The Laboratory Assistant

by Natalia Loya

In a city on the brink of revolution, science and passion offer their own strains of violence.

Petrograd, 1916 After her aristocratic family's fall from fortune, Mariya is desperate to survive - and to support her widowed mother and sisters. Matters alleviate when she finds work as an assistant to Dr. Nikolas Rodin, a reclusive scientist. Though the job makes ends meet, she is soon pulled into his strange and secretive a world of flickering gaslights, whispered experiments, and a man whose brilliance is as alluring as it is unstable.

Tuberculosis and revolution both ravage Russia. And as political unrest swells and illness creeps closer, Mariya finds herself torn between a future of safety and a love that threatens to unravel everything. But in the dark corridors of the laboratory, nothing is as it seems - and the line between devotion and danger disappears entirely.

Darkly romantic and steeped in suspense, THE LABORATORY ASSISTANT explores the perilous chemistry of desire, madness, and the choices that haunt us.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Kristen Weeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🌶️

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixing a historical, Russian setting with a suspenseful, Gothic atmosphere was an interesting concept. I liked how the author was able to weave together the many fragile circumstances that ultimately led to the Russian Revolution. Mariya and her family face very real threats with the political unrest of the time. Yet the violence of the Bolshevik riots felt secondary to the despair these characters felt from the Tuberculosis epidemic that was equally rampaging the city of Petrograd in 1916. I've never read anything that touched on this, and I thought it was very well done. The writing was immersive in that respect. The writing gets very atmospheric once Mariya starts working with Nikolas in his lab. The doctor is very obsessive with his experiments, and his mental health deteriorates. Mariya's anxiety for his health and the recurring ethical questions she has surrounding his experiments take on an almost paranormal aspect with the descriptions she gives of demonic black tendrils coming out of shadows whenever she witnessed him in an episode. I quite liked that depiction because I'm sure very little was understood of schizophrenia during that time period, and it probably did feel paranormal in nature to other people.

Unfortunately, I do not think that the characters were developed enough to match the atmospheric energy. I never fully understood who Mariya and the rest of the Sokolov family were. The writing often felt stiff and flat. Phrases like "the blonde", "the eldest Sokolov sibling," the eighteen-year old", "the former dancer", and "the general's daughter" gave the vaguest of insights. Those phrases would often come at random times during irrelevant plot points. It was an odd writing choice that held the text back considerably. Nikolas ended up being the most developed and interesting character, and that same effort should have been extended to Mariya.

[Renee Babcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was really intrigued by the premise and setting of this book. I love historical fiction, esp when it's not WWII fiction. Set in Bolshevik Russia, Mariya and her sisters are aristocrats who have fallen onto hard times after their father dies and leaves them with heavy debts. In addition their mother is ill with tuberculosis. They go from a life of privilege and wealth to just getting by. Mariya works daily to keep a roof over her head, send her sister to typing school and keep medicine for her mother.

She takes a job as a lab assistant to the mysterious Dr. Rodin. At first it seems the job will be fairly straightforward, and pays well. But the mystery (and romance) soon deepen.

This is usually exactly my kind of book. And I do think there are many who will really like this. But I found the execution didn't work for me. The writing was a big deterrent to my enjoyment. The author too often will refer to people by name, or as "the scientist" or "the laboratory assistant," sometimes changing in the same sentence, and it made no sense to me. The changes kept taking me out of the story. I also found Sophia really irritating and selfish - she was constantly complaining when Mariya had to "borrow" against their youngest sister's dowry for things like food and medicine without apparently doing much to actually help her family.

I also found it difficult to believe in the romance, because it seems to have come on so quickly without anything to show it's been growing.

I think the author did a good job with the sense of place, but the two point above really diminished my enjoyment overall.

I think there could be a lot of promise to this book with an additional, deep edit.

[Paul Wagenbreth · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Bookish Emili Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Laboratory Assistant is a gripping, atmospheric story that blends suspense, character‑driven drama, and a creeping sense of unease that grows with every chapter. Natalia Loya crafts a world that feels both intimate and claustrophobic—set against the sterile, humming backdrop of a laboratory where secrets simmer beneath fluorescent lights.

One of the strongest elements of the book is its slow‑burn tension. Loya builds suspense deliberately, allowing readers to feel the protagonist’s growing apprehension as relationships shift, boundaries blur, and the line between scientific curiosity and moral danger becomes increasingly thin. The story thrives on subtlety, letting dread accumulate in the quiet moments rather than relying on overt shock.

