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When We Were Monsters
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places comes “a standout dark academia thriller” (e. lockhart, author of We Were Liars) about the monsters who walk among us—even in the glittering upper echelons of society.
A dead teacher at an elite boarding school. Four students who had every reason to want her gone. Who is the monster?
At an elite New England boarding school, eight students are selected for an exclusive storytelling workshop with the one and only Meredith Graffam—an enigmatic writer, director, and actress. For sixteen days, they will live in the isolated estate of the school’s founder, surrounded by snowy woods and a storm-tossed seas. Only one of the chosen will walk away with a lifechanging opportunity to realize their creative dreams.
Everyone, including Graffam, has a compelling reason to be there—Effy, the orphan, Isaac, the legacy, Ness, the wallflower, Ramon, the outsider, and Arlo, whose unexpected arrival leaves Effy spiraling—but only the most ambitious will last the term. Graffam’s unorthodox methods push the students past the breaking point, revealing their darkest secrets, taking unthinkable risks, and slowly starting to turn on one another. But Graffam never expected they would turn on her . . .
A dead teacher at an elite boarding school. Four students who had every reason to want her gone. Who is the monster?
At an elite New England boarding school, eight students are selected for an exclusive storytelling workshop with the one and only Meredith Graffam—an enigmatic writer, director, and actress. For sixteen days, they will live in the isolated estate of the school’s founder, surrounded by snowy woods and a storm-tossed seas. Only one of the chosen will walk away with a lifechanging opportunity to realize their creative dreams.
Everyone, including Graffam, has a compelling reason to be there—Effy, the orphan, Isaac, the legacy, Ness, the wallflower, Ramon, the outsider, and Arlo, whose unexpected arrival leaves Effy spiraling—but only the most ambitious will last the term. Graffam’s unorthodox methods push the students past the breaking point, revealing their darkest secrets, taking unthinkable risks, and slowly starting to turn on one another. But Graffam never expected they would turn on her . . .
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2025
82 people are currently reading
8391 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Niven
29 books15k followersJennifer Niven is the Emmy Award-winning #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of ten books, including All the Bright Places and Holding up the Universe. Her books have been translated in over 75 languages, and All the Bright Places has won literary awards around the world, including the GoodReads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2015. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Time Magazine, NPR, the Guardian, Publisher's Weekly, YALSA, Barnes & Noble, BuzzFeed, the New York Public Library, and others, and was the #1 Kids' Indie Next Book for Winter '14-'15. The film starring Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Luke Wilson, and Keegan-Michael Key, is now streaming on Netflix, with a script by Jennifer and Liz Hannah (The Post).
Jennifer is currently at work on her fourth and fifth novels for young adults, with number three— Breathless— coming out September 29. She also oversees Germ, a literary and lifestyle web magazine for girls and boys age high school and beyond that celebrates beginnings, futures, and all the amazing and agonizing moments in between. Her previous works include four novels for adults, as well as three nonfiction books. She divides her time between Los Angeles and coastal Georgia with her husband, kids, and literary cats.
Jennifer is currently at work on her fourth and fifth novels for young adults, with number three— Breathless— coming out September 29. She also oversees Germ, a literary and lifestyle web magazine for girls and boys age high school and beyond that celebrates beginnings, futures, and all the amazing and agonizing moments in between. Her previous works include four novels for adults, as well as three nonfiction books. She divides her time between Los Angeles and coastal Georgia with her husband, kids, and literary cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 28, 2025
Before diving into this one, I skimmed a few mixed reviews—but the premise had already hooked me. A dark academia setting, an eerie mansion cut off from civilization during a storm, and a group of ambitious young writers competing for a life-changing opportunity? Yes, please! Add Jennifer Niven’s name to the cover—whose past works I’ve enjoyed—and I was sold. I went in with high hopes and braced myself for a slow-burn thriller, and that’s exactly what I got (with some surprises along the way).
Interestingly, I happened to be watching Nine Perfect Strangers season two while reading this, and I couldn't ignore the uncanny similarities. This felt like a younger, more literary twist on that concept—a YA version set in a hauntingly atmospheric writing retreat instead of a wellness spa, run by a woman who’s just as enigmatic and unsettling. Eight talented students are invited to this prestigious and highly secretive program, led by the one and only Meredith Graffam—a multi-award-winning author, playwright, filmmaker, and actress with a notorious past. There’s scandal clinging to her name, from a possible wrongful conviction tied to her best friend’s death to accusations of plagiarizing her bestselling book from her ex-husband. And yet, despite the rumors (or perhaps because of them), her mystique and influence make her irresistible to young writers.
The competition she proposes is bold: one of these students will walk away with a $15,000 scholarship and the chance to see their work adapted for publication or the screen. That dream alone is enough to make anyone ignore the red flags. But as soon as the retreat begins, Meredith’s methods spiral from eccentric to extreme. She demands emotional vulnerability, confession, and fear-facing tasks that veer into the terrifying—like leaping from dangerous heights or standing in the path of speeding traffic. And those are just the milder examples.
From the very beginning, I was especially drawn to the dual POVs of Effy Green and Arlo Ellis-Noon. Effy is a character with a heavy past—her father killed her mother in a drunk driving accident, served prison time, and was recently released. She's lived a quiet, emotionally contained life with her grandmother, and writing has always been her outlet. When she gets accepted into the retreat alongside her best friend Ness (a shy, perceptive scholarship student with major wallflower vibes), she’s shocked to find Arlo there too—the boy who once humiliated her, ghosted her, and still manages to stir up complicated feelings. Their chemistry, buried history, and unresolved tension added an engaging emotional layer that I really enjoyed watching unfold.
Arlo, for his part, is a classic tortured genius: clever, sarcastic, hiding grief and guilt over the loss of his best friend Jonah. He wants redemption, maybe even reconciliation—with both his family and Effy. Their connection isn’t just romantic tension; it’s layered with heartbreak, unfinished conversations, and trust slowly being rebuilt.
The rest of the group is a mix of personalities that keeps the story on edge. There's arrogant, polished Isaac Williams—who sees the retreat as his birthright; nosy and brash Peter Tobin—who brings all the chaotic energy of a tabloid heir; Leela Kim—determined to step out of her twin’s shadow and forge her own path; Ramon Santos—queer, principled, and constantly on the outside looking in; and Joey Fiske—who, admittedly, felt a little underdeveloped and didn’t leave much of an impression.
As the days unfold and Meredith’s psychological games intensify, students begin to unravel, secrets come to light, and the boundary between mentorship and manipulation grows dangerously thin. The atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic, tension rises, and the creeping sense of dread—something I always appreciate in thrillers—settles in like fog over the estate. The looming mystery of what’s really going on keeps you guessing: is Meredith a genius with unconventional (albeit disturbing) methods, or is she completely unhinged? Is the competition even real? Or are they just pawns in some elaborate personal experiment?
