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Ether
Which is more dangerous: the evil that hunts you, or the love that binds you?
Eighteen-year-old runaway Ren is at the end of her rope, desperate and alone, until two strangers explode into her life on a cold October night. One is a protectress named Lailah—an ethereal apparition who Ren will learn has safeguarded her from afar since childhood. The other is a twenty-year-old woman with whom she forges an immediate, intense bond.
Her name is Katie. And someone’s trying to kill her.
Now Ren must master her own newly discovered abilities as a protectress to keep Katie safe. When Lailah is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Ren knows danger is closing in and time is running out. To prevent Katie from suffering the same fate, Ren must solve the murder of her protectress, battle dark forces stronger than she could have imagined, and discover the origin of her and Katie’s extraordinary connection.
Ren never expected to fall for the woman she’s destined to protect. But of all the dangers they’ll face, love may be the deadliest.
Think sense8 meets The Bodyguard—Will Hoffman's Ether is a gripping YA supernatural thriller with a captivating and emotional love story at its core.
Eighteen-year-old runaway Ren is at the end of her rope, desperate and alone, until two strangers explode into her life on a cold October night. One is a protectress named Lailah—an ethereal apparition who Ren will learn has safeguarded her from afar since childhood. The other is a twenty-year-old woman with whom she forges an immediate, intense bond.
Her name is Katie. And someone’s trying to kill her.
Now Ren must master her own newly discovered abilities as a protectress to keep Katie safe. When Lailah is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Ren knows danger is closing in and time is running out. To prevent Katie from suffering the same fate, Ren must solve the murder of her protectress, battle dark forces stronger than she could have imagined, and discover the origin of her and Katie’s extraordinary connection.
Ren never expected to fall for the woman she’s destined to protect. But of all the dangers they’ll face, love may be the deadliest.
Think sense8 meets The Bodyguard—Will Hoffman's Ether is a gripping YA supernatural thriller with a captivating and emotional love story at its core.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2025
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Will Hoffman
1 book6 followersWill Hoffman is a novelist and playwright with a lifelong addiction to stories grounded in our world, but with a supernatural twist that reminds us we are part of something larger. Something we aren’t always meant to understand. He lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his wife and an eighty-pound sheepadoodle who thinks she’s a lap dog.
Ether is his debut novel.
Ether is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this supernatural YA it’s littered with content warnings, but this is made apparent at the outset and I always really appreciate that.
I think it’s always important to see a reflection of ourselves in books, and I can’t think of a more important place for that than YA while the story itself had me on the hook I really enjoyed the sensitively written aspects of grief, mental illness and sexuality.
I’ll recommend this everywhere and look forward to hearing from the author again. Great narration too.
Huge thanks to Guernsey Fair Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
I think it’s always important to see a reflection of ourselves in books, and I can’t think of a more important place for that than YA while the story itself had me on the hook I really enjoyed the sensitively written aspects of grief, mental illness and sexuality.
I’ll recommend this everywhere and look forward to hearing from the author again. Great narration too.
Huge thanks to Guernsey Fair Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
January 12, 2026
Arc and dnf, I’m sorry I just didn’t get attached to the main characters.
May 12, 2025
Supernatural, thriller, mystery, with a romance that felt a bit like fate, I couldn't put this down for a second and finished in one sitting!!
My favorite part of this book was the visualization. Hoffman describes scenes in such a way that it makes it so easy to feel like you are in the scene with the characters, feel what they feel and react how they react. It isn't something I come across often and I really loved that about this book.
The growth that we see from both characters is phenomenal. I felt quite connected to Ren's struggle with finding her purpose and I really liked having to piece together everything as she was. The trials she was put through really hit home and I couldn't put this down because of it. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I can honestly say the way that Hoffman weaves every detail, some that I didn't even realize were important until they were, is unmatched. There was not 'waste' for lack of a better term, everything was intentional, and I quite loved that.
I would recommend this to anyone that has struggled with their sense of purpose and has had to make tough decisions that are never black and white.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
My favorite part of this book was the visualization. Hoffman describes scenes in such a way that it makes it so easy to feel like you are in the scene with the characters, feel what they feel and react how they react. It isn't something I come across often and I really loved that about this book.
The growth that we see from both characters is phenomenal. I felt quite connected to Ren's struggle with finding her purpose and I really liked having to piece together everything as she was. The trials she was put through really hit home and I couldn't put this down because of it. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. I can honestly say the way that Hoffman weaves every detail, some that I didn't even realize were important until they were, is unmatched. There was not 'waste' for lack of a better term, everything was intentional, and I quite loved that.
