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The Assembly Hearts #1
Desolate
When a young witch with ADHD loses focus during a spell, she's whisked back in time and is forced to navigate a new reality and an unexpected romance. Can Mia find her way back home, all while stopping a killer?
Present-day Mia feels utterly alone. Abandoned by her mother after her father's death, she struggles to find her way. Amidst witching lessons and pining for her spoken-for best friend, she learns that her childhood friend and fellow supernatural being is missing. Her attempt to rescue him leads to a time-bending mishap.
Waking up in 1992, Mia crosses paths with a young woman in danger and taps into strange, unknown powers to save her. But as she falls for the enchanting near-victim, the accidental time-traveler discovers this intriguing girl is destined to die.
Can Mia prevent this dark destiny from coming to pass, all while trying to get home in time to save her friend?
Kelli Storm’s debut YA urban fantasy, Desolate, is a spellbinding novel for lovers of LGBTQ+ heroines, character-driven plots, and bewitching twists. Join Mia on her journey of the choice between destiny and saving the ones we love and grab your copy today!
Present-day Mia feels utterly alone. Abandoned by her mother after her father's death, she struggles to find her way. Amidst witching lessons and pining for her spoken-for best friend, she learns that her childhood friend and fellow supernatural being is missing. Her attempt to rescue him leads to a time-bending mishap.
Waking up in 1992, Mia crosses paths with a young woman in danger and taps into strange, unknown powers to save her. But as she falls for the enchanting near-victim, the accidental time-traveler discovers this intriguing girl is destined to die.
Can Mia prevent this dark destiny from coming to pass, all while trying to get home in time to save her friend?
Kelli Storm’s debut YA urban fantasy, Desolate, is a spellbinding novel for lovers of LGBTQ+ heroines, character-driven plots, and bewitching twists. Join Mia on her journey of the choice between destiny and saving the ones we love and grab your copy today!
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Storm
16 books14 followersWhen the 2008 recession hit, KELLI STORM found herself without a job and with too much time on her hands. To fill the void, she began writing fan fiction. She soon developed a following, and her readers encouraged her to write an original story. Kelli’s debut book, HIS SMALL-TOWN CHALLENGE (Harlequin Special Edition, 2025), is an ode to her love of boy bands.
Kelli earned her bachelor’s from Grand Valley State University. She’s the author of the Challenge Accepted series for Harlequin Special Edition and the young adult fantasy series, The Assembly Hearts, which includes DESOLATE (Tiny Fox Press, 2025). She lives in the Great Lake State with three rescue dogs and a fifteen-year-old fish named Henry O’Malley.
Kelli earned her bachelor’s from Grand Valley State University. She’s the author of the Challenge Accepted series for Harlequin Special Edition and the young adult fantasy series, The Assembly Hearts, which includes DESOLATE (Tiny Fox Press, 2025). She lives in the Great Lake State with three rescue dogs and a fifteen-year-old fish named Henry O’Malley.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy for my honest review.
I typically shy away from YA books anymore, as some of them feel too juvenile (and I admittedly like some spice in my sapphic stories). Desolate, however, did not feel this way at all. It drew me in almost immediately and kept me hooked until the very end and definitely has some darker tones in it.
Storm does a really good job of character and world building. I like how she described and used the magic in this specific sense. It's practical but still otherworldly.
It's really refreshing to read about a female MC who has to live and struggle with a learning disability that effects her day to day life and her magical skills. I think Storm did a great job of elaborating and playing on it.
I love Mia's family. A lot. Aunt Tilly is so fantastic and getting to learn about grandma and grandpa when she time travels is really special.
I'll get into some spoilers for characters below:
Although we don't get to see too much from
I wasn't aware, when picking this story up, that it'd end with the promise of a sequel, but I'm really looking forward to that. I'm excited to see the new friends and alliances (and hopefully romantic relationship) that Mia will form along the way-growing into the powerful witch she's always meant to be.
I typically shy away from YA books anymore, as some of them feel too juvenile (and I admittedly like some spice in my sapphic stories). Desolate, however, did not feel this way at all. It drew me in almost immediately and kept me hooked until the very end and definitely has some darker tones in it.
Storm does a really good job of character and world building. I like how she described and used the magic in this specific sense. It's practical but still otherworldly.
It's really refreshing to read about a female MC who has to live and struggle with a learning disability that effects her day to day life and her magical skills. I think Storm did a great job of elaborating and playing on it.
I love Mia's family. A lot. Aunt Tilly is so fantastic and getting to learn about grandma and grandpa when she time travels is really special.
I'll get into some spoilers for characters below:
Although we don't get to see too much from
I wasn't aware, when picking this story up, that it'd end with the promise of a sequel, but I'm really looking forward to that. I'm excited to see the new friends and alliances (and hopefully romantic relationship) that Mia will form along the way-growing into the powerful witch she's always meant to be.
August 8, 2025
Firstly, Thank you to Tiny Fox Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the queer representation within Desolate and the fact that it was in no way central to the story. Normalizing queerness in media is important to me as a queer person. Growing up I read a lot of fantasy/mystery/romance books but never seen myself represented in any of them.
Desolate brought everything I wished I had as a young reader. There was mystery. There was romance. There was deceit. There was magic and there was a story being told. Desolate touched on subjects that are important to discuss. Kelli did a fantastic job building out this world and keeping the magic system simple yet exciting. I loved the elements of historical fiction thrown in to help build out the world. The characters were all well thought out and felt like real people. The story is fantasy yet still relatable it was easy to connect with the characters especially the relationship between Mia and her aunt Tilly, . I’m excited to see a second installment of the series and see what lies ahead for Mia and where her journey leads her
I enjoyed the queer representation within Desolate and the fact that it was in no way central to the story. Normalizing queerness in media is important to me as a queer person. Growing up I read a lot of fantasy/mystery/romance books but never seen myself represented in any of them.