The protagonist is richly drawn, offering a compelling mix of ambition, vulnerability, and determination. As their world becomes more entangled with hidden motives and unexplained events, the emotional stakes rise, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery. Loya’s writing shines in these internal moments—her ability to capture doubt, desire, and fear feels both authentic and immersive.

If the novel has one drawback, it’s that the pacing in the middle can feel a little uneven. A few scenes linger longer than necessary, slowing momentum before the story ramps up again. However, the final act rewards the reader’s patience, delivering a satisfying reveal and a well‑earned payoff.

Overall, The Laboratory Assistant is an engaging and atmospheric read—perfect for those who love character‑focused suspense with a scientific twist. Loya’s storytelling is confident and immersive, making this a standout novel that earns a strong four stars.

[The Little Black Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Review:

This novel has some good things going for it in terms of concept. Set in Petrograd, Russia on the brink of the Bolshevik Revolution, the story follows Mariya Sokolov, the daughter of a fallen aristocratic family, and Dr. Nikolas Rodin, a brilliant biochemist struggling with severe mental illness, as they work together to find a cure for tuberculosis. The political unrest, combined with the constant threat of consumption, creates a strong sense of dread and an overall suspenseful atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the characters fell flat for me. The relationship between Mariya and Dr. Rodin was especially underdeveloped. A few neutral conversations are followed by randomly inserted physical moments, and then the reader is informed the characters are in love. I never felt an emotional connection between them, or that they truly knew one another. As a reader, I also feel like I don’t know much about the characters other than basic facts.

The plot was extremely predictable, nothing surprised me at all. On top of that, the writing style made it difficult to stay immersed. The book rarely uses the main character’s names, instead referring to them throughout the entire book with descriptors such as “the young woman”, “the assistant”, or “the scientist,” which made the narrative feel impersonal and even confusing at times. There were moments where the prose didn’t quite land. Phrases like “the fuzzed dim of nightfall coated the moon” came across as more odd than atmospheric.

Overall, while I appreciated the concept and the atmosphere, the flat characterization, underdeveloped relationship, and uneven writing made it difficult to stay engaged with this novel.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petrograd, 1916. A basement laboratory. A scientist who may or may not be losing his mind. I picked this up for the dark gothic vibes and I was completely pulled in.

This has massive Noctadia by Keri Lake energy — but grounded entirely in history. The tuberculosis panic, the way people froze when someone coughed across a room, the Great War quietly hollowing everyone out, the Russian Revolution building like a storm you can feel coming from the first page. Natalia Loya writes pre-revolutionary Russia like she lived there.

Mariya is twenty-three and carrying her entire family on her back. Factory wages. A dying mother. Two younger sisters. When she gets a job in Dr. Rodin's laboratory she takes it because she has no other choice — and then a dead body turns up, Dr. Rodin reveals he has an unapproved cure for tuberculosis, and everything gets morally complicated fast. The romance between them is heavy and uncomfortable and I couldn't look away. There's a revolution breaking in the background, a sister getting arrested, a kidnapping, and an escape from Russia — and somehow it all holds together.

The one thing that tripped me up: I kept losing track of who was who. The same character gets called "the laboratory assistant," "the scientist" — sometimes all within the same scene. I actually wonder if it's intentional, like everyone in this world carries multiple identities, multiple versions of themselves. It would fit the gothic undertone perfectly. But in practice it pulled me out of the story a few times when I just wanted to sink deeper in.

The historical gothic atmosphere is what makes this one worth it. Natalia Loya writes pre-revolutionary Russia like she lived there — and that alone earned the four stars from me.

[NightOffTheShelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/2.5 for the initial intrigue. While intrigued by the premise, the time period, the subject of scientific discovery, and the unfortunate circumstances of the main characters, the writing style made it difficult to remain fully immersed. I wanted to know what was happening or going to happen, but halfway through the book, I still wasn't quite sure what story the author was trying to tell. I didn't mind how it ended, but the execution of the tale is what needed work, more fleshing out in parts and another edit or two. For me, it simply didn't "land."