I would recommend this to anyone that has struggled with their sense of purpose and has had to make tough decisions that are never black and white.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
December 3, 2025
Ether by Will Hoffman
4/5 Stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Pub Date: December 16, 2025
Publisher: Guernsey Fair Press
ALC: Audio Arc
Narrator: Grace Noble
I'm honestly surprised I haven't seen too many other posts about this novel yet! It totally deserves a larger readership and more hype! It may be Will Hoffman's debut novel, but it reads with the style and skill of an experienced author.
It is written with such intrigue and suspense that it leaves you questioning and unable to put down the book. The character development and depth given to Ren and Katie is so well done. The traumas and grief they carry with them about their families is really palpable, and even more so when they uncover the secrets their parents kept from them and the extreme danger they are in! Will the deep bond Ren and Katie share be able to save them?
Thank you @netgalley and Guernsey Fair Press for the #gifted
ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review
4/5 Stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Pub Date: December 16, 2025
Publisher: Guernsey Fair Press
ALC: Audio Arc
Narrator: Grace Noble
I'm honestly surprised I haven't seen too many other posts about this novel yet! It totally deserves a larger readership and more hype! It may be Will Hoffman's debut novel, but it reads with the style and skill of an experienced author.
It is written with such intrigue and suspense that it leaves you questioning and unable to put down the book. The character development and depth given to Ren and Katie is so well done. The traumas and grief they carry with them about their families is really palpable, and even more so when they uncover the secrets their parents kept from them and the extreme danger they are in! Will the deep bond Ren and Katie share be able to save them?
Thank you @netgalley and Guernsey Fair Press for the #gifted
ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Read
December 10, 2025*Thanks to NetGalley and Guernsey fair press for early copy for review*
Listened to the audiobook and narrator did a decent job. Had some issues with a couple voices but overall it was good.
The story, however, was just meh. This is coming from a woman in her 30s and not the target demographic so bare with me here.
The relationship in here is not good at all. This of course can be due to the age range, but I have read better ya relationships before.
The whole thriller aspect with Lailah being dead and Katie needing to find out what happened was not interesting to me. I think the ethereal nature and Lailah visiting Katie wasn't done enough for me to care about her. This plot just had Katie constantly entering what felt like different genres of books while not well defining the current plot we were on. Didn't care about characters, didn't like plot. Just no thank you.
Listened to the audiobook and narrator did a decent job. Had some issues with a couple voices but overall it was good.
The story, however, was just meh. This is coming from a woman in her 30s and not the target demographic so bare with me here.
The relationship in here is not good at all. This of course can be due to the age range, but I have read better ya relationships before.
The whole thriller aspect with Lailah being dead and Katie needing to find out what happened was not interesting to me. I think the ethereal nature and Lailah visiting Katie wasn't done enough for me to care about her. This plot just had Katie constantly entering what felt like different genres of books while not well defining the current plot we were on. Didn't care about characters, didn't like plot. Just no thank you.
July 13, 2025
Oh. My. HEART. Ether completely swept me away!!
This book had everything I love in a YA supernatural thriller—found family, high stakes, magic, mystery, and a queer love story that hit me right in the feels. From the moment Ren stumbled into Katie’s life (or maybe Katie crashed into hers??), I knew I was in for an emotional ride—and I was NOT disappointed.
Ren is such a fierce, vulnerable, messy, lovable protagonist. I felt every ounce of her grief, her fear, her bravery. And Katie?? Instant favorite. Their bond is electric from the start, and watching it grow into something deeper—ugh, it gave me chills. (And maybe a few tears. Okay, a lot of tears.)
Add in an ethereal guardian spirit, a murder mystery, magical abilities, and a growing sense of danger creeping in from every corner—and you’ve got the perfect storm of page-turning suspense and heartfelt emotion. I couldn’t put it down.
The romance is tender and powerful, never overwhelming the plot but absolutely grounding it in love. Honestly, Ether just gets what it means to feel deeply—and what it means to fight for the people who matter.
I am OBSESSED. More please!!
This book had everything I love in a YA supernatural thriller—found family, high stakes, magic, mystery, and a queer love story that hit me right in the feels. From the moment Ren stumbled into Katie’s life (or maybe Katie crashed into hers??), I knew I was in for an emotional ride—and I was NOT disappointed.
Ren is such a fierce, vulnerable, messy, lovable protagonist. I felt every ounce of her grief, her fear, her bravery. And Katie?? Instant favorite. Their bond is electric from the start, and watching it grow into something deeper—ugh, it gave me chills. (And maybe a few tears. Okay, a lot of tears.)
