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Killing November #1
Killing November
It’s a school completely off the grid, hidden by dense forest and surrounded by traps. There’s no electricity, no internet, and an eye-for-an-eye punishment system. Classes include everything from Knife-Throwing and Poisons to the Art of Deception and Historical Analysis. And all of the students are children of the world’s most elite strategists—training to become assassins, counselors, spies, and master impersonators. Into this world walks November Adley, who quickly discovers that friends are few in a school where personal revelations are discouraged and competition is everything. When another student is murdered, all eyes turn to November, who must figure out exactly how she fits into the school’s bizarre strategy games before she is found guilty of the crime…or becomes the killer’s next victim.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2019
About the author
Adriana Mather
8 books2,340 followersAdriana Mather is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch, with family roots that go back to Sleepy Hollow, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Titanic. She's also an actor and producer best known for her role in the award-winning Honeyglue. She co-owns Zombot Pictures, a production company that makes feature films. Her first acting scene in a film ever was with Danny Glover, and she was terrified she would mess it up. In addition, her favorite food is pizza, she has too many cats, and a deep abiding love for all things autumnal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,265 reviews
December 14, 2021
This is gonna be one of the kick-ass, fast paced, astonishing YA novels of the year with full of non-stop action, introduces us one of the brilliant, badass heroine, November! Her name belongs to month of Scorpio sign and so there’s so much hidden potential and secrets inside this character and I think she’s going to discover herself and turn into her perfect version on the upcoming novels of the series which I cannot wait to read them.
It’s great to see a movie producer and actor can write so powerful, entertaining, captivating book!
I really recommend it to action, mystery fans! It reminds you of the combination of Syfy channel’s Deadly Class series and some darker Harry Potter books( starting with book 4 when Cedric Diggory dies to book 7) without magic but full of violence. I tried to read it slowly because I didn’t want it to end but in the meantime I couldn’t put it down.
But I had really great time when I was hooked by the story.
It’s great to see a movie producer and actor can write so powerful, entertaining, captivating book!
I really recommend it to action, mystery fans! It reminds you of the combination of Syfy channel’s Deadly Class series and some darker Harry Potter books( starting with book 4 when Cedric Diggory dies to book 7) without magic but full of violence. I tried to read it slowly because I didn’t want it to end but in the meantime I couldn’t put it down.
But I had really great time when I was hooked by the story.
April 9, 2019
~Synopsis~
When November Addley’s father sends her away to boarding school because it's too dangerous back home, she doesn’t know what to expect. But she definitely doesn’t expect to be sent to a school that’s completely off the grid--with no access to the internet or even electricity. Classes range from poison to dagger-throwing, and November starts to question who her father really is. But she doesn’t have much time to worry about that. Someone’s killing the students in the school, and November might be next...
~Plot~
This book is fast-paced and intriguing. There’s a lot of mind-games being played by the teachers and the students, and it’s all explained in detail and incredibly interesting. It’s definitely a major appeal that sets this book apart from the rest. The book has quite a few twists along the road, and Mather effectively instills a sense of distrust in every one of the characters, despite the fact that the main character is an optimist.
There are a few tropes present in this story, none of which that I can go into depth over without spoiling major plot points. However, despite these tropes, the plot is well executed (pun intended ;) ) and not at all derivative of recurring themes you tend to see in young adult novels these days.
Like any young adult book, this one has a little romance thrown into the mix, but it isn’t the main focus of the story (no the main focus is training in the art of deception and murder and whatnot). The romance is cute and moves the story forward, rather than detracting from it.
~Characters~
It's nice to read a young adult book where the main character is an extrovert. A lot of bookworms can relate to the introverted bookish protagonist, but it can get old pretty quickly. Killing November is a refreshing take on the student-training-to-be-an-assassin trope. (She’s a friendly extrovert who loves people!? Not exactly what you’d expect from an expert knife thrower.)
Because November is at a school where everyone is hiding their true selves, Mather employs an interesting writing technique to help us get a better sense of who November is. She frequently refers to her best friend Emily in her inner dialogue. The way that she talks about Emily and the things that Emily would say to her is very informative about November's personality and past.
I recommend this book to those looking for a quick read about people training in the arts of poison and deception. There’s a lot of politics and deceit, and it’s nothing like your typical high school drama. I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this series!
*Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and OLA Super Conference for the ARC for review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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My 2019 Reading Challenge
When November Addley’s father sends her away to boarding school because it's too dangerous back home, she doesn’t know what to expect. But she definitely doesn’t expect to be sent to a school that’s completely off the grid--with no access to the internet or even electricity. Classes range from poison to dagger-throwing, and November starts to question who her father really is. But she doesn’t have much time to worry about that. Someone’s killing the students in the school, and November might be next...
~Plot~
This book is fast-paced and intriguing. There’s a lot of mind-games being played by the teachers and the students, and it’s all explained in detail and incredibly interesting. It’s definitely a major appeal that sets this book apart from the rest. The book has quite a few twists along the road, and Mather effectively instills a sense of distrust in every one of the characters, despite the fact that the main character is an optimist.
There are a few tropes present in this story, none of which that I can go into depth over without spoiling major plot points. However, despite these tropes, the plot is well executed (pun intended ;) ) and not at all derivative of recurring themes you tend to see in young adult novels these days.
Like any young adult book, this one has a little romance thrown into the mix, but it isn’t the main focus of the story (no the main focus is training in the art of deception and murder and whatnot). The romance is cute and moves the story forward, rather than detracting from it.
~Characters~
It's nice to read a young adult book where the main character is an extrovert. A lot of bookworms can relate to the introverted bookish protagonist, but it can get old pretty quickly. Killing November is a refreshing take on the student-training-to-be-an-assassin trope. (She’s a friendly extrovert who loves people!? Not exactly what you’d expect from an expert knife thrower.)
Because November is at a school where everyone is hiding their true selves, Mather employs an interesting writing technique to help us get a better sense of who November is. She frequently refers to her best friend Emily in her inner dialogue. The way that she talks about Emily and the things that Emily would say to her is very informative about November's personality and past.
I recommend this book to those looking for a quick read about people training in the arts of poison and deception. There’s a lot of politics and deceit, and it’s nothing like your typical high school drama. I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this series!
*Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and OLA Super Conference for the ARC for review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2019 Reading Challenge
March 31, 2019
Killing November by Adriana Mather is the first book of the young adult thriller series by the same name. This opening book of the series certainly set up a creepy atmospheric setting dropping the main character into a boarding school in an old castle in the opening pages.
November Adley had reluctantly agreed to go away to school for a few weeks when her father proposed the idea to keep her safe while dealing with some issues at home. Waking up in the strange location with no memory after the plane leaves November questioning what she had agreed to.
The rules at the mysterious Academy Absconditi certainly raise a few questions too as November is told about the eye for an eye system and told to keep her identity secret. Things certainly don’t kook up any when November joins the other students and not only stumbles across a dead body but needs to dodge attempts on her own life.
Well, Killing November by Adriana Mather certainly took an often used setting of a boarding school to a whole new level. This secret school was the home to an even more secretive society with whom family feuds had spanned decades and the kids here learn way more than a normal curriculum. A rather dark and eerie teen action thriller this one was hard to put down.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November Adley had reluctantly agreed to go away to school for a few weeks when her father proposed the idea to keep her safe while dealing with some issues at home. Waking up in the strange location with no memory after the plane leaves November questioning what she had agreed to.
The rules at the mysterious Academy Absconditi certainly raise a few questions too as November is told about the eye for an eye system and told to keep her identity secret. Things certainly don’t kook up any when November joins the other students and not only stumbles across a dead body but needs to dodge attempts on her own life.