While the setup was compelling and the characters intriguing, I’ll be honest—the pacing dragged quite a bit in the first half. I had to push myself through some slower sections that leaned heavily into introspection and emotional backstory. It’s not a flaw per se, but it did affect my overall engagement. That said, once the second half kicks in, the stakes intensify, the twists arrive, and the plot tightens into a suspenseful, high-stakes climax that was well worth the wait.
The strength of this novel lies in its chilling atmosphere, emotionally layered characters, and the way it plays with themes of ambition, fear, trauma, and identity. There’s a deliciously sinister edge to it all—the kind of book that makes you feel like something is watching from the shadows, waiting to pounce.
Overall, I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to a solid 4. This is a dark, eccentric, and moody YA thriller that will definitely appeal to readers who love locked-room mysteries, unsettling mentorship dynamics, and slow-burn psychological unravelings. If you have patience and a taste for character-driven storytelling with a touch of the macabre, it’s worth checking out.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers for sharing this hauntingly unique digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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Interestingly, I happened to be watching Nine Perfect Strangers season two while reading this, and I couldn't ignore the uncanny similarities. This felt like a younger, more literary twist on that concept—a YA version set in a hauntingly atmospheric writing retreat instead of a wellness spa, run by a woman who’s just as enigmatic and unsettling. Eight talented students are invited to this prestigious and highly secretive program, led by the one and only Meredith Graffam—a multi-award-winning author, playwright, filmmaker, and actress with a notorious past. There’s scandal clinging to her name, from a possible wrongful conviction tied to her best friend’s death to accusations of plagiarizing her bestselling book from her ex-husband. And yet, despite the rumors (or perhaps because of them), her mystique and influence make her irresistible to young writers.
The competition she proposes is bold: one of these students will walk away with a $15,000 scholarship and the chance to see their work adapted for publication or the screen. That dream alone is enough to make anyone ignore the red flags. But as soon as the retreat begins, Meredith’s methods spiral from eccentric to extreme. She demands emotional vulnerability, confession, and fear-facing tasks that veer into the terrifying—like leaping from dangerous heights or standing in the path of speeding traffic. And those are just the milder examples.
From the very beginning, I was especially drawn to the dual POVs of Effy Green and Arlo Ellis-Noon. Effy is a character with a heavy past—her father killed her mother in a drunk driving accident, served prison time, and was recently released. She's lived a quiet, emotionally contained life with her grandmother, and writing has always been her outlet. When she gets accepted into the retreat alongside her best friend Ness (a shy, perceptive scholarship student with major wallflower vibes), she’s shocked to find Arlo there too—the boy who once humiliated her, ghosted her, and still manages to stir up complicated feelings. Their chemistry, buried history, and unresolved tension added an engaging emotional layer that I really enjoyed watching unfold.
Arlo, for his part, is a classic tortured genius: clever, sarcastic, hiding grief and guilt over the loss of his best friend Jonah. He wants redemption, maybe even reconciliation—with both his family and Effy. Their connection isn’t just romantic tension; it’s layered with heartbreak, unfinished conversations, and trust slowly being rebuilt.
The rest of the group is a mix of personalities that keeps the story on edge. There's arrogant, polished Isaac Williams—who sees the retreat as his birthright; nosy and brash Peter Tobin—who brings all the chaotic energy of a tabloid heir; Leela Kim—determined to step out of her twin’s shadow and forge her own path; Ramon Santos—queer, principled, and constantly on the outside looking in; and Joey Fiske—who, admittedly, felt a little underdeveloped and didn’t leave much of an impression.
As the days unfold and Meredith’s psychological games intensify, students begin to unravel, secrets come to light, and the boundary between mentorship and manipulation grows dangerously thin. The atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic, tension rises, and the creeping sense of dread—something I always appreciate in thrillers—settles in like fog over the estate. The looming mystery of what’s really going on keeps you guessing: is Meredith a genius with unconventional (albeit disturbing) methods, or is she completely unhinged? Is the competition even real? Or are they just pawns in some elaborate personal experiment?
While the setup was compelling and the characters intriguing, I’ll be honest—the pacing dragged quite a bit in the first half. I had to push myself through some slower sections that leaned heavily into introspection and emotional backstory. It’s not a flaw per se, but it did affect my overall engagement. That said, once the second half kicks in, the stakes intensify, the twists arrive, and the plot tightens into a suspenseful, high-stakes climax that was well worth the wait.
The strength of this novel lies in its chilling atmosphere, emotionally layered characters, and the way it plays with themes of ambition, fear, trauma, and identity. There’s a deliciously sinister edge to it all—the kind of book that makes you feel like something is watching from the shadows, waiting to pounce.
Overall, I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to a solid 4. This is a dark, eccentric, and moody YA thriller that will definitely appeal to readers who love locked-room mysteries, unsettling mentorship dynamics, and slow-burn psychological unravelings. If you have patience and a taste for character-driven storytelling with a touch of the macabre, it’s worth checking out.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers for sharing this hauntingly unique digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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September 1, 2025
3.5 stars don't you just love it when your teacher is totally and utterly mad
June 30, 2025
ARC for review. To be published September 2, 2025.
3 stars
At a fancy pants boarding school eight students are selected for a special January term to be taught by multi-hyphenate and massive star (and alum) Meredith Graham. However, Graffam’s methods of instruction are as unusual as she is, and borderline unethical, but she offers so much the students can’t say no.
The book is narrated by two of the students, Effy and Arlo, who have their own history. It’s all a bit intense (not to read about, but definitely too much for high school students to be faced with.) It’s a YA book and young adults will probably like it.
3 stars
At a fancy pants boarding school eight students are selected for a special January term to be taught by multi-hyphenate and massive star (and alum) Meredith Graham. However, Graffam’s methods of instruction are as unusual as she is, and borderline unethical, but she offers so much the students can’t say no.
The book is narrated by two of the students, Effy and Arlo, who have their own history. It’s all a bit intense (not to read about, but definitely too much for high school students to be faced with.) It’s a YA book and young adults will probably like it.
August 30, 2025
4.5⭐️
Surprising no one, this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Jennifer Niven is easily one of my favourite authors and I feel like I’ve waited so long for more of her words.
This is a dark academia young adult psychological thriller. It was atmospheric, spooky, and kept me questioning many things. I both wanted to be there with them and also as far away as possible.
I was captivated by the characters and the details, and the storyline made it hard to put it down.