Add in an ethereal guardian spirit, a murder mystery, magical abilities, and a growing sense of danger creeping in from every corner—and you’ve got the perfect storm of page-turning suspense and heartfelt emotion. I couldn’t put it down.
The romance is tender and powerful, never overwhelming the plot but absolutely grounding it in love. Honestly, Ether just gets what it means to feel deeply—and what it means to fight for the people who matter.
I am OBSESSED. More please!!
December 11, 2025
3.5
Thank you NetGalley and Guernsey Fair Press for the ARC of this audiobook.
I'm not even sure how to rate this book, just because I'm not sure how to feel about it?! It's a murder mystery, supernatural, found family, and queer love story/fated mates but like human? Like it is so much and such different genres, but it works?
This book really came full circle and left 0 questions until the very end, where I imagine there will be a book 2. Either way, it was a full rollercoaster of events 😂
Thank you NetGalley and Guernsey Fair Press for the ARC of this audiobook.
I'm not even sure how to rate this book, just because I'm not sure how to feel about it?! It's a murder mystery, supernatural, found family, and queer love story/fated mates but like human? Like it is so much and such different genres, but it works?
This book really came full circle and left 0 questions until the very end, where I imagine there will be a book 2. Either way, it was a full rollercoaster of events 😂
May 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up
this is a very impressive debut. i really enjoyed reading this book; i did not want to put it down. i would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers!
there are a few flaws in this book: the beginning was slightly slow, then suddenly had a lot happening. at first, i thought it was too much, but i really liked seeing how everything came together and how much of an impact it had throughout the book. i think the pacing was slightly off; it could have been a little more cohesive if the beginning wasn’t a bit slow and the characters were introduced slightly better. ultimately, i think the positives of this book strongly outweigh the flaws.
the characters are interesting; they are flawed, and the author does not pretend they are not. i love reading about character growth in a book, and this book absolutely had a lot of character development. the main character had sub-optimal behaviors, but i liked that she wasn’t shamed for them. instead, the author wrote her to accept her faults and come to productive conclusions.
i found the plot quite intriguing. the pacing at the start made me question if i was going to enjoy it, but when i read a bit more, i was fascinated and couldn’t stop reading. i was at the edge of my seat a few times, desperately needing to know what happens next. the romance in this book is apparent but not the main priority—the plot is more in view than the romance factor.
thank you so much to Will Hoffman and NetGalley for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
my blog!
this is a very impressive debut. i really enjoyed reading this book; i did not want to put it down. i would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers!
there are a few flaws in this book: the beginning was slightly slow, then suddenly had a lot happening. at first, i thought it was too much, but i really liked seeing how everything came together and how much of an impact it had throughout the book. i think the pacing was slightly off; it could have been a little more cohesive if the beginning wasn’t a bit slow and the characters were introduced slightly better. ultimately, i think the positives of this book strongly outweigh the flaws.
the characters are interesting; they are flawed, and the author does not pretend they are not. i love reading about character growth in a book, and this book absolutely had a lot of character development. the main character had sub-optimal behaviors, but i liked that she wasn’t shamed for them. instead, the author wrote her to accept her faults and come to productive conclusions.
i found the plot quite intriguing. the pacing at the start made me question if i was going to enjoy it, but when i read a bit more, i was fascinated and couldn’t stop reading. i was at the edge of my seat a few times, desperately needing to know what happens next. the romance in this book is apparent but not the main priority—the plot is more in view than the romance factor.
thank you so much to Will Hoffman and NetGalley for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
my blog!
May 19, 2025
received this as an arc and definitely enjoyed it!!!
pacing could’ve been improved slightly - it was a bit slow to start and then a bit fast in places but it wasn’t a massive drawback at all!
the author’s ability to create a visual was so good! figurative and descriptive language was next level! the plot was so interesting and the concept really drew me in. would be intrigued to read a sequel of katie’s journey if that is what was being set up in the final chapter!
pacing could’ve been improved slightly - it was a bit slow to start and then a bit fast in places but it wasn’t a massive drawback at all!
the author’s ability to create a visual was so good! figurative and descriptive language was next level! the plot was so interesting and the concept really drew me in. would be intrigued to read a sequel of katie’s journey if that is what was being set up in the final chapter!
May 28, 2025
If you like paranormal thrillers then you will like this one.
The book starts off slow but then really speeds up all of a sudden. The main characters have traumatic pasts but experience serious character development.