Desolate brought everything I wished I had as a young reader. There was mystery. There was romance. There was deceit. There was magic and there was a story being told. Desolate touched on subjects that are important to discuss. Kelli did a fantastic job building out this world and keeping the magic system simple yet exciting. I loved the elements of historical fiction thrown in to help build out the world. The characters were all well thought out and felt like real people. The story is fantasy yet still relatable it was easy to connect with the characters especially the relationship between Mia and her aunt Tilly, . I’m excited to see a second installment of the series and see what lies ahead for Mia and where her journey leads her
July 6, 2025
4.5 stars
Desolate is a well crafted story about Mia, a young witch with ADHD, who unknowingly travelled back in time. We follow her as she grows to understand herself, her powers, and the mysteries of the world around her.
The world building, and the magic system were easy to follow whilst still being distinctive enough to be completely unique to anything I’ve read before. The author did an incredible job at weaving together the two timelines; enhancing the world, the characters, and the plot.
From the first page, this book kept me intrigued, wanting to discover more! My favourite part was the way the characters were written and developed; realistic, feeling very human. Especially Mia was a character I connected with, and the ADHD representation was done so well.
The relationships between Mia and her family, and how the different timelines allowed us to get a glimpse into the relationship between them was something else I really enjoyed; equally heartwarming, as heartbreaking. The relationship between Mia and her grandfather made me tear up on multiple occasions, and the moments with aunt Tilly were just as touching.
If you like witchy fantasy books, with incredible characters, a compelling story, great representation, and unpredictable plot twists; this is a book you’d like!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tiny Fox Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Desolate is a well crafted story about Mia, a young witch with ADHD, who unknowingly travelled back in time. We follow her as she grows to understand herself, her powers, and the mysteries of the world around her.
The world building, and the magic system were easy to follow whilst still being distinctive enough to be completely unique to anything I’ve read before. The author did an incredible job at weaving together the two timelines; enhancing the world, the characters, and the plot.
From the first page, this book kept me intrigued, wanting to discover more! My favourite part was the way the characters were written and developed; realistic, feeling very human. Especially Mia was a character I connected with, and the ADHD representation was done so well.
The relationships between Mia and her family, and how the different timelines allowed us to get a glimpse into the relationship between them was something else I really enjoyed; equally heartwarming, as heartbreaking. The relationship between Mia and her grandfather made me tear up on multiple occasions, and the moments with aunt Tilly were just as touching.
If you like witchy fantasy books, with incredible characters, a compelling story, great representation, and unpredictable plot twists; this is a book you’d like!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tiny Fox Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
------------------
Post read:
OK THAT AS WAYYYYYY BETTER THEN I THOUGH IT WOULD BE
------------------
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
!!𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚜!! 𝙴𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢 - 𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚢
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
★★★★☆
𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(...Ready For It - Taylor Swift)"
0:09 ━●────────── 3:28
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷
𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒚
Mia has been alone most of her life, with only her Aunt Tilly and best friend Ella. Now her best friend has a boyfriend and wants little to do with her. But after one of her childhood friends goes missing, she messes up a spell and finds herself in 1992. Where she must find a way to get home, but also save a life.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
Ok, when I first found this book, i didnt really think i was going to like it. Its not that it seemed that it sounded terrible its just i had never really like anything from this genre before, but WOW. If I didnt have a family vacation when i was reading this, i very well think i could have read it in one sitting. Normally, I hate when ADHD is mentioned, but this book did it really well. I’ve seen characters with ADHD before, and the authors made it their whole personality, thank you to Kelli Storm for not doing that. She wrought it VERY well, and it actually made sense with the plot.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝐌𝐢𝐚
She had some of the best writing I've seen in a while. In the beginning, I was annoyed by how much the ADHD got brought up, but by the end, I was slowly realizing that it was needed. Her ADHD was part of her, not just a plot point that was randomly brought up.
𝐂𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝐀𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲
The whole time traveling thing confused me.
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐲
I know we didn't get that much about him
𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞
She is one of the only parts of the book I didn't understand
Post read:
OK THAT AS WAYYYYYY BETTER THEN I THOUGH IT WOULD BE
------------------
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
!!𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚓𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚜!! 𝙴𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢 - 𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚢
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
★★★★☆
𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(...Ready For It - Taylor Swift)"
0:09 ━●────────── 3:28
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷
𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒚
Mia has been alone most of her life, with only her Aunt Tilly and best friend Ella. Now her best friend has a boyfriend and wants little to do with her. But after one of her childhood friends goes missing, she messes up a spell and finds herself in 1992. Where she must find a way to get home, but also save a life.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔
Ok, when I first found this book, i didnt really think i was going to like it. Its not that it seemed that it sounded terrible its just i had never really like anything from this genre before, but WOW. If I didnt have a family vacation when i was reading this, i very well think i could have read it in one sitting. Normally, I hate when ADHD is mentioned, but this book did it really well. I’ve seen characters with ADHD before, and the authors made it their whole personality, thank you to Kelli Storm for not doing that. She wrought it VERY well, and it actually made sense with the plot.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝐌𝐢𝐚
She had some of the best writing I've seen in a while. In the beginning, I was annoyed by how much the ADHD got brought up, but by the end, I was slowly realizing that it was needed. Her ADHD was part of her, not just a plot point that was randomly brought up.
𝐂𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚
𝐀𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲
The whole time traveling thing confused me.
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐲
I know we didn't get that much about him
𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞
She is one of the only parts of the book I didn't understand
August 18, 2025
"There are no accidents. Only fated occurrences."
Picking up this book was DEFINITELY a fated occurrence. I started reading this book in the middle of a reading slump, and it definitely got me out of it. The slump was intense, but once I got to the middle of the book, I finished the second half in two sittings.
The book follows Mia, a teenage witch whose ADHD poses a barrier to controlling her magic. During a spell gone wrong, she's thrust 20 years back in time, but Others are going missing. Will Mia defeat a great evil and make it back to her own timeline, or will she be stuck in the past forever?
