Nikolas Rodin feels like salvation at first, but the deeper she’s drawn into his dimly lit laboratory, the more the story takes on a gothic shimmer. Gaslight, whispered experiments, a brilliant mind fraying at the edges—there’s a delicious tension in every scene they share.
The novel excels in its atmosphere. Tuberculosis stalks the city, revolution simmers in the streets, and Mariya’s internal conflict mirrors the unrest outside. Her growing attachment to Rodin is tender and unsettling in equal measure, and the book leans into that ambiguity with confidence. The line between devotion and danger blurs beautifully, creating a romance that feels as perilous as it is intoxicating.
What lingers is the sense of inevitability—the way love, loyalty, and survival twist together when the world is falling apart. Darkly romantic and steeped in suspense, The Laboratory Assistant is a haunting exploration of desire, madness, and the choices that echo long after they’re made.
With thanks to Natalia Loya, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Mariya is a compelling narrator: practical, bruised by circumstance, and quietly determined to keep her family afloat after their fall from privilege. Her new position with Dr. Nikolas Rodin feels like salvation at first, but the deeper she’s drawn into his dimly lit laboratory, the more the story takes on a gothic shimmer. Gaslight, whispered experiments, a brilliant mind fraying at the edges—there’s a delicious tension in every scene they share.
The novel excels in its atmosphere. Tuberculosis stalks the city, revolution simmers in the streets, and Mariya’s internal conflict mirrors the unrest outside. Her growing attachment to Rodin is tender and unsettling in equal measure, and the book leans into that ambiguity with confidence. The line between devotion and danger blurs beautifully, creating a romance that feels as perilous as it is intoxicating.
What lingers is the sense of inevitability—the way love, loyalty, and survival twist together when the world is falling apart. Darkly romantic and steeped in suspense, The Laboratory Assistant is a haunting exploration of desire, madness, and the choices that echo long after they’re made.
With thanks to Natalia Loya, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in tuberculoses-ridden petrograd at the cusp of the russian revolution,
Mariya is the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family, she is resilient, tough and strong. She does whatever she has to do to keep her family afloat after her father died and left them with his gambling debt. Her mom is ill an her two younger sister needs food, money for school and not to mention the money for her mothers doctors and medicins.
She has a job in a shoe factory but her sister helps her getting a job as a laboratory assistant to the quirky, weird, moody, distant but brilliant scientist Nikolas. He has some kind of mental disability but it's not said what, just that he gets dark and moody.
Mariya gets closer to Nikolas and they work together to find a cure for the sickness but there are darker forces at play, a revolution is near and the police is snooping at the exentric and experimental practices happening in the laboratory.
This was an interesting read, I did not get dr. Jekyll and Hide vibes as some has mentioned, I got more moody and there is something going on mentally vibe. Nikolas is not evil or bad bit there's somerhing driving him that is. And I would've really liked to not what that thing was!
I am not a fan of third person pov so I struggled sometimes with who was being talked about. All in all it was a good read and I wanted to see what was going to happen with everyone in her family and the friends she made on the way.
Mariya is the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family, she is resilient, tough and strong. She does whatever she has to do to keep her family afloat after her father died and left them with his gambling debt. Her mom is ill an her two younger sister needs food, money for school and not to mention the money for her mothers doctors and medicins.
She has a job in a shoe factory but her sister helps her getting a job as a laboratory assistant to the quirky, weird, moody, distant but brilliant scientist Nikolas. He has some kind of mental disability but it's not said what, just that he gets dark and moody.
Mariya gets closer to Nikolas and they work together to find a cure for the sickness but there are darker forces at play, a revolution is near and the police is snooping at the exentric and experimental practices happening in the laboratory.
This was an interesting read, I did not get dr. Jekyll and Hide vibes as some has mentioned, I got more moody and there is something going on mentally vibe. Nikolas is not evil or bad bit there's somerhing driving him that is. And I would've really liked to not what that thing was!
I am not a fan of third person pov so I struggled sometimes with who was being talked about. All in all it was a good read and I wanted to see what was going to happen with everyone in her family and the friends she made on the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is captivating. Period. Set in tuberculosis-ridden Petrograd, at the cusp of the Russian Revolution, Natalia Loya does an amazing job bringing the dark and uncertain atmosphere of this period in Russian history to life. Our FMC, Mariya, is the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family that has fallen on hard times-- strong, intelligent, and resilient, Mariya is determined to do whatever necessary to provide for her family. Our MMC, Nikolas, is a brilliant scientist, obsessed with his medical research. Distant, mysterious, and moody, Mariya is instantly captivated by the dangerous energy emitting from Nikolas.