Well, Killing November by Adriana Mather certainly took an often used setting of a boarding school to a whole new level. This secret school was the home to an even more secretive society with whom family feuds had spanned decades and the kids here learn way more than a normal curriculum. A rather dark and eerie teen action thriller this one was hard to put down.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 24, 2019
Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the publisher, Random House Children’s, via NetGalley for an honest review.
Opinion:
You know those books you come across that sound AMAZING, like they will be an EXACT fit for you, and are already praised and LOVED by EVERYONE?
And then you start reading it, all giddy and excited for what’s to come…
…but then you get about 60 pages in and are just kind of like…
Yeah.
…
Killing November.
November assumed she had a normal upbringing, that was until she arrived at Academy Absconditi. Here, the students aren’t animated with conversation, worried about calculus tests and pining over who will ask them to homecoming. Their movements are deliberate, and they are masters at mind games and killing. So why would November’s father leave her in a place like this? Where the teachers enact an “eye for an eye” punishment system, family secrets are to be kept hidden for one’s safety and students keep turning up dead? Surrounded by people who assume she is weaving a clever game of innocence and daftness, November is thrust into a world she can barely navigate, all the while trying to learn the secrets of her family and who she is.
Killing November is a YA Mystery dripping in deceit, manipulation, darkness and brutality.
I witnessed all these themes and more while reading.
But in the end, all I was REALLY left feeling,
was indifference.
It started out great. November describes being named after a maple tree, how her father describes her as “too trusting”, and having awakened in dungeon-like room with little idea how she arrived there. Who wouldn’t be intrigued? As I started reading more, I learned that November is just like most of us readers – not entirely proficient in the art of deceiving and killing people via poisons, a bow and arrow or a set of freshly sharpened knives.
Woe is us for our normalcy.
She knows nothing of Strategia – an ancient secret society of spies and assassins, has barely heard a whisper about the Families of the Strategia who are responsible for pulling the strings behind MAJOR historical events throughout history, and has no idea how she fits into any of it. So as the story started picking up and November was thrust into her new lessons, I started noticing a constant theme of wishy-washiness with this character.
For most of the story, November is running around like a confused goose saying and doing the wrong things. I don’t blame the poor girl either, this school sounds like a nuthouse. But when November is given a task in lessons to steal a scarf off another player in the dark, or throw knives at targets…she becomes arrogant and cocky and just magically knows what she is doing.
Look, I love a confident character who has witty comments and a snarky attitude.
I know that she had a little training in these areas as a child.
But when the main character acts like a deer in headlights for 80% of the book, and has a few random and brief moments of god-awful one-liners boasting her perfection, it’s a turn-off. After the first instance of this, and the multiple continuances of her silly demeanor and confusing personality after, I became increasingly checked out.
I almost DNF’d this book about 15 times, but kept at it because so many other readers were telling me how much they loved it. So I forced myself to keep reading…and reading…and…reading. In the end, they were right in some cases. It DID get better. But it wasn’t amazing and unforgettable.
It was just okay.
I really wish I could have fell in love with this story more, because the suspense was there. The mystery and grittiness were shouting through the pages, but I just couldn’t connect with November or any of the other characters for that matter. The romance element was lacking in that it felt shoved together rather than formed naturally, and the friendship between Layla and November felt stiff. I just wasn’t invested in this read at all, and for that I am truly dismayed.
Opinion:
You know those books you come across that sound AMAZING, like they will be an EXACT fit for you, and are already praised and LOVED by EVERYONE?
And then you start reading it, all giddy and excited for what’s to come…
…but then you get about 60 pages in and are just kind of like…
Yeah.
…
Killing November.
November assumed she had a normal upbringing, that was until she arrived at Academy Absconditi. Here, the students aren’t animated with conversation, worried about calculus tests and pining over who will ask them to homecoming. Their movements are deliberate, and they are masters at mind games and killing. So why would November’s father leave her in a place like this? Where the teachers enact an “eye for an eye” punishment system, family secrets are to be kept hidden for one’s safety and students keep turning up dead? Surrounded by people who assume she is weaving a clever game of innocence and daftness, November is thrust into a world she can barely navigate, all the while trying to learn the secrets of her family and who she is.
Killing November is a YA Mystery dripping in deceit, manipulation, darkness and brutality.
I witnessed all these themes and more while reading.
But in the end, all I was REALLY left feeling,
was indifference.
It started out great. November describes being named after a maple tree, how her father describes her as “too trusting”, and having awakened in dungeon-like room with little idea how she arrived there. Who wouldn’t be intrigued? As I started reading more, I learned that November is just like most of us readers – not entirely proficient in the art of deceiving and killing people via poisons, a bow and arrow or a set of freshly sharpened knives.
Woe is us for our normalcy.
She knows nothing of Strategia – an ancient secret society of spies and assassins, has barely heard a whisper about the Families of the Strategia who are responsible for pulling the strings behind MAJOR historical events throughout history, and has no idea how she fits into any of it. So as the story started picking up and November was thrust into her new lessons, I started noticing a constant theme of wishy-washiness with this character.
For most of the story, November is running around like a confused goose saying and doing the wrong things. I don’t blame the poor girl either, this school sounds like a nuthouse. But when November is given a task in lessons to steal a scarf off another player in the dark, or throw knives at targets…she becomes arrogant and cocky and just magically knows what she is doing.
Look, I love a confident character who has witty comments and a snarky attitude.
I know that she had a little training in these areas as a child.
But when the main character acts like a deer in headlights for 80% of the book, and has a few random and brief moments of god-awful one-liners boasting her perfection, it’s a turn-off. After the first instance of this, and the multiple continuances of her silly demeanor and confusing personality after, I became increasingly checked out.
I almost DNF’d this book about 15 times, but kept at it because so many other readers were telling me how much they loved it. So I forced myself to keep reading…and reading…and…reading. In the end, they were right in some cases. It DID get better. But it wasn’t amazing and unforgettable.
It was just okay.
I really wish I could have fell in love with this story more, because the suspense was there. The mystery and grittiness were shouting through the pages, but I just couldn’t connect with November or any of the other characters for that matter. The romance element was lacking in that it felt shoved together rather than formed naturally, and the friendship between Layla and November felt stiff. I just wasn’t invested in this read at all, and for that I am truly dismayed.
March 9, 2021
"Welcome to Academy Absconditi, November, where the scheming never stops, and where someone is always trying to push you off a ledge."
Killing November (Killing November #1)
by Adriana Mather
My Review:
I suspect this review maybe on the long side. This is one of those books I have many different feelings about.
First off..highly recommended! I cannot stress that enough. This book was very exciting in many ways and is far different then your average YA mystery that I can promise you.
November has grown up in a sleepy New England town. She's always been a trusting and outgoing girl. Her dad is an ex FBI agent and her mom died when she was young. November and her dad are quite close.
So when her dad ships her off to an elite boarding school, November does not ask to many questions. And her dad says it will only be for a few weeks.
That's all November remembers. Next thing she knows, she is waking up...in a..dungeon?
Turns out she is AT this mysterious school. Only it isn't a conventional school of sorts. The students do not study academia. Their classes are in sword playing and poisons and mind games. Yes, there is an actual class in mind games and deception. (does sound a heck of a lot more fun then math.)
So, November is cut off. Nobody tells her why she is there. The school allows no outside communications. And from the beginning November is being targeted by people(students) who seem to know her or at least her family. She is punched, she is threatened. What is going on?
I do not want to say to much more in regards to the plot. I liked the book and am now determined to read every book this writer has written.
In the afterword, the writer explains she DREAMT about this book and that is how it came to be! Wow. I am just...in awe!
The reason I gave it a 3 (7 out of 10 if ratings were a 1-10 scale) is because I admit I had difficulties. It was a complex book that was difficult at some points to follow and understand. There is a feeling of frustration at least for me throughout, because the reader does not know what is going on for real until close to the end. And yet so much is happening that it makes it tough.
The strength of the book and the reason I fell in love with this author's writing style is because she writes characterizations better than almost any writer I have seen. As November makes friends and we get to know the colorful cast of characters it is impossible, at least for me, not to get attached to them.
I loved Layla and Ash. And my favorite..I am sorry but her name escapes me right now..was the girl with all the different accents. What a mischief making and fun character. I adored reading about all of them.
This book took me longer than usual to finish and I am going to read part two. I think this will appeal to fans of YA who want something different. now spoilers:
SPOILERS:
Being a Strategia sounds like a heck of a tough life. I really dug all the classes and the look back on history. It is such an unusual concept. The writer has a brilliant mind.
It sort of reminded me of the Divergent series a bit. I did enjoy this book and will not forget these people anytime soon. Love the Cover as well!
Killing November (Killing November #1)
by Adriana Mather
My Review:
I suspect this review maybe on the long side. This is one of those books I have many different feelings about.
First off..highly recommended! I cannot stress that enough. This book was very exciting in many ways and is far different then your average YA mystery that I can promise you.
November has grown up in a sleepy New England town. She's always been a trusting and outgoing girl. Her dad is an ex FBI agent and her mom died when she was young. November and her dad are quite close.
So when her dad ships her off to an elite boarding school, November does not ask to many questions. And her dad says it will only be for a few weeks.
That's all November remembers. Next thing she knows, she is waking up...in a..dungeon?
Turns out she is AT this mysterious school. Only it isn't a conventional school of sorts. The students do not study academia. Their classes are in sword playing and poisons and mind games. Yes, there is an actual class in mind games and deception. (does sound a heck of a lot more fun then math.)
So, November is cut off. Nobody tells her why she is there. The school allows no outside communications. And from the beginning November is being targeted by people(students) who seem to know her or at least her family. She is punched, she is threatened. What is going on?
I do not want to say to much more in regards to the plot. I liked the book and am now determined to read every book this writer has written.
In the afterword, the writer explains she DREAMT about this book and that is how it came to be! Wow. I am just...in awe!
The reason I gave it a 3 (7 out of 10 if ratings were a 1-10 scale) is because I admit I had difficulties. It was a complex book that was difficult at some points to follow and understand. There is a feeling of frustration at least for me throughout, because the reader does not know what is going on for real until close to the end. And yet so much is happening that it makes it tough.
The strength of the book and the reason I fell in love with this author's writing style is because she writes characterizations better than almost any writer I have seen. As November makes friends and we get to know the colorful cast of characters it is impossible, at least for me, not to get attached to them.
I loved Layla and Ash. And my favorite..I am sorry but her name escapes me right now..was the girl with all the different accents. What a mischief making and fun character. I adored reading about all of them.
This book took me longer than usual to finish and I am going to read part two. I think this will appeal to fans of YA who want something different. now spoilers:
SPOILERS:
Being a Strategia sounds like a heck of a tough life. I really dug all the classes and the look back on history. It is such an unusual concept. The writer has a brilliant mind.
It sort of reminded me of the Divergent series a bit. I did enjoy this book and will not forget these people anytime soon. Love the Cover as well!
November 1, 2020
Q: what kind of a school locks up their students? (c) The kidnapping one, obviously. That's what 'Academy Absconditi' stands for, duh.
So, I've just read a book with a protagonist named September. Now, it's turn for November:
Q: MY NAME IS November Adley and I was born in August. (c)
This academy's big on being styled decidedly after Hogwarts:
Q:
“ ‘Historia Est Magistra Vitae,...
“History Is the Teacher of Life—Academy Absconditi’s motto,... “The maroon means patience in battle. The silver means peace. The oak tree signifies great age and strength. The torch represents truth and intelligence. And the sphinx symbolizes omniscience and secrecy.” (c)
They are all so OCD with all the 'secrecy' that it gets irritating right away. Paradoxically, their wordgames and the general paranoid mindfuckery seems to be fun (at least they don't get bored to death at that prep school):
Q:
Conner—deriving from cunnere, meaning “inspector,” and cun, meaning “to examine.” …
Fléchier—French for sure, but also related to Fulcher in Old English, meaning “maker of arrows.” …
Felix? By the way you emphasize the e in your name, I’m guessing you’re British?”... “Did you know your name means ‘lucky’ or ‘successful’? And Aarya, your name is actually Sanskrit for the goddess Durga, but it’s a common name in lots of countries.” … “But Sanskrit is a dead language, not to mention that Aarya is a name given to both boys and girls. It’s funny how your name is changeable, almost like your accent. Maybe it’s even an alias?” (c)
The entrance exam seems to entail biting a pencil, eeesh! And some other weird shit, as well:
Q:
“Was that food you offered me okay to eat?”
Conner turns around and pulls a small vial of something from his blazer. “The antidote,��� he says, and smiles. (c)
I'm grading it at 5 stars. Even though I probably should've docked quite a lot of points for a lot of stupid stuff. Still, it's a fun read even for all the eyeball workout I got out of it.
Other fun stuff:
Q:
He claims the leaves shone so brightly in the morning sun that it looked like our front lawn was on fire. Dad also says that’s part of the reason I’m obsessed with the woods. (c)
Q:
He nods and jots down a note, which by this point in this bizarre conversation I would really like to see. (c)
Q:
“That one represents Aśoka’s most trusted advisor, that one Alexander the Great’s lover, Julius Caesar’s aunt, Cleopatra’s best friend, Akbar’s cousin, Peter the Great’s councilor, Genghis Khan’s strategist, and Elizabeth the First’s chambermaid. Need I go on?” (c)
Q:
“We’re not the most openly friendly bunch,” Felix says, like he prefers it that way.
“Speak for yourself,” Aarya says. “I’m a hoot.” (c)
Q:
Cringeworthy stuff:
Q:
I’ve never met anyone with all the awkwardness of a debate club nerd and yet the physical appearance of an attractive pirate. (c) Whaaaat?
Q:
Gagworthy:
Q:
Ash gives us both a small bow as he slips back into the river of students, who behave more like spies than high schoolers. Up close his intensity is almost overwhelming, but as he walks away I find that it’s equally hard not to watch him. I’m not sure if I’m intrigued or intimidated. (c)
Q;
“Do you always stare at people with those laser eyeballs?” (c) No?
So, I've just read a book with a protagonist named September. Now, it's turn for November:
Q: MY NAME IS November Adley and I was born in August. (c)
This academy's big on being styled decidedly after Hogwarts:
Q:
“ ‘Historia Est Magistra Vitae,...
“History Is the Teacher of Life—Academy Absconditi’s motto,... “The maroon means patience in battle. The silver means peace. The oak tree signifies great age and strength. The torch represents truth and intelligence. And the sphinx symbolizes omniscience and secrecy.” (c)
They are all so OCD with all the 'secrecy' that it gets irritating right away. Paradoxically, their wordgames and the general paranoid mindfuckery seems to be fun (at least they don't get bored to death at that prep school):
Q:
Conner—deriving from cunnere, meaning “inspector,” and cun, meaning “to examine.” …
Fléchier—French for sure, but also related to Fulcher in Old English, meaning “maker of arrows.” …
Felix? By the way you emphasize the e in your name, I’m guessing you’re British?”... “Did you know your name means ‘lucky’ or ‘successful’? And Aarya, your name is actually Sanskrit for the goddess Durga, but it’s a common name in lots of countries.” … “But Sanskrit is a dead language, not to mention that Aarya is a name given to both boys and girls. It’s funny how your name is changeable, almost like your accent. Maybe it’s even an alias?” (c)
The entrance exam seems to entail biting a pencil, eeesh! And some other weird shit, as well:
Q:
“Was that food you offered me okay to eat?”
Conner turns around and pulls a small vial of something from his blazer. “The antidote,��� he says, and smiles. (c)
I'm grading it at 5 stars. Even though I probably should've docked quite a lot of points for a lot of stupid stuff. Still, it's a fun read even for all the eyeball workout I got out of it.
Other fun stuff:
Q:
He claims the leaves shone so brightly in the morning sun that it looked like our front lawn was on fire. Dad also says that’s part of the reason I’m obsessed with the woods. (c)
Q:
He nods and jots down a note, which by this point in this bizarre conversation I would really like to see. (c)
Q:
“That one represents Aśoka’s most trusted advisor, that one Alexander the Great’s lover, Julius Caesar’s aunt, Cleopatra’s best friend, Akbar’s cousin, Peter the Great’s councilor, Genghis Khan’s strategist, and Elizabeth the First’s chambermaid. Need I go on?” (c)
Q:
“We’re not the most openly friendly bunch,” Felix says, like he prefers it that way.
“Speak for yourself,” Aarya says. “I’m a hoot.” (c)
Q:
Cringeworthy stuff:
Q:
I’ve never met anyone with all the awkwardness of a debate club nerd and yet the physical appearance of an attractive pirate. (c) Whaaaat?
Q:
Gagworthy:
Q:
Ash gives us both a small bow as he slips back into the river of students, who behave more like spies than high schoolers. Up close his intensity is almost overwhelming, but as he walks away I find that it’s equally hard not to watch him. I’m not sure if I’m intrigued or intimidated. (c)
Q;
“Do you always stare at people with those laser eyeballs?” (c) No?
December 10, 2021
“Do you always stare at people with those laser eyeballs?”
No, not really. I've saved my laser eyeballs only for those people who still haven't added this to their Tbr.
And I might or might not come after you if you don't do as I say.No this is not a threat it is🔪
Now, About the Book
I very much want to just copy-paste the blurb here because I really don't think I know how to explain this book but I shall try.
So everyone, remember Hogwarts? That wasn't exactly a question because of course, you must remember that! So Academy Absconditi is Hogwarts but just...darker and with..bad vibes?
And now everyone, come meet November, my new favorite character (Sorry Elisabeth). So November is sent to this strange school one day because things are 'off' at her aunt's place and her dad wants to keep her safe so she's here at Academy Absconditi (which means something in Latin but I can't remember what?)
Academy Absconditi is unlike any school you can imagine (of course because Dark Academia✨) A place that teaches strange things and has even stranger rules. The first thing November discovers here is that there are no real friends in this place. But when a student is found murdered within her first week of arrival, November needs all the help she can manage.
Layla, November's roommate, and her twin Ash(Ashai) are the two people November decides to put her faith in.
Fast paced and confounding and action packed, this book is a MUST READ!
And now I'm so excited for the next book!!
Edit: The Second book is as amazing as the first, by the way.
***********************************
Pre-review stuff
#Edit 1
I'm not even halfway done but I'm enjoying this book a lot more than I expected to
And here are my predictions-
1. November's mom is that talented girl everyone's talking about
2. Her mother is a jackal (Will that also make November a Jackal?)
3. November and Matteo are related
#Edit 2
No, not really. I've saved my laser eyeballs only for those people who still haven't added this to their Tbr.
And I might or might not come after you if you don't do as I say.
Now, About the Book
I very much want to just copy-paste the blurb here because I really don't think I know how to explain this book but I shall try.
So everyone, remember Hogwarts? That wasn't exactly a question because of course, you must remember that! So Academy Absconditi is Hogwarts but just...darker and with..bad vibes?
And now everyone, come meet November, my new favorite character (Sorry Elisabeth). So November is sent to this strange school one day because things are 'off' at her aunt's place and her dad wants to keep her safe so she's here at Academy Absconditi (which means something in Latin but I can't remember what?)
“Welcome to Academy Absconditi, November, where the scheming never stops, and where someone is always trying to push you off a ledge. You’re in a dangerous situation. You’re taking calculated risks to get out of it. But risks are still risks.”
Academy Absconditi is unlike any school you can imagine (of course because Dark Academia✨) A place that teaches strange things and has even stranger rules. The first thing November discovers here is that there are no real friends in this place. But when a student is found murdered within her first week of arrival, November needs all the help she can manage.
Layla, November's roommate, and her twin Ash(Ashai) are the two people November decides to put her faith in.
Fast paced and confounding and action packed, this book is a MUST READ!
And now I'm so excited for the next book!!
Edit: The Second book is as amazing as the first, by the way.
***********************************
Pre-review stuff
#Edit 1
I'm not even halfway done but I'm enjoying this book a lot more than I expected to
And here are my predictions-
1. November's mom is that talented girl everyone's talking about
2. Her mother is a jackal (Will that also make November a Jackal?)
3. November and Matteo are related
#Edit 2
August 17, 2022
4.5/5⭐
“He didn’t see the world for what it was, but for what it could be.”
UNDERRATED YA MYSTERY BOOK ALERT!!! GO ADD IT TO YOUR TBR!
I don’t know why this book isn’t more popular on booktok or booktube, it’s SO GOOD.
I was expecting to like it, but not this much. It’s dripping with dark academia. The setting is a boarding school with people from all around the world, secret societies, family dramas, interesting classes like psychological warfare and archery, full of plot twists and fast pace. Is that not enough to convince you?
Plot:
November’s father sends her to a boarding school off the grid, with some mysterious students and interesting classes. November befriends her roommate, Layla, and her twin brother, Ashai. During her first days, she faces many challenges with other students and even finds a dead body… She has to figure out who these people are and why some of them recognize her and make her time at the new school insufferable. Layla and Ash help her figure out who she is while trying to find the murderer.
“Welcome to Academy Absconditi, November, where the scheming never stops, and where someone is always trying to push you off a ledge. You’re in a dangerous situation. You’re taking calculated risks to get out of it. But risks are still risks.”
These people are part of a secret society called Strategia, which she knows nothing about, but her family is a part of. It was formed by the advisers of the Persian king, the Roman emperor, and the Greek king. The three families. This secret society is responsible for being behind some major historical events throughout history, and she knows nothing about them. They also have some political conflicts between some families, and even though they try not to let politics be a part of the student’s lives, it has some impacts on the way they treat each other.
The school offers many classes like psychological warfare, archery, poisons, dagger throwing… These are not normal students. They’re trained assassins, spies, politicians… anything. The students are out of this world smart, from being able to switch up accents to having perfect aim, enhanced physical abilities, and even reading people. This boarding school has really weird rules like not being able to share anything about yourself or the eye for an eye rule (someone punches you, you punch back) so it’s really hard for November to learn about other students and how she belongs there.
The only thing I didn’t like was the info-dumping. When November went to the trees to meet up with Ash, he tells her the history of the families and what they do. It just seemed too much information for one chapter.
Characters:
It is one of the best parts of the book, I love all of them and their dynamics and personalities.
-November: she mostly played clueless because she was for most of the book. But she didn’t let anyone bring her down and kept her chin up high. Even if she hadn’t been formed like the rest of the students, she’s good at archery (all the best characters are) and was trained at many things like climbing, knife throwing, and even fencing. She’s snarky and defends her friends. She’s too trusting with people she barely knows, but she has Ash and Layla to help her. She’s also really good at reading names to figure out where people are from and good at languages.
“What you can do with names—piece them together and identify people with them? I can do that with body language.”
“You never know how much time you have, so screw it—I’m going to live in every way I can.”
-Layla: one of the best students at school. She seems cold at first, but soon befriends November and learns to trust her. She is incredibly smart and good at everything she does. I don’t think you understand my obsession with the twins… both of them are so attractive and smart, and their dynamic is so good.
-Ash: in love with him. INTELLIGENCE IS SO ATTRACTIVE. This whole suspicious/mysterious vibe that he had going on was so good. He’s good at reading people, he knows when people are lying and what they’re gonna do next. Just by small changes in expression or posture... It's really impressive. He’s always protecting Layla and helps November by teaching her how to fight and with academics.
-Inés: I love her. At some point, she says mierda (shit in Spanish), and based on what we know about the families, we have to infer that she’s spanish...so yeah that may be a reason why I love her. She doesn’t speak much and is shy. She reminded me of Inej from Six of Crows (not only because of the similar names) but Ines is silent and agile like Inej. And her loyalty to Aarya is 😊
“Mierda,” Ines breathes, and I’m pretty sure it’s the first word I’ve ever heard her say.”
-Aarya: obsessed with her. She’s good at switching accents, so no one really knows where she’s from. She seems cold and a bitch, but under her harsh exterior, she cares about some people around her like Ines and even Felix somehow. She is also really talented and good at everything she does, like Layla. One of the best students at the academy.
“But Sanskrit is a dead language, not to mention that Aarya is a name given to both boys and girls. It’s funny how your name is changeable, almost like your accent. Maybe it’s even an alias?”
“No one knows where she grew up. She’s impeccable with accents. The best in the school.”
Romance:
-Ash and November: (Ashember? Novash?)
ATTRACTIVE, POWERFUL COUPLE COMING THROUGH. I saw it coming from the beginning, but it was still so nice. They got along pretty great from the moment they met. Ash, with his curious nature, wanted to know more about the new girl, and they ended up bonding. He saved her life when ____ tried to kill her and teaches her how to fight because he’s worried she won’t be able to defend herself.
“I totally see what you’re doing, changing my words and then watching my response. I said you’re attractive, not that I’m attracted to you. There’s a big difference.”
“Ash, you took a knife through the arm for me,” I say. “It’s a big deal. I can’t even tell you how…I would be dead if you hadn’t been there.”
“We’re standing so close that my heart speeds up and I actually do look at his lips. “I saw that you know,” he says.
I smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“He looks at my lips. “I saw that, you know,” I say.
“I know exactly what you’re talking about.”
“Mad at you? November, I’m not mad at you,” he says, and pauses. “I’m worried about you. I…” He looks away. “I care about you,” he says, and his voice is quiet. “I care what happens to you.”
“I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.” For a split second, he looks at my lips and I can see the question on his face.
“Amantes sunt amentes.” Before I can work out the meaning, he smiles. “Lovers are lunatics.” He gently pushes his fingers through my hair and pulls me close. For a split second his mouth lingers an inch away from mine and his breath is warm on my lips. My stomach drops like I’m free-falling. “You ruined our first kiss,” I whisper. “Don’t screw this one up.” He grins. “I promise to practice constantly until I get better,” he says, and presses his lips onto mine.”
-Ines and Aarya: I don’t care what anyone says. I better get this ship in the next book, cause they LIED to me. THIS was supposed to happen!!!
“So Aarya does have a weakness. And it’s another person. I have to admit that I’m surprised.”
“Does she care about Ines more?”
“If I had to guess, I would say she does,”
How can you say this and not let this ship happen?
“You should care about her. That’s what friends do”
FRIENDS?!
You all should read this. Really underrated and so so good. I’m going to read the next one as soon as I can!!! I have some theories...
“He didn’t see the world for what it was, but for what it could be.”
UNDERRATED YA MYSTERY BOOK ALERT!!! GO ADD IT TO YOUR TBR!
I don’t know why this book isn’t more popular on booktok or booktube, it’s SO GOOD.
I was expecting to like it, but not this much. It’s dripping with dark academia. The setting is a boarding school with people from all around the world, secret societies, family dramas, interesting classes like psychological warfare and archery, full of plot twists and fast pace. Is that not enough to convince you?
Plot:
November’s father sends her to a boarding school off the grid, with some mysterious students and interesting classes. November befriends her roommate, Layla, and her twin brother, Ashai. During her first days, she faces many challenges with other students and even finds a dead body… She has to figure out who these people are and why some of them recognize her and make her time at the new school insufferable. Layla and Ash help her figure out who she is while trying to find the murderer.
“Welcome to Academy Absconditi, November, where the scheming never stops, and where someone is always trying to push you off a ledge. You’re in a dangerous situation. You’re taking calculated risks to get out of it. But risks are still risks.”
These people are part of a secret society called Strategia, which she knows nothing about, but her family is a part of. It was formed by the advisers of the Persian king, the Roman emperor, and the Greek king. The three families. This secret society is responsible for being behind some major historical events throughout history, and she knows nothing about them. They also have some political conflicts between some families, and even though they try not to let politics be a part of the student’s lives, it has some impacts on the way they treat each other.
The school offers many classes like psychological warfare, archery, poisons, dagger throwing… These are not normal students. They’re trained assassins, spies, politicians… anything. The students are out of this world smart, from being able to switch up accents to having perfect aim, enhanced physical abilities, and even reading people. This boarding school has really weird rules like not being able to share anything about yourself or the eye for an eye rule (someone punches you, you punch back) so it’s really hard for November to learn about other students and how she belongs there.
The only thing I didn’t like was the info-dumping. When November went to the trees to meet up with Ash, he tells her the history of the families and what they do. It just seemed too much information for one chapter.
Characters:
It is one of the best parts of the book, I love all of them and their dynamics and personalities.
-November: she mostly played clueless because she was for most of the book. But she didn’t let anyone bring her down and kept her chin up high. Even if she hadn’t been formed like the rest of the students, she’s good at archery (all the best characters are) and was trained at many things like climbing, knife throwing, and even fencing. She’s snarky and defends her friends. She’s too trusting with people she barely knows, but she has Ash and Layla to help her. She’s also really good at reading names to figure out where people are from and good at languages.
“What you can do with names—piece them together and identify people with them? I can do that with body language.”
“You never know how much time you have, so screw it—I’m going to live in every way I can.”
-Layla: one of the best students at school. She seems cold at first, but soon befriends November and learns to trust her. She is incredibly smart and good at everything she does. I don’t think you understand my obsession with the twins… both of them are so attractive and smart, and their dynamic is so good.
-Ash: in love with him. INTELLIGENCE IS SO ATTRACTIVE. This whole suspicious/mysterious vibe that he had going on was so good. He’s good at reading people, he knows when people are lying and what they’re gonna do next. Just by small changes in expression or posture... It's really impressive. He’s always protecting Layla and helps November by teaching her how to fight and with academics.
-Inés: I love her. At some point, she says mierda (shit in Spanish), and based on what we know about the families, we have to infer that she’s spanish...so yeah that may be a reason why I love her. She doesn’t speak much and is shy. She reminded me of Inej from Six of Crows (not only because of the similar names) but Ines is silent and agile like Inej. And her loyalty to Aarya is 😊
“Mierda,” Ines breathes, and I’m pretty sure it’s the first word I’ve ever heard her say.”
-Aarya: obsessed with her. She’s good at switching accents, so no one really knows where she’s from. She seems cold and a bitch, but under her harsh exterior, she cares about some people around her like Ines and even Felix somehow. She is also really talented and good at everything she does, like Layla. One of the best students at the academy.
“But Sanskrit is a dead language, not to mention that Aarya is a name given to both boys and girls. It’s funny how your name is changeable, almost like your accent. Maybe it’s even an alias?”
“No one knows where she grew up. She’s impeccable with accents. The best in the school.”
Romance:
-Ash and November: (Ashember? Novash?)
ATTRACTIVE, POWERFUL COUPLE COMING THROUGH. I saw it coming from the beginning, but it was still so nice. They got along pretty great from the moment they met. Ash, with his curious nature, wanted to know more about the new girl, and they ended up bonding. He saved her life when ____ tried to kill her and teaches her how to fight because he’s worried she won’t be able to defend herself.
“I totally see what you’re doing, changing my words and then watching my response. I said you’re attractive, not that I’m attracted to you. There’s a big difference.”
“Ash, you took a knife through the arm for me,” I say. “It’s a big deal. I can’t even tell you how…I would be dead if you hadn’t been there.”
“We’re standing so close that my heart speeds up and I actually do look at his lips. “I saw that you know,” he says.
I smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“He looks at my lips. “I saw that, you know,” I say.
“I know exactly what you’re talking about.”
“Mad at you? November, I’m not mad at you,” he says, and pauses. “I’m worried about you. I…” He looks away. “I care about you,” he says, and his voice is quiet. “I care what happens to you.”
“I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.” For a split second, he looks at my lips and I can see the question on his face.
“Amantes sunt amentes.” Before I can work out the meaning, he smiles. “Lovers are lunatics.” He gently pushes his fingers through my hair and pulls me close. For a split second his mouth lingers an inch away from mine and his breath is warm on my lips. My stomach drops like I’m free-falling. “You ruined our first kiss,” I whisper. “Don’t screw this one up.” He grins. “I promise to practice constantly until I get better,” he says, and presses his lips onto mine.”
-Ines and Aarya: I don’t care what anyone says. I better get this ship in the next book, cause they LIED to me. THIS was supposed to happen!!!
“So Aarya does have a weakness. And it’s another person. I have to admit that I’m surprised.”
“Does she care about Ines more?”
“If I had to guess, I would say she does,”
How can you say this and not let this ship happen?
“You should care about her. That’s what friends do”
FRIENDS?!
You all should read this. Really underrated and so so good. I’m going to read the next one as soon as I can!!! I have some theories...
February 9, 2019
KILLING NOVEMBER is a ya novel with a kick-ass female main character - November! November is in school which teaches poisons, deception, all types of fighting, and the rule is an eye for an eye. So begins a non-stop action novel. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2019
Loved this book! The characters were awesome, the setting was great, and the whole story line was just so cool. Cannot wait for the sequel!
March 25, 2021
CW: violence, murder
Well that was a good young adult murder mystery with secret spy families that go back generations. The spy boarding school setting was a lot of fun and there was quite a challenging curriculum. The ways of being assessed were literally life threatening. The romance didn't feel too out of place and thankfully no excessive yearning occurred. It took a while for the story to pick up but I particularly enjoyed the family feud drama and look forward to seeing how that plays out in the next book.
Well that was a good young adult murder mystery with secret spy families that go back generations. The spy boarding school setting was a lot of fun and there was quite a challenging curriculum. The ways of being assessed were literally life threatening. The romance didn't feel too out of place and thankfully no excessive yearning occurred. It took a while for the story to pick up but I particularly enjoyed the family feud drama and look forward to seeing how that plays out in the next book.
August 10, 2018
It’s now past 2am, I’ve got to get up early tomorrow but I don’t regret one minute staying up to finish this. Though I didn’t exactly get a choice since I couldn’t seem to be able to put it down.
The best book I’ve read this year, and I’ve had some good ones.
The best book I’ve read this year, and I’ve had some good ones.
July 15, 2022
i loved the idea and the premise of the book. mysterious boarding school with backstabbing students? count me in!!
i liked layla and basically all the side character — even if they weren’t good people. they were developed well though so it made it nice to read.
I LOVED ASH. and november? well she was clueless and too trusting and SO stubborn and kind of got on my nerves but i still liked her, especially as the book progressed
i liked layla and basically all the side character — even if they weren’t good people. they were developed well though so it made it nice to read.
I LOVED ASH. and november? well she was clueless and too trusting and SO stubborn and kind of got on my nerves but i still liked her, especially as the book progressed
June 14, 2019
I was really excited to read this book but i really could not get into it. The writing is weak and it really reminded me of early 2014 - 2015 writing (think Wattpad stories). The characters were two demential and had no actual depth to them. I just felt the story was trying to hard and I was not a big fan.
April 21, 2021
4.25/5 :)
A fast paced and intriguing read. I love all the action and deception that’s in this book, and the description of everything. All the characters are dynamic and have really different personalities. I can almost feel November’s confusion and frustration when she first got to this prison-like school. Can’t wait to read more about her and Ash in the sequel!
Although i'm not quite sure how she knows where the students are from just by their names, because anyone can be named anything and it doesn't necessarily mean they're from a certain place that their name is from... That was not really reasonable in my opinion...
I thought some parts were unnecessary and November made some dumb decisions but overall, this is a really good book. :)
12/8/20
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
"He’s throwing down a gauntlet- He’s powerful, he’s smart, and he’s after me." (153)
I hope November survives through thisss
12/7/20
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
the whole vibe about November screams [visible confusion] 😂
12/6/20
I sink to the floor and put my hands in my hands. I’m so screwed. (114)
A fast paced and intriguing read. I love all the action and deception that’s in this book, and the description of everything. All the characters are dynamic and have really different personalities. I can almost feel November’s confusion and frustration when she first got to this prison-like school. Can’t wait to read more about her and Ash in the sequel!
Although i'm not quite sure how she knows where the students are from just by their names, because anyone can be named anything and it doesn't necessarily mean they're from a certain place that their name is from... That was not really reasonable in my opinion...
I thought some parts were unnecessary and November made some dumb decisions but overall, this is a really good book. :)
12/8/20
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
"He’s throwing down a gauntlet- He’s powerful, he’s smart, and he’s after me." (153)
I hope November survives through thisss
12/7/20
━━━━━━━━━━━༻༻❁༺༺━━━━━━━━━━━
the whole vibe about November screams [visible confusion] 😂
12/6/20
February 18, 2022
This was so fun! Yes, I could nitpick details around plotting or characterization, but I just had such a good time reading this. If you are looking for a boarding school story with a murder plot and assassins that is a rompy good time, this will hit the spot. Will definitely continue in the series
November 12, 2020
"Welcome to Academy Absconditi, November, where the scheming never stops, and where someone is always trying to push you off a ledge."
Well, here we go again. A book that started out amazing just to totally blow the ending.
November as a character is just like this book, I liked her just fine in the beginning but less and less the more pages I turned. The society she's thrown into is totally crazy and NOT in a good way. Everyone is totally bonkers.
The writing was good, I could barely put this book downm getting to know the school and learning about everything, trying to figure out where November fit into this and nailing it way before anyone in the book got even close. It felt drawn out, the revelation should've come way earlier which also would've given the plot a completely different direction.
Like this it leaves room for more books (as I'm assuming more are planned in this series) when I would've prefered a standalone.
February 21, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“Either you’ve suddenly become a good liar or you’re telling the truth. I don’t know which is more unbelievable.”
Killing November by Adriana Mather was such an exciting and entertaining read, that was filled with twists and turns with every reveal and action, that kept me going till the very end. November was a fun and believable character, one quick to trust, but still highly skilled in her talents. I am surprised that it's not talked about more in the YA circle, because I really enjoyed reading this.
It was a very intriguing school mystery, but some reveals were a bit predictable, but it didn't bother me too much. The romance also didn't feel forced or rushed, and each of the supporting characters interactions with November makes me curious to see how these relationships will change in the sequel. I never felt bored at any place - the suspicion existing between November and her classmates felt very plausible and tangible, and I even appreciated the action scenes, which were both suspenseful and well-written.
I'm always up for a good mystery, so I loved how Ms.Mather slowly revealed each bit of the puzzle, as November slowly figured out why she was at this school and who was out to kill her. The writing flowed, and I appreciated the careful balance between the tense moments and the light-hearted scenes where November's personality particularly shined. I'm super excited to see how the story will end, and hopefully that the sequel lives up to expectations.
A fast-paced and thrilling story that was filled with high stakes and sometimes unbelievable risks but still made the entire read totally worthwhile. 👌 👌
“Either you’ve suddenly become a good liar or you’re telling the truth. I don’t know which is more unbelievable.”
Killing November by Adriana Mather was such an exciting and entertaining read, that was filled with twists and turns with every reveal and action, that kept me going till the very end. November was a fun and believable character, one quick to trust, but still highly skilled in her talents. I am surprised that it's not talked about more in the YA circle, because I really enjoyed reading this.
It was a very intriguing school mystery, but some reveals were a bit predictable, but it didn't bother me too much. The romance also didn't feel forced or rushed, and each of the supporting characters interactions with November makes me curious to see how these relationships will change in the sequel. I never felt bored at any place - the suspicion existing between November and her classmates felt very plausible and tangible, and I even appreciated the action scenes, which were both suspenseful and well-written.
I'm always up for a good mystery, so I loved how Ms.Mather slowly revealed each bit of the puzzle, as November slowly figured out why she was at this school and who was out to kill her. The writing flowed, and I appreciated the careful balance between the tense moments and the light-hearted scenes where November's personality particularly shined. I'm super excited to see how the story will end, and hopefully that the sequel lives up to expectations.
A fast-paced and thrilling story that was filled with high stakes and sometimes unbelievable risks but still made the entire read totally worthwhile. 👌 👌
July 20, 2019
Killing November was intense, fast and fun. I pretty much devoured this story, because it is written in such a good style that the reader flies through the pages.
The story follows November who comes to new school where everyone hides their true identity and she doesn’t know who she can trust.
This was a fast paced novel, and it left me confused multiple times while reading. November wasn’t the most likeable character but I liked some side characters very much.
Even though I had much fun while I was reading this, I don’t think that the story will stay with me long after I finished it.
The sequel Hunting November comes out next year, but I am not sure if I’ll read it.
The story follows November who comes to new school where everyone hides their true identity and she doesn’t know who she can trust.
This was a fast paced novel, and it left me confused multiple times while reading. November wasn’t the most likeable character but I liked some side characters very much.
Even though I had much fun while I was reading this, I don’t think that the story will stay with me long after I finished it.
The sequel Hunting November comes out next year, but I am not sure if I’ll read it.
February 26, 2019
2.5 Stars.
Couldn’t quite keep my attention. I kept losing interest. The sad thing about this story is that someone had to literally die to reel me back in. After the third casualty though it felt contrived. I likely won’t continue with this story if there are sequels and it sorta feels like there will be. I’ll pass...
Couldn’t quite keep my attention. I kept losing interest. The sad thing about this story is that someone had to literally die to reel me back in. After the third casualty though it felt contrived. I likely won’t continue with this story if there are sequels and it sorta feels like there will be. I’ll pass...
March 15, 2019
I read an early draft of this book. It was good. It has since gone through both line edits and copy edits. It is now excellent.
I really liked the premise and I found the setting atmospheric and intriguing. The MC was eminently likable, the writing taut and suspenseful. November appears to be like the ‘girl next door.’ But it turns out that she has mad skills that are extremely unusual.
All in all, this is an entertaining read.
I really liked the premise and I found the setting atmospheric and intriguing. The MC was eminently likable, the writing taut and suspenseful. November appears to be like the ‘girl next door.’ But it turns out that she has mad skills that are extremely unusual.
All in all, this is an entertaining read.
January 21, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ murder mystery, boarding school, secret identities.. so good!! i wasn’t sure what to expect with this book as i’ve heard nothing abt it on booktok, but i really enjoyed it!! i’m so surprised it doesn’t have more hype, booktok would love this book! the plot was super interesting & i love the characters, although sometimes november annoyed me, but i loved her development! i love layla sm & i’m excited to see more of aarya! i love ash sm! the ending wasn’t super surprising but it was still a good twist!! i can’t wait to read the next book!! definitely recommend!! a super interesting and easy read! :)
May 1, 2019
4 stars - very entertaining!
December 27, 2018
Recently, I had the opportunity to read Killing November through an ARC tour. With several months to go, I look forward to reading this book again when it is released in March of 2019, as well as adding it to my personal collection.
Many of you who already know me likely know that Adriana Mather is one of my favorite authors. Adriana has a way of writing her books in which her characters are so easy to picture. The voice she gives them and the settings she illustrates with her words truly make every book she writes an adventure to read. To say that Killing November is even better than her first two books would be an understatement, to say the least. Not sure what to expect from the cover and description alone, I jumped into Killing November half expecting to find similarities in the overall tone and style of writing. Not too surprisingly, this read was a breath of fresh air. As someone who loves books or stories with enjoyable characters, well written setting descriptions, and a good mystery element involved, this was right up my alley.
Killing November opens with an introduction to what little we find out about the main character, November Adley, and apparently what little she actually knows about herself and her family. As I read the opening line which is, “My name is November Adley and I was born in August.” (p. 1), I was instantly drawn in. Firstly, by the unique character name, November, and secondly may be due to the fact that I was also born in August. It’s always more of an experience as a reader when you can find something relatable from the start. Adriana’s book starts out set in Connecticut where November lives with her father. We read a little bit about who November is, about her father, her aunt, and her best friend before it jumps to November finding herself whisked away on a plane to a mysterious, hidden, castle like boarding school in the middle of only the author knows where. While this initially gave me mixed vibes of something in between that new Sabrina show and Harry Potter, although there are speculations or subtle hints throughout the book, Adriana proved throughout that there are still many ways to take an idea so popular and make it new. This is one thing I loved, that the true location is left up to the imagination in so many ways. Maybe it’s in Maine where Novembers father says he spent time growing up, or maybe the hidden school is in Europe.
When November first arrived at this school, she questioned everything and seemed to get off on the wrong foot with every single other character she met or came across. At the beginning, November was placed with a roommate named Layla and all she was told was a very specific set of rules that seemed impossible to live by. While the first couple of chapters were a little slow going to me, they are very important to understanding the entire setting of the rest of the book as well as getting to know a majority of the main characters. With some books, you end up having to wait until later on to meet important characters, but in this one, we meet them right away, but we don’t know why they’re important.
As Killing November progresses, the main story line is that November is sent to this school, she has a roommate named Layla that she ends up becoming “friends” with along with her roommates brother, Ash. Without Layla and Ash, November would be the dead one, but instead, November and the others find themselves in a mess surrounding the deaths of others and trying to figure out what happened so that they don’t get mixed up in even more trouble. Little do they know, but November was sent to the school for a very specific reason that neither we or the characters find out until the end. To top this off, November also finds herself falling for Layla’s brother, Ash, which isn’t the smartest move. Fortunately, things do work out in the end, but not without a lot of fights, tragedy, bloodshed, and even sneaking around, romance, and tutoring lessons. November isn’t supposed to reveal it, but she doesn’t know why she is at this school or who she can really trust, so she takes some risks to find out more about her ancestry and history.
To me, it makes perfect sense that this book would contain themes of ancestry and history because Adriana has built her career surrounding studying and researching her very own family secrets and history. Something I truly enjoyed about Killing November is the use of so many languages, cultures, and more behind the characters names, skills, and personalities. When November first wears her cloak she discovers a crest on it reading “Historia Est Magistra Vitae” which November finds out means, “History Is the Teacher of Life” (p. 17). Adriana uses her book and characters to share little nuggets of history, as well as lines that are quite quote worthy. Not only that, but there are even bits of humor spread throughout the book, which provides a great sense of comic relief considering the intensity overall.
Every single chapter is filled with history, clever connections, character development, witty humor and sarcasm, and hidden messages and meanings. November ends up overcoming battles and wars with nearly all of her new classmates and she learns what it means to be a student at Academy Absconditi, as well as a part of her “family”. While it feels like it takes forever to finally get answers and understand the story as we are meant to as readers, in the end it’s satisfying to finally find out along with November more about who she is and why she got sent to this school. Even though in the beginning November feels alone and misses her home, her best friend, and her father and aunt, at the end she realizes the good and importance her experience has brought to her and knows she is ready for the next challenge that will be thrown at her. Personally, I do feel like the very end of the book was cliche in some ways, but I was happy about where the characters ended up and I am excited that the ending leaves us with anticipation and expectation for a sequel.
Overall, I thought that this was another well written and enjoyable book to read from Adriana Mather. You can see an improvement in her writing between her first book and Killing November. Not only this, but while How To Hang A Witch and Haunting The Deep could be considered slightly more lighthearted, feel good types of reads with younger, less mature characters, Killing November is much more geared towards the older adults which is perfect for the older adults out there that still love to sit back with a great YA novel. Although it is still set around teenagers, the content is much more shocking and mature than Adriana’s past books and I think that this new story will draw in many readers looking for a book filled with mystery, intriguing characters, and the little bits of comic relief and romance necessary to keep readers of all sorts satisfied.
“You analyze masterfully, but you also have egos. And if you allow your need to win to compromise your ability to truly oserve, then you have missed a great deal.” (p. 71). This quote is one of the best I found while reading Killing November. In between all of the plot pieces, I think that Adriana has also shared a great deal of wisdom and some wonderful quotes that can be taken out of context and applied outside of reading as well. Anytime I am able to find quotable quotes and words I feel passionate about sharing with others, I can safely say that it was a top read for me. I hope that you will all pick this up and enjoy it as much as I did, and I’m sure as much as Adriana also enjoyed writing it!
October 5, 2020
Vid review here https://youtu.be/4u_HWOW7qMc December, 2, 2020
April 10, 2019
This book was so much fun! I’ve been into YA thrillers lately, but found most of them to be a bit lacking. Not so with Killing November! This one turned out to be just as dark, stabby, and twisted as the cover and premise suggest.
At the start, I wasn’t immediately sold. I felt like I’d been thrown headfirst into a confusing situation, and I wasn’t quite sure if November (the main character) was naive or masterful.
But by 1/4 way in, I was completely hooked! And I started to realize the genius of the writing style. My feelings mirrored November’s. As she starts to learn things, the story and history behind everything become clearer and clearer.
I also enjoyed the pacing of the story. Nothing in it felt slow or meandering. November is a fun, proactive protagonist. And even though I guessed some of the mysteries, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Highly recommended!
At the start, I wasn’t immediately sold. I felt like I’d been thrown headfirst into a confusing situation, and I wasn’t quite sure if November (the main character) was naive or masterful.
But by 1/4 way in, I was completely hooked! And I started to realize the genius of the writing style. My feelings mirrored November’s. As she starts to learn things, the story and history behind everything become clearer and clearer.
I also enjoyed the pacing of the story. Nothing in it felt slow or meandering. November is a fun, proactive protagonist. And even though I guessed some of the mysteries, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Highly recommended!
February 28, 2022
I loved that while some parts were predictable-- understandably so-- it was still a fulfilling story in figuring out how everything tied together. There should be at least one surprise that people can't see because it has so many layers.
I loved November as the main character. It was interesting to see the skills she excelled at that come in handy at her new school, while also seeing her fail miserable at others. She is great at the physical tasks but awful at the mind games; as someone who's the opposite, I liked being able to piece together some things before she did. While we get to know November really well, I enjoyed the mystery of "how does she fit in at this school?" and how it was developed.
I loved November as the main character. It was interesting to see the skills she excelled at that come in handy at her new school, while also seeing her fail miserable at others. She is great at the physical tasks but awful at the mind games; as someone who's the opposite, I liked being able to piece together some things before she did. While we get to know November really well, I enjoyed the mystery of "how does she fit in at this school?" and how it was developed.
October 5, 2022
Idk it just like How to hang a witch with different people and scenary...
I loved author's debut, said How to hang a witch but I don't want to read the same character with the same plot again. The writing was okay in thus one, the characters weren't that interesting in comparison.
I loved author's debut, said How to hang a witch but I don't want to read the same character with the same plot again. The writing was okay in thus one, the characters weren't that interesting in comparison.
April 19, 2019
Killing November took me by surprised. I don't know why but I thought I would like it less than I actually did. I don't really know why I thought that. Maybe it's because I was having a bad reading slump when I first started but it doesn't matter now.
Killing November was quite atmospheric and compelling. I was really into the story of this girl who got dropped in a boarding school that seem to be like nothing she's ever seen before. The people inside seem to be trained in many areas and even though she has a lot of questions, they seem to think she knows all about being a "Strategia" except that her father (and deceased mother) never told her about this place or about the different Strategia Families. She's trying to get answers and the fact that a boy is killed and people are trying to frame her for the murder.
Oh and by the way, in this school there is a strict policy in this school. It's called "an eye for an eye". So if she's found guilty, she will be executed. Just like that.
I won't say much more than that because I don't want to spoil anything. Overall, I really liked this book. It was entertaining and I would be curious to see what the author has planned for November.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC of this book via Netgalley)
Killing November was quite atmospheric and compelling. I was really into the story of this girl who got dropped in a boarding school that seem to be like nothing she's ever seen before. The people inside seem to be trained in many areas and even though she has a lot of questions, they seem to think she knows all about being a "Strategia" except that her father (and deceased mother) never told her about this place or about the different Strategia Families. She's trying to get answers and the fact that a boy is killed and people are trying to frame her for the murder.
Oh and by the way, in this school there is a strict policy in this school. It's called "an eye for an eye". So if she's found guilty, she will be executed. Just like that.
I won't say much more than that because I don't want to spoil anything. Overall, I really liked this book. It was entertaining and I would be curious to see what the author has planned for November.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC of this book via Netgalley)
July 20, 2022
4.5 stars. This book is SO good. Gives me all the dark academia vibes with a mystery!
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