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Ghost Particle: A dystopian sci-fi thriller, perfect for fans of Dark Matter, The Boys, and Hench
All office assistant Olivia Ramirez wants is to stay safe in her pod, sixteen floors above a world where superhumans run amok and neon ads flash over ruined cities. So when soldiers surround her building, the last person she thinks they want is her—the ex-telekinetic who blew up her future when she accidentally triggered a deadly riot and lost her power.
Olivia escapes with a ragtag crew of bounty hunters—including Kaz, an ex-assassin and the team’s resident hothead. During their first heated exchange, Olivia erupts with new powers she can’t control. And worse, they’re only directed at Kaz, who’s now convinced she was sent to kill him. She’s not an assassin though, she’s an assistant! But as more powers emerge, a terrifying possibility sets she may be someone’s unwilling weapon.
The only person who can help Olivia unravel the mystery behind her powers is the one man who thinks she’s plotting to end him. Trusting each other won’t be easy, but if they can’t, Olivia risks being turned into the force of destruction she’s always feared.
Ghost Particle is a twisty, unputdownable dystopian science fantasy by Ramona Santos. Fans of gritty superpowered worlds like Jessica Jones and The Boys, fast-paced techno-thrills like in Dark Matter, and wit like in Hench, will love this story about found family, a slow-burn romance, and finding yourself in a world where tech tries to dismantle what it means to be human.
Olivia escapes with a ragtag crew of bounty hunters—including Kaz, an ex-assassin and the team’s resident hothead. During their first heated exchange, Olivia erupts with new powers she can’t control. And worse, they’re only directed at Kaz, who’s now convinced she was sent to kill him. She’s not an assassin though, she’s an assistant! But as more powers emerge, a terrifying possibility sets she may be someone’s unwilling weapon.
The only person who can help Olivia unravel the mystery behind her powers is the one man who thinks she’s plotting to end him. Trusting each other won’t be easy, but if they can’t, Olivia risks being turned into the force of destruction she’s always feared.
Ghost Particle is a twisty, unputdownable dystopian science fantasy by Ramona Santos. Fans of gritty superpowered worlds like Jessica Jones and The Boys, fast-paced techno-thrills like in Dark Matter, and wit like in Hench, will love this story about found family, a slow-burn romance, and finding yourself in a world where tech tries to dismantle what it means to be human.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 15, 2026
Ghost Particle is a time traveling dystopian with romance, AI and a team of super rebels.
It felt like a mashup of the AI in I-Robot and the powers of X-Men, with a dash of romance and time traveling.
Definitely leaves the door open for a second book. The romance went from 0-60 very quickly, which I didn’t quite expect! I felt like parts of the world building just needed a little more time and explanation, but I enjoyed the overall concept. A big thanks to Rattle the Stars PR and the author for the Advance Reader Copy.
It felt like a mashup of the AI in I-Robot and the powers of X-Men, with a dash of romance and time traveling.
Definitely leaves the door open for a second book. The romance went from 0-60 very quickly, which I didn’t quite expect! I felt like parts of the world building just needed a little more time and explanation, but I enjoyed the overall concept. A big thanks to Rattle the Stars PR and the author for the Advance Reader Copy.
October 19, 2026
I was a HUGE X-Men fan as a kid, so there’s something nostalgic about diving into a world full of extraordinary abilities. In a world where everyone has superpowers, Olivia is just trying to keep her head down and avoid leaving her home after a traumatic experience cost her everything. The premise and setup are really compelling, and I enjoyed getting to know Olivia as she slowly discovers more about herself and tries to figure out what's happening.
There's a fascinating mystery lurking beneath the surface, and I had a great time untangling the twists and turns as the story unfolded. The worldbuilding was interesting, particularly the commentary on social issues and what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. I love dystopian fiction that has something to say, and this definitely offers interesting ideas about power, control, and the systems that shape our lives. Heck yeah, dystopian books doing what they do best!
That said, the execution didn't quite hit as hard as I wanted it to. The pacing felt uneven at times, and I struggled to maintain my attention throughout. The romance was another mixed bag for me. It wasn't an instant-love situation, but the relationship still escalated more quickly than I expected. I wanted a little more time for those feelings to develop naturally. While I enjoyed the themes and the overall premise, I don't think the emotional impact quite hit for me.
Overall, I had fun with this one and appreciated what it was trying to say, even if I wanted a bit more from the execution. If you love superpowers, corporate conspiracies, found family, and dystopian sci-fi with social commentary, this is still worth adding to your TBR!
Thanks to Rattle the stars PR and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
There's a fascinating mystery lurking beneath the surface, and I had a great time untangling the twists and turns as the story unfolded. The worldbuilding was interesting, particularly the commentary on social issues and what it means to be human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. I love dystopian fiction that has something to say, and this definitely offers interesting ideas about power, control, and the systems that shape our lives. Heck yeah, dystopian books doing what they do best!
That said, the execution didn't quite hit as hard as I wanted it to. The pacing felt uneven at times, and I struggled to maintain my attention throughout. The romance was another mixed bag for me. It wasn't an instant-love situation, but the relationship still escalated more quickly than I expected. I wanted a little more time for those feelings to develop naturally. While I enjoyed the themes and the overall premise, I don't think the emotional impact quite hit for me.
Overall, I had fun with this one and appreciated what it was trying to say, even if I wanted a bit more from the execution. If you love superpowers, corporate conspiracies, found family, and dystopian sci-fi with social commentary, this is still worth adding to your TBR!
Thanks to Rattle the stars PR and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
October 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Ramona Santos and Rattle the Stars PR for this ARC!
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I do think the dystopian plot was super interesting. But it felt like the story was just GOGOGO and we did not have any time to really process anything. For me, the pacing issue was really apparent. I think the beginning was good but then once we met Kaz it just went out the window.
I don't think it will be a series I personally continue to read.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I do think the dystopian plot was super interesting. But it felt like the story was just GOGOGO and we did not have any time to really process anything. For me, the pacing issue was really apparent. I think the beginning was good but then once we met Kaz it just went out the window.
I don't think it will be a series I personally continue to read.
October 14, 2026
Ghost Particle was an absolute page-turner!
This futuristic sci-fi dystopian novel had me hooked from the very beginning!
Olivia tries to keep to herself in a world where everyone has powers—everyone except her, that is. After losing her abilities in an accident, she’s left powerless in a world built around them. Unable to work special jobs, she’s just trying to get by, working remotely from her modest pod and keeping her head down.
But when a mistake at work forces her to leave the safety of her home, Olivia’s entire world is turned upside down. She quickly discovers that there is SO much more going on than she ever could have imagined.
This was such a fast-paced read, packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing and made it incredibly hard to put down! It’s easily one of my top reads of the year so far, and I’m already hoping for more!
I would LOVE to see more books set in this world, especially ones that dive deeper into the backstories of some of the other characters and explore how the world became what it is today. There is so much potential here, and I need more!
This futuristic sci-fi dystopian novel had me hooked from the very beginning!
Olivia tries to keep to herself in a world where everyone has powers—everyone except her, that is. After losing her abilities in an accident, she’s left powerless in a world built around them. Unable to work special jobs, she’s just trying to get by, working remotely from her modest pod and keeping her head down.
But when a mistake at work forces her to leave the safety of her home, Olivia’s entire world is turned upside down. She quickly discovers that there is SO much more going on than she ever could have imagined.
This was such a fast-paced read, packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing and made it incredibly hard to put down! It’s easily one of my top reads of the year so far, and I’m already hoping for more!
I would LOVE to see more books set in this world, especially ones that dive deeper into the backstories of some of the other characters and explore how the world became what it is today. There is so much potential here, and I need more!
October 14, 2026
Turns out im always down for a cyberpunk scifi
Olivia lost her telekinesis after accidentally starting a riot, and now she’s just an office assistant who is afraid of leaving her house. Then soldiers show up at her building and suddenly she’s on the run with a chaotic crew of bounty hunters. Her new powers (or old??) also only show up around a very attractive ex-assassin. Who is also fully convinced she was sent to kill him.