This was exactly what I hoped for.
Pub Date: Sept 2
Thank you penguinteen for the earc 🤍🤍
Surprising no one, this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Jennifer Niven is easily one of my favourite authors and I feel like I’ve waited so long for more of her words.
This is a dark academia young adult psychological thriller. It was atmospheric, spooky, and kept me questioning many things. I both wanted to be there with them and also as far away as possible.
I was captivated by the characters and the details, and the storyline made it hard to put it down.
This was exactly what I hoped for.
Pub Date: Sept 2
Thank you penguinteen for the earc 🤍🤍
June 10, 2025
All the Bright Places is one of my all-time favorite books so when I saw that Jenifer Niven had a new book coming out, I was so excited! Niven tackles a genre that she loves but has never written. When We Were Monsters is a psychological thriller that explores the concept of free will and both the light and darkness that dwells in each of us. I loved the prose and the interwoven literary references such as the works of Mary Shelley and Sylvia Plath. The setting plays a huge role in providing a dark suspenseful atmosphere. I mean who doesn't love an isolated New England estate on the grounds of an elite boarding school in the middle of the winter where a murder happened many years ago. Eight students were chosen to attend a three-week immersive writing workshop under the mentorship of a highly acclaimed bestselling author, actress, director, and screenwriter. The dual POVs is very interesting especially since Effy and Arlo had a past together. It doesn't take long before it becomes apparent that Meredith, the mentor, is a bit deranged as some of her "lessons" are questionable and even dangerous. Each student feels a personal connection with Meredith, but the lines of trust become blurred as they discover they are being manipulated and pitted against one another. The stakes are high and the winning student at the end of three weeks will win a 15,000 scholarship and have their work published and produced. This is definitely a different version of Jennifer Niven but it's an enjoyable book that is hard to put down.
August 19, 2025
Ambition becomes poison in Jennifer Niven's "When We Were Monsters," a dark academia thriller that kept me awake until 3 AM two nights straight.
The setting alone sells the story: eight talented students isolated in a grand house bordered by ominous woods, filled with antique furniture whispering secrets, and staffed by numbered employees who never meet your eyes. The atmosphere drips with foreboding from page one.
Niven brilliantly crafts characters who initially read as privileged elites but gradually reveal wounds so raw I found myself sympathizing with people I might otherwise despise. Their creative ambitions mask deeper hungers that feel uncomfortably familiar.
The complicated history between Effy and Arlo creates a relationship tightrope that amplifies the competition's stakes. Their unresolved past bleeds into every interaction, making casual conversations dangerous.
Meredith, the mentor, dominates every scene. I watched in horror as these intelligent students fell under her spell despite obvious red flags, her methods growing increasingly disturbing while they cling desperately to her approval.
The challenge scenes blur reality until I questioned what was happening versus what existed in the characters' fraying minds.
As an audiobook, Amanda Stribling's performance captures each character's descent from ambition to desperation with chilling precision.
Fans of "The Secret History," "If We Were Villains," or psychological films like "Black Swan" will find familiar comfort in this discomfort. This is dark academia perfected, where talent corrupts and the pursuit of greatness reveals the monsters we all harbor within.
Special thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my advance copy. As always, the thoughts shared here are completely my own.
The setting alone sells the story: eight talented students isolated in a grand house bordered by ominous woods, filled with antique furniture whispering secrets, and staffed by numbered employees who never meet your eyes. The atmosphere drips with foreboding from page one.
Niven brilliantly crafts characters who initially read as privileged elites but gradually reveal wounds so raw I found myself sympathizing with people I might otherwise despise. Their creative ambitions mask deeper hungers that feel uncomfortably familiar.
The complicated history between Effy and Arlo creates a relationship tightrope that amplifies the competition's stakes. Their unresolved past bleeds into every interaction, making casual conversations dangerous.
Meredith, the mentor, dominates every scene. I watched in horror as these intelligent students fell under her spell despite obvious red flags, her methods growing increasingly disturbing while they cling desperately to her approval.
The challenge scenes blur reality until I questioned what was happening versus what existed in the characters' fraying minds.
As an audiobook, Amanda Stribling's performance captures each character's descent from ambition to desperation with chilling precision.
Fans of "The Secret History," "If We Were Villains," or psychological films like "Black Swan" will find familiar comfort in this discomfort. This is dark academia perfected, where talent corrupts and the pursuit of greatness reveals the monsters we all harbor within.
Special thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my advance copy. As always, the thoughts shared here are completely my own.
June 15, 2025
The devils in the details and sometimes that’s the fun of it all.
“We Were Monsters” brings 8 students together for a chance to have their work turned into what every art media they desire promising fame and fortune beyond their wildest dreams as long as they impress their mentor, a famous author in her own right and the survivor of an attack on the school during her term but things are not as they seem and as the group gets smaller they find themselves curious as to how much is real and how much is fiction.
I loved this book! What a fun and exciting ride! A lot of literary references are made with a majority being tied to Frankenstein, however I thought the moments teasing Dorian Gray was fantastic in describing this story where the pretty portrait wilts and decays showing the true rot beneath.
All of the characters were fantastic especially as the tension rises and you see how quickly they can turn on each other with Effy and Arlo’s connection being one of the strongest. With two people having that kind of history it would have been easier to play into that pain and anxiety and it was nice to see them work through that, as well as their individual problems, while also dealing with forces that were doing their best to keep them as enemies.
I love dark academia and the psychological element or torture rather they endure is absolutely wild to read and just the eagerness to prove themselves without fully understanding the risks they are taking was such fun and there’s a little bit of a Yellowjackets like moment sprinkled in that I really enjoyed.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
“We Were Monsters” brings 8 students together for a chance to have their work turned into what every art media they desire promising fame and fortune beyond their wildest dreams as long as they impress their mentor, a famous author in her own right and the survivor of an attack on the school during her term but things are not as they seem and as the group gets smaller they find themselves curious as to how much is real and how much is fiction.
I loved this book! What a fun and exciting ride! A lot of literary references are made with a majority being tied to Frankenstein, however I thought the moments teasing Dorian Gray was fantastic in describing this story where the pretty portrait wilts and decays showing the true rot beneath.
All of the characters were fantastic especially as the tension rises and you see how quickly they can turn on each other with Effy and Arlo’s connection being one of the strongest. With two people having that kind of history it would have been easier to play into that pain and anxiety and it was nice to see them work through that, as well as their individual problems, while also dealing with forces that were doing their best to keep them as enemies.
I love dark academia and the psychological element or torture rather they endure is absolutely wild to read and just the eagerness to prove themselves without fully understanding the risks they are taking was such fun and there’s a little bit of a Yellowjackets like moment sprinkled in that I really enjoyed.
