Thank you to T.H. Lehnen and Netgalley for this eARC!

This book gave strong Miyazaki vibes, from our main character being a 14 year old teen, to the atmosphere, to the fantastical creatures she meets along the way, and everything in between.

Ogma is one of the children tasked with guarding her town from the Fog, an otherworldly force that seems to change your perception and your actual surrounding once you're caught in it. For some reason, it only seems to be entirely nefarious towards adults; children tend to repel it to an extent. Everything seems as it should until one day, Ogma spies a person just beyond the wall in need of assistance.

From there, the story takes off in an occasionally hard to follow way (which I'm sure is by design, as you the reader feel as lost as the people lost in the fog do). I loved getting to know all the different characters, though I was a little surprised when I got to the end, as it felt like it was setting up for a sequel, when I'd thought this was going to be a standalone. That said, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, and I felt mostly satisfied with how things ended up.

Maybe this was a personal problem, but I felt like parts of the story seemed a bit slow, especially around the 70% mark or so. The chapters are also long (for me and my reading speed, typically between 30-70 minutes long each), which can sometimes add to the feeling of slower pacing. But for the majority of the book, things were moving, and I was engaged and kept waiting to read the next part.

All in all, I give this 3.75 stars! It wasn't my favorite, but it has a lot of the right elements for a fantastic story. Also this was the author's debut novel! His writing shows promise and I'm excited to see what else he puts out in the future.

Fog & Fireflies is a mesmerizing and atmospheric work that beautifully captures the delicate interplay between nature’s mystery and human emotion. The imagery is vivid, almost cinematic, with the fog enveloping the landscape in an ethereal haze while the fireflies provide fleeting sparks of light, symbolizing hope and fleeting moments of magic. The narrative or thematic structure feels poetic, drawing the reader or viewer into a serene, almost dreamlike state. It’s a piece that lingers in the mind, evoking both wonder and introspection. A truly enchanting experience.

The power of this wonderful story is in the amazing world that the author creates, one in which the land has been altered by a wizards' war hundreds of year ago. Beasts twisted by magic roam the fog, snatching people from walled villages that are patrolled by children, who are seemingly immune to the fog's effects. The villages and the people inside are transported around the landscape when the fog rolls in, so that oftentimes people, and other creatures, can become lost in the fog.

Author Lehnen creates a wonderful cast of characters, both human and nonhuman, with endearing qualities. The charismatic Caravanners that travel the fog in their colorful wagons like gypsies, trading goods from village to village. The mysterious puppeteers with their blank faces and shadowy bodies. The Old Powers from long ago who are both diminished and ever powerful at the same time. And the wonderful girlchild at the center of it all, Ogma, whose relentless quest to return to her village and rescue its kidnapped children, brings all of these characters together.

This book is the beginning of a series, one that I will willingly follow when the author publishes more. Kudos for an excellent job!

Finally, my thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this arc. My thoughts are my own, as always.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. This story is so very balanced between dark and light. It’s a read that is both serious and fanciful. The worldbuilding is unique for me I’ve never seen it before. I gave this 5 stars.

Really good YA read similar to Uglies and other dystopia type novels that face a world without adults to protect them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Thank you NetGalley and TH Lehnen for this ARC!

This book.. Was a ride and a half.

The basics are that there are small towns in this world where they're surrounded by a carnivorous fog phenomenon that houses demonic creatures, and each town has the kids patrol the perimeter because fog doesn't go after children.

Our FMC, Ogma , is a really fun character due to her Persistency and curiosity - she really made this book a delight! The one thing about it though was that the story felt like it was 3-4 mini books In one volume - some of the events felt very random, but I did love the world building
That occurred throughout the book with the caravan and the residents in the other towns. I was disappointed when found it was only one book and not a series the ending left a lot unresolved in terms of Ogma and the kids in Ogma’s town, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who may be looking for a fun YA fantasy read.

Oh this book is something special. I love this so much and as soon as I started I could not put this down. Ogma is an absolute force of a FMC and I loved how she just never knew how to quit. The Shepherds were absolutely fascinating and I loved how different they all were. This book has so many amazing fantasy tropes In it. Found family, portal magic, time travel, everything you could ask for! I am really hoping with the way that the book ended that there is going to be a second book if not for Ogma then hopefully more from this world!