I loved so many things about this book. The ADHD and sapphic rep were just the start. The thing I loved most was the magic system. I am a sucker for elemental magic systems, where witches rely on the elements to refuel their powers. This book was a lot darker than I expected. I was thrilled because I'm a lover of dark fantasy, but I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings for this one if you're not used to the genre.
At the beginning, I was slightly irked by the sort of ableist way the main character discusses her ADHD, but it becomes clearer that this is just the character's lack of self-acceptance, not a general comment on ADHD itself. I actually felt this journey to acceptance Mia begins brings the reader closer to her, and makes her all the more relatable for neurodivergent readers in particular.
Thank you to Tiny Fox Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The storyline and characters kept me intrigued as I did not want to stop reading. The MFC, Mia, is a witch with ADHD and I absolutely loved her! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good witchy fantasy with hints of time travel as well.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2025
I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a decent start to a series, and I wouldn't mind reading more of it. The end plot hook was interesting, and the plot twist was done well. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole One in a Generation or whatever Special main character genre as a whole, but the world building wasn't too much in one go, instead building up throughout. I read through the book in an afternoon with minimal stops and starts, usually to sigh at how typically teenage Mia was being.
The magic system was simple but effective, and I expect the world of the Others will be expanded on in coming books given the ending offered up in this one. There are plenty of interesting world building points to hop off from in the future.
This is a decent start to a series, and I wouldn't mind reading more of it. The end plot hook was interesting, and the plot twist was done well. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole One in a Generation or whatever Special main character genre as a whole, but the world building wasn't too much in one go, instead building up throughout. I read through the book in an afternoon with minimal stops and starts, usually to sigh at how typically teenage Mia was being.
The magic system was simple but effective, and I expect the world of the Others will be expanded on in coming books given the ending offered up in this one. There are plenty of interesting world building points to hop off from in the future.
October 7, 2025
thank you to tinyfoxpress for having a giveaway for this book on librarything!
I'm so happy I won it, this was a fantastic read! I was absolutely enthralled with this book, I did not want to put it down. I definitely recommend checking it out.
I'm so happy I won it, this was a fantastic read! I was absolutely enthralled with this book, I did not want to put it down. I definitely recommend checking it out.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the ADHD representation here in this book. It’s something that we don’t see enough today. I really enjoyed this one. I loved that it was a quick read as well.
September 10, 2025
A solid fall read. We join Mia, a young witch with ADHD, as she accidentally sends herself back in time and falls for a girl who was famously murdered. We not only get to explore Mia’s family of witches, but other supernatural beings and a decent amount of magic world politics, which I thought was pretty fun.
Pros:
- Mia’s crush on Cecilia was sweet and I’m always going to be a sucker for YA books with sapphic protagonists
- I loved the way this book covered grief. The time travel definitely presented unique scenarios as far as this goes, and I think it was utilized well
- Heart-eyes for Tilley in both timelines
- I appreciated that it’s not the overly saccharine “Halloween-core” kind of gay witch book that there have been a number of in the last few years. It’s not even that I dislike those books, I do keep reading them, but I liked going in a darker direction with the supernatural world.
Cons:
- I think Mia was on the edge of being unsympathetic because girly could not follow a direction and this is coming from the poster child of ADHD. Or maybe this is just what ADHD looks like without concurrent anxiety, because oh my god girl just don’t put yourself in danger it’s not that hard. But this is my gripe with any number of MCs in YA
- The writing style was not my favorite, although don’t let it count the book out for you completely. Maybe a little on the juvenile side (it is YA), but I think I got used to it as the book went on and the plot and pacing were enough that it wasn’t a sticking point for me.
All in all, definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick YA read to bring the fall vibes, with some 90’s nostalgia and the bonus of queer and neurodivergent rep.
A huge thanks to Tiny Fox Press and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Pros:
- Mia’s crush on Cecilia was sweet and I’m always going to be a sucker for YA books with sapphic protagonists
- I loved the way this book covered grief. The time travel definitely presented unique scenarios as far as this goes, and I think it was utilized well
- Heart-eyes for Tilley in both timelines
- I appreciated that it’s not the overly saccharine “Halloween-core” kind of gay witch book that there have been a number of in the last few years. It’s not even that I dislike those books, I do keep reading them, but I liked going in a darker direction with the supernatural world.
Cons:
- I think Mia was on the edge of being unsympathetic because girly could not follow a direction and this is coming from the poster child of ADHD. Or maybe this is just what ADHD looks like without concurrent anxiety, because oh my god girl just don’t put yourself in danger it’s not that hard. But this is my gripe with any number of MCs in YA
- The writing style was not my favorite, although don’t let it count the book out for you completely. Maybe a little on the juvenile side (it is YA), but I think I got used to it as the book went on and the plot and pacing were enough that it wasn’t a sticking point for me.
All in all, definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quick YA read to bring the fall vibes, with some 90’s nostalgia and the bonus of queer and neurodivergent rep.
A huge thanks to Tiny Fox Press and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It pulled at the heart strings and the twist towards the end. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 26, 2025
This was an enjoyable read! I enjoyed the blend of time travel, magic, and a sprinkle of historical elements. It gave the story a fresh and unique feel that kept me curious. While the beginning was a little slow for me, the pace picked up around the middle, and from there I was drawn in.
I especially enjoyed the FMC; she was relatable and down-to-earth, and I found myself connecting with her thoughts and choices throughout the story. Her journey felt genuine, and it made me even more invested in how things would turn out. The relationships between the characters were another highlight. They felt well-developed and added a nice emotional depth to the plot.
And that twist at the end? Totally didn’t see it coming, but I loved it. It gave the story a satisfying edge and made me even more curious about what could happen next.
I especially enjoyed the FMC; she was relatable and down-to-earth, and I found myself connecting with her thoughts and choices throughout the story. Her journey felt genuine, and it made me even more invested in how things would turn out. The relationships between the characters were another highlight. They felt well-developed and added a nice emotional depth to the plot.
And that twist at the end? Totally didn’t see it coming, but I loved it. It gave the story a satisfying edge and made me even more curious about what could happen next.