The plot lags and advances in inconsistent waves. The language, while fanciful and appreciative, occasionally rambles into ambiguity rather than atmosphere. The author's proclivity for fanciful descriptions can be lyrical and informative but too many synonyms often obfuscated the narrative. There seemed to be a hint into the possibility of something supernatural, but that was never confirmed nor explored and the final few pages were extremely rushed after the many pages of time it took for ... certain other spoiler things to be developed completely. The characters didn't feel fully fleshed out, though we learned a lot about them factually, and the author's overuse of how they describe their characters often led to some confusion. For example, "The assistant," "the dancer," "the fallen aristocrat," "the daughter of failed fortune," "the girl," "the woman," "the young woman," etc. all described Mariya, oftentimes in a single chapter. And when this is applied to multiple characters in the same chapter, you can see how it can be an issue. All that said, I still managed to read until the end, but I can't say I was enthralled or invested.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

With two younger sisters and an ill mother Mariya needs to work to support her formally aristocratic family that has fallen upon hard times after her fathers death. However the life of an aristocratic daughter doesn’t really prepare one for most jobs in 1916 Petrograd, where everyone is starving. Then Mariya finds work as an assistant to a mysterious doctor, who has his own secrets that may put Mariya in danger.
I enjoyed this book, the combination of science and historical fiction is one of my favourite topics and I read the entire thing in the space of an evening. As someone who is a trained lab tech, I would have preferred more description of Mariya and Nikolas’ work in the laboratory, but I am aware that I am probably alone in that. The setting of Russia on the brink of revolution was an interesting one that I haven’t read a lot of before and I enjoyed the discussion of the issues that some with living in that period.
A major focus was tuberculosis which Dr Nikolas Rodin is trying to find a cure for and Mariya’s mother is suffering from, the discussion of contemporary research into TB and a cure was interesting. There was also discussion on mental health and learning disabilities.
Obviously Mariya falls in love with Nikolas but even as someone who doesn’t overly enjoy romance in most books I didn’t find it overpowering. Overall their care for each other was sweet. There were several spicy scenes one threw me as it seemed out of character for the point in relationship.
Overall it was a nice quick read in a time period and location that I haven’t explored much.

Thanks to the published and netgalley for an advanced copy of this book

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Petrograd in 1916, The Laboratory Assistant follows Mariya, the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family fallen on hard times, as she takes a position assisting the brilliant but troubled Dr. Nikolas Rodin. The premise is immediately compelling: A city simultaneously ravaged by tuberculosis and on the brink of revolutionary collapse, with one young woman navigating survival, loyalty to family, and an increasingly dangerous attachment.

What struck me first was the quality of the writing. The prose is sharp and atmospheric, and the characters feel genuinely alive. The dialogue in particular is a strength: Precise, memorable, and often quietly funny or quietly devastating. It's the kind of writing that earns real, involuntary reactions from the reader (me included, who broke into a grin or audibly gasped on more than one occasion during certain exchanges between the characters).

The book's second half escalates into something propulsive and suspenseful, with a cascade of decisions and consequences that's difficult to put down. Loya's treatment of the Bolshevik Revolution is refreshingly nuanced. This isn't a book with heroes and villains neatly assigned by class or political allegiance, rather it captures the moral ambiguity of how actual life works. Its historical backdrop is both fascinating and, at times, unsettling in its resonance with today’s headlines.

A strong debut. Recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with atmosphere, romance, and genuine suspense.

[Tonje Lien · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Colette TenEyck · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[Shanna Cater · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Marlo Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is still living in my head well after I finished it. Set in Petrograd on the cusp of the Russian Revolution, it features a strong female lead, a compelling mix of history and science, and a moody atmosphere that’s easy to sink into.

The lead character, Mariya, a young woman struggling to keep her family afloat after her father’s death, takes a job with a “mad scientist” type who’s boldly ahead of his peers but mentally unstable, leading to a series of previously unimaginable—and often terrifying or morally questionable—adventures.

Character relationships drive the story. Mariya’s dedication to her family, as well as how she manages her challenging job with the scientist, pulled me along quickly to see what would befall her next. Although romance isn’t the focus of the novel, the relationship that develops between Mariya and her employer adds a layer of complexity to her decisions (and gives us one delightfully spicy scene).

Historical fiction isn’t my usual genre, but overall I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes a well-crafted, suspenseful story that lingers.

[Alexis Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fine historical novel - my favorite genre - deeply romantic and brimming with suspense. It’s a story of resilience and hope.

It’s 1916 in St Petersburg amid the dying days of the Romanovs, Mariya’s aristocratic family has fallen from fortune and she is looking for ways to support her widowed mother and sisters. She finds work with a reclusive scientist, Dr. Nikolas Rodin, as a laboratory assistant. Rodin is mysterious and alluring. Mariya is drawn into secrets as Rodin searches for a cure to tuberculosis bur she realizes Rodin’s work might impact more than just medical research. Literally, the laboratory work mirrors the frenzied decline of social order. Survival is key to this story. How will Mariya reconcile her morals with Rodin’s work?