I feel like this book lacked a cohesive plot and strong character development which really hindered my enjoyment for this book! I feel like it promises so much!? but it doesn't really deliver on it, It would have been so much better if it actually explored it more, the whole dystopian vibe could have done much better with a unique set up! for a fantasy book this felt very underwhelming the books structure felt very strange to read the constant plot jumping with a clear narrative felt very messy to read and the constant the change in scenes caused my reading pace to slow way too much than I would have liked. It was very disengaging and I think it I am being generous with this.

Dark folklore story with Ghibli vibes. I felt the pacing was off and couldn't really get into the book as much as I would have liked to. I think it was trying to be as atmospheric as possible but it ended up dragging on. I enjoyed the magical creatures and feel like this would be a better fit for younger readers.

My specific reason for requesting this book was the cover. Look at that beauty. How could you not buy it if you see it in the store? I'm definitely not gonna be able to stop myself.

It was a good story too but I felt a bit disappointed given my hopes were quite high. The story didn't intrigue me as much as I would keep reading it. In the end I had to force myself to finish it.

Nevertheless, the book has potential so I will definitely recommend it to people who like some YA fantasy.

Thank you Aspen and Thorn press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you to Aspen & Thorn Press and NetGalley for an electronic advanced readers copy of this novel.

Ogma is a young girl who lives in a community where children protect adults from the deadly fog, which was the result of a wizards' war. Raised to help, After an attack by an unknown group, Ogma finds herself caught in the fog and outside her normal comfort area of help.

Fog & Fireflies by T. H. Lehnen is an interesting tale of Ogma and her friends. It's definitely fantasy and the way it ends lends itself to a sequel. I enjoyed it but sometimes got the characters mixed up.

Fog & Fireflies is the first book in a YA fantasy series by indie debut author T.H. Lehnen. Released 11th April 2024, it's 380 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The adventure story is well conceived and MC Ogma is an appealing protagonist trying to make the best of an impossible situation. Much of the characterization is spotty, however, and the world building which has huge potential is, at least in this first book, choppy and often disorganized. It's an indie debut novel and despite a lack of polish, shows a lot of promise.

There are some moderately graphic scenes of body horror (a gut stab early in the book with graphic descriptions), fighting, psychological horror, etc. It's the first book in an ongoing series (no current publication info available for book 2), so the author will presumably expand and explain some of the dangling unresolved plot threads from book 1; it could just be a while.

Three and a half stars. It would've benefited from a thorough/ruthless editing and polishing process, but it's entirely readable and enjoyable as it is. Recommended for dark YA fantasy adventure fans.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Fog & Fireflies by T. H. Lehnen reads like a fever dream in the most wonderful way. With incredibly descriptive and evocative writing, it truly feels as though the reader is transported into this strange new world of fog and old gods. Ogma's journey throughout the story is well developed and lends respect to the strength and courage of children that is often overlooked. Fog & Fireflies brought on comforting nostalgia while also feeling entirely original, and is a wholly enjoyable reading experience.

I really liked the concept and the story, but it was not well fleshed out and I ended up feeling very confused and like the book was dragging on. I would read this author again because I think he has a lot of creativity and potential, but the plot and pacing were just too far off for me to look past and enjoy the story.

This was one of the best young adult fantasies I’ve ever read, and I’m not even a big fantasy reader. The author does a phenomenal job in world building, the information is not dumped on you to make it boring, but instead is weaved in the storyline so you learn as you go. With likable characters and an epic adventure, this is definitely one book I’ll recommend to any fantasy lover.

Also, I usually don’t think much in these terms, but if this was ever turned into a movie, I bet it’s be visually stunning.

Highly recommend this one.

T.H. Lehnen’s *Fog & Fireflies* emerges as a notable addition to contemporary young adult fantasy, drawing readers into a richly woven narrative that marries elements of folklore with modern storytelling. From the onset, the story captivates with its striking premise: a world shrouded in perpetual fog, where the innocence of youth becomes both a shield and a curse. The protagonist, Ogma, and her friends must defend their floating settlements from the nightmarish creatures that lurk within the mist, highlighting the paradoxical nature of childhood bravery in the face of growing fears.