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
August 17, 2025
Received an ARC from work!
Oh my god. This book literally called my name when we received it in. Upon reading the first line, I was HOOKED. Effy, Arlo, Ness, Issac & Meredith dragged me headfirst into a Dark Academia Wonderland. It is very similar to If We Were Villains, but instead of my love of acting that M.L Rio used as a backdrop for the mystery, Niven uses my other love of writing boot camp for her murders. I didn’t know I needed a book like this until I picked it up, it felt like it was written for me. PRE-ORDER IT NOW!!!
Oh my god. This book literally called my name when we received it in. Upon reading the first line, I was HOOKED. Effy, Arlo, Ness, Issac & Meredith dragged me headfirst into a Dark Academia Wonderland. It is very similar to If We Were Villains, but instead of my love of acting that M.L Rio used as a backdrop for the mystery, Niven uses my other love of writing boot camp for her murders. I didn’t know I needed a book like this until I picked it up, it felt like it was written for me. PRE-ORDER IT NOW!!!
August 13, 2025
I love a YA thriller/mystery dark academia book and was so excited to read this one. Jennifer Niven was an author whose books I read as a teen and I was excited to revisit with her latest release. This one had some elements that I really enjoyed and find myself hooked in. But, there were some things that fell flat, like the ending. Also, as a teacher and someone who’s entered their mid-late 20s, I really get uncomfortable with sex scenes in a YA book. Like I’m not naïve and know what teenagers get up to, but I appreciate a fade to black over some detail in scenes with teenagers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
August 14, 2025
SO cool to receive a proof of this. Loved it tbh, I always eat up a boarding school mystery. Only criticism is that I could have done with hearing less about 15 year olds having sex
August 9, 2025
I received a copy from NetGalley & Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was nothing like the premise makes it seem. This is largely a (pushing-it) YA romance, with some “mystery/thriller” elements that come and go from the 60% mark on wards.
I think this would have been stronger with only 1 POV instead of 2 alternating, because the FMC and MMC chapters are very hard to tell apart in narration style.
The book starts with the first sentence saying they killed their teacher. I expected some build up, but the house/“dark academic” setting lacked any atmosphere, and we don’t return to this plot until the last 95% of the book. I think the reason why books like “if we were villains” work is because the deaths in question don’t occur at the very end but instead are an obstacle in the mid point forward.
Overall, didn’t deliver on what it promises and the writing wasn’t very engaging.
Unfortunately this was nothing like the premise makes it seem. This is largely a (pushing-it) YA romance, with some “mystery/thriller” elements that come and go from the 60% mark on wards.
I think this would have been stronger with only 1 POV instead of 2 alternating, because the FMC and MMC chapters are very hard to tell apart in narration style.
The book starts with the first sentence saying they killed their teacher. I expected some build up, but the house/“dark academic” setting lacked any atmosphere, and we don’t return to this plot until the last 95% of the book. I think the reason why books like “if we were villains” work is because the deaths in question don’t occur at the very end but instead are an obstacle in the mid point forward.
Overall, didn’t deliver on what it promises and the writing wasn’t very engaging.
May 12, 2025
i really really wish i had something good to say about this book. i have previously enjoyed this authors writing, and i think it’s my fault for assuming i’d enjoy a YA romance. i was expecting there to be more mystery, but there’s not even a little glimmer of anything until the halfway point. i was completely bored the entire time i was reading. i didn’t care about any of the characters in the slightest. i think others may enjoy it, but it was not for me at all 🥲
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February 19, 2025heavy on the “don’t meet your heroes”
September 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Penguin and House of YA for the ARC, it hasn’t affected my honest review.
TW: death, drug abuse, grief, murder
Release date: Sept 4th 2025 (UK)
At an elite boarding school, eight students are selected for an exclusive three week writing retreat. Only one will walk out with a full scholarship and a chance to have their work published or filmed. Their mentor is the controversial but award winning writer, actress and director Meredith Graffam, known for her unorthodox teaching methods and willingness to push students to their breaking points. Gathering together in an ancient manor house called the Moss, Meredith’s students are cut off from the world as she challenges them to write something truly immersive. Seventeen year old Effy had her life destroyed when her father caused a car accident that killed her mother, and now she wants to piece the story together once and for all. Arlo wants to publish a novel but most of all he wants to make up for his biggest regret: breaking Effy’s heart three years ago and leaving her behind. Each student has something to push through and even more to lose- especially as Meredith pushes them to take greater risks or risk elimination from the programme. The students begin to clash with each other but Graffam could never have expected that she would be the one that they all turn on- or the consequences.
Dark, emotional and full of literary references in an isolated mansion, ‘When We Were Monsters’ is my first Jennifer Niven book but it won’t be my last. This is an excellently written YA with strong main characters- I was especially attached to Effy- and a constantly twisting plot. Every scene with Graffam is fraught with tension, even if she's offering advice, and the further you get into the book the more you doubt her. I loved the atmosphere and tangled relationships that grew the longer the students were cut off and the absolutely insane (and outright dangerous) things she had them doing. Fast paced, full of secrets and an old house surrounded by woods, this story never fully let up until I turned the last page. I would love to read a book about the founders of Moss House and even more about the life of Meredith Graffam. There's some great messages about writing and creativity in this book and I really enjoyed reading it.
TW: death, drug abuse, grief, murder
Release date: Sept 4th 2025 (UK)
At an elite boarding school, eight students are selected for an exclusive three week writing retreat. Only one will walk out with a full scholarship and a chance to have their work published or filmed. Their mentor is the controversial but award winning writer, actress and director Meredith Graffam, known for her unorthodox teaching methods and willingness to push students to their breaking points. Gathering together in an ancient manor house called the Moss, Meredith’s students are cut off from the world as she challenges them to write something truly immersive. Seventeen year old Effy had her life destroyed when her father caused a car accident that killed her mother, and now she wants to piece the story together once and for all. Arlo wants to publish a novel but most of all he wants to make up for his biggest regret: breaking Effy’s heart three years ago and leaving her behind. Each student has something to push through and even more to lose- especially as Meredith pushes them to take greater risks or risk elimination from the programme. The students begin to clash with each other but Graffam could never have expected that she would be the one that they all turn on- or the consequences.
Dark, emotional and full of literary references in an isolated mansion, ‘When We Were Monsters’ is my first Jennifer Niven book but it won’t be my last. This is an excellently written YA with strong main characters- I was especially attached to Effy- and a constantly twisting plot. Every scene with Graffam is fraught with tension, even if she's offering advice, and the further you get into the book the more you doubt her. I loved the atmosphere and tangled relationships that grew the longer the students were cut off and the absolutely insane (and outright dangerous) things she had them doing. Fast paced, full of secrets and an old house surrounded by woods, this story never fully let up until I turned the last page. I would love to read a book about the founders of Moss House and even more about the life of Meredith Graffam. There's some great messages about writing and creativity in this book and I really enjoyed reading it.
August 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for a complimentary early release copy of When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven.
When We Were Monsters is a decent read, I liked Meredith, I thought her eccentric/chaotic teaching methods added a nice element of surprise as I never knew what she was going to be doing next. When Meredith is introduced or just shows up in scenes she really grabbed my attention, her character is intriguing from the get go. I thought the mystery of the book was a bit average but I still found myself to be curious as to what’s happening. At about the fifty percent mark though I started to lose some interest in the book. It feels like the mystery elements come and go a lot, around that time it really focuses on the friendships and relationship between the two main characters. While I didn’t mind the friendships in this book I couldn’t get into this romance. It felt off to me, I thought both characters needed to resolve some issues before something bloomed between them.
When the mystery of the book picks up again my interest was caught though when things are revealed I feel a bit mixed on things. The way the book starts about Meredith dying made me think it’s leading up to this huge conflict with a theatrical but satisfying death however what actual happens to her feels disappointing. I’m aiming around a three star rating, I particularly enjoyed Meredith’s character in this book and some of the friendships. The main characters are fine on their own but nothing particularly stands out about them. I also agree with some of the others that the romance is a bit too opened door for the young adult genre.
When We Were Monsters is a decent read, I liked Meredith, I thought her eccentric/chaotic teaching methods added a nice element of surprise as I never knew what she was going to be doing next. When Meredith is introduced or just shows up in scenes she really grabbed my attention, her character is intriguing from the get go. I thought the mystery of the book was a bit average but I still found myself to be curious as to what’s happening. At about the fifty percent mark though I started to lose some interest in the book. It feels like the mystery elements come and go a lot, around that time it really focuses on the friendships and relationship between the two main characters. While I didn’t mind the friendships in this book I couldn’t get into this romance. It felt off to me, I thought both characters needed to resolve some issues before something bloomed between them.
When the mystery of the book picks up again my interest was caught though when things are revealed I feel a bit mixed on things. The way the book starts about Meredith dying made me think it’s leading up to this huge conflict with a theatrical but satisfying death however what actual happens to her feels disappointing. I’m aiming around a three star rating, I particularly enjoyed Meredith’s character in this book and some of the friendships. The main characters are fine on their own but nothing particularly stands out about them. I also agree with some of the others that the romance is a bit too opened door for the young adult genre.
August 19, 2025
Sometimes the monsters we have to face are within, and sometimes they are very much external. In this psychological thriller Niven forces her cast of teenage stereotypes into a potentially deadly setting, and forces us to watch as they have to decide just how far they’ll go to get what they desire.
The setting is a fictional academic one, centred on a school of privilege and where those in attendance are expected to do great things. We begin with a cast of eight aspiring writers, each selected for the honour of participating in the program known as Jan Term. The students will be mentored by a well-respected figure in the art world, and the winner will receive a jetty prize fund and the possibility of publication.
The only stipulation is that the students must pledge to immerse themselves in the experience, and to see it through to the end. Easy enough to do when you don’t know what exactly that will entail.
Our setting is suitably remote. The key characters have interesting back stories and it’s clear who is going to play a part in the final events.
I didn’t want to give any spoilers; suffice to say these teenage characters are happy to do what’s needed.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
The setting is a fictional academic one, centred on a school of privilege and where those in attendance are expected to do great things. We begin with a cast of eight aspiring writers, each selected for the honour of participating in the program known as Jan Term. The students will be mentored by a well-respected figure in the art world, and the winner will receive a jetty prize fund and the possibility of publication.
The only stipulation is that the students must pledge to immerse themselves in the experience, and to see it through to the end. Easy enough to do when you don’t know what exactly that will entail.
Our setting is suitably remote. The key characters have interesting back stories and it’s clear who is going to play a part in the final events.
I didn’t want to give any spoilers; suffice to say these teenage characters are happy to do what’s needed.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.
This book has a very Good Girls Guide to Murder vibe mixed with The Goldens and it works very well. There’s an eccentric and unprohibited edge to the book from the get go pushing our characters out of their very well contrsucted boxes. The characters are asked to be vulnerable, honest and daring in order to improve their storytelling for this semester to win a monetary prize towards a scholarship which could decide their futures. The semester is headed and mentored by Meredith Graffam who is known in the creative world as a survivor and career forger, always reinventing herself to suceed and pushing boundaries to get there.
As we get to know these characters and Meredith it’s clear how u orthodox her methods are and how far she’s willing to go. Limits are tested and all involved are left feeling exposed. They say it’s ‘A cornered or wounded animal that is the most dangerous’, but I think it might just be a group of elite boarding school students trapped with rivalry, deceit and desire.
Perfect read for fans of YA murder mystery with an academic setting.
This book has a very Good Girls Guide to Murder vibe mixed with The Goldens and it works very well. There’s an eccentric and unprohibited edge to the book from the get go pushing our characters out of their very well contrsucted boxes. The characters are asked to be vulnerable, honest and daring in order to improve their storytelling for this semester to win a monetary prize towards a scholarship which could decide their futures. The semester is headed and mentored by Meredith Graffam who is known in the creative world as a survivor and career forger, always reinventing herself to suceed and pushing boundaries to get there.
As we get to know these characters and Meredith it’s clear how u orthodox her methods are and how far she’s willing to go. Limits are tested and all involved are left feeling exposed. They say it’s ‘A cornered or wounded animal that is the most dangerous’, but I think it might just be a group of elite boarding school students trapped with rivalry, deceit and desire.
Perfect read for fans of YA murder mystery with an academic setting.
August 24, 2025
I was initially really excited about When We Were Monsters. I’m a big fan of Dark Academia, and paired with such an eye-catching cover, this book had a lot of promise. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Part of that may be due to its YA classification. While that’s not inherently a downside, I found that it lacked some of the atmospheric depth and thematic complexity I’ve come to expect from other Dark Academia stories. Additionally, I’m not usually a fan of dual narrators, so that element didn’t work particularly well for me either—though that’s more a matter of personal taste than a fault of the writing.
That said, the plot moves at a brisk pace, and there are definitely some twists that will catch readers off guard. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller geared toward a teen audience, this could be a great fit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Part of that may be due to its YA classification. While that’s not inherently a downside, I found that it lacked some of the atmospheric depth and thematic complexity I’ve come to expect from other Dark Academia stories. Additionally, I’m not usually a fan of dual narrators, so that element didn’t work particularly well for me either—though that’s more a matter of personal taste than a fault of the writing.
That said, the plot moves at a brisk pace, and there are definitely some twists that will catch readers off guard. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller geared toward a teen audience, this could be a great fit.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2025
Okay, that was something! I didn't really know what to expect going into this book, apart from the fact that it was to be a thriller/ mystery within a school.
I think this book will be perfect for you if you want a ya thriller where it's super easy to follow along, or if you want to start reading books in this genre. If you're already a big thriller/ mystery fan, this book may not live up to your expectations like it did mine. For me, I already managed to figure out or piece together moments that were meant to be big twists very early on in the book.
I think the pacing and the atmosphere Niven creates really made this book super fun to read. Though there were cliches and moments where I predicted what happened, for me personally, I enjoyed the way she told the book. The relationships between the students could have been worked on a bit more because often the bond or the tension that were supposed to be seen between them can fall flat. I think that after the main moment of action and revelation wasn't needed. There were only 2 chapters after, but to me, they added nothing of real value to the book.
I think this book will be perfect for you if you want a ya thriller where it's super easy to follow along, or if you want to start reading books in this genre. If you're already a big thriller/ mystery fan, this book may not live up to your expectations like it did mine. For me, I already managed to figure out or piece together moments that were meant to be big twists very early on in the book.
I think the pacing and the atmosphere Niven creates really made this book super fun to read. Though there were cliches and moments where I predicted what happened, for me personally, I enjoyed the way she told the book. The relationships between the students could have been worked on a bit more because often the bond or the tension that were supposed to be seen between them can fall flat. I think that after the main moment of action and revelation wasn't needed. There were only 2 chapters after, but to me, they added nothing of real value to the book.
August 28, 2025
Oh to be a rich, pretentious kid running around a private school unsupervised.
This book is about what you would expect. It’s a dark academia with a murder mystery backdrop. While the mystery of it all was rather predictable, it had a good atmosphere to it which is what I am personally looking for when reading these kinds of books. I mean, it wouldn’t be a good gothic-academia novel if we weren’t in a crusty old manor on a craggy, seaside cliff.
I think I would have liked this a little bit better if the characters were older. I fear I did not really like the part where the Alro, after finally getting Effy, describes getting his fifth chest hair 🙃 but hey, if it’s not a little cringe then it’s not a teen book.
Thank you Random House for the ARC. And Jennifer Niven, keep writing these pretentious teen books. I eat them up. 3.75⭐️
This book is about what you would expect. It’s a dark academia with a murder mystery backdrop. While the mystery of it all was rather predictable, it had a good atmosphere to it which is what I am personally looking for when reading these kinds of books. I mean, it wouldn’t be a good gothic-academia novel if we weren’t in a crusty old manor on a craggy, seaside cliff.
I think I would have liked this a little bit better if the characters were older. I fear I did not really like the part where the Alro, after finally getting Effy, describes getting his fifth chest hair 🙃 but hey, if it’s not a little cringe then it’s not a teen book.
Thank you Random House for the ARC. And Jennifer Niven, keep writing these pretentious teen books. I eat them up. 3.75⭐️
August 27, 2025
Talk about an atmospheric read! This book truly made me feel like I was in a secluded mansion on the outskirts of a boarding school. When We Were Monsters is truly a slow burn of a story Each chapter, my unease and the tension grew as Graffam pushed the students further and further and the students started questioning her methods and reasons. I loved getting both Arlo and Effy’s POVs. I thought they were such interesting characters who really grew. I liked the book’s look into the world of privilege and access while also diving into accountability and redemption. This would be a perfect stormy day read in the fall, especially for readers who love dark academia vibes.
CW: death, violence, car accident
Thank you Random House Children’s Books for the digital reader’s copy!
CW: death, violence, car accident
Thank you Random House Children’s Books for the digital reader’s copy!
July 2, 2025
Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!
Rating 3.5/5.
This one had me pulled in with “dark academia”, and though it felt slow and uninteresting at the beginning, in my opinion, it definitely picked up and had me hooked by the halfway mark.
Some plot points and characters felt predictable but the writing was compelling and enjoyable that it was still entertaining. I enjoyed the dual points of view between Effy and Arlo, but I think it would’ve been cool to get the pov of the other students, as well.
Rating 3.5/5.
This one had me pulled in with “dark academia”, and though it felt slow and uninteresting at the beginning, in my opinion, it definitely picked up and had me hooked by the halfway mark.
Some plot points and characters felt predictable but the writing was compelling and enjoyable that it was still entertaining. I enjoyed the dual points of view between Effy and Arlo, but I think it would’ve been cool to get the pov of the other students, as well.
August 22, 2025
Thank you to @getunderlined and @jenniferniven for my beautiful copy. Isn’t this cover a stunner?! It’s so perfect for the story too!
I love a dual POV, especially when it is a mystery. This follows our two MCs, Effy and Arlo. This has a hint of rich people behaving…well, vapid. Both are reeling from past lost and trauma that weaves into the way they trust each other and the other students.
I loved the manipulation and the outlandish “tests” that our villain put the students through. She uses their own fear and insecurities against them. Shes easy to hate lol I also enjoyed the way the story was wrapped up. If you enjoy dark academia with an atmosphere feel, this may be for you!
I love a dual POV, especially when it is a mystery. This follows our two MCs, Effy and Arlo. This has a hint of rich people behaving…well, vapid. Both are reeling from past lost and trauma that weaves into the way they trust each other and the other students.
I loved the manipulation and the outlandish “tests” that our villain put the students through. She uses their own fear and insecurities against them. Shes easy to hate lol I also enjoyed the way the story was wrapped up. If you enjoy dark academia with an atmosphere feel, this may be for you!
September 3, 2025
*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a proof*
This was an incredible read! I was captivated from the start. This book made me question everything, every character, conversation, thought, feeling. I loved it, even though it made me feel on edge multiple times! The characters were so interesting, with complex and mysterious backstories that really added a lot to the plot. If you're looking for a dark academia thriller that will keep you guessing till the end, I highly recommend you give this a go. I loved the subtle exploration too of what really is a monster, and what truly makes a person a monster.
This was an incredible read! I was captivated from the start. This book made me question everything, every character, conversation, thought, feeling. I loved it, even though it made me feel on edge multiple times! The characters were so interesting, with complex and mysterious backstories that really added a lot to the plot. If you're looking for a dark academia thriller that will keep you guessing till the end, I highly recommend you give this a go. I loved the subtle exploration too of what really is a monster, and what truly makes a person a monster.