OBSESSED
This book is so fast paced. Twist after twist, and I didn’t see half of them coming and everything i thought was going to happen was WRONG. The found family was perfect.
Soft enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, slow burn. I was fed.
If you loved The Boys, Jessica Jones, Dark Matter or Hench, stop what you’re doing and go get this. If you want something slow and cozy, this is not that. This is a ride.
Olivia lost her telekinesis after accidentally starting a riot, and now she’s just an office assistant who is afraid of leaving her house. Then soldiers show up at her building and suddenly she’s on the run with a chaotic crew of bounty hunters. Her new powers (or old??) also only show up around a very attractive ex-assassin. Who is also fully convinced she was sent to kill him.
OBSESSED
This book is so fast paced. Twist after twist, and I didn’t see half of them coming and everything i thought was going to happen was WRONG. The found family was perfect.
Soft enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, slow burn. I was fed.
If you loved The Boys, Jessica Jones, Dark Matter or Hench, stop what you’re doing and go get this. If you want something slow and cozy, this is not that. This is a ride.
Review of advance copy
Title: Ghost Particle
Author: Ramons Santos
Genre: Sci-fi | Dystopia | Fantasy
Tags: Found-family | superpowers | technology | slow-burn | Forced Proximity
My rating: ★★★★/5
Ghost Particle really was a ride. It had seamless world-building, packed with never-ending action, high-stakes chases, thrills, and people who'll do anything to get what they want—even if it means killing you or bringing you back from the dead.
Hawking was my absolute favorite character— charming, efficient, witty, loyal to a fault, and funny. He was a delight to read. ( But if there's a power I would absolutely take from this book, it would be that of the guy who made the drinks for Grant and Olivia. That was so cool.)
💠About the story:
This book is set in the future, where everyone has superpowers and advanced AI technology takes care of what the powers can't. The authority and military power in this world lie in the hands of an organization called Maynard, where everyone dreams of working.
Our FMC dreamt of that too, but that was 8 years ago, and then she had her power.
Olivia is a 25-year-old who lost her power 8 years ago and narrowly escaped death ( or did she?). But when the recent therapy session involves a sketchy psychic, Olivia finds her entire world once again turning upside down. Someone wants her dead, mysterious assassins are hired to protect her, and her relic-for-past powers are suddenly coming back, but only when she is near the man hired to protect her.
Now she has to find who wants her dead, who is protecting her, where her powers came from, and, most importantly, how she can win the trust of the man whom she can't stop trying to kill ( all by accident!).
💠My Review:
I really enjoyed exploring this world. It has superpowers, evil in power, an AI that wants a hime, and let's not forget the plot twists! I was never prepared for the twists!
The pace was a mix, switching back and forth between slow and fast. The writing was good, full of twists and turns.
( A few of) Characters were morally complicated, filled with faults and had their moments of stupidity as they tried to figure out who wanted the FMC and why, while constantly fighting against powers far superior to theirs and unearthing secrets. It was fun to read. The action, the suspense, the anticipation all were so well written.
Also, the traumatic/tragic backstories— chef's kiss (I say this through tears)
The bond between the GK trio was like the dynamics between the older, middle and younger child. I enjoyed that.
The FMC did make me almost give up reading a few times, but overall?
Damn, the twists kept surprising me. The story was so unique and had me seated! I really started enjoying it as the plot progressed. And the FMC finally got character development, and what a development it was!
The story ended with questions still unanswered. If the author continues this universe in book 2, I will definitely read it.
Author: Ramons Santos
Genre: Sci-fi | Dystopia | Fantasy
Tags: Found-family | superpowers | technology | slow-burn | Forced Proximity
My rating: ★★★★/5
Ghost Particle really was a ride. It had seamless world-building, packed with never-ending action, high-stakes chases, thrills, and people who'll do anything to get what they want—even if it means killing you or bringing you back from the dead.
Hawking was my absolute favorite character— charming, efficient, witty, loyal to a fault, and funny. He was a delight to read. ( But if there's a power I would absolutely take from this book, it would be that of the guy who made the drinks for Grant and Olivia. That was so cool.)
💠About the story:
This book is set in the future, where everyone has superpowers and advanced AI technology takes care of what the powers can't. The authority and military power in this world lie in the hands of an organization called Maynard, where everyone dreams of working.
Our FMC dreamt of that too, but that was 8 years ago, and then she had her power.
Olivia is a 25-year-old who lost her power 8 years ago and narrowly escaped death ( or did she?). But when the recent therapy session involves a sketchy psychic, Olivia finds her entire world once again turning upside down. Someone wants her dead, mysterious assassins are hired to protect her, and her relic-for-past powers are suddenly coming back, but only when she is near the man hired to protect her.
Now she has to find who wants her dead, who is protecting her, where her powers came from, and, most importantly, how she can win the trust of the man whom she can't stop trying to kill ( all by accident!).
💠My Review:
I really enjoyed exploring this world. It has superpowers, evil in power, an AI that wants a hime, and let's not forget the plot twists! I was never prepared for the twists!
The pace was a mix, switching back and forth between slow and fast. The writing was good, full of twists and turns.
( A few of) Characters were morally complicated, filled with faults and had their moments of stupidity as they tried to figure out who wanted the FMC and why, while constantly fighting against powers far superior to theirs and unearthing secrets. It was fun to read. The action, the suspense, the anticipation all were so well written.
Also, the traumatic/tragic backstories— chef's kiss (I say this through tears)
The bond between the GK trio was like the dynamics between the older, middle and younger child. I enjoyed that.
The FMC did make me almost give up reading a few times, but overall?
Damn, the twists kept surprising me. The story was so unique and had me seated! I really started enjoying it as the plot progressed. And the FMC finally got character development, and what a development it was!
The story ended with questions still unanswered. If the author continues this universe in book 2, I will definitely read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, unpredictable ride. Olivia is just trying to live a boring life as an office assistant, hiding the fact that she used to have telekinetic powers until she accidentally triggered a deadly riot years ago. Everything goes sideways when soldiers surround her building, and she ends up escaping with a messy crew of bounty hunters; including Kaz, a hotheaded ex-assassin who is convinced she’s trying to kill him because her weird new powers only trigger around him.
The cyberpunk, neon-soaked city setting is done really well, and the whole concept of her powers being locked to just one person creates a great soft enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Olivia is a really strong main character who handles some absolute chaos without losing her mind, and the side characters, Hawkins and Grant, do an awesome job of keeping the team grounded. The power system is super complex and adds a ton of mystery to the corporate conspiracy plot. It moves fast, balances the action with a genuine slow burn, and sets up the next book perfectly.
Thank you IRIS Influencer Society and Ramona Santos for the gifted e-ARC!
The cyberpunk, neon-soaked city setting is done really well, and the whole concept of her powers being locked to just one person creates a great soft enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Olivia is a really strong main character who handles some absolute chaos without losing her mind, and the side characters, Hawkins and Grant, do an awesome job of keeping the team grounded. The power system is super complex and adds a ton of mystery to the corporate conspiracy plot. It moves fast, balances the action with a genuine slow burn, and sets up the next book perfectly.
Thank you IRIS Influencer Society and Ramona Santos for the gifted e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“In war, there are tough choices.”
Thank you, RattletheStarsPR & Ramona Santos for the ARC of this book!!
This is one of the coolest books I’ve read this year. Right up there with Dark Matter and Recursion for the nonstop action, this takes cyberpunk dystopia, adds some science fiction, and goes all gas, no brakes.
I loved the eerie setting of post apocalyptic LA. I could see so much of this story in my mind and it was so vivid and intense. I was also gripped from the very first chapter. The story made my spine tingle as Olivia describes her life and has a conversation with her online therapist, Piper. From there, the reader is thrown into absolute chaos and has no idea who to trust, or what’s happening. It could get overwhelming at times, having no idea who the true good guys are for the majority of the story, but for me, that was part of the fun. We follow Olivia as she ends up on the run from Maynard, the corporation that has taken over the world, and a select group called The Alliance. I was STRESSED. But the world building is so amazing, I just let it pull me in every direction. We do eventually get some answers, but since this is only book 1, we are also left with a lot of questions (how TF do we defeat this thing?!?!)