The book is very nicely written and paced. It’s perfect fit for lovers of gothic historical fiction with medical references

My thanks to NetGalley and Mindbuck Media for allowing me access to this ARC.

[Herbibliomaniac · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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.

[Pawel Kostulak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is set in the political turmoil of pre-revolutionary Russia and follows a young woman and her all-female family as they struggle to survive after losing their social and economic standing.
The protagonist faces numerous challenges arising from harsh economic realities, hunger, disease, and political violence. A newfound love for a young scientist who helps stabilize her economic situation forces her to confront difficult ethical questions.
The author tells the story with clarity and skill, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
While 1916 Petrograd provides a perfect backdrop for the novel, the story feels universal and relevant beyond its historical setting.
The narration flows effortlessly, making it difficult to put the book down. Highly recommended. I hope there is a sequel.

[kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Laboratory Assistant, we follow Mariya and her efforts to keep her family afloat after the unfortunate circumstances her family finds themselves in. She ends up finding a job with Dr. Nikolas Rodin. Wow! What an eerie book. The author did a phenomenal job of depicting the Petrograd setting and the struggles of the citizens. It is also clear the author put effort into depicting the laboratory and the science. It further immersed me in the story, in a thorough but digestible way. This book drew me in and still has me reeling after finishing it. I loved not only the main characters stories, but the side characters as well. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy romantic historical fiction, strong female characters, and very moody characters. Although, I am still curious about Nikolas and his disorder, and would be interested to get further insight into it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the Russian Revolution, this is the story of a fallen aristocrat who becomes the laboratory assistant to an "afflicted" scientist. The scientist has made it his life's work to find a cure for Tuberculosis, no matter if his methods are by the books, or not. The story line is packed full of tumultuous rebellion setting, family drama, beautiful characters and relationships, and a budding love story, and so much more (trying to avoid spoilers here lol).

I flew through this book in an afternoon, and absolutely ate it up! It was atmospheric, suspenseful, creepy, with Gothic vibes, and so fast paced! If you loved Nocticadia, or The Exorcism of Fairies, you will love this too!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC!
#netgalley #thelabratoryassistant

[Emily Kowalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[TBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an atmospheric, character-driven, well-researched story set in 1916 Russia about a struggling girl named Mariya. Set against the backdrop of threats of tuberculosis and political unrest, this story was an unsettling commentary about a dark historical period. The only things keeping this from being a solid five star read is the inconsistent pacing. It moved too quickly (almost too rapidly that it missed some of the emotional impacts) while many parts dragged with more than necessary details about the setting. Though the main characters were likable, their chemistry felt forced.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you Natalia Loya, Mindbuck Media, and NetGalley for this ARC!

[HonestlybookedJulie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up mainly for the historical setting and that was definitely the standout for me. Pre-revolutionary Russia felt really fresh and quite bleak, and I loved that constant sense of tension running through the story. It’s very character-driven, which I didn’t mind, and I did really enjoy the romance element as well. It didn’t take over the story and felt quite natural overall. It is a bit slow to start and drags slightly in places, but once it gets going I was really invested. Overall, a solid read if you like historical fiction with a bit of atmosphere and emotion.

[Robert L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amid the upheaval of the approaching Russian Revolution, Mariya Sokolova, the oldest daughter of an impoverished aristocratic family, must support her two younger sisters as well as her dying mother, whose frail body is racked with consumption. Mariya is desperate to rescue her family from the brink of starvation, and when she finds employment with a handsome, yet troubled young scientist who is working on a cure for tuberculosis, The Laboratory Assistant’s values and beliefs are changed forever.

Natalia Loya’s debut novel delivers a meticulously well crafted story that is both gut-wrenching and suspenseful.

I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sipping Sentences · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Skylar Keeton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review
The Laboratory Assistant by Natalia Loya
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Mindbuck Mediafor providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was captivating and suspenseful, and I enjoyed reading it!!
You can tell the author put in a lot of thought and work into making the book as historically accurate as they could while also keeping their own flair to make the story unique and their own. It was as very well written and the author did a wonderful job!!
#TheLaboratoryAssistant #NetGalley

[sads · Rating 3 out of 5]

arc received from netgalley ! i was excited for this book, the premise was very intriguing; diving into the book, the eerie, gothic atmosphere was so immersive and interesting to read but that was the only part i really enjoyed lol. the characters felt very underdeveloped, especially mariya?? mariya as a character didn't really speak to me, she felt very flat. her relationship with rodkin was also something that felt very rushed, i wish we could've seen more development and maybe even rodkin's pov (i wish this was a dual pov story lol)

[Bepis.・✫・゜・。. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!