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Golden Boy
At an ancient Scottish university where neo-Gothic spires claw at grey skies and fog settles thick around granite walls, eighteen-year-old Felix arrives hoping to outrun the shadows of his past. He quickly falls under the spell of five strangers who will change the course of his life forever: fierce Jess, who becomes his anchor; quiet Julian, with his cutting truths; the Sarah duo, one magnetic, one thoughtful; and Colin—golden-haired, impossible, the kind of boy who makes Felix forget his own name.
For a brief, shimmering moment, it feels like home: Late nights and shared secrets, cheap wine and the dangerous comfort of being chosen. One reckless night that changes everything. A budding connection with Filip, a teaching assistant who notices what others miss. But as Felix learns about the darkest corners of the human mind under renowned Professor Lorna Baird, the world outside grows darker too—the Aberdeen Ripper, a serial killer who terrorised the city years ago, has returned.
When Jess becomes his next victim, her death sends fractures splintering through everything Felix thought he understood. The friends he trusted. The boy he wanted. The person he was trying to become. In the wreckage, Felix begins to realise the danger was never only out there in the dark.
Her final gift: a lighter and three words, “Keep shining bright.” But in the clock tower that becomes his sanctuary, Felix will discover that not every murder is what it seems. And sometimes the real monsters are the ones we let closest.
For a brief, shimmering moment, it feels like home: Late nights and shared secrets, cheap wine and the dangerous comfort of being chosen. One reckless night that changes everything. A budding connection with Filip, a teaching assistant who notices what others miss. But as Felix learns about the darkest corners of the human mind under renowned Professor Lorna Baird, the world outside grows darker too—the Aberdeen Ripper, a serial killer who terrorised the city years ago, has returned.
When Jess becomes his next victim, her death sends fractures splintering through everything Felix thought he understood. The friends he trusted. The boy he wanted. The person he was trying to become. In the wreckage, Felix begins to realise the danger was never only out there in the dark.
Her final gift: a lighter and three words, “Keep shining bright.” But in the clock tower that becomes his sanctuary, Felix will discover that not every murder is what it seems. And sometimes the real monsters are the ones we let closest.
- GenresLGBT
ebook
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 24, 2026
3.75⭐️ Golden Boy is a dark psychological thriller set around university life, complicated family relationships and a serial killer mystery.
I’ll be honest, it took me a little while to properly get into this one. Freddie Braun has a different style of writing to what I’m used to, so I needed some time to adjust and find my rhythm. Once I did, I started to enjoy the story much more.
We follow Felix, a fresher starting university life in Aberdeen, who soon finds himself caught up in something much darker. A body is discovered near campus and suddenly there’s talk that the Aberdeen Ripper has resurfaced.
The murders are brutal, with teeth ripped out using pliers and bodies left unrecognisable. Each killing seems to get worse, creating a dark and unsettling atmosphere throughout the story.
What stood out to me was the way the story explores fear, jealousy and desire, and how these emotions can reveal a very different side of people. The family relationships and complicated characters add another layer to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded.
One moment that really got me was finding out Jess had died. She had made Felix happy, so I genuinely felt that sadness with him. I actually gasped when I found out. Jess lying motionless in the snow was such a haunting and sad image, and it stayed with me.
I also liked the mystery surrounding the Aberdeen Ripper and watching Felix try to make sense of what was happening around him. There was plenty going on beneath the surface, and I enjoyed discovering how the different pieces fitted together.
Overall, I enjoyed this dark and unsettling psychological thriller. It wasn’t a book that had me completely hooked, but I liked the story, the characters and the darker elements, and I’m glad I stuck with it.
Thank you to NetGalley, NineStar Press, and the author Freddie Braun for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: May 18th, 2026
I’ll be honest, it took me a little while to properly get into this one. Freddie Braun has a different style of writing to what I’m used to, so I needed some time to adjust and find my rhythm. Once I did, I started to enjoy the story much more.
We follow Felix, a fresher starting university life in Aberdeen, who soon finds himself caught up in something much darker. A body is discovered near campus and suddenly there’s talk that the Aberdeen Ripper has resurfaced.
The murders are brutal, with teeth ripped out using pliers and bodies left unrecognisable. Each killing seems to get worse, creating a dark and unsettling atmosphere throughout the story.