In the air of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Loya takes us on a roller coaster ride of attraction and fear, of wanting Mariya to both run to, and run from, Nikolas. The building sexual tension eventually leads to one of the best written spicy scenes I have ever read! This sense of attraction, plus a well-developed roster of supporting characters, kept me tearing through the pages, eager to see what came next! I have rated this book 4/5 solely because it never clarifies what exactly is afflicting Nikolas, leaving me confused... is it a mental disorder or something paranormal/otherworldly?
In the air of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Loya takes us on a roller coaster ride of attraction and fear, of wanting Mariya to both run to, and run from, Nikolas. The building sexual tension eventually leads to one of the best written spicy scenes I have ever read! This sense of attraction, plus a well-developed roster of supporting characters, kept me tearing through the pages, eager to see what came next! I have rated this book 4/5 solely because it never clarifies what exactly is afflicting Nikolas, leaving me confused... is it a mental disorder or something paranormal/otherworldly?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What I liked: As someone who likes to learn about history, I enjoyed the historical setting, just on the cusp of the Russian Revolution. I also loved the ride-or-die bond the sisters had. As far as the romance, I liked that Mariya chose to stay with Nikolas, even through his mental/emotional difficulties. Lastly, the narrator would switch very quickly to 3rd person POV, which could be confusing but I also see how it helped with the story.
What I didn’t like: There grammar/way it was written was hard to follow sometimes (possibly because there were so many commas and “…” constantly throughout any dialogue). I think there were some storylines and characters that were left unfinished. The paranormal aspect was never explained (i.e. the shadows, lights flickering) and what was the purpose of Konstantin’s character? Also, were Sofia and Viktor together at the end or not?
Overall, I enjoyed the setting and world building. The main characters were likable and you wanted to root for them. I think the romance aspect was lacking, it would have been nice to see Nikolas fight for Mariya after she left, and the story/pacing could be polished.
What I didn’t like: There grammar/way it was written was hard to follow sometimes (possibly because there were so many commas and “…” constantly throughout any dialogue). I think there were some storylines and characters that were left unfinished. The paranormal aspect was never explained (i.e. the shadows, lights flickering) and what was the purpose of Konstantin’s character? Also, were Sofia and Viktor together at the end or not?
Overall, I enjoyed the setting and world building. The main characters were likable and you wanted to root for them. I think the romance aspect was lacking, it would have been nice to see Nikolas fight for Mariya after she left, and the story/pacing could be polished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
The Laboratory Assistant blends the unrest of pre-revolutionary Russia with a dark, gothic laboratory setting, immediately drawing me in. Experiencing the story through the Sokolov family added real emotional weight, while the novel’s focus on romance, intensity, and the complex moral dynamics between the protagonists created a haunting, immersive atmosphere.
The tension between Mariya and Nikolas was so much fun. I went from go to him or wait, maybe not to oh don’t listen to me girl, run to hiiiiiiim. When she finally stopped listening to me & stopped doubting herself, shew doggies, that scene was 🌶️🌶️🌶️. This sense of attraction, paired with a well-developed roster of supporting characters, had me tearing through the pages, eager to see what came next.
This hit perfectly as the moody historical romance I had been searching for, and it is one that will linger in my mind for a while. A moody, immersive historical novel that lingers in the mind and invites interpretation.
The tension between Mariya and Nikolas was so much fun. I went from go to him or wait, maybe not to oh don’t listen to me girl, run to hiiiiiiim. When she finally stopped listening to me & stopped doubting herself, shew doggies, that scene was 🌶️🌶️🌶️. This sense of attraction, paired with a well-developed roster of supporting characters, had me tearing through the pages, eager to see what came next.
This hit perfectly as the moody historical romance I had been searching for, and it is one that will linger in my mind for a while. A moody, immersive historical novel that lingers in the mind and invites interpretation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5🌟
Petrograd in Russia during 1916 was a time of food scarcity, inflation, and political unrest under the rule of the royal family influenced by Rasputin. The main character, Mariya, is the daughter trying to take care of her sick mother and sisters in the wake of her father's death that left them in financial ruin. He takes a position as an assistant to a mentally ill genius scientist. Their romance is a roller coaster ride of love and danger.
I enjoyed this story. The time it took place during and the glimpse into life in Russia after the first world war with tuberculosis and revolution. The push and pull of love with a mentally unstable genius. The cast of characters main and side were all interesting in their own way.