The author paints a picture of the scenes so visually in your head while you are reading that you can really imagine you are there “etherating” with the main characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book starts off slow but then really speeds up all of a sudden. The main characters have traumatic pasts but experience serious character development.
The author paints a picture of the scenes so visually in your head while you are reading that you can really imagine you are there “etherating” with the main characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2025
It took me a bit to get hooked on the story, but glad I didn’t DNF. The author's ability to bring visuals and characters to life was exquisite. With a past similar to FMC, it was easy to relate. If you find the story difficult to follow through with, go against your judgment, it won’t disappoint.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2025
Spice Level: If any, it is implied. This is YA and all relations are sweet / emotional / kissing.
Ren is a teenager who has lost her light and one night at a rave, is on the brink of taking her own life. A stranger whispering her voice brings her back from the ledge and that is when she runs into Katie. Leaving the party, a spectre in the middle of the road leads to their lives being inexplicably woven together.
Ren finds herself in the role of “protector” for Katie as (she later finds out) ethereates to her for her protection against said spectre that was in the middle of the road that caused the accident. During this time, Ren finds out more about herself and the power that she has and who really saved her that night of the rave. Will Ren be able to keep Katie safe from the spectre that wants to see harm against her? Will Ren be able to find her light again?
One recurring theme through this book is trauma. Both Ren and Katie have been through a ton and even though it is the trauma that would break a lot of people, not Ren and Katie. They push through and persevere to work together to find what and why Ren has been assigned Katie’s “protector.” I have to sympathize with Ren because I can’t imagine how hard it is to be involved with someone at such a pivotal age when sometimes, the best decisions are hard to come by.
This book also highlights the ongoing issue of corruption and power. The antagonist that causes the main issue of the book is power hungry, thinks they know better than everyone else, and cares nothing of the consequences of their actions.
Even though this book is YA, it does cover a lot of dark and triggering topics so please be sure to check all CWs before reading.
🌸 Suicide
🌸 Suicidal Ideation
🌸 Self-Harm
🌸 Body-Shaming
🌸 Miscarriage
🌸 Kidnapping
🌸 Death of a Child
🌸 Murder
Ren is a teenager who has lost her light and one night at a rave, is on the brink of taking her own life. A stranger whispering her voice brings her back from the ledge and that is when she runs into Katie. Leaving the party, a spectre in the middle of the road leads to their lives being inexplicably woven together.
Ren finds herself in the role of “protector” for Katie as (she later finds out) ethereates to her for her protection against said spectre that was in the middle of the road that caused the accident. During this time, Ren finds out more about herself and the power that she has and who really saved her that night of the rave. Will Ren be able to keep Katie safe from the spectre that wants to see harm against her? Will Ren be able to find her light again?
One recurring theme through this book is trauma. Both Ren and Katie have been through a ton and even though it is the trauma that would break a lot of people, not Ren and Katie. They push through and persevere to work together to find what and why Ren has been assigned Katie’s “protector.” I have to sympathize with Ren because I can’t imagine how hard it is to be involved with someone at such a pivotal age when sometimes, the best decisions are hard to come by.
This book also highlights the ongoing issue of corruption and power. The antagonist that causes the main issue of the book is power hungry, thinks they know better than everyone else, and cares nothing of the consequences of their actions.
Even though this book is YA, it does cover a lot of dark and triggering topics so please be sure to check all CWs before reading.
🌸 Suicide
🌸 Suicidal Ideation
🌸 Self-Harm
🌸 Body-Shaming
🌸 Miscarriage
🌸 Kidnapping
🌸 Death of a Child
🌸 Murder
June 9, 2025
📚3.5⭐️
Ren is an eighteen-year-old runaway struggling and riddled with guilt about the death of her father. At a very low point in her life, Ren meets two strangers on the same night. First, Lailah, an ethereal apparition who has been secretly protecting Ren since childhood. Then she meets Katie, a twenty-year-old woman she forms a strong bond with.
Ren discovers she has abilities like Lailah as a protectress and that someone is trying to kill Katie. But who? If that wasn’t bad enough, Ren learns about Lailah’s mysterious and unexpected death. Racing against time and with the help of a few others, Ren sets out to find answers. What really happened to Lailah? Who is trying to kill the woman she’s falling in love with? And why?