The found family of bounty hunters really tugged at my heart strings, and I especially loved finally digging into Kaz’s past and getting his story - it was NOT what I expected and made him even cooler. I loved his connection with Olivia and the eventual fall out of all Eugene’s decisions. What. A. Ride. I really don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re a fan of Blake Crouch, you’ll probably eat this up. I can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you, RattletheStarsPR & Ramona Santos for the ARC of this book!!
This is one of the coolest books I’ve read this year. Right up there with Dark Matter and Recursion for the nonstop action, this takes cyberpunk dystopia, adds some science fiction, and goes all gas, no brakes.
I loved the eerie setting of post apocalyptic LA. I could see so much of this story in my mind and it was so vivid and intense. I was also gripped from the very first chapter. The story made my spine tingle as Olivia describes her life and has a conversation with her online therapist, Piper. From there, the reader is thrown into absolute chaos and has no idea who to trust, or what’s happening. It could get overwhelming at times, having no idea who the true good guys are for the majority of the story, but for me, that was part of the fun. We follow Olivia as she ends up on the run from Maynard, the corporation that has taken over the world, and a select group called The Alliance. I was STRESSED. But the world building is so amazing, I just let it pull me in every direction. We do eventually get some answers, but since this is only book 1, we are also left with a lot of questions (how TF do we defeat this thing?!?!)
The found family of bounty hunters really tugged at my heart strings, and I especially loved finally digging into Kaz’s past and getting his story - it was NOT what I expected and made him even cooler. I loved his connection with Olivia and the eventual fall out of all Eugene’s decisions. What. A. Ride. I really don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re a fan of Blake Crouch, you’ll probably eat this up. I can’t wait for book 2!
October 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ghost Particle
Thank you Ramona Santos and Rattle The Stars PR for allowing me to review this arc. This is a honest review.
This is a dystopian sci-fi fantasy book. Olivia has to uncover the secrets of her past to save the future. She finds out her memory of events in the past is not correct. First, she has to figure out who she can trust. Everyone seems to have a secret, even her computer, Chime. Olivia is the key to everything, but doesn’t know it. They slowly uncover the truth as to why she has all of these powers that she didn’t know she had and why they only show up at certain times.
Found Family | Dystopian Fantasy | Secret Powers | Corporate
Conspiracy | Secrets Coming to Light | Self Discovery | Forced Proximity | Assassins | Time Travel | Soft Enemies to Lovers | True Slow Burn | Corrupt Government
October 13, 2026
This was such a cool dystopian book. I really loved Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart series and this had a similarish vibe. The setting is a cool dystopian future where some humans have super powers. I loved this story hit the ground running and did not stop. The banter between Olivia and Kaz is so good and I also loved how the rest of her guardian crew just take her in and they all become a little family. This is such a smart book and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Time travel, dystopian vibes and a team of rebels with powers? 👀 Definitely an interesting concept!
Ghost Particle was a fun mix of sci-fi, action, and romance. The romance moved a little faster than I expected, and I would’ve loved a bit more explanation of the world and how everything works, but I really enjoyed the overall idea. The ending also leaves plenty of room for more, so I’m curious to see where the story goes next!
Thank you to IRIS Influencer Society and the author for the e-ARC! 💜
Ghost Particle was a fun mix of sci-fi, action, and romance. The romance moved a little faster than I expected, and I would’ve loved a bit more explanation of the world and how everything works, but I really enjoyed the overall idea. The ending also leaves plenty of room for more, so I’m curious to see where the story goes next!
Thank you to IRIS Influencer Society and the author for the e-ARC! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Arc Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another dystopian book to add to my shelves. This one has a cyberpunk feel, which I loved being a nerdy gamer girl.
Our girl Olivia had a tragic accident that left her powerless in a world full of powers.
Kaz is just trying to do his job and not be killed by said powerless girl.
Full of fun banter and new friendships.
Book releases October 13th.
Thank you @iris.influencer.society for the chance to read this early.
#cyberpunk #scifibook #ghostparticle #dystopianbooks #dystopianromance
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another dystopian book to add to my shelves. This one has a cyberpunk feel, which I loved being a nerdy gamer girl.
Our girl Olivia had a tragic accident that left her powerless in a world full of powers.
Kaz is just trying to do his job and not be killed by said powerless girl.
Full of fun banter and new friendships.
Book releases October 13th.
Thank you @iris.influencer.society for the chance to read this early.
#cyberpunk #scifibook #ghostparticle #dystopianbooks #dystopianromance
Review of advance copy
Thanks to the author for gifting me an advance copy of this book and the following is my honest and personal review
In the near future, where everyone has superpowers, powerless Olivia Ramirez is just trying to keep her job filling paperwork, until she becomes wanted by both the military and a band of assassins. The fact that she is getting new powers would be incredibly helpful if only they weren’t triggered by the bounty hunter hire to protect her.
The story was good, there is a mix of dystopian, sci-fi and cyberpunk elements mixed into it that helps set the mood, the mystery element keeps you reading because you want to find out more and the addition of super powers makes it even more interesting, the only thing I struggle with was connecting with the characters especially the FMC, I kept waiting to discover more about her, specially her background, what shapes her as a person, yes we find out something that happens to her at the beginning of the book that leads to one of her fears which is tied to the plot of the story that I don’t want to spoil but that’s just one thing that happens to her, it may affect her and bring up some trauma in her life which helps further the plot but who was she even before anything happen to her, I feel is very important to dig deep into her character and have that human/emotional element bring forward especially in the context of the book again I can’t say much because that will spoil the whole plot, additionally the romance didn’t quite work for me, there were good moments but then at least for me the connection between this two characters was in my opinion a little superficial and I understand it may be due to the author wanting to keep the mystery and suspense of the overall plot, not wanting to reveal too much about the back story mainly of the MMC, and because the stakes were high throughout the whole book, they were always in danger running around trying to discover what was going on, but it felt like they don’t really new each other, not opening up and bonding until the last moment and it made me feel like they were lusting rather than being really in love, especially if the story continues in book 2 it could have given those 2 characters a little more time getting to really know each other and creating that emotional connection before getting to anything physical, their relationship would feel more heartfelt in my personal opinion, but overall was a solid and interesting story more so knowing this is a debut author I think she did a really good job creating this world and will keep an eye on the rest of the series as they come out.
In the near future, where everyone has superpowers, powerless Olivia Ramirez is just trying to keep her job filling paperwork, until she becomes wanted by both the military and a band of assassins. The fact that she is getting new powers would be incredibly helpful if only they weren’t triggered by the bounty hunter hire to protect her.
The story was good, there is a mix of dystopian, sci-fi and cyberpunk elements mixed into it that helps set the mood, the mystery element keeps you reading because you want to find out more and the addition of super powers makes it even more interesting, the only thing I struggle with was connecting with the characters especially the FMC, I kept waiting to discover more about her, specially her background, what shapes her as a person, yes we find out something that happens to her at the beginning of the book that leads to one of her fears which is tied to the plot of the story that I don’t want to spoil but that’s just one thing that happens to her, it may affect her and bring up some trauma in her life which helps further the plot but who was she even before anything happen to her, I feel is very important to dig deep into her character and have that human/emotional element bring forward especially in the context of the book again I can’t say much because that will spoil the whole plot, additionally the romance didn’t quite work for me, there were good moments but then at least for me the connection between this two characters was in my opinion a little superficial and I understand it may be due to the author wanting to keep the mystery and suspense of the overall plot, not wanting to reveal too much about the back story mainly of the MMC, and because the stakes were high throughout the whole book, they were always in danger running around trying to discover what was going on, but it felt like they don’t really new each other, not opening up and bonding until the last moment and it made me feel like they were lusting rather than being really in love, especially if the story continues in book 2 it could have given those 2 characters a little more time getting to really know each other and creating that emotional connection before getting to anything physical, their relationship would feel more heartfelt in my personal opinion, but overall was a solid and interesting story more so knowing this is a debut author I think she did a really good job creating this world and will keep an eye on the rest of the series as they come out.