One of the most compelling aspects of *Fog & Fireflies* is its intricate worldbuilding. Lehnen crafts a vivid landscape that feels both familiar and alien, reminiscent of the imaginative realms created by masters like Hayao Miyazaki. The floating settlements, the ominous fog, and the creatures that inhabit this world reflect a deep understanding of mythological motifs. The novel evokes a sense of nostalgia, akin to classic tales like *The Neverending Story*, while introducing themes that resonate across age groups. The story explores the tension between innocence and knowledge, particularly through its central question: “Why do we grow more scared as we get older? Because we know better.” This philosophical underpinning adds emotional weight, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys of growth and fear.

Ogma stands out as a relatable and well-rounded character, embodying the strength and vulnerability of youth. Her journey is not just one of survival but also of self-discovery, as she learns to lean on her friends—a refreshing portrayal that defies the often solitary journeys of young adult protagonists. The supporting characters, particularly the enigmatic Caravaners, enrich the narrative, presenting diverse perspectives on bravery and community.

Lehnen’s prose flows with a lyrical quality that enhances the storytelling experience. The vivid descriptions breathe life into the fog-drenched landscape, making the reader feel as if they are navigating the mist alongside Ogma. The interplay of light and darkness, danger and beauty, captivates the imagination, inviting readers to visualize each moment as if it were a scene from a film.

Despite its strengths, *Fog & Fireflies* does face some challenges, particularly common in debut novels. A noticeable pacing issue arises around the midpoint, where the narrative momentum slows, potentially leaving readers disoriented by the rapid expansion of the world and magic system. While the lore is well-developed, the transition from exposition to action could be smoother, ensuring readers remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

In conclusion, *Fog & Fireflies* is a beautifully crafted tale that enchants readers with its magical prose and intricate world. T.H. Lehnen’s debut invites us into a realm where the struggles of youth resonate deeply, offering a poignant reflection on fear, friendship, and the power of community. As readers embark on this journey, they will find themselves enchanted, crying, grieving, and ultimately hopeful. For those seeking a fantastical escape that balances adventure with introspection, *Fog & Fireflies* is a must-read. With its strong thematic resonance and captivating narrative, this book is poised to become a beloved modern classic. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of Ogma’s journey in future installments.

Fog & Fireflies by T.H. Lehnen is a mesmerizing dive into a dark fantasy world where a malevolent fog created by a wizard's war has transformed the landscape into a realm of danger and mystery. The story unfolds in a town shrouded in this sinister fog, where children are the unsung heroes tasked with protecting their community from its encroaching threat.

The novel introduces us to Ogma, a brave and compassionate young girl living in a windmill town. As the fog grows ever more threatening, Ogma must confront her deepest fears and prove her courage to safeguard her friends and their home. The story’s setting is a blend of whimsy and eerie foreboding, creating a world that feels both magical and perilous.

Lehnen's descriptive prowess is one of the novel’s strongest attributes. The vivid imagery and atmospheric writing draw readers into a world that is as enchanting as it is unsettling. The fog itself is a masterful antagonist, casting a dark veil over the narrative and heightening the sense of suspense and mystery.

The characters, particularly Ogma and her fellow children, are portrayed with depth and charm. Their resilience and camaraderie shine through, making them relatable and endearing. Ogma’s journey of bravery and self-discovery is both inspiring and poignant, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre’s often formulaic character arcs.

However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The pacing can be uneven, with the beginning feeling somewhat slow and the latter parts of the story moving at a brisker pace. Some readers might find the plot's progression a bit rushed, particularly in the final chapters where certain elements and resolutions could have been more fully explored.

Overall, Fog & Fireflies is a captivating and imaginative tale that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and whimsical fantasy. Its rich worldbuilding and engaging characters make it a standout read, despite a few pacing issues. Lehnen’s debut novel promises an intriguing start to what looks to be a compelling series.

I can see the reviews with the mention of Studio Ghibli-like experiences and I absolutely see that. This was a wonderfully whimsical and dark book that I found completely unique. I enjoyed reading this book and the illustrations at each chapter were interesting.

A spellbinding fantasy novel . A tale of courage, friendship and adventure. It is a unique tale that captivates from the start. Great read. I highly recommend

I did not have time to read this book before the publish date but now that I have I gave it 3 stars.