A young adult supernatural thriller with a side of a sapphic romance. I’m not a big supernatural reader, but I read the description and I just couldn’t help myself. It was an interesting read, many plot twists, and the mystery kept me guessing. It started off slowly in the beginning, but once the pace picked up, I was on the edge of my seat. There was a sapphic couple, but the focus was on the supernatural thriller of it all. The story was intense, and I strongly recommend that readers review the trigger warnings. I sympathized with the characters, but out of all them I really felt for Lailah. I’m still conflicted with how things ended, but overall it was a good debut.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ren is an eighteen-year-old runaway struggling and riddled with guilt about the death of her father. At a very low point in her life, Ren meets two strangers on the same night. First, Lailah, an ethereal apparition who has been secretly protecting Ren since childhood. Then she meets Katie, a twenty-year-old woman she forms a strong bond with.
Ren discovers she has abilities like Lailah as a protectress and that someone is trying to kill Katie. But who? If that wasn’t bad enough, Ren learns about Lailah’s mysterious and unexpected death. Racing against time and with the help of a few others, Ren sets out to find answers. What really happened to Lailah? Who is trying to kill the woman she’s falling in love with? And why?
A young adult supernatural thriller with a side of a sapphic romance. I’m not a big supernatural reader, but I read the description and I just couldn’t help myself. It was an interesting read, many plot twists, and the mystery kept me guessing. It started off slowly in the beginning, but once the pace picked up, I was on the edge of my seat. There was a sapphic couple, but the focus was on the supernatural thriller of it all. The story was intense, and I strongly recommend that readers review the trigger warnings. I sympathized with the characters, but out of all them I really felt for Lailah. I’m still conflicted with how things ended, but overall it was a good debut.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
The book had a slow start and I was not entirely confident in the characters or the plot of the book. However, it slowly started to gain my attention and I became enthralled in the plot, unable to put the book down.
Some of the plot twists were slightly underwhelming, but the rest were satisfying and shocking, each one introducing a new aspect to the story.
Areas of the plot get tied together really well leading to a fulfilling endin, while still leaving it open for another book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some of the plot twists were slightly underwhelming, but the rest were satisfying and shocking, each one introducing a new aspect to the story.
Areas of the plot get tied together really well leading to a fulfilling endin, while still leaving it open for another book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
I enjoyed the premise, plot, and pacing of this novel. It was fun to uncover how each character was connected to the others, and helped place a tidy bow on the overall story. The love between the main characters felt so rushed though that it made their relationship seem a tad inauthentic, and there’s so many different strings (think a big crime map with the pins) being pulled that it felt difficult to fully understand each of the characters’ motives. If you like sci-fi, mystery, with some romance mixed in, you’ll likely enjoy this read.
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
December 31, 2025
🎧ALC Review🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok I normally don’t go for YA closed door romance, I’m a slut for smutt; but apparently give me a sapphic supernatural thriller filled with side of mystery, and I’m apparently down. I listened to it in one
sitting, and what stood out most to me was the vivid imagery, @authorwillhoffman descriptions are so immersive and @gracefulgoblinfaerie did such a great job narrating, it feels like you’re right there!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok I normally don’t go for YA closed door romance, I’m a slut for smutt; but apparently give me a sapphic supernatural thriller filled with side of mystery, and I’m apparently down. I listened to it in one
sitting, and what stood out most to me was the vivid imagery, @authorwillhoffman descriptions are so immersive and @gracefulgoblinfaerie did such a great job narrating, it feels like you’re right there!
June 18, 2025
Hoffman is a talented storyteller! I was not only drawn in by the growing relationship between Ren and Katie, but also by the mysterious questions that had me guessing at every turn. Definitely a page turner and I found the super natural element a fresh and unexpected treat. Highly recommend.
May 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Guernsey Fair Press for this ARC.
I enjoyed this book but I felt like it road the line. This isn't my favorite or the worst. It was just okay.
I enjoyed this book but I felt like it road the line. This isn't my favorite or the worst. It was just okay.
May 29, 2025
I found the prose to be very immersive. The characters had depth and a lot of humanity. Overall a soulful and captivating read.
December 26, 2025
This is a very well written story and although it's not a book I would normally read, I did enjoy it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
Very cool and unusual book. I couldn't predict where it was heading at all, which was great.
June 4, 2025
Really I rate this 4.5 ⭐️. That’s not an option and it should be. I want to say I received this book as an arc read. I. Loved. This. Book. It gave me all the feels. I had goosebumps, I cried, and I was anxious. I 100% am rooting for REN. Lauren Ann Cole. This story describes the life of Lauren, lovingly known as Ren or Rennie. It’s a beautifully traumatic story of finding your own path and love, at once. In the worst way. There is no fairy’s or magic. There is ethereal and Ren. You may be wondering why did I give it a 4.5? The beginning was a tiny bit slow and I was a bit confused. Did I figure it out? Nope. Did I love every minute? Sure did!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews