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.

Thank you NetGalley and Aspen & Thorn Press for an advanced copy of this book.

This is a darkly charming tale set in a magical world full of mystery and coming of age. It is full of spooky details and magical creatures that make for a fun and entertaining read.

I really wanted to love this book. It has everything I like, the dark and mysterious vibes but I couldn't find myself getting entranced within the story. Some parts seemed to drag on along the plot. That being said, it can still be a great read for people who like the whimsical mysterious vibes within a book.

The book has an interesting idea, but ultimately, I feel like it was not for me.

The story was a bit boring at times in my opinion and I just wanted to move a bit faster. At the end, I liked the story, but I would have liked it more if I didn't spend so much time reading all the details. There are many things happening in this book and it spends quite a big amount on each part.

If you like stories with a deeper meaning and slow pacing, this one might be for you, but personally, I wouldn't re-read this one.

I loved this book! Perfect world building, unbelievably delicious plot and excellent character development.i had sooooo much fun reading this book!

“Why do we grow more scared as we get older?” he asked quietly.
“We know better.”

(3.5⭐s rounded up)

This one took me longer to finish than I would have liked. From the premise to the cover though, this story has the makings of a modern classic with its unique and refreshing perspective on fear, the human existence, and monsters of nightmares waiting in the fog.

Overall, there was so much I absolutely loved about Fog & Fireflies. The world-building was wonderful with the story being beautifully written. Ogma was a great character, I really enjoyed her analytic perspective as a child growing up in this scary world around her. The phantoms the fog creates are creepy, and deadly to adults, meaning the children we are introduced to must guard the walls while looking out for the grown-ups and themselves. Plus you'll have your heartstrings tugged on when they speak about children 'coming off of the wall' as they grow out of being guards and become the guarded instead. — I also found the different types of wildlife mentioned throughout super interesting. Everything is much too big and has far too many teeth, which is just so fun.

I think the part I struggled with most was the book’s pacing, as it was not a great fit for me personally. While the story is incredibly imaginative and the depictions are top-notch, it felt like it could have been a lot shorter with slower/faster pacing in different parts throughout. However, the action that takes place is heart-pounding and I loved it!

I would definitely recommend giving Fog & Fireflies a try, especially for younger audiences. I will likely pick this one up again at a later time to see if I have the same thoughts but would enjoy seeing more from this world in the future. 🙌🏻

Read if you like:
✨ YA Fantasy (Middle School to younger High School)
✨ Studio Ghibli vibes
✨ Interesting Creatures
✨ Found Family
✨ Charming Characters & Youthful Camaraderie

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aspen & Thorn Press, and T.H. Lehnen for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Fog and Fireflies is a dark and very fascinating young adult fantasy book. The cover spoke to me and I wasn't disappointed. You accompany Ogma through her journey in this mysterious world with its own rules and magic. A world ruled by fog and the nightmares hidden inside. The towns use different means to protect themselves from the fog, the most common: the children who are somehow protected from the fog. And so they patrol the walls to keep the adults save.
The story somehow reminded me of the manga the promised neverland with the young main characters, the creepy creatures and the world with many secrets.
I really enjoyed the writing style with the descriptions of the different beings in this world and I can't wait for the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the early copy of the book.

This one did not really hold my attention. Though the world building and lore was interesting, overall, I wasn't as interested in the story as I would have hoped. Maybe I need to revisit again.

My rating: 4⭐️
This book is all about innocence, magic, adventure, and being brave. The characters were so vibrant and the descriptions were so vivid that it made my imagination come alive! I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. If you’re into magical adventures and heartwarming tales, this one’s for you!

A big thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to dive into this book for an honest review.

My favorite thing about this work was that the author included an illustration before each chapter that was relevant to what was going to happen. They are lovely line drawings and were a neat element to include.

The premise of this book was quite promising. Between the fog and isolation, I expected an atmospheric and tense fantasy with some mystery elements included. Instead, almost at the very beginning of the story, we’re thrown into a character telling a very long story. I think the author was trying to use the story to provide some lore/background to the world, but with no real chance to see the world or meet the characters, it just didn’t work well. This also wasn’t the only instance of lore-dumping, and none of it added anything positive to the book. On top of this slow start, it was almost 40% through before anything of real note occurred. And even with that, there was no real plot that I could find.

Unfortunately, the first 40% wasn’t really used to provide meaningful character development either. They remained flat and barely sketched out for the entire book. Though this book was supposed to be focused on Ogma, we spent much of the first portion of the book jumping around between characters, none of which were engaging.

Despite the excellent cover and illustrations that were included, I don’t recommend reading this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Aspen & Thorn Press for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.