June 27, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for the ARC*
Wow! I am not usually the biggest fan of YA books, but this one did not feel juvenile in the slightest. Desolate had some of the best ADHD representation that I have seen in a mainstream book. Mia grows to understand herself and finds ways to make her intense emotions work for her. I adored Mia as a character as she makes mistakes that are understandable for a teenager and actively learns from the consequences. She has gone through a lot and her family support is phenomenal. Her complicated relationships within her family were my favorite part of the book. Multiple times I was trying in vain to read through tears and had to cry it out before continuing. I am desperate to see more Mia and Aunt Tilly moments together in future installments.
While the magic system is fairly straightforward, the world building adds in the uniqueness that is needed for the story to still feel fresh. As this feels like the beginning of a series, I like that Storm hints at a much more intricate world that will continue to be explored (I am already impatient for the next installment). Witches, werewolves, vampires, gnomes, mermaids, fae, etc, are all mentioned or met in this story and the dynamics between the overlapping worlds of the Others and the Commons makes a perfect setting for this high-stakes mystery. I typically hesitate with time travel elements, as they can lead to all sorts of plot holes, but Storm did a wonderful job rolling everything together. I look forward to rereading Desolate and catching all of the easter eggs that she planted throughout the book.
If you are looking for a well thought out mystery with supernatural elements, a teenage baby lesbian with ADHD, and some of the best simultaneously feel-good and heart-wrenching family moments Desolate will give you all of that and more.
Wow! I am not usually the biggest fan of YA books, but this one did not feel juvenile in the slightest. Desolate had some of the best ADHD representation that I have seen in a mainstream book. Mia grows to understand herself and finds ways to make her intense emotions work for her. I adored Mia as a character as she makes mistakes that are understandable for a teenager and actively learns from the consequences. She has gone through a lot and her family support is phenomenal. Her complicated relationships within her family were my favorite part of the book. Multiple times I was trying in vain to read through tears and had to cry it out before continuing. I am desperate to see more Mia and Aunt Tilly moments together in future installments.
While the magic system is fairly straightforward, the world building adds in the uniqueness that is needed for the story to still feel fresh. As this feels like the beginning of a series, I like that Storm hints at a much more intricate world that will continue to be explored (I am already impatient for the next installment). Witches, werewolves, vampires, gnomes, mermaids, fae, etc, are all mentioned or met in this story and the dynamics between the overlapping worlds of the Others and the Commons makes a perfect setting for this high-stakes mystery. I typically hesitate with time travel elements, as they can lead to all sorts of plot holes, but Storm did a wonderful job rolling everything together. I look forward to rereading Desolate and catching all of the easter eggs that she planted throughout the book.
If you are looking for a well thought out mystery with supernatural elements, a teenage baby lesbian with ADHD, and some of the best simultaneously feel-good and heart-wrenching family moments Desolate will give you all of that and more.
July 6, 2025
Desolate delivers some of the best ADHD representation I've seen in mainstream fiction. Mia's journey of self-understanding and learning to harness her intense emotions felt authentic and powerful. As a protagonist, she's wonderfully flawed - making believable teenage mistakes while actively learning from the consequences. Her growth throughout the story is both realistic and inspiring.
The family dynamics are absolutely the heart of this book. Mia's complicated relationships, especially with her phenomenally supportive family, had me crying multiple times. I literally had to put the book down to cry it out before continuing. The moments between Mia and Aunt Tilly were particularly touching, and I'm already desperate for more of their relationship in future installments.
While the magic system is straightforward, Storm's world-building adds the perfect amount of uniqueness to keep everything fresh. The overlapping worlds of Others and Commons create an ideal backdrop for this high-stakes mystery. Witches, werewolves, vampires, gnomes, mermaids, and fae all have their place, and I love how Storm hints at a much more intricate world to explore (I'm already impatient for book two).
I'm usually wary of time travel elements due to potential plot holes, but Storm weaves everything together masterfully. The story is clearly crafted with care, and I'm already looking forward to rereading to catch all the easter eggs she's planted.
If you're looking for a well-crafted mystery with supernatural elements, a teenage baby lesbian with ADHD, and some of the most simultaneously heartwarming and heart-wrenching family moments you'll find, Desolate delivers all of that and more.
The family dynamics are absolutely the heart of this book. Mia's complicated relationships, especially with her phenomenally supportive family, had me crying multiple times. I literally had to put the book down to cry it out before continuing. The moments between Mia and Aunt Tilly were particularly touching, and I'm already desperate for more of their relationship in future installments.
While the magic system is straightforward, Storm's world-building adds the perfect amount of uniqueness to keep everything fresh. The overlapping worlds of Others and Commons create an ideal backdrop for this high-stakes mystery. Witches, werewolves, vampires, gnomes, mermaids, and fae all have their place, and I love how Storm hints at a much more intricate world to explore (I'm already impatient for book two).
I'm usually wary of time travel elements due to potential plot holes, but Storm weaves everything together masterfully. The story is clearly crafted with care, and I'm already looking forward to rereading to catch all the easter eggs she's planted.
If you're looking for a well-crafted mystery with supernatural elements, a teenage baby lesbian with ADHD, and some of the most simultaneously heartwarming and heart-wrenching family moments you'll find, Desolate delivers all of that and more.
July 15, 2025
Desolate by Kelli Storm, published by Tiny Fox Press was a fun, quick read. It weaves together magic, time travel, and emotional depth in a story about Mia, a young witch learning to harness her powers while navigating complex relationships and high-stakes choices. The concept is imaginative and layered, touching on themes of identity, responsibility, and how even small actions can ripple through time.
While the story kept me engaged, I found the writing a bit uneven at times—some parts felt repetitive or slightly clunky. Mia, as a character, could be frustrating; she often made choices she knew were risky or unwise, a familiar trope that occasionally tested my patience. (Although this may be fitting for the YA crowd who will likely identify more closely with Mia.) That said, her journey was compelling, and I appreciated the emotional complexity behind her decisions.