What stood out to me was the way the story explores fear, jealousy and desire, and how these emotions can reveal a very different side of people. The family relationships and complicated characters add another layer to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how everything unfolded.
One moment that really got me was finding out Jess had died. She had made Felix happy, so I genuinely felt that sadness with him. I actually gasped when I found out. Jess lying motionless in the snow was such a haunting and sad image, and it stayed with me.
I also liked the mystery surrounding the Aberdeen Ripper and watching Felix try to make sense of what was happening around him. There was plenty going on beneath the surface, and I enjoyed discovering how the different pieces fitted together.
Overall, I enjoyed this dark and unsettling psychological thriller. It wasn’t a book that had me completely hooked, but I liked the story, the characters and the darker elements, and I’m glad I stuck with it.
Thank you to NetGalley, NineStar Press, and the author Freddie Braun for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: May 18th, 2026
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Did Not Finish
September 12, 2026ARC
DNF @ 20%
I can’t stand the writing style which sucks because this is dark academia, one of my fav settings and tropes. ☹️
DNF @ 20%
I can’t stand the writing style which sucks because this is dark academia, one of my fav settings and tropes. ☹️
August 30, 2026
This book REALLY read like ai. Excessive similes, not this, it’s this, etc. I even googled the publisher to see if they looked real and then tried to keep going but had to stop again. Either this is ai or just extremely cliche writing..
September 25, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. My thanks to them, and to the publisher for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. It did such a good job caputring the feeling of being in colllege, and the complex and often confusing relationships with friends and family. The intensity of everything feeling so much more overwhelming, and intense. Of being a part of a larger world, but also a bit lost in your own world, and your own concerns. I like how the Ripper murders formed a backdrop to the story that informed everything that happens, but are also a distance as well. As if they were living in a bubble, and everything that happened outside of that sheltered world couldn't touch them. Until it did. The characters felt well drawn, and complex, and I liked how they fell apart, and came back together over the course of the story. I liked how you could tell each of them were stugglng to find their place in the world in their own way, and how that impacted their understanding of one another. I liked the transition of the story to that time after college. To the time when your stuggling to find your footing, and you're discovering what it is you really want, and what you need to do to start to find that. The ending felt honest to the story, and I was pleased by Colin's growth over the course of the story. His strength, and conviction at the end was impressive. Overall a beautiful story told in an honest manner. The writing really brought their world to life, and I am so glad I read it.
I really enjoyed this story. It did such a good job caputring the feeling of being in colllege, and the complex and often confusing relationships with friends and family. The intensity of everything feeling so much more overwhelming, and intense. Of being a part of a larger world, but also a bit lost in your own world, and your own concerns. I like how the Ripper murders formed a backdrop to the story that informed everything that happens, but are also a distance as well. As if they were living in a bubble, and everything that happened outside of that sheltered world couldn't touch them. Until it did. The characters felt well drawn, and complex, and I liked how they fell apart, and came back together over the course of the story. I liked how you could tell each of them were stugglng to find their place in the world in their own way, and how that impacted their understanding of one another. I liked the transition of the story to that time after college. To the time when your stuggling to find your footing, and you're discovering what it is you really want, and what you need to do to start to find that. The ending felt honest to the story, and I was pleased by Colin's growth over the course of the story. His strength, and conviction at the end was impressive. Overall a beautiful story told in an honest manner. The writing really brought their world to life, and I am so glad I read it.
September 28, 2026
Golden Boy is a queer, coming of age story, that follows Felix, a fresher at a university in Aberdeen, and his housemates, during the time in which a serial killer, known as the Aberdeen Ripper, is resurfacing.
The concept of this story was interesting, it had features of love and friendship, as well as jealousy and fear in a time when many young people are still learning who they are.
In a way, the murders aren’t the full focus of the story, it’s more of a backdrop, but an important one that does play a large role in story. Ultimately, it’s about those first years the characters spend in university and their relationships to each other.
Having said that, I honestly felt quite unsettled reading this. The underlying fear of a killer, and the fear it leaves on those in the area really came through, and quite frankly, creeped me out at times!
The romance was an important aspect of the story also. I loved how Felix’s conversation with Jess about his sexuality was so casual, rather than being a big fanfare coming out, he was just able to be himself and be completely loved in doing so.
Although the romance’s were an important aspect of the story, I actually don’t know how to discuss them without spoiling anything. So I’ll just say that I loved how they were written, and how it was shown how much relationships, whether they end up working out or not, can have such an impact on the person we become.
