This was an interesting premise with a lackluster execution. The idea that spy training lasts just a few weeks with no espionage skills taught outside of three "tests" was irritating. The idea that a government is going to trust an untrained teenager on such an important mission when she is obviously not suited to it is nuts. But overall it was an interesting story and I'm curious what happens to Louisa in a sequel. The romance is expected. What I really want to know is the history between Louisa's parents and her Uncle. Overall an OK read.

Interesting premise but the world building seemed a bit all over the place. Louisa's world was fun to dive into, though filled with classic dystopian YA tropes. "girl can fight" "girl has mysterious connection to the enemy" "girl falls for the worst person for them". It all felt a bit like something i'd read before had just put on a new hat.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

4.25 ⭐️
oh my gosh where do I begin?? I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the concept, plot & characters. I love a good dystopian book and this delivered on that front all while having a captivating storyline that didn’t seem reused. I was intrigued from the start of the book and couldn’t put it down once I reached halfway! I was so excited to see where this was going & can’t wait to see what happens in book two!! I will 100% be reading and can’t wait!
I really loved all the characters and didn’t feel like I was drowning trying to remember anyone nor did I feel lost trying to follow along ever! I like Louisa a lot, I resonate with her rage a lot and can’t wait to see how her character develops! <3 also love Patrick, he is a funny little cutie & I smiled anytime he spoke. He needs to be protected at all costs!! Oh my goodness… JACK... I was immediately DRAWN to him, he literally didn’t do anything and he had me obsessed as soon as he was introduced. I LOVE HIM. need more of him right away ! 🤭😚😚😚😚
I am so excited for the second book & can’t wait to see where the story goes!! UGH my heart was breaking at the end and I need to know what happens to everyone IMMEDIATELY!!
I will be posting on my bookstagram (@izabelsreads) & booktok (@izabelreads) about this, review & to tell people to read!! I loved it so much. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read it advanced. I know the book is now released, and I wish I were able to read it sooner, but life got in the way and I simply couldn’t! But once I started reading yesterday, I couldn’t stop! Loved it. Very excited to order this myself and for book two!

This was a fast paced engaging book throughout, but it was on the shorter side. You get thrown right into the world which is at war and you never really figure out why they are at such odds. I loved the snarky, pit bull of a main character, Louisa. She doesn’t quite know who to believe or trust, but her number one person is her twin brother, Oliver. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book #2. Thank you to NetGalley and G&G Publishing for an advanced reader copy.

I could not stop reading this! It was so good. I think the only thing I was upset about was that I couldn't continue to the next book. I cannot wait to find out what happens in every aspect. I am loving the slow burn of the FMC and "enemy". There were so many twists and unexpected turns, I found myself gasping and ranting a fair few times. Please continue this series, I want them all!

The first chapter was sp engaging, and really sets the reader up for this sci-fantasy world.
I did find our protagonists a little young and naive, but that is a me problem, they are perfect for the YA target audience.
I think this is the perfect YA equivalent of Fourth Wing.
Easy to read, great original storyline, and an interesting magic system.

This was everything that I was hoping for from this type of book, I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed the feel of the world and characters in this. I was hooked from the first page and had that element that I wanted and enjoyed getting to read this. Grace Quincy wrote this well and was glad everything worked with the genre.

I’ll admit this book drew me in faster than I expected. Even with the first couple chapters of world building, the story hits the ground running. The description intrigued me enough to give it a chance though I initially felt a bit skeptical as to whether I would connect with the main character based solely off the synopsis.

Louisa is described as having a temper and being strong-willed but I liked that this didn’t truly define her (or at least not for long). Her character development from “rebellious teen” to learning to channel her rage into something she can actually use to protect what she cares about progresses in a believable way.

I found her to be very relatable as she’s faced with a multitude of difficult choices, many of which force her to examine, define and redefine her own morality and where it stacks up in her shifting priorities. She wants to be brave but is afraid to die the meaningless death her harsh environment constantly threatens. Louisa doubts herself at times yet really steps up and finds her courage when it comes to things that matter most to her. Although it’s true she can be brash at times, frequently throughout the book she struggles to navigate the complexities of love, loyalty and the cost of both in the unforgiving, militant world she lives in.

Sometimes, books with similar settings/plot, the characters tend to become larger than life which can make for a good story but always kind of pulls me out of the MCs head to where I don’t really feel level with them or connected anymore, becoming more of an observer. I liked that I was able to maintain that feeling of connection with Louisa. Especially in the way she always retained a healthy level of fear regarding the weight of reality behind her decisions…and the consequences if she failed. Not everything goes to plan, not everything is easy. She’s the main character in the story but not the hero.

I have mixed feelings on the other characters in the book and that seems to be the intent in how they are portrayed. There aren’t really any “good guys” which really kept me guessing who she could trust and where the story would go next. The fast paced plot and political intrigue definitely kept the pages turning.