The ending provides many reveals but also leaves several questions unanswered, clearly setting up a sequel. Despite a few bumps along the way, I’m curious to see what happens next for Mia and her family, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to find out.
While the story kept me engaged, I found the writing a bit uneven at times—some parts felt repetitive or slightly clunky. Mia, as a character, could be frustrating; she often made choices she knew were risky or unwise, a familiar trope that occasionally tested my patience. (Although this may be fitting for the YA crowd who will likely identify more closely with Mia.) That said, her journey was compelling, and I appreciated the emotional complexity behind her decisions.
The ending provides many reveals but also leaves several questions unanswered, clearly setting up a sequel. Despite a few bumps along the way, I’m curious to see what happens next for Mia and her family, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to find out.
April 13, 2025
This was such an amazing story and I absolutely devoured it! Mia was such a strong character and goes through so much throughout the story. She has ADHD and that is portrayed so well throughout the story and fits seamlessly into the plot without being something that is overly leaned on or made into some caricature. The world building and the time travel elements were also well done and felt realistic instead of being cheesy or weird. The relationship between Mia and Cecilia was developed very well and seeing their dynamic and how they fell in love in this effortless way was very satisfying. Would highly recommend if you enjoy magic realism, found family, sapphic romance, neurodivergent representation and time travel/spell gone wrong tropes. Thank you so much to Kelli Storm for the ARC of this beautiful story.
June 24, 2025
I was gifted an ARC copy thru NetGalley!! Thank youuu!
Wow wow wow.
Mia is just your average everyday teen with ADHD and girl problems. Only she’s not. She’s a witch. With terrible luck.
This book was so entertaining to read, as a 90s baby myself I loved the flash to the past and attention to detail that entailed.
I didn’t start figuring out who the villain was till maybe a chapter or two before it was revealed which is always nice to be surprised! I also trust NO ONE 😂😂
Hoping there will eventually be a book two as I absolutely need to know how Mia does controlling her power, and let’s not forget her love interest. ❤️
All in all I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
Wow wow wow.
Mia is just your average everyday teen with ADHD and girl problems. Only she’s not. She’s a witch. With terrible luck.
This book was so entertaining to read, as a 90s baby myself I loved the flash to the past and attention to detail that entailed.
I didn’t start figuring out who the villain was till maybe a chapter or two before it was revealed which is always nice to be surprised! I also trust NO ONE 😂😂
Hoping there will eventually be a book two as I absolutely need to know how Mia does controlling her power, and let’s not forget her love interest. ❤️
All in all I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
March 27, 2025
Desolate will take you on a time travel journey full of adventure, thrilling and suspense. It is a fantasy book with witches, werewolves, pixies… And it has a plot twist that you can’t see coming! I like that the main character has ADHD, and the way the author shows us the struggle of the protagonist to concentrate feels very real.
May 8, 2025
Desolate will take you on a time travel journey full of adventure, thrilling and suspense. It is a fantasy book with witches, werewolves, pixies… And it has a plot twist that you can’t see coming! I like that the main character has ADHD, and the way the author shows us the struggle of the protagonist to concentrate feels very real.
October 5, 2025
Desolate by Kelli Storm is an excellent YA fantasy that follows Mia, a young witch with ADHD as she time travels to the past following a mistake while spell casting.
Mia is living with her aunt Tilly and helping her to care for her grandmother while going to school and also working part time in the family business. The book is set in a modern day version of Salem where magic is real and there is a thriving magical community living in secrecy alongside humans. Mia must hide her powers from her human best friend but she does have a magical friend Cory, a were wolf, who understands that side of her life and whom she has known since they were both children. When Corey goes missing, Mia decides to cast a spell to try to find him but a combination of worry for her friend, exhaustion and her ADHD means that something goes wrong and she time travels back to 1992 where she meets her aunt as a teen and gets to see her grandparents alive and well. Witches aren't supposed to be able to time travel however and getting her back to her own timeline could be a challenge, especially once Mia saves Cecilia, a girl she sees being attacked by magical beings. In her timeline Mia knows this girl as a cautionary tale, a young woman murdered because of her magic, saving her now could send ripples through the timelines and have unforeseen consequences. Mia knows what she should do, but it is not going to be easy, especially since she is falling hard for Cecilia. Torn between a new love and old friend she has some very difficult decisions to make.
This was a really engaging and well told story, there was enough world building to ground the reader with a good sense of place and the magic system was pretty simple and intuitive to understand. The time travel element was fun, especially since Mia travelled back to the nineties, a time when I would have been around the same age she is in this book, so there was a fun nostalgia to that aspect of the story for me. There was also a poignancy in seeing her come face to face with her beloved grandfather (who was dead in her current timeline) and her grandmother before she succumbed to Alzheimer's. I was not expecting the sensitive exploration of the emotions that brought up for Mia, but it was beautifully handled. The ADHD representation in the book is both very well done and excellent to see, it was woven into the story in a way that showed the day to day impact it had on Mia's life and when it was used as part of the plot it was done with purpose and in a way that felt completely natural. The LGBTQ+ representation was also very good, with a sweet exploration of Mia falling for Cecilia , and I loved how naturally that was accepted by her family. The plot seems pretty simple at first but as the story unfolded there were several twists that I did not see coming , and I really appreciated that the author tried very hard to eliminate some of the plot holes that can crop up when time travel is involved.
This really was an excellent series opener and I look forward to seeing where this talented author will take the story from here.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,
Mia is living with her aunt Tilly and helping her to care for her grandmother while going to school and also working part time in the family business. The book is set in a modern day version of Salem where magic is real and there is a thriving magical community living in secrecy alongside humans. Mia must hide her powers from her human best friend but she does have a magical friend Cory, a were wolf, who understands that side of her life and whom she has known since they were both children. When Corey goes missing, Mia decides to cast a spell to try to find him but a combination of worry for her friend, exhaustion and her ADHD means that something goes wrong and she time travels back to 1992 where she meets her aunt as a teen and gets to see her grandparents alive and well. Witches aren't supposed to be able to time travel however and getting her back to her own timeline could be a challenge, especially once Mia saves Cecilia, a girl she sees being attacked by magical beings. In her timeline Mia knows this girl as a cautionary tale, a young woman murdered because of her magic, saving her now could send ripples through the timelines and have unforeseen consequences. Mia knows what she should do, but it is not going to be easy, especially since she is falling hard for Cecilia. Torn between a new love and old friend she has some very difficult decisions to make.
This was a really engaging and well told story, there was enough world building to ground the reader with a good sense of place and the magic system was pretty simple and intuitive to understand. The time travel element was fun, especially since Mia travelled back to the nineties, a time when I would have been around the same age she is in this book, so there was a fun nostalgia to that aspect of the story for me. There was also a poignancy in seeing her come face to face with her beloved grandfather (who was dead in her current timeline) and her grandmother before she succumbed to Alzheimer's. I was not expecting the sensitive exploration of the emotions that brought up for Mia, but it was beautifully handled. The ADHD representation in the book is both very well done and excellent to see, it was woven into the story in a way that showed the day to day impact it had on Mia's life and when it was used as part of the plot it was done with purpose and in a way that felt completely natural. The LGBTQ+ representation was also very good, with a sweet exploration of Mia falling for Cecilia , and I loved how naturally that was accepted by her family. The plot seems pretty simple at first but as the story unfolded there were several twists that I did not see coming , and I really appreciated that the author tried very hard to eliminate some of the plot holes that can crop up when time travel is involved.
This really was an excellent series opener and I look forward to seeing where this talented author will take the story from here.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,
September 4, 2025
At the heart of this enchanting novel is Mia, a gay teenager grappling with feelings of isolation and rejection after being shunned by her friends. Her struggle is not only social but also internal, as she wrestles with magical powers that feel both unpredictable and unwieldy. Mia’s character is written with nuance and empathy, revealing layers of vulnerability, courage, and a sharp, searching intelligence. Her journey toward self-acceptance is marked by moments of doubt and triumph, making her growth compelling and authentic.
When Mia’s search for a missing friend draws her into the world of magic, she is unexpectedly transported to 1992, a time and place steeped in secrets and supernatural intrigue. The plot deepens as Mia discovers her family’s hidden past, the mysteries surrounding a haunted house, and the possibility of rewriting fate for someone she loves. Each twist is carefully woven, keeping readers on edge with genuine stakes and an ever-shifting sense of mystery.
Supporting characters enrich the narrative, especially Mia’s grandparents, whose warmth and wisdom help anchor her in the unfamiliar past. Tilly, Mia’s aunt and adoptive mother, stands out as a figure of unconditional love and quiet sacrifice; her relationship with Mia evolves from tense uncertainty to one of deep understanding and mutual respect. These familial bonds are crucial to Mia’s journey and serve as emotional touchstones throughout the story.
The novel’s plot is unpredictable, with skillfully layered revelations that explore themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to embrace one's differences. Magic here is not just a tool, but a metaphor for self-discovery. As Mia learns that her powers are unique, she begins to accept and celebrate her own singularity.
In sum, this is a well-crafted magical mystery that delivers not only surprises and suspense, but also richly developed characters and heartfelt relationships. Readers seeking stories that intertwine queer identity, time-travel adventure, and the pain and beauty of self-discovery will find much to cherish within these pages.
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars! Can't wait for book 2!
Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When Mia’s search for a missing friend draws her into the world of magic, she is unexpectedly transported to 1992, a time and place steeped in secrets and supernatural intrigue. The plot deepens as Mia discovers her family’s hidden past, the mysteries surrounding a haunted house, and the possibility of rewriting fate for someone she loves. Each twist is carefully woven, keeping readers on edge with genuine stakes and an ever-shifting sense of mystery.
Supporting characters enrich the narrative, especially Mia’s grandparents, whose warmth and wisdom help anchor her in the unfamiliar past. Tilly, Mia’s aunt and adoptive mother, stands out as a figure of unconditional love and quiet sacrifice; her relationship with Mia evolves from tense uncertainty to one of deep understanding and mutual respect. These familial bonds are crucial to Mia’s journey and serve as emotional touchstones throughout the story.
The novel’s plot is unpredictable, with skillfully layered revelations that explore themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to embrace one's differences. Magic here is not just a tool, but a metaphor for self-discovery. As Mia learns that her powers are unique, she begins to accept and celebrate her own singularity.
In sum, this is a well-crafted magical mystery that delivers not only surprises and suspense, but also richly developed characters and heartfelt relationships. Readers seeking stories that intertwine queer identity, time-travel adventure, and the pain and beauty of self-discovery will find much to cherish within these pages.
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars! Can't wait for book 2!
Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2025
* I''l like to thank to NetGalley and Tiny Fox Press for opportunity of reading reviewing the ARC*
(This is non spoiler review)
Desolate is a story of Mia a young lesbian witch with ADHD who was raised by her aunt in Salem. Mia (accidentally) happens to time travel to time when a mysterious murder and kidnappings happened in year 1992.
Mia then is faced with dilemma: let the girl, Cecillia, who was supposed to be murdered in 1992 die or save her and make ripple in the timeline that might change everything in her future....
I have to say this is a great book with enjoyable characters. I absolutely adored the relationships in this story. Every relationship is thought through and well written. My favorite part was how supportive Mia's aunt Tilly has been and Mia's dedication to her family and friends was certainly what make me love this book so much. Since after time travel Mia ends up in her family home we got to see a lot of heartwarming family moments between younger versions of its [family] members.
Cecillia and Mia's relationship was greatly written as well and I loved that there were hints of how the ending came to be but not enough for me to fully guess how this book will end.
We also get to see Mia develop her powers and character throughout the book despise her disability. I've found the Mia's ADHD portrayal so refreshing bc it does show it as something that (while hard to handle) doesn't have to hinder her in all fields, in fact there were few moments when she acknowledges that hyper focus could help her learn more about her magic.