Thanks to Mindbuck Media, NetGalley and Natalia Loya for sending me an Arc to review.
Petrograd in Russia during 1916 was a time of food scarcity, inflation, and political unrest under the rule of the royal family influenced by Rasputin. The main character, Mariya, is the daughter trying to take care of her sick mother and sisters in the wake of her father's death that left them in financial ruin. He takes a position as an assistant to a mentally ill genius scientist. Their romance is a roller coaster ride of love and danger.
I enjoyed this story. The time it took place during and the glimpse into life in Russia after the first world war with tuberculosis and revolution. The push and pull of love with a mentally unstable genius. The cast of characters main and side were all interesting in their own way.
Thanks to Mindbuck Media, NetGalley and Natalia Loya for sending me an Arc to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Laboratory Assistant" by Natalia Loya is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story follows a laboratory assistant who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and danger within her workplace.
The author does a fantastic job of building suspense and creating an atmosphere of unease. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit slow. However, the strong writing and compelling storyline more than made up for it.
Overall, I highly recommend "The Laboratory Assistant" to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller with a unique setting. I'm looking forward to reading more from Natalia Loya in the future.
The author does a fantastic job of building suspense and creating an atmosphere of unease. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit slow. However, the strong writing and compelling storyline more than made up for it.
Overall, I highly recommend "The Laboratory Assistant" to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller with a unique setting. I'm looking forward to reading more from Natalia Loya in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Natalia Loya.
It seems like most historical fiction is set during WWII these days which makes this story taking place in 1917 Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution unique. The details of the revolution enhance the story without overtaking the focus on the relationships between the main characters.
While there is a love story at the heart of this book it is about more than just the dynamic between those two main characters. It also focuses on the relationships between sisters and their struggles to keep their family afloat during the revolution and two friends who have taken care of each other for decades to become more like brothers.
The ending wraps up the story nicely and left me feeling satisfied with the conclusion of the storylines.
It seems like most historical fiction is set during WWII these days which makes this story taking place in 1917 Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution unique. The details of the revolution enhance the story without overtaking the focus on the relationships between the main characters.
While there is a love story at the heart of this book it is about more than just the dynamic between those two main characters. It also focuses on the relationships between sisters and their struggles to keep their family afloat during the revolution and two friends who have taken care of each other for decades to become more like brothers.
The ending wraps up the story nicely and left me feeling satisfied with the conclusion of the storylines.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Library Assistant is a fast-paced novel that brings a fresh twist to the mad scientist genre. Set in Petrograd on the cusp of the Russian Revolution, the book provides a firsthand look at how the main character, Mariya, navigates class, work, and social upheaval.
While the plot focuses on a central romance, it also beautifully highlights themes of friendship, sisterhood, and mental illness.
Thank you to NetGalley and Apprentice House for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the plot focuses on a central romance, it also beautifully highlights themes of friendship, sisterhood, and mental illness.
Thank you to NetGalley and Apprentice House for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Laboratory Assistant was an interesting and suspenseful read which I struggled to put down, only doing so when I really had to!
I was captivated by the location the book was set in and thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Mariya and Nikolas, as their friendship with the psychiatrist.
This was a brilliant read and I’m giving it 4.5, rounded up to 5.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
I was captivated by the location the book was set in and thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Mariya and Nikolas, as their friendship with the psychiatrist.
This was a brilliant read and I’m giving it 4.5, rounded up to 5.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
March 4, 2026
the first 20-40% was exactly what i wanted but then it started to get boring. the only interesting part was the mad scientist bit and that wasn’t even a big part of the story it seemed. cover is pretty though.
2.5-2.75⭐️
2.5-2.75⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The most perfect historical fiction/romance. I have no doubt that if I hadn’t needed to go to work, it would’ve been an under 24 hour read for me.
Mariya is taxed with keeping her family afloat after her father’s death in the military and her mother being gripped with consumption. After abruptly quitting her factory job, her younger sister found her a position assisting a doctor. Turns out he does research on curing consumption after his late fiance passed from it. Dr Rodin takes Mariya on a wild ride of learning science while dealing with his mental illness.
Mariya is taxed with keeping her family afloat after her father’s death in the military and her mother being gripped with consumption. After abruptly quitting her factory job, her younger sister found her a position assisting a doctor. Turns out he does research on curing consumption after his late fiance passed from it. Dr Rodin takes Mariya on a wild ride of learning science while dealing with his mental illness.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews