This was such an incredible read! I've only read the one other book by E. Latimer as far as I'm aware, and I really enjoyed it, and I was excited to pick this one up! The synopsis sounded really fantastic, and oh, it was such a great read!

The beginning is pretty shocking, given that it starts off with her twin dying, and that she didn't help her. The story told us why, but it was still pretty shocking. It really set the tone for the rest of the book, creepy, off-putting, and so entertaining to read!

I loved the dual perspective, Evie who has family history with the school, and Holland, her crush, but also who was somehow involved with her sister. Which was a really complicated situation. Plus there was a good mix of rational and wild, and oh, when we got answers, and the balance started to tip? So good!

To find out what was going on, I really enjoyed the girls' invergation, into what the secret society was hiding, into Evie's dad and what was going on with him. It was such a thrilling story, and that ending, with that one big reveal, was awesome!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to read more by E. Latimer!

Queer horror set at a boarding school? Sign me up! I really, really enjoyed this. It was atmospheric, intense and just the right amount of eerie vibes.

The Afterdark is a compelling sapphic story about girls trying to uncover and survive the horrors at their decaying boarding school. I definitely liken it to books such as Wilder Girls and Sawkill Girls. Overall, this book was really enjoyable and I blew through it in one sitting. I remember laughing a lot, and I certainly didn't predict many of the plot twists which made it an even more enjoyable read.

I loved the romance, and found their obsession to be very interestingly written, though I found myself cringing at parts.

I like to sit on reviews for some time, to see how memorable the books end up being. The plot and writing stand strong in my memory, but I find myself blanking on the characters. I wouldn't call this book impressively original but it was a fun time start to finish, and I'd recommend it to any fan of dark academia and lesbians for sure.

"The Afterdark" is a mesmerizing blend of gothic horror, dark academia, and slow-burning obsession. It is set against the eerie backdrop of Northcroft, an elite boarding school hiding sinister secrets within its surrounding forest. With atmospheric prose and an unsettling sense of unease woven throughout, this book grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go.

At its core, the story follows Evie Laurent, a girl steeped in darkness long before she arrives at Northcroft following the death of her twin sister, Ada. There, she meets Holland Morgan, a fellow student who once loved Ada but finds herself drawn to Evie in a way that feels both magnetic and dangerous. As their connection simmers between desire and destruction, the two become entangled in the forest’s call, playing a deadly game that neither of them fully understands. The question that lingers over them isn’t just who they are to each other—but what they might become.

Latimer’s writing is immersive and sharp, with every scene—whether quiet and creeping or chaotic and raw—serving a purpose. The pacing is brisk, keeping the tension high as the story shifts between Evie and Holland’s perspectives, adding layers to their complex, obsessive dynamic. Northcroft itself is alive with secrets, from its mysterious elite society to the chilling presence lurking in the woods, and the supporting cast of students adds an extra layer of intrigue, making the world feel fully realized and hauntingly vivid.

I loved the balance of genres. While the horror elements are eerie and unsettling, they never overwhelm the story, making it okay for readers who might shy away from traditional horror (like me - I wasn't 100% about the horror aspect of this but I can thoroughly say I loved it). The romance is tangled in the mystery rather than overshadowing it, creating a compelling push and pull between longing, obsession, and the creeping sense of inevitable doom. It carries strong Evil Dead and Lovecraftian vibes as if this story was unearthed from an abandoned cabin’s basement and left to breathe in the shadows of a haunted school.

The ending is both chilling and satisfying, yet it leaves just enough room for a potential sequel. And honestly? If there’s more to come, I’ll be first in line to see where this haunting, intoxicating story goes next.

Overall, The Afterdark is a must-read, especially if you love dark academia, eerie boarding schools, obsessive relationships, and horror that creeps under your skin rather than jumps out at you. It’s a story of desire and destruction, secrets and sacrifices, and what happens when you finally stop running and let the darkness take hold.

I loved the cover art, premise (sapphic dark academia? yes, please!), and description, so I really, truly tried to get through this, but I ultimately DNF at Chapter 30 (63%). The opening image of the drowning twin was powerful, but after that the story dragged. The first half of the book seemed to mostly consist of one character staring at the forest and the other worrying the first was becoming obsessed with the forest, without anything of consequence occurring. I also had trouble connecting to the characters, never really warming to Evie or Holland. I couldn't get through more than a chapter at a time before putting the book down to switch to something else. Even when things finally did start happening, I didn't find them particularly compelling.

This may be a better fit for readers who prefer their thrills and chills to creep in very, very slowly.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

I adore gothic horror, and adding YA and sapphic elements to the mix just made it all the more appealing. Beautifully written and kept me on my toes. It was impossible to put down!

With its gothic academia atmosphere and a dark mysterious forest, The Afterdark is truly a masterpiece! The lush details on every page makes you feel as though you’re in the book beside all the fascinating characters. This story follows two girls, Evie who fights tooth and nail to extinguish her dangerous impulses, and Holland the child tv star who knows falling for Evie would be another foolhardy mistake to add to her history of foolhardy mistakes. As the macabre Forrest’s siren calls to the girls they must decide block it out or embrace the darkness.

3.75 Stars!

Evie and Holland’s dynamic was intense and captivating, with their connection simmering between obsession and vulnerability. The Gothic elements and the secrets woven into the forest and the school added layers of intrigue. The narrators Amanda Cordner, Emily Nixon, and Thom Nyhuus did an incredible job bringing the characters and atmosphere to life, making this an even more immersive experience. I thought the audiobook was well done, and the eerie voiceovers used in parts of the story really added to the vibes.

Okay, first of all the cover is beautiful! The Afterdark is a dark and gripping story from start to finish with romantic tension and great twists! Of course, I'm a sucker for a creepy forest and spooky / gothic vibes.

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books, for sending me over this ARC.

The story alternates between Evie Laurent and Holland Morgan. The chapters move quickly, making this a fast-paced, easy read.

Latimer’s tale blends dark impulses, romantic tension, and shocking twists, gripping your attention from start to finish. With atmospheric writing and a unique plot, this novel is truly remarkable. I absolutely loved the creepy and gothic ambiance. If you enjoy eerie stories, this one is definitely for you!

Also, let's not forget to mention the book cover is beautiful.

What to expect:

✨YA horror
✨Betrayal, secrets & sacrifice
✨Boarding schools/hidden society
✨Death of a sibling
✨Multiple POV
✨Sapphic romance

Publication Date: Jan 07, 2025

3.5 stars, but rounding up. As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨

This was a great premise, but I really struggled to connect with these characters. I wish that they had been more developed so that they could stand alongside the plot more distinctly.

You might need to follow this one into the forest if you like YA Queer Horror, Lovecraftian twists, dark academia, secret societies, eerie forest vibes, secrets and female rage.

The creepy, eerie factor starts right away on this one, and I’m pretty sure I messaged at least one friend saying I was loving the vibes and they needed to read it so I could talk about it with them.

At one point the author has a sentence that uses the term feral woods and I can’t think of a better description of this. The atmosphere is creepy, eerie, and absolutely everything I could ask for in a YA forest horror. Being from the West Coast of Canada myself, I’m always thrilled when a book is set in my area, so the setting of The Afterdark with immaculate in my eyes, but besides the obvious bias, it was a very good setting and the whole stuck on an island school setting added to the experience of the book. The author did a phenomenal job in adding twists and turns within a mystery that already had me trying to guess what was happening.

This one definitely left me with a feeling of wanting to read more like this, and would love to hear what anyone else thinks if they read it.

E. Latimer’s The Afterdark is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and intrigue that immerses readers in a world brimming with magic, danger, and secrets. Following a protagonist who unravels hidden truths about themselves and their world, the story masterfully balances fast-paced action with heartfelt character development. Latimer’s lush prose and vivid world-building create a captivating atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy with high emotional stakes.

I had such a great time reading this! Latimer does an excellent job of creating an eerie boarding school/dark academia atmosphere that perfectly complements the mystery. There’s SO much packed into this story—spooky forests, obsession, sapphic and queer romances, possession... you name it. There was honestly never a dull moment.
The only thing I wished for was if the main characters worked together more; I think it would’ve made the journey feel more cohesive + aided their romance. But overall, the tension was built really well, and it’s definitely a solid YA thriller!

This unfortunately didn’t come together for me. While the back half of the book definitely got more interesting, I found the characters throughout to be underdeveloped and not compelling enough to drive the very dark and cool central plot.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Afterdark kicks off with a bang that sets the perfect tone for this spine-chilling YA horror. Evie Laurent from the jump is introduced as a morally complex and fascinating FMC, watching her literal evil twin Ada drown without lifting a finger. In the aftermath, she gets sent to the mysterious Northcroft Academy in her twin's place - where their dad is principal. The dark academia vibes are palpable from the start, but the book’s brilliance lies in the layers of mystery, suspense, and intrigue woven into every corner of this story.

Northcroft itself is a living, breathing entity - a school surrounded by a forest that transforms into a Lovecraftian nightmare after the bell tower chimes for a strictly held curfew. The Crown & Grave society, an exclusive and sinister group that seemingly controls the school, adds another layer of danger and allure.

The dual POVs of Evie and Holland Morgan, a former Disney Channel-esque child star turned brooding student, offer a rich and immersive experience that keeps you hooked. Their connection starts with a mysterious magnetic pull that evolves into an intoxicating mix of obsession and tenderness. Latimer beautifully captures the delicate dance of trust, attraction, and danger between the two as they navigate their growing feelings against the backdrop of the horrors surrounding them. The romance is not just a subplot but a vital thread that explores themes of vulnerability and embracing one’s dark truths, making it all the more compelling.

Every character is distinct and memorable, with unique voices and storylines that make you desperate to learn more. Despite the extensive cast, it never feels overwhelming.

Latimer’s writing perfectly balances lush prose and eerie atmosphere, keeping the suspense high and the pages turning. The themes of obsession, guilt, and embracing one’s darkness are expertly explored, giving the story emotional depth alongside its thrills.

Afterdark by E. Latimer is such a vibe. It’s got magic, curses, and just the right amount of spooky fairytale energy. The main character is messy (in the best way), and the friendships and tiny hints of romance are so well done. It’s a bit slow at times, but honestly, the payoff is worth it. If you’re into moody fantasy with a gothic twist, definitely check it out!

Gothic academia boarding school horror? Alright this book was a ride lol. I was hooked in the first chapter but as the book went on I felt less interested. The characters are complex and the world building is definitely intense and impressive but I couldn’t make myself connect much with either MC. Their relationship felt.. eh forced and not super connective. Though the book did come together in the end, it wasn’t for me. Definitely check this out if youre looking for a sapphic dark academic vibe.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me access this as an ARC in exchange for a review.

I loved just how dark and twisted this book was... I loved the Malory Towers and St Clare's series of books as a kid... as an adult, I seem to love dark academia... Northcroft is the perfect setting for the thrilling horror that unfolds, with its nightmare forest and secret society... Evie and Holland are so beautifully morally gray and complex... And the consensus seems to be that we want a second book...

The Afterdark was an amazing read! I normally am not one to read horror, but the premise of a boarding school on a secluded island with a forest that comes alive after dark caught my interest. I loved seeing Holland and Evie grow closer, and I was genuinely invested in the mystery of the Afterdark. The last 15% or so of the novel was an absolute rollercoaster, so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. I would recommend the Afterdark to anyone who likes horror, or dark academia settings.