I think my main issues with this book were just that the writing style itself left something to be desired. I can’t really identify what specifically the issue was, I think at times, some of it maybe just read as a little robotic to me.
Otherwise, I would say this is a fun, and interesting dark academic novel, that can easily be read in one sitting!
June 28, 2026
Beautiful story of young adults exploring their feelings and understanding themselves. The descriptions were poetic and the characters were all memorable. It felt raw and real which had been much needed after too many fantasy reads!
P.s I hope there is a book 2… IYKYK
P.s I hope there is a book 2… IYKYK
October 5, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I’m a bit conflicted here… I think the story itself is decent enough, though the writing was very soft. I don’t want to accuse an author of using AI, but there are some signs AI was used - repetitive writing structures, an insane amount of em dashes, and some nonsensical details. The switches between first and third person were also strange. Maybe lazy writing? I don’t think we needed Jess’s third person POV when the author could have kept Felix’s first person POV and still reveal some of the same information.
I do like that we never really got an explanation about who the serial killer was and that it wasn’t a mystery book.
2.5 stars… maybe higher if the author proves they didn’t use AI?
I’m a bit conflicted here… I think the story itself is decent enough, though the writing was very soft. I don’t want to accuse an author of using AI, but there are some signs AI was used - repetitive writing structures, an insane amount of em dashes, and some nonsensical details. The switches between first and third person were also strange. Maybe lazy writing? I don’t think we needed Jess’s third person POV when the author could have kept Felix’s first person POV and still reveal some of the same information.
I do like that we never really got an explanation about who the serial killer was and that it wasn’t a mystery book.
2.5 stars… maybe higher if the author proves they didn’t use AI?
September 5, 2026
I think there's something here, I really do, but it feels like just too much. Maybe it's a personal preference from me, but the florid writing just feels like it's trying too hard and I couldn't sink into the story as much as I wanted to. It was very hard to try and have empathy for a character that I felt was always trying to prove how smart they are.
June 11, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Golden Boy is a contemporary work set largely in Aberdeen, Scotland, with a few of the final chapters set in London. The story revolves mostly around Felix, but there are chapters where the story unfolds through the lens of other characters–notably Jess. Typically, each chapter has a single narrator and the chapters are long, but often subdivided with an icon, which helped me pace my reading.
On the whole, this wasn’t exactly the book I thought it was, but it ended up being so much more than I was expecting. I love the paradox of feeling close to these characters, while also feeling like they’re still strangers–that was the magic of Braun’s storytelling style.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Golden Boy is a contemporary work set largely in Aberdeen, Scotland, with a few of the final chapters set in London. The story revolves mostly around Felix, but there are chapters where the story unfolds through the lens of other characters–notably Jess. Typically, each chapter has a single narrator and the chapters are long, but often subdivided with an icon, which helped me pace my reading.
On the whole, this wasn’t exactly the book I thought it was, but it ended up being so much more than I was expecting. I love the paradox of feeling close to these characters, while also feeling like they’re still strangers–that was the magic of Braun’s storytelling style.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 19, 2026
⭐⭐⭐½
**Golden Boy by Freddie Braun**
I went into *Golden Boy* really intrigued by the description because queer dark academia, a group of university students becoming dangerously entangled with one another, and a serial killer mystery is such an interesting combination. Set against an ancient Scottish university surrounded by gothic architecture, fog, secrets, and complicated relationships, this book definitely has the kind of atmosphere that pulled me in. It has that feeling of being both beautiful and unsettling at the same time, where the people you meet can quickly become your entire world, while you slowly start to realise that you might not actually know them as well as you thought.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the atmosphere. The Scottish university setting worked incredibly well for a dark academia story. The neo-Gothic buildings, grey skies, fog, granite walls, clock towers, and general sense of isolation created such a moody backdrop for Felix's story. I could really picture him wandering around the university and finding places that felt separate from the rest of the world. The clock tower in particular became such an interesting part of the story, especially as it turns into Felix's sanctuary. There is something about using an old university filled with history and secrets as the setting for a psychological thriller that just works.
Felix was also a character I found myself wanting to understand. He arrives at university carrying the weight of his past and wanting to become someone different, which immediately gives him an interesting starting point. I liked watching him become increasingly attached to this group of people who initially seem to offer him exactly what he has been looking for. There is a real sense of Felix finally finding somewhere he belongs, and I think that made everything that happens later feel even more impactful.
The group of friends was probably one of the most interesting aspects of the book for me because everyone has such a different personality. Jess especially stood out to me as Felix's anchor. Their friendship gave the story some much-needed warmth, and I liked the feeling that these people were becoming a found family for Felix. Julian, with his cutting honesty, added another layer to the group, while the two Sarahs brought their own different personalities and dynamics. Then there is Colin, the golden-haired boy who completely captures Felix's attention.
The relationship between Felix and Colin was definitely one of the parts I was most curious about. There is something almost intoxicating about the way Felix becomes so captivated by him, and I thought this worked really well with the overall themes of the book. *Golden Boy* is interested in the way people can become obsessed with one another and how easily attraction, admiration, friendship, and dependence can become tangled together. Sometimes the people who make you feel most seen can also be the people who have the greatest ability to hurt you.
I also liked the queer elements of the story and the way Felix's relationships are allowed to be complicated. This isn't a story where every relationship is necessarily healthy or straightforward, and I think that fits the darker tone really well. There is a lot of emotional intensity surrounding Felix and the people he becomes close to, and the book explores that messy period of becoming an adult where you are still figuring out who you are, who you want around you, and how much of yourself you are willing to give to other people.
The introduction of Filip, the teaching assistant who notices things about Felix that others overlook, was another element I enjoyed. His presence gives Felix another connection outside of the main friend group and adds a slightly different dynamic to the story. I liked that Felix's relationships weren't limited to one particular person or group and that the book kept adding different perspectives on who he was becoming.
Then there is the Aberdeen Ripper storyline, which gives the book its thriller element. The idea that a serial killer who terrorised the city years ago has returned immediately raises the stakes, especially when Jess becomes a victim. Her death is such an important turning point for Felix because it completely destroys the sense of safety he had created around himself. Suddenly, the people and relationships he thought he understood become much harder to trust.
I thought the mystery worked particularly well because it isn't just about trying to figure out who the killer is. It is also about figuring out who the people around Felix really are. The further the story progresses, the more the line between what is happening outside Felix and what is happening within his own circle begins to blur. I enjoyed that psychological element because it meant the danger wasn't simply something distant that Felix could run away from.
The themes of friendship, belonging, obsession, grief, identity, and discovering who you are were some of my favourite parts. I especially liked the idea that Felix arrives at university wanting to outrun his past, only to discover that reinventing yourself doesn't necessarily mean leaving everything behind. Sometimes you carry parts of your past with you whether you want to or not.
Jess's final gift to Felix, the lighter and the words “Keep shining bright,” was also a moment that stayed with me. Without getting into spoilers, I thought the symbolism of the lighter worked beautifully alongside the darkness of the story. It feels like a small object that gradually becomes something much more meaningful, especially as Felix tries to make sense of everything that has happened.
That said, this wasn't quite a five-star read for me. There were moments where I wanted a little more development, particularly with some of the characters and relationships. With such a large cast of complicated people, I sometimes felt like I wanted more time with certain characters to fully understand their motivations. There were also parts of the pacing that felt a little uneven for me, especially as the story moves between its character-driven university drama and the darker thriller elements.
I also think the book's psychological nature means that some things are intentionally left feeling uncertain, which worked for the overall atmosphere but occasionally left me wanting a little more clarity. I enjoy ambiguous stories, but there were moments where I found myself wishing I had slightly more information to connect everything together.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed *Golden Boy*. It has such a strong dark-academia atmosphere, an interesting queer cast, complicated relationships, a creepy university setting, and a mystery that gradually makes Felix question the people closest to him. I especially liked the exploration of finding your people and the darker side of that experience when the people you trust might not be who you thought they were.
If you're looking for a moody queer thriller with dark academia vibes, complicated friendships, psychological tension, and a university setting full of secrets, I think *Golden Boy* is definitely worth checking out. It wasn't a completely flawless read for me, but there was a lot here that I enjoyed, and I especially appreciated the atmosphere and the exploration of Felix's relationships and identity.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
**Golden Boy by Freddie Braun**
I went into *Golden Boy* really intrigued by the description because queer dark academia, a group of university students becoming dangerously entangled with one another, and a serial killer mystery is such an interesting combination. Set against an ancient Scottish university surrounded by gothic architecture, fog, secrets, and complicated relationships, this book definitely has the kind of atmosphere that pulled me in. It has that feeling of being both beautiful and unsettling at the same time, where the people you meet can quickly become your entire world, while you slowly start to realise that you might not actually know them as well as you thought.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the atmosphere. The Scottish university setting worked incredibly well for a dark academia story. The neo-Gothic buildings, grey skies, fog, granite walls, clock towers, and general sense of isolation created such a moody backdrop for Felix's story. I could really picture him wandering around the university and finding places that felt separate from the rest of the world. The clock tower in particular became such an interesting part of the story, especially as it turns into Felix's sanctuary. There is something about using an old university filled with history and secrets as the setting for a psychological thriller that just works.
Felix was also a character I found myself wanting to understand. He arrives at university carrying the weight of his past and wanting to become someone different, which immediately gives him an interesting starting point. I liked watching him become increasingly attached to this group of people who initially seem to offer him exactly what he has been looking for. There is a real sense of Felix finally finding somewhere he belongs, and I think that made everything that happens later feel even more impactful.
The group of friends was probably one of the most interesting aspects of the book for me because everyone has such a different personality. Jess especially stood out to me as Felix's anchor. Their friendship gave the story some much-needed warmth, and I liked the feeling that these people were becoming a found family for Felix. Julian, with his cutting honesty, added another layer to the group, while the two Sarahs brought their own different personalities and dynamics. Then there is Colin, the golden-haired boy who completely captures Felix's attention.
The relationship between Felix and Colin was definitely one of the parts I was most curious about. There is something almost intoxicating about the way Felix becomes so captivated by him, and I thought this worked really well with the overall themes of the book. *Golden Boy* is interested in the way people can become obsessed with one another and how easily attraction, admiration, friendship, and dependence can become tangled together. Sometimes the people who make you feel most seen can also be the people who have the greatest ability to hurt you.
I also liked the queer elements of the story and the way Felix's relationships are allowed to be complicated. This isn't a story where every relationship is necessarily healthy or straightforward, and I think that fits the darker tone really well. There is a lot of emotional intensity surrounding Felix and the people he becomes close to, and the book explores that messy period of becoming an adult where you are still figuring out who you are, who you want around you, and how much of yourself you are willing to give to other people.
The introduction of Filip, the teaching assistant who notices things about Felix that others overlook, was another element I enjoyed. His presence gives Felix another connection outside of the main friend group and adds a slightly different dynamic to the story. I liked that Felix's relationships weren't limited to one particular person or group and that the book kept adding different perspectives on who he was becoming.
Then there is the Aberdeen Ripper storyline, which gives the book its thriller element. The idea that a serial killer who terrorised the city years ago has returned immediately raises the stakes, especially when Jess becomes a victim. Her death is such an important turning point for Felix because it completely destroys the sense of safety he had created around himself. Suddenly, the people and relationships he thought he understood become much harder to trust.
I thought the mystery worked particularly well because it isn't just about trying to figure out who the killer is. It is also about figuring out who the people around Felix really are. The further the story progresses, the more the line between what is happening outside Felix and what is happening within his own circle begins to blur. I enjoyed that psychological element because it meant the danger wasn't simply something distant that Felix could run away from.
The themes of friendship, belonging, obsession, grief, identity, and discovering who you are were some of my favourite parts. I especially liked the idea that Felix arrives at university wanting to outrun his past, only to discover that reinventing yourself doesn't necessarily mean leaving everything behind. Sometimes you carry parts of your past with you whether you want to or not.
Jess's final gift to Felix, the lighter and the words “Keep shining bright,” was also a moment that stayed with me. Without getting into spoilers, I thought the symbolism of the lighter worked beautifully alongside the darkness of the story. It feels like a small object that gradually becomes something much more meaningful, especially as Felix tries to make sense of everything that has happened.
That said, this wasn't quite a five-star read for me. There were moments where I wanted a little more development, particularly with some of the characters and relationships. With such a large cast of complicated people, I sometimes felt like I wanted more time with certain characters to fully understand their motivations. There were also parts of the pacing that felt a little uneven for me, especially as the story moves between its character-driven university drama and the darker thriller elements.
I also think the book's psychological nature means that some things are intentionally left feeling uncertain, which worked for the overall atmosphere but occasionally left me wanting a little more clarity. I enjoy ambiguous stories, but there were moments where I found myself wishing I had slightly more information to connect everything together.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed *Golden Boy*. It has such a strong dark-academia atmosphere, an interesting queer cast, complicated relationships, a creepy university setting, and a mystery that gradually makes Felix question the people closest to him. I especially liked the exploration of finding your people and the darker side of that experience when the people you trust might not be who you thought they were.
If you're looking for a moody queer thriller with dark academia vibes, complicated friendships, psychological tension, and a university setting full of secrets, I think *Golden Boy* is definitely worth checking out. It wasn't a completely flawless read for me, but there was a lot here that I enjoyed, and I especially appreciated the atmosphere and the exploration of Felix's relationships and identity.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
September 28, 2026
(ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Golden Boy is a queer coming of age story that dips in and out of the lives of a group of friends during university and post-university life. It is primarily from the point of view of one character. It's not a coming out story. Homophobia exists in the world but is barely a concerning presence. It deals with intense friendships, early loves, and how those two types of relationships can strain each other.
What stood out the most to me was how the story mostly reflects the randomness of real life. Some characters float in and out without any real narrative need. There is a thread carried through the entire novel with a payoff but there are elements that in a more cliched story would have had a more significant presence and narrative purpose. It was refreshing in a way because it subverts tropes by being like "that was just a thing that also happened, that's not what this story is about." It also has the vibes of a TV show that was on for many years and someone told you which episodes were really worth watching.
I always appreciate a gay story that avoids the unrealistic "it gets better" approach. This story is not toxically positive nor is it bitter or cynical. It's just a series of ups and downs and trying to learn from those experiences.
It wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be. The main character is a type of person I can find annoying. But I won't have a problem recommending it.
Golden Boy is a queer coming of age story that dips in and out of the lives of a group of friends during university and post-university life. It is primarily from the point of view of one character. It's not a coming out story. Homophobia exists in the world but is barely a concerning presence. It deals with intense friendships, early loves, and how those two types of relationships can strain each other.
What stood out the most to me was how the story mostly reflects the randomness of real life. Some characters float in and out without any real narrative need. There is a thread carried through the entire novel with a payoff but there are elements that in a more cliched story would have had a more significant presence and narrative purpose. It was refreshing in a way because it subverts tropes by being like "that was just a thing that also happened, that's not what this story is about." It also has the vibes of a TV show that was on for many years and someone told you which episodes were really worth watching.
I always appreciate a gay story that avoids the unrealistic "it gets better" approach. This story is not toxically positive nor is it bitter or cynical. It's just a series of ups and downs and trying to learn from those experiences.
It wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be. The main character is a type of person I can find annoying. But I won't have a problem recommending it.
September 30, 2026
Golden Boy follows Felix and his friends through their time at the University of Aberdeen. The threat of a serial killer — known as the Aberdeen Ripper — looms in the background but this story is fundamentally about the characters. Braun writes with an eloquent vocabulary that seems fitting for the academic setting, providing rich description without turning into purple prose. As is to be expected of a book that focuses on characters rather than events, it takes a while to get into the story. It might feel like nothing really 'happens' until the end of Part II but this time is needed to introduce the people in Felix's life.
Unfortunately, I expected more from Colin as the titular 'Golden Boy'. A seed is planted towards the beginning of the book that something beyond friendship might evolve between him and Felix but this never comes to fruition. I had hoped the obstacles in their way would be a refreshing take — a romance where the reader is never certain that things will come together — but the ending was ultimately disappointing. However, there is something painfully realistic about this relationship that many LGBT readers will recognise in their own experiences.
Unfortunately, I expected more from Colin as the titular 'Golden Boy'. A seed is planted towards the beginning of the book that something beyond friendship might evolve between him and Felix but this never comes to fruition. I had hoped the obstacles in their way would be a refreshing take — a romance where the reader is never certain that things will come together — but the ending was ultimately disappointing. However, there is something painfully realistic about this relationship that many LGBT readers will recognise in their own experiences.
October 7, 2026
A huge positive about Golden Boy was the LGBTQ+ representation and the way Freddie Braun positions queer identity authentically and naturally within a wider story about friendship, belonging, desire and finding your people.
Felix’s sexuality is an important part of his experience, but this isn’t "just" a romance novel. In fact, it doesn't follow the 'standard rules' of a romance novel at all which is very refreshing. The MC's friendships and chosen family matter a lot to him, and I appreciate that.
Golden Boy holds space for first love and attraction, but also obsession, grief, unhealthy relationships, bad decisions and the messier realities of discovering who you are.
At LitPR we are always drawn to books that broaden LGBTQ+ representation rather than presenting one version of the queer experience, and this really does that.
Mix in the Gothic Aberdeen university setting, psychology, murder mystery and dark-academia atmosphere and there’s plenty to make you keep turning those pages.
A thoughtful and layered queer story about chosen family, identity and learning that being loved or chosen by someone else cannot be the only thing that defines you.
Felix’s sexuality is an important part of his experience, but this isn’t "just" a romance novel. In fact, it doesn't follow the 'standard rules' of a romance novel at all which is very refreshing. The MC's friendships and chosen family matter a lot to him, and I appreciate that.
Golden Boy holds space for first love and attraction, but also obsession, grief, unhealthy relationships, bad decisions and the messier realities of discovering who you are.
At LitPR we are always drawn to books that broaden LGBTQ+ representation rather than presenting one version of the queer experience, and this really does that.
Mix in the Gothic Aberdeen university setting, psychology, murder mystery and dark-academia atmosphere and there’s plenty to make you keep turning those pages.
A thoughtful and layered queer story about chosen family, identity and learning that being loved or chosen by someone else cannot be the only thing that defines you.
August 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Freddie Braun, and NineStar Press for the early digital ARC!
I don't know why, but when I started this book, I expected a quaint little suspense novel to break up the monotony of my usual titles. What I got, however, was visceral and somehow nostalgic. The scars that we form and carry during our formative years; friendships made and broken, people found and lost, love that burns and love that withers. Freddie Braun perfectly encapsulates those tumultuous years that are spent mostly in just finding one's self. I felt like I was reading someone's personal journal, only written in the confines of my own life. And with a touch of murder thrown in for fun. Overall, an excellently written book. This one will give you all the feels and then hold up that dark mirror to examine your self at the same time.
I don't know why, but when I started this book, I expected a quaint little suspense novel to break up the monotony of my usual titles. What I got, however, was visceral and somehow nostalgic. The scars that we form and carry during our formative years; friendships made and broken, people found and lost, love that burns and love that withers. Freddie Braun perfectly encapsulates those tumultuous years that are spent mostly in just finding one's self. I felt like I was reading someone's personal journal, only written in the confines of my own life. And with a touch of murder thrown in for fun. Overall, an excellently written book. This one will give you all the feels and then hold up that dark mirror to examine your self at the same time.
September 21, 2026
Thank you to NineStar Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book via Netgalley. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
This was an entertaining and thought provoking book. I thought the descriptive details really helped set the atmosphere and tone of the story. I loved the dark academia vibes as well. It was interesting that the beginning and end of the book were written in first person while the middle is written in third person. There were times when I wanted a little more clarity about the relationship between all the characters and what was happening with the murders on campus. I think some parts of the story were intentionally left vague so the reader could draw their own conclusions. I overall enjoyed this book and the unique storytelling. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy coming-of-age stories with dark academia vibes and a bit of a thriller/mystery in the mix.
This was an entertaining and thought provoking book. I thought the descriptive details really helped set the atmosphere and tone of the story. I loved the dark academia vibes as well. It was interesting that the beginning and end of the book were written in first person while the middle is written in third person. There were times when I wanted a little more clarity about the relationship between all the characters and what was happening with the murders on campus. I think some parts of the story were intentionally left vague so the reader could draw their own conclusions. I overall enjoyed this book and the unique storytelling. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy coming-of-age stories with dark academia vibes and a bit of a thriller/mystery in the mix.
September 27, 2026
I'm a huge psychological thriller fan and went into Braun's debut expecting a dark serial killer style plot. It didn't quite turn out to be what I was expecting...
Veering more onto the literary side of thrillerdom it took me on a dark and extremely atmospheric journey into the depths of Aberdeen University where puzzles were waiting to be solved.
I'll be honest and admit that I was in a never ending struggle with the plot, the layout, and the pacing. It lacked in the thrill factor, which for me is integral to the plot, however, this has not deterred me from wanting to read more from Braun with future releases.
Veering more onto the literary side of thrillerdom it took me on a dark and extremely atmospheric journey into the depths of Aberdeen University where puzzles were waiting to be solved.
I'll be honest and admit that I was in a never ending struggle with the plot, the layout, and the pacing. It lacked in the thrill factor, which for me is integral to the plot, however, this has not deterred me from wanting to read more from Braun with future releases.
June 20, 2026
A dive into Scottish university life told through the eyes of Felix (in the main part) as the author takes you on a gloriously descriptive journey of both the historic university and the emotions and internal struggles of the main characters.
It’s a joy to read and will keep you turning the pages as you navigate the lives of the 5 main characters falling in and out of love with each other through their university journey and beyond.
It really is an outstanding first novel and I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next!
It’s a joy to read and will keep you turning the pages as you navigate the lives of the 5 main characters falling in and out of love with each other through their university journey and beyond.
It really is an outstanding first novel and I can’t wait to see where this author takes us next!
August 29, 2026
Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC access to this book!
The writing was really beautiful and did a great job describing different scenes from beautiful to unsettling to creepy. I think the characters were well fleshed out and interesting to learn about and the book didnt shy away from the down sides of college relationships and learning and loving and letting go.
I think the horror elements were well done and interesting as well! Looking forward to more by the author and will reread closer to Halloween!
The writing was really beautiful and did a great job describing different scenes from beautiful to unsettling to creepy. I think the characters were well fleshed out and interesting to learn about and the book didnt shy away from the down sides of college relationships and learning and loving and letting go.
I think the horror elements were well done and interesting as well! Looking forward to more by the author and will reread closer to Halloween!
October 1, 2026
I am a sucker for anything dark academia so was excited to read this and overall I really enjoyed it. It did take me a little while to get used to the writing style but once I did I was easily hooked. I loved the mixture of university life and murder mystery. Felix was a really interesting protagonist as well that I think many people will enjoy this if they can gel with the writing which might take a time.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the free copy to review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the free copy to review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
October 5, 2026
This one had such a dark, atmospheric feel to it! Set at an old Scottish university, it follows Felix as he starts a new life, finds his group of friends and gets pulled into something much darker when a serial killer known as the Aberdeen Ripper returns.
I really enjoyed the mix of university life, friendships, secrets and murder mystery. There were plenty of moments that made me suspicious of pretty much everyone and I loved the darker psychological side of the story too.
An intriguing, slightly creepy read that definitely kept me guessing!
I really enjoyed the mix of university life, friendships, secrets and murder mystery. There were plenty of moments that made me suspicious of pretty much everyone and I loved the darker psychological side of the story too.
An intriguing, slightly creepy read that definitely kept me guessing!
August 24, 2026
This was a great read, I loved it. I loved how the author writes descriptions with smells. I love how it transports you. I relate to smells differently than I do images. And so when books describe a place or people with physical descriptions, I always find it a little bit hard to visualise, whereas in this book, I found the descriptions with smells allowed me space to make my own picture. When it's a smell, it immediately clicks in my head I loved how that impacted the story for me.
October 4, 2026
Golden Boy is a fun, fast-paced thriller that mixes murder mystery with queer romance, university life and the wonderfully messy process of finding your people. I loved how relatable the characters felt, and the humour and everyday uni moments balance the darker mystery really well. At under 200 pages, it’s an easy and engaging read that pulls you in quickly. A charming debut with plenty of personality.
September 1, 2026
A beautifully written queer "coming of age" tale with lots of dark academia vibes and broody college-age characters. Really enjoyed the Aberdeen setting and sense of foreboding throughout - both actual and existential - though at times wanted more true thriller elements. A solid debut and would definitely check out Freddie Braun's next novel!
October 4, 2026
Quite easily my favourite read this year!
A coming-of-age story following the character of Felix through the throws of university stress, intertwining relationships and his own psychological torment all whilst being stalked by something sinister plaguing the streets of Aberdeen.
Dark, moody and thrilling, Braun’s writing was absolutely enthralling!
A coming-of-age story following the character of Felix through the throws of university stress, intertwining relationships and his own psychological torment all whilst being stalked by something sinister plaguing the streets of Aberdeen.
Dark, moody and thrilling, Braun’s writing was absolutely enthralling!
October 16, 2026
Don’t get me wrong, the story was good. The problem is that the writing feels very weird, either a REALLY interesting way of writing or some AI use… Of course I don’t want to incorrectly accuse someone of using it, butttt it did FEEL that way
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