In this novel I was found of the fact that the Salem witch trials being part of the Mia's family history and being important to plot overall as well.
For technical things i'd say I've found a typo or two in the arc but i don't think that a big issue.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars and I will for sure love to read a book 2 once it comes out!
(This is non spoiler review)
Desolate is a story of Mia a young lesbian witch with ADHD who was raised by her aunt in Salem. Mia (accidentally) happens to time travel to time when a mysterious murder and kidnappings happened in year 1992.
Mia then is faced with dilemma: let the girl, Cecillia, who was supposed to be murdered in 1992 die or save her and make ripple in the timeline that might change everything in her future....
I have to say this is a great book with enjoyable characters. I absolutely adored the relationships in this story. Every relationship is thought through and well written. My favorite part was how supportive Mia's aunt Tilly has been and Mia's dedication to her family and friends was certainly what make me love this book so much. Since after time travel Mia ends up in her family home we got to see a lot of heartwarming family moments between younger versions of its [family] members.
Cecillia and Mia's relationship was greatly written as well and I loved that there were hints of how the ending came to be but not enough for me to fully guess how this book will end.
We also get to see Mia develop her powers and character throughout the book despise her disability. I've found the Mia's ADHD portrayal so refreshing bc it does show it as something that (while hard to handle) doesn't have to hinder her in all fields, in fact there were few moments when she acknowledges that hyper focus could help her learn more about her magic.
In this novel I was found of the fact that the Salem witch trials being part of the Mia's family history and being important to plot overall as well.
For technical things i'd say I've found a typo or two in the arc but i don't think that a big issue.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars and I will for sure love to read a book 2 once it comes out!
June 25, 2025
Thank you to Tiny Fox Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
I really liked Mia as a main character and the depiction of her struggle with ADHD. I haven’t read a book with a neurodivergent main character before, so this was a first for me and a welcome look into ADHD representation. The characters are all very likeable—or in Cecilia’s case, quite hateable—which is important too, especially since I enjoy character-driven stories.
The story itself is compelling, and Mia’s actions and internal dialogue make her feel very human. She’s not a protagonist who knows it all or succeeds at every turn, and that’s refreshing to read. I was constantly cheering her on and felt her losses and heartbreak along the way.
The plot twist was amazing, I did not see it coming!
That said, I struggled with the writing style at times, particularly because some scenes end quite abruptly. For example: “Good.” Her aunt’s eyes were grave. “I’m sorry sweetheart. I—” She stopped speaking. Turning without finishing her sentence, she hurried back into her workshop [...] Mia went back upstairs and into her room." To me, that felt like a jarring shift in scene and not very fluid, since Tilly just leaves mid-thought without explanation. There are a few similar moments throughout the book where the pacing felt a bit uneven.
At times, the author’s descriptions also felt a bit too detailed—especially near the end, when everything comes together and Cecilia explains her plan. There’s a lot of information for the reader to take in, and I think the book could’ve benefitted from being slightly longer to give that reveal more room to breathe.
Overall, a nice read—3/5 stars!
I really liked Mia as a main character and the depiction of her struggle with ADHD. I haven’t read a book with a neurodivergent main character before, so this was a first for me and a welcome look into ADHD representation. The characters are all very likeable—or in Cecilia’s case, quite hateable—which is important too, especially since I enjoy character-driven stories.
The story itself is compelling, and Mia’s actions and internal dialogue make her feel very human. She’s not a protagonist who knows it all or succeeds at every turn, and that’s refreshing to read. I was constantly cheering her on and felt her losses and heartbreak along the way.
The plot twist was amazing, I did not see it coming!
That said, I struggled with the writing style at times, particularly because some scenes end quite abruptly. For example: “Good.” Her aunt’s eyes were grave. “I’m sorry sweetheart. I—” She stopped speaking. Turning without finishing her sentence, she hurried back into her workshop [...] Mia went back upstairs and into her room." To me, that felt like a jarring shift in scene and not very fluid, since Tilly just leaves mid-thought without explanation. There are a few similar moments throughout the book where the pacing felt a bit uneven.
At times, the author’s descriptions also felt a bit too detailed—especially near the end, when everything comes together and Cecilia explains her plan. There’s a lot of information for the reader to take in, and I think the book could’ve benefitted from being slightly longer to give that reveal more room to breathe.
Overall, a nice read—3/5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
#Desolate by #KelliStorm is certainly a middle school read but even so I enjoyed it. The beginning did feel a little slow for me but after the first 100 pages it picked up and I really enjoyed reading it. I fully intend to read the next book in the series when it releases.
Mia is a witch in a very long very powerful line of witches from Salem. She has always been a little out of sink with those around her. It doesn't help that the only "Other" that goes to her school used to be her best friend but since becoming popular it seems that they are no longer the friends she thought they were.
However when Mia's friend goes missing all she can do is think about finding him, especially since something is killing Others and eating their hearts. Even though she has been warned not to do magic on a certain night she is determined to find a way to help so ignoring the warnings she tries a spell she figures is easy enough not to mess up. Problem is that Mia seems to always mess up her spells and this one is no different. Before she knows it she is transported elsewhere to a place that looks like home but things aren't exactly as the should be.
Mia has managed to time travel to the 90s when the attacks on Others began, not only that but she gets to meet her aunt as a teenager and gets to meet her grandparents. In this time with the help of her family will she be able to learn to master her magic in time to save her friend and stop the growing darkness?
Thank you to #Netgalley and #TinFoxPressLLc for the chance to read an eArc of #Desolate by #KelliStorm in return for a fair and honest review.
Mia is a witch in a very long very powerful line of witches from Salem. She has always been a little out of sink with those around her. It doesn't help that the only "Other" that goes to her school used to be her best friend but since becoming popular it seems that they are no longer the friends she thought they were.
However when Mia's friend goes missing all she can do is think about finding him, especially since something is killing Others and eating their hearts. Even though she has been warned not to do magic on a certain night she is determined to find a way to help so ignoring the warnings she tries a spell she figures is easy enough not to mess up. Problem is that Mia seems to always mess up her spells and this one is no different. Before she knows it she is transported elsewhere to a place that looks like home but things aren't exactly as the should be.
Mia has managed to time travel to the 90s when the attacks on Others began, not only that but she gets to meet her aunt as a teenager and gets to meet her grandparents. In this time with the help of her family will she be able to learn to master her magic in time to save her friend and stop the growing darkness?
Thank you to #Netgalley and #TinFoxPressLLc for the chance to read an eArc of #Desolate by #KelliStorm in return for a fair and honest review.
February 24, 2025
🥀🩸Desolate🩸🥀
ARC Review:
5/5⭐️
-The story follows Mia a Witch with ADHD who messes up a spell and accidentally travels back in time in an effort to attempt to save her friend who’s been kidnapped. By doing so she gets to meet past relatives, she meets Cecilia who in her timeline was murdered years ago, Mia begins to uncover the truth about her powers,her family and more. Searching for the one that is suppose to murder Cecilia allows Mia to better understand and strengthen her powers but also continue to uncover more facts surrounding how Cecilia is suppose to die and Mia’s own family. Mia is still trying to not get caught by the assembly in the past timeline. The story contains various unforeseen plot twists! The suspense is next level! The world building is easy to understand. The relationship Mia has with her friends and family especially her Aunt Tilly is beautiful. Mia herself has lived a life full of tragedy and pain and is continuing to face more trials with each step. The book is beautifully written, easy to read and such a great story. I cannot wait for this to be released so all of you can read it!! I need someone to talk to this about💓 I’m also beyond excited for the continuation of the series and to continue to see how Mia proceeds👀.
• [ ] If you are a fan of magic, witches, history surrounding the Salem Witch trials, tragedy, mental health, and more. I highly suggest DESOLATE to you!
ARC Review:
5/5⭐️
-The story follows Mia a Witch with ADHD who messes up a spell and accidentally travels back in time in an effort to attempt to save her friend who’s been kidnapped. By doing so she gets to meet past relatives, she meets Cecilia who in her timeline was murdered years ago, Mia begins to uncover the truth about her powers,her family and more. Searching for the one that is suppose to murder Cecilia allows Mia to better understand and strengthen her powers but also continue to uncover more facts surrounding how Cecilia is suppose to die and Mia’s own family. Mia is still trying to not get caught by the assembly in the past timeline. The story contains various unforeseen plot twists! The suspense is next level! The world building is easy to understand. The relationship Mia has with her friends and family especially her Aunt Tilly is beautiful. Mia herself has lived a life full of tragedy and pain and is continuing to face more trials with each step. The book is beautifully written, easy to read and such a great story. I cannot wait for this to be released so all of you can read it!! I need someone to talk to this about💓 I’m also beyond excited for the continuation of the series and to continue to see how Mia proceeds👀.
• [ ] If you are a fan of magic, witches, history surrounding the Salem Witch trials, tragedy, mental health, and more. I highly suggest DESOLATE to you!
Read
November 7, 2025Excerpt
Power erupted from her. She staggered as a brilliant bluish-black hue filled the alley. It surrounded the creatures in so much light, Mia closed her eyes against the brightness. When she opened them, the Originals were gone and the alley was in darkness, only lit by a single flickering bulb above one of the store’s exits. On the ground where the Originals once stood were two large piles of dust.
“What the hell,” she muttered. She stared at the dust with dawning horror. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she barely made it to the dumpster before throwing up.
She hadn’t meant to kill them. She just wanted them away from her and the girl. Aunt Tilly’s voice echoed loudly in her head, learn control, learn patience…before you kill someone, please.
Desolate is a two time Amazon best-seller and a Barnes & Noble Indie Favorite.
Make sure to add Desolate to your list! It keeps selling out on Amazon, but it is available on Barnes and Noble as well as other sites such as Thriftbooks. Desolate is the first in a series so start it soon before the next book comes out!
~ Kelli
Power erupted from her. She staggered as a brilliant bluish-black hue filled the alley. It surrounded the creatures in so much light, Mia closed her eyes against the brightness. When she opened them, the Originals were gone and the alley was in darkness, only lit by a single flickering bulb above one of the store’s exits. On the ground where the Originals once stood were two large piles of dust.
“What the hell,” she muttered. She stared at the dust with dawning horror. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she barely made it to the dumpster before throwing up.
She hadn’t meant to kill them. She just wanted them away from her and the girl. Aunt Tilly’s voice echoed loudly in her head, learn control, learn patience…before you kill someone, please.
Desolate is a two time Amazon best-seller and a Barnes & Noble Indie Favorite.
Make sure to add Desolate to your list! It keeps selling out on Amazon, but it is available on Barnes and Noble as well as other sites such as Thriftbooks. Desolate is the first in a series so start it soon before the next book comes out!
~ Kelli
September 21, 2025
I liked the ADHD representation, especially in a fantasy genre which I haven't seen happen a lot. I liked the vegan representation too, which wasn't done in a negative way, which I've seen in other books. It doesn't have much to do with the story though but it's appreciated all the same.
I'm curious if the author has ADHD and is vegan as well because these are quite specific attributes to write into a character.
I liked the setting and the descriptions of the other supernatural beings were cool; I hope they will be more prominent characters in the next book. The twist(s) were pretty good. "oh man" was said a couple of times as I was reading those parts.
I would recommend Desolate to fans of the YA supernatural genre with lesbian, ADHD, and vegan representation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.
I'm curious if the author has ADHD and is vegan as well because these are quite specific attributes to write into a character.
I liked the setting and the descriptions of the other supernatural beings were cool; I hope they will be more prominent characters in the next book. The twist(s) were pretty good. "oh man" was said a couple of times as I was reading those parts.
I would recommend Desolate to fans of the YA supernatural genre with lesbian, ADHD, and vegan representation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review.
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