July 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Jennifer Niven your books will always hold a special place in my heart. The way this story is told is absolutely magnetic, with characters who feel so real you could hear them through their stories.
The pacing is the only reason I haven’t given this five stars. What I believed to be the climax based on the introduction of the book was the ending, and it felt both unfinished as for what the book was marketed to be but beautifully ended for how it was.
Jennifer Niven your books will always hold a special place in my heart. The way this story is told is absolutely magnetic, with characters who feel so real you could hear them through their stories.
The pacing is the only reason I haven’t given this five stars. What I believed to be the climax based on the introduction of the book was the ending, and it felt both unfinished as for what the book was marketed to be but beautifully ended for how it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
The title, the cover and the setting immediately made me want to read this book. Unfortunately- the pacing dragged so much, I found myself bored through much of the book. I was not able to lose myself in this story and as a result, every instance where Graffam does something and asks things of the teenagers in her care that are dangerous and irresponsible, I found it unbelievable and distracting. This did not feel like a thriller, and I also couldn’t identify where the stakes were in order to care at all for any of the characters. Also, what is it with the school and hiring people associated with Jan term in years people turned up murdered?
The love story was also distracting. Wasn’t this a YA? I did not expect full on open door sex scenes in this book.
I would like to thank Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The love story was also distracting. Wasn’t this a YA? I did not expect full on open door sex scenes in this book.
I would like to thank Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I think this one may be controversial with readers. If someone goes into this expecting a Karen McManus/Holly Jackson-esque thriller that's fast paced and full of twists, they're almost guaranteed to be disappointed. This is simply not that kind of book.
I liked the vibes/atmosphere in this, though I had different expectations than what I got. Without delving too deep into spoilers, I expected certain plot elements to happen a lot sooner in the book based on the description. Made the pacing drag for me. It doesn't help that the book opens with a prologue that spells out what's to come, yet it takes a very long time to catch up to the present. And the ending isn't anything that hasn't already been done before in previous YA thrillers, so it's hard to justify the slow pacing up until that point.
That being said, I loved the writing style. The prose is atmospheric and a healthy mix of commercial/literary, which fits perfectly in the dark academia sphere. Effy and Arlo were both enjoyable protagonists, and I found their connection very sweet. I do think there could've been more emphasis on the thriller aspects in exchange for some of the romance bits, but I respect that romance plays a big part in Jennifer Niven's stories and her fans will likely expect a large romance subplot when they pick this up.
I think this one may be controversial with readers. If someone goes into this expecting a Karen McManus/Holly Jackson-esque thriller that's fast paced and full of twists, they're almost guaranteed to be disappointed. This is simply not that kind of book.
I liked the vibes/atmosphere in this, though I had different expectations than what I got. Without delving too deep into spoilers, I expected certain plot elements to happen a lot sooner in the book based on the description. Made the pacing drag for me. It doesn't help that the book opens with a prologue that spells out what's to come, yet it takes a very long time to catch up to the present. And the ending isn't anything that hasn't already been done before in previous YA thrillers, so it's hard to justify the slow pacing up until that point.
That being said, I loved the writing style. The prose is atmospheric and a healthy mix of commercial/literary, which fits perfectly in the dark academia sphere. Effy and Arlo were both enjoyable protagonists, and I found their connection very sweet. I do think there could've been more emphasis on the thriller aspects in exchange for some of the romance bits, but I respect that romance plays a big part in Jennifer Niven's stories and her fans will likely expect a large romance subplot when they pick this up.
August 7, 2025
Thank you to Penguin YA for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
At an elite boarding school, 8 students are selected for an exclusive program, but only one will walk away with a lifechanging opportunity to realize their creative dreams. Effy is piecing together a story about the tragic betrayal that led to her mother's death. Arlo hopes to publish a novel—but he's also trying to start a new chapter with Effy after he broke her heart and ghosted 3 years earlier. Everyone has a compelling reason to be there—they all want a big break—but only the most ambitious will prevail as the students are eliminated one by one. Their mentor is the one and only Meredith Graffam, an enigmatic writer, director and actress, whose unorthodox teaching methods push them past the breaking point. Under Graffam's tutelage, the students reveal their darkest secrets, take unthinkable risks, and slowly start to turn on one another. But Graffam never expected they would turn on her . . .
Effy is faced with quite the dilemma and she almost allows it to become part of her, instead of it just being a thing that’s happened to her. For the majority of the book, I didn’t mind Effy. But then she went into this mindset that reminded me of a whiny child and I was put off a little bit. I did like how she thought things through and focused on little details, but her friendship and relationship moments just felt more stilted.
Arlo’s brain is stuck in the past, guilt-ridden over his best friend dying. That’s something that is incredibly hard to overcome. I did like a lot of his analogies and thinking across the story regarding his grief. His is relatively fresh and that means its claws are in deeper, that its whispers in your ear are louder. I do think, for all his flirtatious nature and annoying jokes, Arlo is a good character. Perhaps a little dumb at times considering some of the events and the way he brushed them off repeatedly… But that was clearly a defence mechanism when things got a bit too real and tough for him.
I was incredibly excited to receive a physical ARC of this book. I’ve been a fan of Niven’s writing for years and loved the idea that she had written a thriller - and it be dark academia too. Now, at the end of it, I’m not 100% sure how I feel. Don’t get me wrong, this book is crafted very well and it does draw you in. But it felt like, for a thriller, something was missing for the longest time. It was only when I hit the 80% mark or so, that I actually started to feel this was more of a thriller and even then, it was muted somehow. I think the characters were good but I wanted more backstory from them. They kept referring to their pasts, how bad things happened but other than details about a singular catastrophic event for them, it was as if I didn’t know anything else about them. All characters are clearly creatively minded - they wouldn’t be participating in Jan Term if they weren’t - but other than that aspect of their personality, the reader gets very little. It feels such a shame not to know them more! Perhaps that is why things didn’t feel too high stakes for me. There is romance here but I don’t think it entirely fit in this story. Yes, it acts as motivation for the main duo’s actions and thoughts. However, it just seemed to be added for the sake of being added at times. The ending was certainly built up but, for me, I was expecting more. It wasn’t necessarily that it felt flat but for a thriller, I needed more of a bang at the end. After everything that went on, I needed there to be a bigger punch to the end.
Overall, When We Were Monsters is a thriller that was great but I just wanted a bit more from it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Penguin YA for an advanced copy of this book.