October 16, 2026
I read this as an ARC reader (who was a bit behind with her workload.) But my opinions are my own.
This book was FAST PACED. It never let up! It lures you in with a slower beginning where you feel like you entered part way through something and bit by bit it twists and turns, revealing more and more about the world and lives of Olivia, Kaz and co. Everything you think you know gets flipped on it's head multiple times over and the plot keeps plotting. Just when you think you know what is what, some other twist or betrayal or secret comes to light. I read this book in 2 sittings and am sad that now I have to wait for Ramona to finish the next installment!
For those of you with quicker minds you can probably figure out what is what and maybe even why. But for most of us, this ride is full of thrills that are reminiscent of every good sci-fi movie and series from the last 3 decades - all rolled up into one. And to avoid spoilers, that is all I'll say on that front.
This book and it's revelations sunk their claws into me from the moment I started. And the feeling I had from this made me feel like a teenager/early 20's girl reading the Weather Warden's series by Rachel Caine. That sense of wonder, potential and empowerment from a normal person becoming something more.
What I liked:
OLIVIA is normal...relatable. she had a traumatic event, lost her power and now feels lost and unsure of her place in the world. Her mum and the way she treats Olivia is reminiscent of a lot of parents. The way she struggles with herself but also steps into her own space was empowering. But the way she also doesn't compromise when she needs to - she shows a spine that reminds me of every 00's show like Charmed, Buffy etc.
What I didn't like:
Kaz and Olivia's attraction. Due to the pacing and story of the book the development of their interest in each other felt off. Like it should have spilt into book 2 before becoming something more. Their interactions - despite the twists, reveals, betrayals and all that - felt so minimal that the place they get to wasn't at the right time. BUT. I have a suspicion that there is more there than we currently know. And that is just ONE of the MANY threads that makes me so keen on this book and it's coming sequels.
Fans of dystopian, old school sci-fi with modern twists should snap this up and dive into the world of Ghost Particle and try not to let your thoughts run too wild!
This book was FAST PACED. It never let up! It lures you in with a slower beginning where you feel like you entered part way through something and bit by bit it twists and turns, revealing more and more about the world and lives of Olivia, Kaz and co. Everything you think you know gets flipped on it's head multiple times over and the plot keeps plotting. Just when you think you know what is what, some other twist or betrayal or secret comes to light. I read this book in 2 sittings and am sad that now I have to wait for Ramona to finish the next installment!
For those of you with quicker minds you can probably figure out what is what and maybe even why. But for most of us, this ride is full of thrills that are reminiscent of every good sci-fi movie and series from the last 3 decades - all rolled up into one. And to avoid spoilers, that is all I'll say on that front.
This book and it's revelations sunk their claws into me from the moment I started. And the feeling I had from this made me feel like a teenager/early 20's girl reading the Weather Warden's series by Rachel Caine. That sense of wonder, potential and empowerment from a normal person becoming something more.
What I liked:
OLIVIA is normal...relatable. she had a traumatic event, lost her power and now feels lost and unsure of her place in the world. Her mum and the way she treats Olivia is reminiscent of a lot of parents. The way she struggles with herself but also steps into her own space was empowering. But the way she also doesn't compromise when she needs to - she shows a spine that reminds me of every 00's show like Charmed, Buffy etc.
What I didn't like:
Kaz and Olivia's attraction. Due to the pacing and story of the book the development of their interest in each other felt off. Like it should have spilt into book 2 before becoming something more. Their interactions - despite the twists, reveals, betrayals and all that - felt so minimal that the place they get to wasn't at the right time. BUT. I have a suspicion that there is more there than we currently know. And that is just ONE of the MANY threads that makes me so keen on this book and it's coming sequels.
Fans of dystopian, old school sci-fi with modern twists should snap this up and dive into the world of Ghost Particle and try not to let your thoughts run too wild!
October 14, 2026
Ghost Particle is a dystopian sci-fi fantasy that blends time travel, superpowers, cyberpunk elements, mystery, and romance into an action-packed story. Olivia is forced to unravel the secrets of her past when she discovers that her memories aren't what they seem. As she searches for the truth, she finds herself surrounded by hidden agendas, unreliable allies, and a sentient computer named Chime who may know more than it's letting on. With a team of gifted rebels, high stakes, and a growing conspiracy, the story keeps you turning the pages to uncover what's really happening.
I really enjoyed the overall concept. The combination of dystopian, sci-fi, and cyberpunk elements created an intriguing atmosphere, and the mystery surrounding Olivia's past was compelling enough to keep me invested. The gradual revelations about her abilities and her role in the larger story added an extra layer of intrigue, and I appreciated how the author balanced action with the unfolding mystery.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, particularly Olivia. While we learn about a significant event from her past that shapes some of her fears and motivations, I found myself wanting a deeper understanding of who she was before everything changed. More insight into her personality, history, and emotional development would have helped me connect with her on a stronger level and made some of the story's emotional moments hit harder.
The romance was another aspect that didn't quite work for me. There were several enjoyable moments between Kaz and Olivia, but their relationship felt rushed given the pace of the story. Because the plot is constantly moving and the characters are focused on surviving, uncovering secrets, and escaping danger, there wasn't much opportunity for them to truly get to know one another. As a result, their connection felt more physical than emotional at times. Personally, I think their relationship would have benefited from a slower build, perhaps developing further in the next book before becoming something more serious.
I also would have loved a little more world-building. The setting was fascinating, and the concepts were strong, but there were moments where I wanted more detail about how the world functioned and how the different elements fit together.
Despite these criticisms, I think this was a solid and impressive debut. The intriguing plot, unique blend of genres, and numerous unanswered questions have left me curious about what comes next. The ending opens up plenty of possibilities, and there are still many threads to explore. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the rest of the series to see where the story goes from here.
I really enjoyed the overall concept. The combination of dystopian, sci-fi, and cyberpunk elements created an intriguing atmosphere, and the mystery surrounding Olivia's past was compelling enough to keep me invested. The gradual revelations about her abilities and her role in the larger story added an extra layer of intrigue, and I appreciated how the author balanced action with the unfolding mystery.
That said, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, particularly Olivia. While we learn about a significant event from her past that shapes some of her fears and motivations, I found myself wanting a deeper understanding of who she was before everything changed. More insight into her personality, history, and emotional development would have helped me connect with her on a stronger level and made some of the story's emotional moments hit harder.
The romance was another aspect that didn't quite work for me. There were several enjoyable moments between Kaz and Olivia, but their relationship felt rushed given the pace of the story. Because the plot is constantly moving and the characters are focused on surviving, uncovering secrets, and escaping danger, there wasn't much opportunity for them to truly get to know one another. As a result, their connection felt more physical than emotional at times. Personally, I think their relationship would have benefited from a slower build, perhaps developing further in the next book before becoming something more serious.
I also would have loved a little more world-building. The setting was fascinating, and the concepts were strong, but there were moments where I wanted more detail about how the world functioned and how the different elements fit together.
Despite these criticisms, I think this was a solid and impressive debut. The intriguing plot, unique blend of genres, and numerous unanswered questions have left me curious about what comes next. The ending opens up plenty of possibilities, and there are still many threads to explore. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the rest of the series to see where the story goes from here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Copy Recieved by Author thank you for the opportunity
Ok so this book was something I love dystopian books and this just checked all the marks that not even i knew existed, so with that being said if you’ve ever had a therapy session that felt like a total waste of time, just be thankful your therapist didn’t start doodling penises in your file. That’s just one of the many wait, wtf moments in Ramona Santos’s Ghost Particle, a dystopian sci-fi romp that makes your average bad day look like a walk in the park. We have our Olivia, she is a professional shut in living in a "pod" sixteen floors above a crumbling city. She’s powerless...or is she????, works a dead end job for a massive, soul crushing corporation called Maynard, and her only friend is an AI named Chime. Honestly, it’s a vibe until her life goes from boring to running for her life from elite assassins and government soldiers in about 24 hours. The plot moves faster than a speedster on a caffeine high. One minute Olivia is dealing with a weirdly incompetent therapist, and the next she’s being rescued by a trio of bounty hunters... enter our Grant, Hawkins, and Kaz. The science in this book is delightfully chaotic. We’re talking quantum computers, nanobots, portals to other dimensions, and a guy named Eugene who is arguably the worst father in the history of fiction. The book manages to balance the world-ending threats with the very relatable struggle of trying to have a normal conversation with a guy who can literally crush your windpipe with his mind. And the tension between Olivia and Kaz is the kind of slow-burn that eventually catches a whole building on fire which, given the amount of explosions in this book, is actually quite literal. It has a very unique dynamic that keeps the pages turning.