If you enjoy reading strong (but relatable) FMCs in a dystopian setting with political intrigue and a splash of romance I definitely recommend checking this out.


Even with work and multiple things claiming my attention I finished this book in under a week.

Thank you NetGalley for the DRC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Grace Quincy for providing me with an ARC of Where No One Can Follow in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the more I read, the better it got! The ending, specifically, was really great and I know I will be picking up the next book when it is available. To start off, I loved the world itself and how the system and the kingdom are divided and how that really contributed to the character arcs. I really enjoyed reading about the characters, but I feel like I had a stronger connection to the characters in the second half rather than the first half. The plot twists were very nice, and I did not expect them to be what they were, but there was some subtle foreshadowing that I really appreciated! The book was well wrote all around, and the plot was well fleshed out leading up to the climax. The only other addition I would have is that at many points it felt like we were being told what was happening rather than being showed.

There were a few things I found unsatisfactory, personally. I had a hard time really getting into this book up until 55% of the way in, but once I hit that mark, I could not put it down. The pacing of the plot in the first half seemed rushed to me, and I feel like it could have either been spread out so we could spend some more time getting to know the main character and her internal conflicts (which could have had more layers), or it could have been condensed. Personally, I would have preferred to read more about her journey while she was training, as that would have allowed me to have a deeper connection to her character. Louisa's character seemed a bit inconsistent and contradictory at points, and compared to how she was raised and the situations she went through in the book I would have expected her personality to be different than how it was portrayed toward the middle of the book. Lastly, I would have loved to see more world building in terms of politics of the kingdom and the council. I feel like the political system was skimmed over but not explained in depth, and I feel like it would add more to the plot and characters if we really knew what was happening behind the scenes.

“Even when I win, I somehow always manage to lose. Unfortunately.”

I really liked this book. On a very personal note the synopsis was misleading for me, but what I found was even better.
Let's start from Louisa, the FMC, she’s fiery and bold, sure, but also full of doubts and fears, which makes her feel so real (this is so refreshing for me, I wanted a break from the classic hothead 'I don't fear anything and don't give a sh*t about nothing).
Even though she gets pulled into things against her will, she's always analysing, assessing, understanding.

The story itself is super engaging, and the writing style is really easy to get into. The pacing is great for the most part, though there were a few moments that felt a bit rushed (most of all the relationships). Still, it’s hard to put the book down once you start.
One thing I really appreciated is that there’s no unnecessary drama—no misunderstandings or silly problems just to add conflict. It all feels natural and focused on the bigger picture.

Overall, I really enjoyed it! The plot and characters are solid, and I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.

"Where No One Can Follow" is the first book in a new series. It is set in a dystopian world that's intense and full of danger. I found the main character Louisa really interesting. She has a tough life, and her fate is decided for her from the start.

What made this book special was the worldbuilding. The Black Hills were grim and creepy, and the military rules Louisa had to follow were strict. Every little detail made the story greater.
Louisa's journey in the Phantom Division, an elite spy group, was thrilling and inspiring.

Quincy's writing style was smooth and kept me hooked. She mixed action with character development in a way that made me care about both the plot and the characters. Louisa's personal struggles and growth added a lot of emotional depth to the story.

One of the best things about this story is how it deals with themes like loyalty, courage, and identity. Louisa's journey isn't just about surviving physically, it is also about figuring out who she really is.

Overall, "Where No One Can Follow" was a fantastic reading experience, and I highly recommend it if you, like me, miss the early 2000 dystopian novels. Grace Quincy has created a memorable world and a heroine who stayed with you long after you finished the book.

This is an intriguing and unique book that I couldn't put down. High stakes and intensity from the start with interesting plot twists. The ending has me anxiously waiting for the next book. I have so many questions and can't wait to see what happens next.

“Where No One Can Follow” is a captivating young adult novel. It caught my attention from the beginning. Grace Quincy’s immersive world-building establishes the setting and atmosphere perfectly. Louisa’s character is extremely relatable. This story is very engaging and fast-paced. The romance seemed a bit rushed but overall I enjoyed it. This novel will appeal to those who are fans of dystopian fiction. I definitely recommend checking this one out!

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Grace Quincy for providing me with an ARC of Where No One Can Follow in exchange for my honest review.

Where No One Can Follow is a YA dystopian novel set in a country torn apart by civil war. In this world, the firstborn of each family is conscripted to fight in the conflict. Louisa Aldridge, a twin born just before her brother, carries the heavy burden of this conscription. She is assigned to the mysterious Phantom division, where the kingdom’s spies are trained.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dystopian narrative of this story. The world-building, while straightforward, is highly effective in establishing the setting and atmosphere. The story’s tone and themes reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent, which made it even more compelling. Fans of those series will likely find much to love in Where No One Can Follow.

One area that I found less satisfying was Louisa’s quick trust in another character, which seemed unearned. This development appeared to set up a potential romance but lacked the slow burn or depth that makes such relationships more impactful. I’m not a fan of the instant love/trust trope, and this element felt a bit rushed. Additionally, while the pacing of the story is steady for the most part, the last 10% is packed with events and ends quite abruptly. Despite these minor critiques, the story left me eager for the sequel.

Overall, Where No One Can Follow was an engaging and enjoyable read, earning a solid 4 stars from me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next installment.

“From the moment I took the Oath, I knew I’d die bloody.”

What a debut!! I absolutely fell head first into this world, and Louisa was such an enjoyable narrator. Her deep, deep desire to protect family above all conveyed in every emotion and action she took, and I love that she stayed true to who she was through the peril she faced.

I greatly enjoyed reading about the dichotomy between the two worlds she struggles between, and listen, as cool as it would be to become a phantom MAKE ME A RAIDER ALREADY.

The other characters still have so many questions left unanswered, including their motivations and their next steps. I’m truly hoping this is only the start of this story - I want to find out more lore about this world, and I need to see Marcus again!!!

The romance did feel a bit out of place - I wish there had been more between them and more time for it to build in a way that felt real. I can tell that part of the story isn’t over though, so I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next from them.

Overall, Where No One Can Follow is a gripping and thrilling ride through a brand new world that you’ll completely fall into head first and enjoy the ride along the way. 4/5 stars for me, and I can’t wait for more!! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this story!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this early! Where No One Can Follow surprised me in the best way. It’s an imaginative and emotional read with some great moments, though I think it could’ve used just a little more polish in certain areas.

First off, the world Grace Quincy creates is immersive and fascinating. From the opening chapters, I was hooked on the eerie, atmospheric setting and the tension between characters. The dynamic between Louisa and Lucien is one of the book’s highlights for me. Is Lucien truly deranged, or is his madness just a mask for a tortured king trying to hold his kingdom together? I loved how his layers unfolded, especially in his private conversations with Louisa. It really made me look deeper into Lucien’s character and his actions.

Louisa herself is a strong lead. Her emotions feel raw and authentic, and I could totally relate to the “oldest daughter going through puberty” energy she gives off as she struggles with responsibility, loyalty, and figuring out who she can trust. While I found her immediate trust in Colin/Jack/Marcus a bit surprising, I get that it was necessary to move the story forward.

There is a hint of romance in this book but it comes in late—like, 80% in—but I’ll admit I loved the addition of having some slight flirtation going on, even if I wish there had been just a little more time to explore that connection. By the end, it felt like the romance added another layer to Louisa’s journey rather than overshadowing it, which I really appreciated.

If there’s one thing I wanted more of, it’s Louisa and Oliver’s relationship. As twins, I expected their bond to be more central to the story, but it wasn’t explored as deeply as I would’ve liked. That said, their connection still drives Louisa’s actions, and I appreciated how much she fought for him, even if I didn’t always feel the emotional weight of their dynamic.

The ending came faster than I anticipated—it felt like just when the story hit its peak, it got cut off. But that also left me hungry for more, so if there’s a sequel in the works, I’ll absolutely be looking forward to it.

Overall, Where No One Can Follow is an engaging, dark, and emotional read with some fantastic character moments and plenty of intrigue. While I had a few minor quibbles, they didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story. It’s a solid 4/5 for me, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, atmospheric fantasy.

Talk about a cliffhanger!
I'm forever into military schools and training while navigating the politics within the institution and the world outside, so I was drawn into this one from the get-go.
Louisa is not a damsel in distress, I love that about her. She would go to any length to find and protect her brother, even across the border. Her character is a no-nonsense fierce fighter and it's been a while since I have liked an FMC so well.
All other characters are curiously shrouded in their grey motivations and there are so many questions both Louisa and the readers left with.
I would have wanted more world-building and glimpse into the history of how the wars progressed, maybe even dual-pov but this was an entertaining read overall. I'm looking forward to the sequel already.

I can't say that there was any surprising twists, but this was a pretty interesting and fun little book. The writing was great, enough so that I would have liked more to the story, and it felt shorter than it actually was.

Plenty of room for character development, for world building, and some potentially new twists in future installments.

Lousia and Oliver live a mundane life with their uncle. Once Lousia reaches her 18th birthdays she is required by law as the first born child to enlist in the military- a fate that is often a death sentence.

We follow Lousia throughout her training and who to trust becomes more and more unclear. There are several twists, some you see coming others you don't.

I enjoyed this book, I liked Lousia for the most part. I don't this she necessarily goes through much development (so far) as a character but the anger issues she has are believable. Lousia knows she has these issues along with impulse control problems- the way it's written its almost as if she is written with Adhd.
Lousias love for her brother is a defining feature- he is all she really cares about thus he is her constant motivation.

What I was a little confused at was the "love" interest. Jack and Lousia spend virtually no time together, he says he likes her while wasted, but somehow that equals trust? And mutual feelings that lead to heartbreak? I don't get it, she had more chemistry/ conversation with two other raiders over Jack.

I look forward to the next book in the series, hopefully the love angle can be developed a little more there.