At an elite boarding school, 8 students are selected for an exclusive program, but only one will walk away with a lifechanging opportunity to realize their creative dreams. Effy is piecing together a story about the tragic betrayal that led to her mother's death. Arlo hopes to publish a novel—but he's also trying to start a new chapter with Effy after he broke her heart and ghosted 3 years earlier. Everyone has a compelling reason to be there—they all want a big break—but only the most ambitious will prevail as the students are eliminated one by one. Their mentor is the one and only Meredith Graffam, an enigmatic writer, director and actress, whose unorthodox teaching methods push them past the breaking point. Under Graffam's tutelage, the students reveal their darkest secrets, take unthinkable risks, and slowly start to turn on one another. But Graffam never expected they would turn on her . . .
Effy is faced with quite the dilemma and she almost allows it to become part of her, instead of it just being a thing that’s happened to her. For the majority of the book, I didn’t mind Effy. But then she went into this mindset that reminded me of a whiny child and I was put off a little bit. I did like how she thought things through and focused on little details, but her friendship and relationship moments just felt more stilted.
Arlo’s brain is stuck in the past, guilt-ridden over his best friend dying. That’s something that is incredibly hard to overcome. I did like a lot of his analogies and thinking across the story regarding his grief. His is relatively fresh and that means its claws are in deeper, that its whispers in your ear are louder. I do think, for all his flirtatious nature and annoying jokes, Arlo is a good character. Perhaps a little dumb at times considering some of the events and the way he brushed them off repeatedly… But that was clearly a defence mechanism when things got a bit too real and tough for him.
I was incredibly excited to receive a physical ARC of this book. I’ve been a fan of Niven’s writing for years and loved the idea that she had written a thriller - and it be dark academia too. Now, at the end of it, I’m not 100% sure how I feel. Don’t get me wrong, this book is crafted very well and it does draw you in. But it felt like, for a thriller, something was missing for the longest time. It was only when I hit the 80% mark or so, that I actually started to feel this was more of a thriller and even then, it was muted somehow. I think the characters were good but I wanted more backstory from them. They kept referring to their pasts, how bad things happened but other than details about a singular catastrophic event for them, it was as if I didn’t know anything else about them. All characters are clearly creatively minded - they wouldn’t be participating in Jan Term if they weren’t - but other than that aspect of their personality, the reader gets very little. It feels such a shame not to know them more! Perhaps that is why things didn’t feel too high stakes for me. There is romance here but I don’t think it entirely fit in this story. Yes, it acts as motivation for the main duo’s actions and thoughts. However, it just seemed to be added for the sake of being added at times. The ending was certainly built up but, for me, I was expecting more. It wasn’t necessarily that it felt flat but for a thriller, I needed more of a bang at the end. After everything that went on, I needed there to be a bigger punch to the end.
Overall, When We Were Monsters is a thriller that was great but I just wanted a bit more from it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Penguin YA for an advanced copy of this book.
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August 27, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven is a first person dual-POV YA dark academia thriller. At an elite boarding school, the biggest and most exclusive tradition is Jan Term, a short session in January a handful of students are invited to and led by an elite mentor. Eight students are selected for their storytelling abilities and are to be guided by Meredith Graffam, who has had controversy follow her at every turn in her own creative journey. But students start disappearing and nobody knows where they went. Effy and Arlo are two of the chosen students and the tension between them from their previous romantic liaisons are going to have to be dealt with or put to the side if they’re going to survive.
I originally thought this was going to be more of a horror because of the title, but this isn’t really a horror. Dark academia fits because of the setting and what we learn later while thriller fits due to the fast pacing and short chapters. I don’t quite know what the difference in YA is between a darker thriller and a horror if there are no supernatural elements as they seem to be fairly similar to me, but this felt like it firmly fell on the thriller side.
Effy and Arlo’s relationship is very complicated due to what happened before the story opened. Arlo and Effy have had a physical relationship and Arlo still has feelings for Effy, but due to his actions, Effy wants nothing to do with him. Despite this, the two are still probably the closest in their group of eight and are forced to be close to each other during Jan Term, which makes them start talking again and processing what happened between them and how it made them feel and continues to make them feel. It’s not enough of a focus for me to think of this book as a romance or romantic, but the romance arc that is common in a lot of YA is present.
Effy’s character arc is really defined by her mother’s death when she was a child and her father going to prison for it as he was the one responsible for the accident that killed her. Effy was raised by her grandmother as a result and she wasn’t present during the accident, but she still has nightmares related to it that make her feel like she was there, implying that she might have PTSD. It is never easy to lose a parent at a young age, it’s even harder to lose both and to grow up knowing that one parent was responsible. I felt that a lot of her behavior, both now and in the past, felt pretty consistent with undiagnosed PTSD that is mostly being managed.
Content warning for mentions of car accidents and drowning
I would recommend this to fans of YA dark academia and readers of YA thrillers who want a messy romantic relationship
When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven is a first person dual-POV YA dark academia thriller. At an elite boarding school, the biggest and most exclusive tradition is Jan Term, a short session in January a handful of students are invited to and led by an elite mentor. Eight students are selected for their storytelling abilities and are to be guided by Meredith Graffam, who has had controversy follow her at every turn in her own creative journey. But students start disappearing and nobody knows where they went. Effy and Arlo are two of the chosen students and the tension between them from their previous romantic liaisons are going to have to be dealt with or put to the side if they’re going to survive.
I originally thought this was going to be more of a horror because of the title, but this isn’t really a horror. Dark academia fits because of the setting and what we learn later while thriller fits due to the fast pacing and short chapters. I don’t quite know what the difference in YA is between a darker thriller and a horror if there are no supernatural elements as they seem to be fairly similar to me, but this felt like it firmly fell on the thriller side.
Effy and Arlo’s relationship is very complicated due to what happened before the story opened. Arlo and Effy have had a physical relationship and Arlo still has feelings for Effy, but due to his actions, Effy wants nothing to do with him. Despite this, the two are still probably the closest in their group of eight and are forced to be close to each other during Jan Term, which makes them start talking again and processing what happened between them and how it made them feel and continues to make them feel. It’s not enough of a focus for me to think of this book as a romance or romantic, but the romance arc that is common in a lot of YA is present.
Effy’s character arc is really defined by her mother’s death when she was a child and her father going to prison for it as he was the one responsible for the accident that killed her. Effy was raised by her grandmother as a result and she wasn’t present during the accident, but she still has nightmares related to it that make her feel like she was there, implying that she might have PTSD. It is never easy to lose a parent at a young age, it’s even harder to lose both and to grow up knowing that one parent was responsible. I felt that a lot of her behavior, both now and in the past, felt pretty consistent with undiagnosed PTSD that is mostly being managed.
Content warning for mentions of car accidents and drowning
I would recommend this to fans of YA dark academia and readers of YA thrillers who want a messy romantic relationship
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