Ghost Particle is a wild, tech heavy, slightly unhinged ride. It’s got found family, corporate conspiracies, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. If you’re looking for a dystopian read that doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering plenty of action and a side of romance, this is your next obsession.
Ok so this book was something I love dystopian books and this just checked all the marks that not even i knew existed, so with that being said if you’ve ever had a therapy session that felt like a total waste of time, just be thankful your therapist didn’t start doodling penises in your file. That’s just one of the many wait, wtf moments in Ramona Santos’s Ghost Particle, a dystopian sci-fi romp that makes your average bad day look like a walk in the park. We have our Olivia, she is a professional shut in living in a "pod" sixteen floors above a crumbling city. She’s powerless...or is she????, works a dead end job for a massive, soul crushing corporation called Maynard, and her only friend is an AI named Chime. Honestly, it’s a vibe until her life goes from boring to running for her life from elite assassins and government soldiers in about 24 hours. The plot moves faster than a speedster on a caffeine high. One minute Olivia is dealing with a weirdly incompetent therapist, and the next she’s being rescued by a trio of bounty hunters... enter our Grant, Hawkins, and Kaz. The science in this book is delightfully chaotic. We’re talking quantum computers, nanobots, portals to other dimensions, and a guy named Eugene who is arguably the worst father in the history of fiction. The book manages to balance the world-ending threats with the very relatable struggle of trying to have a normal conversation with a guy who can literally crush your windpipe with his mind. And the tension between Olivia and Kaz is the kind of slow-burn that eventually catches a whole building on fire which, given the amount of explosions in this book, is actually quite literal. It has a very unique dynamic that keeps the pages turning.
Ghost Particle is a wild, tech heavy, slightly unhinged ride. It’s got found family, corporate conspiracies, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. If you’re looking for a dystopian read that doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering plenty of action and a side of romance, this is your next obsession.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2026
Wow! Ghost Particle is a great story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved it from start to finish. The plot kept me intrigued. There's a lot of mystery in it, and much of it revolves around the main character, Olivia Ramirez. The layers are peeled back piece by piece and it became more interesting as revelations continued.
The story world was also intriguing. The novel is set in the Los Angeles area decades in the future. A large corporation pretty much controls everything and there are many people with superpowers. It's a grim world and Santos does a great job in describing and showing the world without the need for massive info-dumps. There are various parties at play and we gradually learn more about them and their motivations. I like how the main parties/organizations involved have degrees of moral complexity and ambiguity.
The characters themselves are also complex and well-written. They have understandable motivations. While there are characters I absolutely despised (like the antagonist, Price), the characters are fully developed and intriguing. I especially love the main character Olivia. Her struggles with mental health resonate with me, and I love her arc. She has some superb character development.
Her relationships are well-written. I admit that I initially felt that one of them felt a bit rushed. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. I love the found family bonds in this story too. They felt natural and not forced. Plus, the care and support they showed one another made me smile. There are definitely some (cough, many, cough) rocky moments, but that just made things more realistic for me.
The story tackles real-life issues also. From corrupt corporations to A.I. to privacy (or lack therof), it is a timely read and one that resonated with me.
Altogether, I truly enjoyed Ghost Particle. I read it even faster than expected because it kept me hooked. It has great characters, an awesome plot, solid worldbuilding, and timely, pertinent themes. The pacing is really fast, and appropriately so. It's a great read.
The story world was also intriguing. The novel is set in the Los Angeles area decades in the future. A large corporation pretty much controls everything and there are many people with superpowers. It's a grim world and Santos does a great job in describing and showing the world without the need for massive info-dumps. There are various parties at play and we gradually learn more about them and their motivations. I like how the main parties/organizations involved have degrees of moral complexity and ambiguity.
The characters themselves are also complex and well-written. They have understandable motivations. While there are characters I absolutely despised (like the antagonist, Price), the characters are fully developed and intriguing. I especially love the main character Olivia. Her struggles with mental health resonate with me, and I love her arc. She has some superb character development.
Her relationships are well-written. I admit that I initially felt that one of them felt a bit rushed. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. I love the found family bonds in this story too. They felt natural and not forced. Plus, the care and support they showed one another made me smile. There are definitely some (cough, many, cough) rocky moments, but that just made things more realistic for me.
The story tackles real-life issues also. From corrupt corporations to A.I. to privacy (or lack therof), it is a timely read and one that resonated with me.
Altogether, I truly enjoyed Ghost Particle. I read it even faster than expected because it kept me hooked. It has great characters, an awesome plot, solid worldbuilding, and timely, pertinent themes. The pacing is really fast, and appropriately so. It's a great read.
October 13, 2026
📚 ARC REVIEW 📚
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already a HUGE sucker for a dystopian romance, especially when paired with sci-fi elements, so when I saw the tropes and blurb for this action-pack adventure, I knew I had to read it. BE PREPARED: the tension, angst and plot will all leave you on the edge of the seat THE ENTIRE TIME.
If you are a fan of Jessica Jones, Cold Wire and Silver Elite you’ll love: the high-tech futuristic technology, the scientific experiments/tests that are run similar to Divergent or The Maze Runner, grumpy yet lethal assassins, and humans with x-men like abilities, then this is the book for you!!
The world-building is a perfect example of dystopian style “priviledge” where jobs are based on type or strength of your ability and show instances of upper/lower class divides within the city areas. The corporate conspiracies and hidden abilities are the main focus of this story, while the romance is more part of the unlying plot. That’s not to say that the romance between two of the MCs is not present but more driven by heavy enemies to lovers tension, curious lingering looks, wavering trust and an electric tingle around each other for unknown reasons.
The chemistry between Olivia and Kaz is a torturous slow-burn that leaves you gnawing at the bits. Both characters have secrets and traumas that want to leave in the past while accidentally stumbling into a world of chaos and more dangerous secrets that could get them killed.
The found family that takes in Olivia, when she is on the run, is amazing, hilarious and provides the mental strength and friendship that the FMC needed in her life. I love the editions of both Grant & Hawkins even though Hawkins is my favorite as the tech-wiz with a quirky, sunshine attitude. The twists and betrayals in this story are like breadcrumbs….dropping here and there, enough to throw you off, leave you frustrated (in the best ways), and keep you guessing with the characters enough to not want to stop reading!!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already a HUGE sucker for a dystopian romance, especially when paired with sci-fi elements, so when I saw the tropes and blurb for this action-pack adventure, I knew I had to read it. BE PREPARED: the tension, angst and plot will all leave you on the edge of the seat THE ENTIRE TIME.
If you are a fan of Jessica Jones, Cold Wire and Silver Elite you’ll love: the high-tech futuristic technology, the scientific experiments/tests that are run similar to Divergent or The Maze Runner, grumpy yet lethal assassins, and humans with x-men like abilities, then this is the book for you!!
The world-building is a perfect example of dystopian style “priviledge” where jobs are based on type or strength of your ability and show instances of upper/lower class divides within the city areas. The corporate conspiracies and hidden abilities are the main focus of this story, while the romance is more part of the unlying plot. That’s not to say that the romance between two of the MCs is not present but more driven by heavy enemies to lovers tension, curious lingering looks, wavering trust and an electric tingle around each other for unknown reasons.
The chemistry between Olivia and Kaz is a torturous slow-burn that leaves you gnawing at the bits. Both characters have secrets and traumas that want to leave in the past while accidentally stumbling into a world of chaos and more dangerous secrets that could get them killed.
The found family that takes in Olivia, when she is on the run, is amazing, hilarious and provides the mental strength and friendship that the FMC needed in her life. I love the editions of both Grant & Hawkins even though Hawkins is my favorite as the tech-wiz with a quirky, sunshine attitude. The twists and betrayals in this story are like breadcrumbs….dropping here and there, enough to throw you off, leave you frustrated (in the best ways), and keep you guessing with the characters enough to not want to stop reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Ghost Particle, I have found a debut dystopian set in a world that was familiar, but also a bit scary. Ramona Santos has built a unique story that blends a close proximity romance and classic detective work with a tech laden backdrop that grows wildly complex, unpacking the history of super-powered humans.
This story will hold up with anyone who likes street-level action like Daredevil or The Boys mixed with some heavy yearning and attraction of a good love story. Society is torn between unruly superhumans with a variety of powers that are sometimes silly and useless and sometimes terrifyingly dangerous. The result is a girl on the run from a militaristic government for reasons that slowly unravel (I won’t give it away, but Santos gives you more than you think as the story moves on).
One of my favorite characters was Olivia’s mother. She is funny and tough and sort of rises to the occasion in ways unheard of some parents. I sometimes wanted the book to be more sinister, but it happily rode the line between light and airy and on the verge of darkness. The reality is this book doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to conjure intense, action-packed moments as you go along.
The book left me satisfied, and I have no idea is this is meant as a standalone or if we should expect more stories in this world. It would pretty easy to dig deeper into The Alliance or Maynard, as some of the backstory didn’t quite come across, but that didn’t stop me from understanding their roles in the story.
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author and look forward to future releases!
This story will hold up with anyone who likes street-level action like Daredevil or The Boys mixed with some heavy yearning and attraction of a good love story. Society is torn between unruly superhumans with a variety of powers that are sometimes silly and useless and sometimes terrifyingly dangerous. The result is a girl on the run from a militaristic government for reasons that slowly unravel (I won’t give it away, but Santos gives you more than you think as the story moves on).
One of my favorite characters was Olivia’s mother. She is funny and tough and sort of rises to the occasion in ways unheard of some parents. I sometimes wanted the book to be more sinister, but it happily rode the line between light and airy and on the verge of darkness. The reality is this book doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to conjure intense, action-packed moments as you go along.
The book left me satisfied, and I have no idea is this is meant as a standalone or if we should expect more stories in this world. It would pretty easy to dig deeper into The Alliance or Maynard, as some of the backstory didn’t quite come across, but that didn’t stop me from understanding their roles in the story.
I am happy that I received this book as an ARC from the author and look forward to future releases!
October 13, 2026
Ghost Particle | Ramona Santos | 4.5 ⭐️
“Kaz flips open the notebook, and my stomach drops. The first page is covered in sketches that could only be described as an ode to penises. Some have grinning faces, while others are covered in spirals and flowers. Kaz holds it closer and quickly flips through the pages, as if expecting to find something else. But nope, it’s all dicks.”
This book was everything that I didn’t know that I needed. It made me laugh out loud, gasp in astonishment, cry and curse at the wind, and kick my little feetsies in delight. Ramona Santos did such a fantastic job nailing the tone for this book, and I was immediately drawn in.
First of all, these characters are so well written. Each has their own distinct personality, but the way that they blend together to create the most beautifully chaotic friend group is just marvelous. (Hawkins, my love, I will never get enough of your humor and kindness.)
The genre conventions are played out so well, but in such a poignant way. The commentary on the dangers of AI was so prevalent but also woven in exceptionally well. I got goosebumps reading the sentence “I lift my fingers to Chime’s keyboard, its keys tethering me back to reality.” But this is not some distant far fetched idea, that people would turn to chatbots for answers and friendship. AGH. I could go on forever about this, but you just gotta read the book.
And that ending just left me hankering for more (in the best way possible).
*thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for providing me with a free Advanced Reader Copy*
“Kaz flips open the notebook, and my stomach drops. The first page is covered in sketches that could only be described as an ode to penises. Some have grinning faces, while others are covered in spirals and flowers. Kaz holds it closer and quickly flips through the pages, as if expecting to find something else. But nope, it’s all dicks.”
This book was everything that I didn’t know that I needed. It made me laugh out loud, gasp in astonishment, cry and curse at the wind, and kick my little feetsies in delight. Ramona Santos did such a fantastic job nailing the tone for this book, and I was immediately drawn in.
First of all, these characters are so well written. Each has their own distinct personality, but the way that they blend together to create the most beautifully chaotic friend group is just marvelous. (Hawkins, my love, I will never get enough of your humor and kindness.)
The genre conventions are played out so well, but in such a poignant way. The commentary on the dangers of AI was so prevalent but also woven in exceptionally well. I got goosebumps reading the sentence “I lift my fingers to Chime’s keyboard, its keys tethering me back to reality.” But this is not some distant far fetched idea, that people would turn to chatbots for answers and friendship. AGH. I could go on forever about this, but you just gotta read the book.
And that ending just left me hankering for more (in the best way possible).
*thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for providing me with a free Advanced Reader Copy*
October 2, 2026
What do you get when you mix assassins and bounty hunters with advanced AI technology, superpowers, and a whole lot of chaos?!
Ghost Particle by Ramona Jamirez.
I really loved the post-apocalyptic, futuristic world the author created. The high-tech setting combined with superpowers made for such a unique and action-packed story, and I was here for ALL the chaos.
I especially enjoyed Olivia’s character development as she uncovers the mysteries surrounding why she lost her powers eight years ago—and why Maynard is after her. She struggles with anxiety and constantly second-guesses her choices, but watching her push through those fears and grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
The dynamics between Grant, Kaz, and Hawkins added so much to the story, and I loved seeing how their relationships developed along the way.
And the AI?! Seeing how easily technology could spiral into something much darker was honestly terrifying, especially because of how realistic some of it felt.
Plus, the plot twists?! There were SO many moments where I thought I knew where the story was going… only to be completely wrong.
If you’re looking for a futuristic, post-apocalyptic read packed with superpowers, assassins, AI, twists, and plenty of chaos, Ghost Particle definitely brings it.
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the advanced readers coffee. I leave this review voluntarily.
Ghost Particle by Ramona Jamirez.
I really loved the post-apocalyptic, futuristic world the author created. The high-tech setting combined with superpowers made for such a unique and action-packed story, and I was here for ALL the chaos.
I especially enjoyed Olivia’s character development as she uncovers the mysteries surrounding why she lost her powers eight years ago—and why Maynard is after her. She struggles with anxiety and constantly second-guesses her choices, but watching her push through those fears and grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts.
The dynamics between Grant, Kaz, and Hawkins added so much to the story, and I loved seeing how their relationships developed along the way.
And the AI?! Seeing how easily technology could spiral into something much darker was honestly terrifying, especially because of how realistic some of it felt.
Plus, the plot twists?! There were SO many moments where I thought I knew where the story was going… only to be completely wrong.
If you’re looking for a futuristic, post-apocalyptic read packed with superpowers, assassins, AI, twists, and plenty of chaos, Ghost Particle definitely brings it.
Thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for the advanced readers coffee. I leave this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderfully imaginative and thought-provoking dystopian sci-fi fantasy!
There is so much packed into this book! From the intriguing world-building to the unexpected twists and turns, it certainly kept me on my toes. It even had me questioning where our own world might be heading with the advancement of AI!
Ramona Santos’s writing is excellent, although personally, I found the pacing a little uneven. With so much happening and some very short chapters, there were moments when I had to go back and reread passages to fully absorb everything. The world was well written, but I occasionally struggled to visualize it.
Olivia was a believable protagonist, navigating obstacle after obstacle, but I would have loved a little more depth to really connect with her emotionally.
The found-family element was lovely, with warmth and acceptance among the characters. And Hawkins? I absolutely adored him! I can’t quite explain why, but he was easily one of my favourites. 💕
The relationships had an interesting balance of forming quickly while the emotional connections developed more slowly.
And those plot twists! I certainly didn’t see them coming.
As for that ending?! Excuse me, where is the sequel?! Because I have questions, and I need answers! 😂
Overall, an enjoyable, imaginative and action-packed read that I would happily recommend to fans of dystopian sci-fi fantasy. I’m definitely looking forward to Book 2!
There is so much packed into this book! From the intriguing world-building to the unexpected twists and turns, it certainly kept me on my toes. It even had me questioning where our own world might be heading with the advancement of AI!
Ramona Santos’s writing is excellent, although personally, I found the pacing a little uneven. With so much happening and some very short chapters, there were moments when I had to go back and reread passages to fully absorb everything. The world was well written, but I occasionally struggled to visualize it.
Olivia was a believable protagonist, navigating obstacle after obstacle, but I would have loved a little more depth to really connect with her emotionally.
The found-family element was lovely, with warmth and acceptance among the characters. And Hawkins? I absolutely adored him! I can’t quite explain why, but he was easily one of my favourites. 💕
The relationships had an interesting balance of forming quickly while the emotional connections developed more slowly.
And those plot twists! I certainly didn’t see them coming.
As for that ending?! Excuse me, where is the sequel?! Because I have questions, and I need answers! 😂
Overall, an enjoyable, imaginative and action-packed read that I would happily recommend to fans of dystopian sci-fi fantasy. I’m definitely looking forward to Book 2!
October 13, 2026
An anti-corporate dystopian thriller that hooks you quickly and you have no choice but to follow it down its rabbit hole!
Ghost Particle is such a fun ride!! Our MC Olivia is so easy to root for right off the bat. We don’t know where we’re going, but after page one I was ready to follow her into the crazy dystopian world!
Speaking of, Santos does a great job world-building. It’s a world that hardly resembles the one we know, yet doesn’t feel that far off, either. The entirely plausible dystopian setting made the environment all the more real. With shady corporate interests, untrustworthy execs, and individuality sold to the highest bidder there were interesting (terrifying) connections to modern day.
Oh, and I almost forgot, everyone(?) has superpowers?? Santos does a great job blending the supernatural elements with the dystopian futuristic earth. While also not letting the superpowers overshadow the personal connection to the story.
Because at the heart of the story is a lovely bit of found family. Exactly the type of people you need to survive in such a world. Then we have our MMC Kaz, who is as complicated and crotchety as they come, which is so fun to contrast with anxious heart of gold Olivia. Each member of the team was well-developed and played off one another perfectly.
The mystery aspect will keep you turning each page as you want to know what happens next in this complex fascinating world Santos built! If you like dystopian thrillers, superpowers included, this is a must read! I can’t wait to see what Santos does next in this Universe!
Ghost Particle is such a fun ride!! Our MC Olivia is so easy to root for right off the bat. We don’t know where we’re going, but after page one I was ready to follow her into the crazy dystopian world!
Speaking of, Santos does a great job world-building. It’s a world that hardly resembles the one we know, yet doesn’t feel that far off, either. The entirely plausible dystopian setting made the environment all the more real. With shady corporate interests, untrustworthy execs, and individuality sold to the highest bidder there were interesting (terrifying) connections to modern day.
Oh, and I almost forgot, everyone(?) has superpowers?? Santos does a great job blending the supernatural elements with the dystopian futuristic earth. While also not letting the superpowers overshadow the personal connection to the story.
Because at the heart of the story is a lovely bit of found family. Exactly the type of people you need to survive in such a world. Then we have our MMC Kaz, who is as complicated and crotchety as they come, which is so fun to contrast with anxious heart of gold Olivia. Each member of the team was well-developed and played off one another perfectly.
The mystery aspect will keep you turning each page as you want to know what happens next in this complex fascinating world Santos built! If you like dystopian thrillers, superpowers included, this is a must read! I can’t wait to see what Santos does next in this Universe!
Review of advance copy
Sci/fi is one of my favorite…if not my favorite….genre, and I feel like I read it so infrequently these days. So when I saw the opportunity apply to read Ghost Particle by Ramona Santos as an ARC, I couldn’t get to the form fast enough. And it did not disappoint!
I am a huge fan of Blake Crouch fan, and Ghost Particle gave me Dark Matter and Recursion vibes with hints of Jessica Jones, Divergent and The Boys!
If you like….
💫 Dystopian SciFi/Fantasy
💫 Assassins
💫 Corporate Conspiracy
💫 Forced Proximity and Slow Burn Romance
💫 Superpowers
💫 Found Family
💫 Secrets Coming to Light
Then you will like this book! Olivia is an office assistant and a shut in who lost her power as a telekinetic many years ago after an incident. So when she finds herself on the run from a corrupt corporation, an alliance of assassins and in the hands of bounty hunters, she really has no idea who to trust. And then to top it off, she has powers reemerge that seem to be triggered by one particular bounty hunter…who may also be her only key to finding out the truth.
Get ready for one rollercoaster of a story with plenty of cyberpunk and dystopian energy! And as action packed as this book is, it is balanced with genuine human connection, found family and a sprinkle of romance!
I would like to thank Rattle the Stars PR and Ramona Santos for the opportunity to read Ghost Particle as an ARC.
I am a huge fan of Blake Crouch fan, and Ghost Particle gave me Dark Matter and Recursion vibes with hints of Jessica Jones, Divergent and The Boys!
If you like….
💫 Dystopian SciFi/Fantasy
💫 Assassins
💫 Corporate Conspiracy
💫 Forced Proximity and Slow Burn Romance
💫 Superpowers
💫 Found Family
💫 Secrets Coming to Light
Then you will like this book! Olivia is an office assistant and a shut in who lost her power as a telekinetic many years ago after an incident. So when she finds herself on the run from a corrupt corporation, an alliance of assassins and in the hands of bounty hunters, she really has no idea who to trust. And then to top it off, she has powers reemerge that seem to be triggered by one particular bounty hunter…who may also be her only key to finding out the truth.
Get ready for one rollercoaster of a story with plenty of cyberpunk and dystopian energy! And as action packed as this book is, it is balanced with genuine human connection, found family and a sprinkle of romance!
I would like to thank Rattle the Stars PR and Ramona Santos for the opportunity to read Ghost Particle as an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun mix of dystopian sci-fi, superpowers, AI, corruption, and just enough romance to keep things interesting.
Olivia gets thrown into a situation that completely changes her life, and I liked watching her try to figure out what is actually happening while also trying to understand these new powers she suddenly has. There’s a lot going on, but the mystery surrounding Olivia and what’s happening to the world kept me wanting to know what was behind it all.
And then there’s Kaz. 😂 He is such a grump, and his relationship with Olivia is definitely one of my favorite parts. These two push each other’s buttons so much that there were moments when I wasn't sure if they were going to work together or actually try to kill each other. The slow-burn tension between them was a lot of fun.
I also really liked the group of bounty hunters and the found-family aspect that develops along the way. There are secrets, action, twists, and plenty of questions about where the world is headed.
If you like dystopian sci-fi with superpowers, a little romance, found family, and a mystery that slowly starts putting the pieces together, I think you've found your next read.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Olivia gets thrown into a situation that completely changes her life, and I liked watching her try to figure out what is actually happening while also trying to understand these new powers she suddenly has. There’s a lot going on, but the mystery surrounding Olivia and what’s happening to the world kept me wanting to know what was behind it all.
And then there’s Kaz. 😂 He is such a grump, and his relationship with Olivia is definitely one of my favorite parts. These two push each other’s buttons so much that there were moments when I wasn't sure if they were going to work together or actually try to kill each other. The slow-burn tension between them was a lot of fun.
I also really liked the group of bounty hunters and the found-family aspect that develops along the way. There are secrets, action, twists, and plenty of questions about where the world is headed.
If you like dystopian sci-fi with superpowers, a little romance, found family, and a mystery that slowly starts putting the pieces together, I think you've found your next read.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 11, 2026
Ghost Particle by Ramona Santos is jaw dropping! I mean that quite literally. This book had me mouth open flipping pages back and forth trying to process what had happened.
Ghost Particle is one of those books that will have you turning pages as fast as you can and staying up way too late to read it. That is because of a combination of Ramona’s wonderful writing style and her addictive plot. And I mean really the plot feels pretty relevant to things happening today.
I absolutely loved all of her characters. They all had very distinct personalities, but they all fit together well to form their found family. I loved Hawkins the most though. He was definitely the relief this book needed.
If you enjoyed Avidian by Ashley O’Donovan then you’ll definitely enjoy this one! I definitely recommend picking this one up today. I can’t wait to read more from Ramona!
TL;DR
🧑💻 this was a page turning, staying up way too late reading kind of read
⚡️ I loved Ramona’s writing style
🧑💻 the characters were phenomenal, Hawkins is my favorite
⚡️ I can’t wait to read more
Thank you to Ramona Santos and Iris Influencer Society for the gifted eARC!
Ghost Particle is one of those books that will have you turning pages as fast as you can and staying up way too late to read it. That is because of a combination of Ramona’s wonderful writing style and her addictive plot. And I mean really the plot feels pretty relevant to things happening today.
I absolutely loved all of her characters. They all had very distinct personalities, but they all fit together well to form their found family. I loved Hawkins the most though. He was definitely the relief this book needed.
If you enjoyed Avidian by Ashley O’Donovan then you’ll definitely enjoy this one! I definitely recommend picking this one up today. I can’t wait to read more from Ramona!
TL;DR
🧑💻 this was a page turning, staying up way too late reading kind of read
⚡️ I loved Ramona’s writing style
🧑💻 the characters were phenomenal, Hawkins is my favorite
⚡️ I can’t wait to read more
Thank you to Ramona Santos and Iris Influencer Society for the gifted eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thank you to author Ramona Santos and RTSPR for an ARC of Ghost Particle available October 2026.
I want to like this one so bad it physically hurts. This has everything I usually vibe with, dystopian sci-fi setting, hidden powers, AI take over, it’s the whole package! But unfortunately I am struggling to get through this.
Im finding it hard to relate to the main character. We teetering on the edge of being relatable, she’s funny, charismatic, and intuitive but I feel like something is missing. And we just can’t jump over the edge yet.
Im also struggling with the world building. This story has excellent pacing, it’s fast and moving forward but I feel like there’s no imagery for Olivia’s world. Which makes sense because at the beginning of the story she is essentially a hermit who refuses to leave home, unfortunately for me that made it difficult to really get imbedded in the story right now.
Im shelving this as a DNF at 30% for now. I want to revisit this in a couple months because I have such high hopes for this one. I know if I read it later I will enjoy it so much more and I’ll be able to give it the hype it deserves!
I want to like this one so bad it physically hurts. This has everything I usually vibe with, dystopian sci-fi setting, hidden powers, AI take over, it’s the whole package! But unfortunately I am struggling to get through this.
Im finding it hard to relate to the main character. We teetering on the edge of being relatable, she’s funny, charismatic, and intuitive but I feel like something is missing. And we just can’t jump over the edge yet.
Im also struggling with the world building. This story has excellent pacing, it’s fast and moving forward but I feel like there’s no imagery for Olivia’s world. Which makes sense because at the beginning of the story she is essentially a hermit who refuses to leave home, unfortunately for me that made it difficult to really get imbedded in the story right now.
Im shelving this as a DNF at 30% for now. I want to revisit this in a couple months because I have such high hopes for this one. I know if I read it later I will enjoy it so much more and I’ll be able to give it the hype it deserves!
October 13, 2026
This book is seriously one of the best dystopian books that I have read in SO long! The premise was amazing, the characters were stunning, and the imagery was insane. At times, I genuinely felt like I was part of the book. My interest was piqued on page 1, and I never looked back!
Olivia is one of the coolest characters that I've gotten to read about in a while. She overcame a lot of trauma and adversity, but she came out on top. Not to mention, she has a wicked sense of humor.
Kaz also became one of my favorite characters as the book went on. His character arc in book one alone is enough to keep me coming back for more. Also, although the focus is not necessarily on romance, enemies to lovers, anyone? Ramona Santos nailed that trope!
Additionally, the political intrigue and magic/power system were so unique that they kept re-engaging me. Some parts of the book also didn't feel too otherworldly, which is crazy, but it makes the book that much more engrossing. I highly recommend reading this book! You definitely won't be left disappointed.
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and Ramona Santos for the ARC of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Olivia is one of the coolest characters that I've gotten to read about in a while. She overcame a lot of trauma and adversity, but she came out on top. Not to mention, she has a wicked sense of humor.
Kaz also became one of my favorite characters as the book went on. His character arc in book one alone is enough to keep me coming back for more. Also, although the focus is not necessarily on romance, enemies to lovers, anyone? Ramona Santos nailed that trope!
Additionally, the political intrigue and magic/power system were so unique that they kept re-engaging me. Some parts of the book also didn't feel too otherworldly, which is crazy, but it makes the book that much more engrossing. I highly recommend reading this book! You definitely won't be left disappointed.
Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and Ramona Santos for the ARC of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
September 8, 2026
What does a group of bounty hunters, assassins, and a big shot AI company have in common? They all want Olivia Ramirez! She is something special. In a world filled with people who have powers she thinks she lost hers during an unfortunate incident. Turns out she may just be the key to unlock everything.
This story truly had it all. From start to finish I was hooked. Olivia’s character is relatable in that she didn’t have it all together. She was unsure, full of anxiety, and didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle but showed up anyway. Her forced friend group was the right mix of different personalities. The bad guys were believably bad and there are even morally gray characters that you aren’t sure you can trust. I was swooning over the slow burn love interest the entire time. Cheering from the sidelines like it was my full time job. The work building and explanation of happenings in the world is ultimately what drew me in. It was unique and I totally recommend to all who love dystopian slow burn books!
This story truly had it all. From start to finish I was hooked. Olivia’s character is relatable in that she didn’t have it all together. She was unsure, full of anxiety, and didn’t have all the pieces of the puzzle but showed up anyway. Her forced friend group was the right mix of different personalities. The bad guys were believably bad and there are even morally gray characters that you aren’t sure you can trust. I was swooning over the slow burn love interest the entire time. Cheering from the sidelines like it was my full time job. The work building and explanation of happenings in the world is ultimately what drew me in. It was unique and I totally recommend to all who love dystopian slow burn books!
Review of advance copy
Olivia’s life is turned on its axis when she is ripped from her quiet secluded life and into a chaos outside of her understanding. Her life and story intertwine with Kaz, a man whose nearness seems to activate her newfound powers. He doesn’t trust her and she doesn’t trust him. Amidst the chaos of her new abilities and the target on her back, Olivia begins to question the life she has known and was taught.
Ghost Particle is a dystopian novel with a dash of romance that is shown through actions and time. Finding the truth about Olivia’s new abilities and her past takes center stage. With each new clue and detail the reader will find themselves asking questions and flipping pages for the answers.
Santos has a writing style that will hook and drag you into the pages. It is impossible to put the book down and you might even lose sleep in your quest to finish it.
The main message behind the story is a cautionary tale of what AI is capable of, and more importantly, what it can do in the wrong hands.
Thank you to Ramona Santos and Rattle the Stars for this advance reader copy.
Ghost Particle is a dystopian novel with a dash of romance that is shown through actions and time. Finding the truth about Olivia’s new abilities and her past takes center stage. With each new clue and detail the reader will find themselves asking questions and flipping pages for the answers.
Santos has a writing style that will hook and drag you into the pages. It is impossible to put the book down and you might even lose sleep in your quest to finish it.
The main message behind the story is a cautionary tale of what AI is capable of, and more importantly, what it can do in the wrong hands.
Thank you to Ramona Santos and Rattle the Stars for this advance reader copy.
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